Mazin Qumsiyeh
justicewheels.org

9 Minute Video I just put out on life in Bethlehem area during Christmas. It starts with a Jewish guy who joined the demonstration in Al-Masara asking that the soldiers disobey orders and not join in oppressing the Palestinians. Picture attached is of me in my red Christmas sweater speaking to the same soldiers explaining how they are committing war crimes and crimes against humanity. In addition to the usual struggles against the occupation, we did have celebrations. The video shows the lighting of the Christmas Tree, home parties, and 3 nights of activities for everyone (Muslims, Christians, Internationals, locals, children adults) and with a theme of support for Jerusalem. We called it the Shepherds’ Nights.

Related:
Stuart Littlewood: Relax, Holy Father. Viva Palestina and George Galloway are doing the job for you

Ireland to Gaza
26 December 2009

by John Hurson, Stranded in Aqaba, Jordan

Well folks, as you awake today from your Christmas hangover, over 500 people from 20 countries, in 250 vehicles loaded with Humanitarian Aid, are left stranded in Aqaba, Jordan, having been refused permission to enter Egypt.

The Egyptians have placed 3 conditions on the convoy if it wants to enter Egypt.

1. We hand all our vehicles and aid over to UNRA.

2. We drive 500 miles abck to Syria, and take a 24 hour ferry through the Suez Canal.

3. We have to ask Israel for permission to cross from Egypt to Gaza.

All 3 conditions have been flatly rejected by everyone on the convoy, as we want to cross into Gaza and hand our aid over to the Palestinians ourselves.

Would you phone Canada to ask permission to enter the US? Would you ask France for permission to go to Germany? For the 1st time, Egypt have now openly admitted that they are under control of Israel/US.

This has been the lead story on Al Jazeera for the past 24 hours, and there are media teams from all over the Arab world here in Aqaba following this story. Needless to say, everyone watching is totally outraged by Egypt’s complicity with Israel/US in denying this convoy of aid to reach Gaza.

Continue reading →

By SIKANDER SHAHEEN

ISLAMABAD – The extent to which the omnipotent corridors of power use their authority either by hook or by crook to get things going their way, bears limitless chain.

Even in United States, a country that claims to be the champion of human rights and civic liberty, those voices that do not subscribe to the hegemonic policies of state and establishment are suppressed or tried to be suppressed.

Well-known American journalist Jeremy Scahill revealed during an interview with American anchorperson Laura Flanders that he had received a call from Admiral Mike Mullen’s office, which he received as a threat, on account of his extensive reporting on the activities of Blackwater in Pakistan.

[Read the report]

sphrnational | h/t

Dr. Mads Gilbert, internationally acclaimed Doctor, Head of the Department of Emergency at the University of North Norway, Professor, and local politician embarks on a journey to describe his experiences last winter, during “Operation Cast Lead.” During the Israeli Offensive against the people of Gaza, Dr. Mads Gilbert and Dr. Erik Fosse were the only two foreign doctors allowed into the region, spending days and nights at the busy and over-crowded Al-Shifaa Hospital in a region forbidden to the rest of the world. With a complete blockade on Gaza, including medical aid and media, Dr. Mads Gilbert became a common face, keeping the world informed of the atrocities taking place in the virtual prison known as Gaza. As such, he was seen on Al-Jazeera, BBC, CBS, ABC, CNN and more.

Dr. Mads Gilbert described his experience in Gaza as the most horrific, terrible thing he has ever witnessed. A long time activist and solidarity worker for the rights of Palestinians, he co-authored the book “Eyes in Gaza” with Dr. Erik Fosse on the realities of this offensive. And now, Dr. Gilbert has kindly taken the time to embark on an SPHR North American tour- on 14 different campuses- to continue sharing his experiences and the stories of Palestinians silenced. This tour is taking place approximately one year after 1300 Palestinians perished, with thousands more injured, and the stories and experience that Dr. Gilbert will share is like no other. As a leading medical expert and moving speaker, Dr. Mads Gilbert will share with us stories and experiences we are likely to never forget.

***VISIT WWW.SPHR.ORG FOR DETAILS!!***

Eman Mohammed is a Jordanian – Palestinian photojournalist and reporter based in Gaza and one of five photographers currently featured on the commemorative website Gaza Speaks: One Year On.