Day 3 of Israeli aggression on Gaza: 98 killed, 675 injured

Day 3 of Israeli aggression on Gaza: 98 killed, 675 injured

Gaza, July 11, Israel launched a new aggression\operation\offensive against Gaza and decided to name “Protective Edge” also known as “Solid Rock”. Israeli warplanes, tanks, drones and warships participated in bombing places across Gaza all day long. This makes it the third Israeli open war against Gaza in 5 years or less. This isn’t a report, this is a personal account of what I lived today through the third day of Israel’s new aggression on Gaza.

Third day is over, it was yet more intense than the second day. Israel didn’t stop bombing Gaza for a second, consecutive explosions spread across Gaza shaking the ground under us. Israel used Apaches, drones, F16s, warships and tanks against Gaza. Israel expanded its targets in Gaza and bombed houses, school, university, hospitals, cars, media, motorbikes, bus, mosques, A CEMETERY, humans and pretty much anything and everything.

Its getting a little boring to stay homebound and depressing to watch Israel commit repeated massacres like Kaware’ family (bombed a house while people where around it forming a human shield to protect it), Khan Younis beach Café, Ghannam houses and others. Five to eight people were killed, or even more, due to every massacre and many others injured.

What bewilders me is those illogic bombings on ex-Gaza international airport that Israel already flattened to the ground so many years ago, yet this airport, in Rafah, Southern Gaza, got hit so many times between shelling and bombing the past few days. Why? Its already destroyed.

Also, bombing a cemetery? Seriously? Cant the dead have some peace?

And then comes those double and triple bombing of houses that were already bombed. Why use six+ F16 rockets on a house when the first rocket already blew up the hell out of it? Well, my dear Americans, that’s your tax dollars at work.

Israel bombed everywhere across Gaza. The northern and southern parts took all the heat as usual but also the eastern and western parts weren’t left alone.

Israeli warships bombed Gaza’s coastline which set Gaza Ark and other boats on fire.

Diane Sawyer, of ABC news, made a stupid mistake by airing photos of Palestinian war victims claiming they were Israelis, but thanks to alerted Palestinians and pro Palestinians who immediately pressured an apology out of them on air.

Allot of news was spreading about a possible ground invasion. Palestinian president, Mahmoud Abbass, said a ground invasion will happen in the matter of hours, while Israeli defense minister, Moshe Yaalon, went out and announced the start of a ground invasion against Gaza, but then Israeli news said it will happen on Friday (Today) without mentioning a certain time.

Israel also threatened to cut water, electricity and internet in Gaza to isolate it from the world, not like they haven’t done it before.

In times of this, you try to hold onto the last once of your humanity because its very easy to lose it and become inhuman. Its an inner conflict that goes on every day.

I am a civilian, yes, but where are my civil rights? Hell, where are my human rights?

Palestinian life matter, even if the world wants to turn its head to the other side and act like nothing is happening.

It hurts more when you see children dying, or elderly people, or mothers. This war is witnessing family love even in death. Many mothers were killed with their children, a pregnant woman and her infant were killed, a mom died shielding her children who died with her too. Siblings were bombed while they are holding each other or sleeping next to each other, twins too. Dr. Anas Abu AlKas, owns a pharmacy, was killed yesterday after his house was bombed. Anas was an only child, his mom and dad were killed by Israel during cast lead, and he was killed yesterday.

Again, when I choose not to sleep and track the news instead since its too noisy to sleep anyway, I start thinking about life and wondering about humanity.

Egypt opened Rafah border to let Egyptian-nationality holders pass before the wounded. And decided to extend Rafah border’s opening till today to let them pass, but not let the wounded pass. Also, some Egyptian media are actually supporting Israel’s aggression on Gaza.

Not that we ever had hope in Arabs, but the lack of reaction or media coverage is shameful. Some Arabic hotshots on twitter choose to tweet about random stuff instead of covering Gaza news.

We are nearly half way through Ramadan, the first few days were actually amazing until Israel began this new aggression in Gaza. We got so busy with tracking the news that Ramadan is down to fasting for us, it makes me sad because I was enjoying Ramadan this year.

Living through this war is like living through multiple dimensions at once. Life here is normal but not normal at the same time, if you get what I mean (you probably wont unless you live in Palestine or somewhere similar). There is a point where you go through a normal life but then it clashes with the point that you are actually living through a full blown war. Yeah war. Such an easy word to say if you lived through old wars before, but nonetheless a war is a war with all the ugliness and darkness it brings.

US consulate in Jerusalem sent emails and text messages to American citizens in Gaza asking them to immediately depart and offered them assistance but didnt comment yet on Twitter regarding Israel's aggression against Gaza.

Day four has started. If you look at how sunny and beautiful Gaza is this morning, with the birds chirping, you wouldn’t think it’s a wounded city that is being bombed viciously and actually bleeding.

Shout outs: To medics (several got injured), to doctors, journalists on the ground, Palestinians inside and out of Palestine and also occupied Lands of 1948, Pro Palestinians everywhere and to the special friends and people who send their daily support, love, compassion and prayers.

Will we witness an Israeli ground invasion in Gaza today or not? I don’t know. Time will tell so stay tuned.

From a beautiful but wounded Gaza,

Omar (@Omar_Gaza) #GazaUnderAttack #GazaUnderFire #ProtectiveEgde 

Khader Adnan: Dying to live. What will you do to help save his life?

Khader Adnan: Dying to live. What will you do to help save his life?

Imagine life was normal until one day everything changed. You woke up to find out that your father\husband\son\brother\uncle\friend was ILLEGALY detained and placed in jail. If you are a normal human being you will be shocked and devastated, the first thing that will come to your mind is to go and ask why was the person you care about detained? Am I right?

What would you do if you were told that the reason behind the detention of your loved one was “classified” and a “secret”? It doesn’t stop here. What would you feel if you were told that he will be detained for six months and then maybe sentenced for more and YOU CAN DO NOTHING ABOUT IT? I know I would go crazy.

Now lets step out of imagination and let me tell you that this person actually exists, he is a human being like you and me. He has a family, friends and an actual life. His name is Khader Adnan, 33, graduate student, married with two beautiful daughters and his wife is now pregnant. He was detained ILLEGALLY by Israeli police on the bases of an unexcused illegitimate court order. Imagine being detained with illegally which means you cant be with your daughters and your wife who is expecting a new baby to be born soon. Better yet, don’t imagine. Try to think about Khader Adnan and his family and what they are going through now. He went on a hunger strike 55 days ago and since then his health has been deteriorating every second.

After the 42nd day of a hunger strike, it is expected that individuals will begin to lose their hearing and vision, and suffer bleeding in the gums, intestines, and esophagus. The body will gradually stop functioning. After the 45th day, there is a high risk of death due to vascular system collapse and/or cardiac arrest.

Each day, Khader was subjected to two three-hour interrogation sessions. Throughout the interrogation sessions, his hands were tied behind his back on a chair with a crooked back, causing extreme pain to his back. Khader notes that the interrogators would leave him sitting alone in the room for half an hour or more. Khader also suffered from additional ill-treatment. During the second week of interrogation, one interrogator pulled his beard so hard that it caused his hair to rip off. The same interrogator also took dirt from the bottom of his shoe and rubbed it on Khader's mustache as a means of humiliation.

On Friday evening 30 December 2011, Khader was transferred to Ramleh prison hospital because of his deteriorating health from his hunger strike. He was placed in isolation in the hospital, where he was subject to cold conditions and cockroaches throughout his cell. He has refused any medical examinations since 25 December, which was one week after he stopped eating and speaking. The prison director came to speak to Khader in order to intimidate him further and soldiers closed the upper part of his cell's door to block any air circulation, commenting that they would "break him" eventually.

Randa was able to visit her husband last Tuesday evening after he was transferred to Zeif hospital in Safad. Imagine seeing your husband in a hospital after being on a hunger strike for 52 days protesting his illegal detention. Randa had this to say: “A lot of the hair on his face and head has fallen off. He has not been allowed to shower or wash during all his time in detention, nor is he allowed to wear warm clothes in this cold weather. He told me he feels he’s living the last moments of his life. During my visit, my husband's heart swelled up and a medical crew neglected him for half an hour." Randa was shocked and heartbroken after she visited her husband.

I will leave you with this final thought: Imagine the brutality of being on trial in your hospital bed because you are too sick to attend the court, Israeli court actually held a session at the hospital. He is too ill because he is starving himself in protest of his illegal detention. How brutal is that?

Do you feel like you want to help Khader Adnan? Help save his life? Because human life matters and its time we acknowledged that? Do you want to save a father\son\husband\brother\uncle\friend? Do you want to save somebody’s life? Do you want to act against injustice and illegal detention? Well guess what? You can actually do something about it. Don’t underestimate any little, singular or individual act because acting and putting pressure can make a difference, and can save a life.

If you live in Gaza, Palestine, Arab countries or international countries you can still make a difference from where you are. I will post links here of all petitions, action alerts and articles that can help you do something to save Khader’s life. Please read one and\or one of these links and ACT NOW TO HELP US SAVE HIS LIFE.

You can join Addameer's campaign to STOP ILLEGAL DETENTION by checking out this link that shows you what to do and who to contact:

http://addameer.info/?p=1080#more-1080

You can sign this petition:

http://www.change.org/petitions/demand-the-immediate-release-of-khader-adnan

And\or this petition:

http://signon.org/sign/khader-adnans-life-at-1?source=c.fwd&r_by=2447156

And\or this petition:

http://samidoun.ca/2012/02/take-action-for-hunger-striking-palestinian-prisoner-khader-adnan/

You can also check this link for more info about Khader Adnan and how to take action:

http://palestinesolidarityproject.org/2012/02/08/take-urgent-action-day-53-of-khader-adnan%E2%80%99s-hunger-strike/

Here is Gaza's tribute to Khader Adnan, people joined a sit-in tent at ICRC (International Committee of the Red Cross) HQ.'s in Gaza while others demonstrated. Many went on a hunger strike in solidarity with Khader Adnan including myself. Here is Joe Catron's pictures of the ICRC sit-in tent in Gaza:

http://joecatron.wordpress.com/2012/02/09/pictures-gaza-hunger-strike-for-khader-adnan-continues/

Khader Adnan receives message of support from former Hunger Striker Tommy McKearney:

Lets not wait for officials to move. Lets not wait for Khader to die or others to die so we can decide to do something. Back In the 1980s, nobody helped Tommy. They only released him after the death of 10 of his supporters who went on a hunger strike with him. Tommy went on hunger strike for 66 days. Lets not keep Khader waiting for that long. Move now. You don’t have any excuse not to. You can act in any way possible. 

Use social media, spread the word, write about it, go on a hunger strike for a day (not before you consult an adult if you are a child or a doctor if you are sick), demonstrate for him, hold vigils, put pressure and once again PLEASE READ THE LINKS I POSTED TO TAKE ACTION NOW.

Clock is ticking. Have you done anything to save Khader’s life yet?

In Solidarity with Khader Adnan & all other illegally-detained prisoners around the world specially 

Palestinians,

Omar 4m Gaza

I used Maan news agency and Mondoweiss as my references. You can check their websites here:

http://www.maannews.net/arb/Default.aspx

http://mondoweiss.net/

My Utopia: Palestine, Africa, Obama + Oprah, No SOPA or PIPA

My Utopia: Palestine, Africa, Obama + Oprah, No SOPA+PIPA

I think most people spend some time or thoughts to form their own personal Utopia in their mind. Some might call it simpler things than Utopia like their own world or bubble…etc. For numerous moments in my life I felt like I wanted to disappear, vanish, or even orb away. I craved isolation. I always wanted to move to a deserted Island or call NASA and offer “voluntarily” to fly to any new planet and try it out –as long as I am the only one there- but I didn’t. Karina Pasian Has a song called “Mercury” where she sings about her desire to go to Mercury and there is this part where she sings: “I have been waiting patiently for my spaceship to come for me”. I knew perfectly what she meant, in a way I was –too- waiting patiently for some spaceship to come for me.

But come on, I’m not delusional. I know that I wouldn’t last for one week, and then I will need people again. Plus I am too ambitious for my own sake and I can’t just become this introverted creature who doesn’t need people. Therefore, I came up with my own version of “Utopia” that I molded and formed in my mind over numerous sleepless nights.

Welcome to my Utopia:

I cant believe we are in 2020 already. Its like time flew by so quickly. I woke up this morning at 6 am when the sun hit every corner of my little cosy but spacious cocoon. I have no walls and the large transparent windows allow the sun to quickly and gently invade every corner of my cocoon and become my own natural alarm.

I woke up feeling refreshed and relaxed after a calm night of sky-watching followed by soft music and reading. I walked happily to my wooden porch and sat there drinking fresh juice while I absorb the crisp morning breeze mixed with the fresh smell of the ocean. The ocean view from my windows is spectacular.

As I walk on the beach munching on fresh berries, I cant help but remember how life was a little over a decade ago. I cant express my happiness when I heard that medicine finally defeated AIDS and Cancer. Life is simpler now, money isn’t a goal in people’s lives, and GLADLY technology no longer controls our life. I am so relaxed now that I don’t spend half my day on my old and dated laptop.

While riding my bicycle to work through Gaza’s breathtaking cornice, I flash a spontaneous smile. I am excited to be writing books now and motivating + helping people become better. The weekend is in two days and I have to decide which city in Palestine I will be visiting, I will need to call some friends. Now that Palestine is free, I can easily drive through every city in Palestine and enjoy every corner of my free country.

Perhaps I will plan a world tour after I finish touring Palestine. Thank god Palestinians are treated equally everywhere now, we can easily travel. We aren’t labeled as terrorists, racists, invented, or extremists anymore. That ended long ago. Now we are free, self sufficient and acknowledged globally for being such an amazing country that indulges in such a good economy, rich culture, strong education, impeccable security, fruitful agriculture, prosperous reputation and just a force to be reckoned with.

I will never forget the Palestinian division, it ended long ago and we still made jokes about it. We also make jokes about internal corruption and nepotism. The past few years were amazing; I was a proud member of international committees that helped end violence, wars, hatred, bullying and all kinds of abuse worldwide. I think the world is pretty much doing much better now because the people know better and have done better through the past years.

I am proud of all Arab countries today, they gave the power to the people whom used it responsibly and stopped every bad foreign intervention. I am actually proud to call myself “ARAB” today. People are united everywhere regardless of religion, financial status or social status. We are all one. Muslims no longer classify each other as Sunni or Shiite; Muslims are all one strong nation now and friends with everyone.

Life is back to its original simplicity. We have the option of calling, texting, emailing, tweeting, bbming or buzzing each other easily, but we choose to see each other personally and hug instead of relying on technology to show passion. Doctors went back to giving children lollipops when they visit. Children went back to being children instead of becoming adults in small little bodies.

I live in a world where I am enough. I don’t need to seek perfection or play any dirty game to get a job or be accepted by my friends. I told that to Oprah when we met for tea in the afternoon while I was visiting America last November. We remembered Maya Angelou and her infinite wisdom. We met again the next day with Bill Gates, Angelina Julie and a group of the world’s most influential people to discuss philanthropy. My visit to Africa was breath taking. The Western world finally left it alone after sucking the life out of it and emptying its oil resources. But Africa has been recovering and using its renewed oil resources for its own good. Poverty, illiteracy and diseases are fading away slowly with time and hard work against them.

I met with Obama 2 months ago, we had a good laugh. I told him that he sucked and I reminded him why he only served for 1 presidential term. I scolded him for passing SOPA and PIPA. It was a good day in the whole world when those two stupid laws were deleted. Internet is even freer now and twitter tried censorship for a while then went back to their old state of no censorship. Facebook stopped their BS and gave us our old layout back.

I called my friend Iman in Paris, she told me both Niqab and veil are no longer banned in France, Germany, Italy or anywhere. I reminded her of our get-together later this year. I will turn my little cocoon and the whole beach in Gaza into a huge beach camp and welcome all Palestinians and pro-Palestinians to come visit Palestine. Tariq Shadid a.k.a. Doc Jazz will sing for us, I will finally get to walk on the beach with Ali Abu Nimah, and listen to a poetry competition between Remi Kanazi; Suheri Hammad and Rafeef Zeyadeh. Then we will enjoy tasting amazing art when Larissa Sansour shows us her latest exhibition. It will be awesome. So many good friends and most of them are breathtaking artists. Rami kashou, Palestinian renowned Fashion designer, will also tell us stories about his old memories with all the celebrities. He will dish about who was the biggest Diva and who lied about her real measurements.

Thanks to knowledge, awareness and kindness we turned our world into UTOPIA.

Ok, as you can see I am so busy. I gotta run. Write you later.

Omar from Gaza

@Omar_Gaza on twitter