In cooperation with the International Committee for Breaking the Siege on Gaza, the Jordan Lifeline to Gaza (Ansar 2) and Partners for Peace and Development (Miles of Smiles) humanitarian development convoys arrived in Gaza today (17th May).

Ansar 2, the Jordanian leg of the convoy consists of 91 Jordanians representing all sectors of Jordanian Society arrived in Al-Arish airport this morning where they transferred directly to Rafah.

They were be joined in Gaza today by Miles of Smiles International convoy which traveled directly from Cairo to Rafah. This leg of the convoy consisted of 21 participants from Lebanon, 3 from Malaysia, 3 from France and 7 from Egypt.

Wael Al Sakka, the Chairman of Jordan Lifeline stated that   “Previous convoys have no doubt been a great benefit in focusing attention on the unjust siege imposed on the Gaza Strip as well as bringing emergency aid relief.  However after evaluation of past convoys and in consultation with Gaza we have found it necessary to make significant change on the nature and content of the future convoys.”

Some areas the new models aims to achieve are:

• Supporting development projects as requested and defined by Gaza.
• Support the  establishment of small businesses in order to alleviate high unemployment by granting loans to finance these projects.
• Continuation of  focusing attention on issues through the media and political supporters of the convoy,  Ansar-2 for example is will be focusing  on the prisoners issue.
• Supply of specialised medicines and medical equipment requested by the Ministry of Health in Gaza.

This convoy will also be establishing  a vocational training centre in the Engineers Association in Khan Younis to provide professional training in the field of reconstruction, as this sector suffers from a severe shortage of skilled trained workers.

Prior Miles Of Smiles Convoy image

Prefatory Note

John Hurson in Ireland has been keenly conscious of the affinities between the historic Irish hunger strike of 1981 and the ongoing Palestinian hunger strikes. He has travelled to Gaza on several occasions on humanitarian aid convoys, and is the founder of the on line Gaza TV News service. I suggested that we collaborate on an article that might recall the Irish experience, especially the parallels and the potential implications for the future of the Palestinian struggle.

John Hurson ends his reflective essay with a comparison between the hardheartedness of Netanyahu and the British leader at the time, Margaret Thatcher. Although more than 30 years have passed since Bobby Sands and his nine fellow prisoners died as a result of carrying their prison protests to their ultimate point of no return.

I hope and pray that no Palestinian hunger strikers die. Their moral authority and political energy is needed to galvanize further these glimmerings of a Palestinian awakening. The impact of Khader Adnan and later Hana Shalabi, after their release from Israeli prisons is illustrative, and helps us all understand that although abusive arrest and administrative detention is the immediate cause of the hunger strikes, their agenda was always far broader than seeking personal relief.

Their intention, already partially effective, was to shine a bright light of truth on the manner in which Israel has used administrative detention, as well as on broader concerns about Palestinian imprisonment more generally, and beyond this, to call attention to the unlawful and immoral denial through decades and across generations of fundamental Palestinians rights under a structure called internationally ‘occupation’ but experienced as a lethal blend of annexation, apartheid, and settler colonialism.

At this time present medical condition of at least six long-term hunger strikers has been reported to be grave for the past several days. The respected Palestinian NGO, Addameer, gave details in its May 9^th release entitled “Update: Situation of Long-Term Hunger Strikers Becomes Increasingly Urgent.”  Those in critical condition include Thaer Halahleh and Bilal Diab (74 days); Hassan Shafadi (68 days); Omar Abu Shalal (66 days); Mohammad Taj (55 days); Jaafar Azzedine (51 days).

There have been calls made for a worldwide empathy and solidarity hunger strike on Tuesday, May 15, the day that the Nabka is observed by Palestinians and their friends worldwide. I intend to make this gesture of support, and hope many others will join, and send a further message that the cause of Palestinian justice is rising to the top of the moral agenda of the peoples of the world even in the face of the awful complicity of Western governments with an intolerable situation of prolonged occupation and exile.

RECALLING THE IRISH HUNGER STRIKE OF 1981

By John Hurson of County Tyrone, Ireland

In 1980, 7 IRA men in the H Block prison embarked on a hunger strike seeking to re establish their political status, which the British Government had ended 4 years before. After 53 days, and the men close to death, a deal was apparently on the table from the Thatcher led British Government, and the men called of their hunger strike. In the days that followed, it became clear that there was no deal.

2 months later, another hunger strike was announced, and on March 1st, Bobby Sands began his hunger strike. As part of their strategy, different men would join at later stages. Several men would follow Bobby, and by the end of the summer, 10 men had died before the hunger strike was called off.

The prisoners had 5 demands:

1. The right not to wear a prison uniform;

2. The right not to do prison work;

3. The right of free association with other prisoners, and to organise educational and recreational pursuits;

4. The right to one visit, one letter and one parcel per week;

5. Full restoration of remission lost through the protest.

In the months that followed, several of the demands were met, and within 2 years, all 5.   A few weeks after Bobby started his fast, the MP for Fermanagh and South Tyrone died, and an election was called. A decision was made to run Bobby as a candidate in order to gain more attention to their plight, and on his 41st day on hunger strike, he was elected MP for Fermanagh and South Tyrone.   His election lit a spark where the Republican movement saw the impact of electoral success.

The rise of Sinn Fein to where they are today can be traced back to this victory. Today, Sinn Fein are a major political force in Ireland, and have elected representatives in all corners of Ireland. During the negotiations that led to the signing of the Good Friday Agreement, Sinn Fein played a major role. Today, Martin McGuiness is the Deputy First Minister in the Stormont Executive, and meets world leaders on a regular basis. Gerry Adams, the party leader, is an elected TD (Teachta Dala, Gaellic designation for Member of Parliament) in the Irish Parliament.

There is no doubt that the hunger strike of 1981 changed things forever, not only for the prisoners in the H Blocks, but politically. The names of the 10 men are ingrained forever in Irish history, and the dark days of 1981 are now a beacon of hope for the future.

Bobby Sands

Khader Adnan ended his hunger strike after 66 days, the same length of time Bobby Sands endured before he died on May 5th 1981. Throughout Khader’s hunger strike, he was compared to Bobby Sands, the first of ten men to die in the Hunger Strike of 1981.

Forever, the 2 men will be talked about in the same breath for their courage, determination, and in Bobby’s case, ultimate sacrifice.

At the beginning of March 1981, Bobby Sands began his Hunger Strike. He died on May 5^th.

Following Bobby, Francis Hughes, Ray McCreesh, Patsy O’Hara,Joe McDonnell, Martin Hurson, Kevin Lynch, Kieran Doherty, Thomas McElwee, and Mickey Devine all died before the strike was called off.

the 10 men who died on hunger strike in 1981

As Khader Adnan approached the 50 day mark, I contacted Tommy McKearneyand he recorded a message for Khader and his family. Tommy’s message carried a unique understanding of Khader’s condition as Tommy had gone 53 days without food in 1980.

I contacted Oliver Hughes in South Derry. Oliver’s brother, Francis, died after 59 days, and his cousin Thomas McElwee after 62. Oliver  recorded a very powerful message .

As Khader was on his 64th day, I got in contact with the family of Ray McCreesh. They sent a statement of support for Khader and his family. Ray McCreesh (61 days), died on the same day as Patsy O’Hara.(61 days)   Patsy ’s brother Tony sent a message of support  on behalf of himself, and his mother Peggy.

Mickey Devine was the last of the 10 men to die in 1981. Mickey’s children, Michael og and Louise, sent through a heartfelt message,. considering they were the same age as Khader’s children when their father died, their voices added a special meaning. Mickey Devine, (27), died on August 20th 1981

In addition to these messages, two other former hunger strikers added their voices. Pat Sheehan(55 days), and Ray McCartney  (53 days), sent a video message. Danny Morrison, who was a friend of Bobby Sands also issued a statement.

On day 66, Khader reached an agreement with the Israeli Government to end his strike on the condition that they would not renew his Administrative Detention order, and release him on April 17^th.

Khader Adnan and his 2 daughters following his release

Following Khader’s hunger strike several other prisoners followed his example, and began hunger strikes in protest at their incarceration under the Administrative Detention policy.

On April 17^th, over 1,500 Palestinian prisoners initiated a mass  hunger strike. The plight of the Palestinian prisoners was set to take centre stage, and their struggle brought to the worlds attention.  In the days that followed, hundreds more joined them.

Adding a voice of support for Bilal Diab and Thaer Hallahla who were on day 70 of their hunger strike, was Laurence McKeown. Before ending his fast, he had gone 70 days without food. He knew only to well the dangers facing both men, and he recorded a message of support.

Two days later, Pat Sheehan, MLA,issued a statement on behalf of Sinn Fein calling for an immediate end to Administrative Detention, and support for the prisoners.   Bilal and Thaer are on day 74 day of their hunger strike.

Bilal Diab and Thaer Hallahla at a recent court appearance

Ireland has a long history of the use of a hunger strike as a form of protest. It has been used for centuries. Palestinian prisoners have been inspired by Irish hunger strikes in the past, and this one is no different.

In 1981, Palestinians prisoners sent a message of support to the families of the 10 men who died. Their memory burns bright among current prisoners on hunger strike.   This hunger strike has resonated widely in Ireland.

The voices have roared around the world, playing a pivotal role in bringing international awareness and pressure on the Israeli Government, and their treatment of Palestinian prisoners.

Historically, Ireland has had its fair share of tyrants. Amongst them, Margaret Thatcher is in a league of her own for allowing 10 Irish men to die on hunger strike before granting their 5 demands.

Judging from his past behaviour, Netanyahu, like Thatcher in 1981, is unlikely to step in to avoid having any of these Palestinian die during their hunger strikes.

Is the fuse being lit for a 3^rd Intifada? Only the future will give us an answer.

Richard Falk is an international law and international relations scholar who taught at Princeton University for forty years. Since 2002 he has lived in Santa Barbara, California, and taught at the local campus of the University of California in Global and International Studies and since 2005 chaired the Board of the Nuclear Age Peace Foundation.

A letter from Thaer Halahleh, on day 75 of hunger strike against his detention without charge, to his two-year-old daughter Lamar, who he has never seen. 

“My Beloved Lamar, forgive me because the occupation took me away from you, and took away from me the pleasure of witnessing my first born child that I have always prayed to God to see, to kiss, to be happy with. It is not your fault, this is our destiny as Palestinian people to have our lives and the lives of our children taken away from us, to be apart from each other and to have a miserable life, nothing is complete in our lives because of this unjust occupation that is lurking on every corner of our lives turning it into eeriness, a continuous pursuit and torture.

Despite that I was deprived from holding you and hearing your voice, from watching you grow up and move around in the house and in your be, and that I was deprived of my rule as a human and a father with my daughter your existence has given me all the power and hope, and when I saw your picture with your mother in the sit-in tent, you were so calm staring in wonder at people, as if you were looking for your father, looking at my pictures that are hung inside the tent asking in silence why is my father not coming back, I felt that you are with me, in my sentiment and inside my mind, as if you are a part of my heartbeats, steadfast and the blood that flows in my veins, opening all doors for me spreading clear skies around me, and unleashing your free childish voice after this long silence”.

“Lamar my love: I know that you are not to be blamed and that you don’t yet understand why your father is going through this battle of the hunger strike for the 75th day, but when you grow up you will understand that the battle of freedom is the battle of going back to you, so that I can never be taken away from you again or to be deprived of your smile or seeing you, so that the occupier will never kidnap me again from you”.

“When you grow up you will understand how injustice was brought upon your father and upon thousands of Palestinians whom the occupation has put in prisons and jail cells, shattering their lives and future for no guilt but their pursuit of freedom, dignity and independence, you will know that your father did not tolerate injustice and submission, that he will never accept insult and compromise, and that he is going through a hunger strike to protest against the Jewish state that wants to turn us into humiliated slaves without any rights or patriotic dignity”.

“My beloved Lamar keep your head up always and be proud of your father, and thank everyone who supported me, who supported the prisoners in their struggle, and don’t be afraid god is with us always, and god never lets people who have faith and patience, we are righteous, and right will always prevail against injustice and wrong doers”.

“Lamar my love: that day will come, and I will make it up to you for everything, and tell you the whole story, and your days that will follow will be more beautiful, so let your days pass now and wear your prettiest clothes, run and then run again in the gardens of your long life, go forward and forward nothing is behind you but the past, and this is your voice I hear all the time as a melody of freedom”.

Thaer Halahleh's 2 year year old daughter Lamar, and his wife

This year’s CRH Annual General Meeting in Dun Laoghaire on Wednesday, 9th May, was again the scene of calls for the company to divest from its Israeli business interests which are involved in building the illegal wall and settlements in Palestine.

Two Palestinian women made impassioned pleas from the floor asking CRH to heed the 10,000 signature strong petition calling for CRH to “Stop Cementing Misery in Palestine”. The petition and demonstration were organised by the Ireland Palestine Solidarity Campaign (IPSC).

Outside, over 50 human rights activists created a colourful spectacle along Marine Road. 33 activists each held a single placard with one letter of the campaign slogan calling on CRH to divest while others held aloft 25 feet high Palestinian flags and 30 feet long Palestinian banners.

John Dorman, Divestment Officer of the IPSC, said that the intervention was because:

“CRH owns 25% of the Israeli company Mashav Initiative and Development Ltd, which in turn owns Israel’s sole cement producer Nesher Cement Enterprises Ltd. Nesher provide up to 90% of all cement sold in Israel, including cement used in the construction of Israel’s illegal separation wall in Palestine and illegal settlements and checkpoints.”

Palestinian human rights lawyer, Huwaida Arraf, drew a round of applause in the meeting after her heartfelt entreaty to CRH, which left board members stony-faced and decidedly awkward looking. In her speech, Ms Arraf implored CRH to divest from Israel. She said,

“I am here to plead with you not be complicit in building Israel’s ghettos of the 21st Century that my family is living in right now. You say that CRH has no control over the end use of the cement that the Nesher company produces. I’m sorry but Palestinians simply can’t accept that. We cannot accept it because you knowingly invested in this company, and you are aware that the company has built this wall and these settlements, declared by the World Court to be a violation of international law.

Ms Arraf concluded with a warning for CRH and its shareholders, saying that:

 ”CRH should divest from Israel like other companies are doing right now, or else they face the loss of massive contracts as companies like G4S and Veolia have seen recently as a result of their complicity with Israeli apartheid. It is tainting the reputation of your company, so please do as other companies, who care morally and ethically about their investors and investments, have done and divest”.

Next to speak on the issue was Fatin Al Tamimi, a Palestinian woman from Hebron in the West Bank. Ms Tamimi pointed out that:

“her hometown is now an apartheid city because of the illegal settlements and checkpoints in its centre, built with cement from Nesher. CRH says it is committed to the highest standards of ethical, legal and moral standards. All I have to do is look at my home town, and CRH’s facilitation of Israel’s apartheid regime of occupation in Palestine, to see that this is a hollow claim. And I am not the only one.”

To prove her point, Ms Tamimi concluded: that she

“would like to present the Board of Directors with a petition which has over ten thousand signatures calling on CRH to stop cementing misery in Palestine and to divest from its Israeli business interests. While most signatories are Irish, there are names here from Jacksonville to Johannesburg to Jerusalem, all united behind this call. The question is, will you listen CRH?”

At this point the petition was handed to the Board in cardboard boxes decorated to represent the Apartheid Wall, while Ms Tamimi held aloft a large placard calling on CRH to listen to the call.

During his intervention, John Dorman of the IPSC questioned whether falling profit rates for CRH were due to their continued investment in Israel. He also noted that the IPSC would be distributing a “CRH Annual Comic” in the lobby, but that it came with a health warning that “you may not find it funny that CRH profit from Israel’s occupation of Palestine”. 200 copies were distributed and the comic is available to download here:

http://www.ipsc.ie/docs/crh/ipsc_crh_comic_2012.pdf

Video report from the demonstration:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=WepflKjMlIA

John Dorman addresses the CRH board of directors

In a statement released to Gaza TV News this evening, Sinn Fein have called for the Israeli Government to end it’s policy of Administrative Detention.

Below is their statement in full:

Serious concern as Palestinians enter 73 days on hunger strike

Sinn Féin MLA and spokesperson on the Middle East Pat Sheehan has called for the Israeli government to end its policy of Administrative Detention, which is essentially a policy of internment. The call comes as a number of Palestinian political prisoners are entering their 73rd day on hunger strike in protest at the policy. 

Speaking today Mr Sheehan said:

“There are serious concerns with regards to the well being of the Palestinian prisoners who are currently on hunger strike protesting against the Israeli policy of administrative detention. 

“Two of the prisoners are now entering their 73rd day on hunger strike with several more being on hunger strike for over 60 days. Beyond this there are over 2,500 prisoners on a collective hunger strike against this policy. 

“We have recently seen movement from the Israeli authorities following the hunger strikes of  Khadar Adnan and Hana Shalabi and the international pressure that was brought to bear on their cases. 

“We now must see the same pressure being brought to bear, to press for an end to the policy of administrative detention which is essentially internment without trial.

“The Israeli Government must be pressurised into adhering to international human rights standards and the treatment of Palestinian prisoners has fallen well short of this.”
–
Preasoifig Shinn Féin
Tionól na Sé Chontae
Foirgnimh na Parlaiminte
Cnoc an Anfa
Béal Feirste
BT4 5XX
Oifig: 02890521473
www.sinnfein.ie

During the Irish Hunger Strike in 1981 that was led by Bobby Sands, a statement was smuggled out of Nafha Prison from the Palestinian prisoners and sent to the families of the 10 men who died.

That support has never been forgotten, and while Khader Adnan and Hana Shalabi were on Hunger Strike, several families of the 10 men who died, and former Hunger Strikers sent several messages of support to them and their families. They have also sent messages to the current Palestinian prisoners who are on Hunger Strike, and to their families.

Below is a copy of the message smuggled out of Nafha prison in 1981:

“To the families of the martyrs oppressed by the British ruling class. To the families of Bobby Sands and his martyred comrades.

We, revolutionaries of the Palestinian people who are under the terrorist rule of Zionism, write you this letter from the desert prison of Nafha.

We extend our salutes and solidarity with you in the confrontation against the oppressive terrorist rule enforced upon the Irish people by the British ruling elite.

We salute the heroic struggle of Bobby Sands and his comrades, for they have sacrificed the most valuable possession of any human being. They gave their lives for freedom.

From here in Nafha prison, where savage snakes and desert sands penetrate our cells, from here under the yoke of Zionist occupation, we stand alongside you. From behind our cell bars, we support you, your people and your revolutionaries who have chosen to confront death.

Since the Zionist occupation, our people have been living under the worst conditions. Our militants who have chosen the road of liberty and chosen to defend our land, people and dignity, have been suffering for many years.

In the prisons, we are confronting Zionist oppression and their systematic application of torture. Sunlight does not enter our cell. Basic necessities are not provided. Yet we confront the Zionist hangmen, the enemies of life.

Many of our militant comrades have been martyred under torture by the fascists allowing them to bleed to death. Others have been martyred because Israeli prison administrators do not provide needed medical care.

The noble and just hunger strike is not in vain. In our struggle against the occupation of our homeland, for freedom from the new Nazis, it stands as a clear symbol of the historical challenge against the terrorists.

Our people in Palestine and in the Zionist prisons are struggling as your people are struggling against the British monopolies and we will both continue until victory.

On behalf of the prisoners of Nafha, we support your struggle and cause of freedom against English domination, against Zionism and against fascism in the world.”

 

Palestinians show support for the Irish Hunger Strikers in 1981

Recently painted Mural on the Falls Road, Belfast

Fuad Al-Khafsh, the director of Ahrar center for prisoners’ studies and human rights, has said that 120 new prisoners joined on Thursday the massive hunger strike launched by Palestinians in Israeli occupation jails.

He told the PIC that the prisoners, all in Ofer jail, were 50 from Hamas, 40 from the popular front, and 30 from Fatah, adding that the Israeli prison service immediately transferred them to isolation ward 19 in the same prison.

Khafsh said that the prison administration confiscated all prisoners’ belongings including electric appliances, clothes, and even salt and left them only one set of clothes.

He quoted prisoners as saying that the prison administration provocatively searches their cells using police dogs at any time and on daily basis.

Meanwhile, a young Palestinian woman in Gaza was taken to hospital on Wednesday after ten days of solidarity hunger strike with those prisoners.

A spokesman for the Waed society for prisoners said that Amal Abu Sbaitan was taken to hospital after fainting at the solidarity sit-in tent in downtown Gaza.

http://samidoun.ca/2012/05/120-prisoners-in-ofer-join-open-ended-hunger-strike/

“Welcome To Palestine” organisers say that the 50 passengers detained by Israeli forces solely for wanting to visit Palestinians are going on hunger strike tonight, starting at midnight Palestine time (which is 10pm UK time).

They have been in detention 36 hours or more now and are now in Givon prison near Tel Aviv. They are refusing to be deported, as they want to continue with their travel plans to Bethlehem. 

Please show your support  by contacting the media, and spreading the message. Tell your local MP to demand the UK Government gets all UK and International citizens released and allowed to continue with their journey to Palestine immediately.

In letter to pro-Palestinian activists, Israel says ‘You could have chosen to protest Syrian regime’s daily savagery, but instead you chose to protest against Israel, the Middle East’s sole democracy’

Pro-Palestinian activists who plan on arriving in  Israel on Sunday and Saturday as part of a “flytilla” will receive a formal “welcome” letter from the Israeli government upon their arrival.

“Dear activist, we appreciate your choosing to make Israel the object of your humanitarian concerns,” the letter reads. “We know there were many other worthy choices.You could have chosen to protest the savagery against its own people, which has claimed thousands of lives.

“You could have chosen to protest the Iranian regime’s brutal crackdown on dissent and support of terrorism throughout the world. You could have chosen to protest  Hamas rule in Gaza, where terror organizations commit a double war crime by firing the rockets at civilians and hiding behind civilians”

“But instead you chose to protest against Israel, the Middle East’s sole democracy, where women are equal, the press criticizes the government, human rights organizations can operate freely, religious freedom is protected for all and minorities do not live in fear.”

The letter concludes:

“Therefore we suggest to let you solve first the real problems of the region, and then come back and share with us your experience. Have a nice flight.”

http://www.ynetnews.com/articles/0,7340,L-4215834,00.html

British airline company, Jet2.com, have become the latest airline to cancels tickets for those who intend travelling to Tel Aviv on Sunday, en route to Palestine. Today, Lufthansa and Air Brussels also caved into Israeli pressure to cancel tickets.

Below is a copy of a letter from Jet2.com sent to a customer who had a reservation to fly with them:

From: “CustomerCare”

Date: Apr 13, 2012 10:21 AM
Subject: Jet2.com – LS907 Manchester – Tel Aviv – Booking reference 2FNCTM
Jet2.com Flight LS907 Manchester to Tel Aviv Sunday 15th April 2012

Dear XXX XXXXX

Jet2.com is required by the Israeli authorities to provide Advance Passenger Information in relation to all passengers that it carries on flights to Israel. Advance Passenger Information includes a passenger’s name, date of birth, passport number and nationality.

In accordance with Article 7 of its Terms and Conditions, Jet2.com has provided Advance Passenger Information in respect of your flight from Manchester to Israel. As a result of providing that Information, Jet2.com has been informed by the Israeli authorities that you will not be not permitted to enter Israel. Consequently, if Jet2.com carries you to Israel, you will be refused entry and Jet2.com will be liable for both a fine and your return to Manchester.

As a result, and in accordance with Article 24 of its Terms and Conditions, Jet2.com: “may refuse to carry you where such action is necessary for reasons of safety and/or security and/or to comply with any applicable laws, regulations or orders of any country to be flown from, into or over including laws or regulations relating to Advance Passenger Information requirements.” We regret that, in light of the decision taken by the Israeli authorities, we are unable to accept you for carriage to Israel on this occasion and your booking with Jet2.com has been cancelled.

In accordance with Article 26.3 of its Terms and Conditions, Jet2.com is a non-refundable airline and we will therefore be unable to offer any refund, with the exception of a refund of the applicable taxes paid, as a result of the decision taken by the Israeli authorities.

Jet2.com would like to apologise for the inconvenience caused by the cancellation of your booking, which we hope you will appreciate is totally beyond our control.

Yours sincerely

Jet2.com Customer Care Team

Hana Shalabi, who recently ended her 43 day Hunger Strike, sent a message of support to the Irish prisoner, Marian Price, from the Gaza strip, where she was exiled 2 weeks ago by Israel.

In the following video message, Hana sends a message of support, and calls for the immediate release of Marian Price.

Hana was on an open ended Hunger Strike against her unlawful arrest and detention. She was been held without trial or conviction. In a deal to release her, she was exiled from her family and home in the occupied West Bank to Gaza.

Marian Price, too, went on hunger strike for political status after being sentenced to life for a Provisional IRA bombing in 1973. She was force-fed more than 200 times. Her health has never recovered. She was close to death when pardoned in 1980.

Last week, 15 members of the Galway Palestine Children Appeal entered Gaza, and over the course of 3 days, distributed over £20,000 of humanitarian aid, educational supplies, musical instruments, camera equipment, and toys.

Last Thursday, 29th March, The Galway Palestine Children’s Appeal got an agreement from Basem A Shurrab, Deputy Director General of Projects in the Ministry of Education & Higher Education, to build a playground in Jabalya Refugee Camp. This playground will be built in co cordination with the NGO group Etam based in Khan Younis. The Galway Palestine Children’s Appeal gave € 9000 towards this project. Joe McGowan also gave €500 to this project from Sligo Heritage and Sligo Prayer Group.

Among those who traveled in the group is legendary Irish musician, Donal Lunny. Donal has long been a supporter of Palestine, and this is his first visit to the besieged region. Also in the delegation is Treasa Ni Cheannabhain. For many years Treasa has worked tirelessly for Palestinian children, and has visited Gaza on many occasions delivering aid.

For the past number of months, a number of fundraising events have been held in the Galway area, and every penny raised went directly to buying the aid. It is a credit to all involved not only in the delegation who traveled, but to everyone back in Ireland who donated to this Humanitarian gesture.

Click on the following link to watch a news report on their visit:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Q3L_KsTIBh0&sns=fb

Interview with Treasa as she attended the Global March To Jerusalem in Gaza

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mRkwfhGTMNc&list=UUESpX628NmaJxYN6ji-D43A&index=79&feature=plcp

Galway Palestine Children Appeal arriving in Gaza

Colm O Cinnseala and Donal Lunny carrying meningitis medication to storage facility in Gaza.

Galway Palestine Children Appeal provide Jabalia Martyrs Primary School with a generous donation of Educational Materials and toys.