Updates from Gaza- Palestines Struggle to Survive

by Aysha Qamar

Israeli and Palestinian relations have worsened since President Donald Trump’s decision to move the US Embassy to Jerusalem.

May 15 marked the deadliest day in Gaza since 2014. The Death toll is now more than 100 since the violence began over a month ago. No Israeli casualties have been reported.

Since protests began, at the end of March, thousands of Palestinians have been injured with an increase in violence occurring day by day. The Israeli military had conducted overnight air strikes on the Gaza strip claiming it was targeting Hamas positions.

More gunfire occurred throughout the week during protests that marked the 70th anniversary of the Nakba, the ethnic cleansing of Palestinian homeland and expulsion of over 700,000 people during the creation of Israel.

Funerals were held Tuesday for some of the Palestinian protestors who were killed Monday, including a baby, who died from tear gas inhalation.

The Israel Defense Forces claim its airstrikes killed 24 terrorist groups and blame Hamas for the decision to attach protestors. In a statement, the  Israeli army alleged that the “strikes were conducted in response to the heavy machine gun fire that targeted the city of Sderot.”

The international community has condemned this violence, with France, Britain, South Africa and Turkey calling on Israel for restraint.

On Tuesday, the UN Security Council met in response to the attacks.

While much of the international community has condemned this violence including France, Britain, South Africa and Turkey which have called on Israel for restraint, US ambassador to the UN, Nikki Haley, defended Israel and said: “No country in this chamber would act with more restraint than Israel has.”

In a statement UN general secretary, António Guterres said he is “profoundly alarmed and concerned by the sharp escalation of violence and the number of Palestinians killed and injured in the Gaza protests.”

Hamas has not officially responded to the attacks.

With the ongoing crisis in Gaza, more than many struggle to survive.

The Medical Aid for Palestinians (MAP) is helping to respond to a large number of casualties in Gaza. Hospitals there have been overwhelmed by those injured during recent protests. Supplies of many medical items and medicines are desperately low – and others have run out completely.

They urgently need funds for trauma supplies, essential supplies for surgery, disposables for Gaza’s Central Blood Bank, limb reconstruction equipment.

Learn how you can contribute or donate to their campaign below:

https://www.facebook.com/donate/252021992035461/784531358409031/