An elderly Palestinian man falls on the ground after being shot by Israeli troops during a deadly protest at the Gaza Strip’s border with Israel on May 14. [Khalil Hamra]
By Donna Miles-Mojab, Opinion, DominionPost, 24 May 2018
OPINION: The language used by most mainstream media to report and analyse the events in Gaza is not just shameful, it risks Palestinian lives.
It appears the media’s collective mind has been so saturated by Israeli propaganda that they are prepared to go as far as defying what they can see and hear with their own eyes and ears.
This is how BBC ended up describing the massacre we have witnessed in Gaza as “clashes”, even though clearly one side is doing all the killing, and the other side all the dying.
This misapplication of language is not merely irksome, it is downright dangerous, because the language used in the media feeds into, and strengthens, the narrative that allows Israel to commit crimes against Palestinians with impunity.
Israel’s military sharp-shooters again fired live ammunition at unarmed Palestinian protesters gathered near Israel’s illegal, heavily fortified boundary fence in Gaza earlier today.
21 year old paramedic Razan Al-Najjar (pictured above) was shot in the chest and killed while attending to many of the hundreds wounded.
Razan’s tragic death brings the total number of Palestinians shot dead during the 10 weeks of huge protests to 123, with over 13,000 wounded. No Israeli soldiers have been injured, except for one who reportedly suffered a ‘slight wound.’
Gazan commentator Nader R. Abdelnaby noted on social media that the Israeli soldiers wouldn’t dare target a young female nurse, wearing her white coat and giving medical help to the injured in peaceful protests “unless they are sure they will go unpunished.”
He also recalled Article 20 of the Fourth Geneva Convention, 1949 that states: ‘Persons regularly and solely engaged in the operation and administration of civilian hospitals, including the personnel engaged in the search for, removal and transporting of and caring for wounded and sick civilians, the infirm and maternity cases, shall be respected and protected.’
So, what are our own politicians going to do about this? Why not ask them? Go to this website set up for this purpose:
Four Israeli warships intercepted a flotilla from the port of Gaza city on Tuesday that tried to challenge Israel’s naval blockade of the Gaza Strip. More than a dozen unarmed people were on board, including injured protesters and cancer patients seeking medical treatment abroad. The protest coincided with the eighth anniversary of Israel’s attack on the Turkish Mavi Marmara flotilla, which killed nine activists while the boat was sailing in international waters. Another passenger later died from his injuries.
Democracy Now! spoke with Ramadan al-Hayek, one of the organizers of the Gaza flotilla, and Zohar Chamberlain Regev, an Israeli citizen who is on board the Freedom Flotilla ship Al Awda (The Return), which just arrived in the port of Amsterdam. The four-boat Freedom Flotilla set sail April 30 from the Norwegian port of Bergen and Sweden, and plans to arrive in Gaza in July.
Most of Israel’s largest banks are providing services that help support, maintain, and expand unlawful settlements by financing their construction in the occupied West Bank. New research on the scope of banking activities in settlements and the violations to which these activities contribute. Israel’s seven largest banks provide services to settlements. The transfer by the occupier of members of its civilian population into the occupied territory and the deportation or transfer of members of the population of the territory are war crimes. By facilitating the expansion of settlements, these banking activities facilitate unlawful population transfers.
Thursday, 31 May 2018 | Palestine Solidarity Network Press Release
Human Rights Watch targets Israeli banks – invested in by NZ Super Fund
The Palestine Solidarity Network has renewed calls for the NZ Super Fund to divest its shareholding in Israeli banks which invest in the illegal construction of Jewish only settlements in the Palestinian Occupied Territories.
Human Rights Watch has just listed a number of Israeli banks which fund construction of these settlements, which Human Rights Watch says is complicit in the occupation of Palestinian land and in breach of international law.
Israeli minister threatens to destroy Gaza “once and for all”
As Israel bombed it dozens of times in the past day, a senior Israeli minister has incited the total destruction of Gaza.
On Tuesday, Israeli army radio tweeted the comments of energy minister Yuval Steinitz, who stated, “I do not rule out the possibility of conquering Gaza and destroying it once and for all.”
Pop music star Shakira has canceled her upcoming concert in Tel Aviv, following the appeal from Palestinian activists and BDS campaigners.
The Palestinian Campaign for the Academic and Cultural Boycott of Israel (PACBI) released a statement confirming the news:
We welcome news that Shakira will not be performing in Tel Aviv, dashing Israel’s hopes to use her name to art-wash its latest massacre in Gaza. Artists, especially UN Goodwill Ambassadors, have a moral duty not to be complicit in covering up human rights violations & apartheid.
The decision came after thousands of fans and boycott activists from all over the world appealed to Shakira to cancel.
Following the violent carnage at the Gaza border, many international artists have condemned Israel’s use of force against unarmed Palestinian protesters and joined the Boycott, Divestment, and Sanctions movement (BDS) against Israel, in solidarity with Palestine.
Dozens of fishing boats farewell the Hurriya as it departed Gaza’s port for Cyprus earlier today.
Freedom Flotilla statement on Israeli interception of Gaza Flotilla
30 May 2018
The Freedom Flotilla Coalition (FFC) condemns Israel’s brutal act of state piracy in attacking the aptly named Hurriya (Liberty) vessel which attempted to leave the port of Gaza today filled with people needing urgent medical assistance as well as students and crew, as they attempted to peacefully make safe passage to Cyprus. This latest attempt to break the illegal blockade of Gaza continues the brave challenges during the Great March of Return, where more than 120 Palestinians have been shot and killed by Israeli snipers and thousands severely injured.
Freedom Flotilla salutes attempt to break blockade from within
On Tuesday 29 May, one or two boats carrying Palestinian patients seeking urgent medical attention, as well as students and others who have been unable to travel, will sail from the illegally blockaded port of Gaza. Gaza’s already depleted hospitals are completely overstretched with the influx of hundreds of seriously wounded casualties shot by Israeli Occupation Forces snipers during eight weeks of protests at the ‘boundary’ fences.
While we do not support any particular party or faction in Palestine, Freedom Flotilla Coalition salutes this humanitarian mission and calls on the governments and the peoples of the world to act to ensure safe passage of these boats and the civilians on board. Experience has taught us the dangers of facing the Israeli Occupation Forces at sea, where they have illegally seized and confiscated numerous Flotilla vessels over the years, and where they regularly attack Palestinian fishing vessels, destroying gear, catches and livelihoods, while injuring, killing and kidnapping fishers. We know all too well that our governments fail to hold Israel accountable for this illegal violence against civilians.
We hope that our current four boat, international mission (Right to a Just Future for Palestine : https://jfp.freedomflotilla.org/) which is currently between Germany and Netherlands on its way towards Gaza, can assist in raising awareness of the blockade and the ongoing complicity of much of the international community and will assist the Palestinian people of Gaza in gaining their rights, including full freedom of movement.
The construction of the sea barrier has begun, and will consist of several layers under and above the water, made of stone and barbed wire and with an additional fence.
Israel begins work on sea barrier to tighten Gaza Strip blockade
Israel has begun building an underwater barrier to the north of the Gaza Strip, which will bolster the Israeli siege of the Palestinian enclave.
The building of the $833m barrier began on Zikim beach, at the northern Gaza fence with Israel, and the construction is expected to be completed this year.
Israel’s defence minister, Avigdor Lieberman, said on Twitter that the barrier was “one of a kind”.
By Jonathan Cook, The Electronic Intifada, 28 May 2018
Fathi Harb Burnt Himself to Death in Gaza. Will the World Notice?
Fathi Harb should have had something to live for, not least the imminent arrival of a new baby. But last week the 21-year-old extinguished his life in an inferno of flames in central Gaza.
It is believed to be the first example of a public act of self-immolation in the enclave. Harb doused himself in petrol and set himself alight on a street in Gaza City shortly before dawn prayers during the holy month of Ramadan.
In part, Harb was driven to this terrible act of self-destruction out of despair.
Abdul Menim Aabed, 27, is among a crowd of Gazan Palestinians who are anxious—despite the obvious danger—to be among the first to try to sail out of Gaza tomorrow on Al-Hurriyah (Liberty). The boat is being organized by the Great Return March National Organizing Committee and will carry 35 Gazans who hope to receive medical treatment or to study abroad.
“I can’t walk right anymore and I can’t get the treatment I need here in Gaza,” says the wheelchair-bound Aabed, who was shot in both legs at the border protest May 4. “I’m desperate.”
The plan for the requisitioned fishing boat is to attempt its departure on May 29, the eighth anniversary of the Israeli attack on the Turkish boat Mavi Marmara, one of the ships in the Gaza Freedom Flotilla that tried to break through the blockade. When Israeli troops halted the flotilla in international waters in the Mediterranean Sea, nine activists were killed. The international outrage that followed forced the Israeli government to ease the blockade somewhat by allowing more goods into Gaza, but it has remained in place.
Protest organizers have warned potential passengers it is likely the Al-Hurriyah will be attacked by the Israeli navy and they could be arrested as well. Still, Aabed and others are lining up to register for this first attempted voyage or for others that will follow.
Freedom Flotilla boat Al Awda at dockside, with supporters
Freedom Flotilla to Gaza in Amsterdam, May 31-June 3: Sailing for the Right to a Just Future for Palestine
The Freedom Flotilla ship Al Awda (The Return), together with Ship to Gaza Sweden vessels Freedom, Falestine (Palestine) and Mairead (named for Nobel Peace Laureate Mairead Maguire who previously sailed against the blockade) arrive in Amsterdam on Thursday May 31 and will be docked at until their departure June 2 and 3. A series of events is planned by the Netherlands Gaza Flotilla Committee, see their page for details.
The boats will visit many European ports on their way to challenge the illegal and unjust Israeli-Egyptian blockade of Gaza in late July.
The Freedom Flotilla is sailing in 2018 for the right to a just future for Palestine. We challenge the blockade of Gaza and demand an end to our governments’ complicity with the blockade, which has created a humanitarian crisis, with civilians lacking clean water, electricity, and medical care. For more information about our mission and about the blockade of Gaza, see our website: jfp.freedomflotilla.org/about-just-future-palestine
Participants arriving on board Al Awda include Zohar Chamberlain Regev, Israeli Spanish resident and Freedom Flotilla Coalition boat leader; Mikkel Grüner, Danish national and city councillor in Bergen, Norway; sailor and human rights advocate Charlie Andreasson from Sweden; and Policy Director of Just Foreign Policy in the US, Robert Naiman.
Two New Zealanders will join the international flotilla as the boats visit various European ports on the long journey to Gaza: Veteran human rights campaigner and union leader, Mike Treen, will be our NZ rep on board the Al Awda, and Palestinian/NZ sailor and yacht engineer Youssef Sammour will join the crew. Support their participation – make a direct payment to the NZ Flotilla Appeal, Kia Ora Gaza Trust, Westpac account: 03-0211-0447718-000.
For more information about the Freedom Flotilla 2018:
The Palestinian Journalists’ Syndicate is also preparing to send files to the International Criminal Court and some European courts in regards to Israel’s targeting of journalists in Gaza, especially the killing of Murtaja and Abu Hussein.
“The occupation directly targets journalists because it finds that the truth is bitter,” photojournalist Ibrahim Zanoun told The Electronic Intifada. Israeli snipers shot Zanoun in the arm while he was covering the march.
“Those who carry cameras with long-focus lenses are especially targeted,” said photojournalist Abdulrahman al-Kahlout, who was shot in the foot with live ammunition. “So that what’s happening on the ground remains hidden.”
Israel has killed more than 100 Palestinians since the beginning of the marches and injured thousands more.
Some of the NZ tour organisers farewell Ramzy Baroud at Auckland airport last Friday.
A message received from US/Palestinian author Ramzy Baroud after his successful world tour:
Dear Friends in Australia and New Zealand: Thanks to your support and solidarity, my speaking tour in your beautiful countries was a success, as I conducted over 30 speeches, radio and television interviews in two weeks.
I was truly overwhelmed by your hospitality and genuine love and support for Palestine.
You are an integral part of the Palestine solidarity movement and the work that you continue to do guides and inspires all of us.
Thank you and I hope to meet all of you again in the near future.
A photo gallery of some highlights of Ramzy Baroud’s five-city NZ speaking tour last week:
Activists Yudit Ilany and Heather Milton-Lightening explain why they have joined the 2018 international solidarity flotilla, as the boats depart from Copenhagen on their endeavour to challenge Israel’s blockade of Gaza in July.
Veteran human rights campaigner and union leader, Mike Treen, will represent New Zealand on the final leg of the journey.
Support our flotilla appeal by depositing your donation with our Westpac account: 03-0211-0447718-000, or post a cheque to Kia Ora Gaza Trust, PO Box 86022, Mangere East, Auckland 2158.
There is a Freedom Flotilla to Gaza taking place this summer with several boats from various countries. Several boats docked in Copenhagen for a couple of days as part of their journey to Gaza, which they plan to reach in late July.
From 2008 through to 2016, 31 boats have challenged the blockade. (The flotillas took a break in 2017.) These boats sail to challenge Israel’s Naval blockade on Gaza, part of its siege of Gaza that has lasted more than a decade. They have repeatedly been stopped from getting to Gaza; the most deadly incident in that history was the Israeli commando attack on the Turkish (ship) Mavi Marmara in 2010, in which 10 activists were killed by the Israeli soldiers in international waters.
I had the pleasure of interviewing crew member Zohar Chamberlain Regev, who also happens to be Jewish-Israeli and residing in Spain. Our interview (above) aboard the bigger Al-Awda boat is an hour long.
Zohar is a member of the Freedom Flotilla Coalition, and has participated in two freedom flotillas to Gaza, in 2012 and 2015, but has never before reached the “confrontation point”, as she will do this time.
I asked her how she feels about reaching the “confrontation point”, which is bound to be somewhere very far from Israel in international waters, where she is likely to get arrested by the Israeli navy, and possibly worse, in light of the past deadly confrontations.
Zohar:
“Well, first of all, we feel it must be done. The fact that the illegal blockade on Gaza goes on, forces us to keep acting against it. And our direct action – non-violent direct action – is directed just as much towards the Palestinians of Gaza, in solidarity with them, as it does towards the international community, civil society, in order to put pressure upon the governments of the world to actually make Israel lift the blockade. So the issue of actually getting into Gaza, or being intercepted, is beside the point. What we do is what we do here in Copenhagen. We just raise the issue, we explain to people what’s happening in Palestine, what’s happening in Gaza, we explain how it’s illegal according to international law – the blockade on Gaza is used by Israel as collective punishment which is prohibited by the Geneva conventions. So we have to do it.”
“..It’s unfortunate, but it seems media will not pay attention unless you actually do something. So we’re just a bunch of people, normal people, from all walks of life, from 10 or 12 different countries, just trying to do something …What will you say to the next generation (when they ask:) What did you do when Gaza was dying?”
And with those profound words, our interview ended. The flotilla has continued on in their journey towards Gaza. Will they ever reach the Gaza shores? Zohar is not worried. The journey is more important than the destination, and the message of solidarity that these activists carry is a mission in and of itself.
Video: Mike Treen with Palestinian writer Ramzy Baroud on why he is going on the Flotilla in July, 2018, to break the Israeli blockade of Gaza.
Mike is a prominent, life-long human rights campaigner and trade union leader in New Zealand. Mike is the National Director of the Unite Union and spokesperson for Global Peace & Justice Auckland.
Kia Ora Gaza has selected Mike to represent New Zealand/Aotearoa on the next international Freedom Flotilla to challenge Israel’s illegal and inhumane, 10-year blockade of Gaza. He will join other eminent rights advocates representing 20 countries on board the four-boat flotilla, due to reach Gaza in late July.
Acclaimed US/Palestinian author Dr Baroud is currently on a speaking tour of New Zealand.
Sailing for the Right to a Just future for Palestine
The Freedom Flotilla ship AlAwda (The Return), together with Ship to Gaza Sweden vessels Hurriya (Freedom) and Mairead (named for Nobel Peace Laureate Mairead Maguire who has previously sailed on three missions against the blockade of Gaza) are in Copenhagen on Sunday May 20 and Monday May 21. They will be joined later by another Swedish boat, Falestine (Palestine), and all four vessels will visit many European ports on their way to challenge the illegal and inhumane Israeli blockade of Gaza in late July.
Mikkel Grüner, a city councillor in Bergen, Norway, sailing on the Al Awda, says : “The blockade of Gaza is in its 11th year. It is such a gross violation of international law that it can be characterized as a crime against humanity.”
John Pilger (left) meets author Ramzy Baroud after his talk at the NSW Parliament earlier this week. Dr Baroud commented on Facebook: ‘It was a great honor to have John Pilger in the audience at the Parliament in Sydney this evening where I launched my book: The Last Earth: A Palestinian Story. I thank everyone who came to see me deliver the #Nakba speech, and all of those who work hard to make Palestinian freedom a priority in their work.’ Dr Baroud is currently on a speaking tour of NZ – see his itinerary on this website.
Australian journalist and film maker, John Pilger endorses ‘the Right to a Just Future for Palestine’ international 2018 flotilla to challenge the siege of Gaza.
“The Freedom Flotilla Coalition’s plans to challenge the blockade of Gaza is good news. The freedom flotillas have achieved extraordinary results in informing the world of the inhumanity and cruelty of the Israelis’ medieval siege of Gaza. I support wholeheartedly the Coalition’s new initiative, the ‘Right to a Just Future for Palestine’.
I specially appreciate the words, ‘Just Future’ – justice is the basic human right missing from the media reporting of Palestine; yet without justice, no peace is possible, no future is secured. The brave young people who go to the perimeters of their open prison to demand justice know this to be a basic truth. They fight for justice on behalf of all of us, and we should stand with them.”
Kia Ora Gaza is a New Zealand network dedicated to breaking the inhuman and illegal Israeli siege and naval blockade of Gaza by delivering humanitarian aid, fostering fraternal relations, enhancing understanding of Palestine and the Middle East, and cooperating with others who have similar aims.
Kia Ora Gaza promotes justice, human rights, peace and freedom for the people of Palestine.
Our website and facebook pages underscore and promote these goals, however posts do not necessarily reflect the opinions of Kia Ora Gaza or our partners.
All forms of recism and discrimination are the antithesis of justice, peace and freedom. Kia Ora Gaza social media will not tolerate any act or discourse which adopts or promotes, among others: racism, anti-Arab racism, Islamophobia, anti-Semitism, sexism, xenophobia, or homophobia.
Kia Ora Gaza is a member of the international Freedom Flotilla Coalition - website: freedomflotilla.org and part of the NZ Palestine Solidarity Network. Website: palestinesolidaritynz.net
Kia Ora Gaza was established from a series of public meetings to organise Kiwi participation in international efforts to end the siege of Gaza & promote practical solidarity for Palestine. This followed the Israeli commando raid on the Mavi Mamara-led peace flotilla in 2010 which resulted in the deaths of 10 civilian peace activists in international waters. Since then Kia Ora Gaza has organised or supported the following projects: 1. Sent a team of 6 Kiwis on the 140-vehicle Viva Palestina international land convoy in 2010, driving and donating 3 ambulances to Gaza – part of the $7million medical aid delivered.
2. Supported Kiwi participant Harmeet Sooden to join the Canadian boat, Tahrir on Freedom Flotilla 2 to Gaza in 2011. 3. Sent a team of 4 Kiwis on the “Miles of Smiles” land convoy to Gaza with 10 tonnes of medical aid, 2012 4. Sent a fact-finding mission for www.kiaoragaza.net to Gaza Nov, 2012 5. Sent donations for food relief following the 2014 floods in Gaza 6. Co-organised nation-wide protests each weekend during Israel’s 50-day bombardment of Gaza in 2014 7. Sponsored an education project training young Palestinian journalists in Gaza 2015 8. Facilitated “NZ-Gaza twinning agreements” with a sports club and community centre in Nuseirat refugee camp, Gaza. 9. Co-sponsored 2 ambulances for Doctors Worldwide rehabilitation centre in Khan Younis (Israeli bombing in 2014 destroyed 26 ambulances in Gaza) 10. Maintains website: kiaoragaza.net and facebook pages. 11. Co-hosted the NZ Conference on Palestine, 2013 and 2016 12. Facilitated 2 Maori TV journalists on board the Freedom Flotilla to Gaza in 2015 13. Co-hosted NZ speaking tours including: – Harry Fear (UK doco-maker) & Roger Fowler (Kia Ora Gaza) in 2013
– Jeff Halper (Director, Israeli Committee Against House Demolitions) 2013
– Miko Peled (author) 2013
– Yousef Aljamal (Palestinian commentator) 2013
– Amira Hass (Israeli Journalist, Haaretz) 2015
– Samah Sabawi (Palestinian Writer) 2015
– Emad Burnat (Palestinian Film-maker) 2016
– Ali Abunimah (founder Electronic Intifada) 2016
– Rafeef Ziadah (Palestinian poet) April 2017
14. Aug 2016 co-hosted special Auckland screening of Emad Burnat’s documentary ‘5 Broken Cameras’
15. Sept 2016. Transferred $6000 raised in our appeal to Palestinian doco-maker Emad Burnat towards a new camera.
16. Sept 2016 facilitated Green MP Marama Davidson to join Women’s Boat to Gaza peace flotilla.
17. Feb 2017 co-hosted film screening event: “The Idol”
18. April 2017, co-hosted three-city NZ tour with Palestinian performance poet Rafeef Ziadah and musician Phil Monsour.
19. May 2017 ‘Salt Water Challenge’ solidarity actions with Palestinian hunger strikers.
20. May 2017 transferred $1000 donation to Al Ahli Sports club in Nuseirat Refugee Camp, Gaza for football equipment. 21. July 2017 transferred our EURO1000 share to the FFC Gaza fishers project via MyCare Humanitarian Care Malaysia. 22. July 2017 transferred $1000 donation to Al Ahli Sports Club, Nuseirat Refugee Camp, Gaza. 23. Sept 2017 the Freedom Flotilla Coalition delivered fishing equipment as solidarity aid to 400 Gazan fishers via MyCare, Malaysia. 24. Kia Ora Gaza co-hosted a public lecture in Auckland on 3 December 2017, by renowned Haaretz journalist and writer, Gideon Levy. 25. January 2018, Kia Ora Gaza organiser, Roger Fowler, attends the Freedom Flotilla Coalition conference in Sweden to plan the 2018 international flotilla to break the illegal blockade of Gaza. 26. Nationwide ‘Day of Action’ for Free Palestine on Sat 3 February 2018 demanding the release of all children held in Israeli prisons. 27. Co-hosted a public meeting at Auckland Uni with US/Palestinian writer. Hawarita Arraf and Justine Sachs from Dayenu: NZ Jews against Occupation, March 2018. 28. Co-organised Auckland rallies in support of Palestinian Arch of Return, April/ May 2018.
CURRENT APPEALS
In 2018 the Freedom Flotilla Coalition is organising another international peace flotilla to challenge Isreal's illegal 10 year naval blockade of Gaza and for a just future for Palestine.For updates visit the website and facebook: jfp.freedomflotilla.org You can support NZ participation in this project by checking the options in the 'How to donate to Kia Ora Gaza' segment below.Appeal target: $40,000 to cover costs of our share of the purchase and upgrade of the flotilla boats, airfares and accommodation for our NZ participant.
HOW TO DONATE TO KIA ORA GAZA
Make a direct payment to our bank account: Kia Ora Gaza Trust, 03-0211-0447718-000, Westpac Bank, Onehunga branch. Afterwards, email office@kiaoragaza.netwith your deposit details so our Board of Trustees can send you an e-receipt.
Write a cheque for ‘Kia Ora Gaza’ and post to: Kia Ora Gaza Trust, P.O. Box 86022, Mangere East, Auckland 2158
Kia Ora Gaza is a Charitable Trust incorporated under the Charitable Trusts Act 1957. Registration number 2540065
FREEDOM FLOTILLA TO GAZA: DOCUMENTARY
A MaoriTV media team of senior journalist Ruwani Perera and award-winning, free-lance camera operator Jacob Bryant, returned home from reporting on the Freedom Flotilla III attempt to break the Israeli naval blockade of Gaza.
Facilitated by Kia Ora Gaza, the Native Affairs team joined other international journalists on the board the flotilla to observe and document the mission.
Thanks to all those who generously supported the Flotilla project.
Over 100,000 Palestinians were injured and over 2,100 killed during Israel’s 2014 genocidal onslaught. Their illegal siege on Gaza left the medical services without basic supplies.
Kia Ora Gaza Trust launched an urgent appeal for funds towards humanitarian relief in war-ravaged Gaza.
Kia Ora Gaza co-sponsored two ambulances for Gaza in 2015.
Kia Ora Gaza donated three ambulances in 2010.
VIDEO: The manager of the Doctors World Wide Turkey services in Gaza, Mohammed Alkhatib, thanks Viva Palestina Malaysia (VPM) and Kia Ora Gaza donors for jointly sponsoring two new ambulances at their Khan Younis rehabilitation clinic. The video also shows the recently delivered ambulances in service. (Video by DWWT 21 October 2015.) CLICK HERE
COMING EVENTS
Kia Ora Gaza is planning future speaking tours & other events, in cooperation with NZ Palestine Solidarity Network and PHRC. Watch this space.
Ramzy Baroud’s New Zealand speaking tour
Roger Fowler teaching Kiwi-English at Al Aqsa University, Gaza City.
In June 2012, Kia Ora Gaza sent a four-person team to Gaza as part of an international aid convoy. Our Kiwi convoyers were (from left) Roger Fowler, Tali Williams, Gibran Janif and Hone Fowler. This land convoy, which left from Cairo, delivered ten tonnes of urgently needed medical supplies to health authorities in Gaza. In November 2012 Kia Ora Gaza sent Roger Fowler on a fact-finding mission to Gaza (see his reports posted Nov-Dec 2012 on this website). UK documentary-maker Harry Fear joined Roger on a speaking tour of NZ on his return.
In November 2010, six volunteers from Kia Ora Gaza joined an international land convoy which delivered NZ$7 million in medical aid to Gaza. The convoy, which left from London and was joined by other columns from North Africa and the Middle East, arrived at night in Gaza City to a rapturous welcome from Palestinian throngs.
Books and T-shirts available
Enquires: email office@kiaoragaza.net.
OR send a cheque and details to Kia Ora Gaza, PO Box 86022, Mangere East, Auckland 2158.
Miko Peled's book 'The General's Son' can be purchased for $25 (+$4 postage). Limited copies of the new second edition are now available - includes an updated epilogue. Each copy is signed by the author.
"The Prisoners' Diaries', co-translated by Yousef Aljamal, is available for $15 (+$4 postage).
Tee shirts are also available for $30 each plus postage.
Our fallen heros
We remember the ten humanitarians on board the Gaza aid vessel Mavi Marmara killed by Israeli commandos on 31 May 2010:
Ibrahim Bilgen
Ali Haydar Bengi
Cevdet Kiliçlar
Çetin Topçuoglu
Necdet Yildirim
Fahri Yaldiz
Cengiz Songür
Cengiz Akyüz
Furkan Dogan
Ugur Suleyman Soylemez
Our founding meeting
Robyn Hughes, a former Auckland Regional councillor, chairs Kia Ora Gaza's public foundation meeting in Auckland on 7 July 2010. Flanking her are (right) Steve Phillips, official representative of Ngati Whatua, and Grant Morgan, former chair of Kia Ora Gaza. The meeting agreed unanimously on Kia Ora Gaza's three aims: (1) deliver humanitarian aid to Gaza, (2) help to break Israel's siege of Gaza, and (3) co-operate with others who have similar aims.
by Grant Morgan retiring chair of Kia Ora Gaza 18 February 2013 After two-and-a-half years as Kia Ora Gaza’s chair and website editor, I retired from those roles at our leadership forum last weekend. The reason? Over the past half-dozen years I have researched, written and spoken about how global capitalism is in overshoot […]
by Roger Fowler new chair of Kia Ora Gaza 18 February 2013 Last Saturday, at a leadership forum of Kia Ora Gaza, Grant Morgan stood down as chair of our solidarity network and editor of our website kiaoragaza.net. His departure had been well flagged over the past 12 months. Grant has been busy with […]
Al Jazeera, 29 November 2012. Nicole Johnston reports from Ramallah. Euro News, 29 November 2012. by Ewen MacAskill at the UN & Chris McGreal in Ramallah The Guardian 29 November 2012 The United Nations General Assembly voted overwhelmingly on Thursday to recognise Palestine as a state, in the face of opposition from Israel and the […]
by Nafeez Mosaddeq Ahmed Le Monde Diplomatique 28 November 2012 It is clear that without an overall military operation to uproot Hamas control of Gaza, no drilling work can take place without the consent of the radical Islamic movement. Moshe Ya’alon, Israeli deputy prime minister and minister of strategic affairs, 2007. Over the […]
An elderly Palestinian man falls on the ground after being shot by Israeli troops during a deadly protest at the Gaza Strip’s border with Israel on May 14. [Khalil Hamra]
