The Situation In 2007/8 (I/P) Flashcards
2006
Palestinian elections were held under a peace process brokered by the international community
Who won the 2006 Palestinian elections
By a radical group called Hamas, the Islamic Resistance Movement that calls for the establishment of an Islamic state and which does not recognise the state of Israel.
Who ignored the election results
The USA, Israel and European governments - they imposed sanctions on the Palestinians
What prevents people from going about their lives and cripples investment in the area
Street battles between Fatah gunmen (who support the Palestinian president) and Hamas gunmen (support the Palestinian prime minister) - despite repeatedly announcing ceasefires
Since when has Hamas been in control
Since October 2007
In the first 8 months of 2008 how many Palestinians died and were wounded
150+ died
650+ wounded in internal violence
What happened after things got too bad
An Egyptian security delegation stationed in Gaza publicly appealed to the warring factions for a lull, so people can go to shops and the mosque without dodging bullets
What is Israel conducting
Air strikes- they say these are pinpoint attacks on Hamas targets in Gaza in response to volleys of rockets regularly aimed at Israeli towns by the movement’s military wing
What is the land on the Gaza border like
Blasted and empty, flattened by the Israelis to give soldiers stationed on the high concrete border wall a clear field of fire
What has been constant over the last 6 years
Rocket fire from Gaza - Armed Palestinian groups say that it will continue as long as Israel occupies land they view as Palestinian
January 2008
Militants blasted a hole in the Egyptian border near the town of Rafah in defiance of the blockade of Gaza (thousands went across to get food and fuel)
When was the Egyptian border re-closed following the hole that was blasted
February 2008 (one month later)
What has happened to the economy
It has collapsed - 87% of private businesses have gone bust
What other problems do they have
Water shortages Sewage problems (pumped into the sea)
Late 2008/early 2009…
Israel invaded Gaza with tanks, soldiers and air strikes to stop continued rocket attacks from Hamas (over 1000 lives lost)
