Downloadable fact sheet to distribute at vigils, demonstrations, etc. Since U.S. media coverage of Gaza is sparse and/or flawed, it is essential to provide people with the facts (contains clickable citations).
Israeli forces have killed seven unarmed Palestinians in Gaza as thousands march for freedom and to return to their homes. The “Great March of Return” has been organized by by civil society organizations and all political factions in the besieged enclave.
The Associated Press’s news story on the upcoming Great Return March echoes Israeli talking points…
Democratic Congressional leader Nancy Pelosi is leading a Congressional delegation visit to Israel and Jordan. Pelosi stated: “There is no greater political accomplishment in the 20th Century than the establishment of the State of Israel.”
AIPAC President Mort Fridman sent supporters an email announcing: “Our work together just made a difference for Israel’s security and for its future.” He crowed that Congress passed legislation giving Israel almost $4 billion of US tax money, while taking away US aid to many Palestinian widows and orphans…
The use of incendiary balloons and kites from Gaza started during the Great March of Return protests and as a response to Israel’s use of massive and deadly force against unarmed protesters… a first-hand report.
Eyes are a ‘common target’ of Israeli snipers at Gaza’s Great March of Return. Israeli soldiers have shot 50 men, women, & children in the eye since the weekly demonstrations began last year… one young victim locked himself in his room & wouldn’t go to school…
Ahmad was a boxing champion-in-the-making. Israel had refused to let him exit Gaza to participate in international competitions. Now Ahmed is wheelchair-bound after Israeli soldiers shot him with exploding bullets in both legs during Great March of Return protests.
Electronic Intifada reports that every Friday 11-year-old Nasir insisted that he accompany his two older sisters to the Great March of Return. Both women are medics; Nasir would carry their first aid bags. An Israeli sniper shot him in the head. Israeli forces have killed 1,600 Gazan children since 2000… “An Israeli soldier deliberately killed Faris,” Zaqoul said. “The Israeli soldier said on a loudspeaker ‘you, with the white T-shirt, I’ll shoot you’ – pointing at Faris…”
Israeli forces killed three Palestinians and injured 376 others by live bullets, rubber-coated steel bullets, concussion grenades and tear gas canisters at the latest ‘Great March of Return’ protests at the Gaza-Israel border on Friday. 126 of the wounded were hit by live bullets fired by Israeli forces.