Israel tightens its siege on the impoverished people of Gaza

Gaza Update: Collective Punishment Escalates

Articles and Information Israeli Cabinet votes to cut off fuel and electricity supplies to the Gaza Strip Ma'an News Agency reports on Israel's plans for cutting off vital supplies and funding and a possible ground incursion. Read more Gaza: A Call for Urgent Action ICAHD calls on the UN, international governments, religious leaders, and concerned people to take action against this crime against humanity. Read the full call to action Arabs slam Israel for declaring Gaza "enemy entity" The OIC, a 57-nation alliance representing 1.3 billion Muslims, urged Israel to reverse its decision to interrupt basic services in Gaza, saying that would violate international law. Read the full article

Dear Window Into Palestine and it's Readers Yesterday, the Israeli cabinet declared Gaza an "enemy entity" and is threatening to further its siege on the people of Gaza. As you know, the situation in Gaza has been deteriorating for years due to dozens of military invasions, economic sanctions, and closures of border crossings. In June, the World Food Program estimated that 87% of Gazans were living below the poverty line. It is frightening to imagine what will happen if Israel now cuts the electricity, fuel, and other vital supplies and prevents funds for relief work from reaching Gaza. Israel has already closed the Erez Crossing in the north, denying patients from reaching medical care outside of Gaza. Meanwhile, the Israeli military has begun yet another ground and air invasion in central Gaza - two young men were killed today. We are still trying to learn more about this new situation but in the meantime, we must do everything we can to stop this collective punishment. We know you share our concern for the safety and well-being of the 1.5 million Palestinians living in Gaza. Please take a moment to call your senators and representatives and ask them to take action against Israel's criminal collective punishment plans. Visit www.congress.org for contact info or call the U.S. Capitol Switchboard at (202)224-3121 and ask for your senators' and representative's office.

email: meca@mecaforpeace.org phone: 510-548-0542 web: http://www.mecaforpeace.org