Here’s what you should know and how you can help.

The occupation of Palestine has been ongoing for the last seven decades. It has resulted in the loss of Palestinian land, restricted movement, and limited access to basic resources, severely impacting the daily lives of Palestinians. The mistreatment of Palestinians includes systematic discrimination, arbitrary arrests, and the denial of basic human rights. It includes murder, displacement, suppression of culture and inhumane treatment. The Palestinian occupation is not "complex". It is not a "war", it is not a "conflict". It is the ethnic cleansing, genocide and erasure of Palestinians and Gaza. The time to act is now and the most powerful thing you can do is obtain information, spread awareness, and keep talking about it. We can never let this die down.

From the river to the sea.

— LATEST NEWS & UPDATES —

Keeping up with Gaza

ATTACK

ON

RAFAH

Last week, Israeli Prime Minister Binyamin Netanyahu had given the order for the army to prepare for the evacuation of hundreds of thousands of Palestinians from Gaza's Rafah, as stated by his office on Friday. However, the United States has warned that it will not support any ground assault on the city, and the United Nations has emphasized the need to protect the civilians in Rafah without resorting to forced mass displacement.

Week of 2/11

Netanyahu rejects Hamas's proposed terms for ceasefire

Last Tuesday, Hamas proposed its counter-offer to a ceasefire proposal listing these terms.

Phase one: A 45-day pause in fighting during which all Israeli women hostages, males under 19, the elderly and sick would be exchanged for Palestinian women and children held in Israeli jails. Israeli forces would withdraw from populated areas of Gaza, and the reconstruction of hospitals and refugee camps would begin.

Phase two: Remaining male Israeli hostages would be exchanged for Palestinian prisoners and Israeli forces leave Gaza completely.

Phase three: Both sides would exchange remains and bodies.

This would also include the increase of aid and food to Gaza. "By the end of the 135-day pause in fighting, Hamas said negotiations to end the war would have concluded." After refusing to accept these conditions, Netanyahu stated that talks with the organization were not making any progress and referred to their demands as peculiar. He further asserted that achieving a "complete victory" in Gaza could be accomplished within a matter of months.

What exactly is so bizarre about those terms?

U.S. Secretary of State, Antony Blinken, stated there was still more room for negotiations. Does that include blocking even more aid and assistance from getting through as Israelis are doing at the border? Does that include letting even more people get killed, injured and displaced? To claim "total victory" means the total extinguishment of Palestinians and Gaza - and that is horrifying.

Early Monday morning, Israeli sea and air attacks hit Rafah, killing 67 Palestinians. Rafah is the last remaining safe zone - a tiny strip of land along the border of Egypt in which 1.5 million people have sought shelter. Since October 7, Palestinians have been attacked in and forced to evacuate every region from northern Gaza to the rest, many still remaining in each. After Rafah, there is nowhere else to go. Disturbingly, recent data from the UN humanitarian office OCHA reveals that almost 10 percent of children under the age of five in Gaza are suffering from acute malnourishment. This shocking figure is approximately 12 times higher than before the escalation. It is imperative that immediate action is taken to address this dire situation and provide necessary aid to the affected population.

In Gaza, the health ministry reported that the Israeli strikes since October 7 have resulted in the death of 28,473 Palestinians and left 68,146 injured.

Hezbollah fires rockets at northern Israel in response to Lebanon attacks

February 15 - Lebanese armed group Hezbollah has retaliated against Israeli air raids by launching numerous rockets at Kiryat Shmona, a town in northern Israel. This was in response to the deaths of ten civilians and three Hezbollah fighters in southern Lebanon. This escalation follows the deadly Israeli attacks on the cities of Nabatieh and as-Sawana in southern Lebanon. Five children were among the casualties in the Israeli strikes on Lebanon during the most lethal day for Lebanese civilians in four months of conflict along the Lebanon-Israel border. Late Wednesday, in Nabatieh, seven civilians, including three children from the same extended family, were killed when an uncommon Israeli assault struck a multistory building, according to sources in Lebanon. A boy initially reported missing was later discovered alive beneath the debris. This incident followed an earlier attack in the village of as-Sawana at the border, where a woman and two children were killed and subsequently laid to rest on Thursday. The children's bodies, covered in green shrouds, were so diminutive that each could be accommodated on two plastic chairs as mourners paid their respects.

Israel is not only tormenting Palestine, but is also targeting the many surrounding countries like Lebanon and Syria.

Week of 2/19

US vetoes ceasefire as north Gaza starves

February 20 - The United States has vetoed a U.N. resolution calling for an urgent humanitarian cease-fire in the ongoing conflict between Israel and Hamas in Gaza. This resolution, which had widespread support from Arab nations, was rejected by the U.S. due to concerns that it would disrupt negotiations related to the release of hostages held in Israel. The vote in the Security Council was overwhelmingly in favor of the resolution, with 13 out of 15 members supporting it. The United Kingdom abstained from voting. This veto by the U.S. has sparked controversy and further deepened tensions in the conflict, as the humanitarian situation in Gaza grows dire and is in need of immediate intervention. What "efforts" are being made to stop an assault the United States itself allowed? And if so, why are weapons and arms still being sent to Israel as we speak? If a resolution will grant all the things that "brokering a deal" will, what other reason is there to veto besides to give Israel more time to continue its heinous acts?

US Congressman Andy Ogles was filmed telling pro-Palestinian activists, “I think we should kill them all”

Israel bombs Lebanon, Syria and Gaza in the same night

February 21 - A devastating Israeli attack on the town of Majdal Zoun in Lebanon's South Governorate resulted in the tragic deaths of a mother and her young daughter on Wednesday. Khadija Mohammed Salman, a woman in her 40s, and her 5-year-old daughter, Amal Hassan Al-Durr, lost their lives when their home was struck. Numerous others in the area sustained injuries and were rushed to hospitals in Tyre for treatment. Majdal Zoun was just one among many towns and villages in southwestern Lebanon that became targets of Israeli airstrikes and artillery shelling, including Shehin, Alma Al-Shaab, Al-Dhahira, Al-Jabeen, and Tayr Harfa. The recent wave of attacks also extended to Hula, Blida, Aita, Kafr Kila, and Khiam. In addition to the loss of life, previous artillery fire on Ramia, Al-Naqoura, and Alma Al-Shaab caused significant damage to crops, olive groves, and buildings.

Also, two individuals have lost their lives as a result of Israeli air strikes in the Syrian capital, Damascus. The incident occurred on Wednesday in Kafr Sousa, a region housing various security and military establishments.

Site of an Israeli airstrike on the southern Lebanese village of Khiam, near the border with Israel - Arab News.

Week of 2/26

February 25 - A United States Air Force member, identified as 25-year-old Aaron Bushnell from San Antonio, Texas, tragically passed away after setting himself on fire outside the Israeli embassy in Washington. The Pentagon confirmed the incident to be a protest against Israel’s actions in Gaza. According to the Metropolitan Police Department of Washington, DC, Bushnell succumbed to his injuries. Reports from US media indicated that Bushnell livestreamed the event on Twitch, clad in military attire, expressing his refusal to be complicit in genocide. He proceeded to douse himself in a flammable substance before igniting it, all while shouting "Free Palestine!" until he collapsed.

US airman dies after setting himself on fire outside Israeli embassy

Palestinian Youth Movement

100+ Palestinians killed by IOF while waiting to receive food aid

February 29 - More than 100 Palestinians have been killed and around 700 others have been injured as a result of Israeli soldiers firing at a crowd of people who were awaiting food assistance in the southwest of Gaza City. This occurring when the besieged enclave is already grappling with an extreme hunger crisis is absolutely inhumane. The Gaza Ministry of Health has reported that as of Thursday, the number of fatalities has reached 112, with over 750 individuals sustaining injuries. The Palestinian Ministry of Foreign Affairs has strongly criticized this act, denouncing it as a calculated and heartless "massacre". The situation in Gaza remains dire, with urgent action needed to address the pressing humanitarian needs of its population.

Since October 7, Israeli attacks have resulted in 30,035 Palestinians killed and left 70,457 wounded.

Instagram @joegaza93.

Week of 3/4

Continuous attacks on aid by Israeli forces

March 4 - An anticipated report by the UN has confirmed that sexual violence occurred during the attacks on October 7, both inside Israel and against Palestinians in the West Bank. A shocking live shot captured by Al Jazeera shows Israeli forces opening fire on a group of starving Palestinians who were trying to access humanitarian aid trucks, marking yet another attack on aid seekers in Gaza. The United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees (UNRWA) has reported that Israeli authorities have tortured some of their staff members during detention and interrogation. In response to these distressing events, Noway's UN ambassador has announced that the country will continue its funding for UNRWA, recognizing the agency as the main source of support for Gaza. US President Biden has also expressed his determination to advocate for a truce agreement that would secure the release of Israeli captives held by Hamas and establish a six-week ceasefire to facilitate the delivery of much-needed aid. This is right after the U.S. sent the first airdrop of aid into Gaza 38,000 meals. There are over 1.5 million people starving and displaced in Gaza.

Al Jazeera

Resources

Many people remain uninformed or claim that they lack understanding or knowledge about the Palestinian occupation. Fortunately, there exists a wealth of research and information sources available to learn from, ranging from videos and documentaries to books and articles. These resources provide valuable insight into the ongoing situation, shedding light on the complexities and struggles faced by Palestinians living under occupation. It is crucial for us to engage with these materials, enhancing their awareness and understanding of the importance of amplifying Palestinians and this occupation. By actively seeking out and learning from these various sources, we can promote further awareness, discourse and knowledge of the ongoing occupation and genocide.

— LEARN & EDUCATE —

Donations & Aid

Israel holds control over Gaza's borders and all movement in and out - this includes people, goods and aid. Much of the humanitarian aid is not able to get through and most of what does reach those in need is not nearly enough. There is an ongoing lack of medical supplies and equipment, medication, sanitary and hygiene products and more that have been banned or inaccessible. Here are some active funds and organizations that are providing relief and assistance.

— TAKE ACTION —

These current petitions aim to call for a ceasefire between Israel and Palestine, as well as to advocate for defunding Israel's arms, increasing humanitarian aid to Gaza and more. By signing these petitions, you can actively contribute to promoting justice in Palestine and express solidarity with the Palestinian people, urging governments and international organizations to take action.

Petitions to Sign

Email Your Representatives

Care for Gaza

Care for Gaza is an organization that has achieved remarkable success in providing crucial resources and aid to individuals in Palestine. Their tireless efforts have made a profound impact on the lives of those on the ground, offering them much-needed support and assistance. To learn more about how you can contribute to this noble cause, make sure to follow their Twitter page @CareForGaza. By staying updated on their latest initiatives and campaigns, you can actively participate in making a difference and extending a helping hand to the people of Palestine. Together, we can create a brighter future and bring hope to those who need it the most.

E-SIMS FOR GAZA

The distribution of eSIMs to those in Palestine daily is crucial to ensure they always have access and connection to the Internet.

Mirna El Helbawi, Egyptian writer and activist, has established Connecting Gaza, a grassroots initiative that utilizes eSIMs to assist Palestinians in bypassing communication blackouts caused by Israeli airstrikes in the region. With the support of a dedicated team of volunteers and numerous international contributors, they have successfully restored telephone and internet connectivity to over 200,000 Palestinians in Gaza. This endeavor will persist until the ongoing destructive conflict between Israel and Hamas reaches its conclusion.

There are step-by-step instructions to guide you on how you can donate. There is also a guide that can be easily read and shared with all the information as well.

— READ OF THE DAY —

Humanitarian Crisis Unveiled: Healthcare Under Attack in Gaza - Joint Statement by the Syrian American Medical Society (SAMS), and the Palestinian American Medical Society (PAMA)