[Editor's Note: Our latest update from Sameh comes in the wake of the latest Israeli invasion of Gaza. We get details on the latest situation on the ground, but we also had a chance to discuss in-depth the controversies surrounding humanitarian relief in Gaza, including the BBC's refusal to air an appeal for aid as well as allegations regarding Hamas control of funds.]
[Editor's note: In this latest update from Sameh Habeeb in Gaza, we talk about the conditions on the ground in the Gaza Strip in the days immediately after the Israelis declared a unilateral ceasefire and withdrew all of their combat troops. Regarding the tunnels, Sameh informs us "Israel has succeeded" in shutting down the smuggling tunnels for now. Sameh also tells us about the photos he took which you can find below.]
[Editor's note: We apologize for the brevity of this update, the cellular phone connection in Gaza City is extremely unstable. We attempted to answer some of your questions, but unfortunately very little of the conversation made it through. Not to worry, we will get them in next time for our next full update with Sameh. If you've got a question for Sameh in Gaza, leave us a comment, drop us a line on twitter, or email us at Aliveingaza at Gmail dot com. We ask every single question you submit. If you didn't hear yours this time around, don't worry, we'll get it in next time.]
[Editor's note: In our latest conversation with Sameh Habeeb, we get an update on the latest ceasefire, the humanitarian situation, as well as the feelings of the Palestinian people on the historic inauguration of President Barack Obama. We also got a chance to ask Sameh some of your questions. Thanks to Jeffrey, Jinjirrie, Ernie Yacub, Abdullah, Ladu, and Tim Jeffries for submitting your questions. If you've got a question for Sameh in Gaza, leave us a comment, drop us a line on twitter, or email us at Aliveingaza at Gmail dot com. We ask every single question you submit. If you didn't hear yours this time around, don't worry, we'll get it in next time.]
[Editor's Note: We are experiencing technical difficulties getting content out of Gaza right now. We're working on this right now, but in the meantime check out our sister site Alive in Baghdad, or consider supporting Alive in Gaza, especially with funds or equipment. Don't forget, you can follow us on Twitter as well. Thank you for all your hard work and support so far. Stay tuned for more.]
Before we have even been able to get our operation off the ground, tragedy has struck. Omar Ali Abumghaiseeb, cousin of Omar Abdullah, our project coordinator, was killed today in northern Gaza. Exact details are still unknown. Although Omar Ali is from Garrara in southern Gaza, he was apparently in a market, possibly in Gaza City, when he was killed during a bombing by Israeli forces today.
We are attempting to gather further information, but due to the poor infrastructure and difficulty of reaching Palestinians in Gaza by phone, we have not been able to clarify this information any further.
In the coming days we hope to begin producing regular blog, and possible audio and video content from individuals inside Gaza. To provide wider context about life in Gaza we will also attempt to begin providing analysis and background on the situation in Gaza in the recent past.
If you wish to support our work, please consider making a paypal donation to smallworldnews (at) gmail dot com, and be sure to specify “Alive in Gaza” in your payment summary. We are also desperate for material aid and translation help. Please feel free to contact us if you might be able to assist in any way.
