The 45th Friday of the Great March of Return took place on February 1. Each Friday since March 30 last year, Gazans have defied Israeli snipers — who have shot unarmed protesters, journalists and medics — to demand their right to return to their now Israeli-occupied lands.
The United Nations Office for the Co-ordination of Humanitarian Affairs in the Occupied Palestinian Territories (OCHA-OPT) said there have been more than 26,000 Palestinian injuries since the Great March began. Israeli injuries stand at 23.
Whereas Israeli injuries can be treated promptly in high-quality facilities, Palestinians face serious barriers to treatment that a full recovery can be all but impossible. The disturbing number of leg injuries requiring amputation is a case in point.
Long delays for Gazans who need treatment that can only be carried out outside Gaza is the norm. Israeli restrictions on imports of fuel for electricity generators and medical supplies for Gaza’s hospitals are the norm. It is hard not to see the purpose of the delays and restrictions as another way in which Palestinians can punished.
Read the article extolling the stubborness of Gazans by Lisa Gleeson in Green Left Weekly.