Previously I shared with my email list my disappointment with Code Pink’s representative not willing to address the Egyptian blockade. Then I sent a few emails about what happened to the demonstrators in Egypt—all this in order to show the complexity of what is going on. Although there are some who insist that Egypt refused admission into Gaza because they were pressured by the Israelis, I welcome Amira Hass’ article (in Ha’aretz) because she writes about what the “freedom for Gaza” people faced once they got there. It is a dark and dismal time for the Gazans above all.
My informant, Racheli Gai, summarizes this article as follows:
Amira Hass was in Cairo during the stay of the Free Gaza March activists, and she went into Gaza with the small group that was allowed to enter (minus those who declined).
This article by Hass covers some of her impressions of the activists in Cairo, as well as what happened in Gaza. This last part has not been widely reported, especially the role of Hamas in keeping the visitors under tight control, and undermining the role of civil society groups in organizing and carrying out the Free Gaza March.
Can I just say what a relief to find someone who actually knows what theyre talking about on the internet. You definitely know how to bring an issue to light and make it important. More people need to read this and understand this side of the story. I cant believe youre not more popular because you definitely have the gift.