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1. Staying Focused: One Viable Palestinian State Alongside Israel
2. US Statements: One Palestinian People, One Palestinian State
3. Mideast Diplomacy: Arab League Mission, Quartet, Sharm El Sheikh, Israeli-Palestinian Security Cooperation, Pope/Bush Meeting
4. Jerusalem News: Residency Status Issues, Palestinian Christian Housing and Risking Radicalization
5. Humanitarian Update: The Situation in Gaza

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1. Staying Focused: One Viable Palestinian State Alongside Israel

As new scenarios for the future of Israel and the Palestinians are bandied about, perhaps the best recommendation is to keep one’s eye on the prize: a viable Palestinian state living in peace alongside a secure Israel.  While the takeover of Gaza by Hamas and the current breakdown in Palestinian governance creates serious challenges and daunting complexities, it does not alter the fundamental nature of the conflict between Israel and its neighbors nor does it change the calculations by which the two-state solution has gained international support.  As Secretary Rice said on June 18^th, “there is one Palestinian people and there should be one Palestinian state”.  A political horizon for a viable and contiguous Palestinian state alongside Israel will empower those Palestinians who seek peace and the United States must intensify efforts to reach that goal.  The Administration should continue to work with Prime Minister Olmert and President Abbas to move toward substantive peace negotiations and should engage with Pres. Abbas to help him pursue Palestinian statehood, unity and rule of law.   

Despite the recent Palestinian factional hostility, there have been some new diplomatic developments with the June summit in Sharm El Sheikh, the appointment of Tony Blair as representative of the Middle East Quartet and just announced on Sunday, the Arab League mission to Israel.  For any real progress to be made though, diplomacy must be serious and sustained.  A recent poll of Israeli and Palestinian public opinion shows little expectation for a reinvigorated peace process.  Five years after President Bush pledged American support for a Palestinian state, the need for high-level U.S. engagement to reawaken hope for peace is more urgent than ever.  While a resolution of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict is not a panacea for all problems of the Middle East, anything less than a negotiated two-state agreement is a recipe for continued instability and further radicalization of the region.   Below are articles by Israeli, Palestinian and American experts outlining possible steps forward to preserve the two-state vision and navigate the current reality.   

“A rethink on the Middle East”, Daniel Levy, Boston Globe, July 3, 2007 

“…Despite all the sloganizing about a three-state solution, or two governments with no state, the driving paradigm of a Palestinian state that includes the West Bank, Gaza, and a Palestinian East Jerusalem being established alongside Israel still offers the best future for both peoples. Egypt will not absorb Gaza, nor Jordan the West Bank. A bi national, one-state solution would mean that the Jewish people would no longer have self-determination and the Palestinians would continue to be denied it. In spite of the geographical, and even cultural, distance that separates the West Bank from Gaza, they are still both inextricably linked in the Palestinian national narrative…The new urgency is in finally ending the occupation and achieving a Palestine living in peace alongside Israel. Delay has been the enemy, not the friend of achieving a permanent status compromise…It is approaching seven years since the last Israeli-Palestinian political negotiations and the last US effort to frame the parameters of a solution. In the context of today's regional instability, there is an added urgency to moving beyond the occupation toward an agreed and secure border between Israelis and Palestinians. It is more difficult today. It will require deft political management, inclusiveness, and an ability to work several channels at once.  The strategic change that is required is not simple, unpalatable to many, and made all the more so by recent events. Our friends in Fatah, Abbas, Fayad, et al., cannot do it alone. Hamas will need to be on the inside of the proverbial tent….There is still a route back to a sustainable two-state solution, and it is more urgent now. Of course, a serious strategic re think would benefit from a US decision to make this issue a priority, as the Iraq Study Group suggested and as the regional environment demands. Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice has described her foreign policy ethos as American realism -- it is time for that realism to be applied to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.”

http://www.boston.com/news/globe/editorial_opinion/oped/articles/2007/07/03/a_rethink_on_the_middle_east?mode=PF 

“Can politicians seize the opportunity?”, Hanna Siniora, The Jerusalem Times, June, 30 2007 

“…In the next twenty-four months, an active policy of stabilization in the region should be the primary responsibility of the leaders of Israel and Palestine, the Arab countries and the international community as expressed in the Quartet. On the Palestinian side, the President should work toward creating a political horizon with his Israeli counterparts. The Palestinian public has fully supported Abbas in the aftermath of the armed takeover of Gaza by Hamas, but the public also supports the Arab effort to pave the way to internal Palestinian reconciliation that will allow eventually a second national unity government…The Quartet has a special super-envoy, the newly anointed former PM Tony Blair; his main job is not to see that humanitarian aid reaches Gaza, or to ease the movement of people and goods. Blair's main job is to create a political horizon for Abbas and Olmert, discretely, away from the media, to narrow the gap on final status issues and help all the parties in the conflict - Israelis, Palestinian, Syrians, and Lebanese - take advantage of the window of opportunity that the Arab peace initiative provides…Dark clouds cover the whole region, and as all sides believe that no military solution exists for the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, they should cooperate to work for a negotiated settlement…”

http://www.commongroundnews.org/article.php?sid=0&id=21282 

“'West Bank First': It Won't Work”, Robert Malley and Aaron David Miller, Washington Post, June 19, 2007 

“…The United States and others should support Abbas and encourage progress in the West Bank, but smartly. Sticks for Gaza coupled with carrots for the West Bank will divide Palestinians, radicalize Gazans, provoke violence by those who are left out and discredit those the United States embraces. Dividing Palestine geographically is no more a recipe for success than dividing Palestinians politically.  We should not be fooled by Abbas's rhetoric. Sooner or later he will be forced to pursue new power-sharing arrangements between Hamas and Fatah and restore unity among Palestinians. As the United States and others seek to empower him, they should push for a comprehensive Israeli-Palestinian cease-fire in Gaza and the West Bank, which will require dealing -- indirectly at least -- with elements of Hamas. They should resist the temptation to isolate Gaza and should tend to its population's needs. And should a national unity government be established, this time they should welcome the outcome and take steps to shore it up. Only then will efforts to broker credible political negotiations between Abbas and his Israeli counterpart on a two-state solution have a chance to succeed…”

http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2007/06/18/AR2007061801365.html

 2. US Statements: One Palestinian People, One Palestinian State

Below are statements by Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice and President Bush following the dissolution of the Palestinian unity government and the Hamas takeover of Gaza.   

“Special Briefing by Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice”, Washington, DC, June 18, 2007  

“It is the position of the United States that there is one Palestinian people and there should be one Palestinian state.” 

“…This morning President Bush spoke with Palestinian Authority President Abbas. He told him that the United States supports his legitimate decision to form an emergency government of responsible Palestinians, and he welcomed the appointment of Salam Fayyad as Prime Minister. The President pledged the full support of the United States for the new Palestinian Government…I have worked -- I am working with my Quartet colleagues on ways that the international community can deliver support to the new Palestinian Government. In the meantime, the United States is taking some immediate actions of its own. We intend to lift our financial restrictions on the Palestinian Government, which has accepted previous agreements with Israel and rejects the path of violence. This will enable the American people and American financial institutions to resume normal economic and commercial ties with the Palestinian Government…Finally, I would like to make one point absolutely clear. Through its actions, Hamas sought to divide the Palestinian nation. We reject that. It is the position of the United States that there is one Palestinian people and there should be one Palestinian state. Therefore to help ease the suffering of all Palestinians, especially those in Gaza, we intend to contribute $40 million to the United Nations Relief and Works Agency. We will not leave one and a half million Palestinians at the mercy of terrorist organizations.  In the days and weeks ahead there will be much work to do. I plan to continue working with Prime Minister Olmert and President Abbas to clarify a political horizon for a Palestinian state. We're at a critical juncture for the Israeli and Palestinian peoples, one at which the choices are ever more clear. We must take hold of this moment to make new progress toward the vision that President Bush laid out five years ago this week: two states, Israel and Palestine, living side by side in peace and security…”

http://www.state.gov/secretary/rm/2007/06/86750.htm 

“President Bush Meets With Prime Minister Olmert of Israel”, Oval Office, June 19, 2007  

“…This visit comes, obviously, during a period of great concern for the world about what's taking place in Gaza, and so it's a timely visit. I'm looking forward to our discussions about how we can promote a common vision, a vision that speaks to hopes and aspirations of the Palestinian people, and a vision that speaks to the security of Israel.  I'm looking forward to sharing with the Prime Minister the results of a phone call I had yesterday with President Abbas. He is the President of all the Palestinians. He has spoken out for moderation. He is a voice that is a reasonable voice amongst the extremists in your neighborhood. You also come at an important moment, because there is yet again another moment for the world to see the great challenges we face in the 21st century. We face extremists and radicals who use violence and murder as a tool to achieve objectives. And it's a chance, Mr. Prime Minister, for us to work on our bilateral relations, but also work on a common strategy to fight off those extremists, and to promote a alternative ideology, based upon human liberty and the human condition. And it's a great challenge. It's exciting to be in office during this period. It can be difficult for those of us who have been given the great honor of serving our country, but it's an exciting moment. And I'm looking forward to working with a strong leader, a man committed to the security and prosperity of his country, and at the same time, committed to try to work the conditions necessary for peace…”

http://www.whitehouse.gov/news/releases/2007/06/20070619.html

3. Mideast Diplomacy: Arab League Mission, Israeli-Palestinian Security cooperation, Quartet, Sharm El Sheikh,  & Pope/Bush Meeting

• Arab League Mission to Israel

“Arab League plans first Israel mission”, Steve Weizman, Associated Press Writer, July 8, 2007

“The 22-country Arab League will send envoys on a historic first mission to Israel this week to discuss a sweeping Arab peace initiative and how it might prop up embattled Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas, Israeli and Arab diplomats said Sunday. The announcement came the same day Israel's Cabinet approved the release of 250 Palestinian prisoners, hoping to bolster Abbas in his power struggle with the Islamic militant Hamas. An official League visit would be a diplomatic coup for Israel. The League historically has been hostile toward the Jewish state, but has grown increasingly conciliatory in response to the expanding influence of Islamic extremists in the region — a concern underscored by Hamas' violent takeover of the Gaza Strip last month. Jordan's foreign ministry said the Jordanian and Egyptian foreign ministers would arrive in Jerusalem on Thursday for talks with Prime Minister Ehud Olmert and other Israeli officials…”

http://www.newsvine.com/_news/2007/07/08/824850-arab-league-plans-first-israel-mission

• Israeli-Palestinian Talks on Security Cooperation

“Israel, Palestinian Authority hold security talks”, Reuters, July 3, 2007

”Israel has resumed talks with the Palestinian Authority on security cooperation, an Israeli official said on Tuesday about a move designed to bolster Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas after Hamas's Gaza takeover. ‘We had the first meetings between security professionals yesterday (Monday),’ said Miri Eisin, a spokeswoman for Israeli Prime Minister Ehud Olmert.   ‘They met about how to coordinate. This gives us an opportunity,’ she said. ‘In this sense, we're seeing for the first time in many years direct cooperation and coordination between Israel and the Palestinian Authority.’…”

http://www.reliefweb.int/rw/RWB.NSF/db900SID/SHES-74RLJA?OpenDocument&rc=3&emid=ACOS-635PFR

• Quartet Meeting and Announcement of Tony Blair as New Representative

“Statement by Middle East Quartet”, UN Department of Public Information, News and Media Division, New York, June 27, 2007

“…Quartet principals noted that recent events in Gaza and the West Bank make it more urgent than ever that we advance the search for peace in the Middle East.  The Quartet reaffirms its objective to promote an end to the conflict in conformity with the Road Map, and expresses its intention to redouble its efforts in that regard.  The urgency of recent events has reinforced the need for the international community, bearing in mind the obligations of the parties, to help Palestinians as they build the institutions and economy of a viable State in Gaza and the West Bank, able to take its place as a peaceful and prosperous partner to Israel and its other neighbours.  To facilitate efforts to these ends, following discussions among the principals, today the Quartet announced the appointment of Tony Blair ( United Kingdom) as the Quartet Representative.  Mr. Blair, who is stepping down from office this week, has long demonstrated his commitment on these issues…As Representative, Tony Blair will bring continuity and intensity of focus to the work of the Quartet in support of the Palestinians, within the broader framework of the Quartet’s efforts to promote an end to the conflict in conformity with the Road Map.  He will spend significant time in the region working with the parties and others to help create viable and lasting Government institutions representing all Palestinians, a robust economy and a climate of law and order for the Palestinian people…”

http://www.un.org/News/Press/docs//2007/sg2129.doc.htm

• Summit in Sharm El Sheikh

The summit in Sharm El Sheikh, Egypt in late June was attended by Jordanian King Abdullah, Egyptian President Hosni Mubarak, Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas and Israeli Prime Minister Ehud Olmert. 

“King urges launch of ‘real’ peace process”, Jordan Times, June 26, 2007

“King Abdullah on Monday called for launching a ‘real’ Mideast peace process and an end to Palestinian-Israeli violence, following Hamas’ takeover of the Gaza Strip.  ‘These circumstances require us to work, to our utmost ability, to help Palestinians and Israelis end the cycle of violence, and launch a real peace process that can realise the hopes and aspirations of the region's peoples to live in security and stability and to build a better future for Palestinians and Israelis,’ the King said at a four-way Middle East summit in Egypt...”

http://www.jordanembassyus.org/06262007001.htm 

“Statement by PM Ehud Olmert at the Sharm el-Sheikh Summit”, Israel Ministry of Foreign Affairs, June 25, 2007 

“…I wish to thank my friends, the President of Egypt and the King of Jordan, for their initiative in holding this meeting, which is likely to provide us with the push we need to advance the political process between Israel and the Palestinians and between Israel and other countries in the Middle East. This summit can move the region towards a better future and create hope for the peoples of the region, hope which they deserve, hope for which they yearn.  I believe that the conditions are ripe for this. I intend to exhaust every avenue, together with you, so that we do not disappoint this hope, and transform it into reality. I am naturally optimistic, and it is precisely during these stormy past few days that I see a chance as well. An opportunity has been created to advance seriously the political process in the region, and I do not intend to let this opportunity pass…”

http://www.mfa.gov.il/MFA/Government/Speeches+by+Israeli+leaders/2007/Statement+by+PM+Ehud+Olmert+at+the+Sharm+el-Sheikh+Summit+25-Jun-2007.htm

• Pope Benedict and President Bush Meeting

“Pope Calls for Middle-East Peace Talks in Meeting with US President”, Daniel Blake, Christian Today, June 9, 2007

“Roman Catholic head Pope Benedict XVI hosted George Bush Saturday, as the US President told the pontiff that he believed the G8 Summit in Germany had been successful.  During the meeting Pope Benedict told the visiting US President that he would like to see a ‘regional and negotiated’ solution to Middle-East conflicts.  The Pope also spoke to Bush about the war in Iraq and the plight of Christians there…”

http://www.christiantoday.com/article/pope.calls.for.middle.east.peace.talks.in.meeting.with.us.president/11072.htm

In Jerusalem today, the dwindling number of Christians threatens to disrupt the interreligious mosaic that has long characterized the holy city.  A lack of housing is just one of the factors contributing to Palestinian Christian emigration.  Further complicating the housing shortage is a rise in the number of East Jerusalem residents whose permanent residency status is being revoked by the Israeli government, a policy which is detailed in the Haaretz article included below.  A new project launched by the Lutheran World Federation is aimed at providing an affordable housing option on the Mount of Olives for Palestinian Christian families in Jerusalem, which will help Palestinian Christians retain their Jerusalem residency and preserve this important and historic community.  In an article in Ynet News, Amos Gil points out the danger of policies that neglect the welfare of East Jerusalem’s Arab residents and thereby risk the radicalization of this generally peaceful population. 

“East Jerusalem residents lose civil status at rapid rate”, Shahar Ilan, Ha'aretz, June 24, 2007

“ The number of East Jerusalem residents whose permanent residency status has been revoked has surged by more than six times in one year, according to Interior Ministry data made available to B'Tselem, a human rights group. The ministry attributes this in part to ‘growing efficiency.’  In 2005 the number of residencies revoked stood at 222, while by 2006 the number rose to 1,363. This is the highest number of revoked permanent residency permits since the policy was introduced in 1995. Permanent status grants East Jerusalem residents most of the privileges enjoyed by Israeli citizens. The status can be revoked for taking up residence in the Palestinian Authority or abroad. The policy of mass revocations has been in place for more than a decade. It began in 1995, toward the end of Eli Suissa's tenure as director of the Jerusalem District at the Interior Ministry…Suissa was instrumental in making it harder for East Jerusalem residents to acquire construction permits, causing a serious housing shortage among Arabs in the city. This forced many Jerusalem Arabs to seek housing elsewhere, losing their permanent residency status…”
http://www.haaretz.com/hasen/spages/874136.html

“Christians in the Holy Land Need Your Help”, Background and FAQ’s on Mount of Olives Housing Project: Providing Homes and Hopes for Palestinian Christians in Jerusalem, The Lutheran World Federation, the Evangelical Lutheran Church in Jordan and the Holy Land, and the Kaiserin Auguste Victoria Foundation, June 7, 2007

“In 1946 there were 31,400 Christians living in Jerusalem along with 93,000 Jews and 35,000 Muslims.  Today there are over 400,000 Jews, 200,000 Muslims, but less than 10,000 Christians.  While the Jewish and Muslim populations have grown significantly, it appears that in the coming decades there could be virtually no Palestinian Christians living in Jerusalem.   The shortage of affordable housing in Jerusalem is a key factor contributing to the departure of many Christians. An empowered Christian minority will play an important role in building a modern and democratic Palestinian society and state.  Palestinian Christians and their churches, schools, and health services often play peace-keeping roles between the Israelis and Palestinians. Enabling Christians to continue to live in Jerusalem is crucial to strengthening Jerusalem as a city of peace shared by Jews, Christians, and Muslims and to promoting peace and reconciliation among Jews, Christians, and Muslims around the world.  The Lutheran World Federation (LWF), the Evangelical Lutheran Church in Jordan and the Holy Land (ELCJHL), and the Kaiserin Auguste Victoria Foundation (KAVF) are addressing the need for housing through the construction of 84 apartments on the LWF property on the Mount of Olives…This solution will enable many Palestinian Jerusalemites to maintain their Jerusalem residency that holds with it many rights, including the right to work and live in Jerusalem and to move freely within its boundaries…When completed, this project will not only offer hope to many Christian Palestinian families, but will also be a visible reminder to every Jerusalemite that there is hope for a lasting peace.” 

http://www.lwfjerusalem.org/housing%20project%20jerusalem.html

See FAQ’s at: http://www.lwfjerusalem.org/mohp%20frequently%20asked%20questions.html

 “Is Jerusalem hotbed for radicals?, Neglect of east Jerusalem could lead to Hamas takeover there too”, Amos Gil, Ynet News, July 3, 2007

“One of the questions that have emerged from Hamas’ Gaza takeover is whether a similar scenario could take place in other locations as well. Is the West Bank too, five minutes from the town of Kfar Saba, in danger? And even more worrisome, can such a nightmare scenario materialize in Israel’s capital, five minutes from the Knesset?  Those who walk through the streets of east Jerusalem these days won’t notice the problem right away. Seemingly, the streets are quiet and free of violence. Only on occasion do we see reports of gatherings, demonstrations, and protests. Everything is fine. For the time being…In recent years, Israel has increasingly tightened its chokehold around east Jerusalem Arabs. The population’s situation deteriorates with each passing day. The city, which used to be the West Bank’s economic capital, was severed from it following the construction of the separation fence. The separation from the West Bank on the one hand and the neglect on the part of the State and city hall on the other, led to a drastic decline in Palestinian Jerusalemites’ standard of living and turned many of them into poor people who require welfare support… All of the above may turn east Jerusalem into a hotbed for radical elements. Take a relatively small population group, disconnected from West Bank realities and the Fatah government and hungry for social services and some kind of body that will assume responsibility for the situation – and there you have a fertile ground for the emergence of an alternative that would not be to Israel’s liking, possibly similar to the one in the Gaza Strip...”

http://www.ynetnews.com/Ext/Comp/ArticleLayout/CdaArticlePrintPreview/1,2506,L-3420471,00.html

5. Humanitarian Update: The Situation in Gaza

The recent fighting between Fatah and Hamas and the dissolution of the Palestinian unity government has created a new and complex reality for those trying to meet the basic human needs of the Palestinian people.  The international community has resumed aid to the new Palestinian government under Palestinian President Abbas, while the Gaza Strip following the Hamas takeover remains generally isolated, with increased risk of humanitarian crisis and radicalization.  Below are recent statements and articles regarding the current situation in Gaza. 

“The Palestinians in Gaza must not become a forgotten people, cut off from the outside world. Whatever the political or military situation in Gaza, innocent Palestinian civilians must not pay the cost…” - Caritas Internationalis Secretary General Lesley-Anne Knight, June 22, 2007

“…to help ease the suffering of all Palestinians, especially those in Gaza, we intend to contribute $40 million to the United Nations Relief and Works Agency. We will not leave one and a half million Palestinians at the mercy of terrorist organizations…”  - Secretary of State Rice, June 18, 2007

“…We have been very, very attentive to the needs of the -- humanitarian needs of Gaza and we will continue to provide everything that is necessary in order to meet these humanitarian needs. Israel will not be indifferent to the human suffering in Gaza…”  - Israeli Prime Minister Olmert, June 19, 2007        

“…Quartet Principals shared their deep concern over the welfare and security of all Palestinians -- especially those in Gaza, whose lives have been most seriously affected by the ongoing crisis. The Quartet expressed its support for efforts to meet the humanitarian needs of Palestinians and called for respect for the human rights of all those in Gaza and the safety and security of international workers. It called for an urgent end to the violence, and the cooperation of all parties to ensure appropriate security and access conditions for the passage of humanitarian goods and personnel both within the Gaza Strip and at key crossing points…”  - Quartet Statement, June 16, 2007                                                

“Concern for Gaza patients who cannot go abroad for treatment”, IRIN, July 2, 2007    

“Many Palestinian patients in the Gaza Strip have been unable to access health care and advanced medical treatment since 9 June, when the Rafah crossing to Egypt was closed.  The medical infrastructure in Gaza is not able to provide certain services to its residents, including many types of surgery, and the Palestinian ministry of health refers patients to hospitals in countries such as Egypt and Israel.  According to the World Health Organization (WHO), in 2003 some 7,844 cases were referred abroad, of which 62.5 percent were sent to Egypt for treatment via Rafah. Now, this option no longer exists. ‘The WHO is concerned about access for patients who need to travel for treatment,’ said Mahmoud Daher from the WHO in Gaza…”
http://www.irinnews.org/Report.aspx?ReportId=73031

“Gaza gets supplies, despite closures, bombs”, Alastair Macdonald, Reuters, June 29, 2007

“The trucks are there, piled high with foreign foodstuffs. There's a grinding of gears, dust, hand signals and a man with a clipboard, waving load after load through the heavy frontier gate.  But there the similarities end between the border crossing from Israel to the Gaza Strip and your typical international freight transit station. Spot the Israeli tanks. And the curious absence of anyone visible on the Palestinian side of the fence.  Two weeks after Hamas Islamists seized control of Gaza and were banished from the Palestinian government, the enclave's isolation has deepened, its main passenger and freight terminals are firmly shut and some supplies are dwindling on the shelves.  Yet some vital stocks are getting through, in novel ways -- including dropping flour, cooking oil, sugar and other produce in fenced-off, guarded fields for Palestinians to retrieve once Israeli truckers have left or, in the latest case, piling wheat on a cross-border conveyer belt intended for shipping gravel.  It is not enough, U.N. officials say, warning of a looming ‘humanitarian crisis’. The Israeli army says its doing what it can while facing attack from bombs and mortars on the frontier…”

http://www.alertnet.org/thenews/newsdesk/MAC827477.htm

See Also: “Aid agencies warn of humanitarian crisis in Gaza”, Reuters, June 22, 2007

“Summer Days for Children in Gaza”, News Release from the United Nations Relief and Works Agency, East Jerusalem, June 27, 2007

“Say the word ‘Gaza’ and you think of death, destruction, poverty and despair, which is sadly the reality for the entire population living in the costal strip. However, the United Nations Relief and Works Agency, UNRWA, is endeavoring to mitigate the worst effects of the current crisis not just with the provision of food, medicine and other vital assistance to sustain life, but also through wider and creative human development initiatives aimed at improving the quality of life for its beneficiaries, with a particular focus on youth. The Agency’s two pronged summer programs for children is an excellent example of creativity and staff dedication in the face of what would seem insurmountable challenges. ‘Summer Games’, delayed by one week because of the recent fighting is now fully underway, involving nearly two hundred thousand children in a broad range of recreational and educational activities. In addition, the ‘Summer Learning’ program, also up and running, providing Forty Two Thousand children who underperformed in their recent examinations with a chance to catch up and achieve their full academic potential through daily remedial classes for the next two months…”

http://www.un.org/unrwa/news/releases/pr-2007/jer_27Jun07.pdf

“The United States Government's Contribution to UNRWA 2007 Emergency Appeal for West Bank and Gaza”, Fact Sheet, Office of the Spokesman, Washington, DC, June 21, 2007         

“The United States announces its intent to contribute an additional $40 million to the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA) 2007 Emergency Appeal for West Bank and Gaza. This contribution will ensure that Palestinian refugees, who comprise 70 percent of the population in Gaza and 30 percent in the West Bank, will receive urgently needed food, medicines, and other critical emergency assistance…”       

http://www.state.gov/r/pa/prs/ps/2007/jun/86955.htm

“Caritas says humanitarian access must be guaranteed in Gaza”, Caritas Internationalis Press Release, Vatican City, June 22, 2007

“Caritas has re-started its medical operations in the Gaza Strip, which had been suspended after a week of violence in Palestine. But Caritas says innocent civilians trapped by the fighting along the Gaza border must have access to humanitarian aid. Palestinians in Gaza rely on fuel, food, and medicine imported through Israel to survive. The Israeli government controls the borders and Caritas says they must ensure that these crucial supplies still get through.    The Caritas Confederation works through Caritas Jerusalem. They operate a medical centre and a mobile medical clinic that works in six specific areas in Gaza, providing healthcare to 20,000 people.  Operations resumed last Saturday after a week of fighting between Hamas and Fatah parties left Hamas in control of the Gaza Strip. Caritas staff warned that while they have supplies for two months, Gaza does not have enough in storage to survive a long closure of its borders…”

http://www.caritas.org/jumpNews.asp?idLang=ENG&idChannel=3&idUser=0&idNews=5146

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