Stranglehold on Gaza tightens

Glebe activist and author Donna Mulhearn was shocked at what she saw on her first visit to Gaza last month. Part of an international contingent whose aim it was to end the unforgiving blockade that even stops children having access to pens and pencils in schools, Mulhearn, a human shield during the invasion of Iraq, was not prepared for the complete deprivation endured by the people of Gaza.

That blockade is due to get worse after Egypt increased its efforts to destroy the tunnels that are now the only route for goods to enter the Gazan strip.

“There is total reliance of the 1.5 million people of Gaza on the tunnels to Egypt,” Mulhearn said. “Everything they’re using – their entire economy – is built around the tunnels. Otherwise they don’t have anything: no tissues, no soap. A whole industry has developed around the tunnels because of the illegal and immoral blockade.

“A staggering 82 per cent of Gazans are now dependent on food aid. It doesn’t have to be that way, and it never used to be. They had a thriving fruit export industry that has now collapsed because of lack of access to raw materials and even tools and parts needed to repair farm machinery. This is imposed poverty.”

The 1500-strong international contingent brought in a semitrailer load of provisions, including urgent aid and medical equipment.

“We wanted to show solidarity with the people of Gaza who are waiting patiently for someone to give a damn, for the international community to act,” Mulhearn said.

The initiative gained international attention after the Egyptian authorities withdrew permission at the last minute for the activists to enter Gaza, a move that also attracted a lot of local support in Cairo as the activists defied orders and continued with protests such as candlelight vigils.

In the end the authorities allowed 100 people, including five Australians, to enter Gaza.

Mulhearn said it was important to raise awareness about the issue. “People in Sydney can inform themselves and lobby their MPs to act. World leaders are failing the people of Gaza and remaining silent on a siege that is illegal under international law. That represents collective punishment – it’s really worth a letter to your local MP,” Mulhearn said.

Mulhearn’s book Ordinary Courage was launched at the Centre for Peace and Conflict at Sydney University on February 2.