African scholars and scholars of Africa–We, the undersigned African scholars and scholars of Africa, hold that silence about the latest humanitarian catastrophe caused by Israel’s new military assault on the Gaza Strip—the third and most devastating in six years—constitutes complicity. Member state of NATO which mounted an air war on Libya ostensibly to protect civilians in Benghazi have been by and large quiet about the fate of civilians in Gaza. World governments and mainstream media do not hold Israel accountable for its violations of international law. We, however, as a community of scholars have a moral responsibility to do so. dn
Yuval Avivi–“I reached the conclusion that if I don’t do it now, it will never happen,” says Sharon, a man in his 40s who lives in the center of Israel. “I don’t see hope for this country. I never felt that I belonged and now it’s more than ever. I have had it with this place.” dn
Samer Badawi–While prospects for a negotiated end to the Israeli blockade of Gaza remain bleak, making use of the existing sea passage to Gaza could offer a way forward for all parties, including Egypt. dn
Nadia Khomani–Cries of `Free Palestine` and `Shame on you, Barack Obama` as 20,000 people protest in London. Demonstrations in Manchester, Edinburgh and Dublin too. dn
Dahlia Scheindlin–An IDF reservist was arrested Wednesday and sentenced to 21 days in military prison for refusing to serve in Operation Protective Edge (photo: Activestills.org)dn
Alaa` Odeh–Palestinians leave home looking for basic rights, including security and stability, but face consistent obstacles abroad, including rejection due to their identity. During times of war, Palestinians struggle to find opportunity, while watching the Israel’s violence and oppression from afar. This is the story of only one such Palestinian.dn
Jason Burke in Gaza City–Hamas officials in Gaza have threatened a “major escalation” of rocket strikes against Israel, raising fears of a return to the intense violence of recent weeks. dn
Gideon Levy and Alex Levac–Maria Amman, a young Gazan who was severely disabled in a 2006 missile attack that killed her mother and other relatives, spent the Gaza war in Israel while her family back home suffered. dn
