1984年出版与印刷法令

1月5日, 5名在野党助选员, 因为张贴针对副首相纳吉的蒙古女郎阿旦杜亚肖像海报, 結果遭到警方钟馗捉鬼般的逮捕! 据报道, 警方是援引《1984年出版与印刷法令》逮捕他们.

不過這海報如何與此法令扯上关系? 难道那张海报真的会引发族群紧张或社会动荡, 所以尽责的警方才出此下策?

1月11日, 瓜登唐人街开始流传一系列抨击公正党实权领袖安华的马来文彩色卡通传单.

但是, 逮捕人民如此有效率的警方去了哪里? 我们有看到他们任何的行动吗? 難道這些傳單就沒有引发族群紧张或社会动荡的可能性嗎?

非法集会

1月2日, 槟州300名回教徒集体走上街游行, 谴责以色列近期对巴勒斯坦加沙地带展开的空袭. 约20名警员在场驻守, 并未干预游行, 只在旁协助维持交通.

同一天, 巫青团副团长凯里率領各大政黨青年組織200人, 示威遊行到巴勒斯坦大使館. 同樣, 約20名在現場的警方也無阻止示威行動.

1月9日, 在甘榜巴鲁回教堂的约200人的示威集会中, 一些人群更焚烧美国与以色列的国旗, 导致交通阻塞大约10分钟, 不过没有任何警员在场干预.

同一天, 大约5千人游行至美国大使馆, 进行抗议. 同樣, 抗议顺利.

萬萬沒想到就在1月10日, 非政府组织在吉隆坡独立广场舉辦的烛光反战集会, 却遭到约百名镇暴队员的镇压及驱散约200名的集会者. 警方称此集会非法, 结果21名集会者遭逮捕.

在此想要問大馬警方, 為何人民集會的自由也沒有? 你們的逮捕法令的標準是甚麼? 難道之前所有的示威遊行都合法嗎? 難道焚燒別個國家的國旗就不會導致族群紧张或社会动蕩嗎? 為何導致交通阻塞的示威行動卻沒有警方的干預? 5000人的聚會可以, 200人的卻不行? 一句非法就逮捕, 一句《1984年出版与印刷法令》就逮捕, 這合理嗎?

放假, 改天再來

1月10日, 公正党宣传主任蔡添强投诉警方连续两天以“放假”为由, 拒绝处理竞选讲座会准证的申请.

“放假”, 这真是太好的理由了! 要申请准证, 你说放假. 没有准证, 你就逮捕. 在此借用蔡添强的话, “如果我要报案, 警方是不是也会说今天放假, 而拒绝接受报案?”

對於大馬的警察制度, 若要投訴, 實在有太多太多可以投訴了! ANTI-ISA, BERSIH, HINDRAF, JERIT等聚會中各種千奇百怪的逮捕花招, 真讓我們對大馬警方徹底絕望!

夠了, 實在是夠了! 人民要的是公正執行任務的警方, 而不是一群只會伸手拿錢, 卻毫無真正辦事效率的警方. 這與“垃圾”有何不同? 別忘了你們也是靠你們所逮捕的無辜百姓吃飯的!

所有KT投票人士, 國陣候選人旺阿末法立已經表明支持內安法令. 他若當選, 大馬的警方制度就不會有改善.

為了老百姓們的將來, 為了這 “有趣” 的馬來西亞的名譽, 你們一定要給國陣一點顏色瞧瞧.

讓我們效法馬哈迪醫生的號召, 以行動來抗議國陣制度下的警察制度. 來一個真正的 “Malaysia Boleh”! 讓我們一步一步幫助民聯執政, 來改善馬來西亞!

Picture from Bloomberg

“Ex-prime minister Dr Mahathir Mohamad said Malaysians “will not die if they do not use the US goods” and urged those working for US companies such as fast-food giant McDonalds to quit their jobs.” Quoted from Malaysiakini.com on Jan 9 – “Quit your jobs, Dr M tells McDonald’s, Starbucks workers”

The following are some interesting responses from Malaysiakini’s readers reacting to the calls of the former PM:

“If they quit their jobs, is he going to employ all these jobless people in his bakery, ‘The Loaf’?” CH Siew

“He should also tell the government hospitals to stop supplying life-saving drugs from American drug giants to Malaysians.” CH Siew

“Would it not be better if Mahathir could set a good example and sell off his ranch and properties in the US and tell his friends to close down their businesses here?” Dian Abdullah

“Welcome to the real world! There is no such thing as US goods or Malaysian goods or British goods or Japanese goods. In this 21st century, almost all goods produced are either sourced from or manufactured in many different countries.” Malaysian

“We can stop trading with them…oops! Sorry, if we do so, our economy will be in trouble, as they are a major trading partner… We can stop allowing Hollywood movies into the country…oops! Sorry, then where would we get our entertainment?” Malaysian

“Why stop at McDonald’s, Starbucks, and Coca-Cola? …Try Seagate, Western Digital, Intel, Agilent, Altera, Flextronics, Citibank, AIG, First Solar, Nike, etc…Those are only on jobs. Now let us move on to products. There’s Microsoft Windows, Apple iPods, Intel and AMD’s microprocessors, Cisco Switches and routers, Kraft foods, Motorola phones, Pepsi, etc.” Hamisu

“Would this stop the Israelis? Or would this stop the US from supporting Israel? It would only backfire as it would affect local employment.” Shanmugaraja Ramasamy

“How about the thousands of Malaysian students sponsored by the government studying in the US? Are we going ask them to come back? How about the millions of Malaysian computers that run on Microsoft software? Are we going to throw them away?” Shanmugaraja Ramasamy

“In 2006, Malaysia was the 10th largest trading partner of the U.S. with a trade balance of RM158.1 billion which represents 16 percent of Malaysia’s trade activity, with exports to the U.S. of RM102.3 billion or 18.8 percent of Malaysia’s total trade. According to government statistics, the U.S. was the fourth largest foreign investor in 2006, with RM8.5 billion in FDI (Foreign Direct Investment) approvals, and is the largest foreign investor on a cumulative basis, with over RM105.4 billion of capital invested in the Malaysian economy. The biggest contributor to the growth in trade between Malaysian and the U.S would be the semiconductor industry. In 2006, the Malaysian American Electronics Industry (MAEI) employed more than 54,000 workers here.” Jonathon Ong

今年，大马的三大中文电台都发行了各自的贺岁专辑。第一个听到的当然是大马收听率最高的中文电台-MYFM的《庆祝》，旋律和歌词与一般的新年歌也有点不一样，强调农历新年是值得庆祝不是因为要发财，或者因为我们已经成功了才庆祝，人生还是有许多值得庆祝的，所以应该珍惜身边的每一个事与物。

另一个中文电台-988，歌词攘括了一般新年歌该唱，该说的内容。另一个是历史最久的中文电台，以前称为第五台，现称：”爱”FM（AIFM）。今年AIFM的《回家，过年》，是一首具有马来西亚华人背景的一首新年歌曲。尤其是经过了2008年这许多的事，政局的改变，经济的震荡及天灾的侵袭，再加上去年发生了“华人寄居论”事件，更是让我听到AIFM的这一首新年歌时，激起了心中许多的感慨与感伤，眼泪不禁的就夺眶而出。这一首新年歌唱出了许多大马华人的心声。我们每年都说回家过年，但我们的家在哪？马来西亚这一片土地就是我们的家，大马华人在这一片土地过年都已过了三代，不是三年。我们的家在哪？每一个回乡过年的游子们，心中都清楚地知道马来西亚就是他们的家。但有时，却听到许多异族的国民却喊着”Balik  ke China”，巫文：”回去中国”，既意要大马的华人回中国。在中国，我们没有家，谈何”回”呢？我们的家在马来西亚。每年我们是回家过年，但不是回中国过年。我们可能会因为旅行而去中国过年，但却对不是会中国过年。

马来西亚独立已有半百的岁月，对于入大学的固打制，我们逆来顺受，对于经济分配制，我们自己默默耕耘。虽然知道这一切的制度长远来说并不能带来真正的进步和繁荣，因这样的制度只会缓慢国家的发展，我们只有剩下落后的路可走。我们也已经退忍了20年，但现在你却还要叫我们回中国？你说2020年宏愿计划将会把我们的祖国马来西亚塑造成一个先进国，到时马来西亚将会是马来西亚人的马来西亚。希望有一天你能把我当成真正的马来西亚人。

感言：

在世上我们没有别的家，马来西亚就是我们的家。

在世上我虽寄居在异国，马来西亚却是我的祖国。

在世上我们虽是不同族，马来西亚却是我们的家。

我虽身在异乡，但心却在家乡。

祝大家新年平安喜乐。

Merdekablog.com

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[youtube width="400" height="300"]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QuBhVZ_bHx0[/youtube]

《回家，过年》歌词

作曲 / 编曲：Alex San

作词：吉安

MV导演：吉安

演唱：爱FM DJ（国俊、理强、佳文、吉安、晓芬、碧枝、敏明 ），满江浤

一年又一年 这座城市的喧哗

谁还在欢唱 谁不再反抗

一站又一站 站在自己的车站

一面都是墙 一退就是让

一年又一年 这座城市换红衫

谁还在欢唱 谁不再反抗

一代又一代 先贤锣鼓走过来

家在土里长 国在心里放

你来自北方 我来自南方

你不是寄居 我不是流浪

你身在异乡 我心在家乡

只求你我都心宽

但愿年年内心安

过年已过了三代   上一代靠岸 下 一代上岸

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

[youtube width="400" height="300"]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6ai0VwB7gPY[/youtube]

请继续阅读

[youtube width="400" height="300"]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9NP7mPSAf3I[/youtube] [youtube width="400" height="300"]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GkBZVTgx5ak[/youtube]

[youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kjhJjs_teKA[/youtube]

And there was even the comparison of the casualties among Palestinians and Israelites. I want to be clear that I do not support Israel’s attack, but I have several questions for all readers.

Looking into mankind’s history, in what ways were majority of the countries on this earth formed? By what means was a stronger party able to control the weaker party? Let’s look at some examples. How was United States of America formed?

Why did the US decide to take the action she took against the two cities in Japan during World War II? When we claim that we are the natives of a nation, are we sure that we really are? How many countries can we see where the natives have lost their lands to occupiers? How was Islam spread across the world?

So hearing of people criticising Israel because of the Zionist movement in the late 19th century that led to the conflict today, my question is, ‘If we really want to talk about history, do you think a lot of the wars or actions throughout mankind’s history were proportionate and justifiable?’

Imagine this, if one day the natives of a nation start attacking the occupants and asked for power to be handed back to them, do you think their request is defensible?

What I want to say is, looking into our history, there are so many things that are arguable and do not fit today’s humanitarian standards, especially when the situation is so much more complicated as that involving Israel and Palestine.

Also, when we criticise the attack of Israel against Palestine, is it all Israel’s fault? Are all bombings from the Palestinians, or actually Hamas, justified? If a truce had been agreed upon, was digging a tunnel into Israel justified?

Shouldn’t Hamas have known of the serious risk of digging a tunnel? Also, why do Hamas hide among the civilians? Shouldn’t they have known that an attack against them could result in a massive casualty of civilians?

What is self-defense? What would you do if your neighbor keeps assaulting you? Let’s be clear that Israel’s target is not Palestinians but Hamas. Again, I do not support Israel’s attack since it has led to a serious humanitarian crisis.

On one hand, I think there should have been talks before the attack; on the other hand we are have two parties that just hate each other so much that to sit and talk thing is hardly a feasible thing in this case.

But we still need a sustainable cease fire as soon as possible since the real victims are the civilians of the two nations.

For more comments on this post, please go to:

http://www.facebook.com/topic.php?uid=23252763009&topic=8238&post=53086

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缴付400多万元 槟解除金务大停工令 2009/01/07 18:24:15

●南洋商报

（槟城7日讯）随著双线电动火车轨道计划承建公司金务大，缴付400多万令吉给州政府后，槟州政府今日宣布解除金务大的停工令。

槟州首席部长林冠英说，如果对方没有在农历新年前缴清340万4127令吉余款，州政府仍会发出另一次的停工令。

林冠英周三在行政议会后召开记者会时说，他是在昨晚接见金务大3名董事后，接受对方的解释并同意解除禁令；州政府也对金务大的诚信有信心，相信金务大会遵守承诺缴清余款。

金务大总共须缴付743万6227令吉给州政府及威省市议会，其中420万令吉是金务大接获停工令仍继续施工的罚款。

这笔罚款是从停工令发出后1天2000令吉计算，由于工程涉及33个工地加上64个停工日，总额是420万令吉。

林冠英说，州政府对金务大所采取的行动是很明确的，就是捍卫人民利益和州政府的权力。

“一些人对州政府的作法有其他意见，比如槟州反对党领袖阿查哈就抨击州政府这么做含有政治动机，不过我认为，反对党这是趁机会把事件政治化，同时在鸡蛋里挑骨头。”

不满征地赔偿额

林冠英则反驳，如果州政府真的含有政治动机，早在金务大”没进图，就施工”的情况下采取行动。

他补充，槟州政府过后在12月26日发出停工令，是基于金务大答应按照程序补呈图测又食言，州政府为了维护法律才这么做。

针对槟州政府不满意金务大征用土地的赔偿额，林冠英说，现在球是在金务大脚下，州政府尚在等待金务大的答复。

On Tell the politicians: ISA goes or you go!

Mooshie Mooshie: We are baffled at what is being said by the home minister, that the ISA is to reform and not punish.

So, fellow citizens just because you try to tell the government that they are wrong or expose seditious comments by Umno in Penang or counter some false allegation concocted by a certain menteri besar – you will be arrested under ISA to be ‘reformed’.

We thought the ISA was to counter terrorists. But now the ISA is for ‘reform’. Please help, somebody.

On KT by-election: Nomination today

Yih Feng Low: A total of 400 policemen were sent in 2007 to help Johor fight crime.

But 7,000 policemen were sent to ensure BN wins the by-election in Kuala Terengganu.

Tells you exactly where the priorities of the Malaysian government are at.

On Pakatan, don’t ignore your responsibilities

Alexander Ho: The political tsunami that swept through our local political scene last March and recently in the Permatang Pauh by-election where the opposition Pakatan Rakyat leader Anwar Ibrahim won convincingly proves that the majority of the Malays are also looking for change and reform.

Despite the opposition coalition’s objective of creating a ‘Malaysia for all’, abolishing the NEP and giving the non Malays equal rights, it is still getting tremendous support from the Malays judging from these two elections.

A big kudos to the Malays who voted for them. This proves that you are willing to compete evenly, work and grow together as one, don’t see the benefits of NEP as only for the Malay community and willing to work harder and not to be spoon-fed by the government.

We, on behalf of the non Malays salute you! Let us strive as one to get rid of our existing race- based political parties. Let us work, think, cooperate and grow as one regardless of colour, religion and race.

On Fighting rages in Gaza City

Pro-Peace: I pity the Palestinian.

Who have to undergo bombing when all Hamas has to do is to stop firing rockets at Israel.

Who have to endure food shortages because money donated is being used to buy weapons.

Who have to fear bombing of their homes because they live next door to Hamas terrorists

Who can no longer worship in the mosques as they have been turned into storage facilities for rockets.

Who have to endure hardships when the Hamas live comparative comfortable lives.

Who have to suffer an invasion by the Israel army while the Hamas leaders go into hiding.

Who are not able to live in peace because of Hamas who fires rockets constantly into Israel towns.

Whose children are not able to have a safe childhood.

I really pity the Palestinians.

On Israeli army the Mid-East’s greatest terror agent

Rahul Mehrotra: Yes, we condemn the ISA, yes we fret the wastage of taxpayers’ money, yes we worry about corruption; but ever stop to think to why? Because these issues affect us as Malaysians directly.

Now how the Palestinian and Israeli conflict affects you as a Malaysian, whether Muslim or not, I fail to understand. A vast majority of Malaysians, particularly Muslims, are quick to get angry over the Israel-Palestine issue without even bothering to understand the intricacies of the situation that exists in the Middle East.

I am willing to bet half of them can’t even point out where Israel/Palestine is, or explain the history behind the conflict. Yet, the same people will jump at the opportunity to vent their anger over the Issue.

I’m not here to comment on whether Israel is right or whether Palestine is being wronged, that is a whole different topic; but let’s just take a step back and look at the writer’s comments: ‘And then certain people have the guts to question why Sept 11 occurred in the first place’.

So, are you actually justifying Sept 11? My question to you is, and to any other Malaysian Muslims out there is this: ‘Where were all the protests when Sept 11 happened? Where were all the protests from Malaysian Muslims when multiple incidents of Islamic terrorism occured/ are occuring throughout the world?’

What does it take to come out in the open and condemn all incidents of terrorism or violence? Or is it only the attacks against Muslims that deserve attention? Silence is consent so don’t go around expecting sympathy.

Downloaded from Malaysiakini Vox Populi, Jan 6, 2009.

]]> http://merdekablog.com/?feed=rss2&p=144 0 http://merdekablog.com/?p=119 http://merdekablog.com/?p=119#comments Mon, 05 Jan 2009 06:53:08 +0000 tianng http://merdekablog.com/wpmu/?p=119 Continue reading →]]> I refer to the Malaysiakini report Protest against Israel turns into war of words.

It said Khairy Jamaluddin led a group of people to protest outside the Palestine embassy to show their support against the Israeli air strikes in Gaza.

‘I am here to tell you that we, Malaysians – Muslims and non-Muslims – want to show our support to the Palestinians as this concerns humanitarian and economic issues. This is about unity, freedom and justice of the Palestinians,’ said Khairy.

Based on what was said, I have several questions for Khairy:

Regarding the support for Palestinians, since it is concerns humanitarian and economic issues, my question is: ‘Where were you when you heard the voices of your own people, crying out to the government asking for political justice and equal treatment?’

I am sure you must be aware of the actions of your own party and how your fellow Malaysians have suffered the violence of various actions and racist remarks coming from your party.

The point is – are you showing favouritism towards the Palestinians, but not extending your hands out to all victims of the current BN policies? They would love to have you fight for them too!

When you said you support Palestine, and in addition to the RM100,000 humanitarian aid, did you also mean that you support every form of action that Palestine (or actually Hamas) has been taking against Israel?

For instance, the multiple suicide bombings and the infringement of the cease-fire truce with Israel and also their plan to take further revenge against Israel.

Do you really know what led to the chaos in Gaza? What made Israel carry out the assault? Have you looked into the history of the conflict?

Imagine this scenario. If Sabahans get so frustrated with the local Filipinos and start attacking the illegal immigrants there, and the Philippines launches an attack, with the support of her allies, against Malaysia.

Would you condemn the behaviour of her allies for being ignorant of the problems the illegal Filipinos have posed to the local Sabahans? So, have you ever wondered why Hamas is named a terrorist organisation by many countries?

What’s your claim of ‘Support from Malaysians – Muslims and non-Muslims’ based on? Do you have the signatures from the majority of Malaysians? Who are you to represent all of us?

Be realistic, you are not favourable to many Malaysians, including the fellows of your own party. Allow me to borrow a line from Fong Poh Kuan, MP of Batu Gajah: ‘Find a mirror or a pail of water to see yourself’. Really, you need a thorough introspection.

Did you apply for a permit for the protest? Where were the police? Shouldn’t they have arrested you because of the potential risk the protest could have posed to the national security? Not everyone in Malaysia is pro-Palestine!

Don’t get me wrong, I do not oppose the protest since Malaysians should have the right to hold a peaceful gathering. I am just deeply disappointed at the double standard held by our government. Could you please help me to verify this? Thank you!

Please go to the following link for the rest of the videos:

http://www.youtube.com/user/tianng

To view more comments: http://mt.m2day.org/2008/content/view/16658/84/

The group came into being in December 1987, growing out of the Muslim Brotherhood, the religious and political organization founded in Egypt. Its goal is an Islamic fundamentalist Palestinian state. It is considered a terrorist organizations by Israel and the United States.

Hamas is an acronym for “Harakat Al-Muqawama Al-Islamia” or Islamic Resistance Movement, in English. The group was primarily a religious and charitable organization between the 1960s and 1980s. It has wings devoted to religious, military, political and security activities.

Hamas has an annual budget of $70 million, according to the Council on Foreign Relations. It gets financial support from expatriate Palestinians, private donors in the Middle East, Muslim charities in the West, and Iran.

Here are some notable events in its 21-year history:

1988 – The covenant of the Islamic Resistance Movement is published. The group presents itself as an alternative to the PLO.

1989 – An Israeli court convicts Hamas leader Sheikh Ahmed Yassin of ordering Hamas members to kidnap and kill two Israeli soldiers.

April 1994 – Hamas orchestrates its first suicide bombing. Five are killed in the Israeli city of Hedera.

February to March 1996 – The Palestinian Authority cracks down on Hamas, after a series of Hamas-orchestrated suicide bombings in Israel kill more than 50 people. Palestinian President Yasser Arafat condemns the bombings, referring to them as “a terrorist operation.” Later, the PNA arrests approximately 140 suspected Hamas members.

1997 – Hamas leader Sheikh Ahmed Yassin is released from prison.

1999 – King Abdullah of Jordan closes down Hamas headquarters in Jordan.

2001 – The U.S. State Department lists Hamas on its official list of terrorist groups.

June 12, 2003 – A suicide bomber disguised as an ultra-orthodox Jew detonates himself on a Jerusalem bus, killing 16 Israelis. Hamas claims responsibility.

August 20, 2003 – A suicide bomber detonates himself on a bus killing at least 20 Israelis. Hamas and Islamic Jihad claim responsibility.

January 2004 – The first Hamas female suicide bomber kills four Israelis at Erez crossing in a joint operation with the Al-Aqsa Martyrs Brigades.

March 14, 2004 – Hamas and the Al-Aqsa Martyrs Brigades claim responsibility for a double attack at the Israeli port of Ashdod that kills 10 Israelis.

March 22, 2004 – Hamas leader Yassin is killed by Israeli air strikes.

March 23, 2004 – Dr. Abdel Aziz Rantisi is named as Yassin’s successor.

April 17, 2004 – Rantisi is killed by an Israeli air strike on his car.

August 31, 2004 – The Islamic militant group Hamas claims responsibility for deadly simultaneous explosions on two buses in the southern Israeli city of Beer Sheva that killed at least 14 people and wounding more than 80.

September 26, 2004 – A leading member of Hamas, Izz Eldin Subhi Sheikh Khalil, is killed by a car bomb as he leaves his home in Damascus, Syria.

December 12, 2004 – An attack at a checkpoint on the border between the Gaza Strip and Egypt kills five Israelis. Hamas claims responsibility.

January 14, 2005 – A bomb at the Karni crossing at the Israel-Gaza border kills six Israelis. Hamas claims responsibility.

January 25, 2006 – Hamas, running as the “Change and Reform Party,” participates for the first time in Palestinian parliamentary elections. The group is fielding 62 candidates.

January 26, 2006 – Hamas wins a landslide victory in the Palestinian legislative elections. Hamas wins 76 seats, and Fatah 43 seats in the 132-seat Palestinian Legislative Council, giving Hamas a majority.

March 29, 2006 – The new Palestinian Prime Minister, Ismail Haniya, and his cabinet are sworn in. The governments of the United States and Canada say they will have no contact with the Hamas-led Palestinian government.

June 25, 2006 – Hamas militants attack an Israeli military post and kill two soldiers. A third, Gilad Shalit, is kidnapped. The Palestinian government denies any knowledge of the attack.

Early June 2007 – After a week of battles between Hamas and Fatah, Hamas seizes control of Gaza. Read a profile of Gaza

June 14, 2007 – Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas dissolves the government and dismisses Ismail Haniya as Prime Minister. Haniya rejects this and remains the de facto leader in Gaza.

April 18-19, 2008 – Former U.S. President Jimmy Carter meets with exiled Hamas leader Khalid Meshaal, in Damascus, Syria.

June 2008 – Cease-fire truce between Hamas and Israel negotiated by Egypt goes into effect. Hamas agrees to stop firing rockets at Israeli border communities and Israel will allow limited trade into and out of Gaza. The cease-fire has a six-month deadline.

December 19, 2008 – Hamas formally ends cease-fire with Israel. Attacks between the two had continued the entire time to some degree, escalating more in November.

From December 24, 2008 – The rocket attacks from Hamas increase and so do the retaliation air strikes from Israel.

Downloaded from CNN World News, updated on Dec 30, 2008

Jewish settlers declared the formation of the state of Israel in 1948 and surrounding Arab nations invaded. During the war, Egypt gained control of Gaza. Hundreds of thousands of Palestinian refugees fled Israeli-controlled territory and many ended up in refugee camps in Egyptian-controlled Gaza.

In 1950, the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA) began administering aid and social services to these refugees.

Israel took control of Gaza during the Six-Day War in 1967, which marked the beginning of a long Israeli occupation.

In 1994, Gaza became partly autonomous as a result of the Oslo Peace Accords. A Palestinian government was elected in 1996 but many issues remained unresolved, leading to violence between Israel and Palestinians and even Palestinians and Palestinians.

Israel pulled out of Gaza in 2005, but has maintained control over much of the territory’s borders along with its territorial waters and airspace.

Israel imposed an economic blockade after Hamas seized control of the territory from its secular rival, Fatah in 2007. Israel tightened those sanctions because of ongoing rocket fire at Israeli towns, it said. Meanwhile, Egypt also sealed its crossing with Gaza.

The tightened controls made it difficult for food, water, medical supplies and other essentials to reach the population. International aid has kept the Palestinian economy afloat during the years of violence. The World Bank estimates that the West Bank and Gaza received almost $1 billion a year in international economic aid to alleviate hardship.

Under an Egyptian-brokered cease-fire in June, Hamas agreed to stop rocket fire in return for Israel easing the blockade. The truce, which was always shaky, expired December 19.

There are renewed concerns about the people of Gaza, following the new outbreak of hostilities between Israel and Hamas. And there is no end in sight: Israel says its operation will continue until Hamas stops firing rockets into Israel while Hamas has vowed to defend Gaza in the face of what it calls continued Israeli aggression.

Downloaded from CNN.com World News, updated on Dec 30, 2008