In another demonstration of international solidarity, Palestinians in Gaza are collecting aid for the Haitian people, according to the Ma’an news agency. Jamal Al-Khudary, head of the Committee to Break the Siege, said that “people may be astonished by our ability to collect donations from our people.”
Many residents of Gaza are themselves dependent on aid as a result of the Israeli blockade that deprives them of food, medicine and other basic necessities. Al-Khudary said Gazans felt for the Haitian people because they “were exposed to our own earthquake during Israel’s war on Gaza,” referring to the 22-day massacre conducted by Israel one year ago.
Ma’an reported that relatives of Palestinian political prisoners in Israel are involved in the collection effort. Palestinians donated goods such as milk and blankets upon hearing of complaints by aid groups that the U.S. “relief effort” has political and military ends.
As a result of Israel’s blockade, it is unlikely that donated goods will reach Haiti.
