Thursday, 29 January 2009
By Davut SAHIN (JTW)
Israeli Gaza attacks not only killed the people but also the animals of Gaza. Elena Qleibo, who works in the Gaza Strip as a Food Security and Livelihood Officer for Oxfam, reported yesterday that some 35,000 chickens were also killed during the bombardment and the price of eggs in Gaza went up. "Before the war, a kilo of eggs used to sell for 2.40 Euros (£2.20), now in some places people pay up to 5 euros (£4.60)" she added.
Elena Qleibo further said "there were non-exploded bombs in Jabalia, agricultural lands were completely devastated. In some places, the roads are so damaged it is impossible to move about by car. And sewage wastewater is still flowing down the streets".
According to Mrs. Qleibo's report, the north east part of Gaza Strip is almost completely destroyed by the Israeli troops:
"The worst thing I saw was just outside of Beit Lahia (North East of Gaza Strip) in the area of Atta Abed Rabo. I could not recognise Beit Lahia! Entire neighbourhoods have disappeared. In place of houses and street there is nothing. It's like looking at fields of ruins. I cannot imagine how long it will take to rebuild. How much money will be needed. The people of Atta Abed Rabo have suddenly lost everything. This community is composed of original residents of Gaza, who were here before the influx of refugees in 1948. They were the middle class and now even they are badly affected. I met a family who lost their house and the taxi cars that constituted their only source of income. When I met them they were sitting in front in the rubble where their house used to be, preparing tea on a small burner. They are not used to receiving aid, as they were among those donating to charities like Dr. Risek's. They don't understand what has happened, they are still in shock."
