InfoAnda - Gaza schools open but young minds closed to peace

Pakistanis angry over detentions in Times Sq. case
Monday, May 24, 2010
ISLAMABAD – Relatives of three men detained by Pakistan for alleged links to the suspect in the attempted Times Square bombing say the men are innocent.
They

Taiwan denies boycotting Australian film festival
Thursday, August 6, 2009

AFP - Thursday, August 6TAIPEI (AFP) - - Taiwan's Beijing-friendly government on Wednesday denied boycotting an Australian film festival amid a row over the e

Merkel's support dips, regional ally resigns International
Thursday, September 3, 2009

By Sarah Marsh and Noah Barkin

BERLIN (Reuters) - Chancellor Angela Merkel suffered a double blow on Thursday as a senior party ally in east German

Minister seeks closure of anti-Berlusconi websites
Wednesday, December 16, 2009
ROME (AFP) - – The Italian government moved Tuesday to close down Internet sites encouraging further violence against Prime Minister Silvio Berlusconi, who

Asian markets mixed after Wall Street rally
Wednesday, March 18, 2009

By ELAINE KURTENBACH,AP Business Writer AP - Wednesday, March 18SHANGHAI - Asia's stock market rally seemed to be running out of steam Wednesday, despite an

Sean and Robin Penn back to divorce court | Entertainment | | 19 August 2009
Arabia's ancient past on show at the Louvre | 13 July 2010
Coco Chanel joins French biopic vogue | Entertainment | | 6 December 2008

Conservative rival raps Iran president on economy | 8 May 2009

">Forum Views () ">Forum Replies ()

Read more with google mobile : Gaza schools open but young minds closed to peace

Navigation Primary Navigation Home Singapore Asia Pacific World Business Entertainment Sports Technology Top Stories Most Popular Secondary Navigation Africa Europe Latin America Middle East North America Search Search: Gaza schools open but young minds closed to peace Reuters - Sunday, January 25 By Douglas Hamilton GAZA - Schools reopened in Gaza on Saturday after Israel's devastating three-week war, and peaceful coexistence seemed further than ever from the traumatised minds of young Palestinians. "Good morning! Still alive?" excited teenage girls asked each other as their class, all in white headscarves, lined up in the yard shortly after dawn at Beach Preparatory School. School starts early in the Gaza Strip because there is not enough classroom space for all the children, so there must be two shifts a day. The pupils were seeing their teachers for the first time since Israel bombs began falling on Gaza on December 27. About 1,300 Palestinians were killed, over half of them civilians. Critics warn that the violence of Israel's offensive, which followed the collapse of a six-month truce, can only reap a harvest of greater militancy from a newly radicalised generation. According to one Gaza website, 3,500 Palestinians were born during the 22-day war. "Israel hates Palestinians, hates Arabs, hates Muslims, hates Islam," said one girl in Nuha Abdulati's English class, as her schoolmates nodded in agreement. Israel lost 10 soldiers in the fighting and three civilians killed by rockets or mortars fired from Gaza by the Islamist Hamas militants who control the enclave. The girls did not seem to be aware, or to take seriously, that it was Hamas which declared an end to the truce in late December, and that Israel's stated reason for attacking was to eradicate the threat of rockets which began to pepper southern towns. Scores exploded in one day before its forces struck. Older Gazans who want compromise with Israel regret the high price of this "resistance." But in the classrooms at Beach Prep, any suggestion of making peace now was dismissed. Asked if the current cease-fire would endure, most girls said they did not think so. Asked if there could be peace with Israel one day, most said there could not. None said it was possible. WAR FOREVER? The girls seemed delighted to be back in class together, although the stories they had to swap were grim tales of dead cousins, wounded neighbors, close escapes, days without power or water, camping in the homes of relatives. "In my dreams I saw blood," said one. "Our house was demolished," said another. "I saved my clothes and schoolbag." Asked why they were smiling, the girls said they were happy to be alive and safe, because during the bombing they had gone to sleep each night afraid they would never wake up again. They got their information about the war from Arabic language broadcasters: Al Jazeera and al-Arabiya television from the Gulf, al Quds, al-Aqsa and Shehab, of Hamas, here in Gaza. The West is seen as callous, uncaring, and pro-Israeli. "They cry for Israelis because they lose a fingernail. They don't care if Palestinians get their heads blown off," said teacher Susan Mosleh. "Israel attacked at the time of our exams because it wants to destroy our education," said a 15-year-old in her class. "It is not Hamas they want to kill. It is all Palestinians and their resistance." "Israel had its own reasons," said another pupil. "They are to have an election. Our blood is the ink on the voting papers." Some wanted freedom to travel instead of the tight Israeli blockade that suffocates the meagre economy and bars access to the outside world. But they saw no way of achieving it through compromise with the Jewish state. "The chances of peace are zero. No peace is possible," said one girl categorically. Hamas is not ready to recognise Israel's right to exist. But it is prepared to make a long-term truce, of up to 15 years, and to accept a Palestinian state in the West Bank and Gaza, if Israel ends its occupation. Hamas does not tolerate public dissent, and there is undoubtedly peer pressure in a crowded classroom to rally to the cause without reservation. But no one objected when a girl said there should be "war with Israel for the rest of our days," until all Palestine was reclaimed from the Jews. "Remember these are young people, they have been shocked," Abdulati cautioned. "They are still afraid. They are sometimes just repeating what they hear." The teacher personally favoured peace with Israel and a separate Palestinian state, with mutual recognition. "But we need the siege to end," she said. "We need the borders to open. We can take care of ourselves then. We are not begging." Email Story IM Story Printable View Blog This Recommend this article Average (0 votes) Sign in to recommend this article » Most Recommended Stories » Related Articles: World UK-World SummaryReuters - 19 minutes ago Longtime NC State women's coach Kay Yow dies at 66AP - 25 minutes ago Obama breaks from Bush, avoids divisive standsAP - 26 minutes ago Belgium: stab suspect had other day-care addressesAP - 26 minutes ago Sports center collapse kills 4, hurts 16 in SpainAP - 47 minutes ago Most Popular – World Viewed World crisis deepens as downturn bites in Asia 'Dogs don't wear condoms,' says Baywatch star Anderson Obama retakes oath of office Obama steps up anti-recession offensive US unemployment spikes, housing crisis deepens View Complete List » Search: Home Singapore Asia Pacific World Business Entertainment Sports Technology Top Stories Most Popular

Other News on Saturday, 24 January 2009
Marine commandant wants his troops out of Iraq
Gaza recovery in doubt as Israel pressures Hamas | International |
Gazans crowd markets and mosques as calm holds
'Obameter' keeps track of Obama campaign promises
Suspected US missiles kill 15 in Pakistan
Siemens planning to give up stake in Areva: source
Venezuela's Chavez warms to Obama after insults | International |
DTV deal would extend Verizon, AT&T licenses
Iraqi government struggles to win Sunnis' trust
Saakashvili lambasts 'relentless enemy' Putin in TV phone-in
Suspect On Paris Hilton's House Burglary Arrested
Censured U.N. agency to return to North Korea: officials | International |
Encyclopaedia Britannica to let readers edit content
Russia ready to cooperate with Obama on Afghanistan
World stocks close bad week on poor footing
Iraq's Zebari sees no dramatic U.S. disengagement in '09 | International |
Iraq PM urges big poll turnout despite violence
Pope on YouTube fails to excite web surfers
US approves first human embryonic stem cell therapy
Turkey, Iraq, U.S. step up efforts to fight PKK | International |
Obama warns crisis must be dealt with rapidly
German chipmaker Qimonda files for insolvency
Iraq's Zebari sees no dramatic U.S. disengagement in '09
Israel readies for fight against war crime charges
'Hacker' wins right to fight extradition to US
UN seeks massive aid for Gaza, US wants border open
British man killed wife over 'single' Facebook status
Gaza recovery in doubt as Israel pressures Hamas
Number of Internet users tops one billion: comScore
China says Web crackdown to be "long-lasting"
Pope becomes one of world's oldest YouTube stars
Qimonda, Samsung hit by chip market crash
Intel's Barrett to retire as tech crisis simmers | Technology |
Suspected U.S. strikes in Pakistan kill 14
DTV deal would extend Verizon, AT&T licenses | Technology |
Suspected US missile strike kills 18 in Pakistan
U.S. Marines force of 20,000 seen for Afghanistan
China says Web crackdown to be long-lasting | Technology |
NKorea's Kim meets Chinese official
Oil prices jump in volatile market
At least 15 dead as US missiles strike Pakistan
VeriSign to buy Certicom; RIM backs out | Technology |
Suspected US missile strikes kill 18 in Pakistan
Pope becomes one of world's oldest YouTube stars | Technology |
Dubai police arrest man in US consulate threat
'Slumdog' gets weak welcome in real Mumbai slums
FDA Allows First Test Of Human Stem Cell Research
Obama Praises "Wonderful" Choice To Send Gillibrand To Senate
Suspected US missile strikes kill 14 in Pakistan
NY Gov. Paterson Officially Names Congresswoman Kirsten Gillibrand To Hillary's Senate Seat
Suspected US missile attacks reported in Pakistan
Hawaii Rides On Brief Obama Stay To Boost Tourism
Jan 23 Highlights Of Low Points In The U.S. Economy
Obama Makes Case For Stimulus, Warns Of Crisis In First Meeting With Congressional Leaders
Defense Sec. Robert Gates To Undergo Surgery
Board: Satyam to have funding and new CEO soon
Cancer-struck Patrick Swayze to write memoir | Entertainment |
China tells Obama's Treasury pick it is not manipulating currency
Sundance films shine spotlight on global struggles | Entertainment |
Idol David Cook to hit colleges on U.S. tour | Entertainment |
Brendan Fraser masters CGI again in Inkheart | Entertainment |
Indian court stubs out ban on smoking in Bollywood: report | Entertainment |
FDA Approves Trials For Human Embryonic Stem Cell Research
After Endorsing iTunes Prayer Book, Pope Launches Own YouTube Channel
Sienna Miller set for her Broadway debut this fall
Cancer-struck Patrick Swayze to write memoir
Publicist: Patrick Swayze to write book with wife
Obama inauguration classical music was canned and frozen
Sculptor George Segal exhibit opens in Dallas
Aretha gave Obama collection of dad's sermons
English-only proposal defeated in Nashville referendum
Brendan Fraser masters CGI again in "Inkheart"
Best-selling author modest about Slumdog's success
Wood worth more than money at Mexican market
Barack O Blend Made Up Of Hawaiian, Indonesian, Kenyan Beans Sold In Hawaiian Bar
Officials: gunmen kill Sunni family of 8 in Iraq
Iraq repeats pledge to close Iran opposition camp
Demand for peacekeepers exceeds troops, funds: U.N. | International |
Recession grips Britain for first time since 1991
Recession hits Silicon Valley as layoffs pile up
Senator asks Microsoft about job cuts, visas
N.Korea's Kim says wants denuclearization of peninsula | International |
Google loses best workplace crown to NetApp
Intel board chairman retiring in May
Japan launches orbiter to probe greenhouse gases
Cuba FM welcomes Obama order to close Guantanamo
Obama overturns ban on overseas abortion funding
Recession hits Silicon Valley as layoffs pile up | Technology |
Venezuela to ask new US gov't to hand over Posada
NKorea's Kim Jong Il meets with Chinese official
Senator asks Microsoft about job cuts, visas | Technology |
Japan launches orbiter to probe greenhouse gases
Suspected US missile strike kills 18 in Pakistan
Oil prices baffle traders; soar 6 pct to end week
Asian clubs raid top A-League clubs for stars
Year of the Ox looking very un-bullish, seers say
U.S. Drone Attacks Resume In Pakistan, Kill 20
Wall Street Pares Early Losses On Financials, Tech Rally
President Obama Wrangles With Lawmakers Over Stimulus Package Proposal
Russia, China revise aluminum projects in Guyana
China Vows To Continue Filtering "Vulgarity" On Internet
Bahamas police investigate Travolta extortion plot
US-ENTERTAINMENT Summary
Mike Myers bomb leads Razzie Award contenders
"Idol" David Cook to hit colleges on U.S. tour
CORRECTED: "Benjamin Button," "Slumdog" lead Oscar nominees
Indian court stubs out ban on smoking in Bollywood: report
Indian PM Singh undergoes bypass surgery | International |
US-TECH Summary
Russia says ready to work with U.S. on Afghanistan | International |
Senegalese centre signals Africa's will to wipe out leprosy
Obama to meet with economic team as he works on stimulus, budget
China says 90 percent of families take toxic milk deal | International |
China denounces U.S. currency accusation | International |
Bolivia nationalizes Chaco oil company
Mexico suspect says he dissolved 300 bodies | International |
China warns of economic distress and long-term ills | International |
WW2 mortar rounds found in Manila's U.S. Embassy | International |
Obama order ends 'unwarranted' restrictions on abortion
US military deaths in Iraq war at 4,230
US military deaths in Afghanistan region at 570
Intel's Barrett to bow out as tech crisis simmers | Technology |
Rusty Serena on track as French tennis opne revolution gathers pace
Maryland Teen Who Killed Parents, 2 Brothers Get 4 Life Sentences
Indian prime minister begins heart bypass surgery
Deputy Leader Of Al-Qaeda In Yemen Was Former Gitmo Detainee
Senator asks Microsoft about job cuts, visas | Technology |
US, Afghan villagers differ over 15 killed in raid
Ex-New York State Senate Majority Leader Indicted For Corruption
Indian PM in heart surgery
Fannie Mae Starts Laying Off Hundreds Of Staff
WWII bombs found in US Embassy compound in Manila
Obama Orders Lifting Of Funding Ban For International Family Planning Groups Offering Abortion
Malaysia seeks return of 2 citizens in Guantanamo
Thailand calls conference on refugees
Chinese FM, Clinton talk about bilateral relations
New Zealand dairy accepts milk scandal verdicts
Pakistani cenbank sells 11.5 bln rupees of T-bills
Japan to offer public funds to non-financial firms: reports
Nissan's loss seen to top 100 billion yen: report
Top Taiwan steel maker reports first loss -papers
Bahamas police probe Travolta extortion allegation | Entertainment |
Indian court stubs out ban on smoking in Bollywood: report | Entertainment |
Three killed in Indonesian land dispute: police
Dudamel wants 'innovative' stay at LA Philharmonic
Bahamas police probe Travolta extortion allegation
'Slumdog' gets weak welcome in real Mumbai slums
Uranium nations urged not to sell to Iran
Gaza recovery in doubt as Israel pressures Hamas | International |
U.S. military kills 15 Afghan militants | International |
Iraq asks Iran opposition group to move voluntary
Suicide car bomb kills 14 in Mogadishu: witnesses | International |
Gaza's war-scarred children go back to school
China hits back at U.S. in currency row | International |
Suicide car bomber kills five policemen in Iraq
Iran seen to rank students and housewives as employed
Russia says ice thawing with NATO: envoy | International |
Pope rehabilitates Holocaust denier, angering Jews | International |
Sudanese forces bomb town in Darfur: U.N. | International |
Uranium nations urged not to sell to Iran: report | International |
Obama pitches his plan to reverse economic slide
Kim Jong-il alone to decide North Korea successor
4 die in insurgent attack in southern Thailand
Indian PM Singh reported stable after surgery
One whale survives mass Australia beaching
Report: Kim's son hints no decision on successor
Pakistan should get more US aid: Musharraf
Sri Lanka soldiers seize rebel camp in north
China reports fourth bird flu death in a month
Islamic clerics mull smoking ban in Indonesia
Pacific meeting on Fiji sanctions to go ahead
Indian critics praise 'Slumdog Millionaire,' audiences mixed
Gaza's war-scarred children go back to school
Some 700 illegal migrants flee Italian detention centre
Sudanese forces seen to bomb town in Darfur
Four children killed as storms rage across Spain, France
Belgium reels after creche stabbings, man charged | International |
Gaza schools open but young minds closed to peace
Obama aims to ink $825bln stimulus within a month
Anarchists clash with Greek police in Athens march | International |
Jailed China dairy boss to appeal verdict
Update: Toy Company Selling 'Sasha' And 'Malia' Dolls; First Lady Not Happy
Blagojevich's Defense Attorney Quits Case
Nine People Wounded In Miami Shootout; Two Dead
Taraji P. Henson caps a stellar week at SAG Awards
Greece at new risk of being pushed off euro
Bodies of missing Tenn. mom, Jo Ann Bain, and daughter found
Female Breasts Are Bigger Than Ever
AMD Trinity Accelerated Processing Units Now in Volume Production
The Avengers (2012 film), made the second biggest opening- and single-day gross of all-time
AMD to Start Production of piledriver
Ivy Bridge Quad-Core, Four-Thread Desktop CPUs
Islamists Protest Lady Gaga's Concert in Indonesia
Japan Successfully Broadcasts an 8K Signal Over the Air
ECB boosts loans to 1 trillion Euro to stop credit crunch
Egypt : Mohammed Morsi won with 52 percent
What do you call 100,000 Frenchmen with their hands up
AMD Launches AMD Embedded R-Series APU Platform
Fed Should not Ignore Emerging Market Crisis
Fed casts shadow over India, emerging markets
Why are Chinese tourists so rude? A few insights

USD EUR - 1 year graph	VPN on MacOSX	BlogMeter 1.01