Israeli incursions worsen life for Palestinians, say church officials

Published: 2006-07-12

JERUSALEM (CNS) -- Israeli military incursions into the Gaza Strip are worsening the situation for Palestinians already struggling under the effects of an international economic boycott, said church aid officials. "The Gaza situation is very bad," said Constantine Dabbagh, head of the Middle East Council of Churches' Gaza office. "Especially the economic situation is very harsh and difficult but in addition ... there are the closures and many restrictions." He said the number of patients coming into the council's three medical clinics has increased, but they are unable to pay the $1.70 co-pay per visit, and so the clinics are providing free treatment. Most of the students at the council's three vocational training centers are continuing to attend classes and sit for final exams, he said. However, numerous students are unable to take public transportation to the centers -- which costs less than a dollar each way -- because their parents do not have the money to spare. Instead they must walk almost two miles each way to reach their studies. Other students are unable to attend because they live in areas where fighting is going on, he said.

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