New study finds strong correlation between birth defects and white phosphorus exposure of parents
Palestinian civilians and medics run to safety during an Israeli strike using phosphorus shells at a UN school. Photograph: Mohammed Abed/AFP
IDF closes probe into Israeli air strike that killed 21 members of Gaza family
Upsetting but not suprising news. This is the result when an army is allowed to investigate itself. - MECA
By Amira Hass
Israel's military prosecution announced Tuesday that no legal steps will be taken against those responsible for the killing of 21 members of the Samouni family during the 2009 Operation Cast Lead in Gaza.
New DCI report: Bound, Blindfolded and Convicted: Children held in military detention (2012)
On 20 March 2012, DCI-Palestine launched a new report: Bound, Blindfolded and Convicted: Children held in military detention.
The report is the culmination of four year’s work by DCI, with the support of the European Union, focusing on verifying reports of ill-treatment and torture of children in the Israeli military detention system. The findings of the report are based on 311 sworn affidavits taken from children between January 2008 and January 2012. The report also includes:
Statement on Demolition in Silwan from Madaa Silwan Creative Center
This statement from MECA's partner in Silwan details the destruction of a community space MECA helped build in Silwan, East Jerusalem, known as the “cultural café.”
On Monday morning at 6am, Israeli authorities demolished the Wadi Hilweh Tent, four animal shelters and playground which were part of the Madaa community center. The compound was in its place since February 2008.
Cell 36: Palestinian children are locked up in solitary confinement in Israel’s Al Jalame prison
Please take the time to watch this important new video that includes interviews with two Palestinian children who were held in solitary confinement as well as a lawyer from Defense for Children International - Palestine Section who puts their situation in a wider context. Their stories must be heard. - MECA
By Harriet Sherwood, Mat Heywood and Mustafa Khalili
How You Can See, Share and Support Palestinian Children’s Art
Dear Friend,
If we are prevented from hearing the voices of children living through war, how can we hope to protect them or help them heal?
Last month as you know, powerful organizations that defend Israel’s reputation at any cost, bullied the Museum of Children’s Art in Oakland (MOCHA) into canceling an exhibit of children’s art from Gaza.