Photo report produced in Gaza, the West Bank and Israel.
Intifada meaning uprising. The word used several times in Lebanon but also in Morocco or Irak to describe a rebellion against an oppressive regime or a foreign enemy. It also describes two popular opposition groups against the israeli defense forcesin the occupied territories and in certain zones claimed by the palestinian authority (Gaza strip and West Bank). It’s a main issue in the israeli-palestinian conflict.
The first Intifada, called war of stones, started on December 9, 1987. The second palestinian Intifada, “Al Aqsa” Intifada, began on September 29, 2000, following Ariel Sharon’s visit to the Mosque Esplanade/Temple Mount in Jerusalem. Unrelenting cycle of palestinian attacks and israeli counter attacks.
From the beginning of intifada, until end August 2002, 2336 persons were killed, 1726 palestinians and 610 israelis, putting an end to negotiations.
There are 161.000 men and women in the israeli army and some 425.000 reservists can be called up within 72 hours, i.e. a total of about 600.000 individuals, over 10% of the population.
Fatah and Hamas.
Two different organizations :
Fatah is a national liberation movement which appeared in the late 1950’s and in the early 60’s, which has become over the years the main national palestinian force.
Hamas is a movement inspired by the muslim brothers who have a particular interpretation of islam which they actively preach.
Since September 12, 2005, their are no israeli civilians in the Gaza strip. When the Hebrew State evacuated 8500 of its citizens spread out in the 21 colonies, all diplomatic representatives and arab capitals applauded this event.
More than two-thirds of the settlers (68%) agreed would abide by a democratic decision to withdraw and only a very minority (6%) would refuse. Only 2% would resist by all ways and means.
The majority of the settlers (59%) agree to a compensation.
There are three groups.
-Those who accept the compensation proposed by the state but are opposed to resettlement in small prefab dwellings. Some live since 3 months in hotels in Jerusalem awaiting government proposals.
-Those who accept the state compensation and the aids from the Ministry of Housing.
-Those who refuse all government aids and who live spread about Israel in tents and caravans.
Mashil Ker Family
Family composed of 5 boys aged one to eight.. Since three months,this family lives in a hotel, and still has to wait three more months before being allotted a new home, “caravans” (prefab homes rented by the israeli state).
This family comes from the Névé Dékalim settlement in the Gaza strip. Mrs. Mashil Ker is an educator and is fully conscious that this temporary situation will seriously affect the children’s future education; integration difficulties, worry about their future....
Cohen family
This family comes from the Névé Dékalim settlement. The father, born in Israel is a former carpenter. His wife is french and they have five children. They live at the hotel since three months now and await patiently, but are very concerned about their future. However, they are hoping to find a community to live with.
They worry about being used by Ariel Sharon’s political agenda.
Nissim family
This family of seven children, one to twenty years old, used to live in the Névé Dékalim settlement in the Gaza strip.
The father has an MBA in Economy, his wife devotes herself to the education of her children. They live in this hotel since three months and have no private life.
Their children feel disoriented, they were used to living in the open air and without television. At the next legislative elections, Mr. Nissim has decided either to abstain from voting,or to vote for the exrtreme left (Merets party) as he thinks that this party does not betray its ideology, contrary to Sharon’s government.
Yehoshoua Kaldei family
French family living in Israel since 1992 in the settlement of Névé Dékalim in the Gaza strip. Formerly a fireman in Nice then farmer exporting kosher and organic products through Europe.
.Yehpshoua Kaldei had training from the israeli army to assure the security of the settlement and fight against terrorism, during the second intifada. This family now lives in a new town called Nitsan, with concrete buildings, sort of barracks, given by the Ministry of Housing.
Notwithstanding, Yehoshoua Kaldei hopes that with his family a new life will begin, after having abandonned everything.
Fifteen kilometers from Ashkelon over fifty families, totalling 300 persons, live in tents and caravans.
This small village is called “the village of faith”.
Many come from different settlements in the Gaza strip. The majority of these persons have no water nor toilets. Ultra orthodox families are grouped in an open shed. In three months they have already built eight classes, four for girls and four for boys, starting from kindergarten to primary school. These former settlers have refused the government compensation of 9000 euros, as well as the prefab homes. They put their faith in God, and ignore the israeli government.
Photo report produced in Lebanon
In the south quarter of Beyrouth, families bear in memory the wounds inflicted during many years, and the final blow on september 18, 1982, the Sabra and Chatila camps slaughter.
They hold the photo of their martyr son to express their sorrow (and each pose always draws a tear). 20 years later, memories of Chatila are still alive, and some of the young generations cannot forget a brother or kin killed during this event.