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Saturday, October 30, 2010

My letter to the New York Times RE Editorial: Enough Game-Playing

RE: New York Times Editorial: Enough Game-Playing
http://www.nytimes.com/2010/10/30/opinion/30sat1.html?_r=1&ref=opinion

Dear Editor,

I very much appreciated your editorial today, regarding the importance of actively supporting the creation of a just and lasting peace based on a negotiated two state solution to once and for all end the cruelty, angst, religious extremism, militancy, suffering and cynicism inspired by the Israel/Palestine conflict.... HOWEVER I wish you had also pointed out the importance of creating a secular two state solution for everyone's sake: Full respect for universal basic human rights and international law needs to be the common goal.

Sincerely,
Anne Selden Annab

Prayers for Peace

The Golden Rule... Do unto others as you would have them do unto you

Growing Gardens for Palestine
In this photo taken Thursday, Feb. 18, 2010, a mine field is seen near the Jordan River baptismal site of Qasr el Yahud, along the border with Jordan, near the West Bank town of Jericho. Though all countries are literally defined by their borders, few have had their history, society and national mindset shaped by their frontiers as much as Israel. With their barbed-wire coils, hills scarred by patrol roads and weather-beaten guardposts manned by young soldiers, the borders are perhaps the most dominant single feature of the country's landscape.(AP Photo/Oded Balilty)

In this photo taken Thursday, April 1, 2010, concrete wall and barb-wire in the Jewish section of the West Bank town of Hebron. Though all countries are literally defined by their borders, few have had their history, society and national mindset shaped by their frontiers as much as Israel. With their barbed-wire coils, hills scarred by patrol roads and weather-beaten guardposts manned by young soldiers, the borders are perhaps the most dominant single feature of the country's landscape. (AP Photo/Oded Balilty)

In this photo taken Tuesday, June 8, 2010, a Palestinian boy sits on a donkey near a section of Israel's separation barrier near the West Bank Jewish settlement of Beit Horon. Though all countries are literally defined by their borders, few have had their history, society and national mindset shaped by their frontiers as much as Israel. With their barbed-wire coils, hills scarred by patrol roads and weather-beaten guardposts manned by young soldiers, the borders are perhaps the most dominant single feature of the country's landscape. (AP Photo/Oded Balilty)

In this photo taken Monday, Dec. 21, 2009, concrete blocks surrounding an Israel army post outside Gaza Strip, near Kibbutz Nahal Oz, southern Israel. Though all countries are literally defined by their borders, few have had their history, society and national mindset shaped by their frontiers as much as Israel. With their barbed-wire coils, hills scarred by patrol roads and weather-beaten guardposts manned by young soldiers, the borders are perhaps the most dominant single feature of the country's landscape. (AP Photo/Oded Balilty)

A Palestinian youth jumps in the air in from a sand dune in the former Gush Katif Jewish settlements in Khan Younis, southern Gaza Strip, Friday, Oct. 29, 2010. Palestinian youths use the sand mountains of the late late Gush Katif settlement in Khan Younis for their exercises.(AP Photo /Adel Hana)

A Palestinian youth summersaults from a sand dune in the former Gush Katif Jewish settlements in Khan Younis, southern Gaza Strip, Friday, Oct. 29, 2010. Palestinian youths use the sand mountains of the late late Gush Katif settlement in Khan Younis for their exercises. (AP Photo /Adel Hana)

Palestinians watch youths riding their motorcycles on sand dunes at the formerJewish settlement of Gush Katif in Khan Younis, southern Gaza Strip Friday, Oct. 29, 2010. Palestinian youths use the dunes for riding their motorcycles, horses, cars and bicycles (AP Photo /Adel Hana)

Palestinians watch youths riding their motorcycles on sand dunes at the formerJewish settlement of Gush Katif in Khan Younis, southern Gaza Strip. Friday, Oct. 29, 2010. Palestinian youths use the dunes for riding their motorcycles, horses, cars and bicycles . (AP Photo /Adel Hana)
A Palestinian boy stands next to his house as protesters march in solidarity with Palestinians against a Jewish settlement in the Sheikh Jarrah neighbourhood of East Jerusalem October 29, 2010. REUTERS/Ronen Zvulun (JERUSALEM - Tags: CIVIL UNREST)

Palestine's First Lady Amina Abbas attends the opening of the 3rd Arab Women's Organization conference in Tunis October 28, 2010. REUTERS/Zoubeir Souissi (TUNISIA - Tags: POLITICS)

A Palestinian fisherman fishes during sunset in Gaza October 28, 2010. REUTERS/Mohammed Salem (GAZA - Tags: TRAVEL SOCIETY)


Palestinian fishermen are seen fishing during sunset in Gaza October 28, 2010. REUTERS/Mohammed Salem (GAZA - Tags: TRAVEL SOCIETY IMAGES OF THE DAY)

Palestinian fishermen are seen fishing during sunset in Gaza October 28, 2010. REUTERS/Mohammed Salem (GAZA - Tags: TRAVEL SOCIETY)


Palestinians relax near the ocean during sunset in Gaza October 28, 2010. REUTERS/Mohammed Salem (GAZA - Tags: TRAVEL SOCIETY)

Friday, October 29, 2010

Report: Israel slams UNESCO decisions as biased

Report: Israel slams UNESCO decisions as biased
BETHLEHEM (Ma’an) -- A week after UNESCO passed five resolutions on their work and mandate in Palestine, Israeli officials condemned the decisions as anti-Israeli.

An Israeli Foreign Ministry spokesman being interviewed on Radio Israel on Friday said UNESCO had accused Israel of conducting excavations beneath Rachel's Tomb, cordoned off from Bethlehem and its surrounding Muslim cemetery by the separation wall in 2004.

According to the official, UNESCO had termed Rachel's Tomb a mosque, and demanded that it be removed from the Israeli list of historical sites. The tomb, and the Ibrahimi Mosque in Hebron, were both added to the Israeli historical registry in early 2010, outraging Palestinians who feel the sites - also central to the cultural and religious life of Palestinians - were under threat.

The official was outraged that the UNESCO statement referred to the tomb as Bilal Bin Rabah Mosque, which it does in Arabic, while the English, French, Spanish and Russian versions refer to the edifice as Rachel's Tomb.

The resolution did not ask that the tomb and the Ibrahimi Mosque in Hebron be removed from the Israeli historical registry, but rather reaffirmed that "the two sites are an integral part of the occupied Palestinian Territories and that any unilateral action by the Israeli authorities is to be considered a violation of international law, the UNESCO Conventions and the United Nations and Security Council resolutions."

Palestinians are no longer able to freely access Rachel's Tomb, following settler lobbying with put it on the far side of the separation wall. Sections of the Ibrahimi Mosque are also off limits for Palestinians, and have been designated for Jewish use.

The Israeli spokesman said the UNESCO decisions - which also asked that Israel allow Palestinian Waqf officials to oversee excavations at the Mughrabi Gate in the Old City of Jerusalem, reaffirmed the city as part of Palestinian and Muslim heritage, expressed "continuing concern" over the imact of the seperation wall on the availability of education for Palestinians and called for more rapid reconstruction in Gaza - was "shameful and reeked of political bias."

Regarding the Palestinian Refugees Right of Return

Erekat: “Statements Of UNRWA's Director, Disappointing”

Friday October 29, 2010 11:12 by Saed Bannoura - IMEMC & Agencies

Head of the Negotiations Department at the Palestinian Liberation Organization (PLO), Dr. Saeb Erekat, stated that the statements of UNRWA New York director, Andrew Whitley, regarding the Palestinian Right of Return are disappointing.
Palestinian Refugees on their way to Lebanon, October, 1948 - Palestine Remembered

Whitley said that the Palestinians “should not live under the illusion of achieving the Right of Return”, and added that Arab countries must start procedures for settling them in the Arab world.

Dr. Erekat sent a letter to Whitley expressing the Palestinian rejection to these statements especially since they deny an internationally guaranteed right.

The UNRWA said that the statements of Whitley do not represent its official stance.

Meanwhile, Dr. Erekat said that the Palestinians did not, and will not, abandon their right, and added that in 1948 Israel forced more than 700,000 Palestinians out of their homes and lands.

He added that the refugees, now more than 4.5 million, will not give up their right to return to their homeland, and will remain steadfast especially since their right was approved by the international community and several U.N. resolutions, including resolution number 194.

“Mr. Whitley should have defended the legitimate right of the refugees, instead of accepting the harm inflicted on them”, Erekat added. “Those rights are guaranteed under the international law; they should be achieved, not abandoned or denied”.

My letter to the Wash Post RE Saeb Erakat's revealing article "The Israeli-Palestinian settlement impasse"

Aequitas - Roman goddess is holding her symbols, the balance and the cornucopia

comment i posted online
annieannab wrote:

RE: The Israeli-Palestinian settlement impasse

http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2010/10/28/AR2010102805956.html

Thank you for publishing Saeb Erakat's revealing article "The Israeli-Palestinian settlement impasse".

I very much hope that more people worldwide begin to understand the crucial importance of putting positive energy into ending the Israel/Palestine conflict once and for all- for everyone's sake.

A fully secular two state solution shaped with full respect for international law and full respect for basic human rights really is the best way forward.

Sincerely,
Anne Selden Annab



Thursday, October 28, 2010

VOAvideo: Christian Exodus From Holy Land Fueled by Israeli Occupation


The plight of Christians in the Middle East was the subject of a two-week meeting of Roman Catholic bishops at the Vatican in October. Thousands of Christians are leaving the region each year, some due to the rise of Islamic fundamentalism.

ATFP's Fifth Annual Gala 2010: Building Palestine, the Indispensable State for Peace..."It's late, but everything comes next."


"My father, journalist Aziz Shihab, spoke up for Palestine every day of his life. He wrote, "Try as we could, my old people, the Palestinians and I, could never get into the good graces of Americans. Strong dusty winds against us were constantly blowing...Americans blinded from knowing, or caring, that my land was dear to me."


He would want me to thank you all tonight -- for knowing, and caring. We believe the jobs of peacemaking, inclusion, and mutual respect and support, belong to all of us.

As the end of my poem "
Jerusalem" says, "It's late, but everything comes next."" Naomi Shihab Nye accepting the ATFP award for Excellence in the Arts, at the ATFP Fifth Annual Gala, Washington, D.C., October 20, 2010.


ATFP's Fifth Annual Gala 2010: Building Palestine, the Indispensable State for Peace


WASHINGTON DC, October 21 -- “I promise you this: The Obama administration will not turn our backs on the Palestinian people or the people of Israel,” Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton told an audience of over 700 in a major policy address last night. She spoke at the Fifth Annual Gala of the American Task Force on Palestine (ATFP) in Washington DC. Expressing the administration's determination to push forward with the peace process, she said, “we will continue working every day to achieve the just, lasting and comprehensive peace that has been a cornerstone of U.S. policy for years. We believe it is possible, it is necessary, and it is the only way.”

Sec. Clinton also emphasized the importance of the Palestinian state and institution building program which, she said, “which may receive fewer headlines but it is also critically important.” Sec. Clinton praised Palestinian economic development and the performance of the new security forces, but noted that during her recent visit to Ramallah “it was impossible to forget the painful history of a people who have never had a state of their own. For most Americans, it is hard to imagine living behind checkpoints and roadblocks, without the comforts of peace or the confidence of self-determination.” She affirmed that, “The legitimate aspirations of the Palestinian people will never be satisfied until there is a two-state solution that ensures dignity, justice, and security for all.”

Sec. Clinton thanked ATFP President Ziad Asali, “for your leadership of this important organization, and for your steadfast support of peace.” She said the Task Force has “provided a welcome voice of reason and steady advocacy on behalf of a just, lasting, and comprehensive peace in the Middle East.” She also noted and praised the charitable efforts of ATFP's sister organization, American Charities for Palestine, and congratulated the evenings' honorees, quoting from the work of one of them, poet Naomi Shihab Nye.

In his introduction to the Secretary, Dr. Asali noted that “has transformed the way in which expectations are defined and achievement evaluated.” He told the Secretary that, “with boundless courage and tireless drive, you beat long odds and overcame overwhelming obstacles. The Palestinians too are creating something which is difficult, they too chafe against a history which has discouraged veering from its path, and they too are being told that it cannot be done.” He also affirmed that, “Your bold statement that our country must assure that the 'Palestinians build the institutions of their future state, an effort which must continue during the negotiations' is one that we at ATFP applaud and support without reservation."

After a letter of support from President Abbas read by Ambassador Maen Areikat, ATFP honored four outstanding Palestinian Americans: Colonel (Ret.) Peter Mansoor, Jr. Chair of Military History at Ohio State University and former Executive Officer to General David Petraeus; renowned poet Naomi Shihab Nye; award-winning playwright Betty Shamieh, and Ghassan Salameh, an Executive Vice President at Booz Allen Hamilton. The Gala audience was also treated to a performance by the acclaimed Palestinian-American comedienne Maysoon Zayid.



Jerusalem

"Let's be the same wound if we must bleed.
Let's fight side by side, even if the enemy
is ourselves: I am yours, you are mine."
-Tommy Olofsson, Sweden

I'm not interested in
Who suffered the most.
I'm interested in
People getting over it.

Once when my father was a boy
A stone hit him on the head.
Hair would never grow there.
Our fingers found the tender spot
and its riddle: the boy who has fallen
stands up. A bucket of pears
in his mother's doorway welcomes him home.
The pears are not crying.
Later his friend who threw the stone
says he was aiming at a bird.
And my father starts growing wings.

Each carries a tender spot:
something our lives forgot to give us.
A man builds a house and says,
"I am native now."
A woman speaks to a tree in place
of her son. And olives come.
A child's poem says,
"I don't like wars,
they end up with monuments."
He's painting a bird with wings
wide enough to cover two roofs at once.

Why are we so monumentally slow?
Soldiers stalk a pharmacy:
big guns, little pills.
If you tilt your head just slightly
it's ridiculous.

There's a place in my brain
Where hate won't grow.
I touch its riddle: wind, and seeds.
Something pokes us as we sleep.

It's late but everything comes next.

~ Naomi Shihab Nye ~
(19 Varieties of Gazelle)

My letter to the Philadelphia Inquirer Regarding Trudy Rubin's Worldview

RE: Worldview: Netanyahu's statehood 'lite', Israel's prime minister is offering Palestinians a compromised form of sovereignty that they can't be expected to take seriously.
http://www.philly.com/inquirer/opinion/20101028_Worldview__Netanyahu_s_statehood__lite_.html

Dear Editor,

Islamists mainly help Zionist ideologues make excuses as to why Palestinians and peace cannot be taken seriously. Fact is Israel's ongoing campaign to usurp Palestinian land, rights and peace is actually most threatened by Abbas's secular quest to build a real Palestinian state.

And Rubin really should know better than to refer to Israeli leadership as "Jerusalem" ( "Given Iranian deliveries of weapons and rockets to Hezbollah in southern Lebanon and to Hamas in Gaza, Jerusalem can't afford to let the same situation develop on the West Bank.")

I suggest that Rubin (and anyone else who might be sincerely interested in doing what they can to help promote a just and lasting peace for everyone's sake) do some research outside Zionist and/or Islamist archives in order to formulate a more accurate and helpful analysis concerning Abbas- and Palestine:

Peace Starts Here "To mark United Nations Day UNRWA has launched a new multimedia micro-site that invites visitors into the lives of Palestine refugees... The series, Peace Starts Here, offers a personal perspective, highlighting stories of perseverance and creativity in the face of the most challenging of circumstances."

PALESTINE Core Issues ... "The PLO’s position is consistent with international law which forbids Israel from acquiring territory by force."


The Arab Peace Initiative Emanates "from the conviction of the Arab countries that a military solution to the conflict will not achieve peace or provide security for the parties"

Secretary Hilllary Rodham Clinton's Remarks To the American Task Force on Palestine "Being pro-Palestinian does not mean you must reject Israel’s right to exist. (Applause.) And being pro-Israel does not mean you must deny the legitimate aspirations of the Palestinian people. (Applause.) The path to security and dignity for both peoples lies in negotiations that result in two states living side by side in peace and prosperity, and a comprehensive peace in the entire region."

THE ELDERS: The changing character of East Jerusalem is an obstacle to peace.
The possibility of a viable two-state solution being eroded by settlement expansion, Palestinian home demolitions and deportations "In concluding their visit, the Elders urge people to surmount the corrosive effect of cynicism and complacency in Israel, the Arab world and in the international community about prospects for a durable two-state solution. Israel already enjoys a high standard of living and its powerful military appears to provide many Israelis with a sense of security. The Arab world needs to become more united on the Israel-Palestinian issue. The international community is complacent too. A greater sense of urgency is needed – as well as greater energy and commitment by all involved to find a just and secure peace for all."

The Golden Rule: Do unto others as you would have them do unto you.

Sincerely,
Anne Selden Annab

Growing Gardens for Palestine

Freedom to me is ... (a poem)

In this photo taken Wednesday, Oct. 20, 2010, American volunteers walk between olive trees, next to the settlement West Bank Jewish settlement of Eli, near Nablus. The olive tree has long been a symbol of the Palestinians' attachment to their homeland (AP Photo/Dan Balilty)

In this picture taken Monday, Oct. 18, 2010, a Palestinian woman harvests olives in the West Bank town of Jit, near Nablus. (AP Photo/Tara Todras-Whitehill)

In this photo taken Wednesday, Oct. 20, 2010, American volunteers pick olives next to the settlement West Bank Jewish settlement of Eli, near Nablus. The olive tree has long been a symbol of the Palestinians' attachment to their homeland, particularly rocky hills of the West Bank, its mystique enhanced by persistent efforts by Jewish settlers to disrupt the annual harvest. This year the stakes have been raised: The Palestinians have doubled the number of trees planted, and Jewish settlers have responded by ramping up their own olive production. At the heart of the matter is the long-standing struggle for control of the land, where possession is often determined by who works the land, and not always who owns it (AP Photo/Dan Balilty)

In this photo taken Wednesday, Oct. 20, 2010, an American volunteer picks olives as she stands on a net, next to the settlement West Bank Jewish settlement of Eli, near Nablus. (AP Photo/Dan Balilty)

In this picture taken Monday, Oct. 18, 2010, a donkey grazes under an olive tree in the West Bank town of Tel, as the village of Farata is seen in the background, near Nablus. The olive tree has long been a symbol of the Palestinians' attachment to their homeland (AP Photo/Tara Todras-Whitehill)

In this picture taken Monday, Oct. 18, 2010, a Palestinian woman talks with her son as they take a break from harvesting olives in the West Bank town of Burqa, near Nablus. The olive tree has long been a symbol of the Palestinians' attachment to their homeland, particularly rocky hills of the West Bank (AP Photo/Tara Todras-Whitehill)

In this picture taken Monday, Oct. 18, 2010, a Palestinian woman picks olives in the West Bank village of Farata, near Nablus. The olive tree has long been a symbol of the Palestinians' attachment to their homeland, particularly rocky hills of the West Bank, its mystique enhanced by persistent efforts (AP Photo/Tara Todras-Whitehill)

In this picture taken Monday, Oct. 18, 2010, olives are seen in a sorter in an olive oil making factory in the West Bank town of Burqa, near Nablus. (AP Photo/Tara Todras-Whitehill)

In this picture taken Monday, Oct. 18, 2010, a Palestinian worker monitors a stone press in an olive oil making factory in the West Bank town of Burqa, near Nablus. (AP Photo/Tara Todras-Whitehill)

In this picture taken Monday, Oct. 18, 2010, Palestinian boys take a break emptying bags of olives into a sorter at an olive oil factory in the West Bank town of Jit, near Nablus. (AP Photo/Tara Todras-Whitehill)

A Palestinian man pulls threads on a loom while making a keffiya headdress at a textile factory in the West Bank city of Hebron October 26, 2010. The factory, owned by the Hirbawi family for over 40 years, produces some 100 keffiyas per day. REUTERS/Ammar Awad (WEST BANK - Tags: BUSINESS SOCIETY)

A Palestinian man touches threads used for keffiya headdresses at a textile factory in the West Bank city of Hebron October 26, 2010. The factory, owned by the Hirbawi family for over 40 years, produces some 100 keffiyas per day. REUTERS/Ammar Awad (WEST BANK - Tags: BUSINESS)

A Palestinian man cuts threads on a loom while making a keffiya headdress at a textile factory in the West Bank city of Hebron October 26, 2010. The factory, owned by the Hirbawi family for over 40 years, produces some 100 keffiyas per day. REUTERS/Ammar Awad (WEST BANK - Tags: BUSINESS)

A Palestinian man cuts threads while making a keffiya headdress at a textile factory in the West Bank city of Hebron October 26, 2010. The factory, owned by the Hirbawi family for over 40 years, produces some 100 keffiyas per day. REUTERS/Ammar Awad (WEST BANK - Tags: BUSINESS)

A Palestinian man wears a keffiya headdress in the West Bank city of Hebron October 26, 2010. Some 100 keffiyas are produced per day at the Hirbawi family's textile factory which has been based in Hebron for over 40 years. REUTERS/Ammar Awad (WEST BANK - Tags: BUSINESS)

A Palestinian man pulls fabric used for keffiya headdresses from a loom at a textile factory in the West Bank city of Hebron October 26, 2010. The factory, owned by the Hirbawi family for over 40 years, produces some 100 keffiyas per day. REUTERS/Ammar Awad (WEST BANK - Tags: BUSINESS)

A Palestinian man carries keffiya headdresses at a textile factory in the West Bank city of Hebron October 26, 2010. The factory, owned by the Hirbawi family for over 40 years, produces some 100 keffiyas per day. REUTERS/Ammar Awad (WEST BANK - Tags: BUSINESS)
A Palestinian man piles up keffiya headdresses at a textile factory in the West Bank city of Hebron October 26, 2010. The factory, owned by the Hirbawi family for over 40 years, produces some 100 keffiyas per day. REUTERS/Ammar Awad (WEST BANK - Tags: BUSINESS)
A Palestinian youth cycles past keffiya headdresses for sale that were made at the Hirbawi textile factory in the West Bank city of Hebron October 26, 2010. The factory, owned by the Hirbawi family for over 40 years, produces some 100 keffiyas per day. REUTERS/Ammar Awad (WEST BANK - Tags: BUSINESS)

Palestinian man Eyad Hamarsheh places a horse shoe, in the West Bank village of Yabed near Jenin city, Tuesday, Oct. 26, 2010. (AP Photo/Mohammed Ballas)

Palestinian Prime Minister Salam Fayyad stands on a ladder while picking olives with U.N. Middle East envoy Robert Serry (not pictured) during harvest in the West Bank village of Turmus Aya near Ramallah October 26, 2010. REUTERS/Mohamad Torokman (WEST BANK - Tags: AGRICULTURE POLITICS)

A Palestinian farmer holds peanuts during harvest in Khan Younis in the southern Gaza Strip October 26, 2010. REUTERS/Ibraheem Abu Mustafa (GAZA - Tags: AGRICULTURE SOCIETY BUSINESS)

Palestinian farmers sort peanuts during harvest in Khan Younis in the southern Gaza Strip October 26, 2010. REUTERS/Ibraheem Abu Mustafa (GAZA - Tags: AGRICULTURE BUSINESS SOCIETY)

An excavator operates at a construction site in the Palestinian refugee camp of Nahr el-Bared near the northern city of Tripoli, Lebanon, Wednesday Oct. 27, 2010. U.N. special coordinator for Lebanon Michael Williams inspected the first reconstructed buildings in the camp, which was destroyed in fighting between an al-Qaida-inspired Fatah Islam group and Lebanon's army in 2007. (AP Photo/Sharif Karim, Pool)

Gaza rubble : A Palestinian man on horseback rides past a site where Palestinian workers are collecting scrap material from the rubble of a hotel along the Gaza City waterfront.(AFP/Marco Longari)

Palestinian schoolgrils walk past a house, destroyed in Israel's 2008 Gaza offensive, in Beit Lahiya, northern Gaza Strip, Monday, Oct. 25, 2010. Arabic writing on the wall reads: 'Juma is a hero', right and 'the hero, martyr Juma', center. Identity of Juma is not known. (AP Photo/Hatem Moussa)

Greek Orthodox Patriarch of Jerusalem Metropolitan Theophilos (L) and Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas (3rd L) look at renovations taking place inside the Church of the Nativity, revered as the site of Jesus's birth, in the West Bank town of Bethlehem October 25, 2010. REUTERS/Ammar Awad (WEST BANK - Tags: POLITICS RELIGION)

A man pours water on a Palestinian at Hamam al-Samra, a traditional Turkish bath, in Gaza City October 27, 2010. The Hamam al-Samra, open 24 hours daily with separate hours for men and women, is about 1,000 years old and is frequented by local Palestinians for bathing purposes as well as treatment for various ailments. REUTERS/Suhaib Salem (GAZA - Tags: SOCIETY HEALTH)

A Palestinian boy is reflected in a mirror as he sits at the Hamam al-Samra, a traditional Turkish bath, in Gaza City October 27, 2010. The Hamam al-Samra, open 24 hours daily with separate hours for men and women, is about 1,000 years old and is frequented by local Palestinians for bathing purposes as well as treatment for various ailments. REUTERS/Suhaib Salem (GAZA - Tags: SOCIETY)

A Palestinian boy relaxes at the Hamam al-Samra, a traditional Turkish bath, in Gaza City October 27, 2010. The Hamam al-Samra, open 24 hours daily with separate hours for men and women, is about 1,000 years old and is frequented by local Palestinians for bathing purposes as well as treatment for various ailments REUTERS/Suhaib Salem (GAZA - Tags: SOCIETY)