Updated: Maltese woman shot, injured in Gaza protest
Adds Bianca Zammit's comments -
Bianca Zammit, 28, a Maltese pro-Palestinian activist, is being treated at the Al-Aqsa hospital after being injured during a protest calling for an end to the blockade of Gaza. She was shot in the leg.
The protest was held near the Al-Maghazi refugee camp in Deir Al-Balah, central Gaza, earlier today.
"It was a peaceful protest, they had no reason to shoot us," Ms Zammit said from her hospital bed. She said that similar protests were held in the past and the Israelis usually fired in the air. This time them shot at the protesters.
Ms Zammit said the bullet had gone through a muscle in one of her legs but missed the bone, and she would be able to walk again. (More details in The Sunday Times tomorrow)
The AFP reported that Israeli troops shot and wounded two Palestinians and the Maltese woman.
The three were shot after they entered a 300-metre-deep no-go zone previously declared by Israel on the Gaza side of the frontier.
The incident occurred when some 150 people, including six foreigners, began a demonstration to protest against the ban, which prevents Gaza farmers from using the land.
Bianca Zimmit is a member of the International Solidarity Movement.
The ISM said Zammit was wounded as she filmed the demonstration, east of the Al-Maghazi refugee camp, some 100 metres from the border.
An army spokesman said a "group of Palestinians approached the security fence in a provocative manner."
"Some soldiers spotted them and fired warning shots. Two Palestinians were hit."
The spokesman added that the army considered the area to be a "combat zone" and therefore out of bounds.
117 Comments
Post comment
Please sign in or create your Account to post comments.
m.chetcuti
Apr 26th 2010, 22:07
To Mr Louis Borg don't try to be a BRAVU you and say that Israel is the occupier WHO knows?? these 2 countries have been fighting each others for ages and what they really NEED is to compromise if they ever want peace. By the way comparing HAMAS with the French Resistance is an insult to the French.
louis borg
Apr 26th 2010, 20:06
TO MR ALEX ELLUL TO LET YOU KNOW THAT IS THE SO CALLED STATE OF ISRAEL THAT IS OCCUPING PALESTNIAN LAND NOT VICE VERCA SO THE REAL VICTIMS ARE THE PALESTNIANS AND HAMAS ARE NO DIFFERENT TO FRENCH RESITANCCE IN WORLD WAR 2 LONG LIVE THE PALESTNIAN PEOPLE
T Pace
Apr 26th 2010, 16:43
The shooting of the courageous Maltese national who was protesting with others, all unarmed, is yet another proof that the State of Israel as represented by its army on site, does not care a hoot about the life (not to mention welfare) of the Palestinians or others who sympathize with them.
The Israeli army spokesman is reported to have stated that warning shots were fired. It would therefore appear that the warning shots were fired to kill. Warning shots indeed ! ! !
Nidal Shawish
Apr 26th 2010, 11:28
Dear Bianca, get well soon and God bless you. As a Maltese from a Palestinian origin, I salute you! You made me proud to be Maltese. Take care
Alex Ellul
Apr 26th 2010, 16:56
Bianca get well soon.
Nidal: As a Maltese of Maltese origin, I believe that we should not serve as mercenaries in other peoples' wars and that should any person decide to serve in other peoples' armies, then it's his personal problem and not our national problem. Consider a hypothetical case: Suppose I go to Israel to defend the Jews from Hizbollah's and Hamas' rockets and I get injured? What would you think?
Nidal Shawish
Apr 26th 2010, 17:42
Alex, first of all, the majority of the Maltese of a Maltese origin in this article do not agree with you and they all support Bianca Zammit. Secondly, you have all the right not to help others and to mind your own business. At the same time, you do not have the right to impose what you believe on others (case in point Bianca Zammit) Suppose you go to Israel to defend the Jews from Hizbollah's and Hamas' rockets (who are occupying the Jews Land) and you get injured, then I would be the first one to stand with you and support you as I am doing with Bianca! Let us take another scenario, Malta is being invaded by African Immigrants to the point that they are asking to create a state of their own in Malta and I come to Malta to show my solidarity with the Maltese! What would you think then my friend? Would you then ask me to mind my own business?
Alex Ellul
Apr 26th 2010, 18:54
yes
Michael Grech
Apr 26th 2010, 09:11
Well done, get well soon. You are an asset not merely to our Palestinian and I would add Israeli sisters and borthers (truth; to which you are a witness; will hopefully set them free as well), but also to your fellow Maltese; proving that just and humane individuals may originate even in self-centered, racist and consumerist societies as ours. As the Judaic tradition maintains, God will see that there will always be just people on earth.
Moreover, I apologise to you and to our Palestinian friends for the moronic comments some of our fellow-nationals posted.
Mark-Anthony Fenech
Apr 25th 2010, 23:52
Enough said: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=t_B1H-1opys
Silvan Agius
Apr 25th 2010, 23:04
Dear Bianca, get well soon and keep strong. My thoughts are with you.
Joe Xuereb
Apr 25th 2010, 19:31
Why was the State of Israel set up in 1948? I presume what is now Israel was not unoccupied land. Given that the land was worked by a people, the Palestinians, why is it that the inevitable problems that ensued and have been constant for the last sixty odd years, why were the problems not foreseen? It is not fair for everybody involved, Israelis and Palestinians, to live a whole life tainted by a never ending war. I would very much resent living in a country where I never knew anything other than war and its stresses.
David Ellul
Apr 25th 2010, 15:51
What a sorry state we in this Island are in! We have those from the Red Crescent, ops, sorry, I mean Cross supporting the enemy of Israel , we say that our country is predominately Christian, while the majority of our people support the enemy of Israel.
The God of a true Christian is the God of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob (Israel).
Another analogy Graham Crocker should visualize is, what would we say if other nations from the globe will try to prevent us Maltese from improving and building residences in Marsa because of the many foreigners occupying part of it ? How dare for the United States and others try to dictate where in Israel should be built and where not to.
H. Smith
Apr 25th 2010, 17:12
You, Mr Ellul, look upon Christianity as if it were some football team. You don't 'side' with Christianity. If you want to be a Christian then you must live Christianity and you must value its values of humility, compassion, kindness, and love for the weak and oppressed.
May I also point out that the Christians, the Muslims and the Jews worship one God. They are just in disagreement about who his true prophets are.
Nidal Shawish
Apr 25th 2010, 18:11
Mr. Ellul how dare you compare the Palestinians with the illegal immigrants and the occupied Palestinian territories with Marsa?!! What about the Palestinians who are Christians? Do they have rights in Palestine too? Or is it simply a land for the Jews only? Are you stating that if you are Jew and you decide to change your religion, then Israel has the right to expel you from the country?
B. Cachia
Apr 25th 2010, 15:08
I wish her a speedy recovery, and I'm sure she's a genuine person committed to her cause - but it's not at all surprising that this incident occurred in what is essentially still a war zone.
And as for supporting the Palestinians, probably the best support they could receive is not having outsiders encourage them to perpetuate the current situation or make it worse. The same applies to those who symphatise with Israel. In reality, the best that outsiders can do is either not interfere or, if they must get involved, at least put pressure on both sides equally and fairly. Trying to put pressure only on the side that one sympathises with least will only strengthen the perception of both sides that they are under siege.
T Camilleri
Apr 25th 2010, 13:36
Congratulations and good luck Bianca. This shows what the Israelis are doing to the Palestinian people after stealing their land.
Aldo Sammut
Apr 25th 2010, 12:48
IF Hamas and Hizb'Allah got their wish and defeated Israel that would mean genocide for all Israelis. Apparently, there are some Maltese posters who are just fine with that. Imisskom tisthu!
Last time I checked this country supported and stood for freedom, tolerance and pluralism, not support of terror and the propping up of Islamic Emirates.
And stop repeating parrot fashion that nonsense claim that Israel is the terrorist. The Palestinians believe that they still can destroy Israel, and as such they have NEVER renounced violence since 1947.
Nidal Shawish
Apr 25th 2010, 19:12
Imissek tisthi int Mr. Sammut! Not all Palestinians believe that they still can destroy Israel, and they have actually renounced what you call violence since the Oslo agreement and finally accepted the two states solution. You better go and check again the country and the history of Israel and find out the whole truth!
Aldo Sammut
Apr 25th 2010, 21:39
M'għandiex min xiex nistħi, Mr Shewish. I am not the one who democratically elected an internationally recognised terrorist organisation to power. I am not the one smuggling weapons through tunnels from Egypt. I am not the one firing Katyusha rockets at Israeli cities from UN buildings. Then it seems past treaties and agreements have very little meaning to the Palestinians. And you talk of history. When I look at the history of Israel, I see nothing more than Arab aggression and war! And truth? What is truth? It certainly isn't that which comes from the mouth of Hamas.
Nidal Shawish
Apr 26th 2010, 10:34
Aldo, why do you call it aggression and not resistance? I personally do not totally agree with Hamas and their actions but Palestinians do not have the military power that Israel does! How do you want them to fight back? All peace treaties have failed with Israel because Israel does not want to accept the UN resolutions and fully withdraw from the Palestinian occupied territories. This is the same UN that decided to create a Jewish state in Palestine. How can you justify the killing of innocent Palestinian women and children and the use of excessive force by Israel throughout the years? Why don’t you call Israel a terrorist state as well? What would you do if the same happens in Malta? Wouldn’t you fight back?
Palestinians used violence in the past but now they are trying to demonstrate peacefully like what happened in Gaza when Bianca Zammit was shot. I personally believe that nothing will work with Israel unless the world takes a firm stand to force them to let the Palestinians live in peace in their land like any other people in the world!
Aldo Sammut
Apr 26th 2010, 18:32
Nidal, 5 Arab armies attacking one country is not resistance. Blowing oneself up in a cafe is not resistance, it is Evil. Never the less, I have never absolved Israel of it's evils. They have made mistakes too. Violence will never accomplish anything, especially for the Palestinians. I don't know what the solution is to this riddle, but the annihilation of one or the other certainly isnt it. I think that Israel should stop the settlements, if Hamas lowers it's weapons. Israel will then lower thiers ( If you know history, you know Israel only attacks when PROVOKED). Then lets return to the table and talk of peace and mutual prosperity. So yes, Israel has to make the first move, but they are more than justified when replying to violence. And both America and Iran should keep their noses out of this. I feel they are both using Israel and Palestine for a proxy war.
Nidal Shawish
Apr 27th 2010, 00:24
Yes Aldo, blowing oneself up in a cafe is not resistance, it is a desperate action because of desperate situation. Hamas and others have stopped doing so nonetheless and have learned that this generated a very bad reaction instead of sympathy. However, if the Palestinians had tanks and war planes and missiles (not the stupid homemade ones), then they would definitely use them and would not need to blow themselves up.
Unfortunately Israel will continue to be “provoked” as long as they are still illegally occupying territories and building settlements on occupied land.
I fully agree with you that Israel has to make the first move because this time Palestinian are determined not to commit the same mistakes and go to the negotiating table before all settlements are blocked, including those in East Jerusalem.
N Abela
Apr 25th 2010, 12:18
Bianca, what an honorable lady you are! I salute you!
"Never believe that a few caring people can't change the world. For, indeed, that's all who ever have."
Margaret Mead
Robert Callus
Apr 25th 2010, 11:09
For those sympathizing with Israel, I think the reason why Bianca and most Europeans support the Palestinians is explained clearly in this map:
http://ideafix7.files.wordpress.com/2008/04/palestinian_land_loss_map.jpg
Keep in mind that since 2000 the little Palestinian land left continued to shrink with the settlements. Also, that little land left is occupied by Israel, who decided on a 'no go' area in it.
Protesting inside that area is dangerous true, but it is also truly justified.
Get well soon Bianca. You are an honor for all Maltese people with a social conscience.
Aldo Zammit Borda
Apr 25th 2010, 10:55
As Bianca Zammit's brother, I would like to acknowledge the immediate and critical assistance provided in this case by the Government of Malta and, in particular, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. I would also like to acknowledge the moving expressions of support to both Bianca and her family on this page.
Bianca has forgiven her assailants. She is well aware that both sides to this conflict have legitimate fears and concerns. As a peaceful activist, she has sought to highlight these concerns using a video-camera as her only 'weapon'. She is but one of a number of committed individuals who are still hopeful that positive change is possible and are willing to work towards it.
While it is true that Middle Eastern problem may not be directly related to Maltese problems, the principles of forgiveness, peace, justice, and reconciliation which underlie them, are universal. It is these principles that drove Bianca to peaceful action in the first place.
Claudia
Apr 25th 2010, 18:45
Dear Aldo,
My name is Claudia and I met Bianca while we were doing our MA at Bradford Uni in the UK. If you could please let her know that we are thinking of her and that we hope she recovers very soon.
I am convinced that her courage and strenght will help her in this process.
Lots of hugs to her,
Claudia (from Colombia)
M Pace
Apr 25th 2010, 10:42
It is easy from the comfort of our little island to subscribe to the simplistic formula: Israelis = bad guys and Palestinians = good guys. This is a very, very complex issue that has a long history. Qabel titkellmu aqraw ftit u mhux sempliciment xi artiklu biased u sensazzjonali fuq il-BBC.
Some years back the Israelis withdrew from ALL of Gaza. The result was that Fatah and Hamas went at each other's throats and many, Palestinians were killed and tortured by other Palestianians. The strip became a launching pad for Qassam rockets that killed and maimed many innocent Israelis.
I admire this girl's courage, but it is misplaced. Israel has every right to defend its citizerns and the no go area should have been respected. There is a ongoing war. When the rockets stop flying into Israel there will be no justification for the zone but until then yes.
This protest did not do anything to solve the problem.
H. Smith
Apr 25th 2010, 13:25
Mr Pace, no one protest will solve a region's problems. But consistent effort by hard-working people is admirable, because they are working to find the one straw that will finally break the camel's back.
The fact that Palestinians have infighting issues is no reason for Israel to continue stealing Palestinian land. Palestinians have lost a lot and they still have a lot to lose, so no one can expect their internal politics to be peaceful - they are not even peaceful in Israel, where Israelis assassinated prime minister Rabin when they did not agree with him, and where there are almost weekly violent clashes between extremist Jews and the Israeli army.
I see Israel as the bad guy in this conflict because it is Israel that has the guns and tanks and planes and it is Israel that has international support despite the atrocities it is party to and responsible for. It is a David against Goliath battle, only this time Goliath is Jewish.
ALBERT FENECH
Apr 25th 2010, 10:15
May I interject to correct and clarify some facts which the majority of your correspondents seem to be entirely oblivious of? Rightly or wrongly, the Jews were given a piece of territory in Palestine at the end of the Second World War - no doubt to ease the conscience of the western world following the terrible events of the holocaust. From a scrabbling desert they have built one of the most modern of world states. The Palestinians - after being removed from Jordan, Lebanon, Tunisia and Libya (all Arab countries) because they fomented internal political troubles - were finally given their own state. The western world pumped millions and millions of dollars into the new state. What happened to the money? Instead of building universities, schools, hospitals, clinics and civic centres, most of the money went on armaments, besides encouraging schoolchildren to take up arms against Israel. The vast proportion of money disappeared into private pockets. Before it had even made a start, Palestine has now been split into two states because the Palestinians cannot agree on one joint state. Hence the reasons why they are generally politely boycotted by the rest of the Arab world. This, alas, is reality.
H. Smith
Apr 25th 2010, 13:03
The Palestinians were not 'given' a state. They had a country called Palestine, previously ruled by the Ottoman Turks, then by England, then taken over by Jews who decided to build a 'Jewish state' on it. Unfortunately, the land in which they wanted to build a Jewish state was inhabited by non-Jews - the Palestinian people.
The Palestinians who were thrown out of Lebanon etc. were Palestinian REFUGEES who had nowhere to go after they were thrown out of Palestine by Jewish settlers. Don't take my word for it - google the Palestinian refugee problem. They were thrown out because no one likes refugees, Mr Fenech.
You are either badly informed or intentionally revising history.
S. Gauci
Apr 25th 2010, 22:40
@H. Smith
And what about the Jewish refugees which were subsequently expelled from the Muslim states after the establishment of the state of Israel, and which then had to be absorbed by Israel as well as Europe?
Nidal Shawish
Apr 26th 2010, 10:59
There were absolutely few when you compare them with the amount of Jews who illegally immigrated to Palestine from all over the world before the state of Israel was even created.
Charles Abela
Apr 25th 2010, 09:55
@Michael Neville Cassar
Dear Mr. Cassar I would entice you, in order to get a broader view of the Palestinian's situation, to see Simone Bitton (French-Moroccan-Israeli) award winning documentary. MUR
Marcella Muscat
Apr 25th 2010, 09:38
Bianca has always been very dedicated towards working for human and animal rights both in Malta and abroad. She worked as volunteer in Germany and the Uk before going to Gaza last year. Here in malta she was involved with the Red Cross, Mid-Dlam ghad-Dawl, Graffiti and with refugees to name a few; and worked at Appogg and National Commission for Equality. She graduated from univ of malta with B.Psy and Bradford univ with masters in Peace and Conflict Resolution.
take care bianca
peter fitzgerald
Apr 25th 2010, 08:43
While i agree with a palestinian homeland i totally condemm Hamas who killed fellow palestinians to gain control of Gaza, and Hizbollah. All they want is an islamic world controlled by sharia law and the destruction of israel no interest whtsoever in a palestinian homeland. They preach hatred, encourage suicide bombings sending other peoples childern to do the job and obey no UN laws during warfare. More Muslims have killed Muslims then an american, israel or christian combined. please Bianca bear in mind that should they possess a weapon that could destroy israel they would not consider any man woman or child. Isreael is surrounded by 22 hostile countries that would rejoice at the destruction of the jewish state. Bianca i condemm israel's tactics also especially what has been done to you with no buts or if's and wish you a speedy recovery
Davinia Vella
Apr 25th 2010, 07:39
Bianca, I dont know you personally, but i m told you worked on the desk i work on now overlooking the Pineum. I wish you a speedy recover and admire you to no end. Its courage like yours that give hope to the world not cowards behind guns. If there is ever a world with no peace full activists then God is no more as that is His true nature
M.Vassallo
Apr 25th 2010, 06:32
We Maltese cannot tolerate this from the Israelis any more and should start a campaign against Israeli economic interests in Malta.
M. Fenech
Apr 25th 2010, 01:38
@Alex Ellul
You better go and check from where the state of Israel originated! Maybe if you look back to 1948 and the previous years you will start to have a better picture. That land was called PALESTINE. And if you search to what happened to the KING DAVID Hotel, you will realise that by bombing the Hotel, Israel put alot of pressure on the British government to obtain a piece of land from Palestine, which later became called "The State Of Israel"!
S. Gauci
Apr 25th 2010, 22:34
And if you'd like to go even further back in time, you'll know that "Palestine" is what the Romans renamed Israel in 70 CE in order to obliterate the connection between the Jews and their homeland, Israel.
J. Duca
Apr 24th 2010, 23:47
I think some of the comments here must have hurt Ms Bianca Zammit more than the Israeli bullet itself. We should admire her courage instead of defending the Israeli soldiers. Most of the cowards writing against her stance do not even dare to protest for their own rights let alone for others. Bianca you made us proud to be Maltese for once.
fra Gwann Xerri, op
Apr 24th 2010, 23:16
Dear Bianca,
Thank you for your witness to truth before those who think they are almighty!
We are proud to be your friends!
Your courage is a blessing on all of us; helps us maintain our hope in humanity, peace and justice for all!
We pray for your quick and complete recovery
Ann Gingell Littlejohn
Apr 24th 2010, 22:52
Bianca, I admire your courage and the fact that you have deep convictions which you're prepared to stand up for. I have a feeling you're the Bianca Zammit-Borda I used to teach at Junior College a decade ago. Do get well soon.
Trevor Lorenzo Mizzi
Apr 24th 2010, 21:56
Her beloved Gaza fundamentalist islamists would be first to turn on her as an infidel woman once they get their working Sharia government in place.
Daniel Zahra
Apr 24th 2010, 21:18
A finest example of human altruism. Standing up to injustice with no expectations of any personal gain. Get well soon Bianca! & hope you will keep working to make this world a better place. respect!
Tanja Cilia
Apr 24th 2010, 21:16
I have linked this to the coverage in Jerusalem Post:
http://www.jpost.com/Israel/Article.aspx?id=173823
Samir Abou-Hussein
Apr 24th 2010, 21:15
Ms Bianca Zammit, I wish you rapid recovery and to return to your family and country (Malta) safe and healthy. One like you really gives a lot of lessons to the world about the courage and determination when there will be innocent people(Palestinians in this case) suffering every second from the extremely unhumantarian continous criminal acts of the occupied criminal forces. For the ones who pointed out to(No entry zone), I would to remind them that all Gaza is a Palestinian land, and this event happen in the feilds where the Palestinian farmers have to be all the time to be able to live! GAZA in under total seige since 3 years ( more than 1000 days) and hardly the basic daily requirement could be supplied! It is the biggest prison in the world created by the criminal occupied zionist forces! but always what ever the situation , we trust the Lord that one day the right will be back to the right owners! God bless you Ms Bianca Zammit and all the right and freedom supporters from all over the world! God bless you all!
Joseph Calleja
Apr 24th 2010, 20:57
I wish Ms Zammit a speedy recovery. I have said it before and I say it now. Let the Middle east solve their own problems. I think every Nation including the USA, Great Britain and all outside nations should stop meddling in the Middle East and stop starting uncalled for, wars. Let the Palestinians, Israelis and all Arab counties settle peace on their own. If they want peace they know exactly where and how to achieve it.
Joe Zammit
Apr 24th 2010, 20:53
I thank most heartily all those who are expressing sympathy with our daughter. Please, pray for her as well. She is doing everything out of her love for those most in need and everything for the glory of God. She was very happy last Easter being present for Easter Mass in a Gaza Catholic church.
victoria bugeja
Apr 24th 2010, 20:39
Well done to this young MALTESE lady who is that courageous to go to palestine and fight for a concept she believes in!!! Stop your atrocities Israel, Free Palestinian territory and let Palestinians live a proper life!!!!! God bless Bianca
S Gauci
Apr 24th 2010, 20:15
Will you all stop demonizing Israel? Just to listen to you, it seems all that defines Israel as a country is shooting at Palestinians 24/7. This is a country like any other, full of culture, history, arts, movies, normal civillians who go to work every day and just want to live normally.
According to some of you, Israel is some evil moster.
No country is perfect, and it takes two sides to fight any war. Portraying one side as innocent and another as guilty is ludicrous, and historically inaccurate.
Graham Crocker
Apr 25th 2010, 14:55
There is no need to demonize them.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=A5drXEXkf9s
Some other material (if you have the time):
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Sp890nXTJ44
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vxAxgokbOrE
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0LPHHl0KMb4&feature=player_embedded#!
http://www.nocaptionneeded.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/09/settler-aggression.jpeg
http://shmookty.files.wordpress.com/2009/12/israel-settlers-attack-palestine-woman.jpg
chanelle busuttil
Apr 24th 2010, 19:58
It is not the critic who counts, not the man who points out how the strong man stumbled, or where the doer of deeds could have done better. The credit belongs to the man who is actually in the arena, whose face is marred by dust and sweat and blood, who strives valiantly, who errs and comes short again and again, who knows the great enthusiasms, the great devotions, and spends himself in a worthy cause, who at best knows achievement and who at the worst if he fails at least fails while daring greatly so that his place shall never be with those cold and timid souls who know neither victory nor defeat.'
Theodore Roosevelt
God bless you Bianca
joe muscat
Apr 24th 2010, 19:49
Where is our government , any complaints to Israel ? this is a serious matter, a Maltese was shot for nothing by Israeli troops, hope our government react as soon as possible and to see what measures we can take
Malta Red Cross - Malta Branch
Apr 24th 2010, 19:35
The Committee and all volunteers of theMalta Red Cross - Malta Branch would like to show solidarity with Bianca Zammit, who was an active volunteer within the Branch, and now doing humanitarian work in Palestine.
Bianca we wish you a speedy recovery. May God Bless you!!!!
Malta Red Cross - Malta Branch
Michael Neville Cassar
Apr 24th 2010, 19:27
Mrs Zammit may have thought that by defying the no go zone she is going to get away with it, yet army orders are orders.
D.Galea
Apr 24th 2010, 19:49
That is exactly where courage lies, remember Tiananmen Square, China 1989?
William P Flynn
Apr 25th 2010, 00:01
What are you justifying? The cowardly government who gives orders to shoot at a group of 150 civilians on their own occupied soil?
A couple of years ago a woman organized a planting of hundreds of olive trees by a peaceful organization on Palestinian land. The Israeli army told them to stop. They wouldn't and carried on planting as this was Palestinian land.
The Israeli army let them finish the job and when it was complete, they came overnight with their vehicles and machines and uprooted and crushed every tree. What a hateful, monstrous and hateful thing to do.
President Truman resisted the creation of Israel; how right he was.
John Lauri
Apr 25th 2010, 09:51
Army orders are not necessarily legal orders which should be adhered to, especially when given out by an occupying force, whose presence alone in Gaza is ILLEGAL !
I am sure you would change you view about army orders, if for example a foreign army was illegally occupying Malta and started dishing out orders. Therefore your statement that "army orders are orders", holds very little water.
What Bianca Zammit was doing, is something which many more thousands of people should do, in recognition of the injustice faced daily by the Palestinian people, thanks to the illegal and immoral behaviour of the Israelis.
Stephen Florian
Apr 24th 2010, 19:22
The Israelis killed an American activist some years ago, for the same reason which sheds Maltese blood today. How would they like it if we were to apply their "eye for an eye, tooth for a tooth" policy on them. Something is very wrong up the attic. Grow up Israel and learn to live in peace, before someone teaches you a lesson. G-D will pay you back for your sins.
Graham Crocker
Apr 24th 2010, 19:01
Here is a scenario for all those who like supporting Israel:
Italy invades Malta, bulldoze our cities and replaces them with Italian settlements.
The Italians segregate us and stop us from getting to clean water, schools and hospitals.
Now replace Italy/Italian with Israel/Israeli, Malta with Palestine, us with them and our with their.
That is the situation Palestinians are in. All those who support Israel are basically saying that they would be docile and peaceful if the Italians came to Malta, destroyed our cities (to build housing estates for Italians) and segregated us from them and our land.
One mans terrorist, is another mans freedom fighter.
Alex Ellul
Apr 24th 2010, 19:13
Graham Crocker, you forgot to add one thing in the analogy: That we maltese would have sworn to anihilate all Italians. Your analogy falls flat on its face. First you have to be fair towards the truth. The israelis are not angels, but they have a right to their land. The Palestinians have never, repeat never, accepted the state of Israel. If the palestinians have their way, Israel would cease to exist. This is also mad man Ahmedinejad's wish. Now he is building nukes to threaten and maybe also attack Israel. The plot tickens.
Andrew Camilleri
Apr 24th 2010, 19:40
Of course they do Alex, but they are extending their borders bit by bit by stealing Palestinian land and pushing the Palestinians out of their own country.
victor vella
Apr 24th 2010, 19:48
Whilst wishing Ms Zammit a speedy recovery I ask her what the hell was she doing there, there are a lot of humaniterian needs here in Malta, ah the folly of youth.
Now to answer some of the bloggers here , Friends, who sold land to the Jews after the second world war? who teased and taunted them to war? so come on it all boils down to one thing who started it all.Oh by the way if Italy had to iade Malta lol I bet that should we have the means we would end up invading them, coragio fugiamo????
Martin Cassar
Apr 24th 2010, 20:20
@ Alex Ellul
Graham Crocker, you forgot to add one thing in the analogy: That we maltese would have sworn to anihilate all Italians. Your analogy falls flat on its face. First you have to be fair towards the truth. The israelis are not angels, but they have a right to their land.
What are the borders of 'Israel' please?
Graham Crocker
Apr 24th 2010, 21:48
Alex Ellul, I used to think like you, but when I looked closer at what was really going on I changed my mind. My analogies may not be good, but the points I was trying to convey were that Israel is occupying land illegally and to add insult to injury oppressing the Palestinians.
Wenzu Vella
Apr 24th 2010, 23:21
Come on Alex stop hiding behind the “We Maltese” we know which side you take if Malta and Israel had an argument about territory.
Those people that are in Israel claiming right to occupy. How many off them are direct descendants of those Israelites that left Israel many centuries ago.
Israel can only keep flexing its muscles because of the big Jewish influential lobby in Washington, but may I remind you Alex and the like, that this is not eternal. It is important to know Alex that those who claimed land that it was not theirs at the point of a gun ever lasted for long.
The dustbin of history is full of countries that thought because they were powerful and had bigger weapons at the time.
You mentioned Iran building nukes but for a good reason you forgot to mention the NUKES IRAEL HAVE
Ameli Corpsky
Apr 25th 2010, 01:05
The land was originally Palestine's. They are illegally occupying it. They bulldoze houses, shoot little babies in the head, cut off basic supplies from reaching them and have been accused of many war crimes. Israel doesn't want just it's own state. It wants the WHOLE thing. Palestinians are stuck in that ghetto with no way to escape while Israel continues to bomb them daily. When the Palestinians do fight back they are called terrorists. No one should just stand there and let someone come in, kick them out of their homes and murder their families.
Kevi Zammit
Apr 25th 2010, 07:57
There is also the bit were ignorant palestinians actually sold their land to Israelis in the very beginning. This is not a war ... this is just plain pique.
It is said that in the year 3050 when no man or woman will walk the earth ... the arab insects will still be fighting the Israeli insects ....
Robert Agius
Apr 25th 2010, 11:03
Alex Ellul - please note that Israel already has nukes. Sure they have the right 'their' land, but the problem is that they took over the whole place. Taking other nations as an example, Palestinians have every right, I repeat, every right not to recognize Israel as a STATE. Can you imagine the same scenario happening elsewhere?
Jesmond Micallef
Apr 24th 2010, 18:47
I wish Bianca Zammit full recovery from her injuries. Good to read that she will be able to walk again.
David Caruana
Apr 24th 2010, 18:44
Dear Biancha,
Hope you'll have a speedy recovery. Although I don't have the pleasure to know you personally, reading your story makes me proud to be Maltese.
Reading some of the comments posted down here, makes me less proud. To the smart mouths saying "A no-go zone meanS a no-go zone"... didn't you get it that Bianca was protesting because she believes that that zone SHOULD NOT BE a no-go zone!
I really wish these couch crititcs can at least once get out from behind their screens and do something valuable like Bianca did.
Bianca, you make us proud... keep up the good work!
Dr Andrew Azzopardi
Apr 24th 2010, 18:32
Anybody can keep doubting on the commitment of young people to the social well-being?
Steve Demicoli
Apr 24th 2010, 18:28
All Israeli apologists please note that the 'no-go' zone was only declared as such (as a n'no-go' zone) by the Israelis themselves, in much the same way as they occupied Palestine and still continue stealing Palestinian land and declaring it their own by issuing planning permission and building on it - laughing in the face of the international community and provoking even their blood brothers - the Americans! Mind you, the Americans only 'spoke' against this but never actually took any action.
Andrew Camilleri
Apr 24th 2010, 18:55
Please note, Israel steals Palestinian land, burns Palestinian fields and crops, bulldozes Palestinian homes, builds on Palestinian land, deprives the Palestinian people of basic human rights and then complains if a single Israeli citizen is injured even slightly by a people who are justly fighting against tyranny.
Israeli 'settlements' and 'neighbourhoods' are built on sovereign Palestinian territory which Israel is carving up one bit at a time. A two state solution will never be possible at this rate because any Palestine with the borders being given to it by Israel will not be a viable state.
I'd like to see what the few Israeli apologists here would do if a Roman army came here, claimed Malta was Roman territory (because it belonged to them 2000 years ago), threw Maltese out of their houses, destroyed Maltese businesses and livelihoods, killed hundreds and thousands of Maltese ('terrorists') for defending their own land against aggressors.
Israel is an aggressive state that must be brought before the ICC to answer for its crimes against humanity. It will never do so as long as it is supported by the US, especially when public opinion is formed by Israeli (or lobby) owned media.
Alex Ellul
Apr 24th 2010, 18:28
A very sad incident for the Maltese woman. Next time she should also travel to an Isreali kibutz and try to peacefully convince Hizbollah not to fire rockets on the Israeli farmers' families, woman and children. Thus a level of fairness would be reached.
Pauline Abela
Apr 25th 2010, 00:46
Agreed. Israel is surrounded by hostile governments some of which have made it known that they would like to annihilate it. Israel also needs sufficient land for its' citizens. Historically, both Arabs and Jews lived in the area and therefore their descendants all have a legitimate right to it. My observation is that it is Arabs who predominantly have an 'us or them' mentality. And this can be seen in the countries they re-settle in. Jews tend to assimilate with mainstream citizens and strive to succeed whereas Arabs tend to form ghettos and complain that they get treated unfairly. The area became Israeli-controlled as a result of a pre-emptive strike which led to the 6-day war. It was won by Israel fair and square against a force made up of a conglomerate of Arab nations. Bianca needs to learn to butt out of other people's internal affairs and not provoke the military. Otherwise she should suffer the consequences without whining about them. Don't give me the 'it was a peaceful protest' crap - they were trying to get what they wanted by hook or by crook and they didn't succeed. Simple.
Eddie Azzopardi
Apr 24th 2010, 18:27
I am amazed at what some Maltese are saying here.Actually supporting people that shoot unarmed women is absolutley disgusting.
N Abela
Apr 25th 2010, 12:09
Those people are totally brainwashed by the media which is generally biased in favor of Israel since most world news agencies are owned by Zionists. However it is encouraging to see that they are definitely in the minority here. The Internet is a great tool to get the truth out. There is hope after all!
P Agius
Apr 24th 2010, 18:26
definetly you deserve a thumbs-up for supporting the palestinain cause but entering a NO-GO AREA is a bit crazy and you are solely responsible for what happened to you....When at war, military zones and similar no-go areas are to be avoided.....
wish you a speedy recovery and keep doing the good work
Steve Demicoli
Apr 24th 2010, 18:19
What are the Maltese authorities going to do about a Maltese citizen that has been shot by the Israelis?
Or is this another case of Israel showing it is untouchable by way of being so influential and also being America's best friend and ally by their own admission.
wally vella-zarb
Apr 24th 2010, 18:19
Speedy recovery to Ms Zammit!
What a shame there are still Maltese people among us who still swallow all the hype and fail to recognise Israel for the warmongering monster that it really is!
Steve Demicoli
Apr 24th 2010, 18:33
Almost all the international community is being 'taken for a ride' by Israel (and its US allies). I wouldn't be surprised there are some of our Maltese compatriots who swallow the hype. What scares me, on the other hand is that some Maltese will also go as far as to say that 'its her own fault for 'provoking the Israelis' - meaning daring to approach an area that ISRAEL has declared a 'no-go zone' - Israel, not the UN or some respectable international organization
Chris Frendo
Apr 24th 2010, 18:13
"The three were shot after they entered a 300-metre-deep no-go zone previously declared by Israel on the Gaza side of the frontier."
A no-go zone mean a no-go zone.
H. Smith
Apr 24th 2010, 18:33
The no-go zone was stolen by Israel from Israeli farmers. Why not create the no-go zone on Israeli land? This is typical of Israeli tactics - bulldoze over Palestinians' rights because they simply do not matter.
Not only does Israel imprison a population of over one million, but it also proceeds to steal their agricultural land and to bomb down their factories. Israel has created a ghetto in what was once a beautiful, non-extremist seaside city.
H. Smith
Apr 24th 2010, 18:39
correction: The no-go zone was stolen from Palestinian farmers
Tony Gatt
Apr 25th 2010, 13:01
The occupation has been declared illegat by the UN but the Israelis take no heed as long as the US backs them to the hilt.
Mario Tabone-Vassallo
Apr 24th 2010, 18:12
Bianca Zammit, jiddispjacini, izda ghamilt iktar unur lil Malta mill-politici taghna. Tajt xhieda ta' umanita, ta' modrija Nisranija. Grazzi. Nixtieqlek fejqan malajr u bla kumplikazzjonijiet. Grazzi mill-gdid. Alla mieghek
S. Gauci
Apr 24th 2010, 18:11
I'm sorry to hear of what happened, and wish her a speedy recovery, BUT on the other hand, she must have known what she was signing up for when she was going to Gaza and acting in a way that would provoke the Israelis.
Israel will not give in to these demands. It will not be defeated, so might as well stop trying.
A. Dimech
Apr 24th 2010, 18:06
Yea it is easy for people to say that Palestine are the terrorists and that they are "evil" for firing rockets into Israel. But really what other choice do they have?
Without that ability to defend themselves from Israeli agression they would be surely overrun by now! International countries need to start taking a stand against Israel. They cannot continue to do whatever they please without any consequences (eg using banned weaponry in civilian areas. No one said a thing about that even thought the UN condemned it!!)! Stop the unneeded agression once and for all!!!!
J. Mifsud
Apr 24th 2010, 18:05
I unequivocally condemn the Israeli Authorities for occupying Palestinian land, the blockade of Gaza, and for undue suffering of the Palestines.
Shame to all countries who are helping the Israeli State financially or otherwise. This occupation is long overdue, and I believe that the United States of America should review its position with Israel.
Act now. End this suffering. In this day and age people deserve much better. Stop all this hatred.
I wish Ms Bianca Zammit a speedy recovery. What a difference from hundreds of University students who only protest for petty affairs, such as parking at the University, etc.....
Shel Zaav
Apr 25th 2010, 00:07
Israel departed Gaza long ago. The Israelis left electricity grids, water lines, schools, houses, hospitals. The Arabs wasted no time in destroying almost all of it. Even so, Israel continues to supply food, water, electricity, medical supplies, etc. on a daily basis. The Arabs of Gaza, who could declare a state there and live in peace, have sent over 6000 missiles into Israel purposely directed at civilian targets including schools and hospitals. If the Gazans want peace, all they have to do is to declare their country and their willingness to live in peace with Israel and Egypt. However, since they are ruled by Hamas, the Gazan chapter of the Muslim Brotherhood, they cannot accept a non-radical-Muslim presence in the area. This is the basis of their problem.
ray sacco
Apr 26th 2010, 13:21
@shel zaav:
the basis of the problem is that israel gave the impression of leaving gaza and the west bank but in fact it surrounded both areas and is strangling the population inside them! the basis of the problem is that the fanatic jewish religious leaders believe that the palestinian territories should be a part of israel because god told them so. and so government after government, israel keeps absorbing the occupied territories metre by metre through the settlers it keeps sending there. when the isaelis are pressured into talks they always provoke some issue to harass the palestinians, knowing they have the power to pull the strings in the whitehouse. the 6000 home made missiles would not have been shot into israel if israel gave abbas a chance in peace talks and consolidating his popularity with his people, meaning hamas would have remained an small insignificant group! but israel is also engaged in a psychological game: divide your enemy and rule!
Mark-Anthony Fenech
Apr 24th 2010, 18:03
erm what was she doing in a no-go zone? Did they really expect to pass through a combat zone unhurt? That said I'm wondering how "warning shots" actually hit the protesters..
Wish her a speedy recovery anyway..
G. Mangion
Apr 24th 2010, 18:00
Very sad indeed. but this is not our problem so I guess this Lady here better keep out of others prob's.
Get Well Soon.
Ryan Dalli
Apr 24th 2010, 17:59
Stand4Palestine-Malta is thinking of organizing a protest in favor of Palestinian right for self-determination, and against the increasing suppression of dissent in the occupied territories.
If we manage to get the permission, I hope to see you all there to support Bianca and the Palestinians.
J.Borg
Apr 24th 2010, 17:54
What a shame for a Maltese to side with a terrorist run country. Israel, show them you wont give in.
steve gatt
Apr 24th 2010, 18:22
In my point of view it is Israel the terrorist run country, because it is Israel who is occupying, building inside and taking away the Palestinian Lands piece by piece through military force, and not Vice Versa. The Palestinians have no other option. How can they fight back ?
What would you do if you where in their shoes ?
H. Smith
Apr 24th 2010, 18:24
The 'terrorists' you are speaking of is Gaza's government. The reason you call them terrorists is because they don't have ships and aeroplanes. If they had them you'd call them an ARMY that's fighting for its country's sovereignty in the face of an aggressor country. The aggressor would be Israel, in case you're wondering.
Robert Agius
Apr 24th 2010, 18:36
Terrorists?? People, in their own land, throwing stones at people with guns and Nuclear weapons.
J.Borg
Apr 24th 2010, 19:04
Still a country of which their goverment ran by Hamas which have ties to all terrorist groups such as al qaeda and bin laden himself. A goverment that called a war on all europe and christians. A goverment that fights in the most cowardly ways. This is what Maltese people are siding with ? As far as I know Malta is a christian state so i'm very sure their country are against us too. Keep it up side with the enemy not the ally.
Tony Bonello
Apr 25th 2010, 07:34
Dear Mr.Borg I believe you see to much pro Israel news stations to be so much Pro Israel. The State of Israel was established on May 14, 1948 after nearly two thousand years of Jewish dispersal, and after 55 years of efforts to create a Jewish homeland (Zionism). The 61 years since Israeli independence have been marked by conflict with neighbouring Arab states and the Palestinian-Arabs. So Israel till 1948 never existed until the British gave her a piece of land. I am proud of Ms Zammit. I am Pro Palestine and believe me Mr. Borg when you say you are a Christian I believe you don't even know the meaning of giving and forgiving
t.borg
Apr 24th 2010, 17:52
I rather protest against Hamas firing rockets into Israel and support abbass.
ray sacco
Apr 24th 2010, 18:27
@t.borg:
hamas would still be a petty insignificant group if israel gave abbas a chance in peace talks! but abbas and his fatah party have become like children pleading for sweets from israel! in all these years of drooling for talks about how to start peace talks, they have achieved nothing! so it's normal for the palestinians to loose faith in peace talks and turn to hamas! in other words, it was israel which created hamas.
Adrian Cachia
Apr 24th 2010, 18:27
Innocent People that Ms. Bianca Zammit was supporting are victims of both Hamas and Israel. I think you should re-consider your post as the people from Palestine are quite abused in this "war". I am not defending Hamas either as the rocket firing over innocent people is not a good thing either!
Mark Camilleri
Apr 24th 2010, 19:13
I don't have to go into detail, Just look at this image in the link below!
http://tseday.files.wordpress.com/2008/09/4maps.jpg
D.Galea
Apr 24th 2010, 17:51
This news is just extraordinary! No matter one agrees or not with the cause this lady is helping in the fight for, in our present time this is the first time I came across someone so brave as willing to go this far and probably beyond for a cause she believes in. If only more Maltese had even a speck of the guts this lady has I wouldn't even start to imagine how better things could get for our islands.
I really wish Ms.Zammit a speedy recovery and KEEP IT UP because you serve as an admirable example to all of us!
Andrew Camilleri
Apr 24th 2010, 17:44
Israel should be ashamed of itself. What does Israel think it is? It abuses the Palestinians, and shoots at protesters. Shame on Israel and shame on those who support this terrorist state.
One cannot protest against Israel without being called antisemitic, but antisemitism has nothing to do with it.
Aldo Busuttil
Apr 24th 2010, 17:43
Get well soon Bianca! try to stay away from danger!! God Bless You!
Noel Zerafa
Apr 24th 2010, 17:41
I'm sorry for her. Let the Palestinians and Israelis fight their own wars.
Tony Bonello
Apr 24th 2010, 17:41
I want to show solidarity with this person and Open my voice out to say SHAME ON YOU ISRAEL.
FREE PALESTINE.
Alex Ellul
Apr 24th 2010, 18:32
The Palestinians have taken a decision that they will only be free when Israel is anihilated. This will, of cousre never happen, hence the Palestinian will never be free. Their freedom depends on themselves and not on Isreal.
Michael Spiteri
Apr 24th 2010, 20:55
@Alex Ellul. I never thought that people with your kind of reasoning really existed. Are you a CNN fan by any chance?
Anthony Formosa
Apr 24th 2010, 17:36
I will be expecting the Maltese patriots to call the Israelis UNCIVILIZISED like they had the pleasure to call the poor Maltese farmer. Hope that this woman will recover soon as she is really fighting for a good cause, the Palestinians have been suffering for many years and no one gives a hoot about them.
Mike Jones
Apr 24th 2010, 17:33
Finally something out of Malta that is not shameful, actually the opposite.
Maximum respect for Bianca, for standing up and DOING SOMETHING in the name of what she believes right! Examplary!
I wish her a speedy and painless recover.
They manged to wound 4 with "warning shots" ? It's sad to see the world powers let the Israelis get away with so much.
samantha borg
Apr 24th 2010, 17:33
Israeli soldiers were provoked!
A.PSAILA
Apr 24th 2010, 21:10
Provoked by an unarmed Maltese woman?
They are bullies to shot on protesters!
She deserves a welcome hero for her courage!
J. Mifsud
Apr 24th 2010, 17:26
Isreal stop the agression once and for all.