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Scottish Sunday

Rights and Rockets

In a week when Gaza was gripped by a new wave of tension and bloody violence, we hear from two very different eyewitnesses: meet the rocket maker and the human rights worker. By Ed O'Loughlin.

The Popular Resistance Committees is a close ally of Hamas in the Gaza Strip. "Abed", a 28-year-old father of two, is one of the PRC's senior artificers, responsible for devising mines and designing and building rockets and mortars. It was with some surprise, therefore, that he started receiving phone calls from an Israeli spy. "I was home two weeks ago, getting ready for evening prayers, sitting with my wife and child, and suddenly my mobile starting ringing. He said, 'I'm Rami, I'm from Shabak the Israeli security agency Shin Bet and I'm responsible for your area. What are you doing? I guess you're with your wife and your two children?' I said no, and he said, 'Yes, your two children are with you, but now you've just moved out of the room'. I said, 'what do you want?' He said, 'If you don't stop your rockets it's only a matter of time before you are targeted'."

Operational Naivety of Palestinian Militants

Other members of the Popular Resistance Committee reported receiving threatening phone calls - an interesting insight into Israel's capacity to use mobile telephone networks to monitor and, in this case, harass its enemies. But the reaction of Abed and his comrades to their calls from Shin Bet illustrates another aspect of the conflict: the remarkable operational naivety which is often displayed by Palestinian militants, even after scores have already been assassinated by Israel.

It seems that Abed and his fellow militants do not know that when a mobile phone is connected to a network, it identifies itself not only by its SIM card, but also with the handset's own unique code. To foil detection, it is necessary to change both SIM and telephone, not the SIM card alone. And once snoopers know what phone you are using, it is a simple matter for them to fix your position.

The Deadly Rockets Produced by Gaza Militants

The rockets produced by Abed and his fellow militants may lack sophistication, but they are still deadly enough. Ten days ago, a 47-year-old resident of the border town of Sderot became the 12th Israeli to be killed by home-made rockets manufactured and fired from Gaza. During this latest surge in killing, the Gaza militants succeeded in launching missiles more than 10 miles into the center of Ashkelon, an Israeli city, which was previously believed to be out of range.

The most commonly-fired missiles, generically referred to as "Qassams" after Hamas's armed wing, have a range of up to six miles and are relatively inexpensive to make. Since the start of the uprising over seven years ago, around 4000 Palestinian missiles, mostly Qassams and home-made mortars, have been fired into Israel or its former Gaza settlements and military bases.

Hotels and the Conflict in Gaza

The Impact on Tourism

As violence and tensions escalate in Gaza, the conflict has inevitably taken its toll on the tourism industry in the region. With news of rockets being fired and attacks occurring, international tourists are understandably hesitant to visit. This has resulted in a significant decline in hotel bookings and a negative impact on the overall economy.

Important Role of Hotels

Hotels play a crucial role in providing accommodations and services to both tourists and locals in Gaza. They not only contribute to the local economy but also serve as a platform for cultural exchange and understanding. However, the ongoing conflict has made it increasingly challenging for hotels to operate and attract visitors.

Despite the difficulties, some hotels continue to operate, providing shelter and support to those affected by the conflict. They serve as a refuge for displaced individuals and offer assistance to humanitarian organizations working in the area.

Hope for the Future

While the current situation remains grim, there is hope for the future. International efforts are being made to bring peace and stability to the region, which in turn would promote tourism and economic growth. It is crucial for all parties involved to work towards a peaceful resolution, allowing both locals and visitors to experience the rich history and cultural heritage of Gaza.

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