Source: Palestine Monitor

By: Michael Carpenter

As world leaders and mainstream news outlets sing the praises of Israel’s June 17 decision to ease its stranglehold blockade of the Gaza Strip, there is little prospect of change for Palestinians living under siege. Previously banned consumer items such as toys, newspapers, spices, and instant coffee are now passing through two of Gaza’s land border crossings, but the seaports remain tightly closed, all exports are still prohibited, and there is no sign of much-needed construction material.

Source: Interpal Gaza Office

The ongoing humanitarian crisis on the Gaza strip has resulted in young children becoming street beggars.  Missing out on crucial education and the joys of youth, children roam from car to car begging people for money or food.  Other children sit on street corners in the heat of the sun selling anything of value, the fast cars and fumes from the exhaust pipes do not deter them, as they are their on a mission of survival.  These innocent children have no choice; they have to earn a living to be able to feed themselves and their family.