Foreword:

Peace has become a major concern at this time of trouble and unrest.  The whole area under the "control" of the Palestinian National Authority has witnessed a very difficult and dreadful time of war, hunger and poverty due to the continuous incursions and presence of tanks, armored carriers and soldiers, in almost all towns, villages and refugee camps.

The Israeli forces reinforced with tanks, bulldozers and combat helicopters, and covered by intense shelling, invaded the various Gaza Strip towns and refugees camps.  They have maintained total siege imposed on the Gaza Strip, collectively punishing the Palestinian people.  They have partitioned the areas transforming them into cantons, violating Palestinian civilians' economic, social and cultural rights.  They have perpetrated more human rights violations against civilians, including willful killings, shelling of, and incursions into areas, agricultural land leveling and uprooting of trees.   Unfortunately, all such miserable things are happening under the sun with unprecedented silence from the side of the International official community in particular.

The Iraqi issue and the escalated threats to be invaded is causing additional worries in our country not only for the chaos it will evolve, but also for the would be impact in the occupied territories in the additional absence of International "watch" while attention would be drawn there.

The economic situation in the Gaza Strip has continued to detoriate as a direct result of occupation and economic and travel restrictions imposed on Palestinians.  By curbing freedom of movement, they affect employment, trade and the ability of business to operate effectively.   They were also source of humiliation and control-one of the constant elements of occupation that interfered with the most basic tasks of daily life.

The UN and Palestinian Bureau of Statistics estimated 65% unemployment rate; Earning of under $2 per day for over 80% of the population, and per capita income under US$700 per annum compared to Israel's of $ 17,500.  The World Bank warned in its report of November 2001 quoting that economic collapse remains a real prospect and the confrontation persists, poverty will deepen, serious health and environmental problem would emerge.

The activities at the various centres of Gaza Area Programme continued  to function under such harsh conditions with some constraints as a number of the staff and trainees had faced difficulties to reach their destinations whenever restrictions on movement were imposed on traffic bound north/south and vice versa of Gaza strip.  On the other hand, it was possible to end the year activities with full coverage of our budget thanks to our partners and EU support who realize the great need and importance of Gaza programme which we do hope that it would continue as long as there are merits.

This situation coupled with total strict closure made it very difficult to travel in order to attend meetings or exchange visits especially of members and staff with other DSPR areas' programmes or provide certain equipment and supplies for the various projects.  The Gaza Area delegate was not able for this reason to attend the bi-annual meetings of the Department of Service to Palestine Refugees and finance sub-committee.

I reiterate our gratitude on behalf of Gaza Area Committee and the Palestinians in general and those who reside in Gaza in particular for the firm solidarity and financial support provided by our partners and others.  Thanks to the World and Middle East Councils of Churches, the MECC General Secretary, the Chairperson and members of Department of Service to Palestine Refugees and its Executive Director for the inspiration and encouragement they gave us as we struggle together to  alleviate the sufferings of our people in Gaza Strip.

I am grateful to the Chairman and members of Gaza Area Committee, and to my colleagues; the staff at all levels for their dedication, commitment and hard work, and contribution towards running of the various programme activities under stressful conditions.

The people of the world must be courageous enough to stand in solidarity against violence.  But they must do so in a spirit of impartial justice: so the stand against violence must include a stand against the violence of occupation.   The Bible makes it abundantly clear that the main enemy is always injustice.  Hate and terrorism are born out of an environment of injustice.

At last not least, the Internation

al Community is demanded now as its responsibility to contribute towards a solution and assist in widening awareness amongst their constituencies as injustice and oppression of the Palestinians should not continue to prevail, and that who are powerful now have to remember that God passes judgment on the basis of treatment of the oppressed and marginalized.

 We reiterate that a military solution would not bring an end to our plight for self-determination and a sovereign state, but only peace based on Justice, International law and compliance with UN resolutions, and until this would be achieved, an International protection is basically required for our people.

 We pray for the Peace and dignity of all His People.

Respectfully submitted,

Constantine S. Dabbagh

Executive Secretary

January 2003