UCU PROBES EFECTS OF ISREALI BLOCKADE ON EDUCATION IN GAZA

Landon, 10 Sya’ban 1435/9 June 2014 (MINA) – The world’s largest union for academics in Britain will probe the effects of the Israeli blockade of Gaza and how it affects education there.

The University and College Union (UCU), which is based in the UK, is planning to send a delegation to the Gaza Strip to view the effects of the blockade on the territory.

This comes despite opposition from the UK government which says the move is dangerous and a waste of money, Press TV quoted by Mi’raj Islamic News Agency (MINA) as reporting.

The UCU has been criticized by Israel and its allies in recent years over its policy of boycotting Israeli academics.

Over 750,000 children are living in the besieged enclave, many of them unable to receive adequate education.

Gaza has been blockaded since June 2007, which is a situation that has caused a decline in the standard of living, unprecedented levels of unemployment, and unrelenting poverty.

The apartheid regime of Israel denies about 1.7 million people in Gaza their basic rights, such as freedom of movement, jobs that pay proper wages, and adequate healthcare and education.

Children and women, who are among the most vulnerable groups in Gaza, have also been affected by Israel’s brutalities in many incidents.

In 2008-2009, more than 1330 Palestinians — the natives of the land — were killed during Israel’s Operation Cast Lead, while thousands of others, many of them women and children, remained hospitalized.

In November 2012, Israel launched the so-called Operation Pillar of Defense I against Gaza. Over 160 Palestinians, including women and children, were killed and about 1,200 others were injured and more than 1,500 targets were hit across the Palestinian enclave during the eight-day war. (T/P012/E01)

Mi’raj Islamic News Agency (MINA)