International Day of the Child

Since the start of the Intifada in September 2000, not one Palestinian child has been left untouched by Israel's continued brutal occupation: children too young to walk or speak have been shot dead by Israeli forces, others have seen friends and family members killed or injured, watched as their homes have been destroyed and parents humiliated, been beaten and tortured and thrown into prison without charges or trial. Physically and psychologically, socially and educationally their young lives are systematically being destroyed. Such is the extent of the children's suffering that concepts which are usually key for child rights organisations, such as the right to play, seem like unattainable luxuries. It is impossible to begin discussing these entitlements when Palestinian children are methodically denied even their most basic right: the right to life and personal security. - DCI-Palestine

 Defence for Children International - Palestine Section

 Playgrounds for Palestine

 Creation of the Palestine Liberation Organization (1964)

The PLO was created in Jerusalem in 1964, following a decision of the League of Arab States, with the first meeting of the Palestine National Council (PNC) . The first Council, made up of 422 leading Palestinian representatives, adopted the Palestinian National Charter and formally created the PLO, headed by a Palestinian lawyer who had worked for several Arab governments as a diplomat, Ahmed Shuquairy.

 Palestinian National Authority's information about the PLO

 The political failure of the PLO and the origins of Hamas

 Six Day War (1967)

Also known in the Arab World as the June War or Al Naksah (The setback), this was the second armed conflict between Israel and the Arab states of Egypt, Jordan, and Syria. On the morning of June 5th, Israel launched a pre-emptive strike against the combined militaries of Egypt, Iraq, Jordan, and Syria and destroyed 80% of their air forces. Within six days, the Israeli forces had conquered the Sinai Peninsula, Gaza Strip, West Bank, and the Golan Heights.

 The Tragic Legacy of the Six Day War

 Cactus48: Frequently Asked Questions on the Six Day war

 Israel bombs Iraq's nuclear reactor (1981)

In the world's first ever air strike against a nuclear plant, Israeli fighter jets bomb and destroy a French-built nuclear plant near Baghdad.

 BBC: Israel bombs Baghdad nuclear reactor

 Iraqi reactor damaged by Israeli bombs

 U.N. General Assembly resolution 60 condemns Israeli attack

 Israeli fighter jets attack and sink the USS Liberty (1967)

During the Six Day War, the American intelligence ship USS Liberty was attacked for 75 minutes in international waters by Israeli aircraft and motor torpedo boats. Thirty-four men died and 172 were wounded. The attack has been a matter of controversy ever since, with Israel insisting it was an accident, and the survivors insisting that Israel knew this was a clearly marked American ship which Israel knew about. The U.S. government has covered this up and dismissed the survivors' evidence.

 USS Liberty Memorial website

 Israel annexes Jerusalem, announces settlement program (1967)

The Old City of Jerusalem houses the Noble Sanctuary - one of the three holiest sites for Muslims. Israel considers Jerusalem as its "undivided and eternal capital" and is unwilling to share the city.

 Aljazeera: Mayor to force Jerusalem's Arabs out (2004)

 Fateh: Jerusalem - A City in Danger

 Official Guide to the Haram Al Sharif (Noble Sanctuary)

 The Question of Settlements

 Gaza for the West Bank (2005)