It was mentioned that Palestinians fired rockets into Israel...if I am not mistaken they hurt no one. I firmly believe firing the rockets was wrong. But I must point out one again...no one was killed or injured.
During the same period of time Israel exhibited violence and aggression by flying over Gaza shooting missiles that killed and injured many...40 people were injured at one site. This was missing from your coverage.
Why are Israel's transgressions and actions that kill, injure and destroy not included as causes of danger and their contributing to the travel advisory?
It is presenting a distorted and inaccurate picture...creating the impression Palestinians are the only ones causing danger. If the situation is examined more closely Israel is consistently involved in using violence and causing danger for travelers.
Please report without bias.

Sammer is correct! He's wise enough to see that it is critical to have involvement and influence from the world , not just the Jewish world. The Jewish piece of support for Palestine must be there for numerous reasons. However it often appears that the Jews involved forget about the rest of us. Because of population figures alone, we are a large part of the equation. There needs to be a campaign to educate and involve "us"......it's not just a problem for Jews. Sammer, keep it up! It is a Human rights issue and it will take a broad base of support if Palestine is ever to be treated with justice and honesty.

Mr Witty,
You reference Hamas and how you don't understand the willingness to shoot civilians. Could I ask, How do you feel about the civilian lives taken by the IDF. Are you so out of the loop you missed the news that the IDF killed hundreds and hundereds of civilians during their December-January bombardment of Gaza?

Was it a coincidence the bombing began at the very time 500,000 students were changing between morning and afternoon school sessions, meaning they were outside and on the streets? The IDF knows exactly what they are doing, they were bombing children! Aren't they civilians?

Bombing aside, how do you feel about the IDF shooting unarmed civilians and children? Guess you have some rational about that only you can understand.

How about bombing hospitals and schools? Aren't there civilians, sick civilians in hospitals? And schools they usually have children in them? Civilians again, right?

Maybe you need to look at the facts and figures of how many civilians are being killed. Correct me if I'm wrong (and I sure you would) but Israel seems to be winning that race, hands down!

And you're wondering about Hamas. I'm wondering about Israel! Wonder what she'd do without the money and support of the US???? With a bit of luck, we might just be able to find out.

And that's the way it is in the West Bank....over...and over....and over again! Wonderful video capturing all that happens when the IDF is having a good day. When they're having a bad day? They shoot live bullets and kill people!

Thank you! So refresshing and encouraging to read. Not even having one Jewish grandparent I do have thoughts and an opinion and they count.....even though others wouldn't agree. Again, thank you for saying what needs to be said and doing it so well

I was fortunate to travel with Sammer and Philip to Gaza (and with Women of a Certain Age to the West Bank in 2004) .I appreciate and admire both Sammer and Philip for what they are doing. We would benefit from having more people like them. I agree with Sammer's approach.
I am not holed up in an ivory tower, involved in lofty intellectual discussions and in no way would I be considered for a role in formulating proposals or decision making when it comes to a solution to the conflict between Israel and Palestine. Further more, I am not Jewish or Palestinian.

What I am is an atypical activist for Palestinian Rights. It serves me well when approaching and dealing with the powers that be, the people on Main Street, in fact, with just about anyone who will give me a bit of their time and a small interest in listening. I don't approach people with strong opinions. I also don't shoot myself in the foot.

When I speak it's about the day to day difficulties and humiliations the Palestinians face. "Simple" things like a wall running through the middle of their town, the only access to the other side is a gate a mile away and it doesn't keep specific hours for opening. And I don't necessarily even mention who's doing the inflicting. Someone always identifies Israel and brings them into the discussion. Next I personalize, Suppose a wall were built down the middle of Main Street. separating shops, restaurants, offices. What would you do? Especially since you'd have to go to Main Street and 313 to cross at the gate, if it's open. My audience, be it one or fifty, is off and running with hardships this would cause them and then they switch to the hardships this must cause the Palestinians and Israel's role in the injustice. It only takes a few of these examples, for "lightbulbs" to go on and understanding of the "Palestinian side if the story" to begin. Next come question: how can Israel get away with this? why don't we hear about this in the press? What can we do about this?

Most Americans don't know or care about a one or two state solution to the Israel/Palestine Conflict. Sorry, but that's reality! They probably can't find Israel and Palestine on a map, but that's OK, it's "not important." They have supported Israel in the past. However they sat in their living rooms for 23 days watching Israel all but destroy Gaza. Day after day they watched and at some point many of them said hey, wait a minute, this has gone too far, what the hell is Israel out to prove? It's a good question, especially since Israel is the 4th largest military power in the world. Now, add in their nuclear weapons What military does Gaza have, scratch the army, navy, air force and it stands to reason they have no airplanes or boats. Those 23 days of inflicting hell on Gaza will cost Israel dearly.

The tides are changing. My Congressman's office shared they are getting many, many calls about "the issue" and the support is not for Israel. "This is a significant change." Thank goodness! I will do everything I can to further this change. My approach may be simplistic, but it works. Don't ignore or underestimate it!

I must change the subject, I've just finished Emily Ratner's amazing account of descending into a tunnel and being lead into its dark and frightening passage to Egypt. She writes beautifully about the harrowing experience; one Palestinian men make daily, but not without consequences. There are often articles revealing impacts brought about by the siege and the IDF's deliberate actions designed to destroy the spirit and soul of Palestinians. Never have I read such a moving and disturbing account of the "Palestinian experience." Palestinians deal daily with inhumane treatment inflicted upon them by an vile, highly organized and accepted band of terrorists, Israel. The US, my country, aids and abets these terrorists. Our congress, press and too many of our citizens consider them "best friends." Please, President Obama bring about change and justice for people of the West Bank, Gaza and displaced Palestinians. Their situation breaks my heart and causes anger to boil inside me. I strive not to "hate" but am reaching my breaking point with Israel. I used to be able to separate the Israeli Government from the people of Israel. That ability is also disappearing, causing me to feel ashamed of myself and very sad. With all that , I thank Phil for drawing attention to Emily's article. It's important!