Mubarak Name Easier to Erase Than his Legacy
Reageer (0)22-2-2011
by Mohammed Omer
Crossing the border, even for medical treatment, has always been an arduous
task. Through the period of unrest it has been virtually impossible, although
the new government in Egypt shows signs of relenting.
There has been some easing of restrictions on movement, and some
indications that the border will be opened Tuesday to allow 300 people
through. Priority will be given to urgent medical cases, Gaza security
officials told IPS.
On Friday, the Egyptian Army reopened its Rafah crossing one way to allow some Palestinians to enter Gaza Strip.
The change of name for the hospital in Khan Younis in the Gaza Strip is
symbolic, but shows new hope that the Hamas government in Gaza nurtures
of better relations with the new Egypt. Many in Gaza believe that under
former president Hosni Mubarak, Egypt has long supported the Israeli
blockade of Gaza.
The regime change in Egypt could spell hope for hundreds of patients in Gaza
who need to travel out of the Strip for treatment.
The renaming of the hospital is "in honour of Al Tahrir Square in Cairo and
the Egyptian revolution that took place recently there," says Dr Yousef Al
Mudallal, chief of staff at the Gaza Ministry of Health.
Former Palestinian president Yasser Arafat had given Mubarak hospital its
name when it was set up in 1999. This is the first time a government
institution has been renamed in Gaza.
Next to this hospital is Nasser hospital, named after former president Jamal
Abdelnasser. Al Tahrir hospital is now considered a part of Nasser hospital,
which specializes in paediatric, neo-natal, and maternity care as well as
physiotherapy.
Most Gazans have celebrated the removal of Mubarak. But the complete
sealing of the border has been disastrous for patients at these and other
hospitals.
Among those affected badly is Mona Yassin, 43, diagnosed with breast
cancer. She went to a hospital in Cairo just before the revolution started. "I
have spent the 8,000 Egyptian pounds (1,260 dollars) I saved for my medical
treatment," she says. She has run out of money to return, or to stay. She and
some family members had rented an apartment in Cairo.
"Now, I can neither go back home, nor continue the treatment," she told IPS.
Her husband has meanwhile received notice that if he cannot get back
through Rafah, he will lose his job that supports his family, including seven
children.
Hamed Afana, 42, died in Egypt while awaiting medical treatment. Afana’s
body was brought in through the tunnels underneath the Egypt-Gaza
borderline to be buried in Gaza.
When IPS called to check the status of this case, a border official said his
records show that the now buried Afana is still abroad.
Since the Mavi Marmara Flotilla attack on May 31 last year, the Rafah crossing
between Gaza and Egypt has been only partially open for six categories,
including those with medical needs, registered students abroad and the few
with visas to travel abroad.
During the closure of the crossing, the Hamas de facto government
controlled the border tightly. "We are controlling the border and will not allow
anybody to get in without permission," said Ayyoub Abu Shaar.
Abu Shaar said an easing of restrictions is necessary for "the humanitarian
cases in Gaza…as there are very urgent cases waiting for medical treatment
abroad."
On a regular day, 300-500 Palestinians cross the border, mainly people in
need of medical treatment, and students going abroad.
Palestinian official Dr. Ghazi Hamad says negotiations are in progress to keep
Rafah open permanently.
Many Gazans see that Egypt is Gaza’s gateway to the world, and expectation
is high that the new government will help to end the siege of Gaza by being
more lenient on the Rafah Border Crossing.
(END)
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