Imprisoned Information : the case of the Palestinian occupied territories during the Intifada and beyond

A chapter in a book titled : Disaster and after : the practicalities of information service in times of war and other catastrophes : proceedings of an international conference sponsored by IGLA, The International Group of the Library Association , 4-6 September 1998, University of Bristol, pp. 119-134Abstract Throughout the years of the Israeli occupation of the West Bank and Gaza Strip, since 1967, Palestinians have suffered from multiple forms of harassment; they have been deprived of their legitimate and human rights as well as been forced to carry the burdens and pressures imposed on them. Access to information, freedom of learning, freedom of expression, and freedom of the press were all subjected to restrictions that were intensified during the Intifada. Educational institutions and vocational centres have routinely been closed, while publica-tions have been censored and often confiscated. Journalists and reporters were monitored and periodically attacked. In turn, Palestinians have been isolated from other parts of the world for long periods of time as a result of Israeli poli-cies. Such actions included cutting mail and telephone services to and from the Occupied Territories. These and other kinds of restrictions, requiring military permits for research and learning purposes and to access information networks, have urged and encouraged Palestinian academics, librarians, and the public to use practical measures to fight these illegal actions either through alternative education, or establishment of new libraries or issuing and distributing local publications. But, despite the implementation of these measures, the situation has not completely improved. This remains the case even after the signing of the peace agreements between Israel and the Palestinian authorities