The Palestinian city in the Gaza Strip has long been the violent battle ground (pictured below) between Palestinian and Israeli groups over a historic dispute regarding land claims. 

The fighting has led to huge casualties on both sides, with some of the victims in Gaza courageously using sport to help rehabilitate their lives following the loss of major limbs.

During his visit, Britain's Vice-Consul met with Gazan disabled athletes set to compete at the London 2012 Paralympic Games later this year, many of who were injured in the conflict.

Saul expressed deep admiration for the tremendous achievements of the athletes, who have won numerous trophies and medals in international events held in Qatar, Tunisia, China and other nations across Asia.


He also expressed surprise at the number of world records held by Gaza's disabled athletes and their high international ranking despite the particularly difficult conditions they face living in the beleaguered Gaza Strip.

In addition, the Vice-Consul indicated that Britain will do its utmost to facilitate and support the deserving efforts of these individuals during the London 2012 Paralympic Games.

Palestine first competed in the Paralympics in Sydney in 2000, where Husam Azzam (pictured top, left) won bronze in the shot put event.

He went on to win silver in the same discipline in Athens in 2004 while Palestine's only other Paralympic medal was won by Mohammed Fannouna, who took bronze in the long jump in Athens but missed out on a medal at the Beijing 2008 Paralympics.

In fact, Israel has been more successful at the Paralympic Games than at the Olympic Games.


In total, Israel (the country's wheelchair basketball team pictured above at Beijing 2008) has won 113 gold medals at the Summer Paralympic Games.

The most successful Israeli Paralympian was Zipora Rubin-Rosenbaum, who, between 1964 and 1988, won 21 medals at the Paralympic Games, of which 11 were gold.

Both countries are set to announce their full teams for the Paralympics in June, with Israel expected to bring around 50 athletes and Palestine hoping to bring a team of around ten.

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