Two years on

This week sees the two year anniversary of the 'War on Gaza.' A lot has happened since the Israeli offensive on the Gaza Strip. The blockade and siege of a 360 squared km strip of land was highlighted and brought to the World's attention. Let us not forget the raid of the Mavi Marmara, the Gaza bound aid ship.

"Hospitals and primary care facilities, damaged during operation ‘Cast Lead’, have not been rebuilt because construction materials are not allowed into Gaza. Operation ‘Cast Lead’ damaged 15 of Gaza’s 27 hospitals and 43 of its 110 primary health care facilities were either damaged or destroyed"- Report by UN Humanitarian Coordinator and Association of International Development Agencies (AIDA). Published in the December of last year.

Photo: www.unfreemedia.com

Christmas lights with a difference

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VP6C3I4JQHw&feature=feedu

Palestinians say there can be no meaningful resistance as long as their leadership remains divided.

http://english.aljazeera.net/indepth/2010/11/2010112112241975781.html

Very interesting opinion piece, courtesy of Al-Jazeera english online.

Echoes of the past in Israeli ship raid

Echoes of the past in Israeli ship raid: "Al Jazeera Blogs"

Andrew Wander is a journalist for Al Jazeera English. This entry, although quite old now, highlights some interesting parallels.

Apologies

I apologise for my lack of posting. Life has gotten the better of me.

I came across this video last night (Courtesy of Aljazeera English):

http://english.aljazeera.net/news/middleeast/2010/10/201010275046102505.html

What now for the Middle East Peace talks?

As the settlement freeze comes to an end, what will become of the talks?

In the news: (courtesy of Al-Jazeera English)
http://english.aljazeera.net/news/middleeast/2010/09/2010926225933392129.html

http://english.aljazeera.net/news/europe/2010/09/2010926204723552186.html

(BBC news):
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-middle-east-11415719

In the news

http://english.aljazeera.net/news/americas/2010/09/2010923123930507727.html

Obama is quoted as saying:
"Many in this hall count themselves as friends of the Palestinians. But these pledges must now be supported by deeds."

I totally agree and this should not simply be the case when peace agreements are at stake. We have seen the Palestinians suffer at the mercy of idle hands. Not enough is done through matters of urgency, and not enough has been done over the years. More support is needed and leaders need to speak out more.

A look back in time

I can't remember where exactly I found this image, but I do know it was in a slideshow of Palestine's political past. The young man in the centre of the image, sporting the ray ban-esque sunglasses is none other than the late Yassir Arafat, founder of the Palestinian resistance.

Two state solution

Courtesy of Aljazeera english:
http://english.aljazeera.net/indepth/opinion/2010/09/201091965528479820.html

Palestinian refugees

A feature on Al-jazeera english you may find interesting:
http://english.aljazeera.net/indepth/features/2010/09/2010914122645134498.html

Peace talks round two

Peace talks between the Palestinian and Israeli authorities have entered 'phase two.' They are taking place in Sharm El Shiekh, Eygpt. It seems that the Israelis are playing their cards close to the chest, not really giving much away. The Palestinians have threatened to pull out if the Israelis insist on resuming settlement construction. As we know the moratorium on settlements is due to expire on the 26th of this month, and as of yet there has been no indication that the Israelis intend to extend it.

The Israelis seem to have the upper hand with more control than the Palestinians, and really the Palestinian people have more to gain and lose than the Israelis do. Thoughts?

Some Palestinian and Israeli towns have seen next to no violence in recent months and even years. If the talks 'fail,' what will become of these 'progressing' towns?

Eid in Palestine

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0bH105wyONA&feature=sub

The Rafah crossing

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9pLoZsip3Zg&feature=sub

In the news

http://english.aljazeera.net/news/middleeast/2010/09/20109584024185978.html

http://english.aljazeera.net/news/middleeast/2010/09/20109318331135635.html

In haaretz:
http://www.haaretz.com/news/diplomacy-defense/netanyahu-creative-thinking-can-remove-obstacles-on-the-way-to-mideast-peace-1.312277

Talks are underway

For live coverage watch AlJazeera, BBC news, SKY news amongst others.

http://english.aljazeera.net/news/americas/2010/09/20109123247579469.html

A little about Mahmoud Abbas:
http://english.aljazeera.net/indepth/spotlight/2010/09/20109173658242619.html

An excerpt from an In-Depth article by Larbi Sidiki (aljazeera)

"Obama, democratically elected and with unparalleled executive might anywhere on the planet, cannot give concrete affirmation to an Islamic cultural centre. It is then a matter of credulity to expect even the enfeebled and embattled Mahmoud Abbas -- whose legitimacy is dubious and contested -- to sign away in Washington whatever left-over land considered sacred by at least half of all Palestinians. Equally, it would take Herculean mental muscle to imagine how the Israelis can themselves magically drop claims to what they view as a 'biblical' or sacred space."

Peace talks to resume

As I am sure many of you are aware, direct talks are set to resume this week in Washington.

I've managed to find this timeline of events on AlJazeera English:

http://english.aljazeera.net/photo_galleries/middleeast/2010831121213978340.html

In other news:

http://blogs.aljazeera.net/middle-east/2010/09/01/killing-palestinian-teenager-fails-make-news

http://english.aljazeera.net/news/middleeast/2010/08/201083118310524593.html

Racism in the Israeli government

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-middle-east-11127409

Talks between Israeli and Palestinian officials resume

As talks concerning the peace process and the establishment of two states resume, Al Jazeera provides a brief overview and interesting analysis. What is pointed out here by Lamis Andoni is the risk of preconditions stunting progess.

http://english.aljazeera.net/focus/2010/08/201082954745720754.html

In the news

http://www.guardian.co.uk/commentisfree/2010/aug/27/lebanon-law-palestinian-workers-refugees

http://www.guardian.co.uk/world/2010/aug/25/eu-rebuke-israel-separation-barrier-protester

http://www.guardian.co.uk/world/2010/aug/24/palestinian-refugees-lebanon-rights

Peace talks resume

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-middle-east-11042430

http://blogs.aljazeera.net/middle-east/2010/08/20/middle-east-peace-processors-beware

In other news:

http://english.aljazeera.net/news/middleeast/2010/08/201081981440149309.html
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-middle-east-11030512

EU calls for Israel to open the Gazan borders

http://english.aljazeera.net/news/middleeast/2010/07/201071855216516477.html

Gaza's farmers at risk

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gcRPSG-UYF0&playnext_from=TL&videos=LiOOyR9AcQI&feature=sub

Updates

http://english.aljazeera.net/news/middleeast/2010/07/20107131636990550.html

http://english.aljazeera.net/news/middleeast/2010/07/201071332730827969.html

Recommended read, this reminded me of a booklet I was given at an event hosted by the MEMO:
http://english.aljazeera.net/focus/2010/07/20107101335494763.html

Again, I apologise for not posting more often. I haven't been in the best of health this past week or so.

Update

Sorry for my recent 'no show,' I haven't been able to access the internet. Here are some articles on the recent goings on in occupied Palestine.

http://english.aljazeera.net/news/middleeast/2010/07/20107613517457411.html

http://english.aljazeera.net/news/middleeast/2010/07/20107514336683929.html

As I am sure you may have heard, Netanyahu is visiting President Obama in the US. Talks are expected to be dominated by the recent Flotilla attack and settlement issues. Do we see this to ba a step forward in the peace talks or simply a routine check-up?

Israeli plane barred from Turkey

http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/world/europe/10432903.stm

Not what many would call a 'major retaliation,' but a step forward in my opinion. The international community/powers, in particular the Arabs, should take example from Turkey.

Sometimes we are our own worst enemies.

http://english.aljazeera.net/news/middleeast/2010/06/201062819215601151.html

Jerusalem: Not as free for Palestinians as Israel claims

Jerusalem: Not as free for Palestinians as Israel claims: "Al Jazeera Blogs"

Take a few moments to read the reports published by Israeli human rights organisations on the rights of Palestinian residents.

Reminder

As I am sure many of you are aware, the blockade on Gaza has been 'eased.' A variety of goods have been allowed in, after being banned for over 3 years. It should be made clear that the Palestinians are still not able to export goods from Gaza, nor are they allowed to import raw materials. What needs to be done by the international community is clear. The Israeli government needs to be pressurised into lifting the blockade completely, in order to allow the lives of the people of Gaza to return to 'normal.' Be sure to lobby your MP and even the PM himself.

Condemnation of house demolitions

But what action is going to be taken?

http://english.aljazeera.net/news/middleeast/2010/06/201062411715429597.html

Nir Barkat's plan given the go-ahead

After plans to demolish homes were halted earlier this year, the plan to build a 'tourist centre' has been approved. Some 80 Palestinian families look to be displaced as their homes face demolition.

http://english.aljazeera.net/news/middleeast/2010/06/201062112534556173.html

What the Israeli newspaper has to say about it:
http://www.haaretz.com/news/national/u-s-east-jerusalem-demolitions-undermine-trust-vital-for-israel-pa-talks-1.297471

Take a few extra moments to read the comments left by readers.

Inside Story by AlJazeera English

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AHn5uOWdUPA&playnext_from=TL&videos=ukjiutdak0U&feature=sub

Breaching the Border

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zssMX1aiWB4&playnext_from=TL&videos=5XARaIrwDcQ&feature=grec_browse

Take note of the breach of the border agreed on by the UN. Slowly but surely, the palestinians are being pushed out of their land.

A look back into the past:

In the year 1993, we saw the Oslo Accords proposed that Israel would return the palestinians 22% of their homeland- ie the West Bank and Gaza. This of course did not follow through and it was not until the year 2000 that the palestinians were presented another 'offer.' This time the proposer of the deal, Ehud Barack, the then PM. The Palestinians were offered 80% of the occupied territores of Gaza and the West bank.Unfortunatly, they were to recieve only a fraction of this offer with the 'security barrier' being constructed across the West Bank. By this, Ariel Sharon had:

"devised a miserly take-it-or-leave-it deal: the Palestinians can have a state on 42% of the 80% of the 22% of the 100% of their original homeland."
-Source: Disappearing Palestine by Jonathan Cook.

Statment released following the Israeli cabinet meeting

Following the recent surge in widespread international condemnation of the illegal blockade, Israel has said it will release a statement containing a list of goods not allowed into the strip; as opposed to the previous ever-changing list of goods allowed in:

http://english.aljazeera.net/news/middleeast/2010/06/20106219935895508.html

http://www.pmo.gov.il/PMOEng/Communication/Spokesman/2010/06/spokemediniyut206010.htm

But what will change in terms of the naval blockade? The healthcare system has collapsed and as a result people are dying. Will they be granted easy/easier passage across the strict border? Ultimately, the question here is what will be allowed in to help the people of Gaza rebuild?

Gaza flotilla account of events- Jamal Elsheyyal

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FWYKHcwrak0&feature=related

I am so ashamed of the British government. They did nothing to protect the rights of one of their citizens, who was illegally taken into custody by the IDF.

There are several testimonials published from those on board the Mavi Mamara. I will post as many as I can in due course.

Condemnation of the Gaza Blockade

http://english.aljazeera.net/news/middleeast/2010/06/201061452646659588.html

Palestinian Forum in Britain event

Caroline Glick's disturbing parody

This video has left me speechless and appalled. How insulting to those who lost their lives trying to bring aid to a people living under an illegal blockade.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FOGG_osOoVg&feature=player_embedded

I found the following excerpt from an entry by Ayman Mohyeldin- an Al Jazeera correspondant, based in Gaza- on the Middle East blog via the Al Jazeera English website:
On Friday afternoon, the Israeli Government issued the following email:
Due to a misunderstanding on our part, earlier today we inadvertently issued a video link that had been sent for our perusal. It was not intended for general release. The contents of the video in no way represent the official policy of either the Government Press Office or of the State of Israel.
We apologize for any inconvenience.
Thank you for your patients and understanding.
Efraim Roseman

I would just like to point out that I found the video on youtube and as of yet it has not been removed.

The week the world remembered Gaza

The week the world remembered Gaza: "Al Jazeera Blogs"

I would like to highlight the following excerpts from the blog entry:

"It seemed Gaza was no longer a story.

And then the Freedom Flotilla set sail from Cyprus.

Suddenly people were interested again. What was really happening in this tiny strip of land – blockaded on land, by sea and in the air – and what was the international community doing about it?"

"However the flotilla was also bringing hope. Hope that maybe the siege could be broken and that the international community would take action.

Instead there have been statements, condemnations and resolutions.

And so the siege continues.

The international spotlight is fading away from Gaza, moving onto the United Nations, Turkey, Israel and the US.

And as it fades, the feeling that the world has not forgotten Gaza is also starting to slip away."

These statements made by Al Jazeera reporter Nicole Johnston are, sadly, so very true. We are all guilty of forgetting Gaza one way or another. We, not only as an international community but as individuals, must speak out for the people of Gaza.

Turkish survivors of flotilla raid

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mfIN0-ccM28&feature=channel

Echoes of the past in Israeli ship raid

Echoes of the past in Israeli ship raid: "Al Jazeera Blogs"

Andrew Wander is a journalist for Al Jazeera English. This entry, although quite old now, highlights some interesting parallels.

Updates

Eyewitness account from British activist Sarah Colborne who was on board the Flotilla headed to Gaza:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=swg-nFZS6so

Lawyers for Palestinian Human rights:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8HgmJH0NZZk&feature=watch_response

And here is the link to the document mentioned at the beginning of the video posted above:
http://www.lphr.org.uk/FlotilliaIL_QA/LPHR_FlotilliaIL_QA.pdf

Another aid ship is to be sent to Gaza:
http://english.aljazeera.net/news/middleeast/2010/06/20106451226156655.html

Again, just a reminder that there is a national demonstration on Saturday 5th June, at 1pm. Assemble at Downing Street. The demonstration will make its way to the Israeli Embassy.

Article from Mark Steel- The Independant

http://www.independent.co.uk/opinion/commentators/mark-steel/mark-steel-of-course-they-were-asking-for-it-1988684.html

Israel deports Gaza aid activists

The foreign activists on board the Mavi Mamara have been released without charge and returned to their country of origin. It has been reported that four of the activists on board the flotilla remain in prison. The four in Israeli detention are Palestinian-Israelis, they include Sheikh Raed Salah.

In a live address by Israeli PM Binyamin Netanyahu, he made a statement in which he labelled the flotilla as a 'hate boat' with 'hamas sympathiser' on board. Unfortunatly I have been unable to get hold of the video as of yet.

Watching the PM and his spokesman Mark Regev, along with many other Israeli officials, one is left with many a question. It is unclear why they carried out the raid on the Mavi Mamara. Questions are further being raised after the Israeli government released a statment saying that the aid on board the ship was 'unnecessary,' as the Israeli authorities were releasing materials and food on a daily basis into Gaza. Apparently what was being sent into Gaza was deemed as 'enough' to sustain the people of the strip. Yet, the materials (etc) that have been recovered are now being sent into Gaza. So which is it?

END THE SIEGE ON GAZA
Stop the War Coalition is looking for stewards for this Saturday (5th June). The demonstration is to be held at 1pm outside Downing Street. If you are able to help out, please contact the STWC. Details on how to contact them can be found on their website
http://www.stopwar.org.uk/

Update

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=87n4vRDDosA&playnext_from=TL&videos=ePuxygq9ucc&feature=sub

A national demonstration is to be held in London this Saturday (5th June). 1pm. Assemble at Downing street.

If you know of any upcoming protests where you are get in contact and I will post the information here.

For those unable to attend the demonstrations be sure to lobby your MP. Urge that action be taken following this incident.

Inside story

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Cyn0-VB5iFI&playnext_from=TL&videos=ZtYMvCZiyII&feature=sub

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-dY2hkfTgEI&feature=related

Courtesy of Al Jazeera news channel.

Israel's Flotilla raid

http://blogs.aljazeera.net/middle-east/2010/05/31/live-coverage-israels-flotilla-raid

URGENT PROTEST TODAY (TUESDAY 1ST JUNE) 5PM. GATHER OUTSIDE ISRAELI EMBASSY (SOUTH KENSINGTON).

Israel attacks gaza aid fleet

http://english.aljazeera.net/news/middleeast/2010/05/201053133047995359.html

I have literally been rendered speechless. Live ammunition being used for no reason against innocent civilians, whose sole aim was to aid those blockaded in Gaza.

Harsh detention of Palestinian children

http://english.aljazeera.net/news/middleeast/2010/05/201053082239109343.html

Gunmen destroy Gaza children's camp

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EqoejLKD6EI&playnext_from=TL&videos=EaMG8NEYvp8&feature=sub

http://english.aljazeera.net/news/middleeast/2010/05/201052310367932926.html

Freedom Flotilla

http://english.aljazeera.net/news/middleeast/2010/05/2010522133016818451.html

Palestinians in Gaza stage their own world cup.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XKZLFy2x9c8&playnext_from=TL&videos=parQ4ftAssY&feature=sub

Palestinian Teenager shot dead by Israeli settler.

http://english.aljazeera.net/news/middleeast/2010/05/20105147320276144.html

The incident is still being investigated. This was in no way a propotionate response to stones being thrown at a car.

The Israel Shield

http://english.aljazeera.net/news/americas/2010/05/201051412713367443.html

The amount of money being fed into this 'project' is simply ridiculous. There are people in the world that are in need, and would benefit with this sort of funding.

Here are some figures quoted in the article:

According to the US state department, US military aid to Israel in 2009 totalled $2.55bn. This will increase to $3bn in 2012, and will total $3.15bn a year from 2013 to 2018.

More information coming soon.

Upcoming demo.

NATIONAL DAY OF ACTION FOR PALESTINE

Saturday 15 May is a day of action for Palestine, including a demonstration in London, calling for: * An end to Israel's violations of international law * An end to Israel's illegal occupation and settlements * Israeli war criminals to be brought to justice * An end to the siege on Gaza * A ban on all settlement goods * Suspension of the EU-Israel Association Agreement * An end to the arms trade with Israel.


LONDON FREE PALESTINE DEMONSTRATION SATURDAY 15 MAY, 12-2PM OPPOSITE 10 DOWNING STREET, LONDON SW1 (nearest tube Westminster)

Organised by: Palestine Solidarity Campaign, British Muslim Initiative, Stop the War Coalition, CND, Palestinian Forum in Britain. Supported by: Association of the Palestinian Community UK, Friends of Al Aqsa, Friends of Lebanon, the Green Party, ICAHD UK, Jews for Justice for Palestinians, Liberal Democrats Friends of Palestine, Pax Christi, Public and Commercial Services Union, UNISON, UNITE the Union, Zaytoun


With thanks to the Stop the War Coalition.

Questioning Netanyahu

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Q2eKam5COkE&playnext_from=TL&videos=ZQsd5TwHjaQ

Talks resume

Hello! sorry for my recent state of hibernation. Time is not on my side at the moment. As I am sure many of you are aware the PLO have backed indriect talks with the Israeli authorities. The pre-conditions, I assume, have been dropped by Fatah and the PLO.

http://english.aljazeera.net/news/middleeast/2010/05/201059920449898.html

I shall keep you informed of any events coming up. Be sure to check the blog regularly. Spread the word.

Great website

http://palestinechronicle.com/articles.php

Gaza blockade

http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/world/middle_east/8654337.stm

Palestinians ban settlement goods

http://english.aljazeera.net/news/middleeast/2010/04/2010426173723356743.html

Be sure to look out for products in the supermarket imported from illegal Israeli settlements.

Grove to Gaza

Fundraising event. Spread the word.

Family Fundraiser for Gaza
Guest Speakers Bouncy Castle Face Painting Henna International Food stalls Cake stalls Nasheeds Auction
Entree Fee £2 Adult £1 Children
Fully Segregated
Contacts: Sisters : 07950706750 Brothers: 07961007497


Date:
Saturday, 08 May 2010
Time:
15:30 - 20:00
Location:
Al Manaar (the Muslim Cultural Heritage Centre)
Street:
244 Acklam Road

Expulsion of Palestinians from homes.

apologies for my recent 'hibernation'

http://english.aljazeera.net/news/middleeast/2010/04/2010422124915701529.html

Wrong ID, Wrong Place

70,000 Palestinians face further discrimination and expulsion.

http://english.aljazeera.net/news/middleeast/2010/04/2010413141352264900.html

There needs to be critisicm from the international community. As Ghassan Al-Khatib (seen in the video report embedded in the above article) says, 'this is a continuity of an old Israeli ethnic cleansing towards Palestinians.'

Israeli order raises eviction risk

A few articles on an issue which has just recently surfaced:

"The order's vague language will allow army officers to exploit it arbitrarily to carry out mass expulsions, in accordance with military orders which were issued under unclear circumstances. The first candidates for expulsion will be people whose ID cards bear addresses in the Gaza Strip, including children born in the West Bank and Palestinians living in the West Bank who have lost their residency status for various reasons. "

For the full article: http://www.haaretz.com/hasen/spages/1162382.html

http://english.aljazeera.net/news/middleeast/2010/04/2010411113726639765.html


Look out for a post in the upcoming week highlighting the Goldstone Report and the reaction of the international community to its content.

Palestinians face further expulsion

http://english.aljazeera.net/focus/2010/04/20104592655951622.html

"The absence of the international community and the Arabs has allowed the Israelis to escalate the situation,"

A quote from Fawzi Barhoum, a Hamas spokesman. Sadly it is true. The fact is that simply talking over a 'situation' is not going to solve it. Organisations such as 'The Quartet,' 'The UN,' The Arab league' and 'The EU' amongst others need to impose sanctions and tougher consequences on the State of Israel over its violations of International law.

The IDF is threatening a new Gaza offensive, in respone to rocket attacks from the strip. The 22 day assault on Gaza saw an estimated 1,400 Palestinians killed and 13 Israelis killed, of which 10 were soldiers. Gaza and its residents have yet to fully recover from the siege that took place in 2009. Let us take action and pressure our MP's to lead an international intervention. For information on how to lobby your local MP follow the link below:

http://iparl.com/election-psc/

Articles:
http://english.aljazeera.net/news/middleeast/2010/04/20104265845904380.html

The Israeli perspective:
http://www.haaretz.com/hasen/spages/1160548.html

Upcoming events

Unfortunatly I do not have any information regarding events outside of the UK, but if you wish to contact me with any feel free.

Peace in Israel and Palestine by Elias Chacour, Melkite Archbishop of Galilee
Event Details Day: 13/04/2010 to 13/04/2010
You are warmly invited to the Friends of BibleLands’ Inaugural Annual Lecture: "Educating for Peace in Israel and Palestine" by Elias Chacour, Melkite Archbishop of Galilee Tuesday 13 April 2010 at 7.45pm, Christ Church Cathedral, Oxford Free entry by ticket only. To book, please phone Heather Taylor at BibleLands on 01494 897933, or email info@biblelands.org.uk. Priority seating will go to Friends of BibleLands.

World Politics: The Israeli Perspective. Hosted by the ICUPPS. 21st April. London.
http://www.union.ic.ac.uk/scc/pps/?s=events

Sunday Screening- Live from Bethlehem. Followed by Q&A with Director Matt Sienkiewicz.
http://frontlineclub.com/events/2010/04/sunday-screening---live-from-bethlehem.html?utm_source=Frontline&utm_campaign=1f7d47503c-Announcing+April+events&utm_medium=email

Talk (12th May 2010)
http://www.amnesty.org.uk/events_details.asp?ID=1524

Defend the Gaza Protestors

Protest Tomorrow (Tuesday) 4.30pm at the Home Office
Address: 2 Marsham Street, Millbank, SW1.

Please sign the petition at:

http://www.gopetition.com/online/34853.html

Last week police effectively dropped charges against Jake Smith, one of many charged with violent disorder, after accepting their evidence was faulty. All four protestors, who have pleaded not guilty so far, have been found innocent. Over 1200 peope have signed the petition so far, it will be handed in to the Home office tomorrow at 4.30pm. Spread the word and show your support.

The use of White phosphorus in Gaza

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SBZ9E-Bm9BY

http://www.amnesty.org/en/news-and-updates/news/israeli-armys-use-white-phosphorus-gaza-clear-undeniable-20090119

The following excerpt is from an article published by the guardian online:

"The use of white phosphorus as a weapon – as opposed to its use as an obscurant and infrared blocking smoke screen – is banned by the United Nation's third convention on conventional weapons, which covers the use of incendiary devices. Though Israel is not a signatory to the convention, its military manuals reflect the restrictions on its use in that convention."

For the full article: http://www.guardian.co.uk/world/2009/jan/20/gaza-white-phosphorus

UN body censures Israel.

http://english.aljazeera.net/news/europe/2010/03/2010324194843763504.html

Israel Defies US over settlements

http://english.aljazeera.net/news/americas/2010/03/20103232318373307.html

80% of Gazans do not have regular access to clean water.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0Udnyng82EY&playnext=1&playnext_from=QL

Settlements revisited

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=s4CVzk4AmZA

As one of the comments below the vidoe read:
'sadly, just another day over there'

Again, the Obama administration needs to take more action. In fact the international community as a whole needs to hold Israel to account for their actions. Several points in the video that I would like to highlight.

As we heard Netanyahu is 'not hiding behind an ambiguity when it comes to Jerusalem.' Basically saying we shall do as we please. The 'rules' that this state-and its government- run by are so hazy.

The quartet

http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/world/middle_east/8575723.stm

In recent news, we have seen the Obama administration 'disagree' with the planned Israeli settlement plans in occupied land. Words are not good enough. Stronger action needs to be taken. Sanctions should be enforced. We need more to be done to defend the rights of the Palestinian people.

Protest against Jerusalem Mayor Nir Barkat

Monday 22nd March, 5pm.
Outside Chatham House, 10 St James's Square, London SW1Y 4LE.

Why we are protesting:

http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/news/world/middle_east/article7047411.ece


Organised by: Palestine Solidarity Campaign, Stop the War Coalition, British Muslim Initiative, Jews for Justice for Palestinians, Friends of Al Aqsa; Friends of Lebanon, Friends of Sabeel UK, Architects and Planners for Justice in Palestine, Britain Palestine Twinning Network.

More info: www.palestinecampaign.orgT: 02077006192 E: info@palestinecampaign.org

The Islam Awareness Blog: Poll: Half of Israeli high schoolers oppose equal rights for Arabs

The Islam Awareness Blog: Poll: Half of Israeli high schoolers oppose equal rights for Arabs

Leaving al-Tanf

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CP6lBwBhsGc&feature=sub

Scholarships for Palestinian postgraduates

http://www.london-student.net/2010/03/14/higher-education-scholarships-for-palestine/

Human Rights and justice for the palestinians after the goldstone report. Wednesday March 24th.

Settlements

Again no time to really make any decent posts. This settlement dispute has been on and off for a few months now. I mean this with relation to the current US government. Greater action needs to be taken. Figures from the IDMC state, since records began, that 129 thousand Palestinians have been internally displaced in occupied Palestinian territory. Why hasn't the Israeli government been held accountable for this?

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xtwiB85FRjM

I'd like to pick out the part which states that 'the stalled peace process is hurting America's credibility..'

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=go7V8FX4_Uw&feature=channel

"A lie should be tried in a place where it will attract the attention of the world.”

The quote is from the man himself. I found myself wondering what happened to this guy? Last the world heard of him, he was in a coma:

http://www.usatoday.com/news/world/2010-01-03-ariel-sharon_N.htm

I'm afraid I have little time today to discuss the history of the former Prime minister of the state of Israel. I have however posted some links which you may find useful. I must remember to dig out a pamphlet I have containing extensive information about Sharon's political history.


http://www.mfa.gov.il/MFA/MFAArchive/2000_2009/2003/2/Ariel%20Sharon

Take time to read and note the differences in the accounts of the Sabra and Shatila refugee camps (1982).

http://www.palestinefacts.org/pf_current_sharon.php

Dispatches Children of Gaza. Channel 4.

If you haven't seen it yet, take the time to watch. Leaves you speechless and in tears.

http://www.channel4.com/programmes/dispatches/episode-guide/series-56/episode-1