Tag: palestinians

West Bank Route May Open, but Not to Peace

ROUTE 443, Occupied West Bank – Just beyond the main Israeli checkpoint, 10 kilometers short of Jerusalem, a white Nissan station wagon is abruptly edging to the side of the road. It comes to a halt on the shoulder. Four Orthodox Jews clamber out and gather around the mound at the side of the road. … Continue reading “West Bank Route May Open, but Not to Peace”

The Iron Wall

Something odd, almost bizarre, is going on in Egypt these days. About 1,400 activists from all over the world gathered there on their way to the Gaza Strip. On the anniversary of the "Cast Lead" War, they intended to participate in a nonviolent demonstration against the ongoing blockade, which makes the lives of 1.5 million … Continue reading “The Iron Wall”

Occupation Threatens Secularism in Israel

JERUSALEM – After Israeli settlers in the occupied West Bank torched a mosque and desecrated copies of the Koran in the Palestinian village of Yasuf last Friday morning, they ran into a wall of condemnation. The attackers were consensually branded as extremists, even by the usually uncompromising settlers and their representatives in Prime Minister Benjamin … Continue reading “Occupation Threatens Secularism in Israel”

The Great Wall of Israel

Try to imagine this: An American president visits Israel and in a speech given close to the vast "separation wall" Israel continues to build in part through Palestinian territory, says: "Mr. Netanyahu, if you seek peace, if you seek prosperity for Israel and the region, if you seek liberalization: Come here to this gate! Mr. … Continue reading “The Great Wall of Israel”

Europe Steps In to Pressure Israel

JERUSALEM – Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and his Palestinian counterpart Salam Fayyad have both been scrambling earnestly to win the backing of European leaders in advance of what could be a major EU policy shift that aims at creating new impetus for Palestinian-Israeli peace prospects. The incipient European initiative, inspired by Sweden, which currently … Continue reading “Europe Steps In to Pressure Israel”

Palestinian Children Face Daily Settler Attacks Getting to School

AT TUWANI – Being able to travel to school in relative safety is something children all over the world take for granted. But for Palestinian children living in the shadow of the ubiquitous and illegal Israeli settlements dotting the West Bank, simply walking to school can be a terrifying experience. "It is really scary walking … Continue reading “Palestinian Children Face Daily Settler Attacks Getting to School”

Judge Warns of Israel’s Two-Tier Legal System

An Israeli judge made a historic ruling last week when he decided that an Arab teenager needed "protection" from the justice system and ordered that he not be convicted despite being found guilty of throwing stones at a police car during a protest against Israel’s attack last winter on Gaza. Prosecutors had demanded that the … Continue reading “Judge Warns of Israel’s Two-Tier Legal System”

No Unilateral Declaration of Palestinian State, Says Erekat

JERUSALEM – The Palestinian Authority has embarked on a new strategic drive to get renewed international recognition for the borders of the future Palestinian state. Last Thursday it gained backing for this approach from the Arab League. Going into a meeting with European representatives in Ramallah on the West Bank to explain the Palestinian strategy, … Continue reading “No Unilateral Declaration of Palestinian State, Says Erekat”

Gazans Brace for Cold, Bleak, and Miserable Winter

EZBT ABBED RABBO – Tens of thousands of Gazans living in tents and damaged homes face a wet, cold, and miserable winter as Israel’s blockade of the coastal territory continues to prevent the importation of building and reconstruction material. During the last few weeks, Gazans were given a brief reprieve from the oncoming winter as … Continue reading “Gazans Brace for Cold, Bleak, and Miserable Winter”

Shining a Light on the Roots of Terrorism

Media commentary on the upcoming 9/11 trial of Khalid Sheikh Mohammed has raised concerns that state secrets may be divulged, including details about how the Bush administration used torture to extract evidence about al-Qaeda. "I think that we’re going to shine a light on something that a lot of people don’t want to look at" … Continue reading “Shining a Light on the Roots of Terrorism”