July 2003

Is it a Fence? Is it a Wall? No, it's a Separation Barrier

Nigel Parry 1 August 2003


Israel’s Separation Barrier, dubbed the “Apartheid Wall” or “Berlin Wall” by Palestinians, has increasingly attracted international media attention, largely due to the hard-to-ignore scale of the project. The most obvious historical parallel to the barrier is the Berlin Wall. Israel’s barrier, still under construction, is expected to reach at least 403 miles in length.Yet discussion of the structure and route have proved problematic for both diplomats and the media. EI’s Nigel Parry reports. Ali Abunimah, Michael Brown, and Arjan El Fassed also contributed to this report. 

The last photograph

Gideon Levy 26 July 2002

Gideon Levy describes the “before-death” image of the photojournalist Imad Abu Zahra, who was killed two weeks ago in Jenin. His mother said: “Imad was not someone who put the soldiers in the tank in danger. Why did they kill him? Only because he is a Palestinian? 

Two Kinds of Prison: Reflections on Leaving Palestine

Brooke Atherton Qalqiliya, Palestine 29 July 2003

Every day that we visited the Qalqilia checkpoint, we watched the “progress” of the Israeli Occupying Forces’ Apartheid Wall which is holding 40,000 Palestinians captive in their own city, on their own land. Each day the fenced section of the Apartheid Wall on either side of the checkpoint looms closer to completion. In two days, trenches six feet wide and and equally as deep were dug on either side of the central fence. The next day, the Israeli Occupying Forces erected triangular coils of barbed wired eight feet high running the entire length of each trench. The concrete base for the central fence has been laid, and any day the 12-foot-tall fence will be erected, and possibly electrified. Brooke Atherton reports. 

Film review: James Longley's "Gaza Strip" (2002)

Nigel Parry 29 July 2003


Cover of the video/DVD. James Longley’s Gaza Strip is a 74-minute documentary filmed between January and April 2001, a period that stretches from four months after the beginning of the Second Palestinian Intifada — immediately preceding the election of Ariel Sharon as Israel’s prime minister — up to the end of Sharon’s third month in office. “I made this film,” Longley notes in the director’s commentary that accompanies the very highly recommended DVD version, “to satisfy my own curiosity about what was happening in the Gaza Strip since I found that it was very difficult to find information in the mainstream media and get a detailed look at what was going on, what people there were like, what they were thinking about.” EI’s Nigel Parry reviews the film. 

An appeal for Nablus

Fawzia A. Reda 29 July 2003

“For more than a year now, since April 2002, the cries of Nablus have been muted by the roar of jet bombers flying overhead and the blasts from tanks encircling and effectively laying siege to the city. At all times of the day and night, and often without warning, Israeli soldiers shell and shoot at the civilians of Nablus, who never know when or where to take cover. Children, women and men have been hunted, injured and killed.” Cultural Connexion founder Fawzia A. Reda makes an appeal for Nablus. 

Occupied peoples have the right to resist

Tom Wallace and Radhika Sainath 29 July 2003


“We are unwavering in our commitment to nonviolence. Due to these beliefs, we oppose the illegal Israeli occupation of the West Bank and Gaza. As a result we have come under heavy fire in the Occupied Territories and in the media. Israeli officials and several right-wing Israeli and American pundits have embarked on a campaign to discredit ISM, by attempting to equate ISM’s principled and active support for Palestinian rights with terrorism.” Tom Wallace and Rakhika Sainath recently wrote this op/ed in The Jerusalem Post. 

Khalil Shikaki defends his refugee poll

Khalil Shikaki 29 July 2003

“The views expressed below by Ali Abunimah (“Who said Palestinians gave up the right of return?”, 23 July 2003) reflect the concerns and fears of many Palestinians in the absence of a serious engagement by Palestinian leaders who refuse to be open and frank with their public.” Khalil Shikaki, director of the Palestinian Center for Policy and Survey Research (PSR) responds to a recent EI article that criticised a recent poll by the center. 

What a settlement freeze means and why it matters

25 July 2003


ICG’s work in Israel, the occupied territories and Israel’s Arab neighbours is focused on new and more comprehensive political and diplomatic strategies to address the sources of conflict, and deal with the main factors within Israel and Arab societies hindering the achievement of sustainable peace. In its latest report, ICG addressed the question: “What a settlement freeze means and why it matters?” 

The humanitarian crisis and prospects for the roadmap to peace

28 July 2003

Since the publication of Losing Ground, Christian Aid’s investigation into the extent and causes of Palestinian poverty, in January 2003, the humanitarian situation in the Occupied Palestinian Territories has deteriorated sharply. Poverty levels and unemployment are now reaching crisis proportions creating a humanitarian crisis, the levels of which Christian Aid has not seen in fifty years of work in the Occupied Palestinian Territories. 

UN-backed meeting to prepare for Arab forum on Palestine rehabilitation

28 July 2003


United Nations agencies have teamed up to organize a preparatory meeting for an international forum next year that would aim to keep the social and economic issues and needs in the occupied Palestinian territories on the agenda of the international community, in spite of the lack of stability in the region. The two-day consultative meeting, which begins tomorrow in Beirut, will serve to provide input to the Arab-International Forum on “Palestine Rehabilitation and Development” next year. 

Former Dutch Prime Minister regrets his defense of Israel

Arjan El Fassed 28 July 2003

Former Dutch Prime Minister Dries van Agt expressed regret of his defense of the Israeli army in front of the Dutch parliament after the massacre of Palestinian civilians in Sabra and Shatila. “At that time I couldn’t believe that under the eyes of the Israeli army such atrocities could have taken place as later was revealed,” Van Agt told a Dutch daily newspaper on Saturday. 

NPR: Linda Gradstein and The Thing

Ali Abunimah 28 July 2003


This morning’s performance by Gradstein was almost as ridiculous as my little joke above. When speaking on Weekend Edition Sunday about the thing that Israel is building through the West Bank to physically divide the land and annex vast swathes of the occupied territories to Israel, Gradstein said that Israel calls it a “fence” while Palestinians call it “the wall, with echoes of the Berlin wall.” EI’s Ali Abunimah calls NPR on Gradstein’s latest misrepresentations. 

Does the road map for peace have a chance?

Ali Abunimah 28 July 2003


The road map for Palestinian-Israeli peace is in trouble. With the Palestinian and Israeli leaders visiting Washington in quick succession, the Bush administration has a chance to stop it from running into a ditch. Palestinians have made significant progress toward fulfilling their commitments. Yet Israeli Prime Minister Ariel Sharon shows little sign of reciprocating. The respected Association of Civil Rights in Israel has just issued its annual report condemning the army for abuses of Palestinians. “Most of the abuses,” the report states, “occur not as a result of operational necessity on the part of the army, but from vindictiveness on the part of soldiers, who receive implicit approval to denigrate the dignity, life and liberty of innocent Palestinians.” All of this goes on today. At the Aqaba summit in June, President Bush promised he would “ride herd” to keep the peace process on course. This is the time to show that wasn’t just Texas tough talk, and ensure that this rare opening is not lost. 

Should a university silence voices calling for peace and justice?

Fairn Herising 26 July 2003

The University of Victoria and the School of Social Work should be places where we openly challenge, discuss and debate a wide range of ideas and perspectives. Moreover, the call to pay attention to issues of human rights and the imperative to voice demands for peace and social justice cannot be practices that are merely “reserved” for particular places or occasions. The responsibility to speak out against injustice, both locally and globally, is a responsibility incumbent upon all individuals, groups and institutions, at all moments, and in every domain of life — there are no “inappropriate” places or times for this sort of endeavour.” Fairn Herising, a Ph.D. candidate at the Univeristy of Victoria and a member of the University’s Anti-Racist Action Coalition, reflects on a recent act of censorship and the dangers of shutting out dissenting voices. 

BADIL on the PRS Refugee Poll

Badil 25 July 2003

BADIL comments on the responses to and debate of the recent survey released by Dr. Khalil Shekaki on Palestinian refugees’ choice to not return. BADIL notes that “These comments were triggered mainly by a piece of commentary written by Jehudith Harel (14 July), who touches on many important points.” 

Refugee Poll Confusion

Casey Patrick Reilly 25 July 2003

Palestinian Academic Khalil Shikaki, in consultation with the Palestinian Authority (PA), set out to gauge Palestinian refugees’ reactions to the solutions to the refugee problem offered at the Taba talks in 2001. The idea, most likely, was to give the PA a sense of their bargaining position. Unfortunately, many people have taken the results of this poll out of context, and deemed it the final judgement on what Palestinian refugees want. It is no such thing and was never meant to be. 

Divine Intervention now available on VHS/DVD for universites and organisations

25 July 2003


Avatar Films is continuing its release of Divine Intervention, the first Palestinian-made film ever to be widely distributed in the United States. Divine Intervention is available for screenings at universities, organizations and institutions, and is available on 35mm film, DVD, Digital Betacam, and VHS. Divine Intervention will be not released on home video and DVD until well into 2004. 

Weekly report on human rights violations

24 July 2003

This week, Israeli forces wounded five Palestinians while shelling indiscriminately Palestinian residential areas. Israeli forces annexed large areas of Palestinian land to the Israeli colony “Morag”, southeast of Khan Yunis. Israeli forces continued invading Palestinian areas and demolished a home in Rafah and seized another home in Deir al-Balah. Israeli forces demolished two homes in Beit Reema, near Ramallah. Israeli forces continued the siege on Palestinian communities in the West Bank and Gaza Strip. 

Imprisoned behind barbed wire: "Without European decisiveness no perspective on peace in the Middle East"

24 July 2003

While Israeli and Palestinian negotiators discuss the road map to peace and while Palestinian groups maintain a ceasefire, a delegation of nine prominent Dutch women visited Israel and the occupied Palestinian territories (July 6 - 12, 2003). The delegation was shocked to observe that while presently attempts are made to have the road map implemented, Israel is bringing about an opposite reality on the ground. 

Pipes vote fails to draw quorum

Jennifer Salan 23 July 2003


Today after a contentious executive session of the Senate Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions Committee on the nomination of Daniel Pipes to the board of the U.S. Institute for Peace, the Committee lost a working quorum. Based on an AAI initiative, organizations present agreed that they would send a joint letter to the White House asking that the President withdraw this nominee from consideration. During the Committee’s discussion of the Pipes nomination, it became clear that many of the Senators had questions and concerns regarding whether or not Pipes should serve on the Board of the United States Institute of Peace. The ranking Democratic member, Senator Edward Kennedy, noted his dismay regarding Pipes offensive and alarmist quotes about “brown-skinned” immigrants. Arab American Intitute Communications Director Jennifer Salan reports. 

Who said Palestinians gave up the right of return?

Ali Abunimah 23 July 2003

Khalil Shikaki of the Palestinian Center for Policy and Survey Research was attacked by an angry mob when he recently held a press conference announcing the results of a poll conducted among 4,500 Palestinian refugees on the right of return. In his study, Shikaki reported that only 10 percent of Palestinian refugees would insist on returning to Israel and becoming citizens there. Supporters of Israel and others who want to disregard refugee rights in any solution to the Palestinian-Israeli conflict embraced the findings. How could it be that for decades everyone — not least the refugees themselves — mistakenly believed that granting rights to millions of Palestinian refugees was the key to the Palestinian-Israeli conflict? How is it that
now a single, dubious poll threatens to make the entire problem disappear into a puff of smoke? EI’s Ali Abunimah takes a closer look to help clear the fog. 

Silencing the press: October 2002 - March 2003

19 July 2003

Journalists have been subjected to various kinds of attacks in what appear to be attempts by Israel to prevent media coverage of human rights violation perpetrated by the Israeli forces against Palestinian civilians in the Occupied Palestinian Territories. PCHR published its 9th report in a series of reports “Silencing the Press,” which document attacks against local and international journalists and media institutions in the OPT during the current Intifada. 

Tell them, "why"

Shannon Dow Montreal, Canada 22 July 2003

I had the privilege of teaching Shaker two years ago in Bourj El-Barajneh Palestinian Refugee Camp in Lebanon. He has been visiting Canada now for the past three weeks, along with seven other Palestinian refugee youth. His English language skills are excellent, as he stands before audiences filled with hundreds of people, telling us about how he exists in Lebanon - deprived of civil liberties, victim of countless Human Rights abuses, caged within the open prison of a refugee camp. His voice is being heard. Are we listening? 

Alarm in Nablus

Mohammad Daraghmeh 22 July 2003


The number and type of people taking part in a meeting held in the Chamber of Commerce building in Nablus two days ago, to discuss the phenomenon of armed chaos and breach of law by armed groups, was alone indicative of the level of danger felt by the inhabitants of the city. Mohammad Daraghmeh writes in Palestinian daily newspaper Al-Ayyam. 

Freedom Summer

Adam Shapiro 22 July 2003

Amman, Jordan, 17 July 2003 — The International Solidarity Movement’s second Freedom Summer has begun, and much has changed since our last: the war on Iraq, which focused all eyes on the region; the much-hyped road map; full-blown construction on what Palestinians have come to call the Apartheid Wall. Sadly, though, much remains the same: the continuing deterioration of the lives of Palestinians, with poverty and health crises in a crescendo. Adam Shapiro, an organizer with the International Solidarity Movement, writes in The Nation. 

The Road Map

Anwar Darkazally 11 July 2003

The time is now right for the United States to start sending monitors to the region to watch and help with the implementation of the whole of the Road Map up to 2005 and the creation of a viable, sovereign, independent Palestine living side by side in peace and security with Israel. Then perhaps, just perhaps, we will see the end of the longest occupation in history. 

The holes in Israel's road map

Hasan Abu Nimah and Ali Abunimah 22 July 2003


Despite the declaration of a unilateral Palestinian ceasefire with Israel, and the frequent meetings between Israeli and Palestinian leaders, the “road map” for peace is in serious trouble. This is because the Bush administration, the plan’s chief sponsor, has allowed Israel to reinterpret it so that it is gutted of the elements that offered hope of progress. Hasan Abu Nimah and Ali Abunimah explain in this commentary in The Financial Times. 

The Apartheid Wall's threat to a viable Palestinian state

21 July 2003


With a total projected length of 650 kilometers-twice the size of the Green Line-Israel’s so-called “security” Wall is the final act in pre-empting an independent and viable Palestinian state. Israel, argued Stephanie Khoury, a legal advisor to the Palestine Liberation Organization’s (PLO) Negotiations Affairs Department (NAD), is using the Wall to consolidate and expand Israel’s hold on Palestinian land in order to facilitate further settlement expansion. According to Khoury and Fuad Hallak, a technical advisor to the NAD, the Wall is a means for Israel to de facto annex approximately 55 percent of the West Bank from its central, western, and eastern areas, including the Jordan Valley. 

People like us: a review of "Portraits of Israelis and Palestinians: For my parents"

Maureen Clare Murphy 21 July 2003


Sometimes it’s the simplest ideas that prove the most resonant. Take Seth Tobocman’s Portraits of Israelis and Palestinians: For My Parents. The book, a collection of drawings and thoughts, is the end product of the author’s month-long tour of Israel and Palestine during June, 2002. Tobocman was accommodated by the International Solidarity Movement and a visited a West Bank hospital, took a night-time bus ride in Israel, and worked as an art teacher during a summer school session in the West Bank village of Dir Ibzia — sketching what he encountered. Maureen Clare Murphy reviews the book for EI. 

Ibdaa dance troupe on US Tour

Ibdaa Cultural Center 21 July 2003


Ibdaa is a Palestinian youth dance troupe from Dheisheh refugee camp, near the city of Bethlehem in the Israeli occupied West Bank. MECA is sponsoring the 2nd nationwide performance tour of Ibdaa, the renowned Palestinian youth dance troupe from Dheisheh Refugee Camp, West Bank, this July and August. 

"We are all Palestinians"

Avi Zer-Aviv 21 July 2003

“I have been hiding out here in Tel Aviv the last few days, recovering from a really turbulent few weeks and of the bitter news that my friends are being deported from Israel now. Already 5 of the 8 detained internationals have been deported, following the Tel Aviv District Court decision upholding the Interior Ministry’s decision that these human rights activists pose a “security threat”. The judge seemed unsympathetic, ordering the immediate deportation of the activists, dismissing a request to allow for one more week to file an appeal.” Avi Zer-Aviv writes from Tel Aviv. 

"He risked all for others": Tom Hurndall's mother remembers her son

Emily Sheffield 21 July 2003


“On Friday 11 April, my eldest son, a photojournalist, was shot in the head by an Israeli soldier. He was trying to protect two young girls in the Israelis’ line of fire in Gaza. He is 21 and now lies in a coma, with severe brain damage. We know he is not expected to recover and our family are endeavouring to come to terms with this. Recently, we were able to fly him home from Israel and he is now in The Royal Free in Hampstead, in a room overlooking London, filled with photographs of his life. Two large sheets covered in wonderful written messages from friends hang on the walls.” Tom Hurndall’s mother Emily remembers her son. 

From Brussels to Guantanamo, the US obstructs justice

Ali Abunimah 21 July 2003


Israel’ Ariel Sharon seems set to escape accountability once again for his role in the 1982 Beirut massacres of Palestinian refugees and Lebanese citizens. This is because the US has bullied Belgium into abrogating the law that gave victims a chance at justice. As EI’s Ali Abunimah explains, this setback is only part of a global effort by the Bush administration to derail international justice. 

Hany Abu-Assad wins 'Spirit of Freedom Award' at Jerusalem Film Festival

Arjan El Fassed 21 July 2003

Hany Abu-Assad’s documentary ‘Ford Transit’, which follows Palestinian taxi-van driver Rajai who tries to live and survive in and around roadblocks separating Ramallah from Jerusalem, won the ‘Spirit of Freedom Award’, dedicated to the memory of Wim van Leer, for best documentary at the 20th annual Jerusalem Film Festival. 

Border Crossings

Jordan Topp Bourj Al Barajneh refugee camp, Lebanon 19 July 2003

An miniature airplane hangs in the center of the ceiling fan. Mohammad points up at it, Nadia brought it for my nephew, Ahmad, but I took for myself. An airplane. The center piece of a room filled with symbols of a ravaged homeland. Palestine. 

The mayor of Qalqilya explains the impact of Israel's apartheid wall

10 July 2003


On July 10, EI’s Arjan El Fassed visited Israel’s apartheid wall built on confiscated Palestinian land in Qalqilya. The mayor of Qalqilya, Marouf Zahran explains the impact of Israel’s apartheid on his town. The wall surrounds the town almost completely. The 8 meter high wall will be surrounded first by a trench of four meters wide and two meters deep, barbed wire and a military zone patrolled by Israeli occupying forces. Palestinian property within 35 meters of the wall has been or will be destroyed by the Israeli army. [3.45 mins, Quicktime file, 6.9MB] 

Lawyers representing Sabra and Shatila suvivors decry Belgium's proposal to scrap Universal Jurisdiction law

Luc Walleyn, Michael Verhaeghe and Chibli Mallat 18 July 2003

“The Belgian government’s proposal to greatly limit the law is also a blow for all the victims and survivors of the 1982 massacre at Sabra and Shatila. After having been welcomed by the Belgian state to file for an investigation that seemed impossible for years, that same state now turns its back on them and their overdue search for justice, for fear of economic sanctions. After having been invited to re-live the dramatic events of the massacre, the proposal about to be passed by Belgium’s parliament irresponsibly and cruelly crushes their hope of finally overcoming two decades of emotional stress and difficulties.” The lawyers for the survivors of the Sabra and Shatila massacre respond to the miscarriage of justice in Brussels. 

Writings on the walls in Gaza

10 July 2003


Driving through Gaza, any visitor observes the enormous amount of shi’arat (lit. “signs, slogans, watchwords”) or graffiti. Messages cover almost every conceivable surface. Walls, telephone poles, monuments, and stones are fair canvases. On July 10, EI’s Arjan El Fassed visited Gaza and filmed the writings on the walls of Gaza. [1.04 mins, Quicktime file, 3.6MB] 

European Commission takes action with EUR 100 million to improve conditions and accelerate relaunch of the Palestinian economy

17 July 2003


Following the recent positive developments in the Palestinian Territories and the withdrawal of IDF forces from parts of the Gaza Strip and Bethlehem, the European Commission is urgently delivering a €100 million package of financial assistance to support the implementation of the Road Map for Peace. 

UNHCR uses high tech gear to register Palestinians in Iraq

17 July 2003

Many of the Palestinians living in the dusty tented camp in Baghdad put on their best clothes before having their identity photo taken at UNHCR’s registration point. Children, especially boys, are fascinated by the high–tech computers and digital cameras. They are mesmerised as colour pictures of their parents instantly appear on laptop screens. 

UN seminar on Palestinians ends with call for urgent international aid

17 July 2003

A two-day United Nations Seminar on Assistance to the Palestinian People has concluded its work with an urgent call for international aid to mitigate the humanitarian crisis in the occupied Palestinian territory resulting from three years of violence and destruction that has caused record unemployment, poverty and malnutrition. 

Checkpoints on the Road Map

Brooke Atherton West Bank 17 July 2003


At Beit Farik, 25 men stood waiting in the sun to return to their villages from Nablus for over 5 hours. The line grew from 25 to 50 men, but the soldiers ignored them, only allowing one or two men to pass every twenty minutes until late in the day. Eight of the men were singled out. Their IDs were taken from them and they were detained at the checkpoint for hours until the soldiers decided to return their IDs and let them leave. Brooke Hatherton writes from the northern part of the West Bank. 

Going nowhere: the real Road Map for Palestinians

Daniel Jacob Quinn West Bank 17 July 2003


Then we hit the next checkpoint. Israeli soldiers with armored jeeps blocked the road and were forcing all vehicles to stop. We were 5th in line. All of the vehicles in front of us — one medical supply van, a truck filled with bales of hay, a passenger car, and another service taxi — were forced to turn back. When the soldiers motioned us forward, he peered into the car, saw 7 men and 1 woman and told everyone to get out. He took our passports and the other guys’ ID’s - color coded, orange or green. This helps the soldiers decide who to single out for the most humiliating treatment.�� 

Two-day UN Seminar on Assistance to Palestinian people concludes its work

16 July 2003

A two-day United Nations Seminar on Assistance to the Palestinian People, which was organized by the Committee on the Exercise of the Inalienable Rights of the Palestinian People, today concluded its work after a thorough discussion on the prerequisites of Palestinian economic recovery and the role of the international community. 

Seminar on Assistance to Palestinian people holds panel on coping strategies for Palestinian economy

16 July 2003

A United Nations Seminar on Assistance to the Palestinian People this morning held a panel discussion on the theme “Looking Ahead: Coping Strategies for the Palestinian Economy”. Experts addressing the Seminar spoke about the Palestinian perspective of the economic recovery, prospects for a longer-term economic development, the economy of an independent Palestinian State, and of donor strategies and assistance coordination. 

Prominent Dutch women visit Israel and occupied Palestine

Arjan El Fassed 16 July 2003

EI’s Arjan El Fassed facilitated a mission of prominent Dutch women to Israel and the occupied Palestinian territories which took place between the 7th and 12th of July. The mission was organized by United Civilians for Peace, a joint initiative of six Dutch peace and development organisations who have been working with their Palestinian and Israeli counterparts for many years in the field of development, peace building and human rights. 

Special report on the West Bank security barrier

15 July 2003

UNRWA carried out field visits to examine the effects of the barrier on the livelihoods of local residents, with special emphasis on registered refugees. Most of the northern Green Line towns and villages accommodate refugee families. Certain villages, in particular - Atil, Baqa esh-Sharqiya, Barta’a esh-Sharqiya, Taibeh, Rumana and Zububa - contain significant, even majority, refugee populations. Qalqiliya town, contains 4,000 refugee families, the UNRWA hospital and other facilities, and will be hermetically sealed. 

UN Seminar on Assistance to Palestinian People holds panel on priorities for humanitarian and economic assistance

14 July 2003


A United Nations Seminar on Assistance to the Palestinian People this afternoon held a panel discussion on priorities for humanitarian and economic assistance for Palestinians with experts speaking of the need to support the Palestinian Authority’s budgetary needs, to restore essential services in the occupied territories, to rehabilitate the physical infrastructure and agricultural land, to reduce unemployment and poverty, to alleviate the plight of refugees through the support of UNRWA, and to boost the recovery of the private sector. 

Humiliating Arafat

Hasan Abu Nimah 16 July 2003


Mahmoud Abbas was chosen by the United States as an unelected, alternate Palestinian leader who could be bullied and bribed into doing what Yasir Arafat failed to do earlier. Abbas is now anxiously and willingly treading exactly the same path of surrender and obedience that Arafat trod before him. Except, in Abbas’ case, it will not take him as long to reach the same dead end in which Arafat finds himself. As Israel makes new threats against Arafat himself, regular EI contributor Hasan Abu Nimah explains why. 

Mabrouk

Toine van Teeffelen Bethlehem, Palestine 15 July 2003

Mabrouk (“blessings to you”) is an Arabic expression to congratulate people. You not only use it on occasions like a birthday but also when something new has been bought, like clothes, or in the case somebody has moved to another house. Saying mabrouk confirms that your interlocutor made the right choice. Arab culture has more of such customary expressions. They are not just polite ways of showing that you know the rules of address - like in the West - but they are said in an often quite enthusiastic and involved manner showing that the speaker has been alert and has detected something new or special. Toine van Teefelen writes from Bethlehem. 

From a lost refugee

Shaker Khazal Borj El Barajneh refugee camp 15 July 2003

I come from a small deprived Palestinian refugee camp in Lebanon called Bourj Al Barajneh. Something special about my camp is that it rains day and night, during summer and winter. It rains tears that are a result of future worries, present fears, and past dark memories. 

Destruction in Khan Yunis

9 July 2003


The footage shows the road from the edge of Khan Yunis to Al-Mawasi, a narrow strip of coastal land trapped between the sea and the Israeli settlement bloc of Gush Qatif. In the area between Khan Yunis and the settlement, Palestinian homes have been demolished and fired upon. 

Israeli High Court denied request for interim injunction on extra-judicial executions by the State of Israel

7 July 2003

At a hearing held today at the High Court of Justice on Israel’s assassination policy, the Court denied the petitioners’ request for an interim injunction prohibiting the assassinations and granted the State 60 days to reply to the arguments presented by the petitioners including the opinion of first president of the International Criminal Tribunal for the Former Yugoslavia and world renowned expert on International Humanitarian Law, Professor Antonio Cassese, that determines that the assassinations are war crimes. 

Nablus-Qalqiliya road

8 July 2003


On the road from Nablus to Qalqilya the roads are practically completely closed for Palestinian traffic. Two ambulances wait for this checkpoint along with other transport vehicles. Despite the hodna (“ceasefire”) announced by Palestinian groups, Israel did not ease restrictions of movement in and around the city of Nablus. 

Tragedy and inspiration in Nablus

Jenny Gaiawyn Nablus, Palestine 12 July 2003

Today no-one is being allowed to leave Nablus, not internationals (who the Israeli military are usually happy to see the back of), or the family with five small children who Freda saw while at the checkpoint this morning, waiting in the overpowering sunshine. This is a small example of how the Roadtrap to Peace is going nowhere for the people on the street. Jenny Gaiawyn writes from Nablus. 

4th of July reflections from Palestine

Daniel Jacob Quinn East Jerusalem 12 July 2003

3 July 2003 — I arrived in Palestine two days ago with no problems or harrassment. It was a pleasant change from last year when I was interrogated by El Al security at New York’s Kennedy International for 1 hour and again for another hour by Israeli passport security at Tel Aviv’s Ben Gurion International. This time, apart from a very bumpy trans-Atlantic flight, it all went very smoothly. Given the choice, I’ll take that kind of turbulence any day. Daniel Jacob Quinn writes from occupied Jerusalem. 

Camino Re'al and the Real Road in Palestine

Daniel Jacob Quinn East Jerusalem 11 July 2003

While talk of “The Roadmap” continues, what also continues are relentless attacks on Palestinian civilians who try to travel the real roads within Gaza and the West Bank. Strange how the natterings of diplomats are rarely informed by the cries of the people. It is reminiscent of Tennessee Williams’ brilliant play, Camino Real,in which we witness the depths of human despair through a nightmare vision of what our world may be coming to, and in some cases has already become. Daniel Jacob Quinn writes from occupied Jerusalem. 

Follow-up to June 26th article to AP

Nigel Parry 3 July 2003

Following a 26 June 2003 Associated Press article “Israelis Exonerated in Activist’s Death”, which would have been more honestly titled “Israel exonerates itself in activist’s death,” EI’s Nigel Parry wrote to AP International Editor Sally Jacobsen to protest the writer’s unjustifiable linking of the International Solidarity Movement with terrorism. This letter is a follow-up to first. To date (10 July 2003), neither letter has received a response. 

Israeli Army increases its chokehold on Hebron's Old City

Jerry Levin 10 July 2003


Since 1999, a spokesperson for the Hebron Rehabilitation Committee told CPT, the number of Palestinian residents in the Old City has shrunk from about 2,500 to 1,000. He added that, as a result of last week’s Israeli military order to cease all restoration work, some 400 workers have been laid off with no likelihood of their getting back to work soon or for long.. The process of seeking legal relief has begun, but the history of such actions is that in the long run the Palestinians lose. Jerry Levin writes from Hebron. 

Weekly report on human rights violations

10 July 2003


This week Israeli forces killed 2 Palestinian civilians in the West Bank, fired at Palestinian civilians from miltary checkpoints, conducted a series of incursions into Palestinian areas, razed agricultural land in the Gaza Strip, indiscriminately shelled Palestinian residential areas, arrested Palestinian civilians in the West Bank, and continued the siege on Palestinian communities. 

A story from the heart of Israel's secret prison

Mohammad Daraghmeh 9 July 2003


Despite spending a long time in prison (38 days of continuous torture), Bashar Joudallah (50 years old) from Nablus does not remember much from the place except black walls, or maybe grey, he doesn’t remember, a “modern” interrogation room and sounds of planes landing and taking off in a nearby place. Bashar did not know much about the prison he was in except after he was transferred to other prisons such as ‘Majido’ and ‘Ofer’, where he was detained for 3 months. Other detainees later explained to him that he was in one of the secret prisons located in distant areas, used to for interrogation with detainees with serious accusations. Mohammad Daraghmeh writes in Palestinian daily newspaper Al-Ayyam. 

Another six ISM activists arrested

10 July 2003


Six international peaceworkers participating in The ISM Freedom Summer in Palestine campaign were arrested this afternoon in the city of Nablus, on the West Bank. The group had removed 2 earthen roadblocks in the Nablus area and were working on removing the 3rd today. All 6 activists arrested by the Israeli military were handcuffed and transported by Israeli bus to Ariel police station. 

The holy war Israel wants

Jonathan Cook 11 July 2003


The inhabitants of Nazareth, Israel’s only Arab city, often talk of the ‘invisible occupation’: although they rarely see police — let alone soldiers — on their streets, they are held in a vise-like grip of Israeli control just as much as their ethnic kin in neighbouring Palestinian cities like Jenin and Nablus are. Last week, more than 500 heavily armed police officers stormed Nazareth’s city centre at dawn, arresting a handful of Muslim clerics and demolishing the foundations of a mosque that has been making headlines since a “holy tent” was first erected in 1998 at the site of the grave of Shihab ad-Deen, the nephew of Salah ad-Deen.” Jonathan Cook files an exclusive analysis for EI from Nazareth. 

Needed: A new cognitive road map for peace

George E. Irani and Laurie King 6 July 2003

“Perusing the Middle East map today, we find a region strewn with populations traumatized by decades, if not centuries, of suffering. Unless they are helped in overcoming their traumas, all talk of peace that does not begin with a search for justice and an honest acknowledgement of past wrongs is a waste of time.” Political scientist George E. Irani and EI co-founder Laurie King-Irani emphasize the need for a moral and legal basis for peace-making in the Middle East in the pages of Beirut’s Daily Star. 

PCATI called on Israeli Minister of the Interior to stop deporting peace and human rights activists

29 June 2003

The Public Committee Against Torture in Israel (PCATI) through its attorney, Gaby Lasky, yesterday, June 29, called on Minister of the Interior, Abraham Poraz, demanding that he stop deporting peace and human rights activists who come to provide humanitarian aid in Israel and the Occupied Territories. 

A whole tree of "rotten apples"

29 June 2003

Today, the press reported another case of abuse by Israeli security forces – this time, it was the maltreatment of Palestinians by border police officers and IDF soldiers at the Qalandiya checkpoint. This comes only one day after the Commander of the Border Police adopted the recommendations of a committee that investigated the unit in Hebron that was responsible for a series of incidents of violence, including the death of ‘Imran Abu Hamdiya. 

Weekly report on human rights violations

Palestinian Center for Human Rights 3 July 2003

This week Israeli forces killed 5 Palestinians. Israeli forces invaded a number of towns and villages and demolished 15 Palestinian homes in al-Mughraqa and Beit Hanoun. Israeli forces razed agricultural lands in the northern Gaza Strip and continued indiscriminate shelling of Palestinian residential areas. Israeli forces continued their arbitrary arrest campaigns and continued its tight siege on Palestinian communities in the West Bank. 

Government retaliates against BBC, accuses it of demonizing Israel

3 July 2003


Reporters Without Borders today condemned the Israeli government for announcing on 1 July that is cutting all links with the BBC, Britain’s state-owned TV and radio broadcaster, on the grounds that it “systematically demonizes” Israel and carries reports “verging on antisemitism.” Describing the accusations against the BBC as “disgraceful and pathetic,” Reporters Without Borders secretary-general Robert Ménard said the Israeli government “has trouble accepting the editorial freedom of certain news media when it doesn’t serve its interests.” 

Unacceptable inferences about ISM in Associated Press article

Nigel Parry 26 June 2003

Following a 26 June 2003 Associated Press article “Israelis Exonerated in Activist’s Death”, which would have been more honestly titled “Israel exonerates itself in activist’s death,” EI’s Nigel Parry wrote to AP International Editor Sally Jacobsen to protest the writer’s unjustifiable linking of the International Solidarity Movement with terrorism. 

NPR--Gradstein's report on "mixed" school

Ali Abunimah 2 July 2003

“Today on Morning Edition, Linda Gradstein gave an upbeat report about a mixed school for Palestinian citizens of Israel and Jews. She reported how successful the school is and how more and more parents are signing up. She stated that “normally” Arabs and Jews attend separate schools in Israel. But she left out one tiny little detail….” EI’s Ali Abunimah takes NPR to task for reporter Linda Gradstein’s latest distortions. 

Patch Adams: Clowning around in Gaza

1 July 2003


The Palestine Children’s Relief Fund (PCRF) hosted a fundraiser in Washington, D.C. on June 21, 2003 featuring special guest Dr. Hunter “Patch” Adams. Dr. Adams — a medical doctor, professional clown, social activist, and D.C. native whose life was celebrated in a 1997 motion picture starring Robin Williams — led a clown delegation into Israel and the occupied Gaza Strip in December 2002 on a tour of schools and hospitals. 

Gaza's Abu Holy checkpoint dismantled

Lora Gordon Rafah, Gaza Strip 30 June 2003


“We danced past Al-Matahin checkpoint today, waved to the soldiers hidden in the military towers guarding the bridge as we skipped past the warning sign in three languages, “Forbidden to stop under this bridge,” and then the bridge itself, and ran past Abu Holy checkpoint to join the crowd of journalists, travelers, and curious people who had gathered to watch the Israeli army do what no one had dared imagine possible.” Laura Gordon writes from Rafah. 

Boycotting the Beeb

Sharon Sadeh 1 July 2003


Israel joined Zimbabwe last weekend as one of two countries boycotting the BBC. The move was taken in protest of the “biased and hostile coverage policy,” as Danny Seaman, the head of the Government Press Office in Jerusalem put it. Although Israel has not gone so far as to expel journalists, as did Zimbabwe, “A decision to expel all BBC correspondents has not been ruled out,” Seaman says. At this stage, Israel is making do with measures designed to make life more difficult for the BBC. Sharon Sadeh reports in Ha’aretz.