February 2004

Israeli forces kill 3 Palestinians in extra-judicial execution

Palestinian Center for Human Rights 28 February 2004


An Israeli helicopter gunship launched a missile at a car with three Palestinians near al-Saftawi junction, north of Gaza city. The missile hit the car and destroyed it, killing three passengers and wounding 11 bystanders, including 3 children. A 7-year-old, was described as in critical condition.  A number of neighboring homes and shops were damaged. The three passengers were identified as Mohammed Jouda, Amin al-Dahdouh and Ayman al-Dahdouh. Extra-judicial killings cannot be reconciled with the Fourth Geneva Convention, which seek to protect the lives of protected person. 

Demolition of Abu Sha'ira family home in Al-Azza refugee camp

27 February 2004


This report concerns the demolition of the family home of Mervat Abu Sha’ira, a 9-year-old member of the Handala Cultural Center dance troupe. Mervat’s 32-year-old father was killed on 14 June 2001 during an armed clash between Israeli occupation forces and Palestinians in Beit Jala. On Friday 27 February 2004, at 1:00am, between 15-20 Israeli army jeeps and armored personal carriers entered Al-Azza’ camp and surrounded the home and several neighboring houses. Several homes were destroyed. Photos from Handala Cultural Center. 

Israel’s cry of anti-Semitism blocks a critical dialogue

Jeff Handmaker and Adri Nieuwhof 27 February 2004


Much of the rising anti-Semitism in Europe today is undeniably fuelled by conflicts in the Middle East. However, continued insistence on the part of the Israeli government and its supporters that critics of its policies are “anti-Semitic” is a dangerous and damaging position to hold. Human rights advocates Jeff Handmaker and Adri Nieuwhof argue that continued insistence on this equation of anti-Israeli government sentiments and anti-Semitism creates a hostile atmosphere and prevents a critical dialogue on Middle East issues from a human rights perspective. 

Israeli forces kill two Palestinians protesting Israel's Apartheid Wall

Arjan El Fassed 26 February 2004


Israeli forces killed two Palestinians and wounded dozens in the village of Biddu, near Jerusalem, during a protest against Israel’s Apartheid Wall. Mohammad Sabel Rayan (30), a father of two from Beit Duqqu and Zakariya Eyad, a father of three from Beit Iksa were shot today during a demonstration. Rayan was hit by a bullet in his spine and Eyad was hit in his chest. Palestinians, internationals and Israeli activists were protesting. They are afraid that the Israeli army will cause more casualties. Since yesterday, thousands of protesters have been protesting and confronting Israeli bulldozers working on Israel’s Apartheid Wall. 

ICJ: Justice or Politics?

Victor Kattan 25 February 2004


“ICJ: Justice or Politics” was a statement displayed on a banner at a pro-Israel demonstration in The Hague on Monday. In the last three days I have been covering the oral proceedings taking place before the international court of justice and the demonstrations here in The Hague for the British-based organization Arab Media Watch. Whilst the pleadings proceeded smoothly it has been interesting to note how few countries have come out in support of the Palestinians. Victor Kattan reports from the Hague. 

Weekly report on human rights violations

Palestinian Center for Human Rights 25 February 2004


This week Israeli forces killed an unarmed Palestinian from Boreij refugee camp in central Gaza. Israeli forces invaded a number of Palestinian towns and villages. In Ramallah, Israeli forces radied banks and confiscated large amounts of cash. Israeli forces razed agricultural land in the Gaza Strip and raided Palestinian homes. Israel continues its use of Palestinian civilians as human shields and Israel continued the construction of Israel’s apartheid wall. Israeli forces demolished four homes. Israel continues to impose a total siege on Palestinian towns and villages. 

Deetman responds to Israeli anger over protests in The Hague

Arjan El Fassed 23 February 2004


Today, the Mayor of The Hague, Wim Deetman, issued a press statement this morning. Deetman was “unpleasantly surprised” by the intention of the Dutch Zionist organization “Christenen voor Israel” to carry photographs which, whether rightly or wrongly were capable of “engendering emotions of a provocative nature,” during a demonstration march. In doing so, Deetman added only the factual, undisputed information that he had been informed by “Christenen voor Israel”, amongst others, that the Israeli Embassy in The Hague had “inspired” them to carry those photographs. 

ICJ wraps up hearings on legal consequences of the wall

Arjan El Fassed 25 February 2004


On the last day of the hearings at the International Court of Justice in The Hague, presiding Judge Shi Jiuyong, declaring a close to the oral hearings said “a date and time for the court to announce its rulings” would be set later. The final session was opened by Sudan, followed by the League of Arab States and the Organization of the Islamic Conference. The statements elaborated on jurisdiction and whether the Court is competent in addition to substance such as international humanitarian law, human rights law and other legal consequences of the wall. 

Israel orders land confiscation for Wall in Gaza

Palestinian Center for Human Rights 25 February 2004


On 22 February 2004, Israeli occupying forces handed written orders to a number of Palestinian families living near “Netzarim” settlement, south of Gaza city, informing them that their land would be seized for “military purposes” until the end of December 2005. Such orders mean that the land will be effectively confiscated. The orders provide seven days for appeal. PCHR today submitted an appeal on behalf of the owners of these lands to the Israeli military legal advisor. 

Court concludes second day of hearings on Israel's Apartheid Wall

Arjan El Fassed 24 February 2004


On the second day of the oral hearings in the case for an advisory opinion on the legal consequences of the wall, the International Court of Justice in The Hague, presided by President Shi, heard statements from Belize, a tiny nation in Central America, Cuba, Indonesia, Jordan, Madagascar, Malaysia and Senegal. Wednesay morning, the final day of the oral hearings, the Court is scheduled to hear from Sudan, the League of Arab States and the Organization of the Islamic Conference. 

A case for the rule of law in Palestine

Badil 23 February 2004


The ICJ hearing represents an historic milestone in the struggle of the Palestinian people for the promotion of rule of law and enforcement of universal standards and principles as the foundation for conflict prevention, resolution and a just and durable peace. It is the first time that the international court will hold deliberations concerning the legal aspects of the long- standing Israeli-Palestinian conflict and Israeli measures directed against the Palestinian people. 

Left Turn magazine interviews Nigel Parry about EI 3.0

Rami El-Amine 24 February 2004


The Electronic Intifada (EI) website, has become the place to go on the internet to find out what’s really happening in the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. A quarter of a million people visit the site a month. In January 2004, the EI team revamped the website and launced Version 3.0. Rami El-Amine from Left Turn spoke to Nigel Parry, one of the founders and designers of the Electronic Intifada, about the new site and its incredible success over the past three years. 

The Wall Is illegal, now we must stop it

Jamal Juma' 24 February 2004


The Apartheid Wall, which began being built in the Occupied West Bank in June 2002, is nearly one third complete. It snakes its way deep inside the West Bank, devouring fertile land into de facto Israeli controlled areas, encircling residential areas, ghettoizing and imprisoning the Palestinian population. The 90,000 people that are already directly affected by the Wall’s 140 km “first phase” are well aware that their entire lives have been shattered, that their incomes, dignity, children’s future, and heritage were uprooted in a matter of weeks or months as bulldozers leveled their lands in order to confiscate and isolate them. Jamal Juma’ comments. 

Even if Palestine wins at The Hague...

Ali Abunimah 24 February 2004


Palestinian UN envoy, Nasser Al-Kidwa, told the International Court of Justice (ICJ) that he hopes a ruling that Israel’s separation barrier in the West Bank would lead to the same kind of international sanctions that followed after the Court’s 1971 ruling against South Africa’s occupation of Namibia. But if this hope is what Palestinian Authority (PA) strategy is built on, then we are in trouble. EI’s Ali Abunimah says that the Palestinians are not wanting for international legal decisions supporting their rights. What they badly lack is a political strategy to convert these rulings into reality. 

Israelis protest against the wall in front of Sharon's residence

Israeli Coalition Against the Wall 23 February 2004


On the day the International Court in The Hague started its hearing on the Separation Wall, the “Israeli Coalition against the Wall” organised a protest against the wall. About 700 Israeli peace activists took part in the demonstration near the Prime Minsiter’s residence, only some 200 meters from the place where a day before a suicide bomber had blown up a bus. “The Wall will not bring
security, it will only bring more attacks,” said Oren
Medicks, one of ther speakers. 

Over 25 percent of Sheikh Sa'ad residents forced to leave their homes

B'Tselem 23 February 2004


In its new report, B’Tselem describes the isolation of Sheikh Sa’ad from Jerusalem and the West Bank, and the consequences for the residents if the Separation Barrier is built according to current plans. The planned route of the Separation Barrier in the area will block the only road leading to the village with an eight-meter-high wall. The building of the wall will force the residents to choose between living as prisoners in their village or leaving their homes. 

International Court opens oral hearings on the wall

Arjan El Fassed 23 February 2004


Opening the oral hearings at the International Court of Justice (ICJ) on the legal consequences of the wall, Palestinian UN representative, Nasser Kidwa, said that the wall will render a two-state solution practically impossible. “The wall is not about security: It is about entrenching the occupation and the de facto annexation of large areas of Palestinian land,” Kidwa said. “This wall, if completed, will leave the Palestinian people with only half of the West Bank within isolated, non-contiguous, walled enclaves. It will render the two-State solution practically impossible,” he told the fifteen judges. 

HRW: "West Bank barrier violates human rights"

Human Rights Watch 23 February 2004


The construction, route and operation of Israel’s separation barrier inside the West Bank violate international human rights and humanitarian law, Human Rights Watch said in a briefing paper released today. “Israel has a right and duty to protect its civilians from attack, but it must not use means that entail indiscriminate punishment of entire communities,” said a spokesperson. “Israel’s separation barrier seriously impedes Palestinian access to essentials of civilian life.” 

Israeli peace groups continue protests against the wall

Israeli Coalition Against the Wall 22 February 2004


“The terrible attack in Jerusalem today strengthens our opinion that the policy of Occupation and dispossession of the Palestinians, as expressed in the building of the Wall within the Palestinian Territories, does not bring us peace,” say Israeli peace organizations holding protest activities against the Separation Wall. Tomorrow, 23 February at 8.00 p.m., activist organizations participating in the “Israeli Voice against the Wall” will hold a protest demonstration opposite the Prime Minister’s residence in Jerusalem. Activists will built a wall in front of the Prime Minister’s residence in Jerusalem. 

World Council of Churches demands that Israel stops construction of wall

World Council of Churches 20 February 2004


After concluding a meeting in Geneva, the Executive Committee of the World Council of Churches (WCC) issued a statement demanding that Israel stop and reverse the construction of the wall in the occupied Palestinian territories, including in and around East Jerusalem. The WCC welcomed the hearing of the International Court of Justice to provide its advisory opinion on the legal consequences of the wall and draws attention of the world of the immense human costs paid by the Palestinian people and its long-term consequences on peace and reconciliation. 

Palestinian protests against Israel's Apartheid Wall

22 February 2004


With only less than 24 hours left for the scheduled oral hearings at the International Court of Justice concerning the legal consequences of Israel’s construction of the wall in occupied Palestinian territory, Palestinians staged demonstrations in many parts of the West Bank to protest the Israeli construction of the wall, that cuts deep into their lands. Palestinians, internationals and Israeli peace activists demonstrated in Ramallah, Nablus , Mas’ha Village east of Qalqilya and the town of Beit Soreek near Jerusalem. 

Israel angry at mayor of The Hague

Arjan El Fassed 22 February 2004


The mayor of The Hague, Wim Deetman, said on Dutch TV that the Israeli embassy in The Hague is contradicting his responsibility to maintain public order during the oral hearings of the International Court of Justice on the legal consequences of the wall this week. The Israeli embassy has been coordinating protests and provided the pictures of 927 Israeli victims of suicide bombings to the Zionist-Christian organizations “Christenen voor Israel”. Deetman has argued that the provocative use of pictures will disrupt public order. The Israeli Foreign Ministry immediately issued a statement against the mayor. 

Israeli peace and human rights groups speak out on the wall

Alternative Information Center 25 January 2004


Thirteen Israeli peace and human rights groups are troubled that the position of the Israel government regarding the wall does not reflect the views of the Israeli peace and human rights movement, nor necessarily reflect the view of the Israeli public. They approached the Israeli Minister of Foreign Affairs with their request to include the statement in the materials presented to the Court. The wall in its present route constitutes a severe violation of human rights, serves political rather than security ends, and throws up a major obstacle to a just and sustainable peace between the two parties. 

Popular hearing: �The Wall in Palestine: illegality and consequences"

United Civilians for Peace 20 February 2004


Before the official hearings start on Monday, this weekend, on Saturday, 21 February, PENGON/Anti Apartheid Wall Campaign, the Netherlands Stop the Wall Coalition and United Civilians for Peace organise a symposium on the legal aspects and humanitarian consequences of the Wall. The program includes illustrations of the route of the wall; discussions by legal experts, Palestinian farmers, a photo exhibition, documentaries. Journalists and politicians have been invited. Speakers include Azmi Bishara, Jamal Juma’, legal expert Paul de Waart, B’Tselem’s Yehezkel Lein, Victor de Currea-Lugo and others. 

Switzerland and UNRWA to host major conference on humanitarian assistance to Palestine refugees

20 February 2004


The Swiss Government and the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees (UNRWA) announced today that they are to host a unique conference in Geneva in June to discuss the future of humanitarian assistance to Palestine refugees. More than five decades after they first lost their homes, millions of Palestine refugees continue to live lives of hardship and poverty across the Middle East. Now, for the first time in 54 years, countries humanitarian agencies will gather together to plan humanitarian and human development strategies for the 4.1 million refugees registered with UNRWA. 

Response to "Events Explore Middle East Controversy"

Benjamin J Doherty 20 February 2004


Rabbi David Rosenberg of the Newberger Hillel Center complained that a February 12 panel about the separation barrier Israel is building on occupied Palestinian land was unbalanced because “no campus group or outside group that is known to be supportive of Israel was extended an invitation to cosponsor” and that “no speaker has been chosen who will articulate why Israel might have chosen to have built a fence” But what does Rosenberg really mean when he calls for balance? None of the Israel-related events that the Rabbi’s organization has endorsed or promoted reveal any attempt to live up to the lofty standard he proposes. Benjamin J Doherty writes to the Chicago Maroon. 

Weekly report on human rights violations

18 February 2004


This week, Israeli forces killed 6 Palestinian civilians, including a child. One of the victims was killed in another extra-judicial execution in the West Bank. Israeli forces invaded various areas in the occupied Palestinian territories. Israeli forces razed more Palestinian agricultural land. Israel continued its construction of a wall in the occupied Palestinian territories, confiscating land, destroying livelihoods. Israeli forces demolished two homes. Israel continued indiscriminate shelling of Palestinian residential areas, in which a Palestinian civilian was killed. Israel continues to impose a total siege on Palestinian towns. 

Anti-Semitism at the World Social Forum?

Cecilie Surasky 19 February 2004


The Simon Wiesenthal Center has cited the WSF as one of the centers of what it and others refer to as the “new anti-Semitism”. Their description of the WSF is so disturbing, even frightening, that I am prepared to encounter at minimum silent hostility, and possibly even physical attacks from my fellow attendees. I have come to the WSF to be loudly and visibly Jewish, to make a presentation that deconstructs the theory that Jews dictate U.S. policy in the Middle East, and to see for myself this purported new tidal wave of hatred of Jews from the rest of the global left. Cecilie Surasky reports what she discovered. 

Amnesty: "The wall violates international law"

19 February 2004


On the eve of the International Court of Justice’s (ICJ) opening hearing on the construction of the wall by Israel, Amnesty International calls on the Israeli authorities to immediately dismantle the sections already built inside the West Bank and halt the construction of the fence/wall and related infrastructure inside the Occupied Territories. Israel objects to the ICJ hearing the case. “The construction by Israel of the fence/wall inside the Occupied Territories violates international law and is contributing to grave human rights violations. Therefore, it is appropriate that a court of law examines this matter,” said Amnesty International. 

Live video coverage of ICJ hearings on wall on the Internet

19 February 2004


The public hearings before the International Court of Justice (ICJ), principal judicial organ of the United Nations, to be held from 23 to 25 February 2004 in the case concerning the Legal Consequences of the Construction of a Wall in the Occupied Palestinian Territory (request for advisory opinion), will be broadcast live and in full on the Court’s official website (www.icj-cij.org). 

Palestinian painter portrays raw emotions of Palestinians who long to go home

Courtney C. Radsch 18 February 2004


The figures in Zahi Khamis’ paintings have twisted necks, their almond-shaped eyes peering upside down, tragically staring out at a land they will never know. The visual experience of the exhibit Of Exile and Return replicates the emotional experience of pain, love, longing and fear that Palestinians feel as they struggle to define themselves. Khamis, a Palestinian who has lived in the US for 22 years, sees his paintings as a commentary not only on Palestinians exiled from their homeland, but on humanity as a whole, for whom home plays a central role in defining the self. 

A Palestinian Authority steeped in paralysis and corruption

Hasan Abu Nimah 18 February 2004


The Palestinian Authority is in a critical and untenable state, writes EI contributor Hasan Abu Nimah. On the international front it is engaged in futile diplomacy designed to restore its reason for existence. Meanwhile on the home front, new allegations of corruption implicate prime minister Ahmed Qureia, Suha Arafat, the wife of the Palestinian leader, and Palestinian cabinet minister Jamil Tarifi. Yet neither Qureia’s nor Mrs. Arafat’s denials will do much to clear the thickening clouds of suspicion and mistrust that hang over the PA. Neither does the ongoing Palestinian parliamentary investigation offer much hope, in the light of earlier experience. 

Palestinian Issue Riddles Bush's 2005 Budget

Sam Bahour 18 February 2004


In his January 20, 2004 State of the Union speech President Bush was criticized for not even mentioning the plight of the Palestinians. President Bush completely ignored the blatant Israeli policy of human rights violations that the Israel military occupation has sustained against the Palestinians for decades now. The same cannot be said for his proposed $2.4 trillion Budget of the United States Government for Fiscal Year 2005, which was transmitted to Congress on February 2, 2004 and covers the fiscal year beginning October 1, 2004. The budget is planned to be brought to the floor of both the House and Senate between July 1 and September 30 and is riddled with references to the Palestinian issue. Sam Bahour reports from Palestine. 

The Psychological Implications of Israel’s Separation Wall on Palestinians

18 February 2004


The Palestinian Counseling Center released its findings of a preliminary study on the psychological implications of Israel’s Separation Wall on Palestinians in the Qalqilya District. The study found that high percentages of residents in the Qalqilya area are depressed, feeling anxiety and hopelessness, have suicidal thoughts and exhibit symptoms of PTSD, however, the condition imposed on the Palestinian people and its psychological affects has gone unnoticed by the world. 

ICJ must continue with advisory opinion on wall

30 January 2004


Al-Haq is deeply disturbed by reports that the European Union, the United States, Israel and other governments have filed objections to the ICJ, stating that they believe that the ICJ should not issue an Advisory Opinion on the legal consequences of Israel’s construction of the Annexation Wall in the occupied territories. Al Haq urges the ICJ to continue the hearings on the wall. Now is the opportunity for them to intervene so that it’s reviewed on the basis of law, not politics. 

Barrier causes serious humanitarian and legal problems

International Committee of the Red Cross 17 February 2004


The International Committee of the Red Cross is increasingly concerned about the humanitarian impact of the wall on many Palestinians living in occupied territory. The measures taken by the Israeli authorities linked to the construction of the Barrier in occupied territory go far beyond what is permissible for an occupying power under international humanitarian law. The ICRC therefore calls upon Israel not to plan, construct or maintain this Barrier within occupied territory. 

Interview: S’ra DeSantis on the Apartheid Wall in Budrus

Stefan Christoff 17 February 2004


An MP3 interview with S’ra DeSantis, a social justice activist and organic farmer in Burlington Vermont. S’ra is currently in Budrus, Palestine, a rural village in the West Bank fighting for its existence against the Israeli military and the planned construction path of the Apartheid Wall. The wall, deemed a “security measure” by the Israeli state, is clearly an effort to steal more Palestinian land. The Palestinian Environmental NGO Network has estimated that upwards of 50 per cent of the West Bank land will be plundered by the completion of the wall, which is not being built on or near the 1967 Green Line and at points reaches 16km deep into the heart of the West Bank. 

Return to Rafah: Journey to a land out of bounds

Jennifer Loewenstein Rafah, Gaza Strip 17 February 2004


” I left for Rafah on 11 January 2004 as part of a three-person pilot delegation to the city. We represented the Madison-Rafah Sister City Project, an organization founded in February 2003 to establish people-to-people ties between our two communities. Sistering projects are well known in Madison, Wisconsin —a Midwestern University town north of Chicago. Madison has official, City Council-approved sister cities with El Salvador, Nicaragua, East Timor, Cuba, Vietnam, and Lithuania among others. It seemed time, some of us thought, to build ties with a city in Palestine.” Jennifer Loewenstein reports on a trip to Rafah. 

Palestinian Worker Suffocates at Erez Crossing

16 February 2004


Today, a Palestinian worker died from suffocation while attempting to pass through routes at Erez crossing designed for the passage of Palestinian workers on their way to their workplaces in Israel.  The worker died as a result of suffocation from over-crowdedness resulting from crushing together thousands of workers attempting to enter Israel at the crossing. A number of workers carried him towards the Israeli side of the crossing, however attempts to save his life failed. Two weeks ago, 25 Palestinians were injured at Erez crossing when Israeli soldiers opened fire on workers. 

The Status of Palestinian Citizens in Israel

Pax Christi International 16 February 2004


The Intifada and Israel’s reaction to it have had a great impact on the situation of Palestinians citizens in Israel, as the world witnessed during the suppression of demonstrations in Israel in October 2000, leaving 13 people dead; the Israeli public discourse on “transfer”; the “demographic threat” and the public perception of Palestinians inside Israel as being a “fifth column”. Equality under the law and freedom from discrimination are basic human rights. 

2003: The State of Human Rights in Israel

Naama Yashuvi 9 February 2004


The Association for Civil Rights in Israel published its annual report The State of Human Rights in Israel. ACRI witnessed an increase in the scope and severity of human rights violations and an unprecedented rise in injury to innocent Palestinian and Israeli civilians. More than 700 Palestinians and over 200 Israelis have lost their lives, and many more have been injured. Most of the abuses occur not as a result of operational necessity but from vindictiveness on the part of soldiers. 

Warsaw Ghetto Abu Dis: Five haikus on the Apartheid Wall

Laurie King 17 February 2004


An obscene monument to the belief that “too much is never enough,” Israel’s monstrous Apartheid Wall is a visible indictment of the racist folly of forcibly separating people from each other and the places they love. The visual and moral affront of the Apartheid Wall prompted these observations, expressed through a subtle Japanese poetic form, the haiku. An ancient Japanese literary form, the haiku embodies the principle that “less is more” and delights in mixing categories and crossing boundaries through the magic of metaphor. 

Exhibit in Amman conveys horrors of Israel's separation wall

Rana Sabbagh-Gargour 16 February 2004


Photographs, sound effects, replicas of barrier give visitors feeling of imprisonment, suffocation experienced by Palestinians The horrifying illusion of a journey through prison confronts anyone visiting the first extensive exhibition on the separation wall that Israel is building on occupied West Bank land. Combining photography, sound effects, replicas of the Israeli-built double walls, medieval-style observation towers, and barbed wire ripping through seized land, the Stop the Wall exhibition, which opened in Amman on Saturday, triggers feelings of pain, anger and claustrophobia. 

Weekly report on human rights violations

11 February 2004


This week, Israeli forces killed 28 Palestinians, including two children. Three of the victims were killed in two extra-judicial executions. Fifteen of the victims were killed during an Israeli assault on Shojaeya neighborhood in Gaza City and Rafah refugee camp. In Rafah, Israeli forces demolished 24 homes and three schools. Dozens of donums of agricultural land was razed and numerous homes were raided. Israel continues to use Palestinian civilians as human shields and the construction of Israel’s Separation Wall continued. 

EU: "Israel must stop building barrier"

Arjan El Fassed 11 February 2004


Today, the EU presented its position regarding the hearing at the ICJ. In Strasbourg, Irish Foreign Minister Dick Roche, on behalf of the Council of Ministers, said that Israel must stop building this barrier and he deplored the “regrettably uncompromising” attitude of the Israeli government. The EU’s abstention during the vote at the UN General Assembly did not bring into question the fact that the EU was opposed to the wall, which is a violation of international law. The EU, however, doubted whether bringing the case before the ICJ would be useful. 

Israel won't appear at ICJ hearing on Israel’s separation wall

Arjan El Fassed 11 February 2004


Yesterday, an Israeli ministerial committee that prepares Israel’s position for the case before the International Court of Justice (ICJ) on Israel’s Separation Wall decided to not appear at oral hearings due to begin on February 23, 2004. The committee, chaired by Prime Minister Ariel Sharon, accepted the recommendations made by a steering committee, made up of Israeli senior advisors, that discussed Israel’s position on Monday, and decided to suffice with the written declaration that Israel submitted on January 30, 2004. 

Israeli forces kill 13 Palestinians in Gaza and Rafah

11 February 2004


This morning, Israeli occupying forces killed 12 Palestinians in al-Shojaeya neighborhood in Gaza city and one Palestinian was killed by Israeli forces in the Rafah refugee camp.  Three of the victims killed in al-Shojaeya died when Israeli occupying forces destroyed a house over them.  In addition, at least 50 Palestinians, including 23 children, were injured in the two incidents.  Medical sources at hospitals in the Gaza Strip described the condition of 20 of those injured as moderate to serious. This took place as Israeli forces moved into Gaza city and Rafah refugee camp. 

WFP purchases olive oil to help ease hardship of Palestinian farmers

11 February 2004


In an effort to address the dire socioeconomic conditions in the Palestinian Territories, the World Food Programme — in collaboration with the Palestinian Ministry of Agriculture — will purchase 416 MT of olive oil, at a value of US$1.3 million, from 2600 selected poor Palestinian farmers. The agency will then deliver the locally purchased olive oil to WFP beneficiaries living in Gaza and in the south of the West Bank who have limited access to oil due to its high cost and unavailability. 

Japan donates $5.9 million to Palestine refugees

7 February 2004


Japan has announced a donation of US$ 5.9 million to the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees. The donation includes an emergency grant of US$ 1,513,200 to support UNRWA’s emergency activities in the West Bank and Gaza Strip where the refugees have been suffering the effects of violence, curfews and closures. The emergency grant will enable UNRWA to provide equipment and supplies to its health centres in Gaza to meet the increased medical care the refugees there. 

Eyes Wide Open: The Siege

9 February 2004


B’Tselem has produced a music video as part of the campaign against Israel’s siege policy. The song - “Eyes Wide Open” - is a remake of a popular Israeli song, featuring well-known Israeli artists. The song’s lyrics speak of the need to acknowledge the reality. The music video features footage taken at roadblocks and checkpoints and shows the reality of Israel’s siege policy. 

Seeking An Organized Solidarity

Rifat Odeh Kassis 8 February 2004


Ten years ago, backed by solidarity groups from all over the world, it appeared that the Intifada had succeeded in forcing Israel to recognize the PLO as sole representative of the Palestinian people. However, with Oslo made many groups felt that Palestinians were in control of their destiny. Today, only few will assert that Palestinians are in control of their destiny? Rifat Odeh Kassis believes we cannot afford to wait until initiatives such as the “Road Map” or “Geneva” are implemented. 

US rejects ICJ jurisdiction on separation barrier

30 January 2004


The United States submitted a written statement to the International Court expressing its continuing view that the referral is inappropriate and may impede efforts to achieve progress towards a negotiated settlement between Israelis and Palestinians. The statement emphasized the Quartet-led roadmap as the agreed upon method for moving forward and it urged the Court to give due regard to the principle that its advisory opinion jurisdiction is not intended as a means of circumventing the right of states to determine whether to submit their disputes to judicial settlement. 

Israeli forces kill Palestinian child and wound 11 others in assassination attempt

7 February 2004


Failing to assassinate a wanted Palestinian, Israeli forces killed a Palestinian child (11) and injured 11 other civilians, including three children, one of which is in serious condition. An Israeli attack helicopter fired a missile at a civilian car, a white Peugot 205, on Wihda street, a densely populated area in Gaza City. The missile hit the front of the car but failed to kill the passengers. However, 11-year old Tariq al-Sousi, who was on his way to school, was thrown off his feet by the explosion and hit a nearby tree. He was transferred to hospital but soon after he died of his wounds. 

Israeli forces kill Palestinian and wound 12 others in Rafah

8 February 2004


Israeli forces invaded Rafah and opened fire, wounding 12 Palestinian residents, including two children and two women. Israeli forces then surrounded the home of Ashraf Abu Libda, who is wanted by Israel, and ordered him to surrender. After he refused, an exchange of fire occured, in which Abu Libda was killed by several live bullets throughout his body. Israeli forces have maintained their presence in the area and have continued to open fire on residents. They surrounded a number of homes. PCHR is concerned that this military operation may cause more casualties among unarmed Palestinian civilians. 

Interview: Wendy Pearlman, author of 'Occupied Voices: Stories of Everyday Life from the Second Intifada'

Maureen Clare Murphy 11 February 2004


“If you want the conflict to end and you want peace, can you really afford to ignore their points of view? Go ahead; try to make peace without the Palestinians, without understanding Palestinians’ experiences and their goals as they see them. They’re going to be at war for generations — go ahead,” Wendy Pearlman, author of Occupied Voices: Stories of Everyday Life from the Second Intifada, tells EI’s Maureen Clare Murphy. Pearlman , who interviewed 27 West Bank and Gazans for her new work oral history, explains to EI the challenges to publishing a book dedicated to understanding the hardships endured by Palestinians under Israeli military occupation. 

Offices of Gaza weekly ransacked

4 February 2004


RSF has demanded a prompt and full investigation after the Gaza City offices of the weekly newspaper “Al-Daar” were ransacked during the Muslim Eid festival, between 1 and 3 February 2004. “The Palestinian Authority should act decisively to prevent attacks against journalists and the media in the territories under its control,” the organisation said in a letter to Palestinian Interior Minister Hakam Balaawi. Al-Daar editor-in-chief Hassan Al-Kachef said the offices had been ransacked and computers were damaged but nothing was stolen, which ruled out a normal burglary. 

Masked men attack Palestinian TV station

2 February 2004


At around 4:00 a.m. on Monday, February 2, three masked Palestinian men carrying automatic rifles stormed the offices of the Ramallah-based Al-Quds Educational Television, according to staff. Assistant Manager Haroun Abu Arrah, one of two station employees present at the time, told CPJ that one of the men demanded a “tape,” and when Abu Arrah asked for clarification the assailants began beating the two staffers with rifle butts and fists. After the beating, two of the assailants went into another room and fired several rounds at some of the station’s equipment, destroying computer screens and video equipment. 

News supplement on rights of refugees reaches 30,000 households

27 January 2004


BADIL’s Arabic-language magazine, Haq Al-Awda (Right of Return), printed and distributed as a supplement to the Ramallah daily paper Al-Ayyam has been distributed to some 30,000 households in the occupied Palestinian Territories. This is the third such supplement prepared by BADIL and distributed via the local press. Begun as a pilot project in 2003, the newspaper supplements have been a success on every level.  Earlier editions have sold out and due to strong demand, additional copies have been reprinted. This issue covers a number of current topics and the conclusions of a visit to South Africa. 

Legality of Israel's Wall to be tested before the International Court of Justice

Shane Darcy 6 February 2004


In December of last year the United Nations General Assembly decided to request an Advisory Opinion from the International Court of Justice on one of the most controversial issues of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict in recent years, Israel’s construction of a “security wall” in the Occupied Territories. The ICJ, often called the World Court, is based at the Peace Palace in The Hague and was established under the Charter of the United Nations, adopted in San Francisco in 1945. A judgement or an advisory opinion from the International Court of Justice carries considerable weight. Shane Darcy explains the process and implications. 

What does Sharon's latest settlement move mean for Israel?

Ali Abunimah and Hussein Ibish 6 February 2004


Israeli Prime Minister Ariel Sharon’s announcement that he plans to remove virtually all Israeli settlers from the occupied Gaza Strip has caused a shock wave in Israel. Has some sudden epiphany convinced Sharon that the settlements are the key obstacle to peace and that Israel’s future is jeopardized by the continued attempt to incorporate occupied Palestinian territories into a greater Israel? EI co-founder Ali Abunimah, and ADC Communications Director Hussein Ibish get to the bottom of the mystery in a Chicago Tribune commentary. 

Why the BBC Ducks the Palestinian Story

Tim Llewellyn 6 February 2004


Watching a peculiarly crass, inaccurate and condescending programme about the endangered historical sites of “Israel” - that is to say, the Israeli-occupied Palestinian Territories - on BBC2 in early June 2003,(1) I determined to try to work out, as a former BBC Middle East correspondent, why the Corporation has in the past two and a half years been failing to report fairly the most central and lasting reason for the troubles of the region: the Palestinians’ struggle for freedom. In this excerpt from a new book from Pluto Press, Tim Llewellyn looks at the BBC’s coverage of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. 

The US Media and the Wall: Thomas Friedman and 60 Minutes

David Bloom, Patrick O'Connor and Tom Wallace 4 February 2004


The self-imposed US media blackout on the Wall’s construction finally began to lift last August when President Bush mentioned the problems created by Israel’s wall “snaking its way through the West Bank.” Last December, a year and half after bulldozers began cutting the Wall’s path through Palestinian villages, Thomas Friedman hosted a Discovery Channel program in association with The New York Times, and Bob Simon anchored a CBS 60 Minutes segment introducing the controversy surrounding one of the world’s largest construction projects. David Bloom, Patrick Connors, and Tom Wallace examine the two programs. 

Support Academic Freedom in International Studies

4 February 2004


Last year the House of Representatives passed H.R. 3077, the International Studies in Higher Education Act of 2003. The bill provides for government funding for international area studies and foreign language programs, known as Title VI; however, the bill also contains a troubling provision regarding academic freedom. If agreed to by the Senate, this bill would create a 7-person International Studies Advisory Board. This bill is being supported by conservative think tanks like the Hoover Institution and self-appointed campus watchdog groups like Daniel Pipes’ Campus Watch. 

British inquiry into Hurndall shooting to also investigate James Miller's death

4 February 2004


In a rare move Dr Knapman - the Coroner for Westminster, has agreed to transfer the jurisdiction of the inquest into the death of Tom Hurndall in Rafah, Gaza last April, to the jurisdiction of Dr. Reed - the Coroner for Camden. Dr Reed is currently responsible for the inquest into the death of James Miller — another British national who was killed just over a week after Tom in Gaza. The family of Tom Hurndall and of James Miller both welcomed the news yesterday and believe that this represents a major development in their attempts to get at the truth behind the killings. 

International Court refuses to disqualify judge

3 February 2004


By an Order of 30 January 2004 the International Court of Justice decided, by thirteen votes to one, that certain matters brought to the attention of the Court by letters of 31 December 2003 and 15 January 2004 from the Government of Israel, were “not such as to preclude Judge Elaraby from participating in the present case”. In its Order, the Court finds that in the present case the activities of Elaraby were performed in his capacity of a diplomatic representative of his country, most of them many years before the question of the wall, now submitted for advisory opinion, arose. 

Israeli forces kill 4 Palestinians, including a physically handicapped

2 February 2004


On Monday morning, the second day of the Eid, Israeli occupying forces killed 4 Palestinians during a military incursion into Tal al-Sultan neighborhood in the west of Rafah.  Israeli occupying forces claimed the reason for the incursion into the neighborhood was to arrest an allegedly wanted Palestinian.  Two of the victims were brothers, one of whom was physically handicapped and allegedly wanted by Israeli occupying authorities. Three Palestinian civilians were also wounded. PCHR believes that international silence encourages Israel to continue to perputuate war crimes and unlawful conduct. 

44 countries file statements to International Court

2 February 2004


The United Nations, 44 of its Member States, Palestine, the League of Arab States and the Organisation of the Islamic Conference have filed written statements within the time-limit fixed by the International Court of Justice by an Order of 19 December 2004 in the case concerning Legal Consequences of the Construction of a Wall in the Occupied Palestinian Territory. The time-limit fixed was 30 January 2004. On 8 December 2003, the General Assembly of the United Nations adopted a resolution in which, referring to Article 65 of the Statute of the Court, it requested the International Court of Justice. 

The bittersweet lives of Palestine's children

Toine van Teeffelen Bethlehem, Palestine 2 February 2004


At the teacher workshop about diary writing the participants say that nowadays Palestinians here are less strict in observing customs like not holding, for a period of up to one year, a wedding party after somebody in the family has passed away. In the past it was unthinkable not to comply but the negative events are so frequent and overwhelming these days that it is simply too unpractical to let one’s social life be prescribed by them. As Mary says, one has to live. Toine van Teeffelen writes from occupied Bethlehem. 

Photostory: The Wall in Abu Dis, 18 January 2004

Musa Al-Shaer 2 February 2004


The Wall in Abu Dis has existed in one form or another since summer 2003. From late December to early January 2004, Israel built a larger 27ft (8m) wall that cuts off Abu Dis from Jerusalem, separating thousands of residents from the Palestinian capital, and dividing the village itself. Photographer Musa Al-Shaer visited Abu Dis on 18 January 2004 as the final stages of construction had been completed and Israel had renamed the Wall the “terror prevention fence”, a laughable phrase given the number of Palestinians trapped on the Israeli side of the Wall. 

Photostory: The Wall in Abu Dis, 25 January 2004

2 February 2004


As the building of Israel’s Apartheid Wall continues, Palestinians living in its path are being cut off from their agricultural lands, their schools and hospitals, and sometimes even from their next door neighbours. In Abu Dis, on the edge of Jerusalem, the Wall has been built right in the center of Palestinian neighbourhoods with no consideration for the residents, creating what one piece of graffiti on the Wall dubbed, “Ghetto Abu Dis”. The following photos of the Wall’s passage through Abu Dis were taken by the Handala Cultatal Center on 25 January 2004.