March 2004

EU: Solving Israeli-Palestinian conflict "top priority"

European Union 31 March 2004


Romano Prodi, President of the European Commission, told the European Parliament today that the fight against terrorism must include efforts to find a solution to the conflict between Israelis and Palestinians. “The success of our strategy to combat international terrorism depends on peace in the Middle East,” Prodi said. He warned that force alone would not defeat terrorism. “Governments must forge a political strategy to understand and resolve the underlying causes of terrorism,” he said. 

Response to Benny Morris' "Politics by other means" in the New Republic

Ilan Pappe 30 March 2004


In a 17 March 2004 article, “Politics by Other Means”, Benny Morris offered a “review” of Ilan Pappe’s new book, A History of Modern Palestine; one land, two peoples (Cambridge University Press, 2003), which tells the history of Palestine from the point of view of its workers, peasants, children, women and all the subaltern groups that make the society and not its political elite. Morris’ “review” consisted of a series of ad hominem attacks and outright factual distortions. Ilan Pappe sent the following reply to the New Republic, who refused to publish it. 

What is it that Palestinians commemorate on Land Day?

Arjan El Fassed 30 March 2001

On 30 March 1976, thousands of people belonging to the Palestinian minority in Israel gathered to protest Israeli government plans to expropriate 60,000 dunams of Arab-owned land in the Galilee. In the resulting confrontations with Israeli police, six Palestinians were killed, hundreds wounded, and hundreds jailed. In the intervening years, those events have become consecrated in the Palestinian memory as Land Day. 

Palestinian Land Day 2002

Badil 28 March 2002

Land Day commemorates the day nearly three decades ago when Israeli security forces shot and killed 6 Palestinians during demonstrations and a general strike called by the Palestinian leadership inside Israel to protest ongoing expropriation Palestinian land to build new Jewish colonies and expand existing Jewish cities. 

Palestine Shrinks as an Ineffectual World Watches

Badil 28 March 2004


Assassinations, destruction, confiscation, and the snaking of the “apartheid” wall through and around villages, cities and farms continue unabated as a shrinking Palestine marks Land Day on 30 March. In 1948, Palestinians owned more than 90 per cent of the land in historic Mandate Palestine. Today, the indigenous Palestinian population owns and controls about 10 per cent of its homeland. At the same time, more than half of the original Palestinian population has been displaced/expelled from Palestine. 

Conditions and challenges experienced by human rights defenders

World Organisation Against Torture, International Federation for Human Rights and Forefront 25 March 2004


From November 17-23, 2003, a delegation of three representatives of Forefront, the World Organisation Against Torture and the International Federation for Human Rights, visited Israel and the occupied Palestinian territories. Their findings show how complex, challenging and risky the work of human rights NGOs is in such an environment where all human rights are at risk, and the extent to which human rights defenders themselves may be exposed to violations of their human rights. 

UN humanitarian agencies urge Israel to lift movement restrictions into Gaza

United Nations News Service 26 March 2004


Calling on the Israeli Government today to restore full access to Gaza for humanitarian aid, the UN Special Coordinator’s Office said new Israeli-imposed restrictions on staff movements may force humanitarian agencies to cut back on assisting Gaza’s civilian population. Nearly all humanitarian aid vehicles from the UN and other agencies have been banned from crossing at the Erez checkpoint in the last three weeks, while transporting food through the Karni corssing is now obstructed, UNSCO said. 

Richard Clarke fails to address the U.S.-Israel alliance's relationship to terrorism in "Against All Enemies"

Maureen Clare Murphy 29 March 2004


In his week-old book Against All Enemies that is currently climbing the best-sellers lists, Richard A. Clarke provocatively reveals the Bush administration’s obsession with invading Iraq following the September 11 attacks, and their failure to heed Clarke’s repeated warnings of an impending attack by al-Qaeda previous to that devastating day. However, Clarke fails to give proper weight to one of the most effectively popular platforms of al Qaeda’s terrorism: the U.S.’s funding of Israel while Israel continues its 37 year occupation of Palestinian land. 

Lost childhood

Defence for Children International-Palestine Section, Physicians for Human Rights and Gaza Community Mental Health Programme 16 March 2004


Gaza Community Mental Health Program (GCMHP), Defence for Children International/Palestine Section (DCI/PS), and Physicians for Human Rights-Israel condemn the use of a Palestinian child to carry explosives, and the Israeli occupation for using him in their propaganda. The organisations call on Israelis and Palestinians to keep children away from military acts. At the age of ten, K was working at Hawara checkpoint, near Nablus, after school hours. Children his age should go home, do their homework and play, but in the Occupied Territories in general childhood is lost amidst the Israeli oppressing occupation and the Palestinian struggle. 

EI on BBC World Service "The World Today"

26 March 2004


On 25 March 2004, EI’s Ali Abunimah was a guest on the BBC World Service’s The World Today programme, commenting on the aftermath of Israel’s assassination of Sheikh Ahmed Yassin and the US veto against the UN resolution condemning the assassination. “The United States has made it clear for many years now that it’s not interested in letting the UN have any role in resolving the Palestine-Israel conflict and it wants that conflict to be resolved or not resolved on its and Israel’s terms.” Listen to the interview in MP3 or 3GP formats (Quicktime Player or Real Player). 

New York City Police Have A 'Big Mac Attack' As Florida U.S. Senate Candidate Andy Martin Launches Worldwide McDonald's Boycott

26 March 2004


New York City Police were called by McDonald’s Corporation Tuesday, as Florida U.S. Senate candidate Andy Martin launched a worldwide boycott to show solidarity with Palestinians who are being discriminated against by McDonald’s in Israel. Martin held a news conference to ask diners to avoid eating at McDonald’s restaurant to “help fight racism in Israel.” “We heard sirens in the distance, and suddenly two police cars filled with officers showed up and parked in the middle of the street,” said Martin.” People who knew nothing about the boycott suddenly wondered what was going on. Fox 5 New York, as well as a photographer for the Chicago Tribune, captured the event. 

New documentary takes Israeli-Palestinian conflict coverage to task

Maureen Clare Murphy 26 March 2004


I’m sure newspaper editors everywhere fantasize the day when they don’t receive a single letter charging their publication with “bias.” This notion of bias is quite vague — it can mean that a publication presents a story as too sympathetic with one side of an issue (be it abortion, affirmative action, or the Israeli-Palestinian conflict) or that a news source doesn’t present one side of the story at all. And because the word bias is thrown around so often, like the word “terrorism,” the meaning of the term has been pretty much diluted due to over/misuse. Peace, Propaganda, and the Promised Land, a new documentary from the Media Education Foundation, goes beyond charging the media with bias, and takes a close look at how news coverage is shaped. 

EU won't recognize any change to pre-1967 borders

European Union 26 March 2004


The European Union warned Israel today they will not recognize any change in the pre-1967 borders made unilaterally or resulting from the construction of the Separation Barrier. Leaders of the European Union met in Brussels on 25 and 26 March. The Council expressed its deep concern at the situation in the Middle East and the deepening of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, following in particular the extra-judicial killing of Hamas leader Sheikh Ahmed Yassin. The Council stated: “The European Union will not recognise any change to the pre-1967 borders other than those arrived at by agreement between the parties.” 

Security Council fails to adopt resolution condemning assassination of Yassin

United Nations News Service 26 March 2004


The UN Security Council today failed to adopt a resolution that would have condemned the assassination of Sheikh Ahmed Yassin, with the United States vetoing what it called a one-sided text. The resolution garnered 11 tallies in favour, with the United States casting the sole vote against it. Germany, Romania and the United Kingdom abstained. Speaking before the vote, the US representative explained that his country opposed the resolution because it was “silent about the terrorist atrocities committed by Hamas,” did not reflect the realities of the conflict in the Middle East and “because it will not further the goals of peace and security in the region.” 

Human Rights Commission concludes debate on Palestine

Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR) 25 March 2004


This afternoon the UN Human Rights Commission concluded its consideration of the human rights situation in the occupied territories, hearing a series of national representatives call upon Israel to cease human rights violations in occupied Palestine and to dismantle a security barrier built on Palestinian land. Islamic countries, including Malaysia, the Syrian Arab Republic, Morocco, Algeria, and Jordan, said the wall was intended to intensify the difficulties of daily life in the occupied regions and would severely limit Palestinians’ freedom of movement, access to work and health care, and agricultural activities. 

Weekly report on human rights violations

Palestinian Center for Human Rights 25 March 2004


This week Israeli forces killed 24 Palestinians, mostly civilians, including 3 children. Israeli forces assasinated Sheikh Ahmad Yassin and seven other civilians with him. Israeli forces invaded a number of areas and killed 5 Palestinians in Abasan, east of Khan Yunis, destroyed 14 homes and razed 70 donums of land and confiscated 8.000 donums for settlement expansion. Israeli forces raided a number of homes and arbitrarily detained a number of Palestinians. Israel continues indiscriminate shelling of Palestinian residential areas, killing seven Palestinian civilians and wounding others. The siege continues. 

Commission starts general debate on violation of human rights in the occupied territories

Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR) 23 March 2004


The Commission on Human Rights today started its general debate on the violation of human rights in the occupied Arab territories, including Palestine, after it concluded its discussion on the right to development. Many speakers denounced Israel’s actions in the occupied Palestinian territory, in particular the construction of a separation Wall. Delegates said the international community had to ensure that Israel implemented United Nations resolutions which called on it to withdraw from the occupied Arab territories. John Dugard, the Special Rapporteur, presented his report to the Commission on 19 March. 

Commission on Human Rights condemns assassination of Sheikh Ahmad Yassin

Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR) 24 March 2004


The Commission on Human Rights this morning strongly condemned the continuing grave violations of human rights in the occupied Palestinian territory, in particular the tragic assassination of Sheikh Ahmed Yassin on 22 March 2004. In a resolution adopted following an urgent special sitting on the situation in the occupied Palestinian territory resulting from the assassination, the Commission noted with grave concern the implications of such targeted assassinations, liquidation and murder of political leadership by the Israeli occupation forces on the overall situation in the occupied Palestinian territory. 

Security Council meets on killing of Hamas leader Yassin

United Nations News Service 23 March 2004


Amid rising tensions in the Middle East following Monday’s assassination of Hamas leader Sheikh Ahmed Yassin in Gaza, the Security Council held an open meeting today with nearly 40 speakers scheduled to take part in the debate. Palestinian delegate Nasser al-Kidwa, described the killing of Sheikh Yassin as a “war crime,” and held the occupying power and the Israeli leadership legally and politically responsible for committing that crime, as well as for the consequences that it entailed. The UN Security Council did not issue a statement on the killing. According to the Council’s President due to lack of “consensus”. 

Congress of South African Trade Unions condemns assassination Sheikh Ahmad Yassin

Congress of South African Trade Unions 23 March 2004


The Congress of South African Trade Unions condemned the assassination of Sheikh Ahmed Yassin. “This murder of the spiritual leader of Hamas, carried out under the personal order of Prime Minister Sharon, is further proof that the Israeli regime will stop at nothing to deny self-determination, democracy and human rights to the Palestinian people.” COSATU called on governments “to condemn Israel’s act of terrorism” and to withdraw all support from Sharon’s government until “he concedes to the legitimate demands of the Palestinian people. This week, South Africans commemorate the Sharpeville massacre. 

UN holds consultations following assassination of Sheikh Yassin

Arjan El Fassed 23 March 2004


Following expert-level talks held since the assassination of Sheikh Ahmed Yassin and seven other civilians in Gaza yesterday, the Security Council is meeting in closed-door consultations today to discuss the situation in the Middle East. Earlier today, the UN Special Rapporteur on extrajudicial, summary or arbitrary executions, Asma Jahangir, expressed her “deepest concerns over the use of brute force which will only lead to escalating violence.” This afternoon the Commission on Human Rights decided that a special sitting will take place to consider the situation in the occupied Palestinian territories. 

It's Not About Yassin

Ashley Souther Jenin, Palestine 22 March 2004


On my way back to the office at the Arab American University of Jenin in the West Bank, I ran into Amal, the cleaning lady. She is normally in a bubbly mood but today was despondent, which was ironic as her name means ‘hope’ in Arabic. I greeted her and then just listened as she tearfully recounted a litany of people killed or maimed by Israeli soldiers in the last few days - most recently the early morning assassination of Hamas spiritual leader Sheikh Ahmed Yassin. She seemed especially sad this morning, but not because she was a Hamas activist or Yassin supporter, but a mother with 7 daughters. 

Assassination is indeed an unlawful act

Arjan El Fassed 22 March 2004


Hours after an Israeli attack helicopter launched three missiles at the paralyzed and wheelchairbound leader of Hamas, Sheikh Ahmad Yassin, killing him and seven other Palestinians, Britain’s Foreign Minister Jack Straw said that Israel “is not entitled to carry out unlawful killings.” Ariel Sharon, who ordered the extrajudicial execution said that he believed that Israel delivered “a very important message to all of those who are responsible with terrorist attacks.” That Israel has legitimate security concerns is not denied by many of the world’s leaders, but was Jack Straw right in calling the assassination “unlawful”? 

The 'targeted killing' of Sheikh Ahmed Yassin

Nigel Parry 22 March 2004


At 5:20AM on Monday 22 March 2004, Israeli helicopter gunships fired three rockets at wheelchair-bound HAMAS figurehead Sheikh Ahmed Yassin as he exited the Islamic Association Mosque in the densely populated al-Sabra neighborhood in the center of Gaza City. The obvious point to make is that, if Yassin was responsible for planning attacks on civilians then — like anyone who attempts to use us civilians as their latest gory political billboard advertisement — he deserved to be tried, convicted, and sentenced for his crimes. It is irony of the highest level that the very process by which Yassin was killed may place Israel in the dock one day to answer questions about its own crimes against humanity. EI’s Nigel Parry comments. 

Letter to NPR about its coverage of the assassination of Sheikh Ahmed Yassin

Hugh Sansom 22 March 2004


“Like most American media organizations (and some international ones with a reputation for caving to Israeli pressure), NPR is largely avoiding the term “assassination”. In an interview during the 7 am segment, Peter Kenyon slavishly uses the expression ‘targeted killing’, foisted upon journalists by Israeli government propagandists. Why? (And bystanders were also killed — does NPR claim they were also ‘targetedly [sic] killed’?).” Hugh Sansom, a regular writer to NPR, forwarded this letter to EI. 

One Year Later: No one sees and no one hears

Samir Nassrallah Rafah 22 March 2004


“My family and I will never forget March 16, 2003, the day we lost our dear friend Rachel Corrie. A volunteer with the International Solidarity Movement (ISM), Rachel lived with us in Rafah as if she were a member of our family. She helped us even when we did not need help. She tried to bring optimism and happiness into our lives.” Dr. Samir Nassrallah is the pharmacist whose home in Rafah Rachel died to protect. In this article, he recalls the day Rachel was killed and speaks about what happened in the aftermath of the tragedy. 

Amnesty International strongly condemns the assassination of Sheikh Yassin

Amnesty International 22 March 2004


Amnesty International condemns the extrajudicial execution, by the Israeli army, of Hamas’ leader Sheikh Ahmad Yassin this morning in the Gaza Strip. The attack also resulted in the unlawful killing of seven other Palestinians and the injury of many more. “Once again Israel has chosen to violate international law instead of using alternative lawful means. Sheikh Yassin could have been arrested and prosecuted. The Israeli army has arrested tens of thousands of Palestinians in frequent raids in refugee camps, towns and villages throughout the Gaza Strip and West Bank in the past two years,” Amnesty International said. 

Annan, UN envoy condemn Israeli assassination of Hamas leader

United Nations News Service 22 March 2004


United Nations officials today condemned Israel’s killing of Hamas leader Sheikh Ahmad Yassin, with Secretary-General Kofi Annan calling for all concerned to avert an intensification of the conflict. “I do condemn the targeted assassination of Sheikh Yassin and the others who died with him,” Mr. Annan told reporters as he arrived at UN Headquarters in New York. “Such actions are not only contrary to international law, but they do not do anything to help the search for a peaceful solution.” With the Quartet meeting today in Cairo, Annan said the assassination “has complicated issues.” 

Sharon's 'Disengagement': A Pacifier for the Majority

Tanya Reinhart 22 March 2004


Getting out of the Gaza Strip is an old dream of the majority in Israeli society. Even before the Oslo agreements in 1993, the call to get out of there was heard after every terror attack. Today, according to the polls, it has the support of 60-70% of the Israelis. But governments come and fall, and still, this majority has not found the political power to realize its will. But now, so the papers say, we have finally reached a historical turn. The majority is asked to believe that of all Israeli leaders, it is Sharon who will get us out of Gaza. Israeli professor Tanya Reinhart looks at the reality. 

Israel assassinates Sheikh Ahmed Yassin

Palestinian Center for Human Rights 22 March 2004


This morning, Israeli forces assassinated Sheikh Ahmed Yassin, founder and leader of Hamas, after he left a mosque in Gaza city. Seven other Palestinian civilians, including three bodyguards, were killed and 17 others were injured, including his two sons. Israeli helicopters launched three missiles at Sheikh Yassin outside the Islamic Association Mosque in the densely populated Sabra neighborhood in the center of Gaza city. He was in his wheelchair surrounded by three bodyguards. 

Israeli forces kill 5 Palestinians and injures 9 others

Palestinian Center for Human Rights 21 March 2004


On Sunday morning, 21 March 2004, Israeli occupying forces killed 5 Palestinians, including a man and his wife, injured 9 others and destroyed 5 houses in ‘Abasan village, east of Khan Yunis.  Israeli occupying forces moved into the village to arrest one of the victims, who was allegedly wanted.  They used excessive force against civilian residential areas. Silence from the international community encourages Israel to commit further breaches of international humanitarian law. Collective punishment is a breach of international humanitarian law. The international community should intervene to halt these violations. 

Commission on human rights continues debate on self-determination

United Nations News Service 19 March 2004


The Commission on Human Rights continued this afternoon its general debate on the right of peoples to self-determination and its application to peoples under colonial or alien occupation, hearing speakers mainly focus on the situation in the occupied Palestinian territories and in Jammu and Kashmir. Representatives focused on the issue of the right of the Palestinian people to self-determination, saying that the Israeli occupation had deprived the people of Palestine of the most basic internationally recognized right to establish their independent State with Jerusalem as their capital. 

Special Rapporteur on the situation in occupied Palestine submits report

United Nations News Service 19 March 2004


The Commission on Human Rights began this morning its substantive work for the year, hearing presentation of the annual report of the High Commissioner for Human Rights and summations of developments over the past year in occupied Palestine and in the activities of mercenaries. John Dugard, the Commission’s Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights in the Palestinian territories occupied by Israel since 1967, said among other things that Palestinian living conditions had deteriorated significantly over the past year. His report was submitted ahead of formal debate under the Commission’s agenda item 8. 

Japan offers assistance to Palestinian reform

Government of Japan 17 March 2004


The Government of Japan has decided to implement, through the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), the following three projects totaling 2.125 million US dollars to help the Palestinian Authority (PA) reform and improve the living conditions in the Palestinian Territories. These projects will be carried out under the assistance package of 22.25 million US dollars announced in April 2003 by Foreign Minister Yoriko Kawaguchi. In cooperation with the international community, the PA is now trying to reform the seven fields of finance, local administration, market economy, administrative and civil services, judicial system, elections and legislation. 

"Small window of opportunity" for restarting peace process remains open, Security Council told

United Nations 18 March 2004


In an open briefing to the Council on the situation in the Middle East, Assistant Secretary-General for Political Affairs Danilo Türk said the pullout should have four main features in order to garner the broad support of the international community and strengthen its chances for success. First, it should be carried out in partnership with the Palestinian Authority and as part of the Quartet’s Road Map, which remains the only plan subscribed to by the parties and the international community, Mr. Türk said. The withdrawal should be full and complete, and it should be considered by all as a first step toward the fulfilment of the UN’s calls to the Israeli Government to end its occupation. 

One Year Later: Whose back is that strong?

Laurie King 19 March 2004


“Crushed into the earth, her face torn and her head fractured, Rachel spoke her last words to her devastated friends: ‘I think my back is broken.’ Within the hour, Rachel Corrie, US citizen, aged 23, was dead, the victim of a murder committed in broad day light. With her killing, ISM activsts and all who share their humanitarian goals grounded in universal principles of justice and equality, had been been put on notice by the Israeli Defence Forces that their collective backbone could be broken.” EI co-founder Laurie King-Irani asks what Rachel Corrie’s life and death can tell us about achieving human rights and justice in the Middle East. 

Film review: James' Journey to Jerusalem meets complex road blocks

Maureen Clare Murphy 19 March 2004


If the purpose of a pilgrimage is to reawaken or reaffirm one’s spirituality, James, the title character of the new Israeli film James’ Journey to Jerusalem, certainly does that. However, the idealistic young African’s journey is fraught with unexpected and difficult detours, putting his faith on trial as he becomes seduced by consumerism and power. And while the film is plagued with technical problems, its success lies in the complication of its characters and its universal allegorical message regarding consumerism, power, and religion. 

Weekly report on human rights violations

Palestinian Center for Human Rights 18 March 2004


This week, Israeli forces killed 7 Palestinian civilians, including 2 children. Two of the victims were killed in another extra-judicial execution. In Rafah, Israeli shelling of residential areas killed 4 Palestinian civilians, including 2 children. Israeli forces demolished 49 homes in Rafah. A branch campus of al-Aqsa University in Gaza was destroyed. Israel continues the construction of the Separation Wall. Israeli forces continued to impose a total siege on the Occupied Palestinian territories. 

Israeli forces kill 4 Palestinians in Rafah

Arjan El Fassed 17 March 2004


Israeli forces killed two children in Rafah. The Palestinian news agency WAFA reported that Wael Injili died of his injuries after being hit with shrapnel during the Israeli assault on Rafah refugee camp. Medical sources told WAFA that he was severely injured. Earlier, Israeli forces killed Mosbah Mwafi. Israeli attack helicopters fired missiles on homes. Mwafi was being hit with a missile which separated his head from his body. Israeli tanks, jeeps and army bulldozers, backed by Apache helicopters invaded Rafah refugee camp, opening fire on homes. Israeli bulldozers demolished five homes in the refugee camp. 

One Year Later: Internationals honor Rachel Corrie and all the victims of Israeli occupation

17 March 2004


On the one-year anniversary of the killing of 23-year old American ISM activist Rachel Corrie, twenty international activists from ISM and CPT remembered their friend by performing a ‘die-in’ at the Erez checkpoint to protest the atrocities of the Israeli Occupation. The activists carried signs and wore T-shirts representing the many casualities of the Israeli Occupation. Representations of the power of Israel, the United States, and the Occupation symbolically ‘killed’ all the other participants. The victims included peace and justice, nonviolence, Palestinian homes, educational rights, water rights, farming, and innocent civilians among others. An ISM press release. 

One Palestinian killed and 21 Injured in internal clashes in Gaza

Palestinian Center for Human Rights 17 March 2004


This morning clashes erupted between armed Palestinians and security officers nearby the headquarters of the Palestinian Security Service in Suraya. During the clashes a grenade was thrown towards security officers at the scene, causing a number of injuries. Abed Al Amasi, who was driving along Al-Jalaa street as the clashes continued was hit with a bullet in his head. Medical sources reported that 21 others were injured, including a number injured by shrapnel from a hand grenade. 

Israel denies entry Canadian peace activist

Christian Peacemaker Teams 13 March 2004

In the early morning hours of March 11, the Israeli Ministry of Interior denied Christian Peacemaker Team member Greg Rollins (Surrey, BC) entry to Israel at Ben Gurion airport and returned him as far as Amsterdam. “I’m surprised, we have a very strong court order, it seems the Israeli security people at the airport made a mistake,” said Sani Khoury, with the law firm of Kuttab and Khoury. A settlement in writing said that there are no restrictions on Greg’s entering Israel. 

One Year Later: Rachel Corrie as Justice Itself

G. S. Naggiar 16 March 2004


Mohandas Gandhi once said that: “We must become the change that we seek in the world.” In Palestine, the change that people of conscience seek is the elevation of justice to the condition of reality. With the rise of the Internet and modern information technology more generally, fewer and fewer individuals, particularly in post-industrial societies, can credibly claim ignorance about the plight of suffering human beings all across this planet. AAPER’s George Naggiar examines the spirit of Rachel Corrie and the call to not just seek, but to become justice. 

One Year Later: "Rachel, my mother"

Yasmine Abu Libdeh Rafah, Gaza Strip 16 March 2004


One day, I was going to the Children’s Parliament in Rafah and a young American woman attracted my attention. Her name was Rachel Corrie. She talked to me about my fears and the problems of security we children and our nation face. I was surprised by the fact that Rachel was trying to comfort me. As Rachel worked with the parliament, I understood that she wanted us to be able to have our voice heard in the outside world, particularly in America, to show how much we are suffering. She said she loved children and how she feels sad for them when they are killed. And from that time, we became good friends. Yasmine Abu Libdeh writes from Rafah. 

One Year Later: "What will it take?"

Raji Sourani 16 March 2004


One year ago today 23-year-old Rachel Corrie was killed. This striking young American, representing the values of the American people if not its current government, was run over by an Israeli bulldozer while protesting house demolitions in the southern Gaza Strip city of Rafah. Rachel was the first international to be killed while peacefully protesting illegal Israeli military actions in the occupied Palestinian territories, yet her death has proven insufficient to shock the international community from its lethargic slumber. “What will it take?” asks Raji Sourani, director of the Palestinian Center for Human Rights in Gaza. 

One Year Later: Rafah remembers Rachel's kindness

Mohammed Qeshta Rafah, Gaza Strip 16 March 2004


“When she died, my friend Rachel Corrie left us grieving in immense pain. Now a year has passed since she was killed and we still miss her deeply. I still remember her lovely spirit, strong personality and laughter as if she were still around. In Rafah, every shop, street, and devastated refugee camp has a living memory of her kind smile and gentle voice. Her death meant an incredible amount to me personally and to every Palestinian who knew her, as well as those who did not know her. It was a terrible shock to everyone in Rafah.” Mohammed Qeshta writes from Rafah. 

One Year Later: Olympia after Camp Rachel

candio. 16 March 2004


Olympia, Washington is the hometown of peace activist Rachel Corrie who was killed by the Israeli Defense Forces on March 16, 2003. This article looks at the impact of Rachel’s death on her community both in the period immediately following her death and in the year to come, focused on a peace camp which began its existence the day bombs started falling on Iraq. Camp Rachel was a bittersweet legacy of her death, one she would have both been proud of and proudly taken part of, most likely in a leadership role. It was a live and personal call to activists to rally in her name, to use her heroism as inspiration and strength for the actions, protests, petitions, letter writing and civil disobedience to come. candio. writes for EI. 

Israeli forces destroy university building in Gaza

Palestinian Center for Human Rights 16 March 2004


On Tuesday morning, Israeli forces destroyed the educational studies campus of al-Aqsa University in Gaza city. Israeli forces moved from Netzarim towards the Shuhada junction, north inside Zaytoun neighborhood and imposed a siege on the area. Israeli forces forced residents out of their homes and planted explosives inside the campus of al-Aqsa University. The explosion destroyed, damaging neighboring homes and wounding a woman and two Palestinian security officers. 

Israeli forces kill Palestinian in Rafah and wound 4 others in Aerial attack on Gaza

Palestinian Center for Human Rights 15 March 2004


Israeli occupying forces escalated their belligerent practices in two different incidences on Monday morning, 15 March 2004. Israeli forces shot and killed a Palestinian civilian in Rafah, claiming that he attempted to escape when they raided the family’s home to arrest his brother. In the same early morning, Israeli helicopter gunships launched missiles at three workshops in the densely populated Nasser and Zaytoun neighborhoods in Gaza city. The workshops were completely destroyed. 

One Year Later: IWPS statement on the first anniversary of the death of Rachel Corrie

15 March 2004


March 16 is the sad one year anniversary of the killing of Rachel Corrie, a 23 year old American International Solidarity Movement (ISM) activist crushed to death at Rafah, Gaza Strip. IWPS commemorates the courageous spirit of Rachel Corrie, and calls for an end to the illegal and brutal Israeli military occupation of Palestine. More and more activists (Palestinian, Israeli and International) are having to put their bodies between bulldozers and trees and homes in an attempt to stop Israel’s massive destruction of homes and land for the Apartheid Wall. 

One Year Later: Rachel Corrie's Critics Fire Blanks

Steve Niva 15 March 2004


A year has passed since Rachel Corrie, a 23 year-old American peace activist from Olympia, Washington, was killed by an Israel army bulldozer while nonviolently trying to prevent the demolition of a Palestinian house in the city of Rafah in the Gaza Strip. During this time, the Israeli government has strenuously sought to obscure the circumstances of Rachel’s death and prevent an independent investigation. It has even refused to release its June 2003 military police investigation final report to the United States, only allowing an American embassy official to read and take notes from selected parts. 

Angelina Jolie gives voice to Palestinian refugees in Jordan

Arjan El Fassed 15 March 2004


In December 2003, UNHCR Goodwill Ambassador Angelina Jolie visited Ruweished refugee camp in eastern Jordan. Jolie, who has been a UNHCR Goodwill Ambassador since August 2001 wrote a journal which has been released today by the UN refugee agency. During her one day visit to Ruweished refugee camp, where more than 800 refugees, mostly Palestinians, have settled after fleeing Iraq in April 2003. The actress, who starred in Gone In 60 Seconds and as Lara Croft in Tomb Raider visited the camp’s pre-school. The children at the school told her “their dream is to see their homeland.” 

Israelis and Palestinians discuss protection of refugees

Badil 15 March 2004


Israelis and Palestinians are discussing the direct link between the protection of Palestinian refugee rights and the establishment of a lasting peace at a conference in Haifa from 26 to 28 March, marking the 28th anniversary of “Land Day”. The conference brings together Israeli and Palestinian academics, supporters of human and civil rights groups to coordinate their efforts in advancing the rights of Palestinian refugees in general and internally displaced Palestinians in Israel. The three-day meeting will include lectures, debate, films and participants will visit six destroyed Palestinian villages in Israel. 

It's worse than you thought: pro-Israel influence on US policy

Ali Abunimah 15 March 2004


In the early weeks of the invasion of Iraq, when the US thrust toward Baghdad appeared to be meeting more resistance than expected, an awful row broke out in Washington over the role of pro-Israel groups and individuals in dragging the country to war. Increasing media examination of the roles of key neoconservative figures associated with Likudnik groups gave rise to a backlash that sought to tar anyone who dared raise questions with anti-Semitism. But a an expose by a lieutenant colonel in the US Air Force who recently retired from the Pentagon, reveals that the influence of such groups was direct, organized and effective. EI’s Ali Abunimah explains. 

Israeli forces kill 44 Palestinians since beginning of March

Arjan El Fassed 14 March 2004


Since the beginning of this month, Israeli forces have killed 44 Palestinians, including women and children. According to data from the Palestinian Red Crescent Society and the Ministry of Health, 30 Palestinians were killed in Gaza and 14 in the West Bank. Among those killed are 18 minors. More than 197 Palestinians, mostly children, were wounded in the same period. In February 2004, Israeli forces killed 52 Palestinians. On March 7 alone, 14 Palestinians were killed, including 4 children, as Israeli forces invaded Nusseirat and Bureij refugee camps in the Gaza Strip. 

D.C. area organizations hold memorial for Rachel Corrie

12 March 2004


As Israel’s construction of the “wall” has renewed debate in the United States on impediments to peace in the region, Washington DC peace activists are organizing a memorial on March 16, 2004 to bring Israel’s Occupation to the forefront of American public consciousness. March 16 will mark one year since the first American peace activist was killed in the Occupation. Hence, event organizers, who represent over 20 national and local organizations, will hold a memorial for Rachel Corrie, as a timely issue in the debate on U.S. policy towards the Middle East. Rachel Corrie was killed on March 16, 2003 when an Israeli soldier ran over her with a US-made Caterpillar D9 bulldozer, as she tried to nonviolently prevent the demolition of a Palestinian home. 

McResponse: Form letter sent out by McDonald's in response to EI's Action Items

11 March 2004


Following a series of Action Items by the Electronic Intifada, beginning on 5 March 2005, McDonald’s Corporation headquarters in Oak Brook, Illinois has been sending out form letters to those who wrote to the company about the issue. The letter claims “Regarding the recently fired employee, her employment was terminated for performance reasons by her supervisor, a Palestinian Arab who also speaks Arabic. No one has ever been let go for speaking his own language” and reiterates that “Hebrew is spoken when employees are conducting business.” 

McConfusion: McDonald's Israel reportedly backs down, while McDonald's HQ stonewalls

Ali Abunimah and Nigel Parry 12 March 2004


McDonald’s Israel has reportedly reversed it prohibition on its Arab workers speaking Arabic to each other and to customers, but its US headquarters continues to stonewall and provide contradictory information. According to the Arabic-language newspaper in Israel, Hadith an-Nass, the reversal of the no-Arabic policy was announced in a letter sent by McDonald’s Israel to the Mossawa center for Arab rights. In this alert, EI explains the latest developments, and urges readers to continue with their effective action. 

Film Route 181 censored by French Culture Ministry

15 March 2004


In an unprecedented move, the organisers of France’s largest documentary film festival, Le Festival du Cinéma du Réel (4 to 14 March 2004), held annually at the Centre Pompidou in Paris, have cancelled one of the screenings of the film Route 181 – Fragments of a Journey to Palestine-Israel, which is co-directed by the Palestinian Michel Khleifi and the Israeli Eyal Sivan. Khleifi, a Palestinian, and Sivan, a Jewish Israeli, are not the first filmmakers from the region who have found their work on the Israeli-Palestinian conflict to be met with censorship. 

UN Women's Commission approves draft resolution on Palestinian women

Commission on the Status of Women 11 March 2004


By a recorded vote of 39 in favour to 1 against (United States), with 1 abstention (Canada), the forty-eighth session of the Commission on the Status of Women this afternoon approved a draft resolution on the situation of Palestinian women. By the text on Palestinian women, the Economic and Social Council would, among other things, call upon the concerned parties to ensure the immediate resumption of the peace process and for tangible improvement of the difficult situation and living conditions of Palestinian women and their families.  It would also call upon Israel to facilitate the return of all refugees. 

Weekly report on human rights violations

Palestinian Center for Human Rights 11 March 2004


Israeli forces killed 27 Palestinians, including 8 children and one woman. Fourteen were killed during an Israeli military raid on Nusseirat refugee camp. Five were killed in an extra-judicial execution. In Rafah, Israeli forces demolished 20 homes and destroyed 22 donums of Palestinian agricultural land. Israel continued construction of the Separation Wall for which more land was confiscated. Israel continued indiscriminate shelling of Palestinian residential areas in which three Palestinians, including a child and woman were killed and others were wounded. Israel continues to impose a total siege on Palestinian areas. 

International NGO honors Rachel Corrie with Housing Rights Defender Award

candio. 11 March 2004


In a moving ceremony on 16 February 2004, Craig and Cindy Corrie accepted the Housing Rights Defender Award from the Centre on Housing Rights and Evictions [COHRE] on behalf of their daughter Rachel Corrie. This was the inaugural year for this award, which was partially a response to the heroism of Ms. Corrie’s actions in protecting the housing and water rights of Palestinians in occupied Gaza. Ms. Corrie died March 16th, 2003 in Rafah while attempting to prevent the forced eviction of a Palestinian family and the demolition of their home. candio. reports from Olympia, WA. 

McBusted: Mounting evidence supports claim McDonald's Israel fired worker for speaking Arabic

Ali Abunimah and Nigel Parry 10 March 2004


The Electronic Intifada today publishes an exclusive investigative report by Jonathan Cook detailing evidence that supports the claim by a former worker at McDonald’s Israel that she was fired for speaking Arabic on the job. We renew our call on our readers to contact McDonald’s Corporation about this disturbing matter and demand justice for this and all its workers. Last week, Oak Brook, Illinois-based McDonald’s Corporation admitted in a statement sent to EI that its licensee in Israel maintains a policy requiring all its workers to speak only Hebrew. But the company asserted that it was “absolutely not true” that the worker, Abeer Zinaty, who had previously been recognized as an outstanding employee, was fired for speaking Arabic on the job. 

McBusted: McDonald's manager admits speaking Arabic led to firing

Jonathan Cook 10 March 2004


Abeer Zinaty, the 20-year-old McDonald’s employee in Israel who says she was fired by the world’s biggest fastfood chain for breaking a ban on speaking Arabic in the workplace, has spoken to the Electronic Intifada of the circumstances surrounding her dismissal. Her account flatly contradicts claims by McDonald’s head office in the United States that Zinaty’s dismissal had nothing to do with her speaking Arabic. Considerable weight is added to her version of events by documents in the hands of the Electronic Intifada. Jonathan Cook investigates for EI. 

EI's Laurie King-Irani on KPFK's Middle East in Focus programme

10 March 2004


On 9 March 2003, EI founder Laurie King-Irani and her husband George Irani appeared on California’s KPFK radio station’s Middle East in Focus programme to discuss developments in the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, the US occupation of Iraq, Lebanon, international law, and American foreign policy in the Middle East. Dr. Laurie King-Irani is an anthropologist and teaches at the University of Victoria in British Columbia, Canada. George Irani is Lebanese and a professor of conflict management and analysis at Royal Roads University, Victoria, BC. The program is hosted by Don Bustany. 

AFP photographer shot in Jenin

Committee to Protect Journalists 8 March 2004


Media watchdog CPJ is concerned by today’s shooting by Israel Defense Forces (IDF) of Palestinian photographer Saif Dahla in the West Bank city of Jenin. Two witnesses told CPJ that there were about half a dozen journalists standing together on the sidewalk of a residential neighborhood in Jenin, covering an Israeli incursion into the city in the early afternoon when the shooting occurred. Dahla was shot when a soldier in a tank about 20 meters away fired a few rounds from a machine gun. 

Refusniks appear at the European Parliament

Adam Keller 9 March 2004


For the first time, Israeli refuseniks who reject service in a army of occupation will today attend a hearing in the European Parliament at Strasbourg, France - as will the parents of imprisoned refuseniks. The hearing will take place in the European Parliament Building at Strasbourg. The delegation includes Daniel Tsal, Alma Itshaky, Miri Maor, the mother of Adam Maor, one of the five refuseniks court martialed, and Doron Matar, the father of Haggai, another of the court-martialed refuseniks. 

More than just stories: The portrayal of Palestinians in American children's literature

Elsa Marston 11 March 2004


Over the last fifteen years or so, multiculturalism in children’s literature has brought some much-needed attention to the Middle East. But what about the Palestinians — key players in the most controversial issue in the whole region? Do Palestinians benefit from the open-minded approach promoted by multiculturalism — the basic idea that all cultural, national, and ethnic groups are worthy of positive attention and deserving of respect? Elsa Marston reports for EI on the representation of Palestinians in children’s literature, which has a lasting impression on readers and shapes their future perceptions of the world and its peoples. 

Why seeking justice for the Palestinians is the Jewish cause

Shifra Eva Stern 10 March 2004


“My response to the query ‘Why don’t you stick to a ‘Jewish’ cause,’ is that seeking justice for the Palestinians is, in fact, the Jewish cause. When major crimes are being committed in my name, if I want to be able to look at myself in the mirror in the morning, I don’t want to see the reflection of a Jew who displays malignant indifference while Sharon uses methods of barbarism against the Palestinians. Rather, I want to see the reflection of an ordinary decent Jew who reacts to Israeli crimes by saying loudly and clearly, “Stop! You do not speak or act in my name.” Shifra Eva Stern, a researcher and writer, explains her commitment to justice for the Palestinian people. 

Assistance is not a long-term solution

François Bellon 31 January 2004


After long deliberations, the ICRC has taken the difficult decision to end two major relief aid programs in the West Bank. Indeed, the long-term solution is not to support the occupied population through emergency assistance but rather to ensure that its basic rights under International Humanitarian Law are respected. According to International Humanitarian Law, it is the clearly defined primary responsibility of the occupying power, in this case of the State of Israel, to take care of basic needs. 

Israeli army kills and wounds anti-Wall demonstrators

World Organisation Against Torture and Habitat International Coalition 8 March 2004


Habitat International Coalition and OMCT call for intervention in the killing of four persons who were protesting against the construction of the Separation Wall in Buddu. The organisations urge the authorities in Israel to desist from using excessive and lethal force against protestors or communities affected by the wall, to immediately investigate the circumstances of these events, identify those responsible and bring them before a competent and impartial civil tribunal. 

"Stolen Youth" launched in London

Defence for Children International-Palestine Section 11 March 2004


On 27 January 2004, over 200 people gathered at the Brunei Gallery on the University of London campus for the launch of “Stolen Youth: The Politics of Israel’s Detention of Palestinian Children,” written by Adam Hanieh, Adah Kay and Catherine Cook. “Stolen Youth” argues that prison in general and the targeting of Palestinian children in particular, are powerful weapons used by Israel in an occupation that is a multifaceted and evolving system of control affecting every single aspect of Palestinian life. 

Public Expressions about the Wall

Sonia Nettnin 4 March 2004


A controversial panel discussion and theater production against the construction of a security barrier along Israel and in the adjacent occupied territories resulted in heated debate over the delicate subject. The panel included Norman Finkelstein, Derek Jinks, Roxane Assaf, and EI’s Ali Abunimah. The build-up to the panel and theater events included intense criticism from pro-Israel student organizations. Students for Justice in Palestine organised street theater performances. 

Rights of Palestinian children "compromised"

Save the Children 8 March 2004


Ongoing violence and escalating poverty continue to have a detrimental affect on peoples’ lives and the lives of children in particular. Save the Children UK says that under current conditions the rights of children living in the Occupied Palestinian Territories, including their rights to survival, protection and to development, are being compromised. Children and their families have been cut off from accessing basic services such as health care facilities and schools. 

Women's Day: UN agencies concerned with living conditions of Palestinian women

UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs 8 March 2004


The living conditions of Palestinian women - including their access to health, education, food and employment - have been deeply affected by movement restrictions, military incursions and house demolitions, particularly in Rafah, where almost 10,000 Palestinians including many women, have been made homeless. “Today, as women all over the world celebrate international women’s day, Palestinian women continue to endure such hardship that their basic humanitarian needs are no longer guaranteed and protected,” says David S. Bassiouni, Special Representative, UNICEF in the West Bank and Gaza. 

Israeli forces kill 14 Palestinians and leave 80 wounded in refugee camps in Gaza

Palestinian Center for Human Rights 7 March 2004


An Israeli military attack in a Palestinian residential area in the central Gaza Strip conducted today, Sunday 7 March 2004, left dead 14 Palestinians, including four children, and more than 80 others, including 26 children, wounded. Israeli forces, including heavy military vehicles and aircraft, moved from the Netzarim settlement, southwards along Salah al Din Street to a point between Al-Nusseirat and Al-Bureij refugee camps.  Troops then moved from Salah Al Din Street west into Al-Nusseirat camp. Four children were killed and 26 children were wounded. 

Hope, out of Ramallah: The rise of the Palestinian alternative

Samah Sabawi 6 March 2004


Palestine eNews, a service of Canadian Friends of Sabeel, interviewed Dr. Mustafa Barghouthi, Secretary-General of the Palestinian National Initiative, during a Canada-wide tour, before carrying his message to the United States next week. Launched in 2002, Palestine National Initiative is a democratic Palestinian opposition movement that calls for a just and durable peace. It distinguishes itself from the current Palestinian Authority on key issues that touch the lives of Palestinians, not just in the Occupied Territories, but around the world. 

European Commission provides EUR 1 million for victims of house demolitions

European Commission Humanitarian Aid Office (ECHO) 5 March 2004


The European Commission has adopted an emergency decision for €1 million for victims of house demolitions in the Gaza Strip. 13,000 people who have lost their homes in recent months will be provided with emergency shelter and relief items, and with means for securing alternative accommodation. The funds, channelled through the Commission’s Humanitarian Aid Office (ECHO), are directed to the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees (UNRWA), one of the main organisations providing assistance to victims of the humanitarian crisis in the Palestinian Territories. 

Palestinian court house, built with Japan's aid, opens in Nablus

United Nations Development Program 5 March 2004


The Palestinian Authority has open a new court building in Nablus in the West Bank, the first of its kind in the occupied Palestinian territory. It houses two courts: the magistrate court of the Nablus area and the primary court for the northern governorates of the West Bank. Japan contributed US$ 2.5 million for the construction through the UNDP Programme of Assistance to the Palestinian People. Izuru Shimmura, head of the Office of the Japanese Representative to the Palestinian Authority, said that Japan aims to support a unified authority with the responsibility for upholding the rule of law. 

McDonald's Confirms 'No Arabic' policy at its restaurants in Israel

Ali Abunimah and Nigel Parry 5 March 2004


McDonald’s Corporation today confirmed that it has a policy banning its employees from speaking Arabic in its restaurants in Israel, despite the fact that Palestinian citizens of Israel form 20% of its workforce, and Arabic is one of the two official languages of Israel. The Corporation denied, however, that Abeer Zinaty, a former “Excellent Worker 2003 — McDonald’s Israel,” was fired because she spoke Arabic on the job. 

McDonald's Israel reportedly fires employee for speaking Arabic

Ali Abunimah and Nigel Parry 5 March 2004


McDonalds claims “McDonald’s has a long-standing and distinguished record for diversity — as an employer, franchiser, and purchaser of goods and services. We recognize not only a responsibility to provide opportunity, but also the advantages of having a workforce with diverse backgrounds and perspectives.” The Electronic Intifada urges its readers to contact McDonald’s Corporation to ask for a full investigation of allegations of institutionalized racism and discrimination against Arab employees by its subsidiary in Israel. At least one employee has reportedly been fired because she spoke Arabic to a co-worker. 

Weekly report on human rights violations

Palestinian Center for Human Rights 4 March 2004


This week Israeli forces killed 14 Palestinian civilians. In three extra-judicial executions Israeli forces killed 7 Palestinians. Israeli forces raided a number of Palestinian towns and villages in the West Bank and Gaza Strip. In Beit Hanoun, Israeli forces demolished dozens of shops. Israeli forces raided homes and arbitrarily detained Palestinians. Despite worldwide criticism, Israel continues the construction of the Separation Wall and seized more Palestinian land for that purpose. Israeli forces demolished two Palestinian homes and have indiscriminately shelled Palestinian residential areas in which a number of Palestinians were wounded. 

Artist John Keane revisits Palestine’s obliterated past and present

Nina Malmsten 5 March 2004


Painter John Keane, who was has travelled to the occupied Palestinian territories, juxtaposes historical and current concerns through traditional and contemporary techniques in his work. Deeply impacted by what he saw, Keane’s paintings in his current exhibition The Inconvenience of History - Paintings from the West Bank and Palestine reflect the despair, humiliation, and the brutality Palestinians suffer under Israeli military occupation. His exhibition has been met with controversy, but will still travel Belfast and Ramallah after concluding in London. Nina Malmsten reports for EI. 

Israel's West Bank Barrier: Semantics on the Internet

Nigel Parry 4 March 2004


In a presentation on the Jewish Agency for Israel’s website, entitled “The Security Fence - Hopes and Fears: A Drama in Six Episodes”, the report’s author, Steven Klein, conducted a Google survey into the frequency of terminology used to describe Israel’s Wall, typing in different terms and logging the number of Google hits returned for each. Klein’s stated methodology for discovering “the most deserving term” for Israel’s Wall is which term “enjoys the most common use” as evidenced by Google. EI’s Nigel Parry explores Wall semantics on the Internet. 

Gaza Striptease

4 March 2004


When Israeli Prime Minister Ariel Sharon announced his decision to withdraw unilaterally from the Gaza Strip and dismantle 17 settlements, there was reason, one might think, for celebration in certain quarters. Yet few rejoiced. There is the uneasy feeling that his words do not bode an end to the 37-year-old Occupation, rather further entanglement. Some call the would-be withdrawal an escape, some call it a threat against the Palestinians, and some call it a means to strengthen Israel’s hold on the West Bank. One thing it is not: a step toward resolving the conflict. An editorial from Challenge magazine explains why. 

Israeli forces kill three Palestinians in extra-judicial execution

Palestinian Center for Human Rights 3 March 2004


Today, Israeli forces launched an attack on a car traveling south of Gaza City. Israeli jets fired a missile that hit the car, killing three and wounding two civilians who were walking in the street near the car as the missile struck. All three traveling in the car were reportedly members of the military wing of Hamas. Today’s extra-judicial execution is the third in five days. Four Palestinians have been killed in these three attacks. These assassinations are a grave breach of international humanitarian law. Israel’s policy of assassinations is widely condemned and these assassinations are considered war crimes. 

Jewish and Israeli groups demand immediate resignation of Israeli officials

3 March 2004


SAN FRANCISCO, March 2, 2004 — A coalition of Jewish and Israeli groups- including Jewish Voice for Peace, The Tikkun Community and the Israeli Committee Against House Demolitions -has issued the following statement demanding the resignation of Israeli Deputy Defense Minister Ze’ev Boim and Likud Knesset Member Yehiel Hazan in response to racist remarks made last week. As Jews conscious of the history of anti-Semitism and the ideas and rhetoric that have fueled it over the centuries, we deplore the recent racist public statements by Israeli Deputy Defense Minister Ze’ev Boim and Likud Knesset Member Yehiel Hazan and call for their immediate resignations. 

Expelled Palestinian woman allowed to return to West Bank

Palestinian Center for Human Rights 3 March 2004


In a conclusion of a session held at the Israeli military court in the Erez area on 24 February 2004, the Israeli Military Appeal Committee reached a decision to allow Intissar �Ajouri to return to her home in the West Bank city of Nablus after she had been transferred to the Gaza Strip. According to the decision, which was issued in written form on 1 March 2004 and received by PCHR on 2 March 2004, the committee specified 3 March 2004 as the date for �Ajouri�s return to her home in �Askar refugee camp in Nablus. ‘Ajouri will travel back home six homes before the end of her transfer period. 

Media watchdog expresses distress over killing of Arafat's media advisor

Reporters Without Borders 2 March 2004


Media watchdog RSF has expressed its “distress and indignation” to Palestinian president Yasser Arafat, following the assassination of Khalil Al-Zebin, one of his key advisors and publisher of “An-Nashra” magazine, in Gaza on 2 March 2004. Al-Zebin, publisher of the twice-monthly “An-Nashra” and a media advisor to Arafat, was assassinated by a group of armed men as he was leaving his office in central Gaza City on the night of 1 to 2 March. It is not yet known who was responsible for the killing. Since September 2003, media watchdogs have voiced growing alarm over a rising toll of attacks on journalists. 

ICJ/The Wall: Replacing Politics With Law

Al-Haq 22 February 2004


As the International Court of Justice started oral hearings in The Hague, al-Haq published its legal research on Israel’s Annexation Wall. According to al-Haq, Palestine’s oldest human rights organisation, the primary purpose of the Wall is to annex large amounts of the West Bank, ensuring that most of the illegal settlements will be on the Israeli side. Al-Haq urges the international community to uphold its obligation to ensure respect for the Geneva Conventions and support the International Court. 

Israeli High Court orders suspension of work on the Wall near Biddu and Beit Sourik

Alternative Information Center 29 February 2004


Israel’s Supreme Court has ordered a temporary halt of the construction of a security barrier in and around the West Bank. The court imposed a week-long suspension on a complex of fences northeast of Jerusalem where two Palestinians were killed last week, an elderly man died of a heart attack caused by tear gas inhalation and a fourth Palestinian is in intensive care with a bullet wound in his head. The hearing took place this morning and the Court will again hear the matter next Sunday. The judges issued an order to the IDF to cease work for seven days on all sites where bulldozers worked last week.