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Lebanese army fires on nonviolent demonstration, kills two

Rania Masri 29 June 2007


Today, during the second day of a three-day peaceful protest in the Palestinian refugee camp of Baddawi in solidarity with Palestinian refugees from Nahr al-Bared, the Lebanese army opened fire on the protesters in Baddawi refugee camp, killing two people and injuring 25, seven critically. A peaceful protest began within the Baddawi Palestinian refugee camp in north Lebanon. The protesters had signs reading “Nahr al-Bared is in our soul” and “Nahr al-Bared, we won’t forget you.” The protesters were calling for an end to the violence. 

Audio: Crossing the Line interviews USS Liberty survivor

29 June 2007


This week on Crossing The Line: June 2007 marked 40 years of the anniversary of the 1967 War, when Israel began its occupation of the Palestinian territories. During their war with surrounding Arab countries, Israel also attacked one of its closest allies in the world, the US. In an event that has rarely been mentioned, Israel bombed the US Navy ship, the USS Liberty, for over two straight hours leaving Americans dead and injured. Crossing the Line host Chris Brown speaks with retired naval officer Dave Lewis who was aboard the USS Liberty and recalls the events which unfolded on that day, 8 June 1967. 

Tony Blair: A true friend of Israel

Arjan El Fassed 29 June 2007


“A true friend of the State of Israel,” said Israeli Prime Minister Ehud Olmert of his outgoing British counterpart Tony Blair. He was appointed this week as special envoy for the Middle East Quartet with a portfolio focused on Palestinian economic and political reform. “Tony Blair is a very well-appreciated figure in Israel,” said Israeli Foreign Minister Tzipi Livni. According to an Israeli government statement, Israel “will provide [him] with all necessary assistance in order for him to carry out his duties.” EI’s Arjan El Fassed looks at Blair’s history and finds that it does not bode well for the Middle East’s future. 

Economic downturn in Beit Umar and Hebron

Jeanne Abdulla 29 June 2007


The following is a report on a field visit to the Network, Advocate and Resist (NAR) program in Hebron, meeting with several members of the Local Popular Committee (LPC): The purpose of our field visit was to get acquainted with the Network, Advocate and Resist (NAR) work in Hebron. The impact of the Wall/barrier is devastating to the local community. A Palestinian Hydrology Group representative mentioned how they organize resistance events; farmers and landowners talked about their troubles, resulting in modest requests. 

US Congress to curb Bush enthusiasm for Abbas

Khody Akhavi 27 June 2007


WASHINGTON, Jun 26 (IPS) - US President George W. Bush threw his full support behind President Mahmoud Abbas of the Palestinian Authority (PA) last week, declaring the Fatah leader “the president of all the Palestinians.” With Hamas, the Islamist political party backed by Iran and described by the US as a terrorist organization, firmly in control of Gaza, the administration is now attempting to bolster Abbas, who formed a new government in the West Bank following the Hamas takeover in Gaza. 

Film review: "Occupation 101"

Maureen Clare Murphy 27 June 2007


“You begin to suspect that there is something extremely odd going on … it is deeply disturbing,” says Alison Weir, narrator of the new documentary Occupation 101, on what one experiences as soon as they read between the lines of news reports from Israel/Palestine. The film indeed succeeds in instilling this feeling in its viewers. The chronology of the conflict is explained through snappily edited interviews with activists, journalists, clergy people, and others, while richly illustrated by archive footage and photographs. EI’s Maureen Clare Murphy reviews. 

Egypt loses diplomatic ground with Hamas

Adam Morrow and Khaled Moussa al-Omrani 28 June 2007


CAIRO, Jun 27 (IPS) - Almost two weeks after the takeover of the Gaza Strip by Palestinian faction Hamas, attempts by Cairo to resolve the crisis have so far come to naught. But while government officials say mediation efforts are still under way, some commentators question the ability of Egypt — a longtime supporter of Hamas rival Fatah — to mediate impartially. “Egypt’s open support of Fatah has cost it all credibility as an arbitrator,” Gamal Zahran, political science professor at Suez Canal University and speaker for the independent bloc in parliament told IPS. 

The failing of Gaza

Philip Rizk Gaza City, Palestine 28 June 2007


Transportation is one of the few sectors of Gaza’s economy that is relatively constant. No matter how dire the financial situation, collective taxis are always shuttling people along the main roads of the Gaza Strip. This past week saw an exception to even this rule, reflecting the severe desperation of Gaza. There are a few reasons for this. Many people are afraid of what the future may bring. Militarily, Hamas has shown its domination over Fatah by ousting the latter in 48 hours. Philip Rizk writes from Gaza. 

Boycott and divestment gains ground in Northern Ireland

27 June 2007


Northern Ireland’s biggest trade union, the Northern Ireland Public Service Alliance, unanimously passed all five motions on Palestinian solidarity discussed at the 2007 annual delegate conference. These motions contained: severe condemnation of Israel, a commitment to boycott and divestment and support for Trade Union Friends of Palestine and the Enough campaign against Israeli Occupation. NIPSA has been at the forefront of the campaign within the trade union movement in Northern Ireland to raise awareness of the Palestinian cause.