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Factsheet: "Unauthorized" Settlement Outposts

PLO Negotiations Affairs Department 10 June 2003


In an effort to demonstrate compliance with the Road Map, the Israeli government has started to dismantle 15 of what it calls “unauthorized” settlement outposts in the Occupied Palestinian Territories. The facts are that the dismantlement is not consistent with Israel’s Road Map obligations, the dismantled outposts are dummies, and — most poignently — there is no such thing as an “authorized” settlement if settlements are illegal under international law. 

Pro-Palestine lobby group launched

American Association for Palestinian Equal Rights 10 June 2003


Today, a Pro-Palestine Lobby is born, the American Association for Palestinian Equal Rights (AAPER). AAPER is dedicated to representing all Americans who support the great cause of Palestinian rights to freedom and equality. AAPER is divided into two distinct organizations with complementary missions: one focused on education and the other devoted to lobbying. 

Israeli military continues to kill through "cease fire"

Kristen Ess Gaza City, Gaza Strip 10 June 2003

“Since the current situation and both recent and long-term history have proven that in the eyes of the Israelis, all Palestinians are wanted, they can continue to kill whichever Palestinians they want. Their target today was Al-Rantisi from Hamas. They killed a little girl and a woman instead.” Kristen Ess writes from Bethlehem. 

Belgium rules that Yaron and others will be investigated and tried for 1982 massacre

10 June 2003

This morning’s ruling in the trial against Ariel Sharon, Amos Yaron, and other Israelis and Lebanese responsible for the 1982 Sabra and Shatila massacre brought a clear, decisive victory in the legal battle waged for the last two years by the survivors and victims. The following press release from the lawyers representing the survivors explains the significance of the ruling. 

US media ignore Israeli violence after Aqaba summit

Ali Abunimah 10 June 2003


Following the 4 June Aqaba summit between President Bush and Israeli and Palestinian leaders, the US media fell quickly into the pattern of ignoring or severely downplaying Israeli attacks on Palestinians, and playing up Palestinian counterviolence as a threat to a budding “peace process.” The media, rather than correcting the record, simply amplify the distortions. Palestinians are unjustly blamed for ‘reigniting’ a cycle of violence that in reality never paused for a single day. EI’s Ali Abunimah reports. 

Israeli rockets strike car carrying Hamas leader

Palestinian Center for Human Rights 10 June 2003

Two Israeli combat helicopters launched six missiles at a car passing through a densely populated area in Gaza city. Dr. Abdul Aziz Rantisi, a prominent leader of Hamas, his son Ahmad and two of his bodyguards were traveling in the car. The attack killed a woman, who was passing by the area. More than 30 civilians, including eight children were wounded. Dr. Rantisi survived the attack but was wounded in his left leg. 

No lifting of restrictions on freedom of movement in OPT

Democracy and Workers' Rights Center 4 June 2003

Israeli declarations that restrictions on freedom of movement in the Occupied Palestinian Territories have been eased as a good will gesture for the meeting in Jordan between Israeli and Palestinian prime ministers and US President Georges Bush reveal untrue as Israeli military checkpoints continue to forbid access of Palestinians citizens to their workplaces, schools, hospitals in cities centers and hamper movement between localities. 

Protest Israeli bombing of civil institutions

Lora Gordon 9 June 2003


Tonight, it appears that the Israeli army will bomb the Gaza International Airport. This morning, PA forces located in the airport were told by the Israeli military to evacuate. The Gaza Airport, located in Rafah, Gaza Strip, is one of the five exit/entry points in the Gaza Strip, of which only two have been open, with greatly reduced accessability, since October 9, 2000. The airport itself has been closed since that date. Early this evening, an F16 was seen flying over Rafah. Journalists have been at the site all day, photographing and waiting for something to happen.