8 August 2003
The Human Rights Committee concluded today a four-week session at which it considered and adopted concluding observations and recommendations on the reports submitted by Israel. Read more about UN Human Rights Committee concludes consideration of Israel's second periodic report
9 August 2003
The Guardian’s coverage of the Middle East has been questioned this week. One is the name used for the structure being erected by the Israelis across Israeli and Palestinian territory and called by Israel the “security fence”. Finding terminology that favours neither one view nor the other is not easy. The fact is, it is a wall in some sections and a fence in others. The headline on a long discussion of the terminology by the pro-Palestinin ian website Electronic Intifada seems to state the reality fairly: “Is it a fence? Is it a wall? No, it’s a separation barrier.” Read more about Addition and long division
9 August 2003
US President George W. Bush’s administration is considering economic measures to prevent Israel from building its separation wall in the occupied West Bank. The proposed punishment is to subtract from US loan guarantees for Israel $1 for every dollar Israel spends on building the barrier inside the West Bank. However, the administration appears to be split. Israel, meanwhile has announced plans for major new settlements in the occupied territories. EI’s Ali Abunimah examines the pre-election political scene in Washington, and assesses the chances of real US pressure on Israel to move forward on the road map. Read more about Washington is being toothless on Israel
9 August 2003
“Here is a disturbing ordeal that has not yet been mentioned in any mainstream US papers or media. It exposes some shocking aspects of Israel’s treatment of Palestinian political prisoners, including the use of a gas that impacts the nervous and respiratory systems. It should be noted that Israel has denied using nerve gas against Palestinians, even though one account of its use has already been documented in James Longley’s searing film, ‘Gaza Strip’.” Jennifer Loewenstein and Angela Gaff report from London. Read more about What gas is Israel using?
8 August 2003
“I’m an Israeli at heart,” U.S. House Majority Leader Tom DeLay told the Israeli Knesset in a recent address. DeLay made his trip just as the Israeli and Palestinian prime ministers were in Washington to meet with President Bush. DeLay took with him a message of total opposition to Bush’s road map and to a two-state solution. Calling on Israel to ignore the ceasefire that has brought calm to Israel’s streets for the first time in years, DeLay urged Israel to continue killing Palestinians. EI’s Ali Abunimah takes a look at DeLay’s visit, the Christian Zionist movement he represents, and how they work against peace for Israelis and Palestinians. Read more about A call to violence
7 August 2003
UNDP has issued a call to the international community for US$18 million in emergency assistance to addres the humanitarian needs of the communities most affected by the construction of Israel’s apartheid wall. Read more about UN agency calls for immediate action to address emergency needs of Palestinian communities affected by Israeli Separation Wall
1 July 2003
PENGON, the Palestinian Environment NGO Network, a member of Habitat International Coalition - Housing & Land Rights Network and OMCT jointly call for immediate action against the wall’s construction. They ask you to take immediate action. Read more about Take Action against the Apartheid Wall
7 August 2003
The government of Israel violated the Road Map by renewing the closure of Orient House, the primary Palestinian institution in Occupied East Jerusalem. The renewal of the closure order, delivered by Israeli Public Security Minister Hanegbi, was issued officially on August 5, 2003 and extends Orient House’s closure for another six months. Read more about Israel violates Road Map by extending Orient House closure
6 August 2003
The Palestinian Environment NGO Network (PENGON), member of Habitat International Coalition - Housing & Land Rights Network and OMCT jointly appeal for an immediate stop to the wall’s construction. They ask you to take urgent action. Read more about Take action against the Apartheid Wall in Palestine
6 August 2003
Two Israeli Likud lawmakers who insist on going up to the Temple Mount/Haram al-Sharif because of their ‘devout Judaism’ were revealed to be know-nothings when it came to Jewish history, when an Israeli TV presenter gave the two parliamentarians a surprise pop quiz. The Electronic Intifada has translated this story and transcript from the Israeli news website Walla News. Read more about "Devout" Israeli lawmakers reveal pig-ignorance about Judaism