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Olmert distances Israel from Iraq

Peter Hirschberg 8 December 2006


JERUSALEM (IPS) - Israeli Prime Minister Ehud Olmert was doing his best to persuade a skeptical audience of journalists that a report by a U.S. advisory group, which linked the chaos in Iraq to the unresolved conflict between Israel and its neighbours, would have no impact on U.S. policy in the region. “The Iraqi issue is first and foremost an American issue,” he insisted. “I trust President Bush. I trust his judgment, his wisdom and his leadership. One thing is clear to most Americansathe problems in Iraq are entirely independent of us and the Palestinians.” 

Gaza journalist Mohammed Omer: His life and words

Christian Avard 8 December 2006


Award-winning journalist and photographer Mohammed Omer, on a speaking tour of the United States, spoke before a large audience at the Center Congregational Church in Brattleboro on Nov. 29. Omer shared his experiences in Gaza and why journalism was his calling. At 18, he began writing regularly for the international media and Omer’s works can now be found in dozens of newspapers and magazines worldwide such as the Vermont Guardian, The Washington Report on Middle East Affairs, ArtVoice Weekly, the online magazine Electronic Intifada, and Norwegian and Swedish dailies. He was honored by New American Media as the “Best Youth Voice” for 2006. 

International experts urged to withdraw from Veolia Institute

Adri Nieuwhof 8 December 2006


The Institut Veolia Environnement is founded and funded by Veolia, the company that is involved in the development of an illegal Israeli tramline in occupied East Jerusalem. A number of international experts that contribute to the institute have shown respect for international law and human rights in the past. It is likely that they are not aware of the Veolia’s role in the Israeli occupation of the Palestinian territories. This appeal is written to inform the international experts and to call on them to distance themselves from the illegal practice of Veolia and end their collaboration with the institute. 

Refugees Are The Key

Sam Bahour 11 December 2006


The Bush Administration’s insistence that the Hamas-led government of the Palestinian Authority recognize Israel’s existence may seek to achieve a moderate Palestinian leadership to enable a peaceful political process between the sides, but what about Israeli leadership and moderation? For five months Palestinian residents of the Gaza Strip have been subjected to an incessant Israeli military campaign that has left over 500 Palestinians dead. While the provocation of Palestinian crude rocket attacks from Gaza into Israeli towns is well cited in US media, much less emphasized is the fact that most residents of Gaza are refugees from inside what is now Israel. 

UN and partners launch their largest ever appeal for emergency aid for Palestinians

6 December 2006


The United Nations and its partners today launched their largest ever appeal for emergency aid to the occupied Palestinian territory - more than $453 million to help address a rapidly deteriorating situation after donors cut off funds to the Government when the Hamas movement won elections earlier this year. “Two-thirds of Palestinians in the West Bank and the Gaza Strip are now living in poverty. Growing numbers of people are unable to cover their daily food needs and agencies report that basic services such as health care and education are deteriorating and set to worsen much further,” UN Humanitarian Coordinator Kevin Kennedy said, noting that children make up about half of the population of some 4 million. 

UNRWA inaugurates 40 new shelters for Palestine refugees in Ein el-Tal Camp, Aleppo, Syria

6 December 2006


Greeted by community representatives, the Head of the Middle East Section at the Canadian International Development Agency (CIDA) in Ottawa, Ms. Lise Filietrault arrived in Ein el-Tal camp on 6 December for a hand-over ceremony of 40 housing units to Palestine refugee families who have been living in World War II Army barracks in Neirab camp, Aleppo for nearly 56 years. “Thanks to our donors and the strong support of the Syrian Government, UNRWA can help the refugees in Neirab camp with better accommodation and also raise the overall standard of living for the Palestine refugee communities both in Ein el-Tal and in Neirab”, Director of UNRWA Affairs in Syria Panos Moumtzis, told the audience. 

Interior Ministry denies status to children of East Jerusalem residents

27 November 2006


Until May 2002, citizens and residents of Israel (including residents of East Jerusalem) married to residents of the Occupied Territories could request a legal status in Israel for their spouse and that their children be registered in their identity cards and as residents of Israel. In May 2002, the government of Israel decided to freeze the handling of requests by Israeli residents for family unification with Palestinians from the Occupied Territories. The interpretation given the law by the Interior Ministry - denies many children, those with one parent who is a resident of Israel and the other a resident of the Occupied Territories, the possibility of obtaining a permanent status in Israel. 

Investigation to be launched into racist article in ultra-orthodox magazine

7 December 2006


In a letter received by Adalah on 23 November 2006, the State Prosecutor’s Office in Israel announced that a criminal investigation for racial incitement into the publication of an article in Issue 160 of the ultra-orthodox Hassidic World magazine will be launched. Adalah Attorney Abeer Baker sent a complaint to the Attorney General on 23 August 2006, demanding the opening of an immediate investigation on the grounds that that the article, written by Yitzhak Ben-Zvi, contains racist statements and opinions which constitute incitement against Arabs in general and Muslims in particular. 

Sowing the seeds of tomorrow's violence

Sami Hermez Beirut 7 December 2006


The atmosphere of the Lebanese opposition demonstrations, which began last Friday and were planned in large part by Hizballah, Amal, the Free Patriotic Movement (FPM) and their allies, has been very calm and festive, betraying the underlying tensions and outbursts of political violence in the country. In many ways, they exude a similar spirit to last year’s months of demonstrating by the March 14 coalition, in which there was constant music interlaced with speeches, and people waving Lebanese flags and behaving as if they had just won a football game or were at a concert. 

The Banality of Suffering

Nathalie Khankan Ramallah, Palestine 7 December 2006


Is it looking at my own students at Birzeit University that reminds me of my old English teacher John S.? Every Tuesday and Thursday at 3:10 pm, and ten minutes before the end of class, they are all restless in their chairs, eager to continue their day without me. I do not take it personally. I feel their energy. But I do remember John fondly. I recall his ability to last throughout the lesson and to end it with a virtual cliffhanger. Not all, but some of us would just be sitting there, nailed to our chairs, as the bell rang and other students began chatting, doors opening, noise everywhere. And, in the midst of clatter and laughter, John’s last sentence would linger in the air. His cliffhanger.