The tragedy at hand is the reality of virtually no West Bank or Gazan having gas masks, the even more real fear that the war on Iraq, as it has already, will be used to carry out more willful killings, more extra-judicial assassinations, more home demolitions, more arrests, more closure, more curfew, more, always more of the same. Diaa Hadid reports about the surrealism surrounding the pre-war. Read more about Surreal times before war 

“As we are settling onto our floor-level mattresses for the night, Raghda kisses me on the four diamond-points of my face, ‘That’s how you kiss a shahid on the bier!’ She has experience with a number of family members.” Meanwhile, the Middle East Editor of an American-based international newspaper derides the experiences of Palestinians. Annie Higgins writes from occupied Jenin. Read more about What they say 

“Bassim Jrafat, an imam in Zarzir, said 60 per cent of the town’s residents no longer agreed with serving in the IDF. He feels it is wrong for Bedouin to serve in the Israeli army and was dismissed by the Ministry of Religion when he refused to lead prayers at the funeral of a Bedouin soldier.” The Observer’s Conal Urquhart reports from the Negev on rising Bedouin dissatisfaction with their role and status in Israeli society. Read more about Angry Bedouin find loyalty to Israel goes unrewarded 

For everything that we do, there is a reason. For every aggression there should be a reason but what possible reason there could be for attacking Nablus the way it is being targeted now is totally puzzling. Amer Abdelhadi ponders recent Israeli violence in Nablus. Read more about Nablus: "What are the reasons?" 

“Israel is seeking to mobilize American and Jewish support for a diplomatic battle with Belgium after the Belgian Supreme Court upheld a law that would allow the prosecution of Israeli officials — including, eventually, Prime Minister Sharon — for war crimes related to their role in the Sabra and Shatila massacre two decades ago.” The Forward’s Marc Perelman provides a thorough overview of the judicial, political, and diplomatic repercussions of a landmark ruling by the Belgian Supreme Court last week. Read more about Israel seeks to counter Belgian war crimes ruling 

The following background to the Belgian Supreme Court’s landmark decision explains the 12 February 2003 ruling. The Court drew a clear distinction, however, between Ariel Sharon and the rest of the accused. For the former, being Prime Minister of Israel, enjoys procedural immunity from prosecution under international customary law so long as he holds that position. The others accused do not, however, enjoy immunity, and their trial can go forward. Prepared by the legal team for the survivors and Laurie King-Irani. Read more about Sharon Trial: 12 February 2003 decision of Belgian Supreme Court explained 

Bedouins are famous for their generosity. It is well known that Bedouins will graciously host strangers for days without asking their name, the reason for their visit, or the length of their stay. Today, Bedouins of the Negev, who have experienced 50 years of systematic human rights abuses, threats of transfer, land confiscations, and house demolitions, are facing renewed pressures from discriminatory planning maps and Israel’s Green Patrol — which Bedouins call the “Black Patrol.” A community many had forgotten is growing angrier and more vocal. Maha Qupty reports on the challenges confronting Bedouin Palestinian citizens of Israel. Read more about Bedouins of the Negev: Israeli ctizens or punishable trespassers? 

“Mr Hook suffered a single gunshot wound to his abdomen and died in an ambulance on his way to hospital. A new UN report, handed to the New York Times, claims he was shot in the back from at most 30 yards away. Peter Hansen, commissioner general of UNRWA, said the UN report also found that contrary to some claims by the Israeli government, no Palestinian militants were in the UN compound at the time of the shooting.” The latest news on the investigation of the killing of Iain Hook in the pages of The Evening Star. Read more about UN worker Iain Hook shot in back, autopsy shows 

Suddenly there is the sound of footsteps, we turn and see four Israeli soldiers, guns trained on us. The sergeant starts yelling at us in Hebrew. I tell him that I only speak English, and ask him what the problem is. He demands that we lift our jackets. I repeat that I am from England, and why does he want me to lift my jacket. He asks what I am doing here, and I say walking with a friend. “You came all the way from England to go for a walk?” Read more about Do not sit under the olive tree 

Palestinians in Nablus today lived through a real war. A war you expect to see only in movies. Only difference here: we get to see it and watch for real. Amer Abdelhadi writes on day 242 from Nablus. Read more about Living war on day 242