As cars plastered with the flags of Brazil, Germany, Argentina and other favorite World Cup teams drove across Beirut on Sunday, Palestinian refugees and their supporters carried Palestinian and Lebanese flags as they marched through the capital. They called for their human rights in Lebanon, where they have lived without them for more than six decades. Matthew Cassel reports for The Electronic Intifada. Read more about Palestinians in Lebanon demonstrate for their rights 

As Israel last week declared the “easing” of the four-year blockade of Gaza, an official explained the new guiding principle: “Civilian goods for civilian people.” The severe and apparently arbitrary restrictions on foodstuffs entering the enclave — coriander bad, cinnamon good — will finally end, while a “security” blockade will remain. But in truth, Israel’s “security” blockade is, in both its old and new incarnations, every bit a “civilian” blockade. Jonathan Cook comments. Read more about Blockade "eased" as Gaza starves more slowly 

RAMALLAH, occupied West Bank (IPS) - “Where is my daddy? Why is he not coming home? I want my daddy,” sobs seven-year-old Yasmin, her big blue eyes filling with tears. She wakes up crying every night. “My life only began when I met him. I will never meet such a wonderful man again,” Yasmin’s mother Moira Julani tells IPS. Read more about Israeli killing leaves Jerusalem children fatherless 

Ever since Israel’s murderous attack on the Freedom Flotilla on 31 May, there have been increasing calls from many parties on Israel to end its siege of Gaza. This is strange as well as deceitful, for the siege is not Israel’s alone. Hasan Abu Nimah comments. Read more about Fake calls to "ease" the Gaza siege 

Since the split between the Fatah and Hamas factions deepened after the latter stymied foreign-backed efforts to overthrow it in 2007 following its election victory the previous year, there has been much talk of restoring Palestinian unity. Such reconciliation has however so far eluded all efforts. Some analysts think it may have a better chance now. Rami Almeghari reports for The Electronic Intifada. Read more about National unity remains elusive under occupation 

As progressive forces in the United States prepare to convene the second US Social Forum this week in Detroit, Noura Erakat comments on the gap between Palestinian and Arab dreams of an America committed to justice and the reality of the work it would take to achieve this dream. Read more about Integrating Palestine into the US progressive left 

Leaked documents obtained by The Electronic Intifada show that the Palestinian Authority tried and failed to undermine Turkey’s push for strong condemnation, and an independent UN Human Rights Council investigation into Israel’s deadly attack on the Gaza Freedom Flotilla. Asa Winstanley reports. Read more about Exclusive: Leaked documents show PA undermined Turkey's push for UN flotilla probe 

Last New Year’s Eve, Debbie Mardon did not celebrate with noise makers or confetti — instead, she headed to Cairo’s main square to participate in the Gaza Freedom March with her son and daughter. It was an unlikely place to be for a previously apolitical mother who voted for George W. Bush and as recently as three years ago relied on right-wing radio hosts to help her make sense of the world. Alex Kane reports. Read more about Gaza moves New York City mother from apathy to activism