26/05/2007

Mazuz versus Herzl - the JNF controversy
Israel Harel - Haaretz - This judicial establishment is intent on forcing Israel to gradually part with its definition as a Jewish state and become a state of all its citizens [article from the right-winger/ settler point of view - allowing a rare moment of optimism - ed.]

Hamas officials are Israeli hostages
Richard Burden MP - The Guardian - Internationally, there has rightly been condemnation of the taking of hostages by militant Palestinian groups. The news of these abductions in the West Bank suggests that Israel is in the business of taking hostages of its own.

Bitter comments from Palestine
Tony Sayegh - Palestinian Pundit - Why are the Palestinians who do not have a state burdening themselves with its trappings? So you have a "parliament" that can`t convene because half of its members have been arrested.

3rd gift for Hamas
Yossi Beilin - Ynet - Hamas wishes to receive the third gift now: A massive IDF incursion into the Gaza Strip [interesting to read how the leader of Meretz tries to "sell it to his fellow Israelis" - ed]

http://www.kibush.co.il/show_file.asp?num=20180

Obstacles to peace: Borders and settlements
Martin Asser - BBC News - The modern Israeli state was forged in the fires of the first Middle East war in 1948-1949, but from the beginning it was a state without clear borders. The fact that complete, permanent borders still haven`t been drawn 60 years later is testimony to the rancour of Israel`s relations with neighbouring Arab states.

Judaism is not a matter of real estate.
We, Colorado Jews, are asking our fellow Jews to consider compassionately and in the spirit of traditional Jewish values, the implications of [the 40 year old] occupation for Israel.

http://www.kibush.co.il/show_file.asp?num=20172

Academic and cultural boycott - the only weapon available
Hilary Rose - Guardian - The call from Palestinians for an academic and cultural boycott did not come from any political party but from Palestinian civil society itself. They saw that any claim to academic freedom and even the right to education was being destroyed. As members of civil society we have to consider such a moral and political call.

http://www.kibush.co.il/show_file.asp?num=20182

Protection of civilians report for 16-22 May 07
OCHA - weekly briefing - 190 Qassam rockets and five mortar shells were fired from the Gaza Strip killing one Israeli woman and injuring 15 (...) 37 Palestinians have been killed (including five children) and 113 injured during IAF air strikes (approx. 33 strikes).

Six wounded, two taken prisoner during Bilin`s weekly march
George Rishmawi - IMEMC - The weekly protest march of Bilin villagers, joined by international and Israeli peace activists arrived at barbed wire installed by the army [to bar their way]. At this point, using a mega phone, troops called on the demonstrators not to come any closer, after which tear-gas, sound bombs and rubber-coated steel bullets were fired at the protestors.

Greek human rights worker arrested at demonstration against land destruction in Artas, Bethlehem
ISM - Palestinians, Israelis, and internationals held a soccer game on the path of the Wall. From there, they made their way to the village of Artas.

http://www.kibush.co.il/show_file.asp?num=20173