KBOO Interview with Drew Pappone and Tom Nelson
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- Written by Linda Olson-Osterlund, KBOO 90.7 fm Linda Olson-Osterlund, KBOO 90.7 fm
- Published: 18 September 2008 18 September 2008
- Hits: 4485 4485
Israeli restrictions leave Palestinians dependent on aid, says World Bank
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- Written by Rory McCarthy in Jerusalem Rory McCarthy in Jerusalem
- Published: 17 September 2008 17 September 2008
- Hits: 3809 3809
The World Bank warned today that continued Israeli economic restrictions are severely limiting the potential of the Palestinian economy and leaving Palestinians more dependent on foreign aid than ever.
In a report to be delivered to international donor governments this month, the World Bank acknowledges that Israel has lifted some roadblocks in the occupied West Bank but it says the impact is limited. It says continued discussions about removing individual checkpoints and roadblocks have become a "distraction" from the bigger issues. {josquote}"Overwhelming evidence suggests that the current restrictions correlate to settlement locations and expansions," the report says, adding that there is evidence economic restrictions could be removed without risk to Israeli citizens.{/josquote}
Read more: Israeli restrictions leave Palestinians dependent on aid, says World Bank
Israeli army open fire of Gazan fishermen and international activists
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- Written by Free Gaza Volunteers Free Gaza Volunteers
- Published: 16 September 2008 16 September 2008
- Hits: 4111 4111
On the 1st September 2008, the first day of Ramadan, several volunteers with the Free Gaza Movement and the International Solidarity Movement accompanied a small fleet of seven fishing vessels from Gaza City port.
The fishermen exercised their right to fish in Gazan territorial waters, providing them with a livelihood and providing food for the besieged people of Gaza. The fishing fleet reached approximately nine miles offshore and began trawling along the Gazan coast, well within international limits. Usually the Israeli Navy prevents Gazan fishing vessels from accessing beyond six miles and in many cases only three miles, by attacking the boats, sometimes lethally, or by arresting the fishermen. However, this day’s fishing resulted in a highly successful catch due to the ability to access richer fishing grounds further offshore.
Two Israeli Naval gunboats approached the fleet soon after leaving port and began firing “warning shots” shortly afterwards. They were aware that internationals were on some of the boats. The Israeli Navy continued shooting multiple times at the fishing vessels, one of which was fired upon at least seven times. They also deployed explosive charges in the water and attempted to de-stabilise some of the boats by creating a strong wake. Communication was established with the Israeli Navy via VHF radio, informing them that everyone onboard were unarmed civilians and requesting that the Israeli Navy stop shooting.
The volunteers will continue to join Gazan fishing expeditions on a regular basis and will monitor Israeli aggressions towards the fishermen. Video and written documentation will be posted publicly and made available to journalists. The Israeli Navy will not be informed as to when the volunteers will join the fishermen, nor the ports they will sail from, since this is not within their jurisdiction. Also no indication will be made as to which vessels have internationals onboard.
Israeli police probing pogrom
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- Written by BBC News BBC News
- Published: 15 September 2008 15 September 2008
- Hits: 3664 3664
Israeli police are investigating a rampage by settlers in a Palestinian village in the West Bank on Saturday which PM Ehud Olmert called a "pogrom".
Mr Olmert, who is about to step down, called the attack by about 100 settlers on Asira al-Qabaliya "intolerable".
It was filmed by human rights groups and came after an intruder stabbed and wounded a child at Yitzhar settlement.
But police have not arrested any of the settlers who were filmed. Four people suffered gunshot wounds in the attack.
Police have reportedly approached human rights group B'Tselem asking for the home video footage capturing Yitzhar settlers attacking the village with live bullets and stones.
In the footage, Israeli soldiers are present at the scene but do not take any action to prevent the violence and destruction of Palestinian property.
Mr Olmert said at what could be his last cabinet meeting: "This phenomenon of taking the law into their own hands and of brutal and violent attacks is intolerable... There will be no pogroms against non-Jewish residents."
A committee of pro-settlement rabbis praised the "courage and heroism" of the Yitzhar settlers, saying their reaction was in accordance with Jewish law, the Haaretz newspaper reported.
Misleading
The once-hawkish Mr Olmert also spoke of Israel giving up parts of the West Bank to reach a peace deal with the Palestinians.
The meeting discussed a plan to pay Israelis to leave settlements in the West Bank that are on the east side of the barrier Israel is building in and around the territory.
On Monday, Mr Olmert told a parliamentary committee that every day that passed without a peace agreement with the Palestinians was a day that Israelis may come to regret.
Mr Olmert said there would be painful consequences if the opportunity to reach a deal soon was missed.
The prime minister faces possible criminal charges in corruption investigations and, although he denies wrongdoing, he has promised to resign after his Kadima party holds an election to replace him.
Wednesday's leadership vote could be followed by protracted talks to form a new government, and Mr Olmert may stay on as caretaker premier.
About 450,000 Jews live in the West Bank and East Jerusalem in settlements considered illegal under international law, although Israel disputes this.
http://news.bbc.co.uk/go/pr/fr/-/2/hi/middle_east/7616269.stm
Published: 2008/09/15 12:06:09 GMT
© BBC MMVIII
Israel raid 'could be war crime'
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- Written by BBC News BBC News
- Published: 15 September 2008 15 September 2008
- Hits: 4052 4052
The report compiled by Archbishop Desmond Tutu casts doubt on Israel's explanation that the shelling resulted from a flawed artillery firing system.
It calls on Israel to pay compensation to the victims, 19 of whom were killed.
Archbishop Tutu went to Beit Hanoun in May, after objections by Israel delayed his mission several times.