Israel Reportedly Attacks Palestinian Aid Flotilla [Archive]

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pilotsimone

31st May 2010, 06:12

Etherios

31st May 2010, 07:46

we were told on the news the dead are at least 14 and like 60 wounded... israel official says 6 dead.. !!! wth

The army replied that the activists attacked them with knifes o.O :eek:

yiolas

31st May 2010, 09:27

This is not good, not good at all. I can see how all kinds of destructive 'time lines' can be activated due to this.

Merkhava at the Future-Events Thread spoke about this impending development just a couple of days ago.
see the link here (post #14):
http://projectavalon.net/forum4/showthread.php?758-Future-Events/page2

To get Iran's view of world events in English have a look here: Press TV
http://www.presstv.ir/detail.aspx?id=128420&sectionid=351020202

SpoonMan

31st May 2010, 09:33

When I first heard of this flotilla it smelled bad. Didn't except it to go this south... I guess the fallout will depend of who was killed.

Gita

31st May 2010, 11:47

Quote

Israel envoys summoned across Europe

Greece, Spain and Sweden have summoned Israeli envoys to explain a deadly strike by Israeli navy commandos on a Turkish-sponsored humanitarian Gaza aid convoy.

The Greek foreign ministry said in a statement on Monday that it had summoned Israeli ambassador, demanding an "immediate" report on the safety of about 30 Greek citizens on board the boats targeted in international waters before reaching the Gaza Strip.

The foreign ministry said it asked for "immediate information concerning the safety of Greek citizens on board the boats... and stressed the need to take the necessary measures to ensure their security," AFP quoted the statement as saying.

Continued here. (http://www.presstv.ir/detail.aspx?id=128450&sectionid=351020606)

20 killed, Israel attacks Gaza aid fleet (4)

T2jPf_te4ak

ElvenMyst

31st May 2010, 11:59

Yet another Zionist outrage. When I first heard of this attack it reminded me of the attack on the USS Liberty in 1967....another unarmed ship in international waters....34 dead Americans on that occasion. That incident was totally covered up but at least this latest attack is right in the public eye. I wonder what Obama will have to say ?

Seems that the Zionists are really stirring things up at the moment.

A sad, sad day.

Olam

31st May 2010, 12:01

Damn Zionist mothers of pain. Someday, someone with political clout has to have the courage to confront these "people". No one, absolutly no one in the buisness has the courage to do so.
"We tried everything we could to prevent this" they say....thats total bullcrap, the second the heard about the flottila, they happily loaded the guns.
More karma please

Lucrum

31st May 2010, 12:52

This along with israeli nuke-capable submarines moving into range of Iran...someone is brewing a storm.

Don't like it one bit....

irishspirit

31st May 2010, 14:23

yet another attack by this terrorist state, on an innocent boat bring aid to a people so in need. Yet again, we have the good old USA sitting back and saying nothing. Cannot say a bad word about their terrorist buddies. I anm sick to my stomach as I write this. I have that much anger I am going to stop writing.

scanner

31st May 2010, 15:56

The chess pieces are nearly all in the right place for checkmate

Majorion

31st May 2010, 17:05

Interesting its Memorial Day in the U.S, and at the same time... coincidence?

Gita

31st May 2010, 17:29

Good point Maj. I wonder if it’s another sacrificial date for ptb? The murderers seem to have so many of them!:rant:

HORIZONS

31st May 2010, 17:44

The chess pieces are nearly all in the right place for checkmate

I don't think Zionists' play chess: They seek to rule with absolute power, and to kill and destroy those that are in their way.

Rocky_Shorz

31st May 2010, 17:56

This along with israeli nuke-capable submarines moving into range of Iran...someone is brewing a storm.

Don't like it one bit....

Do you have an article talking about these subs?

Gita

31st May 2010, 18:01

Quote

World Condemns Deadly Israeli Ship Attack

Israeli commandos have stormed an international aid convoy bound for Gaza leaving up to 19 dead and sparking mass protests across the world.

Britain joined other countries in denouncing the attack as "deplorable" with Palestinian leaders describing the bloodshed as a "massacre".
An emergency meeting of the UN Security Council is due to begin shortly.

Meanwhile, the attacked ship, the Mavi Mamara, has docked in the Israeli port of Ashdod.

The deadly dawn raid on the Turkish ship sparked a mass protest in Istanbul with 10,000 people marching through the street, burning Israeli flags.

Commandos, dressed in black and armed with rifles, dropped down ropes from helicopters onto the Mavi Marmara, heading a flotilla of six.

Unquote

Continued here. (http://news.sky.com/skynews/Home/World-News/Palestinian-Aid-Convoy-Two-Killed-As-Israeli-Navy-Clashes-With-Boats-Sailing-To-Gaza-Strip/Article/201005415640829?lpos=World_News_Carousel_Region_0&lid=ARTICLE_15640829_Palestinian_Aid_Convoy%3A_Two_Killed_As_Israeli_Navy_Clashes_With_Boats_Sailing _To_Gaza_Strip)

Gita

31st May 2010, 18:07

Do you have an article talking about these subs?

http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/news/world/europe/article7140282.ece

Rocky_Shorz

31st May 2010, 18:07

Turkey vows response to Israeli attack

Turkish Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan has vowed a proper response to Israeli attacks on an international convoy which killed dozens of Turkish nationals.

"It should be known that we will not stay silent and unresponsive in the face of this inhuman state terror," he was quoted as saying by AFP on Monday.

He made the remarks in a short televised speech after the Israeli forces raided the Freedom Flotilla, killing at least 20 people, mostly Turks, and injuring 50 others.

"International law has been trampled underfoot," Erdogan argued.

The premier also said that Turkey will call a NATO meeting over the deadly Israeli assault.

Meanwhile, the United Nations Security Council is scheduled to hold a meeting regarding the brutal assault later on Monday.

http://www.presstv.ir/detail.aspx?id=128519&sectionid=351020204

North Korea is getting blamed for then torpedo attack on S Korea ship...

Now, a move by Israel that is going to bring a response by Turkey the largest Military in the middle east, which the leadership is now closely tied and directed by The Grand Ayassola in Iran...

Welcome to WW III the Over Government in London has made their move, will we allow it to happen?

Mindless Sheeples following the master?

Rocky_Shorz

31st May 2010, 18:23

http://www.presstv.ir/photo/20100531/bahar20100531174527717.jpg

Obama, however, refrained from censuring Israel for launching a military attack on the humanitarian ships aboard which were hundreds of politicians, activists and journalists.

The Israeli attack on the aid convoy drew international condemnations. Many countries across Europe summoned the Israeli envoys, following the bloody raid.

The international organizations, including the United Nations Security Council and the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) have called for meetings on the brutal attack, which tool place in international waters some 150 km (90 miles) off the coast of Gaza.

Full Story (http://www.presstv.ir/detail.aspx?id=128549&sectionid=3510203)

Come on President Obama, people don't need to be psychic to know you left much unsaid...

You don't need to go for a second term do what's right and stop this war from moving forward...

Rocky_Shorz

31st May 2010, 18:29

Thanks Gita

Three German-built Israeli submarines equipped with nuclear cruise missiles are to be deployed in the Gulf near the Iranian coastline.

The first has been sent in response to Israeli fears that ballistic missiles developed by Iran, Syria and Hezbollah, a political and military organisation in Lebanon, could hit sites in Israel, including air bases and missile launchers.

The submarines of Flotilla 7 — Dolphin, Tekuma and Leviathan — have visited the Gulf before. But the decision has now been taken to ensure a permanent presence of at least one of the vessels.

The flotilla’s commander, identified only as “Colonel O”, told an Israeli newspaper: “We are an underwater assault force. We’re operating deep and far, very far, from our borders.”

Each of the submarines has a crew of 35 to 50, commanded by a colonel capable of launching a nuclear cruise missile.

The vessels can remain at sea for about 50 days and stay submerged up to 1,150ft below the surface for at least a week. Some of the cruise missiles are equipped with the most advanced nuclear warheads in the Israeli arsenal.

The deployment is designed to act as a deterrent, gather intelligence and potentially to land Mossad agents. “We’re a solid base for collecting sensitive information, as we can stay for a long time in one place,” said a flotilla officer.

The submarines could be used if Iran continues its programme to produce a nuclear bomb. “The 1,500km range of the submarines’ cruise missiles can reach any target in Iran,” said a navy officer.

Apparently responding to the Israeli activity, an Iranian admiral said: “Anyone who wishes to do an evil act in the Persian Gulf will receive a forceful response from us.”

Israel’s urgent need to deter the Iran-Syria-Hezbollah alliance was demonstrated last month. Ehud Barak, the defence minister, was said to have shown President Barack Obama classified satellite images of a convoy of ballistic missiles leaving Syria on the way to Hezbollah in Lebanon.

Rocky_Shorz

31st May 2010, 18:39

they were heavily armed activists with slingshots and steel balls...

Israel better come up with better weapons than those that were hidden on board the ship...

bashi

31st May 2010, 19:00

Eric J (Viking)

31st May 2010, 19:21

irishspirit

31st May 2010, 19:25

I have been totally aghast with why folks have not seen the truth with whats going on here with the Palestinians, and aid for them...God bless them...

Lets hope this wakes up the masses into the realisation of whats what!!!

viking

Beautiful idea, but only a dream. The sheeple will watch the propaganda machine kick in a blame it all on the folks on the boat.

Fact is, I feel this was planned by all concerne, Turkey included as a means for war

HORIZONS

31st May 2010, 19:57

http://www.presstv.ir/photo/20100531/bahar20100531174527717.jpg

Come on President Obama, people don't need to be psychic to know you left much unsaid...

You don't need to go for a second term do what's right and stop this war from moving forward...

More than likely O-bomb-a is a one term pawn to really set things up for the next viper. You watch, a hard core republican will be next.

Rocky_Shorz

31st May 2010, 21:51

pictures of the WMDs found on board...

http://idfspokesperson.files.wordpress.com/2010/05/weaponsmarmara1.jpg

Majorion

1st June 2010, 00:04

pictures of the WMDs found on board...
Don't know what you are talking about here. I see knives, various tools, maybe even plastique explosive equipment, but no "WMDs".

The photograph is from the following domain: idfspokesperson.files.wordpress.com "IDF Spokesperson" - in other words how do you know this picture isn't cooked (set up), don't you find it odd everything is thrown in front of the camera on top of a flag no less?

Tuza

1st June 2010, 00:13

I am really sorry for saying this everyone because it makes me look like I am one side and not another, but I do not trust Israel one iota. I have seen how they bombed and killed four UN people who they knew it was only them by repeated requests, please dont bomb us we are UN people and still they sent a 1,000 lb bomb as a direct hit and then said later oh gee it was a mistake. Crap, crap, crap, crap, you are a bunch of liars Israel and have an agenda. You dont have any respect for anyone's lives except those of the Jewish faith; well most of you I am sure there are one or two who can think.

K626

1st June 2010, 01:13

I have been totally aghast with why folks have not seen the truth with whats going on here with the Palestinians, and aid for them...God bless them...

Lets hope this wakes up the masses into the realisation of whats what!!!

viking

Israel will never accept a two state solution, all this stuff continues to compress Palestine into nothing. Normally I try not to get angry at this stuff cause the world tends to overlook almost anything Israel does these days and American blocks anti-Israeli UN resolutions...But this time it looks like Turkey might be a wild card they hadn't counted on. Really shameful behaviour not letting aid into help a people with shocking lackings in the basics for the last few years. But I know that history has started turning.

Gita

1st June 2010, 11:19

Quote

Turkey threatens action; Israel on alert

New Delhi: Turkey has threatened Israel with unprecedented action after Israeli forces attacked an aid vessel, killing 10 peace activists headed to Gaza.

Israel said 10 people died while those on the ship said at least 15 were killed.

A shocked world has responded with outrage. Turkey recalled its ambassador to Israel and warned of unprecedented and incalculable reprisals.

Two Turkish activists were reported to be among those killed in the flotilla. Ankara warned that further supply vessels will be sent to Gaza, escorted by the Turkish Navy, a development with unpredictable consequences.

Israel has sounded an alert throughout the country fearing rocket attacks by Hezbollah in Lebanon.

The Arab League has called an urgent meeting on Tuesday to decide on a common response. Egypt is under pressure to end the blockade of Gaza while Greece has cancelled a military exercise with Isreal.

The world is waiting for the response from Washington, how will President Obama react to the provocation from America's closest ally.

Unquote

http://ibnlive.in.com/news/turkey-threatens-action-israel-on-alert/116743-2.html

Gita

1st June 2010, 11:26

Quote

US activist loses eye after being shot in face with tear gas canister

US citizen Emily Henochowicz was shot directly in the face with a tear gas canister as she non-violently demonstrated against the Flotilla massacre
http://uruknet.info/pic.php?f=ramallah05may31-fadi-400x293.jpg

An American solidarity activist was shot in the face with a tear gas canister during a demonstration in Qalandiya, today. Emily Henochowicz is currently in Hadassah Hospital in Jerusalem undergoing surgery to remove her left eye, following the demonstration that was held in protest to Israel’s murder of at least 10 civilians aboard the Gaza Freedom Flotilla in international waters this morning.

21-year old Emily Henochowicz was hit in the face with a tear gas projectile fired directly at her by an Israeli soldier during the demonstration at Qalandiya checkpoint today. Israeli occupation forces fired volleys of tear gas at unarmed Palestinian and international protesters, causing mass panic amongst the demonstrators and those queuing at the largest checkpoint separating the West Bank and Israel.

"They clearly saw us," said Sören Johanssen, a Swedish ISM volunteer standing with Henochowicz. "They clearly saw that we were internationals and it really looked as though they were trying to hit us. They fired many canisters at us in rapid succession. One landed on either side of Emily, then the third one hit her in the face."

Henochowicz is an art student at the prestigious Cooper Union, located in East Village, Manhattan.

The demonstration was one of many that took place across the West Bank today in outrage over the Israeli military’s attack on the Gaza freedom flotilla and blatant violation of international law.

Demonstrations also took place in inside Israel, Gaza and Jerusalem, with clashes occuring in East Jerusalem and Palestinian shopkeepers in the occupied Old City closing their businesses for the day in protest.

Unquote

Continued here. (http://uruknet.info/?p=m66524&hd=&size=1&l=e)

K626

1st June 2010, 12:26

We wait with intrigue to see what will come down from Obamarama.

K626

1st June 2010, 12:36

Israel/Egypt: Choking Gaza Harms Civilians
US, EU, Security Council Should Demand Greater Access for Food and Fuel
February 18, 2009

A family takes cover under the ruins of their house in Jabaliya. February 17, 2009.
© 2009 Reuters
Related Materials:
Deprived and Endangered: Humanitarian Crisis in the Gaza Strip

Israel’s major military operation destroyed many lives and dramatically worsened Gaza’s humanitarian crisis. Security concerns do not justify the collective punishment of 1.5 million people by keeping out the aid and supplies they desperately need.
Fred Abrahams, senior emergencies researcher at Human Rights Watch

(Jerusalem) – Israel should urgently end its unlawful restrictions on desperately needed humanitarian aid and basic goods entering Gaza, Human Rights Watch said today. Security concerns do not justify overly broad limitations on the delivery of food, fuel, and other essential supplies.

Since the end of major military operations on January 18, 2009, Israel has continued to block the entry of significant amounts of food, fuel, cooking gas, and construction materials into Gaza, as well as access by aid workers. The supplies and personnel are needed to alleviate the suffering of civilians, many of whose homes and workplaces were destroyed during Israel’s recent military operation."

Been going on for quite some time now. Conditions for the populous of Gaza must be horrific.

K626

1st June 2010, 12:47

Michael Kieschnick

President of CREDO Mobile
Posted: June 1, 2010 01:36 AM

The U.S. Should Break the Gaza Blockade

Brutal violence is all too commonplace. But usually it is not public, as was the Israeli Navy's attack on the flotilla bringing aid to Gaza. The flotilla was designed to bring public attention to the plight of civilians of Gaza, and it has done so.

Israel's action, undisputedly in international waters, was an ill conceived act of piracy condemned by essentially every nation other than the United States. The seizure of the flotilla of civilian ships is the consequence of a government committed to defending the siege of Gaza at all costs rather than defending Israel itself.

The United States is Israel's primary friend. But when our friend does something so clearly wrong, it is our obligation to come to the aid of the victim and demonstrate that another path is not only possible but the right approach. To do otherwise serves neither the United States nor Israel.

There is no set of facts which justifies the deaths of the flotilla civilians. Instead, faced with near universal revulsion and condemnation, Israel is trying very hard to change the subject away from the humanitarian consequences of the siege, or away from its clearly illegal boarding of a ship far out in international waters, to instead focus on the resistance of a small number of people on the attacked ship. To illustrate even the inadequacy of this defense, just imagine if the ships had been American ships delivering aid to victims of a Pakistani earthquake which were attacked by Al Qaeda."

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/michael-kieschnick/the-us-should-break-the-g_b_595628.html

Lucid Jia

1st June 2010, 13:22

"Video taken by IDF naval boat shows the passengers of the Mavi Marmara, one of the ships in the 'Free Gaza' Flotilla, violently attacking IDF soldiers who were trying to board the ship after having sent repeated requests for the boat to change course":

http://www.youtube.com/user/idfnadesk

in international waters....

.

If they were in international water, which it seems they were. Then the have the absolute right to defend themselves by any means from any invaders of their ship- according to international law.

scanner

1st June 2010, 13:42

It matters not who side you are on , I'm not remotley Jewish or Muslim or any faith for that matter, this flotilla was warned if you sail Israel will stop you . The flotilla WAS in international waters and did have the right to be their, the ship was attacked by pirates operating above international Law and boarded it . The people on board defended themselves best they could against far superior armed pirates .

So we have a situation where BOTH parties are to blame , I deplore any sort of violence no matter who you are or what you consider to be your god given ( ha ) right to take another life . They (both) parties only serve to injure themselves and the wider picture ourselves . It's no good blaming the Jewish people , it's no good blaming the flotilla folk , it's serves no purpose except TPTB.

K626

1st June 2010, 16:39

scanner

1st June 2010, 16:49

You are crystal clear .

Celine

1st June 2010, 17:07

i do not believe everything i see or everything i am told..

Blurred vision is common these days...

Not to be to cliché..but

The time of reckoning has come...

Slave's..no more.

Together we awake, Together we rise, together we change.

Enlightenment101

2nd June 2010, 00:03

Apparently someone from the USA was on board one of those smaller ships and he is reporting they came on board with weapons and paintball guns and Stun guns, and they were using them all on these people, they stunned a guy near this man, Im trying to find the interview now

Tuza

2nd June 2010, 00:10

If we dont keep a lid on those darn Israeli's who shoot first and ask questions later whether it be man, woman and child then forget it the next exchange will be bloody nuclear or worse. Where are the world leader's and their darn balls in this whole thing. Are they that scared, what's wrong with you. Grow a spine and do something for crying out loud.

Enlightenment101

2nd June 2010, 00:19

This is what happened on board, they are also saying the stuff being shown on TV is staged
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ybuKkXV-xUI

ISRAELI COMMANDOS STAGE FAKE SHIP BOARDING , this is what is all over the TV, they say this was an exercise, its staged
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gjh4KfDxZUQ&feature=related
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LeBebaYppK4&feature=related

Enlightenment101

2nd June 2010, 01:29

and if you think that is Bad check this out
People kept in cages before going to work = DEHUMANISATION

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rC8QnKWH6cI&feature=related
Women and children treated like cattle
EVERYONE SHOULD SEE THIS AND WHAT IS ACTUALLY GOING ON! Does this remind you of the Holocaust?? Residents of the West Bank have to go through the Qalandia checkpoint to get to El Aksa. On the Fridays during the Ramadan women over the age of 45 and men over the age of 50 are allowed through. Tens of thousands get to Qalandia hoping to get to the prayers on time, thousands go through and still thousands are left behind. This is what it looks like.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Pp-kRSAaw00&feature=related
Israeli girl repeatedly kicked and scraped along the road by Israeli soldiers
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Qpe6shl5XMA&feature=related
Israeli soldiers ate chocolate while shooting children
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dHUWu9T1ti8&feature=related
In the name of humanity what is Israel doing?
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bIfKvb6R-5k&feature=related
Israelis attacking children on their way to school
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KVuxQ7AHBCM&feature=related
Soldiers attack Palestinian family, arrest Shepherd, January 7th 2010
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-u6TF-Dzw8w&feature=related

Grizzom

2nd June 2010, 02:51

1019

"How you going to side step this one shine boy"

PINEAL-PILOT-IN MERKABAH

2nd June 2010, 09:10

Turkey are to send 4 frigates/destroyers to escort the next wave of flotilla aid ships. This incident was in international waters 20 people killed hundereds imprisoned. Israhell have an out of control maniacal govt. They have 400 nukes and balls i expect them to attack turkish ships. Q ww3?

Gita

3rd June 2010, 20:43

Quote

Israeli Knesset Member: Israel Wanted High Number Of Fatalities

Navy Commander: “Next time we’ll use more force”

A member of the Israeli Knesset, the legislative branch of the Israeli government, who was on board the Marmara ship when it was ambushed by IDF troops, has told reporters that the intention of the raid was to kill as many on board as they could in order to ward off others from attempting to reach Gaza by sea.

Hanin Zoabi, who currently serves as a member of the Knesset representing the Balad party, made the following comments at a press gathering today:

“It was clear from the size of the force that boarded the ship that the purpose was not only to stop this sail, but to cause the largest possible number of fatalities in order to stop such initiatives in the future.”

Zoabi added that the international flotilla to Gaza did not have any intention to cause violence:

“Our goal was to break the siege. We had no plans for a confrontation. Israel carried out a provocative military operation. Israel is used to doing as it pleases with the Palestinians. The main problem is not the ship, but the siege.”

Zoabi, a Palestinian Arab citizen of Israel, also told the media that she did not hear any warning from the Israeli commandos before they boarded the ship, an account that conflicts with statements from several Israeli government officials.

Unquote

Continued here. (Continued here. http://www.prisonplanet.com/israeli-knesset-member-israel-wanted-high-number-of-fatalities.html)

Gita

3rd June 2010, 20:52

Quote

:blink:

Israel should lead investigation into attack on Gaza flotilla, says US

Turkey's demands for international inquiry blocked at meeting of United Nations security council

The United States has blocked demands at the UN security council for an international inquiry into Israel's assault on the Turkish ship carrying aid to Gaza that left nine pro-Palestinian activists dead.
A compromise statement instead calls for an impartial investigation which Washington indicated could be carried out by Israel.

Turkey pressed for the security council to launch an investigation similar to Richard Goldstone's inquiry into last year's fighting in Gaza which prompted protests from Israel when it concluded that Israel and Hamas were probably guilty of war crimes and crimes against humanity.

Ankara wanted the investigation into the raid on the Mavi Marmara to result in the prosecution of officials responsible for the assault and the payment of compensation to the victims.

Unquote

Continued here. (http://www.guardian.co.uk/world/2010/jun/01/israel-investigation-attack-gaza-flotilla-us)

Gita

3rd June 2010, 20:58

Quote

Turkish Sources – Israeli Advance Target Assassination List Found on Flotilla

Picture of the assassination list lost in the fray by an Israeli soldier
http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_wh6KQulpuj0/TARdWUt2p4I/AAAAAAAAAcU/HJIDzv1FQqs/s320/1-18-150x121.jpg

Turkish sources and media revealed a document which shows that a death list had been prepared in advance by the Israelis, showing names and pictures of people on board of the ships to be murdered, who, according to Israel, were “involved in the International humanitarian aid for Gaza”. According to the Turkish sources, hundreds of Israeli soldiers stormed the blue Turkish ship “Marmara” flotilla and they had copies of the death list. The list included the names of civilians on the fleet who should be killed”. The document was apparently recovered after one of the Israeli soldiers lost it during the piracy act.

Unquote

Continued here. (http://www.prisonplanet.com/turkish-sources-israeli-advance-target-assassination-list-found-on-flotilla.html)

Gita

3rd June 2010, 21:02

Quote

US refuses to condemn Israel

Despite the international community's outrage over the Gaza aid flotilla attack, the US has declined to condemn Israel for the offensive.

When asked if President Barack Obama condemns Israel over the attack, the White House stuck to the wording of the UN Security Council statement on the Israeli onslaught.

The White House, Israel's strongest ally, has only voiced "regret" at the loss of lives and the injuries resulting from the use of force but stopped short of specifically condemning Israel.

Israel's high-seas interception of the flotilla has provoked a firestorm of criticism around the world and shredded Israel's already tattered relationship with Turkey, once its only Muslim ally.

Unquote

Continued here. (http://presstv.ir/detail.aspx?id=128716&sectionid=351020202)

Gita

3rd June 2010, 21:09

Quote

Gaza Flotilla: How Israel’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs Fakes Photos of Seized Weapons

On the Israeli ministry of foreign affairs’ Flickr page, the pictures of the so-called weapons seized on the ships taking part in the Gaza Freedom Flotilla provide ample evidence of the deviousness of those darned anti-semitic terrorists. Be forewarned: the following pictures are not for the faint-hearted.

Unquote

Continued here. (http://ibnkafkasobiterdicta.wordpress.com/2010/06/02/gaza-flotilla-how-israels-ministry-of-foreign-affairs-fakes-photos-of-seized-weapons/)

Gita

3rd June 2010, 21:16

'Israel is a Lunatic State' - Finkelstein on Gaza Flotilla Attack
eB_CKL5h2_8

Gita

3rd June 2010, 21:31

Glenn Greenwald Destroys MSNBC's Israeli lapdog Apologist
8j3XHHn1yWs

HORIZONS

3rd June 2010, 21:32

'Israel is a Lunatic State' - Finkelstein on Gaza Flotilla Attack
eB_CKL5h2_8

Well, he says it like it is!

Gita

3rd June 2010, 21:33

Erdogan condemns Israeli raid on Gaza aid ship **ENGLISH SUBS**
3iJ_J_ozVYM

HORIZONS

3rd June 2010, 21:36

Gita

3rd June 2010, 21:52

Me too Horizons.

Quote

As Obama Havers, Congressmen Cheer Aid Ship Massacre
Foreign Affairs Chair Lauds Killings of 'Brutal' Aid Workers

President Obama’s reluctance to comment in any but the most vague terms of the massacre of 19 aid workers by Israeli commandos late Sunday night has left many wondering exactly where the US government will fall on an issue which has been blanketly condemned by virtually every government in the civilized world and virtually every government outside the civilized world.

But the lack of White House comment has opened the door for Congressmen to stake out public positions on the matter and, perhaps predictably, those that have commented have universally praised the killings.

Unquote

Continued here. (http://www.uruknet.info/?p=m66548&hd=&size=1&l=e)

Gita

3rd June 2010, 21:58

Quote

Media Disinformation regarding Israel's Murderous Assault in International Waters

“Israeli commandos had paintball guns” – Israeli Ambassador to Russia, Anna Azari

“This happened in waters outside of Israeli territory, but we have the right to defend ourselves.” — Israeli military spokeswoman, Avital Leibovich

In Yiddish it’s called Chutzpah, to have the nerve to say something outrageous, the perfect description—if what was said wasn’t so odious—by Israeli propagandists. I’m talking here about an Israeli spokeman on RT.com the other night, attempting to justify the murderous assault on the Gaza aid activists. Attack becomes “defence”, international waters become Israeli, or not as the case may be.

Actually Chutzpah doesn’t even begin to describe the venomous and hysterical rantings of the Israeli spokesman. Eventually it just got too much for me to watch.

On the other hand we have the ‘measured tones’ of your standard BBC model, allegedly impartial and objective, yet they’re both united by a common worldview.

In the first, the Israeli one, we have the archetypal ‘Goebbels’ style, repeat the lies often enough, shout it even and the job is done. Sheer brute force stamps the Zionist reality on your forebrain.

In the second, it’s the ‘measured tones’ of the BBC repeated ad infinitum that do the trick, for underpinning both is the ideology of superiority, both racial and cultural. The BBC method is more subtle, it has all the marks of a reasoned approach to the event but amounts to the same thing; a justification for barbarism.

I think it’s worth analyzing a complete ‘analysis’ by the BBC’s diplomatic correspondent [sic] Jonathan Marcus as to how they pull off the stunt of pulling the wool over the reader’s eyes.

Unquote

Continued here. (http://globalresearch.ca/index.php?context=va&aid=19503)

Gita

3rd June 2010, 22:03

Quote

US VP defends Israeli atrocity

US Vice President Joe Biden says Israel had an "absolute right" to attack peace activists on the Gaza-bound Freedom Flotilla.

"Israel has an absolute right to deal with its security interest," Biden said in an interview on PBS's "Charlie Rose" show on Wednesday.

Biden said the US supported an Israeli investigation of the incident with international involvement, similar to South Korea's recent probe into the sinking of one of its warships.

He also played down any suggestion of a rift between Israel and the United States.

No US administration in history "has been as up-front and supportive of Israel's security as this administration," Reuters quoted Biden as saying on Wednesday.

Biden made the expression of support for Israel despite the fact that the attack on the Freedom Flotilla has been strongly condemned across the globe.

The Israeli military attacked the Freedom Flotilla in international waters in the Mediterranean Sea early on May 31, killing at least 19 people on board the six ships, mostly Turkish nationals, and injuring about 50 others.

Israel also arrested nearly 700 activists from 42 countries on board the Freedom Flotilla, which was attempting to break the siege of Gaza in order to deliver humanitarian assistance to the long-suffering people of the territory.

Unquote

Source (http://www.presstv.ir/detail.aspx?id=128843&sectionid=3510203)

Midnight Oil

4th June 2010, 09:32

There's much more than meets the eye in this flotilla situation, I will inform you guys to best of my knowledge. Give me couple of hours to put it all together...

PS: Why am I not bumped as a senior member?, I'm still seeing a message on top of the forum telling me that soon someone will upgrade me to senior member for full access..confused. I'm an ex-member by the way...

Gita

4th June 2010, 10:41

Quote

Can Americans be murdered by the Israeli government with impunity?

For several days, Israel has been able to contain some of the fallout from the flotilla massacre by withholding information about the dead and injured. The object of this exercise has clearly been to slow the flow of information in the hope that by the time the most damning facts become known, the international media’s attention will have turned elsewhere.

But the dead now have names and faces and one turns out to be a nineteen-year-old American: Furkan Dogan.
Dogan is alleged to have been shot with five bullets, four in the head.

Does the Obama administration intend to investigate the circumstances in which one of its citizens was killed? Protecting the lives of Americans is after all the most fundamental responsibility of our government.

Dogan’s death was presumably instant, but according to Al Jazeera’s Jamal Elshayyal there were others on board the Mavi Marmara who died because Israeli soldiers refused to treat their injuries.
"After the shooting and the first deaths, people put up white flags and signs in English and Hebrew. An Isreali [on the ship] asked the soldiers to take away the injured, but they did not and the injured died on the ship."

Crimes have been committed and since the suspects all acted under the direction of the Israeli government and its defense forces and took place on international waters outside Israel’s area of legal jurisdiction, "a prompt, impartial, credible and transparent investigation conforming to international standards" — a demand made by the UN Security Council with the support of the Obama administration — cannot be conducted by the Israeli government or a commission appointed by them. An investigation conforming to international standards must also be an international inquiry.

Unquote

Source (http://uruknet.info/?p=m66620&hd=&size=1&l=e)

Gita

4th June 2010, 10:47

Midnight Oil - PM one of the mods and they'll sort it for you. :thumb:

CENSORED Mainstream Media - Israels simultanious demonstrations Against Fascism all around Israel
57vvS3HKbLI

Gita

4th June 2010, 10:50

Quote

Israel killed more than 9, threw wounded into sea, witnesses say

Planes carrying 520 aid volunteers and nine dead bodies of activists killed by Israeli security forces on Monday returned home on Thursday, with many claiming mistreatment at the hands of Israeli military officers and other officials and additional allegations that not everyone has returned.

Unquote

Continued here. (http://www.todayszaman.com/tz-web/news-212103-israel-killed-more-than-9-threw-wounded-into-sea-witnesses-say.html)

holcaul

4th June 2010, 13:40

The injured were not thrown to the sea, this is total bull! I know that simply because I'm a Critical Care Nurse in an Israeli Hospital, and for the past 3 days I've been treating two injured Turkish "activists" who were shot by our commandos team because they were trying to murder our soldiers, and that I also know for a fact, some of them are hospitalized heavily wounded in hospitals around the country. These Turkish "activists" are members of the IHH fundamentalist terrorist organization. Knowing that, they are receiving the best care. I personally spoke with one of them yesterday. So please, stop saying Israelis and stop generalizing. I hate the decisions of our politicians, in fact I hate our politicians. And when they decided to send in the heavy guns they forgot to ask the people, like they always do.

PS
In a quick conversation I had with one of the Turkish "activists", knowing he is hospitalized in an Israeli hospital he wrote to me (since he's intubated his only way of communication is writing), "I am a Muslim", and I told him, don't worry half of my colleagues are muslim arabs, so he should stop worrying and that I dont have a problem with that.

Gita

4th June 2010, 13:46

Don't worry holcaul, on this forum we don't equate people with their governments. I also wouldn't say the activists tried to 'murder' the soldiers - they were trying to defend themselves and knew exactly what was in store for them. Anyone regradless of their nationality would do that. The soldiers should not have been there and it was them who ended up murdering all those people. Welcome to the forum btw.

holcaul

4th June 2010, 15:01

Let me clarify something, the ones who were shot were, basically terrorists. I've spoken to guys from the operating room, they told me that when they removed their clothes, there were knives attached to their bodies. You can say, heavily armed. It was a provocation! More like a game of politics!

Peace of Mind

4th June 2010, 15:23

It is unwise to bring a knife to a gun fight; every one knows this. This sounds a bit suspect to me. I don’t believe anything that comes out of the mouth of any government official. When I see tanks and fighter planes go against sticks and stones I automatically think there is a whole lot of the story that isn’t coming out. It’s funny (not really), how we always get to hear more of Israel side, so I won’t speculate until everyone has told their side. I have my own reasons not to believe in terrorism. People only fight for injustices and greed….now what side you stand on is totally up to you. No one has to justify anything to me…I’m not the one that’s going to judge nor relinquish the affects of karma.

Peace

Gita

4th June 2010, 15:33

Sorry Holcaul, don't buy it!! I wouldn't call knives heavily armed compared to machine guns!! The provocation came from the israel soldiers - they shouldn't have been there. Israel government seem to think they can do whatever they please and slaughter innocent people on a daily basis. If you have joined this forum just to defend your government then you are wasting your breath cos here we do our research and we have a good idea. If you have joined this forum to defend your people then you are still wasting your breath cos we don't tar the people with the same brush as their government. I've posted vids on this thread showing the disgust of some of the Israelian people. :peace:

holcaul

4th June 2010, 16:01

IDF did not use machine guns in that operation. They were using pistols (Glocks), the guys from the operating room told me that they removed only 9mm bullets, that means that only small firearms were used. The commandos team started firing at the terrorists when they were fired upon not even when they were beaten senseless by sticks and knives, that I heard directly from one of the soldiers that was on the ship on the morning after the attack. Yes the terrorists stole firearms from the crew. It was a pure provocation!!! The problem is that israeli government could choose many more peacefull ways to resolve this. Just to let you know, this attack is openly considered a failure even here in Israel.
You are not listening to what I'm saying. Very well then. Be it your way. I'm leaving this discussion. A little piece of advice, if you want the truth, you should really stop watching television, because what's shown there is nothing more than biased misleading disinformation, when ANY of the sides presented. I'm on the other hand, coming out with solid facts that were not filtered by media.

PS
Remember, this provocation is all part of a much bigger plan of separation.

Peace and Love.... and happy Awakening

Rocky_Shorz

4th June 2010, 16:40

thank you for coming forward with first hand info, that was my thought to when I saw the soldiers on the ground was what happened to their weapons...

This was a training exercise to make a tape on how to handle a ship boarding that is already been spread through all the groups...

This boarding method must never be used again, the compromise of allowing the ships to unload in Egypt for the goods to be hauled across into Gaza is the direction to move forward keeping both sides neutral of further conflict.

Hull Charges that will punch holes needs to be how the next attempts are handled so those owning the ships understand they will be sunk on the next try at breaking the blockade.

The owners of the ships will not risk multi-million dollar vessels...

Eric J (Viking)

4th June 2010, 16:48

I think we need to look at the bigger picture here...

Why did the Israelis steal land from the Palestinians all those years ago?...Why are US supporting the Israelis to the tune of billions each year?.. Why have the Israelis put a blockade on Palestine with all sorts of supplies denied to them? Why have they suppresed the Palestinians to the extent that desperation borders on suicide?...Why? Why? Why? the military might of the Israelis should be ashamed of themselves for war crimes against humanity...They are the wrong doers in this situation...Hey how would we all act if we were living the life of a Palestinian??

The Palestinians will have there day!! their time is coming...

viking

Rocky_Shorz

4th June 2010, 16:59

well it isn't a matter of them having their day, they need to get off the Iran agenda and just recognize Israel's right to exist in peace.

According to a Palestinian friend of mine, the fastest way for Israel to stop the bombings would be to invest in mental hospitals. He says most of the bombers and those launching the attacks are completely nuts. The Saudi's have had great success in de-radicalization centers training towards a moderate Islam instead of the extremist agendas of the Iranians.

I think it would be a much better use for the billions we are handing to Israel instead of advanced weaponry...

Drop books, not bombs...

Eric J (Viking)

4th June 2010, 17:04

greybeard

4th June 2010, 17:10

I think that the big picture is that ordinary Palestinians and ordinary Israelis could get on fine together after all they are of the same family originally.
Peace is not in the interest of those that control the media so everything is done to inflame the situation by biased reporting.
We are, everyone is brainwashed by the media. The news is the biggest tool of the enemy of peace.
Thats not to say it didn't happen but it might be that the Israelis fell into a very successful propaganda event in which innocent people were sacrificed to keep the war going.
Taking it to root cause, Who exactly benefits from keeping all wars going and promoting fear and unrest?
Boy are they good at it.
I take the side of peace and harmony.
Take the media version of anything with a pinch of salt its not neutral in anything.
Chris

Rocky_Shorz

4th June 2010, 17:25

right now as an American you could travel to Jerusalem in complete safety, Muslims, Christians and Jews living side by side in peace...

yes there is anger on both sides but most of it is at government levels not the people who sit side by side each other in restaurants or their office going through their daily lives working to keep a roof over their family with food in the fridge.

Most of the radicals went to Gaza, which left the rest of them in peace.

Abbas has been traveling to Gaza trying to work on reconciliation with Hamas to bring them together.

Think of it this way, what if the Mexicans decided to take back California? What would America do if they rolled Ballistic missiles to the border that could wipe out San Diego and LA and suicide bombers started strapping bombs to themselves and running inside of restaurants and blowing themselves up for the cause? The fences are already going up separating the countries, the borders are closed to anyone not having permission to cross.

it has only been 160 years, the battle over Israel has gone on for thousands of years...

The Mexican War between the United States and Mexico began with a Mexican attack on American troops along the southern border of Texas on Apr. 25, 1846. Fighting ended when U.S. Gen. Winfield Scott occupied Mexico City on Sept. 14, 1847; a few months later a peace treaty was signed (Feb. 2, 1848) at Guadalupe Hidalgo. In addition to recognizing the U.S. annexation of Texas defeated Mexico ceded California and , New Mexico (including all the present-day states of the Southwest) to the United States.

BACKGROUND

As with all major events, historical interpretations concerning the causes of the Mexican War vary. Simply stated, a dictatorial Centralist government in Mexico began the war because of the U.S. annexation (1845) of Texas, which Mexico continued to claim despite the establishment of the independent republic of Texas 10 years before. Some historians have argued, however, that the United States provoked the war by annexing Texas and, more deliberately, by stationing an army at the mouth of the Rio Grande. Another, related, interpretation maintains that the administration of U.S. President James K. Polk forced Mexico to war in order to seize California and the Southwest. A minority believes the war arose simply out of Mexico's failure to pay claims for losses sustained by U.S. citizens during the Mexican War of Independence.

History Link (http://www.lone-star.net/mall/texasinfo/mexicow.htm)

Gita

4th June 2010, 17:26

Quote

Time To Tell The Truth About Israel ... Without Fear Of The Mind Police

The Thought Censors don't like it? Tough

By David Icke
January 10th 2009

Hello all ...

So yet again the people of the virtual-concentration camp, known officially as 'Gaza', are being bombarded from the sky and from the ground by the bully-boys of Tel Aviv.
State-of-the art Israeli jets and tanks, paid for by the United States, strike civilian targets in this tragic, poverty-stricken wasteland which acts as a holding camp for the human beings the Israeli government would rather be dead.

The world watches as a nation of people, the Palestinians, is systematically crushed and destroyed by the tyrants who call the shots in Israel on behalf of that country's real power structure - the House of Rothschild.

And, taxpayers of America (and elsewhere), you are paying for this calculated slaughter.

American aid to Israel accounts for something like a third of all US overseas aid when Israel is home to just .001 per cent of the global population and has one of the highest incomes per head in the world. This is without all the 'private' donations from US corporations and individuals which are tax-deductible even when given to the Israeli military, unlike any other foreign power.

According to 2007 figures, the United States government gave more than $6.8 million to wealthy Israel every day while to the desperate and devastated Palestinians of the Gaza Strip and the West Bank they gave just $300,000.

US military 'aid' to Israel increased by more than a quarter to an average $3 billion a year in 2007 - a figure guaranteed for ten years. This and other support makes Israel the biggest recipient of United States foreign military funding since the Second World War.

The United States is also Israel's biggest supplier of fighter planes, weapons and other military technology. As a result, Israel has the world's largest F-16 fleet outside the US Air Force. In their book, The Israel Lobby and U.S. Foreign Policy, John J. Mearsheimer and Stephen M. Walt write:

'Since the October War in 1973, Washington has provided Israel with a level of support dwarfing the amounts provided to any other state. It has been the largest annual recipient of direct U.S. economic and military assistance since 1976 and the largest total recipient since World War ll. Total direct U.S. aid to Israel amounts to well over $140 billion in 2003 dollars.

Israel receives about $3 billion in direct foreign assistance each year, which is roughly one-fifth of America's entire foreign aid budget. In per capita terms, the United States gives each Israeli a direct subsidy worth about $500 per year. This largesse is especially striking when one realizes that Israel is now a wealthy industrial state with a per capita income roughly equal to South Korea or Spain.'
Why do they do this? Because the House of Rothschild controls Israel and the House of Rothschild controls the political system of the United States. The network that links the two is called 'Zionism', a Rothschild creation - just like Israel itself.

The might of this Zionist cabal spanning Israel, the United States, Europe and beyond is yet again, like the playground bully that it is, attacking the little kid in the callipers - the people of Gaza.
At the time of writing the death toll is more than 800 Palestinian men, women and children with thousands injured, many disabled for life. They are bombing the unarmed innocent knowing there will be no credible response - the way all bullies operate. Oh, brave men of Israel; oh how Yahweh would be so proud:

'When the LORD your God hands these nations over to you and you conquer them, you must completely destroy them. Make no treaties with them and show them no mercy.'
Deuteronomy 7:1-4

What we are seeing in Gaza, and have seen so many times, both there and in the Lebanon, is merciless Old Testament slaughter: cold, calculated, heartless slaughter.

'So they sent twelve thousand warriors to Jabesh-gilead with orders to kill everyone there, including women and children. "This is what you are to do," they said. "Completely destroy all the males and every woman who is not a virgin".'

Judges 21:10-24
'Then I heard the LORD say to the other men, "Follow him through the city and kill everyone whose forehead is not marked. Show no mercy; have no pity! Kill them all - old and young, girls and women and little children. But do not touch anyone with the mark. Begin your task right here at the Temple".'

Ezekiel 9:5-7
'So they began by killing the seventy leaders. "Defile the Temple!" the LORD commanded. "Fill its courtyards with the bodies of those you kill! Go!" So they went throughout the city and did as they were told.'

Ezekiel 9:5-7
The parallels are endless between the bloodthirsty 'God' of the Old Testament and the actions of the heartless, soulless, Artificial Intelligence that controls Israel, most notably the biological robots of the House of Rothschild who thus have no soul, no empathy, no more mercy for the consequences of their actions than a desktop computer.

Imagine if Iran or anyone else outside Israel and the United States (both Rothschild assets) was doing what the Israeli military is doing in Gaza. There would be global condemnation, not least from Israel and the United States, resolutions passed in the UN Security Council fiercely attacking the country involved and talk of the need for sanctions or military intervention to 'save the innocent'.
But when Israel does it we have vacuous calls for a truce, an end to the violence while 'understanding Israel's position', and, in terms of soon-to-be President 'Change' Obama, silence. It's all a fraction of what others would face because Israel is a wholly-owned asset of the Rothschilds and so is not subject to the same rules as anyone else. As former Israeli Prime Minister, Ariel Sharon, said:
'Israel may have the right to put others on trial, but certainly no one has the right to put the Jewish people and the State of Israel on trial.'

And Prime Minister Golda Meir betrayed the same Zionist arrogance:

'This country exists as the fulfilment of a promise made by God Himself. It would be ridiculous to ask it to account for its legitimacy.'

Ah, it's all in the Old Testament? Gotcha, right, well do as you like then.

The 'Jewish homeland' was from the start a Rothschild fiefdom orchestrated through the global secret society network of interbreeding families known as the Illuminati.

During the Israeli military attacks on the Lebanon in 2006, the Israeli writer, Barry Chamish, told of a meeting with Evelyn Rothschild's grandson, who abandoned the family to be a Mormon (so actually he didn't, even if he thought he did).

Chamish said he learned that just seven families were enjoying the 'fruits of the war' with the Lebanon. The grandson had said of the Rothschilds: 'They created Israel as their personal toy. It makes them richer and gives them more control. It's not going to be destroyed.'

The Rothschilds funded the early European settlers in Israel, manipulated events in Germany that led to the horrific treatment of Jewish people and others, and then used that as the excuse to reach their long-term goal - a Rothschild-Illuminati stronghold in Palestine using the Jewish population as fodder to be used and abused as necessary.

They called their plan 'Zionism'. This term is often used as a synonym for Jewish people when it is actually a political movement devised and promoted through the House of Rothschild and opposed by many Jews.

The Israeli bully-boys spend most of their time condemning the terrorism of others and yet their very State was created through terrorism of the most grotesque kind via groups like Irgun, Haganah and the Stern Gang, which bombed and terrorised Israel into being and from which came the Israel Defence Forces, the IDF, which is bombing Gaza today.

Among the leading lights in these and other terrorist groups were Menachem Begin, Yitzhak Shamir and Ariel Sharon, butchers who became Israeli Prime Ministers and had the nerve to condemn Arab terrorism. And to this day the butchery goes on with the goal of destroying the Palestinian people.

After the Rothschild-controlled Zionist terrorists had bombed the State of Israel into existence in 1948, an estimated 800,000 Palestinians were made refugees and fled what had been their own country. Their descendents are said to number some four million.

And the world simply looked on - just as it does to this day - because Israel is a law unto itself and so terms like justice, fairness, decency and mercy do not apply.

http://www.davidicke.com/oi/extras/09/Israel/10.jpg

Palestinian families fleeing the newly-imposed Israel after their country was occupied by Zionist terrorism in 1948.

The idea was always to destroy the Palestinian people step-by-step long before Israel was even created. The Balfour Declaration of 1917, in which the Rothschild-controlled British government supported the establishment of a 'Jewish' homeland in Palestine, said that 'nothing shall be done which may prejudice the civil and religious rights of the existing non-Jewish communities in Palestine'.

But the Rothschild sidekick Chaim Weizmann would later say: 'With regard to the Arab question - the British told us that there are several hundred thousand Negroes there but this is a matter of no consequence'. Nor have they been ever since and the goal of destroying them is closer today than ever before.

The first Prime Minister of Israel, yet another terrorist called David Ben-Gurion, made no secret of this fact within his inner circle. Former Israel Prime Minister, Yitzhak Rabin, said in an uncensored version of his memoirs, published in the New York Times on 23 October 23rd, 1979:

'We walked outside, Ben-Gurion accompanying us. Allon repeated his question - What is to be done with the Palestinian population?' Ben-Gurion waved his hand in a gesture which said "Drive them out!"'
The current bombing campaign against the Gaza Palestinians is just the latest step to that end. They have forced Palestinians into a Gaza Strip that is little more than a massive concentration camp in which they control all that goes in and out, people or supplies of food, medicines and other essentials.

When the Israelis close the border posts, that's it, the Palestinians are trapped and at the mercy of the soulless and heartless that control the Tel Aviv government and military under Rothschild direction.
One writer recently described conditions in Gaza:

' ... Israel nails shut the coffin that is Gaza under a siege that has lasted nearly three years, steadily intensifying so that malnutrition rates rival those of sub-Saharan Africa, sewage runs raw in the streets and pollutes the ocean, homes are still being bulldozed to super-add collective punishment upon collective punishment; men, women and children are still being sniped at and killed; children are deafened by continuing sonic booms, the vast majority of them suffer from post-traumatic stress syndrome, and many of that majority have no ambition other than becoming "martyrs" ...'
And it's a whole lot worse now.

How can anyone inflict such a lack of mercy on an entire people? The question can only be answered when we understand that Zionist extremists really do believe they are God's Chosen People and that therefore the Palestinians are little more than cattle.

The Israel Prime Minister and terrorist, Menachem Begin, described the Palestinians in a speech to the Israeli parliament as 'beasts walking on two legs'. Another Prime Minister and terrorist, Yitzhak Shamir, told Jewish settlers in 1988 that the Palestinians 'would be crushed like grasshoppers ... heads smashed against the boulders and walls.'

Prime Minister and terrorist, Ariel Sharon, then Israeli Foreign Minister, confirmed in 1998 what the plan really was for the Palestinians:

'It is the duty of Israeli leaders to explain to public opinion, clearly and courageously, a certain number of facts that are forgotten with time. The first of these is that there is no Zionism, colonialisation, or Jewish State without the eviction of the Arabs and the expropriation of their lands.'

The plan is to kill or drive out the Palestinian people using poverty, hunger and war and so allow the Zionists to expand into 'Greater Israel'. That plan is now well advanced.

In early 2008, the United Nations' leading humanitarian affairs official said he was 'shocked' by the 'grim and miserable' conditions in Gaza. Undersecretary General John Holmes blamed this on Israel closing the border crossings and so limiting the supply of food and other materials - just as they are doing today.

He said: 'All this makes for a grim human and humanitarian situation here in Gaza, which means that people are not able to live with the basic dignity to which they are entitled'.
But they are just 'beasts walking on two legs', right?

Richard Falk, the UN Human Rights Council Special Rapporteur on the occupied territories, has also condemned Israel for its actions in Gaza. He is Jewish and therefore much more dangerous to the Israel government because he can't be dismissed as the old favourite 'anti-Semitic'. Or maybe he is a 'self-hater', the tag given by these sick people to those Jews who speak out against Israel.

Falk's punishment for daring to criticise the Promised Land as a UN official was to be held for 20 hours and then denied entry to the country and so he is prevented from doing his job of reporting on conditions for the Palestinian people during the current air and ground attacks.

His entry was denied in mid-December - perfect timing not to be there for the latest bombing that they knew was coming. Click here for an interview with Richard Falk ...

The Bush administration for the last eight years has been dominated by the Neo-conservative, or 'Neocon', network which is, itself, dominated by US/Israeli duel citizens and/or Zionists like Paul Wolfowitz, Richard Pearle, Dov Zackheim, William Kristol, Robert Kagan, Elliot Abrams, Douglas Feith, John Bolton, Robert B Zoellick, Dick Cheney, Donald Rumsfeld and others. The neo-con godfather is the late Leo Strauss, a German-born Jewish 'philosopher', who believed that people must be governed by a 'pious elite'.

But surely those days of Zionist dominance are over because 'Mr. Change' is coming to 'power' now. Er, if only. Barack Obama has packed his 'new' administration with Zionists like Rahm Emanuel, his White House Chief of Staff.

Emanuel's father, Benjamin, is a Zionist extremist who was a member of the Irgun terrorist group in Palestine that I mentioned earlier and we can clearly expect the Obama administration to be balanced and fair on its Israel/Palestinian policy. No wonder Obama has kept quiet on the Israeli bombing of Gaza.

The Obama government is going to be slavishly pro-Israel because he needed the sanction of the truly massive Zionist lobby in the United States to secure the presidency. His vice-president, Joe Biden, is a long-time bag-carrier for Israel. He said on Israeli television: 'I am a Zionist - you don't have to be a Jew to be a Zionist'. Secretary of State Hillary Clinton is another Israel puppetess who pledged to 'obliterate' Iran if it launched a nuclear attack on God's chosen country.

Would she say she would obliterate Israel if it launched a nuclear attack on Iran? No way.

The Palestinians have never had a chance because the table is weighted, the game is rigged and it always has been. At the time of the First World War, the Rothschild-controlled British government told the Palestine Arabs that if they fought the Ottoman Turks and forced them to leave Palestine and other lands they would be rewarded with an independent Palestine.

The Palestinian Arabs agreed and with support from the British through Lieutenant Colonel Thomas Edward Lawrence - 'Lawrence of Arabia' - the Ottoman Empire was defeated. But their reward was not independence. It was first rule by a British 'Mandate' and then occupation by Zionist Israel.

The Arabs were lied to, as Lawrence later admitted, and they have been lied to ever since. All these 'road maps' and 'peace processes' are always designed to lead nowhere. They are just holding positions to maintain the status quo until the Palestinians are basically no more.

http://www.davidicke.com/oi/extras/09/Israel/14.jpg

The Israelis always say they are killing people in 'retaliation' for attacks by the Palestinian group, Hamas, which officially controls the Gaza 'authority', although control is hardly the word with Israel deciding what and who goes in and out.

Hamas operatives are firing seriously low-tech rockets that have so far killed four people. Terrible, yes, and it should not be happening. I have no brief for Hamas, which is another tyranny in its own way, but ask yourself this: What would you do if you were faced with the situation the Palestinians are in after sixty years of oppression and persecution while the world does nothing?

If you remove the injustice, you remove the motivation for a violent response to that injustice. Put people in a position where they either accept their pathetic plight or open fire and some are bound to choose the latter.

But instead of tackling the root cause, injustice, Israel responds with a state-of-the-art bombardment that kills more than 800 and injures thousands in a few days, at least 90% of which are men, women and children who have nothing whatsoever to do with the rocket attacks. In 2007, 25 Palestinians were killed for every Israeli. That's more than just 'protecting yourself'.

Unquote

Continued here. (http://www.davidicke.com/articles/war-and-terror-mainmenu-45/19027-time-to-tell-the-truth-about-israel-without-fear-of-the-mind-police)

Rocky_Shorz

4th June 2010, 18:33

At The Arab Summit: President Abbas Slays the Dragon
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/hani-almadhoun/at-the-arab-summit-presid_b_527725.html
Hani Almadhoun - DC-based Gaza native and Non-Profit worker
April 6, 2010 07:08 PM

During the latest Arab Summit held in Libya to discuss Netanyahu's assault on everything Palestinian in the holy city of Jerusalem, a rare and honest discussion broke out among the Arab leaders. Dubbed as the "Jerusalem" summit, many Arab dignitaries including leaders, kings, and presidents attended to show solidarity with the city and its Palestinian residents. It was very hard to hold this summit together due to differences in opinions and personal animosities some leaders have against each other, but this Arab Summit passed with little drama. The Arab Summit was held on March 27th and 28th. Arab citizens had very low expectations, as nothing the aging leaders decide has any weight. The accounts of what took place during the summit's closed session involved a provocative exchange between the Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas, the Syrian President Bashar Assad, the Libyan leader Moamer Kaddafi and the Amir of Kuwait, Sheikh Sabah as the Arab leaders discussed their "choices"

Kaddafi started by advising the fellow Arab leaders to denounce the failed peace process and return to armed struggle, but only in Palestine. Syria's delegation jumped on the resistance wagon and declared its support to the Libyan proposal, announcing that they have always been supporters of armed struggle and made no apologies about their support for Palestinian armed factions. The Libyan leader then suggested that the Arabs should also support Syria in liberating the Golan Heights, also under Israeli military occupation. Amir Sabah of Kuwait interjected and asked those two leaders to be "wiser." The Amir argued that such a proposal would be the ultimate gift for the Israeli Benjamin Netanyahu, who is struggling to improve his tainted image. Resorting to armed struggle would give Netanyahu ammunition to re-proclaim to the world "Arabs only understand violence." The Amir went one step further and reminded the attending dignitaries that the US is making an effort to pressure Israel. In other words, the Libyan proposal would make it harder for the Americans to pressure Netanyahu to freeze his land-grab policies. The Amir urged his fellow leaders to donate to the $500 million Palestine fund to alleviate their suffering.

President Abbas did not fall into the trap of standing against legitimate resistance. Abbas did not want to be defending an unpopular Israeli government who has no interest in peace. When he took the podium he made his case in a few points:

1. There is popular Palestinian resistance in many cities throughout the West Bank. The popular resistance in those areas, such as Hebron and Bil'in, are peaceful on the part of the Palestinians and enjoy tremendous international support.

2. Hamas, the militant group in Gaza that enjoys support from the Syrian government, has stated through Mahmoud Zahar, a prominent Hamas leader, that launching indiscriminate rockets on Israel is "unpatriotic", and undermines national interest. President Abbas showed that armed struggle during the second intifada has brought more damage on Gaza than it can handle. "We will not allow for Gaza to get destroyed once more by another Israeli military offensive."

3. If the Arab leaders chose armed struggle, then that's fine as long as all Arabs join in and not just commission the people of Palestine with armed struggle. It was reported that Abbas said "I will not fight the Israelis with the Palestinian citizens alone," "if armed struggle is the mutual choice, we the Palestinians will be in the front line, but alone we should have to be not be."

4. Abbas made it clear that the current Israeli government under Prime Minister Netanyahu is not interested in peace. Abbas stressed that any future peace agreement with the Israelis that does not guarantee the Palestinian capital in Jerusalem is worthless.

Toward the end of the meetings, the exchanges got heated. Refusing to be upstaged by President Abbas, the Libyan leader said that war with Israel will complicate things for the Arab regimes -- if not end their regimes. Kaddafi maintained, however, that the Palestinians are in a different position. Kaddafi further argued that the Libyans and the Algerians lost many of their youth in the struggle against colonialism without the help of other Arabs. President Abbas was reported to say, why don't we also issue a statement calling on the Syrian army to liberate the Golan Heights? The suggestion received a warm welcome from Kaddafi, but sources confirm that President Assad "got the message" and declared that peace, not war, is his strategy.

Ultimately, the Libyan leader agreed with President Abbas' vision for peaceful resolution. President Abbas, who was snubbed by Kaddafi on a State visit to Libya a few weeks prior to the Summit, chose to go to the Lion's den and make his case to leaders who disagree with his vision. One thing remains clear: if Abbas and his team of technocrats fail, the consequence of their failure is grave, and that's a conclusion even his hardest-hitting critics agree with. Rejecting a proxy war on behalf of the other Arab regimes was a good move for President Abbas, who knows violence will only beget more violence and everybody loses.

so a month Later, Hamas tried to pull them back towards conflict by breaking the blockade and provoking an attack by Israel that would be seen around the world...

Gita

4th June 2010, 19:38

There always has to be one Rock and no suprise it's you again! You can't expect people to stand back and do nothing after decades of torment. I wonder how you would behave if it was you and yours? What's your game here now? I’ve noticed with you that you find little snippets of info and then post them with the intention of getting everything out of context. It’s always good to see the bigger picture and find the truth in that. If you feel that you need to support innocent people being murdered then that’s your ‘karma’. Don’t expect decent folk to join in with you. Palestinians are being tormented as we ‘speak’ and you feel the need to justify it. Knock yourself out – suppose someone’s got to.

Eric J (Viking)

4th June 2010, 19:39

Perspective...

Israel’s Deadly Assault on the Gaza Freedom Flotilla: Murder on the High Seas
Tue, 06/01/2010 - 11:32 — Anonymous

Like the cop who batters someone senseless at a demonstration and then accuses the victim of “banging his head against my baton,” Israel’s Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has accused the victims of Israel’s brutal military assault on a peace convoy to Gaza of attacking Israeli soldiers. An Israeli deputy ambassador to the UN went further, saying, “What kind of peace activists use knives, clubs and other weapons to attack soldiers who board a ship in accordance with international law?''

Let’s straighten this out. The question to be asked is: what kind of country
sends heavily armed troops to assault a boat filled with unarmed, peaceful civilians, and slaughters nine or more of them as if they were enemy troops in a war zone?

It is undisputed that the boarded ship, the Turkish Mavi Marmara, and five smaller vessels, were in international waters. According to witness reports, including those of respected mainstream journalists who were on board, naval commandos, acting on the highest authority from the Israeli government, but behaving more like Somali pirates, boarded the Turkish ship with guns blazing, and continued to fire even as the activists on board had raised a white flag. The boarding, according to Marjorie Cohn, former president of the National Lawyers Guild, and other legal authorities, was illegal under international maritime law, and in any event, given the fact that the ships were civilian, and the passengers non-military, even had they been in Israeli waters, could have been negotiated peacefully, had Israel wanted to do this.

There was no urgency. The Israeli Navy had the power to prevent the ships from landing without firing a shot. It admits it had nets that could have halted five of the vessels, and it has larger naval vessels that could have halted the Mavi Marmara, either by forcibly towing it, or by physically blocking its way.

NPR, in a particularly repulsive report on the bloody assault which killed 9 people and wounded many more, referred to it as a “bungled raid.” The New York Times, on Tuesday, in a news article, reported as fact, with no attribution, that “the operation seems to have gone badly wrong.” But this was no “bungled” action, or action that had “gone badly wrong. “ The Israeli attack, and the deadly methods it employed, were both clearly deliberate, and had to have been intended to send a message to those who would assist the imprisoned population of Gaza, who for four years and through an Israeli invasion of that territory almost a year and a half ago, has been kept on a starvation diet by an illegal Israeli blockade.

Israel clearly wanted a violent confrontation, as it didn’t need to initiate one to stop the ships from delivering their cargo. The Israeli claim that the violence was justified because some on the boarded ship offered resistance to the IDF attackers, using metal pipes, is absurd. Israel has been fighting an unfair, uneven battle of tanks and Uzis against stone-throwing Palestinians for so long that it apparently no longer even recognizes that the rest of the world sees it for the homicidal bully that it is. Israeli special forces clearly have the training to disarm untrained attackers wielding pipes or even knives (my own 16-year-old, 130 lb., 5’7” son, with his karate training, could handle that).

And let's be honest here. Israel is trying to have it both ways, and the two official explanations are mutually exclusive: On the one hand the government claims that the commandos were armed only with "paint-guns" and were "caught by surprise" by the boat's "violent" passengers, but on the other hand, it also says it was convinced that the flotilla was organized by what it calls a "terrorist organization" with "links to Hamas and Hezzbollah." If the latter is true, there's no way the commandos were allowed to board the ship without assault weapons and other heavy arms. If Israel actually knew the flotilla had no "terrorist" connection, then a violent, armed assault and the use of lethal force was unnecessary.

The reality is that we are dealing with a pariah state, no better at this point in its respect for international law and basic human rights (where non-Israelis are concerned), than North Korea. And maybe worse. At least the North Koreans fired their weapon at a South Korean military vessel. The Israeli Defense Force attacked a vessel filled with civilian peace activists, including elderly Holocaust survivors and young children.

While the captured peace activists were held incommunicado in Israel on a military base that is closed to reporters, Israel gushed propaganda like a wild BP oil well, trying to make the case that the boats were carrying contraband (ball bearings and sling-shots in one account). Such ludicrous assertions, ultimately disproven, hardly justify Israeli actions in the assault. Moreover, the speed with which such alleged contraband was “found” on a ship carrying thousands of tons of relief supplies, suggests either disinformation, or that something was planted, either by the IDF boarding party, or by Mossad agents before the ships had even set sail.

This Israeli raid confirms the total bankruptcy of Israel’s position in the world. By killing Turkish nationals and by violating the rights of a Turkish vessel, Israel has permanently poisoned its relations with the only real ally it has had in the Muslim world--a country that only recently actually allowed Israel to use its airspace to attack a suspected nuclear reactor site in Syria. It has also done enormous damage to relations with the US, where public support for Israeli policy towards the Palestinians was already tanking, following the brutal invasion of Gaza last year.

American political leaders are still scurrying around trying to avoid alienating the powerful pro-Israeli lobby in the US, the American Israel Public Affairs Committee (AIPAC). President Obama, the recent Nobel Peace Prize winner, when confronted with the assault, could only work himself up to the point of expressing “deep regret” at the loss of life, and calling for in investigation (by Israel!) into “all the facts and circumstances” of the incident. Such limp and even-handed comments are unacceptable, and are becoming increasingly out of touch with public sentiment. Even given the shamelessly pro-Israeli slant to most US media coverage of this and other Israeli actions, many Americans, including many American Jews, are finding it harder and harder to support Israeli policy.

On Memorial Day my wife and I had dinner at the home of a some close friends who are Jewish. Three other Jewish couples were also present, two of whom, frequent visitors to Israel, mentioned that they were planning a trip to the country this summer. During the whole evening, there was no mention at all of the Israeli raid. It was as if we were all at the zoo looking at the tiger exhibit, and everyone was talking about rabbits. The other three couples who were guests, none of whom were familiar to me, my politics, or even the fact that I am not Jewish, said nothing. Our friends said nothing. And I clearly knew that if I said anything at all, all hell would break out. Clearly though, all the Jewish Americans present realized that the attack would be an explosive issue even amongst themselves, about which there would be irreconcilable differences of opinion.

It needs to be mentioned that those helicopters that lowered the Israeli commandos onto the ship were American-built. Most of Israel’s formidable military is either made in USA or paid for by the USA. Indeed as attorney Cohn notes, Israel is the largest recipient of US military aid since WWII. If public support in the US for Israel continues to erode, pressures to end that kind of military support will mount. Already, many in the senior ranks of the US military are criticizing America’s unquestioning backing of Israeli military and foreign policy, saying that it is leading to the needless deaths of American soldiers. Americans, even many Jewish Americans, are becoming increasingly critical of the Jewish state.

The irredentist, apartheid religious state of Israel is heading down a dead-end road

http://regator.com/p/242606739/israels_deadly_assault_on_the_gaza_freedom_flotilla/

viking

Rocky_Shorz

4th June 2010, 21:24

well you both have valid points, why don't we all fall into the manipulation of TPTB and demand WW III starts right now

Why don't we provoke Iran into launching an attack on Israel that will kill 500,000 Palestinians...

Palestine was the spoils of War taken from the Ottoman empire

Fighting between the Arab and Jewish communities of Palestine began in November 1947, immediately after the UN decision to create a Jewish state. The Arab States declared they would greet any attempt to form a Jewish state with war.[46] Dr Izzat Tannous, the Palestinian Arab representative to the UN declared that

We are now at war, a war in which no quarter will be asked and none will be given. It will be a battle of life and death and woe to the vanquished.[47]

Fighting spread as the British gradually withdrew. The Arab League could not invade until the British completed their withdrawal, and planned an invasion for the day after. In this phase, before the British departure, the struggle was a civil war. Arab forces consisted of village militias buttressed by the Arab Liberation Army, a force composed largely of Arab volunteers from across the Middle-East but which included European mercenaries including British deserters, German Nazis[48] and veterans of the (Bosnian Moslem) Croatian Waffen SS (whose commander had been the Palestinian Mufti of Jerusalem). The Jews had their militias (including many World War II veterans) and a several thousand strong professional force called the Palmach.

Initially the Arabs had the advantage as the British maintained an embargo on Palestine's seas preventing the Jews from importing arms or manpower while Arab states could supply local Arabs who also occupied more strategic areas. The Jews, however, had a slight manpower advantage over the local Arabs among males in the twenty to forty-four age group,[49] were better organized and believed themselves to be fighting for their lives. Jewish taxes had funded both the British army in Palestine and British support for the Arab population so the Jewish economy benefited from the British departure while the Arab economy collapsed as the war expanded. The Jews had an elected government (the Va'ad Leumi) already in place with an independent taxation system.

In the early stages 100,000 Palestinian Arabs, mainly the upper classes and the better off fled to neighbouring states.[50] Before May 1948, 150,000 more fled or were evicted during fighting as the Jews slowly overpowered the Arab forces. Jewish preparation for the Arab invasion led to the eviction of hostile Arab communities who controlled access routes. In Haifa the Arab Higher Committee (who were based in Syria) refused to allow a negotiated cease fire with the Jews or allow the Arab population to remain under Jewish control thus contributing to the departure of the city's Arab population.[51] There was particularly heavy fighting on the road to Jerusalem, whose 100,000 strong Jewish community was cut off from the rest of the country, and this led the Jews to destroy most of the Arab villages along the narrow route they eventually established between Jerusalem and Tel Aviv.

The terms of engagement was declared by a Palestinian Arab...

" We are now at war, a war in which no quarter will be asked and none will be given. It will be a battle of life and death and woe to the vanquished"

but as long as Hamas is stating the moment they are released from their prison they will start another war, Israel has the right to keep them captive to protect their country.

There is nothing fair about war, but all Hammas has to do is say "Ya Ammu" "Uncle" and agree to end the war and live with Isreal in peace, it will be over...

Rocky_Shorz

4th June 2010, 21:28

History of Israel (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/History_of_Israel)

Gita

4th June 2010, 21:54

It seems logic has completely escaped you Rock. Stop talking from your ego and lets stick to facts and intentions here - unless you want to make this all about you and not the millions whose generations have been suffering and still are. You want to support the zionist then fly your flag and carry on with countless murders. Like I said before, knock yourself out - as hard as you want.

Rocky_Shorz

4th June 2010, 22:01

Iran never engaged when the first wars were going on and they won't again if it breaks out.

They are using Turkey as their little puppets along with Hammas, Syria and Hezbolla

The difference now is that Israel understand who is behind the manipulation and won't think for a moment about leveling Tehran in a nuclear blast...

There are bullets in one of the vest worn by one of the boarding party, a weapon was taken and first shots were fired by the peacekeepers...

That is what this whole discussion is about, who's fault was the deaths on the ship.

You are the one who has played into the manipulation I myself am seeking the truth...

Egypt opened their borders because of this incident and had one of their soldiers shot on the border...

Pandora's box is open...

Gita

4th June 2010, 22:12

Rock, I can't even be bothered to read your idiotic posts so have no idea what the hell you are going on about and have no interest. Why on earth you are trying to bring Iran into this - well I can only guess and I can guess pretty well. So you think you are an investigator - well let me tell you the so called investigator has been investigated and I'm on to you and your agenda and you are not worth my time or energy. and FYI the pandora's box was opened a long time ago so keep up slow coach. If you can't contribute anything decent here then open your own thread and worship your Zionists.

Ross

4th June 2010, 22:31

Hi all,

Please, lets keep this thread on topic and not personal! This is a touchy subject and worthy of a thread but refrain from name calling and personal attacks...this thread is a discussion, not a political war of personal views.

Ross

Gita

4th June 2010, 22:34

With you there Ross. It is a touchy and heart wrenching and soul tearing 'topic' which is happening as we speak and been happening before some of us were born. Sticking to topic and facts - well I'm all for that.:thumb:

Rocky_Shorz

4th June 2010, 23:53

There are 2 sides to every story (http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/news/world/middle_east/article7144448.ece)

From The Times
June 5, 2010
Israeli commando who shot six dead on ship may get ‘medal of valour’

Six of the nine activists killed in Monday’s raid on an aid convoy were shot by a single Israeli commando who is now being considered for a medal of valour.

Israeli reports of the likely award for the soldier — credited with saving his injured comrades as passengers attacked them with clubs, knives and even the guns they had captured from the commandos...

As he landed on the top deck, he said he saw three of his superior officers who had landed ahead of him lying injured, one with a bullet wound to the stomach, another shot in the knee and the third beaten unconscious. He formed his men around the wounded, drew his 9mm Glock pistol and opened fire on passengers who he says had fired at the boarding party with guns captured from the first soldiers to land.

“When I hit the deck, I was immediately attacked by people with bats, metal pipes and axes,” he said. “These were without a doubt terrorists. I could see the murderous rage in their eyes and that they were coming to kill us.” He said he saw one of the passengers holding a seized pistol to another Israeli commando’s head...

Alexandra Lort-Phillips, a 37-year-old activist from Hackney, East London, described seeing an Israeli soldier taken down into the stairwell below the deck where the soldiers landed.

“I went down the stairwell and there was a massive crowd of people and lots of shouting,” she told The Times. “There was a sense of ‘My god, we’ve got an Israeli soldier’. I don’t think we really knew what we were going to do. I saw a gun being taken. His gun belt was removed and someone ran past me with the weapon and disappeared. They could have shot him but didn’t.”

Tuza

5th June 2010, 00:09

When things like this happen it's only going to get worse. The whole Middle East religious and political situation is the one I worry about the most, fundamentalists get extremely angry about certain situations and then the shtf and innocent people suffer.

Rocky_Shorz

5th June 2010, 00:17

these are the types of Shipments Israel has been finding inbound from Iran... 100 Tons of rockets and bombs...

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Samarkis

5th June 2010, 02:11

Chris..........I am very relieved that more & more people are realizing that only a small faction are truly responsable for all issues thruout the world and it is always the ones that PROFIT from others pain & misery that truly instigate the issues............we Humans MUST see thru the plots, MUST see thru the ploys and stand united against violence and demand responsability from both sides of the fence..........Everywhere, ordinary people truly want peace,harmony & abundance............let's put down the sides and the races and the cultures and look who truly is gaining from these tragic events...............

In Light to all Sentient Beings...........

I think that the big picture is that ordinary Palestinians and ordinary Israelis could get on fine together after all they are of the same family originally.
Peace is not in the interest of those that control the media so everything is done to inflame the situation by biased reporting.
We are, everyone is brainwashed by the media. The news is the biggest tool of the enemy of peace.
Thats not to say it didn't happen but it might be that the Israelis fell into a very successful propaganda event in which innocent people were sacrificed to keep the war going.
Taking it to root cause, Who exactly benefits from keeping all wars going and promoting fear and unrest?
Boy are they good at it.
I take the side of peace and harmony.
Take the media version of anything with a pinch of salt its not neutral in anything.
Chris

Enlightenment101

5th June 2010, 04:56

It appears even if the news isnt reporting yet, that Irsael took control of the Rachel Corrie , boarded it by gun point 47 of them, and are pulling it into Israel

Enlightenment101

5th June 2010, 13:09

In two weeks watch for a new group of boats to head to Gaza, alot of press going with them next time, and a few famous guests....... this isnt over!!!!

Rocky_Shorz

7th June 2010, 01:55

Iran's navy offers to escort Gaza ships
Official: Elite Revolutionary Guards are prepared to intervene

TEHRAN - Iran's elite Revolutionary Guards are ready to provide a military escort to cargo ships trying to break Israel's blockade of Gaza, a representative of Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei said on Sunday.

"Iran's Revolutionary Guards naval forces are fully prepared to escort the peace and freedom convoys to Gaza with all their powers and capabilities," Ali Shirazi, Khamenei's representative inside the Revolutionary Guards, was quoted as saying by the semi-official Mehr news agency.

Any intervention by the Iranian military would be considered highly provocative by Israel which accuses Iran of supplying weapons to Hamas, the Islamist movement which rules Gaza.

Well, here we go...

Israel's Nuclear subs are in position now Iran is pulling their ships within reach of Tel Aviv

tick... tick... tick...

Tuza

7th June 2010, 11:19

Gee Rocky, I know it is a real worry, I mean just trying to do anything around or near their state of Israel is like asking them to push the button but a bit of positive visualization and asking for help wouldn't go astray about now. Please folks for the little ones sakes at least, some prayer and uplifting thoughts might be nice right about now.

Rocky_Shorz

7th June 2010, 18:56

OK we have less than a month to stop WW III this is what needs to happen immediately...

1st - America needs to tell Israel we are going to start hauling in supplies for Gaza, no finger pointing of who's fault the incident was, just a statement it is going to start
2nd - America needs to talk with all the allied parties and drop an instant blockaid against Iran, not jut imports but exports. I saw in a dream they are loading nuclear weapons aboard the ship, they must not leave Iran even if they are only dirty bomb level they must be stopped.
3rd Israel pulls their subs back from their location within striking distance of Iran
4th Syria, and Turkey need to be pulled into the decision making process for middle east peace to join Saudi Arabia, Jordan and Egypt.
Syria, Iran and Turkey were handed a quarter of Kurdistan to allow Israel to live in peace any move voids the agreement and they need to stop occupation and control of those lands.
5th Israel needs to agree to no further expansion of their territory and that they will hand back lands they have taken if all parties agree to live in peace.

All huge steps for all parties involved, but the other choice is nuclear exchanges that will kill 10s of millions of innocents...

There is no choice, just make it happen...

Etherios

7th June 2010, 19:51

All huge steps for all parties involved, but the other choice is nuclear exchanges that will kill 10s of millions of innocents...

There is no choice, just make it happen...

No they are not HUGE steps... simple logic survival steps. They need to wake up and understand that we cant go on like this .. wish peace will win in the end.

RedeZra

8th June 2010, 14:34

Zionism is the same sinister system

running in both Capitol Hill and Knesset

as Joe Biden says

I don't have to be a Jew to be a Zionist

it's been a long time since Abraham found favor with God

a blessing that has long been exhausted

here is no chosen nation

it all depends on the nation's people

it seems the US and Israel are brothers in wars

or partners in crime

for wtf are they fighting for

Gita

9th June 2010, 11:20

Quote

Israel Intercepts New Gaza Aid Ship

The Israeli Navy has intercepted a new Gaza-bound aid ship Rachel Corrie following its earlier attack on the Gaza Freedom Flotilla, pro-Palestinian activists say.

"They are being followed," Greta Berlin of the Free Gaza group told Reuters on Saturday.

Berlin said earlier that the Rachel Corrie was some 55 km (35 miles) west of Gaza in the Mediterranean.

The new ship, scheduled to arrive in the Gaza Strip on Saturday, was seeking to break a three-year-long blockade of the coastal sliver.

There are no immediate reports of violence on board the Irish ship.

The activists have already rejected an Israeli demand to unload its cargo in the Israeli port of Ashdod, adding that they would not resist Israeli forces in case of an attack.

Unquote

Continued here. (http://www.presstv.ir/detail.aspx?id=129086&sectionid=351020202)

Gita

9th June 2010, 11:23

Quote

More Anti-Israel Demos Across the Globe

http://www.davidicke.com/images/stories/June20101/tarapour20100605003005403.jpg

'Demonstrations are continuing across the globe, demanding that Israel be held accountable for the deadly attack on the Gaza-bound Freedom Flotilla. On Friday, around 7000 demonstrators took to the streets of Stockholm to protest against Israel's act of aggression on the high seas.

In the southern French port city of Marseille, home to France's largest community of North African origin, demonstrators called on the government to cut relations with Israel. They chanted a number of slogans, saying that Israel is a criminal country and France must cease its diplomatic, commercial, and other relations with Israel "which is behaving as a real pirate".'

Unquote

Continued here. (http://www.presstv.ir/detail.aspx?id=129080&sectionid=351020202)

Gita

9th June 2010, 11:31

Quote

UPDATED, June 5: RACHEL CORRIE M.V. THREATENED BY THREE ISRAELI PATROL BOATS IN INTERNATIONAL WATERS

Latest news communicated to Global Research directly from the Rachel Corrie MV in the Eastern Mediterranean.
The Irish-flagged ship Rachel Corrie MV which is sailing towards the Gaza Coastline in international waters has, as of 3.15am GMT, June 5th, been approached by three Israeli patrol boats. No action has as yet been been taken by the patrol boats. The ship is reported to be some 50 km. off the Gaza coastline.

Message from Matthias Chang, head of the Malaysian delegation:

9:30am (KL Time) - Three Israeli patrol boats are now following Rachel Corrie. (2.30am GMT)

10:00am (KL Time) - Israeli boats coming towards our ship. Stay calm. Send out message. (3.00am GMT)

Last contact, 10:35am (KL Time) - They have jammed our radar. (3.35 GMT)

(Note: KL Time approximately 5-6 hours ahead of Rachel Corrie)

Please spread far and wide .."

According the the Jerusalem Post, the Malaysian representative of the Perdana Global Peace Organization on board the Rachel Corrie:

"stated on its website Saturday morning that the ship's passengers had agreed to let an international force search the ship, before it proceeds to Gaza.

The statement said that, while the activists rejected Israel's right to blockade Gaza, the activists 'request and invite for an independent international body, preferably inspectors from the the United Nations to board the ship and do the necessary to certify as to the nature of the cargo on board.'"

LATEST: The Rachel Corrie MV was boarded by the Israeli Navy close to Gaza at about 5.50am local time. The passengers are said to be under arrest.

Unquote

Continued here. (http://globalresearch.ca/index.php?context=va&aid=19560)

¤=[Post Update]=¤

Quote

Al Jazeera Reporter: Israel Fired On Gaza-Bound Ship Before Boarding

'According to Jamal ElShayyal's account of the raid, the Israeli military had fired on the Mavi Marmara before boarding the ship. "It was evident there was definitely fire from the air, because one of the people who was killed was clearly shot from above -- he was shot, the bullet targeted him at the top of his head," ElShayyal said. "There was also fire coming from the sea as well." This account differs from the one given by the Israeli military.'

Interview with Al Jazeera's Jamal ElShayyal: One of the passengers on the Mavi Marmara
0cQ69oKFtVg

Unquote

Gita

9th June 2010, 11:37

Quote

Israel to free Irish ship activists

One day after Israel stopped another Gaza-bound aid ship as part of its crippling blockade on the impoverished strip, Tel Aviv says it will deport activists abducted on the new vessel.

The Israeli Navy on Saturday intercepted and later seized an Irish aid ship, the Rachel Corrie, which was carrying 1,000 tons of aid for the impoverished people of Gaza.

The ship was later transferred to the port of Ashdod.

Unquote

Continued here. (http://presstv.ir/detail.aspx?id=129204&sectionid=351020202)

Gita

9th June 2010, 11:40

:rolleyes::rant:

Quote

Israeli commando 'to get valor medal'

An Israeli commando who shot dead several activists in a recent attack on a Gaza-bound international aid convoy may receive a medal of valor, a report says.

The Times Online reported on Saturday that the nominated Israeli soldier single-handedly killed six campaigners on the Turkish ship, Mavi Marmara -- one of the six ships of the Freedom Flotilla.

The convoy was carrying hundreds of activists and thousands of tons of supplies for the people of Gaza, who have been under siege for three years.

The flotilla came under attack on Monday by Israeli commandos, leaving at least nine activists dead and more than 40 others injured.

Unquote

Continued here. (http://presstv.ir/detail.aspx?id=129123&sectionid=351020202)

Gita

9th June 2010, 11:45

Quote

'Israelis threw 4 injured into the sea'

Activist Idris Simsek, who was on board one of the six ships of the Freedom Flotilla during the Israeli attack, claims that four wounded activists were thrown into the sea.

The Israeli troops also put immense psychological pressure on the activists of the Freedom Flotilla, the Turkish dailyToday's Zaman quoted Simsek as saying in an article published on Saturday.

Simsek said they expected some harassment from the Israeli forces but did not expect an armed attack.

He went on to say that he witnessed that the person who waived the white flag to surrender was shot by the Israeli troops.

Unquote

Continued here. (http://presstv.ir/detail.aspx?id=129190&sectionid=351020202)

Gita

9th June 2010, 11:55

Quote

Rep. Sherman: Prosecute U.S. Citizens involved with Gaza Flotilla

On a press call hosted by a pro-Israel organization, Rep. Brad Sherman, Democrat of California, told reporters that he intends to seek the prosecution of any U.S. citizens who were aboard or involved with the Freedom Flotilla.

“The Antiterrorism and Effective Death Penalty Act of 1996 [PDF] makes it absolutely illegal for any American to give food, money, school supplies, paper clips, concrete or weapons to Hamas or any of its officials,” Sherman said on the Israel Project call, conflating Hamas and Gaza’s civilian population. “And so I will be asking the Attorney General to prosecute any American involved in what was clearly an effort to give items of value to a terrorist organization.”

Sherman also said that he plans on working with the Department of Homeland Security to make sure that any non-U.S. citizen involved with or aboard the Flotilla are excluded from entering the U.S.

Unquote

Continued here. (http://www.lobelog.com/rep-sherman-prosecute-u-s-citizens-involved-with-gaza-flotilla/)

Gita

9th June 2010, 12:00

Quote

Popular Anger Grows As World Leaders Let Flotilla Killers Off The Hook

With as many at least nine young lives taken in international waters and the Middle East once again plunged into crisis, the so-called leaders of the world have done nothing but petition Israel to investigate and punish itself. Reporting from Aaron Dearborn.

As attention now shifts from the high seas to closed door meetings in Washington, Ankara and the Hague, there is a growing frustration as politicians and spin doctors ingloriously try to manage the diplomatic fall-out of the pre-dawn massacre.

In many ways, this response is telling. Such hesitation and gross spinelessness from our elected leaders in confronting Israel was what necessitated the Freedom Flotilla in the first place.

But with demonstrations against the brutality of the IDF taking place around the world, it is now the credibility of Arab and Western governments themselves that stands in the firing line.

Civilians have been attacked. Civilians have been massacred. Civilians want justice. But with every day that passes since the flotilla bloodshed, the truth becomes buried deeper under military propaganda and the criminals edge closer to safety. With it too goes whatever shred of belief was left in the collective power of the White House, the UN Security Council and the Arab League of Nations to hold Israel to account.

Unquote

Continued here. (http://uruknet.info/?p=m66686&hd=&size=1&l=e)

Gita

9th June 2010, 12:04

Quote

Israeli forces gun down Palestinians

Four Palestinians have been shot dead by Israeli gunboats off the Gaza coast as Tel Aviv faces more criticism over its blockade of the impoverished coastal sliver.

The bodies of four men were washed up to the shore near the Gaza Strip city of Zahraa on early Monday, an official at Gaza's Ministry of Health told a Press TV correspondent.

The bodies, delivered to Deir al-Balah hospital morgue, reportedly belonged to Palestinian fishermen who were targeted by Israeli naval patrols.

The Israeli army confirmed the attack, claiming the men came under Israeli fire when they were spotted wearing diving suits.

Unquote

Continued here. (http://presstv.ir/detail.aspx?id=129335&sectionid=351020202)

Gita

9th June 2010, 12:09

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Was the Obama Administration involved in the Planning of the Israeli Attack on the Gaza Freedom Flotilla?

The Israeli Navy Commando had prior knowledge of who was on the Turkish ship including where passengers were residing in terms of cabin layout. According to Swedish author Henning Mankell, who was on board the Marmara , "the Israeli forces attacked sleeping civilians."
These were targeted assassinations. Specific individuals were targeted. Journalists were targeted with a view to confiscating their audio and video recording equipment and tapes.

"We were witnesses to premeditated murders," said historian Mattias Gardell who was on the Mavi Marmara.

"...Asked about why activists on the Turkish ship had attacked the Israeli soldiers, Gardell stressed "it is not as if Israel is a police officer whom no human being has the legitimate right to defend him or herself against":

"If you are attacked by commando troops you of course must have the right to defend yourself ... Many people on this ship thought they were going to kill everyone. They were very frightened ... It's strange if people think one should not defend oneself. Should you just sit there and say: 'Kill me'?" he said." (See Mahdi Darius Nazemroaya, Detailed Compiled Eyewitness Accounts Confirm Cold-Blooded Murder and Executions by Israeli Military, Global Research, June 1, 2010)

“They even shot those who surrendered. Many of our friends saw this. They told me that there were handcuffed people who were shot,” (quoted by Press TV)

The Israeli Commando had an explicit order to kill.

What was the role of the United States?

Unquote

Continued here. (http://globalresearch.ca/index.php?context=va&aid=19573)

Gita

9th June 2010, 12:15

http://www.davidicke.com/images/stories/June20101/gas.jpg

Gita

9th June 2010, 12:20

Passengers grabbed Israeli weapons to stop the killing
QeUhwELoKWo

Gita

9th June 2010, 12:25

Quote

Kidnapped by Israel and abandoned by Britain

A British-born al-Jazeera producer recalls his ordeal on the Gaza flotilla

I joined the Mavi Marmara in Istanbul on Friday 21 May as one of between 30 and 40 journalists reporting on the flotilla's mission to Gaza. I am a journalist for al-Jazeera.

It was at 11pm local time on the evening of the 30th, as we were headed for Gaza, that we first spotted the Israeli military from afar. I asked the organisers what they expected to happen. They told me they had decided to move as far away from the military zone as possible, and as far away from the Israeli army and as deep into international waters, because they wanted to avoid a confrontation.

Unquote

Continued here. (http://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/middle-east/kidnapped-by-israel-and-abandoned-by-britain-1992518.html)

Gita

9th June 2010, 12:29

Quote

Iranian aid ships to set sail for Gaza

Two Iranian aid ships carrying humanitarian relief and medical supplies for the people of Gaza will set sail for the coastal sliver in the upcoming days.

Iran's Red Crescent announced Monday that the cargo will include food, medicine and appliances and it will be accompanied by a group of Iranian doctors and relief workers.

"The aid consists of food and medical supplies, which will be transported into Gaza via the Rafah border in Egypt before the week is through," the country's Red Crescent Director Abdolraoof Adibzadeh said.

The Rafah border crossing is the only escape route from Gaza that does not lead to Israel.

"Iran is also preparing to dispatch a navy hospital ship for the people of Gaza, which will have onboard doctors, nurses and all the medical equipment required for emergency surgeries and procedures," Adibzadeh further explained.

Unquote

Continued here. (http://www.presstv.ir/detail.aspx?id=129349&sectionid=351020101)

Gita

9th June 2010, 12:34

Quote

An Exclusive on: Israel’s Dr. Strangelove – Uzi Arad

http://www.davidicke.com/images/stories/June20102/uzi-arad.jpg

This is the man who probably should be criminally indicted for Israel’s high-seas massacre of people on the Peace Flotilla.The latest total is 64 badly wounded, killed, or missing.Turkey, Egypt, and other countries should certainly blacklist him from any further visits. He is Israel’s Dr. Strangelove.

Like with so many other sensitive things about Israel, the question needs to be asked: Why are the major US newspapers and TV networks not telling the American people about Uzi Arad, arguably the most important and most dangerous man in Israel when it comes to war and peace, the man who really has his finger on Israel’s nukes, the man who has publicly threatened to totally destroy Iran, as well as the man thought to be most responsible for the 31 May massacre?

Unquote

Continued here. (http://mycatbirdseat.com/2010/06/exclusive-israel%e2%80%99s-dr-strangelove-%e2%80%93-uzi-arad/)

Gita

9th June 2010, 12:37

Quote

Egypt: Gaza Blockade A Failure

http://www.davidicke.com/images/stories/June20102/free_d.jpg

SHARM EL-SHEIKH, Egypt — After three years of cooperating in the Israeli blockade of Gaza, Egypt said Monday that it will leave its border with the Palestinian territory open indefinitely for humanitarian aid and restricted travel.

With international pressure building to ease the blockade, an Egyptian security official said sealing off Hamas-ruled Gaza has only bred more militancy.

The decision to ease the restrictions erected by Israel to isolate and punish Hamas comes a week after a deadly Israeli raid on a flotilla of activists trying to break the blockade.

The move restores a link to the outside world for at least some of Gaza's 1.5 million Palestinians. It also appeared calculated to defuse anger in the Arab and Muslim world over Egypt's role in maintaining the blockade and to show that Egypt, too, is now pressing Israel to open at least its land crossings with Gaza.

Unquote

Continued here. (http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2010/06/07/egypt-gaza-blockade-a-fai_n_602705.html)

Gita

9th June 2010, 12:42

Quote

Abbas to send 'reconciliation team' to Hamas in Gaza

ISTANBUL — Palestinian leader Mahmud Abbas said on Monday that he would send a delegation to the Gaza Strip to seek reconciliation with the Islamist Hamas movement after Israel's deadly aid flotilla raid.

"The best answer to (the raid)... is for Palestinian groups to reconcile and resist Israel hand-in-hand," Abbas told Turkey's NTV news channel in Istanbul where he was to attend a meeting of an Asian security grouping.

"We have put together a delegation from the Palestinian leadership to go to Gaza and persuade Hamas to reconcile," he said with a voice-over translation into Turkish.

The only condition for reconciliation is for Hamas to accept the plan drawn up by Egypt last year which called on the two groups to make peace and hold elections, he said.

"I believe and hope that this time we will succeed," the Palestinian leader added.

Unquote

Continued here. (http://www.google.com/hostednews/afp/article/ALeqM5ha_Qi7OQylzSKvSVpmdsD7ZAYxvA)

Gita

9th June 2010, 12:46

Truth about Israel's last war
D4pH-QsuiaE

Gita

9th June 2010, 12:51

Quote

Autopsy Shows Israel Executed Wounded, Worse Than Munich 1972

The entire world joined with Israel in 1972 when Black September radicals murdered Israeli Olympic athletes in Munich. The world was never told of the torture prisons in Israel or the truth about the 1967 War, the "land grab" and the ethnic cleansing that followed. Even still, the Munich attack was an unthinkable horror, one Israel has now duplicated with the execution slaying of peace activists and humanitarian aid workers. The Israeli paper, Hareetz has published the autopsy results.

Israel executed wounded, abused corpses and emptied automatic weapons into bodies at point blank range. These were the acts of brutal animals, not humans. Israel has bred a generation of monsters. Israel has an obsession with monsters, the gollum, the sickness of the soul that has driven every nation that has embraced belief over humanity and myth over truth. Israel is and has always been a nation of contradictions, the best and brightest sometimes led by the worlds worst con men, chiselers, torturers and yes, the exact same people the holocaust tells of.

Unquote

Continued here. (http://sabbah.biz/mt/archives/2010/06/06/autopsy-shows-israel-executed-wounded-worse-than-munich-1972/?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+SabbahsBlog+%28Sabbah+Report%29)

Gita

9th June 2010, 12:57

Quote

Israel keeping Gaza aid seized

Tons of humanitarian aid remains confiscated by Israel which seized the cargos in a bloody assault on the international convoy bearing them.

The relief supplies amount to 10,000 tons of construction material, medical equipment and school supplies.

The seizure took place during Israeli commando's confrontation with the multinational relief mission, Freedom Flotilla, in international waters on May 31. The attack killed at least 20 activists.

The Palestinian resistance movement on Tuesday rejected Tel Aviv's claim that the group is to blame for the cargos' not reaching their original destination, the Gaza Strip, the German Press Agency (DPA) reported.

Unquote

Continued here. (http://presstv.ir/detail.aspx?id=129646&sectionid=351020202)

Gita

9th June 2010, 13:01

Quote

Nailed Again: IDF Description of Suspicious Photo It Distributed Is Retracted

http://www.davidicke.com/images/stories/June20102/idf-lie-knife1.jpg

On May 31, the IDF Spokesman’s Office distributed a photo of a bearded Muslim man with a knife surrounded by reporters. Daylight was pouring in from a window or door behind the reporters. Offered without context or explanation, the photo played up a classic Orientalist stereotype of violent, fanatical, and even suicidal Muslims determined to kill Jews. It was included in an article based on testimony from anonymous commandos with the following title: "Israeli Navy Commandos: Gaza flotilla activists tried to lynch us."

The IDF apparently told Haaretz that the photo was taken immediately after its Naval commandos raided the Mavi Marmara and other flotilla ships — at least, that’s how Haaretz described the photo based on an IDF source. Yet the raid was conducted under the cover of darkness. How could a photo obviously taken during daytime have portrayed an event that took place during the late evening? Do Muslims have magical powers that allow them to turn night into day? And why were reporters standing around, casually taking photos when commandos were supposedly getting "lynched?" Once again, the IDF’s story was highly suspect.

Unquote

Continued here. (http://uruknet.info/?p=m66816&hd=&size=1&l=e)

K626

10th June 2010, 00:06

I've lost track of who's running who these days, it used to be that Israel used to do whatever America said (upto a point), now it seems Amrerica is scared of upsetting Israel at all costs. The silence of Obama on the matter is deafening. :confused:

Rocky_Shorz

10th June 2010, 01:31

I think Obama is being very clear on where he stands...

President Obama on Wednesday pledged an additional $400 million in assistance for housing, school construction and business development in Gaza and the West Bank, telling Palestinian leader Mahmoud Abbas in a one-on-one meeting that the US is committed to improving the lives of those who live there.

"We think it is important to reaffirm our commitment to improving the day-to-day lives of ordinary Palestinians," Obama told reporters after the morning meeting.

First he has been pressing Israel to stop settlements, now he is moving forward with bringing aid to the Palestinians in Gaza...

Egypt has agreed to stop any ships trying to deliver aid from Iran so they can not travel through the Suez Canal. They will force them to unload to be inspected and Egypt will haul in the supplies.

Iran is not going to be allowed to get within striking distance.

will they risk sending a naval fleet around Africa to guard the shipment?

Rocky_Shorz

10th June 2010, 01:50

UN Security Council Approves New Iran Sanctions

(Reuters) - The U.N. Security Council imposed a fourth round of sanctions in as many years on a defiant Iran on Wednesday over a nuclear program the West suspects is aimed at developing atomic weapons.

World

Iran insisted it would go ahead with the uranium enrichment at the center of the dispute. President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad said the U.N. resolution was "valueless" and should be thrown "in the waste bin like a used handkerchief."

But Russia and China, which have strong economic ties with Tehran and have at times resisted sanctions, fully backed the new U.N. move to blacklist dozens of Iranian military, industrial and shipping firms.

U.S. President Barack Obama said the sanctions, which also provide for inspections of suspect cargoes to and from Iran and tighten an arms embargo, would be vigorously enforced.

Story (http://www.reuters.com/article/idUSTRE6575A820100609)

looks like WW III has been diverted again...

Let's see if what Obama offered is enough to wind down Turkey...

Rocky_Shorz

10th June 2010, 03:59

Gul and Erdogan...

The world will be holding you responsible to stop the flow of weapons across your border from Iran to Syria...

You have been wanting to become a full member of the European council, how you handle the current situation will be a big part in the upcoming vote...

Iran has already broken the original agreement which means the UN should be moving forward with returning the lands Iran is occupying and controlling to the Kurds.

The Kurds will not think twice about allowing America to build the largest military base in the middle east on the edge of their lands...

50 miles from Tehran...

Do your part, show as a member of the United Nations your goal is world peace...

Northern Boy

10th June 2010, 04:45

Gita

10th June 2010, 08:51

Quote

Israel set to OK 'quid pro quo' Gaza deal: report

Israel is set to accept a plan under which it would ease its Gaza blockade in return for the international community agreeing a limited probe into a deadly flotilla raid, it was reported Wednesday, as Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas was due to hold talks with U.S. President Barack Obama in Washington.

The Daily Telegraph reported that Britain last week circulated a document outlining proposals to ease the blockade. It quoted an unnamed Western source close to the talks with Israel saying: "A quid pro quo deal is in the offing."

Israel has outlined plans to hold probes into the legality of its naval blockade of Gaza and the raid last week on an aid flotilla which was bidding to break it which killed nine people.
It is reportedly considering setting up an investigative team made up of Israeli jurists and former diplomats as well as two foreign observers.

This would fall short of the independent, international investigation several world leaders have called for.

On the blockade, the Daily Telegraph said Israel has been asked to ease access into Gaza at crossings and allow the U.N. to convey material needed to rebuild 60,000 homes destroyed or damaged in the 2008-09 Gaza war.

"Israel could be flexible about items reaching the civilian population," said an unnamed Israeli official quoted by the paper.

Officials deny there is a link between their willingness to cooperate and matters related to the inquiry, the paper said.

Unquote

Continued here. (http://www.alarabiya.net/articles/2010/06/09/110853.html)

Gita

10th June 2010, 08:57

Quote

Blair '100 percent on Israel's side'

As the world presses Israel to heed calls for an international probe into its deadly Flotilla attack, former British Premier Tony Blair echoes Tel Aviv's alleged security concerns.

Having met with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Defense Minister Ehud Barak on Tuesday, Blair called for a "full and impartial" investigation into the attack, saying "there may be some sort of international element that could be part of it."

Blair, however, assured that he wholeheartedly supports what he called Israel's right to self-defense and backed Israel's movement restrictions on the Gaza Strip.

"There's no question that there are rockets fired from Gaza and that there are people in Gaza who want to kill innocent Israelis," the Israeli daily Haaretz quoted him as saying on its website.

"When it comes to security, I'm 100 percent on Israel's side. Israel has the right to inspect what goes into Gaza."

Blair, the special envoy of the Quartet of Middle East peace mediators, was echoing Netanyahu's defense for the May 31 commando attack on a Gaza-bound aid convoy that killed 20 activists onboard the fleet and left more than 40 injured.

The Israeli prime minister who had earlier supported the onslaught as "an act of self-defense," praised the Israeli army on Tuesday for their performance during the naval operation.

"You have proved that there's no limit to your skill, and I salute you," Netanyahu told army forces. Among the elite forces were navy commandos from Shayetet 13, the unit involved in last week's fatal attack.

Israel has been defying the global community's call for an international probe and insists to lead its own controlled examination of the carnage of Gaza-bound activists.

Tel Aviv's version of the probe would only see whether the attack was legal, according to Israeli Minister without portfolio Benny Begin.

Unquote

Source (http://presstv.ir/detail.aspx?id=129666&sectionid=351020202)

Gita

10th June 2010, 09:07

Quote

Israel trying to prevent intl. Probe

Israel is looking for ways to prevent an independent investigation into its deadly attack on a Gaza-bound aid convoy on May 31 which claimed 20 lives.

The UK-based newspaper The Daily Telegraph reported on Tuesday that Britain last week circulated a document outlining proposals to ease the blockade. It quoted an unnamed Western source informed on the talks with Israel as saying, "A quid pro quo deal is in the offing."

On the blockade, the report said that Israel has been asked to ease access into Gaza at crossings and allow the UN to convey material needed to rebuild 60,000 homes destroyed or damaged in the 2008-09 Israeli offensive on the Palestinian enclave.
The paper said the plan proposed by Britain falls short of what the international community first said it wanted.

Israel is faced with mounting pressure to explain why the activists on the Gaza Freedom Flotilla were attacked first, given the fact that the tragic incident took place in international waters.

Turkey, whose citizens died on the flotilla, earlier said normalization of ties with Israel would be "out of the question" if Tel Aviv failed to agree to an international investigation.

Israeli officials could even be tried over the incident in the International Court of Justice.

Meanwhile, the Turkish Prosecutor's Office in Istanbul has already initiated a probe in which Israeli Premier Benjamin Netanyahu is the prime suspect behind the assault, and Defense Minister Ehud Barak and the Israeli army's General Chief of Staff Gabi Ashkenazi are regarded as potential perpetrators.

Israel's efforts to evade an international probe come while twenty-one Asian and Middle Eastern countries at a security summit in Istanbul expressed "grave concern and condemnation" over the attack on the humanitarian aid fleet.

Unquote

Source (http://presstv.ir/detail.aspx?id=129696&sectionid=351020202)

777

10th June 2010, 09:13

Thankyou for your tireless updates on this situation Gita, they are really appreciated:cool:

I saw in the news last week that Britain is pledging a lot of aid to Gaza and only this morning that Obama has pledged a load of cash too. I can't link the sources coz my internet is awefull this morning (weirdly for once......except for this site). So my question to you is this: Are these financial aid pledges red herrings.....or are our (uk/usa) governments finally seeing some sense of international responsibility?

Gita

10th June 2010, 09:20

777

10th June 2010, 09:28

You are most welcomed 777. My opinion based on research shows that it sure is a red herring. No one in the West seems to dare look at Israel government the wrong way. It is obvious who dictates and who obeys. They pretend to be wanting to help but this is just to throw people off for a while. You see no one has helped people in Gaza for the last few decades so why would they want to start now? It's all by design.

This is what I kinda knew so thanks for the confirmation. I guess it'll be sad yet interesting to see how they wriggle out of actually delivering the promises though. Interesting the Freeman on Edge TV interview series where he state Israel will take Temple Mount on the 4th July.....the timespan between now and then when married with this crisis makes one wonder as to a serious conflict in the making....

Thanks again mate;)

Gita

10th June 2010, 09:30

Don't forget, Freeman first predicted that date relating to last year! Who knows though as he has been right on some dates before.

You are welcomed again. :)

Northern Boy

10th June 2010, 18:32

"When it comes to security, I'm 100 percent on Israel's side. Israel has the right to inspect what goes into Gaza.

From Bullsh it Tony who really cares what he has to say his credibility was shot during his time in Office and like what he says now pulls some friggen weight LOL

Israel has outlined plans to hold probes into the legality of its naval blockade of Gaza and the raid last week on an aid flotilla which was bidding to break it which killed nine people.
It is reportedly considering setting up an investigative team made up of Israeli jurists and former diplomats as well as two foreign observers.This happened in international waters any sort of Israeli probe would be biased and most likely favour them , Let the international community investigate it so it becomes fair and open .......Oh thats right the zionistic forces there don`t want it to be fair or open so why have it at all

Rocky_Shorz

10th June 2010, 19:00

Well now Israel are saying the latest Floatilla making its way to Gaza from Turkey will be escorted by the Turkish Navy and the Turkish Prime Minister will be on board the main ship ... Israel have come out and said they will not board that ship instead they plan on sinking it . Think that will cause a greater uproar I`m willing to bet it does here read for your self in the Jerusalem Post.

http://www.jpost.com/Headlines/Article.aspx?id=177710

Well be careful when you are taking info from the media, it is a suggestion, not a threat from Israel...

Israel must send Turkey a clear message that if Turkish warships are sent to accompany the next flotilla trying to break the embargo on Gaza, these will be considered acts of war by Israel , Uzi Dayan, former deputy Chief of General Staff, told Army Radio Monday morning.

"If the Turkish prime minister joins such a flotilla,” Dayan said, “we should make clear beforehand this would be an act of war, and we would not try to take over the ship he was on, but would sink it.”

Those controlling the media are pushing both sides hard to drag the world into a war...

I myself don't thing Israel would sink the ship, which would cause an immediate escalation to WW III, but they might knock out the propellers to set it adrift...

Turkey knows not to cross the line with their naval vessels, which would put them at fault and bring condemnation down from the world.

Drop books not bombs is the answer...

Aid is going to start flowing into Gaza to rebuild schools and communities, but weapons will not be allowed...

Rocky_Shorz

11th June 2010, 03:34

did you know Gaza has been receiving a billion a year in aid?

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Gita

11th June 2010, 07:58

Quote

Israel right to self defense

http://desertpeace.files.wordpress.com/2010/06/israels-self-defense.jpg

Israel has been pursuing its cry-wolf policy since its inception. Successive Israeli regimes have followed the same tactic of presenting their own nation as the victim of aggression. All the major news firms and corporations have taken the same line. “Israel as victim’, has filled the headlines. These days there are more examples than ever.

Israel has been justifying its attacks and deadly wars against Palestinians and Arabs in terms of their right to self-defense. Here are some of the messages we hear from the Israelis over and over again:

“We are encircled by the Arabs.”
“We are encircled by terrorists.”
“We are living in the tough area of the Middle East.”
“We are fighting for our existence.”
“Our nukes are for the purpose of protection.”
“The Gaza siege is a legal means to stop rocket attack.”
“Settlements are a legal means to protect our Jewish Identity.”

Unquote

Continued here. (http://desertpeace.wordpress.com/2010/06/10/israels-self-defense-is-destroying-the-world/)

Gita

11th June 2010, 08:02

Quote

Silencing Gaza flotilla activists in the United States

The Israeli government, with the aid of its many proxies- especially in the Jewish institutional world, is working overtime after the Mavi Mavera massacre to paint the Gaza flotilla participants as terrorists.

Apparently–jamming satellite communications, absconding with tens of thousands of dollars of equipment, confiscating every photo and video they could find, and releasing pathetically doctored “evidence” (thank you Ali Abunimah and Max Blumenthal and others) is not enough. Now groups are working to keep flotilla human rights activists out of the country.

Here’s the petition. Maybe you want to sign it. Mondoweiss has audio of retired US Colonel Ann Wright, who was just in NYC, speaking about what happened. She must be the person they’re trying to keep out of the country. Good luck with that. So much for America-first.

Unquote

Source (http://www.muzzlewatch.com/2010/06/10/silencing-gaza-flotilla-activists-in-the-united-states/)

Gita

11th June 2010, 08:47

Quote

Video: Israel Defense Force video of siege of ‘Mavi Marmara’ Hoaxed!

Three sleuth posters working together at conspiracy forum whatde****.com proved the Israeli Defense Force footage of the attack on the Mavi Marmara was a deliberate fabrication as seen in this video originally broadcast by SKY NEWS:

Botched Israeli Commandos Being Attacked By Crew on Ship**FULL VERSION**

OAYU9voZMD4

The unraveling of this tall tale on the high seas began on the morning of Friday, June the 4th when the poster known as Shadow made the following remark to another forum poster known as JayRodney:

“I had a close look at web pics of the Mavi Marmara and the ship in the vid that shows the Turks attacking the IDF as they land. I do not believe it is the same ship. Compare them though, I’d like your opinion on it.”

To which JayRodney responded: “I have to conclude by my initial observation ‘Mavi Marmara’ should be visible 36-37 seconds into the video. Octo is getting screen shots and we will make the best comparison based upon available evidence.

I think it’s safe to call shenanigans. It looks suspiciously like Mossad Productions, I’d say the margin of error is less than 1%. This is most assuredly propaganda.”

Then the proverbial bomb was dropped, irrefutable evidence provided in the form of an animated .gif file:

The poster known as Octo said: “ok, the pics are from slightly different angles, but to the best of my knowledge at approximately the same place of the ship(s) superimposed: doesn’t even look like the same ship to me.”

Proof positive! The boats name should have been visible in at least one frame of the SKY NEWS video. Not only is the ships designation ‘Mavi Marmara’ conspicuously absent, but the entire vessel is clearly different; it’s not the same boat!

This IDF footage is clearly fabricated, I wonder how the Israeli government will explain this away?

http://info-wars.org/wp-content/uploads/2010/06/mavi_small.gif

Unquote

Source (http://whatde****.com/news/idf_video/newspage.html)

Gita

11th June 2010, 08:58

Quote

Jews to send Gaza blockade-buster ship

A group of Jewish activists in Germany are preparing to send an aid ship to the Gaza Strip, which has been under an Israeli-imposed blockade for three years.

The group, which is the German branch of the European Jews for a Just Peace, plans to send the aid ship by the end of July.

"We want to break the Gaza occupation and end the occupation of the West Bank as well... we as Jews want to bring the Palestinians something other than bombs," Kate Katzenstein-Leiterer, a member of the executive committee of the group, said on Thursday.

http://www.presstv.ir/photo/20100610/shamsara20100610173810497.jpg

The ship will be carrying school supplies, musical instruments, children's clothing and other children items that Israel has forbidden, such as sweets and chocolates, Spiegel Online reported.

About 16 people will be onboard the vessel. However, a lot of activists form around the world are sending requests to join the group, including some volunteers from Israel, Katzenstein-Leiterer said.

European Jews for a Just Peace has been collecting funds for the aid ship since 2008.

After Israel's bloody assault on the Freedom Flotilla on May 31, interest in the project has increased and donations have been flooding to the group, Katzenstein-Leiterer said.

Edith Lutz, another member the European Jews for a Just Peace, said that the group was in contact with Israeli officials.

"We are in contact with the Israeli government and the embassy in Berlin. We informed them a while ago," she was quoted by AFP as saying.

However, the group is concern over the possibility of an Israeli attack on the ship.

Israel has put Gaza Strip under all-out blockade, preventing international aid groups from entering the region.

On May 31, the Gaza Freedom Flotilla, which was carrying food and medical supplies to Gaza, came under fire early in the morning by Israeli navy forces in international waters.

Twenty international activists were killed in the deadly assault and 50 others were injured in the incident.

Unquote

Source (http://www.presstv.ir/detail.aspx?id=129920&sectionid=351020604)

Gita

11th June 2010, 11:40

Very true!

Hitler rants about Israel's botched raid on a humanitarian aid ship
YzUDLF7L22U

Gita

12th June 2010, 10:27

The FBI Knocked on My Door!
7fct4LIODoM

Gita

12th June 2010, 10:36

The Silence of the Seige

http://www.davidicke.com/images/stories/June20102/00000024.bmp

source (http://www.davidicke.com/headlines)

john.d

12th June 2010, 10:46

I was just about to post that :) Sums it all up really ey .

John

Gita

12th June 2010, 10:57

Sure does John. Perfect eaxample of double speak wouldn't you say?:nod: George Orwell would be proud. :blink:

Gita

12th June 2010, 20:25

TRANSLATED Knesset Members Attack Haneen Zoabi After Free Gaza

KBUxZnHb2ig

Gita

12th June 2010, 20:32

Quote

Bodies of Murdered Disappeared From Flotilla

Where Are the Bodies of the other people who were murdered on the humanitarian ship Flottila? Which are the countries allied with Israel which helped to hide the names of the victims from the public? Are the other dead persons, whose names Israel erased from the list of victims, holders of fake passports or Israeli infiltrators among the peace activists on board of the ship? What is the story behind decreasing the number of murdered persons by Israel?

German Parliamentarian Inge Hoeger stated that peace activists murdered by the Israeli last Monday were 19 persons and not 10 (or 9) as the Israeli government says. This serious statement contradicts the Israeli allegations and was delivered during her speech before a huge demo organized on Sunday June 6 2010 in Berlin as a protest against the criminal Israeli attack on the humanitarian ships. German MP Hoeger demanded that Israel must return the ships, which were stolen from their owners during the israeli piracy act, and transfer the humanitarian supplies and aid to the besieged Gaza Strip.

MP Hoeger described what happened in international waters in the Mediterranean as a massacre against the civilians which added to the track record of massacres in Gaza and other Palestinian territories by the Israeli army.

Unquote

Source (http://www.kawther.info/wpr/2010/06/07/bodies-of-murdered-disappeared-from-flotilla)

Harvesting of organs comes to mind!:rant:

Gita

14th June 2010, 08:26

Quote

SEA BATTLE FEAR AS IRAN SENDS FLOTILLA TO GAZA

IRANIAN President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad has vowed to breach Israel’s blockade of Gaza, as two aid ships and a military escort prepare to set sail.

In a provocative move the ¬Iranian Red Crescent was this weekend due to send two vessels packed with food and medical aid and 70 relief workers.
A third ship, carrying an operating theatre, could follow.
President Ahmadinejad raised the spectre of a sea battle as he warned the ships would be carrying an escort of “volunteer marines” ready to “teach Israelis a lesson”.

Ali Shirazi, the Revolutionary Guard’s spokesman for Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, said it was “Iran’s duty to defend the innocent people of Gaza”. Foreign Secretary William Hague described the intervention as “unhelpful”.

The blockade has been in place since Hamas took control of Gaza in 2006 despite inter¬national concern about a humanitarian crisis.

That concern turned to condemnation on May 31 when, in a raid on a Turkish aid flotilla, nine people were killed by Israeli commandos.

Despite promises of an inquiry the affair has all but destroyed relations between Israel and its main ally in the Muslim world.

Abdolrauf Adibzadeh, the Red Crescent’s director of inter¬national affairs, said the ships were being sent in co-ordination with the Turkish government.

Meeting Turkish leaders in Istanbul last week the Iranian president said the vessels would not shrink from a head-on clash with Israeli military.

Unquote

Continued here. (http://www.express.co.uk/posts/view/180605/Sea-battle-fear-as-Iran-sends-flotilla-to-Gaza)

Gita

14th June 2010, 08:33

Quote

Abbas to Obama: I'm against lifting the Gaza naval blockade

The Palestinian president reportedly told Obama that lifting the naval blockade of Gaza would bolster Hamas, a move that shouldn't be done at this stage.

Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas is opposed to lifting the naval blockade of the Gaza Strip because this would bolster Hamas, according to what he told United States President Barack Obama during their meeting at the White House Wednesday. Egypt also supports this position.

Meanwhile, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu once more put off announcing the creation of a committee of inquiry into the naval commando raid on the Gaza Strip flotilla, and the matter will not be brought before the cabinet for a vote this morning.

Unquote

Continued here. (http://www.haaretz.com/print-edition/news/abbas-to-obama-i-m-against-lifting-the-gaza-naval-blockade-1.295771)

Gita

14th June 2010, 08:37

CONFIRMED Israeli soldiers used suppressed Uzi Sub-Machine Guns

0dbxxm1EhAU

Gita

14th June 2010, 08:43

Quote

'Arrest' fears cancel Barak's France trip

Israel's defense minister has shelved a trip to France after French survivors of the Israeli attack on the Freedom Flotilla put forward a request for his arrest upon arrival.

Ehud Barak was scheduled to inaugurate the Israeli stand at the international arms trade fair of Eurosatory, the International Middle East Media Center reported on Sunday.

A number of French human rights campaigners asked for his capture in retaliation to the deadly assault on their aid convoy which had set sail to break Tel Aviv's siege of the Gaza Strip, The Palestine Telegraph reported Saturday.

The Israeli attack killed at least 20 people in international waters.

The activists also said they would push for legal action against Tel Aviv through the International Court of Justice in The Hague.

"Israel needs to stop this bloody escalation and the only solution is international law. We want to stop Israel and punish the leaders who participated in this process. Our move is aimed at specific persons, mainly leaders, as well as those who carried out the orders, because it is not possible to hide behind a chain of command," the activists' spokeswoman, Lillian Glock, told reporters.

The six-ship Freedom Flotilla mission, joined by activists from over 40 nationalities, was carrying 10,000 tons of relief supplies for the impoverished coastal sliver.

Last year also, a British court convicted former Israeli Foreign Minister Tzipi Livni of links to the atrocities committed by the regime during its December 2008-January 2009 assault on Gaza, which killed more than 1,400 people.

Unquote

Source (http://www.presstv.ir/detail.aspx?id=130254&sectionid=351020202)

Rocky_Shorz

14th June 2010, 16:20

Iran is rattling sabers, they have plotted a course through Egypt knowing their ships will be stopped and cargo unloaded and hauled into Gaza.

They are waiting for Turkey to cross the line and drag the region into war.

Their goal is to overturn Egypt, Jordan and Saudi Arabia's government so they can gain control and completely surround Israel with their allies...

This is just their first move in Egypt, but I see them making a move in Jordan long before their current plans in Saudi Arabia to remove the Guardians of Mecca

beware the wolves in sheep's clothing leading the flocks towards the abyss...

Gita

15th June 2010, 08:11

Quote

Israeli Deputy FM: 75 al-Qaeda Mercenaries on Aid Ship

Israeli Deputy Foreign Minister Danny Ayalon appeared on CNN’s “GPS” show today, and once again changed the official story related to the Israeli attack on the Mavi Marmara aid ship two weeks ago.

Ayalon now claims that 75 al-Qaeda linked mercenaries were on board the ship, heavily armed, and that they ambushed the Israeli troops before their eventual capture.

Last week Israel’s official story was that 50 members of the Turkish military were on board the ship, armed with assault rifles. It is unclear if Ayalon’s 75 al-Qaeda are in addition to the 50 Turkish troops or not. The 50 troops were themselves a revision from the initial story that the crew attacked them with makeshift bats.

In either case Israel’s claims don’t hold up to even casual scrutiny, as neither the assault rifles nor the arms, nor the Turkish soldiers nor the al-Qaeda members, were found on board the ship.

In fact Israel has already released every single person who was on board the aid ship, and none was charged with a single crime. One would imagine Israel, which styles itself as the central front in the war on terror, would have had the presence of mind to detain 75 members of al-Qaeda if indeed their military had captured them.

Unquote

Source (http://news.antiwar.com/2010/06/13/israel-75-al-qaeda-mercenaries-on-aid-ship/)

Gita

15th June 2010, 08:16

Quote

Public Prosecutors in Germany: German Members of Parliament File War Crimes Complaints against Israel

Public prosecutors in Germany are looking into a war crimes complaint filed against Israel by two members of parliament with the Left Party and a human rights activist who were on board the Mavi Marmara when Israeli troops stormed it 11 days ago.

Eleven days ago, the Israeli military stormed the Turkish ship Mavi Marmara, part of a flotilla carrying pro-Palestinian activists toward the Gaza Strip in an attempt to break the Israeli blockade. Now, it has become a case for German prosecutors.

Human rights activist Norman Paech and two German parliamentarians from the far-left Left Party, Annette Groth and Inge Höger, have filed criminal complaints for "numerous potential offences, including war crimes against individuals and command responsibility ... as well as false imprisonment."

At 5:10 a.m. on May 31, the complaint reads, Höger, Groth and Paech heard from the captain of the Mavi Marmara via the ship's loudspeaker that the Israeli soldiers who had boarded the ship as part of the commando operation were taking over control of the ship. An hour later, Israeli soldiers ordered the Germans on deck, where their backpacks and other belongings were searched. Their hands were temporarily bound.

German Jurisdiction?

It wasn't until 9:10 p.m. that parliamentarian Annette Groth was given the possibility of contacting the German Embassy. At 2 a.m. on June 1, the Germans were brought to the airport in a prisoner transport vehicle for their flight back home.

According to international criminal law, expert Florian Jessberger of Berlin's Humboldt University, "there is cause to believe that false imprisonment was perpetrated as understood by German law." He says that German criminal law would have jurisdiction "irrespective of the fact that the act was perpetrated on the high seas."

German public prosecutors told SPIEGEL ONLINE that they were currently investigating whether there was enough evidence to warrant pursuing the case further.

'Barbaric'

The Israeli raid of the Mavi Marmara, which resulted in the deaths of nine activists onboard the ship, unleashed a storm of criticism against Israel and its ongoing blockade of the Gaza Strip. It has also severely damaged Israel's relations with Turkey.

The blockade began in 2007 after the Islamist militants from Hamas took over power in Gaza. Israel claims that many of those traveling with the flotilla had ties to Hamas or other terrorist groups, but the activists deny the charge.

Upon returning home to Germany, Höger told reporters that "we felt like we were in a war, like we had been kidnapped." Her colleague Groth spoke of a "barbaric act."

Unquote

Source (http://globalresearch.ca/index.php?context=va&aid=19717)

Gita

15th June 2010, 08:21

Quote

Wheat harvest met with live ammunition in Gaza “buffer zone”

International Solidarity Movement
13 June 2010

Israeli forces attacked women farmworkers and international human rights activists with heavy gunfire during three days’ wheat harvest in the southern Gaza Strip. The Israel-imposed “buffer zone” illegally claims over 30% of Gaza’s arable farmland. In Khoza’a village, east of Khan Yunis, substantial wheat remains unharvested despite severe poverty and food shortages, as a result of the attacks.
Tuesday, the first day of harvest, did not take place inside the 300m “buffer zone”. However, snipers approached the harvest in Israeli military Jeeps on two occasions, shooting live ammunition around five women who were crouching to hand-collect the wheat with four International Solidarity Movement (ISM) activists. The women laid down in the wheat during the attack but did not leave, and harvest continued after the Jeeps had left. Activists communicated the non-threatening nature of the work to soldiers with a megaphone.

A more severe attack was levied Wednesday, as the harvest continued within 300 meters of the fence. 5 ISM activists and 2 journalists were present as Israeli military Jeeps approached at 7 a.m. and fired several rounds, similar to the previous day. At 8:30, the Jeeps parked on a small hill near the fence. Snipers stood atop the Jeep closest to the workers, with a clear view of the obviously non-threatening hand-harvest. Israeli snipers then rained over 50 rounds on the women, activists and journalists, causing the women to crawl along the ground and shriek with fear. Rounds of live bullets hit within a meter ofmpeople’s heads, meaning any deviation would almost certainly hit someone. The harvest finished at 10 a.m. Thursday, the final day of harvest, was cut short by two gunfire attacks at 8:00 and 8:30 a.m. Roughly 20 rounds were fired very close to the farmers and 3 ISM activists present. The women were evidently more fearful of attack, and those present agreed that a third attack was imminent and would target them. This proved a correct assumption as, soon after finishing at 8:45, 4 jeeps arrived and remained at the fence. The wheat will likely remain unharvested.

“We were shot at repeatedly with live ammunition; the deafening fizz and crack of the bullets flying past our ears”, states ISM activist Adie Mormech. “The women courageously returned after each attack. On the last day, after snipers had already come twice and fired many rounds quite close, it was clear that someone would be intentionally hit if we stayed. Consequently, the wheat will not be harvested. It is infuriating that this violence continues against what is clearly a peaceful endeavor to farm the third of Gaza’s arable land which is patrolled by the Israeli military.”

While unemployment levels hover near 42% in Gaza and 60% of its 1.5 million residents lack food security,¹ Israel’s illegal buffer zone greatly exacerbates the humanitarian crisis. 30% of Gaza’s arable farmland, and some of its most fertile, lies within the buffer zone.² Farmers who attempt to work in the zone face live fire and crop destruction. The number of crops grown in the zone has consequently been reduced from a diverse range to wheat and other less labor-intensive harvests, which further negatively impacts the nutrition and economic condition of Gazans. An additional 17% of farmland was destroyed in Israel’s war of aggression,³ making 47% (nearly half) of Gaza’s farmland now marginally usable.

The buffer zone has also reduced Gaza’s fishing zones to 1-3 miles offshore. In the first four months of 2010, 19 naval attacks led to two shootings and three arrests, as well as numerous confiscations of fishing equipment. The narrow fishing zone, in which over 3,600 fishermen work daily, is gravely over-fished.²

Israel’s decision to instate a 300-meter buffer zone is in violation of Oslo Accords, and people are routinely shot as far as two kilometers from the border. Israeli attacks in the buffer zone injured 50 persons and killed 14 between January and April 2010. In the past twelve months, at least 220 Israeli attacks have been carried out, with 116 coming since the beginning of 2010 (as of April 30th).²

Unquote

Source (http://palsolidarity.org/2010/06/12731/)

Gita

15th June 2010, 08:27

Quote

Castro likens Israel to Nazis

Former Cuban President Fidel Castro's commentary comparing Israeli treatment of Palestinians to the Nazi extermination of Jews has infuriated the Tel Aviv regime.

Castro observed in one of his recent articles that the current treatment of Palestinians by the Tel Aviv regime was reminiscent of Israel sending Palestinian masses to the crematoria, where millions of Jews have been reported exterminated by German Nazis.

"It would seem that the Fuehrer's (Nazi leader Adolf Hitler's) swastika is today Israel's banner," he added, Reuters reported.

Israel claimed that Castro's views were cited by Cuba's diplomatic mission in Geneva amid debate in the United Nations Human Rights Council on Israeli action in the occupied territories.

"With these outrageous comments, Fidel Castro shames his old-time companions and the ideals he always pretended to serve. Che Guevara must be spinning in his grave," claimed Israeli Foreign Ministry spokesman Yigal Palmor.

The ex-Cuban leader, who wrote the article after the recent deadly Israeli attack on the Gaza Freedom Flotilla aid convoy in international waters, had also condemned the assault.

Unquote

Source (http://www.presstv.ir/detail.aspx?id=130430&sectionid=351020202)

Humble Janitor

15th June 2010, 08:36

Such madness in this world. Israel cannot silence its' critics forever and it will have to own up sooner or later.

I hate to say it but Fidel makes a good point.

john.d

15th June 2010, 08:50

Israel seems to be flexing its muscles at the moment . I read somewhere over the last few days that they have threatened Turkey , saying that if they give a military escort to aid ships bound for gaza , Israel would consider it an act of war . Very scary .

John

Gita

15th June 2010, 08:56

Quote

Israel’s “friends” still shamelessly swinging from chandeliers at Westminster

Stuart Littlewood views the continuing activities of Israel lobbyists in the UK Parliament, at least one of whom – Ulster Orangeman David Trimble – has recently joined forces with US neo-conservative John Bolton and former far-right Spanish Prime Minister José María Aznar, to protect Israel’s international image.

It’s been one atrocity after another, so you’d think that Israel’s cheerleaders scattered about the upper echelons of the British establishment would have the decency to keep quiet and “consider their position”.

But no. In the wake of the Free Gaza flotilla hijacking this letter appeared in the Daily Telegraph:
We must not forget what Hamas, which controls Gaza, stands for: it is intent on violence, smuggles arms, colludes with other rogue states and thumbs its nose at the international community.

To achieve long-term security in the region, Hamas must accept the Quartet Principles – to renounce violence, accept the existence of Israel and abide by previous agreements.

Israel, Egypt, the Palestinian Authority and the West have a shared interest in preventing Hamas from being strengthened, ensuring that a moderate national unity government is established in Gaza and the West Bank and supporting ordinary Palestinians to secure a two-state solution.

The international community must be very careful not to do anything that emboldens Hamas to pursue its course of aggression and rejection. To hand such a propaganda coup to Hamas would pave the way for future conflict. Hamas needs to know that the British government will not reward its terror tactics, and that getting it to abide by the Quartet Principles will form the core of our policy.

Signed by:
James Clappison MP (Con)
David Amess MP (Con)
James Arbuthnot MP (Con)
Bob Blackman MP (Con)
David Burrowes MP (Con)
Douglas Carswell MP (Con)
Mike Freer MP (Con)
Robert Halfon MP (Con)
Gareth Johnson MP (Con)
Stephen Metcalfe MP (Con)
Matthew Offord MP (Con)

It’s OK, of course, for the British government to reward Israel for its terror tactics. These MPs would paint a much truer picture if they substituted Israel for Hamas.

Who are they anyway? Never heard of them? Don’t be surprised. With 650 MPs in the UK Parliament, it is easy to vanish into the woodwork. Some have been there for years and never been noticed. But the name Robert Halfon gives the game away. He is former political director of the Conservative Friends of Israel. James Arbuthnot is chairman of the Conservative Friends of Israel and, worryingly, chairman of the Defence Select Committee. It would seem therefore that the rest of the group are similarly allied to the Israel admiration society.

Unquote

Continued here. (http://www.redress.cc/stooges/slittlewood20100615)

greybeard

15th June 2010, 09:26

Violence is violence and not to be condoned.

I can read this and that but it is some one else's opinion.
Most news is slanted by the point of view of the writer.

There are many case in history of propaganda news, where innocent people on the same side have been killed and evidence manufactured to "prove" that the enemy did it, in order to whip up hatred of the enemy.
Some must be sacrificed in the name of the cause.
A some what in-famous quote of one terrorist.
The moment one side says "Thats it I give up this senseless conflict" and let go of the tug of war it ends.

History proves this.
Japan surrendered that was not and end to them they grew from there.
Germany surrendered they were quickly forgiven and now are a peaceful force in the world.. Fear prevents surrender, fear maintains conflict,
The conflict in Northern Ireland went on for ages and now we have ex IRA in government. They gave up the conflict.

Those who propagate fear unwittingly or knowingly feed the enemy of peace.

I have no opinion the rights or wrongs of the current conflicts except that the truth probably lies in the middle and its up to opposing parties to say enough is enough.

Any therapist will say that the problem cant be solved at the same level of energy that created it.

Fear is fear, violence is violence, neither will raise the consciousness.
The challenge will remain till enough people stop feeding this negative energy with more of the same.
Only a global raising of consciousness will bring to a halt these seemingly endless conflicts.

I suggest we do what we can to promote love and peace.
Making anyone an enemy will not do this in my opinion.
Hence the prayer
God grant me the serenity
to accept the things I cannot change
The courage to change the things I can
and the wisdom to know the difference

Chris

morguana

15th June 2010, 09:41

greybeard

15th June 2010, 11:36

yes chris am with you on this one,
as buddha said 'better than a thousand hollow words is one that brings peace' and peace needs to be practiced on all levels.
if humans could step aside from their differences and see the fundalmental core of themselves in relation others then violence would not be an issue.

if western (mainly US) funding to Israel was stopped then that would make a huge difference
m

Yes unfortunately both sides receive funding.
All it takes is a statesman on either side to say enough is enough.
If we perceive either side as being wrong then we are adding to the confllct.
The spiritual Power of Gorbachev dissembled the stance of the Soviets at that time. The Iron Curtain came down.
He was not forced into doing what he did, he saw the positive outcome for all through having a peaceful posture,
We all benefited.
I believe in miracles but personally I feel we need to stop taking sides. War has no benefit except to the makers of arms and Im not going there.
Peace does not take sides, it unties. all benefit.
Chris

Gita

16th June 2010, 07:50

Quote

UN insists on intl. Flotilla probe

Despite Israel's announcement of an internal probe of its deadly Gaza aid attack, the United Nations continues to push for a full international investigation.

Israel's cabinet approved on Monday an Israeli inquiry into the May 31 onslaught, which killed 20 international activists onboard the Gaza Freedom Flotilla.

The probe, however, falls short of meeting international demands for impartiality as the Israeli investigation panel includes no more than two foreign observers, who have no say on the proceedings and conclusions of the commission.

UN Secretary General Ban Ki-moon "takes note of the Israeli announcement on their inquiry," UN spokesman Farhan Haq told reporters later in the day, saying a thorough Israeli probe could fit with the Ban's proposal of a credible and impartial investigation.

But Ban's "proposal for an international inquiry remains on the table and he hopes for a positive Israeli response," Reuters quoted Haq as saying.

Diplomats said Ban urged Israel to accept a neutral inquiry panel led by former New Zealand Prime Minister Geoffrey Palmer, interpreting the cautious UN reaction as indicative of Ban's doubts about the impartiality of an Israeli-led probe.

Israel, once bitten hard by a UN Human Rights Council-mandated inquiry into its last year's 22-day offensive against the Gaza Strip, seems to fear and thus resist a second such investigation.

The Gaza war commission led by South African prosecutor Richard Goldstone did serious damage to Israel's global image by drawing attention to the Israeli army's deliberate targeting of civilians in Gaza and using Palestinians as human shields, among other war crimes.

Having lost nine nationals in Israel's May 31 attack, Turkey has decided to carry out its own inquiry, saying it has "no trust at all" that Israel will conduct an impartial investigation.

The Human Rights Council has also said it would organize its own fact-finding mission.

Unquote

Source (http://www.presstv.ir/detail.aspx?id=130479&sectionid=351020202)

Gita

16th June 2010, 08:23

Quote

DID ISRAEL GIVE US THE DISEASE TO SELL US THE CURE?

http://mycatbirdseat.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/06/Israeli-Metal-detector-ScreenHunter_08-Jun.-14-11.011.gif
ISRAELI ACTOR WITH METAL BAR WALKING THROUGH SOLID STEEL

“Would you go to a doctor who worked in a germ warfare lab? Would you hire a check forger to work in a bank? Would you hire a child molester to watch your kids? Well, we have hired Israel to watch our ports, our nuclear facilities, our airports and much more, a country we know for certain will give us a phony video, an altered container scan or a falsified radiation reading if it serves their purpose.”

This week we learned that Israel had staged scenes from the Freedom Flotilla attack using actors and a common Hollywood special effects, called “double negative.” The actors were shown standing among peaceful humanitarian workers, waving weapons around. This became a problem when the stage Israel used wasn’t quite the same. We ended up with a film showing our Israeli “terrorists” walking through solid steel time and time again. Israelis film industry has been suffering of late. Even the phony bin Laden videos have given over to audio. The new bin Laden they use was doing Marlboro commercials in Egypt before they took him on.

It is a given that Israel has destroyed any credibility it once had. It is one thing when a cheap set up job is leaked but this one was sent out special delivery Government of the State of Israel, stamped all over it. This was pure suicide. Only idiots that want to be fooled, politicians in the pocket of AIPAC and Fox News were really taken in. Frankly, with no integrity to sacrifice in the first place, humiliation is impossible anyway. With the “news cycle” such as it is, a new massacre or terrorist bombing could happen at any time. As Israel needs one quickly, it is quite possible we may get one.

I guess I never thought that any country would go as far as to place people, spawned just like in a video game, in something used as vital evidence supporting Israel as “defending themselves.” Not much hope of making that dog hunt anymore. Maybe that dog never should have been tossed in a well at birth. Israel’s continual rantings about terrorism might all have been movie magic from day one. We now have to go back decades and look for photos and videos that are now likely to have all been altered like the films Israel sent of the dancing Palestinians on 9/11. Nothing was altered on these, they were simply many years old, just like the still photos of weapons Israel claimed they found on the Freedom Flotilla, photos with digital signatures from as early as 2006.

What Israel has presented to us as “self defense” is now an act of terrorism. I don’t know if putting armed terrorists in a film, Israeli actors dressed up with steel waving steel rods around, is a crime but it should be. Were there any question, the films make it clear. What we need to know is why has falsifying evidence of terrorist acts become an industry in Israel, a nation that handles the security, including the video security, of most world airports, including nearly all airports in the United States? Would you go to a doctor who worked in a germ warfare lab? Would you hire a check forger to work in a bank? Would you hire a child molester to watch your kids? Well, we have hired Israel to watch our ports, our nuclear facilities, our airports and much more, a country we know for certain will give us a phony video, an altered container scan or a falsified radiation reading if it serves their purpose.

Unquote

Continued here. (http://mycatbirdseat.com/2010/06/gordon-duff-fox-in-the-henhouse-can-we-trust-israeli-security-companies/)

Gita

16th June 2010, 13:22

Quote

Harper wants NDP to fire deputy Libby Davies for criticism of Israel

Stephen Harper called NDP House leader Libby Davies an extremist and then compared her to Helen Thomas, the long-time White House correspondent who was forced to resign recently over controversial remarks about Israel.

He didn’t stop there.

He demanded that her boss, NDP Leader Jack Layton, fire Ms. Davies, a Vancouver MP, who is also the party’s deputy leader, over remarks she made that questioned Israel’s right to exist.

“I am looking forward to seeing the Leader of the NDP get up and unequivocally distance himself from the comments of his House leader and his deputy leader that have called Israel's existence an occupation,” said Mr. Harper. “This is a fundamental denial of Israel's right to exist. It repeats the kinds of comments that were made by Helen Thomas on which she was forced to resign, and the member of the NDP who said that should be forced to resign as well.”

MP Libby Davies interviewed on Israel

utXDAha_vGg

It was a firey Question Period Tuesday, with the Prime Minister lashing out at Mr. Layton, who was trying to needle him about the deal reached between the Liberals, Bloc and the government over the release of the Afghan detainee documents.

The NDP walked away from the negotiations Tuesday morning, saying that they were a joke and the public would not be getting to the truth of whether there was torture of the prisoners.

Unquote

Continued here. (http://www.theglobeandmail.com/news/politics/ottawa-notebook/harper-wants-ndp-to-fire-deputy-libby-davies-for-criticism-of-israel/article1605386/)

Oliver

16th June 2010, 13:40

Listen how this Palestinian kid speaks out about their situation.
It broke my heart.

Greetings,

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4vprhpeLI5Y&feature=player_embedded

Gita

17th June 2010, 08:48

Quote

Democrats demand flotilla "terrorists" be denied entry into U.S.

In case you thought a reasonable debate was still possible surrounding Israel's botched raid of a humanitarian flotilla, the Jewish Community Relations Council of New York held a press event in Times Square today to prove you wrong. A half-dozen elected Democrats called on the State Department to ban every flotilla participant from entering the United States.

Well, only some of them called for everyone to be denied visas. Most of them just called for an "investigation" into the terrible terror ties of the activists aboard the flotilla, sponsored by a Turkish NGO called IHH that is not on any American watch list.

But to the assembled politicians and most of the small crowd, it is already settled -- based on decade-old investigations and foreign intelligence reports -- that IHH has ties to al-Qaida and Hamas. (Well, it does have "ties" to Hamas -- anyone looking to build anything in Gaza is forced by the Israeli siege to deal with Hamas.)

So! Here's Carolyn Maloney (at one time a theoretical liberal challenger to Kirsten Gillibrand):

CIMG0201.mp4

dT8gE5xIa88

Highlights:
• "The Gaza flotilla wasn't about aid to suffering Palestinians, it was about terrorism."
• "We are told that IHH was involved in the 1998 plot to blow up the Los Angeles airport." (The evidence for this one is circumstantial at best.
• "They want to increase the flow of weapons into the hands of Hamas. That's what this is about."
• "And while there were well-intentioned humanitarians on board the flotilla ships, I think America has a right to be concerned that some of them may come and try to come to the United States."

Here's great liberal hope Anthony Weiner, telling the story of a theoretical boat, filled with people who hate America, that takes off from Yemen (not sure why he picked Yemen, but that is where this boat is coming from) and is heading for our shores:

CIMG0202.mp4

W5ugXY2aCCY

Unquote

Continued here. (http://www.salon.com/news/politics/war_room/2010/06/14/times_square_flotilla/index.html)

Gita

17th June 2010, 09:01

Quote

Israel delays decision on Gaza blockade

Amid mounting international pressure over its blockade of the Gaza Strip, Israel has postponed a decision on the ongoing blockade of the impoverished enclave.

Senior Israeli cabinet ministers on Wednesday failed to conclude their first meeting to vote on a proposal that could ease the flow of goods into the strip.

The meeting came following Israel's deadly attack on the Gaza-bound aid convoy on May 31, in which Israeli commandos killed at least 20 human rights activists and injured 50 others in international waters.

The ministers are expected to meet again on Thursday. According to the Associated Press, the session will focus on extending the blockade.

Gazans, who have endured the three-year blockade, are destitute of necessities and items such as cement and steel to rebuild their homes that were destroyed during Israel's military operation against the region last year.

Israeli officials were reportedly mulling over proposals under which cement and steel would be allowed in to an undecided extent in coordination with the United Nations without authorizing access to the goods for civilians.

Among other guidelines, the ban on goods like computers, toys and school supplies for children were expected to be discussed, reports said.

The naval blockade of Gaza, opposition to which prompted the human rights activists on board the Freedom Flotilla to attempt to carry aid to the strip, will reportedly not be discussed in the meeting.

Unquote

Continued here. (http://www.presstv.ir/detail.aspx?id=130731&sectionid=351020202)

Gita

17th June 2010, 16:37

Quote

Israel to ease blockade of Gaza, Cabinet says

Jerusalem (CNN) -- Israel is relaxing its blockade of Gaza, its Security Cabinet announced Thursday after widespread international criticism of its raid on a ship trying to break the barricade last month.

It will "liberalize the system by which civilian goods enter Gaza," while keeping in place "existing security procedures to prevent the inflow of weapons," the security cabinet said in a statement.
Israel says its troops were attacked with knives, metal poles and other objects.

All supplies entering Gaza still must come by land through Israel, not by sea, Israeli Defense Minister Ehud Barak said Thursday.

"The intention is to allow more products to enter, but always after an Israeli check that will determine that no weapons or materials that can aid combat will get through," he said.

"All this will happen without lifting the naval blockade which is there to make sure that rockets, missiles and other weaponry do not enter Gaza," Barak said.

Israel is also considering letting more construction material through, he said.

"We are looking into the possibility of allowing projects that are being carried out under the supervision of international bodies," he said.

Unquote

Continued here. (http://edition.cnn.com/2010/WORLD/meast/06/17/israel.security.aid/index.html?hpt=T2)

JoshERTW

17th June 2010, 17:32

Quote

"The intention is to allow more products to enter, but always after an Israeli check that will determine that no weapons or materials that can aid combat will get through," he said.

We all know that food and clothing are materials which aid combat - a hungry naked soldier would be greatly assisted by such provisions. Therefore no food or clothing will be allowed past the blockade (sarcasm).

Gita

17th June 2010, 17:38

Sounds like the biggest prison on the planet Josh! Who are they kidding? Themselves I expect. :rolleyes:

Gita

18th June 2010, 08:58

Quote

Turkey to cut 'all ties' with Israel

After an Israeli attack on a Gaza-bound flotilla that left nine Turkish citizens dead, Ankara has introduced a roadmap to "completely" cut its ties with Israel.

After Israel failed to apologize or pay compensations for the killing of the Turkish citizens in its attack on the Mavi Marmara on May 31, Turkish Defense Industry Implementation Committee (SSIK) reviewed the country's military agreements and joint projects with Israel on Thursday.

The SSIK held a meeting chaired by Turkish Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan on Thursday and decided to shelve 16 military agreements with Israel, including a $757 million plane and tank modernization project and a missile project worth over $1.5 billion.

Turkish President Abdullah Gul had earlier announced that a roadmap was to be prepared on the issue of sanctions against Israel.

"The roadmap details a process through which Turkey will completely cut its ties with Israel" in several stages, Turkey's Today's Zaman reported on Thursday.

According to the roadmap, the first step would be that Turkey's ambassador to Tel Aviv, who had been previously recalled, will not be sent back unless Israel sends a member to a UN investigatory commission that aims to look into the Israeli attack on the Gaza Freedom Flotilla.

Furthermore, the roadmap requires all military training and cooperation with Israel to be halted and states that an internal Israeli inquiry into the attack will in no way be recognized by Turkey.

Ankara announced, however, that joint projects between Turkish and Israeli private sectors are excluded from the plan that will put an end to all Turkey's ties with Israel.

Unquote

Source (http://www.presstv.ir/detail.aspx?id=130863&sectionid=351020204)

Gita

19th June 2010, 11:35

Quote

EU Considering Aid to Israeli Military

BRUSSELS, Jun 18, 2010 (IPS) - A leading Israeli supplier of warplanes used to kill and maim civilians in Gaza is in the running for two new scientific research grants from the European Union.

Israel's attacks on Gaza in late 2008 and 2009 provided its air force with an opportunity to experiment with state-of-the-art pilotless drones such as the Heron. Although human rights groups have calculated that the Heron and other drones killed at least 87 civilians during that three-week war, EU officials have tentatively approved the release of fresh finance to the Heron's manufacturer, Israel Aerospace Industries (IAI).

Two projects involving IAI have recently passed the evaluation stages of a call for proposals under the EU's multi-annual programme for research, which has been allocated 53 billion euros (65.4 billion dollars) for the 2007-13 period.

The Union's executive arm, the European Commission, has confirmed that IAI is one of 34 Israeli "partners" involved in 26 EU-funded projects for information technology which are under preparation.

Among the other Israeli firms being considered for such funding are Afcon, a supplier of metal detectors to military checkpoints in the occupied Palestinian territories, including the Erez crossing between southern Israel and Gaza. Afcon was also awarded a contract in 2008 for installing a security system in a light rail project designed to connect illegal Israeli settlements in East Jerusalem with the city centre.

Mark English, a Commission spokesman, said that the procedures relating to the projects have not yet been completed. But the Israeli business publication Globes reported last month that Israeli firms stand to gain 17 million euros from the latest batch of EU grants for information technology. According to Globes, this will bring the amount that Israel has drawn from the EU's research programme since 2007 to 290 million euros.

Israel is the main foreign participant in the EU's science programme. Officials in Tel Aviv say they expect Israeli firms and research institutes will have received around 500 million euros from the programme by the time of its conclusion.

Chris Davies, a British Liberal Democrat member of the European Parliament (MEP), expressed anger at how the Commission's research department appears willing to rubber-stamp new grants for Israeli companies. Such a "business-as-usual" approach is at odds with tacit assurances from officials handling the EU's more general relations with Israel, he said.

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Continued here. (http://uruknet.info/?p=m67154&hd=&size=1&l=e)

Gita

20th June 2010, 09:03

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Israel Closes Gaza Trade Crossings

http://www.davidicke.com/images/stories/June20104/080708-haidar-gaza_1-21981.jpg

Despite Israel’s Thursday decision to “ease restrictions on Gaza”, the Israeli Authorities closed all trade crossings leading to the coastal region. The closure, unless extended, will last until Sunday

Fattouh of the Border Crossings Authority in Gaza, said that Israel declared the crossings open on Thursday and shut them down Friday, and added that Israel allowed the entry of 200 sorts of goods in recent weeks, while most goods allowed into Gaza are food products in addition to wood, aluminum and glass.

Fattouh added that the allowed goods do not fill the real need in the Gaza Strip as construction materials are still not allowed into Gaza, in addition to materials needed for factories and other basic supplies.

Israel recently agreed to allow the entry stationary supplies for students, cooking tools, toys for children and some types of furniture.

Unquote

Source (http://www.imemc.org/article/58964)

Gita

20th June 2010, 09:06

Quote

Israelis robbed us, Flotilla members say

Freedom Flotilla activists say that the Israeli forces who arrested them stole some of their personal possessions and have still not returned them.

The Israeli military attacked the Freedom Flotilla in international waters in the Mediterranean Sea on May 31, killing nine Turkish citizens on board the M.V. Mavi Marmara and injuring about 50 other people who were part of the team on the six-ship convoy.

Israel also arrested and later released nearly 700 activists from 42 countries who were on board the ships of the Freedom Flotilla, which was attempting to break the siege of Gaza in order to deliver 10,000 tons of humanitarian assistance to the long-suffering people of the territory.

The activists were "abducted and imprisoned, many of whom were beaten and wounded and nearly all their belongings confiscated," AFP quoted the UK-registered Palestine Legal Aid Fund as saying earlier in the week.

The British daily The Guardian said on Friday that the Israelis not only seized money and goods destined for the impoverished people of Gaza but also confiscated most of the personal possessions of the Freedom Flotilla activists.

Soldiers had used confiscated debit cards to buy items such as iPod accessories, while mobile phones seized from activists have also been used for calls, it added.

Californian activist Kathy Sheetz has alleged that she has been charged more than $1,000 in transactions from vending machines in Israel since June 6.

"They've obviously taken my card and used it," British activist Ebrahim Musaji told the newspaper.

"When they take things like people's videos and debit cards and use them, and their mobile phones, it becomes a bit of a joke," he said. "We were held hostage, we were attacked, and now there's been theft. If the police confiscate your goods in the UK, they're not going to use your goods and think they can get away with it."

Israel is still holding at least £1 million (over $1.4 million) of commodities and cash from the confiscated relief supplies and personal possessions, The Guardian quoted the Freedom Flotilla activists as saying.

The newspaper said some passports, three of them belonging to British citizens, have still not been returned.

Spies of Israel's Mossad intelligence agency have been known to use fake passports to provide cover identities.

The issue became a serious scandal for Israel when it was discovered that the Mossad agents who assassinated Hamas commander Mahmud al-Mabhuh in Dubai on January 19 had used foreign passports to enter and leave the United Arab Emirates.

Unquote

Continued here. (http://www.presstv.ir/detail.aspx?id=131159&sectionid=351020202)

Gita

20th June 2010, 09:39

If Israel were eating babies... The US would support it

H7UcWhNVgWE

Gita

20th June 2010, 17:48

Quote

More flotillas for Gaza, Lebanese army joins Hizballah war alert

Officers of Hizballah's Iranian-trained marine arm and surface rocket units were sighted Saturday, June 19, going in an out of the small Lebanese Navy's bases in Beirut and Juniya. DEBKAfile's intelligence sources report the Lebanese army and Hizballah are pooling their military resources to be ready for any Israeli action against Lebanese ships heading for Gaza.

The tiny Lebanese Navy, no more than a handful of fast coastal guard boats, has been placed on alert, as have Hizballah's coastal rocket positions. The Shiite terrorist group has also deployed marines in Beirut harbour against a possible Israeli naval commando raid.

Lebanese ship or ships bound for Gaza are potentially a more dangerous spark for a regional conflagration than even the convoys Ankara and Tehran - although all of them are pledged to the same mission of busting the Israeli blockade of Gaza and may mount a concerted assault.

All three are clearly coordinated: The two-ship Lebanese convoy planning to sail 70 women from different countries to Gaza is funded by Yasser Qaslaq, a Palestinian who in the guise of a Lebanese businessman acts as money courier between Tehran, Hizballah and extremist Palestinian organizations.

Israel's UN ambassador Gabriela Shalev warned Secretary General Ban Ki-moon that Israel reserves the right to use "all necessary means" to stop the Lebanese boats. Attempts to sail from Lebanon, which maintains a state of war with Israel, she said, would raise regional tensions.

But instead of dealing with the mounting crisis, Ban again demanded that Israel accept an international investigation of its raid of a Turkish ship on May 31 and the nine deaths aboard.

Anxious to keep its head down, Hizballah claimed Saturday that it was not involved in the Lebanese flotilla, thereby trying to pass the buck to Beirut and Jerusalem. But its spokesmen pointedly avoided a guarantee to stay out of it if the Israel navy boarded Lebanese ships. The Iranian-backed terrorists, who in the name of "resistance" maintain a separate armed force armed with advanced weapons in violation of several UN Security Council resolutions, could not stand aside if Beirut accused Israel of an act of war.

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Continued here. (http://www.debka.com/article/8863/)

Gita

20th June 2010, 18:02

Quote

'Israel fearful of all-women flotilla'

One day after Israel threatened to attack a new Gaza-bound aid ship with only women activists on board, the Lebanese resistance movement of Hezbollah highlights Israel's fear, saying its military ability is "deteriorating."

"Israeli threats against women activists and journalists who are organizing new flotillas serve as proof of the immense fear the Zionists are living in," Israeli dailyYnet news reported Hezbollah's Executive Council Chief Hashem Safieddine as saying on Saturday.

The comment comes after earlier on Friday, Israeli Ambassador to the UN Gabriela Shalev called for a halt to the Gaza-bound aid ship scheduled to set sail from Lebanon, warning that Tel Aviv would use "all necessary means" to stop the vessel.

Israel "is terrified by a boat carrying women who want to deliver aid to Gaza. How will this Israel be able to face the rockets and the resistance bloc in the next confrontation?" the Hezbollah official asked.

"This is the Zionist entity in its current state and its deteriorating ability," he went on to say.

A group of 50 female Lebanese and foreign activists have announced a plan to send an aid ship loaded with medical supplies to Gaza, which has been under siege since 2007.

The organizers are yet to announce a departure date for the ship, named "Mariam" in honor of the Virgin Mary.

The pro-Palestinian campaigners planned the mission after Israeli commandos on May 31 stormed the Gaza Freedom Flotilla aid convoy, killing at least 9 civilian activists and injuring dozens of others. Several activists are still unaccounted for.

Israel claims that the new all-women Gaza-bound aid flotilla is linked to the Lebanese resistance movement of Hezbollah. However, Hezbollah has denied having ties with the new convoy, saying it would not join the humanitarian mission as it did not want to give Israel an excuse to attack the Gaza campaigners.

"Hezbollah confirms that it decided from the very beginning to stay away from this humanitarian act in terms of organization, logistic support and participation so as not to give the Israeli enemy any pretext to attack the participants," the group said in a statement.

Unquote

Source (http://www.presstv.ir/detail.aspx?id=131185&sectionid=351020203)

astrid

21st June 2010, 03:21

okies , i started a new thread on this but i guess it belongs here as its all related...........

Quote

11 US Warships Cross Suez Canal Into Red Sea

Jun. 20, 2010,

It's not clear what exactly the situation is, but there appears to be US strategic activity in the Middle East this weekend.

According to reports, 11 US warships used the Suez Canal to move into the Red Sea.

YNetNews.com:

According to the report, traffic in the canal was halted for several hours in order to allow US Navy vessels, which included an aircraft carrier and carried infantry troops, armored vehicles and ammunition, to pass from the Mediterranean Sea to the Red Sea.

It was further reported that eyewitnesses detected an Israeli warship among the vessels. No confirmation has been received from Egyptian authorities.

Unquote

Read more: http://www.businessinsider.com/11-us-battleships-cross-suez-canal-into-red-sea-2010-6#ixzz0rSAJQi5N

And this video also just in....

Syria expects War

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PbAEmSyQ7CM

Im certainly sending out alot of intention that this will not happen

Peace ,

Astrid

Humble Janitor

21st June 2010, 03:52

This madness will have to come to an end and the sooner, the better. Zionist Israel has played the victim for far too long. It's time to hold them accountable for attacking innocent people. No one spoke up when they killed Rachel Corrie. No one seems to care when they deny and suffocate people in the Gaza Strip. People are sick of the violence. The "conflict" at hand is engineered by TPTW.

Gita

21st June 2010, 08:18

Quote

German Min.: Israel running out of time

A German minister, who was banned by Israel from entering the Gaza Strip, says Tel Aviv could exceed the limit of playing the political hardball any time.

Development Minister Dirk Niebel said time is running out for the regime to ease up on its hardline policies, reminding Tel Aviv of the international anger over Israel's Gaza policy and the shaky nature of the current bid for a viable peace deal with the Palestinians, AFP reported.

"For Israel, it is five minutes to 12," he said, adding that the regime must take the opportunity "to stop the clock while it can."

He was prevented from meeting the representatives of the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugee (UNRWA) in the coastal sliver on Sunday.

"Refusing a German development minister entry to the Gaza Strip is a great foreign policy mistake on the part of the Israeli government," the agency quoted him as telling the German daily Leipziger Volkszeitung.

Voicing his regret over the obstruction, German Foreign Minister Guido Westerwelle said Berlin and the European Union awaited the removal of the siege of Gaza.

The Israeli-imposed restrictions are into their fourth year of denying the nearly-1.5-million Gazans of food, fuel and other necessities.

While the second staunchest advocate of Israel after the United States, Berlin fell slightly out with Tel Aviv after the Israeli forces bloodshed of at least 20 activists on board the international Gaza-bound relief mission, Freedom Flotilla.

Unquote

Source. (http://www.presstv.ir/detail.aspx?id=131285&sectionid=351020202)

Rocky_Shorz

21st June 2010, 08:19

Gita

21st June 2010, 08:24

What is that irritating buzzing noise??:confused: Best ingnored and back to business.:nod:

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Brussels Tribunal Wants High-Seas Killers Charged

As global awareness of Israeli terrorism continues to grow following the May 31 Mavi Marmara assault, an especially vocal critic is the Belgian-based Brussels Tribunal. On June 6, this writer interviewed a member of its executive committee, Dr. Ian Douglas. His words reflect the gravity of our current situation.

“Israel is seemingly unconcerned about committing murder in front of the eyes of the world,” said Douglas. Commenting specifically on their attack of a humanitarian aid ship in international waters, he said unabashedly: “This is not murder; it is destruction. There is a level of violence here that is sadistic and vengeful.”

Douglas next quoted an outspoken and acclaimed researcher in the field.

“Norman Finkelstein recently said that Israel is now a lunatic state with 300 nuclear warheads. He is right; and it is time, before the unimaginable occurs, that the world deals with this massive threat represented by Israel. A fitting analogy is Macbeth. Israel has so much blood on its hands that it sees phantoms everywhere, and can only go forward by more killing.”

When asked of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s deceptive claim that those aboard the Mavi Marmara were “violent supporters of terrorism,” Douglas responded, “Netanyahu is the violent supporter of terrorism, and an instigator of it: the terror of the Israeli state against the Palestinians. This flotilla was bringing wheelchairs, medical supplies and basic goods. It seems, for Netanyahu, it’s a terrorist act to help the disabled.”

The genesis of this situation began when high-level powerbrokers illegally seized land and created a rogue nation in 1948.

“Israel simply cannot face up to its own bloody origin,” said Douglas. “It is a settler state, founded in violence by individuals who came from outside Arab countries.”

Unquote

Continued here. (http://www.americanfreepress.net/html/high-seas_killers_226.html)

Gita

21st June 2010, 08:48

'Hundreds of demonstrators, gathering at the Port of Oakland before dawn, prevented the unloading of an Israeli cargo ship. The demonstrators, demanding an end to Israel’s blockade of the Gaza Strip, picketed at Berth 58, where a ship from Israel’s Zim shipping line is scheduled to dock later today. The day shift of longshoremen agreed not to cross the picket line.'

Picket to stop unloading of Israeli ship.m4v
1k0s3o9w9wk

Gita

22nd June 2010, 08:05

Quote

Israel OKs plan to destroy Quds homes

Israeli municipal authorities have approved a move to destroy 22 Palestinian homes in East al-Quds (Jerusalem) to make room for construction of a tourist center.

The proposal was ratified on Monday, the Israeli newspaper Haaretz reported. The residents have rejected the plan as it violates their rights and international law.

The site, called al-Bustan, is a section of the larger neighborhood of Silwan which is home to some 50,000 Palestinians and 70 Jewish families.

http://www.presstv.ir/photo/20100621/gholami20100621140128873.jpg

Palestinians say the project is another attempt by Tel Aviv to cement its claim to all of al-Quds, adding that it is impossible for Palestinians to obtain building permits.

Israel captured East al-Quds from Jordan in the 1967 Six-day War. Tel Aviv's annexation remains unrecognized by the international community.

Unquote

Source (http://presstv.ir/detail.aspx?id=131387&sectionid=351020202)

Gita

22nd June 2010, 08:10

Quote

Which Side Are You On?

In San Francisco–Dockworkers Refuse to Cross Picket Line to Unload Israeli Ship 20. Jun, 2010

Activists singing "Which Side Are You On?' sums up the protest.

Protesters Picket Israeli Cargo Ship
UpKObPFtcBA

Hundreds of pro-Palestinian protesters picketed at the Port of Oakland, in California, on Sunday hoping to delay an Israeli cargo ship from docking, the San Francisco Chronicle reported.

Police estimated that more than 500 demonstrators gathered early Sunday morning at Berth 58, where a cargo ship operated by the Israeli Zim shipping company was scheduled to dock. The crowd dispersed around 10 a.m. but around 200 protesters returned in the afternoon when a second shift of dockworkers were scheduled to work.

The demonstration was staged to protest Israel's blockade of the Gaza Strip.

"Our objective was to boycott this ship for 24 hours, and we succeeded in doing that," said Richard Becker, with the ANSWER Coalition, one of the groups that organized the protest. {more}

Anti-Zionist Protestors Stop unloading of Israeli Ship
K3NDZNmybvE

This protest gives us the opportunity to take a look at a bit of the past history of Zim Shipping. The 9/11 connection.

That a company moved from one place to another is not news, it happens all the time.

But for a company partially owned by the state of Israel to move out of the WTC one week before the attacks and forfeit $50,000.00 in broken lease fees is news.

And where has Zim moved part of its operations to?

O’Neill’s FBI colleague, Mike Dick, aggressively investigated this Israeli ring before and after 911 . But like O’Neill, he soon found himself removed from his duties on the orders of the then-head of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division Michael Chertoff. Dick was very suspicious when Israeli movers quickly moved Zim American Israeli Shipping Company out of its 10,000 square feet of office space on the 17th Floor of the North Tower of the World Trade Center. The partially Israeli state-owned firm forfeited a $50,000 security deposit when it terminated its lease and vacated the building one week prior to 911. According to a non official cover (NOC) CIA source who worked with Dick, Israeli movers moved explosives into the 17th Floor office space after Zim moved out.

After 911, Dick as well as the CIA NOC were harassed by their superiors on orders “from above.” Those orders came from Chertoff. Dick was first relieved of his primary counter-espionage duties, eventually sent to Pakistan to investigate the kidnapping of Wall Street Journal reporter Daniel Pearl, and eventually buried in a desk job at FBI headquarters in Washington, DC.

Unquote

Continued here. (http://kennysideshow.blogspot.com/2010/06/which-side-are-you-on.html)

Gita

22nd June 2010, 08:21

Quote

Netanyahu Vows to ‘Tighten’ Gaza Blockade

Hours after the Israeli government announced that it was intending to issue a new “banned goods” list for the Gaza Strip, focused on placating international demands to allow more food and humanitarian goods into the tiny enclave, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu delivered a pledge that the move would actually “tighten” the blockade.

“Our friends around the world are getting behind our decision and giving international legitimacy to the security blockade on Hamas,” Netanyahu insisted, adding again that “dual use” goods would continue to be barred from Gaza.

http://news.antiwar.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/04/netanyahu4.jpg

Israel’s military has claimed broad swathes of goods to be “dual use” in the past, including imposing a three year ban on shoes under the claim that shoes could theoretically be made the part of a military uniform, and therefore had a military use.

Officials say that banned luxury goods like pasta and cordiander will be allowed into the Gaza Strip under the new list, but so far the government has been mum on the most needed item, cement. Israel has barred all cement from the strip as a “dual use” good as well, leaving the homes in the region in ruins since the January 2009 invasion despite massive pledges of foreign aid. It seems the changes in the blockade may end up being superficial, and done purely for to score points internationally.

Unquote

Source (http://news.antiwar.com/2010/06/20/netanyahu-vows-to-tighten-gaza-blockade/)

Gita

22nd June 2010, 09:02

Quote

Iran awaiting Egyptian Gaza aid route

Iran says it has prepared ships containing humanitarian and medical aid for Gaza and is awaiting an Egyptian response for a route to deliver the aid.

Foreign Ministry Spokesman Ramin Mehmanparast said in a Tuesday press briefing that Iran has made contacts with the Egyptian government on arrangements to facilitate the delivery of the shipments to the impoverished people of Gaza and that any Egyptian efforts in opening a delivery route would be “appreciated by nations.”

“We consider Egyptian efforts in opening an aid-delivery route a correct approach,” said Mehmanparast. He expressed optimism that Egypt would reflect on the “historic role” they can play in making the aid delivery to the people of Gaza happen, and keep in mind the expectation that nations have from them in this regard.

The Iranian official also elaborated on Tehran's decision to refuse entry to two inspectors of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), saying that if any IAEA inspectors are in violation of their assigned duties, member countries have the right to object and demand new inspectors.

He added that Iran considers relaying inaccurate information or making data available to irrelevant individuals by the agency's inspectors as violation of their duties.

Mehmanparast also declared that Iran plans to transmit protest letters to the 12 members of the UN Security Council that recently voted for the anti-Iran sanctions resolution. He noted that the letters will go out soon.

The spokesman also referred to recent propaganda efforts by the US administration to avert a gas pipeline deal between Iran and Pakistan, stressing that energy cooperation between nations have extensive aspects and go far beyond being affected by propaganda campaigns.

Responding to a question regarding Iran's declared readiness in helping to contain the massive oil spill in the Gulf of Mexico, Mehmanparast said the inability of the US government to effectively deal with the crisis is quite significant. He then noted that since the crisis is an environmental and humanitarian one, it encourages the involvement of all nations to resolve it.

Unquote

Source (http://www.presstv.ir/detail.aspx?id=131475&sectionid=351020101)

Gita

22nd June 2010, 09:11

Quote

Blair: No need for Gaza aid convoys

Former UK Prime Minister Tony Blair is urging charities to stop launching aid flotillas to the blockaded Gaza Strip, and use Israeli-run crossings instead.

"If we implement this policy so that the things that people are trying to bring in by flotilla you can bring in through the legitimate existing crossings, do it that way,” Blair told The Jerusalem Post in an interview on Monday.

"That is the more sensible way to do that,” he added.

The remarks come amid reports of more ships seeking to sail from Lebanon to break Israel's naval blockade in the next few days despite Tel Aviv's Sunday announcement that it was easing the land blockade on the Gaza Strip, and that it would allow all goods except for arms and weapons-related material into the territory.

The move seemed to be aimed at evading mounting international pressure triggered by Israel's deadly attack on a Gaza-bound Freedom Flotilla on May 31, where at least nine activists onboard the aid fleet were killed.

Blair said he had been discussing the easing of those restrictions with Israeli Prime Minister Binyamin Netanyahu long before the fatal onslaught on the Flotilla.

The envoy for the Quartet for Middle East Peace, however, sympathized with Israel over its alleged security concerns which keep the blockade in place.

“Where I divide from some others in the international community is that I think that Israel has got a genuine security concern that it is entitled to meet,” he said.

“For me, the fact that Israel says, 'Look, we're not going to allow things into the [Gaza] seaport, but you can bring them to Ashdod, and we can check them, and then they can come on to Gaza,' I think that is a reasonable position."

Unquote

Source (http://www.presstv.ir/detail.aspx?id=131466&sectionid=351020202)

Gita

22nd June 2010, 09:19

Quote

'Israel destroying peace talks'

Saeb Erekat says Israel is trying to sabotage indirect peace talks through the demolition of Silwan neighborhood homes in East al-Quds (Jerusalem.)

On Monday, the chief Palestine Liberation Organization (PLO) negotiator called on the international community to "halt these dangerous steps" and said that the move "proves that Israel has decided to destroy the proximity talks with the Palestinians."

Erekat said that on Monday the Israeli al-Quds (Jerusalem) municipal planning committee approved the demolition of 22 Silwan homes to make room for the construction of a tourist center.

The site, called al-Bustan, is a section of the larger neighborhood of Silwan, which is home to about 50,000 Palestinians and 70 Jewish families.

Silwan residents have vehemently objected to the plan, which would lead to forced evictions and demolitions, and have demanded that the committee discuss an alternative plan that does not include razing their homes, the Israeli daily Haaretz reported.

Unquote

Source (http://www.presstv.ir/detail.aspx?id=131441&sectionid=351020202)

Gita

23rd June 2010, 07:41

Quote

Exclusive: Leaked documents show PA undermined Turkey's push for UN flotilla probe

A document sent to Ibrahim Khraishi, Palestinian Authority representative at the UN in Geneva, proves that the PA attempted to undermine Turkey's push for a UN Human Rights Council investigation in to Israel's attack on the Gaza Freedom Flotilla (Patrick Bertschmann/UN Photo)

June 22, 2010

The Palestinian Authority attempted to neutralize a United Nations Human Rights Council resolution condemning Israel's deadly attack on the Gaza Freedom Flotilla, leaked UN and Palestinian Authority documents obtained by The Electronic Intifada show. Israel's 31 May attack killed nine Turkish citizens, including a dual US-Turkish citizen, and injured dozens of others aboard the Mavi Marmara in international waters.

The Electronic Intifada (EI) today publishes one of the documents it obtained, containing proposed amendments to a draft Human Rights Council (HRC) resolution. Annotations to the resolution indicate the Palestinian Authority (PA) stood with European Union (EU) countries against Turkey's calls for robust action to hold Israel accountable.

The PA's apparent collusion to shield Israel will recall for many its efforts to undermine UN action on the Goldstone report last October.

Apparently written by a European delegate, the document's amendments would have seriously diluted Turkey's original wording. The most damaging change would have removed the call for an independent UN investigation under HRC auspices. The document was provided to EI by a source who described how it was obtained inside the UN Office at Geneva, and asked to remain anonymous.

Unqoute

Continued here. (http://uruknet.info/?p=m67263&hd=&size=1&l=e)

Downlead PDF here. (http://www.electronicintifada.net/downloads/pdf/100622-EI-UNHRC-Flotilla.pdf)

Gita

23rd June 2010, 08:28

Palestine on the map ?
p9r9ACkpFVk

777

23rd June 2010, 08:41

Great vid Gita :-)

Gita

23rd June 2010, 09:05

Yes it is 777. :wink:

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Israeli army arrests 21 Palestinians

http://www.presstv.ir/photo/20100623/tarapour20100623010934763.jpg

Israeli soldiers arrest 21 Palestinians in Doura town, west of al-Khalil (Hebron), in the southern West Bank, local sources say.

The soldiers invaded several areas and broke into dozens of homes, Palestinian news agency IMEMC reported late Tuesday.

Israeli soldiers also invaded the Zabbouba town, near the northern West Bank city of Jenin, sealed off the area, broke into more than 10 houses belonging to the Palestinians and searched them.

The army also handed military summons to ten residents and summoned them to a nearby military base for interrogation.

Local sources said that the soldiers fired gas bombs and concussion grenades during the invasion.

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Source (http://www.presstv.ir/detail.aspx?id=131598&sectionid=351020202)

Gita

23rd June 2010, 10:45

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Beirut warns Israel against ship attack

As a Lebanese aid convoy is preparing to set sail for the Gaza Strip, Beirut says Tel Aviv would be held accountable for any attack against the vessel.

In a letter to the United Nations on Tuesday, Lebanon's Foreign Ministry said "Israel will be held fully responsible for any attack on Lebanon," AFP reported.

Lebanon "cannot prohibit a ship from leaving its ports if its cargo, passengers and destination all comply with Lebanese law."

The letter came after the Israeli ambassador to the United Nations sent a letter to the UN, threatening that it would use "all necessary means" to stop the Gaza-bound aid convoy.

Earlier on Monday, Lebanese authorities granted permission for one of the two ships, the Julia, to sail to Cyprus and then to Gaza. With Lebanon and Israel technically still at war, the ship cannot directly sail for the Gaza Strip.

The aid mission comes as Israeli Defense Minister Ehud Barak warned earlier that Lebanon would be responsible for any confrontation with vessels sailing to Gaza from its shores.

The ships, which have been organized by the Free Palestine Movement, would be carrying humanitarian supplies for the besieged people of Gaza.

The pro-Palestinian campaigners planned the mission after Israeli commandos stormed the Gaza Freedom Flotilla aid convoy on May 31, killing at least several civilian activists and injuring dozens of others in international waters.

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Source (http://www.presstv.ir/detail.aspx?id=131544&sectionid=351020203)

Gita

23rd June 2010, 11:46

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Israel to block Iran aid ships to Gaza

With new international missions underway to deliver aid to Gaza, Israel says it will seek ways to block Iranian and Lebanese aid shipments to the besieged strip, referring to them as 'flow of arms.'

"We have the right to inspect and prevent the flow of arms into Gaza," Israel's Ynet news website quoted Israeli Chief of Staff Gabi Ashkenazi as saying on Tuesday.

"We can't let Gaza become an Iranian port," he added.

The remarks come as Iranian Foreign Ministry Spokesman Ramin Mehmanparast announced plans to send two Iranian aid ships carrying humanitarian relief and medical supplies to the Gaza Strip.

Mehmanparast also said arrangements were being negotiated with the Egyptian government to facilitate the delivery of the shipments to the impoverished people of Gaza.

“We consider Egyptian efforts in opening an aid-delivery route a correct approach,” the Iranian spokesman said, adding that such measures that will help the delivery of aid supplies would be “appreciated by nations.”

Earlier on Monday, Iran's Red Crescent said two shipments of relief goods and relief workers were due be sent for a 14-day journey to the coastal region by the end of the week.

The Iranian ships will follow a Lebanese aid vessel, the Julia, which is scheduled to set sail for Gaza through Cyprus. With Lebanon and Israel technically still at war, the ship cannot directly sail for the Gaza Strip.

Ashkenazi went on to warn against Lebanon's aid mission, saying that "If a flotilla comes from Lebanon we will deal with it. If they are peaceful we will deal with it peacefully, if not we will deal with it as we need to."

The pro-Palestinian campaign by Iran and Lebanon comes after Israeli commandos stormed the Gaza Freedom Flotilla aid convoy on May 31, killing at least 9 civilian activists and injuring dozens of others in international waters.

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Source (http://www.presstv.ir/detail.aspx?id=131633&sectionid=351020101)

K626

23rd June 2010, 12:01

Love the way Obama sits around making neutral comments and Clinton makes a 'looky here' hard speech, but with no punishments entailed withinn.

Gita

23rd June 2010, 20:10

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Swedish dock blocks Israeli cargo

Swedish dockworkers have staged a blockade of Israeli ships and cargo to protest Tel Aviv's deadly attack on an international Gaza-bound aid convoy.

The Swedish Dock Workers Union (Hamnarbetarforbundet), which had supported the flotilla, said Wednesday that the weeklong protest also calls for an end to the deadly blockade of the Gaza Strip.

The blockade was launched “because of the assault on the ship to Gaza, that we supported before they took off … And the blockade of the Gaza strip, which affects the civilian population," union spokesman Rolf Axelsson said.

http://www.presstv.ir/photo/20100623/asadi_s20100623132807030.jpg

Eleven Swedish activists were on the Turkish-flagged Gaza Freedom Flotilla when Israeli commandos stormed the ship on May 31, killing at least 20 civilian activists and injuring dozens of others in international waters. The fatal attack sent shockwaves across the world and raised global calls for an international investigation into the incident.

Union chairman Bjoern A. Borg said stevedores in all unionized Swedish ports are set to refuse to handle containers containing cargo from Israel or goods destined for it until June 29.

Although Israel announced Sunday that it would ease its land blockade on the coastal region, which has been under siege for three years, it is widely believed that the recent measure does not mean the end of the siege and only aims to reduce global pressure on Tel Aviv following its deadly attack on the aid convoy.

Swedish dockworkers have also called Israel's recent easing of its Gaza blockade as insufficient and urged for an international probe into the attack.

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Source (http://www.presstv.ir/detail.aspx?id=131691&sectionid=351020202)

OnyxKnight

23rd June 2010, 21:16

Israel Reportedly Attacks Palestinian Aid Flotilla (http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2010/05/30/israel-attacks-palestinian-aid-flotilla_n_595033.html)

HAIFA, Israel — Israeli warships attacked at least one of six ships carrying pro-Palestinian activists and aid for the blockaded Gaza Strip, killing at least two and wounding an unknown number of people on board, an Arabic satellite news channel and a Turkish TV network reported early Monday.

There were Turks and Muslims from Macedonia on that ship. I still wonder about the attack and the real reason.

Deliberate disinformation?

Misinterpreted intel or something?

Anyone watched the video on youtube?

Studeo

23rd June 2010, 21:22

Source: http://www.mercurynews.com/breaking-news/ci_15340836?nclick_check=1

Oakland protesters prevent unloading of Israeli ship
By Sean Maher
Oakland Tribune

OAKLAND "” Hundreds of peace activists prevented the unloading of an Israeli ship at the Port of Oakland Sunday by forming a picket line.

Organizers said their goal was to delay the ship"s unloading for 24 hours in protest of the Israeli military"s May 31 open-seas raid on a humanitarian aid flotilla that had been bringing goods to Gaza. The raid ended in the death of nine Turkish citizens.

Several hundred people gathered at the Oakland port about 5:30 a.m. at berths 57, 58 and 59, which is operated by SSA Terminals. An Israeli Zim Lines ship was expected to arrive in the morning, but didn"t. So the crowd stayed until the afternoon, preventing workers from unloading a ship from China, according to SSA officials.

"Free, free Palestine! Don"t cross the picket line!" the pickets shouted, blocking the berths" entrances and preventing about 100 longshoremen from walking past.

The longshoremen"s union largely cooperated with the picket line. No workers tried to cross it.

Clarence Thomas, an executive board member of the International Longshore and Warehouse Union Local 10 said, "We don"t want our members getting into fist fights or anything. We don"t want police escorting us to work. That"s unsafe."

Organizers had informed Oakland police of their plans for the picket, and police reported no arrests.

Richard Mead, president of Local 10, said Sunday night that SSA decided against ordering night shift workers to unload the Israeli ship, so employees didn"t show up and didn"t have to cross any picket lines.

"We can"t make them order a crew," Mead said. "It is what is."

"We consider this to be a huge victory and a historic moment," said organizer Richard Becker. "This is the first time this has happened, that an Israeli ship was blocked from unloading in a U.S. port."

Even after protesters heard that the shutdown was successful, about 200 people continued to picket until 7 p.m., about an hour and a half after the ship docked.

The flotilla raid, protesters said, was only the latest injustice to come from Israel"s actions toward what it considers hostile neighbors.

Marchers also demanded Israel end its blockade of Gaza and its occupation of the West Bank in Palestine.

"My grandmother"s Jewish. I"m not anti-Semitic," said Larkspur resident Frank McClain, who had joined the picket line. "But what Israel"s doing is murdering people. They staged a raid in international waters. If Somalis had done that, they"d be called pirates and we"d have punished and stopped them immediately.—

Israel has held Gaza under blockade since shortly after Hamas took power there in 2007.

Israeli officials have sworn that the country will not apologize for the raid, citing videos of one ship"s passengers attacking the Israeli troops. But Israel"s prime minister, Benjamin Netanyahu, on Sunday outlined steps the country plans to take to ease the blockade.

The move is expected to assuage recently tense relations between the United States and Israel.

Gita

24th June 2010, 07:46

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Israel cannot evade Gaza charges: Cairo

Egyptian President Hosni Mubarak says Israel cannot evade its responsibility for inflicting hardship upon the people of the besieged Gaza Strip by shifting the blame onto Egypt.

"We are exerting all efforts to lift the Israeli blockade on Gaza," Mubarak told the members of his ruling National Democratic Party on Wednesday in a speech quoted by AFP.

"We reject attempts by Israel, the occupying force, to free itself of responsibility towards the strip and place it on Egypt," he said.

Egypt has been assisting Israel with its closure of the Gaza Strip in the past years by refusing to open the Rafah border crossing, the only terminal not under Israeli control.

Cairo has also built a deep metal wall to disrupt a network of cross-border tunnels used by Palestinians for sending their basic needs into the besieged coastal strip.

Mubarak's comments come shortly after Israel announced on Sunday that it would allow "civilian" goods into the strip while maintaining the strict "security" restrictions and preventing weapons and certain dual-use items from entering the Palestinian territory.

The decision came under mounting international pressure triggered by Israel's May 31 attack in international waters on the blockade-busting Gaza Freedom Flotilla and the killing of 9 civilian activists onboard the aid convoy.

In the aftermath of the onslaught and the massive outrage it sparked in the Muslim and Arab world, Egypt made an attempt to distance itself from the Israeli siege by indefinitely opening the Rafah border crossing.

Earlier in June, Israel said it was Cairo that encouraged Tel Aviv to step up the blockade of Gaza to force the territory's impoverished population to rise up against the democratically elected Hamas government in the territory -- a claim vehemently rejected by the Egyptian Foreign Ministry .

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Source (http://www.presstv.ir/detail.aspx?id=131787&sectionid=351020202)

Gita

24th June 2010, 07:59

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Israeli Court Begins Trial Against Palestinian Official For 'Illegally Praying' At al-Aqsa Mosque

Court proceedings began Wednesday morning in Jerusalem for Hatem Abdel Qader, the Palestinian Chief of Jerusalem Affairs. He was charged with "violating a military order" preventing him from praying at the al-Aqsa Mosque in Jerusalem.

The mosque is considered the third-holiest site in Islam, but many Muslims are prohibited by Israeli authorities from praying there. Israeli authorities control access to the mosque and its grounds, which are located in the Old City of Jerusalem.

Palestinians who try to pray in the mosque face off with Israeli soldiers every Friday at East Jerusalem checkpoints, and very few are allowed to enter Jerusalem to pray at the mosque. Some, like Hatem Abdel Qader, have received personal orders from the Israeli military banning them from entering the mosque for a certain period of time. These orders do not provide the reason for the ban, but simply inform the recipient that they are not allowed to pray in the mosque.

Originally, Hatem Abdel Qader was supposed to be tried in May, but a group of right-wing Israelis disrupted the court proceedings and prevented the trial from moving forward.

Qader's supporters gathered in front of the courthouse Wednesday morning, where they demanded that the Israeli court drop the military order against Qader and others. They say that these orders violate the internationally-recognized right to freedom of religion.

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Source (http://uruknet.info/?p=m67293&hd=&size=1&l=e)

Gita

24th June 2010, 08:02

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Israel faces new war crime headache

Israeli leaders are facing more legal action from rights activists who are filing new lawsuits in connection with Israel's war crimes against Palestinians in Gaza.

Two Belgian lawyers filed an indictment on Wednesday on behalf of more than a dozen Palestinians, calling for some 14 Israeli officials to stand trial for crimes against humanity and war crimes allegedly committed during Tel Aviv's December 2008-January 2009 offensive against the Gaza Strip.

The list comprises of various politicians and military and intelligence officials — including Defense Minister Ehud Barak, then Foreign Minister Tzipi Livni, and former Prime Minister Ehud Olmert — who had a role in the deadly onslaught The Jerusalem Post quoted Hungarian News Agency MTI as saying.

The indictment defines Israel's deliberate targeting of places known to hold civilians as well as attacks on plantations and water systems, among other things, as war crimes committed during the 22-day offensive that killed more than 1,400 Palestinians and left thousands more injured.

Belgium's "Universal Jurisdiction" law allows for the trial of war criminals in Belgium while the events in question took place elsewhere.

A Brussels court granted a war crimes suit against former Prime Minister Ariel Sharon in 2001. Fears of facing legal action in the country also made Livni refrain from traveling to Belgium as Israel's foreign minister in 2009.

Meanwhile, a group of Greek activists plan to sue senior Israeli officials for their role in the May 31 deadly attack on a Gaza-bound aid convoy and the killing of several civilians onboard the fleet while it was in international waters.

The 33 Greek nationals, who were accompanying the Gaza Freedom Flotilla when it came under fire, accuse high-ranking Israeli officials, including Barak and Chief of Staff Gabi Ashkenazi of violating international laws by attacking the flotilla in international waters.

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Source (http://www.presstv.ir/detail.aspx?id=131772&sectionid=351020202)

Gita

24th June 2010, 15:44

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PACE issues resolution against Israel

The Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe (PACE) has issued a resolution condemning Israel's last month attack on a flotilla of ships carrying aid to Gaza.

It censured Israel for its attack on the Freedom Flotilla, describing the move as breach of international laws and "manifestly disproportionate."

The resolution also urged Israel to "completely" lift its blockade on the Gaza Strip, describing such a move is "essential" for lowering tensions and resumption of Middle East peace talks.

Israeli commandos on May 31 stormed the Gaza Freedom Flotilla aid convoy, killing 20 civilian activists and injuring dozens of others.

PACE also called on Israel to halt its settlement projects in the occupied Palestinian lands, including the East al-Quds.

In a similar move, the European Parliament (EP) last week passed a resolution calling for an "impartial inquiry" into Israel's attack on a humanitarian flotilla.

The EP resolution, passed on June 17, also urges an "immediate end" to the Gaza blockade.

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Source (http://www.presstv.ir/detail.aspx?id=131835&sectionid=351020605)

Gita

25th June 2010, 20:01

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Israeli airstrike on Gaza kills two

At least two Palestinians have been killed and another has been injured after Israeli war planes attacked three locations in the Gaza Strip overnight.

Palestinian medical workers said on Friday that the two men were killed after Israeli jets attacked "survival tunnels" along Rafah border.

A former airport in the south and the northern town of Beit Hanun were also attacked.

The tunnels, which link the south of the impoverished enclave to Egypt, have been serving as conduits for vital supplies to the besieged Gaza Strip, and are frequently attacked by Israeli and Egyptian security forces.

The Israeli army said the strikes were carried out in response to a rocket attack from the strip on southern Israel on Thursday, which caused no damage or casualties.

The crippling land, sea, and air blockade was imposed by Israel and Egypt since June 2007, when the democratically-elected Hamas government gained control of Gaza.

The enclave's 1.5 million inhabitants have to heavily rely on the perilous tunnels as the sole means of obtaining essential supplies such as food and medicines.

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Source (http://www.presstv.ir/detail.aspx?id=131912&sectionid=351020202)

Rocky_Shorz

29th June 2010, 02:32

Actually this is good news, Iran was going to try and turn the population of Egypt against the government for stopping their aid ship heading for Gaza...

anything that will stop their global expansion and taking over other nations governments right now is a good thing...

but then again... Iran just started building up their military to 20 Million soldiers...

1/10th are suicide bombers...

Trainloads of Iranian military personnel have been seen in route through Turkey to Syria, sources confirm they are traveling with weapons...

TICK... Tick... tick...

Iran cancels plan to send ship to Gaza

TEHRAN, Iran (AP) — An Iranian lawmaker says the country's plan to send a blockade-busting ship from Iran to Gaza has been canceled.

The semiofficial ISNA news agency quotes Mahmoud Ahmadi Bighash as saying Saturday the Iranian delegation will instead try to sail from Lebanon. He cited Israeli "restrictions" for the cancellation.

I guess we know the soldiers heading to syria have joined with Hezbollah...

makes it easy to understand why Turkey stopped military flights by Israel over their country today...

Gita

30th June 2010, 07:55

http://www.davidicke.com/images/stories/June20105/9ff4865155f637ff64c5.jpg

Gita

30th June 2010, 08:36

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UN blasts Israel's destruction plan

A UN human rights expert says that Israel's plan to destroy several Palestinian homes in East al-Quds (Jerusalem) would violate the international law.

"International law does not allow Israel to bulldoze Palestinians homes to make space for the Mayor's project to build a garden, or anything else," UN Special Rapporteur on Human Rights in the occupied Palestinian territories Richard Falk said in a statement.

http://www.presstv.ir/photo/20100629/gholami20100629140608700.jpg

He made the remarks on Tuesday after Israeli municipal authorities ratified a move last week to destroy 22 homes to make room for construction of a park and a public complex.

The plan will need additional ratification, which could take months, according to Israeli officials.

The site, called al-Bustan, is a section of the larger neighborhood of Silwan, which is home to some 50,000 Palestinians and 70 Jewish families.

Palestinians say the project is another attempt by Tel Aviv to cement its claim to all of al-Quds, adding that it is impossible for Palestinians to obtain building permits.

Israel captured East al-Quds from Jordan in the 1967 Six-day War. Tel Aviv's annexation remains unrecognized by the international community.

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Source (http://www.presstv.ir/detail.aspx?id=132612&sectionid=351020202)

Gita

30th June 2010, 08:41

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No envoy before Israel apology: Turkey

Turkey says the strain in its diplomatic ties with Israel will not heal unless it formally apologizes for the killing of Turkish nationals aboard a Gaza aid convoy.

Nine Turkish citizens, including a Turkish-American teenager, were killed in the May 31 attack by Israeli navy commandos on the Gaza Freedom Flotilla while the civilian aid convoy was in international waters.

The move drew strong condemnation from the international community and prompted several countries to summon Israeli ambassadors while an enraged Turkey recalled its envoy from Tel Aviv.

Ankara will not appoint a new ambassador to Israel unless the Israeli regime formally apologizes for the death of the Turkish citizens, The New York Times quoted a senior official in Turkey's Foreign Ministry as saying on Tuesday.

The Turkish government is also demanding compensation for the relatives of the Flotilla attack victims and an independent commission to investigate Israel's use of violence against the fleet which tried to break the Israeli blockade of Gaza.

In an interview to American television on Monday, Turkish Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan said Israel must apologize for its blockade of the Gaza Strip as well as compensate the people of Gaza as a precondition for Ankara to mediate possible peace talks between Israel and Syria in the future.

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Source (http://www.presstv.ir/detail.aspx?id=132711&sectionid=351020204)

Gita

30th June 2010, 09:24

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Israeli forces storm Ramleh prison hospital

RAMALLAH, (PIC)-- An elite Israeli special forces unit called Masada stormed the Ramleh hospital prison and assaulted sick prisoners and damaged their property, the Ahrar Center for prisoners’ and human rights studies said.

Director of the Ahrar Center Fouad Al-Khafsh said that the special forces brutally stormed the prison on Tuesday, June 22. He explained that the prisoners described what happened inside the prison as a "tsunami" in reference to the violence and barbarism which the unit used during the break-in.

The prisoners stated in a letter to the center, "The intrusion occurred under the pretext of looking and searching for prohibited items, as they broke wheelchairs and caused a tsunami in the section."

In addition, the Zionist forces penalized prisoners with financial fines and closed up the section, preventing sick captives from leaving their rooms, which exacerbated their suffering and placed their lives in danger.

In their letter, prisoners appealed to the Palestinian government and human rights organizations to stand with them in their increased suffering.

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Continued here. (http://uruknet.info/?p=m67458&hd=&size=1&l=e)

Gita

30th June 2010, 11:58

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Gazan kids suffer from malnutrition

A Palestinian report says more than half of the children in the Gaza Strip suffer from malnutrition due to the ongoing Israeli siege of the impoverished region.

The Palestinian Medical Relief Association conducted the study on the situation of children in Gaza, saying that 52 percent of the young Palestinians suffer from malnutrition, and severe vitamin deficiency.

According to the study, a significant number of the children also suffer from infections in their respiratory systems, International Middle East Media Center reported.

The statement came during a ceremony marking the end of the first phase of a project meant to evaluate the psychological conditions of children in the Gaza Strip. The joint project is conducted with the cooperation of a humanitarian society in Italy.

It also said that the ongoing Israeli invasions, bombardment and attacks, especially in border areas, has a direct impact on the health and psychological conditions of Gaza children who are the main target of Israeli operations against the Hamas-led governmnet in the coastal enclave.

Close to 1,400 Palestinians -- mostly women and children -- died during Israel's 22-day onslaught against the Gaza Strip at the turn of 2009.

Dozens of seriously ill patients are facing imminent death as medical centers in Gaza run out of medical supplies which Israeli authorities are refusing to allow into the territory.

Israel's prolonged blockade on Gaza has inflcited seruios blows upon the economy of the territory where some 1.5 million Palestinians are on the verge of a humanitarian crisis.

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Source (http://www.presstv.ir/detail.aspx?id=132779&sectionid=351020202)

Gita

1st July 2010, 08:08

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Israel launches airstrikes on Gaza‎

Israeli aircraft have fired five rockets at the Gaza Strip, striking three targets, witnesses and Palestinian security officials say.

Israeli F-16 aircraft fired two rockets at a airport in the southern Gaza Strip town of Rafah early Thursday.

The rockets hit the Yasser Arafat Airport, which is currently not in service, in southern Gaza. The same airport was also hit in February.

Another strike targeted an official Hamas base in the center of the coastal strip. There are no reports of casualties in either of the attacks.

Over the past three years, Israel has killed hundreds of Palestinians in airstrikes targeting civilian and official buildings.

Three other rockets were fired on areas belonging to Hamas' armed-wing, the Ezzedine al-Qassam Brigades, including underground tunnels used by Gaza residents to bring in essential commodities banned by the Israeli government, dpa quoted Palestinian security officials as saying.

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Source (http://www.presstv.ir/detail.aspx?id=132867&sectionid=351020202)

Gita

1st July 2010, 11:03

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'Israel licensed to destroy with impunity' 'Israel licensed to destroy with impunity'

Amid "illegal" Israeli plans to destroy Palestinian homes, a former US congresswoman says Tel Aviv has "impunity" for the aggressive efforts of the pro-Israel lobby in the US.

"The United States and Europe give Israel impunity," Cynthia McKinney said in an interview with Press TV.

The remarks came after Richard Falk, the UN special rapporteur on human rights in the Palestinian territories, slammed Tel Aviv's plan to demolish some 20 Palestinian homes in the Silwan neighborhood of East al-Quds (Jerusalem).

Israel says the homes should be flattened as part of "the King's Garden project" -- a park and a public complex.

Falk, however, argues that the move is illegal. "International law does not allow Israel to bulldoze Palestinians homes to make space for the Mayor's project to build a garden, or anything else."

Branding the move illegal under international law, he has also criticized Tel Aviv's plans to revoke the residence permits of four Palestinians, arguing that their forcible transfer to the occupied West Bank could constitute a war crime.

http://www.presstv.ir/photo/20100630/razieh20100630144400857.jpg
Tel Aviv plans to destroy 20 more homes in occupied Palestinian lands to build a park and a public complex

McKinney, who lost her seat in the House of Representatives after criticizing Israel in public, says to fight the regime's impunity a "counter lobby" must be established in the United States.

"If we had one United States Senator, with conscience and commitment as well as courage, who would stand up to the other members of Congress, who pow-pow and bow to the Israeli lobby… we would then begin to have the kind of accountability that people are looking for," she said.

The American Israel Public Affairs Committee (AIPAC), considered the most powerful and connected lobbying group in Washington, has been subject to controversy in the past as well.

According to University of Chicago professor John Mearsheimer and Stephen Walt from the Harvard University, AIPAC is a "de facto agent for a foreign government," whose "success is due to its ability to reward legislators and congressional candidates who support its agenda, and to punish those who challenge it."

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Source (http://www.presstv.ir/detail.aspx?id=132830&sectionid=351020202)

PathWalker

2nd July 2010, 10:55

Israeli boycott batters Turkish hotel prices

The Turkish economy has lost at least $400 million as Israelis have cancelled tens of thousands of reservations in the wake of the Gaza flotilla affair.
By TheMarker Staff

Now would be a good time to take a Turkish vacation: The Israeli boycott is having an impact and the price of hotel rooms in the country has plummeted, the Turkish newspaper Hurriyet reported this week.

The Turkish economy has lost at least $400 million as Israelis canceled tens of thousands of reservations after the Gaza-flotilla affair worsened the rift between the two countries.

About a month ago, Israeli naval commandos took over a protest ship bound for Gaza.
Turkey resort

In the violent confrontation, several Turkish activists brandishing weapons including axes and metal rods were killed.

Feeling the pinch, Turkish travel agencies have pointed a finger at the government. One, Levantin Tour, has lost NIS 8.6 million, its owners reported.

The company had planned to bring 17,000 Israeli tourists to Turkey this year, but so far has brought over only 200 and has to pay hotels $1.1 million due to canceled reservations.

Other travel agencies have even gone bankrupt, said Levantin's owner, Levent Guner.

The dearth of Israeli tourists has pushed down hotel prices, too. Rooms that would rent for NIS 170 a night are now going for NIS 100 in resort towns such as Bodrum and Marmaris, the paper reported.

source (http://www.haaretz.com/print-edition/business/israeli-boycott-batters-turkish-hotel-prices-1.299595)

Richard

2nd July 2010, 11:46

This thread is no longer about the topic and is nothing more than a Palestinian propaganda machine. There have been brutal attacks and act of terrorism done by both sides with the Palestinians specifically targeting women and children. Why has that not been pasted?

There is a new thread now, titled Update on the Israeli/Palestinian conflict that hopefully will show both sides and be informative.

This thread is closed due to losing its relevance and and the overzealousness of the copy/paste crew.