Even though one Israel’s most powerful criticisms of Hamas during the latest Gaza Strip operation condemned the terror group for using human shields during the operation, thereby increasing the civilian death toll, it appears the Israeli military may have done the exact same. to add to the recent stir of alleged human rights violations, a UN envoy to the region claimed multiple human rights atrocities including the U.S. of an 11 year old boy to protect the soldiers from enemy attacks. View a report of human rights abuses accusations released yesterday by the UN, here. After censure from foreign governments over the refusal of certain foods as relief aid into the Gaza Strip following the operation, the Israeli government finally agreed to allow the importation of certain, previously banned products.
With a rightist march of 100 people scheduled today in Arab-Israeli town Umm al-Fahm, the Israeli government deployed 2,500 police officers to prevent violence between protesters on opposite sides of the political spectrum. In clashes between police, the rightists, and town residents, 28 individuals were injured thus far, including the deputy police chief and a Meretz party MK.
A new analysis piece outlines the historical failures and myths in the floundering Israel-Syria peace process. Even though the negotiations largely focused on the return of the Golan Heights, the author maintains that Syria remains more concerned in the perception of the country in the wake of an agreement than its actual borders. The piece argues the need to maintain U.S. leverage over Syria and demand a change in Damascus’ posture before conceding any issues to the regime.
A car bomb resulted yesterday in the death of a senior PLO official in southern Lebanon, although no group has yet claimed responsibility.
Former British PM and Quartet Mid-East Envoy Tony Blair penned an article for Newsweek detailing his views on the role of religion in the region.
JStreet, an organization aimed at a peaceful resolution ot the Israel-Palestine conflict, released its recent survey results indicating that American Jews support President Obama, seek a working relationship with a unity Hamas-Fatah government, and oppose settlement expansion.
Former nominee to head the National Intelligence Council Chas Freeman is still fighting back at his former opponents that led an ultimately successful fight against him. He recently sent a letter Rep. Frank Wolf, contending that the Congressman "lept to this bizarre conclusion" in an op-ed in the Washington Post.
