Going Back to Lifta - A Palestinian Exile Returns

Going Back to Lifta - A Palestinian Exile Returns:

"liftasociety on May 29, 2011

Film-maker Mat Heywood shows Yacoub Odeh, a Palestinian who fled from Lifta, west Jerusalem in 1948, around his deserted home village, now under threat from Israeli plans to build a luxury resort. Source: Guardian



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Disengagement Animation - Gaza Reels [English Subs.] יומני עזה

Subs letter size is a bit small, I recommend watching the video in full screen mode.

Gaza Reels יומני עזה:

"gishaorg on May 28, 2011

האם באמת התנתקנו מעזה? סרטון חדש מאת עמותת גישה מפריך דעה רווחת כי ישראל אינה נושאת באחריות לנעשה ברצועת עזה ומסביר שמדיניות הסגר המתמשכת פוגעת

[Translation of above Hebrew text by Google Translate: "Really we disengaged from Gaza? New video by association approach refutes a common belief that Israel is not responsible for what happens in the Gaza Strip and explains the continued closure policy violates"]




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Brisbane BDS Action May 27 2011 - no business for apartheid tonight

Brisbane BDS Action May 27 2011 - no business for apartheid tonight:

"BrisbaneBDS on May 29, 2011

Brisbane anti Israeli apartheid activists disrupt business at the Israeli Seacret Cosmetics stall at the Myer Centre on the Queen Street Mall. The action was part of the global BDS movement to Boycott Israeli goods.
The Boycott Divestment Sanctions Campaign initiated by Palestinian trade unions and civil society in 2005 that has the aim of * Ending Israel's occupation and colonization of all Arab lands and dismantling the Wall * Recognizing the fundamental rights of the Arab-Palestinian citizens of Israel to full equality; and * Respecting, protecting and promoting the rights of Palestinian refugees to return to their homes and properties as stipulated in UN resolution 194
Boycott Divestment Sanctions Campaign Action Brisbane Australia May 27 2011. The song is Phil Monsour Fires are Burning.



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'Rafah opening, beneficial to Egypt'

'Rafah opening, beneficial to Egypt':

"PressTVGlobalNews on May 28, 2011

For the first time since 2007, Egypt's military rulers have decided to open its Rafah border crossing with the Gaza Strip in an attempt to ease the four-year long Israeli blockade on the suffering Gazans.

Interview with Ahmed Elassy, Egyptian International Coalition for Ending the Blockade, Cairo



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Egypt Opens Gaza Crossing - Phyllis Bennis on Egypt's new foreign policy

Egypt Opens Gaza Crossing:

"TheRealNews on May 28, 2011

Phyllis Bennis on Egypt's new foreign policy



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Gazans hail opening of Rafah crossing

Gazans hail opening of Rafah crossing:

"PressTVGlobalNews on May 29, 2011

After nearly four years of partial operation, the Rafah crossing was permanently reopened by the post Mubarak rulers of Egypt.Hundreds of Palestinians from the besieged Gaza Strip left Gaza on Saturday as Egypt reduced restrictions at the Rafah crossing.

Press TV's Ashraf Shannon reports from Gaza



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Israel's Midnight Terror in Bil'in 29.05.2011

Bil'in 29.05.2011 By haithmkatib@gmail.com:

"haithmkatib on May 29, 2011

One o'clock after midnight, Tow Israeli Jeeps Invaded the center of Bil`in village, and the soldiers became throwing sound bombs randomly causing a panic and inconvenience to the citizens when they are asleep.



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Making Noise Over Attorney General's Silence On FBI Misdeeds

Making Noise Over Attorney General's Silence On FBI Misdeeds:

"UpTakeVideo on May 28, 2011

Minneapolis, MN, May 27, 2011. Irate peace activists interrupted US Attorney General Eric Hoder's speech about youth programs several times in frustration for what they characterize as an FBI Witch Hunt violating the First Amendment rights of citizens to protest. Holder is one of the few people in the country who could reign in this action, but he has so far refused to comment on it or to act in any way. One recent story. Stop FBI site.



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Fatah_ Hamas officials discuss unity deal

PressTV - Fatah_ Hamas officials discuss unity deal:

"Palgaz on May 29, 2011



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Rights Activist Ezra Nawi

"I think someday when the nightmare is over, when the occupation is no more and Palestine is free, there will really and truly be a plaque or a small monument here in stone, in Hebrew, in honor of Ezra and the non-violent struggle he has led for the simplest, most basic rights that all human beings own by virtue of being born."
- David Shulman, professor of Sanskrit at Hebrew University and the author of Dark Hope, active member of the Arab-Jewish partnership [Ta’ayush http://www.taayush.org/]

Learn about Ezra:

"TaayushHebron on May 28, 2011



Ezra in Hebron Hill:

"TaayushHebron on May 28, 2011



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Israeli intelligence, backed by military, intimidates villagers in At-Tuwani

Israeli intelligence, backed by military, intimidates villagers in At-Tuwani:

"AtTuwaniProject on May 27, 2011

On Monday May 23, Israeli intelligence entered At-Tuwani, escorted by about fifteen soldiers. In the operation the Israeli military invaded a local leader's house, demanded that villagers stop their nonviolent resistance and threatened violent retaliation if the Palestinians persist asserting their rights to the land.

At around 7 pm, two military vehicles and about fifteen soldiers on foot entered the village. Soldiers first invaded the house of one of the community's nonviolent resistance leaders. Soldiers searched rooms and the surroundings at gunpoint. At the same time four men in civilian clothes, but with military gear and assault rifles, systematically approached local adult men and began questioning them. The four men, later identified as intelligence agents, asked for addresses, phone numbers, places of employments and other personal details.

Intelligence personnel also interrogated villagers about recent demonstrations and direct actions carried out by the community, and demanded that Palestinians cease their nonviolent resistance. 'Do you want to become the father of a martyr?' They asked one of the village leaders, hinting that the occupation forces might retaliate on his children.

Neither soldiers nor intelligence officers gave any reason for the military operation and the prolonged interference in people's privacy and security. When asked why they were in the village the armed men responded only 'It's our job.' Agents also requested that internationals refrain from taking any pictures of the unfolding events but presented no warrants or identification. The intelligence personnel threatened to call the police to arrest the internationals. The operation lasted over two hours.

Operation Dove and Christian Peacemaker Teams have maintained an international presence in At-Tuwani and South Hebron Hills since 2004. Follow breaking news from the South Hebron Hills on Twitter @cptpalestine.

Link to photos: http://cpt.org/index.php?q=gallery&g2_itemId=23039

Soundtrack by Yair Yona
'The Bright New Year (By Bert Jansch)'
http://ow.ly/54Z5y



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Lawrence Wilkerson on Congressional Reaction to Netanyahu

Wilkerson on Congressional Reaction to Netanyahu:

"TheRealNews on May 26, 2011

Lawrence Wilkerson: Congress rallied around a foreign leader in opposition to the policy of their president



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Israel and US Strategic Interests - TRNN interviews Lawrence Wilkerson

Israel and US Strategic Interests:

"TheRealNews on May 27, 2011

Lawrence Wilkerson: Egypt, Bahrain, Qatar and Saudi Arabia are far more important than Israel to US strategic interests from view of US military



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Ras-El-Amud Protest against new Israeli Settlement in Jerusalem 27-5-11

Ras-El-Amud_27-5-11:

"yisraelpnm on May 27, 2011

this Friday in Ras El Amud -- May 27, 4:00 PM

The Israeli leadership does not seek peace and is headed towards yet another needles war. Early this week Netanyahu declared that Jerusalem will not be divided and that Israel does not consider the West Bank as an occupied territory. With such statement hanging and with President Obama's withdrawal from the Palestinians' September Campaign, the great concern is that are headed towards a cycle of violence and bloodshed

As part of the struggle against the settlements in East Jerusalem and the
legislative mechanism that allows its existence, it was demonstration
, yesterday (Wednesday, 25/5) in front of the inauguration of the new settlement in Ras El Amud. During the demonstration, two activists who attempted to block the Mayor's entourage got arrested. Another activist who managed to get inside the event disrupted it by calling towards the Knesset Speaker, the Mayor and the Ministers, that their actions are leading Israel towards its next war



Solidarity in Ras el Amud may 27, 2011:

"JustJerusalem on May 28, 2011



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Israeli Occupation Forces Attack Weekly Protest in Nabi Saleh 27.5.11

According to Palestine News Network "One child was injured in the arm, six arrested, and home caught fire on Friday when Israeli troops attacked the weekly protest in the village of al-Nabi Saleh, central West Bank."

Nabi Saleh 27.5.11.mov:

"davidreeb on May 28, 2011

Friday 27.5.2011 protest by the village of Nabi Saleh against the creeping annexation of their land, against the occupation and against apartheid



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Ni'lin Marks Three Years Of Popular Resistance 27.05.2011

Ni'lin Town Marks Three Years Of Popular Resistance 27.05.2011:

"Nilinvillage on May 29, 2011



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Weekly Demo Against the Apartheid Wall in Bil'in 27-5-11

Bil'in_27-5-11:

"yisraelpnm on May 27, 2011

20-30 Israelis and a similar numbers of internationals joined each of the last two Palestinian demos in Bil'in. The protesters marched, chanted, reached the wall, got skunked, and watched the army escalate its repression as kids started throwing stones to get them out of their lands. Last week the army continued shooting massive amounts of gas, regardless of the actual presence of protesters, in order to start bush fires that endangered the olive trees. Both weeks the same demonstrator suffered direct hits from gas canisters (in the abdomen and the shoulder). The second time he required hospital treatment. This week the demonstrators ended the demonstration early in order to support the local group in the regional soccer tournament.



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Families of victims to sue Israel for killing Nakba Day protesters

"Legal experts say that they have enough judicial evidences for a case, and the victims have decided to go all the way."

Bienvenue en Palestine : 8 juillet 2011

"Nous, organisations palestiniennes de la société civile et militants des droits de l'homme, appelons tous les militants du monde pour la paix et la justice, à venir nous rejoindre le 8 juillet en Palestine pour passer ensemble une semaine à nos côtés, et nous épauler dans notre lutte pour la paix."

Gaza fishermen protest naval blockade, Israel replys injuring 3 fishermen

In its customary language of reply, Israeli forces shot and wounded three Palestinian fishermen off the coast of the Gaza Strip. Another report says the fishermen boat was shelled, setting it on fire.

Egypt to open Rafah Crossing for Passengers

"Those between the age of 18 and 40 years will require an Egyptian visa."
"...People here say that despite the fact that it is long overdue, they welcome the Egyptian decision to open the Rafah crossing permanently, hoping that also goods especially constriction materials would be allowed in."

Citizens of the World "Tear Down That Wall!"

Activists' symbolic tearing down of the Israeli Apartheid Wall

GAZA: Aftermath

Aftermath of the Israeli attack on Gaza

Israel opens new settlement on occupied land in the heart of East Jerusalem

"Despite strong opposition from the Palestinians and the international community, Israel remains adamant with its settlement building on occupied land, this time in the heart of Arab East Jerusalem and in close proximity to the Al Aqsa Mosque."

Israeli Occupation Forces Suppress Peacful Protest in Iraq Burin Village 22/05/2011

Iraq Burin is a small Palestinian village 8 km southwest of Nablus, West Bank.

Hezbollah: Obama, Netanyahu dealt last blow to ME peace

On the 11th anniversary of the liberation of south Lebanon, Hezbollah Secretary General Sayyed Hassan Nasrallah slammed US President Barack Obama and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu saying that they have pronounced in their speeches the demise of the Arab initiative for the so-called Mideast Accord.

'What You Don't Know About My Life' - Gaza photo exhibit spotlights Palestinian suffering

“what you do not know about my life” is the theme of this photo gallery in Gaza city.

Hebron Conference: 'A Joint Struggle for an End to the Occupation and Racism'

The conference 'A Joint Struggle for an End to the Occupation and Racism' was held in Hebron in the occupied West Bank on Saturday 7 May.

TRNN: Netanyahu, Hamas and the Threat of War

More from Michel Warschawski on Netanyahu's speech to Congress

Veolia AGM - French and UK BDS Activists Take Action For Palestine

Veolia is helping build and operate the Jerusalem Light Railway, a project which the UN Human Rights Council has declared is a 'clear violation of international law'

Netanyahu’s Speech to Congress Dashes Palestinian Hopes of a Just Mideast Peace Agreement

Democracy Now! speaks with Dr. Mustafa Barghouti, secretary general of the Palestinian National Initiative.

“Netanyahu is the Main Obstacle to Peace”: CodePink Activist Disrupts Israeli PM Speech to Congress

Democracy Now! interviews CodePink activist Rae Abileah

Center for Constitutional Rights digs into US role in Gaza flotilla attack

The Center for Constitutional Rights is seeking the release of documents and information on US role and knowledge of the attack on the humanitarian flotilla to Gaza. Further information provided below video.

UN slams Israel for ill-treatment of Palestinians

UN Undersecretary General for Humanitarian Affairs Valerie Amos repeatedly blasted Israeli planning and zoning violations -- by which many Palestinians are forced to live in squalor

Netanyahu Addresses Adoring Congress

US Congress applauds ethnic cleansing statements by Netanyahu.

'Egypt allows docking of Freedom Flotilla'

The freedom flotilla aid ship MVFinch has received approval to dock in an Egyptian port giving further encouragement for the opening of borders into Gaza.

Americans protest Netanyahu AIPAC speech

"This man dressed as a Jewish settlement on occupied Palestinian land said he's tired of his tax dollars going to Israel."

Tim Llewellyn - 'Do the Media Aid Israel?' London, 23.5.11

Tim Llewellyn was the BBC's Middle East correspondent for 10 years

Abdel Bari Atwan - 'Do the Media Aid Israel?' London, 23.5.11

Editor of London-based al-Quds al-Arabi, an independent, pan-Arab daily newspaper since 1989.

Breaking the Silence - Stories from the occupation: "A cool story"

Israeli Soldiers tell their stories in the occupied Palestinian territories. For more stories from breaking the silence, search this blog or visit the links to their site below

Boycott Max Brenner! Boycott Jericho! Don't Buy Israeli Apartheid - 20.05.11 (Melbourne, Australia)

Israeli company, Jericho, exploits minerals from the Dead Sea. While Jericho profits from the Dead Sea, the indigenous Palestinian people who live on the land surrounding the Dead Sea are regularly denied access.

Hamas-Fatah Delegation visits Moscow: reiterate statehood resolve

"The delegation met Russia's foreign minister Sergey Lavrov and agreed a joint statement. Palestinian members say they will seek the UN recognition as an independent state within the 1967 borders in September, at the UN General Assembly."

Pro Israel advocate physically attacks CNIF president after conference on US Aid

A pro Israeli advocate knocked a camera out of the hands of Alison Weir, President of the Council for the National Interest Foundation.

Move Over AIPAC - Bulldozing Homes, Occupying Land, Silencing Dissent: Indefensible

Activists disrupt Netanyahu's speech at AIPAC

Activist arrested at Move Over AIPAC rally -Washington D.C.

Question: Who is Brian?
Answer: Peaceful Pro-Palestine Activist arrested at the Move Over AIPAC rally

Hamas slams Obama s stand on Israel

On the other hand, the Palestinians called Obama's speech biased and said he failed to address the sufferings of the Palestinian people

John Pilger and Greg Philo discuss media coverage of the Israeli/Palestinian conflict

Bias in the Media on coverage of the conflict and its effect on the public understanding

Greg Philo - 'More Bad News from Israel' - SOAS, 19.5.11

"Greg Philo comes to SOAS to speak about his new book, 'More Bad News from Israel'"

BDS - Week 34 of Adelaide Seacret Protest (May 20, 2011)

Australian Activists' campaign to Boycott Israeli companies that profit from  the occupation

Anti-Israeli protest haunts Obama's AIPAC speech

Protests began Friday on the arrival of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to Washington and will continue until Tuesday

Three Years Of Struggle In Ni'lin And The Struggle Continues

Weekly Ni'lin Demos against the Israeli occupation, apartheid wall and theft of land

Omar Barghouti: Self Determination, Ethical Decolonisation and Resistance

Toward a Secular Democratic State in Historic Palestine.

Move over AIPAC summit underway in DC

"Americans from all walks of life attended the panel discussions, workshops and protests to relay the message that it's time for the people's will to govern U.S. policy and not the Israel lobby."

Ahava -Tesco Demo - London 21 05 2011

"Demo at the Ahava shop against the sale of stolen Palestinian produce followed by a demo at the neighbouring Tesco's asking shoppers to boycott all goods from Israel. In between the two we had a parade through the streets of Covent Garden."

Largest European student union boycotts Israel

"Europe's largest student union has set its sights on Israel by passing a motion for a campaign of boycott, divestment and sanctions...
...ULU is the umbrella body for all of London's university unions, representing a total of 120 thousand students. And the organisation's executive stands by the motion."

PressTV - Netanyahu visit stirs protest in DC

A day after President Obama's Middle East speech, protesters gathered outside the White House in opposition to Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's visit.

Generating BDS Awareness - Envisage by London Rhymes with Palestine

Working to end Israeli occupation and free Palestine. Envisage generates awareness about the reality of Israeli Apartheid and the growing BDS

A un año del ataque a la flotilla libertad

"Una flotilla internacional integrada por 15 barcos zarparán con ayuda humanitaria a la Franja de Gaza a finales de junio. La operación, bautizada como 'Rumbo a Gaza' , partirá a pesar del fracaso de la primera Flotilla de la Libertad, que no pudo llegar a su destino por que fue atacada en aguas internacionales por varios barcos de guerra israelíes en el año 2010." teleSUR

Enfrentamientos entre manifestantes y el ejército Israel en Palestina

"En Palestina se registraron nuevos enfrentamientos entre manifestantes y el ejército Israel." teleSUR

Live bullets at the May 15 Erez [Beit Hanoun] crossing demo

"one 18 year old boy is dead and the total number of wounded is 105, including 31 children, three women and three journalists. The injured were taken to three different hospitals in the Gaza strip"

Stun grenades, teargas, skunk solution and Arrests at the Nabi-Saleh Demo 20-5-11

The Israeli occupation forces terrorized the village residents and protesting youth with stun grenades, teargas, use of rubber coated steel bullets was also reported, then proceeded to arrest many solidarity activists during this Friday's Protest against the Israeli occupation, theft of land, and settlements. As can be seen from the videos, the israeli occupation army flooded front porches and streets with, the rather difficult to remove. stinky chemical solution as a form of collective punishment for the rest of the village.

Palestinian Activist Omar Barghouti Says Obama Speech "Irrelevant"

Omar Barghouti interviewed by TRNN. Topic:
Obama's speech

Suffocation of protesters and burning farmers field - Bilin Weekly Demo 20.05.2011

Israel uses various types of teargas , some even poisonous as has been seen in the past. It has been several weeks that israel has been burning fields (and olive trees) at demonstrations in various parts of the west bank by using high velocity gas canisters, which ignite the surrounding dry grass upon friction with stones in the fields.

Mick Napier [SPSC]: Mass fly-in to Tel Aviv airport- Week of Solidarity with Palestine

Afshin and Yvonne [Press TV - Rattansi & Ridley] talk to Mick Napier of the Scottish Palestine Solidarity Campaign about a mass fly-in to Tel Aviv airport
[Click link above to read more]

Gaza Prepares Harbor to Receive Freedom Flotilla 2 in June

"The flotilla is to deliver much-needed humanitarian aid to the Palestinians of Gaza next month. Currently a monument is being built at the port in memory of the peace activists who lost their lives on May 31at last year."

Israeli Demolition of Palestinian Homes - Stop Israel, Stop Caterpillar!

"The bulldozers of Caterpillar are used by the IDF to demolish homes, uproot trees, and even to kill - American peace activist Rachel Corrie was 24 when she was hit and killed by a bulldozer while protesting against Palestinian house demolitions. The video presents a direct action against Caterpillar bulldozers"

UNRWA staff on strike over working conditions, dignity, not pay raise

UNRWA staff on strike over working conditions
Press TV Report by Ashraf Shannon, Gaza

Dianna Buttu: US double standards tracking record in Mideast.-

"Palestinian-Canadian lawyer Diana Buttu has advised Palestinian president Mahmoud Abass and the Palestinian negotiating team."

To whom can we complain? - Israeli settlers attack Palestinian Farmers [Testimonies]

"Palestinians describe the May 16 midnight settler invasion of Tuba village in the South Hebron Hills, and show damages from the settlers' vandalism."

Al Araqib - The Story of a Village [Arabic} حكاية بلد قرية العراقيب

"  العراقيب جمع عرقوب، وأحد معانية هو التل الممتد بين الأودية. ويبدو أن هذا هو سبب تسمية المنطقة الواقعة في شماليّ النقب الغربي بهذا الاسم، فهو مناسب لتضاريس المنطقة وتعرجات الأرض التي تكثر فيها الأودية والتلال اللطيفة. تصل مساحة ارض العراقيب حسب بعض التقديرات إلى حوالي 100 ألف دونم تابعة لعدة عائلات وعشائر عربية سكنت فلسطين منذ مئات السنين "    

UNSC urged to act on Nakba killings

UN Ambassadors Nawaf Salaam of Lebanon and Riyad Monsour of the Palestinian Observer Mission are trying to get the UN Security Council to do its job.
The Council -- whose main mission is to maintain international peace and security -- has done nothing to address last Sunday's border killings of unarmed Palestinians by Israeli troops.

Antony Loewenstein: BDS against Israeli apartheid is taking off

"Independent journalist and blogger Antony Loewenstein argued that the all out political attack on Marrickville Council's support for BDS shows that the Boycott, Divestment & Sanctions campaign against Israeli apartheid is taking off. Part 1 of 2 of a May 13, 2011 presentation to a community forum in Holy Trinity Church Hall in Dulwich Hill."

TO GAZA WITH LOVE - THE AUDACITY OF HOPE

The Audacity of Hope will sail as a human rights mission to help end the illegal Israeli naval blockade of Gaza.

Crashing The JNF Fundraiser to "Plant a Tree for Palestine"

"The JNF (Jewish National Fund) plant trees/forests over ethnically cleansed Palestinian villages trying to erase any drop of proof these villages existed. So we decided to crash the racist JNF's fundraiser at the Lincoln Center and offer the people free trees to 'Plant for Palestine'. Each tree had a name of a village that had been ethnically cleansed as well as the date it was cleansed. We also gave out fliers explaining what the JNF's projects do. The funniest part of all this is how excited people got when they would initially think we were with the JNF... stoptheJNF.org"

BDS - Australian activists call for boycott of Israeli companies 14 may 2011

Australian activists aim at raising awareness and educating people in the community on how their buying from Israeli companies supports Israeli apartheid and oppression of Palestinians.

Shovrim Shtika [Breaking the Silence] Israeli soldier testimony of abuse of Palestinians

Palestine Video - A Palestine Vlog. Activist and Other Videos on Palestine
An Israeli soldier gives testimony of the abuse meted against Palestinians by Israeli soldiers and officers [Click link above to view video]

Gazans pay tribute to Nakba Day victims

Crowds gathered at the courtyard of the Palestinian legislative council in Gaza city to pay tribute to those who were killed by Israeli forces on May 15, while taking part in mass demonstration to mark the Nakba Day  

[Click link above to read and watch video]

Palestine Video - A Palestine Vlog. Activist and Other Videos on Palestine

UN unresponsive to Nakba killings

Palestine Video - A Palestine Vlog. Activist and Other Videos on Palestine

No calls for action by the Security Council and little mention of the Sunday murder of unarmed Palestinian civilians who protested to remind the world of their rights of return to their homeland. [Click link above to read more and watch video]

Israel reprimió diversas protestas por Nakba

Israel reprimió diversas protestas por Nakba:

"telesurtv on May 17, 2011

En la conmemoración del 63 aniversario del Nakba, fecha catástrofe para los palestinos por la creación del Estado de Israel en sus tierras, diez personas murieron por represión israelí a protestas realizadas en Líbano, Cisjordania, Tel Aviv y zonas fronterizas. teleSUR http://multimedia.telesurtv.net/17/5/2011/35170/israel-reprimio-diversas-prot...



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Manif à l'occasion de l'anniversaire 63 de la Nakba / Paris 15/05/2011

manif à l'occasion de l'anniversaire de la Naqba / Paris 15/05/2011:

"harangue21 on May 16, 2011



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Daily Life in Hebron: Israeli Settlement Activity in the Old City

Palestine Video - A Palestine Vlog. Activist and Other Videos on Palestine

Settlement Activity in the Old City of Hebron:

"Alhaqhr on May 17, 2011



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BDS - Adelaide "Seacret" Protest week 33 - May 13 2011

YouTube - Protest 13 05 11:

"AustralianFOPA on May 17, 2011

BOYCOTT ISRAEL

The Boycott of Israeli goods is part of an international movement known as the Boycott, Divestment, Sanctions movement. The movement was initiated in 2005 by over 170 Palestinian organisations and has gained momentum internationally as the brutality of Israel has time and again been exposed to the world.

The main goals of the movement are to:

- Expose the true nature of Israel's occupation and apartheid practices

-Give real value to human rights by making Israel accountable for its crimes

- Reveal and highlight the complicity of the international community in supporting Israeli crimes that relentlessly violate human rights and international law

- End international law support for Israeli occupation and apartheid with the understanding that apartheid cannot be sustained without external assistance.

WHAT YOU CAN DO:

- Support the boycott of all Israeli companies

- Inform yourself about the history of Israel's occupation of Palestine

- Spread the word (share on facebook, myspace or any social sites, 'like' this video or add to favorites)

- Join the Campaign:

http://www.bdsmovement.net/

http://www.afopa.com.au/



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Pro-Peace, Pro-Justice Billboards iCall for End to US Military Aid to Israel

Pro-Peace, Pro-Justice Billboards in DC METRO Call for End to US Military Aid to Israel:

"codepinkaction on May 17, 2011

Stemming from the conviction that it is time to advance a new US Policy towards the Israeli Palestinian conflict that is based on genuine justice and security for both Israelis and Palestinians, on May 16, 2011, 'DC Riders for Peace' launched an advertisement campaign urging an end to U.S. military aid to Israel. The ads will be posted inside Washington Metro Area Transit Authority (WMATA) Metrorail trains for one month.

The 'DC Riders for Peace' campaign comes on the heels of the promising 'Arab Spring' and calls for an open public debate and assessment of our current US policy of unconditional support for Israel that has proved counterproductive to Israelis and Palestinians as well as American long-term national interests.

www.twopeoplesonefuture.org



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Nakba Day demonstrations started by young school girls in Beit Ommar

Nakba Day Demonstrations:

"PalestineSolidarity on May 17, 2011

Video of Nakba demonstrations on May 15, 2011, in the West Bank village of Beit Ommar and nearby refugee camp of Aroub.

The 'Nakba' (literally, 'catastrophe,') is recognized every year on May 15th, to commemorate the 1948 ethnic cleansing of Palestine.

Read more at www.palestinesolidarityproject.org



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Sionismo, movimiento racista segregacionista que expulsa al pueblo palestino de su territorio.

Israel celebra su aniversario con violencia contra Palestina:

"telesurtv on May 16, 2011

La analista Susana Khalil, dice que la brutalidad israelí continuará viéndose contra Palestina, mientras Israel cuente con el apoyo de Europa y EEUU, destaca también la diferencia entre sionismo y judaísmo. Sionismo, movimiento racista segregacionista que expulsa al pueblo palestino de su territorio. teleSUR
http://multimedia.telesurtv.net/16/5/2011/35001/israel-celebra-su-aniversario...



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The Equality Movement Solidarity with Palestine from Nakba to Intifada 13 May 2011

The Equality Movement Solidarity with Palestine from Nakba to Intifada 13 May 2011 Part 1 of 7:

"deviantstoner on May 13, 2011

The Equality Movement - Solidarity with Palestine from Nakba to Intifada

Panel discussion on Friday 13th May 2011 with

George Galloway - MP and political commentator

Karma Nabulsi - Oxford academic and former PLO representative

Yael Khan - Anti-Zionist Israeli activist

Sarah Colborne - Survivor of the Mavi Marmara

Jody McIntyre - Writer and political activist

P1
Sarah Colborne - Survivor of the Mavi Marmara



P2
Yael Khan - Anti-Zionist Israeli activist
Jody McIntryre - Writer and political activist @jodymcintyre



P3
Karma Nabulsi - Oxford academic and former PLO representative



P4
George Galloway - MP and political commentator @georgegalloway



P5
George Galloway - MP and political commentator

+ Discussion and contributions

+ a short word from Kevin Ovenden (Viva Palestina Organizer) at 11:40, continues into next video) @kevin_ovenden



P6
contributions
+
In answer to a question (12:40), George Galloway expresses his views on the Solution to the conflict. Continues into next video



P7
contributions



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Palestinos seguirán luchando por volver a sus territorios

Palestinos seguirán luchando por volver a sus territorios:

"telesurtv on May 16, 2011

En Siria se realizaron los funerales de los palestinos que fueron asesinados en la zona fronteriza del Golán, en la conmemoración del 63 aniversario del Nakba. Allí, los refugiados palestinos reafirmaron que no renunciarán a su derecho a retornar a sus territorios. teleSUR
http://multimedia.telesurtv.net/16/5/2011/35037/palestinos-seguiran-luchando-...



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Israel reprimió manifestación pacífica con balas explosivas y gases tóxicos

Israel reprimió manifestación pacífica de refugiados:

"telesurtv on May 16, 2011

Miles de palestinos refugiados residentes en Siria fueron reprimidos por tropas israelíes este domingo cuando se trasladaron a la frontera con el Golán sirio ocupado, en la conmemoración del aniversario 63 del Nakba. Aunque los manifestantes estaban desarmados, los israelíes abrieron fuego con saldo de 4 muertos por impactos de bala y más de 150 heridos. Se utilizaron bombas lacrimógenas de tercera generación, con sustancias tóxicas, reportaron médicos. teleSUR
http://multimedia.telesurtv.net/16/5/2011/35043/israel-reprimio-manifestacion...



Represión isaraelí durante conmemoración de la Nakba:

Represión isaraelí durante conmemoración de la Nakba:

"telesurtv on May 16, 2011
http://multimedia.telesurtv.net/16/5/2011/35023/soldados-israelies-asesinan-a...

Soldados israelíes asesinan a 4 manifestantes en el Golán


Gobierno sirio acusó a las fuerzas armadas israelís de abrir fuego en contra de civiles desarmados, que se manifestaban en la frontera, pacificamente durante la conmemoración de la Nakba palestina. teleSUR
http://multimedia.telesurtv.net/16/5/2011/35026/represion-isaraeli-durante-co...


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Palestinian refugees defy death to return to their homeland

Palestinian refugees surge into Israeli-occupied Golan Heights - video | World news | guardian.co.uk:

"Palestinian refugees surge into Israeli-occupied Golan Heights - video

Amateur footage filmed on Sunday 15 May shows a large group of Palestinian protesters break through a border fence despite danger of land mines



Full video clip at the bottom:

زحف الفلسطينيين باتجاه مجدل شمس - بلدي مجدل شمس:

"baladeenet on May 15, 2011

زحف الفلسطينيين باتجاه مجدل شمس - بلدي مجدل شمس



YouTube - فيديو عبور الفلسطينيين الى مجدل شمس:

"baladeenet on May 15, 2011

فيديو عبور الفلسطينيين الى مجدل شمس



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يوم الزحف اول ايام العودة للوطن العربي الفلسطيني - النشرة الفلسطينيه 20110515

النشرة الفلسطينيه 20110515 ج1:

"paltodaytv on May 16, 2011



ج2


ج3


ج4



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Thousands march in NY to mark Nakba Day

PressTV - Thousands march in NY to mark "Nakba Day":

Mon May 16, 2011 4:50AM
Hank Flynn, Press TV, New York

"They were led by children -- members of a generation that has only known Palestine as a notion -- a memory passed down from their parents and grandparents.

On the anniversary of the Palestinian Catastrophe -- Nakba -- when three quarters of a million Palestinians were chased from their homes -- thousands marched from the UN to Times Square in New York City.

Organizers say that as change sweeps across the Arab world -- a new day is also dawning for Palestine.

There were numerous other Nakba demonstrations across the US -- in Miami -- Washington DC and elsewhere.

None on the American side -- however -- were as deadly as those on the Lebanese border -- where scores of protesters were shot down by Israeli gunfire.
Protesters carried signs promising to keep up the fight for independence and urging unions and corporations to divest in Israel.

Orthodox Jews also walked -- calling Israel a mistake.

And after the demonstration -- after the police had put away the barricades -- one demonstrator told us that being Palestinian in America means correcting all the lies.

In a statement issued late Sunday -- UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon called for a lasting peace -- including an end to occupation and a solution to the plight of Palestinian refugees.

The Palestinian cause remains popular among UN member states -- and Israeli settlement building has been condemned on a near-universal level.

The Security Council -- however -- has been rendered nearly impotent on the subject of Palestine by the US's veto power.




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Canadians rally on Nakba Day anniversary

PressTV - Canadians rally on Nakba Day anniv.:

Mon May 16, 2011 4:50AM
Zahra Jamal, Press TV, Vancouver

"Many people came out to join the May 15th movement in Vancouver, as part of what's known as the Nakba Day, to commemorate victims of Zionist aggression in Palestine.

May 15th is the day David Ben Gurion proclaimed the creation of Israel in 1948. The Nakba commemorates Palestinians who were ethnically cleansed from over 500 Palestinian villages. Water wells were poisoned, houses and fields were burned and there were massacres.

Protestors told Press TV Palestinians are still living in terrible conditions.

They also say Israel's policy of occupaiton is backed by the Canadian government.

many are eagerly awaiting a date to be announced for the Tahrir, a 25-metre boat carrying 45 activists, including humanitarian delegates from across the country, high profile Canadians, and journalists, to set sail with Freedom Flotilla 2.

So far the fundraising committee for the boat has raised $270,000 and aims to make it $300,000 by June.

Organizers have called on Prime Minister Stephen Harper and all members of parliament to ensure the safety of the humanitarian convoy to Gaza. Israel has threatened to use force against the Tahrir and any other ships sailing with Freedom Flotilla 2.




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Palestinians mourn Nakba deaths

Palestinians mourn Nakba deaths

May 16 - The day after Israeli forces open fire on Palestinian Nakba Day protesters, refugees say the deaths only strengthen their resolve. Nick Rowlands reports



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Thousands of Egyptians rally in Cairo for "Nakba"

PressTV - Thousands rally in Cairo for "Nakba":

Sun May 15, 2011 11:56PM
Karim Gamal el-Deen, Press TV, Cairo

"Hundreds of pro-Palestine protesters in Cairo gathered at the Israeli embassy to mark the occasion of the 63rd anniversary of the Catastrophe Day.

On this day, Palestinians were expelled from their homeland by Israel: commonly known across the Arab world as the 'Nakba' or catastrophe.

Answering an Egyptian call to besiege Israel at its borders, hundreds in various Egyptian cities demonstrated in solidarity with the people of Palestine. Among other demands, the protesters called for the right of return for Palestinians who were forced to flee their towns and villages in 1948.

Even though Egypt is facing sectarian tensions, this didn't hinder the Egyptians from taking to the streets and demonstrating to mark the Palestinian Nakba day.

Many among the crowd also voiced frustration with the ruling military council which earlier had prevented a scheduled convoy of protesters from reaching Gaza.

Protesters say they won't stop the protest rallies until Palestine is liberated.



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Egypt's security forces and army block pro-Palestinian march

PressTV - Egypt army blocks pro-Palestinian march:

Mon May 16, 2011 1:37AM
Ehab Zahriyeh, Press TV, el-Arish

"Thousands of Egyptians had planned to march to the Egypt-Gaza border to stand in solidarity with Palestinians on Nabka of the Day of Catastrophe.

Egyptian security forces prevented buses from carrying them.

Egyptian soldiers also fired gunshots to disperse thousands of protesters at the Israeli embassy.

The army also stopped activists from crossing the Suez Canal into the Sinai Peninsula and set up checkpoints along the main road leading to the Rafah Border Crossing.

Alternative routes exist to get to the border through local Beduin farms and villages turning a 30-minute trip into three hours. An activist from Cairo was the only person to make it to the border.

We finally made it to the Rafah border crossing and as you can see behind me, the military has been successful in preventing any marches from happening here.

Egyptians and Palestinians living in the Sinai also staged a protest in the neighboring city of AL-Arish calling on the Egyptian army to allow the demonstrators to continue their march.

Activists in Al-Arish told Press TV they would keep trying until they reach Rafah, even if the army turns them away.

I'm standing in Al-Arish right now and most of the people behind me tried entering Rafah, but were prevented by the military. They say their efforts won't stop here. They'll continue to put pressure on the Egyptian army and Israel until justice is served.



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Dr. Salman Abu Sitta - 05 Ongoing Nakba Conference in London

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YouTube - 05 Ongoing Nakba Conference in London Part 1:

"PalestineLandSociety on May 15, 2011



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More from Qalandia Uprising for Return of Refugees - Nakba Day 15 5 2011

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Qalandia - Nakba-day 15-5-11:

"yisraelpnm on May 15, 2011



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ذكرى نكبة فلسطين تحاصر اسرائيل

ذكرى نكبة فلسطين تحاصر اسرائيل:

"RTarabic on May 16, 2011

أعلنت السلطة والفصائل الفلسطينية الحداد على أرواح الضحايا الذين قتلوا في أثناء إحيائهم الذكرى الـ63 للنكبة يوم الأحد، بينما أعلن الجيش الإسرائيلي تمديد الطوق الأمني المفروض على الضفة الغربية المحتلة لـ24 ساعة حتى منتصف ليلة الاثنين على الثلاثاء.

وكان نحو 20 شخصا قتلوا وجرح المئات بنيران القوات الإسرائيلية على حدود لبنان الجنوبية وفي الجولان المحتل وقطاع غزة أثناء مظاهرات غير مسبوقة شهدتها هذه المناطق لإحياء ذكرى النكبة.

فقد أعلن الرئيس الفلسطيني محمود عباس والفصائل تنكيس الأعلام على كافة الدوائر الرسمية في الأراضي الفلسطينية والخارج 3 أيام حدادا على أرواح الضحايا الذين سقطوا بنيران الجيش الإسرائيلي خلال مظاهرات إحياء الذكرى الـ63 للنكبة.

وقالت الفصائل الفلسطينية في غزة عقب اجتماع دعت له حركتا حماس والجهاد الإسلامي، وشاركت فيه حركة فتح والجبهتان الشعبية والديمقراطية، إنه تقرر أن يكون الاثنين 16 مايو/ايار يوم إضراب تجاري في الضفة الغربية وقطاع غزة من العاشرة صباحا حتى الواحدة ظهرًا حدادًا على أرواح شهداء الأحد.

وقررت الفصائل فتح بيت عزاء في مدينتي رام الله وغزة بمقر المجلس التشريعي غدا الثلاثاء.

هذا وتشهد المخيمات الفلسطينية في لبنان الاثنين يوم حداد على القتلى الذين سقطوا يوم الاحد برصاص اسرائيلي.

وقال قائد المقر العام لحركة فتح في لبنان منير المقدح في اتصال مع وكالة 'فرانس برس' ان 'هناك اضرابات واقفالا اليوم في كل المخيمات حدادا على الشهداء'، مشيرا الى ان التحضيرات جارية لخطوات اخرى والاتصالات مستمرة مع الفلسطينيين في خارج لبنان، وبين الاقتراحات، احياء 'يوم الشهداء' الجمعة المقبل



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Israel Tiene Como Política Reprimir a Palestinos

Israel tiene como política reprimir a palestinos (analista):

"telesurtv on May 15, 2011

Los ataques de Israel registrados hoy en el 63 aniversario del Nakba no sorprenden porque la represión y la fuerza siempre han sido la política de Tel Aviv, consideró Goerge Zade, especialista. Los palestinos tienen derecho a retornar, por todos los medios, a sus territorios, según la resolución de Naciones Unidas. teleSUR
http://multimedia.telesurtv.net/15/5/2011/34987/israel-tiene-como-politica-re...



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Nakba day London Demo at the Israeli Embassy

nakba_day_london_demo_16052011.avi:

"MrAlexSeymour on May 15, 2011

Demonstration in London opposite Palace Gate, Kensington (where the so-called Israel Embassy is located) to commemorate Nakba Day, the day in 1948 when the illegitimate state of Israel was born, a date which will live in infamy. Supporters of Palestine at the demo were heckled by Zionists and the Zionists friends the EDL. The tremendous welcome given by the crowd to the Naturei Karter is sufficient proof that the struggle for Palestine is one against the Zionist thieves and not against the Jewish People as a whole.



walking_bus_nakba_demo_richmond_fair.avi:

"MrAlexSeymour on May 14, 2011

The Camden PSC walking bus arrives in central London for the Nakba Day demonstration opposite Downing Street. Richmond and Kingston PSC hold a stall at the Richmond fair selling all sorts of Palestinian produce and home made goodies. We nearly sold out our entire supply of Olice Oil and will have to restock in time for the next fair where we will have a stall, In Ham on 11th June 2011. Make a note in your diary if you want to sample our speciality Run Cake.



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Al Nakba - Day and Night Confrontations in Silwan مواجهات على مدار اليوم واعتقال طفلين من سلوان

مواجهات على مدار اليوم واعتقال طفلين من سلوان:

"silwannet on May 15, 2011

ارتفعت وتيرة المواجهات اليوم ببلدة قلنديا التي اعتبرت الأعنف خلال اليومين السابقين حيث قامت القوات الإسرائيلية باعتقال العديد من الشبان عن طريق عشرات المستعربين الذين تواجدوا في البلدة أفاد شهود عيان بإطلاق الرصاص الحي على الشاب صالح عفانه أثناء اعتقاله إضافة إلى عشرات الإصابات بالطلقات المطاطية وحالات الاختناق. أما في مخيم شعفاط اعتقلت القوات الإسرائيلية ثمانية شبان تم معظمها على ايدي وحدات المستعربين وإصابة العشرات وافاد شهود عيان أن المستعربين اليوم قاموا باستعمال جهاز كهربائي جديد لم يتم استعماله بالسابق يعمل على شل حركة المتظاهرين للسيطرة عليهم أثناء الاعتقال



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Soldados israelíes disparan contra manifestación por Nakba

Soldados israelíes disparan contra manifestación por Nakba:

"telesurtv on May 15, 2011

Soldados israelíes abrieron fuego y lanzaron gases lacrimógenos contra palestinos refugiados en Siria, en la zona fronteriza, donde se manifestaban en el aniversario 63 del Nakba, fecha en que fueron despojados de sus territorios por la creación del estado de Israel. Se registraron al menos 6 muertos y más de 50 heridos en esa zona. teleSUR
http://multimedia.telesurtv.net/15/5/2011/34962/soldados-israelies-disparan-c...



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Third Intifada - Gaza, Palestine - May 15, 2011 - Ken O'Keefe

Third Intifada - Gaza, Palestine - May 15, 2011 - Ken O'Keefe:

"1worldcitizen on May 15, 2011

The people of the world not in a complete coma are rising, and it all heads to Palestine. There will be justice in Palestine!



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Mass Palestinian Protests Against Illegal Israeli Occupation Of Palestinian Territory

Mass Palestinian Protests Against Illegal Israeli Occupation Of Palestinian Territory:

"angliaknightident on May 15, 2011

Israeli forces have fired on groups of protesters at borders with the Palestinian territories, Syria and Lebanon.

Reports say that at least 12 people have died and dozens more have been injured.

Palestinians are marking the Nakba or Catastrophe, their term for the founding of the Israeli state in 1948.



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Al-Walaja Nakba Day 15 May 2011

YouTube - Al-Walaja Nakba Day 15 May 2011:

"justicewheels on May 15, 2011

Hundreds of Al-Walaja villagers joined with internationals and Israelis marched peacefully toward the old Al-Walaja (area cleansed of Palestinians by Israel in 1948) to commemorate the Nakba and to demand their right of return to their original home and lands. Israeli soldiers reacted violently and arrested human rights activist and professor Dr. Mazin Qumsiyeh as he vocally protested Israeli soldiers' violence against peaceful protesters.



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Nakba Day Marked in Palestine - East Jerusalem (RT)

'Naqba Day' clashes: Israeli troops fire at Palestinians:

Over a dozen people have been injured after clashes erupted in East Jerusalem

"RussiaToday on May 15, 2011





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Remember Palestine - Palestinian 3rd Intifada

Palestinian 3rd Intifada:

"Hosted by Amina Taylor

This edition of Remember Palestine takes a look at latest developments of what some have called the third intifada in Palestine.



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Palestinians in Gaza mark Nakba Day amid Israeli attacks

PressTV - Gazans mark "Nakba Day" amid Israeli attacks:

Sun May 15, 2011 5:53PM
Ashraf Shannon, Press TV, Gaza

"Gunfire broke out on as Palestinians marched to mark the 63rd anniversary of 'Nakba Day' or the day of catastrophe.

Marching towards the Erez crossing, over 1000 Palestinians faced Israeli soldiers opening fire on them. Dozens of marchers were injured including a journalist who is in critical condition as they tried to return to their original homes in historical Palestine. In a prayer sermon, Hamas Prime Minister Ismail Haniyah continued to stress the importance of resistance against the Zionist regime.
Meanwhile, thousands of Palestinians held a big rally in northern Gaza to protest the events in 1948 when their ancestors were pushed into exile and driven out of their towns and villages by Israel. These annual marches serve to remind and unite Palestinians as they struggle to cope with six decades of suffering.
Israel has prevented the return of Palestinian refugees, who were either displaced or dispossessed in 1948. After 63 years of displacement, Palestinians say they want the world to know that they will never give up the right of return to their homeland.



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Several Palestinians killed in Nakba [Catastrophe] Day anniv.

PressTV - Several Palestinians killed in Catastrophe Day anniv.:

Sun May 15, 2011 5:54PM
Mariam Saleh, Press TV, Beirut

"Six people have been killed and over 30 injured in what many observers say has become a third Intifada across the Arab world.

Carrying Palestinian flags and chanting 'we want our lands back', tens of thousands of Palestinian refugees in Lebanon flocked to the southern Lebanese town of Maroun Al-Ras to protest the day Israel destroyed hundreds of Palestinian villages and expelled hundreds of thousands of Palestinians from their own land in order to occupy them.
The number of Palestinian refugees gathered at the southern lebanese border on the 63rd anniversary of Nakba Day has been unprecedented.
Palestinians here tell us they will no longer weep the loss of Palestine, but rather begin a march of return to their homeland. The Lebanese army adopted tight security measures to prevent any possible acts that may incite violence. However, despite their efforts, Israeli troops opened fire on the protesters as they marched towards the southern crossing while shouting, “The people want to return to Palestine.” Beforehand, the Israeli army declared that its troops will be ready for the rally, and that it would take retaliatory measures if people came close to the crossing.
A Hezbollah MP told press TV that the rally was clear sign that the spirit Palestinians has not been crushed and that they are continuing to resist the occupying forces.
Palestinian political representatives reiterated that the recent reconciliation agreement signed in early May will unite all Palestinians in their struggle to return to their homelands.
The Nakba demonstrations in southern Lebanon were just a small part of the rallies that took place across the Arab world especially inside Gaza and the West Bank.




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Palestinians and Spanish Supporters Mark Nakba Day in Madrid

PressTV - "Nakba Day" marked in Madrid:

Sun May 15, 2011 4:13PM
Sonia Labboun, Press TV, Madrid

"Hundreds of Spaniards and Palestinians gathered in front of the Israeli embassy in Madrid to commemorate the anniversary of 'Nakba Day' or the day of catastrophe.

It was 63 years ago when Palestinians were forcibly evicted from their land and homes by Israel. Protesters shouted slogans and demanded the termination of diplomatic relations between Spain and Israel.

The Freedom Flotilla II, named after the first Freedom Flotilla which Israel attacked on May 2010 leaving 9 activists dead, is bound to set sail to Gaza in June. Like it's predecessor the Freedom Flotilla II will attempt to break the illegal blockade on the Gaza strip. According to diplomatic sources, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu recently telephoned Spanish Prime Minister, José Luis Rodriguez Zapatero, to urge the Spanish government to stop its citizens from participating in the Freedom Flotilla II. The mission will depart from various European ports. On Wednesday, the Spanish Ministry of Foreign Affairs issued a statement saying that, 'The government strongly advises against any vessel of the initiative Freedom flotilla to travel to Gaza as it cannot guarantee the safety of its participants.' As you can see, Spaniards in large number have marked the 63rd anniversary of Nakba, the day of catastrophe. They have sent a strong message to the international community that the Palestinian cause concerns not only all Arabs and Muslims, but also the people here. They have also called on the Spanish government to cut ties with Israel as long as it continues violating international laws on occupied Palestinian territories.




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Israeli violence on Nakba commemoration, Qalandiya

Israeli violence on Nakba commemoration, Qalandiya:

"natovarlden on May 15, 2011

Palestinian commemorating Nakba (the catastrophe), meaning 63 years of Israeli repression and loss of Palestinian land, were demonstrating peacefully outside Ramallah on the West Bank. They were met by heavily armed Israeli forces who stopped the demonstration with endless rounds of tear gas and rubber coated steel bullets. Suddenly Israeli army and police made a surprise attack, injuring and arresting several people. Police in plain clothes wielding pistols while talking the arrested to waiting cars, which is shown in this video.



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Al-Ma'asara - Israeli Army Attacks Nonviolent Demonstrators 13/5/2011

Al-Ma'asara Demonstration 13/5/2011 Israeli Army Attacks Nonviolent Demonstrators:

"mariosavio on May 13, 2011

Dozens of Palestinian, Israeli and international activists demonstrated together in the Palestinian village of Al-Ma'asara, near Bethlehem, against land grabs by Israeli settlements. The demonstration was completely non-violent, however the Israeli army decided to attack the demonstrators with stun grenades and tear gas. In addition, two demonstrators - one Israeli and one Palestinian - were arrested for no reason and taken away.

This is an example of how the Israeli army violently crushes any nonviolent protest by Palestinians and human rights activists. Demonstrations in Al-Ma'asara are held every Friday for more than 4 years now, and are always non-violent, however the Israeli army's response is usually violent. Here are more examples of the Israeli army's violent repression of peaceful resistance in Al-Ma'asara:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TgHOXOcdiOo
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Q1Lk-iTu5Wg
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=I1qbBs2vDlA



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Palestinian prisoners in Israel protest jail conditions, prisoners' families hold a sit-in

PressTV - Palestinian prisoners in Israel protest jail conditions:

Sat May 14, 2011 6:31PM
Yousef al-Helou, Press TV, Gaza

"In a gathering outside the UN office in Gaza, the families of Palestinian prisoners held a sit-in to show solidarity with their loved ones who are currently on hunger strike inside Israeli jails.

The prisoners some of whom have spent more than 25 years behind bars have gone on hunger strike in protest against Israel's solitary confinement policy. Prisoners say they are denied their basic human rights, including the right to have family visitations.

The protest was also attended by a wide range of Palestinian organizations, who called on international human rights groups to get immediately involved in playing an active role in pressuring Israeli authorities to grant Palestinian prisoners more rights.

Palestinian rights groups have long insisted that prisoners are subjected to mistreatment and torture in Israeli detention facilities and that almost half of those arrested before the 1993 Oslo Agreement have been in Israeli jails for more than 20 years.

They say many prisoners need immediate medical treatment and Israeli authorities are failing to provide it even when their conditions prove to be critical.

Israel claims it's authorities treat prisoners and detainees with dignity and honor, but currently there are at least 8000 Palestinian prisoners in Israeli jails, many without ever having been charged with a crime, which is in violation of the Geneva Convention.



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PressTV - Egyptians hold anti-Israel protests

PressTV - Egyptians hold anti-Israel protests:

Fri May 13, 2011 7:42PM
Ehab Zahriyeh, Press TV, el-Arish

"Egyptians in the Sinai beach town of Al-Arish hit the streets to march in solidarity with the people of Palestine.

Sixty-three years ago was the Palestinian Nabka or day of Catastrophe the day in which Palestinians were forcibly evicted from their land and homes by Israel.

After former Egyptian president Anwar Sadaat signed a peace deal with Israel, Egypt long stood as one of Israel's moststrategic allies.

Ashraf Il-Hefny who helped organize the march believes anything is possible now after the Egyptian revolution, including breaking ties with Israel.

The demonstrators say the first step in bringing justice to Palestinians is to completely lift the siege on the Gaza Strip.

Al-Arish is only 50 kilometers from the Gaza strip. Many Palestinians have temporarily settled in the Sinai town and welcome the shower of support from their hosts.

Mass rallies are expected to continue throughout Egypt and the Middle East in the coming days calling for an end to the Israeli military occupation enforced on the Palestinians for decades.

Marchers say they won't stop here, vowing to continue to do all they can until Palestinians are liberated.




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Australians slam arms deal with Israel, call for Arms Embargo

PressTV - Australians slam arms deal with Israel:

Fri May 13, 2011 5:14PM
Rihab Charida, Press TV, Sydney

"A demonstration took place on Friday outside of the offices of the Australian Defence Department in Sydney to protest the Australian government's arms trade with Israel.

A large part of Australia's trade with Israel is made up of contracts to buy or sell military equipment. The two countries also share military technologies.

In 2010 The Rudd government signed a $300 million purchase with Israeli arms manufacturer, Elbit. These purchases were for BMS, or Battle Management Systems, complex electronics that permit integration of modern warfare technology.

Elbit claims that it provides similar technology to 20 countries worldwide.

Elbit, whose subsidiary companies provide security systems for illegal West Bank settlements, and the illegal Israeli separation Wall, is also the provider of the Israeli drones that are becoming a staple of many NATO armouries including the UK, Canada, and Australia.

Protesters argue that the Australian government should not buy or sell military equipment to those who implement apartheid policies against populations under their control, occupy or wage war against neighbouring nations, maintain illegally-acquired and undeclared nuclear weapons and other weapons of mass destruction and carry out summary executions and collective punishment.

The protesters are calling on the Australian government to implement an arms embargo on Israel, until it can comply with International law and human rights conventions.

The Defence Department and Elbit Australia have refused to comment.




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Jerusalem Says Goodbye to its Martyr 16 y.o. Milad Ayyash 2011-05-14 مواجهات القدس

Jerusalem Says Goodbye to its Martyr 16 y.o. Milad Ayyash who was killed by the Israeli Occupation Forces yesterday

YouTube - 2011-05-14 Jerusalem Conflicts مواجهات القدس:

"ameerq1 on May 14, 2011

مواجهات القدس بين الشبان الفلسطينين والاسرائيليين ، تشيع جثمان الشهيد ميلاد عياش



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Egyptian activists try to set off to Egypt's border with Gaza

Egyptians show solidarity with Palestine ahead of Third Intifada:

"AhramOnline on May 14, 2011

On the eve of the beginning of the third Palestinian Intifada, hundreds of Egyptian activists try to set off on a solidarity march to Egypt's border with the Gaza Strip.



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Refugiados palestinos marchan por derecho al retorno a casa

Refugiados palestinos marchan por derecho al retorno a casa:

"telesurtv on May 13, 2011

Miles de refugiados palestinos se congregan en Egipto y Jordania para marchar en defensa del retorno a su hogar tras décadas de destierro. teleSUR
http://multimedia.telesurtv.net/13/5/2011/34817/refugiados-palestinos-marchan...



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Al Walajeh: A Story of Continued Nakba - Walls, settlements, annexation, and destruction

Walajeh: A Story of Continued Nakba:

"justghassan on May 14, 2011

The village of al-Walajeh, located to south of Jerusalem, between the city and Bethlehem. Walls, settlements, land annexation, and home destruction, all is being done by Israel in the village of walajeh. Indeed this village sums up the conflict.



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Youth Reply to a "manifesto" - 63 Years of Nakba

63 Years of Nakba:

"Death2Munchkins on May 12, 2011

To reply to the Gaza youth Manifesto, and with no additional words to the ones spoken with true heart on this video, we give you, The Manifesto. A simple, true, self-explanatory, expression of what we're sick of.

As these days mark the 63rd memory of the Nakba, our people all around the world, revolt, and object to the injustice and hatred we are met with on a day to day basis, just because we're Palestinians and just because we exist.

I urge your humanity and your conscience, to spread on this video, so the 15th of May 1948, wouldn't ever be forgot, and so Palestinians would once more have their freedom and rights back; especially the right of return.

Salamat,
Two randoms from Palestine.

P.S. Offensive comments to any race, nationality or religion will be removed.

كرد على بيان شباب غزة، وبدون أي كلمات إضافية للكلمات الصادقة من القلب التي قيلت في هذا الفيديو، نقدم نحن لكم 'البيان' والذي هو تعبيرنا البسيط والصريح والغاني عن الشرح، الذي يعبر عن كل الأشياء 'اللي احنا زهقنا منها'.

في هذه الأيام التي تمثل الذكرى الثالثة والستين للنكبة، شعبنا في مختلف أنحاء العالم ينتفض ويحتج على الظلم والكراهية التي نعامل بها على أساس يومي، فقط 'علشان احنا فلسطينية'.

أنا أحث إنسانيتكم وضمائركم لتنشروا بياننا، لكي يبقى 15-5-1948 يوما لا ينسى في تاريخ الشعوب، ولكي يستعيد الفلسطينيون حريتهم وحقوقهم، وخاصة حقهم في العودة.

سلامات،
عشوائيان من فلسطين.



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Israeli Zochrot Activists Defy Nakba Law, Face Racist Outrage and Denial

The video is a recognition of the courage of the organization called Zochrot [Remembrance i.e. Remembrance of the catastrophe of the Palestinians] and highlights the basic psychology of the Israeli public who use the Holocaust to justify their colonization, dispossession, and subjugation of he Palestinians

YouTube - Israelis Defy Nakba Law on Independence Day:

"TheRealNews on May 13, 2011

On the 63rd Israeli Independence Day, Israelis defy the ban on mourning
the Nakba in the heart of Tel Aviv



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Press Conference on ‘East Jerusalem: Key Humanitarian Concerns’ Report | ReliefWeb

Press Conference on ‘East Jerusalem: Key Humanitarian Concerns’ Report | ReliefWeb: "Press Conference on ‘East Jerusalem: Key Humanitarian Concerns’ Report
Report
—
UN Department of Public Information, UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs

Presenting a new report on East Jerusalem at Headquarters today, its author, Ray Dolphin, said the separation barrier under construction there not only had profound humanitarian consequences, but could ultimately have political implications, as well.

Mr. Dolphin said at a press conference that the report, by the Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) and titled East Jerusalem: Key Humanitarian Concerns, was the first comprehensive one on the humanitarian position of Palestinians in East Jerusalem, and brought together many of the well-known issues in one volume for the first time. It examined such vital issues as residency rights, planning, zoning, and demolition, bringing them all together to show how they were interrelated, he said.

“All these factors together are undermining the Palestinian presence in East Jerusalem,” he continued. “Basically, Israeli measures and policies are prioritizing the settler population at the expense of the Palestinian population.” The report found a number of persistent problems, with 35 per cent of the land having been confiscated for the expansion and construction of settlements, and only 13 per cent zoned for Palestinians. That left many Palestinian residents no option but to build illegally, putting their homes at risk of demolition.

He went on to say that Palestinian residents of East Jerusalem were suffering discrimination for the settlers’ benefit. There was a de facto division of East Jerusalem, with up to 60,000 tax-paying Palestinians now residing on the other side of the barrier, without receiving the Government services to which they were entitled. While all residents were entitled to free education, about 1,000 additional classrooms were needed, according to official Israeli Government statistics, he said, adding that only half the school-aged Palestinians in East Jerusalem were enrolled in free schools. The rest attended schools where they were forced to pay fees, and perhaps up to 10,000 did not attend school at all. Palestinian residency rights were also uncertain, since they were automatically revoked if a resident spent more than seven years away, or took up a second citizenship, he said.

Asked whether OCHA would characterize the situation as “apartheid”, Mr. Dolphin said the Office did not use that term to describe the situation, but rather discussed the various “push” and “pull” factors; while lack of opportunities and resources pushed segments of the population away, many Palestinians were pulled back to East Jerusalem out of fear of losing their residency status. Still, the many push factors were reaching a critical mass and were greatly undermining the Palestinian presence.

Responding to another question, Mr. Dolphin said the report’s recommendations were aimed at the Israeli authorities. While there could only be a political resolution of the conflict, it was not there at the moment. The report therefore outlined key concerns to be addressed in the meantime, he said, adding that the recommendations included stopping settlement building, prioritizing zoning for Palestinians and interim measures to alleviate critical humanitarian issues caused by the barrier.

Asked whether, given the report, it would still be possible to divide East Jerusalem along the lines of the “ Clinton parameters”, he replied that settlements, in general, were problematic in that regard, in that they took land and resources from Palestinian areas, making it more difficult to re-divide East Jerusalem along the prescribed “ethnic” lines. For that reason, it was vitally important that Palestinians remain in East Jerusalem so that a political solution could still be reached.

For information media • not an official record
UN Department of Public Information:

East Jerusalem UN OCHA

NizarAbboud on May 9, 2011

East Jerusalem: Key Humanitarian Concerns - OCHA Special Focus - Report (23 March 2011):

"UNITED NATIONS

Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs

occupied Palestinian territory

SPECIAL FOCUS

March 2011

East Jerusalem

Key Humanitarian Concerns

Executive Summary

This report focuses on East Jerusalem and forms part of a series by OCHA which examines the humanitarian impact of Israeli measures, such as the Barrier, settlements and planning and zoning restrictions, on Palestinians in the occupied Palestinian territory (oPt). The report mainly focuses on the area unilaterally annexed to Israel and included within the municipal boundary of Jerusalem following the 1967 war. This annexation is not recognized by the international community, and the Security Council has resolved that all legislative measures and actions taken by Israel to alter the character and status of Jerusalem are null and void (see, inter alia, Security Council resolutions 52, 267, 471, 476 and 478).

In the years since 1967, Israel has undertaken measures — in particular land confiscation, settlement building and construction of the Barrier — which serve to alter the status of East Jerusalem, contrary to international law. Government and municipal policies have also negatively impacted the estimated 270,000 Palestinians in East Jerusalem.1 As this report demonstrates, these policies affect their residency status, their access to education and health services, and their ability to plan and develop their communities. This report is designed to document the impact of these measures on the Palestinian population in East Jerusalem, in order to raise awareness, offer recommendations, and contribute to an enhanced response to humanitarian, early recovery and development needs.

Combined, these policies significantly increase the humanitarian vulnerability of the Palestinian residents of East Jerusalem. Although Palestinians are remaining in the city, in the long term, failure to address these ‘push factors’ risks undermining the Palestinian presence in East Jerusalem. East Jerusalem has traditionally served as the focus of political, commercial, religious and cultural life for the entire Palestinian population of the oPt. Following the 1967 annexation, Palestinians from the remainder of the West Bank and the Gaza Strip have been prevented from residing within the Israeli-defined municipal boundary, other than through the increasingly restrictive process of ‘family unification.’ Since the early 1990s, non-Jerusalem Palestinians have been compelled by the Israeli authorities to obtain permits just to access the city, including to places of worship during Ramadan and Easter. The number of such permits granted is limited, and access of permit holders into East Jerusalem is restricted to four checkpoints. The majority of checkpoints leading into the Jerusalem area have been incorporated into the Barrier, which is itself compounding the separation of East Jerusalem from the rest of the West Bank.

In addition to this administrative and physical separation, the Palestinian Authority is not allowed, under the Oslo Accords, to operate in East Jerusalem and the closure of Palestinian institutions, such as Orient House, is continually renewed, notwithstanding Israel’s commitments under the Roadmap. This has led to a political and institutional vacuum which, in addition to restrictive residency and access policies, is resulting in East Jerusalem becoming increasingly separated from the remainder of the occupied Palestinian territory – physically, politically, socially and culturally.

Pending a final status agreement, East Jerusalem remains an integral part of the occupied Palestinian territory and the Palestinian population of the territory should have the right to access East Jerusalem, including for specialized health and education, work, social, cultural & family relationships and for worship at the Muslim and Christian holy places. Therefore, while primarily focusing on the issues facing the Palestinian residents of East Jerusalem, this report will also emphasize the continuing importance of the city as a centre of life for Palestinians throughout the oPt, at a time when East Jerusalem is becoming increasingly separated from the remainder of the occupied Palestinian territory.

More specifically, the report addresses the following concerns:

Residency Status of Palestinians in East Jerusalem

Following the war of 1967, the Government of Israel unilaterally annexed some 70 km2 of the occupied area to Israel, which included East Jerusalem, as defined under Jordanian rule (six km2), as well as 64 km2 of surrounding West Bank territory; the annexed area was subsequently added to the Municipality of Jerusalem. The right to reside in East Jerusalem was restricted to those Palestinians who were recorded as living within this expanded municipal boundary. However, East Jerusalem Palestinians were defined as permanent residents of Israel rather than citizens, and their residency status is conditional on their proving that their ‘centre of life’ lies within the Israeli-defined municipal boundary or in Israel proper. Extended stays by Jerusalem Palestinians outside of the city or Israel, including in the remainder of the oPt, can result in the revocation of their Jerusalem ID cards. Approximately 14,000 East Jerusalem Palestinians have had their residency revoked since 1967, of which over 4,500 were revoked in 2008.

Permanent residency status is not automatically transferred through marriage, so a Palestinian resident of East Jerusalem who wishes to reside in the city with a spouse from the remainder of the oPt, must apply for family unification. The application process for family reunification for residents of East Jerusalem is onerous and has become virtually impossible since 2003, when Israel introduced the Nationality and Entry into Israel Law (Temporary Order).

Permanent residency status is also not passed on to the holder’s children ‘by right’, resulting in difficulties in registering the children of such ‘mixed residency’ status marriages.

Planning, Zoning and Demolitions in East Jerusalem

Since 1967, Israel has failed to provide Palestinian residents of East Jerusalem with the necessary planning framework to meet their basic housing and infrastructure needs. Only 13 percent of the annexed municipal area is currently zoned by the Israeli authorities for Palestinian construction, much of which is already built-up. It is only within this area that Palestinians can apply for building permits, but the number of permits granted per year to Palestinians does not begin to meet the existing demand for housing and the requirements related to formal land registration prevent many from applying. As a result, Palestinian residents of East Jerusalem find themselves confronting a serious shortage in housing and other basic infrastructure. Many residents have been left with no choice other than to build structures ‘illegally’ and therefore risk demolition and displacement. The Jerusalem Local Outline Plan 2000 (‘Master Plan’), instead of providing a solution to this housing crisis, appears designed to preserving a demographic majority of Jewish residents vis-à-vis Palestinians in the city.

Settlements in East Jerusalem

Since 1967, the Government of Israel has constructed settlements within the extended municipal boundary of East Jerusalem and in the wider metropolitan area beyond, despite the prohibition, under international law, on the transfer of civilians to occupied territory. Over one third of the area within the extended boundary of East Jerusalem has been expropriated for the construction and expansion of Israeli settlements.

The territory expropriated for settlement building and expansion has resulted in a corresponding reduction in the land and resources available for Palestinian construction and development. In addition, settler organizations are targeting land and property to create an ‘inner’ layer of settlements within Palestinian residential areas, in the so-called ‘Holy Basin’ area. The impact of this settlement activity in Palestinian areas includes restrictions on public space, residential growth and freedom of movement. In the most severe cases — in the Old City, Silwan, and most recently in Sheikh Jarrah — settler expropriation has resulted in the loss of property and the eviction of the long-term Palestinian residents.

Archaeological activity in these areas is augmenting the public space which the settlers control. A government-sponsored ‘Open Spaces’ project will expand this domain and further constrain Palestinian construction and space in East Jerusalem. An additional declared intention of these settler groups is to thwart a negotiated resolution to the question of Jerusalem by preventing any potential re-division of the city.

The Barrier in the Jerusalem Area

In summer 2002, the Government of Israel approved construction of a Barrier with the stated purpose of deterring suicide bombers in the West Bank from entering Israel. Construction of the Barrier in the greater Jerusalem area is effectively re-drawing the geographical boundaries, in addition to compounding the separation of East Jerusalem from the rest of the West Bank.

Consequently, certain Palestinian communities in East Jerusalem find themselves on the ‘West Bank’ side of the Barrier, and residents now need to cross checkpoints to access the health, education and other services to which they are entitled as residents of Jerusalem. Conversely, certain West Bank localities are ‘dislocated’ to the ‘Jerusalem’ side of the Barrier, with the result that approximately 2,500 Palestinians in 16 communities face uncertain residency status, impeded access to basic services and potential displacement.

In addition, West Bank neighbourhoods and suburbs of East Jerusalem are severed from their former close connections to the urban centre, with devastating social and economic consequences. The Barrier also separates rural communities from their land in the Jerusalem hinterland, resulting in impeded access for farmers and a decline in agricultural production and livelihoods.

Restrictions on Access to Education

Education in East Jerusalem is divided between numerous providers — municipal, private, ‘recognized unofficial’, Waqf and UNRWA. Despite the number of providers, there is a chronic shortage of classrooms and existing facilities are substandard or unsuitable. Pupils are often accommodated in rented houses which do not meet basic educational and health standards. Consequently, parents have to resort to fee-paying alternatives although pupils are entitled to free education under Israeli law.

Many pupils are not enrolled in any educational institution. Among those enrolled, many fail to complete secondary school, with an especially high drop-out rate of boys aged 12-14. Zoning and other planning restrictions in East Jerusalem inhibit both new construction and the expansion of existing buildings. As a result, certain Waqf schools are threatened by demolition and sealing orders. Preschool facilities are also inadequate in East Jerusalem.

With the increasing isolation of East Jerusalem from the remainder of the oPt, teachers and pupils with West Bank ID cards face difficulties in accessing schools in East Jerusalem because of permit restrictions, checkpoints and the Barrier. The main campus of Al Quds University is also separated from the city by the Barrier and the institution’s certificates are not recognized by the Israeli authorities.

Restrictions on Access to Health

Palestinians who hold Jerusalem ID cards are entitled to the health services provided by the Israeli authorities, which are recognized to be of a high standard, and can also access the six Palestinian-run non-profit hospitals in the city. Residents of the remainder of the oPt also rely on these hospitals for routine, specialised and emergency health services which are unavailable elsewhere in the West Bank and the Gaza Strip. However, the permit regime, checkpoints, the Barrier, and the blockade of Gaza, make access difficult, both for patients who hold West Bank ID cards and for East Jerusalem residents now located on the ‘West Bank’ side of the Barrier.

Physical and bureaucratic obstacles also hamper the ability of Palestinian medical staff — who comprise the majority of medical personnel in the six East Jerusalem hospitals — to access their workplaces in East Jerusalem, to the detriment of patients and hospitals. The efficient running of East Jerusalem hospitals is also impaired by restrictions on construction expansion, and the entry of medical equipment and pharmaceuticals into East Jerusalem from the remainder of the West Bank.

*****

The impetus for this report arose from a series of meetings convened by OCHA in late 2009, involving key Palestinian, Israeli and international interlocutors in the health, education and other sectors. While aiming to convey a comprehensive overview of the main humanitarian concerns in East Jerusalem, the report is not exhaustive. Certain key issues, in particular, the economy, and social and youth problems, are beyond the scope of this report and require the attention of more specialized agencies.

Each chapter in the report provides an overview of the key sectoral concerns, augmented by case studies, photos and maps which underline the humanitarian impact of the issues raised.

Specific recommendations are proposed at the end of each chapter, as interim steps to mitigate the key concerns: inevitably, the most important steps that can and need to be taken are by the Government of Israel. The Conclusion/Way Forward provides more general observations regarding changes to the character and status of East Jerusalem since 1967 and their impact on Palestinians, while emphasizing that only a full implementation of relevant UN resolutions, in the context of a negotiated solution, will fully address the concerns outlined in the report and lead to a lasting and peaceful solution to the question of Jerusalem.

Endnote

1According to the Israeli Central Bureau of Statistics (ICBS), by the end of 2009 there were 275,900 Palestinians living within the municipality of Jerusalem; http://www1.cbs.gov.il/ishuvim/ishuv2009/bycode.xls. According to the Jerusalem Institute for Israel Studies, Jerusalem: Facts and Trends, 2009/2010, p. 11, 98 percent of the Palestinian population of Jerusalem lives in the areas annexed in 1967 (East Jerusalem). Based on that, it can be estimated that the number of Palestinians residing in East Jerusalem was approximately 270,000 by the end of 2009. http://jiis.org/.upload/facts-2010-eng%20(1).pdf

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