freepali

ONCE A LIAR, ALWAYS A LIAR

freepaliadmin — Thu, 28 Aug 2008 04:12:00 GMT

Despite promises by the terrorist government of Israel to stop building their illegal settlements, guess what? They lied. There are over 1,700 new settlement units ready to be built in East Jerusalem based on publications by the government and confirmed by Israeli rights group Peace Now. This does not include the publication of 130 new units earlier this month and the over 300 new units being built in an existing illegal West Bank settlement. Oh yeah, this doesn't include the 850 illegal settlement homes Olmert approved earlier this year. Consider that these settlements are not only illegal, but are being built on land illegally expropriated from Palestinians.

What is so pathetic is not only the fact that Israel continues to lie, that's just a given, but how amazing that the world stands by and does nothing regarding these blatant violations of International Law. What's worse is that the promise made by the Israeli government to halt the illegal settlements took place during a peace summit on American soil last year and they just continue to build these illegal settlements. Months ago, Condoleeza Rice was critical of Israel for such actions as being an obstacle to the peace process. How surprised were we all about that? Rice is usually like a whore on her knees when it comes to defending Israel. Despite their lies though, the U.S. government continues to blindly support and defend this terrorist state. If the Zionists weren't going to listen to Condi Baby, you would think they would at least respect the United Nations Secretary General for informing them that settlement expansion and construction is contrary to International Law.

Lie...cheat...steal... just a few fundamental principles Israel was built on.

KILL AND BE SET FREE

freepaliadmin — Fri, 15 Aug 2008 04:32:00 GMT

Tell me when it has become okay to murder journalists or cameramen, despite the fact that it violates not only the Geneva Convention, but the laws of civility. Not surprisingly, Israel does not seem to agree. After murdering a Reutors cameraman and two younger civilians, Israel has decided that the tank crew responsible for this heinous crime will not be charged. There were a total of 13 unarmed civilians killed, 8 of whom were children. This does not include the countless that were injured. How unfortunate that the lack of proper investigations into the murder of Palestinians is not present and is continually excused.

The list of violations and inhumane behaviour by the Zionist Occupation Forces must change. And the world stands by silently.

"He who passively accepts evil is as much involved in it as he who helps to perpetrate it. He who accepts evil without protesting against it is really cooperating with it."
Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.

"If you are neutral in situations of injustice, you have chosen the side of the oppressor"
Bishop Desmond Tutu

REMEMBERING MAHMOUD DARWISH

freepaliadmin — Tue, 12 Aug 2008 06:01:00 GMT

This past weekend as working on Arab World Fest where freepali.com was sponsoring Shadia Mansour, I was heartbroken as I heard about the tragic loss of the great Palestinian artist, Mahmoud Darwish.

One of the greatest contemporary artists and a true intellectual, Mahmoud Darwish, who was born in Palestine in a village later destroyed by the Israeli’s brought attention to the Palestinians all over the world and their cause as he gave a voice to all Palestinians and the suffering they endure at the hands of the brutal Israeli occupation. His poetry is commonly heard in music as entertainers sing his poetry as their lyrics.

Mahmoud Darwish will truly be missed by all.

If I ruled the world...

freepaliadmin — Tue, 29 Jul 2008 05:22:00 GMT

When will the world wake the f**k up and enforce the so called democratic and international laws which were established to maintain equality and civility in an otherwise uncivilized world.

How disgusting is it that Israel engages in practices against the Palestinians that would never be accepted by any government in the world against any other people. Not only do they engage in such practices, but they do so with arrogance and no concern of world opinion. Where is the media? Where are the investigative reporters? Where is justice?

As though I wasn't already disgusted by Israel's inhumane policies, I felt it necessary to comment on a home that was bulldozed by the Israeli Occupation Forces yesterday morning. Israel’s inhumane policy continued as the residence, belonging to the Abu Ayisha family, which housed five families was demolished leaving all of the residents homeless. In addition to the demolition, the Army also attacked the families and supporters injuring many of them when they forced them out of the home. The army did not even allow ambulances to enter or take the injured to the hospitals. They were eventually taken to hospitals by private cars.

So why was the home demolished? The Israeli army claimed that it was due to there being no construction permit on file for the home. Needless to say, Israel has rarely if ever granted any permits to Palestinians in Jerusalem since 1967. They make it clear their intent is to forcefully steal additional land.

Imagine if this rule of law was applied to all. Thousands of Zionist settlements have been built in the Occupied Territories against International Law on illegally occupied land, yet for them, it is okay. I dream of the day those settlements are brought down, preferably with the thieving murderous occupants still inside and by the same bulldozers which have brought tragedy to an entire innocent Palestinian civilian population.

If only I ruled the world.

freepali.com sponsors Shadia Mansour

freepaliadmin — Mon, 28 Jul 2008 06:21:00 GMT

I would like to change routes slightly on this blog as I look to promote a wonderful festival held in Milwaukee, Wisconsin.

For those of you who do not know about Arab World Fest, I can not say enough about what a wonderful festival it is. If there is any festival that showcases Arab culture in a professional and organized manner providing 3 days of non-stop activities ranging from non-stop and continuous live entertainment, film festival, marketplace, food vendors, children’s area, cultural area, fireworks, and much more. I welcome you all and encourage you to visit the festival website at www.arabworldfest.com to get a glimpse of what the fest is all about.

In an effort to promote Palestinian artists, freepali.com will be sponsoring Shadia Mansour at the fest this year. For those of you who have visited the Art Resistance section of freepali.com, I am sure you have seen Shadia’s link. She is a wonderful performer representing Palestinians well; not only as an artist, in her work and her lyrics, but as a strong Palestinian woman (is there any other kind!) commanding attention and respect during her performances.

I was introduced to Shadia by Patriarch, another wonderful Palestinian Hip Hop artist out of California who is a crowd favorite at Arab World Fest as he always put on a powerful performace. Patriarch selfishlessly recommended Shadia last year, showing great character and support by helping to promote a fellow artist. They put on a show together like no other. Patriarch will unfortunately be unable to attend the fest this year, but I encourage you all to visit his site and I would like to express my love and respect to him as an artist, a person and a Palestinian brother.

I WELCOME ALL WHO CAN TO ATTEND!

FREE DR. SAMI AL-ARIAN NOW!

freepaliadmin — Thu, 03 Jul 2008 01:31:00 GMT

How unfortunate that the judicial system we so cherish and cite as a positive example before the world has become one of embarrassment and targeted racism. Please read the information below, but more importantly, please ACT!

Dr. Sami Al-Arian is a university professor who has been held as a political prisoner by the US government for over 5 years. No jury has ever found him guilty, and no evidence has ever been presented to back up the US government's accusations, except that Al-Arian is a Palestinian Muslim who advocated on behalf of Palestinians suffering under Israeli occupation and worked to involve American Muslims in the political process here.

Dr. Al-Arian was scheduled to be released on April 11th, but in March, he was summoned to testify before a third grand jury. Dr. Al-Arian refused, not only because the plea agreement he concluded with the government in 2006 unambiguously exempted him from having to testify, but also because the government prosecutor who sought his testimony was blatantly laying a perjury trap for him. Due to his refusal to testify, Dr. Al-Arian was charged with two counts of criminal contempt on June 26th. His trial will commence on August 13th. Criminal contempt is the only crime that has no maximum penalty; if convicted, Dr. Al-Arian could spend the rest of his life in prison.

See http://www.freesamialarian.com for more info.

Last Thursday (June 26th), three months after refusing to testify before a third grand jury, Dr. Sami Al-Arian - whose trial has been the single most important test case of the PATRIOT Act - was charged on two counts of contempt of court. Dr. Al-Arian refused to testify not only because the plea agreement he concluded with the government in 2006 clearly exempts him from having to do so, but also because it was a clear perjury trap.

The Assistant US Attorney who sought his testimony and who brought the contempt charges, Gordon Kromberg, has made no attempt to hide his bigotry towards Arabs and Muslims. Furthermore, Kromberg has publicly and in no uncertain terms declared his alleged right to use legal loopholes to punish people he cannot convict for any substantial crimes. (See article in posted section for more information on this rogue prosecutor).

Criminal contempt has no maximum penalty; if convicted, DR. AL-ARIAN, A LOVING FATHER OF FIVE, COULD BE SENTENCED FOR LIFE.

These charges are an outrageous abuse of the grand jury system and a naked attempt by the government to punish an innocent man for exercising his first amendment rights.

PLEASE ACT!

2 phone calls + 1 fax = BIG difference!

Friends, please stand with us against this act of tyranny by doing these two simple things:

1. Call Senator Patrick Leahy ((202) 224- 4242) and Congressman John Conyers ((202) 225-5126) - the Judicial Committee chairmen of the Senate and House respectively - and ask them to meet with the Attorney General and have him stop Assistant US Attorney Gordon Kromberg from going forward with this unlawful indictment. Even if you are not their constituent, they are obliged to listen to your opinion since their duties extend to all Americans.

2. Fax a letter to the Office of Professional Responsibility at the US Department of Justice: (202) 514-5050. See the postings section for the letter template.

To find out how to HELP EVEN MORE, please see the discussion board below under "More ways to help."

Again, you all have our heartfelt thanks for your sincere support at this crucial time.

TACTICS THAT ENDED APARTHEID IN SOUTH AFRICA CAN END IT IN ISRAEL

freepaliadmin — Tue, 01 Jul 2008 01:16:00 GMT

Rather than post a comment by freepali.com, I thought this article which I got from The Electronic Intifada and written by an individual who led a movement to overthrow apartheid in South Africa was appropriate for the occassion.

Bill Fletcher, Jr., The Electronic Intifada, 29 June 2008

An Israeli soldier sits atop an army vehicle overlooking a protest by Palestinians at the Beit Iba checkpoint outside Nablus in the occupied West Bank, June 2008. (Rami Swidan/MaanImages)

The Israeli-Palestinian conflict often inspires a sense of powerlessness. What can average Americans do to bring an end to this decades-old conflict when our leaders have failed so miserably?

And what good is speaking out about Israel's occupation of Palestinian land as the primary obstacle to peace when even former President Jimmy Carter and Nobel Laureate Archbishop Desmond Tutu are condemned for their criticism of Israeli policies?

This month in San Jose, California, average Americans will have the opportunity to take a stand for peace and justice in the Middle East. The Presbyterian Church US's General Assembly began Saturday and runs through Sunday at the San Jose Convention Center. At the meeting, which takes place once every two years, delegates will make policy decisions for the 2.3 million-member denomination.

They will consider corporate engagement, up to divestment, with companies that profit from the obstacles to a just peace in Israel and Palestine. The church is considering approaches to Caterpillar, ITT Industries, Motorola and United Technologies.

The TransAfrica Forum, an organization which I was honored to head, played a leading role in the movement to end apartheid in South Africa. Corporate engagement was one of the most powerful tools in our non-violent arsenal. It was the right moral decision then and it is the right moral decision now. Just as it worked in South Africa, it can work in Palestine and Israel.

Yet Presbyterian delegates are being pressured to vote against similar measures. Some say the tactic unfairly singles out Israel for condemnation. But it is not the country we condemn; it's a system of segregation and inequality.

The Israeli government has established in the Occupied Palestinian Territories a regime of systematic discrimination. It maintains two systems of laws, and a person's rights are based on national origin. Palestinian land is confiscated to build Israeli-only settlements and roads. Palestinians wait hours in line at more than 500 Israeli checkpoints and roadblocks in the West Bank, while Jewish settlers speed by on modern, well-lit highways.

As Carter, and many Israelis have said, as long as this dual system exists, any peace agreement between Israel and Palestine will be impossible. Palestinians compare Israeli policies to those of apartheid in South Africa. Former Israeli Attorney General Michael Ben-Yair wrote in 2002, "In effect, we established an apartheid regime in the occupied territories immediately following their capture. That regime exists to this day."

South Africans who led the fight against apartheid, like Archbishop Desmond Tutu and former United Nations envoy John Dugard, make similar comparisons.

To the detriment of both Israelis and Palestinians, we provide financial and diplomatic support to maintain these separate and unequal policies. Israel is the number one recipient of US foreign aid: roughly $2.5 billion last year alone. Our government has cast more than 40 vetoes in the United Nations Security Council to shield Israel from international condemnation.

Divestment from companies that benefit from the occupation is an opportunity for American citizens to do what our government leaders have refused to do: say that our money will not fund human rights abuses any longer.

With humbleness, with love, with compassion for Palestinians and Israelis, I believe in the possibility that both can live as neighbors with security, dignity and respect. As it did in South Africa, corporate engagement, including divestment, can help make that possibility a reality.

Bill Fletcher, Jr. is executive editor of blackcommentator.com and former president of the TransAfrica Forum, which led the US movement to overthrow apartheid in South Africa during the 1980s. This article originally appeared in the San Jose Mercury News and is republished with the author's permission.

Calm in the Region?

freepaliadmin — Mon, 23 Jun 2008 04:23:00 GMT

What are we to wonder about our favorite racist state?

As the ceasefire between Israel and Hamas is still in place, you may want to breath a sigh of relief…oops, not so quick...I said you “may” want to. The unrelenting misery those in Gaza have been suffering at the hands of the brutal Zionist forces appears to have been minimized for the moment. Are we really supposed to feel better though knowing that by mid-year 2008 Israel has murdered more victims than all of 2007. This to include an unacceptable number of children and infants (is there ever an acceptable number????)

Don’t be so quick to turn your attention away from the region. Atrocities are still being committed as Israel’s brutal arm extends into the West Bank whereby atrocities continue against the innocent Palestinian civilians. Murders, arrests, land expropriation, restrictions in movement, destruction of land, inhumane treatment, torture…and the list goes on, is business as usual for Israel. Whereas they utilized the feeble excuse of rocket fire in Gaza as justification for their actions, what excuse do they have in the West Bank? When will they realize that their inhumane policies intended to break the will of the Palestinians will never work? They will never succeed in even fracturing the Palestinian will despite their terrorist policy of unrelenting brutality against an entire population.

And the winner for Biggest Obstactle to Mid-East Peace goes to……

And the US government continues to support this terrorist state. Recently, Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice pulled her head out of Israel’s ass and used “exceptionally harsh language” (as quoted by the AP) criticizing them for undermining the peace process by continuing to build illegal settlements in the illegally occupied territories. Although that may have appeased many, the reality is that if there is a desire for true peace in the region, a true and fair peace, it can be easily attained, but is dependant on applying the rule of law to all. Oh yeah, and the US foreign policy needs to rid itself of the words “double standard”.

This past week the focus has been on Israel and Iran. We have read how Israel has been carrying out military exercises which appear to be a rehearsal for attacking Iran’s nuclear facility. What about Israel’s nuclear arsenal? Why hasn’t Israel been willing to sign any nuclear non-proliferation agreements? Who is the true aggressor in the region? So many questions to ask.

Anniversary of Attack on the USS Liberty Ignored

freepaliadmin — Mon, 09 Jun 2008 04:40:00 GMT

On the anniversary of the attack of the US Navy Intelligence ship, the USS Liberty, those few who are even aware or remember the tragic occasion remember the 34 victims which were murdered and the 174 that were injured as a result of the deliberate and brutal Israeli military attack on the ship which was in international waters.

There is unanimous agreement by United States government officials and intelligence agencies that the attack was made with full knowledge that it was a US ship and that the attack was deliberate. Israel obviously acknowledged the attack, but claimed it was mistaken identity. Declassified government documents prove otherwise.

"The evidence was clear. Both Admiral Kidd and I believed with certainty that this attack...was a deliberate effort to sink an American ship and murder its entire crew.... It was our shared belief. . .that the attack. . .could not possibly have been an accident.... I am certain that the Israeli pilots [and] their superiors. . .were well aware that the ship was American."
-- Captain Ward Boston, JAGC, US Navy (retired), senior legal counsel to the US Navy Court of Inquiry

The irony resulting from this tragic event in history is how it is not reported with an obvious attempt to cover it up. Initially by our government, to spare the reputation of Zionist Israel, and also the media in the United States. This was a deliberate attack on the U.S. Where are all the reporters and politicians who claim to care and respect the service of our armed forces? The bias reporting of Mid East politics can not be any clearer when your own armed forces can be attacked and murdered and there is no decency to make any mention of such attack on the anniversary date. Maybe the media is too busy concentrating their efforts on trying to portray Israel as a victim all the time and craftily attempting to lay blame for certain acts on groups not even involved as our politicians have carefully placed their heads in the rectum of the Zionist Lobby.

This behavior should not be condoned. It is the responsibility of us all to honor the innocent victims that lost their lives for no reason at the hands of the true terrorist regime.

For detailed information including a summary of events leading to the attack, FAQs, pictures and more, visit the USS memorial site at www.gtr5.com.

GAZANS DENIED SCHOLARSHIP FOR LIVING UNDER OCCUPATION

freepaliadmin — Tue, 03 Jun 2008 03:41:00 GMT

So what's the worst part of living under occupation. Hmmm....denial of basic human rights, home demolition, false imprisonment, torture, having your family killed, being denied water and electricity, general unbearable living conditions, the list goes on.....well now let's add another reason:

RECEIVING A PRESTIGIOUS FULBRIGHT SCHOLARSHIP AND BEING SENT AN EMAIL THAT THE SCHOLARSHIP IS BEING WITHDRAWN DUE TO ISRAEL REFUSING TO GRANT EXIT VISAS TO THE RECIPIENTS.

The Fulbright scholarship was founded by US Senator Fulbright in the aftermath of WWII and is a program allowing for international exchanges and promoting peace and understanding with regards to educational exchanges for grad students, scholars, educators, etc. It is considered to be one of the most prestigious of programs and operates in nearly 150 countries.

Eight Palestinians in Gaza recently had their scholarships withdrawn because they live under occupation in the Gaza Strip and Israel is refusing to grant them visas to go abroad to study. How unfortunate that the mission of this scholarship is being trampled upon by the inherent racism which is so deeply rooted in the Israeli government. Consider that these students have gone through so much to receive this award to include learning a second language. The State Department has gotten involved and they were advised to reapply for the program next year. These are individuals living in a huge "prison" due to the occupation and have no ordinary means of surviving due to Israel's attempt to starve the population of Gazans to death. What does the State Department have to do with the scholarship anyways.

If the State Department is to get involved, maybe they should put pressure on the government they are supporting to grant the visas. How ridiculous that the US has no power or influence in this matter when we provide billions of dollars of grant money to support Israel's terroristic policies? Supposedly this issue is going to be revisited. Let's hope the proper decision is made and these students are given the opportunity they have rightfully earned.

Dunkin' Dipshits

freepaliadmin — Sun, 01 Jun 2008 15:29:00 GMT

Just when you felt people couldn't fall to lower levels of ignorance, Michelle Malkin reappears.

This past week, a Dunkin’ Donuts ad featuring celebrity chef and television host Rachel Ray was pulled when ultra conservatives such as Michelle Malkin were critical as to the choice of scarf Rachel Ray wore during an ad to promote iced coffee. Critics complained that the scarf was much too similar to the kaffiyeh (a scarf) that has become a chic fashion accessory throughout the world although its origins are from the Mid East.

Imagine the suffering we may have endured by the Donuts of Mass Destruction (and calories) being promoted by the donut chain and the spokesperson turned terrorist known for her great culinary talents. Let us especially thank Michelle Malkin who took the lead in this war on powdered pastries.

Let us commend the half-wits such as Malkin for their ability to uncover the secret relationship between fashion attire and terrorism. The world is a much safer place now. Truly, it was a surprise to all that terrorists had infiltrated the donut chain and recruited extremists like Rachel Ray to promote terrorism through her fashion sense. Rumor has it the ad was pulled after Homeland Security raised the terror alert to RED after uncovering "chatter" of random jelly filled explosions throughout the chain.

As ridiculous as this may sound, consider that those who uncovered this "terror advertising" are commonly seen commentating on stations like Comedy Central...or is it FOX News??? Michele Malkin and other critics argue that Rachel Ray should not wear the scarf due to its symbolizing Muslim extremism and terrorism. Maybe if we put someone like Malkin in charge of Homeland Security, she would do a better job of protecting us. She can monitor clothing stores in the mall and arrest anyone making suspicious purchases of scarves and jeans.

My hat (not worn by terrorists) goes off to Dunkin’ Donuts for yielding to such ridiculous criticism. Will they realize that the majority of terror planning takes place in their stores and begin banning all Middle Eastern looking patrons?

As foolish as this all may appear, it should open your eyes to the fact that there are individuals among us that continue in their attempt to promote fear and hatred against an entire group of people.

Son of Holocaust Survivors Denied Access to Israel

freepaliadmin — Wed, 28 May 2008 00:57:00 GMT

Professor Norman Finkelstein (political scientist, author, academic) of the United States was recently imprisoned upon his arrival to Israel. Without being allowed entry into the country, Professor Finkelstein was arrested, interrogated, imprisoned and then forced to leave the country due to his critical views regarding the illegal policies of the Israeli government.

Despite being of Jewish faith and the son of Holocaust survivors, Israel reinforced the fact that they do not discriminate when it comes to being racist! The Zionist governments refusal to allow Prof. Finkelstein entry typically means that he will be banned for 10 years from entering the country despite the fact that as a man of Jewish faith, he has a right to settle there according to their laws. Their claim of "security risk" is nothing more than a euphamism for their racist policies. The Israeli newspaper Haaretz in a May 27 editorial states: "Considering his unusual and extremely critical views, one cannot avoid the suspicion that refusing to allow him to enter Israel was a punishment rather than a precaution."

Is this the democracy we continue to hear about that must continue to be supported by our tax dollars? How embarrassed should the U.S. administration be to blindly support such a racist government. How often must Israel show it's true colors before our administration takes their head out of Israel's ass and sees the light?

While our economy is struggling, the U.S. provides over $3 billion annually from our tax dollars as grants (yes, grants) to fund the killing of innocent civilians, expropriation of land, building of illegal settlements, demolition of homes......and oh yeah, the building of an Apartheid Wall in the 21st century. And now, in this instance, discrimination against an individual with an impecable reputation for exercising a right this country was so proudly founded upon. I encourage everyone to contact their representatives in the government and let your voice be heard.

Let us not forget the victims of Al-Nakba

freepaliadmin — Tue, 06 May 2008 03:58:00 GMT

As the Zionist State of Israel prepares for their 60 year "celebration", let us not forget what this "celebration" represents for the Palestinians and for all decent human beings. The establishment of the State of Israel, albeit illegitimate, was established at the expense of the entire Palestinian population.

As “Israel” celebrates, the Palestinians will mourn as they remember Al-Nakba (the “catastrophe”) whereby over 500 villages were wiped out by the Jewish forces. They will mourn the entire villages of Palestinians that were massacred as the Jewish forces attempted to ethnically cleanse the Palestinian population. They will mourn as they remember the 750,000 people that were expelled from their homes and land; they will mourn as they reflect upon the fact that the illegitimate creation of a Jewish state has created the longest suffering and largest refugee populations in the world.

Let us congratulate “Israel” for their tremendous accomplishments having committed and continuing to commit the most heinous of crimes and doing so with the world standing by. This is the ‘true’ democracy we need in the Mid East. Let us congratulate “Israel” for successfully convincing the world that they are the victims as the facts prove they are truly the worst of aggressors.

The facts cannot be denied. As Zionists claim there were no Palestinians displaced, David Ben Gurion is quoted as saying: “Jewish villages were built in the place of Arab villages. You do not even know the names of these Arab villages, and I do not blame you because geography books no longer exist…There is not a single place built in this country that did not have a former Arab population."

Article 49 of the Fourth Geneva Convention makes it illegal for an occupying force to expel people in order to occupy their land. The acquisition of land during time of war by this means is clearly illegal. This is the same international law that makes it illegal for “Israel” to occupy the West Bank and Gaza Strip. Although International Law allows for the return of refugee populations, Israel has refused to abide by the laws that govern the world. The records are clear and every sensible human being realizes what the facts are. Unfortunately, “Israel” has its own distorted views and considers itself an exception to the law.

Let us not forget history and let us not forget the victims of Al-Nakba.

freepali.com launches website

freepaliadmin — Thu, 01 May 2008 03:29:00 GMT

Long in the works, freepali.com has officially launched. It is the hope that visitors find the site to be resourceful and easy to navigate. I encourage everyone to share the site and feel free to email any recommendations you may have. There are a number of additional topics and information that will be added. With the never ending flow of information, it was decided to launch and add more info over time. Don't forget to visit the store to help support the scholarship fund and maintain the site. I also would love to see an active blog. There is daily activity taking place that can be discussed and shared with others. The tragic events of Gaza, the case of Sami Al-Arian, the race for presidency. Whatever you find relevant, please utilize the blog.

I welcome you all and look forward to your return to the site.

ISRAEL'S DESIRE FOR PEACE & DEMOCRACY

freepaliadmin — Sat, 26 Apr 2008 19:36:00 GMT

Once again, Israel has proven to the world that in fact it is they who are the obstacles to peace in the region. Protests erupted as Israel rejected the Hamas proposed truce. The truce was initiated in an attempt to lift the blockade which has caused the undescribable suffering imposed on the residents of Gaza. The victims of the Israeli regime are the civilian population. It is unfortunate that the "true democracies" of the world are sanctioning and causing the suffering of an entire population because they are disappointed by the results of a true democratic election whereby Hamas seized control from the Fatah party. Oh how we value the principles of democracy in the West...that is...only when it suits us. Let's hope a rocket blasts through the Apartheid Wall (internationally recognized as illegal) built by the great democratic government of Israel. Maybe then, the kids of Gaza will have food to eat.