tagged w/ Siege
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The eastern city, a magnet for foreign tourists seeking sun, sea, watersports and racy nightlife, is under siege by both man and the forces of nature. One of Asia's most popular beaches is being eaten away at a rate of nearly 2m a year.
:http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/world/rest-of-world/Thailands-Pattaya-beach-could-vanish-in-just-5-yrs/articleshow/7409108.cmsThe eastern city, a magnet for foreign tourists seeking sun, sea, watersports and racy... more
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suzane
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1 year ago
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Four pre-school children and their teacher have been freed by French police after being held hostage for four hours by a sword-wielding teenager.Elite officers negotiated the safe release of the youngsters from the Charles Fourier nursery in Besancon, eastern France, and the 17-year-old hostage-taker is in custody.
The 17-year-old originally took 20 children hostage at the Charles Fourier pre-school in Besancon, eastern France, shortly after it opened this morning.
He later released 14 of the children, aged between four and six years old.
Elite police then moved into the building and negotiated the release by telephone to free the remaining four children who were being held along with their teaching assistant.
According to French news reports the teenage boy has a "personality disorder" and that contact has been made with his doctor.
Four pre-school children and their teacher have been freed by French police after... more
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A coroner has released footage of a barrister brandishing a shotgun at the window of his London flat moments before he was shot dead by marksmen.
Mark Saunders, 32, was involved in a five-hour stand-off in 2008 after firing a shot into a nearby home.
The footage shows police negotiator Supt John Sutherland talking to Mr Saunders who had been drinking heavily.
He is at a window illuminated by a police helicopter when he is hit by five bullets.
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-london-11400435A coroner has released footage of a barrister brandishing a shotgun at the window of... more
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After holding Gaza under siege for more than three years, Israel has said it will finally allow new cars and spare parts into the strip.
Residents were relieved, because they have had to buy damaged cars and parts from tunnel smugglers.
But a month after the announcement, nothing has arrived because of a dispute between Hamas and the Palestinian Authority.
Some car dealers are also angry because they could be stuck with over-priced inventory brought to Gaza through smuggling which they will not be able to sell.After holding Gaza under siege for more than three years, Israel has said it will... more
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I’ve tried to hammer home the point that the brutal siege of Gaza has nothing to do with Israel’s “right to defend herself.” On Monday, I wrote:
For supporters of the siege, the value of the defense argument is simple to grasp. Intercepting weapons is a military objective. In international law, an occupying power has broad leeway in the use of force to accomplish military objectives. The siege of Gaza is, and always was, meant to crush Gaza’s economy, impose severe suffering on the population and ultimately make it impossible for Hamas to govern. The Israeli government has not hidden this fact. As J Street put it, “Israeli officials have repeatedly characterized their blockade policy in the following terms: ‘No prosperity, no development, no humanitarian crisis.’” When the siege was first imposed, Dov Weisglass, an adviser to then Prime-Minister Ehud Olmert, explained, “The idea is to put the Palestinians on a diet, but not to make them die of hunger.”
The blockade’s objective is political, not military. It’s a collective punishment of the entire population of Gaza (approximately half of whom are under 18 years of age). It is a violation of the 4th Geneva Convention. It’s a serious crime. And the world is calling for Israel to bring it to an end, not to stop intercepting weapons.
Last week, I explained why it’s a serious crime here. When we published those pieces, we got the usual flurry of outraged feedback — accusations of hopeless bias, running ridiculously skewed analyses and delegitimizing Israel out of sheer, irrational animosity.
But on Wednesday, McClatchy reported that it had obtained an Israeli government document that leaves no further doubt about the true goals of the Gaza blockade. It is, as I have said, collective punishment for electing Hamas, a gradual strangulation of the people of Gaza — young and old, innocent and guilty– under an intentional man-made humanitarian crisis.
McClatchy:
As Israel ordered a slight easing of its blockade of the Gaza Strip Wednesday, McClatchy obtained an Israeli government document that describes the blockade not as a security measure but as “economic warfare” against the Islamist group Hamas, which rules the Palestinian territory.
Israel imposed severe restrictions on Gaza in June 2007, after Hamas won elections and took control of the coastal enclave after winning elections there the previous year, and the government has long said that the aim of the blockade is to stem the flow of weapons to militants in Gaza.
[...]
However, in response to a lawsuit by Gisha, an Israeli human rights group, the Israeli government explained the blockade as an exercise of the right of economic warfare.
“A country has the right to decide that it chooses not to engage in economic relations or to give economic assistance to the other party to the conflict, or that it wishes to operate using ‘economic warfare,’” the government said.
McClatchy obtained the government’s written statement from Gisha, the Legal Center for Freedom of Movement, which sued the government for information about the blockade. The Israeli high court upheld the suit, and the government delivered its statement earlier this year.
Sari Bashi, the director of Gisha, said the documents prove that Israel isn’t imposing its blockade for its stated reasons, but rather as collective punishment for the Palestinian population of Gaza. Gisha focuses on Palestinian rights.
[...]
The Israeli government took an additional step Wednesday and said the economic warfare is intended to achieve a political goal. A government spokesman, who couldn’t be named as a matter of policy, told McClatchy that authorities will continue to ease the blockade but “could not lift the embargo altogether as long as Hamas remains in control” of Gaza.
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Israel’s blockade of Gaza includes a complex and ever-changing list of goods that are allowed in. Items such as cement or metal are barred because they can be used for military purposes, Israeli officials say.
According to figures published by Gisha in coordination with the United Nations, Israel allows in 25 percent of the goods it had permitted into Gaza before the Hamas takeover. In the years prior to the closure, Israel allowed an average of 10,400 trucks to enter Gaza with goods each month. Israel now allows approximately 2,500 trucks a month.
The figures show that Israel also has limited the goods allowed to enter Gaza to 40 types of items, while before June 2007 approximately 4,000 types of goods were listed as entering Gaza.
As I wrote earlier this week,
The Israeli government is an occupying power that exercises “effective control” over Gaza. Some have argued that Gaza is an independent entity at war with Israel, and the Israeli Supreme Court agreed, ruling that Israel “had no commitment ‘to deal with the welfare of the residents of the Gaza Strip or to allow unlimited amounts of goods and merchandise’ to pass through, but only vital and humanitarian goods.”
But outside of Israel it’s not a serious claim. According to the United Nations, “Gaza, the West Bank and East Jerusalem [are designated] as Occupied Palestinian Territory… that definition hasn’t changed.” The United States government, Israel’s closest ally, says unambiguously: “West Bank and Gaza Strip are Israeli-occupied with current status subject to the Israeli-Palestinian Interim Agreement… permanent status to be determined through further negotiation; Israel removed settlers and military personnel from the Gaza Strip in August 2005.”I’ve tried to hammer home the point that the brutal siege of Gaza has nothing to... more
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An overall weariness seems to have settled with Palestine solidarity activists. ; The news of the attack on the Gaza Freedom Flotilla by Israeli forces that came early Monday morning was far less shocking among those who have kept up with Israel’s track record over the past years than it should have been. Although the attack was in international waters, on unarmed international civilians, and entirely illegal, Israel’s war crimes are starting to become old news as the Israeli government continues to get away with its abuses.
The vigil held in front of the Capitol Building Friday, June 1st, was then an uplifting and encouraging event as over 70 members of the Austin community gathered with candles to remember those who were killed and wounded on the flotilla and to remember the hundreds of activists who are still being detained by Israel. Several individuals shared words of inspiration and hope with the crowd and a general theme of patience and commitment to action resonated throughout the speeches.
With a recitation of a verse from the Qur’an, Imam Islam of the North Austin Muslim Community Center stressed the importance of working towards justice in times of severe oppression. “If we see an injustice it is our responsibility to change it” with our hands, our mouths, and our hearts. He also told the crowd that as they grieved for their brothers “that grief is also mixed with a renewed hope” that people will work towards justice and peace with nonviolence.
Others such as Ramsey Doany, a Physics student at the University of Texas, encouraged the crowd to stay strong in their dedication to justice and peace for the Palestinian people. He noted that while the situation seems more and more dire every day, there is still hope and a deep need for commitment from activists to educate and speak out against Israel's injustices such as the attack on the Gaza Flotilla.
Overall there is recognition among the Palestine activist community that little if anything has changed in preventing Israel from continuing to commit war crimes. Reverend Ed Hartwell argued, ”the Israelis are saying ‘there is no humanitarian crisis...’ Well there is no new crisis. It’s just getting worse and worse. That’s the crisis.” For some, this fact has provoked more anger with Israel and the United States in the activist community.
At the protest held the day of the attack at Sixth and Lamar in Austin, people held signs that read “F*ck Israel.” While many disagree with this alienating language and the signs were asked to be taken down, there are still a great deal of people who are just fed up with Israel getting away with every grievous act they commit. The United States’ unwillingness to harm its relationship with Israel sends the message that Israel can get away with just about anything in regards to the Palestinians and therefore their war crimes have become increasingly more flagrant. Over the past year and a half Israel has continued to push the line farther and farther, first with Operation Cast Lead, then with plans for more settlements, then with the assassination of Mahmoud al-Mabhouh, and finally, with this attack on international civilians.
Additionally, the siege on Gaza has destroyed the vitality of the citizens of Gaza who, for over the past four years, have been living on the bare minimum amount of food and water that the United Nations says a person can survive on. Over 10 percent of children under the age of five are now chronically malnourished and the 1.5 million people in the enclosed area are desperately in need of food and supplies to rebuild after Operation Cast Lead. Because Israel has refused to allow in enough food and has banned the importation of essential items such as concrete, fresh meat, and fabric for clothing, the Gaza Flotilla and the 10,000 tons of humanitarian aid it carried was not a trivial mission. But even in light of these circumstances and although hundreds of Palestinians and dozens of international civilians have been killed in the last two years because of Israel’s extreme force, the United States has done little more than publically slap Israel’s hand for media purposes. Now the Obama Administration has responded to the death of nine or more international civilians in international waters by saying it is merely “regrettable.” The increased frustration is certainly warranted.
However, despite this discouraging lack of progress, it is gatherings like the Gaza Flotilla Vigil that help the community remember that while Israel’s human rights abuses are horrendous and becoming ever more wearisome, the need for voices to speak out against Israel’s crimes is even stronger and can be found among those dedicated to fighting for peace. At the vigil, with four and seven-year-olds holding candles under their chins and people of different races and religions standing together, it was not the anger of the protest from the day before that ran through 70 people’s minds. But in the moment of silence that was held at the vigil, a renewed sense of hope for a lasting peace was felt among the Reverend, Imam, college students, families and Austinites alike.
Article by Leah Gilman.
Produced by Jeff Zavala.
A ZGraphix Production.
http://zgraphix.orgAn overall weariness seems to have settled with Palestine solidarity activists. ; The... more
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The Zionist Federation rallied opposite the Israeli embassy in support of the Israeli Defence Force action against the Gaza aid flotilla. London, United Kingdom. 02/06/2010
Around 500 pro Israel protests gathered opposite the Israeli embassy to express their support for the attack on the Gaza aid convoy that left more than nine aid activists dead.
They were opposed by a much smaller counter demonstration of 100 pro Palestine supporters holding banners and chancing slogans.The Zionist Federation rallied opposite the Israeli embassy in support of the Israeli... more
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A comic book is a lot like Wal-Mart.
You don’t have to be able to read to enjoy it. It’s cheap, at least compared to other forms of entertainment, and you can find a comic book almost anywhere.
And sometimes an idiot somehow grabs the reigns (or the PA) and takes control.
This week in comics was no different.
NATION X # 4 (of 4): I told you last week, some people buy crack… others, X-Men. I’m only human.
The X-Men have taken up residence on a floating asteroid just outside of San Francisco — and given California’s fickle nature, I can’t say I blame them. Equality comes and goes.
Unfortunately, so does quality. This issue features another set of short stories by various creators, and while some are strong, others are… debatable. Still, it’s not a buy that I regret: X marked the spot with the opening story by the team behind X-Statix and the second feature’s where-has-this-guy-been art by Harvey Tolibad.
X-MEN: LEGACY # 234: Rogue continues to Carey the series.
Read more reviews at http://blogs.creativeloafing.com/dailyloaf/2010/03/19/as-the-pages-turns-this-week-in-new-comics-books-comics-are-like-wal-mart-and-whats-a-cat-girl/ !A comic book is a lot like Wal-Mart.
You don’t have to be able to read to... more
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Israel's blockade of Gaza has been in place for almost three years.
Building on existing closures and restrictions, the blockade means the delay or denial of a broad range of items - food, industrial, educational, medical - deemed "non-essential" for a population largely unable to be self-sufficient at the end of decades of occupation. The blockade prevents access by sea, land and air, effectively closing off a population of 1.5 million Palestinians from the outside world.
This short film examines what the blockade means for the people of Gaza, as they struggle to rebuild their lives over a year after Operation Cast Lead.Israel's blockade of Gaza has been in place for almost three years.
Building... more
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MAPUK
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1 year ago
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Repression ordered to the neighborhoods of the Honduran capital, forcing the poor to fight or starveRepression ordered to the neighborhoods of the Honduran capital, forcing the poor to... more
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After 3 years under siege and a recent Israeli-led offensive, Gaza continues to suffer. No materials for rebuilding are allowed in, and education and industry continue to be stifled. Shot in June 2009, this short film gives a glimpse into the harsh realities of everyday Gaza under siege.
Produced by Jordan Flaherty and Lily KeberAfter 3 years under siege and a recent Israeli-led offensive, Gaza continues to... more
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lkeber
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2 years ago
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A man in his 60s has been shot dead by police after holding his wife hostage at gunpoint in the retirement flats where they resided.
Armed officers raced to Fernhurst, West Sussex's village of the year 2007, just before lunchtime today.
According to the AP, some guy at the local pub said the following: "I was told there was a hostage situation and it was an elderly man with an ill wife. Apparently he was armed and would not let anyone come near."
The Independent Police Complaints Commission is investigating the shooting.A man in his 60s has been shot dead by police after holding his wife hostage at... more
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A New Zeeland town is in lock-down as police attempt to apprehend a former soldier dubbed 'Rambo' who killed a senior cop.
A tank had been brought in to provide cover whilst officers retrieved the body of Senior Constable Len Snee, 53, from the driveway of the shooter, Jan Molenaar, 51.
Ex-army reservist Molenaar allegedly fired shots from an automatic rifle at police when they arrived with a warrant to search his house for cannabis.
According to one New Zealand newspaper, friends of Molenaar have described him as a "one-man army" and a "nightmare waiting to happen".A New Zeeland town is in lock-down as police attempt to apprehend a former soldier... more
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Outgoing Prime Minister Ehud Olmert has told the United States and the European Union that Israel will lift restrictions on food items, such as pasta and cheese, entering Hamas-ruled Gaza, diplomats said on Monday.
The government of U.S. President Barack Obama had protested at these and other seemingly random Israeli restrictions, which held up deliveries of certain types of noodles, fruit jams and other foodstuffs to 1.5 million Palestinians in the enclave.
In one case, Israel blocked for weeks a World Food Programme shipment of chickpeas, used to make the Palestinian food staple hummus, according to the UN agency.
Western diplomats, speaking on condition of anonymity, said Olmert's office informed Washington and Brussels that all types of food would be allowed into the Gaza Strip.Outgoing Prime Minister Ehud Olmert has told the United States and the European Union... more
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President of UN General Assembly urges Israel to be recognized as an Apartheid state.
UN General Assembly President Miguel d'Escoto referred to Israel as an Apartheid state. Phyllis Bennis analyzes the significance of this identification as compared to South African apartheid and the popular resistance struggles worldwide that helped end it. Israeli apartheid is built into a system of roads, walls, and fences which create segregation of Palestinians and Jews both inside the West Bank and between the West Bank and Israel. Gazan Palestinians are separated from Israel and West Bank Palestinians by the siege imposed by Israel after the election of Hamas. Bennis analyses the validity of the term 'apartheid' in the case of Israel and the proposed peace plan many Arab states have presented as a possible solution.
Phyllis Bennis is a Senior Analyst at the Institute for Policy Studies in Washington DC. She is the author of Before and After: US Foreign Policy and the September 11 Crisis and Challenging Empire: How People, Governments, and the UN Defy US Power.
Her newest book Understanding the US-Iran Crisis: A Primer will be available in September 2008.President of UN General Assembly urges Israel to be recognized as an Apartheid state.... more
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Sameh Habeeb reports on the humanitarian crisis taking place inside Gaza's sealed borders.
It has been almost four weeks since Israel decided to completely seal the borders of the Gaza Strip. While Israel has maintained a partial blockade ever since Hamas took power in June of 2007, this is the first time that the Israeli government has elected to stop foreign journalists from entering the Palestinian territory. On Monday, a small number of trucks bringing much-needed fuel and other supplies were permitted to enter for the first time since the full blockade began on November 5th, but within hours the gates had been sealed shut once again in response to rocket fire emanating from inside Gaza. In our conversation with Sameh Habeeb, via phone from inside Gaza City, we hear first hand of the devastating influence that the blockade is having on the lives of those trapped inside the Gaza Strip.
Sameh Habeeb is a Palestinian journalist based in Gaza City.Sameh Habeeb reports on the humanitarian crisis taking place inside Gaza's sealed... more
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