Peace

In an emotional rally at the Gaza border Jan. 26, some 2,000 Israelis demonstrated for peace and an end to Israel’s blockade of Gaza

Addressing the House Armed Services Committee last week, a leading U.S. general in Iraq let a cat out of the bag — unless Congress and a new administration that is committed to a sane foreign policy chart a radically different course, significant U.S. troops may be in Iraq until at least 2018.

Despite President Bush’s much-publicized visit to Israel and the Palestinian West Bank this month, most commentators say no peace progress is likely without U.S. pressure on Israel to halt its settlements in the West Bank. Now escalating tensions between Israel and Palestinian Gaza, and a mounting humanitarian crisis for Gaza’s 1.5 million residents blockaded by Israel, threaten to torpedo peace talks, many fear.

As Israel imposed a lockdown and continued a military assault on Gaza, and rockets from Gaza continued to terrify the bordering Israeli village of Sderot, Israeli peace and human rights advocates organized a relief convoy and peace demonstration, Jan. 26, at a Gaza border crossing. A parallel Palestinian demonstration was set for the other side of the border.

RAFAH, Gaza—Where to start…, what to talk about…? The crippling electricity shortages, affecting hospitals as well as civilians? The air strikes & on-going, daily bombings by the Israeli army, their indiscriminate targeting of civilians and police stations…? Israel ’s nonaccidental, enforced starvation of 1.5 million people by closing off ALL borders and not allowing in even UN aid, let alone basic medicinal, food, and construction needs…?

As Israel continues a military assault on Gaza, and rockets from Gaza terrify the bordering Israeli village of Sderot, Israeli peace advocates are organizing a relief convoy and peace demonstration, Jan. 26, at a Gaza border crossing. A parallel Palestinian demonstration will take place on the other side of the border.

Following President Bush's visit to Israel and the Palestinian West Bank last week, most commentators are saying no real progress is likely without U.S. pressure on Israel to halt its settlements in the West Bank.

Two recent developments are intensifying concerns the Bush administration is heading for a reckless attack on Iran.

As Congress reconvenes for the new year, the newly elected Board of Aldermen in New Haven joined cities across the country speaking out for peace.

The policy of establishing and expanding settlements may well be the only constant in Israeli practices on occupied Palestinian territory since 1967. Yet it is possible to discern several distinct phases in this policy depending on the party in power in Israel.