Freies Politikforum für Demokraten und Anarchisten

palestina libera · Beiträge: 1665

It may not have reached the level of fevered expectation unleashed by that famous handshake between Israeli and Palestinian leaders on the White House lawn in 1993, but the sense of hope inspired by the long-awaited revival of peace talks is both tangible and deeply misplaced.

The talks, which are set to begin in earnest in mid-August, are taking place not because either Israel’s prime minister, Benjamin Netanyahu, or the Palestinian Authority president, Mahmoud Abbas, believes a deal is in reach. The two sides are talking to avoid being blamed for embarrassing John Kerry, the US secretary of state.

The mistaken mood of “change is in the air” was illustrated last week by a much-touted poll showing that 55 per cent of Israelis would vote for an agreement if presented with it, with 25 per cent opposed. Overlooked was the fact that many more – 70 per cent – believe an agreement cannot be reached, with 60 per cent saying Mr Netanyahu will never partition the land.

Palestinians are no more sanguine. A recent poll revealed that a measly eight per cent had any degree of trust in the US as mediator.

http://www.jonathan-cook.net/2013-08-01/when-they-fail-peace-talks-will-only-deepen-crisis-for-palestinians/

Israel adds 20 settlements to government aid list

The Israeli government on Sunday added 20 illegal settlements in the occupied West Bank to a list drawn up in 2009 of communities prioritized for aid.

Hundreds of communities in the occupied Palestinian territory figure on the list for public aid in housing, infrastructure, education, cultural activities and security spending.

http://www.maannews.net/eng/ViewDetails.aspx?ID=619228

Video: Israeli soldier hits Palestinian child in Hebron

http://www.maannews.net/eng/ViewDetails.aspx?ID=619086

Video Shows Israeli Soldier Beating Palestinian Workers “Without Mercy”

http://www.informationclearinghouse.info/article35731.htm