NOVANEWS

by Sami Jadallah

Question, why should any one, let alone the Palestinians accept “Israel’s facts on the ground” when Israel not only never accepted “Palestinian’s facts on the ground” but through brute force changed these facts? The fact that Israeli Jews and beyond them American Jews claims special rights to the land, does not mean, these claims must be accepted by every one and it does not mean Israeli Jews are exempted from the rule of international law.

Today, of all people the Mayor of Chicago, Rahm Emanuel taking time out and having solved the city’s garbage, sewer, transport, education crime and urban problems published an Op-Ed article in the “ Washington Forum” of the Washington Post reminding us that 67 borders are” one starting point of negotiations, not the end point”.

Well, that may be fine with the son of a proud Jewish terrorist who opted out of serving in this nation army and chose to volunteer in the Israeli army to give us his views on “Jewish facts on the grounds” but his views and all those of American Zionist Jews, who and since the days of Lyndon Johnson shaped and formulated US policy in the Middle East to go along with the Talmudic claims for the rights of the land as “God given” and not won through pre-emptive war.

No thanks to US sponsored policy and since 67 and in contradiction to international laws, the Geneva Convention against moving “civilians” to occupied territories and against the word and spirit of both USSC resolutions 242 and 338, Israel made it and continue to make it a point to create “Israeli and Jewish facts on the grounds”.  Facts that are results of land theft and land grab, systematic expulsion and ethnic cleansing of Palestinians Arabs from their lands and homes to allow the building of Jewish settlements all over the Occupied West Bank and specially around Jerusalem.

Forget about God, the Promise Land and the “Chosen People” and all that crab, I never understood and no one so far made a credible case for accepting Israeli and Jewish facts on the grounds while denying “Arabs and Palestinians facts on the ground”; not the Israelis, not the American Jewish leadership and community, not the American Zionist Jews members of this administration and past administrations, not President Obama, not Clinton, or Bush, or Reagan let alone Nixon or Johnson, certainly not Mahmoud Abbas, not Saeb Erekat, not Yasser Abed-Rabou can deny the Palestinian people their rights to lands and properties stolen by Israel to create its facts on the ground.

Successive Israeli governments from day one of the 67 War made sure that the State of Israel with total and unconditional support from the United States creates “facts on the grounds” that will make peace, based on “land for peace” and based on UN Security Council resolutions never happens.

Even after Oslo which was supposedly set the stage for a timely and negotiated peace settlement, Israel continued with land grabs and continued to expropriate lands for its settlements, for its Jewish Only Roads, for its Apartheid Wall and the denial of Palestinians “residency” in their hometowns and villages to the tune of over a million counting family members, this is in addition to the systematic ethnic cleansing of some 80,000 Palestinians (Christians and Muslims) from East Jerusalem. During the Oslo years, the numbers of Israeli settlers, trespassers and land thieves went from 150,000 to more than 500,000.

While the Palestinian leadership and negotiating team was enjoying cocktail parties, private dinners in West Jerusalem and Tel-Aviv enjoying first travel around the world, Israel was creating its own facts on the ground. It seems the Palestinian leadership of Abbas/Erekat never bothered to think about “Palestinians facts on the ground” failing to challenge the Israeli facts on the ground and making a stand on this long long time ago. It is clear that the Palestinian negotiating team was aware of this and it was of the hidden and secret plans revealed in the Palestine Paper to agree to exchange Palestinian prime real estate land in and around Jerusalem for Israeli toxic waste dumps in the Negev.

Now America and Israel will argue but after all these years and after all of this massive investments in Jewish settlements, it will be difficult to make get these Jews to move out of these settlements and go back to Israel. And both will argue the case that using “force” is unacceptable to get these Jews to move out, and even if they move out, the US tax payers will called up to pay the necessary compensations in the tens of billions.

Well, America and Israel can argue for these “Jewish facts on the ground” and that it is politically and financially difficult to remove and resettle all 500,000 Israeli and Jewish squatters. Forgetting the fact that Israel to realize its “Jewish facts on the ground” used tanks, armed soldiers and armored bulldozers to remove and evict a similar number of Palestinian from their homes, farms and lands. The sad and tragic thing about, that not the US, not the UN, not even the Palestinian leadership made an issue out of the undoing of “Palestinian facts on the ground”

If Israel was able to evict 500,000 Palestinians then it can equally and easily evict 500,000 Jewish squatters and land thieves. I simply see nothing in international law that makes an Israeli Jew a privileged, qualified for “special” status.

While the Palestinian leadership of Abbas/Saeb seems set on rewarding Israel for its facts on the ground with a land swap for the large settlements around Jerusalem, Nablus and El-Bireh, most likely and I will even bet $1,000 that Israel will demand and will get the US to pay a million dollars compensation to every Jewish land thief in the smaller settlements. Israel with its army of Holy Jewish Warriors in this administration and in Congress will make sure it milks US tax payers for every step in the process from building settlements to evacuating settlements. Poor American taxpayers and citizens, they are the biggest losers in this whole Middle East conflict, being milked every step of the way.

NOVANEWS

by Stephen Lendman

Under international law, Israel’s 44 year occupation is oppressive and illegal for having:

• – attacked a nonbelligerent state;

• – annexed it forcefully;

• – exploited its resources and people;

• – stolen their land and property;

• – violated their human rights by collective punishment, war and numerous crimes against humanity; and

• – failed to recognize Palestinian self-determination under provisions of the December 1960 UN General Assembly Declaration on the Granting of Independence to Colonial Countries and Peoples and all UN resolutions before and thereafter affirming Palestinian self-determination, including:

• – the UN Partition Plan (GA Resolution 181, 1947) granting Jews (with one-third of the population) 56% of historic Palestine, the rest to Palestinians with Jerusalem designated an international city under a UN Trusteeship Council;

• – GA Resolution 2131 (1965): Declaration on the Inadmissibility of Intervention in the Domestic Affairs of States and the Protection of Their Independence and Sovereignty, “reaffirming the principle of non-intervention,” calling it “aggression;”

• – SC Resolution 242 (1967) calling for an end of conflict and withdrawal of Israeli armed forces from occupied territories;

• – SC 338 (1973) repeated the same demand;

• – the 1970 Declaration on Principles of International Law Concerning Friendly Relations and Cooperation among States in Accordance with the Charter of the United Nations;

• – SC Resolution 298 (1971) affirming “acquisition of territory by military conquest is inadmissible,” calling Israel’s failure to observe previous resolutions deplorable;

• – GA Resolution 3236 (1974) recognizing Palestinian self-determination and expressing “grave concern” that they’ve been “prevented from enjoying (their) inalienable rights (to) self-determination….national independence and sovereignty….without external interference….;”

• – GA Resolution 3314 (1974) on the Definition of Aggression in accordance with the UN Charter and Charter of the Nuremberg Tribunal and its judgment, calling it the supreme international crime against peace;

• – numerous other SC and GA resolutions affirming the principles of international law, including Geneva’s Common Article 1 obliging all nations to enforce them, stating specifically: “The High Contracting Parties undertake to respect and to ensure respect for the present Convention in all circumstances;” and

• – Lisbon Treaty (December 2009) principles affirming fundamental freedoms, peace, democracy, human rights and dignity, justice, equality, the rule of law, security, tolerance, solidarity, mutual respect among peoples, the rights of the child, strict adherence to the UN Charter and international law, environmental protection, and sustainable development, and to prevent conflicts and combat social exclusion and discrimination.

Failing also to:

• – comply with the provisions of the Convention on the Suppression and Punishment of the Crime of Apartheid (the Apartheid Convention), defined by the Rome Statute to include murder, extermination, enslavement, torture, arbitrary arrest, illegal imprisonment, denial of the right to life and liberty, cruel, inhuman and degrading treatment, and other abusive acts imposed by one group on another, as well as:

• – not observing international laws with regard to:

• – illegal acts of aggression, including inflicting mass deaths, injuries and destruction during Operation Cast Lead, mostly affecting civilians;

• – free movement, expression and right of assembly

• – imprisoning Gazans under siege;

• – denying the universally acknowledged right of return;

• – refusing Palestinians the right to their own resources “such as watercourses within their land;

• – annexing East Jerusalem in July 1980 despite SC Resolution 478 a month later declaring the Jerusalem Law null and void and requiring its immediate rescinding;

• – constructing the Separation Wall on expropriated Palestinian land (ruled illegal by the International Court of Justice);

• – denying Palestinians access to their own land, air space and coastal waters and control of their borders;

• – violating Fourth Geneva by building illegal settlements on expropriated land, dispossessing protected persons, and transferring its own civilian population to the territory it occupies;

• – using torture, abuse and degrading treatment, illegal at all times, under all conditions with no allowed exceptions;

• – employing targeted assassinations and other willful killings of non-combatant civilians and others; and

• – numerous other systematic violations of fundamental international laws.

Physicians for Human Rights-Israel (PHR-Israel) Responds

PHR-Israel “promote(s) a more fair and inclusive society in which the right to health is applied equally to all.” It opposes Israel’s occupation, standing resolutely for human rights and social justice “in (their) broadest sense,” including:

• – free movement;

• – equal access to medical care;

• – clean water;

• – modern sanitation;

• – proper nutrition;

• – adequate housing;

• – education;

• – decent employment; and

• – nonviolence.

Several PHR-Israel members commented on life in Occupied Palestine today, including Ben-Gurion University of the Negev’s Dr. Rafik Masalha. After visiting Gaza, he wrote about:

“standing in front of the concrete walls and the enormous iron doors that exemplify the severe blockade policy” imposed since June 2007. There two years earlier, it felt like time had stopped. “The same grey houses, old black walls,” many decorated with inscriptions “praising and commemorating those who died” during Cast Lead and other conflicts.

In neglected gray streets, donkeys and horses substitute for cars because of cost and scarce gas. People also “were wandering in the streets without purpose, desperate, not in a hurry to get anywhere.” Israel prevents import of construction materials, and high unemployment contributes to despair for many.

At the Health Ministry, he heard about harsh blockade conditions and unbearable problems for many. “We were left with a strong feeling of uneasiness.” Everything is in short supply or unavailable. As a result, patients and staff both experience frustration, suffering and pain.

Moreover, trained staff is lacking, “particularly specialized doctors in various fields, such as neurology, neurosurgery, nephrology, oncology, and other specialties because of the blockade policy and the restrictions on medical personnel” going abroad for training.

In Gaza City and Khan Yunes, “(w)e saw buildings with partially destroyed walls and marks of shells (with) no way to repair them.” He heard many complaints. “We felt deep frustration and helplessness.”

Many patients aren’t properly treated for lack of equipment, trained staff, or permission to travel elsewhere for what Gaza can’t provide. Many “could have been saved were it not for the severe and unbearable conditions that the harsh blockade over the Strip causes. This is inconceivable and does not suit the conditions of the free world in the 21st century.”

Gazans, however, live it daily, suffering because world leaders won’t intervene.

Dr. Abdul Shafi, Jerusalem surgeon and vice president of the Patient’s Friends Society wrote about health care under occupation, saying:

Jerusalem has five major hospitals, including three general ones, one maternity and an eye hospital. They “depend largely on referrals from other Palestinian cities.”

Forty-four years of occupation “greatly affected health care in East Jerusalem.” Numerous obstacles exist, including movement and security clearance requirements, resulting in many doctors “leav(ing) the country (for) employment (and) careers abroad. This has contributed to further impoverish the hospitals (and) community as a whole.”

A combination of understaffing, underfunding, and occupation restrictions makes practicing medicine difficult to impossible for patients needing specialized care. Many can’t travel for security reasons. Others can’t afford treatment at Israeli hospitals. Palestinian ones do what they can, but too often it’s not enough.

Dr. Skafi from the Palestinian Medical Relief Society discussed Israeli human rights violations, including the right to health, especially for Palestinians near settlements, isolated and vulnerable between them.

Dr. Ruchama Marton, PHR-Israel’s founder and president called occupation a “violation of human rights,” saying pressuring Israel publicly is vital to exert pressure for change.

A psychiatrist, she sees many PTSD patients, including Israeli soldiers themselves occupation victims. “As for myself,” she said, “my waking up was clearly in the army, both about the relations between Jews and Arabs and about the ‘other’ Israel.”

At age 18, “it was really shocking, and that shock was powerful.” It shows “people are capable of doing many bad things, and they adhere to authority” and indoctrination to commit crimes, taught to believe they’re doing the right thing when it’s wrong.

The struggle goes on, PHR-Israel allied with other human rights groups, activists, and millions of Palestinians for justice long denied.

A Final Comment

Although Egypt opened Gaza’s Rafah border on May 28, it was conditional for people only (not goods), excluding Palestinian men under age 40, except students enrolled in Egyptian institutions of higher learning with proper visas.

Initial elation, however, now is dissatisfaction and frustration after Egypt imposed new restrictions, Haaretz Service and Reuters saying on June 1:

“Hamas said on Wednesday that Egypt was limiting the number of people allowed to enter the country from Gaza, undermining” the Rafah opening announcement days earlier.

As a result, crossings have “fallen dramatically over the past two days.” Egypt said only up to 350 a day could enter. Hamas responded, saying:

“Following the joy that has swept most of our people, movement at the crossing yesterday was disappointing.”

On Saturday May 28, 565 entered Egypt (300 in the first hour), 404 on Sunday, and 631 Monday. However, only 227 crossed Tuesday and another 100 by late afternoon Wednesday.

In fact, Egyptian security is refusing entry to many, Hamas saying:

“We have told them we cannot accept the reinstatement of restrictions,” including persons wanting to cross needing clearance a day in advance.

On June 1, however, Ma’an News said both sides agreed to limit daily crossings to 400 maximum and release names a day in advance. Students and persons needing medical care will be prioritized. However, 5,000 or more Gazans have been blacklisted for alleged security reasons, an issue still unresolved.

At the same time, Israel’s siege remains, Egypt on its side of the border enforcing it illegally. Lebanese authorities also acting lawlessly, declaring a shared Israeli border a closed military zone, preventing a planned June 5 Naksa Day mass march.

As a result, organizers plan strikes across all 12 Lebanese refugee camps, protesting their legal right to march and demonstrate against Israel’s illegal occupation on its border. “Our aim is to reach (it), regardless of the date,” said Yasser Azzam, an organizing committee member.

They’ll be back. So will others, including humanitarian aid ships until Gaza’s illegal siege is ended, 15 scheduled to arrive in late June