UN report finds Israel flotilla raid violated international law

Israel’s interception of a Gaza-bound flotilla violated international law, according to a report released by the UN Human Rights Council (UNHRC).

UN panel criticizes Israel, Hamas investigations into Gaza conflict

The UN panel tasked with assessing investigations into the 2008-2009 Gaza Strip conflict issued a report criticizing the investigations carried out by both Israel and Hamas.

Israel to “hermetically seal” Gaza Strip?

Before Hamas resumed armed attacks this week, Israeli Foreign Minister Avigdor Lieberman announced plans to “hermetically seal” the Gaza Strip—to little media attention.

Israeli, Palestinian hardliners pledge doom for peace process

Hamas claimed credit for killing four Israeli settlers near Hebron, as Israel’s right-wing Shas party—which opposes any settlement freeze—said that Hamas terror would sabotage the peace process.

EU criticizes conviction of Palestinian anti-wall activist

European Union’s top diplomat criticized Israel over the conviction of Abdullah Abu Rahmeh, a leader of Palestinian protests against the West Bank separation barrier in Bil’in village.

Gaza: UN urges lifting of Israeli restrictions on land and sea access

The UN has issued an urgent call for the lifting of Israeli military restrictions on civilian access to Gaza Strip lands, finding they have dramatically affected the livelihoods of farmers and fishermen.

Israeli army shuts down peaceful rallies across West Bank

Israeli soldiers used force to shut down weekly non-violent anti-wall protests in villages across the West Bank, with clashes and tear gas reported in Nil’in and al-Ma’sara.

Gaza: power shortage critical —again

Fuel for generators is running out as the power crisis in Gaza continues, despite Israel’s supposed easing of the siege. Gaza officials warn that power plants will have to shut down again this weekend.

UK courts: Western Wall is in occupied territory

The Israel Government Tourist Office (IGTO) lost an appeal of a ban by the the UK’s Advertising Standards Authority on a vacation advertisement that described the Western Wall as part of Israel.

Turkey to conduct investigation into Israeli flotilla raid

The Turkish Foreign Ministry announced it will conduct an investigation into the May flotilla incident. The investigatory commission will report to the UN panel established to probe the incident.

Israel: police demolish Bedouin village

Personnel of the Israel Lands Administration, backed up by a large police contingent, demolished the homes of some 300 residents in the “unrecognized” Bedouin village of al-Arakib in the Negev.

Israeli tree cutting sparks border skirmish with Lebanon

A deadly border skirmish between Israel and Lebanon was sparked by Israeli military tree-cutting on lands technically within Israeli territory although north of the border fence.