Semaine 33 / 2011

               The United States has suspended operations of the aid organizations it funds in the Gaza Strip over alleged meddling by Hamas. A US official told Reuters that USAID-funded partner organizations operating in Gaza were forced by Hamas's action to suspend their assistance work and were put on hold effective August 12. He added that through a series of measures Hamas has imposed over the past months, it has created an environment which jeopardizes the... [Lire la suite]

             European Union foreign policy chief Catherine Ashton has expressed her "deep regret" over Israel's approval of more construction in eastern Jerusalem. Ashton said in a statement that the EU has "repeatedly called on Israel to end all settlement activity, including natural growth, and to dismantle outposts erected since March 2001." She said settlement activity threatens the viability of an agreed two-state solution and undermines ongoing efforts to resume... [Lire la suite]

           New US envoy Dan Shapiro expressed confidence Tuesday that despite the difficult economic climate in the US, Washington’s financial commitments to Israel’s security will continue. Shapiro, on a tour of an Iron Dome battery near Ashkelon, said America’s commitment to Israel’s security “has been consistent through many ups and downs of our own economy.” The ambassador pointed out that even during the very difficult budget environment this year, US President Barack Obama and... [Lire la suite]

            The New York Times published an editorial on Sunday criticizing the expected vote on Palestinian statehood at the United Nations in September, saying its “consequences could be profoundly damaging for all involved.” The paper of note whose editorials are considered to carry considerable weight in international affairs expressed sympathy with the Palestinians' frustration over stalled talks with Israel but said a showdown at the UN would not help advance their cause.... [Lire la suite]

             The Israel Air Force has begun using unmanned aerial vehicles to conduct surveillance and reconnaissance missions over Israeli gas fields in the Mediterranean Sea out of fear that they will be targeted by Hezbollah. In early July, the cabinet approved the demarcation of Israel’s northern maritime border with Lebanon, which sets the economic rights in offshore territories that have become lucrative with the recent discoveries of vast natural-gas resources. The... [Lire la suite]

            A record 320,000 Israelis turned out for protests across the country on Saturday night against the high cost of living -- more than double the number that took part in demonstrations last weekend. In Tel Aviv alone, a quarter million people gathered for a mass rally opposite the Kirya defense compound on Kaplan street. Some 30,000 people participated in demonstrations in Jerusalem and other rallies, in cities from the north to Eilat. At the rally in Tel Aviv, speakers... [Lire la suite]