This week …

News Highlights:

  • Both the outgoing and new Palestinian governments condemn the compensation paid to the Israeli soldier who murdered Iman Al Hams, a 13-year-old Palestinian girl.
  • Al Bireh, near Ramallah, no longer has places to bury its dead due to Israel preventing the construction of a new cemetery.
  • Israeli election results show Ehud Olmert’s party leading, although he will have to form a coalition; voter turnout was the lowest in Israel’s history.
  • Mahmoud Abbas says he is ready to renew negotiations with Israel, but the new PA government is more cautious about Ehud Olmert’s unilateralism.

Feature:

An in studio discussion about the result of the Israeli elections, held March 28, and the swearing-in of the new Palestinian government, set to happen March 30th. Ehud Olmert and the Kadima party that was started by Ariel Sharon will be forming the next coalition government and Olmert’s unilateral “separation policy” was discussed. An article by Amira Hass was referenced that discussed how Israeli elections impact the daily life of Palestinians more than Palestinian elections, and that this is the essence of occupation.

Focus on Zionism:

A statement released by www.stopthewall.org in Palestine marking the 30th anniversary of Land Day on March 30th. The statement called for greater mobilization, including an effective boycott campaign against Israeli products.

Here is an audio file of this show: