Saturday, 9 August 2014

PROVO GAZA STATEMENT - END INTERNMENT MARCH



Spanish, German, Dutch, Danish, French, translation- Note-Translation may take a moment to load.


“We must use terror, assassination, intimidation, land confiscation, and the cutting of all social services to rid the Galilee of its Arab population.” - David Ben-Gurion, a.k.a. David Grün (1886-1973), Israeli Prime Minister (1948-53, 1955-63) revered by Israelis as "Father of the Nation"

Two-state Solution My Arse
The Occupation is Forever

By Evan Jones

The script is laughable, raw material for Opera buffa. But it has been written by sadists and unrepentant racists. Continue
"A Hideous Atrocity": Noam Chomsky on Israel’s Assault on Gaza

Video Interview and Transcripts

It’s a hideous atrocity, sadistic, vicious, murderous, totally without any credible pretext. Continue
Deputy Speaker of Israeli Knesset Calls for Expulsion and Jewish Reoccupation of Gaza

Video

Max Blumenthal tells Paul Jay that Moshe Feiglin's program is part of a growing incitement to genocide against Palestinians.Continue
It is not Anti-semitic to Criticise Israel for its Gaza Crimes

By Barnaby Raine 

If Israel is singled out, it is usually because people hate occupation and discrimination, not because they hate Jews. Continue
The Root Cause of the Never-Ending Conflict in Palestine; and How to Fix It

By a Dutch Jewish WWII Survivor 
What I propose here is that the flow of millions of Zionists to Palestine be reversed. Continue
NATO is Desperate for War
By Pepe Escobar 

The Obama administration is giving a free pass to the butchers of Luhansk. Continue
You Wanna be Uncle Sam's Bitch? Pay the Price! 

By The Saker 
Putin has used the momentum of the the West's Russia-basing and Putin-bashing campaign to his advantage across the board. Continue
Year Zero: The Silent Death of Cambodia

Video By John Pilger
Two former Khmer Rouge leaders Khieu Samphan and Nuon Chea have been finally convicted and sentenced to life imprisonment for crimes against humanity - the genocide that killed up to two million people. Continue
Psychopaths
They Walk Among Us
By Paul Rosenberg
Predators walk among us, and they are indistinguishable from normal people. These differently wired humans have a predatory advantage, and they use it.Continue
Congress on the Playground

By Christopher Brauchli 

Not all hearings are designed to attack the president. Some are designed to permit congressmen to demonstrate their wisdom and their grasp of important affairs of which their constituents may have been unaware. Continue
Climate Change – Point of No Return

By Margaret Kimberley
Time’s up, or so planet earth seems to be telling humanity. Continue
At least 31 killed as Islamic State surges in N Iraq: Over in Kirkuk, 11 people were killed by two car bombs that exploded near a Shia mosque holding displaced people, security and medical sources said.
Islamic State captures Iraqi home of Turkish Kurds: Islamic State fighters have taken control of a town in northern Iraq that is home to 12,000 Turkish Kurds, Iraqi security sources have said Anadolu Agency reported
Iraqi Militants Seize Country's Largest Dam: Sunni militants from the Islamic State group on Thursday seized Iraq's largest dam, placing them in control of enormous power and water resources and access to the river that runs through the heart of Baghdad.
Maliki breaks his promise with INA to give up 3rd term nomination for Prime Minister: al-Maliki had requested in return for the withdrawal of candidacy, the position of Vice President, a large personal security detail and authority over the Defense Ministry for at least two months
U.S. Aircraft Bomb Militants in Iraq After Obama Opens Door for Strikes: Pentagon Press Secretary Rear Adm. John Kirby said in a statement Friday that “two F/A-18 aircraft dropped 500-pound laser-guided bombs on a mobile artillery piece near Erbil.”
US carries out air drops to help Iraqis trapped on mountain by Isis: US military aircraft have dropped food and water for thousands of besieged Iraqis trapped by the the Islamist militant group Isis
UK rules out Iraq military strikes: The UK will not be involved in the latest military action in northern Iraq, Downing Street has said. American troops have already made humanitarian air drops to Iraqis threatened by the IS, Mr Obama said.
Intelligence Source: Turks Launch Bombing Strikes on ISIS: A former high ranking CIA official in Baghdad tells Newsweek that Turkish jets carried out airstrikes on Islamic State (I.S.) militants threatening Kurdish refugees--an assertion that Ankara denies.
38 people killed in attack on Syria base — NGO: At least 27 Syrian gov forces have been killed in a jihadist assault on a military base in the northern province of Raqa. 11 jihadists from the Islamic State (IS) were also killed in the attack on Brigade 93
ISIL Beheads Soldiers in Syrian Army Base: WARNING GRAPHIC PHOTOS: Graphic photographs posted on internet showing decapitated bodies of Syrian Army soldiers in Raqqa have once again brought the gory side of the three-year-long conflict in Syria in the limelight.
A voice of horror from Lebanon's Arsal: Civilians caught up in fighting that left scores killed and thousands displaced in town bordering Syria.
Israel kills another Gaza child:An Israeli air strike killed a 10-year-old child in Gaza City on Friday, the first death reported since a 72-hour truce expired at 05h00 GMT, Palestinian medics said.
Israel resumes airstrikes on Gaza as ceasefire ends: Israel launched airstrikes in the Tal al-Hawa neighborhood west of Gaza City at around 10:40 a.m., with another airstrike targeting northern Gaza.
Israel to declare Gaza 'enemy territory' to avoid payouts to inhabitants: Decision would mean Israel would not be liable for damage incurred to residents of the Strip as a result of Israeli actions during Operation Protective Edge.
Community leader, beloved grandfather shot dead by Israelis as he carried white flag: Muhammad Qdeih, 65, was shot dead while carrying a white flag to signal to Israeli soldiers that he was an unarmed civilian.
Case for war crimes against Israel more likely: The possibility of a war crimes investigation into the conduct of Israeli forces in Gaza, until recently unthinkable, has grown after the Palestinians said this week they wanted to become a party to the International Criminal Court.
Report: Netanyahu Asks US Lawmakers To ‘Help Israel Avoid War Crimes Charges’: “The prime minister asked us to work together to ensure that this strategy of going to the ICC does not succeed,” Israel told The Post by phone from Tel Aviv.
Gaza is a crime made in Washington as well as Jerusalem: Op-Ed: The carnage unleashed on the Palestinians is part of a decades-old routine that depends on western support
US senator filibusters live coverage of powerful Palestinian testimonies: CSPAN cut from Tariq Abukhdeir’s live, moving testimony of Israeli abuse in Jerusalem to cover Barbara Boxer’s incoherent pro-Israel rant to a mostly empty Senate chamber.
South Africa threatens to prosecute citizens serving in IDF: Activist group opens case against one soldier, threatens more; convicts could face jail time
George Galloway under investigation over Israel remarks: "We don't want any Israeli goods; we don't want any Israeli services; we don't want any Israeli academics coming to the university or the college.
US: Aug. 9: March to the United Nations for Gaza: Rally begins at 1:00 p.m., march begins at 3:00 p.m. Columbus Circle (58th St & 8th Ave)
UK: National Demonstration for Gaza. Saturday 9 August. No excuses. Be there: London Saturday 9 August
Assemble 12 Noon BBC Portland Place W1A 1AA - March to Hyde Park via US Embassy
Attorney sues Kerry, Hagel over Israel aid: A Palestinian-American attorney sued US Secretary of State John Kerry and Secretary of Defense Chuck Hagel to halt military aid to Israel.
U.S. Suspected Israeli Involvement in 1960s Missing Uranium: Officials Believed Ally Used Materials Lifted From Pennsylvania Toward a Weapons Program
11 Militants Killed in Egypt Security Raids: Egyptian security forces have killed 11 militants and destroyed tunnels leading to the besieged Gaza Strip during raids in the volatile North Sinai region.
Intl health emergency: WHO issues Ebola warning: The Ebola outbreak in West Africa is an "extraordinary event", which poses a public health risk to other states, the World Health Organization said, urging global coordinated response to the disease.
Pakistani 9 killed in security operation: At least two security personnel and seven militants were killed in Turbat area of southwestern Balochistan province of Pakistan on Thursday.
Four Afghan policemen killed in Taliban attack in Helmand:Afghan Taliban fighters stormed a police checkpoint overnight in southern Afghan province of Helmand, killing four policemen, an official said.
Family of 5 killed in Ukraine army shelling in Lugansk: According to reports, the five were killed as a basement, where they had taken refuge, was shelled during military operations by government forces on Thursday.
2 Killed by Shelling in Rebel-Held Donetsk: Ukrainian troops routed the pro-Russian insurgents from smaller towns in the region earlier this month and have now encircled Donetsk, where fighting has crept closer to the city center.
Russia hits West with food import ban: Russia is imposing a "full embargo" on food imports from the EU, US and some other Western countries, in response to sanctions over Ukraine. Prime Minister said it would include fruit, vegetables, meat, fish, milk and dairy imports.
Russian nuclear-capable bombers 'tested' US air defenses 16 times in last 10 days: “These are not just training missions,” the official told Gertz, saying that Russian strategic nuclear forces appear to be “trying to test our air defense reactions, or our command and control systems.”
Snowden gets three-year Russian residence permit: Snowden could apply for citizenship in 2018 after living in Russia for five years, but that he had not decided whether he wanted to stay or leave.
NSA a grouse violation of rights' – Ex-CIA Officer : Video - The US has a new whistleblower, who's leaking secrets on its surveillance programs. CNN broke the news, citing American officials. RT spoke on the issue with former CIA officer Ray Mcgovern.
Campaign Mounts to Declassify 9/11 Report’s References to Alleged Saudi Involvement: According to members of Congress and the families of victims, information about this has been suppressed ever since the publication of a 2002 congressional investigation into the plot.
Sen. Dianne Feinstein Is a Clever Politician and a Successful Hypocrite: Feinstein’s political success is rooted in defending some of the most contentious national security policies while calling for robust civil liberties.
New York Times to use the word 'torture' when describing torture: Under pressure from reporters and editors, the New York Times’ leadership has decided to use the word “torture” with regard to the CIA’s treatment of prisoners in the years following September 11.
Office Depot to close 165 stores this year;: Office Depot said Tuesday it would close 165 stores during 2014 — up from the 150 estimated earlier this year — but stuck with a total count of 400 store closures through 2016, the company said.
USDA signals approval of Dow's 2,4-D-resistant seeds: "We are outraged. Today USDA has turned its back on America’s farmers and rural communities. For over two years, farmers from Iowa to California have been urging USDA to reject Dow’s 2,4-D seeds.
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Ireland, Gaza

Friday, 8 August 2014

GERRY ADAMS READY TO REJOIN IRA





IRISH TIMES - Gerry Adams warns peace process faces ‘serious threat’

SF president claims actions of unionists and British creating a threat to power sharing

The Sinn Féin president Gerry Adams has warned the power sharing Stormont administration is facing its most “serious threat” in recent years. Photograph: Alan Betson /The Irish Times
The Sinn Féin president Gerry Adams has warned the power sharing Stormont administration is facing its most “serious threat” in recent years. Photograph: Alan Betson /The Irish Times


First published:Fri, Aug 8, 2014, 12:29
Sinn Féin president Gerry Adams has warned the power sharing Stormont administration is facing its most “serious threat” in recent years.
Mr Adams in what Sinn Féin described as a “keynote statement” issued today said the political process “is in trouble” and that it faces “its greatest challenge since the Good Friday Agreement negotiations in 1998”.
Mr Adams made his hard-hitting statement following a period of serious disagreement between DUP First Minister Peter Robinson and Sinn Féin Deputy First Minister Martin McGuinness over issues such as welfare reform, failure to reach agreement on departmental budgets and developing a peace and reconciliation centre at the Maze prison site.
The Sinn Féin leader was particularly critical of unionist leaders, the British government and Northern Secretary Theresa Villiers, and of the Irish Government.
He accused Mr Robinson of “bad manners, bad politics and bad economics”.
Mr Adams also appeared to solely blame unionism and the British government for IRA violence and the violence of the Troubles generally. “The Orange state was built on partition, unionist domination, inequality and injustice. It was an apartheid state in which citizens were denied the right to a vote, to a job, to a fair justice system and to a home,” he said.
“The failure of unionism and of the British government to agree fundamental reform in the 1960s led to a militarisation of the situation and to decades of conflict,” he added.
Mr Adams accused British prime minister David Cameron’s government of being “explicitly partisan in championing a unionist agenda”.
“The anti-Good Friday Agreement axis within unionism, the pro-unionist stance of the British secretary of state, the refusal of Downing St to honour its own obligations are combining to create the most serious threat to the political institutions in the north in recent years,” said Mr Adams.
He accused unionists and the British government of failing to get talks underway on the Haass issues of parading, the past and flags.
“Most worryingly there is no evidence from Downing Street or the NIO (Northern Ireland Office) or the unionist leaderships of any likelihood of a real negotiation on all of these issues commencing in September,” he said.
“This therefore presents a very significant challenge to everyone who wants to see progress and to all those who support the Good Friday and other agreements, this includes leaders of civic society, the community sector, the trade union movement, the business sector, as well as political parties,” he added.
Mr Adams continued, “David Trimble in his day and Peter Robinson, despite some positive periods, have undermined their role as First Minister. Instead of actively and determinedly working with the Deputy First Minister to maximise the potential for a new beginning they have minimised the promise and potential of the Good Friday Agreement.
“The fact is that the anti-agreement axis has been very active in asserting a negative agenda. Too many in the pro-agreement axis, with some notable exceptions, have been passive. This includes the Irish government.”
Mr Adams said that that the DUP had repeatedly demonstrated an unwillingness to participate positively in any of the power sharing institutions. He said that Instead it has adopted a tactical approach “aimed at serving the political agenda of a fundamentalist rump in their party rather than the needs of the whole community”.
“As Martin McGuinness has noted, ‘We are in government with unionists because we want to be. They are in government with us because they have to be.’”
Sinn Féin has come under severe criticism for refusing to sign up to British government welfare reform which has resulted in reductions and pressures on Stormont budgets. Mr Adams however defended the Sinn Féin position and said welfare reform should be resisted by the Northern Executive.
“These changes are not about reform. They are about cuts and they are part of a Thatcherite agenda designed to dismantle the welfare state. And Sinn Féin will oppose them.
And he warned, “The effect of all of this and of the British government’s handling of the political situation has been to reinforce political logjams. The political process is in trouble.”
Mr Adams warned against Ms Villiers setting up a commission of inquiry on parading, as unionists are demanding, because “that would dangerously damage the integrity of theParades Commission, undermine the residents and further undermine the Haass proposals”.
“If the unionist leaderships refuse to engage positively in new negotiations then the Irish and British governments, as co-equal guarantors of the agreement, must ensure that outstanding issues are implemented,” said Mr Adams.
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Ireland, Belfast, Belfast, UK

DIVIDE & RULE OF OCCUPIED TERRITORIES PALESTINE & IRELAND


Other people have a nationality. The Irish and the Jews have a psychosis - Brendan Behan

I was court-martialled in my absence, and sentenced to death in my absence, so I said they could shoot me in my absence - Brendan Behan
Symbiote

A Symbiote bonding with another life form
Publication information
PublisherMarvel Comics
First appearanceBlack Costume, The Amazing Spider-Man #252 , The Spectacular Spider-Man #90, and Marvel Team-Up #141Symbiote, The Amazing Spider-Man #258 (May 1984)
Created byJim Shooter, Mike Zeck
Characteristics
Notable membersVenom
Carnage
Toxin
Anti-Venom
Inherent abilitiesSymbiosis with a host provides superhuman strength, speed, agility, and endurance; gains characteristics of host; increases original powers of hosts
Part of the collection on
Cosmic Marvel
Major characters
Groups
Major species


Divide and Rule

In politics, divide and rule, derives from the Greek :διαίρει καὶ βασίλευε, diaírei kaì basíleue, describing gaining and maintaining power by breaking up concentrations of power into smaller pieces that individually can be managed and have less power than the the strategist. The strategy breaks up existing power structures and prevents smaller power groups from alliances linking up.

The saying divide et impera or divide ut regnes were utilised by the Roman Emperor Caesar and the French Emperor Napoleon. The example of Gabinius exists, splitting the Jewish nation into five conventions, reported by Flavius Josephus in Book I, 169-170 of The Wars of the Jews or De bello Judaico. This is also how the British conquered Ireland initially and still uses political agents, within the Irish republican leadership, who aside from spying, sow suspicion and division, Strabo also reports in Geography, 8.7.3 that theAchaean League was gradually dissolved under the Roman possession of the whole of Macedonia, owing to them not dealing with several states in the same way, but wishing to preserve some and destroy others.

In modern times, Traiano Boccalini cites "divide et impera" in La bilancia politica, 1,136 and 2,225 as a common principle in politics. The use of this technique is meant to empower the sovereign to control subjects, populations, or factions of different interests, who collectively might be able to oppose his rule. Machiavelli identified a similar application in military strategy, advising in Book VI ,of The Art of War (Dell'arte della guerra), that a Captain, should attempt, with every art, to divide the forces of the enemy, either by making him suspicious of his men in whom he trusted, or by giving him cause, that he has to separate his forces, and because of this, become weaker.

The strategy of division and rule has been attributed to sovereigns ranging from Louis XI to the Habsburgs. Edward Coke denounces it in Chapter I of the Fourth Part of the Institutes, reporting that when it was demanded by the Lords and Commons what might be a principal motive for them to have good success in Parliament, it was answered: "Eritis insuperabiles, si fueritis inseparabiles. Explosum est illud diverbium: Divide, & impera, cum radix & vertex imperii in obedientium consensus rata sunt." You would be insuperable if you were inseparable. This proverb, Divide and Rule, has been rejected, since the root and the summit of authority are confirmed by the consent of the subjects. On the other hand, in a minor variation, Sir Francis Bacon wrote the phrase "separa et impera" in a letter to James Iof 15 February 1615. James Madison made this recommendation in a letter to Thomas Jefferson of 24 October 1787, which summarized the thesis of The Federalist #10:"Divide et impera, the reprobated axiom of tyranny, is under certain (some) qualifications, the only policy, by which a republic can be administered on just principles." In Perpetual Peace: A Philosophical Sketch by Immanuel Kant (1795), Appendix one, Divide et imperais the third of three political maxims, the others being Fac et excusa :Act now, and make excuses later and Si fecisti, nega : when you commit a crime, deny it.

Elements of this technique involve:

creating or encouraging divisions among the 

subjects to prevent alliances that could challenge the sovereign

aiding and promoting those who are willing to cooperate with the sovereign

fostering distrust and enmity between local rulers

encouraging meaningless expenditures that reduce the capability for political and military spending


Historically, this strategy was used in many different ways by empires seeking to expand their territories.The Occupied Territories of Palestine and Ireland from the former British Empire know all about that. For those who are paying attention we can draw the same lessons of the problem and of the solution from this, primarily, unity and solidarity, despite the many agents of division inserted.
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Ireland, Gaza

Thursday, 7 August 2014

HAMAS RECOGNIZED ? Jimmy Carter - Mary Robinson



sraelis and Palestinians are still burying their loved ones as Gaza's third war in six years continues. Since July 8, when this war began, more than 1,800 Palestinian and 67 Israeli lives have been sacrificed. Many in the world are heartbroken in the powerless certainty that more will die, that more are being killed every hour.
This tragedy results from the deliberate obstruction of a promising move toward peace in the region, when a reconciliation agreement among the Palestinian factions was announced in April. This was a major concession by Hamas, in opening Gaza to joint control under a technocratic government that did not include any Hamas members. The new government also pledged to adopt the three basic principles demanded by the Middle East Quartet comprised of the United Nations, the United States, the European Union, and Russia: nonviolence, recognition of Israel, and adherence to past agreements. Tragically, Israel rejected this opportunity for peace and has succeeded in preventing the new government's deployment in Gaza.
Two factors are necessary to make Palestinian unity possible. First, there must be at least a partial lifting of the 7-year-old sanctions and blockade that isolate the 1.8 million people in Gaza. There must also be an opportunity for the teachers, police, and welfare and health workers on the Hamas payroll to be paid. These necessary requirements for a human standard of living continue to be denied. Instead, Israel blocked Qatar's offer to provide funds to pay civil servants' salaries, and access to and from Gaza has been further tightened by Egypt and Israel.
There is no humane or legal justification for the way the Israeli Defense Forces are conducting this war. Israeli bombs, missiles, and artillery have pulverized large parts of Gaza, including thousands of homes, schools, and hospitals. More than 250,000 people have been displaced from their homes in Gaza. Hundreds of Palestinian noncombatants have been killed. Much of Gaza has lost access to water and electricity completely. This is a humanitarian catastrophe.
There is never an excuse for deliberate attacks on civilians in conflict. These are war crimes.
There is never an excuse for deliberate attacks on civilians in conflict. These are war crimes. This is true for both sides. Hamas's indiscriminate targeting of Israeli civilians is equally unacceptable. However, three Israeli civilians have been killed by Palestinian rockets, while an overwhelming majority of the more than 1,800 Palestinians killed have been civilians, including around 400 children. The need for international judicial proceedings to investigate and end these violations of international law should be taken very seriously.
The U.N. Security Council should focus on what can be done to limit the potential use of force by both sides. It should vote for a resolution recognizing the inhumane conditions in Gaza and mandate an end to the siege. That resolution could also acknowledge the need for international monitors who can report on movements into and out of Gaza as well as cease-fire violations. It should then enshrine strict measures to prevent the smuggling of weapons into Gaza. Early discussions have already taken place. The Elders, an international group of elder statesmen of which we are a part, hope these discussions will continue and reach fruition.
At the Palestinians' request, the Swiss government is considering convening an international conference of the signatory states of the Geneva Conventions, which enshrine the humanitarian laws of warfare. This could pressure Israel and Hamas into observing their duties under international law to protect civilian populations. We sincerely hope all states -- especially those in the West, with the greatest power -- attend and live up to their obligations to uphold the Fourth Geneva Convention, which governs the treatment of populations in occupied territory.
Unity between Fatah and Hamas is currently stronger than it has been for many years. As Elders, we believe this is one of the most encouraging developments in recent years and welcome it warmly. This presents an opportunity for the Palestinian Authority to reassume control over Gaza -- an essential first step towards Israel and Egypt lifting the blockade.
The Palestinian Authority cannot manage the task of administering Gaza on its own. It will need the prompt return of the EU Border Assistance Mission, an international effort to help monitor border crossings that was launched in 2005 and suspended in 2007. EU High Representative Catherine Ashton has already offered to reinstate the program, covering not only Rafah but all of Gaza's crossings. Egypt and Israel would, in turn, cooperate with international monitors to be deployed in Gaza and along its borders, backed by a U.N. Security Council mandate to protect civilian populations. A valuable precedent for trust-building between Egypt and Israel is the international peacekeeping force operating in the Sinai, mandated by the peace treaty signed by the two countries in 1979.
The international community's initial goal should be the full restoration of the free movement of people and goods to and from Gaza through Israel, Egypt, and the sea. Concurrently, the United States and EU should recognize that Hamas is not just a military but also a political force. Hamas cannot be wished away, nor will it cooperate in its own demise. Only by recognizing its legitimacy as a political actor -- one that represents a substantial portion of the Palestinian people -- can the West begin to provide the right incentives for Hamas to lay down its weapons. Ever since the internationally monitored 2006 elections that brought Hamas to power in Palestine, the West's approach has manifestly contributed to the opposite result.
Ultimately, however, lasting peace depends on the creation of a Palestinian state next to Israel.
Leaders in Israel, Palestine, and the world's major powers should believe that policy changes are within reach that would move Israelis and Palestinians closer to a day when the skies over the Holy Land can forever fall silent.
- See more at: http://www.bignewsnetwork.com/index.php/sid/224472251#sthash.ZR8VaJ4T.dpuf
Hamas Needs to Be Recognised
By Jimmy Carter, Mary RobinsonAugust 07, 2014 "ICH" -  Israelis and Palestinians are still burying their loved ones as Gaza's third war in six years continues. Since July 8, when this war began, more than 1,800 Palestinian and 67 Israeli lives have been sacrificed. Many in the world are heartbroken in the powerless certainty that more will die, that more are being killed every hour.

This tragedy results from the deliberate obstruction of a promising move toward peace in the region, when a reconciliation agreement among the Palestinian factions was announced in April. This was a major concession by Hamas, in opening Gaza to joint control under a technocratic government that did not include any Hamas members. The new government also pledged to adopt the three basic principles demanded by the Middle East Quartet comprised of the United Nations, the United States, the European Union, and Russia: nonviolence, recognition of Israel, and adherence to past agreements. Tragically, Israel rejected this opportunity for peace and has succeeded in preventing the new government's deployment in Gaza.

Two factors are necessary to make Palestinian unity possible. First, there must be at least a partial lifting of the 7-year-old sanctions and blockade that isolate the 1.8 million people in Gaza. There must also be an opportunity for the teachers, police, and welfare and health workers on the Hamas payroll to be paid. These necessary requirements for a human standard of living continue to be denied. Instead, Israel blocked Qatar's offer to provide funds to pay civil servants' salaries, and access to and from Gaza has been further tightened by Egypt and Israel.

There is no humane or legal justification for the way the Israeli Defense Forces are conducting this war. Israeli bombs, missiles, and artillery have pulverized large parts of Gaza, including thousands of homes, schools, and hospitals. More than 250,000 people have been displaced from their homes in Gaza. Hundreds of Palestinian noncombatants have been killed. Much of Gaza has lost access to water and electricity completely. This is a humanitarian catastrophe.

There is never an excuse for deliberate attacks on civilians in conflict. These are war crimes.

There is never an excuse for deliberate attacks on civilians in conflict. These are war crimes. This is true for both sides. Hamas's indiscriminate targeting of Israeli civilians is equally unacceptable. However, three Israeli civilians have been killed by Palestinian rockets, while an overwhelming majority of the more than 1,800 Palestinians killed have been civilians, including around 400 children. The need for international judicial proceedings to investigate and end these violations of international law should be taken very seriously.

The U.N. Security Council should focus on what can be done to limit the potential use of force by both sides. It should vote for a resolution recognizing the inhumane conditions in Gaza and mandate an end to the siege. That resolution could also acknowledge the need for international monitors who can report on movements into and out of Gaza as well as cease-fire violations. It should then enshrine strict measures to prevent the smuggling of weapons into Gaza. Early discussions have already taken place. The Elders, an international group of elder statesmen of which we are a part, hope these discussions will continue and reach fruition.

At the Palestinians' request, the Swiss government is considering convening an international conference of the signatory states of the Geneva Conventions, which enshrine the humanitarian laws of warfare. This could pressure Israel and Hamas into observing their duties under international law to protect civilian populations. We sincerely hope all states -- especially those in the West, with the greatest power -- attend and live up to their obligations to uphold the Fourth Geneva Convention, which governs the treatment of populations in occupied territory.

Unity between Fatah and Hamas is currently stronger than it has been for many years. As Elders, we believe this is one of the most encouraging developments in recent years and welcome it warmly. This presents an opportunity for the Palestinian Authority to reassume control over Gaza -- an essential first step towards Israel and Egypt lifting the blockade.

The Palestinian Authority cannot manage the task of administering Gaza on its own. It will need the prompt return of the EU Border Assistance Mission, an international effort to help monitor border crossings that was launched in 2005 and suspended in 2007. EU High Representative Catherine Ashton has already offered to reinstate the program, covering not only Rafah but all of Gaza's crossings. Egypt and Israel would, in turn, cooperate with international monitors to be deployed in Gaza and along its borders, backed by a U.N. Security Council mandate to protect civilian populations. A valuable precedent for trust-building between Egypt and Israel is the international peacekeeping force operating in the Sinai, mandated by the peace treaty signed by the two countries in 1979.

The international community's initial goal should be the full restoration of the free movement of people and goods to and from Gaza through Israel, Egypt, and the sea. Concurrently, the United States and EU should recognize that Hamas is not just a military but also a political force. Hamas cannot be wished away, nor will it cooperate in its own demise. Only by recognizing its legitimacy as a political actor -- one that represents a substantial portion of the Palestinian people -- can the West begin to provide the right incentives for Hamas to lay down its weapons. Ever since the internationally monitored 2006 elections that brought Hamas to power in Palestine, the West's approach has manifestly contributed to the opposite result.

Ultimately, however, lasting peace depends on the creation of a Palestinian state next to Israel.

Leaders in Israel, Palestine, and the world's major powers should believe that policy changes are within reach that would move Israelis and Palestinians closer to a day when the skies over the Holy Land can forever fall silent.

By Jimmy Carter, Mary Robinson

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Ireland, Gaza
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