This might be encouraging too.

According to the article, there's a lot of hard negotiating between the two groups before this becomes a reality. But if they can pull it off I think it would make it much more difficult for the Israeli government to claim it has no one to negotiate with.

H/t to Laura Rozen.

The international criminal court is considering whether the Palestinian Authority is "enough like a state" for it to bring a case alleging that Israeli troops committed war crimes in the recent assault on Gaza.

The deliberations would potentially open the way to putting Israeli military commanders in the dock at The Hague over the campaign, which claimed more than 1,300 lives, and set an important precedent for the court over what cases it can hear.

As part of the process the court's head of jurisdictions, part of the office of the prosecutor, is examining every international agreement signed by the PA to decide whether it behaves - and is regarded by others - as operating like a state.

Following talks with the Arab League's head, Amr Moussa, and senior PA officials, moves have accelerated inside the court to deliver a ruling on whether it may be able to insist on jurisdiction over alleged war crimes perpetrated in Gaza, with a decision from the prosecutor's office expected within "months, not years".

International law defines “apartheid” as a crime against humanity. Labelling Israel as an “apartheid” state is a deliberate attempt to undermine the legitimacy of the Jewish state itself.

Criticism of Israel is legitimate. Attempting to describe its very existence as a crime against humanity is not.

-----Original Message-----
From: Gary Keenan [mailto:garydkeenan@yahoo.com]
Sent: Thu 3/5/2009 5:58 PM
To: Michael - M.P.Ignatieff
Cc: Gilad Atzmon; john and betty beeching; Linda Belanger; Dick Birley; Stewart and Alicja Brown; Canadian Arab Federation; donald currie; Gerry Deagle; Dr. M. I. Elmasry; richard fahlman; hani faris; Daryl Fieber; Norman Finkelstein; Ken Hiebert; Hayssam Hulays; Rafeh Hulays; George Irani; erik kalaidzis; Steve Kalil; Bill Kaufmann; Hanna and Marion Kawas; Dalal Kawas; Luay Kawasme; Salem Kittani; Writers Letter; Henry N. Lowi; Rafe Mair; Ali Mallah; Linda McQuaig; Leslie McWhinnie; Riad Muslih; Michael Neumann; Rula Odeh; Canadian Jewish Outlook Carl Rosenberg; Dr. Rabab; Bahija Reghai; Nizar Sakhnini; Omar Shaban; Abdullah Shaban; Sid Shniad; Orest Slepokura; Angie Tibbs; Stuart Whitney; Stephen Whitney; Dr. Ismail Zayid; Zerbisias, Antonia
Subject: Re: Your Response re Gaza


Mr. Ignatieff

What a gutless and unprincipled response. You are far too intelligent, educated and world travelled to be unaware of the irrefutable fact that the root cause of the Israel/Palestinian-Arab conflict is Israel's illegal and belligerent, indeed, brutal, occupation of the Palestinian West Bank, East Jerusalem (including its illegally extended boundaries), the Gaza Strip (still "occupied" under international law as Israel controls its entrances, exits, airspace, sea access, imports, exports and reserves the right to intervene militarily while refusing to live up to its commitments under both the July 7/08 cease-fire and the one ending its recent assault), as well as Syria's Golan Heights and Lebanon's Shebaa Farms.

Instead of pandering to a particular voting bloc, I respectfully urge you to muster up the courage and moral integrity to adopt an honest and fruitful policy. For instance, give the Liberal Party's total support to the 2002 Arab League's Beirut Summit Peace Initiative which offers Israel full recognition as a sovereign state, exchange of ambassadors, trade relations and full peace in exchange for its withdrawal from all lands it invaded in June 1967 and has occupied since along with its commitment to cooperate in achieving a "just solution" to the Palestinian refugee problem/crisis.

Look around you and comprehend the fact that a sea change is occurring regarding this now over 60 year conflict. For instance, Britain has just declared it is prepared to recognize Hezbollah and more and more diplomats etc. are calling for Hamas to be included in peace talks with Israel. (How can we call upon Hamas to recognize Israel when Israel does not recognize itself, i.e., define its borders and has not formally accepted the creation of a viable sovereign Palestinian state?)

Although its image has been deteriorating at an accelerating rate for years, due in large measure to its recent slaughter of 1,400 defenceless Gazans, including about 450 children (not to mention its massive destruction of homes, schools, factories, etc.), Israel is now viewed by the vast majority of the western world (including Canadians) as a pariah state; most certainly not one that shares the "same values" as Canadians.

I refuse to believe that you personally subscribe to the views you publicly express. You are no fool. I remain convinced that what you truly believe was expressed when you accurately described Israel's actions during its 2006 barbaric blitzkreig invasion of Lebanon as "war crimes."
I look forward to you and the Liberal Party doing what is right for all peoples of the Middle East, the world, and Canada by adopting a foreign policy based primarily on the sanctity of hard-won international humanitarian law that came about largely due to the monstrous crimes of Hitler and his fellow thugs, including the systematic murder of six million Jews.

Finally, I remind you that Canada is a signatory to the UN Charter, the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and the 1949 Fourth Geneva Convention. Please act accordingly

Regards,
Gary Keenan



--- On Thu, 3/5/09, Ignatieff, Michael - M.P. <IgnatM@parl.gc.ca> wrote:


From: Ignatieff, Michael - M.P. <IgnatM@parl.gc.ca>
Subject: Response to Gaza email
To: "'garydkeenan@yahoo.com'" <garydkeenan@yahoo.com>
Date: Thursday, March 5, 2009, 2:15 PM








Dear Sir/Madam:

Thank you for your letter regarding the situation in Gaza.

The Liberal Party shares your concerns about this conflict and the suffering and loss of life on all sides.

Following the recent ceasefire, we continue to stand with the international community in its efforts to build a lasting peace in this region. As a Party, we believe that the basis of this peace must be a safe and secure Israel that is recognized by and living side-by-side in peace with a viable Palestinian state. It must also include a full resolution of the many complex issues affecting this region. Ultimately, the best way to resolve the conflict is direct negotiation between the parties, with the assistance of the international community.

The Liberal Party's position reflects our long-standing commitment to peace, stability, justice and human rights in the Middle East. It also recognizes Canada's proud humanitarian reputation. In the aftermath of this conflict, we must engage with the international community, which the Harper Government has largely failed to do, in order to ensure that humanitarian assistance reaches those who need it and to help restore the communities that have been affected by the conflict.

Thank you again for taking the time to share your views on this important issue.

Sincerely,


The Office of the Leader of the Opposition

According to the Palestinian Information Centre bulletin this evening, the 'Justice for Palestine' Scottish convoy managed to get into Gaza late this afternoon after the Egyptian authorities gave permission for the crossing to take place at Rafah.

To our knowledge the convoy includes 20 members in 10 vehicles carrying vital medical aid and equipment for the people of Gaza.

This convoy crossed into Gaza after 60 female American peace activists managed earlier to cross the Rafah gate to show their support to the women of Gaza, on the eve of International Women’s Day, and to call for the lifting of the siege.

Many news agencies and reporters are awaiting the arrival of this phenomenal convoy. Al Jazzera reports that their crew has been prevented from reporting the arrival of the convoy at El Arich.

Walker is part of a group of about 60 women going to Gaza to deliver aid and meet with NGOs and residents. The trip, organized by the U.S. anti-war group Code Pink, is intended to push both Israel and Egypt to open the borders into Gaza, said Medea Benjamin, co-founder of Code Pink who helped organize the trip.

"5 mins ago live on press tv Yvonne ridley said they are outside the in the parking lot and not going in as Egypt goverment has stated that libya convoy has to cross the Israeli border. No one is going to move until libya convoy can also cross the Rafah border."

They are all at the Rafah crossing point. All members of the convoy made it, joined by supporters of Viva Palestina who flew out from the UK yesterday.

Sadly, it was not the end of their gruelling journey as they are finding life difficult at the border.

Reports from Rafah only minutes ago confirm that a stand off is taking place due to the Al Arich governor's decision to process only 25 vehicles a day.

Press TV reports that leaders of the convoy including George Galloway and deputy leader Talat Ali and Nazir are in intense negotiations with the Egyptians.

Yvonne Ridley reports on Press TV that there are rumours that there is an attempt to move some of the convoy to Israeli controlled crossings. Members of the convoy are united in their determination to cross at the Rafah border crossing. The Libyan contingent, which comprises 100 trucks, is adamant that under NO circumstances they will cross through an Israeli controlled crossing.

Ahmed Al-Najjar, the deputy manager of the reception committee in Gaza confirms that the key to the opening of the Rafah crossing is with Egypt. The Viva Palestina convoy is another nail in the coffin of the siege according to Mr Al-Najjar.

A reception will take place at the gate of the Rafah crossing where the convoy will be greeted with flowers and flags. Then they will taken through the Salah Eddine main road to Gaza City where they will witness the destruction that the Israelis inflicted on the Palestinian people.
After a rest and gathering in Katiba Square, the convoy will be divided into groups, some staying in Rafah, some in Khan Younes and the rest in the North.

In the last few minutes, George Galloway, Lauren Booth and other activists crossed into Gaza.

Will keep you updated.

Prepared and translated by Farid Arada

News for the border reaches us where George Galloway and other convoy leaders, who have not crossed but are in negotiations with the authorities, confirm that they expect every vehicle to be allowed through the crossing today. There is some confusion as other reports in ther media suggested that the Egytians were not going to alllow the fire engine, boat and generator through.

We will keep you posted.

The Viva Palestina convoy is still stuck 40km from the Rafah border crossing at Al Arish after it was being prevented from progressing through the border gates to Gaza.

During the day new obstacles have been placed in the path of the convoy passing into Gaza via the Rafar crossing - to the amazement and disbelief of everyone involved.

However, the whole convoy is determined to stay united in purpose and in one piece - and that all vehicles and equipment including the convoy's mascot, the red fire engine as well as the boat and the Bolton generator will enter Gaza together.

George Galloway and other convoy leaders have been involved in lengthy negotiations all day with the Egyptians to find a solution and remove these new obstacles. Negotiations will carry on for the rest of the day but it does look likely that the convoy will not cross into Gaza today. Indeed, Yvonne Ridley reports, from the Viva Palestina compound in Al Arish, that these is now a football match taking place between the British and Libyan drivers

Members of the convoy have found themselves extremely frustrated.

But everyone is hopeful that the humanitarian aid they have carried for 24 days over 10,000km, across seven countries and two continents, entering their third continent yesterday, will finally reach the needy and destitute people and children of Gaza without any further delays.

Will keep you updated.

On a brighter note, the Scottish Medical Aid convoy which passed into Gaza yesterday reports that they have distributed all their medical aid to the Al-Shifa Hospital in Gaza – including the keys to their trucks. They await the passage of our convoy and send their solidarity greetings.

Farid Arada and Clive Searle

ut the sad reality is that the Viva Palestina convoy, carrying the love and human solidarity from the people of Britain to the people of Gaza has been deemed un-newsworthy by nearly all of the British media.

The BBC, who next week will entreat us all to do ‘something funny for money’ in aid of Comic Relief has felt fit to mention the Convoy just three times on its website (and once hidden away in the Africa pages). The Guardian, that bastion of ‘liberal Britain’ only reported it once it thought it had the makings of a nasty little smear. The Independent showed its ‘independence’ by spiking a column by Mark Steel, which discussed Viva Palestina.

We did get media coverage from abroad – from France and Spain, Italy, Canada and a host of other countries but in Britain we had to rely on the work of a few journalists on local newspapers who still recognise a good story when they see one.

Press TV have reported that this evening the convoy came under attack by a group of men claiming to be from a faction of Fatah. Stones were thrown and a number of vehicles were scrawled with anti-Hamas slogans. A few of the convoy members were slightly injured but, we would like to stress, none seriously. We have no way of knowing whether the claims of these attackers were true or not. However, George expressed his disappointment and concern at the turn of events - and pointed out that he had spent 35 years with the Palestinian resistance alongside Fatah and the late Yasser Arafat.

At 18.00 (GMT) I spoke with the convoy leaders who report that the area is now quiet and everyone is safe. They are disappointed that the Egyptian police did not protect the convoy as they should have done. But they do not expect a repeat of the earlier events.

Planning is underway for the crossing into Gaza, which they expect to take place tomorrow. The Gazan welcoming committee have re-scheduled their planned welcome for Monday.

We will keep you posted.

Clive Searle

GROWN MEN CRYING...THE SIEGE IS BROKEN...
ON THE DAY THE PROPHET WAS BORN

And they entered side by side like heroes, some on foot some in their vehicles, tears, smiles, hugs, flowers. It was historic, it was legendary. Gaza we are here. We have fulfilled the promise - Viva Palestina! The lifeline from the people of Britain to you, the people of Gaza, has arrived.

We have broken the barriers, we have opened closed borders, we have defied the odds,we have overcome the challenges across thousands of miles and three continents. We are here to be with you, to embrace you, to share your tragedy with you.

After another morning of intense negotiations, a deal was reached to allow all of the members of the convoy to go through. In the end, Viva Palestina had to make the sacrifice of agreeing that some vehicles will have to cross the border from the Al Ouja Israeli controlled crossing point. This includes our mascot, the fire engine and the boat. This was due to the restrictions imposed by Egyptian law governing the Rafah Crossing.

A tearful Talat Ali told me that 'Rafah is the most beautiful crossing in the world', he also said that the time , effort and sacrifices put in by all the Viva Palestina family meant that history has been made today - on the day the prophet Mohammed (PBUH) was born.

George Galloway made an emotional speech thanking the people of Gaza for the wonderful reception and assuring them that for Viva Palestina and in our millions, "WE ARE ALL PALESTINIANS!" George also reiterated that the people of Palestine have voted and that their voice should be respected.

Today the convoy will head along the Salah Eddine road towards Gaza City witnessing along the way the destruction and death caused by the Israeli war machine. Along the way they will be greeted by the people of Gaza who will know that Viva Palestina is here and that they will NEVER BE ALONE.

Farid Arada

Actually, via Twitter, I am picking up lots of MSM coverage.

ETA: Great 2 minute video

The Anglican Bishop of Jerusalem, Bishop Riah, today phoned George Galloway as he returned to London from Gaza, to offer his congratulations for the success of the convoy. He told George that he had wanted to join the convoy in Gaza but was refused permission by the Israelis (as he is in Jerusalem).