Headlines for February 04, 2009

from Democracy Now!

UN Accuses Hamas of Stealing Aid

In the Gaza Strip, the UN is accusing Hamas of seizing aid intended for needy residents. A UN spokesperson said Hamas police raided a UN warehouse storing blankets and food parcels. Israel has said Hamas has routinely taken UN supplies. But the UN says it’s the first time on record. Gazans continue to struggle to get desperately needed aid denied by the Israeli blockade. On Tuesday, a resident of Gaza City waited for hours at an aid center in Gaza City.

Resident: “I have seven children. They don’t work. Our situation is very bad. There is no gas, no fuel. We only use wood, and we have been waiting from the morning until the afternoon, and even so, we can’t fill our tanks. What can we do? May God revenge for this.”

Israel to Build New West Bank Settlement

Meanwhile, the Israeli government has announced another new West Bank settlement expansion that will violate the US-backed road map. Israel says it will establish a new settlement to replace a settlers’ outpost it hadn’t approved. Up to 1,400 housing units will be built under the plan. Last month, the Israeli group Peace Now reported settlement expansion increased nearly 60 percent in 2008.

Clinton Calls for Palestinian State

At the State Department, Middle East envoy George Mitchell returned from his first trip abroad to announce a follow-up visit later this month.

Middle East envoy George Mitchell: “The situation is obviously complex and difficult, and there are no easy or risk-free courses of action. But I’m convinced, after a week there, that my original assessment, that with patient, determined and persevering diplomacy, we can help to make a difference and that we can assist those in the region achieve the peace and stability that people on all sides long for.”

Mitchell appeared with Secretary of State Hillary Clinton, who called for “an independent and viable” Palestinian state in the West Bank and Gaza. Ten years ago, the Clinton administration was forced to distance itself from Clinton when she made similar remarks as First Lady.

Group: DirecTV Rejects Ad Critical of Israeli Occupation

The satellite network DirecTV is being accused of censorship after reportedly refusing to air a commercial critical of US backing for Israel’s attack on the Gaza Strip. The spot was produced by the US Campaign to End the Israeli Occupation. It lists the number of Palestinian dead from Israeli attacks and criticizes Israel for blocking aid and supplies. It then calls for cutting US military aid to Israel, concluding, “President Barack Obama, we need a change of policy toward Israel/ Palestine.” The group says DirecTV abruptly refused to air the ad after having reached an agreement.