Geography 101

Verdens Gang, one of the largest daily newspapers in Norway, has an online article on the temporary lifting of the Egyptian blockade on Gaza, stating that the Rafah border crossing will be open for two days for medical and family travels. The title of the article is, somewhat shockingly, "Egypt opens passage to Israel" ('Egypt åpner overgang til Israel') One ought to expect more from the foreign desk of a major newspaper.

Update: At 12:14, soon after this blog post was twingly-linked to the VG article, the article was updated and 'Israel' was changed to 'Gaza Strip'. However, when accessing the article from the main page, 'Israel' still comes up when the cursor is placed over the link to the article.

Häv blockaden!

Blockaden mot Gazas befolkning är vidrig, och måste hävas omgående. Det finns inga ursäkter för att bibehålla den. Läs detta inlägg från rapport från en spånbinge-bloggen. Varför är Sveriges regering så tyst mot Israels förbrytelser, varför så tyst mot Israels kollaboratörer i den egyptiska regeringen?

Thousands take to the streets in Rafah, calling on Palestinian politicians to put partisan interests aside for the sake of unity

Today a mass rally was organized by the Democratic Front for the Liberation of Palestine, demanding that Palestinian factions put aside partisan squabbles in order to achieve national unity and the lifting of the siege on Gaza. Currently the Cairo talks are on hold, and DFLP leader Abed- Al-Hameed Abu Jayyab lambasted the lack of progress in the talks during his address to the crowds.

Source: Maan News Agency

Viva, Viva, Viva Palestina!

The Viva Palestina convoy has now reached the Gaza strip, having traveled from London through Europe and North Africa to Gaza, Palestine. The convoy had been delayed for two days by Mubarak's authorities at the Rafah border crossing, but has now been able to pass. Great news in sad times. Viva Palestina, break the siege!

Democratic Front holds mass rally at Rafah border crossing, demanding a end to the siege

On Sunday, the Democratic Front for the Liberation of Palestine (DFLP) held a mass rally at the Rafah border crossing. The manifestation, which was organized as part of the celebrations of the 40th anniversary of the founding of the DFLP, demanded that the siege on Gaza be lifted and that all Palestinian movements unite in national dialogue. In his speech Ziad Jargun, Central Committee member of DFLP and head of the party in Rafah, condemned the delays in the reconciliation process between Palestinian organizations in Cairo. Jargun also stressed the importance of the strengthening and re-activating the PLO. Moreover he reiterated the opposition of the DFLP to the Annapolis agreement.

40th anniversary celebrations have also been held in Palestinian refugee camps across Lebanon.