The violence continues but there is a court case that is important to follow. Marwan Barghouti is being prosecuted by the Israelis. Barghouti is an interesting case. He used to be a Palestinian peace activist but has become more militant in recent years. He is also one of the front runners to replace Arafat. The Israelis are using this case to prosecute the entire Intifada, while Barghouti is trying to turn it back against the Israelis. The Israelis are putting on a show trial but they may end up with more then they bargained for.

What a Show!
by Uri Avnery

Who doesn't remember the picture: a Jew is put on trial in Moscow as a Zionist spy. Family members and friends come to observe the trial but are turned away. No place left, they are told, all the seats have already been taken. And indeed, KGB agents have filled the hall early, and with the entrance of the accused start to shout: "Traitor!" "Spy!" "Kill him!"

The day before yesterday I witnessed something frighteningly similar in Tel-Aviv. [read more]

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Now that the Barghouti trial has begun

The disturbances in the courtroom and the disorder last week that accompanied the prosecution's request to extend Barghouti's remand until the proceedings against him are completed made it clear to everyone that what had been intended as a fair trial is being presented to the world as a political trial, and this is having reverberations. Thus any judiciary decision, such as the one that will determine the question of whether the Israeli court indeed has the judiciary authority to try him, will be received only as a decision in which the dominant motive is not necessarily a legal one. What has been achieved thus far has been the granting of a convenient stage from which Barghouti can have his say. [read more]

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14 Palestinians Killed in Gaza Raid

The Islamic militant group Hamas threatened new attacks Monday after Israel fired a missile into a crowded Gaza street and killed 11 Palestinians. The United States said it was "deeply troubled" by the raid in which three other Palestinians died and 110 were wounded. [read more]

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At least 14 said killed, over 50 hurt in IDF raid in Gaza

"The moment that the army went in there, they were fired on from every window and every opening, so our soldiers had to do the job," said Deputy Defense Minister Weizman Shiri. "The most militant of Hamas men are located there, and if damage was caused to innocent civilians, we can be sorry, but what can you do - this is war." [read more]

Yes, war against civilians — and civilians have the legal right to defend themselves against an attacking military occupation force.

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Settlers attack Palestinian olive harvesters, kill one

Settlers killed one Palestinian and wounded two others yesterday during an attack on olive harvesters near Nablus, the latest in a series of such attacks, Palestinian residents said. [read more]