Positive steps by the US state department...but is it too late?

I saw a recent post In Prof. Juan Cole’s blog (Informed Comment) saying that the overall Israeli population in the illegal settlements in Palestine has gone over 600,000 and they continue to demolish Palestinian homes and build new settlements over them (watch this: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Jq9oo72KDWc, read this: http://uk.reuters.com/article/UKNews1/idUKTRE5211SB20090302?sp=true ).

Meanwhile Secretary of State Hillary Clinton, who although avoided visiting Gaza for obvious reasons (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=v2QNupJ01Gw ), has spoken out against the latest Israeli plans to demolish 88 Palestinian homes in East Jerusalem (http://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/middle-east/clinton-rebukes-israel-over-demolition-plan-1637734.html ).

This is probably the first time the state department has actually come out condemned an act of the Israeli government before they actually carry it out. Although we do not know how much teeth will be given to this condemnation, we need to send her and the state department a message of our support (http://contact-us.state.gov/cgi-bin/state.cfg/php/enduser/ask.php?p_sid=wn4K8_rj&p_accessibility=0&p_redirect=&p_sp=cF9zcmNoPSZwX3NvcnRfYnk9JnBfZ3JpZHNvcnQ9JnBfcm93X2NudD0xMTEsMTExJnBfcHJvZHM9JnBfY2F0cz0mcF9wdj0mcF9jdj0mcF9zZWFyY2hfdHlwZT1hbnN3ZXJzLnNlYXJjaF9ubCZwX3BhZ2U9MQ** ) and ask them come out more strongly in support of peace, equality and justice. Ask them to shift the US foreign policy towards a more just and balanced approach.

Also be sure to write President Obama’s white house (http://www.whitehouse.gov/CONTACT/ ) and encourage them in adopting a more balanced approach towards the Palestinian issue as peace can only be fostered thru justice for all. Threats and subjugation will only foster more unrest and violence.

I recently came across this effort by a British organization involved in trying to provide relief to the long suffering and under siege population of Palestine and particularly Gaza:

British AID Convoy Arrives In Gaza
George Galloway Speaks To The People Gaza

The Viva Palestina convoy drove slowly along the Salah Eddine road leading to Gaza City taking in the atmosphere around them and savoring the moment of history they had just created.

Along the way, thousands of Palestinians, the other heroes of this beautiful story of resistance, defiance and hope approached every vehicle kissing, touching, hugging the bravest of Britain. They handed their babies, their young children, to the convoy members so that they could be embraced, as if the angels were in town. Drenched in flowers, tears were flowing on both sides.

Further up the road, they could see people coming out of their tents and the ruins of their destroyed homes running towards them, rubbing their eyes in disbelief that the siege has been broken and they were not alone.

According to the Palestinian Information Centre, George Galloway in his historic speech from Al Katiba Square, confirmed that Ismael Hania is the legitimate representative of the Palestinian people and a prime minister for all the free of the world

He also said that the members of the convoy are not from the upper class of the UK, but from all walks of life, all religions, all colours. The donations came from ordinary people, from mosques and churches. He also said that millions could not make this journey, but they are all praying today for you, the people of Palestine.

In Gaza City, it was jubilations and celebrations tonight where the guests of honour did not want to be considered as guests - but as part of the ever-growing Gaza family. The Gaza authorities have organised a rally in honour of Viva Palestina and a program of activities that includes a tour of the damaged areas including schools, hospitals and other amenities.

Some support members of Viva Palestina who managed to cross on foot after a ten-hour wait at the border are staying at Rafah tonight as guests of the Gaza governing authorities. Unfortunately, some other members are still awaiting permission to cross. They are hoping that the Egyptians will allow them to join their friends tomorrow.

An eventful day, with a roller-coaster of emotions, is drawing to an close. Tomorrow Viva Palestina will tour Gaza to see, at first hand, the plight of one and half million people in the densest concentration of people per square kilometre on the globe.

It is a shame that leaders from Muslim and Arab countries just sit on their hinds doing nothing other than promoting their own personal image, while the people from the west risk their life and limb to provide help to their brethren.
Please be sure to extend you support to this organization by visting:
http://www.vivapalestina.org/donations.htm.