[E-rundbrief] Info 1101 - Palestinian prisoners in Israel - hunger-strike ended

[Matthias Reichl]

E-Rundbrief - Info 1101 - Adam Keller, Gush Shalom (Israel): The 
agreement with the hunger striking prisoners prevented at the last 
minute a general flare-up in the Occupied Territories – but with no 
end in sight to occupation and settlement, this is no more than a 
temporary postponement.

Bad Ischl, 16.5.2012

Begegnungszentrum für aktive Gewaltlosigkeit

www.begegnungszentrum.at

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Press Release May 15, 2012

Gush Shalom: The agreement with the hunger striking prisoners 
prevented at the last minute a general flare-up in the Occupied 
Territories – but with no end in sight to occupation and settlement, 
this is no more than a temporary postponement

The government of Israel had no choice but to reach an agreement at 
the last minute with the hunger-striking Palestinian prisoners and 
accept a significant part of their demands. Had the  hunger strike 
continued and led to the death of some of the strikers, it would have 
caused a general conflagration in the Occupied Territories. The 
security experts understood this very well, and fortunately the 
political echelon took their advice.

However, the agreement with the prisoners provides no more than a 
temporary delay. The real problem remains the same: the occupation 
which tramples upon Palestinians and which in a few weeks will be 
forty-five year old – more than two thirds of Israel's entire history 
- and the ever-expanding settlements which grab more and more of the 
Palestinians' meager remaining land. Prime Minister Netanyahu provided 
himself with a broad government coalition which could give him backing 
for whatever policy he chooses - but so far he only utters empty words 
on being ready to enter negotiations, while refusing to stop 
settlement expansion or make any commitment on where the borders are 
supposed to be set. In this situation, the countdown continues; the 
chances of reaching a peaceful solution are shrinking, and the danger 
looms of a disaster engulfing Israelis, and Palestinians alike.

Contact:
Adam Keller, Gush Shalom spokesperson
http://zope.gush-shalom.org/index_en.html


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Matthias Reichl, Pressesprecher/ press speaker,
Begegnungszentrum fuer aktive Gewaltlosigkeit
Center for Encounter and active Non-Violence
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fon: +43 6132 24590, Informationen/ informations,
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