Policy Analysis - Article

Dead Sea cosmetics, Jordan valley dates and peppers from the northern Westbank – these Israeli products sell well in Europe. But as they are produced in illegal settlements in the occupied Westbank the EU has decided to put a label on them. Consumers can now decide whether they want to buy them or not. Critics suggest that this could impair Palestinian workers earning a living in Israeli settlements. Palestinian researcher Nur Arafeh, a partner of Heinrich-Boell-Foundation in Ramallah, disputes this thesis. Her article was first published on Le Monde Diplomatique.

By Thimna Bunte: In March 2015 the Heinrich-Boell-Foundation joined support for a speaking tour during the week of the “Open Shuhada Street” campaign Since 1994, the formerly flourishing Shuhada Street in Hebron’s historic centre is turned increasingly into a ghost street. It became a symbol for Israel’s policy of Human Rights violations and segregation in the occupied Palestinian territories. In this situation, Youth Against Settlements (YAS) advocates in nonviolent ways for Human Rights and equality in Hebron. One of the cornerstones of their work consists of the “Open Shuhada Street” campaign that takes place each year in February. Abed Salayma, activist of Youth Against Settlements, and Mufid Sharabati, resident of Shuhada Street, traveled to Germany this February in order to carry out a Speaking Tour (or, as the group calls it, a “SpeAction tour” as it involves some elements other than speaking as well). They talked about the Human Rights situation in Hebron, their approach of nonviolent resistance and what people in Germany can do to support their cause.

Article by Michelle Pace & René Wildangel Without radical policy change new violence will erupt in 2015 and Gaza will become unlivable. Meanwhile Israel is relieved of any responsibility as an occupying power under international law for the UN’s Gaza Reconstruction Mechanism.

Rumour has it ... the new Perspectives is out! They are only 'hot air' but anyone who has been affected by rumours is familiar with their unhallowed dynamics, and the serious consequences they can entail. Rumours fulfil social functions. They serve as a medium through which unfulfilled hopes or unspecific fears can be voiced. They bond and drive a wedge between people and population groups at the same time. They can destroy reputations, credibility and even lives. Read here twelve experts from the MENA region discussing the topic!

For months, there has been an intense debate about whether Germany should assume greater foreign policy responsibility. Yet when it came to the conflict in Gaza, Germany's politicians have once again slipped into the role of the horrified bystander. 

For a sustainable ceasefire agreement between Israel and Hamas, the blockade of Gaza must be lifted. After several failed mediation attempts, the war in Gaza has continued to escalate. Israel has widened its military operations and targeted leaders, rocket bases and tunnels of Hamas and other militant groups, in a bid to destroy their infrastructure and bring them to their knees. Hamas, in turn, has employed the whole of its arsenal to demonstrate steadfastness and improve its own position, both domestically and regionally.

Israel's heavy-handed acts of retaliation against both Hamas and Palestinian civilians are threatening to provoke a new escalation of violence. The Israeli military deployment in the West Bank is the biggest since the end of the second Intifada in 2005. A commentary by Dr. René Wildangel - hbs Palestine- Jordan office director.

During a recent visit to Za’atari refugee camp in Jordan I had the opportunity to see part of the reality of the Syrian conflict at first hand, and to experience the unique and constantly evolving urban landscape of Za’atari camp. This landscape has changed dramatically since Dr René Wildangel, director of hbs Palestine/Jordan visited Za’atari in October 2012 just 3 months after it opened (his report can be read here). 

The Palestinians are unsure of how to respond to Kerry's long-anticipated Framework Agreement. Should they agree, refuse, or give an ambivalent reply? Kerry could conceivably be asked to prolong the negotiations in the hope that he could come up with the settlement that has so far eluded him.