A step in the right direction

But, what must be remembered is that any such theoretical aid will be moot if Israel continues to violate international law by expanding the settlements. Israel’s clear desire is to succeed in the fait accompli of rendering a Palestinian state impossible. They have accomplished this – which is why such talk of a ‘Palestinian state’ is absurd. Also, one should take note of Israeli Foreign Minister, and former Mossad agent, Tzipi Livni’s remarks. And for one of the most sycophantic ‘interviews’ in the history of journalism, see this servile nonsense by the New York Times’ Roger Cohen, and learn all about the “tall, well-groomed, crocodile-skin boot wearing” minister. 

Officials from 68 countries in Paris have pledged a multi-billion dollar aid package for Palestinians, in the biggest such meeting for a decade.

To help set up a viable Palestinian state, Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas wants $5.6bn (£2.8bn) by 2010.

He warned the one-day donors’ summit that Palestinians were facing a “total catastrophe” and challenged Israel to freeze all settlement activity.

‘Moment of truth’

Appealing for aid, Mr Abbas told donors in Paris a “moment of truth” had arrived.

“Without the payment of aid … we will be facing a total catastrophe in the West Bank and Gaza,” he said

A key element of the renewed peace talks is the US-backed road map, which requires Israel to freeze settlement-building activity and the Palestinians to disarm militants.

“I expect [Israel] to stop all settlement activities, without exceptions,” Mr Abbas also said.

After the Annapolis talks, Israel unveiled plans to expand a settlement on occupied land between Jerusalem and Bethlehem.

Mr Abbas told the conference that both the Palestinians and Israelis should each meet their road map commitments “without excuses”.

Israeli Foreign Minister Tzipi Livni told the summit that Israel was committed to its obligations, “including in relation to settlement activities”, but did not elaborate.

She added: “We do not want the image of Israel in the Palestinian mind to be a soldier at a checkpoint”.

UN Secretary General Ban Ki-moon told the summit that people in Gaza were living in the “most abhorrent conditions” that had “devastating effects on the economy and on family livelihoods”.

The World Bank and several aid organisations have said that until Israel lifts its system of restrictions on the movement of Palestinian people and goods, giving more money will not rebuild the Palestinians’ economy.

The new envoy of the Quartet of Middle East peace negotiators, ex-UK Prime Minister Tony Blair, told donors their pledges would be “indispensable” to the creation of a Palestinian state.

BBC