With the daily deluge of newspaper and televised coverage of the conflict over the occupied territories of the West Bank and Gaza, you’d think people owuld have a pretty good handle on the issue. But for so much noise being made in the media, there’s been little in the way of explanation about what life is like for people living daily lives under a military occupation rule, and even less about the history and origins of the conflict. We’ve cobbled together a list of sources that offer pespectives, underreported news and a better understanding of the situation.

Understanding the Palestinian-Israeli Conflict: A Primer

Hosted at the website of the U.S. Campaign to End the Israeli Occupation, This  primer by Phyllys Bennis answers  frequently asked questions about the Palestinian-Israeli conflict. This new updated edition includes an analysis of the “road map” to peace. If you wonder “Why is there violence in the Middle East?” or “Why is the current level of violence so intense?”—this primer is for you. Read it online right here.

Al Mezan Center for Human Rights

The mission of Al Mezan Center for Human Rights is to provide a secure and long-lasting foundation for the enjoyment of human rights in the Occupied Palestinian Territories (OPT). While, given the current international situation Al Mezan must confront the increasing amount of daily violations of civil and political rights, its’ long term aim is to encourage and develop economic, social, and cultural rights. In this view, it acts as a monitoring and documentation center on violation of basic rights, which constitutes an essential basis for the work of local and international organizations. The Center is also a vehicle through which to provide legal aid and advocacy and build capacity and raise awareness of the local community on such fundamental issues such as basic human rights, democracy, and international humanitarian.  Visit Al Mezan here.
If Americans Knew

Israeli and Palestinian Children Killed Since September 29, 2000: 122 Israeli children have been killed by Palestinians and 790 Palestinian children have been killed by Israelis since September 29, 2000 (as of ast Updated: October 9, 2006). If Americans Knew takes a statistical approach to offering visitors a better understanding of the conflict. Well researched and cited. Visit the site here.

Panelists included James Yee, former Muslim US Army Chaplain, Simona Shironi, Israeli-American professor at The Evergreen State College, and Therese Saliba, also a professor at Evergreen. Panelists discussed the current situation in the context of history of the region, what current actions mean to people there, how the US is a key player in the conflict, and what the response of American Muslim groups has been.

Looking for more information on Palestine, Israel and the ongoing conflict? We recommend the following list of reading materials and films: (more…)