Saturday, August 13, 2005

The IDF conducts arrest raids, house searches nr. Hebron (occupying 2 houses as observation posts); occupies a house in Nablus as an observation post. Jewish settlers beat 2 Palestinians nr. Tulkarm. In Qalqilya, 10s of armed AMB mbrs. storm, seal a government building, demanding jobs; PA security forces do not intervene. (HA, IMEMC 8/13; OCHA 8/17; PCHR 8/18)

The Evangelical Lutheran Church of America (ELCA) passes a resolution (668– 269) that condemns Israeli operations in the occupied territories, calls for dismantling of the separation wall, urges members to use financial means to “advocate for peace with justice,” but denies it is calling for divestment and rejects the idea of a boycott. An ELCA spokesman says the intention is to encourage “positive investment” to encourage the peace process, not to pull out funds. Jewish organizations say the move is “a camouflaged call to divest.” (REU 8/13; JAZ, YA 8/14; HA 8/15)