The Italian NGO, Istituto Affari Internazionali (IAI), has published a set of MEDPRO reports on the sustainability of various Mediterranean states Its report on Israel/Palestine, ( below with footnotes etc stripped out) reaches a gloomy judgment because of Israel’s fixation on its status quo, isolation within its own region and failure of political leadership.

On the strength of the huge US subsidy for Israel’s defence establishment, the country has made a name for its hi-tech, finance and military products. But overall the country is poorer, more unequal and less well-educated than the OECD average. Economist Shlomo Swirski explores why

An economist with special responsibility for Palestine, Raja Khalidi questions the political wishful thinking about the Palestinian state and the efficacy of market liberalism on which the future is being planned.

Seth Freedman writes that Israel seems set on joining the OECD, following years of campaigning from successive Israeli governments. “Such a move would be another step in welcoming Israel in from the cold, and demonstrates certain states’ willingness to overlook Israel’s questionable behaviour as an occupier in favour of enhanced fiscal and political ties [...]“

From the Gaza Gateway blog, an interview with Muna Al-Almi, manager of FATEN, an organisation providing small loans and business advice to women. The Gaza Gateway blog “provides up-to-date information and commentary on the situation at the Gaza Strip border crossings” and provides stark, graphic – literally – evidence of the huge gap between what is needed in Gaza and what Israel allows through. It’s the work of Gisha – Legal Centre for Freedom of Movement – a joint Israeli-Palestinian not for profit organisation, that conducts detailed research, assembles news and provides advocacy for Palestinians in the West Bank and Gaza Strip denied freedom of movement according to Israeli and international law.

Alternative Information Center report, Executive Summary The Israeli military offensive against the Gaza Strip from 27 December 2008, to 18 January 2009, was the most violent and deadly offensive by Israel since the second Intifada began. According to the UN, 1,434 Palestinian residents of Gaza were killed by the Israeli forces, and over 5,000 were [...]

Jews for Justice for Palestinians is delighted that Fairtrade Palestinian olive oil is to receive wide distribution by UK retailers such as the Cooperative. We have promoted the sale of this oil for some time. It is of an extremely high grade and we urge our signatories and indeed all British consumers to continue to [...]