Wednesday, September 07, 2011

Nearly 2 Times More Construction in the Settlements than in Israel

Received by Peace Now subscription email but available in full colour from this webpage. A full colour download of Peace Now’s report on this issue is available from that page.

Addicted to Settlements [my subtitle]

Peace Now research has revealed that whereas in Israel the pace of construction since the settlement freeze (in October 2010 – July 2011) was one housing unit for every 235 residents, in the settlements the pace of construction was a housing unit for every 123 residents, which is to say that there is nearly 2 times more construction in the settlements than in Israel.

Peace Now data, based on the analysis of aerial photos of settlements and field visits, show that while Israel suffers from a housing shortage, in the settlements the dream of a ground-level house with a garden is coming true. Alongside the crowded construction in the big settlements (Modi'in Illit, Beitar Illit and Maale Adumim), there has been an increase in the construction of cottages and villas in the settlements.

Full report here.

Friday, September 02, 2011

The Land Speaks Arabic

Last night Al Jazeera aired Maryse Gargour’s interesting documentary film about the Palestinian Nakba once again. For those who haven’t had a chance to watch it yet, here’s a few clips:





And here’s Electronic Intifada’s review of it