Attention shoppers

A new shopping mall has opened in Gaza City. It advertises “air conditioning, a parking lot, security guards, a full-service supermarket and a food court.” Columnist Lorne Gunter reports.

Palestinian rights

A vote on extending the rights of Palestinians in Lebanon has been postponed.  At present, they are denied the right to own property, do not qualify for health care, and are banned by Lebanese law from working in a large number of jobs. 

Update: Lebanon's parliament has passed a law which will allow Palestinian refugees to work legally, but they will still be unable to work in the public sector or in professions such as medicine, law or engineering. They will also continue to be denied access to Lebanese state medical and educational facilities, and will be unable to buy property.

Uncertain cargo

A Canadian group wants to sail to Gaza. In this editorial, the Calgary Herald examines their motive.

The Gaza flotilla

From a National Post editorial: "When the first team of helicopter-borne commandos arrived on the deck of the flotilla’s lead vessel, they were immediately set upon by dozens of knife- and axe-wielding attackers. Some soldiers were thrown off the ship’s main deck. One was shot in the abdomen. Three were taken prisoner inside the ship (where they overheard heated arguments between the boat’s martyrdom-minded activists and the more pacifistic variety). It was the 'activists,' not the commandos, who initiated the use of deadly force."

Pride without prejudice

Dow Marmur writes, "A week ago, I overcame my aversion to marches and demonstrations by walking in Toronto’s Gay Pride Parade. It was my way of responding to the antics of the group that calls itself Queers Against Israeli Apartheid (QuAIA), which had again been allowed to participate in the parade." ... more.