Studies show that US coverage is Israeli-centric. The main bureaus for CNN, Associated Press, Time, etc. are located in Israel and often staffed by Israelis. The son of the NY Times bureau chief is in the Israeli army;"pundit" Jeffrey Goldberg served in the IDF; Wolf Blitzer worked for AIPAC. Because the U.S. gives Israel over $8 million/day - more than to any other nation - we feel it is essential that we be fully informed on this region. Below are news reports to augment mainstream coverage.

Sunday, June 6, 2010

UN's Pillay: Gaza blockade is illegal

Ma'an - UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Navi Pillay said on Saturday Israel's blockade of Gaza is illegal and should be lifted, and reiterated calls for an investigation into Israel's deadly attack on a Gaza bound aid flotilla, news agencies reported.

"International humanitarian law prohibits starvation of civilians as a method of warfare and ... it is also prohibited to impose collective punishment on civilians," Pillay said, according to Reuters.

"I have consistently reported to member states that the blockade is illegal and must be lifted."

Pillay reportedly added that should the siege be proven legal under international law, Israel's assault against six boats en route to Gaza which left nine activists dead should be analyzed within the framework of Israel's obligation to allow the entry of humanitarian aid into Gaza.

On Wednesday, the UN Human Rights Council voted to dispatch an independent, international probe into violations of international law result from Monday's attack, which occurred in international waters.
at 6/06/2010 07:43:00 AM