October 3, 2005
Israel/Palestine
:Israel continued its week-long offensive against Palestinian militias on Friday, while Palestinian elections in the West Bank showed that Hamas, which the United States considered a terrorist organization, gained seats. The Israeli attack has led to 441 arrests of people suspected of being members of Hamas or the Islamic Jihad. Some Israeli military officials have admitted that the attacks are intended to cripple Hamas before the January 25th general Palestinian elections.
(Filed under: Israel/Palestine, Middle East)
August 27, 2005
Israeli Withdraw
:By Monday, the historic withdraw from the entire Gaza Strip and four settlements in the West Bank were completed by the Israeli military. While there were protests, no one was killed during the controversial and emotional pullout of Israeli settlers. Around the world, there was much hope that this would lead to a return to the peace talks by showing the commitment of Israelis to the peace process. But these hopes may be dashed by an Israeli confirmation later in the week that they were seizing more land in the West Bank. This land will link current settlements and create a more defensible border.