A change of heart in Israel
The gaza strip is an now an area isolated from the outside world with heightened right-wing extremist activity forcing an embargo on travel into the area. It’s another move towards forcing Israeli settlers out of the designated Palestinian state by August 15. The settlers aren’t taking to the move peacefully and during a speight of attacks this week, a group of young Israeli extremists were caught on camera stoning a Palestinian boy; images that splashed over Israeli television, horrifying residents in neighbouring Israel. Paul Heywood-Smith QC is the chairman of Australia Friends of Palestine and he has been watching the goings-on in the Middle East with a keen eye. He’s worried the media coverage may create worldwide pro-Israeli sympathy and believes if the Israeli government really wanted the settlers out, they could force them to leave.