By Umamah Bakharia

AU Indecisive About Israel Observers Status 

African Union Leaders

In July last year, chair of the African Union, Moussa Faki Mahamat, accepted unilaterally Israel’s accreditation to the bloc, which triggered a rare dispute within a body that is known for valuing consensus.

Counties including South Africa, Zimbabwe, Namibia, Botswana  and Algeria, argued that the accreditation of AU statements supporting the occupied Palestinian territories was wrong.

As heads of state gathered in Ethiopia’s capital Addis Ababa, Minister of the Palestinian Economic council, Mohammad Shtayyeh called on the body to reject Mahamat’s move and withdraw Israel’s accreditation.

The AU is currently still accessing Israel’s observer status.

Amnesty International Report On Israel Being an ‘Apartheid’ State

Copy of Amnesty International’s report “Israel’s Apartheid Against Palestinians.”

In a 280 page report, Amnesty International accuses Israel of carrying out apartheid crimes and crimes against humanity. This report has been welcomed by Palestinians, however they say this is nothing new.

But Palestinians say that the report by Amnesty International does not address the racist nature of Zionism as an ideology.

Amnesty in its report has recommended that the issue of Apartheid be taken up at the international criminal court, stopping military into Israel and calls for accountability such as sanctions, freezing of assets against Israeli officials.

Sheikh Raed Salah Returns To Masjid Al-Aqsa

For the first time in 15 years, Sheikh Raid Salah has returned to Masjid Al-Aqsa after being banned by legal action by the Israelis. He was finally allowed to visit the historic masjid and pray.

Sheikh Salah was released from a prison in December after serving 17 months on charges of “incitement”.