Funferal

Powell criticises Israeli actions

Can anyone explain why the US government has started criticising Israeli actions? I can’t recall this level and form of criticism in the past. Am I wrong? If I’m right, what has changed?

A senior American official says US financial aid to Israel may be reduced unless the construction of a security fence separating Israel from Palestinian-held areas isn’t stopped. US Secretary of State Colin Powell says the Bush administration understands Israel’s desire for a fence but warns it must not come at a cost to Palestinian rights. Palestinians say the fence severely inhibits Palestinians’ freedom of movement. Violence has erupted between Israeli troops and Palestinians fighters after Israeli troops launched a raid at the Askar refugee camp in the West Bank.

[Item from InterWorld Radio]