(Brussels, 27 July 2012) This week the EU announced it would strengthen its bilateral relations with Israel by endorsing a package of 60 new areas of cooperation. Amnesty International regrets that this decision has been taken without giving due consideration to the need to seriously address ongoing violations of international human rights and humanitarian law in Israel and the occupied Palestinian territories.

Civil society organisations including the South African Council of Churches, Congress of South African Trade Unions, Kairos Southern Africa, Open Shuhada Street, Media Review Network and BDS South Africa, welcome news of the African National Congress (ANC) Policy Conference's firmer position on Palestine and ANC delegates' proposed policy for a boycott of Israeli products.

Member of the ANC's International Relations Commission (and special adviser to President Jacob Zuma) Lindiwe Zulu, reported at a Policy Conference media briefing that: "[T]he ANC would continue to support Palestine and [has

The Italian Coalition Stop That Train celebrates the news that the City Council of Naples, Italy has approved a motion condemning Pizzarotti for its involvement in a project in blatant violation of international law, the Israeli high-speed train cutting through the occupied Palestinian territories.