U.S. court rejects genocide petition against Israel

A U.S. federal court in Washington has turned down a petition accusing Israel of war crimes against the Palestinians. Petitioners blamed the State of Israel, the Israel Defense Forces and the Shin Bet of crimes against humanity during Israel’s occupation of the Gaza Strip and the West Bank.

Submitted by Palestinians living in the U.S. the petition also included the names of senior Israeli officials including Prime Minister Ariel Sharon and Defense Minister Shaul Mofaz. The judge turned down the petition on the grounds that it relates to political issues. (Tal Rosner)