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High level talks between the US and Israel this week were focused on resolving an apparent dispute between the two countries over the continued expansion of Israeli settlements into Palestinian territory. Israel has lifted restrictions on Palestinian movement in the West Bank as a conciliatory gesture but the talks apparently failed to break the stalemate. Meanwhile the United Nations has nearly completed its investigation of the Israeli war on Gaza early this year. The UN is looking into allegations of war crimes committed during Operation Cast Lead, even as Israeli authorities refused to cooperate. Over the past year, efforts by ordinary citizens have had much success in challenging the Israeli occupation. Last week we covered the stand-off between the Israeli Navy and a boat carrying members of the Free Gaza Movement along with aid materials. The activists arrested and eventually deported include former Congresswoman Cynthia McKinney and Nobel Laureate Mairead Macguire. Now, another similarly high-profile effort is about to begin. Following up his successful Viva Palestina convoy from Britain to Gaza last year, outspoken member of the British Parliament George Galloway is currently in Egypt with a delegation from the United States that includes war veteran-turned peace activist Ron Kovic.

GUEST: Fatima Mohammady, National Organizer of Viva Palestina USA.

Find out more at www.vivapalestina-us.org.