On Monday, two members of the Irish Peace Alliance - Venus and Natasha - climbed a tree in the grounds of the Israeli Embassy, raised the Palestinian flag, and demanded to speak to the Israeli ambassador. Both are friends of Irish aid workers Caoimhe Butterly and Mary Kelly who are under siege in Ramallah and Bethlehem. Caoimhe is in Arafat's building where they are now confined to three rooms.

In a statement, Venus and Natasha accuse the Israeli government of ignoring both the Geneva Convention and the Oslo Accord that protects the lives of the innocent in Palestine. They want an assurance from the ambassador that the lives of their friends and all the other international observers are safe and that no further harm will come to them. They also want an explanation for the shooting of the aidworkers, international journalists, observers, and innocent Palestinian civilians.

Update Saturday: Venus finally came down from the tree after six days - she is still very worried about her friends.

Update 10.00am Friday: More Garda harassment in the early hours of this morning. An Post has delivered letters to the tree... full report and latest photos.

Update 1.00pm Wednesday: Two women are still up the trees - Natasha had to go but she has been replaced by Tracey. Venus has now been up the tree for two days and nights... full report.

Update 11.00pm Tuesday: Venus and Natasha are now in seperate trees. Large groups of friends and supporters have been arriving all evening with chat and equipment, including a letter of support from the Palestinian Consul General. Venus and Natasha need people to visit them through the night (directions here).
Photos from Tuesday evening

Audio on RTE: Mary Kelly gives her account of the Israeli offensive against the Palestinians (RealAudio 28k)

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