Starving the Palestinians contd.

Independent report headed Israeli 'ruler-in-waiting' plans to starve Hamas. It's almost hagiographic about Tzipi Livni, the Israeli foreign minister, who today is coming to London to persuade the British government to help Israel starve the Palestinians.

Israel's policy - described by a spokesman as putting "the Palestinians on a diet, but not to make them die of hunger" - has left London feeling squeamish. Tony Blair and Jack Straw will today undoubtedly show solidarity with Israel, saying Britain is not in the business of funding terrorists. But in private there is anguish that the policy will bring malnutrition to innocent Palestinians and punish them for taking part in a democratic election. The Palestinians are completely dependent on foreign aid for their survival and Israel's campaign to put 3.6 million people on starvation rations is foreboding.