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Syria and Middle East live: Land Day demos in West Bank Syria and Middle East live: Land Day demos in West Bank
(40 minutes later)
2.15pm: The Palestine Solidarity Campaign (PSC) says a 20-year-old man, Ali Arafe, has been hit with a teargas canister in Bethlehem and is now in a critical condition in hospital. (The Guardian does not have independent confirmation of this.) 2.52pm: This is sure to generate discussion. Israel faces its own protests today but tomorrow Israelis are being urged to rally to support Syrians.
A YouTube video features a number of Israelis talking about the crackdown against protesters on Syria

The accompanying text says:
An act of solidarity of the Israeli people with the people of Syria in times of brutal mass massacre in Syria. We call to all the nations of the world to do something in order to stop the violence towards children, women and men in Syria.
The protest calling to stop the massacre will be held on the 31st of March, 2012 in Tel-Aviv.
Irit, a 29-year-old actor, says:
We cannot live like this when right next to us people are being killed day after day. We can't keep quiet any longer, seeing what is going on in Syria. We can't just stand and not do anything when people next to us are being murdered. We have to save young children who cry for us.
2.49pm: This is a repost because a technical problem caused this earlier update to be lost.
The wheels of diplomacy trundle on with respect to Syria.
The US secretary of state, Hillary Clinton, has arrived in Riyadh for talks with Saudi leaders as part of a trip to increase pressure on the Syrian regime.
She is meeting King Abdullah and foreign minister Prince Saud Al Faisal on Friday.
She is due to meet with ministers of Saudi Arabia's five Gulf Arab neighbours - Kuwait, Bahrain, Qatar, the United Arab Emirates and Oman - on Saturday and then on Sunday she will attend the Friends of Syria meeting in Istanbul, which will be attended by Arab, Turkish and Western officials. From AFP:
Aides said Clinton would discuss how to make President Bashar Al Assad comply with a new plan to end the crackdown on a pro-democracy movement, study further sanctions against his regime and consider ways to aid the opposition who will be in Istanbul.
However, the Syrian opposition - at least part of it - appears to have given up on their fellow Arabs, following this week's Arab League meeting.
This video, trailing today's protests, is titled "Friday of our disappointment in Arabs and Muslims."
Our colleague, Mona Mahmood, has translated part of the voiceover

Allahu Akbar. Where are the Muslims and non-Muslims? ...You Muslims, have you heard of that [that is happening in Syria] ? Have you not read about that? Have you not seen that? Or are you eyes blocked deliberately and are your ears deaf deliberately? A huge military arsenal which smashes people and land, a focused artillery shooting against civilian compounds. They torture elderly people who are 60 and 70 years old, they beat them on their faces and backs and step on their necks. They will ease the torture on them only if they say "there is no God only Bashar"...They attack the honour of the Homs girls. The young girl is for the officers and the old is for the soldiers. Your silence is killing us, you Arabs. Your silence is killing us, you Muslims. People are sleeping and not aware of what is happening to us.
A banner in the video says: "Be patient Homs, Homs is the mother of martyrs, God is with us and victory is close."
2.29pm: Here is a brief summary of developments so far today:
• A number of people have been injured in clashes between Israeli forces and demonstrators during the Palestinian Land Day protests.
• Kofi Annan's UN-backed peace plan for Syria seems to be turning into an argument about who should make the first move. Annan's spokesman says President Assad should start by implementing an immediate ceasefire. Assad says the rebels must stop attacks first.
• The Local Co-ordination Committees activist group in Syria claims the situation is so bad in Homs and other cities that opponents of the regime have been unable to remove dead bodies from the streets.
• Iran is helping Syria defy western sanctions by providing a vessel to ship Syrian oil to a state-run company in China, Reuters reports.
2.15pm: The Palestine Solidarity Campaign (PSC) says a 20-year-old man, Ali Arafe, has been hit with a teargas canister in Bethlehem and is now in hospital.
It apparently happened when 1,000 people broke through a police cordon installed by the Palestinian Authority and reached an area in front of the Caritas compound close to al-Qubbeh checkpoint. The PSC says that in addition to Ali Arafe, an elderly man has been hit by a teargas canister in his back and is seriously injured.It apparently happened when 1,000 people broke through a police cordon installed by the Palestinian Authority and reached an area in front of the Caritas compound close to al-Qubbeh checkpoint. The PSC says that in addition to Ali Arafe, an elderly man has been hit by a teargas canister in his back and is seriously injured.
Update: Activist Jonathan Pollack has told the Guardian that Arafe is in a stable condition despite losing a lot of blood.
1.50pm: Phoebe in Qalandiya:1.50pm: Phoebe in Qalandiya:
Crowd of protesters has dwindled to determined core of rock throwers, some using sling shots. Israeli soldiers stil returning fire with rubber bullets and teargas canisters being fired. Ambulances are still being loaded regularly with those who have been hit but the demonstration here has drawn to a close. It has descended into a typical standoff of shabab [youths] and IDF.Crowd of protesters has dwindled to determined core of rock throwers, some using sling shots. Israeli soldiers stil returning fire with rubber bullets and teargas canisters being fired. Ambulances are still being loaded regularly with those who have been hit but the demonstration here has drawn to a close. It has descended into a typical standoff of shabab [youths] and IDF.
Ten international protesters have been wrestled to the ground in clashes with the IDF, chanting "no justice, no peace" – including the professor from the Sorbonne. They are now being pushed back with considerable force by the soldiers.Ten international protesters have been wrestled to the ground in clashes with the IDF, chanting "no justice, no peace" – including the professor from the Sorbonne. They are now being pushed back with considerable force by the soldiers.
A young boy is screaming as he's bundled into an IDF vehicle, one of several detained today.A young boy is screaming as he's bundled into an IDF vehicle, one of several detained today.
1.30pm: Reuters says medics in Gaza have accused Israel of using live fire to prevent protesters from nearing the frontier wall – seriously wounding one man.1.30pm: Reuters says medics in Gaza have accused Israel of using live fire to prevent protesters from nearing the frontier wall – seriously wounding one man.
In Jerusalem, Reuters says witnesses reported disturbances at gates leading into the old city, with police limiting access to the revered al-Aqsa Mosque. A Reuters reporter saw two men being carried away injured after scuffles at the Lions' Gate entrance to the old city, while police said they had made five arrests at the Damascus Gate.In Jerusalem, Reuters says witnesses reported disturbances at gates leading into the old city, with police limiting access to the revered al-Aqsa Mosque. A Reuters reporter saw two men being carried away injured after scuffles at the Lions' Gate entrance to the old city, while police said they had made five arrests at the Damascus Gate.
Reuters adds that there were also confrontations in Bethlehem, where Palestinians hurled petrol bombs at an Israeli watchtower.Reuters adds that there were also confrontations in Bethlehem, where Palestinians hurled petrol bombs at an Israeli watchtower.
1.23pm: Palestinians say 80 people have been wounded at Qalandiya and clashes are ongoing, Phoebe Greenwood reports. She adds that Mustata Barghouti's injury (11.40 am) is not severe.1.23pm: Palestinians say 80 people have been wounded at Qalandiya and clashes are ongoing, Phoebe Greenwood reports. She adds that Mustata Barghouti's injury (11.40 am) is not severe.
1.17pm: A well-known Syrian actress and supporter of the opposition is reportedly furious that the opposition has been drawn into armed conflict with the regime.1.17pm: A well-known Syrian actress and supporter of the opposition is reportedly furious that the opposition has been drawn into armed conflict with the regime.
Fadwa Suleiman, an Alawite, fled to Paris last week after escaping into Jordan from Syria last week. She told AFP she is saddened to see that "the revolution is not going in the right direction, that it is becoming armed, that the opposition which wanted to resist peacefully is playing the game of the regime and that the country is heading for sectarian war".Fadwa Suleiman, an Alawite, fled to Paris last week after escaping into Jordan from Syria last week. She told AFP she is saddened to see that "the revolution is not going in the right direction, that it is becoming armed, that the opposition which wanted to resist peacefully is playing the game of the regime and that the country is heading for sectarian war".
She organised humanitarian aid networks, used Youtube and Facebook to make appeals and denounce the regime's brutal crackdown, and organized Alawite demonstrations.She organised humanitarian aid networks, used Youtube and Facebook to make appeals and denounce the regime's brutal crackdown, and organized Alawite demonstrations.
Suleiman said it was during her time in Homs that she saw that Sunnis who had initially carried weapons only to defend themselves, were starting to use these arms to attack regime forces.Suleiman said it was during her time in Homs that she saw that Sunnis who had initially carried weapons only to defend themselves, were starting to use these arms to attack regime forces.
"It was then that I understood," she said. And that is why she is furious that those "who are arming the Syrian street are willing to do anything to take power in the same way that Bashar Assad is ready to do anything to stay in power.""It was then that I understood," she said. And that is why she is furious that those "who are arming the Syrian street are willing to do anything to take power in the same way that Bashar Assad is ready to do anything to stay in power."
1.15pm: Five people have been killed so far in Syria today, according to activists. Reuters has this round-up:1.15pm: Five people have been killed so far in Syria today, according to activists. Reuters has this round-up:
Activists said government snipers killed two people in the cities of Idlib and Homs, two people were shot dead elsewhere and rebels killed a soldier when they attacked a checkpoint.Activists said government snipers killed two people in the cities of Idlib and Homs, two people were shot dead elsewhere and rebels killed a soldier when they attacked a checkpoint.
The Syrian Observatory for Human Rights reported many wounded in fighting between troops and rebels in Idlib province.The Syrian Observatory for Human Rights reported many wounded in fighting between troops and rebels in Idlib province.
Clashes also erupted overnight in the towns of Harasta and Arbin after rebels fired rocket-propelled grenades at a building, killing a soldier.Clashes also erupted overnight in the towns of Harasta and Arbin after rebels fired rocket-propelled grenades at a building, killing a soldier.
In Homs, Syria's third city, residents said shells and mortar rounds struck anti-Assad areas as troops conducted raids.In Homs, Syria's third city, residents said shells and mortar rounds struck anti-Assad areas as troops conducted raids.
Tension rose in the Barzeh quarter of Damascus as security forces deployed and mobile phone connections went dead.Tension rose in the Barzeh quarter of Damascus as security forces deployed and mobile phone connections went dead.
The reports of activists cannot be independently verified.The reports of activists cannot be independently verified.
1.08pm: From Phoebe Greenwood again:1.08pm: From Phoebe Greenwood again:
Israeli soldiers firing volley of teargas canisters into air over advancing protesters led by Frank Romano waving a huge Palestinian flag. At least 23 people have now been taken away with injuries in what are turning into pretty serious clashes at Qalandiya.Israeli soldiers firing volley of teargas canisters into air over advancing protesters led by Frank Romano waving a huge Palestinian flag. At least 23 people have now been taken away with injuries in what are turning into pretty serious clashes at Qalandiya.
Israeli pro Palestinian activist Jonathan pollack tells me about 20 have been injured in clashes at Damascus Gate in Jerusalem where Hatem Abdel Qader, the Palestinian Authority's minister of Jerusalem, was detained.Israeli pro Palestinian activist Jonathan pollack tells me about 20 have been injured in clashes at Damascus Gate in Jerusalem where Hatem Abdel Qader, the Palestinian Authority's minister of Jerusalem, was detained.
... and here is a photo posted on Twitter:... and here is a photo posted on Twitter:
Live photo from #Qalandia protest to mark #LandDay: twitter.com/RichardDufek/s…Live photo from #Qalandia protest to mark #LandDay: twitter.com/RichardDufek/s…
— Richard Dufek (@RichardDufek) March 30, 2012— Richard Dufek (@RichardDufek) March 30, 2012
12.57pm: Some updates from Phoebe Greenwood at Qalandiya:12.57pm: Some updates from Phoebe Greenwood at Qalandiya:
• A team of heavily-kitted Israeli border police have been struggling for 10 minutes with crowbars and sledgehammers to prise their way into a Palestinian building on Jaffa road – apparently to take up positions on its roof.• A team of heavily-kitted Israeli border police have been struggling for 10 minutes with crowbars and sledgehammers to prise their way into a Palestinian building on Jaffa road – apparently to take up positions on its roof.
• Among those leading the protest is Professor Frank Romano of the Sorbonne university in Paris. He estimates as many as 4,000 protesters have turned out – tailing all the way back from the front line at Qalandiya to the mosque in central Ramallah.• Among those leading the protest is Professor Frank Romano of the Sorbonne university in Paris. He estimates as many as 4,000 protesters have turned out – tailing all the way back from the front line at Qalandiya to the mosque in central Ramallah.
Around eight percent, he thinks, are international activists. "We were hoping for a lot more", he says. "We are here because Palestinians are being denied a right to their land and the politicians – Obama, Sarkozy – are doing nothing. It is up to us to do something. We don't support those people throwing rocks. They are just using today as an excuse for violence."Around eight percent, he thinks, are international activists. "We were hoping for a lot more", he says. "We are here because Palestinians are being denied a right to their land and the politicians – Obama, Sarkozy – are doing nothing. It is up to us to do something. We don't support those people throwing rocks. They are just using today as an excuse for violence."
He has so far seen at least seven Palestinian protesters taken to hospital after being hit with teargas canisters and rubber bullets. Others report that dozens have been injured by rubber bullets so far.He has so far seen at least seven Palestinian protesters taken to hospital after being hit with teargas canisters and rubber bullets. Others report that dozens have been injured by rubber bullets so far.
• A young protester looks pretty seriously injured, having been shot in the lower back with a rubber bullet which seems to have been fired be Israeli soldiers in sniper position on a rooftop. He has been bundled into a Red Crescent ambulance.• A young protester looks pretty seriously injured, having been shot in the lower back with a rubber bullet which seems to have been fired be Israeli soldiers in sniper position on a rooftop. He has been bundled into a Red Crescent ambulance.
12.25pm: The Local Co-ordination Committees activist group in Syria claims the situation is so bad in Homs and other cities that opponents of the regime have been unable to remove dead bodies from the streets. It says:12.25pm: The Local Co-ordination Committees activist group in Syria claims the situation is so bad in Homs and other cities that opponents of the regime have been unable to remove dead bodies from the streets. It says:
This atrocious crime has occurred many times, the latest being four days ago on Abo Al-Auf Street in the Bab Hood neighborhood, where the regime's security forces shot and martyred a man and his young son, who were crossing the street in a personal vehicle. A brave youth tried to rescue them but was martyred by gunfire from a sniper stationed on top of the Engineer's Building on the same street.This atrocious crime has occurred many times, the latest being four days ago on Abo Al-Auf Street in the Bab Hood neighborhood, where the regime's security forces shot and martyred a man and his young son, who were crossing the street in a personal vehicle. A brave youth tried to rescue them but was martyred by gunfire from a sniper stationed on top of the Engineer's Building on the same street.
Since then, and up until now, snipers have thwarted all attempts to retrieve the bodies of the three martyrs that have been lying in the street by targeting and shooting directly at anyone attempting such a mission.Since then, and up until now, snipers have thwarted all attempts to retrieve the bodies of the three martyrs that have been lying in the street by targeting and shooting directly at anyone attempting such a mission.
The same scenario applies in the case of the bodies of a large number of martyrs still lying in the streets of the city. The risk of being sniped has made it impossible to retrieve bodies from the streets and give them a proper and dignified burial, a minimum right of dignity and one in accordance with Syrian traditions and customs, which pay special attention and recognition to the deceased.The same scenario applies in the case of the bodies of a large number of martyrs still lying in the streets of the city. The risk of being sniped has made it impossible to retrieve bodies from the streets and give them a proper and dignified burial, a minimum right of dignity and one in accordance with Syrian traditions and customs, which pay special attention and recognition to the deceased.
It has highlighted some videos it says of are of dead people whose bodies cannot be retrieved. This one (warning: graphic) is said to be filmed in the Baba Hood district of Homs.It has highlighted some videos it says of are of dead people whose bodies cannot be retrieved. This one (warning: graphic) is said to be filmed in the Baba Hood district of Homs.
12.00pm: iPhone from Phoebe in Qalandiya:12.00pm: iPhone from Phoebe in Qalandiya:
Several protesters have been taken to hospital in ambulances including one man who collapsed, apparently unable to breathe after inhaling teargas.Several protesters have been taken to hospital in ambulances including one man who collapsed, apparently unable to breathe after inhaling teargas.
11.53am: About 70 protesters reported at the Damascus Gate in Jerusalem:11.53am: About 70 protesters reported at the Damascus Gate in Jerusalem:
Protest of about 70 at Damascus Gate in Jerusalem. Lots of media and curious tourists on site. #LandDay #GlobalMarch twitter.com/mo_lambo/statu…Protest of about 70 at Damascus Gate in Jerusalem. Lots of media and curious tourists on site. #LandDay #GlobalMarch twitter.com/mo_lambo/statu…
— Moriah Lamb (@mo_lambo) March 30, 2012— Moriah Lamb (@mo_lambo) March 30, 2012
11.48am: Iran is helping Syria defy western sanctions by providing a vessel to ship Syrian oil to a state-run company in China, Reuters reports. It says the move could give the Assad regime a financial boost worth an estimated $80m.11.48am: Iran is helping Syria defy western sanctions by providing a vessel to ship Syrian oil to a state-run company in China, Reuters reports. It says the move could give the Assad regime a financial boost worth an estimated $80m.
"The Syrians planned to sell the oil directly to the Chinese but they could not find a vessel," said an industry source who added that he had been asked to help Sytrol execute the deal but did not take part."The Syrians planned to sell the oil directly to the Chinese but they could not find a vessel," said an industry source who added that he had been asked to help Sytrol execute the deal but did not take part.
The source named the Chinese buyer as Zhuhai Zhenrong Corp, a state-run company hit by US sanctions in January.The source named the Chinese buyer as Zhuhai Zhenrong Corp, a state-run company hit by US sanctions in January.
A Zhuhai Zhenrong spokeswoman said: "I've never heard about this." She declined further comment ...A Zhuhai Zhenrong spokeswoman said: "I've never heard about this." She declined further comment ...
The Maltese-flagged tanker is owned by shipping firm ISIM Tour Limited, which has been identified by the U.S. Department of Treasury as a front company set up by Iran to evade sanctions.The Maltese-flagged tanker is owned by shipping firm ISIM Tour Limited, which has been identified by the U.S. Department of Treasury as a front company set up by Iran to evade sanctions.
The M.T. Tour reached the Syrian port of Tartus at the weekend, where it loaded the 120,000 tonne cargo of light crude oil, according to the industry source and ship tracking data.The M.T. Tour reached the Syrian port of Tartus at the weekend, where it loaded the 120,000 tonne cargo of light crude oil, according to the industry source and ship tracking data.
11.40am: iPhone message from Phoebe in Qalandiya. She says she has just been told that Mustafa Barghouti (of the Mubadara party) has been hit on the head with a teargas canister.11.40am: iPhone message from Phoebe in Qalandiya. She says she has just been told that Mustafa Barghouti (of the Mubadara party) has been hit on the head with a teargas canister.
Earlier, Phoebe mentioned the Israelis' used of "skunk water" against protesters. She explains:Earlier, Phoebe mentioned the Israelis' used of "skunk water" against protesters. She explains:
Skunk water is a foul-smelling petrochemical spray designed to cling to anything it lands on. Today's batch is particularly pungent. It has been embraced by the IDF as crowd dispersal tool – safer than alternatives of rubber bullets and tear gas but still able to make you very ill.Skunk water is a foul-smelling petrochemical spray designed to cling to anything it lands on. Today's batch is particularly pungent. It has been embraced by the IDF as crowd dispersal tool – safer than alternatives of rubber bullets and tear gas but still able to make you very ill.
11.36am: The Turkish prime minister, Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, has expressed his scepticism over the Syrian president's supposed acceptance of Kofi Annan's peace plan. Turkish website Today's Zaman reports:11.36am: The Turkish prime minister, Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, has expressed his scepticism over the Syrian president's supposed acceptance of Kofi Annan's peace plan. Turkish website Today's Zaman reports:
Erdoğan said there is no need "now for me to say I am hoping or expecting something [from the Syrian authorities]. Because he continues to kill. As we now see such a picture, I don't have any hope [that Syria will comply with the Annan plan]."Erdoğan said there is no need "now for me to say I am hoping or expecting something [from the Syrian authorities]. Because he continues to kill. As we now see such a picture, I don't have any hope [that Syria will comply with the Annan plan]."
11.21am: From Phoebe again:11.21am: From Phoebe again:
Her face swathed in a keffiyeh, a Palestinian woman broke from the protest and walked with a Palestinian flag directly up to line of Israeli soldiers. She placed the flag in the ground in front of them, turned and walked calmly back.Her face swathed in a keffiyeh, a Palestinian woman broke from the protest and walked with a Palestinian flag directly up to line of Israeli soldiers. She placed the flag in the ground in front of them, turned and walked calmly back.
She succeeded in provoking a reaction. She was pursued back to the Palestinian protesters by Israeli soldiers firing tear gas and vehicles spraying foul-smelling skunk water.She succeeded in provoking a reaction. She was pursued back to the Palestinian protesters by Israeli soldiers firing tear gas and vehicles spraying foul-smelling skunk water.
11.13am: From Phoebe Greenwood:11.13am: From Phoebe Greenwood:
A procession of hundreds of Palestinians bearing orange flags, drumming and whistling, is pouring down the Jerusalem road from Ramallah towards Qalandiya. They have been met by armoured Israeli vehicles blasting high-pitch sirens.A procession of hundreds of Palestinians bearing orange flags, drumming and whistling, is pouring down the Jerusalem road from Ramallah towards Qalandiya. They have been met by armoured Israeli vehicles blasting high-pitch sirens.
Jawaal, the Palestinian mobile network provider, has pitched a tent a few hundred metres up the road from Qalandiya giving away branded baseball caps and water to protesters.Jawaal, the Palestinian mobile network provider, has pitched a tent a few hundred metres up the road from Qalandiya giving away branded baseball caps and water to protesters.
Note: The orange flags are from Mustafa Barghouti's Mubadara party, the Palestinian National Initiative.Note: The orange flags are from Mustafa Barghouti's Mubadara party, the Palestinian National Initiative.
11.03am: A bit more from Phoebe Greenwood at the Qalandiya checkpoint:11.03am: A bit more from Phoebe Greenwood at the Qalandiya checkpoint:
Israeli soldiers have taken position in front of a pile of burning tyres, firing stun grenades at a few dozen Palestinian youths. No sign yet of the thousands expected to stage a peaceful protest here today.Israeli soldiers have taken position in front of a pile of burning tyres, firing stun grenades at a few dozen Palestinian youths. No sign yet of the thousands expected to stage a peaceful protest here today.
Phoebe adds that the Friday prayers have been delayed by an hour so – which may explain the lack of demonstrators at this stage.Phoebe adds that the Friday prayers have been delayed by an hour so – which may explain the lack of demonstrators at this stage.
10.53am: Al-Jazeera reports some tyre-burning at Qalandiya ... and here is a picture posted on Twitter:10.53am: Al-Jazeera reports some tyre-burning at Qalandiya ... and here is a picture posted on Twitter:
Tyre's being sent on fire at Qalandiya checkpoint #LandDay twitter.com/ewither/status…Tyre's being sent on fire at Qalandiya checkpoint #LandDay twitter.com/ewither/status…
— Emily Wither (@ewither) March 30, 2012— Emily Wither (@ewither) March 30, 2012
The Tweeter, Emily Wither of Fox News Radio, also says "Right now there's a lot more journalists than protesters."The Tweeter, Emily Wither of Fox News Radio, also says "Right now there's a lot more journalists than protesters."
10.44am: Back to Syria and Kofi Annan's peace plan.10.44am: Back to Syria and Kofi Annan's peace plan.
The Syrian government must implement the ceasefire required under the UN and Arab League's envoy's six-point peace plan first, his spokesman has said. Ahmad Fawzi told a news briefing in Geneva:The Syrian government must implement the ceasefire required under the UN and Arab League's envoy's six-point peace plan first, his spokesman has said. Ahmad Fawzi told a news briefing in Geneva:
We expect him (the Syrian president) to implement this plan immediately.We expect him (the Syrian president) to implement this plan immediately.
Bashar al-Assad has said the rebels must stop attacks first if the UN peace plan is to work.Bashar al-Assad has said the rebels must stop attacks first if the UN peace plan is to work.
Activist groups say the violence is continuing. The Local Co-ordination Committees say 60 people were killed on Thursday. The LCC also reports renewed shelling in Homs today. It has posted a video it says is of shelling of Hamideh, in Homs.Activist groups say the violence is continuing. The Local Co-ordination Committees say 60 people were killed on Thursday. The LCC also reports renewed shelling in Homs today. It has posted a video it says is of shelling of Hamideh, in Homs.
Shelling and clashes between the Free Syrian Army and government forces have also been reported in Idlb today. The LCC's reports cannot be independently verifed.Shelling and clashes between the Free Syrian Army and government forces have also been reported in Idlb today. The LCC's reports cannot be independently verifed.
Annan's spokesman also said that the former UN chief is to visit Tehran for talks aimed at ending the bloodshed in Syria. He did not specify the date.Annan's spokesman also said that the former UN chief is to visit Tehran for talks aimed at ending the bloodshed in Syria. He did not specify the date.
Iran is Syria's key ally in the Middle East and has been accused by US and European security officials - as well as the Syrian opposition - of helping to suppress anti-government protests.Iran is Syria's key ally in the Middle East and has been accused by US and European security officials - as well as the Syrian opposition - of helping to suppress anti-government protests.
Annan visited Russia and China, also allies of Syria, this week.Annan visited Russia and China, also allies of Syria, this week.
Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Hong Lei today echoed Assad's comments calling for the opposition to end their attacks. He said:Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Hong Lei today echoed Assad's comments calling for the opposition to end their attacks. He said:
We'd like to call on Syria's opposition to make responses as soon as possible to create conditions for opening dialogue and stopping violence.We'd like to call on Syria's opposition to make responses as soon as possible to create conditions for opening dialogue and stopping violence.
Meanwhile, Belgium has become the latest country to close its embassy in Damascus. Its foreign ministry said that over the last year the democratic aspirations of the Syrian people "have only been met with growing repression and deadly violence".Meanwhile, Belgium has become the latest country to close its embassy in Damascus. Its foreign ministry said that over the last year the democratic aspirations of the Syrian people "have only been met with growing repression and deadly violence".
10.35am: From Phoebe Greenwood at the Qalandiya checkpoint:10.35am: From Phoebe Greenwood at the Qalandiya checkpoint:
Palestinian boys have started arriving at the blockades. Jabai, 19, has come from Nablus to join the protest. "Today is different than any other Friday demonstration," he says. "Many more people are coming".Palestinian boys have started arriving at the blockades. Jabai, 19, has come from Nablus to join the protest. "Today is different than any other Friday demonstration," he says. "Many more people are coming".
And what of organisers' hopes that the demonstrations will be peaceful? "No, we want to throw stones and break things", says Jabai, highlighting the difference between Palestinian activists and the frustrated youth who come to demonstrate anger. The first rocks are already being thrown at the Israeli watch tower.And what of organisers' hopes that the demonstrations will be peaceful? "No, we want to throw stones and break things", says Jabai, highlighting the difference between Palestinian activists and the frustrated youth who come to demonstrate anger. The first rocks are already being thrown at the Israeli watch tower.
10.25am: We mentioned earlier that our correspondent, Phoebe Greenwood, was sorting out some paperwork in order to report from the West Bank, which Israel has declared to be a closed area.10.25am: We mentioned earlier that our correspondent, Phoebe Greenwood, was sorting out some paperwork in order to report from the West Bank, which Israel has declared to be a closed area.
Readers may be curious to know what this was about, so here are some extracts from the letter that the Guardian had to sign:Readers may be curious to know what this was about, so here are some extracts from the letter that the Guardian had to sign:
The Media Company has been warned and is aware that various combat activities are taking place [in the] Closed Area and of the risks to the security and safety of those present in the Closed Area in general, and of Israelis in particular and that as a result present or working in the Closed Area, for or on behalf of the Media Company, may sustain harm to their person or property. Notwithstanding, the Media Company still wishes for Israeli media personnel working for it or on its behalf to enter the Closed Area ...The Media Company has been warned and is aware that various combat activities are taking place [in the] Closed Area and of the risks to the security and safety of those present in the Closed Area in general, and of Israelis in particular and that as a result present or working in the Closed Area, for or on behalf of the Media Company, may sustain harm to their person or property. Notwithstanding, the Media Company still wishes for Israeli media personnel working for it or on its behalf to enter the Closed Area ...
The Media Company is aware that each person entering the Closed Area undertakes to act with the utmost caution, to comply with all the conditions proscribed by the IDF authorities and to act in accordance with their instructions concerning their entry into, stay in, and exit from, the Closed Area and to act, inter alia, as follows:The Media Company is aware that each person entering the Closed Area undertakes to act with the utmost caution, to comply with all the conditions proscribed by the IDF authorities and to act in accordance with their instructions concerning their entry into, stay in, and exit from, the Closed Area and to act, inter alia, as follows:
(i) Coordinate with the local representative of the IDF Spokesperson prior to each entry into the Closed Area.

(ii) Provide the local representative of the IDF Spokesperson with all information that will enable continuous contact with him/her during their stay in the Closed Area (including the number of the cellular phone in my possession and the like).

(iii) Evacuate the Closed Area, without delay, immediately when informed to do so by the authorized IDF authorities.		(i) Coordinate with the local representative of the IDF Spokesperson prior to each entry into the Closed Area.

(ii) Provide the local representative of the IDF Spokesperson with all information that will enable continuous contact with him/her during their stay in the Closed Area (including the number of the cellular phone in my possession and the like).

(iii) Evacuate the Closed Area, without delay, immediately when informed to do so by the authorized IDF authorities.
... In knowledge of all the abovementioned dangers, and after evaluating all the risks which may occur to whoever operates and/or is present in the Closed Area for or on behalf of the Media Company, the Media Company freely and willingly accepts such risks for those operating or being present in the Closed Area for it or on its behalf, and hereby waives the liability of the State of Israel / Israeli Ministry of Defense and/or their employees and/or its soldiers and/or its agents and/or anyone who operate for or on their behalf (hereinafter: "The State of Israel/Ministry of Defense) with respect to any suit and/or claim and/or demand of any kind regarding all death or injury to person and/or damage or loss to property, of any kind or degree sustained as a result of the entry or stay in the Closed Area of anyone acting for or on its behalf.

In addition to all liability under law, the Media Company hereby undertakes to indemnify the State of Israel / Israeli Ministry of Defense for any sum they may be obliged to pay in any legal procedure, arbitration procedure or settlement, including linkage and/or interest and/or legal expenses with respect to death, injury to person, damage to property or loss ... and which was caused as a result of the entry, activities and/or presence of Israelis in the Closed Area acting for or on behalf of the Media Company, as abovementioned.		... In knowledge of all the abovementioned dangers, and after evaluating all the risks which may occur to whoever operates and/or is present in the Closed Area for or on behalf of the Media Company, the Media Company freely and willingly accepts such risks for those operating or being present in the Closed Area for it or on its behalf, and hereby waives the liability of the State of Israel / Israeli Ministry of Defense and/or their employees and/or its soldiers and/or its agents and/or anyone who operate for or on their behalf (hereinafter: "The State of Israel/Ministry of Defense) with respect to any suit and/or claim and/or demand of any kind regarding all death or injury to person and/or damage or loss to property, of any kind or degree sustained as a result of the entry or stay in the Closed Area of anyone acting for or on its behalf.

In addition to all liability under law, the Media Company hereby undertakes to indemnify the State of Israel / Israeli Ministry of Defense for any sum they may be obliged to pay in any legal procedure, arbitration procedure or settlement, including linkage and/or interest and/or legal expenses with respect to death, injury to person, damage to property or loss ... and which was caused as a result of the entry, activities and/or presence of Israelis in the Closed Area acting for or on behalf of the Media Company, as abovementioned.
10.04am: A video from the Alternative Information Centre (AIC) shows residents of Issawiya and A-Tur – two East Jerusalem neighborhoods – planting olive trees to mark Land Day.10.04am: A video from the Alternative Information Centre (AIC) shows residents of Issawiya and A-Tur – two East Jerusalem neighborhoods – planting olive trees to mark Land Day.
The AIC says the action was organised in protest at the Jerusalem municipality's recent decision to zone Issawiya and A-Tur lands for an Israeli national park. Residents say this will take away the only land available to build new Palestinian homes.The AIC says the action was organised in protest at the Jerusalem municipality's recent decision to zone Issawiya and A-Tur lands for an Israeli national park. Residents say this will take away the only land available to build new Palestinian homes.
9.48am: Historical note – Twitter user Maath Musleh has details of the first Land Day poster, in 1976:9.48am: Historical note – Twitter user Maath Musleh has details of the first Land Day poster, in 1976:
The very first #LandDay poster published in 1976 designed by the amazing Ismail Shamout twitter.com/MaathMusleh/st…The very first #LandDay poster published in 1976 designed by the amazing Ismail Shamout twitter.com/MaathMusleh/st…
— Maath Musleh (@MaathMusleh) March 30, 2012— Maath Musleh (@MaathMusleh) March 30, 2012
9.39am: For readers who would like to know more about Land Day, an article by Sam Bahour and Fida Jiryis in Haaretz newspaper explains the historical background. They write:9.39am: For readers who would like to know more about Land Day, an article by Sam Bahour and Fida Jiryis in Haaretz newspaper explains the historical background. They write:
The Land Day victims were not Palestinians from the occupied territories, but citizens of the state, a group that now numbers over 1.6m people, or 20.5% of the population. They are inferior citizens in a state that defines itself as Jewish and democratic, but in reality is neither.The Land Day victims were not Palestinians from the occupied territories, but citizens of the state, a group that now numbers over 1.6m people, or 20.5% of the population. They are inferior citizens in a state that defines itself as Jewish and democratic, but in reality is neither.
On that dreadful day 36 years ago, in response to Israel's announcement of a plan to expropriate thousands of acres of Palestinian land for "security and settlement purposes," a general strike and marches were organized in Palestinian towns within Israel, from the Galilee to the Negev.On that dreadful day 36 years ago, in response to Israel's announcement of a plan to expropriate thousands of acres of Palestinian land for "security and settlement purposes," a general strike and marches were organized in Palestinian towns within Israel, from the Galilee to the Negev.
The night before, in a last-ditch attempt to block the planned protests, the government imposed a curfew on the Palestinian villages of Sakhnin, Arraba, Deir Hanna, Tur'an, Tamra and Kabul, in the Western Galilee. The curfew failed; citizens took to the streets. Palestinian communities in the West Bank and Gaza, as well as those in the refugee communities across the Middle East, joined in solidarity demonstrations.The night before, in a last-ditch attempt to block the planned protests, the government imposed a curfew on the Palestinian villages of Sakhnin, Arraba, Deir Hanna, Tur'an, Tamra and Kabul, in the Western Galilee. The curfew failed; citizens took to the streets. Palestinian communities in the West Bank and Gaza, as well as those in the refugee communities across the Middle East, joined in solidarity demonstrations.
In the ensuing confrontations with the Israeli army and police, six Palestinian citizens of Israel were killed, about 100 wounded, and hundreds arrested.In the ensuing confrontations with the Israeli army and police, six Palestinian citizens of Israel were killed, about 100 wounded, and hundreds arrested.
Phoebe Greenwood, our correspondent on the spot, says today's demonstrations are expected to start after Friday prayers (around 12.30 local time, 10.30 UK time) and protesters will be heading for Israel's borders with Lebanon and Jordan, and checkpoints along the West Bank and Gaza. She continues:Phoebe Greenwood, our correspondent on the spot, says today's demonstrations are expected to start after Friday prayers (around 12.30 local time, 10.30 UK time) and protesters will be heading for Israel's borders with Lebanon and Jordan, and checkpoints along the West Bank and Gaza. She continues:
Organisers stress that the event is intended as peaceful demonstration but the Israeli military, anticipating clashes, have already imposed a full closure of its borders with the West Bank, which will only be lifted for humanitarian emergencies.Organisers stress that the event is intended as peaceful demonstration but the Israeli military, anticipating clashes, have already imposed a full closure of its borders with the West Bank, which will only be lifted for humanitarian emergencies.
Thousands of Israeli police have been deployed in and around Jerusalem, imposing tight restrictions on access to al-Aqsa mosque, as well as Arab-Israeli towns within Israel. Snipers have been positioned along the Israeli border with Gaza.Thousands of Israeli police have been deployed in and around Jerusalem, imposing tight restrictions on access to al-Aqsa mosque, as well as Arab-Israeli towns within Israel. Snipers have been positioned along the Israeli border with Gaza.
In a statement, the Israeli military said it was "prepared for any eventuality and will do whatever is necessary to protect Israeli borders and residents".In a statement, the Israeli military said it was "prepared for any eventuality and will do whatever is necessary to protect Israeli borders and residents".
9.08am: (all times BST). Welcome to Middle East Live. The crisis in Syria continues unabated but today we shall also be keeping an eye on the Land Day demonstrations that commemorate the killing of six Arabs by Israeli forces in 1976 during protests against plans to confiscate land in the Galilee region.9.08am: (all times BST). Welcome to Middle East Live. The crisis in Syria continues unabated but today we shall also be keeping an eye on the Land Day demonstrations that commemorate the killing of six Arabs by Israeli forces in 1976 during protests against plans to confiscate land in the Galilee region.
Phoebe Greenwood will be reporting on events in the West Bank – hopefully. At the moment she's sorting out some paperwork for an "Entry Permit to a Closed Area closed by Proclamation".Phoebe Greenwood will be reporting on events in the West Bank – hopefully. At the moment she's sorting out some paperwork for an "Entry Permit to a Closed Area closed by Proclamation".
Here's a roundup of the latest developments:Here's a roundup of the latest developments:
SyriaSyria
• President Bashar al-Assad has made some positive-sounding comments on Kofi Annan's UN-backed peace plan for Syria but appears to have thrown the ball back to in Annan's court by saying he must "deal with the elements of the crisis in a comprehensive way" and get a commitment from armed groups to cease their "terrorist acts" against the government.• President Bashar al-Assad has made some positive-sounding comments on Kofi Annan's UN-backed peace plan for Syria but appears to have thrown the ball back to in Annan's court by saying he must "deal with the elements of the crisis in a comprehensive way" and get a commitment from armed groups to cease their "terrorist acts" against the government.
• Britain is doubling its non-military aid to opponents of the Syrian regime. Foreign secretary William Hague announced last night that a further £500,000 will be available to support "civil society and oppositionists".• Britain is doubling its non-military aid to opponents of the Syrian regime. Foreign secretary William Hague announced last night that a further £500,000 will be available to support "civil society and oppositionists".
Israel and the Palestinian territoriesIsrael and the Palestinian territories
• Israel has closed crossings into the occupied West Bank and reinforced patrols along its borders with Lebanon and Syria ahead of the expected pro-Palestinian demonstrations to mark Land Day.• Israel has closed crossings into the occupied West Bank and reinforced patrols along its borders with Lebanon and Syria ahead of the expected pro-Palestinian demonstrations to mark Land Day.
EgyptEgypt
• Ructions continue in Egypt over the composition of a 100-member assembly charged with drafting a new constitution. Various groups have pulled out and now al-Azhar, Cairo's ancient Islamic university,
claims it is not properly represented, according to the BBC.		• Ructions continue in Egypt over the composition of a 100-member assembly charged with drafting a new constitution. Various groups have pulled out and now al-Azhar, Cairo's ancient Islamic university,
claims it is not properly represented, according to the BBC.
..