Palestinian Authority: "Preparations for Pope Benedict to visit Aida Refugee Camp will move forward"

Updating a previous story, Ma'an News Agency reports that Preparations for Pope Benedict XVI to visit Aida Refugee Camp will move forward despite Israeli attempts to interfere in the planning:

The PA issued a statement late Friday night echoing concerns over an Israel attempting to shield the pope and the international community from seeing the oppressive and discriminatory practices meted out on the Palestinians.

Israeli troops stormed Aida camp Wednesday and raided a meeting of the preparatory committee for the Papal visit. Committee members were harassed and questioned then informed that because the camp is in Area C - i.e. under Israeli civil and military control - that organizers must get a special permit to hold celebrations for the pope.

Thus far the only coverage of "Israeli harrassment" has been from Palestinian sources; we'll keep you apprised if we hear anything in terms of reactions, either from Israeli sources and/or the Vatican.