| Home | Vermonters for a Just Peace in Palestine/Israel News Archives - March 2010 Go to Monthly View (large file) |
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Israel Lifts Closure on East Jerusalem and rest of West Bank IMEMC - Wednesday March 17, 2010 - 15:56, Israel announced on Wednesday the end of its lockdown on East Jerusalem and the rest of the West Bank, which started last Friday. Israeli Troops Injure Two Journalists During Clashes With Local Youth IMEMC - Wednesday March 17, 2010 - 15:10, Two journalists were wounded on Wednesday during clashes between Israeli troops and local youth in different parts of the southern West Bank. The Israeli Army Opens Fire At Anti-wall Nonviolent Protest Near Gaza City IMEMC - Wednesday March 17, 2010 - 14:34, Israeli troops opened fire on Wednesday midday at a nonviolent protest against the wall central Gaza Strip. Israel Approves Two Bids To Build 426 Units For Settlers IMEMC - Wednesday March 17, 2010 - 11:32, Israel’s TV, Channel 10, reported that Israel announced bids for the construction of 26 additional units for Jewish settlers in East Jerusalem, especially in Abu Ghneim, and east of the Green Line inside the occupied West Bank and occupied East Jerusalem. Abed-Rabbo: “Leadership To Call For Comprehensive Meeting on Jerusalem” IMEMC - Wednesday March 17, 2010 - 09:48, Yasser Abed-Rabbo, secretary of the Executive Committee of the Palestinian Liberation Organization (PLO) said that the Palestinian leadership intends to call for a comprehensive meeting for all factions in order to take a national stance to counter the Israeli aggression and violations in Jerusalem. On 7th anniversary of Rachel Corrie's murder, Palestinian street named in her honor IMEMC - Wednesday March 17, 2010 - 08:25, Commemorations were held in several places in the Palestinian Territories Tuesday, including a ceremony in Ramallah with Corrie's parents to name a street in the slain activist's honor, marking the seventh anniversary of her death at the hands of an Israeli soldier. Jailed Fateh Leader Gets PHD IMEMC - Wednesday March 17, 2010 - 08:00, Imprisoned Fateh leader, Marwan Barghouthi, serving five consecutive life terms in Israeli prisons, obtained his PHD degree in Political Science. Egyptian man dies after shot by Israeli forces at border 3/17/2010 - Bethlehem - Ma'an - Israeli forces on Monday night shot an Egyptian citizen who was en route to Israel, the army said. The man died in a hospital inside Israel, an Israeli security source told Ma'an. Israeli soldiers fired at a "suspicious group" on the border, part of which is unfenced, south of Mount Harif, the military said. An army spokesman said the man was crossing into Israel and failed to stop after an arrest procedure was initiated. The group was thought to be smuggling cigarettes into Israel, Hebrew-language news reports said. The incident came a day after Israeli journalist Yotam Feldman was arrested in Rafah while preparing a report on migrants. Egyptian forces routinely fire on migrants and suspected criminals in the border area on Israel's behalf. Earlier this month, the UN human rights chief deplored Egypt's use of "lethal force" against migrants in the Sinai peninsula. Clashes spread throughout West Bank 3/17/2010 - Bethlehem - Ma'an - Fierce clashes erupted between Palestinians and Israeli forces at the Qalandiya checkpoint between Ramallah and Jerusalem on Wednesday, as marches held across the West Bank witnessed renewed discord. The Betillo village junction, west of Ramallah, saw further clashes between protesters and soldiers. Riot-dispersal measures were used to disperse the crowds, witnesses said, with no injuries reported. An Israeli military spokesman said the incident involved rock hurling toward patrolling border guards in the area, but did not describe the incident as a clash. He confirmed no damage or injuries at the scene. Witnesses said violent confrontations were underway at the Beita junction, south of Nablus in the northern West Bank. No injuries or detentions were reported in the incident, which erupted at an Israeli military checkpoint. Protesters say Israel fired on Gaza demonstration 3/17/2010 - Gaza - Ma'an - Israeli forces opened fire during a demonstration in the northern Gaza Strip on Wednesday afternoon, protesters said. An Israeli military spokeswoman confirmed that soldiers opened fire, but said the reports were still being investigated. Abu Al-Walid Az-Zaq, member of the Popular Committee Against the Buffer Zone, said the demonstration was intended to reassert control over an Israeli "no-go area" near Beit Hanoun. The closure separates farmers and residents from their lands and property, and runs counter to claims that the military evacuated all of Gaza during its 2005 redeployment. Az-Zaq said the protest began in the Ash-Shujaiyeh neighborhood and ended at the military zone, where shots were fired at participants. The demonstration was themed "Jerusalem and the Land," he said, adding that a similar protest would take place Thursday in Khan Younis. Female detainees moved to cell ’where human beings cannot live’ 3/17/2010 - Gaza - Ma'an - Fifteen female detainees at the Damon detention center in Israel were transferred to a new section that falls well below required standards, the Detainees Support Committee said. Committee spokesman Riyad Al-Ashqar said the new sector "is a place where human beings cannot live, particularly during the winter. There are no windows, no doors, and electricity wires remain uncovered, which could potentially cause a fatal accident when it rains. "Al-Ashqar added that the cells lack hot water and heaters, with no bathrooms. "The toilets are public and outside the cells. The women have limited and restricted times when they are allowed to use the facilities," he said, describing the kitchen as "poor. "The spokesman further said detainee Wafa' Samir Al-Lubs from the Gaza Strip was permitted to speak to her family over the phone for the first time since her detention, where she congratulated her sister on her recent wedding. Dozens detained from Hebron refugee camp 3/17/2010 - Hebron - Ma'an - The Israeli army on Wednesday closed off the entrance to the Al-Fawar refugee camp, south of the West Bank city of Hebron, detaining dozens of its residents, security sources said. The military checkpoint at the camp's entrance was shut down, the sources said, preventing residents from entering or leaving. Dozens were detained during the closure, and extensive searches were carried out with Israeli forces checking identity cards. The camp's entrance leads to the Dura village in Hebron. An Israeli military spokesman said the refugee camp was not sealed off for its residents and said one Palestinian was detained "suspected of involvement in terrorist activities. "[end] MADA condemns ’attacks’ on Palestinian journalists 3/17/2010 - Bethlehem - Ma'an - The Palestinian Center for Development and Media Freedoms (MADA) on Tuesday strongly condemned what it termed Israeli attacks against a group of journalists in the West Bank and Jerusalem in recent days. In a statement, MADA stressed the need for Palestinian journalists to exercise their right to free expression and coverage, and called on the international community and human rights organizations to intervene. Police prevented journalists from covering clashes in the town of Al-Esawiya, near Jerusalem, on Tuesday and used force against Palestine TV cameraman Nader Pabers and Pal Media cameraman Hamza Naaji the same day, MADA said. The group also alleged that Israeli forces detained the Palestine TV crew (correspondent Haroon Amayreh, cameramen Samer Habash and Najib Sharoneh) at the Atarah checkpoint near Birzeit on Tuesday. Why violence against women is widespread 3/17/2010 - Gaza City - IRIN - Nahla*, aged 30, from Bureij refugee camp in central Gaza, said she was physically and mentally abused for more than 10 years by her husband before being granted a divorce three months ago. Fear and cultural factors prevented her from seeking help from women's organizations. "I never tried to go to the police to complain about my husband's criminal acts, because he threatened to kill me if I did," Nahla told IRIN. "And I never went to complain to any women's rights organizations because I didn't think they would be able to solve my problem - and I was also scared that my husband would find out. "Rights activists blame the economy, Hamas-Fatah tensions and the conflict with Israel for the rising number of cases of violence against women. Disinterest in domestic abuse by the judicial authorities and the apparent impunity of violators have made matters worse, they say. Israel opens Gaza crossing 3/17/2010 - Gaza - Ma'an - Israeli authorities were expected to open the Kerem Shalom crossing on Wednesday to allow aid into the Gaza Strip, an official said. Palestinian liaison Raed Fattouh said approximately 93 truckloads of aid would be allowed through the terminal, Gaza's southernmost crossing with Israel. Three trucks of flowers will be allowed out of the Strip, Fattouh added. Restricted quantities of domestic gas and industrial diesel will also enter via Kerem Shalom crossing, he said. The Karni crossing in northern Gaza will be closed, he added. [end] Report: Israeli police to remain in state of alert 3/17/2010 - Bethlehem - Ma'an/Agencies - Israel's increased police presence and state of alert will continue Wednesday, news reports said. The Hebrew-language daily Yedioth Ahronoth said thousands of police and Border Guard officers would remain deployed in Jerusalem. Dozens of Palestinians were injured and detained in clashes over access to holy sites on Tuesday. [end] Egyptian forces discover 2 smuggling tunnels 3/17/2010 - Al-Arish - Ma'an - Egyptian forces on Tuesday discovered two tunnels used for smuggling goods into the Gaza Strip. Ma'an's correspondent said both tunnels were taken over in the Salah Ad-Din area along the Gaza-Egypt border. Egyptian forces found 150 bags of charcoal ready to be smuggled into Gaza. The smugglers fled before security forces arrived. Egypt will close the tunnels with stones as they are near houses and cannot be demolished with explosives, the correspondent added. [end] In photos: Clashes erupt south of Nablus 3/17/2010 - MaanImages / Rami Swidan - Clashes erupt between Palestinians and Israeli soldiers in the West Bank village of Beita, south of Nablus, on 17 March 2010. Israel reopened the flashpoint Al-Aqsa compound and lifted a lockdown of the occupied West Bank on Wednesday, a day after violent clashes left dozens of protesters and police officers injured. [end] Israeli authorities release 3 Hamas affiliates 3/17/2010 - Bethlehem - Ma'an - Israeli authorities have released three Hamas-affiliated detainees, including the leader of the Al-Qassam Brigades in the West Bank, the National Detainees' Support Committee reported Wednesday. Committee spokesman Riyad Al-Ashqar said Khaled Ibrahim Tafesh, a Hamas legislator in Bethlehem, was released after serving one year in an Israeli prison. Tafesh was detained on 19 March 2009 "as a result of the failure of prisoners to deal with the pressure of Palestinian factions to deal with the conditions of the occupation," the spokesman said. The Palestinian Legislative Council member was transferred to administrative detention, which was renewed three consecutive times, Al-Asqar added. Fifteen Hamas-affiliated PLC members remain in Israeli custody, including Issa Ja'bari from Hebron and the former minister of prisoners affairs, Wasfi Qabaha from Jenin, whose administrative. . . In photos: Classes held at army checkpoint 3/17/2010 - MaanImages / Khaleel Reash - Israeli soldiers prevent students and others from crossing a checkpoint between their homes and schools on the edge of the West Bank city of Qalqiliya on 17 March 2010. Some teachers used the checkpoint as a makeshift classroom and held studies despite the closure, which was linked to clashes elsewhere in the occupied territories. [end] PJS demands an end to media shut downs 3/17/2010 - Ramallah - Ma'an - The Palestinian Journalists' Syndicate denounced on Wednesday the closure of local TV and radio stations across the West Bank. "The closures come at a time when [caretaker] Prime Minister Salam Fayyad said freedom of speech was indefinite," a PJS statement read, amidst the closure of two Bethlehem radio stations, Ar-Ru'ah and Al-Mahed. Several Palestinian radio and TV stations have been forced to stop broadcasting, as the Palestinian Authority set what station owners have called exorbitant licensing fees, with a failure to pay leading to their closure. The PJS called on the Ministry of Telecommunications to bring an end to the practice until an agreement is reached between station owners and the government, demanding a time-line for talks and a justification for their actions. The union said it would "struggle to restore the voice of local media," in the midst of Israeli attacks against Palestinian media. Haniyeh threatens religious war for Jerusalem 3/17/2010 - Gaza - Ma'an - Ismail Haniyeh, prime minister of the Gaza-based government, threatened Tuesday that a religious war will enflame Israel, calling for an Arab-Palestinian campaign to stand with Jerusalem. Speaking at a conference organized by his government in Gaza City, Haniyeh said that "what is happening now exposes the reality of Jerusalem's future and the Jews' plans. " "Don't be afraid of a religious or non-religious war, because Jerusalem will always remain Islamic," he added, calling on the American administration to stop Israel's "blind" policies. He added that the Americans' relations with Israel were being tested over disagreements about settlements in occupied East Jerusalem, a few of which were announced during a vice presidential visit last week. Haniyeh said his government would follow up on all developments regarding Jerusalem and "Israeli Judaization". Israel condemns ’anti-Semitic’ Hamas remarks 3/17/2010 - Bethlehem - Ma'an - Israel's Foreign Ministry on Tuesday denounced what it termed recent anti-Semitic remarks by Hamas officials. "Israel condemns with disgust the recent contemptuous, anti-Semitic remarks of senior Hamas officials, aimed at inflaming emotions in the region," the Israeli Ministry of Foreign Affairs said in a statement, which did not point to any specific remarks. "These tenebrous, ignorant and venomous remarks disseminated by the Hamas terror organization against Jews and Judaism, once again emphasize that Hamas is not only a violent, murderous terror organization, which has caused grief and sorrow to all nations in the region, but is also an active anti-Semitic organization whose foundation documents refer to Jews as animals and advocate the murder of Jews. " Israel calls on intellectuals of all religions and beliefs to resolutely condemn these declarations of incitement. . . " " Netanyahu calls on Palestinians to negotiate 3/17/2010 - Bethlehem - Ma'an - Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu calls on Palestinians to enter peace negotiations without preconditions, his office reiterated on Tuesday. Talks are the "only way to reach an agreement that will ensure peace, security and prosperity for both peoples," a statement from the Prime Minister's Office said. The statement said Palestinians have raised preconditions for the resumption of the diplomatic process, such as they have not done in the past 16 years. "They are waging an assault to delegitimize Israel in international institutions via the Goldstone report. They are also continuing to incite towards hatred and violence; included in this is the decision to dedicate a square in Ramallah after the woman terrorist responsible for murdering 38 Israelis," the statement read. Concerning possible ailing Israel-US relations, the prime minister's office said Israel appreciated. . . EU vows to maintain financial, political support to PA 3/17/2010 - Bethlehem - Ma'an - The European Union will continue channeling funds to the Palestinian Authority in 2010, hoping Prime Minister Salam Fayyad's plan to build state institutions will reach its goals, EU Representative to the PA Christian Berger said Monday. "There will be a large portion of money again going to the Palestinian budget so the PA can pay salaries of employees and also can pay for poor families in the West Bank and the Gaza Strip," Berger affirmed, speaking during an interview with Ma'an TV. "We have read very carefully, and we take very seriously Dr Fayyad's plan to build PA institutions needed for the coming state. We are discussing and cooperating with the PA on how we can support this," he said. However, Berger hoped the EU would not need to provide humanitarian aid as was the case in 2009 in the aftermath of the war in Gaza. Abbas says keen to reach peace through talks 3/17/2010 - Ramallah - Ma'an - Israel must implement its commitments under the Road Map, President Mahmoud Abbas told his Brazilian counterpart in Ramallah on Wednesday. " There is no other way to achieve peace than through negotiations," Abbas told visiting President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva at his office in the central West Bank city. He added that the Ramallah-based leadership is "keen to reach peace through talks. ""We agreed to carry out indirect talks without any preconditions. We and the Israelis want to apply international legitimacy and the Road Map peace plan," Abbas added. "Specific commitments were required of us, which we implemented. Israel has commitments that it is required to implement, the most important of which is a settlement halt in all of the Palestinian territories, including East Jerusalem," he said. "These are international commitments that were stated in the Road Map,which the US expressed and wants. " Oxfam: Ashton must match words with action 3/17/2010 - Bethlehem - Ma'an - Oxfam international urged EUforeign policy chief Baroness Ashton to make the immediate lifting of the Israeli-imposed blockade her top priority as she prepares to visit the Gaza Strip on Thursday. A statement from the charity commended High Representative Ashton for "demonstrating great leadership by visiting Gaza," but added that while the EU, the largest donor to the Palestinians, has spoken out on human rights violations in the region, "it has failed to match its strong words with action. " "Over $4 billion was pledged to assist reconstruction and development following last year's military operation by Israel, but little of this money has been spent due to Israel's closure policy. It is now time for the international community to put its mouth where its money is and insist that Israel fully opens all the crossings" saidOxfam International Executive Director Jeremy Hobbs. Report: 1,300 new settlements await Netanyahu’s OK 3/17/2010 - Bethlehem - Ma'an - A new round of settlement homes in East Jerusalem are in the works, Israeli media reported on Wednesday, as the US administration awaits a response from Israel on its decision to expand a settlement in the city. The Israeli Housing Ministry plans to build 1,300 new housing units across the Pisgat Ze'ev, Nabi Yakov and Har Homa settlements, which require Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's approval, in light of the recent crisis in Israeli-US relations, the Hebrew daily Yedioth Ahronot wrote. The newspaper explained that the latest building proposal is in advanced stages, and has already received support from the regional construction committee - the execution only requires political backing, according to the daily. In December 2009, Housing Minister Ariel Itas said Israel should build on land outside of the green line, referring to a 54 housing unit expansion. . . Peres: Previous governments built in East Jerusalem 3/17/2010 - Bethlehem - Ma'an - Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's government is not the first to build Israeli housing in occupied East Jerusalem, Israeli President Shimon Peres said Wednesday. "Previous governments built in Jewish [neighborhoods] according to the new map and avoided construction in Arab neighbors. The Palestinians and we decided to continue as such in the past until we reach an agreed upon map," Peres said. On the issue of proximity talks, Peres said "We all prefer face to face talks, but proximity talks are preferable to no talks at all. In my opinion, proximity talks can open the path to renewing the peace negotiations. " I can say, on this stage, to our Palestinian neighbors and to whoever is listening"”Israel has already made a historic decision to establish two states for two peoples. An Arabic state named Palestine and a Jewish state named Israel. " Abed Rabbo: National conference on Jerusalem 3/17/2010 - Ramallah - Ma'an - A conference will be held to reconcile factions on a united plan to support Jerusalem and counter Israel's position toward the Palestinian people and holy places, PLO secretary-general Yasser Abed Rabbo said Tuesday. Abed Rabbo hinted that the Palestinian leadership in Ramallah may officially take its case to the UN Security Council seeking support for its efforts against what he termed provocative Israeli actions in Jerusalem. " Several options are being considered to recruit more support toward ending Israeli aggression," Abed Rabbo said. The PLO official accused Israel of foiling international, Arab, and Palestinian efforts to start a real peace process based on halting settlement construction, endorsement of the obvious bases for negotiations, ending the occupation, and the establishment of a Palestinian state. Hamas: 10 party members arrested by PA forces 3/17/2010 - Bethlehem - Ma'an - Palestinian Authority security forces have arrested 10 Hamas members in the West Bank, the party said Wednesday. In a statement, the Islamic movement said PA forces recently detained the Hamas members in Nablus, Hebron and Qalqiliya. The detainees' names were released to Ma'an for confirmation. The PA security establishment declared high alert following violence in East Jerusalem and the West Bank on Tuesday, the Hebrew-language daily Yedioth Ahronoth reported. A PA security source told the Israeli newspaper that "security forces are in near emergency standby, to maintain the order," and extra police were deployed in major West Bank cities. [end] Police destroy expired meds near Bethlehem 3/17/2010 - Bethlehem - Ma'an - Palestinian police said Wednesday that medication worth 150,000 shekels was seized in Al-Ubeidiya, near Bethlehem. A police report said that the medication, produced in Israel and abroad, did not meet minimum Health Ministry standards. A man, who was not identified, confessed to possessing the medication, which he and another suspect allegedly intended to sell in Hebron. A court sentenced the man to one month in prison, while the other suspect remained wanted, police said. [end] Life sentence for man convicted of treason 3/17/2010 - Tulkarem - Ma'an - A Tulkarem court sentenced a Palestinian man to a life sentence with hard labor on Wednesday after he was convicted of treason and contact with an enemy state. The accused, identified only as N, 27, was sentenced for violating articles 111 and 112 of the penal code. During the trial, evidence was presented to the general attorney. The accused has the right to appeal the verdict. Justice Usama Al-Kilani presided over the hearing, with judges Ma'moun Kalash and Belal Abu Ar-Rub. The attorney general was represented by Meqdad Hattab and Rasha Mahamid. [end] Gaza police seize 6 suspected money forgers 3/17/2010 - Gaza - Ma'an - Six Palestinian men suspected of forging US dollar bills have been detained in Rafah, police said Wednesday. In a statement, police said one suspect was arrested following a sting operation. He confessed involvement and led investigators to another suspect, 50, who was himself arrested in a separate sting in the Tel Al-Hawa neighborhood of Rafah, police said. Prosecutors issued a search warrant before the suspect was detained, after which some $6,000 worth of counterfeit 100-dollar bills were discovered under a pillow in his home. Other amounts of forged currency had blown out a window into the apartment of an uninvolved neighbor. Police found a total of 11,000 US dollars during the course of the investigation, the statement concluded. . . . . Jordan's Abdullah: Israel trying to rid Jerusalem of Arabs Ha'aretz 17 Mar 2010 - Comment comes as Israel opens Temple Mount after a day of fierce clashes with rioting Palestinians. Shalit's father to address UN council on son's release Ha'aretz 17 Mar 2010 - Noam Shalit to demand the execution of the Goldstone Gaza report which calls for his son's release. Report: U.S. positioning 'bunker-busters' for possible Iran strike Ha'aretz 17 Mar 2010 - Sunday Herald: 387 'Blu' bombs are being shipped to U.S. military base on Diego Garcia in Indian Ocean. Palestinian female detainees moved to cell 'where human beings cannot live' Uruknet March 17, 2010 – Fifteen female detainees at the Damon detention center in Israel were transferred to a new section that falls well below required standards, the Detainees Support Committee said. Committee spokesman Riyad Al-Ashqar said the new sector "is a place where human beings cannot live, particularly during the winter. There are no windows, no doors, and electricity wires... ‘DAY OF RAGE’ IN JERUSALEM Uruknet March 17, 2010 - Yesterday, demonstrations were held throughout Jerusalem by Palestinians and progressive Israelis. They were protesting the growth of illegal settlements and evictions throughout the occupied eastern part of the city. One of the demonstrations was held on the campus of the Hebrew University. About 80 Palestinian students assembled peacefully outside one of the main entrances. They were... Israeli raids targeting children Uruknet March 17, 2010 - Silwan, Occupied East Jerusalem (IPS) - Three thousand heavily armed Israeli security service forces locked down large parts of the Old City of Jerusalem on Tuesday, as battalions of police fired rounds of tear gas and rubber-coated steel bullets at Palestinian protesters in the occupied eastern part of the city. Nearly 40 Palestinians were wounded and... Jerusalem: A City Under Siege Uruknet March 17, 2010 - For five days and in the context of the opening of the Hurva Synagogue in the Jewish quarter, the Old City has been turned into a city under siege. Israeli authorities have maintained a heavy military and police presence. Since Friday, a closure was imposed on the West Bank, banning the entry of West Bank permit... Protesters say Israel fired on Gaza demonstration Uruknet March 17, 2010 – Israeli forces opened fire during a demonstration in the northern Gaza Strip on Wednesday afternoon, protesters said. An Israeli military spokeswoman confirmed that soldiers opened fire, but said the reports were still being investigated. Abu Al-Walid Az-Zaq, member of the Popular Committee Against the Buffer Zone, said the demonstration was intended to reassert control over an... How Iran's Workers Fight Ahmadinejad's Neoliberal CutbacksThe Iranian Tsunami Uruknet When most Americans think about the recent upheavals in Iran, it is about marches demanding democracy and challenging the June 12 presidential election. March 16, 2010 - ...The face of those protests is the "Green Movement"—so called because its supporters wear green—that put millions of people into the streets of Teheran and other large cities throughout the country. Largely unseen,... The Rabbi, the Priest, the Imam and Egypt’s Steel Wall Uruknet March 16, 2010 - THE STEEL WALL Egypt is building along its nearly nine-mile border with the Gaza Strip extends almost 60 feet underground. Its purpose is to prevent Palestinians from digging the tunnels that have become Gaza’s only lifeline. "The steel wall is a serious threat that will make life impossible for us here in Gaza," said Abu Ayman,... Israel-U.S. Tensions Continue to Percolate Uruknet March 16, 2010 - Despite assurances by Secretary of State Hillary Clinton Tuesday that the United States and Israel share a "close, unshakeable bond", the week-old crisis between the two allies continued to percolate here Tuesday. Washington cancelled a planned trip to the region by its special Middle East peace envoy, while its top regional military commander warned that the... Simon Wiesenthal Center launches PR campaign to whitewash Jerusalem desecration Uruknet March 16, 2010 - More grotesque news. At a time when Israel has declared two sites in the Occupied Palestinian Territories to be Jewish heritage sites, showing that it has no sign of creating any kind of viable Palestinian state, grim tidings from Haaretz: A rabbi declares that work is going to begin on the Simon Wiesenthal Museum of Tolerance... Letter to Rachel Corrie's family and Washington State legislators Uruknet March 16, 2010 - ...This coming March 16 will be the seventh anniversary of Israel's deliberate murder of a 23 year old young idealist college student from Olympia, Washington named Rachel Corrie. Her story and the shocking photos of her murder can be found in the links below. For seven years Israel has denied and falsified the story of this... PFLP: Meet occupation's settlement crimes in Jerusalem with popular revolt Uruknet March 16, 2010 - The Popular Front for the Liberation of Palestine called on March 16, 2009 to confront the occupation's campaign of settlement and Judaization of Jerusalem with a popular uprising that can pave the way for an alternative strategy and a unified national leadership. Only a mass popular mobilization can fully meet the challenges imposed by the occupation's... 'Israeli Government knew of Jewish terrorist's plan to open fire on Shfaram bus' Uruknet March 16, 2010 - Newly discovered footage of a terrorist attack perpetrated by an Israel Defense Forces soldier in the Arab town of Shfaram five years ago indicates that authorities were aware of plans to commit the attack, a lawyer representing Israeli Arabs suspected of taking part in the subsequent lynching of the gunman said Sunday. In August 2005, Eden... 'Brand Israel' struggles to fight tarnished image 17 Mar 2010 - Israel, March 17, 2010 (Pal Telegraph; reprinted from The Nation, by Neve Gordon) - Seven years ago, Rachel Corrie was crushed to death by a Caterpillar D9R Israeli bulldozer while nonviolently protesting the demolition of Palestinian homes in Rafah, Gaza Strip, along with other members of the International Solidarity Movement (ISM). Now her parents, sister and brother are suing the... Canada joins US in criticizing Israeli settlement expansion 17 Mar 2010 - Toronto, Canada, March 17, 2010 (Pal Telegraph; reprinted from The Globe and Mail) - Canadian Foreign Affairs Minister Lawrence Cannon is taking a harder line against Israel's controversial decision to build settlements in East Jerusalem and now says he condemns the plan. That's the strongest language to date by a Conservative cabinet minister against Israel. It comes in response to... Group protests transfer of Palestinian children to Israeli jails 17 Mar 2010 - West Bank, March 17, 2010 (Pal Telegraph) - Defense for Children International (DCI) is issuing an urgent appeal for international action on behalf of Palestinian children who have been transferred to Israeli jails. On or about March 8, the organization reports, Israeli authorities transferred at least seven Palestinian children from Ofer Prison, in the West Bank, to Rimonim Prison, inside... Gazans demonstrate near Gaza-Israel border 17 Mar 2010 - Gaza, March 17, 2010 (Pal Telegraph) - Hundreds of Palestinians demonstrated on Wednesday near the Gaza-Israel border. The demonstrators protested against Israeli measures in East Jerusalem and the no-go 300-meter-wide buffer zone Israel declared along its border with Gaza. Leftist parties organized the peaceful demonstration, which inspired similar demonstrations in the West Bank. The demonstrators gathered near Nahal Oz Crossing... Settlers attack village near Nablus 17 Mar 2010 - West Bank, March 17, 2010 (Pal Telegraph)- Extremist settlers attacked on Wednesday a number of residents of Deir Al-Hatab village east of Nablus, in the northern West Bank. Ghassan Douglas, an official in the Nablus office of the Palestinian Authority, said: "A number of villagers went to a spring - the village's major source of water - and a group... Abbas meets Brazilian counterpart in Ramallah 17 Mar 2010 - Ramallah, March 17, 2010 (Pal Telegraph) - Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva on Wednesday said he supported the Palestinian struggle for independence and for the creation of a Palestinian state. "I dream of an independent and free Palestine living in peace in the Middle East," Silva said during a visit to Ramallah. Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas demanded that... Israel provokes more violence in WB 17 Mar 2010 - West Bank, March 17, 2010 (Pal Telegraph)-Israeli occupation forces stepped up military actions on Wednesday morning in and around Hebron in the West Bank, while in Bethlehem there were several demonstrations and stone-throwing. It was reported that occupation forces set up a number of checkpoints in many parts of Bethlehem, stopped dozens of vehicles, detained citizens and abused them. IOF... Israel reopens access to and from WB 17 Mar 2010 - West Bank, March 17, 2010 (Pal Telegraph) - Today the Israeli authorizes reopened access to and from the occupied West Bank despite the ongoing threat of unrest between Palestinian protesters and Israeli police in East Jerusalem. In Jerusalem, the Old City after five days of the opening of the Hurva Synagogue was closed. Israeli authorities maintained a heavy military and... IOF arrests 3 Palestinians in Hebron 17 Mar 2010 - West Bank, March 17, 2010 (Pal Telegraph)- Israeli occupation forces arrested three young men early Wednesday after raiding their houses in Bait Amr town, in the northern Hebron. Mohammed Ayad Awad, Palestinian Solidarity Project spokesman, said: "Israeli occupation forces arrested Ibrahim Said Mahmoud Awad, 17; Eyad Omar Khalil Sabarna, 16; Amir Ibrahim Khaled Sabarna, 20, and took them to an... Clashes erupt with IOF in Nablus 17 Mar 2010 - West Bank, March 17, 2010 (Pal Telegraph) - Today, clashes erupted between students and the Israeli occupation forces in Betna village, south of Nablus, in northern West Bank. Eyewitnesses told SAFA news agency that the clashes took place at the entrance of the village, when the Israeli soldiers fired tear gas at the demonstrators, but no injuries were reported. The... Moderate pro-Israel lobbyists energised by tougher White House rhetoric The National 17 Mar 2010 - The emerging moderate Israel lobby in Washington seeks to counter hawkish groups that have long dominated the discourse. Jerusalem back to normal after riots but tension still simmers The National 17 Mar 2010 - Spread of settlements and marginalising of Palestinian residents seen as part of plan to present a Judaised' city and forestall talks. OBAMA: “ NO CRISIS" WITH ISRAEL Palestine Note 17 Mar 2010 - Watch the latest news video at <a href="http://video.foxnews.com/" mce_href="http://video.foxnews.com/">video.foxnews.com</a> <br /> <br /> <br /> PRESIDENT INSISTS US-ISRAEL RELATIONSHIP IS WELL INTACT Thursday US President Barack Obama announced there is "no crisis" in the US-Israeli relationship,... KING ABDULLAH II: ISRAEL WANTS TO RID JERUSALEM OF ARABS Palestine Note 17 Mar 2010 - IN THE WAKE OF JERUSALEM CLASHES, JORDAN'S MONARCH URGES THE INTERNATIONAL COMMUNITY TO PROTECT JERUSALEM'S ARAB RESIDENTS Abdullah II, King of Jordan, has been quoted in Dubai's Khaleej Times saying: "Jerusalem is a red line and... Look: Gaza power shortage photo essay Palestine Note 17 Mar 2010 - As Gaza's power plant continues to run at cut capacity, residents in the Gaza Strip look to generators, but Israel's siege means few can afford them, BBC reports. The Israeli blockade of the Gaza Strip has... Israeli president works to heal rift with US Palestine Note 17 Mar 2010 - Israeli President Shimon Peres said Wednesday both the US and Israel want to see the tensions between them abate, reports Haaretz . Said Peres to a group of high school students: "We have deep respect for [U.S.]... Brazilian president: 'I dream of a free Palestine' Palestine Note 17 Mar 2010 - On a trip to Israel and the Palestinian territories, Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva arrived in the West Bank Wednesday, Haaretz reports. Lula has since expressed his support for "Palestinian independence and for the... 'In photos': Ma'an captures clashes south of Nablus Palestine Note 17 Mar 2010 - As Palestinians and Israeli forces collide violently across the West Bank, Ma'an News Agency captures clashes at Beita, south of Nablus. In these skirmishes, Palestinians are most often armed only with rocks, the only weapons they... Rising Rhetoric in Israel-U.S. Tensions The Media Line 16 Mar 2010 - In a sign that the heightened tensions between the U.S. and Israel have not subsided, Israeli Prime Minister Binyamin Netanyahu's brother-in-law Hagi Ben Artzi opened the morning by appearing on Israeli national radio accusing U.S. President... Netanyahu's Son Wins Bible Quiz The Media Line 16 Mar 2010 - Another Netanyahu family member was headline news in Israel on Wednesday: 16-year-old Avner Netanyahu. Perhaps not the orator that his father is, Netanyahu's youngest son sure knows how to recite the Jewish bible. Avner Netanyahu, 16,... Lula criticises Israeli policies AlJazeera 17 Mar 2010 - Settlements and separation barrier are obstacles to peace, says Brazilian president. Tensions persist in West Bank AlJazeera 17 Mar 2010 - Palestinians clash with Israeli police who remain heavily deployed despite lifting of closure. It is Time to Hear the Palestinian People Alternative Information Center - Tuesday, 16 March 2010, Israel’s dangerous and arrogant escalation in settlement building, house demolitions and evictions of Palestinian families in East Jerusalem indicates that the government of Netanyahu-Lieberman’s is pushing for overt clash and conflict– and... Jail ordeal of hundreds of Palestinian children arrested for throwing stones PNN - Wednesday, 17 March 2010 US special MiddleEast envoy delays trip to Israel PNN - Wednesday, 17 March 2010 Jerusalem’s ‘day of rage’ PNN - Wednesday, 17 March 2010 Tensions persist in the West Bank PNN - Wednesday, 17 March 2010 Peres: Israel, US both wish to move past tensions Jeruslalem Post 17 Mar 2010 - Analysis: Hamas leaders fan the flames of Islamic anger following ‘Day of Rage’ Jeruslalem Post 17 Mar 2010 - Hamas seeks to supplant the West Bank Palestinian Authority of Mahmoud Abbas and Salam Fayyad. Palestinian director arrested at Jaffa rally Jeruslalem Post 17 Mar 2010 - Local community leaders say ‘third intifada’ not imminent. Journalist: Obama wants Livni in coalition Jeruslalem Post 17 Mar 2010 - Reporter close to US president says Washington trying to get Kadima into gov’t. Inner cabinet seeks way out of crisis Jeruslalem Post 17 Mar 2010 - Netanyahu meets with ministers after reportedly being told by White House that Israel must respond to demands before any high level meetings. 'Don't count on Jewish Obama voters' Jeruslalem Post 17 Mar 2010 - Netanyahu's brother says US must stay out of J'lem issue; PM disagrees. Arab faith in Obama fading Jeruslalem Post 17 Mar 2010 - Skepticism about Washington's hard line towards J'lem undermines front against Iran Yesha sends Clinton protest letter Jeruslalem Post 17 Mar 2010 - After J'lem building row, settler council says capital will never be divided. Ashton: J'lem issue must be resolved Jeruslalem Post 17 Mar 2010 - EU official urges 2 sides to begin talks; FM stresses Jews' right to capital. Testimony of Civil Lawsuit filed by Rachel Corrie’s Family against Israel WAFA 17 Mar 2010 - HAIFA, March 18, 2010 (WAFA)- Haifa District Court saw Wednesday a fourth day of testimony in the civil lawsuit filed by Rachel Corrie’s family against the State of Israel for her unlawful killing in Oxfam Urges Ashton to Make Lifting Gaza Siege Top Priority WAFA 17 Mar 2010 - LONDON, March 17, 2010 (WAFA)- As EU foreign policy chief Baroness Ashton prepares to visit the Gaza Strip on Thursday, Oxfam International urged her to make the immediate lifting of the Israel’s Ongoing Hostile Actions Intend to Make Peace Impossible WAFA 17 Mar 2010 - RAMALLAH, March 17, 2010 (WAFA)- The Palestine Network called for an immediate suspension of all acts of provocation by Israel, and called upon governments of the world to intervene in order to stop Reactions on Israeli Violations in East Jerusalem WAFA 17 Mar 2010 - NEW YORK, March 17, 2010 (WAFA)- UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon called ifor calm and restraint in Jerusalem following the clashes that took place between the Palestinians and the occupation forces Brazilian President: I Dream of Free Palestine WAFA 17 Mar 2010 - RAMALLAH, March 17, 2010(WAFA)- Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva said in press conference with President Mahmoud Abbas, 'I dream of an independent and free Palestine living WORLD CUP: But South Africa Will Win IPS JERUSALEM, Mar 17 (IPS) - Less than a hundred days to go, and the world looks on, often more with scepticism than anticipation. MIDEAST: Israel-U.S. Tensions Continue to Percolate IPS WASHINGTON, Mar 16 (IPS) - Despite assurances by Secretary of State Hillary Clinton Tuesday that the United States and Israel share a "close, unshakeable bond", the week-old crisis between the two allies continued to percolate here Tuesday. Weekly Report on Israeli Human Rights Violations in the Occupied Palestinian Territory (04 – 10 March 2010) PCHR A worker builds a new house in the "Beitar Illit" settlement near Bethlehem in the occupied West Bank Israeli Occupation Forces (IOF) Continue Systematic Attacks against Palestinian Civilians and Property in the Occupied Palestinian Territory (OPT) Israel’s repression leaves dozens wounded in Jerusalem 3/18/2010 - International Solidarity Movement - In reaction to the blanket West Bank closure and Israel's severe limitation of entrance into Al-Aqsa Mosque, demonstrations spread through Jerusalem. Police and soldiers used percussion grenades, tear gas, rubber bullets and physical assaults in an attempt to quell Palestinians show of disdain. Confrontations were reported in Isawiya and Wadi-Joz. Reports claimed that nearly 100 demonstrators were injured (about 25 seriously) and over 70 arrested. An ominous and anticipatory air hung over the Old City on Tuesday. The normal banter of the Muslim quarter was replaced with closed shops and anxious stares. This was in response to Israel's closure of much of the Old City. This closure only extended to Palestinians attempting to pray at the holy site. Tourists and Israeli school children were allowed free reign within its walls. Obama: 'No crisis' in U.S. ties with Israel Ha'aretz 17 Mar 2010 - U.S. envoy may arrive in Israel Sunday after canceling earlier visit as diplomatic row shows signs of ending. U.S. to pursue 'aggresive' Iran sanctions, Obama vows Ha'aretz 17 Mar 2010 - Iranian attempts to acquire a bomb could spark nuclear arms race in the Middle East, president warns. U.S.-Israel tensions ignite 'war of words' amongst Israel lobbies Ha'aretz 17 Mar 2010 - Dovish lobby J Street says hawkish Israel supporters are using recent tensions to attack Obama. U.S. general: Israel-Palestinian conflict foments anti-U.S. sentiment Ha'aretz 17 Mar 2010 - General Petraeus: Conflict presents distinct challenges to our ability to advance U.S. interests. U.S.: Turkey must back Iran nuclear sanctions Ha'aretz 17 Mar 2010 - State Deptartment: Many would be disappointed if Turkey is an exception to a consensus on Iran. Brazil President in West Bank: I dream of a free Palestine Ha'aretz 17 Mar 2010 - Brazil President meets with Abbas, lays wreath at Arafat's grave after row over refusal to visit Herzl's tomb. It's too bad Netanyahu and Obama didn't stop and think first Ha'aretz 17 Mar 2010 - Netanyahu and Obama are like heroes in a Greek tragedy, waiting for the inevitable confrontation. Peres: We want U.S. ties to return to positive state Ha'aretz 17 Mar 2010 - Netanyahu and Biden speak on phone; Oren denies saying ties between the two countries at low point. Netanyahu's brother-in-law: Obama is an anti-Semite Ha'aretz 17 Mar 2010 - Dr. Hagai Ben-Artzi told Army Radio the U.S. president will be long forgotten in a year or two. Jerusalem issue 'a red line', says Jordan's king The Guardian 17 Mar 2010 - King Abdullah, a close ally of the US and Britain, demanded firm action to stop Israel's provocative measures and threats against Muslim holy sites King Abdullah of Jordan added to pressure on Israel over its settlements... Jonathan Freedland on US putting more pressure on Israel over Palestinians The Guardian 17 Mar 2010 - Jonathan Freedland on the US putting more pressure on Israel over Palestinians Jonathan Freedland Ancient ruin thought to be a synagogue may be a Muslim site Ha'aretz 17 Mar 2010 - Israeli archaeologists have announced that ruins long thought to be of an ancient synagogue are actually the remains of a palace built by Arab caliphs 1,300 years ago. ... Israel Railways officials charged over fatal train crash Ha'aretz 17 Mar 2010 - The state prosecutor for the central region on Wednesday brought charges against senior officials in the Israel Railways over a 2006 accident, in which five people were killed and another 80 injured. ... A first look at the Simpsons' upcoming visit to Israel Ha'aretz 17 Mar 2010 - The first images from the upcoming episode of The Simpsons, in which the animated family visits Israel, were released this week after six months of ... Finance Ministry to pay NIS 32m to 20,000 Holocaust survivors Ha'aretz 17 Mar 2010 - The Finance Ministry will compensate some 20,000 Holocaust survivors with NIS 32 million, the director of the ministry's Authority for Holocaust Survivors' Rights announced this week. The ministry will pay NIS 30 million as part of reforms aimed at raising survivors' living standards, and NIS 2 million as reimbursement for money the ministry collected directly from survivors' accounts after claiming it had been paid out in error. ... Court intervenes after Jewish town refuses Bedouin family Ha'aretz 17 Mar 2010 - For three years, a Bedouin family has been waiting to move to the house they rented on Moshav Nevatim in the northern Negev. The moshav secretariat demanded the family appear before a selection committee, and the Be'er Sheva District Court ruled the demand irrelevant. However, the Supreme Court hinted last week it may overturn this ruling and allow the moshav committee meeting, angering both the Jewish landlord and would-be tenant. A decision is expected in the next few days. ... Iraq: Humanitarian Needs Persist Relief Web 17 Mar 2010 - Source: Refugees International Al Mezan Condemns Internal Attacks in Gaza; Gaza Government Obligated to Investigate, Prosecute Perpetrators Relief Web 17 Mar 2010 - Source: Al Mezan Center for Human Rights Conférence de presse du Secrétaire général des Nations Unies, M. Ban Ki-moon, 16 mars 2010 Relief Web 17 Mar 2010 - Source: UN Secretary-General Obama says Israel home plans not helpful for peace YNet News 17 Mar 2010 - In first reference to recent dispute over 1,600 new housing units near east Jerusalem, US president points finger at Interior Minister Yishai, but says issue has not led to a crisis with between countries. 'Friends are going to disagree sometimes,' he states Kadima MK organizes petition for Netanyahu YNet News 17 Mar 2010 - MK Schneller, Land of Israel Lobby call on prime minister to reject US demands, continue building in Jerusalem Dahlan to Hamas: Join forces against Israel YNet News 17 Mar 2010 - Fatah strongman, considered bitter enemy of organization controlling Gaza, calls for joint struggle in order to 'defend the holy sites, in light of the attack on Jerusalem'. Negotiations with Israel ended before they even began, he adds Jaffa: Dozens protest against 'Judaization of Jerusalem' YNet News 17 Mar 2010 - Arabs, left-wing activists hold rally in support of east Jerusalem residents. Event's organizer detained for questioning by police Top ministers debate US crisis YNet News 17 Mar 2010 - Seven-minister forum convenes for series of meetings into the night to discuss Israeli response to demands made by Secretary of State Clinton, including halting construction in Jerusalem. PM Netanyahu to leave for Washington on Sunday; meetings with senior administration officials have yet to be scheduled Rightists to march in Silwan despite tensions YNet News 17 Mar 2010 - Police approve parade of 70 people along 400 meters in east Jerusalem neighborhood even after Palestinian 'day of rage' Israel reopens Al-Aqsa Mosque compound after Jerusalem riots Daily Star 17 Mar 2010 OCCUPIED JERUSALEM: Israel reopened the flashpoint Al-Aqsa Mosque compound on Wednesday as calm largely returned to occupied East Jerusalem one day after the holy city saw the heaviest Palestinian rioting in years. Tensions also appeared to be easing between Israel and the US after a bitter diplomatic row erupted over new UK, France, Germany seek action against Iran censorship Daily Star 17 Mar 2010 PARIS: Britain, France and Germany asked the EU on Wednesday to take measures to curb Iran's ability to censor domestic opposition and to jam foreign satellite broadcasts.In a joint letter to EU foreign affairs chief Catherine Ashton, the three countries' foreign ministers called for tighter limits on sales of technology that could be used by Iran for repression Erdogan dangles threat to expel Armenians after 'genocide' votes Daily Star 17 Mar 2010 ANKARA: Turkey's premier has threatened to expel thousands of illegal Armenian immigrants after US and Swedish lawmakers passed votes branding World War I-era killings of Armenians by Ottoman Turks as genocide. Turkey, a NATO member and candidate to join the European Union, recalled its ambassadors to Washington and Stockholm after the Iran ready for one-shot nuclear-fuel exchange Daily Star 17 Mar 2010 TEHRAN: Iran has said it is ready for a one-shot nuclear fuel exchange on its own soil, edging closer to the conditions of a plan drawn up by the UN atomic watchdog last year as major powers mulled a new round of sanctions.Iran's atomic chief Ali Akbar Salehi revealed the new offer in an interview published by hardline daily Jawan on Jordan premier, ministers to get salary cut Daily Star 17 Mar 2010 AMMAN: Cash-strapped Jordan has decided to cut the monthly salaries of the prime minister and the 28 members of his government by 20 percent to face an economic crisis, an official said on Wednesday. "The council of ministers decided at a meeting on Tuesday to cut the monthly salaries of the prime minister and the ministers by 20 percent as part of austerity measures to face the economic crisis Gazans find glimmer of luxury in thriving gold bazaar Daily Star 17 Mar 2010 GAZA CITY: Gaza's borders are closed and its economy in shambles, but the glittering alleys of the territory's centuries-old gold bazaar are packed with young brides to be.The market has experienced an unlikely renaissance in recent years as Gaza's Islamist Hamas rulers have championed weddings and Israeli closures have crippled the economy Yemen Houthi rebels free scores of prisoners Daily Star 17 Mar 2010 SANAA: Yemeni Shiite rebels freed at least 170 government soldiers and tribal fighters on Wednesday after Sanaa accused them of dragging their feet on implementing a truce deal to end a northern war, both sides said. The move came a day after a top Yemeni security body said the rebels were not fully complying with a deal struck in February to end a conflict Abu Marzouk champions broad plan to preserve holy sites PIC 17 Mar 2010 - Dr. Mousa Abu Marzouk has advocated a Pan-Arab plan to support steadfastness of Jerusalemites in their city, warning that statements would be of no value. Three Islamic leaders freed from Zionist jails PIC 17 Mar 2010 - The Israeli occupation authorities have freed three Islamic leaders from the West Bank after holding them hostages for prolonged periods. Abu Sha’ar: The US state department blessed the ruin synagogue building PIC 17 Mar 2010 - Dr. Taleb Abu Sha’ar stated that the US state department blessed the Israeli step to build the ruin synagogue near the Aqsa Mosque and demanded the PA to put an end to the incitement in Jerusalem. Settlers' attacks on Palestinians soar in March PIC 17 Mar 2010 - The Jewish settlers' attacks on Palestinian citizens and property recorded an unprecedented hike during the current month of March, the civilian administration of the IOA said. Joint IOF-PA patrols in Salfit PIC 17 Mar 2010 - Palestinians in Salfit were angered over the sight of joint patrols of the IOF and militias of the PA in Ramallah in their streets at a time the IOA was embarking on judaization of occupied Jerusalem. Ashaal: The only option to save the Aqsa Mosque is resistance PIC 17 Mar 2010 - Egyptian professor of political science Abdullah Al-Ashaal stated Wednesday that the only option to save the Aqsa Mosque from Judaization is the resistance. Bardawil: The PA intent to hold a meeting on J’lem bid to spruce up its image PIC 17 Mar 2010 - Dr. Salah Al-Bardawil described the declared intention of the PA to call for a national meeting to form a unified position on how to support occupied Jerusalem as an attempt to spruce up its image. Qaddoumi: Abbas implements a Zio-American agenda PIC 17 Mar 2010 - Farouk Al-Qaddoumi, the head of the political department of the PLO, on Tuesday launched a scathing attack on Mahmoud Abbas, saying he implements a Zio-American agenda. New housing units in occupied Jerusalem PIC 17 Mar 2010 - The planning and construction committee in the Israeli controlled municipality of Jerusalem has endorsed new building plans in a number of suburbs in eastern Jerusalem. Khudari urges Ashton to find a solution to Gaza electricity problem PIC 17 Mar 2010 - MP Jamal Al-Khudari on Wednesday urged Catherine Ashton, the EU foreign affairs chief, to solve the Gaza electricity problem by returning to the old system of direct payment of fuel cost. World's richest man happy to be in Lebanon, not shelling out LA Times 17 Mar 2010 - Palestinians must not stay on the sidelines, official says LA Times 17 Mar 2010 - Mustafa Barghouti, a member of the PLO, sees a weakening of the Palestinian Authority over the hobbled peace process and is skeptical that the U.S. will keep the pressure on Israel. Almost overshadowed in the recent days of diplomatic tussle between the U.S. and Israel is the Palestinian Authority, whose leaders have been watching with concern -- and perhaps a little amusement. It's not often Palestinians get to see the U.S. and Israel clash so publicly. Israel lifts some curbs on Palestinian movement LA Times 17 Mar 2010 - Thousands of police remain on alert, but closure of the West Bank is called off and access to Jerusalem's holiest shrine is granted. Israel on Wednesday lifted its tight restrictions on Palestinian access to Jerusalem's holiest shrine and called off an extended West Bank closure after days of clashes between Palestinians and Israeli security forces. NPR’s Robert Siegel opens a door I want to go through Mondoweiss - 17 Mar 2010 - Why is Martin Indyk saving Americans, and Netanyahu, too, from Netanyahu’s brother-in-law’s statement that Obama is "anti-semitic"? On NPR tonight, Indyk was interviewed by Robert Siegel, and described Netanyahu’s " chevra – the people he lives with–" as hardline Zionist rightwing ideologues. For instance, Bibi’s brother-in-law,... TNR says it’s Obama who’s endangering Israeli lives Mondoweiss - 17 Mar 2010 - Sober Yossi Klein Halevi (a favorite of Isabel Kershner’s in the New York Times ) writing in the New Republic about the new blood libel, the idea that Israel’s brutal occupation is in any way, shape, fashion or form, endangering American security: The administration, according to a... Switcheroo at Khalil Gibran school prompts call for Almontaser’s re-appointment Mondoweiss - 17 Mar 2010 - Communities in Support of the Khalil Gibran International Academy responds to the news that the current principal of the Arab-language public school, Holly Anne Reichert, is stepping down to make way for a principal at another public school to take over the job: Beshir Abdelatiff. What... Special relationship is melting in the sun Mondoweiss - 17 Mar 2010 - Rasmussen poll, reported by Jay Bookman, Atlanta Journal-Constitution : 49 percent of Americans believe that “Israel (should) be required to stop building new settlements in occupied Palestinian territory,” while only 22 percent believe it should not. That represents a strong endorsement of the position taken by the... Mearsheimer: the lobby can’t hide the fact it is siding with Israel against the US president Mondoweiss - 17 Mar 2010 - John Mearsheimer at LRB says one great thing about the contretemps is that it has forced the lobby out into the open, taking a stand against the US president and still claiming that it is operating in the American interest: Siding with Israel against the United... It is Time to Hear the Palestinian People Alternative Information Center - 17 Mar 2010 - Tuesday, 16 March 2010, Israel’s dangerous and arrogant escalation in settlement building, house demolitions and evictions of Palestinian families in East Jerusalem indicates that the government of Netanyahu-Lieberman’s is pushing for overt clash and conflict– and demonstrates that it has absolutely no real... News Archives - March 2010
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