Vermonters for a Just Peace in Palestine/Israel
Elections Archive - November 2009
Elections Archive - November 2009
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Has Israel Been Spying On The United Nations? 11/30/2009 - Political Theatrics - Al-Manar - A Swiss newspaper said that a number of UN employees in Geneva have concluded that Israel is eavesdropping on UN court sessions. The Neue Zuericher Zeitung (NZZ) added that bugging devices have been found in the organizations deliberations room in the Swiss capital. The newspaper pointed that during regular maintenance procedures on the electrical network, three years ago, two bugging devices were found in a room set for the UN Disarmament Committee meetings. It added that secret meetings were also held in the room over the Second Gulf War and the assassination of former Lebanese PM Rafik Hariri. NZZ revealed that other spying devices have also been found in other parts of the building, including courtrooms. The daily quoted UN employees as saying that Israel was behind planting the devices. UN security experts estimate that the planting process might have taken at least two days with the collaboration of UN employees. Eid al-Adha highlights a Gaza family’s struggle to survive 11/29/2009 - International Solidarity Movement - Rami Almeghari, The Electronic Intifada, 25 November - Eleven-year-old Rawan at her family's home in the al-Maghazi refugee camp in Gaza. Muslims around the world are about to celebrate Eid al-Adha (Feast of the Sacrifice), one of the most important dates in the calendar, marking the end of the annual pilgrimage season to Mecca. Traditionally, Muslims slaughter a lamb (or offer money for one to be slaughtered for a poorer family), as an act of faith, as the Prophet Abraham did. In many Muslim countries, it is also a festive time of year, marked by family visits, purchasing new clothing, presenting gifts and offering sweets and candy to guests. Daoud Suleiman Ahmad, 48, an unemployed construction worker, has been unable to find work for almost three years due to the Israeli blockade of the Gaza Strip. Life for Ahmad and his family in the al-Maghazi refugee camp has been desperately difficult, something that is particularly on his mind during the Eid. Abbas plans to stay on until vote 11/26/2009 - Bethlehem - Ma'an - President Mahmoud Abbas vowed on Wednesday to stay in office until elections can be held, but reiterated that he will not seek another term. "At any time we have the election I will go away and will not run," Abbas told reporters in the Chilean capital Santiago, according to Reuters. "If there will be any consensus between us and Hamas after one month or two months, we are ready. . . to conduct the elections immediately," he was also quoted as saying in Chile, on the last leg of a South American tour designed to build diplomatic support. The pronouncement laid to rest speculation that Abbas could quit before an election is held, creating a power vacuum. Abbas' term officially ended in January 2009, but the Palestinian leadership in Ramallah extended his presidency in a move opponents denounced as unconstitutional. Hamas and Fatah wage rivalry on Gaza’s walls The National 26 Nov 2009 - Each Palestinian faction has its own team of graffiti artists, hand-picked by its leaders, stalking the streets and spread the message of the day. Israeli military confiscates electricity pylons; Palestinians prohibited from improving quality of life 11/26/2009 - International Solidarity Movement - Christian Peacemaker Teams and Operation Dove, 25 November - At-Tuwani, South Hebron hills - On Wednesday, 25 November, the Israeli military and police removed and confiscated two standing electricity pylons from the village of At-Tuwani. The electricity pylons had been installed bythe villagers of At-Tuwani in an effortto connect to the electrical grid in Yatta, a Palestinian city to the north. The Israeli military declared the area around the pylons a closed military zone in an attempt to prevent Palestinians and international activists from obstructing or documenting the confiscation. Nonetheless, dozens of villagers came out in protest, and barricaded a police jeep from entering the village. Despite a recent visit by Tony Blair, the Quartet's special Middle East envoy, in which Blair assured villagers of At-Tuwani that the Israeli authorities gave oral permission to carry out the. . . . Israeli troops and police attack a Palestinian village and remove electricity pylons IMEMC 25 Nov 2009 - Wednesday November 25, 2009 - 14:45, Israeli military and police forces attacked on Wednesday afternoon the village of Towani southern West Bank. [uruknet.info] Israeli troops and police attack a Palestinian village and remove electricity pylons Uruknet November 25, 2009 - Israeli military and police forces attacked on Wednesday afternoon the village of Towani southern West Bank. Around 50 soldiers and police officers surrounded the village decelerated it a close military zone then started to remove pylons providing the Towani with electricity. Members from the human right group Christian Peace Makers Teems, CPT, told IMEMC that the... Abbas pledges to stay on until next Palestinian election Ha'aretz 25 Nov 2009 - Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas said on Wednesday he plans to stay on in his post until the next election is held and that he would be ready to hold ... Abbas says vote date depends on consensus with Hamas YNet News 25 Nov 2009 - Palestinian president says will stay on post until next elections, but stresses will not run for reelection. My bid for president of Palestine is a campaign for peace Daily Star 25 Nov 2009 In 33 years of political journalism and election campaigning in America, I've learned that no one can predict an election outcome. Surprising things that people do not expect usually happens. And longshots with no hope of winning oftentimes do win. So with all that in mind, I am announcing my candidacy for president of Palestine. Fatah forms elections commissariat 11/24/2009 - Ramallah - Ma'an - Palestine's Fatah party established an elections commissariat for the first time in the movement's history, according to Fatah Central Committee member Muhammad Al-Madani on Tuesday. The newly formed elections commissariat began a three-day tour of the West Bank, starting in Hebron, where they will prepare Palestinians for the upcoming legislative and presidential elections, Al-Madani said. The elections, initially called for 24 January, were postponed indefinitely by the Central Elections Committee in October. By preparing the population for elections, the official said, Fatah is showing its support for the democratic process. Al-Madani compared the party's commitment to Palestinian elections to the recent election of new members to Fatah's ruling bodies during the party's Sixth Congress in Bethlehem in August. Israeli minister: Shalit prisoner swap 'very close' 24 Nov 2009 - Palestine, November 24, 2009, (Pal Telegraph) - Ben Eliezer expects Israeli government to approve prisoner-swap deal with Hamas soon. An Israeli minister said on Tuesday that a deal with the democratically elected Hamas movement to swap a Gaza-held soldier in exchange for hundreds of Palestinian prisoners was "very close." "I think that we are very close to a deal on... Analysis: Getting the interests straight Jeruslalem Post 24 Nov 2009 - Israel's interest has always been to release Schalit far away enough from the Palestinian elections to prevent prisoner release from significantly undermining Abbas. Hamas: Talk about a near exchange deal premature PIC 24 Nov 2009 - The Hamas Movement has described the media reports on a near prisoners' exchange deal between Israel and the Palestinian resistance factions capturing Gilad Shalit as "premature". Three Israeli Air Strikes Injure 10 Palestinians and Damage Palestinian Houses and Other Property, Al Mezan Condemns Escalation of Israeli Aggression 11/22/2009 - Al Mezan Center for Human Rights - On 22 November 2009, Israeli warplanes launched three air strikes at different locations in the Gaza Strip injuring 10 persons and destroying several Palestinian houses and other property. According to Al Mezan Centre for Human Rights field investigations, at approximately 12:30am on Sunday 22 November 2009, an Israeli jet airplane launched two missiles at a Palestinian metal workshop belonging to Mohammed Abdel Fatah An-Namroti, 42, near Salah Ad- Din Street in the industrial area of Az-Zawaida village. The 400 square meter metal workshop where six Palestinians used to work was completely destroyed. In addition, the Golden Land Company for Fodder owned by Khadir Hassan Abu Ajwa, 58, was partially destroyed as a result of this air strike. This air strike also damaged the electric network. In a separate attack, at midnight on Sunday 22 November 2009, Israeli jet airplanes. . . . Egyptian security raids 4 Gaza smuggling tunnels 11/23/2009 - Al-Arish - Ma'an - Egyptian authorities stormed four smuggling tunnels and a warehouse between Egypt and Gaza, Egyptian security sources revealed on Monday. The sources told Ma'an that Egyptian security forces raided the area near Salah Ad-Din on the border between Gaza and Egypt and found four smuggling tunnels. The forces were unable to arrest the smugglers, who had fled scene, according to the sources. However, large quantities of electrical appliances were found on their way to the Gaza Strip. The Egyptian authorities also raided a warehouse storing food and goods that were en route to Gaza via the smuggling tunnels. More than 450 smuggling tunnels have been apprehended this year by the Egyptian authorities. Since Israel and Egypt imposed a devastating blockade on Gaza in 2007, a vast network of smuggling tunnels has become the only reliable means of moving goods into Gaza. Hamas leader: Swap coming soon, and on our terms 11/24/2009 - Gaza - Ma'an - An Israeli-Palestinian prisoner swap will be finalized soon, said Ahmad Bahar, deputy speaker of the Palestinian Legislative Council, in a speech on Monday. The Hamas official was referring to the day's media frenzy over hints of a breakthrough for the release of 1,000 Palestinian prisoners in exchange for Gilad Shalit, an Israeli soldier captured in 2006. Addressing relatives of imprisoned Palestinians gathered at the Red Cross building in Gaza City on Monday, Bahar said "the light has dawned. You will soon meet your imprisoned sons. "He added, "Our people will soon celebrate the return of Palestinians from the occupation's prisons - and on the captors' terms,"In turn, Bahar called on factions holding Shalit not to alter their demands. "Your brothers in Hamas and in the government insist on an honorable resolution for our people. . . . " Masri: The Palestinian pilgrims performing Hajj away from political differences PIC 23 Nov 2009 - MP Mushir Al-Masri stated that the Palestinian pilgrims are performing their religious rituals away from the political differences between his Movement and Fatah faction. Abu Obaida: No agreement with factions on halting missile fire PIC 23 Nov 2009 - The armed wing of Hamas Movement, the Qassam Brigades, has denied reaching an agreement with other Palestinian factions to halt firing missiles at Israeli targets from the Gaza Strip. Prisoner exchange could see Israeli soldier swapped for Marwan Barghouti 11/23/2009 - Times of London - Israel and the Palestinians are close to reaching agreement on a prisoner swap that could mean freedom for an Israeli soldier held for more than three years in exchange for the release of nearly a thousand Palestinian militants. Gilad Schalit, the young Israeli corporal captured by Hamas in a cross-border raid in June 2006, could be freed as early as Friday, when Palestinians observe Eid al-Adha a traditional period for amnesties. Among those expected to be released by Israel is Marwan Barghouti, a leading candidate to succeed the Palestinian President, Mahmoud Abbas, who has threatened to step down over a lack of progress in the peace process. Barghouti, the leader of the Fatah young guard, is serving multiple life sentences for murder and attacks on Israelis during the last intifada. Seen as a more militant leader, Barghouti is one of the few figures who may be able to bridge. . . . Official: Armed groups to limit projectile fire 11/21/2009 - Gaza - Ma'an - Armed Palestinian groups in Gaza have reached an agreement to stop firing homemade projectiles into Israel except during army incursions, de facto Interior Minister Fathi Hammad said on Saturday. "We don't prohibit resistance except when there is a national consensus for a ceasefire, like after the last Israeli war against the Gaza Strip,"he told a group of journalists. Hammad added that his ministry stays in contact with military factions before making any decision, and has held several evaluative meetings to discuss the matter, coming to the conclusion that factions should restrain themselves except in the event of an Israeli incursion. It was not clear when the supposed ban was set to begin. A projectile fired from Gaza struck southern Israel on Saturday morning, according to Israeli media. PA police detain 11 ’fugitives’ at Allenby Bridge 11/21/2009 - Jericho - Ma'an - Police operating at the Allenby Bridge border crossing near Jericho detained 11 Palestinians they called fugitives apparently trying to leave the country over the past week. Their names were not released in a statement sent from the department's media office. Meanwhile, a family was evacuated from its home in the Old City of Hebron Friday night after an over-used heater shorted, setting the home ablaze, rescue workers reported. Neighbors called the police, who said they rushed to the Bab Az-Zawieyah area home, where they found a mother and her two children trapped by the fire. Palestinian firefighters were called to the scene to put out the fire. They removed flammable objects from the fire's path, and doused the flaming rooms with water. Each year home fires erupt in Palestine as the result of over-used or unattended electric or domestic-gas heaters. Hammad: Blocking firing of rockets after unanimous endorsement of all factions PIC 22 Nov 2009 - Fathi Hammad, the interior minister, has said that his ministry would not block firing of resistance rockets at Israeli targets unless all Palestinian factions unanimously endorsed such a step. Gaza: PLC condemns Fatah threats to detain Dweik 11/20/2009 - Gaza - Ma'an - The office of the Palestinian Legislative Council in Gaza condemned what it called threats by the Palestinian Authority police forces to detain PLC Speaker Aziz Dweik, and a Fatah slander campaign against the Hamas official. "The attempts to harm Dweik are a clear expression of [Fatah's] fraudulent claims to partnership and democracy, and a negation of the values of political and social conciliation," the office of the PLC Presidency said in a statement Thursday. While no Fatah threats to detain Dweik have been made publically, officials have dismissed the PLC Speaker's attempts to coax a unity deal between the rival parties. Speaking in an interview with Egypt TV and earlier in an interview with the Palestinian newspaper Al-Quds two weeks ago, Dweik said that "By the end of the month you'll hear what will delight your hearts," in reference to ongoing political activity that would end the Hamas-Fatah rivalry. Hamas: We’re not negotiating with Israel 11/20/2009 - Gaza - Ma'an - Hamas spokesman Fawzi Barhoum on Friday denied that the Islamic movement was negotiating with Israel. President Mahmoud Abbas told BBC on Thursday that Hamas was participating in talks with Israel over the establishment of a Palestinian state with temporary borders. But Barhoum insisted that Abbas' remarks were "an attempt to harm the movement's credibility, which has gained international sympathy by holding strong to its principles and defending Palestinians. " In an interview with Ma'an, the Hamas spokesman added that "any negotiations with the [Israeli] occupation would give it legitimacy over our land, people and holy sites, and cover up its crimes. . . Hamas does not negotiate with the occupation. "Concerning elections, Barhoum said there could be no talks without a reconciliation agreement. Abbas confirms election delay AlJazeera 20 Nov 2009 - Palestinian president says presidential and legislative elections will be postponed. Netanyahu: Government to choose one of four AG candidates Ha'aretz 20 Nov 2009 - Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu decided on Friday that the government will choose the next Attorney General from the four candidates suggested by a public search committee. ... Abbas confirms Palestinian vote to be postponed Daily Star 20 Nov 2009 Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas has said presidential and legislative elections scheduled for January will be postponed, confirming that he has accepted advice not to hold the vote. Abbas, speaking to BBC Arabic, said the Palestinian leadership would take measures to avoid a constitutional vacuum - although he did not spell these out. Bahar: Abbas and Fatah conspire against the Palestinian people and the PLC PIC 20 Nov 2009 - Palestinian MP Dr. Ahmad Bahar, the first deputy speaker of the Palestinian parliament said Friday that the legislature would continue its functions till a new parliament is elected.. Three injured in Gaza tunnel 11/19/2009 - Gaza - Ma'an - Three Palestinians were injured overnight while working in the tunnels nearthe Gaza-Egypt border town of Rafah, sources said on Thursday. Medical sources in Abu Yousif An-Najjar hospital told Ma'an that three citizens were moderately injured in working inside a tunnel. On Monday, A Palestinian man was killed as the result of electric shock inside a smuggling tunnel near Rafah. [end] [uruknet.info] Israel begins work on new tunnels to storm Al Aqsa Mosque Uruknet November 19, 2009 - The Al Aqsa Foundation for Endowments and Heritage revealed that the Israeli occupation authorities began excavation works at Al Sharaf alley, tens of meters west of the Al Aqsa Mosque, in preparation for the construction of two tunnels and two electric elevators to connect between the alley, which was confiscated by the Israeli authorities in 1967,... Gaza braces for bitter winter 11/19/2009 - International Solidarity Movement - Mel Frykberg, The Electronic Intifada - EZBT ABBED RABBO, occupied Gaza Strip (IPS) – Tens of thousands of Palestinians in Gaza living in tents and damaged homes face a wet, cold and miserable winter as Israel's blockade of the coastal territory continues to prevent the importation of building and reconstruction material. During the last few weeks Gazans were given a brief reprieve from the oncoming winter as an unseasonal snap of warmish, sunny weather held off winter rain and plummeting temperatures. But, during a tour of northern Gaza last week, the UN Humanitarian Coordinator for the occupied Palestinian territory, Maxwell Gaylard, and the Association of International Development Agencies (AIDA) called on Israel to open its border crossings immediately to avert a further deterioration in the humanitarian situation on the ground. Hassan Nasrallah re-elected as Hezbollah leader YNet News 19 Nov 2009 - Shiite group says elections were delayed due to 2006 war with Israel; Naim Kassim also re-elected as deputy leader Dweik: I am not afraid of any arrest threats, and I will be assuming my duties PIC 19 Nov 2009 - Dr. Aziz Dweik said Wednesday that there are indirect threats to arrest him, stressing that he does not fear these threats and will remain assuming his duties until the elections of a new PLC. Bardawil: The PLC will go on with its duties until electing a new parliament PIC 19 Nov 2009 - Dr. Salah Al-Bardawil highlighted that the Palestinian legislative council (PLC) would continue to assume its parliamentary duties until the election of a new council. Abbas: 'Mideast Deal Wont Happen With Me' 11/19/2009 - Political Theatrics - Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas this week countered Israeli and American claims that a Middle East peace deal could be reached before the end of his term. In an interview with Egyptian television on Wednesday, Abbas denied that either side has been pleading with him persistently to remain in office against his declared plan not to run for presidency in the Palestinian Authoritys next election. If [Israeli and U. S. ] intentions are sincere, then I am still here and have been here for years. They could have reached a deal with me already, said Abbas. If Israel is prepared to advance peace on the basis of prior agreements and in accordance with the outline laid out in the road map, then it can do so with any Palestinian leader that succeeds me. Abbas said he had made clear during talks with U. S. President Barack Obama that he did not seem himself as likely to convince Israel to halt construction in West Bank settlements. PFLP claims attack on Israeli forces in Gaza 11/18/2009 - Gaza - Ma'an - The Abu Ali Mustafa Brigades made claim to a reported mortar-shell attack of what they described as undercover Israeli forces near the Erez crossing on Wednesday. The armed wing of the Popular Front for the Liberation of Palestine said in a statement about the reported attack, that "it is ready for any Israeli incursion" adding that the "natural response [of Palestinians] is to continue confronting the occupation and its acts. " The Abu Ali Mustafa Brigades further urged Palestinian factions to unite. An Israeli military spokesperson said officials were "unfamiliar" with the claims, but confirmed an earlier report that a homemade projectile fired from Gaza had landed in Israeli territory in the Shaar Haganev Regional Council. The reported projectile landed in an open area and caused no damage. Egypt ’already recognizes’ Palestinian state 11/18/2009 - Bethlehem - Ma'an - Egypt already recognizes a Palestinian state, the country's Foreign Minister Ahmad Aboul Gheit said on Wednesday. Aboul Gheit said that Egypt recognized the Palestinian state declared by the PLO in 1988, and what remains to be determined is "how that state would be defined. " The statement came amid a raging debate about the possibility that the Palestinian Authority could seek UN recognition of a unilaterally-declared state as an alternative to years of failed US-brokered talks with Israel. Aboul Gheit also noted that he received the credentials of the new ambassador of the declared state of Palestine. The foreign minister also denied reports that Egypt has any specific plans to renew its mediation in talks between disparate Palestinian factions Hamas and Fatah. Commenting on reports that Egypt would invite the two parties to Cairo after the Eid. . . Abbas may quit before elections 11/18/2009 - Bethlehem - Ma'an - President Mahmoud Abbas hinted in a Tuesday evening interview with Egyptian TV that he may quit his post even before presidential and legislative elections take place. "I will not necessarily seek a new term, and there are further steps I will take in time. The position [of President] is a means, not an end. My decision is clear: I will not run in any elections," Abbas said answering a question about a potential candidacy. The elections, initially called for 24 January, were called off when the Central Elections Committee announced it would be unable to prepare for and open voting stations in Gaza because of de facto government opposition to the move. The committee suggested the elections be postponed, and Abbas has not suggested any new date for the process. Abbas' response was to defer the decision over what will happen once the term of the Palestinian PPP: Reconciliation developments forthcoming 11/18/2009 - Ramallah - Ma'an - A senior official in the Palestinian People's Party (PPP) stated on Wednesday that, "There will be new developments on the conciliation ending division during the coming days. " PPP political bureau member Walid Al-Awad, reluctant to talk in detail, added that "there are intensive contacts among all parties. " Noting that the reconciliation document between Hamas and Fatah had been put off as a result of Hamas' rejection and hesitancy to sign the proposal, Al-Awad said that "the efforts are being made by the Palestinian internal arena and the Arab arena to push Hamas towards accepting to sign the Egyptian proposal. " Al-Awad concluded by expressing hope that Hamas "will realize the situation is sensitive and that the Palestinian cause is passing through difficult circumstances, especially as an assault is waged by Israeli and American departments against. . . Bardawil: The PLC will go on with its duties until electing a new parliament PIC 18 Nov 2009 - Dr. Salah Al-Bardawil highlighted that the Palestinian legislative council (PLC) would continue to assume its parliamentary duties until the election of a new council. Abbas in Cairo: PA committed to seeking UN recognition 11/17/2009 - Bethlehem - Ma'an - President Abbas confirmed on Tuesday the unilateral decision to seek UN recognition of a Palestinian state in accordance with the recent Arab Peace Initiative committee's support, during a news conference with Egyptian President Hosni Mobarak. Abbas confirmed the Palestinian Authority's commitment to appealing to the UN Security Council for a resolution recognizing a Palestinian state on the 1967 borders, with Arab support. The PA completely rejects former Israeli Defense Minister Shaul Mofaz's plan to establish a state on temporary borders, Abbas said, and further criticized Hamas' approval of the temporary borders plan. On the issue of unity Abbas stressed his party's dedication the Egyptian-sponsored reconciliation agreement and blamed Hamas for its failure thus far citing their failure to sign the conciliation document. Bahar: PLC will continue to function until elections 11/17/2009 - Gaza - Ma'an - The Palestinian Legislative Council (PLC) will continue to function until the next elections since its legitimacy is guaranteed by the amended Palestinian Basic Law, said deputy PLC Speaker Ahmad Bahar on Tuesday. Bahar added in a news conference held at the PLC headquarters in Gaza City that, "The PLO Central Council's attempts to practice "piracy' against PLC jurisdiction violates the Palestinian national agreement document which maintained that all articles of the amended Basic Law should be respected. " The plan to referPLC jurisdiction to the PLO's central council in January 2010 is aimed at depriving the current PLC of its legal jurisdiction and at extending President Abbas' term without any legal or constitutional basis, Bahar said, noting that "This plan is doomed to failure. " Bahar further called on the Arab League, as well as Arab and Islamic. . . FM Lieberman tops 'corruption index' YNet News 17 Nov 2009 - Annual survey presented at Israel-Sderot Conference on Social Issues shows public perceives left-wing MKs as most uncorrupt elected representatives Bahar: The present PLC will carry on with its duties until elections are held PIC 17 Nov 2009 - Dr. Ahmad Bahar said on Tuesday that the PLC takes its legitimacy from the amended Palestinian Basic Law, and stressed that the present PLC will continue until a new PLC is elected.. 'Israeli Ministries Funding the Rabbi who Endorses Killing Babies' 11/17/2009 - Political Theatrics - Israeli daily Haaretz published a report on Tuesday in which it said that there are Israeli ministries funding Rabbi Yitzhak Shapira, the rabbi who endorsed killing gentile babies. The Haaretz repost says: Right-wing spokesmen, including some elected officials, rushed to place Yaakov Jack Teitel in the fringe group alongside Yigal Amir, Eden Natan Zada, Eliran Golan, Asher Weisgan, Danny Tikman and a few other political/ideological murderers. True, they acknowledge, there are among us several lunatic rabbis who agitate to violence. Really, just a handful; even a toddler could count them. The more stringent will note that unlike the Hamas government, our government does not pay the salaries of rabbis who advocate the killing of babies. Is that so? Not really, Haaretz continues. Palestinian Dies In Gaza Tunnel IMEMC 16 Nov 2009 - Monday November 16, 2009 - 12:08, Palestinian medical sources in the Gaza Strip reported on Monday morning that a Palestinian young man was electrocuted in a tunnel near Khan Younis, in the southern part of the Gaza Strip. Gaza man electrocuted in tunnel accident 11/16/2009 - Gaza - Ma'an - A Palestinian man was killed as the result of electric shock inside a smuggling tunnel under the Gaza-Egypt border town of Rafah on Sunday, medics said. The victim was identified as Tawfiq Rujeila. Three others were reportedly injured. Medical sources at Abu Yousif An-Najjar Hospital told Ma'an over the phone that Rijeila was pronounced dead upon arrival. Since Israel and Egypt imposed a devastating blockade on Gaza in 2007, a vast network of smuggling tunnels has become the only reliable means of moving goods into Gaza. The industry is notoriously dangerous, and dozens of Palestinians are killed each year in tunnel-related accidents. [end] Bahar: Shalit captors must stick to terms 11/16/2009 - Gaza - Ma'an - The Palestinian Legislative Council's first deputy, Ahmad Bahar, praised the steadfastness ofPalestinian prisoners, their pioneering role in leading the Palestinian resistance and their unity inside Israeli prisons during his visit to the released prisoner Younis Hussein. Bahar appealed to the factions currently holding captured Israeli soldier Gilad Shalit to commit to their terms to bring about a prisoner swap that could affect the imposed Israeli standards that currently impede the release of Palestinian detainees. Younis Hussein, released on Sunday after serving 22 years, welcomed and briefed the delegation of PLC members on the living conditions suffered by prisoners and the arbitrary actions of the prison administration against all the prisoners. He stressed the need for Palestinians to unite to bring about the release of all prisoners and not to compromise on Palestinian prerequisites. Caretaker gov’t discusses prisoners, elections during weekly meeting 11/16/2009 - Ramallah - Ma'an - The Palestinian caretaker government in Ramallah discussed during its weekly cabinet meeting on Monday the recent Arab League decision to initiate an international and Arab campaign to highlight illegal detentions of Palestinians, in addition to rejecting a state on interim borders and condemning Hamas' refusal to proceed with elections in Gaza. The political environment The caretaker government welcomed the Arab Peace Initiative committee's support for the Palestinian appeal to the international community to exert pressure to end the Israeli occupation. Furthermore, the government applauded the UN General Assembly's social, educational, and humanitarian committee over its decision to support the Palestinian right to self determination. The cabinet further reiterated its refusal to all proposals calling for the establishment of a Palestinian state within. . . Ex-detainee Hussein urges Palestinian resistance to kidnap more Israeli soldiers PIC 16 Nov 2009 - Ex-detainee Younis Hussein on Sunday called on the Palestinian resistance factions to kidnap more Israeli soldiers in order to ensure the release of all Palestinian detainees in Israeli jails. Pro-Israel lobby group bankrolling Tories, film claims 11/16/2009 - The Guardian - 50% of MPs in the shadow cabinet are Conservative Friends of Israel members, according to Channel 4's Dispatches - Channel 4's film alleges that William Hague faced threats of a withdrawal of funding from CFI after he described a retaliatory attack by Israel on Lebanon in 2006 as 'disproportionate'. Photograph: Martin GodwinPro-Israeli organisations in Britain look set to see their influence increase if the Conservatives win the next election, a film scrutinising the activities of a powerful but little-known lobby warns today. At least half of the shadow cabinet are members of the Conservative Friends of Israel (CFI), according to a Dispatches programme being screened on Channel 4. The programme-makers describe the CFI as "beyond doubt the most well- connected and probably the best funded of all Westminster lobbying groups". Palestinian groups send out feelers 11/14/2009 - The National - RAMALLAH // Palestinians will commemorate the Palestine Liberation Organisations 1988 declaration of independence today and, in a rare unified act, schools in both the West Bank and Gaza will close to observe the holiday. This unusual co-ordinated measure comes amid signs that Hamas is ready to sign the Egyptian-mediated reconciliation proposal that will pave the way for a temporary rapprochement between the Islamist movement and Fatah, at least until new elections can be held in mid-2010. In announcing its decision, the ministry of education in the Hamas-administered Gaza Strip said it decided to give the day off in order to avoid any misunderstanding with any party. Yesterday, meanwhile, the Palestine National Council, the PLOs parliament and the body that issued the 1988 Algiers declaration of independence, calmly exhorted Hamas to join the Palestinian national project and end its feud with Fatah. PLO Plans Gov’t Reform To Phase Out Hamas 11/14/2009 - Political Theatrics - Israeli electronic site Ynet reported on Saturday that the Palestinian Authority is currently putting the finishing touches on carrying out a revolution within the Palestinian government institutions, in order to put an end to the paralyzing division, and be rid of the legislative obstacles placed by Hamas. PA sources told Ynet that according to the plan in formation, the role of Legislative Council, which has served as the parliament since the establishment of the PA and is currently ruled by Hamas, will be usurped by the Palestinian Liberation Organization’s Central Council, which will become the supreme Palestinian legislative body. Hamas is not a member of the PLO, and it will have no foothold in the council. According to the plan, which is slated to be put in action in January, Mahmoud Abbas’ main role will be PLO head, meaning the current president, who recently announced he does. . . .  Links
Mossawa - The Advocacy Center for Arab Citizens of Israel Mossawa, The Advocacy Center for Arab Citizens in Israel, was established in October of 1997 as a Non Governmental Organization. Mossawa works to promote equality for ArabPalestinians within the borders of Israel. Palestinian Authority Ministry of Health This website requires Internet Explorer. Palestinian Authority Ministry of Information General information from the PA Palestinian Information Center Hamas news site Palestinian National Initiative - Al Mubadara The main objective of the Initiative is the realization of Palestinian national rights and of a durable, just peace. Both of these objectives can be best achieved at this juncture through the establishment of a national emergency leadership, the immediate implementation of democratic elections at all levels of the political system, and reform of political, administrative, and other institutional structures in order to meet the needs of the Palestinian people. PLO Negotiations Affairs Department Documents, maps, fact sheets and reports related to the occupation.
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