20 Dead, 100 Wounded in Double Resistance Attack in Tel Aviv
Islam Online, January 5, 2003
The attack took place in a street near Tel Aviv's Old Central Bus Station -- OCCUPIED JERUSALEM, January 5 (IslamOnline & News Agencies) - Twenty people were killed and around 100 wounded Sunday, January 5, in a double resistance attack in downtown Tel Aviv during the evening rush hour.

PA dismisses Sharon's view of 'real opportunity' for peace
Ha'aretz, January 5, 2003
Palestinian Authority officials Sunday criticized as election propaganda Prime Minister Ariel Sharon's comments at his weekly cabinet meeting that he sees a chance for diplomacy in the conflict with the Palestinians.

Iraq News

Oil Key in U.S. Strategy on Iraq The Guardian, January 5, 2003 WASHINGTON (AP) - If the United States invades Iraq, there could be oil shortages and gas lines - or an oil glut and falling prices. Much depends on whether American troops can secure Iraqi oil fields and whether other producers continue the flow of oil uninterrupted. Relief Groups Prepare for Massive Crisis in The Making in Iraq Islam Online, January 5, 2003 The average Iraqi child now experiences diarrhea 14 times a year, relief groups. -- BAGHDAD, January 5 (IslamOnline & News Agencies) – While the U.N. experts Sunday, January 5, extended their hunt for alleged weapons of mass destruction to Iraq's second largest city of Basra, CARE and other humanitarian groups warned of "a disaster from a humanitarian perspective". Turkey revives 80-year old claims for stake in Iraqi oil MENA Report, January 5, 2003 Ankara has put forward a request that Washington appropriate to Turkey 10 percent of post-war Iraqi oil revenues, to the amount of $5.5 billion annually. The Islamic NATO member is seeking compensation for losses incurred by it throughout the long-drawn-out war against neighboring Iraq, deputy chairman of the leading Justice and Development Party (AKP), Murad Murjan, told local daily Sabah. Report: Saudis to offset oil price surge in case of US-led war on Iraq MENA Report, January 5, 2003 Washington has reportedly concluded an arrangement with Riyadh, under which the Saudis have committed to hike oil supply in case war breaks in Iraq and sends crude prices soaring, Japan's Mainichi Shimbun newspaper reported. Saddam to deliver speech on Monday; Iraqi forces carry out war games around Baghdad Al-Bawaba, January 5, 2003 Iraqi President Saddam Hussein will deliver a televised speech on Army Day Monday, the Iraqi News Agency (INA) reported. Turkish PM in Egypt to discuss Iraqi crisis Al-Bawaba, January 5, 2003 Turkish Prime Minister Abdullah Gul flew to Egypt Sunday to push for a peaceful solution to the Iraq crisis. Inspections expand to the north, south; Report: Arab nations to try convince Saddam to depart Al-Bawaba, January 5, 2003 U.N. inspectors continued their search for weapons of mass destruction, visiting sites in Iraq's second city of Basra for the first time and establishing a temporary base in Mosul to the north. Iraqi anger over 'intrusive' inspectors BBC, January 5, 2003  Two senior Iraqi officials have reacted angrily after being held for several hours at a site in Baghdad that was sealed off and searched by United Nations weapons inspectors. Turkey and Egypt's peace pact BBC, January 5, 2003 There is strong opposition in Turkey to a war -- The Turkish Prime Minister, Abdullah Gul, and Egyptian President Hosni Mubarak have said they will work to prevent a possible American-led war against Iraq. In Iraq's Tribes, U.S. Faces a Wild Card New York Times, January 5, 2003 MOSUL, Iraq — Sheik Talal Salim al-Khalidi, the portly chieftain of the Bani Khalid tribe, stomped through a farming hamlet in his fief on the broad, flat Mosul plains, gloating that the mud oozing underfoot heralded an auspicious sign in the face of a possible American attack.

US urges Israel to keep low profile on aid talks
Globes, January 5, 2003
The US is trying to avoid angering the Arabs. -- The US has asked Israel to keep a low profile in the discussions on Israel’s special aid request. The talks, which are beginning tomorrow in Washington, will be conducted out of the limelight, without press conferences.

Bush Condemns Suicide Bombings in Israel
The Guardian, January 5, 2003
WASHINGTON (AP) - President Bush condemned ``in the strongest possible terms'' the suicide bombings in Israel and pledged that the peace process will continue, a White House spokeswoman said Sunday.

As support falls, Sharon lashes out at dovish rival
Jerusalem Post, January 5, 2003 
In a turning point in Israel's lethargic election campaign, Prime Minister Ariel Sharon for the first time attacked his main political rival Sunday, saying opposition leader Amram Mitzna lacks experience and that his plan for peace with the Palestinians endangers Israel.

Steinhardt: Jewish groups overplay anti-Semitism to raise money
Jerusalem Post, January 5, 2003 
Michael Steinhardt, a leading American Jewish philanthropist and financier, told The Jerusalem Post today that organized Jewry overplays reports about rising antisemitism for fundraising purposes. "Antisemtism sells," Steinhardt, a significant shareholder in Bank Hapoalim and chairman of the Tel Aviv University Board of Governors, said in a meeting with Post editors.

Egypt issues ultimatum to Hamas: Sign ceasefire or be considered 'enemy of peace'
Jerusalem Post, January 5, 2003 
Continuing its attempts to bring all Palestinian factions to sign a unilateral ceasefire agreement with Israel, Egypt on Sunday presented Hamas with an ultimatum, according to which if it does not sign the agreement, it would be considered "an enemy of peace", Channel One News reported.

IDF searching Jenin for men behind Tel Aviv attack
Jerusalem Post, January 5, 2003
Two suicide bombers blew themselves up minutes apart Sunday in Tel Aviv's central bus station area, a crowded neighborhood where mostly foreign workers live, killing some 20 bystanders and wounding about 100 Sunday evening.

Israel tests missile defences
BBC, January 5, 2003
Israeli civilians are preparing for a war -- Israel has carried out a test launch of its Arrow missile interceptors as part of its preparations for a potential US-led war in Iraq, Israel radio reports.

2002 Worst Year in Israeli History: Israeli Experts
Islam Online, January 5, 2003
OCCUPIED TERRITORIES, January 5 (IslamOnline & News Agencies) – Israeli experts and former lawmakers described 2002 as the worst year in the history of the Jewish state because of the Israeli economic recession, largely attributed to the Palestinian Intifada, as well as the unprecedented "barbaric" way of dealing with the Palestinians.

High Court of Justice throws out terrorists' petition against houses' demolition
Jerusalem Post, January 5, 2003
The High Court of Justice on Sunday rejected a petition submitted by the four members of the so-called Silwan terror cell, who have been convicted of killing 35 Israelis, authorizing the IDF to demolish their homes, Israel Radio reported.

US financier: Israel can't expect any serious business investment now
Jerusalem Post, January 5, 2003
"Money seeks a safe haven and that's not here." -- Leading philanthropist and financier Michael Steinhardt says "it is hard to imagine any serious money coming into Israel at this point," as long as the Palestinians continue their uprising.

First privately-operated prison in Israel to be built soon
Jerusalem Post, January 5, 2003
The first privately-operated prison in Israel will be built in Beersheba in the near future, Israel Radio reported. The prison is to house some 800 inmates in seven wings, the report said.

Mitzna to 'Post': I'd pull IDF out of Hebron
Jerusalem Post, January 5, 2003
Labor Party Chairman Amram Mitzna told The Jerusalem Post on Sunday that if elected prime minister he will withdraw the IDF from the West Bank city of Hebron.

Absorption Ministry plans to build 180 apartments in Katzrin
Jerusalem Post, January 5, 2003 
The Absorption Ministry is planning to build 180 apartments for the elderly in Katzrin, located in the Golan Heights, Israel Radio reports.

19 dead, 90 hurt in double suicide bombing in Tel Aviv
Ha'aretz, January 5, 2003
At least 19 people were killed and 90 others were wounded in a double suicide bombing at around 6:30 P.M. Sunday evening at the Old Central Bus Station in south Tel Aviv.

Two Suicide Bombers Kill 15 in Tel Aviv
The Guardian, January 5, 2003
TEL AVIV, Israel (AP) - Two suicide bombers blew themselves up minutes apart Sunday in a central Tel Aviv area crowded with foreign workers, killing at least 15 bystanders and wounding 40 just three weeks before Israel's general election.

Hear Palestine, January 5, 2002
NEWS: Tulkarem: Israeli Tank Runs into Civilian Bus / Occupation Army Invades Jenin and Surrounding Towns / Occupation Escalates Attacks against Villages West Ramallah / Hebron: Woman Seriously Wounded / Qalqilya: Occupation Warn 11 Families of Home Demolition in Azoun / Bethlehem: Ongoing Curfew, Raids and Arrests Prevent Celebrations / Nablus: Tightened Military Closure; Youngster Wounded in Burqin 
FEATURES: Soldiers Force Palestinian Boy to Act as Suicide Bomber / Deir al-Balah: Occupation Army Digs Ditch Along 'Kfar Darom' / Jenin: Farmers of Anin Prevented from Reaching their Land / Occupation Escalates Attacks on Tayaseer Secondary School / 1202 Palestinians Killed and 9939 Wounded in the Year 2002

Suicide bombers hit Tel Aviv
BBC, January 5, 2003
It was the first suicide attack in Israel for six weeks -- A double suicide bombing has killed at least 19 people in the Israeli coastal city of Tel Aviv.
Dozens of others were injured as the explosions went off in quick succession in a area crowded with people, many of them foreign workers, at the end of the working day.

Israel strives to obtain further multibillion-dollar US aid package
MENA Report, January 5, 2003
A high-profile Israeli treasury delegation is expected in Washington Monday, January 6, to press for a supplemental $14 billion special aid package, in the form of civil assistance and loan guarantees. Israel already receives three billion dollars annually in American foreign aid, making it the US’ principle aid beneficiary.

Israel ''successfully'' carries out test launch of four Arrow interceptor missiles
Al-Bawaba, January 5, 2003
The Israeli army on Sunday "successfully" launched four Arrow interceptor missiles nearly simultaneously from a base near Tel Aviv. The approximately $10 million test launching was the first time Israel fired more than one Arrow missile in the same attempt, Haaretz reported.

Sharon tiptoes gingerly with Washington
Ha'aretz, January 5, 2003 
Diplomatic topics may have have been nudged to the margins of the election campaign, yet it is peace-process issues that are likely to top the agenda of Israel's next government. The topics already seem evident - the future of the settlements and the international "road map" for an Israel-Palestinian settlement.

Ethiopian students protest discriminatory treatment
Jerusalem Post, January 5, 2003
Dozens of Ethiopian students demonstrated today outside the Prime Minister's Office, against discrimination in the classroom, media reports said.

US extends sanctions against Libya
MENA Report, January 5, 2003
Once again, US President George W. Bush has approved a one-year extension of American sanctions against Libya. The embargo has been extended repeatedly since 1988, when the Libyan leadership was held responsible for the bombing of Pan Am Flight 103 over Lockerbie, Scotland.

Report: Egypt foils terrorist operations against foreign interests
Al-Bawaba, January 5, 2003
Egyptian security forces have detained 43 suspected members of the Islamic Jihad group who were planning attacks against foreign targets in Egypt, Al Ahram daily reported on Sunday.

Palestinian sniper injures Israeli soldier in Gaza Strip
Al-Bawaba, January 5, 2003
An Israeli soldier suffered moderate wounds Sunday afternoon when he was shot in the Gaza Strip by a Palestinian sniper firing from Khan Yunis, Israel Radio reported.

The tourists ‘didn’t look right’ and were harassed on entry to Israel 
Alternative Information Center, January 5, 2003 
75 Christian tourists from South America were not permitted entry into Israel through the Taba crossing; only after 7 hours did the director of the Ministry of Interior permitted their entry.

35% of Palestinian pupils in East Jerusalem do not attend school 
Alternative Information Center, January 5, 2003 
Approximately 35% of Palestinian schoolchildren aged 14-18 in East Jerusalem drop out of the official education system and do not belong to any school framework. “This statistic testifies to a most serious phenomenon representing the primary and multi-year task for the education authorities in the Arab sector,” notes Yehudit Shalvi, head of the local educational authority.

Surgeon's voyage to aid Palestinians
BBC, January 5, 2003
David Halpin: About half of children are malnourished -- A Devon surgeon is planning to sail to Gaza in a fishing trawler to take humanitarian aid to Palestinian people.

“Arrow” production agreement with Boeing will be signed within weeks
Globes, January 5, 2003
The negotiations took years. The final assembly of the Arrow missile will be in Israel. -- Sources inform “Globes” that a senior Boeing (NYSE: BA) delegation is expected to visit Israel in the coming weeks to conclude a deal for US production of the “Arrow” anti-ballistic missile.

Sharon planning to intervene in bank supervisor appointment
Globes, January 5, 2003 
Prime Minister Ariel Sharon plans to intervene in the selection of a Supervisor of Banks. Dr. Yitzhak Tal, the current supervisor, decided in the past few days to resign his position.

Police to question Shalom about Likud primaries
Globes, January 5, 2003  
The police will shortly summon Minister of Finance Silvan Shalom to give evidence in the Likud primaries affair. At this stage, the investigators plan to summon Shalom solely as a witness.

Belgium reopens murder case of super-gun scientist
Ha'aretz, January 5, 2003 
The Belgian State Prosecutor is considering reopening a probe into the murder of Canadian scientist Dr. Gerald Bull in Brussels 12 years ago, amid new suspicions that the Mossad was responsible. Belgian police say they have new information that the Mossad was directly involved in killing Bull.

Meretz hunts disappointed Labor and Likud supporters
Ha'aretz, January 5, 2003 
The Meretz party launched its Knesset campaign yesterday with an emphasis on social policies and action. Its election pitch is clearly aimed at disappointed Likud and Labor supporters, as well as potential Shinui voters.

Beijing angry over U.S. halt of Israeli arms
Ha'aretz, January 5, 2003 
Beijing has sharply criticized the United States following a report in Ha'aretz that Washington has pressured Israel to end indefinitely its security ties with China, especially all exports of military systems and technologies.

After '72 Munich Olympic killings, British consul urged softer line on Palestinians
Ha'aretz, January 5, 2003 
Britain's consul in Jerusalem urged his foreign office to adopt a more understanding attitude toward the Palestinians in the aftermath of the 1972 Munich Olympic massacre, in which the PLO murdered 11 Israeli athletes.

Israeli Opposition Thanks Egypt's Baz For Open Letter
Islam Online, January 5, 2003
CAIRO, January 5 (IslamOnline & News Agencies) - The head of Israel's Meretz left-wing opposition party, Yossi Sarid, and former justice minister Yossi Beilin arrived in Cairo on Sunday, January 5, to meet with senior Egyptian officials, airport sources in Cairo said.

International Solidarity Movement, January 5, 2003
Six soldiers / The Detention of Mustafa - A Young Man's Life / Detention at Huwwara

Israel charges Palestinian with attempting to attack ambassador in Germany
Jerusalem Post, January 5, 2003 
Israel has charged a Palestinian man from the West Bank with trying to assassinate Israel's ambassador to Germany, the army spokesman said Sunday.