Israel
Raids Gaza; 12 Palestinians Killed
The Guardian, January 26, 2003
GAZA CITY, Gaza Strip (AP) - Israeli troops targeting small weapons
factories moved deep into Gaza City early Sunday, killing 12 local
gunmen in exchanges of fire and wounding 67 Palestinians in a
large-scale assault just two days before Israel's general election.
Israel
Seals West Bank, Gaza Before Vote
Newsday, January 26, 2003
JERUSALEM -- Israel locked down the West Bank and Gaza Strip on
Sunday ahead of its national election to keep out Palestinian
attackers, after a large-scale military incursion into Gaza and
warnings that Palestinians may try to disrupt the voting with
violence.
Powell:
Israel must offer Palestinians more than a 'phony state'
Ha'aretz, January 26, 2003
In remarks foreshadowing U.S. pressure on Prime Minister Ariel
Sharon to make concessions for peace, Secretary of State Colin
Powell said in Switzerland on Sunday that Israel must offer Palestinians
more than a "phony state diced into a thousand different pieces."
Gaza
in shock at bloody Israeli attack
The Australian, January 27, 2003
JAMAL Ed Keter says he did not even see the Israeli Army helicopter
that blasted him and a large group of young men in a Gaza City
street early yesterday morning.
Palestinian
boy, 7, killed in Rafah; 4 Kassams land in Israel
Ha'aretz, January 26, 2003
A seven-year-old Palestinian boy was killed by IDF fire Sunday
afternoon while playing in an open field in the Brazil neighborhood
in Gaza Strip town of Rafah, Palestinian sources reported. His
5-year-old brother was wounded in the incident.
Egypt
pushes for Palestinian cease-fire
The News & Observer, January 26, 2003
CAIRO, Egypt (AP) - Egypt stepped up troubled efforts Sunday to
persuade Palestinian factions to declare a halt on attacks against
Israeli civilians ahead of a crucial elections in Israel and a
possible U.S. war in Iraq.
Sharon
fleshes out his own `road map'
Ha'aretz, January 26, 2003
Prime minister insists on a complete termination of terror and
full PA reform -- A special team from the prime minister's
bureau, headed by Dov Weisglass, is finalizing the Israeli version
of the "road map" in consultation with the Defense and Foreign
Ministries.
Sharon
Seeking Victory at Elections Through Show of Force: Erekat
Palestine Media Center, January 26, 2003
Israeli Attack Concurrent With Cairo Talks aimed at Ceasefire
-- The Palestine National Authority (PNA) accused Israeli Prime
Minister Ariel Sharon of launching a massive deadly raid against
the people of Gaza City on Saturday night, early Sunday in an
attempt to improve his chances to win in Tuesday’s general
elections.
Donkey
blown up
News24.com, January 26, 2003
Jerusalem - Suspected Palestinian militants blew up a donkey rigged
with explosives on Sunday next to an Israeli commuter bus near
Jerusalem, slightly damaging the bus, the army and witnesses said.
'Show
Palestinian sufferings to the world'
New Straits Times, January 26, 2003
PETALING JAYA, Jan 26: Malaysia will make an effort to bring
Palestinians who are victims of Israeli atrocities here to show
their sufferings to the world. Datuk Seri Dr Mahathir Mohamad
said the Palestinians were shot with chemical-covered bullets
as a result of which some had contracted diseases.
Marani:
Male participation in Israeli labor force embarrassingly low
Globes, January 26, 2003
“Israel’s 84% rate of male participation in the labor
force is among the lowest in Western countries, compared with
an average of 94%,” Ministry of Finance director general
Ohad Marani said at the end of last week.
Sharon:
Negotiations with US on loan guarantees to resume shortly
Globes, January 26, 2003
Prime Minister Ariel Sharon said today Israel would resume talks
with the US over the special economic aid in a few days. He said
no decision had been taken whether to hold the talks in Israel
or the US. Israel is asking for $12 billion is aid: $8 billion
in loan guarantees to commercial banks and $4 billion in military
grants.
US
administration sends positive signal on Israel aid request
Globes, January 26, 2003
The Bush administration is signaling its positive attitude towards
Israel’s special aid request for $12 billion in grants and
loan guarantees, and that it will begin considering the matter
soon.
PM
`quietly' working to allow visits by Jews to Temple Mount
Ha'aretz, January 26, 2003
Prime Minister Ariel Sharon recently held a secret meeting with
leading settlement rabbis to discuss reopening the Temple Mount
to Jewish worshipers. Sharon told them he is determined to allow
Jews back on the mount, but asked that they allow him to work
quietly toward this goal.
IDF
plans crackdown in Hebron
Ha'aretz, January 26, 2003
The IDF intends to get tough on Palestinian militant groups in
the Hebron area after the killing of three soldiers by Hamas in
an ambush near Hebron Thursday night.
Hamas
fires 10 Kassams at Sderot
Ha'aretz, January 26, 2003
Hamas fired an unusually large barrage of 10 Kassam rockets at
the Negev town of Sderot on Friday morning. No one was injured,
but one person suffered from shock, and some houses were damaged.
Palestinian
Cairo talks continue `smoothly'
Ha'aretz, January 26, 2003
CAIRO - Talks were progressing "smoothly" among Palestinian militant
leaders meeting for the second day yesterday in an effort to unify
their stance on the intifada.
Labor:
Mofaz comments show Likud's plan is to conquer territories
Jerusalem Post, January 26, 2003
The Labor Party on Sunday harshly criticized Defense Minister
Shaul Mofaz for comments he made in which he said that Israel
was considering reoccupying the Gaza Strip. Labor campaign spokesperson
Yuli Tamir said that Mofaz's comments show that the Likud's diplomatic
plan is to reoccupy the territories.
Police
stop far-right leaders from visiting Umm al-Fahm
Ha'aretz, January 26, 2003
Police prevented the leaders of the far-right Herut party, from
making a provocative trip to the Arab town of Umm al-Fahm on Sunday,
stopping MK Michael Kleiner and former Kach activist Baruch Marzel
at Iron Junction, close to the town.
Israel
Launches Second Deadly Raid on Gaza in Less than 24 Hrs
Palestine Media Center, January 26, 2003
Incursion Is Deepest Into City Since Intifada Erupted -- With
just three days to go on Israeli general elections, Israeli occupation
forces (IOF) launched the second deadliest attack on the Gaza
Strip in less than 24 hours, killing 12 Palestinians, and inuring
51, at least ten in serious condition, with fears that the death
toll would rise.
Israeli
forces kill 12 in Gaza incursion
USA Today, January 26, 2003
GAZA CITY, Gaza Strip (AP) — Israeli troops targeting small
weapons factories moved deep into Gaza City early Sunday, killing
12 local gunmen in exchanges of fire and wounding 67 Palestinians
in a large-scale assault just two days before Israel's general
election.
Occupation
Chronicle Events in Palestine, January 26, 2003
Palestine Media Center, January 26, 2003
Israeli Occupation Forces (IOF) killed 12 Palestinians in the
occupied Palestinian territories, when IOF carried the biggest
invasion of Gaza city since the eruption of the Intifada. An Israeli
settler near Ramallah city killed another Palestinian civilian.
/ 12 Killed, Dozens Injured in Gaza Invasion / IOF Carry Another
incursion Into Beit Hanoun / Civilian Killed by Israeli Settler
Near Ramallah
Israeli
forces kill 12 in Gaza City
Swiss Radio International, January 26, 2003
GAZA (Reuters) - Israel has killed at least 12 Palestinians in
its deepest thrust into Gaza City in two years of fighting, adding
ammunition to Prime Minister Ariel Sharon's security pledges two
days before a general election.
Israel
Seals Palestinian Territories
VOA News, January 26, 2003
Israel has imposed a total closure on the West Bank and Gaza Strip
as part of measures to boost security ahead of national elections
Tuesday.
Israel's defense minister, Shaul Mofaz, announced the closure
of the Palestinian territories would go into effect immediately
and would not be lifted until after the January 28 elections.
13
Palestinians killed in Gaza Strip, Hamas says Israel to pay ''heavy
price''
Al-Bawaba, January 26, 2003
At least 12 Palestinians were killed and more than 50 were injured
during a major Israeli incursion into the center of Gaza City
overnight, hospital sources said.
Fierce
Fighting as Israelis Storm Into Gaza, Killing 12
New York Times, January 26, 2003
JERUSALEM, Sunday, Jan. 26 — Two days before Israel's elections,
at least a dozen Palestinians were killed today as Israeli forces
struck deeper into Gaza City than at any time in the past two
years of fighting.
Israeli
attack on Gaza City kills 12
The Independent, January 26, 2003
A force of around 50 Israeli tanks backed by helicopter gunships
entered Gaza City from three directions last night killing 12
Palestinians in the deepest incursion in more than two years of
fighting, witnesses said.
Israel
to seal off Palestinian areas
BBC, January 26, 2003
The incursion caused widespread damage -- Israeli forces are imposing
a complete closure on the Palestinian territories until after
Israel's general election on Tuesday. Curfews and cordons will
prevent travel by Palestinians in areas which Israel believes
to be militant hotspots.
13
Palestinians Killed, 64 Injured in New Israeli Massacre
Islam Online, January 26, 2003
GAZA CITY, January 26 (IslamOnline) – Israeli occupation
troops pushed deep into Al-Zayton district south of Gaza City,
leaving 13 Palestinians dead and over 64 other wounded some seriously,
IslamOnline reported Sunday, January 26.
Financial
transparency promised by Palestinian Authority
Al-Bawaba, January 26, 2003
The Palestinian Ministry of Finance has released details of a
major financial reform effort, including the legal foundation,
assets, and operating guidelines and regulations for the Palestine
Investment Fund (PIF).
IDF
experts say intifada violence has passed its peak
Ha'aretz, January 26, 2003
IDF sources believe violence in the conflict between Israel and
the Palestinians has peaked. Senior IDF sources also think approaching
American offensive against Iraq will bring heavy pressure on Palestinians
to cease all acts of terrorism against Israel.
Israelis,
Palestinians plan int'l conference of mayors
Ha'aretz, January 26, 2003
Israeli and Palestinian mayors decided yesterday to hold an international
conference in 2003 with some 1,000 mayors from all over the world,
to promote joint Israeli-Palestinian projects. The decision was
made at a meeting of Israeli and Palestinian mayors in The Hague.
Press
Council President: those who examined Kra’s telephone list
should resign
Jerusalem Post, January 26, 2003
As this story went to press on Sunday, the Justice Ministry had
failed to shed new light on reports that a senior government official
approved a request to examine the list of telephone calls to and
from Ha’aretz reporter Baruch Kra, who broke the story of
Israel’s request to question Cyril Kern.
Voters
cling to their faith in Sharon to save Israel
The Observer, January 26, 2003
Israel's hardline leader is heading for a poll victory this week,
but he will still need right-wing religious backing -- Friday
is the busiest morning for the stall-holders at Mahane Yehuda
market in west Jerusalem as local Jews come to stock up for the
family meal of the Sabbath.
US
Administration Hopes Sharon Wins Israeli Elections: Analysis
Palestine Media Center, January 26, 2003
Egyptian President Hosni Mubarak’s statement Saturday that
the United States lacked a “clear vision” to secure
peace in the Middle East and news reports that Israel is finalizing
an Israeli alternative to the international Quartet’s “roadmap”
to regional peace, are only the latest vindication of an analysis
that the Bush administration hopes Ariel Sharon wins the January
28 elections in the Jewish State.
Arabs
in Israel Reveal a Loss of Political Faith as Election Day Nears
New York Times, January 26, 2003
BAQA Al GHARBIYEH, Israel, Jan. 24 — Just four days before
this country's parliamentary elections, Burham Ghanem still could
not say precisely which party would get his vote. But he could
guarantee this: it would not be one of the Jewish parties.
Surprise
interview on Israeli TV with Hebron settler appalls the public
Alternative Information Center/Maariv, January 25, 2003
On the evening of the extraordinary funeral in Hebron on Sunday
19 January 2003, when gangs of settlers clashed with the police
in a struggle to bury their killed comrade Nati Ozeri on an illegal
outpost, Arutz 10 TV hosts Shai and Dror phoned up settler leader
Noam Federman. Federman (34), former activist in the outlawed
Jewish terrorist organization Kach, is under house arrest in Hebron
since October when he was ruled to be a “serious security
threat” by the IDF central command.
Shinui
pressing Labor for second place
Globes, January 26, 2003
Two days before the election, it appears that no significant change
has taken place in the election forecast, except for the emerging
contest between the Labor Party and Shinui over second place.
No change in the balance between the different blocs is emerging.
Mofaz:
1,500 soldiers to reinforce police on election day
Ha'aretz, January 26, 2003
Police forces will be buffered with some 1,500 Israel Defense
Forces soldiers and a complete closure will be imposed on all
Palestinian areas of the territories in wake of threats of terror
attacks for Tuesday's election, Defense Minister Shaul Mofaz said
during Sunday's weekly government meeting.
To
boycott or not to boycott
Ha'aretz, January 26, 2003
Despite strong campaigns to ignore the election, most Arabs will
probably vote -- Attorney Wakim Wakim says his movement is working
just as hard on its election campaign as everyone else in the
field, reaching out with conferences and parlor meetings.
Likud
suffers from coalition jitters
Ha'aretz, January 26, 2003
Party is worried that a stable government will be difficult to
form -- Prime Minister Ariel Sharon is worried that he might
not be able to set up a stable government after the elections,
associates of the prime minister said yesterday.
Senior
Laborites predict split if party joins unity government
Ha'aretz, January 26, 2003
Labor leader Amram Mitzna strongly urged undecided Labor voters
to vote for him, if only to strengthen him as opposition leader
in the next Knesset.
International
Solidarity Movement, January 25, 2003
International Solidarity Movement
1) The demolition of the market in Nazlet Issa _ Lissa Nessen,
2) Mountain of Fire: Nablus Under Lockdown _ Anne Gwynne, 3) Encounters
with Children _ Roy Bard, 4) Still Laughing _ Lina Jansson
Jerusalem
Center: Illegal construction in East Jerusalem now the norm
Globes, January 26, 2003
6,000-10,000 buildings were constructed in eastern Jerusalem without
building permits in the 1990s. Illegal construction has become
the norm in the Arab neighborhoods, states a report by Justus
Reid Weiner of the Jerusalem Center for Public Affairs
Palestinian
State “Possible” in 2005: Powell
Islam Online, January 26, 2003
DAVOS, Switzerland, January 26 (IslamOnline & News Agencies)
– U.S. Secretary of State Colin Powell said Sunday, January
26, that a Palestinian state was "possible" by the year 2005 and
that the United States is committed to achieving this target.
ISM:
Kristen Ess reporting from Gaza
International Solidarity Movement, January 26, 2003
At 9 o'clock yesterday morning the Israeli military destroyed
all of the bridges the lead in and out of Beit Hanoun in the north
of the Gaza Strip. Israeli tanks and helicopters then shelled
the town for 18 hours.
ISM:
Waiting for the Declaration of War / Photos
International Solidarity Movement, January 26, 2003
The Israeli occupying army attacked Gaza City again last night.
They murdered 12 (now the death toll is at 14 in the City) Palestinians
and targeted infrastructure. They destroyed homes, shops, roads,
and electricity. Over 40 people are injured. Friends called throughout
the night, terrified. "What can we do? We sit here and wait."
Hamas
says it developed new anti-tank rocket
Jerusalem Post, January 26, 2003
The military wing of the Hamas, Izzedin Al Kassam said Sunday
that it had developed a new anti-tank rocket.
Gaza
Strip: rebuilding destroyed property
Jerusalem Times, January 23, 2003
Marwan Abdul-Hamid, deputy minister of Housing and Public Works,
said recently that the ministry is continuing efforts to rebuild
what occupation forces destroyed and is trying to procure financial
aid for that purpose.
Israel
dynamites road links to Gaza town, turning up heat ahead of election
Jordan Times, January 26, 2003
GAZA CITY (AFP) — Israeli occupation forces dynamited four
road overpasses Saturday, isolating the northern Gaza Strip town
of Beit Hanoun after rockets were fired on Israeli territory from
the area a day earlier, Palestinian and Israeli military sources
said.
Kofi
Annan commends Jordan's efforts for peace
Jordan Times, January 26, 2003
NEW YORK (Petra) — UN Secretary General Kofi Annan commended
efforts by His Majesty King Abdullah to reach a comprehensive
and lasting peace in the Middle East.
Family
says Muslim leader denied reentry to US
Jordan Times, January 26, 2003
PALOS HILLS, Illinois (AP) — The family of a suburban Chicago
Muslim leader said he has been denied reentry into the United
States after visiting relatives in Jordan.
video
Mofaz:
Israel contemplating taking over the Gaza strip
BBC, January 26, 2003
