Conflict..

30 Residents, Including 4 Journalists, Wounded In Hebron, 18 Others Arrested In Nablus International Press Center 2/28/2006 WEST BANK, Palestine, February 28,2006 (IPC+Agencies) - -More than 30 residents were wounded, among were 4 journalists, by the Israeli soldiers in Bni Naem town, of Hebron district when confrontations flared up between school pupils meanwhile, IOF contingent overran into Nablus and Jenin city and arrested 18 residents. Medics at the Red Crescent Association reported that 30 residents including four journalists were hit yesterday in the town of Hebron when the Israeli soldiers opened live ammunitions and tear gas towards the schoolboys who encountered the IOF soldiers besieging residents' houses in the town on the pretext of shielding a fighter wanted by the occupation. more.. IDF predicting return of 'stone intifada' to West Bank Ha'aretz 3/1/2006 The stabbing incident at the Gush Etzion junction yesterday afternoon ended with a low casualty count: A man from Kiryat Arba was moderately injured and a teenager from the settlement of Tekoa was lightly hurt. Soldiers shot and mortally wounded the stabber before he could attack others at the junction. However, this was only one out of three incidents in the West Bank yesterday. A few hours earlier, a 14-year-old Palestinian girl was arrested at a checkpoint near Rachel's Tomb. She told the police that she had intended to stab them. Shortly afterward, a Palestinian with a knife was arrested at the entrance to the Machpela Cave. He is suspected of planning to snatch a weapon from a soldier. more.. Israeli forces invade Beit Foreik Village near Nablus, break into homes Ma'an News 3/1/2006 Nablus (Ma'an) - Israeli forces invaded Beit Foreik Village east of Nablus City in the northern West Bank Tuesday night. Once the army began to invade, several youth threw stones. Israeli forces shot gas and live bullets at the young Palestinians. Eyewitnesses told Ma'an's correspondent that Israeli soldiers broke into several homes in what they described as "a savage manner. " [end] more.. A Palestinian injured as he stabs 2 Israeli settlers, all in hospitals Ma'an News 2/28/2006 Bethlehem Ma'an - Israeli sources say that a male and female Israeli settler sustained injuries early Tuesday evening when a Palestian man stabbed them near the Atzion Junction in the southern West Bank. Israeli sources said that Israeli soldiers occupying the southern Bethlehem area took note of the Palestinian and opened fire on him. He is seriously injured. The Palestinian man and male Israeli settler were taken to Hadassah Hospital and the female settler is at the Israeli Tsediq Hospital. more.. Israeli forces raid northern West Bank village because youth throw stones at passing settler cars Ma'an News 2/28/2006 Salfit (Ma'an) - Israeli forces raided Maradah Village in northern Salfit Tuesday evening because, they claim, young people are throwing stones at passing settler cars. Residents of the northern West Bank village told Ma'an via telephone that Israeli jeeps and other military vehicles invaded the village claiming that young Palestinian men were throwing stones at Israeli settler cars traveling on one of the West Bank's "settler-only" roads. Eyewitnesses continued to tell Ma'an that Israeli soldiers fired gas and sound grenades. Soldiers also broke into the home of Samih Khofash, forced the entire family into a single room and took over the roof of their house. [end] more.. Fears of new Israeli settlement as wall completed around Bethlehem Palestine Monitor/Open Bethlehem 2/28/2006 The final section of Israel’s wall separating Bethlehem from Jerusalem will be completed in a matter of days. The wall around Rachel’s Tomb in Bethlehem will not only sever the connection between the region’s most holy Christian sites, but will also herald the creation of a new ‘fact on the ground’ - an illegal Jewish settlement which will be home to some of Israel’s most extremist religious groups. The ultra-orthodox Kever Rahel Fund announced last year that it intended to build about 400 apartments at the site. This week their work has begun. Settlers are planning to move into houses around the tomb as soon as the wall is completed. Bethlehem’s population fears that town will become another Hebron... more.. S. Hebron Hills residents fear being trapped by second fence Ha'aretz 2/27/2006 In addition to the separation fence along the so-called seam line in the southern Hebron Hills another low barrier is to be erected in Palestinian lands. The Palestinians fear this will mean that more than 3,000 of the cave-dwelling residents in the area will find themselves confined in an enclave. The security reasons behind the construction of the second fence is to prevent access by Palestinian vehicles to a road used by settlers, and to allow closure of the four gates to be constructed in the fence if warning of a terror attack is received. The original route of the separation fence now under construction in the southern Hebron Hills pushed into Palestinian territory east of the Green Line by as much as eight kilometers, and was slated to encompass all settlements in the area. more.. An Israeli training camp made to look exactly like Palestinian cities! Ma'an News 2/28/2006 Ma'an – For the first time the Israeli military is allowing information to be dispersed regarding its establishment of training camp that imitates a Palestinian city in Al Naqab [Negev Desert] costing some 15 million USD. The camp is scheduled for completion by the year 2007. It completely resembles Palestinian cities with respect to the urban appearance and the overcrowding. Its purpose is, of course, to give Israeli forces the chance to practice attacking Palestinian cities. The Israeli daily Maariv's website published the news, printing that the need for such a project has been known since 2002 when Israeli forces heavily invaded urban centers throughout the West Bank. more.. Israeli forces uproot Palestinian olive trees, confiscate land, & allow settlers to plant olive trees on the same land Ma'an News 2/27/2006 Jenin (Ma'an) – Israeli forces uprooted hundreds of Palestinian olive trees northwest of Jenin in the northern West Bank. The trees became on the wrong side of the Wall and are too near a settlement. Additionally Israeli forces shut down the local Palestinian garbage dump in the area. Rural Council member in the area said that Israeli forces uprooted hundreds of olive trees at noon on Monday at the town of Birta Al Sharikya's eastern entrance. More than 20 Israeli military vehicles and a bulldozer besieged the area and began destroying trees under the pretext that they are now on lands subject to tax. But land owner Qubha says, "I have the papers that prove the lands belong to people represented by the Rural Council. " more.. Israeli forces raid eastern Nablus refugee camps again, taking 8 Palestinians to unknown locations Ma'an News 2/28/2006 Nablus (Ma'an) – Israeli forces raided eastern Nablus' Balata and Askar refugee camps again early Tuesday morning. After daily invasions, and a week-long killing spree which left eight resistance fighters and citizens dead, including a child throwing stones, Israeli jeeps incurred into the camp. Israeli soldiers took eight Palestinians to unknown locations. From Balata Refugee Camp three of them are teenagers including, 22 year old Khalil Hanown, 19 year old Mohammad Al Fayomi, 18 year old Adnan Shibarow, 17 year old Salih Al Jermy, and 16 years old Ihab Al Nijma. In both Balata and Askar camps the invasions were relatively quick this morning. Israeli military vehicles blocked entrances with soil, so no cars could come or go, broke into homes, searched them, and took these six people away. more.. Nine arrested in Assira Ashimaliya and Balata Palestine News Network 2/27/2006 In a military operation that began Monday at dawn, Israeli Forces arrested nine Palestinians in the town of Assira Ashimaliya and Balata Refugee Camp. Local sources in Assira said a large army force invaded the town and arrested eight men, all of them members of Palestinian Authority security services. The detainees were identified as Mohamed Youssef Yassin, Jamal Abdul Gabbar Yassin, Abed NaferYassin, Ammar Taysir Yassin, Shadi Rebhy Yassin, Mohamed Rebhy Yassin, Nafer Rebhy Yassin and Mohamed Sadek Shouli. In Balata near Nablus, Israeli forces arrested 19-year-old Gaber Abu Hamada after breaking into his house on Market Street. They also broke into the houses of the Snaqra and Abu Layl families in the camp. [end] more.. Police deny Marzel, far-rightist group entry into town of Sakhnin Ha'aretz 2/27/2006 Police prevented a group of far-right activists headed by Baruch Marzel of the "Jewish National Front" to enter and tour the northern Arab town of Sakhnin on Monday. Rightist activist Itamar Ben Gvir told Haaretz that Marzel and the group will travel to Sakhnin to carry out surveillance of the town. The acting spokesman of the police's Galilee district, Superintendent Yaron Zamir, confirmed that Marzel and his supporters planned to arrive at a meeting point near the town, from where they would continue to a spot where they can look out onto Sakhnin. Zamir said the police will not allow the group to enter the city in any case. more.. Rocket lands in southern kibbutz YNetNews 2/27/2006 Qassam causes minor damage to structures in Kibbutz south of Ashkelon; IDF responds with artillery fire. Military officials were at kibbutz for meeting at time of attack -- A Qassam rocket landed in a kibbutz south of Askelon Monday afternoon, causing no injuries. The rocket landed in close proximity to residential homes and shattered several windows. According to local residents, the latest attack marks the closest a rocket has reached to hitting homes. The "Red Dawn" alert system provided residents with advance warning before the Qassam landed. more.. Sderot to sue PA over Qassams YNetNews 2/27/2006 Town's residents set to file suit against Palestinian Authority, demand NIS 50 million compensations for damages caused by rocket attacks -- Residents of the southern town of Sderot have had to deal with the continuous threat of Palestinian Qassam attacks on their houses for the last five years, while both military and diplomatic efforts on the part of Israel to solve the problem have so far failed. Locals have therefore decided to take action into their own hands and file a joint lawsuit against the Palestinian Authority, Israel's leading newspaper Yedioth Ahronoth reported Monday. more.. Dichter: Zeevi's killers in jail or in grave YNetNews 2/27/2006 Former Shin Bet head says minister's killers will never enjoy freedom; voices support for IDF's assassination policy -- Avi Dichter, former Shin Bet head and Kadima's candidate for the position of defense minister, pledged Monday that the killers of Minister Rehavam Zeevi, who are currently jailed in the Palestinian Authority, will not enjoy freedom. Referring to reports a Hamas-led government may release Zeevi's murderers, Dicter said: "I recommend to the Palestinian Authority not to release these men. I vow these killers will be either in prison or in the grave. There is no other option for them. " Speaking before high school students in Tel Aviv, Dichter also said, "Israel could have sent an F-16 plane to target the prison, but we don't wish to harm innocent people. " more.. Sub fleet chief: We can hit targets overseas YNetNews 2/28/2006 Publications in the foreign press have already hinted Israel's Dolphin submarines have the ability to carry and launch nuclear weapons -- In exclusive interview with Ynet, commander of army's most advanced, secret war machine fleet says submarines may be used in missions abroad; there's no room for women in unit, he states -- Submarines may be used for hitting strategic targets outside Israel's territory, chief commander of the IDF's submarine fleet, Colonel Yoni, stated. "The submarine task force is preparing for any scenario the State of Israel has defined as plausible for the army," he added. In an interview with Ynet, Colonel Yoni revealed some of the capabilities of the Israeli army's most hi-tech and secret war machine, and hinted to the possible role of subs in future military disputes. more.. IOF Closes Al-Muntar Crossing WAFA 2/22/2006 GAZA, February 22, 2006 (WAFA)- Israeli Occupation Forces (IOF) closed Wednesday al-Muntar (Karni) commercial crossing in the east of the Gaza Strip (GS), media sources said. They added that Israeli soldiers closed recently the crossing for three weeks, causing global lost in basic services and shortage of food. In January, the closure of Karni Passage for more than 20 days caused serious economic and humanitarian crisis for the Gazan population, the flow of goods from and into GS, which leads to a sharp increase in relevant prices. The United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) said that the loss in exports of January closure estimated to be $500,000 a day. [end] more.. IOF Closes Al-Muntar Crossing WAFA 2/22/2006 GAZA, February 22, 2006 (WAFA)- Israeli Occupation Forces (IOF) closed Wednesday al-Muntar (Karni) commercial crossing in the east of the Gaza Strip (GS), media sources said. They added that Israeli soldiers closed recently the crossing for three weeks, causing global lost in basic services and shortage of food. In January, the closure of Karni Passage for more than 20 days caused serious economic and humanitarian crisis for the Gazan population, the flow of goods from and into GS, which leads to a sharp increase in relevant prices. The United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) said that the loss in exports of January closure estimated to be $500,000 a day. [end] more.. Israeli forces invade southern West Bank, injure 15 year old Palestinian Ma'an News 2/22/2006 Hebron (Ma'an) - A 15 year old boy lay hospitalized after Israeli forces invaded the southern West Bank Wednesday evening. The Palestinian boy, Judai'a Abu Judai'a, was injured in Bani Nuaim Village, east of Hebron. Ma'an's area correspondent reported that Israeli forces invaded the village with heavy shooting, taking over several homes and turning them into military installations. Eyewitnesses said that the Israelis used gas and sound grenades, while some youth threw stones. [end] more.. Israeli forces invade southern West Bank, injure 15 year old Palestinian Ma'an News 2/22/2006 Hebron (Ma'an) - A 15 year old boy lay hospitalized after Israeli forces invaded the southern West Bank Wednesday evening. The Palestinian boy, Judai'a Abu Judai'a, was injured in Bani Nuaim Village, east of Hebron. Ma'an's area correspondent reported that Israeli forces invaded the village with heavy shooting, taking over several homes and turning them into military installations. Eyewitnesses said that the Israelis used gas and sound grenades, while some youth threw stones. [end] more.. Four-year old child seriously injured by Israeli shrapnel during shelling in northern Gaza International Middle East Media Center 2/22/2006 Medical sources report that 4 year old Ismail Abu Showyder is suffering serious wounds after Israeli shrapnel littered his small face and covered half his body. Israeli soldiers are intensively shelling the northern Gaza Strip from sniper posts in Al Awdeh and from Israeli tanks parked in the northern Gaza Strip. Eyewitnesses report that Israeli tanks fired more that 10 tank shells into Palestinian civilian areas early Wednesday morning. [end] more.. Four-year old child seriously injured by Israeli shrapnel during shelling in northern Gaza International Middle East Media Center 2/22/2006 Medical sources report that 4 year old Ismail Abu Showyder is suffering serious wounds after Israeli shrapnel littered his small face and covered half his body. Israeli soldiers are intensively shelling the northern Gaza Strip from sniper posts in Al Awdeh and from Israeli tanks parked in the northern Gaza Strip. Eyewitnesses report that Israeli tanks fired more that 10 tank shells into Palestinian civilian areas early Wednesday morning. [end] more.. W Bank playground demolished AlJazeera 2/22/2006 The Israeli occupation army has bulldozed a US-funded public park, including a children's playground and swimming pool, in a West Bank village, witnesses and officials said. The bulldozer, protected by a force of Israeli soldiers, demolished the park in Azzun, close to the northern town of Qalqilya on Wednesday, on the grounds that it had been built without permission of the Israeli authorities in the occupied territory. Construction work on the park had begun in November and was almost completed, the mayor of Azzun, Ihsan Abdul Latif, said. USAID: He said that the project, which cost around $120,000, had been financed by the US Agency for International Development (USAID). more.. W Bank playground demolished AlJazeera 2/22/2006 The Israeli occupation army has bulldozed a US-funded public park, including a children's playground and swimming pool, in a West Bank village, witnesses and officials said. The bulldozer, protected by a force of Israeli soldiers, demolished the park in Azzun, close to the northern town of Qalqilya on Wednesday, on the grounds that it had been built without permission of the Israeli authorities in the occupied territory. Construction work on the park had begun in November and was almost completed, the mayor of Azzun, Ihsan Abdul Latif, said. USAID: He said that the project, which cost around $120,000, had been financed by the US Agency for International Development (USAID). more.. Israeli forces bulldoze US-AID-sponsored Palestinian playground International Middle East Media Center 2/22/2006 The Israeli military destroyed a Palestinian playground, park and pool Wednesday, claiming that the park was built on "Area C" lands that are inside the West Bank, but under Israeli civil and security control. The Municipality denies this, but also says that even if it were, it would be no excuse for such destruction. Azoun Municipality member, Ra'ed Radwan, told Ma'an News in an interview Wednesday, "They have destroyed a huge part of the public space, including a swimming pool. "He continued, "The public park and children's playground were built two years ago with funding from USAID. " more.. Israeli forces bulldoze US-AID-sponsored Palestinian playground International Middle East Media Center 2/22/2006 The Israeli military destroyed a Palestinian playground, park and pool Wednesday, claiming that the park was built on "Area C" lands that are inside the West Bank, but under Israeli civil and security control. The Municipality denies this, but also says that even if it were, it would be no excuse for such destruction. Azoun Municipality member, Ra'ed Radwan, told Ma'an News in an interview Wednesday, "They have destroyed a huge part of the public space, including a swimming pool. "He continued, "The public park and children's playground were built two years ago with funding from USAID. " more.. Israeli Colonizers Uproot Olive Trees in Hebron WAFA 2/22/2006 HEBRON, February 22, 2006 (WAFA) - Israeli colonizers of Sossiya uprooted Wednesday tens of olive trees in the West Bank (WB) city of Hebron, witnesses said. They told WAFA that groups of colonizers, supported by Israeli soldiers, uprooted olive trees in al- Nawaja lands, east of Yatta village, south Hebron. Worthy to say, the trees were planted last Saturday by the Israeli "Taayush" movement and American Peace Team with the owners of the lands to stop seizing lands by the colonizers. [end] more.. Israeli Colonizers Uproot Olive Trees in Hebron WAFA 2/22/2006 HEBRON, February 22, 2006 (WAFA) - Israeli colonizers of Sossiya uprooted Wednesday tens of olive trees in the West Bank (WB) city of Hebron, witnesses said. They told WAFA that groups of colonizers, supported by Israeli soldiers, uprooted olive trees in al- Nawaja lands, east of Yatta village, south Hebron. Worthy to say, the trees were planted last Saturday by the Israeli "Taayush" movement and American Peace Team with the owners of the lands to stop seizing lands by the colonizers. [end] more.. Israeli Troops Wound a Child, Seal off Al Mantar Trade Crossing International Press Center 2/22/2006 GAZA, Palestine, February 22,2006 (IPC+WAFA) - -The Israeli occupation artillery stationed at northern Gaza Strip hit Al Awda residential building apartment " Al Aowda" and wounded moderately toady morning a four year child Ishmael Abu shweder. Security sources and medics reported that a missile struck the sixth floor of the building resulting in the injury of the child in his face and allover the body. He was admitted to the hospital. In a separate incident, the Israeli troops manning the commercial crossing Karni, east of Gaza city, sealed it off following a mysterious explosion roared the area Tuesday evening. In the West Bank, the Israeli troops invaded into Qabatyia town of Jenin and arrested Omar Al Deeb,24, after a house to house raid. more.. Israeli Troops Wound a Child, Seal off Al Mantar Trade Crossing International Press Center 2/22/2006 GAZA, Palestine, February 22,2006 (IPC+WAFA) - -The Israeli occupation artillery stationed at northern Gaza Strip hit Al Awda residential building apartment " Al Aowda" and wounded moderately toady morning a four year child Ishmael Abu shweder. Security sources and medics reported that a missile struck the sixth floor of the building resulting in the injury of the child in his face and allover the body. He was admitted to the hospital. In a separate incident, the Israeli troops manning the commercial crossing Karni, east of Gaza city, sealed it off following a mysterious explosion roared the area Tuesday evening. In the West Bank, the Israeli troops invaded into Qabatyia town of Jenin and arrested Omar Al Deeb,24, after a house to house raid. more.. Nablus Invasion: Girls' School damaged, defaced by Israeli soldiers International Middle East Media Center 2/22/2006 As Israeli occupation forces finally began to recede from the Balata refugee camp in Nablus, in the northern West Bank, after an all-out assault on the camp that has lasted for four straight days, the carnage and wreckage in the streets, homes and schools were a testament to the violence of the invasion. At least two children were killed by Israeli forces during the assault, and dozens more injured. And a girls' school, used as a base by the soldiers for the last four days, was covered in filth, with obscene, racist and sexist graffiti written all over its walls, and its computer lab of thirty computers completely destroyed. Israeli military sources justified the four-day invasion by saying it was made in order to kill an Islamic Jihad resistance leader. more.. Nablus Invasion: Girls' School damaged, defaced by Israeli soldiers International Middle East Media Center 2/22/2006 As Israeli occupation forces finally began to recede from the Balata refugee camp in Nablus, in the northern West Bank, after an all-out assault on the camp that has lasted for four straight days, the carnage and wreckage in the streets, homes and schools were a testament to the violence of the invasion. At least two children were killed by Israeli forces during the assault, and dozens more injured. And a girls' school, used as a base by the soldiers for the last four days, was covered in filth, with obscene, racist and sexist graffiti written all over its walls, and its computer lab of thirty computers completely destroyed. Israeli military sources justified the four-day invasion by saying it was made in order to kill an Islamic Jihad resistance leader. more.. 4-Year-Old Child Wounded in North Gaza WAFA 2/22/2006 JABALYA, February 22, 2006, (WAFA)-A four-year-old child was wounded when Israeli tanks shelled on Wednesday Abraj al-Awda neighbourhood in the north of the Gaza Strip (GS), medical sources said. They added that the child Ismael Abu Shweider, was hit in the face and allover his body. He was taken to Balsam hospital and later transferred to Al-Shifa hospital, his condition is reported to be moderate. [end] more.. 4-Year-Old Child Wounded in North Gaza WAFA 2/22/2006 JABALYA, February 22, 2006, (WAFA)-A four-year-old child was wounded when Israeli tanks shelled on Wednesday Abraj al-Awda neighbourhood in the north of the Gaza Strip (GS), medical sources said. They added that the child Ismael Abu Shweider, was hit in the face and allover his body. He was taken to Balsam hospital and later transferred to Al-Shifa hospital, his condition is reported to be moderate. [end] more.. Scores of Palestinian residents held at Tayasser checkpoint near Tubass International Middle East Media Center 2/22/2006 Israeli troops stationed at Taiaseercheckpoint, east of the West Bank city of Tubas, are closing the checkpoint since early morning hours on Wednesday, and holding scores of residents there. Soldiers barred the residents from entering or leaving Tubas, a move which barred dozens of students and employees from reaching their schools and jobs. Also troops thoroughly searched civilian cars and checked passengers ID cards. There are more than 300 cars currently lined-up at the checkpoint awaiting inspection, eyewitnesses reported. [end] more.. Scores of Palestinian residents held at Tayasser checkpoint near Tubass International Middle East Media Center 2/22/2006 Israeli troops stationed at Taiaseercheckpoint, east of the West Bank city of Tubas, are closing the checkpoint since early morning hours on Wednesday, and holding scores of residents there. Soldiers barred the residents from entering or leaving Tubas, a move which barred dozens of students and employees from reaching their schools and jobs. Also troops thoroughly searched civilian cars and checked passengers ID cards. There are more than 300 cars currently lined-up at the checkpoint awaiting inspection, eyewitnesses reported. [end] more.. Army demolishes one house and one chicken coop east of Qalqilia International Middle East Media Center 2/22/2006 Israeli army bulldozers demolished on Wednesday morning one house and one chicken coop that belongs to Ghaleb Bashier from Jensafot village, east of the West Bank city of Qalqilia. Army sources claimed that the house and the chicken hen were illegally constructed. [end] more.. Army demolishes one house and one chicken coop east of Qalqilia International Middle East Media Center 2/22/2006 Israeli army bulldozers demolished on Wednesday morning one house and one chicken coop that belongs to Ghaleb Bashier from Jensafot village, east of the West Bank city of Qalqilia. Army sources claimed that the house and the chicken hen were illegally constructed. [end] more.. Four Days of Incursions in Nablus Leave Three Killed, 50 Injured and 37 Arrested International Press Center 2/22/2006 NABLUS, Palestine, February 22, 2006 (IPC) - - For the fourth consecutive day, the city of Nablus and its Balata refugee camp have been taking the brunt of the Israeli occupation forces (IOF), which has conducted a large-scale military offensive on this city, in which three citizens, including two children, were killed and dozens others wounded. Earlier today, Israeli forces re-occupied Balata refugee camp, seven hours after redeploying around it. At least two citizens were arrested. Local sources confirmed that Israeli soldiers raided several houses at dawn, and searched them thoroughly, vandalizing some of the citizens' possessions, and arresting Yousef Abu Mustafa and Yousef Abu Sreis. more.. Four Days of Incursions in Nablus Leave Three Killed, 50 Injured and 37 Arrested International Press Center 2/22/2006 NABLUS, Palestine, February 22, 2006 (IPC) - - For the fourth consecutive day, the city of Nablus and its Balata refugee camp have been taking the brunt of the Israeli occupation forces (IOF), which has conducted a large-scale military offensive on this city, in which three citizens, including two children, were killed and dozens others wounded. Earlier today, Israeli forces re-occupied Balata refugee camp, seven hours after redeploying around it. At least two citizens were arrested. Local sources confirmed that Israeli soldiers raided several houses at dawn, and searched them thoroughly, vandalizing some of the citizens' possessions, and arresting Yousef Abu Mustafa and Yousef Abu Sreis. more.. Israeli "special" forces raided northern West Bank village, arrest 22 year old Palestinian Ma'an News 2/22/2006 Nablus (Ma'an) - Israeli "special" forces invaded Kfar Kalil Village south of Nablus City and arrested a man accused of being an Al Aqsa resistance member. Israeli forces raided the northern West Bank village Wednesday afternoon and took 22 year old Shadi Nayef to an unknown location. Ma'an's area correspondent reports that Israeli "special" forces besieged the home, with several military vehicles invaded from all corners of the village. Israeli soldiers broke into the young man's home, while Israeli forces used gas and live bullets against citizens of the town. [end] more.. Israeli "special" forces raided northern West Bank village, arrest 22 year old Palestinian Ma'an News 2/22/2006 Nablus (Ma'an) - Israeli "special" forces invaded Kfar Kalil Village south of Nablus City and arrested a man accused of being an Al Aqsa resistance member. Israeli forces raided the northern West Bank village Wednesday afternoon and took 22 year old Shadi Nayef to an unknown location. Ma'an's area correspondent reports that Israeli "special" forces besieged the home, with several military vehicles invaded from all corners of the village. Israeli soldiers broke into the young man's home, while Israeli forces used gas and live bullets against citizens of the town. [end] more.. IDF shell fired at Israeli community Globes 2/22/2006 For second time in one month, Israeli mortar shell found near southern community of Nativ Haasara; angry residents say 'our lives are no longer normal' -- The IDF launched an investigation to determine how a shell from a missile battery positioned in the northern Gaza Strip to bombard Qassam launching sites reached the southern community of Nativ Haasara. Ynet has learnt that this is the second time in less than a month that a shell is found near an Israeli community. The IDF said in response that the shells were empty in both cases.... Meanwhile, residents are angry. Tasa said that “it is not just two shells. They fall a few meters from residential houses, they can hurt residents, buildings, or cause shock... " more.. IDF shell fired at Israeli community Globes 2/22/2006 For second time in one month, Israeli mortar shell found near southern community of Nativ Haasara; angry residents say 'our lives are no longer normal' -- The IDF launched an investigation to determine how a shell from a missile battery positioned in the northern Gaza Strip to bombard Qassam launching sites reached the southern community of Nativ Haasara. Ynet has learnt that this is the second time in less than a month that a shell is found near an Israeli community. The IDF said in response that the shells were empty in both cases.... Meanwhile, residents are angry. Tasa said that “it is not just two shells. They fall a few meters from residential houses, they can hurt residents, buildings, or cause shock... " more.. Qassam rocket found in West Bank YNetNews 2/22/2006 IDF troops detain Islamic Jihad member, uncover arms cache; rocket did not contain explosives -- A hollow Qassam rocket that did not contain explosives was recovered by IDF troops Wednesday in the West Bank town of Kabatiya, south of Jenin. Forces operating in the area also found fertilizers used to prepare explosive materials and a Molotov cocktail. The troops made the discovery after detaining a wanted Islamic Jihad member. IDF forces have been operating in Kabatiya for four days now. The Jihad suspect's arrest allowed the army to obtain information regarding an arms cache in a Kabatiya cave. Troops acting on the information arrived at the site and recovered the weapons. more.. Qassam rocket found in West Bank YNetNews 2/22/2006 IDF troops detain Islamic Jihad member, uncover arms cache; rocket did not contain explosives -- A hollow Qassam rocket that did not contain explosives was recovered by IDF troops Wednesday in the West Bank town of Kabatiya, south of Jenin. Forces operating in the area also found fertilizers used to prepare explosive materials and a Molotov cocktail. The troops made the discovery after detaining a wanted Islamic Jihad member. IDF forces have been operating in Kabatiya for four days now. The Jihad suspect's arrest allowed the army to obtain information regarding an arms cache in a Kabatiya cave. Troops acting on the information arrived at the site and recovered the weapons. more.. Armed resistance responds to Nablus attack with projectiles, doing no damage at all Ma'an News 2/22/2006 Gaza (Ma'an) - The National Resistance Brigades claimed responsibility for launching two homemade projectiles at an Israeli occupation post. In a statement issued Wednesday the Brigades wrote the launched the projectiles in response to Israeli crimes against the Palestinian people in general, and the attack on Nablus and Balata Refugee Camp in particular. The Abu Ali Mustafa Brigades also claimed responsibility for launching two projectiles at the Israeli town of Sderot to the southeast of the Gaza Strip. more.. Armed resistance responds to Nablus attack with projectiles, doing no damage at all Ma'an News 2/22/2006 Gaza (Ma'an) - The National Resistance Brigades claimed responsibility for launching two homemade projectiles at an Israeli occupation post. In a statement issued Wednesday the Brigades wrote the launched the projectiles in response to Israeli crimes against the Palestinian people in general, and the attack on Nablus and Balata Refugee Camp in particular. The Abu Ali Mustafa Brigades also claimed responsibility for launching two projectiles at the Israeli town of Sderot to the southeast of the Gaza Strip. more.. IOF Arrests 3 Citizens in WB WAFA 2/22/2006 HEBRON, February 22, 2006, (WAFA)-Israeli Occupation Forces (IOF) arrested Wednesday three citizens in the West Bank (WB) cities of Hebron, Jenin and Tubas. In Hebron, Israeli soldiers stormed Namrah area, south of the city, launched a search campaign into number of houses and arrested two citizens. Palestinian Prisoner Society (PPS) said that the number of detainees, in Hebron, reached to 60 citizens since the beginning of this month. more.. IOF Arrests 3 Citizens in WB WAFA 2/22/2006 HEBRON, February 22, 2006, (WAFA)-Israeli Occupation Forces (IOF) arrested Wednesday three citizens in the West Bank (WB) cities of Hebron, Jenin and Tubas. In Hebron, Israeli soldiers stormed Namrah area, south of the city, launched a search campaign into number of houses and arrested two citizens. Palestinian Prisoner Society (PPS) said that the number of detainees, in Hebron, reached to 60 citizens since the beginning of this month. more.. IOF Arrests 12 Citizens, Devastates Arable Lands in WB WAFA 2/21/2006 BETHLEHEM, February 21, 2006, (WAFA)-Israeli Occupation Forces (IOF) arrested twelve citizens in the West Bank (WB) cities of Bethlehem, Jenin, Nablus, Tulkarem, Hebron and Jerusalem. Security sources told WAFA that Israeli soldiers, backed by armoured vehicles, thrust at pre-dawn into the main entrance of Nahalin village, west of Bethlehem, amid intensive fire shooting, launched a wide scale search campaign into number of houses and ravaged the contents and arrested three citizens. Meanwhile, IOF broke into Houssan village, west of the city, besieged the house of Basim Hamamra, launched a search campaign into it and arrested Mohammed Hamamra, leading him into an unknown location, security sources told WAFA. more.. Karni crossing closed following blast YNetNews 2/21/2006 IDF looking into loud explosion heard Tuesday evening at goods terminal in northern Gaza Strip, says blast may have come from underground tunnel; Palestinian source: Explosion caused by suicide bomber -- A loud explosion was heard Tuesday evening at the Karni crossing in the northern Gaza Strip, and a light tremble was felt in the ground. There were no reports of injuries or damage in the incident. Following the blast, the crossing was closed and security forces tried to locate the source of the explosion. Among other options, they were looking into the suspicion that the blast came from an underground "explosive" tunnel being dug in the area. more.. Israeli Bulldozer Demolishes House in Hebron WAFA 2/21/2006 HEBRON, February 21, 2006 (WAFA)- Israeli Occupation Forces (IOF) destroyed Tuesday a house in the West Bank (WB) city of Hebron, witnesses said. They added that Israeli soldiers, backed by jeeps and bulldozer, thrust into Orod al-Masjed area, east of Hebron, and demolished the house belonging to Najeeb al-Ja'bari under the pretext of having no building license. Al-Ja'bari told WAFA that the demolishing of the house is a racist act, pointing out that it was the second house that demolished by IOF. Worthy to say, Israeli soldiers destroyed more than 16 houses in Hebron during the last year. [end] more.. Army invades AL Ezariyya town, near Jerusalem, arrests one resident International Middle East Media Center 2/21/2006 Israeli army forces invaded, on Tuesday morning, the town of Al Ezariyya,east of Jerusalem, and arrested one resident. Soldiers, supported by several armored jeeps, invaded the town and arrested Saiaf Abu Roumi, 17, after searching his house and beating him up in front of his family, local sources reported. [end] more.. Explosives factory in Nablus destroyed during IDF operation Ha'aretz 2/21/2006 The Israel Defense Forces blew up an explosives factory in Nablus yesterday, as part of a major operation that the army has been conducting in the city for the last three days. At least three Palestinians were wounded in yesterday's operation. According to the IDF Spokesman, one of the wounded Palestinians was an armed man who was shot during an exchange of fire, a second was shot as he was throwing a Molotov cocktail at the Israelis, and the third was shot after throwing a solar heater onto the troops from a rooftop. See also: Ongoing Israeli assault on Nablus: Palestinian Security denies Israeli claim of 'bomb factory' and Security Sources: No Bomb Factory in Nablus more.. Ongoing Israeli assault on Nablus: Palestinian Security denies Israeli claim of 'bomb factory' International Middle East Media Center 2/21/2006 A senior Palestinian security source in Nablus denied Israeli military reports of uncovering a large bomb factory in the West Bank city of Nablus. While the Israeli Army claimed that resistance factions used a building in the city as a'factory for manufacturing explosives', Palestinian security claims that the so-called 'factory' was in fact a jewelry workshop that contained chemical materials for cleaning jewels. Israeli soldiers bombed the building after claiming that it contained explosives. The Palestinian internal security source asked, “If this building really contained explosives, as the army claimed, the explosion would have had much greater impact.... the army didn't remove any of the alleged 'explosives' before they bombed the building.... the only conclusion we can make is that the alleged 'explosives' simply were not there at all. ” more.. Palestinian resistance shells Siderot International Middle East Media Center 2/21/2006 In a joint press release, Al-Aqsa Martyrs Brigades, the armed wing of Fateh, and Popular Resistance committees claimed responsibility for firing two homemade Qassam shells towards the Israeli town of Siderot on Tuesday at dawn. The statement also said that this attack came as a response to the assassination of the Al-Qudes Brigades leader, Ahmad Abu Sharikh, in the West Bank city of Nablus in an ongoing invasion to the city. [end] more.. Army invades Al-Yamon and Kofer Ra'ei villages west of Jenin arresting four International Middle East Media Center 2/21/2006 Israeli army forces invaded the village of AL Yamon and Kofer Ra'ei west of the West Bank city of Jenin arresting four residents on Tuesday morning. Soldiers stormed the village of Kofer Ra'ei, searched several houses and arrested Nidal Qatoni, 19, Tarik Melhim, 18, Abd Allah Melhim, 17, and Mohamed Melhim, 21, allegedly Islamic Jihad activists, and took them to an unknown destination, local sources reported. Another force invaded the village of Al-Yamon and searched the houses of top Aqsa Martyrs Brigades leaders, but no arrests were made since Ra'ed Rihat was not at his home, the sources added. [end] more.. Army arrests Palestinian child in the old city of Hebron International Middle East Media Center 2/21/2006 Israeli army troops stationed in the old city of Hebron, in the West Bank, arrested on Tuesday afternoon, one Palestinian child while he was on his way back home from school. Soldiers claimed that Hamza AL Fakhori, 14, carried a knife and intended to stab an Israeli soldier. [end] more.. Security Sources: No Bomb Factory in Nablus WAFA 2/21/2006 NABLUS, February 21, 2006 (WAFA)-Palestinian security sources denied Tuesday Israeli allegations of discovering a bomb factory in the West Bank (WB) city of Nablus. The sources affirmed that the Israeli Occupation Forces (IOF) dynamited uninhabited and old house, adding that the IOF stormed some shops that manufacture gold and found materials used for cleaning the gold. But in order to justify his operation and aggression, the IOF spoke to the media that they discovered explosions. Witnesses live in the area stated that the blasted house was old and unpopulated. more.. Quarrel over spot in queue ends in stabbing YNetNews 2/21/2006 Discrimination against Arabs - East Jerusalem residents have filed numerous complaints in the past that the Interior Ministry’s meager services in the neighborhood are clearly discriminatory against the city’s Arab residents. --Long lines at east Jerusalem Interior Ministry result in violent attack; residents attribute meager services to racist discrimination. An altercation which erupted between two men waiting in line at an Interior Ministry office in East Jerusalem ended in a stabbing attack Tuesday afternoon. The stabbing victim, who sustained light wounds, was treated in hospital, and his attacker was taken into police custody. more.. Army closes Sofa crossing in Gaza strip International Middle East Media Center 2/20/2006 Israeli army forces closed the Sofa crossing in the Gaza Strip Monday afternoon, allegedly for "security reasons. "The Army did not gave any specific reasons for this closure, although the Israeli news website Yedioth Aharnoth reports that 'weapons' were found in a truck at the crossing. Sofa crossing is a main gateway for the transport of goods between Egypt, Palestine, and Israel. It was reopened only last week following a closure of over a month. [end] more.. Report: Al-Qaida suspect says Taliban financed failed plot on Israeli ship Ha'aretz 2/21/2006 ANKARA, Turkey - A key Syrian Al-Qaida suspect allegedly told interrogators that his failed plot to attack an Israeli cruise ship was financed by Taliban chief Mullah Omar, private NTV Television reported Tuesday. Loa'i Mohammad Haj Bakr al-Saqa told interrogators that he received $50,000 from Omar to carry out attacks against Israeli targets in his name, but Omar was against attacking U.S. targets, NTV said. Al-Saqa was captured in Turkey in August after an alleged failed plot to attack Israeli cruise ships. He was indicted earlier this month with masterminding suicide bombings that killed 58 people in Istanbul, and Turkish prosecutors claimed that Osama bin Laden personally ordered him to carry out terror attacks in this pro-Western country. more.. Policeman indicted of attacking protesters YNetNews 2/21/2006 Right-wing activist files complaint against policeman he saw brutalizing girl at Jerusalem anti-pullout protest in May; after probe, Police Investigation Unit to press charges -- The Police Investigation Unit has decided to press charges against Police Superintendent Yehiel Amsalam for attacking two protesters during a demonstration against the disengagement in Jerusalem last May. According to allegations, Amsalam used unnecessary force, partially strangling and twisting the arm of a female protester and kicking Avishalom Levi, 25, in the face. more.. IDF kills 4 Palestinians in West Bank raid, Gaza border incident Ha'aretz 2/21/2006 Diskin: IDF foiled attempt to fire mortar shells on Jerusalem -- The Chief of the Shin Bet Security Services Yuval Diskin said on Monday that the army has recently uncovered a mortar launcher and eight shells in a house in the West Bank of Bethlehem. The projectile weapon was intended for use against Israeli homes in the neighborhood of Gilo on the outskirts of Jerusalem, Diskin said. "As far as we know, this is the first time a projectile weapon aimed at targeting Jerusalem was found," he told members of the Knesset Foreign Affairs and Defense Committee. The Shin Bet and the Israel Defense Forces last month arrested in a joint operation in Bethlehem five members of a Fatah militant cell when the mortar shells were found. more.. Israeli Soldiers Open Fire, Gas Grenades on High Schoolgirl in Nablus WAFA 2/20/2006 NABLUS, February 20, 2006, (WAFA)- Israeli Occupation Forces (IOF) opened Monday fire and gas grenades at high schoolgirl in the West Bank (WB) city of Nablus. Witnesses told WAFA that Israeli soldiers broke into high school, in Til village south of Nablus city, amid intensive shooting, fired a number of gas grenades towards the school, causing a state of panic and suffocation among students and teachers. The Head of the Village Council, Omar Eshtaya, condemned the Israeli attack against an educational place. [end] more.. 6 Children Wounded, 16 Citizens Arrested in WB WAFA 2/20/2006 HEBRON, February 20, 2006 (WAFA)- Israeli Occupation Forces (IOF) wounded Monday six children and arrested sixteen citizens in the West Bank (WB) cities of Hebron, Nablus, Jenin and Bethlehem. In Hebron, a group of Israeli soldiers broke into the towns of ad-Dhaheriya, Beit Ummar and Sa'ir, south and north the city, stormed number of houses ad-Dhaheriya, under a pretext of searching, besieged the house of Eyad al-Hawareen 38, amid intensive fire shooting, tear gas, causing wounds of five children. They were taken to hospital for treatment, witnesses said.... In Nablus, Director of Medical Relief, Dr. Ghassan Hamdan told WAFA that Israeli soldiers shot and wounded Usama Al-Banna, of Balata refugee camp, with a live bullet in the chest. He was taken to hospital and his condition is reported to be moderate. more.. Israeli military beats Hebron teenager nearly to death 14:18 2/20 International Middle East Media Center 2/20/2006 Israeli forces occupying the southern West Bank attacked Ahmed Ibrahim Zaid, a teenager in Hebron, severely beating him Monday. Israeli forces hit him to the point that medical sources report that Zaid has bruises covering the entirety of his body. The intense beating took place in the city of Hebron at Bab Azawiah. The boy was rushed to Hebron's Government Hospital for treatment. [end] more.. Child, woman injured near Hebron International Middle East Media Center 2/21/2006 Monday evening, one Palestinian child and one woman were injured in Al Fawwar refugee camp, south of the West Bank city of Hebron. A medical source in Hebron reported that Ashraf Mohammad Al Najjar, 14, and Mona Thaher Abu Miqdim, 28, where injured by live rounds fired by Israeli soldiers, and were transferred by the army to Soroka Hospital in Bir Shiva. Al Najjar suffered injuries in his leg and shoulder, while Mona was hit by two live rounds in her waist. A paramedic in Hebron reported that he was informed, on Monday afternoon, of injuries at Al Fawwar junction, but when he and the other paramedics drove their ambulance to the area, soldiers barred them from taking the patients. more.. Israeli troops kill Islamic Jihad leader AlJazeera 2/20/2006 The head of the armed branch of the Palestinian Islamic Jihad movement in the West Bank region of Nablus has been killed by the Israeli army. Palestinian security sources said that Hamad Abu Sharif, chief of the Al-Quds Brigades, was gunned down by troops in the old town of Nablus in the north of the West Bank early on Monday. An Israeli military spokesman confirmed the death of a fighter, saying: "Soldiers operating in the old town opened fire on armed men killing one of them. "Two members of a Palestinian armed group, the Popular Resistance Committees, had been killed in an Israeli air strike early on Sunday. more.. Israel Launches Economic War on Palestinian Authority Palestine Media Center 2/20/2006 President Abbas Warns: PNA Is Facing ‘a Real Financial Crisis’ -- Israel on Sunday fired the opening salvo in an economic war on the Palestinian National Authority (PNA), halting monthly tax transfers, imposing other sanctions, bracing for additional embargos, severing contacts with Palestinians, and urging the international donors to stop their aid as well, as President Mahmoud Abbas warned that the PNA is facing “a real financial crisis. ” “One can assume the lifestyle of the Palestinians will change even though this is not the aim of the government,” said the Israeli foreign minister, Tzipi Livni. Dov Weisglass, a senior adviser to Israeli Acting Prime Minister Ehud Olmert, who helped draw up the economic sanctions, was quoted last week as saying Palestinians “will feel as if they have been on a visit to a dietician. They will become thinner, but they won't starve to death. ” more.. Israel's 'punishment' of Palestine begins: 31 Palestinians killed since election International Middle East Media Center 2/20/2006 A promise by Israeli leaders to 'punish' Palestinians for electing the Islamic Resistance party, Hamas, in Jan. 25th legislative elections, appears to be coming to fruition as ongoing invasions and aerial attacks on Palestinian areas have resulted in the deaths of 31 Palestinians, and 74 Palestinians injured since the elections. Still, the monthly total for February has not reached the average of 59 Palestinians killed by Israeli forces each month since September 2000. The most Palestinians killed in a single month during the last five years was in April 2002, when 245 Palestinians were killed, mainly civilians killed in a massive attack on Jenin refugee camp which Palestinians have termed the 'Jenin Massacre'. more.. Five Killed and 31 Wounded in Balata Refugee Camp International Press Center 2/20/2006 NABLUS, Palestine, February 20, 2006 (IPC + Agencies) - - Israeli Occupation Forces (IOF) killed five residents including a senior Islamic Jihad commander and wounded at least 31 others, moreover, 5 activists wanted by the occupation authorities were arrested in the course of a broad IOF military oofensive in Balata refugee camp near the W. Bank city of Nablus. Local sources said that a large number of Israeli military vehicles broke amidst heavy and random fire into Nablus from different directions. IOF soldiers deployed in the center of the City and clashed with a number of armed Palestinians. The clashes resulted in the killing of Ahmed Abu Sharikh, 29, top commander of Al Quds Brigades, the military wing of the Islamic Jihad movement, and the injury of 2 others, Medics and local sources said. more.. Terror cell operated from PA buildings YNetNews 2/20/2006 Bethlehem terror cell that planned Jerusalem attacks hid out in Palestinian Authority government buildings to evade arrest, new evidence reveals; cell busted by IDF, Shin Bet days before planned attacks -- The Qassam cell nabbed this week by the IDF in Bethlehem, which planned attacks on Jerusalem neighborhoods, was partially operating out of Palestinian Authority government buildings. The story was cleared for publication Monday afternoon. Earlier, Shin Bet Director Yuval Diskin revealed to the Knesset Foreign Affairs and Defense Committee that IDF and Shin Bet forces arrested a group of Palestinians in possession of a cache of Qassams, mortar shells, and rocket launchers, which they intended to fire at the Har Homa and Gilo neighborhoods in the capital. more.. Army closes Sofa crossing in Gaza strip International Middle East Media Center 2/20/2006 Israeli army forces closed the Sofa crossing in the Gaza Strip Monday afternoon, allegedly for "security reasons. "The Army did not gave any specific reasons for this closure, although the Israeli news website Yedioth Aharnoth reports that 'weapons' were found in a truck at the crossing. Sofa crossing is a main gateway for the transport of goods between Egypt, Palestine, and Israel. It was reopened only last week following a closure of over a month. [end] more.. Israeli Army arrest three Palestinians in Qabatia International Middle East Media Center 2/20/2006 The Israeli army units stormed the town of Qabatia south of the West Bank city of Jenin Monday morning, and arrested three residents there. Soldiers invaded the town, searched several homes, and arrested Isam Nazal, 24, Ahmed Abu Arrab, 24 and Fawaz Kamil, 23, allegedly members of Islamic Jihad. [end] more.. Israeli air strikes in Gaza kill two Palestinians International Middle East Media Center 2/19/2006 Sunday morning, Israeli air-force killed two Palestinians east of Khan Younis, in the southern part of the Gaza Strip. Army claims that soldiers suspected that the two residents planned to plant bombs south of the Kissufim Crossing. Dr. Muawiya Hassanen, head of the Emergency Unit at the Palestinian Ministry of Health, reported that the two residents were identified as Bilal Hamada Al Najjar, 18, from Khazza'a town near Khan Younis, and Usama Fawzi Breiss, 20, from the Rafah refugee camp, in the southern part of the Gaza Strip. Dr. Hassanen added that the bodies of the two residents were severely mutilatedafter being directly hit by the missiles. Israeli online daily Haaretz quoted a military source stating that an aircraft fired at Palestinians suspected of planting bombs south of the Kissufim border crossing. more.. IDF establishes 'Israeli-only' entry points that bar Palestinians By Amira Hass, Ha'aretz 2/17/2006 A military order that took effect last week bars Palestinians with permits to enter Israel from entering via the roads that Israelis use to enter the country from the West Bank. The order also forbids Israelis to transport Palestinians with valid entry permits via these roads. Instead, Palestinians must enter via one of the 11 crossing points earmarked for them. Until now, Israelis could ferry Palestinians with valid permits into Israel without going through one of these special crossings. The Defense Ministry's Seam Line Administration has posted signs at all other access roads from the West Bank into Israel warning that non-Israelis may not use these crossings. more.. 'We'll fire Qassams at every Israeli target' YNetNews 2/20/2006 Popular Resistance Committee head claims responsibility for rocket launcher, Qassam cache IDF captured in Bethlehem; We're transferring rocket technology from Gaza to West Bank, he tells Ynet -- The Qassam launcher and cache of rockets and mortars captured by the IDF in Bethlehem this week belonged to the Popular Resistance Committees, group Spokesman Abd al-Aal told Ynet Monday. The Resistance Committees planned to use to rockets to fire at Israeli targets, Al-Aal said. more.. Border residents threaten blackouts YNetNews 2/20/2006 Northern communities launch protest against defense cuts; Defense Ministry says cuts derived from needs of communities on Gaza border -- The heads of northern communities in the Galilee have set out on a public struggle against a decision by the State to cut defense budgets to areas bordering Lebanon. Among the cuts, the State will cut defense components given to the northern communities for dozens of years, including funds for lighting systems, fences around the communities, and other means used to protect against possible terror attacks. more.. Islamic Jihad suspect killed in Nablus YNetNews 2/20/2006 Soldiers spot armed Palestinians, fire at them; army operating in Nablus since Saturday following rise in terror warnings stemming from the West Bank town -- An Islamic Jihad terror suspect was killed in clashes between IDF troops and Palestinian gunmen in the West Bank city of Nablus on Monday, Palestinian sources said. The IDF confirmed that a senior Islamic Jihad wanted suspect was killed, two were injured and four were arrested. Twelve terror suspects were arrested overnight in West Bank raids overnight, including a senior Islamic Jihad member. more.. IDF drone crashes near Nablus YNetNews 2/20/2006 Army says drone, which reportedly crashed on journalist's home, contained no classified information -- IDF drone crashes: An unmanned army aircraft crashed in the Nablus area Monday evening owing to a technical problem, army sources said. The drone contained no classified information, according to the army. Palestinian sources reported that the drone fell on the home of a Palestinian journalist at the outskirts of the Balata refugee camp. Drone fragments were reportedly scattered around the home. Neighbors and Palestinian eyewitnesses said that numerous area youths who arrived at the site collected the pieces of the aircraft and its camera. In a talk with Ynet, Palestinians said "the drone fell on its own and was not fired at. " more.. Israeli Troops Kill More Palestinians, Including Two Teenagers Palestine Media Center 2/20/2006 IOF Extra-judicially Kill Leading Anti-occupation Activist in Nablus -- Israeli Occupation Forces (IOF) early on Monday extra-judicially killed a leading Palestinian anti-occupation activist, a day after shooting dead two teenager stone-throwers during massive raids in the West Bank and killing two Palestinian men in the Gaza strip in an air strike, raising Palestinian death toll to seven since February 8, including a woman and a handicapped man. Ahmad Abu Sharkh was killed by the IOF troops in the northern West Bank city of Nablus on Monday. He is identified as a leading Islamic Jihad anti-occupation activist, the Qatar-based Al-Jazeera satellite television station reported. more.. Palestinians in IDF uniforms rob Nablus residents Ha'aretz 2/20/2006 [Life imitates the art of occupation - Ed. ] NABLUS - Zaher Hamouz awoke at 1:30 A. M. to the sound of a loud knock at his front door. He looked out the window and saw two Israeli soldiers. Or so he thought. The masked gunmen, who were dressed in full Israel Defense Forces' military gear, tied him up and emptied his house, making Hamouz the fourth victim in the past week of a gang of robbers taking advantage of the conflict to break into homes. Hamouz, 44, who works at a bank, said the men who broke into his house early Saturday spoke in heavily accented Hebrew mixed with broken Arabic, and appeared to be talking into two-way radios as they demanded to enter his home. The "soldiers" said they had information there was a wanted man inside. more.. IOF Beats up Citizen in Hebron WAFA 2/20/2006 HEBRON, February 20, 2006 (WAFA) - Israeli Occupation Forces (IOF) wounded Monday a citizen in the West Bank (WB) city of Hebron, medics said. Alia Governmental Hospital sources added that Ahmed Zayed 21, suffered from bruises and fractures allover the body as Israeli soldiers beaten him up near Bab az-Zawia area, in the middle of Hebron. [end] more.. IDF 'Israeli-Only' Entry Points Bar Palestinians By Amira Hass, Palestine Chronicle/Haaretz 2/17/2006 A Civil Administration spokesman said the border crossing issue 'is being examined and a final decision has not been made yet. 'A military order that took effect last week bars Palestinians with permits to enter Israel from entering via the roads that Israelis use to enter the country from the West Bank. The order also forbids Israelis to transport Palestinians with valid entry permits via these roads. Instead, Palestinians must enter via one of the 11 crossing points earmarked for them. Until now, Israelis could ferry Palestinians with valid permits into Israel without going through one of these special crossings. more.. Defense establishment proposes reducing ties with PA as of Sunday Ha'aretz 2/17/2006 The defense establishment plans to advise Acting Prime Minister Ehud Olmert to start taking steps to reduce Israel's ties with the Palestinian Authority as of Sunday, the day after the Hamas-led Palestinian parliament takes office. According to the proposal, which was presented to Defense Minister Shaul Mofaz on Thursday and will be presented to Olmert on Friday, Israel would announce a series of measures on Sunday: a freeze on further transfers of the tax revenues that Israel collects on behalf of the PA; a ban on the entry of workers from the Gaza Strip into Israel; a ban on the movement of Palestinians between Gaza and the West Bank; freezing a plan to upgrade the crossing points between the territories and Israel; freezing plans to build a port and airport in Gaza; and preventing transfers of military equipment to the PA from foreign countries, such as donations of armored personnel carriers and communications gear. more.. Israelis shoot unarmed Palestinian AlJazeera 2/16/2006 Israeli occupation forces have shot an unarmed, mentally impaired Palestinian man at close range near the Gaza border fence, Palestinian and Israeli sources say. Mofeed Abu Imghaseet, 25, from Khan Yunis, was seriously injured late on Wednesday night after being shot by Israeli troops near the border fence in the northern Gaza "no-go" zone. Palestinian medical sources said Abu Imghaseet had wandered off towards the border, unaware of his location, when he was shot. "He's currently in the hospital, in serious but stable condition. He was injured in the left thigh, after being found near the fence, where he had wandered off to," said Ziad Abu Shareea of the Kamel Udwan Hospital in Jabalia. more.. New section of separation fence to cut through Judean Desert Ha'aretz 2/16/2006 The defense establishment announced on Thursday that it would begin constructing the southern section of the separation barrier between Israel the West Bank in the coming weeks through the Judean Desert region. The desert section of the fence will begin east of Mount Hebron, where the barrier currently ends. The fence will likely obstruct the view in the desert and is expected to negatively impact the area's ecosystem - most of which has been classified as a nature reserve - by blocking the paths of the wild animals in the desert. The defense establishment said it had given much consideration during construction planning to the possible impacts on the view and the ecosystem. more.. Palestinians riot after anti-Muslim graffiti defaces mosque Ha'aretz 2/17/2006 Palestinians discovered anti-Muslim graffiti on a West Bank mosque on Friday, for the second time in a week. After the graffiti was discovered, Palestinian youths began rioting in the Azoun village near Qalqilyah. Security forces fired tear gas and stun grenades at them in an effort to disperse the riot. Three were arrested. The graffiti, written in Hebrew, said "Mohammed is a pig" and "Death to the Muslims. " Residents of the village of Nebi Elias, where the mosque is located, have accused area settlers of the vandalism. No suspects have been arrested. more.. Soldier attacked at hitchhiking post; his rifle stolen YNetNews 2/16/2006 Two men get out of vehicle at Hore Junction in Negev, spray tear gas at soldier and escape with his rifle; police set up roadblocks in area -- An IDF soldier has been lightly injured at the Hore Junction in the Negev, after being attacked and having his M-16 rifle stolen. At around 9 p. m. Thursday night, police received a message about a soldier lying injured at apost. Police and army forces were mobilized to the area, and paramedics were sent to the scene from Beer Sheva.... A police investigation found that the two suspects, who had Arab appearances, arrived at the hitchhiking post in a white Toyota. more.. Palestinian woman attempts to stab officer at Temple Mount complex Ha'aretz 2/16/2006 A young Palestinian woman attempted to stab a police officer at the Temple Mount complex in Jerusalem on Thursday morning. The woman, a 27-year-old resident of Bethlehem, ran toward the officer screaming "God is Great" before she attacked him with a 30 centimeter-long knife. Other officers at the site managed to restrain the woman, and took her into custody, ending the incident without injury. A preliminary investigation at the Minorities Department in the Jerusalem police revealed the woman intended to stab the officer to avenge the death of the husband. It is as yet unclear who he was and under which circumstance he died. [end] more.. Four right-wing settlers arrested for incitement International Middle East Media Center 2/17/2006 On Friday morning, the Israeli police arrested four right-wing settlers after they distributed fliers inciting against a senior officer at the Israeli army. The fryers were distributed outside the Jerusalem home of Yair Naveh,GOC Central Command leader. The arrested settlers are reisdents of Elon Moreh and Efrat settlements in the West Bank, in addition to reisdents of Bnei Brak area in Tel Aviv. An Israeli police source reported that the settlers were arrested with large numbers of fliers and posters in their possession. Three of the settlers are expected to be released on bail with restrictive orders. more.. IDF: Israel to remove two small settlement outposts within days Ha'aretz 2/16/2006 Israel will take down two small settlement outposts near the West Bank town of Hebron in the next few days, Israel Defense Forces sources said Thursday. The outposts were set up in November and are only sporadically inhabited, the military said. One has a tent on site, and the other, a shack or two, it said. Israel is obliged under the internationally backed "road map" peace plan to remove all unauthorized outposts established since March 2001. Jewish settlers put up dozens of outposts to lay claim to West Bank land Palestinians claim for a future state. more.. Israeli troops kill Palestinian boy AlJazeera 2/15/2006 A Palestinian teenager with learning difficulties has been shot dead by Israeli troops during clashes near the northern West Bank city of Jenin. Palestinian security forces said Israeli soldiers shot and killed Mujahid Samadi, a retarded 15-year-old Palestinian boy who was carrying a toy gun, on Wednesday. Witnesses said the clashes had broken out when about 20 Israeli jeeps entered the village of Qabatiya, south of Jenin, in the early morning. The victim had wandered out into the streets with a stick in his hand which the Israelis appeared to have mistaken for a weapon. more.. Disabled Jenin man shot by troops BBC 2/15/2006 A young Palestinian man with learning disabilities has been shot dead by Israeli troops near the West Bank town of Jenin, Palestinian officials said. Mujahid al-Simadi, 20, was shot through the chest during a raid to arrest militants. The Israeli military said its soldiers had seen a "suspect armed with a weapon who was threatening them". A 12-year-old boy was shot dead in the Jenin refugee camp three months ago during a stone-throwing protest. Local residents said Mujahid al-Simadi had gone up to the troops with a toy gun and shouted that they should leave the village. He was among a number of children who had surrounded a house occupied by Israeli soldiers and began to throw stones, Palestinian security sources said. more.. 38 residents arrested in the West Bank International Middle East Media Center 2/15/2006 Wednesday at dawn, Israeli soldiers invaded the West Bank city of Tulkarem, broke into dozens of homes and arrested twenty residents, including two residents from the nearby village of Kafer Jamal. Eighteen residents were arrested and few others were injured in separate invasions in Nablus, Jenin, Hebron and Bethlehem. A local source in Tulkarem reported on Wednesday that soldiers supported by six armored vehicles and a troop carrier invaded Tulkarem and initiated house-to-house searches. Soldiers used military dogs while searching houses in the eastern neighborhood of Tulkarem,and fired concussion grenades at a number of homes; damage to the houses was reported, no injuries. more.. Palestinian resistance shells military posts north of Gaza International Middle East Media Center 2/15/2006 The National Resistance Brigades, the armed wing of the Democratic Front for Liberation of Palestine (DFLP), clamed responsibility for shelling Israeli military targets east of the northern Gaza strip city of Beit Hanoun late Tuesday night. The group also said, in the press release they issued in the Gaza strip, that this action is a response to Israeli army attacks against the Palestinian nation and promised to continue the resistance. [end] more.. IDF: J'lem neighborhood at risk YNetNews 2/15/2006 Senior IDF officer tells Ynet dozens of shooting attacks against neighborhood of Gilo foiled in 2005; army bracing for wave of terror attacks after Hamas' election victory -- The defense establishment is concerned that terror groups are planning to renew shooting attacks at residents of Jerusalem’s Gilo neighborhood. “They have the experience and the intension and I have the Tanzim in mind,” a senior IDF official told Ynet. The IDF is bracing for a wage of terror attacks after Hamas' election victory in the Palestinian parliamentary elections. According to the official, dozens of shooting attacks against Gilo were foiled in 2005.... “as long as we have freedom of action in Bethlehem and good intelligence, these attempts will be thwarted. ” more.. Amona commander's car torched YNetNews 2/15/2006 Brigadier General Meir Bokovza subject to threats by right-wing activists ever since leading evacuation of West Bank outpost; despite special security arrangements, officer's car set on fire Tuesday night by unknown assailantEli Senyor An unknown assailant arrived Tuesday night at the home of Brigadier General Meir Bokovza, deputy commander of the Judea and Samaria district, in the town of Shoham near Ben-Gurion Airport, and set his car on fire. The car of Bokovza's neighbor was also set on fire. The two vehicles were totally burned. more.. Army invades village near Jenin International Middle East Media Center 2/15/2006 Israeli soldiers invaded Al Zabbouba village, near the West Bank city of Jenin after claiming that residents of the village came close to the Separation Wall. A local source in the village reported that five military vehicles invaded the village, fired rounds of live ammunition and chased dozens of youth who hurled stones at the invading forces, no injuries were reported. [end] more.. Israel arrests 19 in W Bank raids BBC 2/14/2006 Nineteen suspected Palestinian militants were arrested by Israeli troops in overnight raids in the West Bank, the Israeli military has said. Seven members of Hamas, which won last month's elections, were arrested with an Islamic Jihad activist in Hebron. Meanwhile, six Fatah members were arrested in Nablus, two Islamic Jihad members in Qalqilya, and one Fatah-Tanzim member in Ramallah. Israeli raids on Monday resulted in 18 other Palestinians being detained. [end] more.. 17 Citizens Arrested, including Woman in WB WAFA 2/16/2006 TULKAREM, February 15, 2006 (WAFA) - Israeli Occupation Forces (IOF) arrested Wednesday seventeen citizens, including a woman in the West Bank (WB) cities of Tulkarem, Nablus, Qalqiliya and Jenin, WAFA reporter and security sources said. In Tulkarem, security sources told WAFA that a massive number of Israeli soldiers thrust into the city, launched a house-to-house search campaign, amid intensive fire shooting and arrested ten citizens, leading them into an undisclosed place. In Nablus, Israeli soldiers, backed by military vehicles, stormed Askar refugee camp and the city and arrested three citizens, security sources said. more.. IDF troops kill Palestinian wielding toy rifle near Jenin Ha'aretz 2/15/2006 Israel Defense Forces soldiers shot dead a Palestinian man on Wednesday while carrying out an arrest raid in Qabatiyah, near the West Bank city of Jenin. Palestinian security officials said the victim was a mentally-handicapped 19-year-old Palestinian man, identified as Mujahed Al-Simadi, who was carrying a toy rifle. IDF sources said soldiers from the elite Maglan unit entered Qabatiyah in order to arrest wanted Palestinians. Palestinian youths began throwing stones at the soldiers. When the soldiers spotted what appeared to be an armed individual near them, they opened fire at him. more.. Israeli soldiers shoot Palestinian student in the face Palestine Monitor/Ma'an news 2/14/2006 Hebron – Israeli soldiers shot a Palestinian student in the face after searching a school bus Tuesday morning. The bus was traveling from Al Arroub Refugee Camp north of Hebron to Beit Amir High School. According to eyewitnesses, Israeli forces at a checkpoint at the entrance of the Camp stopped the school bus and forced students to get off. The soldiers claimed that students had rocks and Molotov Cocktails. Eyewitnesses said that after a brief search of the vehicles, soldiers allowed students to board the bus and ordered them to close the windows of the vehicle. As the students were doing so, a soldier shot 17 year old Ala' Muhammad Ahmed Al Jabiry in the face. more.. Undercover Israeli army unit invades Bethlehem, injures one, arrests three International Middle East Media Center 2/14/2006 Tuesday morning, an Israeli army special unit injured one resident and arrested him along with two other residents, during an invasion of Beit Jala, near the West Bank city of Bethlehem. Hazem Al Ajalah, 27, a Palestinian security officer, is originally from Gaza and is a member of the Palestinian security forces in Bethlehem. He was shot while attempting to escape when an undercover army unit disguised in civilian clothes attempted to kidnap him from the public park in the town center. Troops and army vehicles stormed the town shortly after the incident, arrested Al Ajalah, and two other residents who were in the area, and took them to unknown destination, eyewitnesses reported. [end] more.. Settlers attack homes in Khirbet Tana village International Middle East Media Center 2/14/2006 Scores of Israeli settlers attacked homes in Khirbet Tana village east of the West Bank city of Nablus on Tuesday. Ahmed Nasasreh,secretary of village council, said that approximately 60 settlers from the near by Elon Moreh settlement stormed the village, hurled stones and attacked residents' homes. [end] more.. IDF shells Gaza Strip after Qassams land south of Ashkelon Ha'aretz 2/15/2006 Israel Defense Force officials said Tuesday it fired artillery at the northern Gaza Strip after two Palestinian rockets landed in southern Israel, one in an industrial zone south of the city of Ashkelon. Military officials said that one of the homemade rockets landed near a strategic installation. The officials did not identify the installation, but said several power plants exist in the area. The other rocket hit a Carlsberg beer production factory. The IDF has stepped up its shelling against launching pads in northern Gaza in recent weeks following repeated attacks from the area. more.. Olmert talks about taking the Jordan Valley, soldiers impose total closure International Middle East Media Center 2/14/2006 The Israeli military has imposed a total closure on the Jordan Valley area of the Palestinian West Bank since 2005, literally cutting off 2 million Palestinians from their sources of livelihood in the Valley. While military sources say there is no political intent to the measure, and that it is merely for 'security purposes', critics note that the closure fits perfectly with a political plan exposed last week by the acting Israeli Prime Minister Ehud Olmert, in which he stated that Israel plans to take over the Jordan Valley, in the eastern part of the West Bank, and annex it for Israel. A recent United Nations report revealed that some 2,000,000 Palestinians residents of the West Bank are prohibited from entering the Jordan Valley area. more.. Hebron family traumatized after Shabbat attack International Middle East Media Center 2/14/2006 For many religious Jews, Shabbat is a day of rest and spiritual enrichment. However, in Hebron, members of the local Palestinian community know all-too-well that Jewish settlers often commit their most violent crimes on Shabbat. Ahmed Hadad, an 11-year-old H2 resident, is one of the most recent victims of this recurring settler violence. On February 4th, he was assaulted by four rock-wielding settler adults in the olive groves outside his house. Ahmed was rushed to the hospital after sustaining multiple blows to the head and a fractured wrist. I sat down with the Hadad family this weekend to see how they were coping in the aftermath of the attack. As we shared several cups of tea and coffee, it was clear that the family had not recovered from the trauma of the event. more.. Rockets fired from Gaza into Israel AlJazeera 2/14/2006 Palestinian fighters have fired two rockets into southern Israel, one of which struck the industrial zone of the Mediterranean port city of Ashkelon, causing no casualties or damage. An Israeli army spokesman said on Tuesday: "Palestinians launched two Qassams at Israel a short time ago and they both landed north of the Gaza Strip. One landed in an open area and one landed in an area of the Ashkelon industrial zone. "The rocket fell in a "sensitive location" a military source said, but added that there were no casualties or damage. The armed wing of the Islamic Jihad faction claimed to have fired a rocket on Ashkelon. After the latest attack, Israeli artillery continued to bombard the northern Gaza Strip, where a block of flats was earlier damaged, security sources and witnesses said. more.. Army arrests six residents following an invasion to Nablus International Middle East Media Center 2/14/2006 Israeli army troops arrested six residents from Balata and Askar refugee camps in the West Bank city of Nablus during an invasion of the city on Tuesday morning. Soldiers backed with army vehicles entered Askar Refugee Camp from the south, broke into homes and searched them, in the process; they arrested Mahmoud Al Ghoul and his brother Ahmed, Mahmoud Al Rafaai, Ahmed Al Rafaai, and Bassim Al Afaghani. While Wa'il Abu Misheh was arrested when troops unleashed military dogs into his home. The army claims that Abu Misheh is a member of the Al Aqsa martyrs brigades, the armed wing of Fatah, who has been 'wanted' for the past four years. [end] more.. Army shells residential areas in Gaza International Middle East Media Center 2/14/2006 Media spokesperson of the Palestinian Ministry of Interior, Tawfiq Abu Khousa, reported on Tuesday that Israeli artillery fired ten shells on Tuesday morning at residential areas in the northern and eastern parts of the Gaza Strip. In a phone call with Palestine News Network, Abu Khousa said that one of the shells directly hit the house of Adeeb Al Masry, and another house, in the fifth floor of a residential tower in Abraj Al Awda area, in Beit Lahia, excessive damage was reported. The residents of the two houseswhere out of their homes when the shells were fired. more.. Israeli forces conduct raids in Jenin, Tubas Monday night Ma'an News 2/14/2006 Jenin (Ma'an) – Israeli forces continued to exert a strong presence in the Jenin and Tubas in the northern West Bank. A Ma'an correspondent in the area reported that Israeli soldiers deployed throughout the two cities Monday night. According to eyewitnesses, Israeli military units erected temporary checkpoints at the entrances of Yamoun, Kufr Dan, Sileh Al Haritheh and Tamoun villages. Inside Jenin and Tubas, soldiers detonated sound grenades and conducted invasive searches in Palestinian homes using police dogs. Jenin Governor, Quadoura Mousa, condemned the Israeli closure of the area, now in its third week. He asked European countries and the United Nations to intervene to bring an end to the situation. [end] more.. Israeli Army invades the two west bank cities of Jenin and Tubas International Middle East Media Center 2/14/2006 Israeli army forces invaded the West Bank cities of Jenin and Tubas, and searched several homes late Monday night. Israeli soldiers attacked the two cities while others erected temporary checkpoints at the entrances of Yamoun, Kufr Dan, Sileh Al Haritheh and Tamoun villages near Jenin. Soldiers conducted intensive searches of the residents' houses in the two cities and detonated sound bombs during their search, eyewitnesses reported. more.. PFLP linked group opens fire on Israeli patrol near Nablus Ma'an News 2/14/2006 Nablus (Ma'an) – The Jihad Jibril Brigades claimed responsibility for ambushing an Israeli patrol near Nablus Tuesday. The Brigades are an armed resistance group linked to the leftists Popular Front for the Liberation of Palestine. Members of the Brigades opened fire on a bus and several Israeli military vehicles near the northern West Bank city. A statement released by the Brigades reports that no one was injured among their ranks. [end] more.. Israeli forces arrest 47 year old member of Security forces in Hebron Ma'an News 2/14/2006 Hebron (Ma'an) – Israeli forces arrested 47 year old Mohammad Imam, a member of the Palestinian Security forces in Hebron. According to the Prisoners' Media Center, Israeli forces broke into Imam's home at approximately 2:00 am Tuesday morning and took him to an unknown location. Imam spent eight years in Israeli prison and was released just eight months ago. [end] more.. Gaza's Al Azhar University Labor Committee chairman shot in leg Ma'an News 2/14/2006 Gaza (Ma'an) – Unidentified gunmen shot the head of the Labor Committee in Gaza's Al Azhar University, Ayoub Othman, in the leg Tuesday. The leftist Democratic Front for the Liberation of Palestine (DFLP) denied involvement in the incident and called for the perpetrators to be brought to justice. The Palestinian teachers union and the faculty of Al Azhar University have also condemned the act and called for the Palestinian Authority catch the perpetrators. [end] more.. Vandals torch car of Amona police official Ha'aretz 2/15/2006 Vandals set fire to the car of Brigadier General Meir Bukovza, deputy commander of the Samaria and Judea district police, late Tuesday night near his home in Shoham, Israel Radio reported. Bukovza commanded the operation to evacuate the illegal outpost of Amona last month. Central District police formed a special investigation unit in an effort to locate the vandals, the radio said. [end] more.. Hamas suicide bombers' videotape: 'We drink Jews' blood' Ha'aretz 2/15/2006 A Hamas Web site recently published the videotape wills of two suicide bombers, with two main messages: One is directed to the Jews whose blood Hamas pledges to drink until they flee from the land of the Muslims, and the other is devoted to a mother who helps her son plan a suicide attack, according to Palestinian Media Watch, which presents the video shown on the Hamas site after its victory in the Palestinian parliamentary elections. The video shows Idham Ahmed Majila and Maumin Rajab Rajab, who blew themselves up at the Karni crossing at the end of 2004. "My message to the hated Jews: There is no God but Allah," Majala says. more.. IOF Opens Fire against School Bus, Wounds Schoolboy in Hebron WAFA 2/14/2006 HEBRON, February 14, 2006 (WAFA) - A schoolboy was wounded on Tuesday when Israeli Occupation Forces (IOF) opened random fire on a school bus near al-Arroub refugee camp in Hebron City of the West Bank. Medical sources told WAFA that the school boy Ala'a Jawabra 17, was critically wounded in the head. Palestinian security sources stated that IOF opened fire at the bus, driving between al-Arroub camp and Ummar town of the city, wounding the schoolboy whom was transferred to hospital for treatment. Medics affirmed that Jawabra was shot with a live bullet in the head when a number of Israeli soldiers stopped the bus and conducted a search campaign among the schoolboys. [end] more.. Occupation Forces Kill a Woman and Wound 8 others in two Separate Incidents International Press Center 2/14/2006 GAZA, Palestine, February 14, 2006 (IPC + Agencies) - - Israeli Occupation Forces (IOF) shot dead a woman next to her home amidst Gaza Strip near the border fence with Israel, and wounded 8 others northern Strip, in addition to the arrest of 20 residents in the West Bank cities of Nablus, Qalqilia, Hebron, Bethlehem and Ramallah. Fatima Abu Musa'ed, 25, a mother of two children, was killed when IOF soldiers, stationed at Kosofim military checkpoint opened fire at her suddenly as she was walking near the barbed-wire fence between Gaza and Israel.... Local security sources said that the killed woman was more than 500m away at the time of the incident and posed no threat to Israeli occupation troops. more.. Greek Orthodox factions clash in Jerusalem, priest wounded Ha'aretz 2/14/2006 A priest was wounded Tuesday and two other men arrested after a fistfight broke out at the Greek Orthodox Church in East Jerusalem. The fighting ocurred at Saint Anna's church between supporters of newly elected Greek Orthodox patriarch Theofilos III and those of the deposed Irineos. Police were called in to separate the warring camps. A hearing on the issue of the legitimacy of Theofilos'rs patriarchy will be held at the Supreme Court next month. His supporters demand the state recognize him as the head of the Greek Orthodox Church in the Holy Land. more.. Israeli soldiers kill Palestinian woman AlJazeera 2/14/2006 Israeli soldiers have shot dead a Palestinian woman next to her home near the border fence with Israel, Israeli and Palestinian security sources say. Nayfa Abu Imsaa'id, 25, and her friend were tending to some goats in an an area just east of the central Gaza town of Dair al-Balah on Monday when she was killed, family members told Aljazeera. net. According to Sulaiman Abu Amra, a Palestinian medic of the Shuhada' al-Aqsa Hospital in Dair al-Balah, Abu Imsaa'id was shot in the shoulder with a high velocity bullet which penetrated her heart, killing her immediately. A spokesman for the Israeli army told Aljazeera. net that after soldiers saw the two women near the fence, soldiers stationed near the border fired two warning shots. more.. Israeli Settlers in Palestine attack Children, deface Mosque International Middle East Media Center 2/13/2006 10 year old Ahmed al-Haddad was attacked Monday by eight adult Israeli settlers in Hebron who chased him down, hitting him with stones until he fell off a wall. Doctors call his condition 'critical' after the boy suffered from a severe head injury. His sixteen year old sister was also chased down and harassed by the settlers, according to the children's mother. Meanwhile, in the Qalqilia area in the northern part of the Palestinian West Bank, Israeli soldiers arrested one Palestinian and injured four who protested against a hate crime committed by Israeli settlers Sunday. Settlers had defaced a mosque near Qalqilia on Sunday with anti-Islamic graffiti, written in Hebrew, calling the Prophet Mohammed a pig. more.. 10 residents injured In Beit Sera village, near Ramallah International Middle East Media Center 2/13/2006 The Maan News Agency reported on Monday that at least ten residents were injured during clashes which erupted after the residents protested against the Separation Wall in Beit Sera village, west of the West Bank city of Ramallah. The residents were also protesting against the uprooting of thousands of olive trees owned by the villagers. Israeli troops fired rounds of live ammunition, concussion grenades and gas bombs at the protesters. Several residents were injured by rubber-coated bullets while others suffered injuries and bruises after the soldiers attacked and hit them with their batons. Four of the injured residents were transferred to Sheikh Zayed Hospital in Ramallah, while the rest received first aid in a local clinic. more.. Four arrested, five children injured in separate incidents in Hebron area International Middle East Media Center 2/13/2006 The Palestine News Network reported that soldiers controlling the permanent checkpoint and gate installed at the western entrance of Al Fawwar arrested four residents and took them to an unknown location. One of the residents is a university student identified as Fawzi Al Tubassi, 21. Sunday morning, Israeli soldiers arrested four Palestinian residents in Al Fawwar refugee camp, south of the West Bank city of Hebron, and shot injured five children in Doura city and Bani Neim village, near of Hebron. Hundreds of residents were detained in Beit Awwa village, west of Hebron. On Saturday night, five residents, including three children, were injured when the army invaded Doura city and Bani Neim village, east and west of Hebron, respectively. Sources reported that the military fired live ammunition at children who were apparently throwing stones, or were in the area. more.. Israeli settlers attack Palestinian farmers near Bethlehem International Middle East Media Center 2/13/2006 On Sunday afternoon, Israeli settlers beat two Palestinians from Taqoua town, southeast of Bethlehem, while they were working in their lands. The victims were not identified, and Israeli security forces in the area refused to pursue the attackers. [end] more.. Colonizers Assault Child in Hebron WAFA 2/13/2006 HEBRON, February 13, 2006 (WAFA)- Jewish extremist colonizers tortured Monday a child in the West Bank (WB) city of Hebron. A 10-years-old child, Ahmed al-Haddad pointed out that he hardly escaped death as eight colonizers, In Tal al-Rmeida, in the middle of Hebron, chased and stoned him, causing his fall from a high wall and due of which he became unconscious. Ahmed al-Haddad's mother told WAFA that her son beaten up and assaulted by colonizers and he suffered from bruises and fractures, adding that her daughter 16, was subjected to chasing and harassment. In the meantime, extremists colonizers escalated Monday their aggressive acts against Palestinian farmers in the WB cites of Bethlehem and Qalqiliya. more.. Israel cuts Jordan Rift from rest of West Bank By Amira Hass, Ha'aretz 2/13/2006 While the international community busied itself with the disengagement from the Gaza Strip last summer, Israel completed another cut-off process, which went unnoticed; In 2005, Israel completed a process of sealing off the eastern sector of the West Bank, including the Jordan Rift Valley, from the remainder of the West Bank. Some 2,000,000 Palestinians, residents of the West Bank, are prohibited from entering the area, which constitutes around one-third of the West Bank, and includes the Jordan Rift, the area of the Dead Sea shoreline and the eastern slopes of the West Bank mountains. Military sources told Haaretz that the moves have been "security measures" adopted by the Israel Defense Forces and have no connection to any political intentions whatsoever. more.. Israel excludes Palestinians from fertile valley The Guardian 2/14/2006 Permit system seen as bid to annex West Bank land· Residents forced to leave area as farmers lose jobs -- Israel has effectively annexed the Jordan Valley - about a third of the occupied West Bank - by barring almost all Palestinians from entering the region, a respected Israeli human rights group said yesterday. The group, B'Tselem, points to a system of permits and checkpoints that has expanded over recent months to keep most Palestinians out of the valley. It says this and other measures that are forcing residents to leave the area appear to be a step towards seizing the land for Israel. more.. PA police abduct Hamas man YNetNews 2/13/2006 Off-duty Palestinian police officers kidnap Hamas member they say killed their colleague in earlier riots; Hamas responds with ultimatum, threatens to resort to violence unless abductors release man shortly -- Tensions were high in Gaza City Sunday evening after armed men – apparently off-duty Palestinian police officers – abducted a Hamas member they said killed their colleague. The armed kidnappers shoved the Hamas man into a vehicle and fled the scene. Palestinian sources said the kidnapped man was brought to a police station by his abductors and that the policemen behind the kidnapping demanded he be brought to justice by the Palestinian Authority. more.. Jewish Settlers Daub Anti-Prophet Graffiti on Mosque Palestine Chronicle 2/13/2006 Earlier, Jewish settlers dropped a pig head into a mosque in Jaffa, wrapped by a veil on which was written the name of Prophet Muhammad in Hebrew. -- QALQILYA, West Bank - Anti-Prophet graffiti has been daubed by Jewish settlers on the wall of a mosque in the occupied West Bank, an Israeli military source and local residents said Sunday, February 12. The graffiti was first discovered by the mosque's custodian Osman Zamari when he opened the building at daybreak, reported Agence France-Presse (AFP). "I was opening up as I do every morning and I noticed this writing in Hebrew," the 67-year-old Zamari said. more.. IOF Arrests 17 Citizens in WB WAFA 2/13/2006 JENIN, February13, 2006(WAFA)- Israeli Occupation Forces (IOF) arrested Monday seventeen citizens in the West Bank (WB) cities of Jenin, Bethlehem, Tubas, Tulkarem and Hebron. In Jenin, Israeli soldiers thrust into Al-yamoun town, west the city, launched a wide scale search campaign into citizens houses and ravaged the contents and arrested six citizens, leading them into an unknown location, security sources told WAFA. In Bethlehem, a group of Israeli soldiers broke into Bethlehem and Beit Hor towns and launched a house-to-house search campaign, forced citizens to leave their houses in cold weather.... In Tulkarem, a massive number of Israeli soldiers swept into Saida town, north the city, launched a large search campaign into number of houses and lands. more.. Military court sentences five Palestinians International Middle East Media Center 2/13/2006 The Israeli military court of Salem sentenced two Palestinians to prison terms and gave extended 'administrative detention' orders to three others on Monday morning. Ahmed Dalow was sentenced to three years and a NIS 3,000 fine while Motasim Radwan from the West Bank city of Qalqilia to 20 months and a NIS 2,000 as a fine. The Israeli Court would not reveal the mens' charges. Also the court extended the administrative detention of Hammam Al Shobki for the fourth time, while extended it for the third time for Bahaa Samara and Yahya Budra. [end] more.. Car belonging to top Palestinian security officer burned in Gaza International Middle East Media Center 2/13/2006 On Monday morning, an unknown group burned a car belonging to a top Palestinian Preventative Security officer in the Deir Al Balah area in the Gaza Strip, local sources reported. Residents in the area heard a large explosion and then saw that the car, which belongs to Walid Al Arini, was completely burned. No injuries occurred in the incident, the reasons behind the attack and the group carried it out are still unknown. [end] more.. IDF distributes anti-Hamas leaflets YNetNews 2/12/2006 Army hands out leaflets to Palestinian laborers at Gaza crossing; terrorists try to undermine Palestinians' right for dignified living, leaflet charges -- Psychological warfare: The IDF distributed leaflets to Palestinian laborers returning to Gaza via the Erez crossing Sunday, informing them Israel has decided to reopen the crossing despite an attempted attack last week. "When the crossing is sealed off, who takes care of your livelihood – Fatah, Hamas, Jihad, or Israel? " the leaflets read. Several hours after last week's attempted attack at Erez , located in northern Gaza, IDF Southern Command Head Yoav Galant announced Israel intends to reopen the crossing soon. more.. Mock Air Raids on GS WAFA 2/12/2006 GAZA, February 12, 2006 (WAFA)- Israeli warplanes launched on Sunday several mock air raids on the Gaza Strip (GS), causing heavy explosions. Security sources told WAFA that the mock air raids caused huge booms and spread a state of fear and panic, particularly children and women in addition to damages to doors and windows of houses and some shops. [end] more.. Several Citizens Wounded by IOF in Qalqilya WAFA 2/12/2006 QALQILYA, February 12, 2006 (WAFA)- Several citizens were wounded Sunday in the West Bank (WB) city of Qalqilya, when Israeli Occupation Forces (IOF) opened fire towards them while they were protesting against colonizers insult to the prophet Mohamed. Eyewitnesses told WAFA that Israeli soldiers opened rubber metal bullets and gas grenades towards the demonstrators, causing injuries and suffocation cases among them. They added that the demonstration was organized to protest Jewish colonizers' distortion to the purity of Prophet Mohammed by writing insult words on walls of a mosque located north of Azzoon town, east of Qalqilia city. more.. 797 Children Killed by Occupation Forces During Al Aqsa Intifada International Press Center 2/13/2006 GAZA, Palestine, February 13, 2006 (IPC + Agencies) - - Resalah Center for Human Rights (RCHR) released a report Sunday over the Israeli violations and aggressions against children's rights since the outbreak of the current Al Aqsa Intifada. According to the report, Israeli Occupation Forces (IOF) killed 797 children under the age of 18 between 28 September 2000 and 30 December 2005, approximately the time period of the Al Aqsa Intifada. The center pointed out that many children who weren't killed are left with physical and psychological damage. more.. Trend: Soldiers playing with guns YNetNews 2/13/2006 IDF concerned about growing phenomenon; army source says 'soldiers who play with guns are offenders' -- Disturbing trend: IDF soldiers engage in games involving rifles at least once a week, new data released by the Military Prosecutor showed. Although unofficial, the report sends warning signals to the government to tackle an old problem that exacerbated in 2005. “These are serious incidents. Only by miracle no one was hurt and the incidents did not make headlines. It is clear that it is only a matter of time before the bullet hits the head of soldier instead of a door,” a source at the Military Prosecution told Ynet. more.. Palestinian militants free Kidnapped Egyptian diplomat Ha'aretz 2/11/2006 An Egyptian diplomat kidnapped earlier this week by gunmen in Gaza was released unharmed on Saturday, an Egyptian official in Gaza said. "He's released and unharmed," an Egyptian official in Gaza said, but declined further comment. The crisis began on Friday, when a previously unknown Palestinian group claimed responsibility for the abduction of an Egyptian diplomat in the Gaza Strip, the Al-Jazeera satellite channel reported. In a report from its Gaza office, Al-Jazeera said it received a statement from a group calling itself the Al Ahrar Brigades. The group, whose name means "the liberated people" in Arabic, said it was demanding the release of Palestinian prisoners held by Egypt. more.. IAF missile strike leaves two wounded in Gaza Strip Ha'aretz 2/11/2006 An Israel Air Force aircraft fired a missile at a target in the central Gaza Strip early Saturday, wounding at least two people, Palestinian security officials said. The attacks occurred near the town of Deir al-Balah. There were no further details on the target and there was no immediate comment from the IDF. On Friday evening Palestinian militants fired a Qassam rocket which landed in an open area near the community of Nativ Ha'asara in the western Negev. There were no injuried or damage reported in the attack. more.. Israel enforces total closure on Jerusalem, bans Muslims from praying at Al Aqsa Mosque International Middle East Media Center 2/10/2006 Israeli police and army units enforced a total closure on Jerusalem Friday morning and banned Muslims under the age of 45 from praying at Al Aqsa mosque. Police and military units were widely deployed in and around the old city, due to Israeli officials' expectation that Muslims would demonstrate following Friday noon time prayers against offensive caricatures of the Prophet Mohammad published in several European newspapers, local sources reported. [end] more.. Troops assault two Palestinians at Bethlehem-Jerusalem checkpoint International Middle East Media Center 2/10/2006 Israeli troops arrested two young Palestinians on Friday, at the Bethlehem-Jerusalem checkpoint that is setup at the entrance of the tunnel near the West Bank town of Beit Jala, Palestinian sources reported. Soldiers operating at the checkpoint also blocked the traffic causing a serious traffic jam. According to eyewitness passengers, the two arrested young men are teenagers. Troops were seen beating the two young men with their boots and guns. Later, the two were taken to an unknown destination. more.. Qassam lands near Thai workers’ dwellings YNetNews 2/10/2006 Rocket lands in southern community of Nativ Ha’asara, near dwellings of Thai workers residing there; No injuries reported, but incident raises fears among 300 Thai workers, especially as they have no security rooms to seek shelter in -- A Qassam rocket landed Friday in the southern community of Nativ Ha’asara, near the dwellings of the Thai workers residing there.... Gil Taasa, who is in charge of security at Nativ Ha’asara, attempted to ease the workers’ concerns, saying “we are waiting for the security rooms designated for the workers; it is clear to us that if one of them gets hurt, we will not have any foreign workers and this will be a fatal blow to the community, which has been suffering from Qassam fire for the past five years. ” more.. IOF Assaults Peaceful Demo, Wounds Citizen in Ramallah WAFA 2/10/2006 RAMALLAH, February 10, 2006 (WAFA) - Israeli troops assaulted a demonstration, in Budros of Ramallah, protesting the caricatures depicting the Prophet Mohammed that have been published by European newspapers. Witnesses said that Israeli soldiers opened fire at protestors, wounding one of them. Scores others suffered rubber-bullet wounds. The soldiers also assaulted citizens at shops, beating them with clubs and gun buts, witnesses added. [end] more.. Soldiers close the tunnel road in Beit Jala, arrest two youth International Middle East Media Center 2/10/2006 Israeli soldiers based at the Tunnel road checkpoint, near the West Bank city of Beit Jala, closed the road of Friday and arrested two Palestinian Youth. The Palestinenet news website reported that soldiers stopped two youth at the checkpoint, and arrested them. Eyewitnesses reported that soldiers stopped the two 16 and 17 year-old youth at the checkpoint and severely clubbed them after forcing them on the ground. Army source claimed that the two attempted to stab a soldiers. [end] more.. Jeep damaged in explosion near Nablus International Middle East Media Center 2/10/2006 Friday afternoon, a Palestinian armed resistance group detonated an explosive charge near an Israeli military jeep east of the West Bank city Nablus. The jeep, which was patrolling the area Itimar settlement, sustained material damage, but no injuries were reported. Eyewitnesses said they heard an explosion and saw Israeli ambulances and military vehicles rush to the location of the blast. [end] more.. Army arrests seven residents from several cities in the West Bank International Middle East Media Center 2/10/2006 The Israeli army arrested seven residents from several cities across the West Bank, who were allegedly 'wanted' by the Israeli military. Three of the arrestees were abducted from Nablus for alleged involvement in Islamic Jihad and Hamas armed wings, while three from Qalandia refugee camp in Ramallah were arrested, reportedly for also being armed resistance members, according to Israeli sources. [end] more.. In pre-dawn invasion, army arrests one resident from Obadia village International Middle East Media Center 2/10/2006 On Friday at dawn, Israeli army forces stormed the village of Obadia, east of the West Bank city of Bethlehem, one resident was arrested. Soliman Al Assa, 31, was arrested after soldiers searched his house and several other houses in the village allegedly looking for wanted people, local sources reported. [end] more.. Four residents arrested from Nablus in an invasion of the city International Middle East Media Center 2/10/2006 On Friday at dawn, Israeli army troops invaded the West Bank city of Nablus and arrested four residents thereMotasem Al Nablusi, 20, Amjad AL Ghatni, 22, Hamza Mansower, 22 and Saed Amer 24 were arrested when 20 army vihcile stormed the city and troops conducted wide scale search to the residents houses in the city, local sources reported. [end] more.. Ongoing Israeli Assassinations by Missile said to be 'Baiting' Palestinian militants International Middle East Media Center 2/10/2006 While the Israeli government refuses all contact with the future democratically elected Palestinian government, it has returned to its policy of assassination, targeting alleged Palestinian terrorists without trial or formal accusations, killing 13 this week in aerial missile attacks. This week, Israeli forces have conducted 6 separate missile attacks, resulting in the deaths of thirteen Palestinians, mainly in the Gaza Strip. In the northern Gaza Strip, Israeli aircraft fired on a car Sunday, assassinating twenty-seven year old Mohammed Abu Sharyia and twenty-four year old Soheel Baker. Five bystanding children were injured, and three of them were transferred to a local hospital. Medical sources say that two of them, a six and seven years old, remain in a serious condition. more.. Right-wing activists protest outside home of senior IDF commander Ha'aretz 2/11/2006 Several dozen right-wing activists demonstrated on Friday afternoon outside the Jerusalem home of a senior Israel Defense Forces officer for his role in the evacuation of the Amona illegal West Bank outpost. GOC Central Command Major General Yair Naveh has been targeted by settlers since last week's Amona demolition. IDF Chief of Staff Lieutenant General Dan Halutz is to issue a statement condemning the attacks on Naveh. [end] more.. Israeli court sentences Hebron resident to four life terms International Middle East Media Center 2/10/2006 Friday morning, the Israeli army court of Ofer sentenced one resident from the West Bank city of Hebron to four life terms. Yousif Al Skafi, 26, was arrested during an invasion to the city three years ago, local sources reported. [end] more.. Islamic Jihad threatens attacks over cartoons YNetNews 2/10/2006 Islamic Jihad leader Khader Habib threatens to 'defend the prophet with our souls and blood,' meanwhile, Jyllands-Posten cartoons editor sent on holiday after saying he would run Iranian cartoons on Holocaust -- Islamic Jihad threatened violence on Friday over caricatures of Islam's prophet Muhammad, printed in newspapers around the globe. "Until now we have limited our action to demonstrations, but if they did not stop their offences to Prophet Mohammad we will defend the prophet with our souls and blood," Islamic Jihad leader Khader Habib told thousands of supporters after Friday prayers. more.. Palestinian Monitoring Group Daily Situation Report, 7 -8 February 2006 (PDF) Palestine Media Center 2/9/2006 ... TULKAREM: Closure: The Israeli army continues to impose a complete closure on the district of Tulkarem and to declare it a closed military zone following a suicide attack carried out on the junction to the village of Far’un. The Israeli army continues to impede civilian access to and from the district. Closure of Main Road: The Israeli army continues to close the road connecting the town of Bal’a to Dahiyat Iktaba with dirt barricades. Checkpoints: (i) The Israeli army continues to intensify its restrictions at the checkpoint set up near the settlement of ‘Einav on the road connecting the districts of Tulkarem and Nablus and to deny access to civilian vehicles... more.. IDF troops kill armed Palestinian, injure another at Erez crossing Ha'aretz 2/9/2006 Israel Defense Forces troops killed on Thursday three Palestinian militants in two separate incidents near the Erez crossing in the Gaza Strip. Troops opened fire early Thursday afternoon on two Palestinians who approached the border fence carrying explosive devices, according to IDF sources. The soldiers shot dead one man and moderately wounded the other. Earlier in the day troops shot dead two other armed Palestinians carrying out an attack at the Erez checkpoint, the main crossing for thousands of Palestinian workers with jobs in Israel. The two militants threw hand grenades and opened fire on the soldiers, who returned fire, killing both men. more.. Israeli Apache helicopters have been shelling different parts of the Gaza Strip Rafah Today 2/6/2006 [Photos and text] Two members of Al Aqsa Martyers brigades were assassinated by Israeli helicopters in the north of the Gaza Strip and many other people have been injured, medical sources stated. Shelling by Israeli Apaches continues at these moments (leading up to midnight) in different parts of Gaza. [photo: A child runs past a car targeted by the Israeli Army in Jabaliya Refugee Camp in the northern Gaza Strip / photo: Palestinians carrying an injured person into Al Shifa Hospital during the shelling in the north of Gaza] more.. Three killed near Gaza frontier BBC 2/9/2006 Israeli soldiers have killed three Palestinians in two separate incidents near the border in the Gaza Strip. Two armed militants who attacked troops were shot dead at the Erez checkpoint in northern Gaza before dawn. The army said troops opened fire at a group of armed Palestinians planting a bomb not far from the border fence in Beit Hanoun in the early afternoon. Palestinian medical sources named the dead man as Tareq Abu Harbid, 23, but have not confirmed that he was armed. Earlier, Israeli troops at Erez came under attack with gunfire and hand grenades. Two militant groups, the Popular Resistance Committees and the al-Aqsa Martyrs Brigades, claimed joint responsibility for the attack. more.. 28 Palestinians arrested in Hebron area International Middle East Media Center 2/9/2006 Thursday afternoon, Israeli forces invaded Hebron and surrounding villages in the southern part of the Palestinian West Bank and arrested a total of 28 Palestinians in a massive sweep of arrests. 20 men were arrested in the village of Beit Omar north of Hebron. In Yatta, south of Hebron, six men were arrested. And in the city of Hebron itself, two men, identified as Hamas activists, Sheikh Azzam Hassouna and Nadim Abu Khala, were arrested. The arrests make a total of 48 Palestinians arrested on Thursday, most of them in early morning invasions of various areas in the West Bank. [end] more.. Palestinian militants ransack former Gush Katif greenhouses Ha'aretz 2/10/2006 Some 200 dunams of greenhouse space in the Gaza Strip were ransacked recently by dozens of armed Palestinians and residents of Khan Yunis. International donors had purchased the greenhouses from evacuated Gush Katif settlers for the benefit of the Palestinians. According to Palestinian and international sources involved in running the greenhouses, the armed robbers belonged to two militias, the Assistance Committees and the Popular Army, affiliated with former Palestinian ruling party Fatah.... The incidents were accompanied by exchanges of fire between the militias and Palestinian policemen, in which several policemen were wounded. more.. IOF Demolishes Eight Houses, Arrests Eight Residents in West Bank International Press Center 2/8/2006 WEST BANK, Palestine, February 8, 2006 (IPC + Agencies) - - Israeli occupation forces (IOF) destroyed Wednesday five houses and arrested three youths in Ramallah, in addition to demolishing three other houses in Jenin and a three-storey building in Beit Haneena in Jerusalem. In Ramallah province, IOF destroyed today morning five houses in Shabqa, northwest of the West Bank city of Ramallah. The town's mayor, Fathi Nakhla, pointed out that many Israeli patrol vehicles and bulldozers invaded the town and imposed a curfew before they blockaded the residents' houses. Nakhla added that IOF bulldozers destroyed the newly-built houses of Mustafa Qadeh and Najeh Ali Qadeh. more.. Egyptian diplomat seized in Gaza BBC 2/9/2006 An Egyptian diplomat has been abducted by Palestinian gunmen in Gaza City, reports say. According to the reports, the diplomat was on his way to his office when masked gunmen surrounded his car and forced him into another vehicle. Foreigners are frequently kidnapped by gunmen in Gaza, a mark of the area's instability and lawlessness. Generally, the hostages are held for a short time to press the authorities for money, jobs or prisoner releases. The Egyptian representative's office in Gaza identified the diplomat as Hussam al-Mawsili, who serves as military attache. more.. Palestinian fighters die in Gaza clash AlJazeera 2/9/2006 Israeli soldiers have killed two Palestinian fighters who attacked a border crossing between the Gaza Strip and Israel. The Israeli army said three armed Palestinians attacked the Erez checkpoint between Israel and Gaza before daybreak on Thursday, the latest in an escalating series of violent incidents in the volatile territory. A Palestinian resistance group spokesman confirmed the attack and added that fighters had inflicted casualties on the Israeli side. There was no confirmation from the army of any Israeli casualties. An army spokeswoman said the armed men infiltrated into the Israeli side of the Erez border crossing and threw hand grenades at the checkpoint before being killed. more.. Israeli tanks shell Gaza, killing one, seriously injuring another International Middle East Media Center 2/9/2006 35 year old Palestinian citizen Tariq Abu Harbid was killed Thursday when Israeli tanks near Eretz Crossing began shelling indiscriminately in the area. Director of Kamal Adwan Hospital in the northern Gaza Strip town of Beit Lahia, Dr. Said Judeh, reported that 35 year Tariq Abu Harbid was dead upon arrival to the hospital. Another man, 26 year old Mousa Abu Shaluf, was injured in the tank shelling. Doctors say his condition is critical. Local sources report that the two men were civilians who happened to be in the area when Israeli forces began firing. The shelling followed an attack on the Eretz Crossing Military Base by armed Palestinian resistance fighters, two of whom were killed, a few hours earlier. more.. 2 Qassam rockets land in south YNetNews 2/9/2006 Rockets launched toward southern town of Sderot, western Negev, fall in open area; no injuries reported -- A Qassam rocket was launched Thursday evening toward the area between the kibbutzim Zikim and Karmiya in southern Israel. Police officials estimated that the rocket landed in an open area. There were no reports of injuries or damage. Earlier Thursday, the Red Dawn alert system identified a Qassam launching from the Gaza Strip toward the southern town of Sderot. There were no reports of injuries or damage in this incident as well. more.. Scores of Fatah militants storm the ministry of finance building in Gaza 13:55 International Middle East Media Center 2/9/2006 Scores of Aqsa Martyrs brigades (the armed wing of Fatah)members stormed the ministry of finance building in Gaza on Monday demanding their monthly wages. The action came when the militants, who had been given jobs in the Palestinian Authority security forces, did not receive their monthly wages with the rest of the other security forces employees, local sources reported. The Palestinian police force came to the scene and is now trying to disperse the militants from the building, the source added. [end] more.. Israeli military invades Bethlehem, arrests one International Middle East Media Center 2/9/2006 Late Thursday afternoon, the Israeli military invaded the al-Maslakh area of Bethlehem with military vehicles, jeeps and armed personnel carriers. The Army surrounded the home of Haithan Mahmoud Abu al-Khader, and arrested al-Khader, taking him to an unknown location, local sources reported. [end] more.. Army invades Qafeen village and arrests two residents International Middle East Media Center 2/9/2006 Israeli army troops invaded the village of Qafeen north of the West Bank city of Tulkarem; two residents were arrested during the invasion on Thursday morning. Adel Khalil, 20, and Yousif Harash, 23, were arrested when troops stormed several houses in the village and searched them, both were taken to unknown destination, local sources reported. [end] more.. Army invades Qalqilia, arrests five International Middle East Media Center 2/9/2006 Early Thursday morning, Israeli army forces invaded the West Bank city of Qalqilia and arrested five residents there. More than 20 army vehicles stormed the city and surrounded several houses and searched them, before arresting Mashhor Jabdi, 23, Talal Jabdi, 24, Bilal Qran, 27, Shadi Milhem, 24 and Ahmad Abu Maghseb and taking them to unknown destination, local sources reported. [end] more.. Two Killed in Gaza Clash, Another Died of Wounds and 17 Arrested in W. Bank International Press Center 2/9/2006 GAZA, Palestine, February 9, 2006 (IPC + Agencies) - - Israeli Occupation Forces (IOF) early Thursday shot dead two fighters attacking the Erez Checkpoint or "Beit Hanoun" Crossing north of Gaza Strip, the main crossing for thousands of workers with jobs in Israel. Also, A citizen died of his wounds he sustained when Israeli troops targeted two fighters south of Gaza City with artillery fire; furthermore, IOF arrested 17 residents throughout the West Bank and led them to an unknown place. Local sources said that the IOF soldiers killed early morning the two fighters Marwan Ammar, 18, and Mohammed Ramadan, 22, who attacked "Bait Hanoun" or Erez the main border crossing between the Gaza Strip and Israel. more.. Palestinian Monitoring Group Daily Situation Report, 7 -8 February 2006 (PDF) Palestine Media Center 2/9/2006 ... QALQILIYA: Closure of Main Roads: (i) The Israeli army continues to close the eastern entrance to the town of ‘Azzun with dirt barricades. (ii) The Israeli army continues to close the unpaved detour road connecting the town of ‘Azzun to the village of ‘Izbat at Tabib with dirt barricades. Wall Gates: (i) Passage through the Wall gates is restricted to civilians granted special Israeli permits. (ii) The Israeli army continues to intensify its restrictions at ‘Azzun ‘Atma Wall gate and to search civilians, including students, with a metal detector. Wall Construction: Land levelling for Wall construction continues in the village of Immatin and east of the towns of Kafr Thulth and ‘Azzun. Flying Checkpoints: (i) At 08:30, the Israeli army set up a flying checkpoint at the entrance to the town of ‘Azzun and searched civilians and vehicles... more.. Video - IDF shows assassination video YNetNews 2/9/2006 Air Force and artillery keep up attack on Gaza Qassam rocket launchers; IDF not panicked by Qassam attacks. 'Our policy has proven itself. We see results,' says army official, as IAF releases video of drone involved in assassination operation -- Over 300 artillery shells have been fired at recent days into Gaza, around 20 aerial strikes were carried out, four of them directed at targets involving terrorists behind Qasam rocket attacks. In one of the targeted strikes carried out on Monday, two al-Aqsa Martyrs Brigades members were killed. The IDF has released footage taken by the aerial drone as it carried out the assassination. more.. Resistance Leader Abu Khalid Vows more Strikes Against Israeli Forces International Middle East Media Center 2/9/2006 After an armed attack by three Palestinian resistance fighters on Eretz border crossing terminal/military installation early Thursday morning in which one soldier was killed (according to resistance leaders) and six injured, and two of the Palestinian fighters were killed, Mohammad "Abu Khaild" Hijazi, a leader in the al-Aqsa Brigades Resistance movement, said that more attacks are planned. Israeli sources denied that a soldier was killed, but confirmed the deaths of the two Palestinian fighters, who were identified as 18 year old Marwan Amar from Jabaliya Refugee Camp, a member of the Popular Resistance Committee, and 18 year old Mohammad Ramadan from the Al Aqsa Brigades. more.. Israeli government budgeted $600,000 in 2005 for Palestinian home demolitions in Jerusalem International Middle East Media Center 2/9/2006 Ma'er Merghlit, an Israeli activist and member of ICAHD (the Israeli Committee Against Home Demolitions) revealed Thursday morning that $600,000 USD had been designated in 2005 by the Israeli Municipal Government in Jerusalem for home demolitions. These homes are demolished allegedly for lacking building permits, but no building permits have been issued to Palestinians since 1967. Nearly 100% of the homes demolished lie in the planned path of the Israeli annexation Wall. Merghlit also exposed the fact that during the year of 2004, the Israeli Municipal Government in Jerusalem demolished 90 houses, including six and seven story buildings (the first time the municipality had destroyed large, multi-family apartment buildings in this way), while in 2005, it demolished 152 house allegedly built without licenses. [end] more.. IOF Arrests 19 Citizens in WB WAFA 2/9/2006 HEBRON, February 9, 2006 (WAFA)- Israeli Occupation Forces (IOF) arrested Thursday nineteen citizens in the West Bank(WB) cities of Hebron and Qalqiliya. The Palestinian Prisoner Society (PPS) told WAFA that Israeli soldiers stormed the villages of Beit Ommar and Yatta, south and west Hebron, and arrested thirteen citizens. WAFA reporter said that Israeli soldiers, backed by twenty military vehicles, thrust into Qalqilya city, launched a house-to-house search campaign, besieged the citizens' houses and arrested five citizens. South Bethlehem, in the village of al-Khader, IOF beaten up Ahmed Ibrahim 20, and arrested him. He suffered from severe bruises. [end] more.. Palestinians killed on Gaza border AlJazeera 2/8/2006 Israeli soldiers have killed two Palestinian fighters in a clash near the Gaza Strip boundary fence. The army confirmed that troops fired on a group of gunmen near the Karni border crossing on Wednesday, saying they were suspected of trying to plant a bomb at a buffer zone where there are Israeli patrols. One of the two gunmen was killed at the scene while a second died of his wounds at Gaza City's main hospital, medics said. Al-Aqsa Martyrs Brigades, an armed wing of the Palestinian Fatah faction, claimed the slain gunmen as its own. Al-Aqsa is one of several groups spearheading a more than five-year-old Palestinian uprising. more.. Resident dies of wound sustained earlier on Wednesday International Middle East Media Center 2/8/2006 Dr. Muawiya Hassanen, head of the emergency unit at the Palestinian Ministry of Health, reported on Wednesday at night, that one resident died of wounds sustained earlier on Wednesday in the central Gaza Strip rising the number of residents killed the Israeli army in 72 hours up to 13. Dr. Hassanen stated that resident Idrees Al Shareef, 21, was seriously injured after the Israeli army fired several shells at Juhr Al Deek area in the central Gaza Strip. One resident identified as Murad Abdul Majeed Al Hour, 21, died in the strike, while Al Shareefwas seriously injured and transferred to an Israeli hospital where he was officially pronounced dead. more.. Israelis kill Palestinian militant in Gaza Middle East Online 2/8/2006 GAZA CITY - A Palestinian militant was shot dead on Wednesday in an exchange of gunfire with Israeli troops in the central Gaza Strip, Palestinian medical sources said. Two other armed Palestinians were wounded in the clash near the security fence that separates Gaza from Israel, they said. The victim was named as Mohammed al-Hur, a member of the Al-Aqsa Martyrs Brigades, an offshoot of the former ruling Fatah party. An Israeli military spokesman, questioned by AFP, said soldiers "spotted three Palestinians carrying a suspect device on the southern borders of the Karni road terminal and targeted them, hitting at least one of them. " more.. Hebron: Palestinians storm international mission YNetNews 2/8/2006 About 300 Palestinians attack international observer mission in West Bank city of Hebron; throw stones, smash windows, try to set building on fire to protest Danish cartoons seen as insulting Islam -- About 300 Palestinians attacked an international observer mission in the West Bank city of Hebron on Wednesday, throwing stones, smashing windows and trying to set a building on fire to protest Danish cartoons seen as insulting Islam. Sixty unarmed mission members were in the building at the time, said Gunhild Forselv, a spokeswoman for the Temporary International Presence in Hebron, or TIPH, which serves as a buffer between Israeli settlers and Palestinians in the volatile city. more.. Observer presence in Hebron evacuates staff to Israel ReliefWeb 2/8/2006 Tel Aviv_(dpa) _ The international observer presence in the southern West Bank city of Hebron evacuated all its 71 staff members to Israel on Wednesday after hundreds of Palestinian youths attacked its offices, throwing stones, breaking windows and damaging cars. Several youths, protesting the publication of cartoons of the Prophet Mohammed in European newspapers, managed to jump into the headquarters, causing "quite some damage", a spokeswoman said. She said Palestinian security forces guarding the headquarters had to call in reinforcements before they were able to disperse the crowd. Palestinian security officials said they scuffled with the crowd, trying to keep it at a distance. more.. Israeli Bulldozers Raze Arable Lands in Rahatt Village WAFA 2/8/2006 BE'ER SHEVA, February 8, 2006 (WAFA)- Israeli bulldozers razed Wednesday citizens' arable lands in the Arab village of Rahatt near Be'er Sheva in Israel. Massive forces of Israeli police razed the citizens' lands in Rahatt and arrested the Head of the Regional Council of the Unrecognized Villages in Negev, Hussein al-Rafaya and wounded the Member of "Knesset" (Israeli Parliament), Talab al-Sane'. Sane' said that Israeli police beaten him up while he was trying to halt the bulldozers from razing the lands under a pretext of having no license for farming. [end] more.. Qassam rocket lands near plant south of coastal city of Ashkelon Ha'aretz 2/8/2006 Kupperwasser: Palestinians likely to increase Qassam range -- A Qassam rocket hit an area just outside a plant in an industrial zone south of the coastal city of Ashkelon on Wednesday, police said. The rocket fell near the fence surrounding the plant, the police said. No injuries or damage were immediately reported. A Qassam rocket had landed in the area, which houses numerous infrastructure installations, in the past. Israel Defense Forces have carried out air strikes and fired artillery toward the northern Gaza Strip in recent days in an effort to stop a recent increase in the firing of the rockets. more.. Resident dies of wound sustained earlier on Wednesday International Middle East Media Center 2/9/2006 Dr. Muawiya Hassanen, head of the emergency unit at the Palestinian Ministry of Health, reported on Wednesday at night, that one resident died of wounds sustained earlier on Wednesday in the central Gaza Strip rising the number of residents killed the Israeli army in 72 hours up to 13. Dr. Hassanen stated that resident Idrees Al Shareef, 21, was seriously injured after the Israeli army fired several shells at Juhr Al Deek area in the central Gaza Strip. One resident identified as Murad Abdul Majeed Al Hour, 21, died in the strike, while Al Shareefwas seriously injured and transferred to an Israeli hospital where he was officially pronounced dead. more.. Fatah terror cells resuming attacks Ha'aretz 2/9/2006 Some elements of the Fatah military wing have recently resumed terror activities, security sources told Haaretz, following Hamas's victory in the Palestinian parliamentary election last month. Fatah officials in the West Bank had obeyed Palestinian Authority orders over the last year to refrain from terrorism. On the border of the Gaza Strip, meanwhile, the violence continues to escalate, as a Qassam rocket landed close to a sensitive infrastructure installation near Ashkelon yesterday. The Associated Press reported that the rocket landed close to the Ashkelon power station. There were no Israeli casualties. more.. Monitors quit amid West Bank riot BBC 2/8/2006 International monitors in Hebron, in the West Bank, are leaving after their office was attacked by Palestinians protesting over the Muhammad cartoons. A spokeswoman for the Temporary International Presence in Hebron (Tiph) said the withdrawal would be temporary. Hundreds of protesters hurled stones and bottles and smashed windows at the building housing the mission. Eleven Danish personnel left after the row erupted last week. The cartoons were first published in Denmark. In Wednesday's attack, rioters forced open a door of the building and reports say the unarmed observers had to wave clubs in order to drive them away. more.. Rocket strikes punctuate Gaza life BBC 2/8/2006 [Israel continues to strike and shell 'unpopulated' areas of northern Gaza - Ed. ] Salah al-Shawwa, 73, was reading in bed when Israeli missiles began raining down on his home in northern Gaza. The Israeli air force was attacking the bridge at the end of his garden. Mr Shawwa and his elderly sister emerged from their rooms in the darkness and sheltered for a moment in a corridor. "The second rocket was fired and the ceiling started to fall all over the house. And the fourth rocket completely destroyed the roof," said Mr Shawwa. As he talked, the old man picked his way through the ruins of his house. Every window was blown out. Shrapnel had torn holes in walls. Roof tiles filled the rooms with wreckage. more.. Israel violated the Sharm Al Sheikh Agreement 682 times in its 52nd week International Middle East Media Center 2/8/2006 In spite of the Sharm Al Sheikh understanding and the declared ceasefire between Israel and the Palestinian Authority in February 2005, Israel did not honor its obligations and violated the agreement 682 times during the 52 week of ceasefire, the Palestine News Network reported. These violations included firing rounds of live ammunition at the residents, shelling residential areas, repeated invasions in West Bank cities and towns, breaking into homes, continuous arrests, and installing roadblocks and military checkpoints on the main roads connecting between the Palestinian cities and towns and villages.... Israeli soldiers arrested 109 residents, carried 133 military invasions, and installed 92 portable checkpoints, closed roads and crossings 210 times. more.. PNIC: 7 killed, 34 wounded and 109 arrested by 52 week of ceasefire ReliefWeb/Palestinian National Authority 2/8/2006 GAZA, Palestine, February 8, 2006 (IPC) - A report prepared by the State Information Service (SIS) revealed that Israeli forces have killed 7 Palestinians among were 5 extra-judicially executed and wounded 34 others as well as committing 109 violations of the ceasefire declared on 8 February after Sharm Al Sheikh summit. The report, released by the SIS' Palestinian National Information Center (PNIC) asserted that between January 31 and February 6, 2006 Israeli forces shot two Palestinian dead plus five were extra-judicially assassinated, injured 34, arrested 109and carried out many violations varying between house shelling, raids, incursions, land bulldozing and curbing of free movement. more.. Building Demolished in Jerusalem WAFA 2/8/2006 JERUSALEM, February 8, 2006, (WAFA) - Israeli Occupation Forces (IOF) demolished Wednesday a building in Jerusalem, witnesses said. They added that Israeli soldiers stormed Beit Hanina neighbourhood of Jerusalem, broke into Al-Jolani's three-storey-building and demolished it under pretext of having no building license. Locals told WAFA that the Israeli Authorities handed citizens tens of warrants for demolishing purposes. [end] more.. Army arrests nine residents from several cities in the West Bank International Middle East Media Center 2/8/2006 Nine residents were arrested from several cities in the West Bank during an invasion conducted by the Israeli Army on Tuesday night and Wednesday morning, Israeli army sources reported. The arrest campaign included the cities of Ramallah, Nablus and Hebron. Those arrested included alleged members of Hamas, Fatah and PFLP parties. The Israeli army reported being fired on during the Nablus invasion. No injuries were reported. [end] more.. Israeli Army injures seven residents in the town of Dora International Middle East Media Center 2/8/2006 Seven residents were injured in the town of Dora, south of the West Bank city of Hebron, during an Israeli army invasion of the town late Monday night. All injuries were treated on the spot except one who was admitted to the Hebron public hospital for a live ammunition wound in the left leg. He was identified as Atef Qazaz, local sources reported. No arrests were made in the invasion, the sources added. [end] more.. Palestinian Monitoring Group Daily Situation Report, 5 -6 February 2006 (PDF) Palestine Media Center 2/8/2006 ... NABLUS: Closure of Main Road: The Israeli army continues to close the main road leading to the district of Jenin between the junction to the village of Deir Sharaf and the settlement of Shavei Shomron. Instead, the Israeli army hasforced civilians to travel along an unpaved 1. 5-km-long road, which branches off from the Nablus-Tulkarem road and intersects with the Nablus-Jenin road opposite the village of Sabastiya. Checkpoints: (i) The Israeli army continues to regulate times for crossing Huwwara, Beit Iba, At Tur Mountain, and Beit Furik checkpoints around the city of Nablus. The Israeli army closes the checkpoints overnight and reopens them at various morning hours... more.. Assassinations Continue Palestine Monitor 2/7/2006 Israeli forces committed two assassinations in less than eight hours, killing two Palestinians in the Gaza Strip and a third in the West Bank. In the norhter Gaza Strip, Israeli aircraft fired on a car, assassinating twenty-seven year old Mohammed Abu Sharyia and twenty-four year old Soheel Baker. Five bystanding children were injured, and three of them were transferred to a local hospital. Medical sources say that two of them, a six and seven years old, remain in a serious condition. Since the weekend, Israel carried out four assassination operations in the Gaza Strip, mostly through air strikes. In just four days the number of targeted Palestinians has reached eleven. more.. Resident sentenced to 30 years International Middle East Media Center 2/8/2006 Wednesday, An Israeli military court sentenced a resident of Yabod village near the West Bank city of Jenin, to thirty consecutive years. The Israeli prosecution claimed that resident Mustafa Badarna, 44, member of the Democratic Front for the liberation of Palestine, planned a shooting attack which was carried against a settlement bus in December 2001. Both Badarna, and another detainee who was sentenced to 30 years, were charged of members in an illegal organization, conducting military training, obtaining illegal weapons, encouraging other residents to carry attack, and conspiring to kill settlers. [end] more.. Rightist indicted over Nazi slur YNetNews 2/8/2006 Women in Green leader to face trial after charging Disengagement Authority chief is modern-day version of Judenrat -- Right-wing activist and head of the "Women in Green" movement Nadia Matar was indicted Wednesday on charges of insulting a public official, after comparing Disengagement Authority Chief Yonatan Bassi to Jewish collaborators with the Nazis. In a letter to Bassi, first published by Ynet, Matar wrote: "The truth is you're a modern-day version of the Judenrat. In fact, a much more terrible version, because during the Holocaust this was forced upon Jewish leaders by the Nazis and it's very difficult for us to judge them today. " more.. ‘IDF didn’t anticipate harsh Amona resistance’ YNetNews 2/8/2006 Central Command Chief Yair Naveh tells Knesset committee that evacuating forces at Amona would have acted differently had they been warned of tough resistance by protesters. Labor decides to oppose establishment of parliamentary committee to probe police conduct at illegal West Bank outpost -- IDF Central Command Major-General Yair Naveh told the Knesset’s Foreign Affairs and Defense Committee on Wednesday that IDF troops who took part in the evacuation of Amona last Wednesday did not anticipate the staunch resistance displayed by settlers. Naveh added that troops would have acted differently had they been warned of tough resistance by the protesters. more.. Israel unveils plan to encircle Palestinian state The Guardian 2/8/2006 Olmert says he will keep control of Jordan valley· Pullouts likely as acting PM follows Sharon's vision -- The acting Israeli prime minister, Ehud Olmert, said yesterday that he plans to annex the Jordan Valley and major Jewish settlement blocks to Israel in drawing new borders, according to a television station that recorded an interview with him yesterday. In Mr Olmert's first policy statement since he succeeded Ariel Sharon last month, Channel 2 television said that he made clear he intends to carry through his predecessor's vision of creating an emasculated Palestinian state on Israel's terms. If the Jewish state were to annex all of the Jordan Valley, which is dotted with small settlements, it would leave a future Palestinian state on the West Bank entirely surrounded by Israel and without a direct link to neighbouring countries. more.. Two killed in ninth targeted killing in last four days Ha'aretz 2/8/2006 Israel killed two Fatah operatives in the Gaza Strip yesterday, thereby bringing the number of wanted Palestinians killed in targeted killings in Gaza since Saturday night to nine. In a separate incident in Nablus, a senior Islamic Jihad operative was killed during an attempt to arrest him. Two Israeli soldiers were lightly wounded in the incident. In addition, four Qassam rockets fired from Gaza landed in Israel. The assassination in Gaza took place at about 5 P. M. According to Palestinian eyewitnesses, Israel Air Force vessels fired missiles at a car in Gaza City carrying Mohammed Abu Sharia, 34, a senior member of the Fatah-affiliated Al-Aqsa Martyrs Brigades, and his aide, Suheil Abu Bakker, 29. more.. Army uproots 160 olive trees owned by Palestinian farmers in Hebron International Middle East Media Center 2/7/2006 Tuesday afternoon, Israeli army bulldozers uprooted on Tuesday afternoon 160 olive trees owned by Palestinian farmers in Jamoura Village, west of the West Bank city of Hebron. The Israeli army stated that the uprooting of the trees was done for the building of the Wall that Israel is building around the West Bank on annexed Palestinian land and property. The Wall is being constructed inside the West Bank through Palestinian lands from the north to the south. In the construction that has been carried out thus far, homes, schools, land and agriculture have been destroyed. In an attempt to save some of the land, Palestinians in the West Bank city of Qalqilia replanted olive trees earlier this week, as Bethlehem area residents have also done recently. [end] more.. One Jihad man killed, 2 soldiers wounded in Nablus arrest raid Ha'aretz 2/7/2006 IAF hits Qassam launch sites overnight, Al-Aqsa vows war -- Two soldiers were wounded and one Islamic Jihad operative was killed Tuesday morning in Nablus during an Israel Defense Force arrest raid. One of the soldiers, an officer, was described as lightly wounded, while the other was moderately injured. Both were rushed to the hospital Tuesday morning, Israel Radio reported. About ten army jeeps entered the city before dawn and surrounded a house where the suspect from the Islamic Jihad militant group was hiding, local residents said. more.. Major settlements to remain part of Israel: Olmert ReliefWeb 2/7/2006 JERUSALEM, Feb 7, 2006 (AFP) - The massive Jewish settlements of Gush Etzion and Maale Adumim will remain part of the state of Israel regardless of future developments, Acting Prime Minister Ehud Olmert said Tuesday. "Maale Adumim and Gush Etzion will be an integral part of the state of Israel, whatever the future developments," Olmert said during a tour to inspect work on Israel's controversial separation barrier in the West Bank. Maale Adumim is the largest Israeli settlement in the occupied West Bank, built about 12 kilometres (eight miles) outside east Jerusalem. The sprawling Gush Etzion bloc lies south of Jerusalem. [end] more.. Resident Dies of Wounds in Gaza as 13 Others Wounded in West Bank International Press Center 2/7/2006 GAZA, Palestine, February 7, 2006 (IPC + Agencies) - - A Palestinian resident died Tuesday of wounds sustained by Israeli air strike against a group of residents in Tal Al Hawa neighborhood last Sunday, in addition, 12 residents were injured during an extrajudicial execution of Islamic Jihad commander in the West Bank city of Nablus. In Jenin, Israeli occupation forces (IOF) invaded Kufr Dan Town west of Jenin City and stormed many houses and arrested the city's mayor along with his three sons. Meanwhile, in Gaza City, sources Al Shefa Hospital said that Rami Al Sheikh Khalil, 23, died of wounds sustained last Sunday. more.. IOF Arrests Father and his 3 Sons in Jenin, Uproots Olive Trees in Hebron WAFA 2/7/2006 In Hebron, Israeli soldiers uprooted scores of olive trees in Jamroura village in the wake of seizing lands to expand the construction of the Apartheid Wall. -- JENIN, February 7, 2006 (WAFA) - Israeli Occupation Forces (IOF) arrested father and his three sons in the West Bank (WB) city of Jenin WAFA reporter and witnesses said. Israeli soldiers, backed by ten jeeps and four armoured vehicles, stormed Kufr Dan village, west the city, and broke into the house of the head rural council's village, Mustafa Abed 55, and arrested him and his three sons, witnesses said. Israeli soldiers imposed, for the third consecutive day, a tight siege on Jenin and banned the access inside-outside it. In Qalqiliya, Israeli soldiers installed two mobile military checkpoints at the northern entrance of Azzoun, east of the city. more.. Palestinian resistance shells army installation International Middle East Media Center 2/7/2006 The Palestinian resistance fired, Tuesday early morning, two home made shells from the Gaza strip at a military installation at the Nahal Oz crossing terminal to the Gaza Strip. In a joint press release by Al-Quds and Al-Aqsa brigades of Islamic Jihad and Fatah claimed responsibility for the attack saying that it’s a response to the ongoing assassinations of resistane operatives, in reference to three airstrikes in the last 72 hours which killed a number of operatives in the Gaza Strip. [end] more.. Israeli settler population swells AlJazeera 2/7/2006 The overall number of Israelis living in settlements on Palestinian land increased last year despite the pullout from the Gaza Strip, a new report by the settlement watchdog Peace Now says. Around 10,000 Israelis moved into settlements across the occupied West Bank over the course of 2005 while around 9000 settlers were uprooted from 21 settlements in Gaza and four small enclaves in the West Bank, Peace Now said on Monday. Statistics published in December 2004 showed some 243,900 settlers were living in the West Bank and Gaza Strip. [excluding the greater Jerusalem area seized by Israel - current actual total est. to be 415,000+ - Ed. ] more.. Israel Kills More Palestinians, Seeks Unilateral Borders Islam Online 2/7/2006 NABLUS, West Bank, February 7, 2006 (IslamOnline. net & News Agencies) – Stepping up aggressions, Israel killed on Tuesday, February 7, a member of the Islamic Jihad group, bringing to nine the number of Palestinians killed over the past two days, while threatening to set borders unilaterally with the Palestinians. Ahmed Raddat, the overall commander of the Jihad's armed wing in the West Bank, was killed by Israeli troops in the West Bank town of Nablus, Agence France Presse (AFP) reported. Special Israeli forces surrounded a house in the city where the slain Palestinian was believed to be holding up after around 15 jeeps entered the city, Palestinian sources said. more.. Youth injured in Hebron International Middle East Media Center 2/7/2006 A medical source in Hebron reported that one youth was shot an injured in his leg, after the soldiers fired at protestors in the West Bank city of Hebron. The source stated that after dozens of residents took off to the streets to protest against the caricatures which were published recently in some European newspaper, soldiers fired at them. The youth, Mohammad Khaleel Makhamra, 16, was injured in his leg. [end] more.. Israeli Soldiers Blew up Building in Nablus WAFA 2/7/2006 NABLUS, February 7, 2006 (WAFA)- Israeli Occupation Forces (IOF) blew up Tuesday morning parts of a building in the West Bank (WB) city of Nablus, witnesses said. In Rafedia neighbourhood, Israeli soldiers blew up the ground floor of al-Ashqar seven floor- building, under the pretext of searching. The Director General of Medical Relief, Ghassan Hamdan told WAFA that Israeli soldiers brought a giant bulldozer to start destroying the other parts of the building, pointing out that women and children were inside it. He added that Israeli soldiers banned the paramedics from evacuating the wounded and barred the arrival of the ambulances. [end] more.. Qassam shell lands in Sderot International Middle East Media Center 2/7/2006 While the Israeli army continues its operations, assassinations, and air-strikes in Gaza, Palestinian resistance fired a homemade shell at the Negev Israeli town of Sderot, damage to one house was reported; one cat was killed by shrapnel. According to the Israeli Ynetnews, the shell landed close to two kindergartens. Another shell landed and detonated in an open area in the Western Negev. Soldiers fired artillery rounds towards an area in Beit Hanoun, in the northern part of the Gaza Strip; the shelled area was apparently used as a launching pad for Qassam shells. Also, the Israeli air-force shelled seven targets, including streets and a bridge, in an attempt to bar Palestinian armed groups from reaching areas using for launching homemade shells at Israeli areas. more.. Army injures 15 year old child in Gaza International Middle East Media Center 2/7/2006 A barrage of gunfire from an Israeli navy artillery injured a 15 year old Palestinian boy in Gaza on Tuesday afternoon. Yahya Bashir sustained injuries while walking in a cemetery east of the Abu Safih area. in the northern Gaza strip. Bashir was moved to a nearby hospital were his injuries were described as moderate. He had multiple wounds in several areas of his body, medical sources reported. [end] more.. Army shells area in Gaza International Middle East Media Center 2/7/2006 Israeli soldiers shelled on Tuesday afternoon an area in the northern part of the Gaza Strip. ; soldiers claim that the shells area is used as a launching pad for Qassam homemade shells. Army source reported that Palestinian resistance used this area earlier on Tuesday to fire homemade shells at the Israeli Negev town of Sderot. [end] more.. Army invades the industrial zone in Jenin International Middle East Media Center 2/7/2006 In pre-dawn invasion, the Israeli army troops invaded industrial zone in the west Bank city of Jenin. More than 10 military vehicles stormed the city and conducted wide-scaled search in residents' houses and shops in the area, allegedly looking for weapons and wanted activists. Troops ransacked houses and forced residents outside their homes during search. [end] more.. Palestinian kills one, wounds five people on Petah Tikva street Ha'aretz 2/6/2006 Kinneret Ben-Shalom Hajbi, 58, of Petah Tikva was killed and five other people were wounded Sunday morning when a Palestinian stabbed several passengers on an interurban minibus in Petah Tikva. The wounded were taken to Beilinson Hospital in Petah Tikva. Four are listed in serious condition, with extensive cuts and stab wounds. The fifth, a woman, was treated and released yesterday. The assailant, Ahmed Kafina, 22, from the West Bank village of al-Sawiya, was arrested after being subdued by passersby. He is not known to the Shin Bet security services, which believe he was acting alone. Villagers yesterday described him as "unstable. " He told his interrogators that he decided to carry out an attack after a bout of depression, sparked by his expulsion from Abu Dis University, Israel Radio reported. more.. The Growth of Settlements - 2005 Summary By Dror Etkes, Palestine Monitor/Peace Now 2/6/2006 Settlements continue to grow three times faster than Israel -- Number of Settlements and Settlers: December 2004: 243,900 settlers, 146 settlements • December 2005: 250,000 settlers, 121 settlements -- Summary: In 2005 12,000 persons joined various settlements, while 9,000 were evacuated from Gaza and the West Bank. Accordingly in 2005 the number of settlers over the Green Line grew despite the evacuation of 21 settlements in the Disengagement. The annual growth rate of the population in the settlements remains at 5. 5%, in comparison the annual population growth rate for the overall Israeli population is 1. 8%. more.. PNA urges world to press Israel to stop assassinations ReliefWeb 2/6/2006 GAZA, Feb 6, 2006 (Xinhua via COMTEX) -- The Palestinian Interior Ministry urged the international community on Monday to press Israel to stop assassinations against Palestinian activists. In a press statement sent to reporters, the ministry called on the international community to force Israel to stop its policy against the Palestinians. Israeli army resumed targeted killings against Palestinian activists in the Palestinian territories following the Palestinian parliamentary elections on Jan. 25, but the army announced that it had stopped this policy. more.. Occupation Bombard the Strip, Mofaz to Intensify Strikes against Resistance Activists Palestine Monitor/IPC 2/4/2006 GAZA, Palestine, February 4, 2006 (IPC + Agencies) - - The Israeli military tanks and artilleries last night fired at least 40 shells towards open areas in the northern Gaza Strip inflicting material damages but no injuries were reported. Israeli army sources said the air strikes came in response to rocket attacks on Israeli settlement north of the Gaza Stripearlier in the day. Four settlers, including a toddler, were injured when the missile hit a house in Askalan city, occupied and seized since 1948. The rocket directly hit the caravan and brought down a plaster wall, and the injureds were taken to hospitals to receive urgent treatment. On the other hand, the al-Quds Brigades, armed wing of the Islamic Jihad movement, earlier Friday claimed responsibility for firing a missile at an Israeli settlement north of the Strip. more.. 'Orange' teens trained to face police YNetNews 2/6/2006 Youngsters who took part in clashes with police in Amona taught to evade mounted troops; only 11 teenagers show up at training session -- Teenagers who participated in clashes against the Police in Amona were on hand for a short training session Monday and learned, among other things, tactics to evade mounted police forces evacuating West Bank outposts. The exercise, which involved members of the so-called 'Orange Youth Brigades,' took place in a horse ranch in central Israel, under the guidance of a Krav Maga (Israeli system of hand to hand combat) trainer who served in the IDF as a Wingate Institute instructor. more.. 40 weapons stolen from base YNetNews 2/6/2006 Thieves break into IDF base after cutting security fence; investigators suspect insiders job; stolen rifles, grenade launchers believed to have been handed over to criminal or terror elements -- Soldiers didn't see a thing: A total of 40 weapons were stolen from an IDF base about 10 days ago after thieves broke into the base overnight. The story was only cleared for publication Monday. The weapons stolen include eight grenade launchers and 32 assault rifles. At this time Military Police have no leads in the case and estimate the weapons have already been handed over to criminal or terror elements. more.. Occupation Forces Arrest Six Residents Suspected with Death of Six Israelis International Press Center 2/6/2006 WEST BANK, Palestine, February 6, 2006 (IPC + Agencies) - - Israeli Authorities lifted a gag order Monday on last month's arrests of six residents of the West Bank city of Hebron, suspected of involvement in the killings of six Israelis in the Hebron Hills area since June. Haaretzdaily reported today that the Occupation authorities thought the assailants opened fire on bystanders at hitchhiking posts in the West Bank settlement of Bait Haggai and settlement block Gush Etzion, and at a car near Beit Haggai. According to the Israeli sources, the suspects are Hamas supporters, but did not receive funding or orders from the organization. more.. Soldier lightly injured in Kalandiya shooting YNetNews 2/6/2006 Palestinian gunmen open fire at Kalandiya roadblock north of Jerusalem, lightly injuring IDF soldier -- A Palestinian gunmen on Monday opened fire at the Kalandiya roadblock north of Jerusalem, lightly injuring an IDF soldier. The soldier sustained injuries in his hand, the army said. Troops returned fire and conducted searches in the area but failed to catch the perpetrators. No organization claimed responsibility for the attack. The fire apparently came from the Kalandiya refugee camp. The IDF issued a statement saying: “We know that checkpoints attract terror elements to conduct attacks. Terrorists prefer to carry out attacks against soldiers at checkpoints because it is difficult for them to leave the West Bank with heavy arms. " more.. Deadly Hebron cell caught YNetNews 2/6/2006 Army says six Israelis killed, eight injured in attacks carried out by cell members -- Security services in January arrested members of a Hebron terror cell responsible for a handful of deadly shooting attacks in 2005, it was revealed Monday. The terror suspects told interrogators they carried out the attacks on behalf of Hamas. The army said six Israelis were killed and eight were injured in attacks carried out by the cell. On January 12 Shakib Baher Shakib Avivi, 23, who owns a clothing shop in Hebron, set up a cell to carry out shooting attacks with Mussa Ibrahim Fahed Wazouz, 22. The two purchased Kalashnikov rifles, magazines and a car for their self-assigned mission. more.. Israel steps up settlement building, watch dog says Palestine Monitor 2/6/2006 Reuters - Israel stepped up settlement expansion in occupied territory last year, including at unauthorised outposts it must remove under a U.S. -backed peace plan, a left-wing Israeli watchdog group said on Monday. The group, Peace Now, said housing construction at settlements had grown by about nine percent from mid-2004 through mid-2005. The number of houses planned for construction had also increased, it said. "There was not only a disengagement in 2005, but also a lot of building in settlements and outposts," Yariv Oppenheimer, a Peace Now spokesman said, referring to Israel's withdrawal from the Gaza Strip that entailed the removal of 9,000 settlers. more.. Palestinian Monitoring Group Daily Situation Report, 4 -5 February 2006 (PDF) Palestine Media Center 2/6/2006 ... JERUSALEM:Closure: The Israeli army continues to intensify its restrictions at checkpoints located at the entrances to the city of Jerusalem and has set up checkpoints in the old city of Jerusalem and around Al Aqsa Mosque compound. Closure of Main Road: The Israeli army continues to close the eastern entrance to Dahiyat Bir Nabala northwest of the city of Jerusalem with cement blocks. Checkpoints: The Israeli army continues to intensify its restrictions at Qalandiya and Beit Iksa checkpoints and to impede civilian access. Wall Gates: The Israeli army continues to close the Wall gate in the town of Abu Dis with cement blocks. Wall Construction: Wall construction was resumed in Dahiyat al Aqbat, from the village of Hizma to ‘Anata, along the Hizma-Jaba’ road, the area of Al ‘Eizariya to Ash Shayyah, near Al Quds University, in the town of As Sawahira ash Sharqiya, from the village of Beit Surik to Biddu, in the areas of Al Judeira, Bir Nabala, and Beit Hanina, around the settlement of Ma’ale Adumim, and west of the village of Al Jib. more.. Woman dies in Israel knife attack BBC 2/5/2006 A woman has been stabbed to death and at least four other people have been wounded in a knife attack on a minibus in central Israel. Witnesses said the attacker, thought to be a Palestinian from East Jerusalem, got up from his seat and began slashing at anyone within his reach. He was subdued and quickly disarmed by an angry crowd before police arrived and took him into custody, they added. Police said the attack was politically motivated, but gave no further details. At least one survivor is reported to be in a serious condition. more.. PNIC: Two killed, 13 wounded and 91 arrests by 51st week of ceasefire ReliefWeb/PNA 2/1/2006 GAZA, Palestine, February 1, 2006 (IPC) - A report prepared by the State Information Service (SIS) revealed that Israeli forces have killed two Palestinian and wounded 13 others as well as committing 510 violations of the ceasefire declared on 8 February after Sharm Al Sheikh summit. The report, released by the SIS' Palestinian National Information Center (PNIC) asserted that between January 24 and January 30, 2006 Israeli forces shot two Palestinian dead, injured 13 arrested 91and carried out many violations varying between house shelling, raids, incursions, land bulldozing and curbing of free movement. more.. Security forces demolish Amona homes amid violent clashes Ha'aretz 2/2/2006 Security forces razed the nine houses slated for demolition in the illegal West Bank outpost of Amona on Wednesday, where at least 200 people were wounded, among them a youth listed in serious condition and dozens of policemen, during fierce clashes between right-wing protesters and security forces. Nine people were moderately wounded and the rest were lightly hurt in the violent clashes. All the buildings were evacuated by the afternoon, after opposition on the part of the demonstrators had substantially weakened. Police used more force during the Amona evacuation than employed even at the height of last summer's disengagement from the Gaza Strip. more.. PA officials: Hamas bombed house of Gaza security chief Ha'aretz 2/1/2006 A bomb blew the front door off the house of a senior Palestinian security commander in the Gaza Strip on Wednesday, increasing tensions between President Mahmoud Abbas's Fatah faction and the militant Islamic group Hamas. The attack in the southern town of Rafah was the first against a leader of the Palestinian security service, which is dominated by Fatah, since Hamas won the January 25 parliamentary election by a landslide. The target of the bomb was Suleiman Abu Mutleq, director-general of the Preventive Security Agency in the Gaza Strip, Palestinian officials said. more.. Olmert: Violent Amona protests crossed line, Yesha Council is responsible Ha'aretz 2/1/2006 Acting Prime Minister Ehud Olmert on Wednesday evening harshly criticized the violent behavior of settlers during the Amona outpost evacuation earlier in the day and held the Yesha Council responsible for the clashes with security forces. "A line was crossed in Amona and this cannot be accepted," Olmert said. Meanwhile, right-wing figures called for an investigation into the behavior of security forces at Amona. The acting prime minister said the hurling of rocks and concrete blocks at soldiers and police officers had nothing to do with ideology and can only be described as pure violence. more.. Resistance fires homemade shells at Sderot International Middle East Media Center 2/1/2006 An Israeli Army source reported on Tuesday night that one Israeli resident was injured after a Palestinian resistance group fired a homemade shell at the Israeli Negev town of Sderot. Two other homemade shells landed in Palestinian territories causing a blackout after hitting an electricity pole. The source stated that the injured Israeli suffered mild injuries and was treated on the spot by Magen David Adom paramedics. One car was damaged after a shell landed in one of the streets. Earlier Tuesday, two Qassam shells landed near Sderot. A third landed near Kibbutz Zikim, and a fourth in the Mediterranean Sea,according to an Israeli army source. more.. PA blames Hamas for Gaza bombing, Hamas denies International Middle East Media Center 2/1/2006 Palestinian security officials accused Hamas activists of detonating a bomb outside the house of a senior Palestinian security chief in the Gaza Strip on Wednesday causing damage but no injuries. The bomb blew off the front door of the house of Suleiman Abu Mutlaq, director-general of the Palestinian Preventive Security department in the Gaza Strip. Abu Mutlaq accused Hamas of carrying out the attack which he described as "cowardly", adding that it was carried out "to spread chaos in the Palestinian territories". "This is Hamas' gift to the Palestinian Authority", Abu Motlaq told reporters. more.. Security sources: Despite Amona violence, more outposts to be removed before election Ha'aretz 2/2/2006 More than 200 people were wounded yesterday, two of them seriously, during the demolition of nine houses in the West Bank outpost of Amona, in what proved to be the most violent clash between settlers and security forces that the country has yet witnessed. Security sources said last night that despite yesterday's violent clashes, one or two additional outposts are liable to be evacuated before the elections. Several farms in the Nablus area that are slated for demolition are on the agenda. At yesterday's confrontation, some 3,000 settlers - many of them teenagers - faced off against thousands of soldiers and policemen during the three-and-a-half hour operation... more.. Sources: More outposts to be removed by March Ha'aretz 2/2/2006 Hours after the evacuation of the West Bank outpost of Amona ended with some 200 people wounded, security sources said on Wednesday night that despite the day's violence, one or two additional outposts are liable to be evacuated before the March 28 elections. Several farms in the Nablus area that are slated for demolition are on the agenda. Sources in Jerusalem said on Wednesday night that there was a sense of "discomfort" with the violence used during the evacuation of Amona was carried out. more.. Analysis: Who had an interest in excessive violence in Amona? Ha'aretz 2/2/2006 How did a seemingly marginal clash over nine uninhabited houses, which the state says were built illegally, turn into the most violent battle in the history of West Bank settlements between policemen and settlers? A preliminary analysis of yesterday's events indicates a destructive combination of several factors a government election strategy, the cynicism of the settler leaders, unbridled rioting by hundreds of settlers and the loss of self control by some policemen. It appears that planning and operation problems by the Israel Defense Forces also contributed to the disastrous events. more.. 'Extreme right – Jewish Hamas' YNetNews 2/2/2006 Following violent evacuation of illegal West Bank outpost, Acting prime minister's associates voice radical opinions against extreme right, imply future evacuations to be expected in near future -- Following the violent clashes that erupted during the evacuation of the illegal West Bank outpost of Amona Wednesday, Acting Prime Minister Ehud Olmert's aides voiced radical opinions against the extreme right Wednesday night. Speaking to Ynet, one of Olmert's associates compared the extreme right to a "Jewish Hamas. " more.. Israeli Troops, Jewish Settlers Clash Palestine Monitor 2/1/2006 AMONA, West Bank - Thousands of club-wielding troops in riot gear and on horseback clashed with stone-throwing Jewish protesters Wednesday as they began dismantling homes in this illegal West Bank settlement, officials said. Dozens of people were wounded. It was the first forced evacuation of Jewish settlers since last summer's pullout from the Gaza Strip and part of the West Bank, and was on par with the most violent scenes of the Gaza pullout. Both settlers and policeman were among the wounded, with police saying 31 of their officers had been hurt. In all, some 5,000 demonstrators, including 1,800 right-wing extremists holed up in the nine homes, were being forcibly removed from the Amona outpost, and police said at least 40 people had been arrested. more.. Video - MK Eitam: Amona was a pogrom YNetNews 2/1/2006 (VIDEO) Knesset Members Eitam, Eldad hurt during evacuation of illegal West Bank outpost; Eitam sustaines head injuries, Eldad breaks hand, faints as troops clash with settlers -- (VIDEO) Knesset Members Arieh Eldad and Effie Eitam were injured Wednesday morning as troops clashes with settlers during the evacuation of the illegal outpost of Amona. MK Eldad broke his hand and fainted, before being evacuated to "Shaari Tzedek" hospital in Jerusalem. Meanwhile, MK Eitam sustained head wounds and was evacuated on a stretcher to Hadassah Mount Scopus hospital. An Eitam associate said the MK received oxygen and suffered from nausea following the injury. more.. Video - 'Amona clashes most violent in years' YNetNews 2/1/2006 (VIDEO) Police officer tells Ynet following evacuation of illegal West Bank outpost, ‘I have been targeted by more rocks today than anywhere in Gaza or the West Bank’; IDF official: What we saw today was exaggerated, severe, and very worrying -- (VIDEO) Hundreds of evacuees, dozens of injured, and nine demolished buildings. The struggle over the Amona outpost has been marked by unprecedented violence. It can certainly be described as the most severe and violent clash between the State and right-wing activists, with more violence seen in Amona than in all of the incidents of the disengagement. more.. Israeli forces, settlers clash at W.Bank outpost ReliefWeb 2/1/2006 AMONA OUTPOST, West Bank, Feb 1 (Reuters) - Israeli riot police clashed with stone-throwing settlers trying to block the demolition of part of an unauthorised Jewish outpost in the West Bank in violent scenes reminiscent of Israel's Gaza pullout. Black smoke from tyres protesters set alight rose above the hilltop Amona outpost on Wednesday where thousands of Israeli ultranationalists barricaded themselves in houses vowing to fight the destruction of nine uninhabited buildings. Riot police on horseback, coming under a hail of rocks, used clubs to beat back the crowd made up mostly of religious youngsters, some wearing the orange ribbons that had symbolised resistance to the Gaza withdrawal five months ago. About 40 protesters and several policemen were hurt. more.. Karny closure costs Palestinians $500,000 a day Globes 2/1/2006 The Almuntar/Karny crossing was fully or partly closed for 18% of work days in 2005, 19% of work days in 2004 and 24% in 2003. -- The closure of the Almuntar/Karny crossing between Israel and the Gaza Strip since January 15 is causing $500,000 a day in economic and humanitarian harm to Palestinians residents in Gaza, the UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) claims. The closing of the crossing contravenes an agreement between Israel, the US, and the Palestinian Authority on November 15, 2005, allowing free movement through Karny. more.. Palestinian militants: We fired missiles at Israeli naval ship Ha'aretz 2/1/2006 Palestinian militants said they fired missiles at an Israel Navy vessel in the Mediterranean Sea near the southern town of Rafah on Wednesday, but Israel Defense Forces spokespeople said they were unaware of any attack. Islamic Jihad and the Al-Aqsa Martyrs' Brigades, an armed group in Palestinian Authority Chairman Mahmoud Abbas' Fatah faction, issued a statement saying they fired two missiles at a navy gunboat. It would be the first attack against Israeli forces since the militant Islamic group Hamas trounced Fatah in a Palestinian parliamentary election last week. [end] more.. Troops hit gunman crossing northern border YNetNews 2/1/2006 IDF officials fear Hizbullah may try to escalate situation at northern border after soldiers fired at armed terrorist crossing Blue Line at Mount Dov area after he shot at them; simultaneously, 'work accident' at Rafah pier apparently prevents attempted terror attack against navy boat -- Northern border incident: IDF soldiers stationed at the Mount Dov area on Wednesday morning spotted an armed terrorist moving from Lebanon toward Israel while crossing the Blue Line. The gunman shot at the soldiers, who returned fire and hit him. His condition remains unclear. more.. Injured officer: Amona settlers called us Nazis YNetNews 2/1/2006 Border Guard officer injured lightly during Amona clashes says from Hadassah Mount Scopus Hospital, 'we encountered harsh resistance; settlers acted with force similar to that of IDF infantry unit. We are not the enemies of the people at Amona' -- The story of the Amona evacuation has become that of the soldiers and police officers injured in the violent clashes at the illegal West Bank outpost on Wednesday.... "We encountered harsh resistance. They acted with force similar to that of an IDF infantry unit. They proceeded to throw stones at us at the entrance to the outpost. These weren't stones, they were boulders; one got passed our shields and struck my hand," [a border guard] says. more.. Court indicts Safed chief rabbi on charges of racial incitement Palestine Monitor/Ha'aretz 2/1/2006 An indictment was filed Wednesday morning at the Nazareth Magistrate's Court against Shmuel Eliyahu, head rabbi of the norther city of Safed, after anti-Arab statements he made to various media outlets. Attorney General Menachem Mazuz ordered last May that an investigation be opened on Eliyahu, son of former chief rabbi Mordechai Eliyahu. The younger Eliyahu is suspected of racial incitement after he called on homeowners in an interview with Israel Radio to refrain from renting apartments to Arabs. In the interview, which took place in August 2004, Eliyahu said, "You can say the word 'racist' twenty times and I won't be moved. It's forbidden in Jewish law, by the way, to sell apartments to Arabs and to rent apartments to Arabs. " more.. Activists, settler leaders at odds YNetNews 2/1/2006 Rightist activists in Amona upset at Yesha Council for turning to High Court instead of fighting evacuation -- Tensions among settlers: Right-wing settler activists are increasingly upset with the Yesha Council over what they perceive as settler leaders' soft stance in the face of the evacuation of the illegal West Bank outpost of Amona. Yesha Council leaders earlier turned to the High Court of Justice and secured an injunction against the demolition of permanent structures in Amona, but not all settlers are pleased with the move. more.. How did thousands of settlers get to Amona? YNetNews 2/1/2006 Security Forces sources admit to Ynet that the arrival of thousands of demonstrators to the demolition zone in Amona is the result of misjudgement. 'There are more police officers in this small settlement than there were in Neve Dekalim during the withdrawal from the Gaza Strip. It's far from ideal,' they say. About 3,000 demonstrators gathered to oppose the demolition. Could the difficult scenes and money shed been avoided had they been blocked earlier? more..

Diplomacy..

U.N. Says Cuts in Palestinian Aid Could Lead to Crisis New York Times 2/28/2006 JERUSALEM, Feb. 28 — A United Nations report said Tuesday that cuts in Palestinian financial aid could quickly lead to a crisis in basic services, including education and health care, and further cripple the economy. The United States and European governments say they do not want to send money to a Palestinian Authority government led by Hamas, but that they will continue with assistance to the Palestinian people. Yet the Palestinian Authority runs schools and hospitals, maintains water and electricity networks, and provides other services that would struggle if the Palestinian government could not provide the money to run them. more.. Israeli anger at Europe's aid for Palestinians The Independent 2/28/2006 Sharp differences emerged between Israel and the international community over the acute financial crisis faced by the Palestinian Authority as the EU agreed to an emergency aid package of $143m (about £82m). The differences are over Israel's refusal to transfer between $50m and $60m a month in duties it collects on the PA's behalf - most of which is used to pay salaries - and the increasingly hard line taken by its government against the Palestinian President, Mahmoud Abbas. The bulk of yesterday's EU-agreed aid package will go on direct humanitarian aid paid through the UN and other agencies. But the EU will also release $21m for salaries which had been frozen in a World Bank Trust fund - providing this is spent before the new Palestinian government is formed. more.. Report: Iran promises Hamas $250 million in aid Ha'aretz 2/28/2006 Iran promised Hamas to transfer $250 million to the Palestinian Authority after Israel and the United States cut off PA funding, according to a report by the London-based Al Hayat newspaper quoted by Israel Radio on Tuesday. The promise was made to the head of the militant group's political bureau, Khaled Meshal, while he was visiting Tehran, the report said. Also Tuesday, Hamas spokesman in the Gaza Strip, Sami Abu Zuhri welcomed the European Union decision to grant $143 million in urgent aid to the Palestinians before a government takes office led by Hamas. Abu Zuhri said that U.S. and Israeli efforts to cut off international aid to the Palestinians had failed, the radio reported. more.. Hamas dismisses report of $250m Iranian donation Ha'aretz 3/1/2006 DAMASCUS - A senior Hamas official has dismissed a report in the Arab press that Iran would give as much as $250 million to enable the terrorist group to run the Palestinian Authority after the expected halt of European and U.S. aid. Moussa Abu Marzouk said Tuesday that Iran had promised "to support the Palestinian people in general, without specifying the kind or amount of support. "The deputy political chief of Hamas appeared to be referring to a pledge made by Ali Larijani, secretary of Iran's Supreme National Security Council, in talks with Hamas political leader Khaled Mashaal in Tehran on February 22. more.. Syria flays Israel for 'nuclear dumping' AlJazeera 3/1/2006 Syria has accused Israel of using the Golan Heights as a dumping ground for nuclear waste - a charge the Jewish state's ambassador to the world's disarmament body flatly rejected. Bashar Ja'afari, the Syrian Ambassador, told the 65-nation Conference on Disarmament that all Arab states were committed to creating a zone in the Middle East free of weapons of mass destruction. "However, Israel, which has unambiguous support from major nuclear weapon states, continues to reject the will of the international community and dumps its nuclear waste in the Syrian Golan Heights," said Ja'afari, the first speaker in Tuesday's session. more.. Syria accuses Israel of dumping nuclear waste on Golan Heights Ha'aretz 2/28/2006 GENEVA - Syria accused Israel on Tuesday of using the Golan Heights as adumping ground for nuclear waste - a charge Israel's ambassador to the world's disarmament body flatly rejected. Syrian Ambassador Bashar Ja'afari told the 65-nation Conference on Disarmament that all Arab states were committed to creating a zone in the Middle East free of weapons of mass destruction. "However, Israel, which has unambiguous support from major nuclear weaponstates, continues to reject the will of the international community and dumps its nuclear waste in the Syrian Golan Heights," said Ja'afari, the first speaker in Tuesday's session. more.. Mofaz earmarks settlements Israel plans to retain Daily Star 3/1/2006 JERUSALEM: Defense Minister Shaul Mofaz has earmarked a series of settlement blocs in the West Bank that Israel intends to retain within its final borders, the ministry said Tuesday. "When we talk about Israel's permanent or future borders it includes the Jordan Valley, Maale Adumim, Gush Etzion, Ariel, Kedumim-Karnei Shomron and Rehan-Shaked," Mofaz said in a speech late Monday. The area mentioned by Mofaz accounts for around 20 percent of the West Bank. But the list is notable by some of its omissions, including the absence of any pledge to keep a presence within the city of Hebron where around 500 hard-line Jewish settlers live in the midst of a Palestinian population. more.. Special Coordinator for Middle East Peace briefs Security Council, urges continued support for Palestinian Authority ReliefWeb/United Nations Security Council 2/28/2006 Says Authority Building Block for Palestinian State, Cutting Assistance Prior to Formation of Government Could Be Seen as Punishment for Democratic Vote -- The collapse or sacrifice of the Palestinian Authority could end all hopes of achieving a Palestinian State in a reasonable time frame, Alvaro de Soto, United Nations Special Coordinator for the Middle East Peace Process and the Secretary-General’s Special Representative to the Palestine Liberation Organization and the Palestinian Authority, said in a briefing to the Security Council this morning. Describing a functioning Authority as an essential building block for a Palestinian State, he said it was not something that could be turned on and off like a light switch. more.. Letter: Office of the Special Envoy for Disengagement Washington Post 2/25/2006 Letter by James D. Wolfensohn, Quartet Special Envoy for Disengagement -- Dear Colleagues, Following our telephone conference on Monday and further to my note from yesterday I am providing, as requested, an update on the PA's financial situation. Unless a solution is found, we may be facing the financial collapse of the PA within two weeks. And the first target is even sooner -- I am advised by the Acting PA Minister of Finance that he requires $60-80 million next week to begin to pay wages. I know I do not need to tell each of you that the failure to pay salaries may have wide-ranging consequences - not only for the Palestinian economy but also for security and stability for both the Palestinians and the Israelis. And it comes at a time when Israel prepares for elections. more.. Israel Welcomes Hamas ‘Change of Language’ Palestine Media Center 2/26/2006 Abbas: We Could Reach a Point Where I Cannot Perform My Duty -- Israel on Sunday cautiously welcomed a statement by the Palestinian Prime Minister-designate Ismael Haniyeh that Hamas was ready to recognize it if Palestinians were given full rights and a state in the lands the Jewish state occupied in 1967, as President Mahmoud Abbas warned he may resign if the electoral win of the Islamic Resistance Movement would prevent him from advancing his peace program. Haniyeh told The Washington Post on Saturday Hamas was “ready to recognize” Israel if it gives the Palestinian people their full rights, including the “right of return,” and a state in lands the Jewish state occupied in 1967, including in addition to Gaza Strip east Jerusalem and the West Bank. more.. Ismail Haniyeh to The Washington Post: We’ll Recognize Israel if … Palestine Media Center 2/26/2006 The Washington Post - http://www. washingtonpost. com - Saturday, February 25, 2006 -- Since Hamas won control of parliament in the recent Palestinian elections, policymakers in Washington and Jerusalem have been faced with a dilemma: how to deal with a democratically elected government that is also on the State Department's list of foreign terrorist organizations. Last week, Newsweek-Washington Post's Lally Weymouth interviewed Hamas's new prime minister, Ismail Haniyeh, by phone in his home in the refugee camp where he lives with his wife and 12 children in Gaza. Were you surprised by the size of the Hamas victory? Hamas entered the elections planning to be victorious. -- See also: Haniyeh denies quotes that Hamas would recognize Israel more.. Hamas Ready for Unconditional Dialogue with US Palestine Chronicle 2/27/2006 CAIRO - The Palestinian group Hamas, which cruised to the helm of power in the Palestinian territories after a landslide election victory, is ready for dialogue with the United States and Europe but without any prior conditions, its leader said on Monday, February 27. "We are ready to engage in constructive dialogue with all parties, including the US, except for the Zionist enemy (Israel)," Khaled Meshaal told the London-based Arabic-speaking international daily Al-Hayat. "This dialogue should be held on the principles of equality and without preconditions. " more.. Hamas Holds No Grudges Towards Jews, Says Haniya Palestine Chronicle 2/27/2006 Haniya rejected that Hamas' election victory was solely due to corruption within the former ruling Fatah party. -- WASHINGTON - Hamas does not harbor or animosity towards Jews and could establish "peace in stages" with Israel if the latter withdraws to its 1967 borders and recognizes the inalienable rights of the Palestinians, Hamas leader and Palestinian Prime Minister-Designate Ismail Haniya said in an interview released Sunday, February 26. "We do not have any feelings of animosity toward Jews. We do not wish to ‘throw them into the sea’" Haniya told the Washington Post in a phone interview. "All we seek is to be given our land back, not to harm anybody. " more.. Presidency Secretary General: No Egyptian Pressure on Fateh to Join New Gov't WAFA 2/28/2006 RAMALLAH, February 28, 2006 (WAFA) - Presidency Secretary General, Tayyeb Abdul Raheem, denied Tuesday the media reports that Egypt pressurizes Fateh Movement and other factions to join the new government. Abdul Raheem said that these reports are entirely false, adding that Egypt has always been cautious not to meddle in the Palestinian internal affairs. He revealed that those who made these reports are known to the Palestinian National Authority (PNA), stressing that such reports are never true. more.. European commission announces $ 76 Million for UNRWA annual budget ReliefWeb/UNRWA 2/28/2006 Gaza -- Today the European Commission announced a donation of $ 76 million to the United Nations Relief and Work Agency (UNRWA) for its annual budget. The funds will support UNRWA's general programming in the areas of education, health, relief and social services in the Agency's five fields of operation: the Gaza Strip and West Bank, Jordan, Lebanon and Syria. Karen Abu Zayd, UNRWA's Commissioner-General, welcomed the European Commission's latest donation: "We are grateful for the Commission's timely contribution to UNRWA's 2006 regular budget. It will enable UNRWA to continue to deliver critically needed humanitarian services to Palestine refugees without interruption. " more.. President Abbas Arrives in Doha WAFA 2/28/2006 DOHA, February 28, 2006 (WAFA) - President Mahmoud Abbas arrived on Tuesday in the Qatari Capital Doha to hold discussions with its Emir Sheikh Hamad Bin Khlaifa Al Thani. The discussion will focus on the Palestinian-Qatari relations and ways possible to strengthen them as well as discussing the latest developments in the Palestinian territories. [end] more.. World Council of Churches: Time to uphold UN resolutions 242, 338, 1397 and 1515 among them Ma'an News 2/28/2006 Bethlehem (Ma'an) - General Secretary of the World Council of Churches, Reverend Dr. Samuel Kobia, penned a letter to US Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice in February. Ma'an's Editor in Chief received a copy of the letter which is partially excerpted below. "The World Council of Churches denounces all forms of violence against civilians. We strongly condemn attacks perpetrated by Palestinian groups against innocent civilians inside the Stae of Israel and its defense forces inside the Occupied Palestinian Territories. A signal of similar nature from the Quartet would be a sign of new balance toward the conflict and would be widely welcomed as such in many quarters. more.. Rice Fails to Isolate Hamas, Ends Tour Palestine Chronicle 2/24/2006 Hamas reiterated that it would neither recognize Israel nor negotiate with Tel Aviv until the latter recognized Palestinian rights. -- ABU DHABI - US Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice on Friday, February 24, wrapped up a Middle East tour with a failure to mobilize Arab states to isolate a Hamas-led Palestinian government and a "symbolic" call for nuclear non-proliferation in the Gulf region. Rice's bid to isolate was rebuffed by the region's two heavyweights Saudi Arabia and Egypt, which refused to deny aid and support to the already cash-strapped Palestinian Authority (PA), Agence France-Presse (AFP) reported Friday. more.. Olmert: Israel-Russia ties and dialogue must be improved Ha'aretz 3/1/2006 Acting Prime Minister Ehud Olmert convened a special meeting Tuesday on Israel's relations with Russia. The discussion came in the wake of Russian President Vladimir Putin's invitation to Hamas to visit Moscow that was extended earlier this month to senior officials, as well as Russia's compromise proposal regarding the international crisis surrounding Iran's nuclear program. On Tuesday Putin said he was "optimistic" that Iran would ultimately sign an agreement to enrich uranium on Russian soil. more.. EU Grants Palestinians $145 Million in Aid The Guardian 2/28/2006 BRUSSELS, Belgium (AP) - The European Union agreed Monday to grant $145 million in urgent aid to the Palestinians before a government led by the Islamic militant group Hamas takes power, a move aimed at preventing a financial collapse that could add to the chaos in the Middle East. But the EU kept silent on what it would do once Hamas assumes control of the Palestinian government. French Foreign Minister Philippe Douste-Blazy said the aid was required to avoid ``economic chaos'' from paralyzing the Palestinian Authority. It was also designed to show European support for the Palestinians remains undiminished at least until Hamas establishes its control. more.. Livni: PA Chairman Mahmoud Abbas is 'irrelevant' Ha'aretz 2/27/2006 Foreign Minister Tzipi Livni said Sunday evening that Palestinian Authority Chairman Mahmoud Abbas is "irrelevant" because of Hamas' victory in last month's elections and the militant group's subsequent takeover of the Palestinian parliament and Cabinet. Livni said the Hamas government must decide about Israel's demands for recognition and renunciation of terror, and Abbas "in this regard is not relevant. "In the past, Prime Minister Ariel Sharon used the term "irrelevant" to describe and push to isolate Abbas' predecessor, Yasser Arafat. "Abu Mazen [Abbas] cannot serve as a fig leaf to a terrorist authority. Abu Mazen cannot be the pretty face of the ugly terror hiding behind him," Livni told Israel Radio. more.. Haniyeh denies quotes that Hamas would recognize Israel Ha'aretz 2/26/2006 Hamas's prime minister-designate Sunday denied he had suggested the Palestinian Islamist group might one day recognize Israel, saying there was only a possibility of achieving a long-term truce. The Washington Post quoted Ismail Haniyeh as saying in an interview: "If Israel declares that it will give the Palestinian people a state and give them back all their rights, then we are ready to recognize them. "But on Sunday Haniyeh told reporters in Gaza that he "did not tackle the issue of recognizing (Israel) in my interview with the Washington Post. "... U.S. : Humanitarian aid to Palestinians won't be cut: United States State Department official David Welch promised Palestinian Authority Chairman Mahmoud Abbas on Saturday that the United States will not cut off humanitarian aid to the Palestinians, even after a Hamas government takes over. more.. U.S. praises EU decision to grant Palestinians financial aid Ha'aretz 2/28/2006 The United States welcomed a decision by the European Union on Monday to grant $143 million in urgent aid to the Palestinians before a government takes office led by the militant group Hamas. "It is a sign that we are all working together," said State Department deputy spokesman Adam Ereli. French Foreign Minister Philippe Douste-Blazy said that the funds were required to avoid "economic chaos" from paralyzing the Palestinian Authority. Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice talked to senior EU officials Sunday, the spokesman said. "We are all working together to prevent a collapse of the interim PA government and to support the Palestinian people," Ereli said. more.. UN: Israel's tightened security exacting heavy humanitarian toll Ha'aretz 2/28/2006 Israel's tightening of security procedures has exacted a heavy humanitarian toll in the territories since the Palestinian parliamentary elections last month, according to a United Nations report obtained by Haaretz on Monday. The UN's Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs also warns that Jerusalem's withholding of VAT and customs funds intended for the Palestinian Authority would place the PA in danger of collapse, limiting its ability to provide basic services such as health, education, water and electricity, sewage and garbage collection, and policing to the population in the West Bank and Gaza. "The non-payment of salaries to [the PA's] 73,000 security staff could risk a rise in criminality, kidnapping and protection racket," the report said. "Dependence on PA salaries is greatest in some of the poorest governorates, including Jenin, Tul Karm, Qalqilya, Tubas, Salfit, and the Gaza Strip. " more.. Olmert says hopes Abbas won't resign, downplays Livni remarks Ha'aretz 2/27/2006 Acting Prime Minister Ehud Olmert said on Monday that he hoped Palestinian Authority Chairman Mahmoud Abbas would stay in office, playing down remarks made earlier by Foreign Minister Tzipi Livni branding Abbas as "irrelevant. "Olmert sided Sunday with Livni, telling American envoy David Welch that Jerusalem refuses to see Abbas as the "good guy" and Hamas as the "bad guys. " He told Welch that Israel cannot conduct a dual policy - one toward Abbas and one toward the rest of the PA. On Monday, Olmert said at a gathering in Tel Aviv that he continued to stand by Livni, adding that her remarks had been misunderstood. more.. PM calls special meeting on relations with Russia Ha'aretz 2/28/2006 Acting Prime Minister Ehud Olmert will convene a special meeting Tuesday on Israel's relations with Russia. The discussion comes in the wake of Russian President Vladimir Putin's invitation to Hamas to visit Moscow that was extended earlier this month to senior officials, as well as Russia's compromise proposal regarding the international crisis surrounding Iran's nuclear program. A Hamas delegation led by the head of the movement's political bureau, Khaled Meshal, will travel to the Russian capital on Friday to meet with Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov and other ministry officials. The Hamas delegation will not be meeting with Putin. more.. U.S. to Israel: Defense export arrangements must be reorganized Ha'aretz 2/28/2006 Israel will institute a number of comprehensive changes to its defense export arrangements at the insistence of the United States, following the crisis over Israel's export of attack drones to China. The status of several central divisions in the Defense Ministry will be changed, including that of the head of security and the division for assistance and export. A new division will be established in the Defense Ministry, and Foreign Ministry representatives will sit on a supreme advisory council for defense exports.... the Americans said they expected the Foreign Ministry to have been given a more serious role in supervising Israel's defense exports.... The Americans demanded in the meeting that Venezuela be added to the list of countries Washington considered "problematic" countries and to which defense exports should be limited. more.. Qatar amir pledges support to Hamas AlJazeera 2/27/2006 Shaikh Hamad bin Khalifah Al Thani, the amir of Qatar, has pledged backing for Hamas following its victory in the recent Palestinian elections, rejecting Israel-led efforts to isolate the Islamic group. Shaikh Hamad was speaking in Doha, the Qatari capital, on Monday after talks with Hosni Mubarak, the visiting Egyptian president. "Hamas came [to power] through elections that might be the most transparent polls in the Arab world," said the Qatari amir, whose government has put off until later this year at the earliest the emirate's first ever elections to a consultative assembly. "That is why we should support Hamas in this period," he said in comments broadcast by Aljazeera. more.. Israel: Abbas powerless against Hamas AlJazeera 2/27/2006 Israel will not hold peace talks with Palestinian president because he will be unable to enforce an agreement as long as Hamas controls the government, Israel's foreign minister has said. The comments from Tzipi Livni are being seen as signalling a hardening of Israel's position and a growing rift with the US. The US and the European Union have suggested they will keep working with Mahmoud Abbas even if a Hamas government takes office in the coming weeks. The issue of how to deal with Abbas and a Hamas-led government was the main topic at a meeting on Sunday between Livni and David Welch, the US envoy. more.. Olmert: Hamas doesn't scare us YNetNews 2/27/2006 Speaking at combat soldiers' convention, Acting Prime Minister Ehud Olmert says 'Hamas doesn't threaten our lives,' adds he hopes Palestinian leader Mahmoud Abbas does not quit his post -- Israel will continue to fight terror but will also seek a diplomatic solution to the conflict with the Palestinians, Acting Prime Minister Ehud Olmert said Monday evening, speaking at a combat soldiers' convention in honor of ailing Prime Minister Ariel Sharon. "In the next four years we will act to separate from the Palestinians in order to live in a country with a solid Jewish majority," Olmert said. more.. Hamas' Russia visit: Israel calm YNetNews 2/27/2006 Russia says it will host Hamas delegation Friday, EU announces transfer of huge sum of money to PA, but Foreign Minister Livni doesn't sound concerned. Money transfer was expected, Russians promised to stick to international community, Quartet's stance on Hamas, she says -- Russia's Foreign Ministry announced Monday a visit by a Hamas delegation to Moscow and meetings with top Russian officials will take place Friday. A senior Russian official said that the country's Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov may be the one to welcome the delegation, to be headed by Hamas Politburo Chief Khaled Mashaal. more.. Palestinians welcome EU aid deal BBC 2/27/2006 The Palestinian caretaker government has welcomed the European Union's offer of 120m euros ($140m; £83m) in emergency aid to keep it functioning. Finance Minister Mazen Sinukrot said it was a "wise decision" but an Israeli spokesman suggested it was misguided. Most of the money will not go directly to the government but to aid programmes on the ground and to meet energy bills. Both the EU and the US are debating whether to stop donations after Hamas takes over following its election win. The militant group, which does not recognise the right of Israel to exist, is regarded by many as a terrorist organisation. Senior Israeli government official Raanan Gissin said the package was "the wrong decision at the wrong time to the wrong address". See also: Pie charts of EU and US aid to Palestinians more.. Hamas responds to Mofaz's threats and accusations Ma'an News 2/27/2006 Gaza - Bethlehem (Ma'an) - The Palestinian Parties condemn Israeli military minister Mofaz's threats against the Palestinian people and its resistance members. They confirm they have the right to response to Israeli aggressions. A Hamas leader Atif Adwan, responded to Mofaz's threats by saying, "These statements are not new and they are continuation of the old fashioned minds of the last Israeli president. "He continued, "If the occupation remains in Palestinian lands, the Palestinian parties have the right to resist it. I do not believe that that fact slipped from Mofaz's mind, nor did he forget that he invaded the Gaza Strip and benefited from the 'withdrawal. '" more.. Mofaz describes Israel's 'future borders,' including Ariel Palestine Monitor/Haaretz 2/27/2006 Defense Minister Shaul Mofaz, setting out a vision of the nation's "future permanent borders," has listed settlement blocs Israel would retain under a future peace deal or unilateral withdrawal, stressing that Ariel would be part of Israel and be included within the West Bank fence. "When speaking of the permanent borders, the future borders of Israel, the settlement blocs and the Jordan Rift Valley are included within them," Mofaz said in remarks broadcast on Army Radio Monday. The list of blocs went somewhat beyond a similar list which Acting Prime Minister Ehud Olmert detailed three weeks ago during a television interview. more.. AIPAC changes its tune, will sing Hatikva at policy conference Ha'aretz 2/26/2006 WASHINGTON - The 4,500 participants at the annual AIPAC policy conference, which begins next week, will be singing both "Hatikvah" and "The Star Spangled Banner. " The Israeli national anthem was not sung at the conference last year, provoking criticism of the American Israel Public Affairs Committee from all sides. U.S. Vice-President Richard Cheney will be the keynote speaker at this year's conference, which will be held in the shadow of what the pro-Israel lobby organization perceives as the twin threats to the country - Hamas and Iran's nuclear program. Last year's decision to skip "Hatikvah" has been linked to the investigation at the time into senior AIPAC officials and a desire to avoid any suspicion of dual loyalties. more.. Iranian advisor: We'll strike Dimona in response to U.S. attack Ha'aretz 2/26/2006 If the United States launches an attack on Iran, the Islamic republic will retaliate with a military strike on Israel's main nuclear facility, an advisor to Iran's Revolutionary Guard said. The advisor, Dr. Abasi, said Tehran would respond to an American attack with strikes on the Dimona nuclear reactor and other strategic Israeli sites such as the port city of Haifa and the Zakhariya area. Haifa is also home to a large concentration of chemical factories and oil refineries. Zakhariya, located in the Jerusalem hills is - according to foreign reports - home to Israel's Jericho missile base. more.. Serbia, Hamas top EU forum agenda AlJazeera 2/27/2006 European Union foreign ministers will warn Serbia that its EU aspirations are in peril, and thrash out how best to keep the Palestinian government afloat in the face of Israeli sanctions. In a busy schedule of talks in Brussels on Monday, starting at 0900 GMT, the ministers will also take stock of Iran's nuclear ambitions just a week ahead of a key meeting of the board of the US International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA). And with Iraq edging towards a sectarian civil war, they are also likely to express solidarity with the political forces seeking to calm the strife there. more.. Secretary-General gravely concerned by escalation of Israeli military operations, increase in Palestinian rocket attacks ReliefWeb 2/24/2006 The following statement was issued today by the Spokesman for UN Secretary-General Kofi Annan:The Secretary-General is gravely concerned about the escalation of Israeli Defence Forces military operations in the past days, especially in Nablus and Gaza, which have resulted in a number of Palestinian deaths. Civilians are reportedly among the casualties. He also expresses concern about a marked increase in rocket attacks by Palestinian militants against Israeli targets. The Secretary-General renews his call to the parties to the conflict to abide by their obligations under international law, and in particular to ensure the protection of the civilian population, both Palestinian and Israeli. [end] more.. Japan helps build human security in the West Bank and Gaza Strip; donates $ 1.3 Million to UNRWA ReliefWeb/UNRWA 2/23/2006 Gaza - The Government of Japan, through the United Nations Trust Fund for Human Security, has announced a donation of $ 1,326, 600 to the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees (UNRWA). The funds will support three intervention programs meant to aid isolated and disenfranchised refugee communities in the West Bank and Gaza Strip. The first, an expansion of UNRWA's current psychosocial program in the West Bank, will provide a team of mental health counselors based in community health clinics able to provide interventions for distressed children, adolescents and families. more.. Iran offers Hamas financial aid BBC 2/22/2006 Iran has offered to help finance the cash-strapped Palestinian Authority governed by the Hamas militant group. The offer was announced by senior security official Ali Larijani after a meeting with Hamas politburo chief Khaled Meshaal, state radio reported. The decision follows moves by the US and Israel to isolate a Hamas-led government with financial penalties. Hamas has also held initial talks with Fatah, which lost January's election, to discuss forming a coalition.... on Wednesday, Iran said it would help make up the PA's funding shortfall. "Khaled Meshaal's request for assistance to enable the [Palestinian] Authority to overcome the existing problems is noted by Iran and we shall definitely help them financially," Mr Larijani told reporters. more.. Iran offers Hamas financial aid BBC 2/22/2006 Iran has offered to help finance the cash-strapped Palestinian Authority governed by the Hamas militant group. The offer was announced by senior security official Ali Larijani after a meeting with Hamas politburo chief Khaled Meshaal, state radio reported. The decision follows moves by the US and Israel to isolate a Hamas-led government with financial penalties. Hamas has also held initial talks with Fatah, which lost January's election, to discuss forming a coalition.... on Wednesday, Iran said it would help make up the PA's funding shortfall. "Khaled Meshaal's request for assistance to enable the [Palestinian] Authority to overcome the existing problems is noted by Iran and we shall definitely help them financially," Mr Larijani told reporters. more.. Saudi Arabia nixes U.S. appeal to withhold aid from Hamas-led PA Ha'aretz 2/23/2006 Saudi Arabia deepened a U.S. -Arab split over Hamas on Wednesday, joining Egypt's rejection of Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice's appeal for neighbors to deny aid to a Palestinian government led by the militant group. Saudi Arabia, one of the biggest donors to the Palestinians, warned against the U.S. position of stopping aid before seeing what policies the Islamic group adopts in government. And Foreign Minister Prince Saud al-Faisal said at a late night news conference with Rice that all aid to Palestinians should be based only on humanitarian needs.... Stopping aid for a sewerage system infrastructure, which is the sort of project the United States wants to be starved of funding, was effectively denying Palestinians humanitarian help, he added. more.. Saudi Arabia nixes U.S. appeal to withhold aid from Hamas-led PA Ha'aretz 2/23/2006 Saudi Arabia deepened a U.S. -Arab split over Hamas on Wednesday, joining Egypt's rejection of Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice's appeal for neighbors to deny aid to a Palestinian government led by the militant group. Saudi Arabia, one of the biggest donors to the Palestinians, warned against the U.S. position of stopping aid before seeing what policies the Islamic group adopts in government. And Foreign Minister Prince Saud al-Faisal said at a late night news conference with Rice that all aid to Palestinians should be based only on humanitarian needs.... Stopping aid for a sewerage system infrastructure, which is the sort of project the United States wants to be starved of funding, was effectively denying Palestinians humanitarian help, he added. more.. Israel seeks to monitor PA funds YNetNews 2/23/2006 In discussion held by Foreign Minister Tzipi Livni, defense officials suggest appointing international auditors who will report to donors how their money is being spent -- Israel will seek to track all international aid to the Hamas-led Palestinian government to ensure the money is not used to fund terror activities, senior Israeli official who held a discussion on the subject with Foreign Minister Tzipi Livni said Thursday. National Security Council Head Major-General (res. ) Giora Eiland presented information on international donors providing financial support to the cash-strapped Palestinian Authority. Israel is expected to block financial assistance to ministries likely to divert money to terror elements. more.. Israel seeks to monitor PA funds YNetNews 2/23/2006 In discussion held by Foreign Minister Tzipi Livni, defense officials suggest appointing international auditors who will report to donors how their money is being spent -- Israel will seek to track all international aid to the Hamas-led Palestinian government to ensure the money is not used to fund terror activities, senior Israeli official who held a discussion on the subject with Foreign Minister Tzipi Livni said Thursday. National Security Council Head Major-General (res. ) Giora Eiland presented information on international donors providing financial support to the cash-strapped Palestinian Authority. Israel is expected to block financial assistance to ministries likely to divert money to terror elements. more.. Mubarak rejects U.S. plea to isolate Hamas Daily Star 2/23/2006 Egyptian President Hosni Mubarak gave no ground to U.S. attempts to isolate Hamas and told Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice on Wednesday it was imperative to continue support for the Palestinian leadership. In the last of a series of tense meetings with the Egyptian leadership, Mubarak hammered home what Rice had been told a day earlier by Foreign Minister Ahmad Abu al-Gheit, who said it would be premature to cut off international aid for a Palestinian government, even with Hamas is at its helm. The Egyptian refusal to join the American effort to dry up funding for Hamas, dashed Bush administration hopes for a unified front with its Egyptian ally. more.. Mubarak rejects U.S. plea to isolate Hamas Daily Star 2/23/2006 Egyptian President Hosni Mubarak gave no ground to U.S. attempts to isolate Hamas and told Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice on Wednesday it was imperative to continue support for the Palestinian leadership. In the last of a series of tense meetings with the Egyptian leadership, Mubarak hammered home what Rice had been told a day earlier by Foreign Minister Ahmad Abu al-Gheit, who said it would be premature to cut off international aid for a Palestinian government, even with Hamas is at its helm. The Egyptian refusal to join the American effort to dry up funding for Hamas, dashed Bush administration hopes for a unified front with its Egyptian ally. more.. Israelis, Hamas react to fund freeze Palestine News Network 2/22/2006 After Israeli authorities decided Sunday to freeze Palestinian tax revenues worth 30% of the Palestinian Authority's budget and impose sanctions on labor and products, criticism of the freeze erupted both within Israel and from various international parties. Reserve general Danny Rothschild, a former coordinator of Israeli activities in the Palestinian territories, said "It is not in Israel's interests for the Palestinians to be immersed in misery. Images of starving Palestinian children would be disastrous for us". Sever Plotzker, chief economic commentator for the Israeli daily Yedioth Aharonot, said the use of sanctions was wrong-headed. "Collective punishment is no response to terrorism while sanctions which are imposed as a result of a democratic election risk doing ourselves harm. " more.. Israelis, Hamas react to fund freeze Palestine News Network 2/22/2006 After Israeli authorities decided Sunday to freeze Palestinian tax revenues worth 30% of the Palestinian Authority's budget and impose sanctions on labor and products, criticism of the freeze erupted both within Israel and from various international parties. Reserve general Danny Rothschild, a former coordinator of Israeli activities in the Palestinian territories, said "It is not in Israel's interests for the Palestinians to be immersed in misery. Images of starving Palestinian children would be disastrous for us". Sever Plotzker, chief economic commentator for the Israeli daily Yedioth Aharonot, said the use of sanctions was wrong-headed. "Collective punishment is no response to terrorism while sanctions which are imposed as a result of a democratic election risk doing ourselves harm. " more.. The humanitarian crisis is deteriorating in the occupied Palestinian territories - Sweden increases aid ReliefWeb/Swedish International Development Cooperation Agency 2/22/2006 20 Feb 2006 -- The UN has appealed to Sweden and other donors to continue support emergency humanitarian relief to the occupied Palestinian territories. The humanitarian situation in the West Bank and the Gaza Strip is continuing to deteriorate. And there is widespread, and in several cases life-threatening destitution. Over 60 per cent of the population now lives in poverty; unemployment is at 35 per cent and malnourishment is spreading. The serious humanitarian crisis has therefore prompted The Swedish Development Cooperation Agency (SIDA) to pledge US $6. 4 million in continued support of UN projects in the occupied Palestinian territories. more.. The humanitarian crisis is deteriorating in the occupied Palestinian territories - Sweden increases aid ReliefWeb/Swedish International Development Cooperation Agency 2/22/2006 20 Feb 2006 -- The UN has appealed to Sweden and other donors to continue support emergency humanitarian relief to the occupied Palestinian territories. The humanitarian situation in the West Bank and the Gaza Strip is continuing to deteriorate. And there is widespread, and in several cases life-threatening destitution. Over 60 per cent of the population now lives in poverty; unemployment is at 35 per cent and malnourishment is spreading. The serious humanitarian crisis has therefore prompted The Swedish Development Cooperation Agency (SIDA) to pledge US $6. 4 million in continued support of UN projects in the occupied Palestinian territories. more.. Israel Moves to Cut off Hamas' Air Supply Palestine Monitor 2/22/2006 Jerusalem - Israel is working feverishly to ensure that the radical Hamas movement remains starved of both friends and funds when it takes control of the Palestinian Authority. The full weight of Israel's political machinery swung into action Sunday as the Jewish state prepared for the imminent formation of a new government dominated by Hamas. The Israeli cabinet voted overwhelmingly to suspend the monthly transfer of tax duties to the Palestinian Authority (PA) that are worth 50 million dollars and constitute a third of its budget. The sanctions will also see Israel pressuring the international community to "discontinue" all financial assistance to the PA, but without touching direct humanitarian aid to the people. more.. Israel Moves to Cut off Hamas' Air Supply Palestine Monitor 2/22/2006 Jerusalem - Israel is working feverishly to ensure that the radical Hamas movement remains starved of both friends and funds when it takes control of the Palestinian Authority. The full weight of Israel's political machinery swung into action Sunday as the Jewish state prepared for the imminent formation of a new government dominated by Hamas. The Israeli cabinet voted overwhelmingly to suspend the monthly transfer of tax duties to the Palestinian Authority (PA) that are worth 50 million dollars and constitute a third of its budget. The sanctions will also see Israel pressuring the international community to "discontinue" all financial assistance to the PA, but without touching direct humanitarian aid to the people. more.. Arabs, OIC, Sweden and Russia Rushing to ‘Aid’ PNA Palestine Media Center 2/21/2006 UN Envoy Alvaro de Soto: Israel’s Decision Unhelpful, Premature -- The Arab League, the Organization of the Islamic Conference (OIC), Sweden, Russia, Iran and the Muslim Brotherhood are rushing to help the Palestinian National Authority (PNA) survive a “choking financial crisis” resulting from Israeli economic sanctions and withholding US and EU donors’ aid following Hamas landslide victory in the legislative elections on January 25. Israel on Sunday fired the opening salvo in an economic war on the PNA, halting monthly tax transfers, imposing other sanctions, bracing for additional embargos, severing contacts with Palestinians, and urging the international donors to stop their aid as well, as President Mahmoud Abbas warned that the PNA is facing “a real financial crisis. ” more.. Arabs, OIC, Sweden and Russia Rushing to ‘Aid’ PNA Palestine Media Center 2/21/2006 UN Envoy Alvaro de Soto: Israel’s Decision Unhelpful, Premature -- The Arab League, the Organization of the Islamic Conference (OIC), Sweden, Russia, Iran and the Muslim Brotherhood are rushing to help the Palestinian National Authority (PNA) survive a “choking financial crisis” resulting from Israeli economic sanctions and withholding US and EU donors’ aid following Hamas landslide victory in the legislative elections on January 25. Israel on Sunday fired the opening salvo in an economic war on the PNA, halting monthly tax transfers, imposing other sanctions, bracing for additional embargos, severing contacts with Palestinians, and urging the international donors to stop their aid as well, as President Mahmoud Abbas warned that the PNA is facing “a real financial crisis. ” more.. Israel fears harm to ties with Jordan due to comments by IDF commander Ha'aretz 2/23/2006 A cloud hovered over Israeli-Jordanian relations Wednesday after a senior Israel Defense Forces commander expressed uncertainty regarding the future of Hashemite rule in Jordan. - Analysis: A professional, but personal, assessment -- GOC Central Command Yair Naveh noted that at least 80 percent of Jordan's citizens are Palestinian and said that, due to regional threats including Hamas' rise to power, King Abdullah is liable to be the last Hashemite monarch to lead the kingdom. He also warned of the creation of an "Islamist axis" that could topple the regime. These comments, which Naveh made during a lecture in Jerusalem, caused fury in Amman, and Jordan threatened to reduce official ties with Israel. more.. Israel fears harm to ties with Jordan due to comments by IDF commander Ha'aretz 2/23/2006 A cloud hovered over Israeli-Jordanian relations Wednesday after a senior Israel Defense Forces commander expressed uncertainty regarding the future of Hashemite rule in Jordan. - Analysis: A professional, but personal, assessment -- GOC Central Command Yair Naveh noted that at least 80 percent of Jordan's citizens are Palestinian and said that, due to regional threats including Hamas' rise to power, King Abdullah is liable to be the last Hashemite monarch to lead the kingdom. He also warned of the creation of an "Islamist axis" that could topple the regime. These comments, which Naveh made during a lecture in Jerusalem, caused fury in Amman, and Jordan threatened to reduce official ties with Israel. more.. Jordan: Officer should be disciplined YNetNews 2/22/2006 Central Command Chief Yair Naveh's statement Abdullah may be Jordan's last monarch triggers outrage in neighboring kingdom; acting ambassador to Israel warns relations could be dented -- Defense Minister Shaul Mofaz ordered an investigation into reports that Central Command chief, Major-General Yair Naveh, said in private conversations that Jordan’s King Abdullah will be the last monarch of the Hashemite Kingdom. Chief of General Staff Lieutenant-General Dan Halutz and Mofaz said Naveh’s comments are his personal opinion and do not reflect Israel’s official position. more.. Jordan: Officer should be disciplined YNetNews 2/22/2006 Central Command Chief Yair Naveh's statement Abdullah may be Jordan's last monarch triggers outrage in neighboring kingdom; acting ambassador to Israel warns relations could be dented -- Defense Minister Shaul Mofaz ordered an investigation into reports that Central Command chief, Major-General Yair Naveh, said in private conversations that Jordan’s King Abdullah will be the last monarch of the Hashemite Kingdom. Chief of General Staff Lieutenant-General Dan Halutz and Mofaz said Naveh’s comments are his personal opinion and do not reflect Israel’s official position. more.. Peretz, Mubarak: Boost PA moderates YNetNews 2/22/2006 Labor chairman visits Cairo in effort to prove his expertise goes beyond social affairs; agrees with Egyptian president that collective punishment of Palestinians must be avoided -- In an effort to prove his ability go beyond social issues, Labor party Chairman Amir Peretz visited Cairo Wednesday to meet with Egyptian President Hosni Mubarak and other top officials. Last week Peretz met with Morocco’s king in another attempt to showcase his capability to deal with security matters and foreign affairs. Peretz and his host discussed the need to strengthen moderate elements in the Palestinian Authority and to avoid collective punishment of the Palestinians. more.. Peretz, Mubarak: Boost PA moderates YNetNews 2/22/2006 Labor chairman visits Cairo in effort to prove his expertise goes beyond social affairs; agrees with Egyptian president that collective punishment of Palestinians must be avoided -- In an effort to prove his ability go beyond social issues, Labor party Chairman Amir Peretz visited Cairo Wednesday to meet with Egyptian President Hosni Mubarak and other top officials. Last week Peretz met with Morocco’s king in another attempt to showcase his capability to deal with security matters and foreign affairs. Peretz and his host discussed the need to strengthen moderate elements in the Palestinian Authority and to avoid collective punishment of the Palestinians. more.. Israel's Labor calls on Arabs to grasp stance on Hamas Compiled by Daily Star staff Thursday, February 23, 2006Israeli Labor party leader Amir Peretz called Wednesday for Arab understanding on his cou Daily Star 2/23/2006 Israel's Labor calls on Arabs to grasp stance on HamasIsraeli Labor party leader Amir Peretz called Wednesday for Arab understanding on his country's position toward Hamas, saying Israel cannot recognize a group that calls for its destruction. Separately, an Israeli Cabinet minister said he hopes the new Hamas leaders will follow the example of the Likud, the hard-line Israeli political party that later softened its ideology and led the country to its first peace agreement with an Arab nation three decades ago. Following talks in Cairo with President Hosni Mubarak, Peretz said: "The rise of Hamas is a deep blow to the forces of peace. " The former trade unionist was making his first trip to Egypt since being elected leader of Israel's largest opposition party in November. more.. Israel's Labor calls on Arabs to grasp stance on Hamas Compiled by Daily Star staff Thursday, February 23, 2006Israeli Labor party leader Amir Peretz called Wednesday for Arab understanding on his cou Daily Star 2/23/2006 Israel's Labor calls on Arabs to grasp stance on HamasIsraeli Labor party leader Amir Peretz called Wednesday for Arab understanding on his country's position toward Hamas, saying Israel cannot recognize a group that calls for its destruction. Separately, an Israeli Cabinet minister said he hopes the new Hamas leaders will follow the example of the Likud, the hard-line Israeli political party that later softened its ideology and led the country to its first peace agreement with an Arab nation three decades ago. Following talks in Cairo with President Hosni Mubarak, Peretz said: "The rise of Hamas is a deep blow to the forces of peace. " The former trade unionist was making his first trip to Egypt since being elected leader of Israel's largest opposition party in November. more.. U.S. Christians create umbrella organization to lobby for Israel Ha'aretz 2/23/2006 WASHINGTON - A new group in the United States, Christians United for Israel, will serve as an umbrella organization for Christian congregations that support Israel, and will lobby for Israel. Some 400 Christian community leaders met in San Antonio, Texas, two weeks ago to establish the group, which Christians United officials said represents about 30 million Americans. The organization's main goal is to create a rapid-response network "targeted to reach every senator and congressman" in the United States. It is led by evangelical leaders Dr. John C. Hagee and George Morrison; fundamentalist Baptist minister Jerry Falwell; and Gary Bauer, president of the American Values organization aimed at protecting marriage, family and faith. more.. U.S. Christians create umbrella organization to lobby for Israel Ha'aretz 2/23/2006 WASHINGTON - A new group in the United States, Christians United for Israel, will serve as an umbrella organization for Christian congregations that support Israel, and will lobby for Israel. Some 400 Christian community leaders met in San Antonio, Texas, two weeks ago to establish the group, which Christians United officials said represents about 30 million Americans. The organization's main goal is to create a rapid-response network "targeted to reach every senator and congressman" in the United States. It is led by evangelical leaders Dr. John C. Hagee and George Morrison; fundamentalist Baptist minister Jerry Falwell; and Gary Bauer, president of the American Values organization aimed at protecting marriage, family and faith. more.. Israeli General expresses fear of power of Political Islam Ma'an News 2/22/2006 Jerusalem (Ma'an) - As political Islam begins to take more power in the Arab world, some fear a ripple effect. But what is certain is that research institutes are taking note and diving into analysis of the future. As was widely published, some members of the Jordanian Parliament expressed worries of a possible transfer of the power of Islam throughout the region and into Jordan, fearing a wide polemic in the Jordanian street. However, no official statements were made and so all rumors had to be taken with a grain of salt. And the Jordanian King had issued a previous warning about a Shiite crescent extending from Tehran to Lebanon, with a passage through Iraq, while being wary of the Iranian role in the region. more.. Israeli General expresses fear of power of Political Islam Ma'an News 2/22/2006 Jerusalem (Ma'an) - As political Islam begins to take more power in the Arab world, some fear a ripple effect. But what is certain is that research institutes are taking note and diving into analysis of the future. As was widely published, some members of the Jordanian Parliament expressed worries of a possible transfer of the power of Islam throughout the region and into Jordan, fearing a wide polemic in the Jordanian street. However, no official statements were made and so all rumors had to be taken with a grain of salt. And the Jordanian King had issued a previous warning about a Shiite crescent extending from Tehran to Lebanon, with a passage through Iraq, while being wary of the Iranian role in the region. more.. Abdullah, Rice Discuss Global Issues Arab News 2/22/2006 RIYADH, 23 February 2006 — Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Abdullah held talks here yesterday with US Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice on major regional and international issues and ways of strengthening bilateral ties. The meeting at the king’s farm in Janadriya, near Riyadh, was attended by top officials including Foreign Minister Prince Saud Al-Faisal, Prince Muqrin, chief of general intelligence, and Prince Turki Al-Faisal, Saudi ambassador to the US. “King Abdullah and Rice later held a bilateral meeting and discussed issues and latest developments at regional and international levels,” the Saudi Press Agency reported. more.. Abdullah, Rice Discuss Global Issues Arab News 2/22/2006 RIYADH, 23 February 2006 — Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Abdullah held talks here yesterday with US Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice on major regional and international issues and ways of strengthening bilateral ties. The meeting at the king’s farm in Janadriya, near Riyadh, was attended by top officials including Foreign Minister Prince Saud Al-Faisal, Prince Muqrin, chief of general intelligence, and Prince Turki Al-Faisal, Saudi ambassador to the US. “King Abdullah and Rice later held a bilateral meeting and discussed issues and latest developments at regional and international levels,” the Saudi Press Agency reported. more.. President Abbas Receives UN Special Envoy WAFA 2/22/2006 GAZA, February 22, 2006 (WAFA) - President Mahmoud Abbas received Wednesday in the Presidential HQ in Gaza, the UN Special Envoy for the Middle East Peace Process, Mr. Alvaro de Soto. President briefed de Soto over the latest developments in the Palestinian territories, the second legislative elections ran in January 25 and the readiness to form the new government. For his part, de Soto described his meeting with the President as "very useful", mentionning that "I am traveling this weekend to New York to brief the UN Security Council on the situations in the Middle East... " more.. President Abbas Receives UN Special Envoy WAFA 2/22/2006 GAZA, February 22, 2006 (WAFA) - President Mahmoud Abbas received Wednesday in the Presidential HQ in Gaza, the UN Special Envoy for the Middle East Peace Process, Mr. Alvaro de Soto. President briefed de Soto over the latest developments in the Palestinian territories, the second legislative elections ran in January 25 and the readiness to form the new government. For his part, de Soto described his meeting with the President as "very useful", mentionning that "I am traveling this weekend to New York to brief the UN Security Council on the situations in the Middle East... " more.. Arab League talks on aid for Palestinians fail in wake of economic sanctions Daily Star 2/22/2006 Arab League foreign ministers have failed to agree on aid for the Palestinians as they come under Hamas' rule, while Turkey slammed Israel's decision to slap economic sanctions on the Palestinian Authority. Only three league members have contributed aid for the Palestinians, Algerian officials said after a meeting in Algiers that ran into late Monday night. The Arab League's Secretary General Amr Moussa and Algerian State Minister Abdel-Aziz Belkhadem appealed at the meeting for all other member states to contribute funds. Speaking at a news conference after the meeting, they did not indicate which countries had not paid or give details of the dispute. more.. Hamas, undaunted by Israeli fund freeze, seeks funding elsewhere International Middle East Media Center 2/21/2006 After Israeli authorities decided Sunday to freeze Palestinian tax money worth 30% of the Palestinian Authority's budget and impose sanctions on labor and products, criticism of the freeze erupted both within Israel and from various international parties. Reserve general Danny Rothschild, a former coordinator of Israeli activities in the Palestinian territories, said "it is not in Israel's interests for the Palestinians to be immersed in misery. Images of starving Palestinian children would be disastrous for us. " he said. The concern expressed by Rothschild, that starving children would be bad for the 'image' of Israel, was not the only thing worrying Israeli business leaders. more.. Cash vs. Terror Newsweek 2/21/2006 From Gaza to Baghdad, the aim used to be to crush all extremists militarily. But now that Hamas is in government, weapons include money—and fruit. -- Feb. 27, 2006 issue.... By closing its borders or restricting work permits, Israel can cause economic desperation whenever it pleases. The lesson could hardly have been lost on the Hamas members who were sworn into Parliament last Saturday, formally taking control of the Palestinian Legislative Council. They were forced to participate by videoconference from Gaza, since Israel blocked Hamas politicians from traveling to the West Bank city of Ramallah for the ceremony. From Gaza to Baghdad, if you want to know what the Bush administration's grand democracy project in the Mideast is going to look like for years to come, this is it. Forget brotherhood and peace; making things work is now more about power diplomacy. The weapon of choice will be dollars (or shekels).... more.. Turkish PM criticizes Israel for PA sanctions Ha'aretz 2/22/2006 ANKARA - Turkish Prime Minister Tayyip Erdogan on Tuesday criticized Israel's use of economic sanctions against Palestinians for voting Hamas into power and defended Ankara's decision to hold talks with the militant group. The decision to host a five-man Hamas delegation last week infuriated Israel, which has close trade and security ties with Muslim but secular Turkey. It also sparked strong criticism from much of the Turkish media and embarrassment among some Turkish diplomats, worried that it could strain Ankara's credibility as a reliable ally of the United States and as a strong opponent of terrorism. more.. Bush: Hamas no partner if it won't recognize Israel Ha'aretz 2/22/2006 Washington - U.S. President George W. Bush declared yesterday that as long as militant Islamist group Hamas does not recognize Israel's right to exist, it is no peace partner. Talking to journalists on his airplane, Bush was asked about Israel's suspending the transfer of the Palestinian Authority's tax money. He said there is no reason to finance a Palestinian Authority government that is no partner to peace. The election was an important move, he said, but after that there must be a move toward real democracy. more.. Haniya seeks secular groups' support AlJazeera 2/21/2006 A Hamas official to be charged with forming a new Palestinian government is seeking to build a coalition with secular groups, including Fatah. Ismail Haniya, 43, a former university administrator and student organiser for the Islamic resistance group, was nominated for the post by fellow-members after Hamas won a landslide victory in Palestinian parliamentary elections last month. On Monday in Gaza he met Mahmoud Abbas, the Palestinian Authority president, and a spokesman said Abbas would hand him a written request to form a government in a second round of talks on Tuesday. more.. Hamas at crossroads, Rice says AlJazeera 2/21/2006 The US secretary of state has said that the Palestinian Islamic movement Hamas has to choose between "terror" and "politics". "You can not have one foot in the camp of terror and another foot in the camp of politics," Condoleezza Rice said during a joint news conference with Ahmed Abul Gheit, the Egyptian foreign minister. Rice was speaking on Tuesday during a visit to Egypt, on the first leg of a five-day tour of US regional allies aimed at mustering support for Washington's policies in the Middle East. Hamas defeated the mainstream Fatah movement of Mahmoud Abbas, the Palestinian president, in last month's parliamentary elections and is expected to form the next Palestinian government. more.. Olmert: No strategic threat in north YNetNews 2/21/2006 Acting prime minister tours northern border with defense minister, IDF officials; Mofaz: Hamas' win strengthens Hizbullah -- Defense Minister Shaul Mofaz said Tuesday that "Hamas' victory in the (Palestinian parliamentary) elections strengthens Hizbullah in Lebanon. " Mofaz spoke while touring the northern border with Acting Prime Minister Ehud Olmert. Olmert warned of Hizbullah's attempts to kidnap IDF soldiers at the border and thus destabilize the situation in the area.... "Hizbullah is trying to upgrade its status in Lebanon and to integrate into global Jihad," a military official said. more.. President Abbas Denounces Israel's Aggressions WAFA 2/21/2006 GAZA, February 21, 2006 (WAFA) - President Mahmoud Abbas denounced Tuesday the Israeli escalation against the Palestinian people in the occupied territories. President Abbas cautioned, in statements to reporters at Gaza Presidential HQ, against the Israeli aggressions against Nablus and other Refugee Camps, asserting that the situation snowballs every hour. He reiterated that these aggressions take place in every place in Palestine, calling on the Quartet and the US Administration to ask Israel to put an end to these dangerous aggressions. [end] more.. Egypt Rebuffs Rice on Denying Hamas Aid Palestine Chronicle 2/21/2006 The US government has sought to build an international front against Hamas since it won a shock parliamentary election last month. -- CAIRO (Reuters) - Egypt rebuffed U.S. Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice's appeal on Tuesday for Arab states to deny direct aid to Hamas when it forms a government. In a news conference with lively exchanges Rice and Foreign Minister Ahmed Aboul Gheit also disagreed over Egypt's imprisonment of a leading opposition figure. Rice began a trip to several Arab states in Egypt, which has a strong influence over its Palestinian neighbors. She is lobbying for them to pressure Hamas by refusing to give financial assistance to a group Washington considers a terrorist organization. more.. OIC Considers Extending Financial Aid to Palestine WAFA 2/21/2006 PUTRAJAYA, February 21, 2006 (WAFA) - The Malaysian PM Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi said the Organisation of the Islamic Conference (OIC) is considering extending financial aid to Palestine which faces the prospect of a financial squeeze following Hamas' recent victory in parliamentary elections,. "I have already spoken to some leaders about it. We want to help them (Palestinians)," Bernama the Malaysian National News Agency quoted Badawi who is also the OIC chairman, as saying. He urged those who had helped the Palestinian people before this to continue doing so, notwithstanding the leadership change in their country. more.. Mashaal: Talks with Israel waste of time YNetNews 2/21/2006 Hamas Politburo chief Khaled Mashaal, speaking during Tehran meeting with Iranian foreign minister, says group undeterred by threats to halt international aid to PA. Says organization will hold talks with Israel the minute Israel 'recognizes the rights of the Palestinian people and withdraws from occupied territories’ -- Hamas Politburo chief Khaled Mashaal said during a meeting with Iranian Foreign Minister Manouchehr Mottaki Tuesday morning in Tehran that the terror group is not deterred by threats to halt international aid to the Palestinian Authority, adding that Hamas will receive sufficient assistance from Muslim countries. more.. Summary of remarks by Javier Solana, EU High Representative for the CFSP, following a meeting with Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas ReliefWeb/European Union 2/16/2006 Ramallah, 16 February 2006 - The following is a summary of remarks to the press made by Javier Solana, EU High Representative for the Common Foreign and Security Policy (CFSP) at the end of the meeting with Palestinian President Mahmoud ABBAS. This meeting was part of a tour by Mr Solana to the Middle-East Region. "I am delighted to be in Ramallah today. I met President ABBAS at a moment of complex transition, following the Palestinian Legislative Council elections that took place last month. We fully respect the choice the Palestinians made in a free and fair democratic contest. more.. U.S. court to hear AIPAC claims Ha'aretz 2/22/2006 WASHINGTON - A Federal Court in Virginia will hear verbal arguments today to dismiss the charges against the two former lobbyists of the American Israel Public Affairs Committee, Steven Rosen and Keith Weisman. Lawyers for the two will tell the court that the indictment against their clients is illegal because the use made of the Espionage Law exceeds the intent of its framers and its wording. The former senior AIPAC officials stand accused of accepting and passing along secret information to unauthorized persons, among others to reporters and an individual working at the Israeli Embassy in Washington. more.. Olmert sees hope for peace despite Hamas rise to power Daily Star 2/22/2006 Israel's acting premier said Tuesday there was still hope of reaching a peace deal with the Palestinians despite Hamas' rise to power, shortly before President Mahmoud Abbas tasked the group's Ismail Haniyya with forming a new government. Hamas' rise to power has badly damaged chances of renewing long-stalled peace negotiations. Israel refuses to deal with the group until it ends armed resistance and recognizes the Jewish state.... Speaking to Israel TV, Acting Premier Ehud Olmert said the chances of a "quick agreement" with the Palestinians are smaller now that Hamas is in charge. "But the hope has not disappeared, and I am responsible for both things, the battle against Hamas and maintaining hope, the chance to reach an agreement," Olmert said. more.. Israel Slaps Sanctions Against Palestinians Palestine Chronicle 2/19/2006 'The Israeli freeze of monthly transfers of tax revenues to the Palestinians is a daylight theft,' an Arab Knesset member told Al-Arabiya. --OCCUPIED JERUSALEM - The Israeli cabinet approved on Sunday, February 19, a package of sanctions and restrictions against the Palestinian people, describing the Hamas-led Palestinian Authority as a "terrorist. " "As we stated immediately after the PA elections, upon the conclusion of the transitional government, Israel will immediately cease the transfer of funds to the PA," acting Prime Minister Ehud Olmert told the weekly cabinet meeting, reported Agence France-Presse (AFP). more.. Arab, Muslim leaders rally to offset PA funds withheld by Israel Daily Star 2/21/2006 Move comes a day after Jewish state slaps economic sanctions on palestinians -- Arab and Muslim leaders rallied Monday to find ways to provide a new source of financing for the Palestinian Authority, while the so-called "Quartet" decided to wait until Hamas takes power before deciding on funding to the government. The move came a day after Israel's Cabinet slapped the economic sanctions on the PA Sunday, depriving Palestinians of $50 million in monthly customs duties, which account for around one-third of the national budget. Arab League foreign ministers met in Algiers in an attempt to revive a funding plan they originally agreed on in 2002 that would provide the PA with some $50 million a month, while the Muslim Brotherhood said it is launching a worldwide donation campaign for a future government. more.. Carter: Don't punish Palestinians BBC 2/20/2006 Former US President Jimmy Carter has urged Israel and the US not to punish the Palestinians for giving Hamas a victory in parliamentary elections. The two allies have already taken steps to withhold funds from a government led by the militant Islamist group, which they brand a terror organisation. "The likely results will be to alienate oppressed and innocent Palestinians," Mr Carter wrote in a US newspaper.... Mr Carter's human rights organisation was one of a number of groups that monitored the poll. As president in the 1970s he worked on the breakthrough Camp David accords - the first peace treaty between Israel and an Arab country, Egypt. more.. Senior Hamas leader: Israel exists YNetNews 2/20/2006 Moussa Abu Marzouk, deputy of Hamas politburo chief Khaled Mashaal, tells Israeli-Palestinian radio station that 'there's no doubt there is realistic recognition on our part of Israel'; adds group's problem is demand to recognize legitimacy of occupation -- Hamas senior member Moussa Abu Marzouk said Monday that "there's no doubt that there is a realistic recognition on our part of Israel, that Israel exists in the territory – and there's no signing agreements with an imaginary body but with a body that exists. " "Israel exists and we all acknowledge these agreements. The problem is not that, it is the demands made on Hamas. Our problem is that there is a demand to recognize the legitimacy of the occupation – and to that we won't agree... " more.. UN envoy faults Israeli hold on funds AlJazeera 2/20/2006 The UN envoy to the Middle East has raised objections to Israel's decision to withhold tax funds from the cash-strapped Palestinian Authority after a Hamas-led parliament was sworn in. Special Envoy Alvaro de Soto called the decision unhelpful and premature. Israel has long regarded the UN as a minor player in the Middle East peace process compared with the United States, which did not criticise the decision to withhold funds. A day after Israel's cabinet announced a permanent halt to the monthly transfer of about $50 million in tax revenues Israel collects on behalf of the Palestinians, de Soto on Monday said: "These are monies that belong to the Palestinians and should not be withheld. " more.. Iran leader calls for Arab support to Hamas YNetNews 2/20/2006 Iran's supreme leader called on Muslim nations Monday to provide annual financial aid to a Hamas-led Palestinian government and supported the radical group's refusal to recognize Israel. Hamas political leader Khaled Mashaal and other officials were in Iran - a top backer of Hamas - in the latest stop of a tour of Arab and Islamic nations aimed at drumming up support as Israel and the United States move to cut off money to the Palestinians.... In Syria, Mashaal discussed financial aid with Turkish officials. Hamas is also planning a visit to Kuwait where it hopes the oil-rich Gulf country will compensate the cash-strapped Palestinian Authority after Israel announced it is freezing monthly tax repayments. more.. Diskin: Hamas a strategic threat YNetNews 2/20/2006 Shin Bet chief places Hamas in same category as Iran, says 'Hamas offer of a 'hudna' (ceasefire) for ten years does not change their basic approach not to recognize State of Israel' -- Hamas is a long-term threat to the State of Israel, Shin Bet Chief Yuval Diskin during a security briefing in the Knesset. Referring to warnings by security officials to the government about Hamas' '"honey trap," Diskin said that "Hamas' offer of a 'hudna' (ceasefire) for ten years does not change their basic approach not to recognize the State of Israel. " He warned against the hudna, saying that "even if it brings temporary clam, and it doesn't matter what will be during the intermediate period, Hamas' ideology won't compromise. " more.. Putin: I won't meet Hamas delegation YNetNews 2/20/2006 Russian president says he'll meet 'only' with junior Hamas members, says Hamas not seen as terrorist group according to Russian law -- Russian President Vladimir Putin sent a message last week to Acting Prime Minister Ehud Olmert, saying he would not meet with a delegation of Hamas leaders, expected to arrive in Moscow at the start of next month, Israel's leading newspaper Yedioth Ahronoth reported Monday. The Russian president added that he would meet exclusively with junior Hamas members. more.. Arab League mulls payment to PA despite U.S. objections Ha'aretz 2/20/2006 CAIRO - The head of the Arab League says members are meeting this week to hammer out a plan for sending millions of dollars a month to the Palestinian Authority, despite U.S. attempts to stop the flow of money to the new Hamas-led government. Secretary-General Amr Moussa said that foreign ministers from several Arab countries were to meet Monday in Algiers to examine a plan to send about $50 million a month to the Palestinian Authority. A final decision is not expected until Arab leaders meet in a summit next month in the Sudanese capital, Khartoum. more.. Israel considers Abbas irrelevant, rejects truce with Hamas International Middle East Media Center 2/20/2006 The Israeli TV reported on Sunday night that Israel decided to regard the Palestinian President, Mahmoud Abbas, as irrelevant and that the Israeli SecurityServices, Shin Bet, decided to reject an extended truce with Hamas. Regarding Abbas as an irrelevant figure is similar to Israel's position against the late Palestinian president, Yasser Arafat. According to the Israeli TV report, the Shin Bet, decided to reject a long term truce with the Islamic Resistance Movement, Hamas. The Israeli announcement came shortly after the Palestinian President, Mahmoud Abbas, held a press conference in Gaza, on Sunday evening, and said that the Palestinian Authority (P. A) is suffering a real financial crisis. Abbas added that the P. A is holding talks with the United States after the U. S demanded the P. A to return the 50 million dollars paid by the U. S in aid to the P. A. more.. Israel stops transfer of tax money to Palestine Palestine Monitor 2/19/2006 Israel’s cabinet on Sunday approved an immediate freeze on the transfer of about $50 million in tax money to the Palestinians in its first response to the takeover of the Palestinian parliament by the militant group Hamas. The cabinet held off on taking even more drastic action recommended by security officials, mindful of possible international reaction. The decision means that Israel will halt the transfer taxes it collects monthly on behalf of the Palestinians under a 1994 economic accord. That money accounts for nearly half of the Palestinian Authority’s payroll and could compromise the ability of the Palestinian government— the largest employers in the territories— to pay salaries. more.. Israel halts funds to Palestinian Authority The Guardian 2/20/2006 Israel froze contacts with what it called the "terrorist" Palestinian Authority yesterday, and put a block on the transfer of funds, the day after the swearing in of a Hamas-dominated parliament. "Israel views the rise of Hamas as a dangerous milestone that turns the Palestinian Authority into a terrorist authority," said the acting prime minister, Ehud Olmert. "Israel will not hold contacts with the administration in which Hamas plays any part - small, large or permanent. "The cabinet decided to halt the transfer of funds, mostly about $50m (£29m) a month in tax and customs receipts, to the PA and to appeal to foreign governments to do the same until Hamas renounces violence and recognises Israel's right to exist. more.. Mofaz warns PA not to release Rehavam Zeevi's assassins Ha'aretz 2/21/2006 Defense Minister Shaul Mofaz on Monday threatened to take severe steps against the Palestinian Authority if the assassins of former minister Rehavam Zeevi and the Palestinian financial strongman Fuad Shubaki are released from their Jericho prison. Mofaz issued the statement as Hamas seemed set to reach an agreement with the Palestinian Front for the Liberation of Palestine (PFLP) over the release of the men. "The release of Shubaki and Zeevi's murderers will entail severe Israeli response," Mofaz said. "This is a blatant violation of the agreement between Israel and the Palestinian Authority and we will not let this pass. " more.. Sweden to give $5.3 million in humanitarian aid to Palestinians Ha'aretz 2/21/2006 Sweden's foreign aid agency said yesterday it will give 50 million kronor (5. 3 million euro, $6. 4 million) in humanitarian aid to Palestinians in the West Bank and Gaza. The announcement follows an appeal by the United Nations for continued humanitarian support to aid efforts in the occupied Palestinian areas. Sida, the agency that distributes Swedish foreign aid, said in a press release that the aid will be channeled through the UN relief agency for Palestinians, UNRWA, the UN children's agency UNICEF and the UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs, or OCHA. more.. Despite sanctions, IDF coordinating security with PA Ha'aretz 2/21/2006 Israel continues to coordinate security issues with the Palestinian Authority, as Israel Defense Forces officers and their counterparts in the Palestinian security services are maintaining ties as per usual, Haaretz has learned. This policy will remain in effect for the time being, but will come under review if and when Hamas takes control of the PA's security forces. Meanwhile, PA Chairman Mahmoud Abbas said Monday that the Fatah movement might join the new Palestinian Authority government under certain conditions. more.. U.S. envoy to visit region for first time since Hamas win Ha'aretz 2/20/2006 The U.S. Assistant Secretary of State for Near Eastern Affairs, C. David Welch, will visit Israel and the Palestinian Authority over the weekend, in the first visit of a high-ranking American envoy since Hamas won the Palestinian parliamentary elections last month. Welch will meet with Acting Prime Minister Ehud Olmert and Palestinian Authority Chairman Mahmoud Abbas to discuss the ramifications of a Hamas government. He is also set to examine the consequences of the sanctions Israel plans to impose on the Palestinians and will assess whether there is reason to continue negotiating with Abbas. more.. Dahlan asks Hamas to maintain Rafah crossing agreement International Middle East Media Center 2/20/2006 Mohammad Dahlan, Palestinian Legislative Council member, demanded that the new Hamas led government maintain the Rafah crossing agreement. The agreement includes nominal Palestinian sovereignty of the crossing with European and Israeli oversight. "The crossing agreement signed between Palestine and Israel has eased the suffering of Palestinians and opened Gaza to other countries" Dahlan said. He also stated that the European Union is supporting the development and capacity of Palestinians working at the crossing. [end] more.. Israel: Cabinet adopts a series of measures vis-a-vis the PA ReliefWeb/Government of Israel 2/19/2006 Upon the conclusion of the PA transitional government, the PA will become a terrorist authority unless Hamas, which controls the PA, fully accepts the threshold conditions as determined by Israel and approved by the Quartet. The Cabinet has decided to immediately implement series of measures vis-à-vis the PA. At the weekly cabinet meeting today (Sunday, 19 February 2006): 1. Ministers were briefed on Palestinian affairs following the Palestinian Authority (PA) elections and determined policy in light of the swearing-in of the Palestinian Legislative Council (PLC). Acting Prime Minister Olmert made the following remarks... more.. Israeli Report: Rice’s Mideast Visit Next Week Aimed at Blocking Arab Funds to Hamas Palestine Media Center/The Jerusalem Post 2/19/2006 US Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice is embarking Monday on a five-day Middle East visit aimed at ensuring that Arab countries do not provide financial aid to the Hamas-led Palestinian Authority and strengthening the international front against the Hamas. After an initial decision not to provide direct funds to the Hamas government and to review existing aid programs to the Palestinians, the US is now moving forward with closing possible loopholes that would enable international money to get into Hamas's hands. more.. US State Department Spokesman: Yes We Are Reviewing Our Assistance Programs to Palestinians Palestine Media Center/U.S. Department of State 2/18/2006 State Department Briefing, February 17 - Sean McCormack, Spokesman: Following is the transcript of the State Department briefing: QUESTION: Can I just follow up with one other thing? The New York Times said today that the U.S. has asked the Palestinians to return $50 million which is going to be used for (inaudible) water projects and other projects. Is that correct -- this money that was originally going to be used by various ministries, is that – MR. MCCORMACK: That is correct. That is correct. There was $50 million disbursed to the Palestinian Authority in 2005. It was provided to the -- well, it was a past government, now that there's a caretaker government, for new infrastructure projects in Gaza. more.. THE SITUATION: Behind Tough Talk, Israel Torn on Hamas Forward 2/17/2006 Official Treads Lightly as U.S. Denies Destabilization Story -- Defense Minister Shaul Mofaz, visiting Cairo this week, refused to confirm or deny a controversial New York Times report that the United States and Israel were discussing ways to destabilize the Palestinian government and force new elections. "Stories break every morning," Mofaz told reporters after his February 14 meeting with Egyptian President Hosni Mubarak. "I can't relate to all of them. " Mofaz's non-reply easily could be read as diplomatic waffling. Israel is deeply alarmed by the victory of the Islamic militant group Hamas in last month's Palestinian elections, and wants urgently to blunt its effect. But the Times report embarrassed Washington, which champions Arab democracy, and prompted an immediate, emphatic American denial, which Israel couldn't contradict. more.. Iran 'clarifies' remarks on Israel AlJazeera 2/21/2006 Comments attributed to Mahmoud Ahmadinejad,the Iranian President, saying he wanted to see Israel "wiped off the map" were taken out of context, according to his foreign minister. Manouchehr Mottaki, the Foreign Minister, told reporters in Brussels on Monday: "Nobody can remove a country from the map. This is a misunderstanding in Europe of what our president mentioned. "Speaking in English, after addressing the European Parliament, Mottaki said that comments from Ahmadinejad made in October referred to the current Israeli regime which Tehran does not "recognise legally". more.. Russia protests use of Putin in Likud Internet campaign ad Ha'aretz 2/21/2006 Russia has objected to the use of the likeness of Russian President Vladimir Putin in Likud's election campaign, and Russian Ambassador to Israel Gennady Tarassov took up the matter Monday with Likud chairman MK Benjamin Netanyahu. Tarassov called Netanyahu to complain about the Likud elections advertisement appearing on the Internet, and the party's official Web site, showing Putin's face morphing into that of Acting Prime Minister Ehud Olmert. The ad, which appeared after Putin invited Hamas leaders on an official visit to Moscow, is accompanied by a caption that reads that it was Olmert, and not Putin, who had transferred money to Hamas. more.. President Receives Credentials of Egyptian Ambassador to PNA WAFA 2/20/2006 GAZA, February 20, 2006 (WAFA)- President Mahmoud Abbas received on Monday credentials of the new ambassador of Egypt to the Palestinian National Authority (PNA), Ashraf Aqel. The ceremony was attended by the Secretary General of Presidency, Tayyeb Abdul Rahim and the Head of the Presidency Council, Rafik al-Husseini. Following the ceremony, ambassador Aqel expressed his intention to continue working in strengthen the Egyptian-Palestinian brotherly ties, praising the cooperation between Egypt and Palestine in different issues of common interest. [end] more.. Tension Continues Between Turkey, Israel Over Hamas’ Visit to Ankara Palestine Media Center/Zaman.com 2/19/2006 The tension between Turkey and Israel caused by the Islamic Resistance Movement’s (HAMAS) visit to Ankara, the first visit to a non-Arab country, continues. Ankara was disturbed by Israeli Prime Ministry Speaker Raanan Gissin’s comparison of HAMAS to the terrorist organization Kurdish Workers’ Party (PKK) and his question of “This situation has deeply damaged the relationships. How would you feel if we hosted Abdullah Ocalan? ”The Turkish Foreign Ministry communicated its reaction to Israel yesterday, saying “Relationships are damaged by such comparisons. ” In return, Israel said “The Prime Ministry speaker’s statement has been made for domestic political reasons before the March elections,” leaving Ankara unsatisfied. The Foreign Ministry asserted, “If you collect votes over us, this is terrible. ” more.. Report: Iran ready to use missiles, terror YNetNews 2/14/2006 American intelligence assessments warn Iran will launch long-range missiles, initiate global terror wave in case of attack on its nuclear facilities -- Iran is prepared to launch long-range missiles and initiate a global terror wave using secret commando units in response to an American or Israeli attack on its nuclear facilities, the Boston Globe reported based on U.S. intelligence assessments. According to the newspaper, both Israel and the United States do not discount he possibility of a military operation that would sabotage the Iranian nuclear effort should diplomacy fail, but experts warn the Iranian regime could respond in kind by launching strikes in the Middle East or even in America. more.. U.S. to PA: Pay us back USD 50 million YNetNews 2/18/2006 Americans ask Palestinian Authority to pay back funds received from U.S. in bid to ensure money does not reach Hamas; Palestinian leader Mahmoud Abbas complies with request, State Department says -- WASHINGTON – Making the Palestinians pay: The United States asked the Palestinian Authority to pay back USD 50 million transferred to the PA earlier in order to ensure the money does not reach Hamas once the new Palestinian government is sworn in, State Department Spokesman Sean McCormack said. According to McCormack, Palestinian leader Mahmoud Abbas complied with the request. more.. Rice warns Iran not to finance Hamas-led PA Ha'aretz 2/18/2006 Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice cautioned Iran and other Middle East powers on Friday of the consequences for the region of giving money to a Palestinian government led by Hamas. She also expressed doubt that the militant Islamic group could raise badly needed international financing unless it changes its policies. "I would hope that any state that is considering funding Hamas, a Hamas-led government, would think about the implications of that for the Middle East" and for the goal of peace between Israel and the Palestinians, Rice said. more.. Hamas demands to come off US terror list AlJazeera 2/18/2006 Hamas has demanded that it be removed from the US list of suspected terror organisations as the Palestinian movement prepares to enter government for the first time. Moussa Abu Marzouq, a member of Hamas's political bureau, said the inclusion of Hamas on the US list could not be justified, especially when the movement is "deeply rooted" in Palestinian society as demonstrated by its victory in last month's legislative elections. He said: "No state shouldering its responsibility in the region could keep Hamas on the list of terror organisations, because Hamas is a national liberation movement that confines its struggle to the occupied territories and had never targeted its weapons outside Palestine. " more.. Israel steps up closure; prevents legislators from participating in Palestinian Parliament International Middle East Media Center 2/18/2006 As the Palestinian Parliament prepares to open its legislative session Saturday, the reality of the Israeli military occupation under which the session is taking place has rendered impossible the participation of a third of the elected legislators. As London writer Kerim Balsi points out, "Now Israel has announced that it will prevent Hamas MPs and possibly the prime minister and other ministers from traveling between Gaza and West Bank. There is nothing Hamas can do about it... The electricity they are using comes from Israel. Palestine has water, but Israel controls all underground water sources and Israeli companies distribute them. Their mobile phones are produced by Israeli firms... There are some mobile operators with invented Arab names, but they are using Israeli satellites.... Palestine is not only under military occupation. Palestine is under an all-encompassing occupation. " more.. Rice: No aid for Hamas-led PA YNetNews 2/17/2006 American secretary of state tells House of Representatives country set to suspend all fund transfers to PA headed by Hamas, adds U.S. to persuade other countries to halt financial assistance to Palestinians as well. Hamas can't aspire for peace while advocating terror, Rice says -- WASHINGTON - American Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice vowed Thursday in a hearing at the House of Representatives the United States will ensure that the Palestinian government abides by the standards set the Quartet. more.. US legislators call for restriction on aid to PA Globes 2/16/2006 US House of Representatives: No US aid for a Palestinian government headed by an organization that calls for Israel's destruction. -- The US House of Representatives passed a resolution on Wednesday urging the Bush administration not to give aid to the Palestinian Authority if its government is headed by an organization that calls for Israel's destruction. The nonbinding resolution expressing the sense of Congress was approved 418-1, with 13 abstentions. Legislators from both parties have submitted separate binding bills that include sanctions against the Palestinian Authority if Hamas continues to adhere to a policy of Israel’s destruction. more.. Russia to sell arms to Palestinians only if Israel agrees Daily Star 2/18/2006 Olmert's cabinet weighs tough sanctions aimed at weakening Hamas -- Russia said on Friday it would supply military hardware to the Palestinian Authority (PA) only if Israel agreed, while the interim Israeli premier postponed a decision until Sunday's Cabinet on new measures aimed at weakening Hamas. "Supplies of military hardware to Palestine can only be carried out with Israel's consent and through its territory," Defense Minister Sergei Ivanov said in televised comments. Plans to sell the PA 50 armored personnel carriers (APCs) were put on hold since last September. Diplomats said Russia had since shelved the idea after Middle East peace brokers told Moscow it could harm efforts to stabilize the area. more.. Hamas politburo chief says group is misunderstood by West Ha'aretz 2/18/2006 The exiled political leader of Hamas, Khaled Meshal, said the world has the wrong image of Hamas and called on the world to stop seeing the newly elected Palestinian representatives through the eyes of Israel. "We believe that most of the leaders in Europe, in the West, have an image about Hamas, a wrong image about Hamas, because this image doesn't reflect us. It reflects how some people, especially Israel, see Hamas," Meshal told The Associated Press on Friday, surrounded by bodyguards on a commercial flight from Ankara to Istanbul. "We want the world, and especially the countries in the West, to understand us, to understand Hamas well, to understand the will of the Palestinian people, the national goals of Hamas and the Palestinian people. " more.. Russia, Hamas agree in principle to meet, may discuss arms deal Ha'aretz 2/17/2006 While Hamas' political chief Khaled Meshal was holding talks with Turkish officials in Ankara on Thursday, Russia announced it had agreed in principle on a meeting with Hamas officials in Moscow in early March. A top Russian military officer also said Thursday that Russia could decide on weapons deliveries to the Palestinians after the talks with Hamas leaders, the Interfax news agency reported. "This decision must be made with the new Palestinian leadership," the army's chief of the general staff, Gen. Yuri Baluyevsky, was quoted as saying. more.. Hamas: World won't let us starve YNetNews 2/17/2006 Senior Hamas members say they are not scared by Israeli threats, anti-PA measures -- Israeli threats and reports about the measures the Jewish state intends to adopt against Hamas do not scare the Islamic movement and the Palestinian people, Hamas members said Friday. Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh said the moves announced by Defense Minister Shaul Mofaz constitute collective punishment aimed at thwarting the new Palestinian government and mark the continuation of the policy of oppression adopted by Israel against the Palestinians. more.. Meshaal will hold talks with senior officials of the ruling Justice and Development Party (AKP). Palestine Chronicle 2/17/2006 ANKARA - A delegation of senior Hamas leaders arrived in Turkey on Thursday, February 16, for talks with Turkish officials, and will travel to Moscow in the next few days after receiving an official invitation for talks. "The expectations of the international community following the Palestinian elections will be clearly conveyed during the talks," the Turkish Foreign Ministry said in a statement cited by Agence France-Presse (AFP). It added that Hamas had asked to send a delegation to Turkey. The visiting delegation is chaired by Hamas leader Khaled Meshaal and includes four of the group's senior officials. more.. Statement by Dr Barghouthi condemning Israeli plans in the Jordan Valley Palestine Monitor 2/17/2006 Dr Mustafa Barghouthi, General Secretary of Almubadara and elected member of Palestinian Legislative Council, condemns the Israeli step of isolating the Jordan valley and preventing the Palestinians from entering their land. Dr Barghouthi warned from this unilateral step aimed at imposing a new fact-on-the-ground to Judaize 40% of the West Bank land. Dr Barghouthi also condemns Israeli proposals that aim to impose borders of the Palestinian state turning the Palestinian state into a group of cantons and clusters. He said that Israel is using the local and regional atmosphere to carry out the settlement project and to impose solutions from one side, in violation to the International Law and UN resolutions. more.. Hamas-Moscow talks in early March AlJazeera 2/16/2006 A high-level delegation from the Palestinian group Hamas will hold talks with Russian officials in Moscow early next month. The Russian Foreign Ministry in a statement on Thursday said: "We have reached an agreement in principle about the arrival in early March of a delegation of the Hamas leadership to Moscow. "The group's victory in recent parliamentary elections has prompted threats from the US and European Union, which threaten to cut off massive aid to the Palestinians unless Hamas - responsible for scores of suicide attacks and designated a terrorist organisation by many Western nations -recognises Israel and renounces violence. more.. Russia to consider selling helicopters to PA YNetNews 2/16/2006 Chief of the Russian General Staff Yuri Baluyevsky Russian government may sign arms deal with Hamas during scheduled visit by terror group’s leaders to Moscow in March; Palestinians express their willingness to purchase two M-17 helicopters, some 50 armored vehicles -- The Russian government may sign an arms deal with Hamas during a scheduled visit by the terror group’s leaders to Moscow, according to Chief of the Russian General Staff Yuri Baluyevsky.... “The decision to sell arms to Hamasmust be reached through the cooperation of both sides,” the general said. more.. Hamas leader in surprise Turkey visit AlJazeera 2/16/2006 A senior Hamas leader is on a surprise visit to Ankara for talks with Turkish diplomats. Turkey said they would use the meeting with Khalid Mishaal, the exiled supreme leader of Hamas, on Thursday to put forward international demands for the resistance group to renounce violence. A Turkish Foreign Ministry statement said: "The expectations of the international community following the Palestinian elections will be clearly conveyed during the talks," adding that Hamas had asked to send a delegation to Turkey. Mishaal is on a tour to muster support from Muslim states to counter Western governments' efforts to step up the pressure on the party that won last month's Palestinian elections. more.. Palestinians ordered to return US aid AlJazeera 2/17/2006 The United States has asked the Palestinian Authority to return $50 million in US aid because Washington does not want a Hamas-led government to have the funds. The money is being demanded as part of a review of all US aid for the Palestinians which began soon after the resistance group Hamas won last month's legislative elections. The US State Department expects to finish the review in the next few weeks. Sean McCormack, the US State Department spokesman, on Friday said the caretaker government of Mahmoud Abbas had agreed to return the $50 million, which was given to the Palestinian Authority last year for infrastructure projects after Israel's withdrawal from Gaza and parts of the West Bank. more.. Labor's Peretz, Moroccan king meet YNetNews 2/18/2006 Secret meeting: Labor Party Chairman Amir Peretz meets with Morocco's King Mohammed VI at his palace; Labor leader says he is interested in introducing diplomatic initiative, opening new channels of dialogue with Arab world -- A new diplomatic initiative? Labor Party Chairman Amir Peretz was in Morocco Friday for a secret meeting with the country's King Mohammed VI at his palace. Peretz flew to Morocco early Friday along with Uriella Ben Tzvi, who is in charge of foreign liaison at Labor's campaign headquarters. The Labor party leader is expected back in Israel Friday night. more.. Israel threatens to sever all ties with Palestinians ReliefWeb 2/15/2006 JERUSALEM, Feb 15, 2006 (AFP) - Israel ratcheted up the pressure Wednesday on the Palestinian Authority by threatening to cut all ties if a prime minister affiliated to Hamas is chosen after parliament is sworn in this weekend. But the leader of the militant Islamist movement, which won a landslide victory in last month's general election, said resistance would continue unless Israel ceased "aggression" toward Palestinian territory. Israeli Defence Minister Shaul Mofaz threatened to cut all contacts with the Palestinian Authority if parliament is headed by Hamas leaders. more.. Israel won't stop transfer of aid to Palestinians Ha'aretz 2/16/2006 "It's like a meeting with a dietitian," an advisor to the prime minister, Dov Weissglas, said. "We need to make them lose weight, but not to die. " -- Israel will not oppose the transfer of international aid funds to humanitarian organizations in the Palestinian Authority following the establishment of a new government led by Hamas, it was decided Wednesday after a consultation headed by Foreign Minister Tzipi Livni. Livni convened the discussion, which focused on the international community's position vis-a-vis a Hamas-led regime. The government will acquiesce to the transfer on the condition that the aid does not reach PA hands. more.. Jordan invites Hamas for first visit since expulsion YNetNews 2/16/2006 Kingdom invites terror group leaders to make their first visit since Jordan expelled them in 1999; ‘We welcome the visit of a delegation of our brothers the leaders of Hamas in their capacity as Palestinians,’ Prime Minister Marouf Bakheet saysReuters Jordan, which has moderated its stance towards Palestinian terror group Hamas since its election win, said on Wednesday it invited Hamas leaders to make their first visit since the kingdom expelled them in 1999. The visit to the pro-U.S. country would be part of a regional tour by Hamas to garner financial and political support in the face of Western threats to cut Palestinian aid. more.. Cheshin calls PA 'enemy gov't' Ha'aretz 2/16/2006 Supreme Court Justice Mishael Cheshin called the Palestinian Authority an "enemy government" during a High Court of Justice hearing yesterday on family unification. Yesterday's hearing was the last before the court hands down a ruling on petitions submitted in 2003 against the amendment to the Citizenship Law, which bans Palestinians from joining Israeli Arab family members in Israel. During the hearing, Cheshin discussed the security situation in the wake of Hamas' victory in last month's Palestinian Authority elections and the ramifications it could have on the court's ruling. "The Palestinian Authority is an enemy government, a government that wants to destroy the state and is not prepared to recognize the State of Israel," Cheshin, who is set to retire, said. more.. Mofaz: Mubarak believes Hamas will succumb to pressure Daily Star 2/15/2006 Palestinian leaders urge EU to continue aid -- Egyptian President Hosni Mubarak believes after Hamas has become the Palestinian government, it will succumb to international pressure, renounce armed resistance and recognize Israel, Israeli Defense Minister Shaul Mofaz said Tuesday. Meanwhile, Palestinian leaders used talks with Germany's foreign minister to urge the international community to continue aid. "The president says that he believes that Hamas will change its ways in the future and adopt the Israeli conditions," Mofaz told a news conference in Cairo, where he had gone for talks with Mubarak and other Egyptian officials. more.. U.S. lawmakers: Bush's Mideast policy led to rise of Hamas Ha'aretz 2/16/2006 WASHINGTON - Mistakes in U.S. Middle East policy have made America less safe and aided the militant group Hamas's victory in Palestinian elections, Democratic and Republican lawmakers told Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice on Wednesday. Hamas's win last month in the Palestinian territories and the Islamist Muslim Brotherhood's rise in Egypt have fueled criticisms over U.S. President George W. Bush's strategy of pushing for democracy in the Middle East. "This administration seems to have a tin ear when it comes to the Middle East and that tin ear is making us less safe," Sen. Barbara Boxer, a Democrat, told Rice at a Senate Foreign Relations Committee hearing. more.. Senators criticise Rice on Middle East AlJazeera 2/15/2006 Republican senators have criticised the Bush administration over its policies in Iraq, Iran and the Palestinian territories. The criticisms came on Wednesday, as Condoleezza Rice, the secretary of state, made her first testimony to Congress in months, exposing her to a grilling from some members of her own party. Senator Chuck Hagel told Rice, as she appeared before the Senate Foreign Relations Committee: "I don't see, Madame Secretary, how things are getting better. I think things are getting worse. I think they're getting worse in Iraq. I think they're getting worse in Iran. " Rice also had a tense exchange with moderate Republican Senator Lincoln Chafee over the pace of progress towards Israeli-Palestinian peace and the implications of the Hamas victory in Palestinian legislative elections last month. more.. Hamas to End Armed Struggle if Israel Quits Territories Palestine Chronicle 2/15/2006 Meanwhile, a Hamas official said Tuesday that attempts to bring down a Hamas-led Palestinian government were hypocritical. --MOSCOW/JERUSALEM - Hamas will end its armed struggle against Israel if the Jewish state withdraws from all occupied Palestinian territories, the Islamist group's leader told a Russian daily. "If Israel recognizes our rights and pledges to withdraw from all occupied lands, Hamas, and the Palestinian people together with it, will decide to halt armed resistance," the group's leader Khaled Meshaal said in an interview with the Nezavisimaya Gazeta. In earlier statements Meshaal had only said that Hamas could agree to a "long-term truce" with Israel if it were willing to return to the 1967 borders and recognize the rights of Palestinians to self-determination. more.. Hamas sworn in – Israel to cut off funds YNetNews 2/15/2006 This coming Saturday, Palestinian parliament with Hamas majority will be sworn in; indications are Israel won't declare total cessation of contacts with the PA, but will cut off funds; international funding will still be permitted in order to prevent Iranian money filling the vacuum -- Israel will agree for international funding to reach the Palestinian Authority, instead of the tax and customs funds which will apparently be frozen to a Hamas controlled Palestinian parliament, sworn in this Saturday. The aim is to prevent funding of the PA by Iran, or moneys collected by radical Islamist movements around the world. more.. Russia: Engaging Hamas will foster peace YNetNews 2/15/2006 Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov says Russia’s invitation to Hamas realistic way to advance future peacemaking after Islamic group won Palestinian elections -- Russia’s invitation to Hamas to talks, which has dismayed Israel, is a realistic way to foster future peacemaking after the Islamic terrorists won the Palestinian elections, Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov said on Wednesday. Moscow’s move has upset both the Jewish state and the United States by challenging their campaign to isolate Hamas, classified as a terrorist group in the West, until it renounces violence and recognizes Israel’s right to exist. PA Envoy: Likud behind Muhammad cartoons and PLO: Likud inflaming relationship between West and Muslims more.. Video - Dalai Lama: Politics, religion equal violence YNetNews 2/15/2006 (VIDEO) Tibetan Diaspora leader arrives in Israel, says he hopes to advance dialogue, human warmth in area of conflict - The leader of the Tibetan people, the Dalai Lama, has arrived in Israel for a five-day visit. -- Describing the purpose of his visit as bringing harmony to the area, he said he did not come to talk about the situation of Tibet. During a press conference, the Dalai Lama said the purpose of his visit was to advance humane values and warmth, as well as dialogue instead of violence, as a necessary condition for peace. more.. Ireland stresses roadmap as only peace framework for Mideast China View 2/15/2006 AMMAN, Feb. 15 (Xinhuanet) -- Irish President Mary Mcaleese reiterated here Wednesday that the roadmap plan drawn up by the Quartet of Middle East peace mediators remains the only framework for solving the Israeli-Palestinian conflict and realizing their peaceful coexistence. Mcaleese told the Jordanian parliament that the Palestinians, Israel, Syria and Lebanon deserve peace after a long period of conflicts and that her country will continue support for Palestinian and Israeli leaders to seek peace in the region. She also expressed appreciation for Jordan's positive role in helping Israel and the Palestinians to achieve peaceful coexistence. more.. World Bank approves $60mln financial aid to PNA China View 2/15/2006 RAMALLAH, Feb. 15 (Xinhuanet) -- A senior Palestinian official with Ministry of Finance announced on Wednesday that the World Bank has approved 60 million U.S. dollars financial aides to the Palestinian National Authority (PNA). Jihad Al-Wazeer, under secretary of Palestinian Ministry of Finance, told reporters that the World Bank has determined to transfer 48 million dollars as a down payment to the treasury of the PNA. He said that the approval came after the World Bank and the donor countries got the guarantee of the ministry on cashing its employee's salaries after a series of negotiations.... Meanwhile, the U.S. State Department also announced that it would reconsider its threat to cut off aid to the Palestinians in one or two weeks. more.. Hamas: Hizbullah funded us YNetNews 2/15/2006 In report on its website, group admits it received funds, assistance in training activists from Hizbullah, boasts Lebanese-trained cell was most prominent in West Bank -- The Hamas organization officially announced for the first time that it has received funding and assistance in training from the Lebanese Hizbullah terror group. A report posted on Hamas' website recently, describes the establishment of the organization's first cell in Ramallah, immediately following the outbreak of the intifada. According to the report, after the cell was founded, its members began looking for appropriate funding for their activity. more.. PLO Refuses Israel's Plan to Isolate Jordan Valley from WB Territories WAFA 2/15/2006 RAMALLAH, February 15, 2006 (WAFA)- The PLO Executive Committee (EC) refused Wednesday the Israeli plan to isolate Al- Aghwar (the Jordan Valley) area, from the rest of the Palestinian territories of the West Bank. In a meeting headed by President Mahmoud Abbas in the Presidential HQ in Ramallah, the EC said such a plan transforms the Palestinian territories into isolated cantons that prevent the establishment of the independent state. It urged the Quartet Committee, which issued the Road Map, to voice out its stance towards this colonial plan, and to assume its responsibilities toward the peace process as well as the two-state solution. more.. Hezbollah chief says disarmament linked to peace ReliefWeb 2/15/2006 BEIRUT, Feb 15, 2006 (AFP) - The head of Lebanon's fundamentalist Shiite Muslim movement Hezbollah has insisted that the disarmament of its military wing must be linked to a broad peace deal in the Middle East. "Lebanon is in a state of war with Israel and there will be no handover of weapons until there is an end to that," Sheikh Hassan Nasrallah said in remarks published Wednesday. Lebanon's largely anti-Damascus government, which took power after elections last year following the withdrawal of Syrian forces, is under international pressure over the disarming of Hezbollah. more.. Hamas rejects Annan's call to disarm: leader ReliefWeb 2/14/2006 KHARTOUM, Feb 14, 2006 (Xinhua via COMTEX) -- Visiting leader of the Islamic Resistance Movement (Hamas) Khalid Mashal said on Tuesday that the group rejected UN Secretary General Kofi Annan's call to disarm. Mashal, Hamas' politburo chief who has been living in Damascus in exile, made the statement at a press conference held in the presidential residence in Khartoum after talks with Sudanese President Omar Ahmed el-Bashir. "Hamas cannot accept UN Secretary General (Kofi) Annan's call to disarm and become a political party since the call is unrealistic as most of the Palestinian territories are still occupied by Israel," said Mashal. more.. Aid to Palestinians depends on recognition of Israel: Canada ReliefWeb 2/14/2006 OTTOWA, Feb 14, 2006 (AFP) - Canada will only provide aid to the new Palestinian government if the leadership recognizes Israel and renounces all forms of violence, Prime Minister Stephen Harper said Tuesday. "Future assistance to any new Palestinian government will be reviewed against that governments commitment to the principles of non-violence, recognition of Israel and acceptance of previous agreements and obligations, including the roadmap" to peace, Harper said. The prime minister made his comments following a telephone call with the president of the Palestinian Authority, Mahmud Abbas, but his message was clearly aimed at the Islamic group Hamas, the winner of January 25 legislative elections. more.. CNI calls on U.S. to deal with new democratic forces in Middle East Electronic Intifada/CNI 2/13/2006 “Our officials in the Middle East,” Elizabeth Viering said, “are not listening to the people. They are isolated and cut off. ” -- February 10, 2006 -- A delegation from the Council for the National Interest that participated as international observers to the recent Palestinian elections and met with government and opposition figures in six Middle East countries called yesterday on President Bush and his administration to deal honestly and openly with the new Islamist opposition that has been brought to power by democratic means in several Middle East countries. The members of the delegation, including two ambassadors, were among the first American retired foreign service officers to meet with Hamas leaders Mahmoud al-Zahar and Khaled Meshaal, whom they described as eager to talk to American officials, and even to reach a peace with Israel. more.. Likud's campaign pitch to Russians features Hitler Ha'aretz 2/15/2006 A comparison of Hamas with Adolf Hitler is a recurring motif in the recent Likud campaign pitch to the Russian sector. In a Russian-language Likud campaign publicity newspaper "Just Facts" published Wednesday for the first time, Likud chairman Benjamin Netanyahu compared the rise of Hamas to power in democratic elections to the rise of Hitler. Natan Sharansky made the same comparison Tuesday on the Russian cable channel RTVI. The Likud's campaign strategist for new immigrants, Sasha Klein, told Haaretz Tuesday that this was a coincidence and not a public relations line. Elsewhere in the paper is a harsh attack on Acting Prime Minister Ehud Olmert under the slogan "cruel to the Jews, weak on the Arabs. " more.. U.S. and Israelis Are Said to Talk of Hamas Ouster New York Times 2/14/2006 JERUSALEM, Feb. 13 — The United States and Israel are discussing ways to destabilize the Palestinian government so that newly elected Hamas officials will fail and elections will be called again, according to Israeli officials and Western diplomats. The intention is to starve the Palestinian Authority of money and international connections to the point where, some months from now, its president, Mahmoud Abbas, is compelled to call a new election. The hope is that Palestinians will be so unhappy with life under Hamas that they will return to office a reformed and chastened Fatah movement. The officials also argue that a close look at the election results shows that Hamas won a smaller mandate than previously understood. more.. Hamas dismisses 'unsettling' US report AlJazeera 2/14/2006 Hamas, which last month won a landslide victory in the Palestinian legislative elections, has scoffed at a report claiming America and Israel plan to isolate and destabilise the new government. On Tuesday, the party called the New York Times report "insidious and expected". The report stated that the United States and Israel were considering a campaign to bring down a Hamas government by starving the Palestinian Authority of cash, but the US has denied the allegations. Sean McCormack, a State Department spokesman, said: "There is no plan, there is no plot. " more.. Olmert mulls halting ties with PA, giving ultimatum to Abbas Ha'aretz 2/15/2006 Acting Prime Minister Ehud Olmert is weighing an ultimatum to Palestinian Authority Chairman Mahmoud Abbas: Either dismantle the terrorist organizations, or Israel will sever all ties. Olmert publicly hinted at this possibility on Tuesday saying that Israel will "review all contacts" with the Palestinians if Hamas heads a future government after its recent electoral victory. The Acting PM will hold a meeting on Friday to discuss two possible options: severing ties the minute the new Hamas-led Palestinian parliament takes office this Saturday, or delivering the ultimatum. But government sources said that Olmert will probably decide on the latter, since that would increase international understanding for any subsequent Israeli responses. more.. Mubarak: Hamas' threats to destroy Israel insignificant Ha'aretz 2/15/2006 Egyptian President Hosni Mubarak said on Tuesday Hamas' threats to destroy Israel should not be considered significant, adding that he was convinced the group could change. "We also said in the past that we would throw Israel into the sea, and where are you now," said the Egyptian leader. In talks last week, Egypt saw some flexibility in Hamas' position and it cannot rule out the possibility that Hamas and Israel eventually reach a peace settlement, Mubarak added. Defense Minister Shaul Mofaz, who saw Mubarak on Tuesday, said later that the Egyptian leader had told Hamas to accept Israeli conditions for future dialogue and that Mubarak believes the Palestinian Islamist group will eventually agree. more.. New MI chief to Knesset: Iran aims to destroy Israel Ha'aretz 2/15/2006 Iran's goal is to eliminate the state of Israel, Major General Amos Yadlin, the new head of Military Intelligence, told the Knesset Foreign Affairs and Defense Committee on Tuesday in his maiden appearance before it. Yadlin, who described Iran as the most serious threat currently facing Israel, stressed that statements by Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad about the need to "wipe Israel off the map" were not mere slips of the tongue, and should be taken seriously. Iran is likely to acquire the capability for manufacturing enriched uranium in industrial quantities within six months to a year, Yadlin said, and if its nuclear program suffers no disruptions, it will have its first nuclear bomb in three to four years. more.. President Abbas Receives German Foreign Minister WAFA 2/14/2006 RAMALLAH, February 14, 2006 (WAFA)- President Mahmoud Abbas received Tuesday in the Presidential HQ, in Ramallah, the German Foreign Minister Frank-Walter Steinmeier. President Abbas briefed Steinmeier over the Israeli military escalation against the Palestinian people, as well as imposing the status quo policy, the Israeli unilateral plans, the assassination crimes against Palestinian citizens and the intensive bombardment on Palestinian territories. They also discussed the latest developments in the Palestinian Territories and the outcome of legislative elections. more.. Palestinian leadership begs Germany for aid to continue ReliefWeb 2/14/2006 RAMALLAH, West Bank, Feb 14, 2006 (AFP) - Palestinian leaders used talks with Germany's foreign minister Tuesday to urge the international community to continue aid despite the prospect of a Hamas-led government. Frank-Walter Steinmeier held a succession of talks with Palestinian officials in the West Bank, on the second leg of a Middle East tour following the radical Islamist faction's stunning election win last month. "Aid to the Palestinian people should continue whatever party is going to form the government," foreign minister Nasser al-Qidwa told a joint news conference with Steinmeier. more.. Israel pressing for early aid cut-off of Hamas ReliefWeb 2/14/2006 JERUSALEM, Feb 14 (Reuters) - Israel is trying to persuade donor countries to sever support for the Palestinian Authority starting this weekend when a Hamas-led parliament is sworn in, Israeli officials said on Tuesday. The United States and Israel hope to isolate a Hamas-led government financially and diplomatically in order to pressure it to renounce violence, recognise the Jewish state and honor interim agreements with Israel. Israeli Foreign Ministry spokesman Mark Regev cited a U. N. Security Council resolution that calls for member states to freeze funding to "entities or persons involved in terrorist acts", and he said talks were under way with foreign ministers about the timing of a funds cut-off. more.. Israel will not deal with Hamas until it disarms: Mofaz ReliefWeb 2/14/2006 CAIRO, Feb 14, 2006 (AFP) - Israeli Defence Minister Shaul Mofaz on Tuesday ruled out dialogue with Hamas unless the Palestinian Islamist movement disarms its militants. "This is the policy of Israel for having dialogue with Hamas," Mofaz told reporters after meeting President Hosni Mubarak in the Egyptian capital. "They should recognise the state of Israel. They should accept all agreements signed with the Palestinian Authority. They should stop calling for the destruction of the state of Israel. They should dismantle the Hamas terrorist organisation," he said. more.. President Abbas Receives UN Middle East Peace Envoy WAFA 2/14/2006 RAMALLAH, February 14, 2006 (WAFA) - President Mahmoud Abbas received Tuesday the UN Middle East Peace Envoy, Alvaro de Soto, in Ramallah City. President Abbas briefed Mr. De Soto on the continued Israeli military escalation against the Palestinian people as well as Israel's unilateral plans. He also told the Envoy about the Israeli assassinations and intensive bombing of several areas in the Palestinian territories. [end] more.. Dr. Moustafa Barghouthi condemns Israeli attempts to isolate Jericho Ma'an News 2/14/2006 Jericho (Ma'an) – Newly elected Palestinian Legislative Council member and head of the Palestinian National Initiative, Dr. Moustafa Barghouthi, condemned Tuesday any attempt by Israel to separate Jericho from the rest of Palestine. Jericho is considered "Area A" and is under complete Palestinian political and military sovereignty. Dr. Barghouthi spoke out against Israeli restrictions on Palestinian travel into Jericho and attempts to isolate different Palestinian cities from one another. He said that Palestinians have the right to resistance in Jericho and all Palestinian lands in order to unify their state and their people. [end] more.. PLO: Likud inflaming relationship between West and Muslims Ha'aretz 2/13/2006 PLO representative in Washington, Afif Safieh said on Sunday that the "pro-Israeli Likud wing around the world" is working to inflame the relationship between Western and Arab-Muslim societies. Safieh said this on CNN's Late Edition with Wolf Blitzer as part of his response to the subject of Muslim riots and the Danish caricatures. Safieh hinted that it is in the interest of right-wing Israelis to stir up anger over the drawings of the Prophet Mohammed. Blitzer asked Safieh, who appeared for a joint interview with Israeli Ambassador to Washington Danny Ayalon and Egyptian Ambassador Nabil Fahmi, to state his opinion of the on-going affair. See also: PA Envoy: Likud behind Muhammad cartoons more.. Hamas will end armed struggle if Israel quits territories: leader ReliefWeb 2/13/2006 MOSCOW, Feb 13, 2006 (AFP) - Hamas will end its armed struggle against Israel if the Jewish state withdraws from all occupied Palestinian territories, the radical Islamist group's leader told a Russian daily in comments published Monday. "If Israel recognizes our rights and pledges to withdraw from all occupied lands, Hamas, and the Palestinian people together with it, will decide to halt armed resistance," the radical Islamist group's supremo Khaled Meshaal said in an interview with the Nezavisimaya Gazeta daily. In earlier statements Meshaal had only said that Hamas could agree to a "long-term truce" with Israel if it were willing to return to the 1967 borders and recognise the rights of Palestinians to self-determination. more.. PA Envoy: Likud behind Muhammad cartoons YNetNews 2/13/2006 Safieh.. explained that the editor of the Danish newspaper that originally published the cartoons is a fan of Jewish right-wing columnist Daniel Pipes, and that the two cooperated in distributing the caricatures that roused furor among Muslims. -- Palestinian envoy to Washington says Likud party concocted distribution of Muhammad caricatures worldwide in a bid to create clash between West, Muslim world. Israel's ambassador to U.S. responds: That's nonsense.... Palestinian envoy [Afif Safieh] was asked by host Wolf Blitzer to comment on the recent violent Muslim demonstrations... in response to the publication of caricatures mocking Prophet Muhammad... Safieh replied by saying that his personal acquaintance with both western and eastern societies has led him to believe the pro-Israeli Likud's global wing acted to bring the western, mostly-Christian society to a collision course with Islam. more.. Hamas emphasizes need for Israeli withdrawal International Middle East Media Center 2/14/2006 Khalid Mashal, a leader-in-exile of the Palestinian Hamas party, stated Monday in an interview that Israel must withdraw its troops from Palestinian territories as a prerequisite for peace talks. "If Israel recognises our rights and pledges to withdraw from all occupied lands, Hamas, and the Palestinian people together with it, will decide to halt armed resistance. "Hamas has faced the challenge of forming a new Palestinian government since winning a majority of seats in Palestinian legislative elections on January 25th. As a resistance movement, Party leaders have assured supporters that their ongoing focus will be on resisting the Israeli occupation of Palestinian land, an occupation ruled illegal by international law. more.. Venezuela ready to receive Hamas AlJazeera 2/13/2006 Venezuela has said it will welcome leaders from Hamas "with pleasure" if they visit the country as part of a South American tour after victory in Palestinian elections. Asked whether the Venezuelan government will receive the Islamic resistance group, Jose Vicente Rangel, the country's vice-president, told reporters on Monday: "Of course we will. What is the problem? "If they come, with pleasure. They've just won an election. " The United States, the European Union and the United Nations have insisted they would not deal with a Hamas-led Palestinian Authority and threatened to withhold hundreds of millions of dollars in aid unless the group recognises Israel and renounces violence. more.. Hamas reiterates peace terms AlJazeera 2/13/2006 A leader of Hamas has stated again that the only thing needed for it to halt its armed struggle is for Israel to withdraw from the Palestinian territories it occupies. In an interview with the Russian daily Nezavisimaya Gazeta, published on Monday, Khalid Mishaal said: "If Israel recognises our rights and pledges to withdraw from all occupied lands, Hamas, and the Palestinian people together with it, will decide to halt armed resistance. "His comments came as Ehud Olmert, Israel's acting prime minister, reiterated his government's refusal to negotiate with the Islamist group - but he said that his country would not close the door to all peace talks. more.. Video - Bibi: Hamas 'cancer' must be contained YNetNews 2/13/2006 Exclusive interview: Likud Chairman Benjamin Netanyahu tells Ynetnews hopes Hamas will moderate following elections victory unfounded, says Likud will build 'iron wall' around Islamic group -- (VIDEO) Iron wall around Hamas: Hopes that Hamas' stunning elections win will push it to moderate are unfounded, forcing Israel to take steps to contain the spread of the group's radical ideology, Likud Chairman Benjamin Netanyahu told Ynetnews Monday. Slamming what he characterized as the "soft policies of Kadima," Netanyahu warned "this cancer (Hamas) has to be contained and reduced, not expanded. Otherwise, the entire country will be in danger. " more.. Olmert: Next Knesset must determine Israel's final borders Ha'aretz 2/13/2006 Acting Prime Minister Ehud Olmert said Monday that members of the next Knesset will be asked to determine Israel's permanent borders in a historic vote, if his Kadima party wins next month's elections. "The members of the next Knesset, who will convene here in a couple of months, will have a series of historic missions," Olmert told a special session celebrating the Knesset's 57th birthday. "Before our eyes, stands a supreme goal of consolidating Israel's status as a Jewish, democratic state. The first mission on the road to achieving this goal will be determining the state of Israel's final borders," he added. more.. Israeli envoys to play up Hamas links to Chechen separatists Ha'aretz 2/13/2006 Outraged by Moscow's overtures to Hamas, Israel has told its diplomats to play up alleged ties between the Palestinian militants and Chechens fighting to break away from Russia, Israeli political sources said on Monday. They said the Foreign Ministry supplied embassies in Russia and elsewhere with an information pamphlet linking the Hamas and Chechen causes after Russian President Vladimir Putin said last week he wanted to invite leaders of the Islamic group to visit. Putin's move raised hackles in Israel and the United States by challenging their campaign to isolate Hamas, which won Palestinian legislative elections last month, until it renounces violence and recognises the Jewish state's right to exist. more.. Hamas plans to meet Putin, despite Israeli, US reservations International Middle East Media Center 2/13/2006 Sami Abu Zuhri, a leader of the Palestinian Hamas Party in Gaza, said he expects talks between Hamas and Russia to take place later this month. "We are going to present our positions... about the political developments and issues related to the rights of our people," Abu Zuhri said on Saturday. "Russia will listen to Hamas and Hamas will listen to Russia. "Meanwhile, Israeli authorities have expressed worries that talks with Russia will bring the international community to the point of 'understanding why' a party like Hamas exists, and that understanding is something Israel has been trying to prevent the world community from knowing. more.. Israel fears Hamas being invited in from cold ReliefWeb 2/12/2006 JERUSALEM, Feb 12, 2006 (AFP) - Israeli anger over Russian President Vladimir Putin's decision to invite Hamas to Moscow reflects a wider fear that the international isolation of the radical Islamists is on the verge of collapsing. France has already endorsed Putin's decision to invite Hamas to the Kremlin while the Islamists have also lined up a visit to Turkey, Israel's closest ally in the Muslim world. Foreign Minister Tzipi Livni used particularly undiplomatic language Sunday to denounce Putin for granting an audience to Hamas, a movement which is committed to the Jewish state's destruction and has carried out dozens of suicide attacks -- although none in the past 12 months. more.. Abbas Receives Letter from Putin WAFA 2/12/2006 RAMALLAH, February 12, 2006 (WAFA)- President Mahmoud Abbas received on Sunday a letter from the Russian President, Vladimir Putin, handed by Russian representative to the PNA, Alex Poghodine. During a meeting in the Presidential HQ in Ramallah, Abbas briefed the Russian representative on the latest developments in the Occupied Palestinian Territories (OPT) after the legislative elections and the exerted efforts to push the peace process forward. For his part, Poghodine told reporters that he discussed with Abbas the upcoming visit of Hamas leaders to Russia, saying that Russia will continue support the PNA. more.. Putin Breaks Western Siege of Hamas, Israel Furious Palestine Media Center 2/11/2006 France Agrees, EU Divided and US Seeks Russian Clarifications -- The Russian President Vladimir Putin on Thursday invited Hamas to Moscow, thus breaking the Israeli and US-led Western diplomatic siege of the Islamic Resistance Movement, which won the Palestinian January 25 legislative elections in a landslide, creating a political crisis with Israel, a rift with the co-members of the Middle East Quartet and cracks in the anti-Hamas pro-Israeli ranks, though he warned that “it is necessary (for Hamas) to leave behind the extremist positions, to recognize Israel's right to exist and to have relations with the international community. ” more.. Beit Hanoun Crossing Reopened WAFA 2/12/2006 GAZA, February 12, 2006, (WAFA) - Israeli Occupation Forces (IOF) reopened early Sunday Beit Hanoun (Erez) crossing, northern Gaza Strip after being closed since three days. Chief of the crossings, Salim Abu Saffiya affirmed that around 3800 workers and 200 merchants were provided access into Israel for work. The Israelis informed Palestinian officials that the said crossing is to be reopened on Sunday for Palestinian workers, foreign diplomats, and international press and organizations teams. [end] more.. Swedes set terms for supporting PA Globes 2/13/2006 Infrastructure projects will not be funded directly by the Swedish government. -- The Swedish State Secretary to the Minister for International Development Cooperation, Annika Soder has laid out the terms for joint investment projects in the Palestinian authority. The conditions were set out at a recent Israeli-Swedish conference held in Sweden, at which Soder said her government would support the construction of an economic platform, by not through direct government funding. Swedish companies, on the other hand, would invest in the project, while the government, in conjunction with the local manufacturers association and disaster relief organization “CIDA” would provide the overall investment framework. more.. Palestinian Cause Atop Agenda of League of Arab States Session WAFA 2/13/2006 CAIRO, February 13, 2006, (WAFA) - An official source of the League of Arab States announced Monday that the Palestinian cause would be at top agenda of the Arab league's 125th ordinary session. "The agenda of the ordinary session, for foreign ministers, is to be held on March. It includes 18 provisions. The Palestinian cause and the Israeli-Arab conflict are to be atop the agenda as well as following up its most recent political developments, activating the Arab peace initiative of 2002, following up Jerusalem, colonies and the Apartheid Wall and how to enhance the Palestinian National Authority's financial budget," the source added. more.. U.S.: Russia to demand change from Hamas Ha'aretz 2/11/2006 U.S. Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice won assurances from Russia on Friday that Moscow would send a firm message to Hamas that the militant group must change if it wants world support, the State Department said. Earlier, France dealt a fresh blow to Israeli and U.S. efforts to isolate Hamas when it expressed support for the Russian initiative, reiterating however that the it must renounce violence and recognize Israel. Rice telephoned Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov on Friday to discuss Moscow's surprise plans to invite Palestinian election winner Hamas for talks, a move that irked Washington and was not discussed when Rice met Lavrov in London last week. more.. Moscow invitation to Hamas angers Israel The Guardian 2/11/2006 Israel has accused Russia of stabbing it in the back after President Vladimir Putin invited Hamas leaders to visit Moscow as the legitimate representatives of the Palestinian people after the Islamic group's election landslide last month. The Russian government responded by saying that all the big powers would inevitably have to talk to Hamas if they wanted to resolve the Israel-Palestine conflict. On Thursday Mr Putin broke from the agreed position of the Quartet group of Middle East peace mediators - the US, EU, UN and Russia - that they would not deal with Hamas until it renounced violence and recognised Israel's right to exist. more.. France backs Russian decision on Hamas YNetNews 2/10/2006 French Foreign Ministry spokesman says regarding Putin’s decision to invite Hamas leaders to Moscow ‘we share with Russia the goal of leading Hamas toward positions that would allow for the goal of two states living in peace and security to be reached’; Hamas must renounce violence, recognize Israel, he adds -- France expressed support Friday for a Russian effort to reach out to Hamas, but reiterated that the Palestinian terrorist group must renounce violence and recognize Israel. French Foreign Ministry spokesman Denis Simonneau said Russia did not consult its international partners about its initiative. But “We believe that it is an initiative that can contribute to advancing our positions,” he added. more.. "What Putin doesn’t know about Hamas" YNetNews 2/11/2006 Intelligence and Terrorism Information Center document says Hamas supports Chechen rebels in battle for independence against Russian regime, considers them part of global Jihad -- Russian President Vladimir Putin said during a Madrid press conference Thursday that Russia is holding talks with Hamas and that he plans on inviting the group’s leaders to Moscow soon. Hamas rose to power in democratic elections and the choice of the Palestinian people must be respected, Putin said.... However, a document distributed by the Israeli Intelligence and Terrorism Information Center at the Center for Special Studies reveals that Hamas supports the Chechen rebels in their battle for independence against the Russian regime and considers them part of the global Jihad. more.. UNSCO: West Bank city of Jenin hardest-hit by the Israeli closures and the barrier Palestine Chronicle 2/10/2006 RAMALLAH, West Bank - Israel's separation wall and its network of checkpoints and roadblocks across the occupied West Bank have led to a "de-development" of the Palestinian economy, a report by the Office of the United Nations Special Coordinator (UNSCO) said on Thursday, February 9. Francine Pickup, author of the report, said poverty and unemployment in the West Bank were expected to increase because of denying Palestinian workers access into Israeli markets, reported Agence France-Presse (AFP). "Our research highlights the high level of dependence in the West Bank on the Israeli market both for goods and work," she told a press conference. more.. Majority of Palestinian people do not want violence, Annan says ReliefWeb/United Nations News 2/10/2006 Palestinians voting in recent elections are seeking peace, Secretary-General Kofi Annan said today in New York, noting that the international community will be closely watching developments in the region. “I believe that the clear majority of the Palestinian people do not want to pursue violence or terrorism against Israeli civilians,” said Mr. Annan, calling the recent elections a “watershed” event. “I believe they also understand and accept that Israel, which is a Member State of the United Nations, has a right to exist as a State, alongside the State of Palestine that Palestinians deserve and want to achieve. ” more.. Solana to Meet President Abbas during a visit to Middle East WAFA 2/10/2006 BRUSSELS, February 10, 2006 (WAFA)- EU High Representative for the Common Foreign and Security Policy (CFSP) Javier Solana, will meet President Mahmoud Abbas during a visit to the Middle East from next Monday to Thursday. "Mr. Solana will review with Palestinian leaders the situation following the recent elections to the Palestinian Legislative Council (PLC) and developments concerning the formation of a new government committed to the Middle-East peace process," said a press information issued Friday in the EU High Representative office. "The High Representative will be visiting the Middle East in the aftermath of the publication of caricatures of the Prophet Mohamed and the violent events that ensued, said the press information. more.. German foreign minister to visit Israel and PA for talks on Sunday Ha'aretz 2/11/2006 BERLIN - German Foreign Minister Frank-Walter Steinmeier will travel to the Middle East Sunday for talks with Israeli and Palestinian officials following Hamas' election victory, a spokesman said. Steinmeier will travel to Israel, the Palestinian territories and Jordan and plans also to visit Turkey, ministry spokesman Martin Jaeger said Friday. Steinmeier will discuss the dispute over Iran's nuclear program as well as Israeli-Palestinian relations after the elections that brought the militant Hamas to power, Jaeger said. more.. Ambassador to Germany: Israel wants to boost NATO ties, may one day join Ha'aretz 2/11/2006 BERLIN - Israel wants to move closer to NATO and to decide eventually whether to join, its envoy to Germany said on Friday in the latest sign of a rethinking of defense relations with the West. In an interview with Reuters, Ambassador Shimon Stein made clear the Jewish state wished to hold open the possibility of membership, something it has not publicly sought in the past. "Israel has a great interest now in qualitatively upgrading its relations with NATO," Stein said. "Membership is not a decision for Israel alone, it's one for Israel and the NATO states. But we want to go down that road. When we get far enough, we will decide and NATO will decide. We are on the way," he added. -- See also: NATO Secretary General: Israel's membership is 'not on the table' more.. Japanese PM coming to Israel YNetNews 2/11/2006 Koizumi scheduled to visit Israel, PA in April; previous trip was cancelled due to Sharon’s illness -- Japanese Prime Minister Junichiro Koizumi is scheduled to visit Israel and the Palestinian Authority at the end of April. The visit was arranged during a meeting between the PM and Israel’s Ambassador to Japan Eli Cohen, at the ambassador’s official residence. Koizumi was set to visit Israel some five weeks ago, but canceled in light of Prime Minster Ariel Sharon’s condition. more.. Livni condemns Russian 'slippery slope' YNetNews 2/10/2006 Foreign minister warns against 'tendency to take a backward step and try and understand Hamas' in interview with U.S. paper; U.S. shares Israel's amazement at Putin's invitation to Hamas -- Foreign Minister Tzipi Livni warned that some members of the international community were attempting to compromise with Hamas in an interview with the New York Sun. "There is a tendency sometimes among some in the international community to try and understand, to reach agreements, to take a backward step," said the foreign minister. [Definitely the quote of the day. - Ed. ] more.. Beilin: Meretz would talk to Hamas YNetNews 2/10/2006 Meretz youths meet in Tel Aviv pub, where movement Chairman Yossi Beilin says: 'It's better to have a weak partner than no partner' -- Meretz Chairman Yossi Beilin said his party will seek to open a dialogue with Hamas without any preconditions. "We won't place conditions for speaking with Hamas. If it wants to talk to us – we'll talk with it," said Beilin at the Shoshana Johnson pub in Tel Aviv. The meeting was also attended by former Knesset Member Ilan Gilon. According to Beilin, "true to now, Hamas has not completely decided either. I hear three yearnings coming from them, like at the Khartoum conference: No to negotiations with Israel, not to recognition, and no to peace... " more.. Israel urges Russia to follow Quartet consensus on Hamas ReliefWeb 2/9/2006 JERUSALEM, Feb 9, 2006 (Xinhua via COMTEX) -- Israel urged Russia on Thursday to follow the Quartet Committee's consensus on the Palestinian Islamic Resistance Movement (Hamas) shortly after Russian President Vladimir Putin said he would invite Hamas for talks. "Israel supports the Quartet decision, of which Russia was a party to, that there should be no political dialogue with Hamas until Hamas recognizes Israel, abandons violence and accepts the signed agreements," Israeli Foreign Ministry Spokesman Mark Regev was quoted by local newspaper The Jerusalem Post on its online edition as saying. more.. Pollard appeals to Supreme Court YNetNews 2/10/2006 Lawyers for Pollard ask U.S. Supreme Court to reopen case in appeal against life sentence -- Lawyers for Jonathan Pollard, sentenced to life in prison as a spy for Israel, have asked the Supreme Court to reopen his case. Pollard is in the Butner Federal Correctional Complex in North Carolina for selling military secrets to Israel while he worked at theDefense Department's Pentagon headquarters. A prison Web site says his projected release date under federal sentencing guidelines is Nov. 21, 2015. He was arrested in 1985 and convicted in 1987. more.. Putin to invite Hamas to Moscow AlJazeera 2/10/2006 The Russian president has said that he intends to invite the leaders of Hamas to Moscow. Hamas defeated the mainstream Fatah movement in a surprise landslide victory in Palestinian polls on 25 January. It is expected to form a new government soon. Vladimir Putin made the invitation while in the Spanish capital, Madrid. "We are maintaining our contacts with Hamas and intend, in the near future, to invite the leadership of this organisation to Moscow," he said. The US and the European Union have called on the resistance group to renounce violence and disarm its fighters. Hamas, considered a terrorist organisation by the US, does not recognise Israel. more.. Hamas willing to mediate in cartoon row YNetNews 2/9/2006 Hamas Head Khaled Mashaal says group willing to play role in calming situation between western world, Muslims in row over Muhammad cartoons -- The Palestinian terror group Hamas joined voices for calm in the international furor sparked by cartoons of the Prophet Muhammad, as a Taliban commander in Afghanistan said 100 suicide bombers were lined up on the side of further violence. Hamas "is prepared to play a role in calming the situation between the Islamic world and Western countries on condition that these countries commit themselves to putting an end to attacks against the feelings of Muslims," the organization's leader Khaled Mashaal told a news conference. more.. Vatican appoints first Israeli citizen as bishop of Israel Ha'aretz 2/10/2006 The Vatican and the bishops synod of the Greek Catholic Church have for the first time appointed an Israeli citizen to preside over Israel's Greek Catholic community. Elias Shakur, a Palestinian, is the first Israeli citizen to be appointed to the position, and it also marks the first time in 200 years that a Palestinian has been appointed. Until now, ministers from foreign countries were appointed bishop. Shakur will serve as bishop for the entire Greek Catholic population ofIsrael. The Catholic Patriarch in Damascus will appoint a separate vicar to preside over the Catholic population in Jerusalem and the West Bank. more.. Listening to the message of Hamas BBC 2/9/2006 Khaled Meshaal, political chief of Palestinian militant group Hamas, worries about his security, and so do the people around him. He has plenty of reasons to be careful. The last two leaders of Hamas were assassinated by Israel, and in 1997 agents from Mossad, the Israeli secret service, tried to kill Mr Meshaal in the Jordanian capital, Amman, after a Hamas suicide bomber attacked Jerusalem's main fruit and vegetable market. The men from Mossad approached him on the street and sprayed his neck with poison. But they bungled their getaway and were caught, while the rest of their team ran into the Israeli embassy. Mr Meshaal's life was only saved because the late King Hussein was so furious at what Israel was doing in his capital that he called then US President Bill Clinton to force Israel to supply the antidote. more.. Leaders call for calm in cartoon row AlJazeera 2/10/2006 The Palestinian resistance group Hamas has joined calls for calm amid international furore sparked by cartoons of Prophet Muhammad, but a Taliban commander in Afghanistan says 100 suicide bombers have volunteered. Hamas "is prepared to play a role in calming the situation between the Islamic world and Western countries on condition that these countries commit themselves to putting an end to attacks against the feelings of Muslims", the organisation's leader Khaled Meshaal told a news conference in Doha on Thursday. His conciliatory tone came a day after he warned the Western press was "playing with fire" by publishing the cartoons which have led to riots around the world. more.. Israel stunned by Putin's remarks YNetNews 2/10/2006 Acting PM's aides say Olmert disappointed over Russian president's invitation to Hamas leaders, say Putin's remarks contradict Quartet's stance; Minister Boim: Putin dancing with wolves. Meanwhile, Annan counsels international patience with Hamas -- Officials at the Prime Minister's Office in Jerusalem expressed their shock Thursday evening following Russian President Vladimir Putin's invitation to Hamas leaders to visit Moscow. The officials made it clear that Putin's remarks contradict the Quartet's stance. They added that the Putin's statement Russia does not consider Hamas a terror group contradicts the outlook of the entire international community. more.. U.S. avoids criticizing Putin's invitation to Hamas Ha'aretz 2/10/2006 The United States on Thursday reminded Russia that it is on the record condemning the violent tenets of Hamas but steered clear of criticizing Russian President Vladimir Putin for inviting Hamas leaders to Moscow. Putin's invitation Thursday underscored that his country, unlike most of the West, does not see the group responsible for dozens of suicide bombings as terrorist. Russia is a member of the international Middle East peacemaking group called the Quartet, which last week demanded that Hamas renounce violence and recognize Israel. The group also includes the United States, the United Nations and the European Union. more.. Livni tougher than Rice on Hamas Globes 2/9/2006 Israeli sources: Israel will eventually receive aid for developing the Negev and the Galilee. -- Israeli Minister of Foreign Affairs Tzipi Livni and US Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice yesterday ostensibly presented a united front against a Hamas government in the Palestinian Authority (PA). An analysis of their statements at their joint press conference, however, shows that Livni took a much tougher and more uncompromising stance than her US counterpart. At the State Department press conference, and in a separate meeting with Israeli reporters, Livni presented a categorical message from Israel. She said there would be no compromise, no “sliding down a slippery slope” with regard to a Hamas government, as long as Hamas does not accept the four conditions presented by the [Quartet]. more.. Livni's surprise meeting with Bush YNetNews 2/9/2006 Foreign minister arrives at White House to meet with national security advisor; U.S. president surprisingly enters room during meeting, speaks with Livni for half an hour -- WASHINGTON – Foreign Minister Tzipi Livni was in for a surprise during her meeting with National Security Advisor Steve Hadley at the White House Thursday, when U.S. President George W. Bush suddenly entered the room. Livni was scheduled to meet Hadley on Wednesday evening, but the meeting was postponed, apparently after U.S. government officials found out about Bush's plan to be present at the White House. The president usually meets with heads of state at the White House, while visiting foreign ministers are usually met by other officials. more.. Cutting funds 'will hurt ordinary people' AlJazeera 2/9/2006 The leader of Hamas's political wing has told the United States and Europe that cutting funds to the Palestinian Authority will harm only ordinary Palestinians, not Hamas. Khaled Mashaal said on Thursday that he hoped that funds would not be withdrawn, but said that Hamas will maintain its belief in armed resistance and will not recognise Israel. "Hamas can never trade its principles for money," Khaled Mashaal said. He was referring to US and EU demands that it accept Israel and commit itself to peace if it seeks to maintain the flow of Western aid to the Palestinian Authority after it has formed a government. more.. US, PNA Reject Ehud Olmert’s Plan for West Bank Palestine Media Center 2/9/2006 Erakat: Israel Is Imposing ‘Diktats and Fait Accomplish’ on Palestinians -- The Palestinian National Authority (PNA) and the United States on Wednesday rejected the plan announced on Tuesday by the Israeli Acting Prime Minister Ehud Olmert to set Israel’s border with the Palestinians in the West Bank as a “unilateral” move and a “diktat” and “fait accomplis. ” In his first television interview since taking over from the coma-stricken Ariel Sharon, Olmert said on Tuesday night that he would seek “to redefine the borders of the state of Israel” if victorious in a March 28 general election. “We will preserve the unity of Jerusalem and retain Maale Adumim, Etzion Bloc and the Jordan Valley, which are part of the state of Israel,” he added. more.. Annan urges Hamas to transform itself into political party ReliefWeb 2/9/2006 UNITED NATIONS, Feb 9, 2006 (AFP) - UN chief Kofi Annan on Thursday appealed to the militant Palestinian Islamist group Hamas to transform itself into a political party following its shock election victory last month. "I urge Hamas to listen to the appeals not just from the Quartet but from other governments in the region asking it to transform itself into a political party," the secretary general told reporters. Following Hamas's electoral triumph, the Quartet for Middle East peace -- the United Nations, the United States, Russia and the European Union -- demanded that Hamas give up violence and recognize Israel. more.. Presidency Sokesperson: PNA Won't Accept Unilateral Solutions WAFA 2/9/2006 RAMALLAH, February 9, 2006 (WAFA) - Presidency Spokesperson, Mr. Nabil Abu Rdeneineh, said the Palestinian National Authority (PNA) will not accept any unilateral solutions to be imposed on it by any party. He told reporters, following President Mahmoud Abbas' meeting with the Quartet's Envoy, Mr. James Wolfensohn in Ramallah, that "the official Palestinian stance will not change, we will not accept any unilateral solution, and the just and comprehensive settlement should be achieved on the territories occupied in 1967, including East Jerusalem. He added that the PNA will only accept final boundaries through the negotiations table and in accordance to the international legitimacy. more.. President Receives Quartet Envoy WAFA 2/9/2006 RAMALLAH, February 9, 2006 (WAFA)- President Mahmoud Abbas received on Thursday in the Presidential HQ in Ramallah, the Quartet Envoy to the Middle East Peace process, James Wolfensohn. During the meeting, Abbas briefed his guest on the latest developments in the Palestinian territories, especially after the Legislative elections. For his part, Wolfensohn told reporters that he tackled with Abbas the Palestinian efforts to form the new government, saying that the international community is waiting to know its policy. He added that he came to hear President's advices on possibilities how to continue the international aid to the Palestinian National Authority (PNA). more.. OIC Condemns Israel''s Deliberate Killing against Palestinian People WAFA 2/9/2006 JEDDAH, February 9, 2006, (WAFA)-Secretary-General of the Organization of the Islamic Conference (OIC) Ekmal-Eddin Ehsan Oglo condemned the acts and deliberate killing of the Israeli Occupation Forces against the Palestinian people in the Occupied Palestinian Territories. In a press release overnight, Oglo voiced concern over Israeli military escalation during past four days and deliberate killing against Palestinian people, which caused the killing of ten citizens and wounding tens others. more.. World community supports caretaker Palestinian government ReliefWeb 2/8/2006 Future support depends on new government's stance toward Israel -- The international community and Israel are committed to providing continued financial support to the Palestinian Authority’s caretaker government under the leadership of President Mahmud Abbas, but all parties will review their support once a new government is seated, according to U.S. Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice and Israeli Foreign Minister Tzipi Livni. more.. Officer transferred after immigration police attack an ambassador's wife Ha'aretz 2/9/2006 A senior officer was transferred from the immigration police on Thursday after the wife of a foreign ambassador filed a complaint saying she was beaten by the unit's personnel. The wife of the Dominican Republic's ambassador said she was attacked by officers from the unit, which is charged with enforcing Israel's immigration regulations. Chief Inspector Ofer Lotan, whose transfer was decided upon by Police Major General Berti Ohayon, was commander of one of the immigration police patrol units in Tel Aviv. Lotan had also been involved in a number of controversial incidents, including the raid on an institution for Alzheimer's patients in an attempt to find illegal foreign staff workers. more.. Mofaz to meet with NATO defense ministers in Sicily Ha'aretz 2/9/2006 Defense Minister Shaul Mofaz is to head to Sicily on Thursday to take part in a meeting with defense ministers belonging to NATO. Mofaz's participation in the meeting is an effort to further solidify Israel's relations with the the mutual defense organization of United States and Europe. Mofaz will meet with his counterparts from Turkey, Britain and Italy. He is also to deliever an address on the danger of extremist groups in countries that support peace following Hamas' victory in the Palestinian elections. more.. World Jewish Congress in J'lem launches anti-Iran campaign Ha'aretz 2/10/2006 The World Jewish Congress has launched a campaign against Iran following the nuclear crisis and the anti-Semitic statements of Iran's president, Mahmoud Ahmadinejad. In its biannual gathering in Jerusalem on Thursday the WJC called on Jewish communities throughout the world to pressure their governments to act against the Iranian nuclear program and urge economic and political sanctions against Iran. The WJC also called on Jewish communities to act to change their countries' energy policy so that they decrease the dependence on oil. more.. NATO Secretary General: Israel's membership is 'not on the table' Ha'aretz 2/9/2006 TAORMINA, Italy - NATO Secretary General Jaap de Hoop Scheffer dismissed on Thursday a call for Israel to be given NATO membership as a "security umbrella" to protect it from any threats from Iran. "It is a virtual question. The issue of Israeli membership is not on the table," de Hoop Scheffer told reporters at a meeting of NATO defence ministers in the Sicilian resort of Taormina. Italian Defense Minister Antonio Martino was quoted this week as calling for Israel to be given NATO membership. more.. Al Aqsa Institution: So-Called "David's Temple" in Place of Al Aqsa Mosque in Russian Schools International Press Center 2/9/2006 GAZA, February 9, 2006 (IPC) - - Al Aqsa Institution for Renovating Islamic Sites warned of the distribution of thousands of maps for the Old City of Jerusalem by the Israeli ministry of education and some Jewish agencies to tens of schools in Russia. The maps contain the so-called "Third David's Temple" in place of the sacred Dome of the Rock.... The Institution asserted that the distribution of maps were not by chance or mistake, as it was a deliberate action to legitimize the Third Temple in place of Al Aqsa Mosque. This matter revealed the Israeli intentions and plans to demolish Al Aqsa Mosque as well as mustering worldwide public opinion to accomplish this desire. more.. FM Tzipi Livni says Hamas-led PA would be 'terror entity' Ha'aretz 2/9/2006 WASHINGTON - Commenting on Hamas' victory in the Palestinian elections, Foreign Minister Tzipi Livni said in a news conference with U.S. Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice on Wednesday that a Hamas-led Palestinian Authority will become a terrorist entity. "When a state is run by terrorists, it becomes a terrorist entity," Livni said. Rice did not react to Livni's statement, but an Israeli diplomatic source said that Rice did not appear "thrilled" with it. Since its landslide victory in elections, the radical Islamic group Hamas has categorically rebuffed Israel's and the international community? s demands for it to recognize Israel's right to exist and to disarm before entering government. more.. Hamas 'ready to talk to Israel' BBC 2/8/2006 The political leader of Palestinian militant group Hamas has said it is willing to take a serious step towards peace if Israel does the same. Khaled Meshaal told the BBC that Hamas would not renounce violence, saying resisting an occupation was legal. But he said a long-term truce would be possible if Israel accepted conditions including a return to its 1967 borders. Israel's acting PM said if he won next month's poll, Israel would retain West Bank settlement blocs and Jerusalem. However, Ehud Olmert said Israel would be prepared to give up parts of the West Bank where most Palestinians were living.... Mr Meshaal said he wanted to send a message to the next Israeli government that Hamas would be ready to talk if Israel met certain strict conditions. more.. Only full West Bank pullout will bring peace: Palestinians ReliefWeb 2/8/2006 GAZA CITY, Feb 8, 2006 (AFP) - The Palestinian Authority said Wednesday only an Israeli withdrawal from all the occupied West Bank could draw a line under the Middle East conflict after Israel's Acting Prime Minister Ehud Olmert vowed to maintain the major Jewish settlement blocs. "If Olmert wants peace then he should realise that that will come about with a return to the borders of 1967 and with a fair solution to the problem of the refugees," chief Palestinian negotiator Saeb Erakat told AFP. In his first television interview since taking over from the coma-stricken Ariel Sharon, Olmert said on Tuesday night that he would seek "to redefine the borders of the state of Israel" if victorious in a March 28 general election. more.. Hamas Ready for Truce if Israel Withdraws Troops and Settlers International Middle East Media Center 2/8/2006 In an interview with BBC Radio Wednesday, Syrian-based leader-in-exile of the Hamas party, Khaled Mashal, said that Hamas would be willing to accept a "long-term truce" with Israel if Israeli troops and settlers withdraw to the 'Green Line' border established in 1967. "We now say that if Israel withdraws to the 1967 borders, there could be peace and security in the region and agreements between the sides until the international community finds a way to solve everybody's problems," said Mashal. This offer for peace by Hamas comes after three days of aerial missile attacks on the Gaza Strip by Israeli forces that have killed eleven. more.. Hamas Refuses Government with Reduced Authority WAFA 2/8/2006 CAIRO, February 8, 2006, (WAFA)- Mr. Khaled Mishal, the Head of the Political Bureau of Hamas, said that Hamas will not accept a government with "reduced authority". In a press conference held in Cairo, Mishal said that Hamas (the winner of the Palestinian Legislative elections) has the right to supervise all profiles including politics and security bearing in mind the (internal) understanding. Mishal praised the role of Egypt for providing Hamas leaders to meet in Cairo with Palestinian leaders and others. He asserted that Egypt has not practiced any pressure on Hamas regarding the forming of new government. more.. Hamas sets out conditions for peace The Guardian 2/8/2006 The political leader of Hamas said today that he would only accept a two-state solution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict if Israel withdraws to its pre-1967 borders and accepts the right of return of Palestinian refugees. "When Israel says that it... will withdraw from the West Bank and East Jerusalem, and grant the right of return, stop settlements and recognise the rights of the Palestinians to self-determination, only then Hamas will be ready to take a serious step," Khaled Meshal told the BBC. "There's a problem that happened to the Palestinians. They were a people that used to live on their land, and did not find justice from the international community," he said. more.. Meshaal: Resistance and power not incompatible Middle East Online 2/8/2006 Head of Hamas's Damascus-based politburo says there will never be moment when Hamas stops resistance. -- CAIRO - Hamas leader Khaled Meshaal vowed Wednesday to combine resistance and the exercise of power following his Islamist movement's victory in Palestinian parliamentary elections last month. "Hamas will rule and continue resistance and the people will see how we can reconcile resistance and the exercise of power," he told reporters in Cairo. "Power is not a goal in itself for Hamas but there will never be a moment when Hamas stops the resistance. " more.. Will Hamas ever recognise Israel? BBC 2/7/2006 One of the most fraught and contentious issues to follow the Hamas victory in Palestinian elections is question of its pledge never to recognise Israel. The issue of recognising Israel is emerging as the chief international objection to the Islamic militant movement's taking its place as the Palestinians' elected representative on the world stage. Hamas is also being pressured to renounce the "armed struggle" and respect existing agreements with Israel - but these pale in comparison with the significance of its accepting the Jewish state. more.. France Condemns Targeted Attacks against Palestinians WAFA 2/8/2006 PARIS, February 8, 2006 (WAFA)- French Ministry of Foreign Affairs Spokesperson condemned the firing of rockets into Israeli territory from the Gaza Strip and the targeted attacks against the Palestinians.. In a statement issued Tuesday, the spokesperson said that "we condemn in the strongest possible terms the firing of rockets into Israeli territory from the Gaza Strip. We deplore the resulting instability".. He added that "we also condemn the targeted attacks carried out since February 4 that have killed seven Palestinians, and the intensive shelling of the Gaza Strip". more.. Javier Solana, EU High Representative for the CFSP, welcomes 100 000th border crossing at Rafah ReliefWeb 2/7/2006 Brussels, 7 February 2006 - Javier Solana, European Union High Representative for the Common Foreign and Security Policy, today welcomed the 100 000th crossing of the border between Gaza and Egypt at the Border Crossing Point monitored by the European Union Border Assistance Mission. HR Solana said: "Today, the number of border crossings at the Rafah Crossing Point managed by the Palestinian Authority and monitored by the EU Border Assistance Mission reached 100 000. Since the border was reopened at Rafah last November, Palestinians have been able to move freely across the border. This has greatly improved their daily lives and has had a very positive impact on their economy and on the humanitarian situation, with greater opportunities for trade. " more.. Israelis may regret Saddam ousting, says security chief The Guardian 2/9/2006 Israel's Shin Bet security service chief has said his country may come to regret the overthrow of Saddam Hussein, because strong dictatorship is preferable to the present chaos in Iraq. Yuval Diskin, who was secretly recorded talking to teenage Jewish settlers preparing for military service, also said Israel's judicial system discriminates against Arabs. The recording was made public on Israeli television this week. Amid a barrage of questions, mainly on the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, Mr Diskin was asked about Iraq. "When you dismantle a system in which there is a despot who controls his people by force, you have chaos. You get what happened in Iraq. I'm not sure we won't miss Saddam," he said. more.. Olmert: Israel will separate from most Palestinians Ha'aretz 2/8/2006 Israel "will separate from most of the Palestinian population that lives in the West Bank, and that will obligate us to separate as well from territories where the State of Israel currently is," Acting Prime Minister Ehud Olmert said yesterday in his first media interview since taking on the job of acting premier. "We will gather ourselves into the main settlement blocs and preserve united Jerusalem... Ma'aleh Adumim, Gush Etzion and Ariel will be part of the state of Israel," Olmert told Channel 2 television. Asked by interviewer Nissim Mishal what he intended to do with the Jordan Valley, Olmert responded: "It is impossible to give up control over Israel's eastern border. " more.. “Newsweek”: Israeli threat to bomb Iran no bluff Globes 2/7/2006 Military experts believe that Israel is definitely capable of paralyzing the Iranian nuclear program. -- The idea may sound frightening, but Israel’s declarations about its ability to bomb Iranian nuclear targets may be no bluff. Israeli military experts have no doubt that the Israel Air Force could paralyze Iran’s nuclear program, if necessary, according to a “Newsweek” magazine issue published yesterday. The ”Newsweek” report, which quotes former and present Israel Defense Forces (IDF) sources, looks like another part of an Israeli campaign to motivate the US and Western European countries to take tough action against Iran.... Israeli sources stress, however, that the Israel Air Forces possesses the firepower and munitions necessary for such a mission: over 100 US-made bunker busters capable of penetrating underground targets. “It appears to me that these bombs can do the job,” a senior IDF source said. Israel could launch air strikes if talks fail more..