Conflict..

Aggressive campaign of raids and arrests across the West Bank continues Ma'an News 4/28/2006 Hebron-Nablus-Jenin-Ma'an- The aggressive campaign of raids and arrests across the West Bank continues. In the last 24 hours, 18 Palestinians have been arrested, including one mother, in the Governorates of Hebron, Nablus and Jenin. On Thursday afternoon, Israeli soldiers severely beat up a Palestinian youth of 17 years, Iyad Abu Sninah, in Hebron and took him away to an unknown destination. Media sources report that the Israeli forces refused to hand over the youth to the Palestinian Red Crescent medical team that arrived on the scene. Early on Friday morning, also in the Hebron area, it was reported that Israeli troops entered and carried out an aggressive campaign of searches and arrests in the towns of Ad-Dhariya and Doura. The youth Shahir Al-Amairah (19 years) from Doura was arrested. more.. Olmert orders completion of 'Jerusalem envelope' fence Ha'aretz 4/27/2006 Interim Prime Minister Ehud Olmert yesterday instructed the defense establishment to erect a temporary barrier to compensate for the parts of the so-called Jerusalem-envelope segment of the separation fence that have yet to be completed. Olmert also instructed the police to beef up its forces along the route of the fence in the area to prevent infiltration by terrorists. During a special meeting that Olmert convened on the subject yesterday, defense establishment officials said that the uncompleted sections of the Jerusalem-envelope segment of the fence had become the principal route for terrorist infiltrations into Israel. The perpetrator of last week's suicide bombing in Tel Aviv entered Israel through a break in the fence in northern Jerusalem. more.. IAF missile strike kills senior Islamic Jihad militant in Gaza Strip Ha'aretz 4/27/2006 Israel Air Force aircraft fired three missiles at targets in the central Gaza Strip on Thursday, critically wounding two Palestinian militants, Palestinian health officials said. One of the militants later died in hospital. The Israel Defense Forces said the airstrikes were aimed at a cell en route to carrying out an attack. It did not identify the targets. It said two vehicles were targeted, and one carrying rockets or explosives was hit. Pillars of smoke billowed from the destroyed vehicle as burned and dismembered bodies were removed.... Palestinian officials initially said the two men were dead after they were taken to the morgue by an ambulance. But the doctor at the morgue found them to be alive and sent them to the operating room. more.. Israeli surveyors and soldiers mark out route of Separation Wall around Hebron Ma'an News 4/28/2006 Hebron- Ma'an- Palestinian citizens of Bak'ah in the north east of the city of Hebron said that Israeli surveyors accompanied with Israeli officers and soldiers put signs and marks of the Separation Wall in the area. Head of the Palestinian Committee to Defend the Land in Hebron Azmi Sheioukhi said that the surveyors are from the Lands Department which is part of the Civil Administration in Beit Eil. The farmer who informed Shioukhi with this information added that these people arrived to the area two months ago, this time they have put marks and signs for the Separation Wall track. According to sources in the committee, by this step the Israeli occupation Authorities has isolated thousands of Donums of the Palestinian lands for the wall building. more.. Residential houses bombarded in Khan Younis Ma'an News 4/28/2006 Khan Younis- Ma'an- Israeli artillery bombarded early on Friday morning residential houses in Khuza'a and Al Farahen in the east of Khan Younis in the southern Gaza Strip. Eyewitnesses said that Israeli tanks had taken up position iin the east of the town, from where they shot artillery missiles at citizens' houses causing much material damage. [end] more.. Army invades Jenin and surrounding villages, arrests residents International Middle East Media Center 4/28/2006 Islamic Jihad Movement official in Jenin, Mahmoud Al Sa’adi, said that Israeli forces launched a wide arrest campaign on Friday against resistance fighters in several areas of the Jenin District. The northern West Bank has been under continuous assault for weeks, and in a press statement Al Sa’adi wrote that Israeli forces arrested 10 members of Al-Quds Brigades, the armed wing of the Islamic Jihad and took them to unknown locations. Meanwhile, Israeli forces arrested 12 residents on Friday morning in the villages of Burqin and Arabah. Israeli forces also invaded Jilboun Village and placed several military barriers throughout Jenin City. In Burqin Village, Palestinian security sources reported... a large Israeli force, which consists of at least 20 military vehicles backed by two Apache helicopters... more.. IDF hits mobile Qassam launcher YNet News 4/27/2006 For first time, army hits car used to fire rockets at Israel; one Palestinian killed in Gaza strike -- One Palestinian was killed and several others were hurt, including one who sustained critical wounds, after the Air Force fired missiles at two vehicles carrying Islamic Jihad members in the Gaza Strip Thursday morning. Several hours after the strike it turned out that the IDF was able to hit a vehicle modified by the Palestinians in order to be used as a mobile Qassam rocket launcher. A military source told Ynet the Palestinians used the vehicle to fire rockets from the northern Gaza Strip to Israel before making their quick getaway. The vehicle allowed the Palestinians to fire rockets while in the car. more.. Four residents injured and two arrested in Hebron International Middle East Media Center 4/27/2006 Four residents injured and two arrested in the West Bank city of Hebron during army attacks, Thursday morningMossa Al Rejbi, 57, hand was injured, Iblan Abu Sabiha, 23,suffered a broken hand, Saleh Al Abwi, 19, sustained bruising across his body, Mohamed Al Herbawi, 22, was also bruisedseverly on his body, Medical sources reported. Meanwhile two residents were arrested one from Al Fowar refugee camp in the city. Soldiers stormed the camp and searched several houses there, the name of this arrestee is not known, eyewitnesses reported. The other arrestee was identified as Mahran Al Qawasma, 26,who was arrested when troops stormed his family's home, it is not known where he was taken. [end] more.. Thirteen residents arrested from Al Yamon village International Middle East Media Center 4/27/2006 The Israeli Army invaded the village of Al Yamon in the West Bank city of Jenin, Thursday morning and arrested 13 residents. Troops backed by military vehicles stormed the village and fired live rounds and sound bombs at residential areas and searched several hosues, eyewitnesses reported. Troops arrested Mohamed Ja'bari, 17, Adnan Abu Al Hija, 22, Kamel Ja'bari, 50, and his son Ameer, 25, among others, eyewitnesses said. [end] more.. IDF: Palestinians have smuggled a few Katyushas into Gaza Ha'aretz 4/29/2006 Palestinian militants have smuggled a number of Katyusha rockets into the Gaza Strip, potentially threatening towns well inside Israel, a senior Israel Defense Forces official said Friday. The official, speaking in halting English, initially said several dozen Katyushas have reached Gaza, but later said that he had meant to say "a few. "The official said Israel is prepared to re-enter Gaza in response to the threat of the rockets, but has no plans to do so in the immediate future. He spoke on condition of anonymity under military guidelines. Since last summer's disengagement from the Gaza Strip, militants have managed to smuggle the Katyushas through tunnels along the southern border with Egypt, the official said, adding that some parts have entered Gaza through the Rafah border crossing. more.. Legal hurdles impede fence construction YNet News 4/28/2006 Works to seal breaches in security barrier are not completed because of legal debates on matter. 'We can erect temporary fence very quickly,' army officer tells Ynet, 'but are banned from doing so' -- The implementation of s decision to seal breaches in the security fence is being delayed because of legal hurdles, a senior army officer told Ynet Friday. In a discussion held by the prime minister two days ago, in wake of last week's deadly terror attack in Tel Aviv, it was decided that security forces stationed in the area surrounding Jerusalem will be reinforced and that the breaches in the security barrier will be sealed with a temporary fence, until a permanent barrier is constructed. more.. Two explosive devices found near Beit Jala Ma'an News 4/28/2006 Jerusalem- Ma'an- Israeli forces found two homemade bombs near the Israeli military position of Borders Guards on the tunnel road near Beit Jala on Friday. Israeli sources said that Israeli explosive experts arrived at the scene and defused the bombs. Then the soldiers conducted a search campaign in the area. No casualties or losses were reported. [end] more.. Israeli forces defused two local bombs in the area of Ramallah Ma'an News 4/28/2006 Ramallah- Israeli forces found two bomb devices connected with two gas cylinders each weight twenty Kgs near Ramallah. Israeli sources said that the Israeli soldiers found the devices near Ramallah and said that the devices were targeting Israeli forces. The sources added that Israeli experts arrived to the scene and defused them and that the Israeli soldiers conducted a searching campaign in the area. [end] more.. The Israeli army evacuates a military base in the Beit Sahour International Middle East Media Center 4/27/2006 The Israeli Army evacuated the Osh-Ghrab military base east of of Beit Sahour near Bethlehem in the West Bank, on Thursday morning. Residents rom the surrounding area rushed inside the military base to find it empty after soldiers suddenly pulled out. Neighbors said the base had been quiet and in darkness for the past four days. Palestinian Police rushed to the site to ensure that no harmful military artefacts were left behind. Osh-Ghrab military base was built on confiscated land owned by Beit Sahour residents. At least 150 houses in Beit Sahour were in various sates of damage as a result of tank shells and bullets fired from the base since it was established in October 2000. more.. Gaza terminal bombing foiled AlJazeera 4/26/2006 The Israeli army has shut the Karni al-Mintar crossing used for transporting goods from and into the Gaza Strip after an attempted car bomb attack was foiled. Palestinian security spotted the suspicious car at a checkpoint before the Karni crossing on Wednesday. The occupants of the car opened fire and wounded three police officers. Police shot back, wounding two of the attackers. Inspecting the car, police found canisters filled with 300 kilogrammes of explosives and fuel. Security officials said the attackers planned to ram the Karni crossing and blow it up. Several hours later, Palestinian security officers carried the blue canisters a short distance away and detonated them, setting off a huge blast. The crossing is the main entry point for food and other vital products into Gaza. more.. Police probe building of West Bank settlement neighborhood Ha'aretz 4/27/2006 The Israel Police's National Fraud Squad has opened a criminal investigation into the illegal construction of hundreds of housing units in the Matityahu East neighborhood of the Modi'in Ilit ultra-Orthodox settlement. A statement to this effect was submitted on Tuesday to the High Court of Justice in response to an injunction issued at the request of the Peace Now movement. The police investigation is focusing on Modi'in Ilit council head Yaakov Gutterman, other senior council officials, entrepreneurs and large construction companies, Jewish real estate dealers who acquired privately owned Palestinian land, lawyers and settler organizations involved in "land redemption. "Hundreds of millions of dollars are believed to have changed hands in the affair. more.. Israeli Forces closed the barrier of Badhan Ma'an News 4/26/2006 Nablus- Ma'an- Israeli Forces closed the Badhan barrier with earthy mounds Wednesday afternoon. The Israeli forces closed yesterday also but reopened it in the evening hours. Eyewitnesses said that the Israeli Forces stationed at the barrier used the bulldozers to close it and prevent the Palestinian from passing through. It is known that the Badhan is the only road which links between Nablus and the rest of the villages in the northern area of the city and also with the city of Jenin. [end] more.. A patient threatens his doctor with a machine gun Ma'an News 4/26/2006 Gaza- Ma'an- Palestinian patient threatened his doctor with a Kalashnikov in the hospital of Shifa'a in Gaza City onWednesday. The man raised his weapon in the face of the doctor in the outside clinic of the hospital trying to force him to transfer him to be treated abroad. Eyewitnesses said that the hospital staff intervened and took the man away telling him that violence is not acceptable. Last week armed men attacked the Minister if Health for similar reasons. [end] -- See also: Reuters Report: Gaza Patients Turned Back as Health Crisis Worsens and Gaza hospital fights for life after international aid cuts more.. Palestinian-Israeli citizen killed in Qalqilia Ma'an News 4/26/2006 Qalqilia – Ma'an- A Palestinian citizen of Taybeh in Israel (in the area called "The Triangle" composing of many Palestinian towns such as Umm al-Fahm), who holds Israeli citizenship, was killed by Israeli forces on Wednesday in the city of Qalqilia in the West Bank. Palestinian security sources said that Ali Mohammad Abu Jame'a was killed by many shots and his body was then handed over to the Israeli side. After the assassination, many Israeli military vehicles entered the city for a short period of time before then leaving the are. [end] more.. Three Resistance Fighters injured in clashes with PA security in Gaza Strip International Middle East Media Center 4/26/2006 Three resistance fighters who belong to the Popular Resistance Committees were injured Wednesday, when they clashed with the Palestinian Security forces who prevented an attack with a car bomb at Al-Mintar (Karni) crossing which connects the Gaza Strip with proper, Palestinian sources said. The source said a large force of the Palestinian security arrived at the area when they received intelligence information about a plot to detonate a car bomb at the crossing. Meanwhile, a group of 12 armed men arrived at the scene and clashed with the security forces. Israeli helicopters were also hovering above the area and the Israeli army beefed up its presence at the crossing and forced all the employees out of the terminal. more.. Israeli forces invade Jenin camp, attack house of a Prisoner, arrest his son International Middle East Media Center 4/26/2006 Israeli forces invaded the Jenin Refugee camp in the West Bank on Wednesday morning, and held some residents captive for interrogation, Palestinian sources reported. Troops demanded the residents to provide them information about about Ashraf and Mahmoud Al-Sa'adi, two Islamic Jihad operatives claimed to be wanted by the Israeli security forces. Eyewitnesses said, at least 20 military vehicles invaded the camp in the early hours of the morning and surrounded the house of Bassam Al-Sa'adi, an Islamic Jihad leader who is currently in Israeli prison. "We woke up to the sound of bullets coming through the windows, and we heard the soldiers speaking in loudspeakers demanding whom they call wanted to give themselves up," said Um Ibrahim, wife of Bassam Al-Sa'adi and sister to Mahmoud. more.. Armed clashes and arrests in Jenin and Nablus; family members of Islamic Jihad activists targeted Ma'an News 4/26/2006 Nablus-Jenin-Ma'an- Israeli forces have arrested the parents of a Palestinian "wanted" man, in Nablus city early on Wednesday. The Ma'an correspondent reported that the Israeli forces broke into the house of Sofian Libbadah (26 years) and arrested his parents after conducted an invasive search of the house. Sofian Libbadah is reportedly an activist with the Al-Quds Brigades, a mlitary wing affiliated to Islamic Jihad. Eyewitnesses said that the Israeli forces transported Sofian's parents to the Hawwara military camp. In related news, the Ma'an reporter added that many Israeli military vehicles broke into the An-Najah University students' residence in the west of Nablus and arrested ten students. more.. Rubber bullets menace West Bank International Middle East Media Center 4/26/2006 Rubber bullets being fired in the occupied West Bank have seriously injured another Palestinian civilian. Ruba Mahmoud Awayes, 21, was on her way home from college when she was hit in the face. Her eye was so badly damaged doctors later removed it. A friend who was with her was also hit and wounded in the hand. Awayes' family, who lives in Nus Jbeil, outside Nablus, is angry that the media has not picked up on the incident and turned to Al Jazeera. net to tell their story. Palestinians are routinely injured and some killed by rubber bullets fired by the Israeli occupation army. Awayes says: "My friend and I were leaving campus on 9 April, and walking toward the taxi cabs that would take us to the village. "Suddenly, I felt a strong object smacking my right eye. I felt my entire head exploding. " more.. Army storms Boren village town hall International Middle East Media Center 4/26/2006 The Israeli forces stormed the Boren village town hall, near the West Bank city on Nablus, Wednesday morning. Several army vehicles invaded the village and surrounded the town hall, soldiers searched the offices, detained employees and checking ID cards in a provocating manner, eyewitnesses reported. Troops left the village, no arrests were made. [end] more.. Army closes Araba village main entrance International Middle East Media Center 4/26/2006 The Israeli armed forces closed the main entrance to the east of Araba village near theWest Bank city of Jenin, Wednesday morning. Several army jeeps blocked the road and searched civilian cars. In order to arrive at their destinations, residents were forced to take an agricultural side road, causing further delays to their journey, residents reported. [end] more.. Army arrest 12 residents during continued military operation in Nablus International Middle East Media Center 4/26/2006 On Wednesday morning Israeli troops arrested, , 12 residents from the West Bank city of Nablus during an ongoing military operation begun Tuesday morning. Soldiers conducted wide scale search campaigns across several neighborhoods , among the arrestees were 10 students from Al Najah University. Abu Al Ameen Lobada and his wife were also arrested, to pressurise their wanted son to surrender, eyewitnesses reportedThe city of Nablus and surrounding villages have been experiencing daily invasions, arrests and military operations for over three weeks now. [end] more.. Al Bathan checkpoint in Nablus closed by Isreali Military International Middle East Media Center 4/26/2006 The Israeli soldiers stationed at Al Bathan checkpoint Nablus closed it, on Wednesday morning. The checkpoint lies at the north eastern entrance of the city and this closure prevents scores of residents from arriving to work and school, local sources reported. The closure of Al Bathan checkpoint and the nearby main road causes increased use of other checkpoints around Nablus creating traffic problems and delays. [end] more.. Fence gaps to be sealed temporarily YNet News 4/26/2006 "630 illegal Palestinian residents in Jerusalem vicinity" - Following Passover terror attack in Tel Aviv, PM Olmert discusses ways to seal breaches in Jerusalem vicinity to prevent suicide bombers from infiltrating Israel; officials decide fence construction to be accelerated -- Police forces positioned at breaches in the security fence surrounding Jerusalem will be boosted and the loopholes will be temporarily sealed until the permanent fence is completed. Both decisions were made Wednesday afternoon during a wide-scale discussion held by Prime Minister Ehud Olmert in Jerusalem. The discussion was held in light of the suicide bombing in Tel Aviv eight days ago. more.. Palestinian Security frustrate a bombing operation at Karni Crossing Ma'an News 4/26/2006 Gaza- Ma'an- Five Palestinian security men were injured while trying to prevent a booby trapped car from passing through the Karni crossing, east of the Gaza Strip. The Ma'an reporter said that clashes erupted between the national security members who succeeded to control the car and members of the "resistance". Two people in the car were arrested and many others arrived at the scene and fought with the security members. The Director of Public Relations at Shifa'a Hospital said that five people arrived at the hospital with slight injuries. The Israeli authorities announced the closure of the crossing after the incident. [end] more.. PRC believes they are being targeted by Israel due to their "unique resistance" Ma'an News 4/26/2006 Gaza- Ma'an- The spokesman for the PRC (Palestinian Resistance Committees) has accused the Israeli authorities of trying to defame the image of the Palestinian resistance in the eyes of the world and connect it with clans and tribes. Abu Mujahid told Ma'an that what has been published in the Israeli media about Jamal Abu Samhadana , the leader of the PRC, saying that he has a family with at least 50,000 fighters is an attempt to defame the Palestinian resistance in general. Abu Mujahid added that the leader of the PRC comes from a simple family and that this family has made a lot of sacrifices since Israeli's creation in 1948. more.. Pullout disinterment prompts lawsuit YNet News 4/26/2006 Evacuated Neve Dekalim family sues disengagement authority, IDF officials and State claiming pictures of relocation of grandmother’s grave during pullout were published in media -- The Arama family, which was evacuated from the Gaza community of Neve Dekalim as part of last summer’s disengagement plan, filed a lawsuit on Wednesday in the Jerusalem Magistrates Court, claiming to suffer from psychological damage as a result of the relocation of their grandmother’s grave from Gush Katif. Attorney Asaf Minser, who represents the family, told Ynet: "The family received no mental preparation and no one talked to them before the grave was moved. The only connection with them was through the media or by threats to relocate the grave in the cover of darkness. " more.. Settlers to get East Jerusalem police building in swap Ha'aretz 4/26/2006 Right-wing nonprofit associations are building the new Judea and Samaria District Police building in the E-1 corridor between Jerusalem and Ma'aleh Adumim. In exchange they will receive the current police building, located in the heart of the East Jerusalem neighborhood of Ras al-Amud, according to an advocacy group. The Ir Amim advocacy group made this claim in a petition to the High Court of Justice against the construction of the new station.... settler organizations have taken notice of the police station, mainly because it is across from Ma'aleh Zeitim, the neighborhood built by American millionaire Irwin Moskowitz within the Palestinian neighborhood of Ras al-Amud.... the settlers' "big plan" was to receive the police building... which would give them significant territorial contiguity within Ras al-Amud. more.. Israel resumes construction of the wall near Hebron International Middle East Media Center 4/25/2006 Scores of farmers and land owners in addition to a number of residents gathered at their land to the east of Hebron in the West Bank where Israeli bulldozers started to prepare for the construction of the annexation wall on Tuesday. A number of international peace activists from the International Solidarity Movement and the Christian Peace Maker Teams (CPT) were also there with the families and the farmers. The main purpose gathering was to try to prevent the construction of the wall near Yatta and Tuwwani villages. Israeli army imposed tough military procedure to prevent the activists and the families to protest. Eyewitnesses reported that bulldozers started to dig a wide area of land and is planned to bulldoze over 300 acres to build the wall which will extend for 25 Kilometers long in that area. more.. Israel launches spy satellite AlJazeera 4/25/2006 The satellite was launched from a mobile pad in Russia -- Israel has launched a highly accurate imaging satellite that will enhance its ability to spy on Iran. The Israeli Eros B satellite was launched from a mobile pad at the Svobodny cosmodrome in Russia on Tuesday at 8:47pm (1647 GMT), said Alexei Kuznetsov, a spokesman for the military space forces. About 20 minutes later, the satellite successfully reached orbit, Russian news agencies reported, citing the space forces' press service. Israel's Channel 10 TV reported that the launch was successful, but the satellite would not deploy its power panels for another day and a half. The launch came as Iran and Israel, two sworn enemies, continued to trade barbs. [includes much technical information about the Eros B] more.. Raids and arrests continue in Jenin, Nablus, Qalqilia, Hebron and Bethlehem; 23 arrested overnight Ma'an News 4/25/2006 Bethlehem-Jenin- Ma’an- Israeli forces arrested three Palestinians from the village of Al-Obayat, close to Bethlehem, claiming that they were “wanted. ” Reinforced Israeli forces with military vehicles raided the village, broke into several houses and conducted searches early on Tuesday morning. Ahmad Al Obayat (20), Awad Obayat (35) and Shadi Mousa Obayat (28) were arrested because the Israeli forces claimed that they were affiliated to Palestinian factions. Israeli forces also raided a number of towns and villages in the Jenin Governorate and arrested Palestinians claiming they were members of Hamas and Islamic Jihad. The Ma’an correspondent reported that five Israeli military vehicles raided the village of Khirbit Marka and surrounded several houses. more.. Further closures around Jenin Ma'an News 4/25/2006 Jenin-Ma'an- Israeli forces have set up several temporary barriers at different areas in the Jenin Governorate. Eyewitnesses reported that the Israeli forces set up temporary barriers at the entrances to the towns of Arrabah, Selit Az-Zahir and Qabatia to the west of the city of Jenin, and prevented Palestinian vehicles from crossing for several hours. [end] more.. Nablus-Badhan road blocked by earth mound; Israeli soldiers dropped by helicopter into area Ma'an News 4/25/2006 Nablus-Ma'an- On Tuesday afternoon, an Israeli helicopter dropped dozens of Israeli soldiers into the Al Badhan area, north of the city of Nablus, in the northern West Bank. On the same afternoon, Israeli forces closed the main road between Al Badhan and Nablus. They set up several temporary military barriers, including an earth mound on the main road. Eyewitnesses said that Israeli military bulldozers arrived at the area near the "Summer Park", bulldozed the road and erected an earth mound which prevents Palestinians from passing through in either direction. more.. Curfew on Hawarah near Nablus Ma'an News 4/25/2006 Nablus- Ma'an- Isreli Forces imposed curfew on the village of Hawarah south of the city of Nablus in te north of the West Bank Tuesday afternoon. Eyewitnesses said that the Israeli forces imposed the curfew after a group of Palestinian boys throw stones at an Israeli settlers car was traveling on the main road near the village and caused some damages of the glass of the car. [end] more.. Israeli Army arrest Hamas spokesperson in the West Bank International Middle East Media Center 4/25/2006 Farahat Assad, the Hamas west bank spokesperson of Hamas, was arrested by the Israeli army late Monday night. Assad was arrested after troops surrounded his home in the West Bank city of Rammallah and broke in, his wife reported. The army released Assad from jail in September 2005 following a 6 monthdetention, local sources reported. [end] more.. Army reinvades Nablus and arrests resident International Middle East Media Center 4/25/2006 Israeli armed forces invaded the West Bank city of Nablus for the second time on Tuesday afternoon and arrested Mohamed Ikmail. Soldiers and army jeeps stormed the city for a second time following the morning invasion in which nine residentswere arrested. Mohamed Ikmail who is a university student was arrested after troops searched several homes. other homes arestill surroundedin an ongoing military operation, eyewitnesses reported. [end] more.. Army invades Al Yammon village International Middle East Media Center 4/25/2006 The Israeli army invaded the village of Al Yammon in the West Bank city of Jenin, Tuesday morning. Several army vehicles entered the village, allegedly seeking wanted people, whom after failing to locate,thesoldiers then started a campaign ofharassmentby firing sound bombs at homes, local sources reported. According to residents this treatment has occurred on a daily basis for the last few months. [end] more.. Israeli satellite launched to spy on Iranian nuclear sites Ha'aretz 4/26/2006 The international ImageSat company launched the Eros B high-resolution reconnaissance satellite from Siberia Tuesday night, a move that will help Israel spy on Iranian nuclear facilities. The ground control station, located in the Israel Aircraft Industries (IAI) complex in Yehud, will be able to control the satellite's navigation and keep it stationed for an extended time over particularly sensitive targets such as the Iranian nuclear reactor, which is too far for Israeli drones to reach. The satellite, which Israeli companies were involved in developing, will also be able to provide images of launch sites for long-range Iranian missiles. A Russian official said Tuesday that the satellite had reached orbit after 20 minutes, but experts said it would be some time before it could be determined if the satellite was operational. more.. Palestinian teen hurt by rubber bullet YNet News 4/25/2006 IDF soldiers encounter rioters during operation in Nablus; Palestinian teenager injured after rubber bullets fired by soldiers to disperse rioters -- A 16-year-old Palestinian was seriously injured Tuesday evening during riots at the Askar refugee camp in the West Bank city of Nablus. Eyewitnesses said soldiers fired rubber bullets from close range at the teenager, hitting him in the head. He was evacuated to the Rafidiyeh Hospital in the city. Palestinian teenagers hurled stones and Molotov cocktails at soldiers who arrived at the camp and troops responded by firing rubber bullets and stun grenades in an effort to disperse the crowd. Palestinian security officials said 20 IDF jeeps entered the refugee camp. more.. Two Al-Aqsa militants killed by undercover IDF unit Ha'aretz 4/24/2006 Two members of the Al-Aqsa Martyrs' Brigades were killed yesterday by undercover army troops in Bethlehem. Ahmed Muslah was killed and and a militant who died later from wounds was one of two men arrested near the city's psychiatric hospital. Witnesses and Palestinian security officials said an Israel Defense Forces unit had opened fire on Muslah's car near Palestinian security headquarters. The IDF said the car crashed and burst into flames. Muslah had left Palestinian security headquarters, and a gun was found in the car, the army said. Palestinian Authority Chairman Mahmoud Abbas yesterday canceled anti-Hamas shows of force planned by Fatah's Al-Aqsa wing and Palestinian security personnel in the West Bank and the Gaza Strip. more.. Thirteen Palestinians arrested across the West Bank on Monday Ma'an News 4/24/2006 Bethlehem- Ma'an- Israeli forces arrest thirteen Palestinian citizens in several towns and cities in the West Bank. Israeli security sources said that the Israeli forces arrested two Palestinians affiliated to Fatah and Islamic Jihad in Jenin, and four Islamic Jihad activists in the city of Tulkarem. The sources added that five other Palestinians were arrested in the city of Nablus and two Palestinians affiliated to Hamas and Fatah in the area of Bethlehem. [end] more.. Palestinian youth killed in east Gaza Strip International Middle East Media Center 4/24/2006 Israeli army troops opened fire at and killed a Palestinian 18-year old near the eastern border of the Gaza Strip, Palestinian medial and security sources said on Monday morning. Israeli radio reported a military source saying that the soldiers opened fire at the youth near the Israeli border. Dr. Muawiya Hasanein, director of the emergency room in Gaza Strip that the body was found east of Al-Qarara town, near Bureij refugee camp. The body received several bullets and shrapnel which made it difficult to identify. Medical sources eventually identified the teen as Samir Abu Ariban, 18. [end] more.. Israel forces kill Palestinian in Gaza AlJazeera 4/24/2006 Israel has killed three Palestinians in the last two days -- Israeli soldiers have shot dead a Palestinian man in an exchange of fire along the Gaza-Israel border. Israeli and Palestinian security sources said the shootout occurred early on Monday. "A Palestinian gunman opened fire along the Gaza border. Soldiers arrived at the scene and exchanged fire with him. We identified a hit," a spokeswoman for the Israeli army said. It was not immediately known if he was affiliated to a resistance group. Israel pulled out its settlers from the Gaza Strip last autumn but has retained control of the Palestinian territory's borders, sea and air space. more.. Israelis shoot dead Gaza militant BBC 4/24/2006 Israeli troops have shot dead an armed Palestinian militant near the border with Gaza. The Israeli military said small arms and tank fire were used against the man after he shot at an army patrol near the fence surrounding the Gaza Strip. The man was the third Palestinian killed by Israeli troops in two days. On Sunday, two members of the militant al-Aqsa Martyrs' Brigades were killed during an Israeli army raid in the West Bank city of Bethlehem. An al-Aqsa commander in Bethlehem, identified as Abu Udai, told the Israeli news website Ynet that Sunday's deaths would be avenged by rockets fired at the Israeli city of Tel Aviv from the West Bank. more.. Palestinians: Israeli Settlers vandalized our quarry International Middle East Media Center 4/24/2006 Palestinians from the village of Hawara, south of Nablus, accused settlers on Sunday of sneaking into a quarry in the middle of the night Saturday and torching trucks and an electrical generator used in a local quarry, resulting in hundreds of thousands of shekels in damages. The Hawara locals reported that late Sunday night three settlers reached the quarry site, located under the Hawara checkpoint, and set two new vehicles on fire as well as a generator. Mohammad Aanem, whose family owns the quarry, said he was sleeping opposite the site, and at close to 3:00 a. m. Sunday he identified settlers pouring gasoline on the trucks and setting them alight. Aanem said he saw the three fleeing towards the outpost of a nearby settlement. more.. Burned body found in Anata, north Jerusalem Ma'an News 4/24/2006 Jerusalem- Ma'an- Palestinian students at Anata Secondary School, northern Jerusalem, have discovered a charred body near their school on Monday afternoon,Israeli Police and Border Guards arrived at the scene and have begun investigations. The Ma'an reporter in Jerusalem said that he was told by the school director that the body was not there in the morning but when the students went to the yard behind the school during the break, they found it there. The director added that the body is of a young man who seems to have been burned to such an extent that it was not easy to recognize it. [end] more.. Rafah: Emotional exhaustion among children and women Rafah Today 4/23/2006 [With photos] Twenty-five people, mainly children in addition to eight women, arrived at the Hospital after being affected with prostration. Many of them were physiologically affected by the daily shelling as well. An Israeli rocket hit the sewage system in the north of Gaza and the whole area smells bad. A war of words has lead to the setting of Gaza alight, again. The artillery shelling is still going on and there have even been clashes on the campus of our University. The Islamic University of Gaza, where I've had my last semester of studies, is where the clashes are this time. Students and supporters of both Hamas and Fateh movement had started the problem with verbal arguements, and ended up with thirty-one people injured in the clashes. more.. Two fighters assassinated in Bethlehem, one seriously injured International Middle East Media Center 4/23/2006 Two Palestinian fighters of the Al Aqsa Brigades were assassinated in Bethlehem on Sunday after the Israeli under-cover forces stormed the city and fired at resistance fighters of the Al Aqsa Brigades, the military wing of Fateh movement, one fighter was injured. Israeli "special" forces invaded Bethlehem’s Mental Hospital area Sunday late afternoon around 6:00 pm. Israeli soldiers killed one Palestinian, Ahmed Musleh from Deheisha Camp, injuring and arresting two others. Among the two, Daniel Abu Hamami, was pronounced dead in Israeli Hadassah Hospital just after 8:00 pm. Ahmed Musleh was on the Israeli “wanted” list. He was from Deheisha Refugee Camp in Bethlehem. The injured resident was identified as Arafat Abu Sha'eera. from Al Azza refugee camp in Bethlehem. more.. Israeli forces arrest three in Bethlehem, Hebron and Jericho International Middle East Media Center 4/24/2006 Pre-dawn raids by Israeli forces in various parts of the southern and eastern West Bank Monday morning resulted in three arrests. In Bethlehem, Israeli forces, backed by seven military vehicles, swept into al-Dawha neighborhood and arrested an unknown Palestinian and led him into an unknown location, according to local sources. In Hebron, Israeli forces invaded al-Qafeer area in Yatta, south of the city, besieged the house of Moussa al-Najar 42, arrested and led him into an undisclosed spot. In the meantime, Israeli soldiers, stationed at DCO checkpoint in Jericho, arrested Mohammad Abu Sbeih, a Palestinian who lives in the area. [end] more.. Israeli soldiers attack Palestinians at Eiba checkpoint, wounding one International Middle East Media Center 4/24/2006 In Nablus early Monday morning, Israeli soldiers positioned at Eiba checkpoint, west of the city, hurled a sonic bomb at Palestinians who were waiting at the checkpoint, wounding Mohie Ishteiwi, 22, with shrapnel in the face. [end] more.. Five Palestinian youth arrested in pre-dawn raid in Tulkarem International Middle East Media Center 4/24/2006 Israeli Forces raided the towns of Allar and Qafen, north of Tulkarem, early on Monday morning. They broke into many houses, carrying out extensive searches. Five Palestinians were arrested: Mutasim Shaded (20), Murad Hafaiza (21), Sabit Hafaiza (20) and Mamoun Fouzi (22) from Allar, and Ali Sabbah (23) from Qafen. [end] more.. Israeli forces arrest four youths in Nablus International Middle East Media Center 4/24/2006 Israeli troops stormed the West Bank city of Nablus and the nearby refugee camp of Al-Ein at dawn Monday and arrested four young men after breaking into several homes. Local sources said that three of those were arrested in the city while the fourth was captured at the Hawara roadblock. National and Islamic forces and institutions in Nablus condemned the repeated Israeli incursions into the city and its refugee camps and denounced the international silence towards those daily raids and arrests. [end] more.. Israeli artillery targets a farm in Beit Lahia, north Gaza, killing 5 cows Ma'an News 4/24/2006 Gaza- Ma'an- Palestinian eyewitnesses have confirmed that five cows were killed and many others injured when Israeli artillery targeted a farm in Beit Lahia in the north of the Gaza Strip. The witnesses added that more than twenty projectiles were launched at the farm which belongs to the Director-General of Palestinian Borders and Crossings, Salim Abu Safiyeh, and that the shelling caused damages in the farm. [end] more.. Palestinian security employee arrested near Jenin Ma'an News 4/24/2006 Jenin-Ma'an- Israeli forces arrested Monday one Palestinian citizen, Ahmad Abu Obaid (23 years) from the town of Al-Yamoun west of Jenin, at one of the "temporary" military barriers between Ramallah and Jenin. Abu Obaid's family said that the Israeli forces arrested their son when he was on his way back to Jenin from Ramallah where he works in the National Security Authority. Eyewitnesses said that Israeli forces stopped Ahmad's car and forced him out before taking him away to an unknown destination. It is also reported that Israeli forces prevented Jenin's citizens from traveling from their city to other cities in the West Bank, as a result of the decision to separate the north of the West Bank from other cities following the bomb in Tel Aviv last week. [end] more.. Palestinian policeman arrested at Israeli checkpoint near Jenin International Middle East Media Center 4/24/2006 Israeli forces arrested Monday one Palestinian citizen, Ahmad Abu Obaid (23 years) from the town of Al-Yamoun west of Jenin, at one of the "temporary" military barriers between Ramallah and Jenin. Abu Obaid's family said that the Israeli forces arrested their son when he was on his way back to Jenin from Ramallah where he works in the National Security Authority. Eyewitnesses said that Israeli forces stopped Ahmad's car and forced him out before taking him away to an unknown destination. It is also reported that Israeli forces prevented Jenin's citizens from traveling from their city to other cities in the West Bank, as a result of the decision to separate the north of the West Bank from other cities following the bomb in Tel Aviv last week. [end] more.. Palestinian resistance fires two homemade shells into Israel, no injuries International Middle East Media Center 4/24/2006 The Al-Aqsa Martyr Brigade in Gaza Strip said they have fired two home-made projectiles at Israeli targets in response to the assassination of two Palestinians in Bethlehem on Sunday evening. [end] more.. Al-Quds Brigades launch home-made projectile at Ashkelon Ma'an News 4/24/2006 Gaza-Ma'an-The Al-Quds Brigades, the military wing of Islamic Jihad, launched a home-made projectile at the Israeli city of Ashkelon on Monday afternoon. In a statement released on Monday, the Brigades said that the launch of the projectile was in response to the Israeli attacks and aggression against the Palestinian people. [end] more.. Al-Qassam Brigades to participate in new security apparatus; leader targeted by gunmen in Jabalia Ma'an News 4/24/2006 Gaza- The spokesman for the Izz Addin Al-Qassam Brigades, Hamas' military wing, has announced that guards protecting their leader, Ahmad Ghandour, reported that there were some unknown armed men shooting at Ghandour's house in Jabalia Refugee Camp. The spokesman added that the guards searched the area and accused the armed men of trying to draw Palestinians' attention away from what is currently happening in the Palestinian arena. The spokesman warned those trying to attack the Al-Qassam Brigades' leaders that the Brigades would respond with an iron fist against them. He added that the attackers are not known to the Brigades. more.. Panel calls on treasury to fund securing of towns around Gaza Ha'aretz 4/24/2006 The interim Finance Committee decided Monday to obligate the Treasury to transfer NIS 52 million as soon as possible to be used to complete the securing of schools and educational institutes in towns bordering the Gaza Strip. The money will be transferred through the Home Front Command to 46 communities that are under constant threat of Qassam rocket fire from the Gaza Strip. Finance Committee Chairman MK Yaakov Litzman (United Torah Judaism) said the committee would convene again on Wednesday to hear representatives from the Finance and Defense Ministries on whether the money is available to fund the project. If the money is not available, the committee will convene for an additional meeting next Thursday. more.. Palestinian nonviolent resistance continues in southern West Bank in spite of beating and arrests International Middle East Media Center 4/23/2006 At least six Palestinian citizens, including one elderly, were injured, and an unlimited number were arrested during a nonviolent demonstration in the southern West Bank on Saturday. A number of demonstrators spoke with PNN via telephone today confirming that Israeli soldiers attacked and injured at least six Palestinians, including an elderly woman, after intense beatings. Israeli forces attacked a nonviolent demonstration against the Wall and land confiscation in the Hebron Districts town of Yatta.... Israeli forces declared the eastern area of the Palestinian town as a “closed military zone.... Israeli forces also arrested four foreigners from an American Christian group and an Israeli peace group. more.. Shoot-out at Palestinian ministry BBC 4/23/2006 Hamas gunmen were summoned to assist the health minister -- Bodyguards of the Hamas health minister have exchanged fire with gunmen at the health ministry in Gaza City. Three people were injured in the confrontation. It seems the gunmen were seeking better treatment for a hospital patient, a BBC correspondent says. Although it appears this was not an overtly political matter, the clash comes at a time of tension in Gaza. On Sunday Fatah party supporters staged shows of strength, following clashes with Hamas supporters on Saturday. A power struggle has been growing between the two rival groups. Although Hamas has just taken control of the government the presidency is still in Fatah's hands. more.. Tension flares between Hamas, Fatah AlJazeera 4/23/2006 Gaza City's Healthy Ministry office was attacked on Sunday -- Tensions between the Hamas-led Palestinian government and the rival Fatah faction have flared in a shootout at the Health Ministry, leaving several people wounded. At least four people were hurt on Sunday after armed men purportedly from al-Aqsa Martyrs Brigades stormed the ministry in Gaza City, where they were confronted by Hamas guards, ministry officials said. But a spokesman for the brigades, which is affiliated to the Fatah, denied the men were from the faction. He said they were from a Gaza clan affiliated with Fatah. The guards from the Izz al-Din al-Qassam Brigades chased off most of the intruders and captured four of the men... more.. Two youths arrested in Hebron International Middle East Media Center 4/23/2006 Israeli soldiers arrested on Sunday two youth in the Al Arroub refugee camp, in the West Bank city of Hebron and took them to a nearby military camp, local source in Hebron reported. Soldiers conducted house-to-house searched in the camp, detained and interrogated several residents before arresting the two youth. [end] more.. Hebron settlers assault two female international aid workers Ha'aretz 4/23/2006 Volunteers from the international organization Tel Rumeida Project were attacked Saturday by Hebron settlers. Members of the group said that dozens of settlers assaulted two women volunteers as they blocked the way to settlers who wanted to break into aPalestinian-owned store. Both women were hurt. Two Israel Defense Forces soldiers from the Paratroops Brigade who were nearby intervened and tried to prevent the assault. When the soldiers called for help, the settlers cleared off. Settlers have attacked Tel Rumeida Project volunteers three times in recent weeks. Unlike previous assaults, many adults took part Saturday. more.. 40 injured in clashes between Hamas, Fatah Ha'aretz 4/23/2006 Hamas and Fatah leaders began talks last night in the Gaza Strip in an attempt to diffuse tension between the groups, after protest marches and armed clashes erupted between student supporters of Hamas and Fatah at the Islamic and Al-Azhar universities in Gaza. The violence, which resulted in injuries to some 40 students and activists, included stone- and furniture-throwing, setting fire to offices, attacking passing cars and marches by armed Fatah supporters in the streets of the Gaza Strip's towns. The clashes broke out following attacks on the PA leadership by the head of the Hamas political wing Khaled Meshal, in Damascus, and the announcement Thursday by PA Interior Minister Said Sayem that he was setting up a new security force that would encompass the Hamas military wing. more.. Israel threatens to reoccupy Gaza International Middle East Media Center 4/22/2006 As Israeli forces continue to pound the northern Gaza Strip with up to 300 artillery shells a day, Israeli officials have announced that the military is considering re-entering the Palestinian territory in a ground assault. Israel will reoccupy the Gaza Strip if Hamas does not put an end to the cross-border shelling being carried out by other (non-Hamas) resistance groups, a senior military commander says. Major-General Yoav Galant, head of Israel's southern command, said he was considering a range of options, including the possibility of re-entering Gaza. Galant told the Maariv daily on Friday: "We're talking about more aggressive military activity. If the price we have to pay becomes unreasonable as a result of increased (Palestinian) attacks, then we shall have to take all steps, including occupying the Gaza Strip. " more.. Soldiers attack priests, Christians while celebrating Holy Saturday in Jerusalem International Middle East Media Center 4/22/2006 As Greek Orthodox Palestinian Christians were celebrating the Holy Saturday in Jerusalem, Israeli policemen attacked dozens of worshipers and priests near the Church of the Holy Sepulcher and at the entrance of the Old City of Jerusalem. The Palestinian News Agency WAFA reported that soldiers and policemen present at the entrance of the Church and the Gates of the Old City of Jerusalem barred the worshipers from reaching the Church to celebrate the eastern Holy Saturday. Dimirty Diliani, who heads a coalition of Palestinians Christians, reported that soldiers attacked worshipers and priests who gathered around the church; several residents and priests were injured. Diliani added that the Israel is violating the international law and barring the residents from reaching their holy sites. more.. Army arrests two and turns one house into military post International Middle East Media Center 4/22/2006 Israeli forces arrested two Palestinian in Bethlehem and Hebron areas in the West Bank on Saturday morning, a Palestinian source reported. The Palestinian Prisoner’s Society in Hebron said Israeli forces invaded Al-Arroub Refugee camp near Hebron and arrested Tareq Balasi, 20 and searched several houses in the camp. Palestinian Security source said Mahmoud Obayat, 23 was arrested in Bethlehem when Israeli troops stopped the car he was riding on a military roadblock on the Bethlehem-Hebron road. Obayat is a security officer who works in Hebron and brother of Raed Obayat who was assassinated by a special Israeli army unit in Beit Sahour earlier in April. more.. Nablus Municipality Building, dating back thousands of years, attacked by anti-Hamas Fateh fighters International Middle East Media Center 4/23/2006 The Palestinian Center for Human Rights (PCHR) submitted two strongly-worded condemnations Sunday against aggressions in Nablus. Armed members of resistance parties, defying internal agreements, are using weapons reserved only to fight the occupation, have attacked ancient buildings in the northern West Bank city of Nablus. PCHR is calling for an immediately halt to such actions, which are against the Hamas government and in favor of Fateh member President Abbas. The call includes to bring them to justice, as the law must apply to all. After Hamas Political Office President spoke Friday night from his place of exile in Syria against Fateh leaders, including President Abbas, chaos has reigned in Palestine. more.. Karadi to settlers: Amona scarred police YNet News 4/24/2006 Yesha Council heads slam police violence in meeting with police chief. Karadi: Both sides must examine themselves -- The violent evacuation of the unauthorized West Bank outpost of Amona left police scarred as well, Police Chief Moshe Karadi told settlers leaders Monday. According to Yesha Council heads, the police chief told them: "For us too, Amona left a scar. " Karadi added that "both sides must examine themselves, look into what took place, and learn the lessons. " This was the first meeting between the sides and it concluded with a decision to continue with confidence-building measures. The meeting was also attended by senior police officials. more.. Galant: IDF preparing to reoccupy Gaza Jerusalem Post 4/21/2006 OC Southern Command Maj. -Gen. Yoav Galant said Friday that the IDF was preparing to reoccupy the Gaza Strip if the Hamas-led Palestinian government did not halt rocket fire from the area. "We're talking about more aggressive military activity," Galant said in an interview to Ma'ariv. "If the price we have to pay becomes unreasonable as a result of increased [Palestinian] attacks, then we shall have to take all steps, including occupying the Gaza Strip," he continued. He said that the move could be a full occupation or a partial occupation one and claimed that his plans had been approved by senior officials, including Defense Minister Shaul Mofaz. Israel has already made two brief incursions into the Strip to search for explosives. more.. Danny Yatom: Hamas leaders on Israeli hit list Jerusalem Post 4/21/2006 Former Mossad chief MK Danny Yatom (Labor) said Friday that Hamas Cabinet ministers could be the targets of Israeli assassination efforts, as well as the newly appointed head of a Hamas-controlled Palestinian security force. Yatom told Army Radio that Popular Resistance Committees head Jamal Abu Samhadana remained a legitimate Israeli target after his appointment to head a new Palestinian paramilitary police force, along with Hamas ministers in the Palestinian cabinet. "I understand that our sights are also trained on Hamas ministers, not only on the police chief," said Yatom. "Nobody who deals with terror can have immunity by any means, even if he holds a ministerial portfolio in the Hamas government. " more.. Child seriously injured in Bethlehem International Middle East Media Center 4/21/2006 Friday evening, Israeli soldiers invaded the Deheishe refugee camp, in the West Bank city of Bethlehem, clashed with dozens of youth, and seriously shot one child in his head. The child, identified as Khaled Ali Al Masry, 15, wastransferred to Beit Jala Governmental Hospital, in Bethlehem. Medical sources at the hospital informed the IMEMC that the child suffered a critical head injury, and and was admitted to the intensive care unit. He suffered a contusion and and fracture in his skull. The source added that the child was transferred later on to the Governmental Hospital in Hebron due to the seriousness of his condition. Earlier on Friday, soldiers invaded Bethlehem, Beit Jala, Beit Sahour and Al Khader town all near Bethlehem. A total of 29 Palestinians were arrested on Friday in the West Bank areas of Bethlehem, Nablus, Hebron, Qalqilia and Jenin. [end] more.. 15 Palestinians arrested in Nablus, Jenin, Ramallah, Halhul, Bethlehem and Jericho Ma'an News 4/21/2006 Bethlehem-Hebron-Ma'an- Israeli forces have carried out further raids and arrests across the West Bank. Fifteen Palestinians are reported to have been arrested. Israeli sources report that the Israeli Army entered the city of Nablus and arrested three Palestinians after an armed clash with Palestinian armed men. No causalities were reported. In Jenin, sources report that seven Palestinians were arrested for being Hamas and Islamic Jihad activists. In Ramallah, one Fatah activist was arrested. While in the Bethlehem area, Israeli forces raided the villages of Tequ'a and Harmalah, east of Bethlehem and broke into several houses. Dakhel Salem Obayat (33) from Tequ'a, and Tareq Atallah (20), an employee in the Civil Defense from Harmalah were arrested and taken to an unknown destination. more.. Eight homemade shells fired by Palestinian resistance at Israeli towns; no injuries International Middle East Media Center 4/21/2006 The Ahmed Abul Reesh Brigades, an offshoot of the Fatah Movement in Palestine, fired eight shells at the Israeli Negev towns of Sderot and Majdal, and towards an Israeli military outpost in central Gaza over the past 24 hours. In a statement the armed wing said that on Thursday it launched three shells at Majdal city. In another statement the same armed wing said that it hit an Israeli military outpost east of Bureij refugee camp, midnight Wednesday, with three missiles, and indicated that the post was used to protect a military airport close to the area. In a third statement the same Brigades declared that one of its groups hit Sderot settlement late last night with two shells. [end] more.. Raids and arrests in Nablus and Qalqiliya Ma'an News 4/21/2006 Nablus-Qalqiliya-Ma'an- Israeli forces raided the city of Nablus and arrested seven Palestinians early on Friday morning. Eyewitnesses said that about ten Israeli military vehicles invaded the city from the direction of Al-Quds Street in the north of the city and broke into several districts in the city: Rafedia, Balata, Al Ma'ajeen and the Old City. In Qalqiliya, Israeli forces broke into several citizens' houses in the village of Jit, east of Qalqiliya early on Friday morning and arrested Majid Yameen (20) and Abdul Latif Sundak (21). [end] more.. Palestinian president vetoes Hamas police The Guardian 4/22/2006 Wanted militant named to lead new force · Israeli general warns of plan to invade Gaza Strip -- Mahmoud Abbas, the Palestinian president, blocked an attempt by Hamas yesterday to set up a police force staffed by militants, as an Israeli general warned that preparations had been made for a possible invasion of the Gaza Strip. Mr Abbas issued a decree preventing the creation of the force by Hamas's interior minister, Said Sayam, which was to be headed by Jamal Abu Samhadana, the leader of a faction of Palestinian militants responsible for firing missiles at Israel. At the same time, Major General Yoav Galant, head of Israel's southern command, told a newspaper that if the firing of rockets reached unacceptable levels a new invasion of Gaza was possible. more.. Palestinian stabs policeman near capital YNet News 4/21/2006 Border Guard officer attacked, lightly wounded at roadblock north of Jerusalem Friday; four policemen wounded by stones-throwing protesters -- A Border Guard police officer sustained light neck wounds after being stabbed Friday by a Palestinian at a roadblock near Jerusalem. Meanwhile, four other policemen were wounded after Palestinians hurled stones at troops during an anti-fence demonstration in the West Bank village of Bil'in. The Palestinian stabber arrived at the a-Ram roadblock, north of Jerusalem, around 6:30 p. m. He then pulled out a knife and charged at one of the Border Guard police officers deployed at the checkpoint, wounding him in the neck. more.. A new Israeli "elite " brigade to founded in the West Bank Ma'an News 4/21/2006 Bethlehem- Ma'an- Israeli high ranking source announce that the Israeli Army establish a new brigade from the infantry elite soldiers which is to be assigned for dealing with events and operations in the West bank. The source added that the number of soldiers to be involved in this brigade will be of 25oo soldiers and will be centered permanently in the West Bank, especially in Hebron, Ramallah, Nablus, Jenin and in the Jordan Valley. The units of this brigade will be chasing the "wanted" Palestinians and penetrate in the West Bank when needed in addition to prevent and frustrate military operations against Israeli cities, soldiers or civilians. more.. Israeli forces raid Jenin villages, arresting many Ma'an News 4/21/2006 Jenin-M'aan- An Al-Aqsa Brigades' activist has been injured by Israeli military fire during a raid on the town of Deir Abu Da'eaf, east of Jenin. The Israeli forces laid siege to a house where three Al-Aqsa Brigades' activists were hiding; an exchange of fire took place in which Mustafa Awwad received a bullet injury to his hand before escaping from the house. The other two activists, Hussein Sharif and Amin Tassein, were arrested. Israeli forces also broke into several houses in the town of Selit Ad-Daher, west of Jenin, and arrested Talha Issa (26 years). Eyewitnesses also reported that Israeli forces raided the town of Qabatiya, south of Jenin, where they clashed with Palestinian resistance fighters and arrested two Islamic Jihad activists without even asking for their IDs. more.. Israel 'could occupy Gaza again' BBC 4/21/2006 An Israeli general has said Israel will consider re-occupying part or all of Gaza, if Palestinian militants continue firing rockets across the border. Gen Yoav Galant said the move would be considered if such attacks reached an intolerable level, or involved more powerful, longer-range weapons. Gen Galant is head of the Israeli military's southern command. Palestinian militants in Gaza frequently fire short-range and crudely made rockets into Israel. The rockets rarely cause significant damage or casualties. Israeli forces say they fired more than 2,000 artillery shells into the northern Gaza Strip, in the first two weeks of April. Israel says this is an attempt to halt the growing number of rocket attacks by Palestinian militants. A number of civilians have been killed and injured in the shelling. more.. Israeli siege of Al-Aqsa activist's house in Bethlehem Ma'an News 4/21/2006 Bethlehem-Ma'an- The Al-Aqsa Brigades, a military wing of the Fatah Movement, has claimed responsibility for firing at the Israeli forces that besieged the house of one of the Palestinian "wanted" men in the Jabal Al Mawaleh area of Bethlehem. In a phone call to Ma'an, the spokesman for the Brigades said that a group of Brigades confronted an Israeli infantry unit that was besieging one of their activists' houses in the city of Bethlehem. Israeli forces penetrated the city of Bethlehem on Thursday evening, blockaded Ziad Dakhlallah's house and arrested him. [end] more.. Army invades Bethlehem, arrests one resident International Middle East Media Center 4/21/2006 The Israeli troops invaded, late of Thursday at night, the West Bank city of Bethlehem and arrested one resident. Soldiers invaded the city, surrounded and searched houses in Hindaza neighborhood and arrested Ziad Dakhl-Allah, 31, and took him to unknown destination, eyewitnesses reported. Army spokesperson claimed that Ziad was arrested for his involvement in resistance activates against the Israeli army. [end] more.. Army invades Siliat Al Harthia and Qabatia in Jenin and arrests one resident International Middle East Media Center 4/21/2006 The Israeli army invaded the villages of Sielet Al Harthiyya and Qabatia near the West Bank city of Jenin and arrested one resident, on Friday morning. Talha Issa, 25, was arrested when troops entered Sielet Al Harthiyya village, searched several homes including his house and then they took him to an unknown destination, eyewitnesses reported. Meanwhile in Qabatia, army vehicles and soldiers stormed the village, searched several homes and installed military checkpoints in location inside the village, local sources reported. [end] more.. Salah Ad-Din Brigades launch projectile at Kissufim Ma'an News 4/21/2006 Gaza-Ma'an- The Nasser Salah Ad-Din Brigades, a military wing of the Popular Resistance Committees, has fired a homemade projectile at the Israeli military post east of the Kissufim crossing. In a statement, the Nasser Salah Ad-Din Brigades confirmed that they launched the projectile at the Israeli post at 6:50am on Friday. The Brigades confirmed that the launching operation was in response to the Israeli bombardment on the north of the Gaza Strip and the Israeli incursions in the West Bank. [end] more.. Ar-Rish Brigades explode device in Israeli military vehicle in Nablus Ma'an News 4/21/2006 Ma'an- The Ahmed Abu Ar-Rish Brigades, a military wing affiliated to Fatah, have claimed responsibility for a cocktail bomb that exploded in an Israeli military vehicle near the police station and hospital in Nablus early on Friday morning. In a statement, the Ahmed Abu Ar-Rish Brigades confirmed that this operation was in response to the Israeli crimes against the Palestinian people, emphasizing that they will continue their resistance. [end] more.. Al-Ghoul and Al-Aqsa Brigades claim responsibility for projectiles fired at Sderot Ma'an News 4/21/2006 Khan Younis-Ma'an- The Sami Al-Ghoul Brigades and the Al-Aqsa Brigades, both military wings of the Fatah Movement, have both claimed responsibility for launching three homemade projectiles into Sderot City early on Friday morning. In a statement, the Brigades said that the launching operation was in response to the Israeli aggressions and bombardment of the northern Gaza Strip, emphasizing that they will continue their resistance against the Israeli occupation. [end] more.. Homemade projectiles at Ashkelon Ma'an News 4/21/2006 Ma'an- Quds Brigades "military wing of the Islamic Jihad Movement" announced responsibility for the shelling of three homemade projectiles at the Israeli city of Ashkelon early Friday. The Brigades issued a statement in which it said that the launching of the projectiles will be continued until Palestinian land is liberated and the Palestinian state with Jerusalem as its capital is established. [end] more.. Two residents arrested east of Qalqilia International Middle East Media Center 4/21/2006 Israeli soldiers arrested on Friday two residents in Jeet village, east of the West Bank city of Qalqilia. The Palestinian News Agency, WAFA, reported that soldiers broke into dozens of houses, searched them and arrested Majed Yameen, 20, and Abdul-Lateef Sondak, 21. [end] more.. Sixteen Palestinians arrested overnight in the West Bank International Middle East Media Center 4/21/2006 Israeli military sources reported that Israeli soldiers arrested sixteen Palestinians in various parts of the West Bank Thursday night. The arrested Palestinians were taken by force from their homes, in large-scale military invasions into Palestinian towns and villages. In Ramallah, one Fatah activist was arrested. While in the Bethlehem area, Israeli forces raided the villages of Tequ'a and Harmalah, east of Bethlehem and broke into several houses. Dakhel Salem Obayat (33) from Tequ'a, and Tareq Atallah (20), an employee in the Civil Defense from Harmalah were arrested and taken to an unknown destination. Arrests were also made in Jenin and in Hebron. It is unknown at this time where the arrested Palestinians were taken, although it is reported that they are being held without charges. [end] more.. Al-Quds Brigades hold presentation in Rafah on their projectile-launching operations Ma'an News 4/21/2006 Khan Younis-Ma'an- The Al-Quds Brigades, a military wing of the Islamic Jihad Movement, held a televised presentation in the city of Rafah on Thursday evening in which they detailed their prominent military operations such as the launching of homemade projectiles into Israeli territory. The Brigades demonstrated some of their projectile-launching operations and showed pictures relating to the Israeli evacuation from the Gaza settlements that took place last summer. The Ma'an correspondent reported that hundreds of citizens gathered after the evening prayer and repeated slogans calling for the continuation of the resistance against the Israeli aggressions. more.. In an invasion to the village of Harmala, army arrests one resident International Middle East Media Center 4/21/2006 The Israeli armed forces invaded the village of Harmala west of the West Bank city of Bethlehem and arrested one resident identified as Tarik Attalah, Friday at dawn. Troops stormed resident homes before arresting Attalah who works at civil defense department in the city, his family reported. [end] more.. Two fighters, one resident arrested in Jenin invasion International Middle East Media Center 4/21/2006 Friday morning, Israeli forces arrested two resistance fighters in Qabatia town near the West Bank city of Jenin. One resident was arrested in a separate invasion in Sielet Al Harthiyya village, near Jenin. Palestinian sources reported that dozens of military vehicles and jeeps invaded the Qabatia earlier this morning,and exchanged fire with resistance fighters. Members of the armed resistance wings of Fateh, Islamic Jihad, Al Aqsa Brigades and Al Quds Brigades exchanged fire with the invading forces, no injuries were reported. During the invasion, two fighters of the Al Quds brigades, the military wing of the Islamic Jihad were arrested. Also on Friday morning, troops invaded Sielet Al Harthiyya village, near Jenin... more.. Sense of forfeiture near Gaza YNet News 4/21/2006 Residents of communities near Gaza disappointed by IDF failure to reinforce homes against Qassams -- Israeli communities adjacent to the Gaza Strip have lost hope: Just over half a year since the disengagement, and their homes, some of which lie a couple of hundreds of meters from Qassam launch pads, have become a fire zone. Hundreds of Qassam rockets were fired into these communities in the last few months. Promises of fortified roofs and sealed rooms proved to be nothing but sweet talk. At the exception of one community, nothing happened. "We are like geese in fire range," residents told Isreal's leading newspaper, Yedioth Ahronoth. "No one cares what's happening here. No one. The state has abandoned us. " more.. Statistics: Defence for Children International - PS Documentation Unit Defence for Children International - Palestine 4/19/2006 Last Updated: 19 April 2006) -- A key component of DCI/PS’s work is documenting violations of Palestinian children’s rights. Since the beginning of the second Palestinian uprising against occupation, or Intifada, DCI/PS has documented the case of each Palestinian child killed as a result of Israeli military and settler presence in the Occupied Palestinian Territories. The tables below are updated monthly [2000-2006]. For more detailed statistics, please contact the DCI/PS Documentation Unit. more.. 320 Palestinians treated for shock as a result of Israeli shelling International Middle East Media Center 4/20/2006 At least 320 Palestinians were treated for shock in the past week as a result of the continuous shelling of Palestinian residential areas in the Gaza Strip, Palestinian medical sources reported. Dr. Muawiya Hasanein, head of the Emergency Rooms Department at the Palestinian Ministry of Health said there are 143 children among those treated for shock. Hasanein also warned of an environmental and hygienic disaster in the Gaza Strip as a result of the closure and the shelling of the Palestinian areas. He added that three Palestinians were wounded on Wednesday when Israeli artillery shelled the areas they reside. more.. Israeli military continues shelling of Palestinians in Gaza Strip International Middle East Media Center 4/20/2006 Israeli tanks and artillery resumed their concentrated pounding of populated areas in northern Gaza Strip Wednesday, alleging they were responding to Palestinian homemade shells fired at Israeli settlements close to the Strip. A military source claimed that the Israeli air force will increase the frequency of air strikes on Gaza, and will intensify, along with the land and navy forces, the bombardment of the Strip from air, sea, and land, alleging that around 30 Palestinian homemade missiles have been fired recently around the Gaza Strip. The Al Quds Brigades, the armed wing of the Islamic Jihad, and the Nasser Salahuddin Brigades, the armed wing of the Popular Resistance Committees, claimed responsibility for targeting an Israeli military jeep patrolling the eastern borders of the Gaza Strip early Thursday morning. more.. IDF General Staff says still too early for head-on clash in Gaza Ha'aretz 4/21/2006 The IDF has a contingency plan for ground operations in the Gaza Strip but for now is not recommending a go-ahead to the government. Senior General Staff sources told Haaretz that it was still too early for a head-on clash with the Palestinian Authority and the Hamas government. They said Israel was "scoring points" in the international arena in view of its restraint following the suicide bombing in Tel Aviv. IDF commanders believe that Hamas will have some difficulty raising the funds required to run the Palestinian Authority and to pay wages to more than 160,000 public sector workers. more.. Army arrests five residents near Hebron International Middle East Media Center 4/20/2006 Israeli armed forces arrested five residents in pre dawn Thursday invasion of Dura and Ithna villages near the West Bank city of Hebron. In Dura, troops stormed several houses in the village and arrested Dia'a Awawda, 16, and his brother Mohammed, 13, Issam Al Rjoub, 15, and Waleed Al Hroub, 19, claming that they were involved in stone throwing acts against the army during clashes with the residents late Wednesday night, local sources reported. Meanwhile another force entered Ithna village searched several houses and arrested Ahamd Al Tmeizi, 30. Tmeizi was taken to unknown destination, family members reported. [end] more.. Settlers attack schools students in Hebron International Middle East Media Center 4/20/2006 Israeli settlers, accompanied by Soldiers, attacked school students in the West Bank city of Hebron on Thursday morning. The attacks occured in areas adjacent to Tel Al Romaida and Beit Hadassa illegal Israelisettlement outposts. Settlers attacked students of the nearby girls high school with stones and eggs. Soldiers present at the scene did not take any action to stop the settlers, eyewitnesses reported. Several people sustained minor injuries, including, three Internationals, members of the Christian Peace Maker Teams (CPT) who were accompanying the students to school. CPT volunteers refused to recieve medical treatment from Israeli soldiers in protest to their inaction towards the stone-throwing settlers. [end] more.. Army invades Azoun village, east of Qalqilia International Middle East Media Center 4/20/2006 The Israeli Army invaded the village of Azoun, east of the West Bank city of Qalqilia, late Wednesday night. Several armored vehicles stormed the village and were shooting randomly at the residents' homes and searched some of them, damage to the houses was reported by eyewitnesses. [end] more.. Army invades Al Arqa village International Middle East Media Center 4/20/2006 The Israeli armed forces invaded Al Arqa village west of the West Bank city of Jenin, Thursday morning. Several army vehicles entered the village in a provocative way, the village is the home village of the Tel Aviv Boomer, no arrests were made, local sources reported. [end] more.. At least four Qassams fired at Ashkelon area, no injuries Ha'aretz 4/20/2006 At least four Qassam rockets were fired Thursday morning from the Gaza Strip at the Ashkelon area. One rocket landed in the sea and the three others landed near the communities of Zikim and Netiv Ha'asara. No injuries or damage were caused. IDF began firing artillery at the Qassam launching sites in Gaza following the attacks. On Wednesday and Tuesday three Qassams were fired from the northern Gaza Strip. Two landed in open fields in the Western Negev and the third landed in Palestinian Authority territory. There were no injuries in these incidents either. more.. Further arrests and raids in Hebron and Tulkarem Ma'an News 4/20/2006 Hebron-Tulkarem-Ma'an- Early on Thursday morning, Israeli forces raided the town of Izna, west of Hebron. They broke into several houses and arrested one Palestinian citizen, Shaher At-Tumizi (30 years). On Wednesday evening, Israeli forces had raided the town of Bani Naim in the north of the Hebron governorate after a group of the Al-Aqsa Brigades had kidnapped one of the town's citizens. Meanwhile, east of Yatta in the south of the Hebron governorate, a number of Israeli settlers attacked the lands of Khirbit At-Touba despite the presence of a group from the Italian Peace Movement. In other news, Israeli intelligence services have extended the administrative detention of the Islamic Jihad leader, the lawyer Abdul Salam Al-Jandab... more.. Bani Sahila Mayor escapes assassination attempt Ma'an News 4/20/2006 Khan Younis- Ma'an- The Mayor of the Municipality of Bani Sahila (Gaza Strip), Abdul-Qader Ar-Ruqab, has escaped an assassination attempt. Members of a local Palestinian clan threw two hand grenades at him while he was in his office on Thursday morning. Eyewitnesses said that a group of men entered the municipality in a state of fury and called for the cancellation of a complaint which the Mayor had made about one of the family members. The complaint was that the member had insulted the Mayor previously. Witnesses said that the person who threw the grenades was the same person who the Mayor complained about. more.. Israel preparing for ground offensive in Gaza Strip: officer ReliefWeb 4/20/2006 Tel Aviv (dpa) - Israel is preparing for a ground operation in the Gaza Strip, which it will implement if the Hamas-led Palestinian government take no action against militants, Israel Radio reported Thursday, quoting a senior army officer. He demanded the Hamas government stop militants from firing rockets into southern Israel from Gaza and act against the planners of a suicide bombing in Tel Aviv, which killed nine people and injured more than 60 Monday. Israeli Prime Minister-designate Ehud Olmert has declared Hamas responsible for the suicide bombing carried out by the small Islamic Jihad faction, because the Hamas leadership refused to condemn it and called it a "legitimate" act of "self-defence. " more.. Doctor attacked in Gaza City Ma'an News 4/20/2006 Gaza – Ma'an - The Medical Islamic Block has denounced the aggressive attack by unknown people on the doctor Hamed Abu Obaida and his colleagues in the neurosurgery department in Dar Ash-Shifa'a hospital in Gaza City during their work on Wednesday evening. The Block called on all official, legal and human rights organisations to provide necessary protection to the medical crews, to make a strong stand against these irresponsible actions, and to punish the perpetrators. A committee from the Medical Islamic Bloc was formed to follow up this issue. [end] more.. Settlement pigs destroy Palestinian crops in Salfit Ma'an News 4/20/2006 Salfit- Khaled Ma'ali - Farmers in the Salfit governorate have called for assistance in fighting the phenomenon of wilds pigs coming from the Israeli settlements close to the governorate. Othman Balasma, one of the farmers, estimated that his loss last season totalled about NIS 20,000 as a result of the pigs destroying his fields of wheat and grapes in the Al Matwi area between the city of Salfit and the village of Brouqin. [end] more.. Palestinian man indicted for murder of Petah Tikva girl Ha'aretz 4/20/2006 Police on Thursday indicted Mohammed Jahidi, 21, for the murder of Petah Tikva girl Inbal Amram in early March, Army Radio reported. According to the charge sheet submitted to the Tel Aviv District Court, Jahidi infiltrated into Israel from the West Bank city of Qalqilyah armed with a knife, with the intention of stealing a vehicle. The suspect allegedly jumped out of his hiding place near Amram's car when she approached the vehicle. The girl resisted and Jahidi pushed her into the car and drove away. The two scuffled as Jahidi was driving the car and he ultimately stabbed Amram to death. more.. Two homemade projectiles at Ashkelon Ma'an News 4/20/2006 Khan Younis- Ma'an- Common operational leadership of Sami Ghoul Brigades and Aqsa Brigades "both brigades are military wing for Fatah Movement" announce responsibility for the launching of two Homemade Projectiles at the Israeli city of Ashkelon. In a statement issued, the brigades said that the launching of the projectiles is a reaction on the Israeli crimes and killing of Palestinian people in the occupied lands, and confirm that the resistance will be continued. [end] more.. Israeli Army admits firing more than 4000 projectiles into Palestinian residential areas in Gaza in the last 3 weeks Ma'an News 4/20/2006 Ma'an- Israeli military sources admit that more than four thousand projectiles have been launched at Palestinian residential areas in the north of the Gaza Strip in the last three weeks in reaction to Palestinian homemade projectiles. A high ranking officer in the Israeli army said that 1480 projectiles have been launched in the last week alone in order to halt the launching of Palestinian projectiles. Citizens of the Israeli settlement, Nativ Hasarah, said that according to the Israeli newspapaer Yediot Ahronot, "we don’t know if it is the Palestinians who are firing the projectiles or not and then we discover that it is the Israeli army who is doing this against the Palestinians. more.. Israeli forces use teargas and live ammunition at Birzeit University Ma'an News 4/19/2006 Ramallah-Ma'an- Birzeit University witnessed fierce confrontations between students and Israeli forces on Wednesday, in which Israeli soldiers used teargas and live ammunition against students. The Ma'an reporter said that the clashes erupted after five military jeeps stationed themselves at the eastern gates of the university. Some students threw stones at the soldiers. The soldiers reacted by releasing teargas into the air. They also used sonic bombs and shot at the students with live ammunition. No casualties were reported, although students and staff were badly shaken by the Israeli forces' attack on the university. more.. Iranian group seeks British suicide bombers The Guardian 4/19/2006 Relations between the west and the hardline Iranian regime are set to worsen after a Tehran-based group claimed yesterday it was trying to recruit Iranians and other Muslims in Britain to carry out suicide bombings against Israel. The Committee for the Commemoration of Martyrs of the Global Islamic Campaign, which claims to be independent but has the backing of the regime, said it is targeting potential recruits in Britain because of the relative ease with which UK passport-holders can enter Israel. The claim came hours after nine people were killed by a suicide bomber in Tel Aviv, and days after a prediction by the Iranian president, Mahmoud Ahmadinejad, that Israel would be blown away in a "storm". more.. This is a war targeting children! Rafah Today 4/18/2006 Amar Al Kass, 14 years old, and his friend, Mohammed Abu Tabaq, were not able to make it out to enjoy playing in front of their house. Both boys were injured by the Israeli artillery shelling. Mamdouh Abeed, 16 years old, died as a result his injuries. Rounds of Israeli artillery killed Abeed few days ago while he was playing with other kids in Al Shiekh Zaied village. As usual, deaths of children caused by the Israeli shelling never come to an end. There is never any condemnation from the international community and the so-called "Human Rights Organizations". It seems that there are Human Rights organizations functioning and there is something called Human Rights, but that is not in Palestine. more.. Increased closure around Tulkarem Ma'an News 4/19/2006 Tulkarem-Ma'an- Eyewitnesses have told the Ma'an correspondent in Tulkarem that Israeli forces have closed the 'Innab barrier and prevented Tulkarem citizens from passing through in either direction. Eyewitnesses added that soldiers at the barrier forced citizens to wait for hours under threat of Israeli soldiers using their weapons; they sometimes shot in the air above their heads. Citizens are claiming that Israeli soldiers are doubling their suffering and said that Israeli soldiers were preventing Palestinian students from going to their universities. It is also mentioned that the Tulkarem area has been under Israeli siege for several weeks. [end] more.. Emmanuel Settlers sue Marwan Barghouthi Ma'an News 4/19/2006 Ramallah-Ma'an- The local council for the Israeli West Bank settlement Emmanuel, has brought a lawsuit against Palestinian Legislative Council Member Marwan Barghouthi, accusing him of being responsible for the killing of many settlers from this settlement. This claim is valid they say because Barghouthi is a founder and member of the Al-Aqsa Brigades and a leader of the Fatah Movement in the West Bank. The case, which was raised in the Tel Aviv Central Court, also accuses the Palestinian Authority and the Palestinian Legislative Council of being responsible for the operations which killed settlers. According to the settlers, the PA and the PLC are responsible because Fatah was the ruling party during that period. more.. Five residents arrested near Gaza fence International Middle East Media Center 4/19/2006 Israeli soldiers arrested five Palestinians near the northern section of the fence that separates the Gaza Strip from Israel. The five residents were unarmed and were transferred to an interrogation center, Israeli military source reported. [end] more.. Israeli military invasions continue in Nablus and more residents arrested International Middle East Media Center 4/19/2006 The Israeli army continued its invasion of the West Bank city of Nablus and arrested more Palestinian residents of the city on Wednesday morning. Soldiers stormed scores of homes and apartment buildings in the city, searching the homes and residents, as well as using rooftops as military observation posts. The Army arrested Hussam Meql'e and Nidal Amira, during the searches. Soldiers handcuffed the two men and hit them in public before taking them to an unknown destination, eyewitnesses said. A local source reported that a number of women were also arrested -- apparently family members of men "wanted" by the Israeli military. more.. Seven residents injured in Nablus invasion International Middle East Media Center 4/19/2006 In a continuous invasion, seven residents were injured in the West Bank city of Nablus as more army enforcementscontinues to invade the city, Wednesday morningTroops and army vehicles were pushed into the city on Monday morning, and broke into dozens of houses. At least seven residents were injured in calshes that followed the invasion; one of the arrestees is a 16-year old child identifed as Ahmad Al Shitawi, 16, eyewitnesses reported. [end] more.. Army storms residents' homes in Khresa village near Hebron International Middle East Media Center 4/19/2006 Israeli troops stormed, on Wednesday morning, dozens ofhomes in the village of Khresa near the West Bank city of Hebron. Soldiers stormed the house ofWaleed Al Rajoub, trapped his eight family members in one of the rooms and used the house as a military post after and barred the residents from comming near the house, eyewitnesses reported. [end] more.. Settlers attack Palestinian students in Hebron International Middle East Media Center 4/19/2006 Settlers from several illegal settlement posts in the Old City of Hebron in the West Bank attacked Palestinian schools students, Wednesday noon. Settlers hurled stones and empty glass bottles at the children and chased them, whilesoldiers stopped and searched dozens of students at army gates and military posts around the old city, eyewitnesses reported. [end] more.. Islamic Jihad advices its leaders to avoid apprearances in public areas International Middle East Media Center 4/19/2006 On Wednesday, sources in the political wing of Islamic Jihad issued identical warnings to all political leaders to avoid “open appearances in public places,” after the Tel Aviv operation Monday. Islamic Jihad’s armed resistance wing, the Al Quds Brigades, claimed responsibility for the young man who detonated explosives strapped arround his body killing himself and nine Israelis. This is considered a large operation for the group compared to others it has conducted. The political wing of Jihad is waiting for the media to catch up with the idea that the operation coincided with 17 April’s “Palestinian Prisoner Day”. more.. Brigades said they have targeted a military jeep east of Gaza Ma'an News 4/19/2006 Gaza- Ma'an- Quds Brigades" military wing of the Islamic Jihad" and the Popular Resistance Committee's announce responsibility for the targeting of an Israeli military jeep east of Boraij Camp Wednesday morning. In a statement issued Wednesday both factions announced that they have targeted the jeep near the electronic fence east of the Gaza Strip. The statement said hat they will continue the resistance and struggle against the Israeli occupation and called for those who describe this as a mean act to retract. Abbas was telling the press after the Tel Aviv bombing that the act was mean , and Palestinian factions called for him to retract of what he said. [end] more.. Palestinian factions announced responsibility for the launching of projectiles at Sderot Ma'an News 4/19/2006 Gaza- Ma'an- Aqsa Brigades "military wing of Fatah" announced responsibility for the shelling of the Israeli military position in Kerim Shalom. The brigades said that they have launched a homemade projectile at the position and hit directly. In a statement issued Wednesday the Brigades said that the coming days will witness more launching of projectiles and special military operations against the Israelis. In the same regard another group said that they have launched three projectiles at the Israeli town of Sderot. Sami Al Ghoul group who claim responsibility for this launching threat that they will continue the struggle against the Israeli occupation until liberation. [end] more.. In Pictures: Attacks In Israel, Gaza AlJazeera 4/19/2006 Six photos: Nine people were killed and dozens wounded after a Palestinian blew himself up in Tel Aviv on Monday. / Samir Hammad, 21, an Islamic Jihad fighter, was the bomber. He videotaped his testimony in this footage made available on April 17... more.. Israeli Forces' chilling message: Surrender or die! Ma'an News 4/19/2006 Nablus-Ma'an- Israeli forces released the mothers and wives of the "wanted Palestinians" after detaining them for 10 hours and giving them threatening messages to convey to their sons. The message to their sons and husbands from the Israelis was: Surrender or face death. Samya Istaitiyeh, the 36 year-old wife of Fadi Kafaishah, told Ma'an that she was taken, together with 5 other women at 4 am this morning to Hawarah Military Camp. Each of them was interrogated by Israeli officers about their family members. The interrogators made it clear that they were trying to get information to help them to find the women’s husbands and sons and then either arrest or kill them. more.. Palestinian factions reject the use of weapons in internal Palestinian conflict Ma'an News 4/19/2006 Gaza-Ma’an- Six Palestinian factions have denounced the use of uniforms and weapons in the internal Palestinian conflict. The factions warned against using the name of "resistance" or hiding behind it to settle internal differences or to solve conflicts between parties. In a press conference held in Gaza, the factions threatened that anyone who dared to do so would be fired and punished. They pledged their support to the security apparatus and police in their confrontation with "gangsters”. The six factions called on the Palestinian police, in an "honour document" read by Al-Aqsa Brigades’ member Abu Tha'er, to work hard to pursue those who commit such acts. They also called on clans and families not to back their members who use weapons of resistance to settle internal differences. more.. Shock over Student Turned Bomber By Khaled Amayreh, Palestine Chronicle 4/19/2006 Meanwhile, the Hamas-led government apparently retreated from earlier statements condoning the bombing. --Friends and family are shocked to hear that Samir Hammad blew himself up and killed nine Israelis, yet most say the attack was provoked by Israel's deadly raids in the Palestinian territories. Muhammed Hammad, a cousin of the bomber, said: "I never thought he would do such a thing. He didn't have the profile of suicide-bomber. "I am shocked. It is difficult to believe it. " Samir Hammad, 21, a student at the al-Quds Open University, managed to evade Israel's ubiquitous army checkpoints on the West Bank and reached Tel Aviv where he carried out the bombing at a falafel sandwich stand on Monday.... His father Samih, a 50-year-old municipal worker in Jenin, could hardly make ends meet to feed his nine children. more.. Bomber's family surprised, grieved by son's attack; father arrested International Middle East Media Center 4/18/2006 The Israeli army has arrested the father of an Islamic Jihad suicide bomber who killed nine people in an attack the day before in Tel Aviv. Samih Hamad, 51, was arrested in an invasion by Israeli forces of his home village of Arqa, near the northern West Bank city of Jenin, early Tuesday morning, local sources said. His 21-year-old son Samir blew himself up on Monday lunchtime at a fast food stall in Tel Aviv in what was the deadliest Palestinian attack for 20 months. Both the bombers' parents told Agence France Presse on Monday that they had no idea about their sons' intentions. Samiya Hamad, the boy's mother, said there had been no warning signs that her son was getting involved with this group. more.. Israeli Troops storm residents homes in Beit Awwa village in Hebron; arrest one resident International Middle East Media Center 4/18/2006 Israeli army troops stormed the homes of residents of Beit Awwa village and arrested one resident, Tuesday morning. Several army vehicles entered the village, forced families out of their homes, and thoroughly searched them, before arresting Zied Al Sowati, 18, and taking him to unknown destination, eyewitnesses reported. [end] more.. Israeli soldiers attack two Palestinian security men Ma'an News 4/19/2006 Qalqilia- Ma'an- Israeli forces, stationed at the checkpoint between Jayyous town and Kufr Jamal village east of the city of Qalqilia, have violently attacked two Palestinian security members with no clear reason. Palestinian security sources said that the soldier at the mentioned checkpoint attacked Nidal Abu Zraib and Jasser Abu Zraib who were on their way to work in Nour Shams refugee camp in Tulkarem on Wednesday. The sources added that the soldiers stopped the car they were travelling to work in, ordered them to step out and then started hitting and beating them severely. Both members were transported to hospital for treatment. [end] more.. Wide condemnation of shooting at Tulkarem Mayor's home Ma'an News 4/19/2006 Tulkarem-Ma'an-Palestinians from all factions and residents from towns and cities in the West Bank are still visiting the home of the Mayor of Tulkarem, Mr. Mahmoud Jallad, to show their solidarity. The Mayor's house and car was shot at by anonymous, armed men a few days ago. The visitors condemned the incident and expressed their solidarity. They also called for the imposition of law and order and expressed their wish that the attackers will face justice. Mr. Jallad received a telephone call from Local Affairs' Minister, Mr. Issa Jabari, and other senior officials in the Palestinian Authority in which they expressed condemnation of the incident and called for the attackers to be punished. [end] more.. Strong condemnation of attack on YMCA Ma'an News 4/19/2006 Qalqilia-Ma'an-Palestinian national factions, as well as official and civil societies in the Governorate of Qalqilia have condemned the attack on the YMCA in Qalqilia. In a statement issued on Wednesday, the factions and societies called for dialogue to be the means through which all problems are solved. All called for restraint and asked that no-one take the law into his own hands, saying that such assaults on social organizations are foreign to Palestinians and against Palestinian traditions and habits. The YMCA was attacked by an anonymous group of people two days ago – an act which was strongly condemned by residents of the area. [end] more.. Abbas: Tel Aviv Bombing a ‘Despicable Act of Terror’ Palestine Media Center 4/18/2006 Quartet to Meet May 9, Palestinian UN Observer Blasts ‘Double Standards’ -- While more than 80 Israeli military vehicles were storming Monday into the largest West Bank city of Nablus, under a five-year old siege, a 21-year old Palestinian blew himself up in Tel Aviv killing nine people, which Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas condemned as a “despicable act of terror,” though Prime Minister Ismael Haniyeh declined to comment, but spokesman of his Hamas-led Cabinet described the attack as “self-defense. ” The ongoing Israeli military escalation and siege claimed more than 24 Palestinian lives in April. 14 Palestinian deaths were reported in the West Bank and Gaza Strip during a week, the Palestine Red Crescent Society (PRCS) reported on Saturday. more.. 16 year-old killed, two injured in Israeli bombardment of Beit Lahiya Ma'an News 4/18/2006 Rafah-Ma'an-A Palestinian boy was killed and another two injured during an Israeli heavy artillery bombardment of the Sheikh Zayed area in Beit Lahiya on Monday evening. The Ma'an reporter said that Mamdouh Obaid, (16) year died of wounds that he sustained when he was hit by shelling while playing football. Israeli artillery bombarded the area while many children were playing outside. Ammar Al Kas (15) and Mohammad Abu Moyabbak (14) were taken to the hospital for treatment. Dr Moawiyah Hasanain from the Ministry of Health said that the boy died in the Operating Theatre. [end] more.. Four Palestinian boys injured by Israeli artillery in Gaza Ma'an News 4/18/2006 Gaza-Ma'an-Four Palestinian boys were moderately injured by splinters from Israeli artillery that was launched at the Gaza Strip on Tuesday morning. Dr. Moawyah Hasanain , Director of Emergency in the Ministry of Health said that the boys, between 15 and 16 years’ old, were injured in the Al Atatrah area in Beit Lahiya, north of the Gaza Strip. Reports said that the shelling hit the sewage system in the area, which would cause an environmental disaster in the area if the shelling did not stop. Israeli Forces, using artillery, shell the Gaza Strip frequently and have caused the death and injury of many Palestinians in different parts of the Strip. [end] more.. Israeli Forces arrest father of Tel Aviv bomber, say they will demolish his house Ma'an News 4/18/2006 Jenin-Ma'an-Israeli Forces raided Arakah, west of Jenin, in the north of the West Bank and launched an extensive campaign of entering and searching homes in the area. They then arrested Sami Hammad’s father and another resident. Sami Hammad is the young man who blew himself up in an explosion in a Tel Aviv restaurant on Monday afternoon, killing a total of 9 people. Israeli Forces have ordered Hammad’s family to leave their home, an order that usually means that the Israeli Forces intend to demolish the house. Eyewitnesses said that during the raid, Israeli forces patrolled the village while shooting repeatedly and excessively in the air. They used sonic bombs in the area, while they forcibly entered and searched the homes in the area that surrounds Hammad’s home. [end] more.. Israeli army detains 23 Palestinians in raid on W. Bank China View 4/19/2006 RAMALLAH, April 18 (Xinhua) -- Israeli army raided the West Bank early Tuesday and arrested 23 Palestinians, including the father of Sami Hamad, who carried out Monday's Tel Aviv suicide bombing, Palestinian security sources reported. Palestinian witnesses said that Israeli soldiers raided theattacker's village Araqah, west of the West Bank city of Jenin,and took away Sami Hamad' father from his home. Sami Hamad, 20, an Islamic Jihad (Holy War) militant, blewhimself up near the crowded old central bus station in southernTel Aviv on Monday, killing nine Israelis and wounding dozens of others. Meanwhile, Israel Radio confirmed Tuesday that Israeli soldiers arrested 23 wanted Palestinians throughout the West Bank overnight. Israel declared a state of emergency and put police and army on high alert following Monday's deadly suicide bombing in Tel Aviv. more.. Israeli Forces set up barriers around Jenin, Tubas Ma'an News 4/18/2006 Jenin-Ma’an-Israeli Forces set up several temporary Military Barriers at the cities of Jenin and Tubas and large numbers of Israeli forces stationed themselves around the city of Jenin. Residents fear that this is in preparation of a possible incursion into Jenin as a result of the bombing operation in Tel Aviv. Palestinian Security Sources said that Israeli Forces stationed themselves in the western and southern areas of Jenin. In related news, Israeli Forces set up a temporary Military Barrier at the entrance to the town of of Ya'abad and stopped several Palestinian vehicles from passing through the Barrier. more.. Teenage bomber who shook the Middle East The Independent 4/18/2006 A youthful Islamic Jihad activist blew himself up outside a crowded falafel bar in Tel Aviv yesterday, killing at least nine civilians and wounding about 50. Samer Samih Hamad, from the West Bank village of Arakeh, near the pre-1967 border, is believed to be one of the youngest suicide boIn a video "living will", he dedicated the operation to the thousands of Palestinian prisoners in Israeli jails. Dressed in black with a yellow headband inscribed with Koranic verses, he warned in a clear, firm voice: "There are many other bombers on the way. " Relatives said he had completed high school. But he looked more like a boy. more.. Israel on alert after Tel Aviv blast AlJazeera 4/18/2006 More than 30 people remain in hospital after the attack -- Israeli security forces are on high alert after a suicide bomb blast in Tel Aviv killed nine Israelis. The measure comes as relatives prepared to bury five killed in the blast on Monday. Thirty-six people remain in hospital, with three reported to be in serious condition. Ehud Olmert, acting prime minister, has convened key cabinet ministers and security chiefs to discuss a response to the attack, the first in Israel since the Palestinian Hamas-led government took power in March. Defence chiefs are seeking to recommend that the northern West Bank be sealed off and that operations against Islamic Jihad be intensified, including so-called targeted killings of senior leaders, sources said. more.. Israeli missile attack on welding workshop Ma'an News 4/18/2006 Gaza-Ma’an-An Israeli helicopter shot one missile at a welder’s workshop in the Asqoulah area in Az Zaitun District in Gaza on Monday night. The Israeli Forces claim that Palestinian activists use the workshop to make missiles. No injuries were reported. The Ma’an correspondent reported that the missile inflicted great damage on the workshop and the buildings around it. This was the third Israeli bombardment of the workshop since the Al Aqsa Intifada began in 2000. The bombardment comes in response to the suicide operation that an activist of the Al Quds Brigades’, the military wing of Islamic Jihad, carried out in Tel Aviv in which 8 Israelis were killed and more than 40 injured. [end] more.. Roadblocks increase following bombing YNet News 4/18/2006 Police on maximum alert, in possession of 17 specific terror warnings; 'Public will see more roadblocks, be patient,' says senior police source -- A senior police source told Ynet Tuesday that "we're calling on the public to show patience and tolerance following the security checks that will be carried out across the country and the possible traffic jams. " Security forces have 17 specific warnings on intentions of terrorist organizations to carry out attacks, out of 74 general warnings. Most of the warnings are coming from Samaria, in the northern West Bank, especially from the Islamic Jihad and Tanzim organizations. more.. Palestinian militants threaten to attack Jewish targets abroad Ha'aretz 4/17/2006 Palestinian militants linked to Chairman Mahmoud Abbas's increasingly fractured Fatah movement threatened on Monday to attack Jews overseas to force Israel to release Palestinian prisoners from its jails. Islamic Jihad, also said they supported violence to free more than 8,000 prisoners held by Israel, but neither explicitly backed attacks on Jews abroad. The call by militants of the al-Aqsa Martyrs Brigades could heighten tension between Israel and the Palestinian Authority, which has been crippled financially by the loss of Western aid, and of tax and customs revenues frozen by Israel, after Hamas's crushing electoral win over Fatah in January. more.. Israeli helicopter fires missile on Gaza City China View 4/17/2006 GAZA, April 17 (Xinhua) -- An Israeli Apache attack helicopter fired at least one missile onto Gaza City late on Monday night, causing damages but no casualties, Palestinian witnesses and security sources said. The witnesses said that the Israeli helicopter fired at least one missile at a metal workshop in central Gaza City, causing severe damages to the shop. The Israeli army said that the air strike was targeting a factory used by Palestinian militants to make rockets. The Israeli missile attack came just hours after a high-ranking security meeting chaired by Israeli Defense Minister Shaul Mofaz decided to avenge a deadly Palestinian suicide bomb attack in Israel's Tel Aviv earlier in the day. more.. Two IDF soldiers held for alleged role in West Bank clash Ha'aretz 4/17/2006 Two Israel Defense Forces troops have been arrested on the suspicion that they took part in clashes between settlers and Palestinian farmers, and opened fire, while on leave from the army. The soldiers allegedly joined a group of settlers that tried to thwart the work of Palestinian farmers near the West Bank village of Salem, in the vicinity of Nablus. The soldiers were arrested following an interrogation conducted by both Military Police and Israel Police. On Friday March 31, five Israelis left the Kibbutz Movement's National Missions Department to assist Palestinian farmers. According to Yoel Marshak, who heads the department, "A group of settlers appeared in front of the tractors and prevented their work. The farmers turned away, and 40 settlers from Skali Farm and Elon Moreh chased them.... " more.. Lawlessness continues in Palestine Ma'an News 4/18/2006 Ma’an-After almost six years of an uprising or Intifada against the Israeli Occupation, the main element which prevails in the Palestinian areas is that of lawlessness. Armed and masked Palestinian men kidnapped Security Officer Mohammad Abu Mansour, a member of the Preventative Security Apparatus in Jabaliya. After shooting him 7 times in his feet, they calmly left the building as if they had done nothing. In other incidents of lawlessness, unknown people kidnapped two policemen in Deir Al Balah, and drove off in a Subaru to an unknown destination. Eyewitnesses told Ma'an that the kidnapped policemen, in uniform at the time of the kidnap, were Mohammad Hammad and Kamal Falit. more.. Israel decides on 'limited' response to TA attack Ha'aretz 4/18/2006 Israel to step up operations in territories in wake of bombing -- Israel's interim government decided Tuesday to limit its immediate response to the deadly bombing in Tel Aviv on Monday, refraining from authorizing military action against the Hamas-led Palestinian Authority, while holding the PA formally responsible, sources said. "[Interim Prime Minister] Olmert heard the defense establishment's ideas for possible strikes against the Palestinian Authority, and though the government is responsible, the decision was that there should be more limited action for now," said a political source. "Israel will exercise its inherent right of self-defense and will take the necessary steps to protect its citizens from Palestinian terror," David Baker, an official in the Prime Minister's Office, told Haaretz on Tuesday. more.. Israeli soldiers leave their posts at Lebanese border Ma'an News 4/18/2006 Jerusalem-Ma’an-Israeli Security Sources said that 20 Israeli soldiers who are stationed at the Israeli-Lebanese border left their posts for one day to protest against their treatment by the Israeli Army. The Israeli Military was forced into chasing them through the streets of Kityat Shmouni, in the north of Israel, last Saturday, in an attempt to arrest the dissenting soldiers. This rebellion took place in the Ghulani battalion after the sanction, by the Army of six soldiers. [end] more.. Palestinian suicide bomber strikes Tel Aviv The Independent 4/17/2006 A suicide bomber blew himself up at a fast food restaurant in a bustling commercial area of Tel Aviv during the Jewish holiday of Passover today, killing himself and eight [nine] people and wounding 49 in the deadliest Palestinian attack in more than a year. The bombing appeared to set the stage for a showdown between Israel and the Palestinians' new Hamas rulers, who called the attack a legitimate response to Israeli "aggression. " Israel said it held Hamas ultimately responsible, even though a different militant group, Islamic Jihad, said it carried out the bombing. Israeli defence chiefs wIsraeli defence chiefs were to hold consultations later today, but security officials said a possible military ground operation in Gaza, the base of the new Hamas government, was not being considered. more.. IDF, police fail to prevent settler march in closed military zone Ha'aretz 4/16/2006 Settlers on Sunday broke through a ring of Israel Defense Forces troops and police and held a march from the West Bank settlement of Beit El to the nearby Gush Talmonim, Israel Radio reported. Security forces refused to approve the march because its intended route had been shut down to Israelis after several shooting attacks by Palestinians. The purpose of the march was to protest the route's closure five years ago with the outbreak of the second Intifada. Settlers entered the area despite the army's refusal and in defiance of a order declaring the area a closed military zone. As a result, hundreds of participants faced army and police who tried to prevent them from holding the march. more.. Shin Bet arrests Palestinians who stole IDF rifles at gunpoint Ha'aretz 4/16/2006 The Shin Bet security service on Sunday arrested six Palestinians in possession of two rifles stolen from Israel Defense Forces paratroopers in the West Bank settlement of Bat Ayin last Friday. The suspects, who are residents of the nearby West Bank villages of Beit Omer and Surif, admitted taking the two M-16 assault rifles from the soldiers at gunpoint. They told Shin Bet forces that on the night of the incident, they randomly picked a settlement house to rob, which turned out to be the soldiers barracks. After deciding the Palestinians were not members of any terrorist organizations and that their actions were criminally-motivated, the Shin Bet transferred the case to the police. more.. Gaza police stage violent protest BBC 4/15/2006 Police in Gaza have held a violent protest at the new Hamas government's failure to pay their wages. Up to 50 masked officers blocked roads and stormed a government office, firing their weapons in the air from the roof. They said they were suffering severe financial problems and demanded their wages, now two weeks late. The new administration is facing a financial crisis as foreign donors cut off aid after Hamas refused to renounce violence and recognise Israel. Russian pledge: "We warn this is only a first step," Abu Mohammed, a leader of the protesters in the central town of Khan Younis, the focus of the demonstration, told news agency Reuters. more.. Israeli forces close off Palestinian movement in the Jordan Valley International Middle East Media Center 4/14/2006 The Israeli Army Restrictsthe movement of Jordan Valley''s citizens. Israeli Forces prevented citizens in al-Aghwar al-Shamaleya, in Jordan Valley, from leaving their villages to reachWest Bank cities on Thursday. Witnesses told the Palestinian WAFA News Agency that Israeli soldiers closed al-Hamra and Tayaseer checkpoints and banned the movements of farmers, students and patients. For several days,the Al-Aghwar al-Shamaleya areahas been under strict siege and is experiencing food shortages. Israeli forces have completely severed the Jordan Valley from the rest of theWest Bank during the last year, in preparation for building the eastern section of the Israeli Annexation Wall, thusisolating Palestinians from Jordan by enclosing the Palestinian territory on both the West and the East. [end] more.. Iraeli Occupation Forces storms farmers' huts in the Jordan valley area International Middle East Media Center 4/14/2006 The Israeli forces stormed Palestinian farmers' huts in the northern areas of the Jordan valley , Friday at dawn. Soldiers broke intohuts located north of Ein Al Bida village, and checked the ID cards offarmers. They then deported those unregistered in the Jorden Valley back to the areas that their cards were registered to, local sources reported. The the Israeli army has been carrying out the deportationof residents fromthe Jordan valley area using this pretext for over a year. [end] more.. Army artillery bombard north and eastern areas of Gaza Strip International Middle East Media Center 4/14/2006 The Israeli army continue their artillery bombardment to north and east areas inthe Gaza Strip, this Friday morning. Israeli tanks located north east of the strip, firedscores of shells at homes and open land bothnorth and east of the strip, damage to the houses and panic injures were reported, eyewitnesses said. [end] more.. Rival armed factions seizing pieces of Gaza Christian Science Monitor 4/14/2006 Fatah and Hamas militias train in old Israeli settlements as anxiety grows over instability. -- KHAN YOUNIS, GAZA STRIP – The remains of an Israeli military hilltop outpost overlooking Gaza's second-largest city have been cordoned off by razor wire and fortified with sandbags. The custodians of land that was part of the Israeli Gush Katif settlement block until disengagement last year are not Palestinian police but armed squatters from the Abu Reesh Brigades, a militia affiliated with President Mahmoud Abbas's Fatah Party. And the militia's frayed blue and magenta banner fluttering quietly in the breeze is their deed of ownership. "We just took this place," says Abu Harwun, a militia commander who uses a pseudonym. "Until now there is no authority in Gaza. " more.. Jewish extremists attack man for helping Palestinians Ma'an News 4/14/2006 Ma'an-“Who is going to rein in or bridle the Jewish extremists? ” This question was asked by the Maarive website, an Israeli daily newspaper, after the burning of police- cars and the issuing of threats against Israeli officers and Ministers. Five Jewish extremists broke into the house of the head of the Kibbutz Missions, Yoal Mehrishk, in Givaat Hash'losha Kibbutz. Wearing masks, the men demanded that he stop helping Palestinians now and in the future, especially those Palestinians that have been attacked by the settlers. They threatened to kill him if he helped Palestinians, especially those from Salim village. Despite these threats, he again went to Salim village to help Palestinian farmers whose land was attacked by settlers. [end] more.. Qassam hit sports stadium in south, causing damage but no injuries Ha'aretz 4/15/2006 A homemade Qassam rocket fired by Palestinians in the Gaza Strip struck a sports stadium at Kibbutz Yad Mordechai, near the southern town of Ashkelon on Friday night, causing some damage but no injuries. Israel Defense Forces troops shelled the area from which the rocket was fired, Israel Radio reported. The Qassam fire followed a fresh IDF artillery barrage on the Gaza Strip on Friday, which came after militants fired eight rockets at Israel, the IDF said. Troops also entered the Gaza Strip on Friday to search for bombs near the security fence surrounding Gaza, Israel Radio said. more.. Israeli Deputy-Chief of Staff threatens Palestinian Authority Security and Hamas Government Ma'an News 4/14/2006 Ma'an Agency- Arab 48- Israeli Deputy Chief of Staff, Mosheh Kiblinski said in an interview with the Israeli daily, Yediot Aharonot, " We are forced to put more pressure, and there are signs that the pressure is effective". This statement was made after the recent Israeli escalation against Palestinians and the Israeli penetration into the Gaza Strip. When asked how far the Israeli government was from launching a military campaign, he responded," I hope we are not going to need this, but if we decide to do so, that wouldn’t be today or tomorrow. ” The general added that when they decide that the time is right for an escalation, they will make a decision about escalation and if they decide to escalate, they will escalate. more.. Israeli Attacks on Palestinian high school escalate: Students and Staff targeted International Middle East Media Center 4/14/2006 Anata secondary school in East Jerusalem has been experiencing daily incursions by Israeli forces, as the Israeli Annexation Wall runs through the middle of the schoolyard. Israeli soldiers arrived en masse at the school on Wednesday the 12th of April, just as students took their morning break. The headmaster was forced to shut the school after students and staff were subjected to rounds of rubber bullets, sound bombs and large volumes of tear gas. In the most recent attack on Wednesday, at 10:40 am students began their morning break in the schoolyard, which has been split in half by the Israeli Annexation Wall for several months. Four military jeeps came towards the school and stationed in front of the perimeter, threatening the students with their sirens. more.. Masked men kill daughter defending her father in Khan Younis Ma'an News 4/14/2006 Khan Younis-Ma'an-Local informed sources said that a group of masked men killed a Palestinian woman, Dina Mahmoud Abu Jamirah, (31) from Khan Younis. Eyewitnesses said that at around 11. 30 pm last night, a group of armed men arrived at the family home, and attempted to take the father’s car. They claimed that there was a dispute with the father over the car, and left the house. They returned 10 minutes’ later, and attempted to kidnap the father. The daughter tried to stop them from taking her father, and they responded by shooting her in the chest. They also shot the father in his foot. Dina was taken to Nasser hospital where she died. more.. Qassam lands near kibbutz dining hall YNet News 4/14/2006 Rocket launched from northern Gaza lands near Yad Mordechai's dining room while members were dining at the place. No injuries reported in incident, but building sustains damages. Palestinian sources say al-Quds Brigades behind strike. IDF shells northern Gaza in response -- A Qassam rocket that was launched from the northern Gaza Strip landed near the dining hall in kibbutz Yad Mordechai south of Ashkelon, while kibbutz members were dining at the place. No injuries were reported, but some damage was caused to the building. Palestinian sources reported that the al-Quds Brigades, Islamic Jihad's military wing, are behind the strike. In response to the attack, IDF forces began firing artillery shells at the area in northern Gaza from which the rocket was launched. more.. Teenager arrested at Tayasser checkpoint east of Tubas International Middle East Media Center 4/14/2006 Israeli soldiers stationed at Tayasser military checkpoint east of the West Bank city of Tubas arrested Hamada Sauafta, 17, on Thursday night. Sauafta was arrested while travelling home from Tubas city to the north area of the Jordan valley. The location and the reason behind his arrest remain unknown, local sources reported. [end] more.. Two guns stolen from soldiers YNet News 4/14/2006 Two soldiers were sleeping in dwellings when unidentified individuals broke in and stole their weapons using a handgun and knives -- Unidentified individuals broke into the settlement of Bat-Ein and succeeded in stealing guns from two soldiers sleeping in the area, as other soldiers guarded the settlement. The settlement of Bat-Eyn in Gush Etzion was being guarded by soldiers who were circling the settlement, which is not fenced off, while other soldiers slept. The thieves managed to reach the first caravan in which the soldiers slept, broke into the room, threatened the soldiers with pistols and knives, and took the guns with them. more.. The Israeli Army arrest two residents from Nour Shams refugee camp in Tulkarm International Middle East Media Center 4/14/2006 The Israeli armed forces arrested two residents from Nour Shams refugee camp in the West Bank city of Tulkarm, Friday morning. Troops and army vehicles broke into theNour Shams camp, and conducted a search. They occupedtwothe residents homes before arresting; Abdul Rahim Shawesh, 24 , who works for the Palestinian Authority national security forces, and Al'a Shbrawi ,24, bothmen were taken to unknown locations, eyewitnesses reported. [end] more.. Man shot in Gaza Ma'an News 4/14/2006 Gaza-Ma’an-Palestinian Security sources in the Central Governorate in the Gaza Strip, reported that one Palestinian was seriously injured on Thursday evening. The sources said that armed masked men shot and injured Fadi Hani Ad Dusht (30), in his chest. Palestinian Security Forces are investigating the circumstances of the shooting. [end] more.. 4 arrested in Nablus and Tulkarem Ma'an News 4/14/2006 Bethlehem-Ma'an-Israeli forces arrested four Palestinians in Nablus and Tulkarem claiming that they were affiliated to Islamic Jihad and to the Popular Front for the Liberation of Palestine (PFLP). Israeli sources said that the Israeli Forces arrested two Palestinians from Nablus, claiming that they were affiliated to the PFLP, while another two Palestinians were arrested in Nour Shams Refugee Camp, near Tulkarem, suspected of being affiliated to Islamic Jihad. [end] more.. IDF troops enter Gaza YNet News 4/13/2006 IDF engineering forces search for explosive devices inside Gaza Strip following killing of two Palestinian terrorists Wednesday night; military official characterizes move as 'defensive,' says similar operations may followHanan Greenberg An IDF force entered the Gaza Strip in order to secure a road 50 meters (about 150 feet) beyond the Gaza security fence Thursday afternoon. The move follows the killing of two terrorists who attempted to place a bomb south of the Kissufim crossing last night. The move marks the first time IDF troops enter Gaza since the disengagement. more.. Israel Re-imposes Full Lockdown on oPt Amidst Warnings of Humanitarian Crisis International Press Center 4/13/2006 GAZA, April 13, 2006 (IPC + Agencies) - - Israeli occupation authorities declared on Wednesday that it will impose a complete closure of the occupied Palestinian territories (oPt) from Wednesday evening until the end of the Jewish Passover Holidays, as international organizations warned that this closure would lead to a humanitarian crisis. Israeli sources said that the occupation forces have raised their alert status along the borderline with the Palestinian territories, after reportedly receiving warnings of Palestinian resistance activists carrying out attacks inside Israel during the holidays. On her part, the Commissioner-General of the United Nations Relief and Works Agency (UNRWA), Karin Abu Zaid, warned that the food supplies in UNRWA's warehouses will be sufficient for just ten days. more.. Israeli Official: We'll compensate the loss of your daughter with an Israeli work permit Rafah Today 4/13/2006 Here in Gaza, the loud Israeli helicopters continue to hover in the sky. In the meantime, Israeli tank shells are bombarding the north and eastern part of Gaza Strip. The cannon shelling resulted in the murder of Hadil Ghaban, a 9 year old little girl who was killed while she was inside her home. During the bombing, her brothers and sisters were injured as well. In a later interview with Rafah Today, Hadil's father stated that an Israeli official from the Israeli Occupation Forces called him on the phone and, in very fluent Arabic, apologized for the killing of his 9 year old daughter and for the damage to his house. The Israeli official suggested that Hadil's father would be given permission to go to work inside Israel as a compensation for the killing of his daughter. more.. East Jerusalem man thought slain over land sale to settlers Ha'aretz 4/13/2006 The body of an East Jerusalem Palestinian was found in a burned out car in the West Bank city of Jericho early Thursday, in what police believe was a murder motivated by the recent sale of his four-story apartment building to Jews. The family of Mohammed Abu al-Hawa, a 40-year-old father of eight, said that seven bullets had been fired at his head and car. Palestinian sources said he had also been beaten around the head. According to Israel Police spokesman Micky Rosenfeld, al-Hawa was shot dead and his body and car torched.... The al-Hawa family was one of two families who recently sold a total of three apartment buildings on the Mount of Olives in A-Tur, not far from the Seven Arches Hotel and overlooking the Temple Mount. more.. Palestinians storm PM's offices BBC 4/13/2006 Palestinian gunmen have stormed the Palestinian prime minister's office in the West Bank town of Ramallah. The new prime minister, Hamas' Ismail Haniya, was not in the office - he is based in Gaza. The men from the militant al-Aqsa Martyrs' Brigades left the building soon afterwards. About 20 gunmen are reported to have forced their way into the building, which also houses the offices of the rest of the Palestinian cabinet. A video conference was going on at the time, linking government offices in Ramallah and Gaza. The gunmen even managed to speak down the video link with Mr Haniya. According to witnesses, the gunmen demanded jobs and promotion. Then, within half an hour, they left the building. more.. Soldiers invade Jeet village east of Qalqilia International Middle East Media Center 4/13/2006 The Israeli armed forces invadedJeet village, east of the West Bank city of Qalqilia, Thursday morning. Soldiers broke into several homes and searched them, no arrests were reported. [end] more.. SIS Report: 28 Palestinians Killed and 195 Injured in Israeli Aggression Last March International Press Center 4/13/2006 GAZA, Palestine, April 12, 2006 (IPC) - - A report monitoring the Israeli violations and aggression against the Palestinian people confirmed that 28 Palestinians were killed and 195 others were injured throughout the month of March, in addition to damaging 38 buildings, two mosques and six schools. The report, which was prepared the State Information Service (SIS) Palestinian National Information Center (PNIC), asserted that Israeli have not ceased its offensive against the Palestinian people in the occupied Palestinian territories, using its war machine and violating an array of international laws and conventions that protect civilians in times of war. more.. Ultra-Orthodox clash with J'lem police to protest man's arrest Ha'aretz 4/14/2006 Police on Thursday removed burning trash cans from a Jerusalem street placed by ultra-Orthodox protesting the arrest of a member of their community suspected of killing his baby boy, Israel Radio reported. Five protesters were arrested as hundreds of residents yelled "Nazis" at police. The radio reported late on Thursday that rabbinical sages issued a statement calling on the protesters to refrain from violence and from burning trash on the street. Yisrael Vales, 19, has admitted to slamming his three months-old son Rephael against a wall and attacking him numerous times, because he "wouldn't let him sleep. " Rephael died in hospital on Monday a day after he was pronounced clinically dead. more.. Video - Orthodox riot over arrest YNet News 4/14/2006 Jerusalem riots: Hundreds of ultra-Orthodox hit streets Thursday evening, attempt to block roads using burning trash cans to protest arrest of haredi man accused of killing infant; organizers: U.S. protests planned -- (VIDEO) Jerusalem riots: What started as street notices and local organized gatherings turned into violent protests against the arrest of Israel Asher Valas, 19, an ultra-Orthodox man accused of manslaughter over the death of his three-month-old son. Senior Jerusalem Police District sources condemned the "wild behavior by the ultra-Orthodox and the road blockages in demand to release the suspect in the killing of his infant son. more.. Aqsa Brigades fighters briefly take over Cabinet building in Ramallah International Middle East Media Center 4/13/2006 Palestinian fighters of the Al Aqsa Brigades, the military wing of Fateh movement, brieflybriefly took over the Cabinet building in the West Bank city of Ramallah, on Thursday, protesting the the decision of the new Hamas-led government to reject their perks and promotions in the security forces. A group of twenty gunmen of the Brigades broke into and controlled the three-story cabinet building for about an hour until members of the Palestinian security forces managed to convince them to evacuate the building. Many of those gunmen also work in the Palestinian security devices. Earlier on Thursday, the fighters of the Al Aqsa Brigades also shut down the transportation ministry and forced to employees to leave the building. more.. Gunmen take over Palestinian Cabinet AlJazeera 4/13/2006 Palestinian gunmen briefly took over the Cabinet building on Thursday, protesting against the refusal of the new Hamas government to meet their demands for perks and promotions. The gunmen were from the al-Aqsa Martyrs' Brigades, a military wing of Fatah. Fatah, which dominated Palestinian politics for decades, was defeated by Hamas in January parliament elections. About 20 al-Aqsa gunmen seized the three-story Cabinet building in Ramallah for about an hour, before members of the security forces persuaded them to leave. Many of the gunmen also work in the security forces. Earlier on Thursday, the group had shut down the Transportation Ministry, forcing employees to leave the building. more.. 17 year-old arrested in Jenin Governorate Ma'an News 4/13/2006 Jenin-Maan-Israeli Forces arrested Palestinian youth, Mahmoud Bani Oudi (17), from Sahil Al Baqi'a, east of Tam'moun, in the south of Jenin Governorate. He was taken to an unknown destination. According to Palestinian Security sources, Israeli Forces claim to have found him in a closed military area that is used for the training of Israeli solders. Eyewitnesses said that four Israeli Military patrols raided the area after the youth’s arrest. They inspected the shepherds’ tents and the pastures for the sheep. more.. Apache planes, tanks and bulldozers close to Khan Younis Ma'an News 4/13/2006 Khan Younis-Ma’an-Eyewitnesses reported that three Israeli Apache planes were seen flying over the Kisufim Crossing, north-east of Al Qararah Town, in the north of the Khan Younis Governorate. They said that three Israeli tanks and two bulldozers were currently sweeping large sections of agricultural land near the eastern border, close to the Kisufim Crossing. Residents in the area called for an end to the Israeli massacres that targets Palestinian lives and dignity. [end] more.. Al Quds Brigades launch projectile into Israeli Military Post Ma'an News 4/13/2006 Gaza-Maan-Al Quds Brigades, the military wing of Islamic Jihad, claimed responsibility for the launch of one home-made projectile into an Israeli military post east of Al Bureij Refugee camp. In a statement, the Brigades confirmed that the launch was a response to the assassinations and daily destruction that the Israeli Forces carried out against the Palestinian people. No injuries were reported. [end] more.. Israeli Forces kill 18, injure 75 and induce 245 cases of shock, nervous breakdowns in Gaza Ma'an News 4/13/2006 Ma'an-Director General of Emergency and First Aid in the Ministry of Health,Dr. Moawiyeh Hassanain, said that last week’s Israeli strikes on the Gaza Strip killed 18 Palestinians and injured another 75, some critically. 245 people, 146 of whom were children less than 12 years old, were treated for shock and nervous breakdowns. [end] more.. Al Bazan-Nablus Road closed Ma'an News 4/13/2006 Nablus-Ma’an-Israeli bulldozers closed the Al Bazan-Nablus Roads with mounds of earth and stopped residents from passing through with no reason. Eyewitnesses said that Israeli Forces had closed the road, north-east of Nablus, two weeks ago, and excavated it. This forced residents to re-open it as it is the only road that links northern Nablus with the city of Nablus. Eyewitnesses added that the Israeli Forces that accompanied the bulldozers, threatened residents and demanded that they not open the road again. Residents were forced to find alternative routes to Nablus. [end] more.. Israeli Tanks penetrated in the Gaza Strip Ma'an News 4/13/2006 Khan Younis- Ma'an- Israeli Tanks penetrated at least 500 meters in the Gaza Strip lands near the area of Kitzovim Crossing east of Qarara village north of the governorate of Khan Younis. Eyewitnesses told Ma'an through telephone that a number of Israeli tanks penetrated in the area and started combing the area in which two Palestinians of the Aqsa Brigades killed by an Israeli exploratory aircraft. The witnesses added that the penetration of the tanks caused a case of horror and fear among the Palestinian people especially the children and the women. [end] more.. Aqsa Brigades will retaliate on the Israeli extremists entering the Aqsa Mosque Ma'an News 4/13/2006 Gaza- Ma'an- Aqsa Brigades" Military Wing of the Fatah Movement" confirmed that they will continue their struggle against the Israeli occupation. In a statement issued Thursday the Brigades said that the resistance to be continues so the Israelis will leave the Palestinian lands and stress that they will react on the Israeli extremists attempts to enter the Aqsa Mosque. The Brigades considered the Israeli extremist attempts as an insult to the whole Moslems in the world and this is a crime which they will retaliate on. [end] more.. Two home made projectiles at an Israeli military position Ma'an News 4/13/2006 Khan Younis- Ma'an- An Nasser Salah Ad'din Brigades'' Military Wing of Popular Resistance Committees" announced responsibility for the launching of two home made projectiles at the Israeli military position of Kitzovim Thursday. In a statement issued Thursday it said that the group launched two projectiles at the position and that this was as a reaction on the Israeli killing of the Palestinians, and that they have video tapped the operation. [end] more.. Army arrests a boy from Tamon International Middle East Media Center 4/13/2006 The Israeli army arrested Mohamed Odah, 19, from Tammoun village near the West Bank city of Tubass, late on Wednesday night. Odah was arrested in the Al Baq'a valley near the village, and was taken to an unknown destination. [end] more.. IDF kills two armed militants infiltrating from Gaza Strip Ha'aretz 4/12/2006 The Israel Defense Forces killed two armed Palestinians who were attempting to cross the Gaza border into Israel on Wednesday evening. Soldiers spotted the two as they were crawling toward the Israel-Gaza border fence. An IDF spokeswoman said the men approached the Israeli-Gaza border fence while holding rifles and an IAF aircraft fired at them. Palestinian security sources and medics said an Israeli drone had fired several missiles in the area. Palestinian security sources said the men were militants from the Al-Aqsa Martyrs Brigades, part of Palestinian Authority Chairman Mahmoud Abbas's Fatah group. more.. For the 9th day row, army invades Nablus city and search homes International Middle East Media Center 4/12/2006 Israeli forces broke on Wednesdat morning into the West Bank city of Nablus, and searched number of houses allegedly looking for Indifada activists. About 30 military vehicles, broke into Al Jabal Al Shamali area and sections of the old city, and searched several houses, no arrests were reported. This is the ninth day of the ongoing military operations in Nablus during which a number of civilians have been killed , wounded and scores arrested. [end] more.. Army invades Balata refugee camp and arrests seven residents International Middle East Media Center 4/12/2006 The Israeli armed forces arrested seven residents from Balata refugee camp, east of the West Bank city of Nablus, during an invasion to the camp on Wednesday morningTroops stormed the camp, searched several houses before arresting the seven residents. Five of the arrestees were identified as Ahmed Abu Sris, 22, Morad Hassan, Khalil Al Riahi, Mohamed Al Terawi, 18, and Hassan Hnoun, 14. Eyewitnesses said soldiers opened random fire during the military operation and detonated an explosive device at the entrance of the camp causing damage to the nearby mosque and houses. [end] more.. IDF troops uncover explosives lab YNet News 4/12/2006 Forces discover 30 kilograms of explosives, four ready-to-use bombs; IDF strikes in Gaza -- IDF forces belonging to the Nahal brigade uncovered an Islamic Jihad explosives lab west of Jenin early Wednesday. Troops found 30 kilograms (66 pounds) of explosives at the lab as well as four ready-to-use explosive devices. The explosives were blown up in a controlled detonation. Meanwhile, the Air Force struck a Gaza structure used as headquarters of the al-Aqsa Martyrs' Brigades overnight. The army said the site was used to recruit terror activists and as an operational headquarters. The Palestinians said the office attacked belonged to the Fatah's youth organization. No injuries were reported. more.. Concrete terror warnings up YNet News 4/12/2006 Security authorities dealing with 78 terror warnings, including 16 concrete alerts; three specific terrorism warnings added in past 24 hours; police boost deployment across country, armed guards to be deployed at all synagogues. Hotels in north near capacity -- Highest terror alert declared: While millions of Israelis will attend the Passover Seder Wednesday evening, thousands of soldiers will be deployed across the country for fear of terror attacks. Security will be boosted around synagogues as well, with at least one armed guard placed at every synagogue. Police officials also briefed hotel officials and requested that security be boosted for the holiday. more.. Army arrests one resident at Beit Eeba checkpoint west of Nablus International Middle East Media Center 4/12/2006 Wednesday afternoon, Israeli troops stationed at Beit Eeba checkpoint, west of the West Bank city of Nablus, arrested one Palestinian youth trying to cross the checkpoint. The young man identity and the reason behind his arrest remained unknown. [end] more.. One resident arrested in Hebron International Middle East Media Center 4/12/2006 Israeli army troops arrested on Wednesday at dawn one Palestinian resident of the West Bank city of Hebron. Sari Al Natsha, 19, were arrested when troops stormed his fathers' home and searched it before taking him to unknown destination, local sources reported. [end] more.. Army arrests two Tulkarem residents International Middle East Media Center 4/12/2006 On Wednesday morning, Israeli soldiers invaded the West Bank city of Tulkarem and arrested Zeid Al Shahed, 20, and Ahmad Qatawi, 20. Both were arrested when soldiers stormed their houses and searched them, before taking them to an unknown destination, eyewitnesses reported. [end] more.. One resident arrested in an invasion to Qabatia and several other villages around Jenin International Middle East Media Center 4/12/2006 The Israeli army broke into the villages of Qabatia Dir Da'eefand Al Yamoun near the West Bank city of Jenin and they arrested Khaldoun Awwad, 20, Wednesday morning. Army invaded the three villages, searched several homes in a provocative way, and soldiers were seen shooting randomly the some other residents' homes before arresting Awwad, eyewitnesses reported. [end] more.. Soldiers claim arresting a resident carrying a knife International Middle East Media Center 4/12/2006 An Israeli military source claimed that soldiers arrested a Palestinian resident carrying a 25-centimeter knife at a checkpoint west of Nablus. The source added that the knife was confiscated and the resident was transferred for questioning. [end] more.. Army installs a military checkpoint east of Tammon village International Middle East Media Center 4/12/2006 Wednesday morning, Israeli forces installed a military checkpoint in Al Bq'ia valley east of Tamoun village near the West Bank city of Tubas. Troops operating in the area, stopped and searched dozens of residents and their cars causing long delays, eyewitnesses reported. [end] more.. Palestinian fighters fired homemade shells at Sderot and Ashkelon International Middle East Media Center 4/12/2006 The Al-Aqsa Martyr's Brigades, the armed wing of the Fatah party, fired homemade projectiles from the Gaza Strip, whichhit near the town of Sderot, and also near the Ashkelon military post, on Tuesday. No injuries were reported. A statement issued on Tuesday said that the launching of the projectiles was a reaction on the Israeli killing of the Palestinian seven year old child Hadil Ghaban. The statement added that they will continue the resistance against the Israeli occupation forces until the occupation ends and the Palestinian state is made with Jerusalem as its capital. [end] more.. In Pictures: Israeli attacks in Gaza AlJazeera 4/11/2006 Palestinians mourn the up to 15 people killed in 48 hours in Israeli army attacks in the Gaza Strip. Among the dead was Bilal Abu al-Aynayn, 5, whose body is seen here being prepared for burial. He was killed in a strike. [6 photos. more.. Israeli shell kills girl in Gaza BBC 4/10/2006 An Israeli artillery shell has killed a young Palestinian girl in a house in the Gaza Strip, Palestinian hospital and security sources have said. Palestinian sources said the girl was eight-years-old. At least 12 other people were reported injured in the shelling on the northern village of Beit Lahiya. The Israeli military says four kassam rockets were fired into Israel from Gaza on Monday - three from the exact area of the house that was hit. Fifteen other Palestinians, mainly militants, have been killed in Israeli military action against rocket fire from Gaza since Friday. Blood and rubble: According to witnesses and security officials, the Israeli army hit the family home, which was next to a field. more.. Israeli airstrike kills Palestinians AlJazeera 4/12/2006 An Israeli airstrike has killed two armed Palestinians near the Gaza border, the latest in attacks that have killed civilians as well as resistance fighters. An Israeli military spokeswoman said its aircraft on Wednesday fired at two men who had approached the frontier carrying rifles. Palestinian security forces said the men belonged to al-Aqsa Martyrs Brigades and were on their way to plant bombs. Al-Aqsa Martyrs Brigades has carried out dozens of rocket attacks against Israel. The Palestinian government, which the Islamist group Hamas took over after winning a January election, said Israel's recent attacks in Gaza were aimed at strangling the new administration. more.. Two Palestinians Killed East of Gaza, Dozens of Pupils Suffocated from Gas Bombs in Ramallah International Press Center 4/12/2006 GAZA, Palestine, April 12, 2006 (IPC + WAFA) - - Medical sources declared today that two Palestinians were shot dead by Israeli occupation forces east of Gaza Strip, while dozens of school pupils suffered suffocation when Israeli troops fired poisonous gas grenades inside their school in the city of Ramallah. Sources at the Ministry of Health asserted that two Palestinians were killed east of the southern Gaza Strip town of Al Qarara, when Israeli forces opened fire at them. The sources confirmed that Israeli forces continue to withhold their bodies..... Meanwhile, dozens of pupils at Anata School in the city of Ramallah suffered suffocations when Israeli soldiers fired gas and stun grenades inside the school yard, during the recess time. more.. Two Palestinians killed in the Gaza Strip International Middle East Media Center 4/12/2006 Palestinian medical sources reported on Wednesday evening that two Palestinians were killed by Israeli military fire near the Kissufim Crossing, south of Gaza City. The two residents, fighters of the Al Aqsa Martyres Brigades the armed wing of Fateh movement, were killed after soldiers fired tanks shells at them after exchanging fire with the soldiers. Palestinian security sources reported that the Israeli authorities informed them that the bodies of the two fighters are located near the Kissufim crossing. Abu Mohammad, the spokesperson of the brigades, reported that the two fighters are residents of the Jabalia refugee camp, in the northern part of the Gaza Strip. An Israeli military source reported that soldiers spotted the two men while they were attempting to infiltrate into Israel. more.. Gaza families watch in awe and fear as Israelis pour in 300 shells a day The Guardian 4/12/2006 Minister defends daily barrage bill of £125,000· Palestinian girl 15th to be killed in Gaza since Friday -- The Israeli government said yesterday it would continue its bombardment of northern Gaza with an estimated 300 shells a day despite international criticism over the death of a young girl. Shaul Mofaz, the defence minister who is touring Israel's borders with Gaza, said: "As long as it's not quiet here [in Israel], it won't be quiet there [in Gaza]. " Israeli forces have been firing shells close to Palestinian communities to stop militants from firing rockets at Israeli communities. The army continued to bombard the outskirts of Beit Lahiya yesterday, but Palestinian militants fired their homemade missiles from different residential areas, which they believe are safe from Israeli reprisals. more.. Israel: No halt to Gaza strikes AlJazeera 4/11/2006 The Israeli army confirmed it was shelling populated areas -- Israel says it will continue its bombardment of populated Palestinian areas in retaliation for militant rocket strikes into Israeli territory, despite the death of a child in the latest shelling. Tzipi Livni, the foreign minister, said on Tuesday Israel would stand by its new policy of firing artillery shells into Gaza in an effort to stop rocket fire at Israel. "The role of the Israeli army is to defend Israeli civilians, combat terrorism and prevent rocket attacks," Livni told public radio. "As long as Palestinians fire at residential area, the army mustreply. " An Israeli military spokesman echoed Livni's comments. more.. Israeli forces attack PMRS doctor in Nablus Ma'an News 4/11/2006 Nablus- Ma'an- Israeli forces attacked the director of the Palestinian Medical Relief Society (PMRS) in Nablus, Dr. Ghassan Hamdan, while he was passing through street "24" near his house in Nablus city on Tuesday morning. Hamdan said that the soldier beat him with a chair while he was trying to lend a hand to a citizen who the soldiers were also attacking. The doctor added that one of the Israeli patrols attacked a PMRS car; an Israeli military vehicle deliberately hit the car in one of the streets of the city. [end] more.. New crossing between Nablus and Qalqilia Ma'an News 4/11/2006 Qalqilia- Ma'an- Israeli forces turned the Israeli military barrier near the town of Jet east of Qalqilia into a specific crossing point between the Nablus and Qalqilia Governorates. Cement blocks and special passages for Palestinian cars were set up, in addition to points where Palestinian citizens will be searched and inspected. University student Bassem Nassar told the Ma'an reporter that it used to take him one to one-and-a-half hours to reach his university in Nablus, but today it took him three hours to reach the University of An-Najah. A taxi driver said that this will be another obstacle obstructing Palestinian citizens' movement and adversely affecting their lives. more.. Israeli army storms Nablus, detaining 10 Palestinians China View 4/11/2006 RAMALLAH, April 11 (Xinhua) -- Israeli troops, backed by 30 armored vehicles and jeeps, stormed the northern West Bank city of Nablus on Tuesday and detained 10 Palestinians, security sources said. More than 30 armored vehicles marched into the city and then moved into a nearby refugee camp on the western outskirts of Nablus, where soldiers raided houses. Witnesses said several Israeli soldiers broke into the main mosque in the refugee camp in the morning and forced prayers to take off their clothes and searched them. Nablus has been subjected to the ongoing Israeli military operation, which began six days ago. Israeli soldiers raided houses, and detained young men, claiming they were militants and wanted by Israelis security forces. more.. Mofaz: No quiet in Gaza Strip until there is quiet in Israel Ha'aretz 4/11/2006 Israel Defense Forces shelling of the Gaza Strip continued on Tuesday, despite civilian casualties the day before, and a military spokesperson said the operation against Qassam rocket launchers would continue. Speaking the day after shelling killed a 12-year-old Palestinian girl, the spokesperson said, "We will continue to fight them [rocket launchers] intensely, while trying to avoid hurting innocent civilians. "On Tuesday afternoon, Israel Navy gunboats shelled a Palestinian police position in northern Gaza on Tuesday, Palestinian security officials said. more.. Israel vows to intensify Gaza bombardments ReliefWeb 4/11/2006 JERUSALEM, April 11, 2006 (AFP) - Defence Minister Shaul Mofaz said Tuesday Israel would intensify its bombardments of Gaza despite the recent deaths of two children, as Palestinian militants vowed to continue firing their rockets. Sixteen Palestinians have been killed since Friday night by Israeli strikes and tank shelling designed to put a permanent halt to a volley of makeshift missiles fired by hardline factions such as Islamic Jihad and Al-Aqsa Martyrs Brigades. The latest victim was an eight-year-old girl who died on Monday when an Israeli shell struck a house in the Beit Lahiya region of northern Gaza. A seven-year-old boy was also killed in an air strike on Friday. But Israeli ministers, while expressing regret over the deaths, made clear Tuesday that there would be no easing off in the military activity. more.. Israeli forces raided Qalqilia , arrest one Palestinian citizen Ma'an News 4/11/2006 Qalqilia- Ma'an-Israeli Forces raided the city of Qalqilia in the north of the West Bank early Tuesday morning. Eyewitnesses said that large numbers of Israeli forces entered the city and broke into several houses, invasively search the houses before arresting one of the citizens. The citizens added that the man arrested was Munther Ali Zaid 28 years. [end] more.. Two home made projectiles at Erez crossing Ma'an News 4/11/2006 Gaza – Ma'an- An Nasser Salah Ad'din Brigades "military wing for Popular Resistance Committees" announced responsibility for the launching of two home made projectiles at the Erez Crossing. In a statement issued Tuesday morning the brigades said that this was a reaction on the killing of the Brigades leader in Bethlehem area JaberAl Akhras. [end] more.. More projectiles at Sderot Ma'an News 4/11/2006 Gaza- Ma'an- Aqsa Brigades "military wing of the Fatah Mofement" announced responsibility for the launching of two home made projectiles at the Israeli town of Sderot north of the Gaza Strip. A statement issued on Tuesday said that the launching of the projectiles was a reaction on the Israeli killing of the Palestinian seven years old child Hadil Ghaban. The statement added that they will continue the resistance against the Israeli occupation forces until ending the occupation and build the Palestinian state with Jerusalem as its capital. [end] more.. Israel Tightens West Bank Restrictions Palestine Monitor 4/9/2006 NABLUS, West Bank --- Israel has tightened travel restrictions on Palestinians in the West Bank in recent months, making movement there harder than at any time since Israel's major offensive in the territory in the spring of 2002, Palestinians and human rights workers said. The restrictions have effectively divided the territory into three sections. Palestinians living in the northern West Bank are cut off from their jobs in the south, and a wide swath of land along the Jordanian border is off limits to all but its few thousand residents, human rights groups and theUnited Nations said. The Israeli army says the new restrictions were put in place following an increase in attempted attacks by militants, including a suicide bombing last week near the Jewish settlement of Kedumim that killed four Israelis. more.. After 5,000 dead, hopes slim of ending ME bloodshed Palestine Monitor 4/9/2006 JERUSALEM (AFP) - As the number of Israelis and Palestinians killed in five years of Middle East conflict crossed the symbolic threshold of 5,000, analysts say people on both sides see little hope for ending the bloody conflict. According to a count conducted by AFP since the first deadly clashes in September 2000, 5,006 people have been killed, with the last deadly incident taking place on Saturday. Akiva Eldar, a senior columnist in the liberal Haaretz daily, believes that more than its symbol, the figure of 5,000 dead holds great importance for the long-term relations between the two neighboring people. “If you multiply 5,000 by the number of relatives, friends and neighbors of the victim, you can easily reach 100,000 people who are directly related to the killing of Israelis and Palestinians. more.. Armed men occupy a court in Khan Younis Ma'an News 4/11/2006 Khan Younis- Ma'an- Anonymous armed men broke into the magistrate's court in Abasan As-Sagheera east of the city of Khan Younis early on Tuesday. The men shot at the offices of the judges and lawyers, forcing them to leave the building with all the employees of the court. They closed the court's main gate with chains, in an attempt to force the people in charge to move the location of the court to another location. Eyewitnesses and local sources told Ma'an that some 60 masked and armed men broke into the building and shot in the air and at the offices of the employees. more.. FIFA to finance repairs of Gaza soccer field damaged by IAF Ha'aretz 4/12/2006 FIFA - world soccer's governing body - will pay for the repairs to a soccer field in the Palestinian-run Gaza Strip, that was damaged during an Israel Air Force strike earlier this month. "In the world of today, which is disrupted by long-lasting disputes and violence, football is one of the very few universal tools mankind can use to bridge gaps between nations and peoples, and to symbolize what unites our planet over what divides it," FIFA President Sepp Blatter said Tuesday. FIFA said it would evaluate the extent of the damage done to the open-air stadium and its stands, with the help of the Palestinian FA, over the next few days. Much of the repair cost will depend on the extent of the damage to the stadium's drainage system. more.. IDF to continue shelling despite civilian deaths Ha'aretz 4/11/2006 A 12-year-old Palestinian girl was killed Monday by Israeli shelling in the Gaza Strip. Thirteen other members of her family, including toddlers, children and teenagers were injured. Nonetheless, a senior Israel Defense Forces officer Monday night told Haaretz that the widespread shelling of Gaza would continue. Launches of Qassam rockets from the Strip continued Monday. The Israeli hit on civilians reduces the chances of calming the situation in the region quickly. The shell hit the family's home on the northern outskirts of Beit Lahia at about 5 P. M. As a result, a fire broke out, and almost everyone in the house was injured. more.. Israeli Airstrike Kills Six in Southern Gaza Town Palestine Chronicle 4/8/2006 The Israeli army said a car carrying several "terrorists" was hit as it left the base near the town of Rafah on the border with Egypt. -- GAZA (Reuters) - An Israeli air strike killed six Palestinians including a senior militant commander and his young son at a militant training base in the southern Gaza Strip on Friday, witnesses and medics said. It was the deadliest Israeli air raid in five months. At least 12 people were wounded in the missile strikes that targeted a car as it was leaving the base, medics said. Apart from the boy, all the dead were militants from the Popular Resistance Committees and most were in the vehicle. The Israeli army said a car carrying several "terrorists" was hit as it left the base near the town of Rafah on the border with Egypt. more.. Israeli bombardment killed a seven years old child and injured 15 others most of one family Ma'an News 4/10/2006 Gaza- Ma'an- Palestinian seven years old child Hadil Ghaban was killed and 15 citizens most of the same family were injured when Israeli artillery bombarded Beit Lahia north of the Gaza Strip Monday afternoon. Eyewitnesses said that one of the Israeli projectiles hit the house of Ghaban's family directly, and immediately killed the child and injured another fifteen citizens, most of them members of one family and caused huge damage to the house. Ambulances rushed to the scene and transported the casualties to Kamal Adwan Hospital in Beit Lahia where three of them were admitted to the surgery room. more.. Troops shell northern Gaza, Palestinian child killed, fifteen residents injured International Middle East Media Center 4/10/2006 Ghabin is the fifteenth resident killed by the Israeli army over the last three days in the Gaza Strip and the West Bank. -- A Palestinian medical source in the Beit Lahia, in the northern part of the Gaza Strip, reported that one ten-year old child was killed, and fifteen residentswere injured after the Israeli army shelled with heavy artillery several areas in the city; most of the injured residents are children. Eyewitnesses reported that one shell exploded in a residential area killing Hadeel Mohammad Ghabin, 6 years old, and injuring at least ten other residents, including children. Ghabin was killed when a shell, fired by the army, directly struck her parent's house; several members of her family were injured. more.. More Israeli restrictions on Qalqilia City International Middle East Media Center 4/10/2006 The bypass roads, checkpoints, land confiscation and Wall construction, which the city of Qalqilia into a prison housing 45 thousand Palestinians, were not enough for the Israeli government. Israeli soldiers and police have lately been imposing restrictions on the Palestinians who come to shop in Qalailia living in Palestinian villages inside Israeli borders such as Kafr Kasem, Jaljoulia, Atirah, and Taybeh. The Israeli police wait at the entrance of the city, issue fines and detain cars for hours. Shoppers are forced to walk into the closed city and must have permits or proof of residency to be able to enter Qalqilia. The Secretary of the Mayor of Qalqilia, Hashem Al Masri, informed PNN that preventing Arab shoppers from entering the city is killing what is left of its economic life. more.. Army shells the Palestinian Football League headquarters in Gaza International Middle East Media Center 4/10/2006 Sunday at night, Israeli soldiers shelled with heavy artillery the headquarters of the Palestinian Football League in Beit Lahia, in the northern part of the Gaza Strip. Eyewitnesses reported that Israeli tanks and artillery fired several shells at the building causing huge damage to the building and its different facilities. The shelling started earlier on Sunday when the soldiers fired several several shells at the area surrounding the facility trapping the workers inside until evening hours. On Sunday at night soldiers fired their shells directly at the building.... It was constructed through donations from the Federation Internationale de Football Association (FIFA), the Saudi Football Federation and the Palestinian government. more.. Israeli Settlers from Routem settlement in the Jordan valley initiate work to expand it International Middle East Media Center 4/10/2006 Settlers from the settlement of Routem north of the Jordan valley, in the West Bank initiated work to expand the settlement, Monday morning. Eyewitnesses reported that the settlers placed a trailer in area they confiscated last year, and they surrounded it with barbed wire fence, which indicates that it will be a construction site for more housing units to expand the settlement soon. Also the settlers have been seen planting olive trees on the land confiscated from its Palestinian owners at Al Malh's mountain area in the valley. more.. Israel steps up attacks on Gaza military bases The Independent 4/10/2006 Israel, frustrated at its failure to stop Palestinian militants firing home-made rockets into the Western Negev, has stepped up its air and artillery offensive on launch sites, training camps and command centres in the Gaza Strip. A Palestinian policeman was killed yesterday when a shell hit his car as he was evacuating colleagues from a post in the border town of Beit Hanoun. He brought the number of dead to 15 since Friday. They included the three-year-old son of Iyad Abu Alinin, said to have built many of the Qassam rockets, who was killed with four comrades on Friday night while driving away from a training base in Rafah. The Israeli army said it had fired more than 750 shells into the Strip over the weekend. more.. Two residents injured in the continues shelling to the east and north areas of the Gaza Strip International Middle East Media Center 4/10/2006 Two residents were injured, inIsraeli shelling acrosseasternand northern areas of the Gaza Strip,this Monday morning. Salim Heidar 25, and Hamama Abu Qliq, 22,recievedshrapnel woundsfrom the artillery shells, fired over Al Atatra, north of the strip, medical sources reported. The shellingresumedthis Monday morning and still continues, local sources reported. [end] more.. Islamic Jihad Members arrested in Jerusalem Ma'an News 4/10/2006 Jerusalem- Ma'an- Israeli Police Force and the Israeli Shabak announced that they have arrested members of an Islamic Jihad cell members in the city of Jerusalem during the month of Macrhc ,The Israeli police claim that the members of the cell were from the city of Jerusalem and planned to kidnap an Israeli. Ma'an correspondent in the city said that the cell members whom only two of them were known are accused of several attacks on the Israelis in the city of Jerusalem including the stab events in the city in the last few months. [end] more.. In pre dawn invasion to the city army arrests five residents from Nablus International Middle East Media Center 4/10/2006 On Monday Ina pre dawn invasion of the West Bank City of Nablasthe Israeli armed forces arrested five residents including Qasem Klbouna, 29, the leader of Al-Aqsa martyrs' brigades ofthe armed wing of Fatah. The arrestees were identified as Sarhan Allaam, 29, Ibrahim Arbas, 25, Amer Abu Al Saud, 19, Mohamed Al Masri, 25, all were taken to unknown destination. According to eyewitnesses army jeeps stormed the city and its surrounding villages and conducted a wide scale search camping to the residents homes before arresting the five residents. [end] more.. Army arrest two residents during an invasion to Tulkarem International Middle East Media Center 4/10/2006 The Israeli army invaded the West Bank city of Tulkarem and Nour Shams refugee camp , arresting two residents, Monday morning. Mohamed Abu Alfia, 21, Aql Zndiq, 18, were arrested when troops and armed vehicles stormed the city and the refugee camp theysearched several residents' houses before arresting them and taking them to unknown destination, local sources reported. [end] more.. Army resumes its heavy artillery shelling to the north and in east areas of the Gaza Strip International Middle East Media Center 4/10/2006 The Israeli armyresume shelling overthe northand easternareas of the Gaza Strip, Monday morning. Army tanks stationed to the north and east of the strip resumed shelling the open areas to the north of Beit Lahiya town andto theeasternareas of Gaza City, causingdestruction to the main infrastructure, and a state of panic among residents, several children and the women were treated for shock, local sources reported. [end] more.. Army takes over one house in Beit Jala and turns it into military post International Middle East Media Center 4/10/2006 Israeliforces occupyone house in Beit Jala town in the West Bank municipality of Bethlehem to use as a military post, late Sunday night. The house is the home of theQissia family,and is located nearthe Orthodox club west of Beit Jala. Itwas occupied when army troops and vehicles stormed the town, theypositionedsnipers andheavy weapons on theroof, eyewitnesses reported. The Israel'sreinstalled the military checkpoint on the western entrance of the town while the near by city of Bethlehem, Al Khadertown and Dihasha refugee camp, witnessed military activity all night followingthe assassination of a resistance fighter inside Bethlehem, local sources reported. [end] more.. Israel arrests Al-Aqsa leader in Nablus Ma'an News 4/10/2006 Nablus-Ma'an- More than 15 Israeli military vehicles raided the city of Nablus. From the Al-Jined area west of the city they broke into several districts including Hush Al-Ataot in the Old City and the areas around Rafidya and Al-Quds street. They arrested four Palestinians including the leader of the Al-Aqsa Brigades, Qasem Kalbounah (29). Ma'an learnt from Palestinian sources that Israeli forces arrested Kalbounah in the Darwaza building in the Rafidya area after besieging the building. Israeli forces first raided Hush Abu Zahra in the Old City and demanded that everyone leave their houses last night. They claimed that they needed to do this to find the wanted men. [end] more.. Abu Ar-Rish Brigades injure three Israeli soldiers in Jenin Ma'an News 4/10/2006 Jenin-Ma'an- The Abu Ar-Rish Brigades have claimed responsibility for detonating a bombing device near an Israeli military patrol near the Al Muqata'ah in Jenin. In a statement, the Brigades said that they had planted the bombing device which they exploded as the patrol passed. This led to the destruction of the patrol and the injury of three Israeli soldiers, as reported by Israel. The Brigades said that the explosion was, firstly, a response to the assassination of the Brigades’ leaders in Khan Younis, secondly, a response to the ongoing Israeli crimes against Palestinians and thirdly, a commitment to the continuation of the resistance. In related news, eyewitnesses said that more than five Israeli military patrols entered the city of Jenin and its surrounding villages. No arrests were reported. more.. Rafah: "It smells everywhere inside the hospital and in the targeted area of burned flesh" Rafah Today 4/9/2006 [with photos] Human flesh scattered here and there! Israel has launched 900 artillery shells at northern Gaza since Thursday, the army said. During that time, the militants fired 10 rockets at Israel. Israel pounded the northern, South and Middle of Gaza Strip with artillery fire today, killing a Palestinian police officer and wounding nine people as Israel escalated its aggression in the past few days. Over 15 people were killed in the last 48 hours and many other hundreds were injured in different attacks in Gaza Strip. I have been taking photos and writing about yesterday's incursion into Rafah, which is one of the most gory places. It smells everywhere inside the hospital and in the targeted area of burned flesh, exactly that of humans. Men, women, and even children's flesh burned when the Israeli airplanes shelled with three rockets, at least one of which targeting the Popular Resistance Committee leaders in Rafah. more.. Army special forces assassinate a Palestinian fighter east of Bethlehem International Middle East Media Center 4/9/2006 Israeli troops, and under-cover army units, assassinated on Sunday evening one Palestinian fighter in Beit Ta'mar village, east of the West Bank city of Bethlehem, after surrounding a building and breaking into it. Approximately at 16 hours on Sunday, Israeli under-cover forces backed up by a military helicopter and several armored jeeps, invaded Beit Ta'mar village and surrounded a house that belongs to Souman family. Directly after surrounding the house, soldiers used a robot to detonate the main door of the building before breaking into it; several rounds of live ammunition were heard in the building. more.. Soldiers arrest resident in Hebron, settlers attack farmers and shepherds International Middle East Media Center 4/9/2006 Sunday at dawn, Israeli soldiers arrested one resident in Bani Neim village, east of Hebron, after invading it. Settlers, on the other hand, attacked on Saturday evening dozens of shepherds and farmers south and east of Yatta village, south of Hebron. The Hebron office of the Palestinian Prisoners Society reported that soldiers arrested resident Hani Ramadan Obeido, 30,after breaking into his house and several nearby houses in Wadi Al Jouzarea, west of Bani Neim. The Society stated that the number of residents arrested since the beginning of this month in Hebron arrived to 20. Meanwhile, Extremist settlers groups continued their attacks against the Palestinian residents and their properties in Hebron and several surrounding areas. more.. Settlers attack Palestinian building in Jerusalem, force families out International Middle East Media Center 4/9/2006 Extremist settlers in Jerusalem, and under-cover units of the Israeli army. attacked on Sunday a four-story Palestinian residential building in Al Tour village, east of Jerusalem, and forced the families out. The attacked building is located in Al Mansouriyya neighborhood in Al Tour, the building overlooks at the Al Aqsa Mosque in the Old City of Jerusalem. Um Basil Al Hawa, who resided in one of the forcedly evacuated houses reported that dozens of settlers protected by policemen attacked the building, broke into a house rented byAhmad Hijazi and forced him out after throwing his furniture from the windows. She added that the settlers broke into her house later on and forced her, along with her three children, out of her house. more.. Israeli missiles kill militants and boy in car The Guardian 4/8/2006 At least six people were killed, including a five-year-old boy, when an Israeli missile hit a car full of Palestinians in the southern Gaza town of Rafah. Five of the dead were believed to be militants belonging to the Popular Resistance Committees who had just left a training camp when their car was hit by at least three missiles fired from an Israeli aircraft. The killings came as Mahmoud Abbas, the Palestinian president, met Ismail Haniyeh, the new Hamas prime minister, to discuss the programme for the recently appointed government. Ghazi Hamed, a spokesman for the new Hamas-led government, called the attack a "brutal massacre". more.. Six Palestinians killed, 4 injured in a new Israeli Strike in Gaza Strip International Middle East Media Center 4/8/2006 At least six Palestinians were killed and 4 were wounded in an Apache strike in the Gaza Strip on Saturday evening, Palestinian sources reported. The source said an Israeli air force Apache fire three missiles at a training site for the Abu Al-Reesh group of Fatah, west of Khan Younis city. Palestinian medical sources expected the number of casualties to rise saying there are some serious injuries. Three of the assassinated men were identified as Mohammad Al-Hsein, Hassan Al-Hsein and Hanifeh Al-Shqeir. The others were not identified as their bodies were severely mutilated, according to the source. This strike raised the number of Palestinians assassinated in the Gaza Strip to 13 in the past two days. more.. Israeli army destroys several agricultural greenhouses in Beit Lahiya International Middle East Media Center 4/10/2006 Israeli forces destroyed several agricultural greenhouses in Beit Lahiya north of the Gaza Strip, Monday morning. Eyewitnesses report that the greenhouses were destroyed when Israeli army tanks shelled the Abu Halima area, which is mostly used for agricultural greenhouses. [end] more.. 3 boys injured in dud explosion YNet News 4/10/2006 Initial investigation shows three found dud, started playing with it until it exploded; MDA rescue team evacuates them to hospital in moderate to serious condition -- An 11-year-old boy was moderately injured and two teenagers aged 13 and 14 were seriously injured when a dud exploded near the northern village of al-Assad village in the Safed area. An initial investigation showed that the three found the dud and started playing with it until it exploded. Paramedics evacuated the three to the Ziv hospital in Safed. Emergency Room manager Dr. Hussein Amr said the three teenagers suffered from wounds all over their bodies. more.. Israeli military arrest Tamoun village resident International Middle East Media Center 4/10/2006 Israeli armed forces arrested one resident from Tamoun village, east of the West Bank city of Tubass, after invading it on Monday afternoon. Eyewitnesses reported that Mohamed Bisharat, 19, was arrested and taken to an unknown destination after troops stormed the village and searched several homes. [end] more.. Armed wings threaten to retaliate on Israeli escalation Ma'an News 4/10/2006 Khan Younis- Ma'an- Aqsa Brigades and Quds Brigades Common Leadership announced the high case of alert within members and cells of the Brigades in order to retaliate on the Israeli attacks against Palestinians. In a joint statement both brigades said that they are going to continue the resistance and struggle as the best choice to liberate the land. The statement added that reactingon the Israeli occupation crimes will be harsh and strong, pointing that the armed wings of the factions will not stand still in this Israeli escalation and that they will retaliate soon. [end] more.. Israeli Army reinforces its presence in different areas in Tubas International Middle East Media Center 4/10/2006 The Israeli army re-invaded the West Bank city of Tubas for the second week in a row,this Monday morning. Army vehicles moved into the city and invadednearby Tamon village taking positionsin Al Baq'a valley east of Tubas - as yetno arrests have been made, local sources reported. [end] more.. Six Palestinians killed in IAF strike in Gaza Strip Ha'aretz 4/8/2006 Israel Air Force aircraft fired missiles into a car carrying members of armed Palestinian groups Friday, killing six people including a bombmaker and his 5-year-old daughter, in the deadliest Israeli attack since the Hamas-led Palestinian government took office. The targeted militants were members of the Popular Resistance Committees, including a senior commander and a bomb maker, militants and witnesses said. A young a boy was also killed in the strike. Militants and witnesses named the senior commander as Eyad Abu Al-Ein of the PRC. Medics said his daughter, 7, was dismembered. Abu Al-Ein, also a bomb maker, had brought his daughter and son to watch training exercises at the base. more.. Islamic leaders: “Israel building synagogue under Al-Aqsa Mosque” International Middle East Media Center 4/8/2006 The General Mufti of Jerusalem and Palestine, Sheikh Ikrema Sabri, said that Israeli occupation authorities are secretly building a synagogue under the holy Al- Aqsa Mosque. Sheikh Sabri said that “such an Israeli violation was conducted under cover of excavation works, which jeopardize Al-Aqsa Mosque. "He called on the Islamic world to halt the construction of the synagogue because "Al-Aqsa Mosque is not only for the Palestinian people but also for all the Muslims worldwide. ""The Israeli authorities have been exploiting the big gates of the western side of al-Aqsa since 1996 through conducting a series of excavation works which ended with clandestinely erecting a synagogue," Sheikh Sabri explained. more.. Elderly Palestinian seriously injured in alleged settler attack Ha'aretz 4/8/2006 An elderly Palestinian, who was allegedly beaten up by settlers while farming his land in the West Bank on Saturday, is being treated for serious injuries at Beilinson Hospital in Petah Tikva. Saber Shtiyeh, 73, of the West bank village of Salem, was attacked and beaten up by four settlers while working in the field, farmers working nearby told Shtiyeh's family. The farmers said they had seen settlers, near the Elon Moreh settlement, approach Shtiyeh and had then heard him shout and yell. Shtiyeh was hospitalized with six skull fractures, three broken vertebrae in his neck, four broken ribs, a perforated lung and fractures in his arm and leg. He is on a respirator. Israeli volunteers have been helping to ward off settlers' attacks to enable Salem's farmers to work their land. more.. 1,000 shells fired at Gaza within week YNet News 4/7/2006 IDF's artillery battery stationed opposite northern Strip fires 25 shells for each Qassam launched; rocket fired at Sderot area Friday evening, Palestinians report three wounded by IDF shell fire -- Massive fire: The IDF's artillery battery stationed opposite the northern Gaza Strip completed the firing of 1,000 shells at Qassam launching sites in the northern Strip. The massive fire began last Thursday and continued almost nonstop during the week, as part of the army's comprehensive operation against the Qassam rocket threat. On Friday, the IDF stationed another artillery battery opposite the southern Strip, not far from Kerem Shalom. After the army completes its operational deployment, it will also start launching shells at Qassam groups' operation areas near and south of the city of Khan Younis. more.. Navy gunboats bombard northern Gaza Jerusalem Post 4/7/2006 Navy gunboats have been firing artillery shells at northern Gaza fields and Kassam launch sites throughout Friday morning. The artillery barrages were a response to Kassam fire Thursday overnight. Two Kassam rockets were launched overnight Thursday from the northern Gaza Strip into the Negev. No one was wounded nor was any damage inflicted in the incident. The IAF responded by dropping fliers over Gaza, calling on Palestinian citizens to rein in terrorists and refrain from going near Kassam launch sites. In addition to the fliers, the IAF bombed two buildings in Gaza overnight Thursday that were used by al-Aksa Martyrs Brigades to plan terror attacks. more.. Palestinian killed in West Bank raid AlJazeera 4/7/2006 Israeli troops have killed a Palestinian gunman in a clash in a refugee camp near the West Bank town of Nablus, hours after planes bombed three targets in the Gaza Strip. An Israeli military source said soldiers exchanged fire with gunmen during a raid to arrest wanted armed men near Nablus on Friday. Medics said a Palestinian gunman was killed and another was arrested in the raid. Two Israeli soldiers were also wounded in the gun battle. Earlier on Friday, the Israeli military launched three air raids against targets in the Gaza Strip. An Israeli military spokesman said: "Our helicopters launched three attacks. more.. Quds Brigades launch two homemade projectiles at Ashkelon Ma'an News 4/7/2006 Ma'an- Quds Brigades "military wing for Islamic Jihad movement" announced responsibility for the launching of two homemade projectiles at the Israeli southern Israel city of Ashkelon Friday morning. In a statement issued, the brigades said that the choice of resistance is the more correct choice to return the rights and liberate the lands and end the Israeli occupation. [end] more.. Under-cover forces of the Israeli army kill one resident of Nablus, wound three International Middle East Media Center 4/7/2006 One Palestinian resident was killed, earlier on Friday, and three others were injured afterclashing with thieves who turned out to be members of the Israeli Special Forces. A medical source in Nablus reported that Wafa Maisara Ya'ish, 22, was shot dead andthree members of his family were injured after the under-cover forces opened fire at them near their house located in Ein Al Sibyan area, close to Nablus Soccer Playground. Fathallah Ya'ish, that father of Wafa, and his two sons Tareq and Abdullah, 25 and 20, were injured. Also, soldiers obstructed an ambulance trying to transfer the injured residents to hospital, and surrounded Rafidia governmental hospital in the city. more.. Israeli settlers take over Palestinian homes in Hebron International Middle East Media Center 4/7/2006 Dozens of Israeli settlers broke into a Palestinian building in Sahlah, in the center of the city of Hebron, in the southern West Bank, late on Thursday and forced the Palestinian homeowners to leave. Local sources reported that the building belonged to three Palestinian families: An Nazir, Al Muhtasib and Idrees. After forcing the families to leave their apartments, the settlers celebrated. They were seen singing and shouting in the streets and they were also throwing stones at other Palestinian houses in the area damaging Palestinian properties and cars. [end] more.. Troops invade Bethlehem, arrest nine residents International Middle East Media Center 4/7/2006 Friday morning, Israeli soldiers invaded the West Bank city of Bethlehem, and several surrounding areas, and arrested nine residents said to be members or supporters of Hamas. A local source in Bethlehem reported that soldiers invaded Bethlehem through Beit Jala town, and through the main entrance of Bethlehem near the Rachel Tomb. Troops surrounded several neighborhoods including a neighborhood that is only dozens of meters away from the Manger Square and the Church on Nativity. Dozens of houses were searched after the residents were forced out for long periods. The arrested residents are 18 to 35 years old; they were all handcuffed, blindfolded and taken to an unknown destination. more.. Israeli Army invades Askar refugee camp and arrests child International Middle East Media Center 4/7/2006 On Friday morning, the Israeli army invaded Askar refugee camp, east of the West Bank city of Nablus, and arrested one resident. Ahmad Mtwer, 17, was arrested when troops stormed the camp and searched several homes there, then he was taken to unknown destination, eyewitnesses reported. [end] more.. Israel launches air raids on Gaza BBC 4/7/2006 Israeli helicopters have attacked several targets in the Gaza Strip, including offices of the armed wing of the Fatah movement. There were no reports of casualties after the three overnight air raids. They followed rocket attacks on Israeli towns, which Israel blamed on the Al-Aqsa Martyrs' Brigades, the armed offshoot of Fatah. Meanwhile, a Palestinian man was killed overnight by Israeli troops in the West Bank town of Nablus. Israeli military sources said soldiers exchanged fire with gunmen during an overnight raid to arrest wanted militants in the town, adding that two Israeli soldiers were wounded. Palestinian witnesses said the dead man was not known to be linked to any militant group, according to the Associated Press news agency. more.. Army invades Sabastia village west of Nablus International Middle East Media Center 4/7/2006 Israeli armed forces invaded the village of Sabastia, west of the West Bank city of Nablus, Friday morning. Troops and army vehicles stormed the village and conducted wide scale searches of the residents' homes and shot at them randomly, allegedly looking for wanted people, eyewitnesses reported. [end] more.. Israeli Army seals of the main road north of Tubas International Middle East Media Center 4/7/2006 The Israeli army installed a military checkpoint at the main road north of the West Bank city of Tubas and closed the road, Friday morning. Soldiers stopped civilian cars and searched them before allowing them to continue on their way to the city, local sources reported. [end] more.. Heavy artillery shells areas north and east of the Gaza strip International Middle East Media Center 4/7/2006 On friday morning, the Israeli army's Heavy artillery resumedshellingareas in the northern and eastern parts of the Gaza Strip. several reisdents were treated for shock after the shells targetted agricultural areas next to residential compound in Beit Lahia, local sources reported. [end] more.. Army storms Al Rihia village in Hebron, arrest one resident International Middle East Media Center 4/7/2006 Israeli troops invaded the village of Al Rihia, near the West bank city of Hebron and arrested Mossa Al Najar, 35. Soldiers searched several houses and forced the families to remain outside out whilst they searched their homes claming that they were looking for arms and wanted members of the resistance, local sources reported. [end] more.. Naser Salah Addin Brigades launch further homemade projectiles Ma'an News 4/7/2006 Gaza-Ma'an- The Naser Salah Addin Brigades, the military wing of the Popular Resistance Committees, launched two homemade projectiles into the Kfar Azzah settlement. The spokesman for the Committees, Abu Mujahid, confirmed that the Brigades launched two homemade missiles into the aforementioned settlement on Thursday evening. They also fired two mortars and two further homemade projectiles at the Israeli post at Karni. The Brigades also launched another homemade missile into the Miftaheem kibbutz south of the Soufs crossing, eastern Rafah. more.. Israel shells Gaza Strip; Palestinian killed in Nablus raid Ha'aretz 4/7/2006 A Palestinian man was killed and two Israel Defense Forces soldiers were lightly wounded during an arrest raid Friday in the West Bank city of Nablus. The incident took place amid Israeli air strikes and artillery fire targeting the Gaza Strip, in response to Qassam rocket attacks. The details of the Nablus shooting were not immediately clear. The IDF said it had conducted arrest raids in Nablus, a stronghold of Palestinian militants, and that Palestinian gunmen attacked the troops. The troops returned fire, hitting one militant. The IDF said two soldiers were lightly wounded in the clashes, but that it did not know how seriously the militant was wounded. more.. Three residents injured in an explosion in Hebron International Middle East Media Center 4/8/2006 Friday at night, three Palestinian residents were injured in an explosion that took place in the Old City of Hebron. The source of the explosion that took place in Abu Sneina neighborhood remained unknown. A medical source in Hebron described the injuries of the residents as moderate-to-severe. [end] more.. Al-Aqsa Brigades claim to have frustrated the Israeli military operation "Southern Arrow" Ma'an News 4/7/2006 Gaza- Ma'an- The Al Aqsa Brigades, the military wing of the Fatah Movement, have announced that they have thwarted an Israeli military operation in northern Gaza due to the steadfastness of the Palestinian people in the area despite the Israeli shelling and daily bombardment over more than a month. In a statement issued on Friday, the Brigades said that another reason was the launching of homemade projectiles against Israeli towns and cities. A spokesman for the Brigades, Abu Qussay, said that the Brigades had launched such a large number of projectiles at the Israeli areas north of the Gaza Strip that they had successfully frustrated the Israeli military operation code-named "Southern Arrow. more.. Israeli helicopters drop thousands of cautionary leaflets over Gaza Ma'an News 4/7/2006 Gaza- Ma'an- Israeli helicopters dropped thousands of leaflets over the northern Gaza Strip warning Palestinian citizens against approaching areas used by Palestinian fighters to launch homemade projectiles. The leaflets called on Palestinian citizens not to cooperate or to help the launchers of these projectiles if they wished for a peaceful life. [end] more.. Wanted Palestinian recruited by al-Qaeda? YNet News 4/7/2006 Wanted terror suspect detained near Jerusalem Thursday night allegedly recruited by terror organization to operate in West Bank area; on Friday, Palestinians fire at farmers collecting potatoes near Kibbutz Nir Oz -- IDF soldiers on Thursday night detained a wanted Palestinian terror suspect who was allegedly recruited by al-Qaeda in order to operate in the West Bank area. The man was arrested in the village of Hizma, north of Jerusalem, and was taken into interrogation by security forces, who are investigating whether he planned to carry out terror attacks on behalf of the terror organization or build an al-Qaeda infrastructure in the West Bank. more.. Israeli air attack kills six Palestinians AlJazeera 4/7/2006 Israeli aircraft have fired missiles at a car carrying Palestinian fighters with links to Hamas, killing six people, including a bomb maker and his 5-year-old son. The air strike in the southern Gaza town of Rafah on Friday came as the Palestinian prime minister and president tried to settle some of their differences in a meeting. The Israeli strike targeted a training camp of the Popular Resistance Committees, an umbrella group for fighters from various factions, including many with ties to Hamas..... The Israeli military said the aircraft targeted the car as it was leaving the training camp, and Palestinian police said four missiles were fired. more.. Families of missing to mark day war started The Daily Star 4/8/2006 BEIRUT: The families of the missing and kidnapped Lebanese in Syria and Israel, advocacy groups and the Lebanese Association for Human Rights held a news conference on Friday to commemorate the memory of April 13 -the start of the Lebanese Civil War. "Remembered But Never Repeated," a series of activities in the Press Federation headquarters, will be held to commemorate those who died and went missing during the war. The head of the the Missing and Kidnapped Lebanese committee, Waddad Halwani, spoke on behalf of all the committees. "We cannot reach real peace before resolving the issue of the detainees in Syria and Israel, the kidnapped and missing persons," she said. more.. IDF soldiers kill Palestinian gunman in Nablus operation Ha'aretz 4/7/2006 Israel Defense Forces troops killed a Palestinian gunman in a clash in a refugee camp near the West Bank town of Nablus on Friday, hours after planes bombed multiple targets in the Gaza Strip, medics and military sources said. IDF sources said soldiers exchanged fire with gunmen during a raid to arrest wanted militants near Nablus. Two soldiers were also wounded in the gunbattle and another Palestinian was arrested. Medics said a Palestinian gunman was killed in the raid. Israel Air Force warplanes attacked four Gaza Strip targets before dawn on Friday, including a helicopter landing pad located near Palestinian Authority Chairman Mahmoud Abbas' Gaza City office, Israel Radio reported. more.. 22 residents arrested in the West Bank, 15 injured in Nablus clashes International Middle East Media Center 4/7/2006 On Thursday, Israeli soldiers carried dozens of invasions in several West Bank cities and villages and arrested twenty-two residents. In Nablus, in the northern part of the West Bank, Israeli soldiers shot and injured 15 residents. The army started its wide operation on Thursday at dawn and continued the attacks throughout the day. In Nablus, soldiers arrested two Palestinian residents after invading the city and surrounding residential compounds. A Palestinian security source in the city reported that soldiers arrested Fadi and Zakariyya Al Dhawaya, 19, and took them to an unknown destination. Soldiers, supported by more than 60 military vehicles and four military bulldozers invaded several neighborhoods in the city and clashed with dozens of youth who hurled stones and empty bottles at them. more.. Israeli air force shells two buildings in Gaza International Middle East Media Center 4/7/2006 Israeli Air Force warplanes bombed and completely damaged two buildings in Gaza city. Army claims that the two buildings are used as offices of an armed wing of Fateh movement in Gaza. An Israeli military spokesman claimed that both strikes had targeted offices of the Al-Aqsa Martyrs Brigades, the military wing of Fateh; no injuries were reported. The sources held the Brigades responsible for the homemade at the Negev on Thursday. According to Israeli sources, one homemade shell hit an Israeli factory in a kibbutz near the town of Ashkelon and set it ablaze, injuring one Israeli. Another homemade shell struck inside the Israeli Negev town of Sderot but caused no injuries or damages, the spokesperson added. more.. Budrus village, central in Palestinian non-violence, subjected to night raids by Israeli forces International Middle East Media Center 4/7/2006 Israeli Forces have been carrying out late-night raids into the village of Budrus and forcing people at gunpoint to undergo fingerprint checks. Soldiers have stormed several houses over the last week pursuing what they call a “statistical survey”, which involves forcibly documenting all of the men in the households. The villagers of Budrus - known for their united nonviolent defiance of the Apartheid Wall being built on village land - say that the nocturnal raids are a harassment technique that reflect the desperate measures taken by the Occupation to subdue the popular resistance of the village. Budrus plays a central role in the popular mobilization against the Wall. Villagers have repeatedly torn down parts of the Wall running through the village lands, and continually confronted Israeli forces in non-violent protests. more.. Extensive Israeli military operation in Nablus Ma'an News 4/6/2006 Nablus- Ma'an- Four Palestinian citizens have been injured, one seriously, and eight Al Aqsa Brigades' members arrested during an extensive Israeli military operation in the city of Nablus. The Ma'an correspondent reported that more than 40 Israeli military jeeps and vehicles raided the city from different directions and entered many of the city neighbourhoods. Medical sources said that Samih Shaf'e (16 years) was suffering from a severe head injury when he arrived at a local hospital. It was also reported that an American journalist had been injured in his foot and also a woman named Ayda Sari (45 years). more.. Israeli forces arrest seven Palestinians in Tulkarem City and surrounding villages Ma'an News 4/6/2006 Tulkarem- Ma'an- Israeli forces carried out an intensive military operation in the city of Tulkarem, its eastern towns and in Nour Ash-Shams refugee camp on Thursday morning. Seven citizens were arrested. The Ma'an correspondent reported that, according to eyewitnesses and Palestinian sources, Israeli forces broke into the headquarters of the Palestinian civil defense in the western district of Tulkarem City and forced the employees to leave under threat of force. One, Mazhar Khres (25 years), was arrested. The correspondent added that Israeli forces raided the eastern district of the city and arrested Sharif Al-Hamshari taking him to an unknown destination. more.. Israeli troops arrest 10 residents in Bethlehem International Middle East Media Center 4/6/2006 Thursday morning, Israeli soldiers invaded the West Bank city of Bethlehem, several surrounding villages and towns, arrested fifteen residents and took them to unknown destinations. The Palestine News Network reported that soldiers invaded Bethlehem area from Beit Jala town, Al Obiyyat area,and from Beit Sahour,broke into dozens of homes and forced the residents out while searching their properties. An Israeli military spokesperson reported that soldiers seven Palestinian residents who are said to be members of Palestinian political movements. The source stated that three of the arrestees are members of the Islamic Jihad, one is a member of the Democratic Front for the Liberation of Palestine, two members of Fateh movement and one member of Hamas. more.. Troops invade Jenin, arrest five residents International Middle East Media Center 4/6/2006 Thursday morning, Israeli soldiers and under-cover units, invaded the West Bank city of Jenin and arrested five residents; army claims that two of the arrestees were planning to attack a military camp near Jenin. A local source in Jenin reported that under-covered soldiers, driving a Palestinian licensed vehicle arrived earlier on Thursday morning at the main junction in the center of Jenin, and broke into a bakery at the entrance of the Old City of Jenin. After breaking into the bakery, the under-covered troops arrested three residents working there and took them to an unknown destination..... In a separate incident, soldiers arrested two residents of Jenin as they were present near Salem Israeli military camp, west of the city. more.. Aqsa Brigades: Israel is using high-tech devices to assassinate Palestinians Ma'an News 4/6/2006 Gaza- Ma'an- Aqsa Brigades'' Military wing of Fatah Movement"announced their discovery of important details regarding the targeted assassination operations of Palestinian resistance leaders and members. A statement issued by the Brigades says that these operations are executed through supplying agents and collaborator with cars containing high-tech equipment. The cars are then parked in roads and streets frequented by the targeted people. Abu Qussay, a spokesman for the Brigades, told Ma'an News "Israeli forces supply collaborators with stolen cars that have had modern high–tech equipment installed, such as an aerial. more.. New military checkpoints in Salfeet area Ma'an News 4/6/2006 Salfeet- Ma'an- Israeli forces erected three temporary checkpoints at the eastern entrance of the city of Salfeet Thursday morning. Maan correspondent reported that the checkpoints were erected near the villages of Skaka, Yasouf, and Zatarah, and resulted of the delay of Palestinian citizens from reaching their schools, universities and other places of work. The Israeli soldiers were inspecting and thoroughly checking the cars and passengers which resulted in the increasing of cars waiting to pass, eyewitnesses said. [end] more.. Qassam attacks up despite IDF efforts YNet News 4/6/2006 Ynet reveals that since IDF stepped up anti-Qassam efforts last week by firing shells from the air, sea and land, rocket attacks have increase by 10 percent; ‘wintry conditions disrupted activity’ army explains -- Since last week, when the IDF began firing shells from the air, the sea and land at areas in north Gaza, there has been a 10 percent increase in the number of Qassam rockets fired from the Gaza Strip, Ynet has learned. On Thursday morning two Qassams were fired at Kibbutz Zikim, after 8 rockets were fired at Israel on Wednesday. Later Thursday, the shrapnel of a shell fired by the IDF toward the Gaza Strip hit a home in the southern community of Nativ Haasara, causing damage to the roof. more.. 2 Qassams hit South YNet News 4/6/2006 Qassam fire continues: A Qassam rocket fired from the northern Gaza Strip landed in Kibbutz Zikim Thursday morning near a mattress factory. The rocket started a fire near the plant. One Israeli suffered from shock in the wake of the attack. Earlier, another rocket was fired from the northern Strip. Officials estimate the Qassam landed in an area between two southern kibbutzim. No injuries or damages were reported in that attack. On Wednesday, Palestinians fired eight Qassam rockets at Gaza-region communities. In recent days, IDF forces boosted their anti-Qassam campaign in the framework of the "Southern Arrow" operation. more.. Al Aqsa Brigades and Sami Al Ghoul Brigades take responsibility for the Ashkelon missile Ma'an News 4/6/2006 Gaza- Ma'an- The Al Aqsa Brigades and the Sami Al Ghoul Brigades, both military wings of the Fatah Movement, claimed responsibility for launching two homemade projectiles into the city of Al Majdal (Ashkelon) on Thursday morning. In a statement, the Brigades said that the launching was a fast response to the Israeli bombardment of the Gaza Strip throughout the day and night. The statement added that the launching is one of a series of operations that the Brigades have carried out inside Ashkelon as a response to the Israeli bombardment. [end] more.. Palestinian resistance claims responsibility for injuring an Israeli soldier during Israeli invasion International Middle East Media Center 4/6/2006 The Abu Al Arish Brigades claimed responsibility for injuring an Israeli solder during the Israeli raid of Khaimit Al Amoud in the Nablus Governorate on Thursday morning. In a statement, the Brigades said that its fighters exploded a bomb in an Israeli military vehicle, injuring the passenger. They confirmed they will continue the struggle in response to the assassination of the leader of the Nasser Salah Addin Brigades. [end] more.. Israeli forces intensify their presence in Tubas Ma'an News 4/6/2006 Jenin- Ma'an- Israeli forces have intensified their military presence in the town of Tubas and surrounding villages by erecting a number of military barriers and stopping traffic. Palestinian security sources reported that there were three Israeli military vehicles positioned at the northern entrance to Tubas, four at the Tammoun crossway south of Jenin, and several vehicles at the eastern entrance to the village of Al-Aqabah. The sources added that Israeli forces erected several barriers at the southern entrance to Tubas and at the entrance to Ouqabah north of Tubas. [end] more.. Army invades Yatta village, near Hebron International Middle East Media Center 4/6/2006 Thursday morning, Israeli soldiers invaded the village of Yata near the West Bank city of Hebron. Soldiers searched residents' houses and took positions over the rooftops, local sources reported. [end] more.. Army arrest two residents from Dar Salah village east of Bethlehem International Middle East Media Center 4/6/2006 The Israeli army invaded the village of Dar Salaheast of the West Bank city of Bethlehem and arrested two residents, Thursday at dawn. Troops entered the village and searched several houses before arresting Naji Salah and Ibrahem Al Ghwarnah and took them to an unknown destination. [end] more.. Arrest campaign in the West Bank Ma'an News 4/6/2006 Bethlehem- Maan- Israeli forces arrested several Palestinian citizens in several cities and towns of the West Bank. Israeli sources reported that the Israeli forces raided the city of Nablus and arrested seven citizens, four of them affiliated to Fatah and three to Islamic Jihad. In Qalandia near Ramallah, two others were arrested, one of them affiliated to Fatah and the other to Islamic Jihad. In Bethlehem area , the Israeli forces raided the village of Dar Salah east of the city and arrested two of its citizens. And in the area of Hebron south of the West Bank, the Israeli forces broke into the town of Souref and arrested one of the citizens for being a Jihad member, in the area of Hebron also another citizen was arrested in the village of Ribhiyeh, while in the city itself , two Palestinian citizens were arrested. [end] more.. Army invades Balata refugee camp in Nablus International Middle East Media Center 4/6/2006 Israeli army force stormed Balata refugee camp in the West Bank city of Nablus allegedly seeking wanted people, on Thursday morning. There were Clashes between the invading soldiers and somecamp Palestinian resistance fighters , no injures on either side were reported, eyewitnesses stated. [end] more.. Israeli forces raid Nablus, four Palestinians injured and six arrested Ma'an News 4/5/2006 Nablus- Ma'an- Four Palestinian citizens were injured during confrontations with the Israeli forces on Wednesday morning. The Israeli forces broke into the city of Nablus in the early hours of Wednesday; Palestinian citizens confronted the forces for more than six hours during which six Palestinians were arrested, including three brothers. Armed clashes erupted during the confrontations resulting in the injury of an Israeli officer in his neck. Israeli medical sources said that his wound was moderate, and that he was transported to hospital by helicopter. The Ma'an reporter said that four Palestinian citizens were also injured during confrontations that erupted in Madaris street, two of them suffered slight injuries and the other two, moderate injuries. more.. Many injured in Israeli attacks against northern Gaza Rafah Today 4/5/2006 Sonic booms and air strikes terrify children in the Gaza Strip. -- Israeli aircraft fired two missiles into the compound of the Palestinian Authority headquarters in Gaza City, wounding two people, Palestinian security sources said. Palestinian Authority president Mahmud Abbas, who was in the West Bank at the time of the attack, condemned the strike and called on the international community to intervene to stop what he called Israel's escalation. The military has stepped up artillery shelling of a self-declared "no-go zone" in northern Gaza since an unprecedented attack last week with a Katyusha rocket, which has a much longer range than the normal makeshift missiles. more.. Salem farmer in critical condition after attack by Israeli settlers International Middle East Media Center 4/4/2006 Palestinian farmer, Saber Shtaya of Salem, is in critical condition in Beilinson hospital in Israel after being brutally attacked by settlers last Friday. On that day, Israeli soldiers stood and watched while 30 armed Israeli settlers from the notorious Scully's Farm settlement attacked the Palestinian farmers. Palestinians have vowed to complete the plowing near Scully's Farm this coming Friday and are calling for support from activists. [end] more.. Israel Turns Qalandia Checkpoint into "Aterot" International Crossing International Press Center 4/5/2006 GAZA, April 4, 2006 (IPC + Agencies) - - Israeli military sources asserted that the Qalandia checkpoint between Ramallah City and East Jerusalem will be turned into an international border crossing, and will be renamed "Aterot Crossing". Avihai Edri, Israeli army spokesman, said that the crossing will be open only for Palestinians who have entry permits into Israel and holders of Jerusalem ID cards. He pointed out that residents of the West Bank who wish to move between the city of Ramallah and the southern West Bank will have to pass through Al Kassarat Junction, east to Al Ram and Al Barid suburbs, then to Jaba'a, Hazma, Anata, Qalandia and Beir Nabala. more.. Planned Fence-off Wall in Hebron Cut off 21 Palestinian Communities and 80,000 Dunum International Press Center 4/5/2006 HEBRON, Palestine, April 5,2006 (IPC+Arab48) - -Three Israeli human rights groups filed a petition to the Israeli Supreme Court calling the court to call off a military plan sketched out by the Israeli occupation army to set up a fence-wall, far away of the route of the Green line, and dipping deep inside Hebron district, south West Bank. The Arab 48 website reported today that the planned fence-off is about 80 centimeter in high and total length of nearly 41 Kilometer running through many Palestinian Residential communities including Yatta, Al Thaherya, Al Smoua and Kherbet Al Tawalyia. According to the petitions the fence off wall will cut away wide area of 80,000 Dunum and coiled 21 Palestinian communities of villages and cities and turned them into isolated ghettoes and Bantustans... more.. Israeli settler attacks, takeovers on the rise since Israeli election International Middle East Media Center 4/5/2006 Since Ehud Olmert's election as the new Israeli Prime Minister on March 27, Israeli settlers living illegally in the occupied Palestinian West Bank have increased attacks on Palestinians and internationals, and expanded takeovers of Palestinian buildings, apparently acting on Ehud Olmert's statement that his government would "take the Jordan Valley and east Jerusalem", as well as 20% of remaining Palestinian land, surrounding the rest with a Wall. Over the last week, Israeli settlers have taken over several Palestinian apartment buildings in Israeli-occupied East Jerusalem, in order to, as they say, "hold on to outposts in East Jerusalem and create an irreversible situation in the sacred basin around the Old City". more.. Israeli forces arrest five Palestinians in Hebron region Ma'an News 4/5/2006 Hebron- Ma'an- Israeli forces have arrested five Palestinian citizens, including two minors. The Israeli military forces broke into the city of Hebron and arrested Ahmad Seder, 22 years, Hamzah Atrash, 15 years, and Muhammad Sharif, 15 years, after completely ransacking their houses. In the same city, Israeli forces attacked Bilal Zahdah hitting him harshly. He was transported to hospital in the city where his condition was described as stable. In Dora, south of the city of Hebron, Israeli forces arrested Ghassan Jihad Amro, 23 years, and Yasser Abu Sharar. [end] more.. Governorate of Hebron issues statement condemning the building of a Jewish prayer room inside the Ibrahimi Mosque Ma'an News 4/5/2006 Public Relations Department - Statement of Hebron Governorate Regarding the New Measures in the Ibrahimi Mosque: The Hebron Governorate would like to notify the whole international community and in particular, the United Nations representative HE Secretary-General Mr Kofi Annan, the Quartet, the Arab League representative Mr Amr Mosa, and all those who are concerned about the violation of International Law against holy sites in the Palestinian territories committed by Israeli occupation forces in Hebron against the Ibrahimi Mosque. Since yesterday occupation forces have started to move building material inside the mosque in an attempt to build a room for Jews inside the mosque. more.. Abu Al Arish Brigades thwart an attempted kidnapping in the Gaza strip Ma'an News 4/5/2006 Khan Younis- Ma'an- Mr. Abu Haroun, the spokesman for Abu Al Arish Brigades, confirmed that the Brigades succeeded to thwart an attempted kidnapping of two Canadian journalists in the west of the city Khan Younis. Abu Haroun told Ma'an in a telephone call that a group of armed men had tried to kidnap two journalists on a journalistic mission on the city's beach. The group was confronted by a group of Brigades who frustrated the attempt. The Brigades, with Force 17, ensured the arrival of the journalists to the city of Gaza and handed them over to the president's office. [end] more.. Israeli forces arrest five women within 48 hours in Nablus area Ma'an News 4/5/2006 Nablus- Maan- Israeli forces arrested Palestinian woman, Zakiah Naj'jar 21 years of Bourin village southern of the city of Nablus after raided her house and search it invasively. Relatives of the lady told Maan reporter that several Israeli military jeeps arrived to the house; soldiers surrounded it, before arresting the lady. They said that Naj'jar is a student in her third year in the University of An Najah in Nablus. The Israeli forces arrested four Palestinian young women within the last forty eight hours from Nablus area. [end] more.. Israeli Forces Arrest Several Citizens, Detain Jerusalem Minister at Checkpoint International Press Center 4/5/2006 HEBRON, Palestine, April 5, 2006 (IPC + Agencies) - - Israeli occupation forces arrested several citizens in the city of Hebron and surrounding villages, and seized a number of houses too, in addition to detaining the Minister of Jerusalem Affairs at a military checkpoint in the West Bank. Sources at the Palestinian Prisoner's Society (PPS) explained that Israeli soldiers arrested three citizens in the city of Hebron, after raiding their homes yesterday night. They were all taken to the detention center at the illegal Israeli settlement "Kfar Etzion". On the other hand, local sources at the town of Bani En'aim, in Hebron province, said Israeli forces stormed the town and besieged the two-storey house of Kayed Ballout, before seizing it and turning it into a military barracks. more.. Israeli forces invade Nablus City, take four Palestinians, including a woman, to unknown locations Palestine News Network 4/5/2006 Israeli forces conducted a wide invasion, breaking-into and searching several homes in the northern West Bank’s Nablus City. Israeli forces took four Palestinians to unknown locations during Wednesday’s invasion, including a woman. Residents report that Israeli forces invaded early in the morning, as several jeeps incurred into the Old City and surrounding neighborhoods, breaking into numerous homes. Local sources also report that Israeli soldiers besieged a number of buildings, including the Ashkar Building on Haifa Street, the Asaylowi Building near the Salam Mosque, and the Afuri Building. Israeli forces also besieged several neighborhoods, including Sheikh Muslim, Al Yasmina, and Krayun. more.. Abu Ali Mustapha Brigades launches projectile at Israeli military position Ma'an News 4/5/2006 Gaza- Maan- Abu Ali Mustapha Brigades "military wing of the PFLP" announce responsibility for the launching of a home made projectile at an Israeli military position near Kerem Shalom Crossing. The brigades said that the Israeli soldiers shot intensively at the group of fighters who executed the launching. No injuries reported. In a statement issued Wednesday the brigades said that the launching of the projectile was retaliation on the Israeli crimes against Palestinian people. [end] more.. 8 Qassams fired at Israel in last 24 hours YNet News 4/5/2006 Qassam fire toward Israel continues despite IDF’s extensive activity against rocket cells in northern Gaza. Eight Qassams fired toward Israel Wednesday; no injuries were reported, but some damage was caused to greenhouses. Western Negev resident says 'we hear the IDF and the Palestinians firing simultaneously, which is an absurd situation in itself' -- The Qassam fire toward Israel is continuing despite the IDF’s extensive activity against rocket cells in northern Gaza. Eight Qassams were fired toward Israel from Gaza on Wednesday; no injuries were reported. Two rockets landed in open areas between Kibbutz Beeri and Kibbutz Alumim in the western Negev; at around 2 p. m. a rocket landed in an open area between Nativ Ha’asara and Kibbutz Yad Mordechai. more.. Abu Al Arish Brigades claim responsibility for armed clash in Jenin Ma'an News 4/5/2006 Khan Younis- Jenin- Maan- Ahmed Abu Al Arish Brigades, an armed resistance wing of Fateh, confirmed that one of the groups clashed and exchanged fire with an Israeli infantry unit in the Zahra'a area of Jenin city on Wednesday morning. In a statement issued Wednesday morning, the Brigades said that this operation came as a natural reaction to the Israeli crimes against the Palestinian people. The Brigades confirmed that they will continue their struggle until the Israeli occupation of Palestinian land ends. [end] more.. PRC confirms that Abu Abeer is its Brigades' spokesman Ma'an News 4/5/2006 Gaza- Ma'an- Nasser Salah Addin Brigades, the military wing of the Popular Resistance Committees (PRC), called on the Palestinian government and all the Palestinian factions, figures and honest people in Palestine to stand behind the committee formed by the Ministry of Interior to investigate the circumstances of the killing of Youseh Qouqa last Friday. The Brigades confirmed that every possible effort will be made to cooperate with this committee so as to make its work successful. In a statement issued on Wednesday, the Brigades announced that, although the loss was great, the killing of Qouqa will not effect the internal situation of the Brigades.. more.. Settler sewage pollutes Palestinian spring water Ma'an News 4/5/2006 Salfeet- Ma'an- Khaled Mali- Many Israeli military vehicles arrived at the Matwi spring west of the city of Salfeet. They checked the area and took water samples from the spring. Eyewitnesses said that experts from the Israeli Makarout Water Company also arrived in the area and took water samples. It is mentioned that the sewage of the settlement of Ariel passes through this area. This caused the pollution of the spring's water which resulted in the governorate of Salfeet raising the alarm. [end] more.. Israeli planes fire missiles into Abbas' Gaza compound The Daily Star 4/5/2006 Israeli warplanes Tuesday fired three missiles into the Gaza compound of Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas as part of a series of raids that killed a Palestinian civilian and wounded nine others, including a baby. Abbas, who was in the West Bank at the time, condemned the strikes and called on the international community to intervene to stop what he called an escalation by Israel. The dead man, Abdullah al-Daalsa, 42, was killed in the shelling as he stood in a field in the northern Gaza town of Beit Lahiya. Another seven people, including a six-month-old baby, were wounded by shrapnel, security and medical sources said. Four of those injured were inside a house struck by a shell and two of them were in a critical condition. more.. Ethnic cleansing of Palestinians continues in East Jerusalem The Daily Star 4/5/2006 JERUSALEM: Ten days before he and 28 relatives were evicted from their East Jerusalem homes, Riad Ghozlan received a bill for $245,000 in back rent from the "real" Jewish owners and a court order to leave. "They came for us last Wednesday morning, saying you have 30 minutes to get out. About 80 people turned up and they took all our possessions. They threw us out, closed the doors and changed the locks," he says. The Palestinian family's three houses in Silwan, just outside the Old City's walls, were acquired by land acquisition organization the Jewish National Fund in 1923 and then transferred to settler association Elad. Elad, an ultra-nationalist, religious group, openly advocates the "judaization" of occupied East Jerusalem. more.. Palestinian child killed near Ramallah International Middle East Media Center 4/4/2006 Israeli soldiers shot and killed a Palestinian child, and injured two youth, in Qalandia refugee camp, near the West Bank city of Ramallah. A local source in the camp reported that troops, supported by armored vehicles, invaded the camp and clashed with dozens of youth who hurled stones and empty bottles at the soldiers who fired with live ammunition, rubber-coated bullets, gas and concussion grenades. One child identified as Mohammad FareedZayyat, 15, was killed after suffering a live round in the his chest. Also, resident Mohammad Rasheed Al Reehawi suffered a rubber-coated bullet injury in his thigh, and resident Taha Waheed was injured by a rubber-coated bullet in his face; both were transferred to a hospital in Ramallah. more.. Authorities were aware shepherds had entered firing range - but did nothing Ha'aretz 4/4/2006 Last Tuesday, Naif al-Atrash, 13, and his brother, Salem, 12, were killed by an unexploded shell while herding sheep in an Israel Defense Forces artillery range located between the Beit Kama intersection and Moshav Ahuzam. The event was preceded by a tragic succession of circumstances including financial straits, closure of pasture lands by the IDF, failure to implement IDF orders and the failure of authorities to handle these problems. IDF firing ranges cover a third of the nation and 80 percent of the Negev. Most firing ranges are not fenced in and warning signs are apparently posted only on their borders - not within the range of fire.... Many firing ranges adjoin residential areas inhabited by Bedouins and some Bedouins even live in firing ranges. more.. Four Palestinians arrested in Bethlehem area Ma'an News 4/4/2006 Bethlehem-Maan- Israeli Forces arrested four Palestinians from the city of Bethlehem and its neighboring Village of Tqou'a through breaking into the houses intensively Tuesday morning. Palestinian sources reported that the Israeli Forces arrested two young men in the city of Bethlehem ," Husam A'ayesh and Issa Hijazi", while the other two were from Tqou'a Village, "Hasan Jebrel and Mohammad Jebrel". The citizens confirmed that the Israeli Forces intended scaring them through breaking into their houses claiming that they search for weapons. [end] more.. Israelis kill Bethlehem militant BBC 4/3/2006 Israeli forces have shot dead a Palestinian militant in a raid in the West Bank town of Bethlehem. An army spokeswoman said the man was an al-Aqsa Martyrs' Brigades member and had refused to give himself up when Israeli troops tried to arrest him. Palestinian witnesses said troops in civilian dress chased Raed Abayat onto the roof of a building where they shot him dead. A second man was detained during the same operation. The army said it had arrested 12 Palestinians overnight. One eyewitness, quoted by the AFP news agency, said the troops beat Mr Abayat, 31, before firing the fatal shot. more.. 5 Qassams land near Ashkelon YNet News 4/4/2006 Rockets fired at Israel land near army base, factory in Ashkelon's industrial zone. Employees say Qassam almost hit cache of inflammable materials, could have caused disaster -- Five Qssam rockets were fired Tuesday from the northern Gaza Strip at southern Ashkelon. Two of the rockets landed in the area of kibbutz Zikim, one fell in kibbutz Karmiya, one in the area of the Nativ Haasara community and the fifth landed in Ashkelon's industrial zone, just south of the town. As of now, no injuries have been reported. In response to the attack, the IDF shelled Qassam launching sites in the Strip. more.. Al-Qaeda eyes ‘essential target’ in Gaza YNet News 4/4/2006 Jordanian security sources say organization taking advantage of PA chaos, overpopulation to establish terror infrastructure, London-based newspaper al-Hayat reportsRoee Nahmias Sources in the Jordanian security establishment said that members of al-Qaeda are operating in the Gaza Strip, the London-based newspaper Al-Hayat reported. This is not the first claim the terrorist organization has operatives in the region. Palestinian Authority Chairman Mahmoud Abbas also claimed in the past that al-Qaeda terrorists had reached the PA. The Jordanian sources noted that a cell linked to the organization was recently thwarted in its attempt to perpetrate an attack against an "essential target” in Gaza. more.. Ten Al-Qaida operatives infiltrated Gaza Strip recently Ha'aretz 4/5/2006 Around 10 terror operatives affiliated with Al-Qaida and other global jihad factions have infiltrated the Gaza Strip in recent weeks. Palestinian Authority sources said their security agencies suspect that the operatives, who arrived in Gaza from Egypt - some through the Rafah terminal - are staying in the cities of Khan Yunis and Rafah and are involved in smuggling materiel on a large scale. According to various reports, some of which could not be fully verified by Israelis, the operatives belong to several factions, mainly radical Islamic movements in Egypt, that are affiliated with Al-Qaida. Beside Palestinians, there are citizens of Egypt, Sudan and Yemen. more.. Settler sentenced to two years in jail for shooting Palestinian Ha'aretz 4/4/2006 Beer Sheva District Court on Tuesday sentenced a settler to two years in prison for shooting a Palestinian civilian in the Gaza Strip last summer. Daniel Finner, 39, a resident of the West Bank settlement of Tapuah, shot and wounded a Palestinian resident of El-Muasi in June 2005. Finner opened fire during an altercation that erupted between Israeli guests of the Maoz Yam hotel in Gush Katif and Palestinian residents of the adjacent El-Muasi area.... According to the charges, Finner burst onto the scene with a loaded Uzi submachine gun and began firing in the air and directly at the Palestinians. One Palestinian man was severely wounded by the gunfire and was rushed to a hospital to be operated upon. more.. Israeli artillery shells Beit Lahia, two residents killed and six injured International Middle East Media Center 4/4/2006 A Palestinian security source in the Gaza Strip reported on Tuesday afternoon that two residents were killed and six were injured after the Israeli army shelled with heavy artillery Palestinian houses and agricultural areas in Beit Lahia, in the northern part of the Gaza Strip. The two killed residents were identified as Abdullah Da'absa and Khaled Abu Shammas; five other residents were injured. The source stated that Israeli artillery installed along the northern borders of the Gaza Strip shelled several houses and agricultural areas in Beit Lahia forcing the residents to evacuate from their homes. more.. Palestinian medics: IDF tank fire kills one in northern Gaza Strip Ha'aretz 4/4/2006 Israel Defense Forces tanks fired several shells at the northern Gaza Strip on Tuesday, killing a Palestinian and wounding eight others, including a mother and her 6-month-old baby, Palestinian officials said. The IDF said in response that it had targeted an area from which Qassam rockets were being fired on Israel. The tank fire followed a barrage of five of the rockets into Israel and came shortly after Israel Air Force aircraft bombed targets in the northern Strip. Palestinian witnesses said the tank shells hit three houses in Beit Lahia. Neighbors ran into one of the buildings in search of dead and wounded. more.. Israeli Forces invade Al Zababda and Bier Al Basha villages near Jenin International Middle East Media Center 4/4/2006 The Israeli army invaded Zababda and Bier Al Basha villages situated near the West Bank city of Jenin and arrested four residents from Bier Al Basha village, Tuesday morning. Troops surrounded student halls in Al Zababda and searched it, eyewitnesses reportedthat students' belongings were damaged during the raid. At the same time the nearby village of Bier Al Basha was invaded. The Israeli army searched several homes before arresting four residents, and taking them to an unknown destination, the names of those arrestedremains unknown. [end] more.. In an morning invasion of Nablus old city, the army arrest two girls International Middle East Media Center 4/4/2006 Israeli forces invaded the old city area in the West Bank city of Nablus and arrested two residents, early tuesday morning. Soldiers and army vehicles invaded the area and soldiers conducted a wide scale search of residents' homes before arresting Rasha Ziher and Aiat Al Salti,taking both girls to an unknown destination, local sources reported. [end] more.. Army arrest five citizens of Tulkarem International Middle East Media Center 4/4/2006 Israeli army arrested five Tulkarum residents early tuesday morning carrying out invasions across several villages in the West Bank city of Tulkarem. In Alar village, troops invaded and searched residents' homes before arresting Samir Asasia, 21, Hamad Amer, 21, Mohamed Abu Asiah, 19, and Mohamed Abu Hasida, 22, while in the nearby Sida village they arrested Mo'taz Abd Al Ghani. Local sources reported that an Israeli squadron also invaded the city of Tulkarem and arrested Al'a Mahajta, 26, after searching his house. [end] more.. Two residents arrested in Toqua village near Bethlehem International Middle East Media Center 4/4/2006 Israeli armed forces invaded the village of Toqua south east of the West Bank city of Bethlehem and arrested two men on Tuesday morning, Hassan Jebriel, 28, and Mohamed Jebriel, 22. The men were arrested when troops stormed the village and searched several houses they were taken to an unknown destination. [end] more.. Israeli forces strengthen their measures at the Zatarah Barrier Ma'an News 4/4/2006 Salfeet-Maan- Israeli forces prevented dozens of citizens and vehicles from passing throw following the Zatara Barrier claiming they search for a wanted Palestinian Monday afternoon. Eyewitnesses reported that the Israeli forces stopped Palestinian passengers and used the police dogs for checking and searching operation, this led to traffic suffocation at the barrier with dozens of cars and hundreds of citizens blocked at it. Zatarah berrier is separating the northern West Bank areas from the southern parts. [end] more.. Shells, rockets and leaflets are ammunition in Gaza battle The Guardian 4/3/2006 Israel uses gunboats to bombard open land · Clash between Fatah and Hamas underlines tension -- Israeli artillery fired about 150 shells into the Gaza strip over the weekend, some from gunboats for the first time, in the largest barrage against the territory since the withdrawal of Jewish settlers and the army in September. The military said the assault, aimed principally at open land, was in response to the continued firing of rudimentary rockets from Gaza by Palestinian factions. The air force also hit a number of buildings in northern Gaza which it said sheltered rocket launchers. They included a casino complex under construction and partly owned by Israelis. The assault did not stop Palestinian factions from launching at least six rockets into Israel but neither they nor the army's barrage caused casualties. more.. Troops attack, abuse two Palestinian workers from Hebron International Middle East Media Center 4/2/2006 A Palestinian medical source in Alia governmental hospital in Hebron, south of the West Bank, reported on Sunday evening that one Palestinian resident was suffered fractures, concussions and bruises to several parts of his body after soldiers clubbed and punched him in Arab Al Ramadeen area, south of Hebron. The source stated that Tamer Awni Al Haimouni, 25, suffered fractures in his leg in addition to concussions to several parts of his body after the soldiers attacked him as he was heading to work in Be'er Shiva Israeli town, south of the country. Also, Israeli soldiers and police chased and detained dozens of Palestinian workers from Hebron while they were heading to their work in Be'er Shiva. [end] more.. Israeli law eases settlers into east Jerusalem ReliefWeb 4/4/2006 JERUSALEM, April 4, 2006 (AFP) - Ten days before he and 28 relatives were evicted from their east Jerusalem homes, Riyad Ghozlan received a bill for 245,000 dollars in back rent from the "real" Jewish owners and a court order to leave. "They came for us on Wednesday morning, saying you have 30 minutes to get out. About 80 people turned up and they took all our possessions. They threw us out, closed the doors and changed the locks," he says. The Palestinian family's three houses in Silwan, just outside the Old City's walls, were acquired by land acquisition organisation the Jewish National Fund in 1923 and then transferred to settler association Elad. Elad, an ultra-nationalist, religious group, openly advocates the "judaization" of east Jerusalem. When contacted by AFP, a spokesman said "Elad is not going to give any details about stuff we're doing around Silwan. more.. Israelis buy E Jerusalem houses BBC 4/3/2006 A private Israeli group says it has taken over two East Jerusalem buildings after buying them from Palestinians. Adi Mintz, a director of the Elad organisation, said Jewish settlers had moved into the buildings in Silwan district and on the Mount of Olives. Reports say local Palestinians have responded angrily and are calling on the new residents to leave. Elad's aim is to set up Jewish outposts in East Jerusalem, which has been occupied by Israel since 1967. The non-profit organisation says it purchased the two buildings a few months ago. Mr Mintz says Elad's goal is to create an irreversible situation in what he called the "sacred basin" around the Old City. Sensitive issue: Israeli security guards armed with assault rifles and walkie-talkies have take up positions on the buildings, the Associated Press News agency reported. more.. Army erect a sudden military checkpoint in Jenin International Middle East Media Center 4/4/2006 Tuesday morning Israeli soldiers erected a military checkpoint between the villages of Qabatia and Sanor situated near the West Bank city of Jenin. Eye witnesses reported, that the army stopped and searched civilian cars then checked ID cards of people passing through, preventing students and residents from attending work and school. [end] more.. Army arrest one resident in Askar refugee camp International Middle East Media Center 4/4/2006 Israeli armed forces invaded Askar refugee camp, east of the West Bank city of Nablus and arrested one resident, Tuesday morning. Ahmad Al Shatawi, 35, was arrested when troops and army vehicles invaded Askar camp and searched his home along with the houses of several other residents, reported local sources. Israeli soldiers also stormed the city of Nablus near Balata refugee camp, and there are local reports of an on going arrest campaign there. [end] more.. Army arrest one resident from Bethlehem International Middle East Media Center 4/4/2006 Israeli armed forces invaded the West Bank city of Bethlehem and arrested one resident there, Tuesday dawn. Hossam Aiesh, 22, was arrested after troops stormed several houses in the city, and eye witnesses reported he was taken to an unknown destination. [end] more.. Quds Brigades launched projectile at the Sofa Crossing Ma'an News 4/4/2006 Khan Younis-Maan- Quds Brigades "military wing of Islamic Jihad" announced responsibility for launching a home made projectile into the Soufa Crossing eastern the City of Rafah Tuesday morning. In a statement issued the Brigades confirmed that the launching was a natural reaction on the Israeli crimes, in which the last was the assassination of the Aqsa Brigades leader Ra'ed Abaiyat in the city of Bethlehem and on the arrest operation that the Israeli Forces carrying out in the West Bank. [end] more.. Israeli missiles hit Gaza compound AlJazeera 4/4/2006 The target was near President Mahmoud Abbas's office -- Israeli missiles have hit a Palestinian security compound in Gaza, the first such air strike in two years. Israeli shells on Tuesday also killed a Palestinian in the north of the strip after rocket attacks on the Jewish state. The missile attack in Gaza City wounded a policeman. Hamas said Israel was trying to send a message in response to the Islamic group's victory in January parliamentary elections. Israel said it was responding to Palestinian cross-border rocket attacks.... The Israeli military said it had carried out two separate air attacks, one on an open field in northern Gaza from where resistance fighters fire rockets, and the other on an "open, unpopulated space" in Gaza City. more..

Diplomacy..

Chirac calls for fund to aid Palestinians AlJazeera 4/28/2006 France has called for the creation of a World Bank fund to pay the salaries of Palestinian officials. Jacques Chirac, the French president, proposed it on Friday before he met Mahmoud Abbas, his Palestinian counterpart in Paris. Jerome Bonnafont, Chirac's spokesman, said France would raise the issue during talks on May 9 with the United Nations, the United States, the European Union and Russia - the four international players behind the stalled "road map" peace plan. Ghazi Hamad, the Hamas administration spokesman, said salary payments "should be co-ordinated with the government", to prevent what he called "the creation of a second government". more.. U.S.: Hamas, Iran rekindling hatred of Jews YNet News 4/28/2006 Deputy secretary of state uses Holocaust remembrance to warn of new efforts by Iran, Hamas to incite hatred of Jews; Israel's ambassador to U.S. compares Iranian president to Hitler -- Deputy Secretary of State Robert Zoellick used a Holocaust remembrance ceremony to warn of new efforts by Iran and the Palestinian group Hamas to incite hatred of the Jews. At a national commemoration at the U.S. Capitol, Zoellick said the victory by Hamas in January's Palestinian elections hearkened back to Israel's founding in 1947 when its neighbors refused to recognize its right to exist. ... "Instead of facing up to the challenges of creating a democratic Palestinian state, Hamas has retreated to blaming the Palestinians' problems on the Jews. " more.. Hamas FM: Third party could broker talks with Israel Ha'aretz 4/28/2006 Palestinian Authority Foreign Minister Mahmoud al-Zahar said Thursday there is no reason other parties cannot broker negotiations between the Hamas-led PA government and Israel. He was speaking to Al Jazeera TV. It was the first time since the establishment of the new Hamas government that Zahar mentioned the possibility of negotiations between the PA and Israel. The foreign minister's change of tone is believed to follow a "harsh" conversation between him and PA Prime Minister Ismail Haniyeh. In contrast to his statements at a recent rally at the Yarmuk refugee camp in Damascus, where Zahar called Israel "our enemy until Judgment Day," he said in the Al Jazeera interview that he "does not oppose negotiations with Israel if they lead to results that can be seen on the ground. " more.. PFLP-GC leader Jibril says group will fight U.S. if it attacks Iran Ha'aretz 4/29/2006 The leader of a Palestinian militant group warned the United States and Israel on Friday that if they attacked Syria or Iran, his guerrillas would fight them. "We will not allow any aggression against Syria or the Islamic Republic of Iran," Ahmed Jibril told a rally of about 1,000 supporters in a Palestinian refugee camp in the Syrian capital. "I say it frankly, we will not only be on their side, we will be in the forefront," said Jibril, the leader of the Popular Front for the Liberation of Palestine-General Command. Jibril's PFLP-GC is a small militant group, based in Damascus, that earned notoriety for its attacks on Israel in the past. It has long been on the U.S. State Department's terrorist list. more.. Quartet officials: Envoy to Middle East stepping down Ha'aretz 4/29/2006 U.S. officials say they questioned whether the Quartet still needed an envoy. -- Middle East envoy James Wolfensohn has decided to step down because of divisions within the Quartet of international mediators over his role now that Hamas controls the Palestinian Authority, officials said. "His term is expiring at the end of the month and he has no intention of remaining" in the job, an official in his office said, adding that no formal announcement was planned. Wolfensohn's departure expands a diplomatic vacuum after the United States, the European Union and Israel severed contacts with the Palestinian Authority. "What would a Quartet envoy do? " said a Western diplomat close to Wolfensohn. "You can't do economic development in a vacuum. " more.. Iran decries Israel's 'ridiculous' election to UN Disarmament Commission Ha'aretz 4/29/2006 Iran's UN ambassador said it was "absolutely ridiculous" that Israel was elected to be a vice-chair of the UN Disarmament Commission, claiming it has been singled out as a threat to peace and security in the Middle East. Ambassador Javad Zarif also lashed out at criticism in Israel of Iran's election to be a vice-chair of the commission, calling it absurd that a country which hasn't signed an international disarmament treaty "has the audacity to talk about another country having a seat. "Zarif's criticism follows Ahmadinejad's repeated questioning of Israel's right to exist and threat to wipe Israel off the map. [sic] more.. Italian authorities investigate anti-Israel protests at Milan march Ha'aretz 4/28/2006 ROME - Italian authorities are investigating anti-Israeli protests that marred a march in Milan commemorating the 61st anniversary of Italy's liberation from fascism, a prosecutor said Friday. Armando Spataro, an anti-terrorism prosecutor in the northern city, said a number of people have been placed under investigation for incitement to commit a crime, causing damage and holding an unauthorized demonstration. Spataro refused to release the number of those investigated or their nationality, saying only that police had identified them as having taken part in Tuesday's protests, during which demonstrators trampled and burned Israeli flags and shouted slogans in support of the Palestinians. more.. Hamas considers softer stance on Israel ABC News 4/28/2006 The Hamas-led Palestinian Government is weighing softening its stance toward Israel to ease isolation but not without concessions from the Jewish state and the international community. Hamas officials say ideas such as a 2002 Arab peace initiative, United Nations resolutions on the Palestinian-Israeli conflict and the Palestine Liberation Organisation's national agenda, all of which include recognition of Israel, are on the table. One expert on Hamas says any softening would not involve a shift in ideology, but be a way to try to get Western aid restored to the Palestinian Authority and heal a growing rift with President Mahmoud Abbas over government powers. more.. President Abbas renews call to EU for resumption of aid Ma'an News 4/28/2006 Ma'an- The Palestinian President, Mahmoud Abbas, has renewed his appeal to the European Union to keep providing aid to the Palestinian people during his visit to Finland. The European Union, which is the main financer to the PA, suspended its aid to the PA in response to Hamas' refusal to recognise Israel and commit to the previously signed peace agreements and its refusal to resume peaceful negotiations. [end] more.. Hezbollah publicly admits to support of militant groups in PA Ha'aretz 4/28/2006 BEIRUT - The leader of Hezbollah acknowledged giving militant Palestinian factions financial and political support, but denied arming them, in an interview published on Thursday. Sheik Hassan Nasrallah did not name the groups in an extensive interview with the Lebanese daily As-Safir, but Hezbollah is known to have close ties to Hamas and Islamic Jihad. "They have fighters and expertise. They can produce a missile by logging on to the Internet," Nasrallah said. "What they need is financial, political and media support. And we do not deny that we help them on those fronts," he added. It was the first time that the Hezbollah leader, a staunch supporter of the Palestinian cause, publicly acknowledged funding Palestinian militant groups... more.. Muslim Brotherhood leader criticizes Sinai blasts Ha'aretz 4/29/2006 The Muslim Brotherhood condemns the terror bombings in Sinai this week, but it supports Palestinian attacks against Israel, the group's leader said Friday. Speaking in an interview with the Saudi-owned satellite channel MBC, Mohammed Mahdi Akef deplored the triple bomb attack that killed 21 people and wounded 85 others in the Sinai resort of Dahab on Monday. "These are terrorist and dangerous (operations) that result from a total ignorance of the value of the human life," he said. But he contrasted the Dahab attack to Palestinian militant attacks in Israel. "Israel is an occupier, and it's the right of the people of the country to resist occupation by all means," he said. more.. Angry Israel Summons Swedish Envoy Palestine Chronicle/Haaretz 4/28/2006 The Swedish ambassador was told that Israel had received reports that Sweden intended to be the first European state to grant visas to Hamas officials. -- Israel's Foreign Ministry Director-General Ron Prosor on Thursday summoned Swedish Ambassador to Israel Robert Rydberg to clarify Stockholm's decision to withdraw from a NATO international air force exercise because of Israel's participation, as well as reports that the Scandinavian country was planning to grant visas to two Hamas representatives. Sweden called off its participation in the air force exercises to take place in Italy next month because of the involvement of the Israel Air Force in the drills. more.. Jewish Groups Join in Bid To Aid Arabs, But Spar Over Olmert Tie to Rightist Forward 4/28/2006 A coalition of American Jewish organizations launched a groundbreaking initiative this week to improve the socio-economic standing of Israeli Arabs, but participating groups were split on whether to speak out against the inclusion of an ultra-nationalist, reputedly anti-Arab party in Israel's new government. Last Wednesday, a new task force made up of Israeli experts and leaders of American Jewish organizations and charities held a press conference in New York to unveil a new campaign to help Israel's Arab citizens, who make up 20% of the population. The task force hopes to raise awareness about the gaps between Israeli Arabs and Israeli Jews in standard of living, health care, education and employment. more.. Former Military Chief: Keep West Bank Forward 4/28/2006 WASHINGTON — Moshe Yaalon, the recently retired chief of staff of the Israeli military, is a kibbutznik from a Labor movement background. But in sharp contrast to the retired military men entering the next Knesset, Yaalon is the rare, and arguably most important, retired Israeli general to publicly oppose unilateral Israeli withdrawals from the West Bank and Gaza. Yaalon, who in many circles is credited as the military leader most responsible for Israel's success in curbing Palestinian terrorism in the past few years, has made his opposition known in recent months in a series of speeches and publications in Israel and the United States. The former chief of staff has harshly criticized the two-state solution as unviable and chastised Israeli leaders for offering "illusions" to the public. more.. Abbas to propose new talks after new Israeli government formed International Middle East Media Center 4/27/2006 Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas said Thursday he will call the Israelis to resume peace talks after they form the new government and called on the European Union to resume aid to the Palestinian People. "I think after the establishment of the Israeli government, we will make an initiative to the Israelis to return back to the negotiating table," Abbas told reporters in Helsinki. "We hope that they will be positive. "Abbas is on a world tour in an attempt to ease the financial crisis the Palestinian People are facing due to the boycott imposed by the EU and the. Abbas held talks with the Finish President Tarja Halonen and other officials, including Foreign Minister Erkki Tuomioja. , will take over the rotating presidency of the European Union in July. more.. Israelis rebuff new overture from Abbas The Daily Star 4/27/2006 Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas on Wednesday proposed an international conference to jumpstart long-stalled peace talks with Israel, and said the election of a Hamas-led government was no obstacle. Abbas received a pledge from Oslo to continue to send aid and channel it through the Palestinian president's office and the United Nations.... I am ready to immediately resume negotiations with the Israeli government," he said. Israel swiftly poured cold water on the idea. "Israel believes that the best way to move forward is according to the 'road map,' which is the international community's accepted plan for the Middle East peace process," Israeli Foreign Ministry spokesman Mark Regev said. more.. Interim PM Olmert to meet with Bush in Washington next month Ha'aretz 4/27/2006 Interim Prime Minister Ehud Olmert will meet in Washington with U.S. President George Bush on May 23. The two will focus on Olmert's convergence plan, the Hamas-led government in the Palestinian Authority, and the Iranian nuclear threat. Olmert's first trip abroad as prime minister will be devoted entirely to meetings with U.S. administration and Congressional leaders in Washington, and he will not travel to other destinations. Advisers Dov Weissglas and Shalom Turjeman will travel to London on Thursday to meet with U.S. officials David Welch and Elliot Abrams in preparation for the upcoming talks. Olmert is expected to ask Bush to support the convergence plan, and will attempt to ascertain the extent of space that Washington will afford him. more.. Sweden pulls out of exercise citing Israel participation YNet News 4/26/2006 Defense Minister Leni Bjorklund says in statement that Sweden pulled out of air force exercise because a state 'that does not participate in international peacekeeping missions' scheduled to take part it, but did not mention Israel by nameAssociated Press Sweden has decided to withdraw from an international air force exercise to be held in Italy next month after learning that units from the Israeli air force will participate, a Swedish government spokesman said Wednesday. Sweden had originally agreed to send eight jet fighters to the Volcanex 2006 exercise in Italy between May 8-26. more.. Israeli forces confiscate Qurei'a's VIP card Ma'an News 4/26/2006 Ma'an- Israeli Intelligence services stopped the Former Prime Minister Ahmad Qurei'a at the "Allenby Bridge" crossing in the Jordan Valley and questioned him before taking away his VIP card on Tuesday. An eyewitness immediately reported the case to Ma'an Agency but no Palestinian official confirmed the issue when contacted; however, the Israeli side has confirmed the incident. It is reported that the Israeli Shabak (intelligence services) stopped Qurei'a 'scar and took away his VIP card. After many calls with Israeli high officials and international parties, the Israeli Minister of Defense Shaul Mofaz and the Israeli Chief of Staff Dan Hallutz intervened in the matter and the card was returned back to Qurei'a. more.. Abbas calls for international conference on Mideast conflict Ha'aretz 4/26/2006 OSLO - Palestinian Authority Chairman Mahmoud Abbas called Wednesday for an international conference aimed at reviving negotiations in the Middle East conflict. Abbas was speaking from Norway, where he was to meet top Norwegian officials for talks expected to focus on the Palestinian aid deficit in the wake of Hamas's rise to power. He said that an international group should serve as a broker, possibly the Quartet of Middle East peace makers, comprising the United States, the European Union, Russia and the United Nations. "An international conference should be summoned immediately, in which direct negotiations take place, on the basis of international UN resolutions and signed agreements," Abbas said through a translator. more.. $450,000 said stolen from PA foreign minister during visit to Kuwait Ha'aretz 4/26/2006 Palestinian Foreign Minister Mahmoud al-Zahar has had $450,000 stolen from his hotel room during his current visit to Kuwait, the Itim news agency quoted the Kuwaiti media as saying Wednesday. According to the report, al-Zahar had asked the Kuwaiti authorities to keep the theft under wraps, but the incident was confirmed by a security official at the hotel. The foreign minister, a senior member of Hamas, is on a tour of Arab and Muslim countries to drum up funds after Israel suspended the transfer of tax revenues to the Palestinian Authority and Western donors cut off aid to the Hamas-led government. The European Union and the United States have cut off direct aid to the Palestinian Authority over Hamas' refusal to recognize Israel, renounce violence and abide by previously signed peace agreements. more.. Norway gives $20m to cash-strapped Palestinians The Guardian 4/26/2006 Norway today pledged $20m (£11. 2m) in aid to the Palestinians, but said none of it would go directly to the Hamas government. The Norwegian prime minister, Jens Stoltenberg, said his country would try to channel the money to the Palestinians through the UN or Norwegian non-profit organisations. The pledge came during a one-day visit to Norway by the Palestinian president, Mahmoud Abbas, who is on a tour to try to persuade western governments to provide aid to the Palestinian Authority. Mr Abbas called for an international conference to help set the stage for direct negotiations between the Palestinians and the Israelis. more.. In message to UN Seminar, Secretary-General calls on Palestinian Authority to adhere to Quartet principles; pledges UN assistance ReliefWeb 4/26/2006 Following is the text of the message by UN Secretary-General Kofi Annan to the United Nations Seminar on Assistance to the Palestinian People in Cairo.... This Seminar comes at a critical time. The Palestinian people are undergoing a major political transition in the midst of a stalemated peace process, continuing violence and worsening humanitarian conditions.... The irregular operation of the Karni crossing and the system of internal closures in the West Bank hinder the movement of people and goods, exacerbating poverty and unemployment. They also impose considerable daily hardship and humiliation on the Palestinian population, as does the continued construction of a barrier on Occupied Palestinian Territory, despite the advisory opinion of the International Court of Justice. more.. Palestinians accuse US of practicing terrorism against Banks who transfer funds to PA International Middle East Media Center 4/26/2006 Palestinian government spokesperson Ghazi Hamad accused the United States' administration of terrorism against Palestine by preventing Banks from transferring aid money to the Palestinian Authority causing a severe financial crisis in the Palestinian Territories. He told reporters on Wednesday that the economic blockade is a collective punishment against the Palestinian people for choosing to elect Hamas, saying that it is an act of terrorism to threaten other banks from dealing with the Palestinian Authority. Hamad harshly criticized the double standard the US using in dealing with the Palestine-Israel conflict. more.. Wary of Iran, Gulf will quietly fund Palestinians ReliefWeb 4/26/2006 DUBAI, April 26 (Reuters) - Wealthy Gulf Arab states will not let Hamas ministers go home empty-handed, wary that Shi'ite Iran might gain influence by filling the funding vacuum faced by the new Islamist Palestinian government, analysts said. Yet the Gulf states are in a bind. They have historically supported the Palestinian cause, one that has deep popular resonance across the region. They are also U.S. allies, with vital security and trade links to Washington. Gulf states looked on with trepidation when Iran became one of the first nations to pledge money to the Hamas government after the United States and Europe began to choke off funding. Already nervous about Iran's nuclear programme and influence in Iraq, Sunni rulers in the Gulf are loathe to see Tehran gain leverage in the Middle East's thorniest conflict, analysts said. more.. New PA officials travel the same path as vegetables peddlers to market due to Israeli restrictions International Middle East Media Center 4/26/2006 The maze of Israeli military checkpoints inside the West Bank ensure that not only vegetables must be carried to market, but also students must walk to school, workers to their jobs, and officials must walk to meetings, to work, to try to run the Palestinian government. Palestinian Legislative Council members bounce in the back of vegetable trucks or shared taxis through mountains and side roads along with all others trying to avoid Israeli blockades. And some even travel by ambulance. The Minister of Detainees and Ex Detainees Affairs, Wasfi Kabha, told PNN Tuesday morning, “Almost daily I am forced to walk a long distance in order to avoid the intensive military barriers which prevent the continuation of our travel. Sometimes I go in a small vegetable truck from one city to the next. " more.. Hamas: We care about security and stability of Jordan International Middle East Media Center 4/26/2006 The Palestinian Minister of Finance Omar Abdul Razeq, expressed the Palestinian Authority’s interest in a secure and stable , and denied any relation with actions that targets saying that Hamas “has no interest to disturb relations with. ”Abdul Razeq hinted, in a press conference at the Ministry of Information in Al-Biereh near Ramallah, that enemies of the Palestinian and Jordanian peoples stand behind such crises with a goal to disturb the Palestinian-Jordanian ties. Abdul Razeq statements came after the Jordanian government declared that it had arrested a cell that belongs to Hamas who allegedly came to from to carry out attacks against Jordanian targets, in addition to discovering a weapon warehouse that allegedly belongs to Hamas. more.. Palestinian authority: Return of $50 million in U.S. direct assistance (taken question) ReliefWeb/United States Department of State 4/26/2006 Office of the Spokesman, Washington, DC -- Question: Has the Palestinian Authority returned the $50 million dollars is direct U.S. assistance provided in 2005? If not, when are we expecting to receive it? Answer: The Secretary directed USAID to request the money be returned to the U.S. Government. The Palestinian Authority has advised us they will comply with this request and return the funds. At present $30 million has been returned and we will continue to work closely with them to ensure the return of the remainder. [end] more.. Erekat: US still supports a two-state solution Ma'an News 4/26/2006 Jerusalem-Ma'an- PLO Chief Negotiator, Dr. Sa'eb Erekat, has said that the US position with regard to the Road Map has not changed. Erekat’s statement came after the Israeli daily newspaper "Ha’aretz" published news from what the paper called "well- informed sources", which said that the US administration will support a unilateral Israeli withdrawal from Palestinian areas, but will not recognize such a withdrawal, as recognition will make future negotiations impossible. The paper added that the US will accept these temporary borders as permanent borders if these borders are agreed upon during negotiations. Erekat confirmed to the Ma'an reporter in Jerusalem that the American position has not changed. more.. MK Bishara meets Hamas' al-Zahar YNet News 4/26/2006 National Democratic Assembly party chairman meets in Doha with Hamas' top official. Two discuss Palestinian national unity, aid to the Palestinians, and ways to "ease the Israeli-American pressure imposed on the Palestinians" -- Chairman of the National Democratic Assembly party, Knesset Member Azmi Bishara, met on Tuesday in Qatar's capital Doha with Palestinian Foreign Minister Mahmoud al-Zahar. MK Bishara, who traveled to Qatar to participate in a BBC television program, met al-Zahar at the hotel he was staying in. The two discussed Palestinian national unity, aid to the Palestinians, and ways to ease the Israeli-American pressure imposed on the Palestinians. more.. Tibi: Holocaust denial immoral YNet News 4/26/2006 Arab MK criticizes Iranian president's remarks, says Palestinians have greatest interest to condemn Shoah 'since they were its second victim' -- In an article published Wednesday morning, Knesset Member Ahmad Tibi (United Arab List-Ta'al) wrote: "I don't know why several publicists and intellectuals in the Arab and Islamic world find the need to take part in the Holocaust denial and the game of numbers, as Iran's President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad finds fit to do every time he encounters a microphone or a camera. " "The Holocaust was the expression of one of the most despicable crimes against humanity carried out by the Nazi enemy during one of the human history's most shameful eras," Tibi added. more.. Arab League receives 71 million dollars for Hamas-led cabinet ReliefWeb 4/25/2006 RAMALLAH, Apr 25, 2006 (Xinhua via COMTEX) -- Palestinian Finance Minister Omar Abdul Razek said on Tuesday that the Arab League (AL) has received more than 71 million U.S. dollars as part of an Arab aid and donation to the Hamas-led Palestinian government. Abdul Razek told a news conference in Ramallah that he would get another 20 million dollars which was also received by the Arab League, but the final information has not been reached. "We are arranging with financial departments to let the money into the Palestinian territories," said Abdul Razek. The countries which paid donation for the government included Russia, Saudi Arabia and Iran. On Monday, Planning Minister Samier Abu Eisha said in Gaza that an emergency aid-raising plan about 950 million dollars will be submitted to international donors to cover costs in the next nine months. more.. UK announces £15 million to UNRWA for Palestine refugees ReliefWeb 4/25/2006 The UK Department for International Development (DFID) is providing £15 million ($26. 78 million) in support for Palestinian refugees, International Development Secretary Hilary Benn announced today. The funding will be made available immediately to the United Nations Relief and Works Agency (UNRWA), which provides basic services for Palestinian refugees in the occupied Palestinian territories and elsewhere in the Middle East. Hilary Benn said: "We will do all we can to continue to support the ordinary Palestinian people. UNRWA has a proven track record in delivering basic human needs to Palestinian refugees.... " more.. UN seminar on assistance to Palestinian people to be held in Cairo , 26 – 27 April ReliefWeb 4/26/2006 NEW YORK, 25 April (Department of Political Affairs) -- The Committee on the Exercise of the Inalienable Rights of the Palestinian People will convene a United Nations Seminar on Assistance to the Palestinian People, at the Conrad Hilton Hotel in Cairo on 26 and 27 April. The theme of the Seminar is “International efforts at alleviating the Palestinian economic and humanitarian crisis”. The Seminar will assess the economic and humanitarian crisis in the Occupied Palestinian Territory and discuss the support of the United Nations and the international donor community extended to the Palestinian people. more.. French politicians visit Nablus Ma'an News 4/26/2006 Nablus – Ma'an- French political delegates visited the Municipality of Nablus to express their solidarity with the Palestinian people in general and the city of Nablus in particular. The delegates who represent different political parties in France met with the Mayor of the city, Adli Ya'ish, who briefed them about the citizens' sufferings as a result of the Israeli measures against the area of Nablus. Mr Jean-Claude spoke on behalf of the delegates and said that the visit aims to support the Palestinian people and that they consider themselves as ambassadors of their country. He said it is their duty to convey a message to the Palestinian people which says that the Palestinian people have the right to resist the occupation. more.. Khan Younis Governor welcomes ICRC's Gaza representative Ma'an News 4/26/2006 Khan Younis- Ma'an-Governor of Khan Younis, Osama Farra, welcomed the head of ICRC in Gaza, Tnagway Dibla, and discussed with him many issues including the critical situation the Palestinian people are living in the Strip. Farra explained to Dibla the needs of the area so as to develop it and also the need for the continuation and completion of many projects. The governor also briefed his guest about the deterioration of the security situation in the area and the need to resume the peace process. [end] more.. Palestinian Initiative condemns the Israeli measures in Palestine Ma'an News 4/26/2006 Ramallah- Ma'an- Palestinian National Initiative condemns the Israeli measures against Palestinian people in the occupied lands. In a statement issued on Wednesday the Initiative said that the closure of the Palestinian cities and the policy of starvation imposed on Palestinian people will lead to a disaster in the occupied territories. The Initiative warns of a humanitarian disaster in these lands and called for the international community to act responsibly and to intervene to put an end to the Israeli series of aggressions against Palestinians. more.. Court to rule: Decorated officer a spy? YNet News 4/27/2006 Military court expected to submit ruling Thursday on whether Lieutenant Colonel Omar el-Hayeb spied for Hizbullah in exchange for money, large amounts of drugs; decorated officer could face life sentence if convicted -- A military court in Tel Aviv is expected to submit its ruling Thursday on whether Lieutenant Colonel Omar el-Hayeb spied for Hizbullah in exchange for money and large amounts of drugs. El-Hayeb, a decorated Bedouin officer, is charged, among other offenses, with treason and could face a life sentence if convicted. El-Hayeb’s brother, Lieutenant Colonel (res. ) Hassan el-Hayeb, told Ynet that the accusations are baseless, claiming that “even the army wanted to close the case with a deal stating contact with an enemy agent, but he (Omar) refused. He is pleading innocent. " more.. U.S.: Pullout line won't be seen as final border Ha'aretz 4/26/2006 WASHINGTON - The United States will not recognize a border created after a unilateral withdrawal from the West Bank as Israel's permanent border, senior administration members said in unofficial conversations. Prime Minister-designate Ehud Olmert, who is due to arrive in the U.S. capital during the third week of May, has not presented the administration with a detailed plan for the second withdrawal he promised voters, and sources in the administration say discussion of this is at a very preliminary stage. However, a number of sources said unofficially that they believed the administration would probably support such a withdrawal, but would not recognize it as one "after which there would be no more need for negotiation," according to one source. more.. PA: Arab banks scared to transfer funds YNet News 4/26/2006 Arab banks reluctant to transfer aid money to PA for fear of American retribution -- Arab banks are reluctant to transfer millions of dollars in desperately needed foreign aid to the Hamas-led government for fear of U.S. retribution, the Palestinian finance minister acknowledged Tuesday, confirming that Hamas is no closer to paying weeks-overdue government salaries. Since the Hamas-led Cabinet was sworn into office last month, financial pressure by Israel and Western countries has left the government broke and unable to pay the salaries of 165,000 workers. Paychecks were due on April 1, and the next scheduled payday is less than a week away. more.. Jordan: Hamas targeted public figures YNet News 4/25/2006 Jordanian government spokesman says terror group members arrested last week were in final phase of plotting attack on Jordanian targets under orders from Syria -- Terrorists arrested last week were in the final phase of plotting an attack on Jordanian targets under orders from a Hamas official in Syria, government spokesman Nasser Judeh said Tuesday. Judeh would not say how many activists had been arrested or what their nationality was. "They received instructions from Hamas leaders, specifically an official from the military wing of Hamas movement who is currently in Syria," He told The Associated Press. He declined to identify who this leader was. more.. Jordan 'arrests Hamas militants' BBC 4/25/2006 Jordan says it has arrested several members of the Palestinian militant group, Hamas, who it says were planning to carry out attacks in the country. The detainees had received instructions from a Hamas military leader in Syria and were in the final stages of planning, a government spokesman said. The Palestinian group rejected the allegations as "outright brazen lies". Meanwhile, a Hamas spokesman is said to have been arrested by Israeli forces in an overnight raid in the West Bank. Farhat As'ad was taken into custody after Israeli troops searched his house, according to the official Palestinian news agency. There was no immediate comment from the Israelis. more.. Jordan: Arrested Hamas members were planning attacks in kingdom The Daily Star 4/26/2006 Jordan said on Tuesday that Hamas members arrested last week were close to staging attacks inside the kingdom on orders from the group's Syrian-based leadership, while the Palestinian president affirmed that "civil war is a red line no one wants to cross. "Jordanian government spokesperson Nasser Joudeh told Reuters that "security interrogations with the detained suspects have proven they received instructions to execute operations from leaders of Hamas and specifically one of the military officials of Hamas currently based in Syria. "They (the attacks) had reached a stage of implementation targeting installations and people in Jordan. " In Gaza City, Hamas spokesman Sami Abu Zuhri denied the charges, which he said were part of a campaign against the movement. more.. Haniyya makes urgent appeal for funds The Daily Star 4/26/2006 Palestinian Premier Ismail Haniyya made an urgent appeal to Arab nations on Tuesday to send money to the Hamas-led administration just days before a second month of government salaries are overdue. In a move that could help ease the government's financial crisis, Finance Minister Omar Abdel-Razek said the government would not object to funneling all foreign funds through the office of President Mahmoud Abbas. Foreign Minister Mahmoud al-Zahhar, in Qatar as part of a trip to Arab states to raise funds, said Saudi Arabia had pledged $90 million in emergency aid. He said that Kuwait has also pledged $7. 5 million. It was not immediately clear if the funds were part of both countries' contribution to an Arab League fund to support the new government. more.. Abbas' trip to Europe is NOT to raise funds for Palestinian Presidency but for the Palestinian people Ma'an News 4/25/2006 Ramallah-Ma’an-The Secretary-General of the Presidency, Tayab Abdul Rahim, has denied news reports from an international press agency in Jerusalem which made claims about Mahmoud Abbas’ objectives for his European trip. Abdul Rahim said that Abbas's trip to Europe intends to secure aid for the Palestinian people, and not for the President or any of the organisations belonging to the Presidency, as the news agency falsely claimed. Abdul Rahim confirmed that the news reports were incorrect and aimed to continue with the false rumour that there is a shadow government in the form of the Presidency as an alternative to the Palestinian government. “This rumour is not true,” he said. more.. PA Appeals for Funds, Accepts Compromise Palestine Chronicle 4/25/2006 Without the wages, and with aid cuts, economic activity has begun to dry up in the occupied West Bank and the Gaza Strip. -- GAZA - The cash-strapped Palestinian government made an urgent appeal for funds on Tuesday, April 25, signaling readiness to accept that money be funneled through President Mahmoud Abbas as a compromise. "The government is exerting itself and continuing to make efforts with all parties to secure the needs of our people, in particular the salaries," Prime Minister Ismail Haniyeh said before a cabinet meeting, reported Reuters. He said that on Tuesday he called Arab league Secretary General Amr Moussa, Saudi Crown Prince Sultan and Jordanian Prime Minister Marouf Bakheet to ask for funds. more.. Russian Ambassador to the PA visits Palestinian People's Faction Ma'an News 4/25/2006 Nablus-Ma'an- Secretary-General of the Palestinian People's Faction, Bassam As-Salhi, has discussed with the Federal Russian Ambassador to the PA, Alexei Bughuordoun, the latest political developments in the Palestinian arena and rejected the imposition of collective sanctions on the Palestinian people as a result of their democratic choice. Salhi welcomed the Ambassador on Tuesday afternoon in the faction's headquarters in the city of Ramallah. Salhi confirmed during the meeting that the direct danger that the Palestinian people face is Israel's continued policy of unilateralism such as seizing large tracts of Palestinian lands, imposing borders, isolating the city of Jerusalem and isolating and separating the Gaza Strip. more.. Mofaz: We count only on ourselves YNet News 4/25/2006 Israel launches satellite Tuesday to spy on Iran's nuclear program; Defense Minister Mofaz lauds successful launch, characterizes it as 'huge achievement,' says Israel constantly continues to improve its defense capabilities -- The successful launch of Israel's newest spy satellite is a "huge achievement" and shows Israel can only count on itself to when it comes to defending the Jewish state, Defense Minister Shaul Mofaz says. "This is a huge achievement for the defense establishment, defense industries, and the State of Israel," Mofaz said. "The satellite will enhance the ability to gather high-quality intelligence far away from the country's borders. " more.. Olmert: Israel able to defend itself AlJazeera 4/26/2006 Olmert: The very existence of Israel is now Iran's target -- Responding to a series of threatening statements, Israel's prime minister has called the Iranian president a dictator and said Israel was able to defend itself. "We need to make sure no one has the capability or the power to commit destruction against us," Ehud Olmert said on Tuesday in what could be a veiled warning of potential Israeli military action against Iran. "The Jewish people and the very existence of Israel" are Iran's targets, Olmert said, "and we don't see enough of a response from the world". In a satellite relay to a convention of the Anti-Defamation League, a pro-Israel group, Olmert, who is in the midst of putting together the final pieces in a new Israeli government, responded firmly to Mahmoud Ahmadinejad's frequent rhetorical jabs at Israel. more.. Politicians, Jewish leaders slam anti-Israeli rally in Milan Ha'aretz 4/25/2006 Anti-Israeli demonstrations in Milan on Tuesday on the sidelines of a march celebrating the 61st anniversary of Italy's liberation from fascism prompted immediate condemnation from politicians and representatives of the country's Jewish community. The ANSA news agency reported that demonstrators near the Liberation Day commemorative march, which traditionally is attended by aging former partisans, trampled and burned two Israeli flags. The Apcom agency reported that Israeli flags were trampled and state RAI television news reported that demonstrators yelled "Intifada," in support of the Palestinian uprising. Center-left leader Romano Prodi, who won Italy's election last week, condemned the "vile demonstration of intolerance. " more.. Hamas says Saudi Arabia pledged $90 million aid to Palestinians Ha'aretz 4/25/2006 DOHA - Palestinian Foreign Minister Mahmoud al-Zahar said on Tuesday Saudi Arabia has pledged $90 million in emergency aid to the cash-strapped Palestinian Authority. He told reporters in the Qatari capital Doha that Kuwait has also pledged $7. 5 million to the government. It was not immediately clear if the funds were part of both countries' contribution to an Arab League fund to support the new Palestinian government. There has been no official word about the donations from Riyadh or Kuwait. "The money will be used to fund hospitals, schools and buy medicine," Zahar said. more.. Palestinians between Rock and Hard Place Palestine Chronicle 4/24/2006 A recent report released by the United Nations said aid freeze could mean that the Palestinian Authority would end up a 'failed state. ' -- RAMALLAH, West Bank - The Palestinians have been caught between the rock of the Israeli separation wall with daily humiliation by trigger-happy Israeli soldiers and the hard place of a humanitarian crisis with severe shortage in food and medicine due to checkpoint closures and aid cut by the West. Khedr Khalil is a Palestinian worker from the West Bank city of Bethlehem lying in a critical condition at the Intensive Care Unit after sustaining serious back injuries as he attempted to climb the Israeli separation wall for a job on the other side of the territories. more.. UN envoy warns of dangerous deterioration in Israeli-Palestinian conflict Ha'aretz 4/24/2006 UNITED NATIONS - The world is witnessing a potentially dangerous deterioration of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict with an increase in violence and a growing Palestinian fiscal crisis that could lead to soaring poverty, the top UN Mideast envoy said Monday. Alvaro de Soto said the dispute between the new Hamas-run Palestinian government - which refuses to recognize Israel - and Palestinian Authority Chairman Mahmoud Abbas - whose Fatah Party recognizes the Jewish state - escalated to a point over the weekend where Hamas accused Fatah of a "plot" to overthrow the government and Fatah accused Hamas supporters of inciting civil war. more.. Iran biggest threat since Nazis, says Israel as Ahmadinejad provokes new outrage The Guardian 4/25/2006 Leader calls for Jews to be sent to Europe · Threat to quit nuclear pact ahead of UN report -- Iran's nuclear programme is the biggest threat to Jews since the Nazi Holocaust, the Israeli government stated yesterday, as the Iranian president renewed his calls for the dissolution of the Jewish state. As Israel prepared to mark Holocaust memorial day, Mahmoud Ahmadinejad, the Iranian president, further stirred international outrage by calling on Israeli Jews to be resettled in Europe. "Some 60 years have passed since the end of the second world war. Why should the people of Germany and Palestine pay now for a war in which the current generation was not involved? " Mr Ahmadinejad said during a Tehran press conference. "This fake regime cannot logically continue to live. " more.. Stabilizing security in Occupied Palestinian Territory major challenge, Special Coordinator for Middle East Peace tells Security Council ReliefWeb/UNSC 4/24/2006 Other Council Issues Include Meeting Palestinian Needs, Addressing New Reality on Ground since Road Map Drawn Up, Says Alvaro de Soto -- Stabilizing the security environment in the Occupied Palestinian Territory was a major challenge, the primary responsibility for which lay with the parties concerned, Alvaro de Soto, Special Coordinator for the Middle East Peace Process and Personal Representative of the Secretary-General to the Palestine Liberation Organization and the Palestinian Authority, said in a briefing to the Security Council this morning. He said the responsible authorities must take firm measures to prevent terrorist and rocket attacks against Israel, end the long-running jockeying among the Palestinian security services, and immediately institute closer coordination among them. more.. Abbas seeks Turkey's aid to emerge from crisis ReliefWeb 4/24/2006 ANKARA, April 24, 2006 (AFP) - Palestinian leader Mahmud Abbas began talks here Monday seeking Turkey's help to overcome his authority's financial crisis and revive the Middle East peace process. In an interview Monday with CNN-Turk television, the president of the Palestinian Authority warned of "a threat of possible famine" in the territories if economic assistance does not resume soon. Abbas, who met Monday with Turkish President Ahmet Necdet Sezer, hopes to convince Ankara to use its good relations with Israel, the United States and the European Union to find a compromise that would allow the resumption of financial aid to the Palestinian Authority. more.. Arab League to transfer $50M to Hamas-led Palestinian gov't ReliefWeb 4/24/2006 CAIRO, Apr 24, 2006 (Xinhua via COMTEX) -- The Arab League (AL) has said it will transfer 50 million U.S. dollars this week to the Palestinian government led by the Islamic Resistance Movement (Hamas) despite Western efforts to isolate the group, The Egyptian Gazette reported on Monday. There were "no banking problems that would prevent the fund from being successfully transferred on Wednesday when Egyptian banks reopen after an expanded holiday," AL spokesman Hisham Youssef was quoted as saying. The fund, donated by Qatar, was enough to pay about 40 percent of the overdue March salaries to Palestinian government employees, said the report, adding that Saudi Arabia had also promised to give 20 million dollars to the cash-strapped Palestinian government. more.. Israeli forces prevent Palestinian youth from participating in Quaker video-conference with U.S. International Middle East Media Center 4/24/2006 Israeli forces have prevented a delegation of youths from Jenin, who were representing a Quaker youth group, from going to the city of Ramallah for youth activities. In a phone call with Ma'an News Agency, the delegation reported that the Israeli forces at the Za'atara barrier prevented the delegation from entering Ramallah, claiming that the delegation did not have a permit to cross the barrier and adding that the city of Jenin is a "closed military area" today. It was also reported that the delegation included youths ranging in age from 14 to 17 years and they were heading to Ramallah in order to be put in contact via video conference with a youth group in the US State of Minnesota with the aim of establishing relations between Palestinian and American youths. [end] more.. Palestinians fan out to raise funds AlJazeera 4/24/2006 The Palestinian president has arrived in Turkey and the foreign minister in Kuwait on fund-raising tours. Mahmoud Abbas was on Sunday on the first leg of a European tour, which will include Norway, Finland and France, to discuss stalled talks for Middle East peace and aid to his cash-strapped people. Abbas will meet Ahmet Necdet Sezer, the Turkish president, Recep Tayyip Erdogan, the prime minister, and Abdullah Gul, the foreign minister, on Tuesday. Abbas is hoping his tour will convince donor countries to resume sending aid to the Palestinian people to overcome a long-standing financial crisis. On arrival, Abbas said: "We will tell our Turkish brothers what is happening in the Palestinian territories. " more.. Hamas-led Palestinian government receives first aid ReliefWeb 4/23/2006 KUWAIT CITY, April 23, 2006 (AFP) - The cash-strapped Palestinian Authority has received 50 million dollars in aid and another 40 million dollars was on the way, the foreign minister of the Hamas-led government said Sunday. "We have received 50 million dollars and 20 million dollars had been received by the Arab League, while 20 million dollars more were on the way," Mahmud Zahar told a press conference in Kuwait. The Palestinian minister however did not elaborate on his statement. Zahar arrived in the oil-rich emirate Sunday on a two-day official visit as part of a regional tour to urge Arab countries to accelerate their aid transfer to Palestinians in the face of a US-led boycott. "I think that during the current tour, we will be able to raise" the needed funds, said Zahar, adding that the Palestinian government needed some 140 million dollars monthly. more.. PA official: U.S. preventing funds from reaching Palestinians Ha'aretz 4/23/2006 The United States has given orders to banks not to transfer money to a Hamas-led Palestinian government -- A stern U.S. warning to international financial institutions has made it impossible for the Palestinian Authority to receive funding since the Islamic Hamas group took power, a top Palestinian official said Saturday. It was the first time a Palestinian official has admitted the U.S. has influenced financial institutions. Israel, the United States, the European Union, Canada and other countries have frozen financial assistance to the Palestinian Authority since Hamas took power last month after sweeping January parliamentary elections. In an attempt to help the cash-strapped Palestinian Authority make ends meet, Arab countries pledged to give the Palestinians $55 million in monthly aid. more.. U.S. terrorism finance expert arrives to discuss measures against Iran Ha'aretz 4/25/2006 An official U.S. terrorism finance expert arrives here Tuesday to discuss economic measures against Iran and the Palestinian Hamas government. The official, Stuart Levey, is Under Secretary for Terrorism and Financial Intelligence in the Department of the Treasury. It was reported this week that Washington was planning a "financial assault" on Iran that would include targeting Iranian bank accounts in Europe and Iranian-owned financial institutions. Israel and the U.S. are also cooperating in efforts to prevent the transfer of funds to the Hamas government. Levey is in charge of financial aspects of the administration's war on terror, mainly blocking financial channels of international terror and imposing economic sanctions on rogue states. more.. Siniora links Israel leaving Shebaa to Hizbullah arms The Daily Star 4/25/2006 BEIRUT: Lebanese Premier Fouad Siniora said in remarks published Monday that the withdrawal of Israeli forces from the Shebaa Farms could lead to Hizbullah's disarmament. "If the U.S. and friendly countries help us achieve the withdrawal of Israel from Shebaa Farms, it would be possible for the Lebanese forces to be the sole owner of weapons and arms in the country," Siniora said in an interview with The Washington Post. The small, mountainous Shebaa Farms territory lies at the intersection where Lebanon, Syria and Israel meet. Siniora said that although Hizbullah has a connection to Syria and Iran, it is a Lebanese party with national objectives, namely that Israel release Lebanese detainees, provide Lebanon with maps of the land mines it planted in the South and put an end to violations of Lebanese airspace and waters. more.. Tehran threatens to withdraw from NPT The Daily Star 4/25/2006 President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad hinted Monday Iran was considering withdrawing from the nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty and said he did not think the Security Council would impose sanctions on Iran. Amid increasing reports of a possible U.S. military action against Iran, Premier Tony Blair insisted Britain and the U.S. were not discussing that option, but said a "strong signal" needs to be sent to Tehran over its resumed nuclear program. In his latest vitriolic attack against Israel, the firebrand leader said the "fake" Jewish state "cannot survive" and called on migrants to the country to go back to where they came from. more.. Report: Iran may prompt other Mideast states to go nuclear Ha'aretz 4/24/2006 In a comprehensive report, most of which is top secret, a military-civilian committee has determined that other Muslim countries in the Middle East could follow Iran in equipping themselves with nuclear weapons. Endorsing the report, outgoing Defense Minister Shaul Mofaz said in remarks quoted by Army Radio on Monday that "For the first time since the days of the nation's founding, an official document has been placed before the leaders of Israel, setting out a comprehensive security viewpoint, both current and long-range. "The committee, chaired by former minister Dan Meridor and appointed by former prime minister Ariel Sharon, recommended to Mofaz on Sunday that Israel should maintain its policy of nuclear ambiguity... more.. Hamas: Bin Laden Speaks for Himself Palestine Chronicle 4/23/2006 What Osama bin Laden said is his opinion, but Hamas has its own positions which are different to the ones expressed by Bin Laden. '-- GAZA CITY - Hamas has spoken out to distance itself from al-Qaeda following a statement from Osama bin Laden condemning the West for its boycott of the new Palestinian government. In an audiotaped message broadcast by Aljazeera on Sunday, the al-Qaeda leader said the decision by Western governments to halt aid to the Hamas-led government and impose other sanctions proved the West was in a "crusader war" with Islam. Commenting on the message shortly afterwards, Sami Abu Zuhri, a spokesman for Hamas, said the group's ideology was "totally different" from that of Bin Laden and al-Qaeda. more.. Malaysia: No ties with Israel unless it changes Palestinian policies Ha'aretz 4/24/2006 KUALA LUMPUR - Malaysia won't consider establishing diplomatic ties with Israel until it changes its policies toward the Palestinians, a Foreign Ministry official said Monday. "Tel Aviv has yet to fulfill certain conditions," Foreign Ministry Parliamentary Secretary Ahmad Shabery Cheek was quoted as saying by the national news agency, Bernama. "Therefore there is no reason why Malaysia should review its current stand. "Ahmad Shabery, speaking in Parliament's lower house, reiterated Malaysia's desire to see Israel resolve its conflict with the Palestinians peacefully to turn hopes for a free and independent Palestinian state into a reality. more.. Support to the Palestinians -- Norway's views ReliefWeb/Government of Norway 4/20/2006 1. The Palestinian elections in January provided the basis for the Hamas-led Palestinian Authority which has now been formed. The elections were carried out in accordance with established democratic practice. 2. Norway supports the aim of a two-state solution, where a viable Palestinian state and Israel are able to live side by side in peace within secure and recognised borders. Norway has provided substantial support to the Palestinian people and the Palestinian Authority for many years as a means of promoting such a solution. We hope that this support can be continued... more.. Solana: "Europe's unwavering support to the Palestinian people" ReliefWeb/European Union 4/24/2006 Article by Javier Solana, EU High Representative for the Common Foreign and Security Policy -- Published by Al Hayat on 24 April 2006 - Europe has always been at the forefront in defending Palestinian national aspirations. Long before the Road Map and the plan to set up two States on the basis of the end of the occupation which began in 1967, the Venice Declaration clearly identified the two-State solution as the only stable and fair settlement of the conflict, in accordance with Europe's interests. Since Oslo, we have sought to work in partnership with the Palestinians to build the institutions of their future State. The architecture of our financial and technical assistance was largely designed with that goal in mind. It was always regarded as a relationship between equals, reflecting shared values. more.. Olmert accuses Syria and Iran of involvement in Tel Aviv suicide bombing Ha'aretz 4/22/2006 Prime Minister-designate Ehud Olmert on Friday accused the Syrian and Iranian governments of involvement in the Tel Aviv suicide bombing that took place Monday. "The order for the Tel Aviv suicide bombing came from Damascus and when the operation was complete the report went back to Damascus," Olmert told a visiting group of U.S. senators, according to his office. Olmert also said Iran, which provides funding to Islamic Jihad, and the new Hamas-led government bear responsibility for the attack. "There is a channel of communication between Iran, Syria and the Palestinian Authority," he said. more.. Israel to target 'terrorists' in Hamas-led government The Independent 4/22/2006 Israel has threatened to target any Hamas minister or official it believed was involved in violence against the Jewish state. A senior military commander also disclosed that his troops were making contingency plans to reoccupy the Gaza Strip if Palestinian militants continued firing rockets across the border. "Beware all those who are ministers in the Hamas government and are involved in terrorist activity against Israel. We will punish them," said Ra'anan Gissin, a spokesman for Ehud Olmert, the Prime Minister-designate. "They will have no immunity just because they are members of the government or hold a position under it. They will be treated just like any other terrorist. " more.. European Union says freeze of Palestinian aid is indefinite Ha'aretz 4/21/2006 The European Union said Friday its freeze of budget aid for the Palestinian Authority stays in effect indefinitely, and again urged Israel to resume transferring to the PA taxes it collects on goods bound for Palestinian areas. EU spokeswoman Emma Udwin said the Europeans face a dilemma now that a Palestinian government is led by the Islamic Hamas organization that is sworn to destroy Israel. While they are keen to resume their annual aid of EU 500 million ($ 617 million), "there can be no business as usual" with a government that w ill not renounce violence or recognize Israel, Udwin said. more.. Egypt's Mubarak invites Olmert for official visit, Olmert aides say Ha'aretz 4/21/2006 Egyptian President Hosni Mubarak has invited interim Prime Minister Ehud Olmert to Egypt for an official visit, Olmert's office said Friday. The date of the visit is to be set next week, it said. Mubarak extended the invitation in a telephone call to Olmert, and wished him luck in forming his coalition, Army Radio reported Friday. The invitation comes even before Olmert has set up his incoming government, signaling that Egypt is eager to do business with him. It will be the first meeting between Israeli and Egyptian leaders since February 2005, when then-Prime Minister Ariel Sharon attended a Mubarak-brokered cease-fire package between Israel and the Palestinians in the Egyptian resort of Sharm el-Sheikh. more.. Saniora: Israel must pull out of Shaba Jerusalem Post 4/21/2006 While Lebanon and Syria expressed willingness Friday to mark the border between their countries, they appear to have different approaches on dealing with the contentious issue of the Shaba Farms area on the foothills of Mount Hermon, which was captured by Israel when its forces seized the Golan Heights in 1967. The United Nations determined that the area is Syrian, and that Syria and Israel should negotiate its fate. But Lebanon claims the Shaba Farms, a claim that Syria has backed. Saniora called the return of Shaba Farms "a priority national issue" and said Lebanon will be asking the secretary-general "to confirm the specific steps required by the UN to recognize Lebanese sovereignty over the territory. more.. Lebanese PM challenges Syria to delineate Shaba Farms border Ha'aretz 4/21/2006 UNITED NATIONS - Lebanon's prime minister challenged Syria on Friday to delineate borders between the two counties but Damascus said Israel first had to withdraw from the disputed Shaba Farms area. Prime Minister Fouad Siniora told the UN Security Council that Lebanon would ask Secretary General Kofi Annan to "confirm the specific steps required by the UN to recognize Lebanese sovereignty over the territory of the Shaba Farms. "The United Nations has said the Shaba Farms are part of Syria but that Lebanon and Syria could change the border themselves, which they have not. We still await a positive response from Syria," Siniora told the 15-member council. more.. Abbas traveling to Jordan to mediate dispute with Hamas Ha'aretz 4/22/2006 Palestinian Authority Chairman Mahmoud Abbas was to travel to Jordan on Friday to mediate a dispute between Amman and the Hamas government, Army Radio reported. The Jordanian government announced Tuesday the cancellation of Palestinian Foreign Minister Mahmoud Zahar's visit to Jordan. The Jordanian authorities said Hamas operatives smuggled materiel into Jordan to carry out terrorist attacks. Hamas countered by accusing Jordan of "capitulation" to Israeli-American pressure following the suicide bombing in Tel Aviv on Monday. Meanwhile, Egypt and Saudi Arabia are pressing Hamas to adopt the Arab League declaration passed in Beirut in 2002. more.. Zahhar: "I Will meet with European representatives during Gulf tour" International Middle East Media Center 4/22/2006 Palestinian Foreign Minister, Mahmoud Al Zahhar, said on Saturday that he will be meeting with European representatives during his upcoming tour in the Arabic Gulf countries, and that European countries are engaged in contacts with Hamas through various channels. The statements of Zahhar came during a convention for Hamas marking the death of the wheelchair bound Hamas spiritual leader Ahmad Yassin, and Abdul-Aziz Rasnitisi who were both assassinated by Israel. "Those who bet that the Palestinian government will surrender, and those who bet on the starvation of the Palestinian people will fail", Al Zahhar stated. He added that Syria has announced the launching of an aid campaign for the benefit of the Palestinian people, and that a similar campaign will be initiated across the Arab world starting next month. more.. Mashal: "Hamas is ready to coexist with Israel if it withdraws to the 1967 borders" International Middle East Media Center 4/22/2006 In an interview with a German television,Khaled Mashal, head of the Political bureau of the Islamic Resistance Movement, Hamas, said on Friday that the movement will be ready to co-exist with the state of Israel if it withdraws from the occupied Palestinian territories since 1967 including the east of Jerusalem. During his interview with the ZDF channel, Mashal stated that the Right of Return of the Palestinian Refugees should be guaranteed, and that Israel should dismantle the settlements it constructed in the occupied territories and should demolish the annexation Wall. Also, Mashal added that Israel should release all of the Palestinian political prisoners. "Only then, Arabs and Muslims will be ready to reach a real peace agreement", he added. more.. Lebanon seeks formal ties with Syria AlJazeera 4/22/2006 Siniora: Israeli pull out from Shebaa Farms is a priority issue -- Fuad Siniora, the Lebanese pime minister, has urged Syria to establish formal diplomatic ties with his country and to demarcate their borders. In an address on Friday to the UN Security Council following a visit to Washington, Siniora said a positive response on these issues would signal that Syria "is beginning to accept the idea that good (bilateral) relations are possible. " He stressed the need "to restore confidence between the two countries" and for "a genuine acceptance by the Syrian government of a truly independent Lebanon. " more.. Hamas blames US pressure for Jordan's postponement of Al Zahhar's visit Ma'an News 4/21/2006 Ma'an- The Deputy for the Political Office of the Hamas Movement, Mousa Abu Marzouq, considers Jordan's refusal to receive the Palestinian Foreign Minister Zahhar, and the associated accusations of weapon smuggling into Jordan by a group affiliated to Hamas, to be a result of American pressure on Jordan. A UAE newspaper, "Al Khaleej", reported that postponing Al Zahhar's visit is not right at all and this position does not serve Jordanian or Palestinian interests. Abu Marzouq added that the timing of these accusations is strange; the Jordanian Government has claimed that weapons are being smuggling into Jordan, whereas if Hamas really wanted to smuggle weapons, it would be into Palestinian areas and not into Jordan. more.. Jordanian PM appreciates Haniyeh's position Ma'an News 4/21/2006 Ma'an- The Jordanian Prime Minister Marouf Bakhit has expressed his appreciation to his Palestinian counterpart, Ismael Haniyeh, for his statement regarding the Jordanian support of the Palestinian people. Bakhit said that he appreciated the Palestinian PM's praise for Jordan's support and position towards the Palestinian issue. The Jordanian PM said that Haniyeh confirmed that the Palestinian government will make its own investigations about the arms and explosives that Jordan spoke about. Jordan has accused a group of men who were trying to smuggle arms from Syria to Jordan of being connected to Hamas. Jordan has given this as its reason for not receiving the Palestinian Foreign Minister Mahmoud Zahhar. [end] more.. Russia Donates $10 millions USD in direct aid to the PA International Middle East Media Center 4/20/2006 The Palestinian Authority signed an agreement with the through which the later would donate $10 million in direct aid to the Palestinian Authority, Palestinian sources reported on Thursday. The agreement was signed between, head of the presidential council Dr. Rafiq Al-Husseini and the Russian representative at the Palestinian Authority, Alex Poghodine, at the Presidential compound in Ramallah in order not to violate the boycott the US and the EU has imposed against the Palestinian Government. The donation is designated to pay salaries of the education health ministries only. Al-Husseini said talks between the presidential council and different countries are being held in order to support the Palestinian people. more.. Israelis Mull Barghouti Release Forward 4/21/2006 WASHINGTON — Israeli officials this week denied press reports that individuals close to Prime Minister Ehud Olmert were cooking up a deal in which imprisoned Fatah strongman Marwan Barghouti would be freed in exchange for the release by the Bush administration of Jonathan Pollard, the American naval intelligence analyst who received a life sentence in 1986 for spying for Israel. The administration is said to be completely uninterested in such a deal. According to some Israeli reports, Pollard's supporters floated the idea. However, sources said that while a swap is implausible, Israeli officials are considering the possibility of releasing Barghouti under certain circumstances. more.. PA Creates Special Force, Sparks Controversy Palestine Chronicle 4/21/2006 The announcement came amid tensions between Abbas, who is officially in charge of security responsibilities and appointments, and Hamas. -- GAZA CITY - The interior minister of the Hamas-led Palestinian government announced the creation of a special force consisting of armed fighters and led by a man wanted by Israel. The minister, Said Siyam, issued a decree appointing Jamal Abu Samhadana, the head of the Popular Resistance Committees, as director general of the Interior Ministry. The 45-year-old, who has escaped two Israeli assassination attempts, will be in a position to oversee all police, as well as civil and preventative security forces. more.. Italian delegation on solidarity visit to Khan Younis Ma'an News 4/21/2006 Khan Younis –Ma'an- Khan Younis Governor Dr. Osama Al Farra welcomed an Italian delegation on Friday. Al Farra praised the twinning relationship that ties Palestinian and Italian communities, especially noting the links between the Khan Younis Municipality and municipalities in Italy. He urged continued cooperation despite the current difficult circumstances facing the Palestinian people. Al Farra said that the Palestinian people's struggle will continue despite the pressures that the Israeli occupation imposes on them through blockades, closures and security measures in the Gaza Strip. The delegation expressed their understanding of the difficult situation that the Palestinian people live in. more.. Balad MKs meet Hamas despite Border Police intervention Ha'aretz 4/21/2006 Israeli Arab lawmakers from the Balad faction met with senior Hamas officials in a town near Jerusalem on Thursday afternoon after a large number of Border Police prevented them from meeting in East Jerusalem. The meeting was scheduled to take place at the office of the Minster for Jerusalem Affairs, but after Border Policemen prevented the sides from meeting there they were forced to relocate the meeting to a private house in the town of Azzariyeh near Jerusalem. The Border Police troops were waiting for Mohammed Abu Tir, Ahmed Atun and Mohammed Totah of Hamas when they arrived at the Palestinian Authority's Ministry for Jerusalem Affairs for their meeting with MKs Jamal Zahalka and Wasil Taha. more.. Jordan raises stakes in tiff with Hamas, says smuggled arms came from Syria The Daily Star 4/21/2006 Jordanian Prime Minister Maarouf al-Bakhit has told a meeting of MPs that weapons seized from a secret Hamas arms cache in Jordan had been smuggled from Syria, legislators said Thursday. Hamas also faces problems at home, where its latest move threatened to widen the party's rift with Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas. With the Palestinian Authority already under international pressure over a general lack of confidence in Hamas' willingness to wield power responsibly, Interior Minister Said Siam announced the creation of a special new force drawn on the armed wings of all factions. He also nominated a top militant to oversee security. more.. Abbas: Palestinians support Jordanian security, stability and sovereignty Ma'an News 4/20/2006 Bethlehem-Ma'an- Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas held on Wednesday evening a phone call with the Jordanian Foreign Minister Abdul Ilah Al Khatib in which he confirmed the PA and the Palestinian people's wish for security and stability in Jordan and for good relations between the two leaderships and the two brother nations. The Jordanian News Agency "Petra" reported the Palestinian presidential spokesman Nabil Abu Rudaina as saying that "the Palestinian President Abbas considers any damages to the Jordanian security as damages to the Palestinian security, and the Palestinian people are eager for Jordan to have security, sovereignty and stability. more.. Hamas anger over Jordan boycott BBC 4/19/2006 Palestinian officials have criticised Jordan's decision to cancel a visit to Amman by Foreign Minister Mahmoud Zahhar of the Hamas militant group. Amman announced it had postponed the trip indefinitely after discovering arms and explosives it said were smuggled into Jordan by Hamas members. It said this was proof that Hamas had been saying one thing and doing another in its dealings with Jordan. A Hamas official said the Jordanian accusations were false. Spokesman Sami Abu Zuhri said Hamas had no interest in intervening in the internal affairs of other countries. Jordanian officials said the weapons were seized in the last couple of days and included "missiles, explosives and automatic weapons". more.. Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Arab Fund to donate emergency funding to Palestinians International Middle East Media Center 4/20/2006 Large Arab investment funds will funnel about $50 million into projects to ease the hardships of the Palestinians but the money will not go to the cash-strapped Hamas-led government, fund heads said on Wednesday. And the Arab states of Qatar and Saudi Arabia will contribute another $100 million. "We agreed to allocate 10 percent of 2005's net profits of the funds to aid the Palestinian population," Jasem al Manai, the managing director of the Arab Monetary Fund (AMF), told Reuters. The AMF and four other Arab funds wrapped up a two-day annual meeting in Rabat with the decision to participate in an Arab drive to bail out the Palestinians, who have been suffering from aid freezes by the U.S. , European Union and others after the January election of the Hamas party. more.. Zahhar meets Syrian President Assad Ma'an News 4/20/2006 Syrian President Mr. Bashar Assad received the Palestinian Foreign Minister Mr. Mahmoud Zahhar in Damascus on Thursday afternoon. Syrian Foreign Minister Mr. Walid Moallem, who also attended the meeting, said that the president issued orders to the Syrian Foreign Ministry to raise the Palestinian representation to a higher degree and to facilitate the visits of Palestinians to their families in Syria. Moallem added that the president also announced the launching of a donation campaign to support the Palestinian people and government. Palestinian Foreign Minister Mr. Zahhar said that the two parties agreed to increase the Palestinian representation in Damascus, adding that Hamas wants to be part of the PLO on a new basis which guarantees real representation of the Palestinian people. more.. Lebanon asks U.S. to push Israel to leave disputed Shebaa Farms Ha'aretz 4/21/2006 Lebanon's Prime Minister Fouad Siniora urged the United States on Thursday to pressure Israel to pull out of the disputed Shebaa Farms, but the Bush administration said this was an issue for Lebanon to resolve with Syria. Israel took control of the tiny region where Israel, Syria and Lebanon meet during the 1967 Six Day War. The United Nations and Israel both say Shebaa is Syrian land while Lebanon argues it belongs to them. Siniora said Israel must leave the Shebaa Farms border area so his government could have authority over all its land and he asked for President George W. Bush's help in achieving this goal. more.. Syria announces measures to support Hamas government Ha'aretz 4/21/2006 DAMASCUS, Syria - Syria on Thursday announced a series of measures to support the Hamas government, saying it would raise funds for the Palestinians and establish direct phone links with them. Making light of the West's boycott of the Hamas government, Syrian Foreign Minister Walid Moallem told reporters: "We are not afraid of anyone in our support for the Palestinian cause. "Moallem addressed a joint press conference with Palestinian Foreign Minister Mahmoud Zahar, the leading Hamas official in Gaza, who has suffered two diplomatic setbacks during the past week. more.. Palestinian negotiator condemns Israeli unilateral actions ReliefWeb 4/20/2006 RAMALLAH, Apr 20, 2006 (Xinhua via COMTEX) -- Chief Palestinian negotiator Saeb Erekat on Thursday condemned what he called "Israeli policy of unilateral procedures on the ground and collective punishment against Palestinians. "Erekat made the remark when commenting on a ruling by the Israeli Supreme Court that allows the Israeli army to seal off openings in the separation wall, which Palestinian use to move between besieged communities in northern Jerusalem. "Settlement, the separation wall, roadblocks and closure are all unprecedented sanctions against the Palestinian people," Erekat to the Voice of Palestine. "Violence and bullets bring nothing but more violence," Erekat said. more.. Israeli Foreign Ministry: we are concerned aid money will finance Hamas' illegal acts Ma'an News 4/20/2006 Ma'an- The spokesperson for the Israeli Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Amira Aroun, has declared that there is real will in the Arab countries and the international community to aid the Palestinian people. In an interview with Sawa Radio, the spokeswomen said that Israel is concerned that Hamas will use the money for illegal projects that have nothing to do with the Palestinian people. When she was asked about the visits of the Hamas ministers to some Arab states, she said that she knows that the Arabs want to help the people of Palestine, but there is a problem which is that some of the money may be used for illegal acts by the Hamas Movement. more.. Britain: There is 'no change' in our policy toward Hamas Ha'aretz 4/20/2006 Britain on Thursday rejected claims made by a British newspaper that Foreign Secretary Jack Straw had appeared to offer a more lenient interpretation of international demands on the Hamas-led Palestinian government in exchange for normal diplomatic relations. The Daily Telegraph on Thursday quoted Straw as suggesting that in his view, recognition of Israel would not require a formal declaration by Hamas. "There has been no change in Britain's policy toward Hamas," the spokeswoman for the British embassy in Tel Aviv told Haaretz. "We, along with the rest of the international community, believe that Hamas must meet the conditions as set down by the Quartet on January 30 2006. " [end] more.. Jordanian and Israeli mayors join forces to save biblical river The Independent 4/21/2006 The river where tradition has it Jesus was baptised has lost 97 per cent of its water supply and is now little more than a sewage canal, says the international environmental group, Friends of the Earth (FoE). Two mayors from Israel and one from Jordan met at the Jordan yesterday, Earth Day, to call attention to the plight of a waterway which is a holy site for Christians, Jews and Muslims. Gidon Bromberg, the Israeli director of the Friends of thGidon Bromberg, the Israeli director of the Friends of the Earth Middle East, said: "Moses looked across this river to the Promised Land. Companions of the Prophet Mohamed were buried along this river. " more.. Arab members of Knesset meet Hamas MP's in Jerusalem International Middle East Media Center 4/19/2006 Four Arab members of the Israeli Knesset met Wednesday with Hamas legislators in East Jerusalem, a move which was seen as showing support to the Hamas members of parliament after Israel stripped the senior Hamas officials of their Jerusalem residency rights. The MKs are members of the Ra'am-Ta'al party, they met with their Palestinian counterparts Mohammad Abu Teir, Mohammad Totah and Ahmad Attoun at the home of Abu Teir in east Jerusalem. The Israeli legislators called on the Hamas-led government to prevent the resistance fighters from firing homemade shells from Gaza at Israelis targets. During the meeting, the Israeli legislators called on the Hamas-led government to prevent militants from firing rockets from Gaza into Israel, MK Ibrahim Tsartsur, the party's leader, reported. more.. Calls to charge Arab MKs with treason YNet News 4/19/2006 United Arab List-Ta’al meeting with Hamas leaders infuriates politicians across the political spectrum; MK Hasson demands attorney general probe whether move was treasonous; MK Eitam: Eject MK el-Sana from Defense and Foreign Affairs Defense Committee -- The support United Arab List-Ta’al Knesset members have shown for the Hamas members whose Israeli citizenship was revoked has infuriated politicians across the political spectrum. Some have called on Attorney General Menachem Mazuz to investigate whether the visit UAL-Ta’al members paid to Hamas representatives in east Jerusalem this week doesn’t legally qualify as treason. Others have demanded that UAL-Ta'al MK Taleb el-Sana be immediately kicked out of the Knesset Defense and Foreign Affairs Committee. more.. UN warns of humanitarian crisis in the Palestinian territories International Middle East Media Center 4/20/2006 In a report released on Wednesday, the United Nations warned that the Palestinians in the West Bank and the Gaza Strip will be facing grave humanitarian crisis if the foreign funding to the Palestinian government remains frozen. The UN reported that poverty in Palestine could reach as high as 75% if the Western aid stops and the tax revenue Israel collects of behalf of the Palestinian Authority (P. A) remains frozen. Head of the local UN office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs, David Shearer, said that the the financial shortfall will mainly affect the poor residents and could spark violence “with armed P. A officials taking the law into their own hands if their salaries were not paid. more.. France, Egypt call on leaders to continue aid to Palestinians Ha'aretz 4/20/2006 The French and Egyptian presidents said on Wednesday that world leaders should find a "means to continue aid to Palestinians," despite their new Hamas-led government. "We must find a way for aid to be distributed to all the Palestinian population," under terms agreed upon with the Palestinian Authority, said President Jacques Chirac said at a joint news conference with his Egyptian host, President Hosni Mubarak. Chirac said it would be "both unfair and politically clumsy" to do anything that would worsen the lives of Palestinians. "I therefore support pursuing the aid on humanitarian grounds," he said. more.. Six armed Palestinian resistance groups sign honor charter refusing to recognize Israel International Middle East Media Center 4/19/2006 Six armed Palestinian resistance groups declared in a national ‘document of honor’ that they absolutely refuse any recognition of Israel as a legitimate state, acknowledging that it is an occupier. On Wednesday the charter was released which also confirmed the groups’ support of the Palestinian government. In this vein they also declared not to use resistance weapons for internal conflicts. The Fateh linked Al Aqsa Brigades armed resistance group spokesperson, Abu Tha’er told a press conference in Gaza City’s Square of the Unknown Soldier Wednesday afternoon, “We support the attitude of the Palestinian government in their refusal to recognize the Israeli occupation as something legitimate... " more.. Hamas: Jordan fabricated arms story By Khaled Amayreh, AlJazeera 4/19/2006 Hamas says Jordan wants to join a US boycott -- Hamas says Amman has wrongly accused the group of arms smuggling because it is being influenced by the US to boycott the new Palestinian government. The Palestinian government spokesman, Ghazi Hamed, said on Wednesday: "I think the Jordanians themselves know more than anybody else the total mendacity and falsehood of these charges. They know that Hamas doesn't indulge in such activities. " Hamed also told Al Jazeera. net he hoped that some Arab states would refrain from resorting to "twisted tactics". "We are under a sinister Israeli military occupation. And our brotherly Arab states should not increase our burden by indulging in such cheap and stupid disinformation. " more.. Hamas: Jordanian Accusations Completely Contradict Our Policy Palestine Media Center 4/19/2006 Jordan Postpones ‘Until Further Notice” Al-Zahhar’s Visit -- Hamas denied on Wednesday accusations by Jordan that the Islamic Resistance Movement had stored weapons on Jordanian territory and said it regretted Amman's cancellation of a visit by the Palestinian Foreign Minister Mahmoud Al-Zahhar, which was scheduled for Wednesday.... Al-Zahhar arrived in Jeddah from Riyadh on Tuesday for talks with the Organization of Islamic Conference (OIC)’s Secretary General, Ekmeleddin Ihsanoglu, and the head of the Islamic Development Bank, Ahmad Mohammad Ali, on Wednesday, after securing Saudi Arabia’s agreement to pay its share of $92. 4 million to the Palestinian National Authority (PNA). more.. Gaza rallies to Hamas after bomb BBC 4/19/2006 Hamas's refusal to condemn the Tel Aviv bombing will have only reinforced the view of many in the West that the new Palestinian government must be treated as a pariah. The attack at a busy food stall, carried out by the Islamic Jihad organisation, left nine people dead. The United Nations Secretary General, Kofi Annan, called on the Hamas administration to take a clear stand against "unjustifiable terrorism". US President Bush's spokesman accused the government of defending a "barbaric" act. And the Russians too said that the carnage in Tel Aviv could not be justified. But there is no sign that Hamas feels in any way chastened. more.. Egypt pressing Hamas to recognize Israel Ha'aretz 4/20/2006 CAIRO - Egypt and Saudi Arabia are pressing Hamas to adopt the Arab League declaration passed in Beirut in 2002. The declaration includes recognition of the 1967 borders and a just solution to the refugee problem. Meanwhile, Egyptian President Hosni Mubarak wants to arrange a meeting between interim Prime Minister Ehud Olmert and Palestinian Authority Chairman Mahmoud Abbas. Mubarak would like the meeting to take place when Olmert arrives in Egypt for a visit. Egypt and Saudi Arabia are not the only countries pressuring Hamas. The Jordanian government announced Tuesday the cancellation of Palestinian Foreign Minister Mahmoud Zahar's visit to Jordan. The Jordanian authorities claim Hamas operatives smuggled materiel into Jordan to carry out terrorist attacks. more.. South African Foreign Ministry: Suicide Bombings ‘Counterproductive’ to Peace Palestine Media Center 4/19/2006 Bombings in Israel and Palestine which have left 24 people dead, including a baby and children, were counterproductive to peace, South Africa's Foreign Ministry said on Tuesday. "The South African Government condemns in the strongest possible terms the suicide bombing at the Felafel Restaurant in Tel Aviv that has left nine people dead (on Monday)," said Ronnie Mamoepa, spokesman of the Department of Foreign Affairs. The suicide bombing followed a bombing in Gaza last week which caused the deaths of 15 Palestinians including a baby and children. "The South African government has pointed out before the futility of these acts of violence as (they) inevitably lead to acts of retribution and retaliation, fueling the never-ending cycle of violence," said Mamoepa. more.. Will Mbeki make it to Jerusalem? By Benjamin Pogrund, The Guardian 4/19/2006 South Africa and israel are heading for a diplomatic impasse. -- The South African president, Thabo Mbeki, has long wanted to be a peacemaker in the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. He now intends, I learn in Johannesburg, to go to Ramallah: to reciprocate the recent visit to South Africa of the president of the Palestinian Authority, Mahmoud Abbas - and to talk to Hamas. But meeting Hamas leaders will anger Israel and will rule out any chance - which is not great to start with - of Mbeki playing a mediating role. Mbeki has an "open invitation" to visit Israel and is said to be eager to take it up. However... [l]ast week, Israel announced that it will not talk to anyone who talks to Hamas. So unless Mbeki backs off, he will not be welcome in Jerusalem - a tantalising mere 15-minute drive from Ramallah. more.. TA bombing: Turkey slams Hamas response YNet News 4/19/2006 Turkish Foreign Minister criticizes Hamas for failing to condemn Monday's attack -- Turkish Foreign Minister Abdullah Gul on Wednesday criticized the Palestinians' new Hamas government for refusing to denounce a suicide bombing earlier this week by the group Islamic Jihad. The bombing outside a Tel Aviv fast food restaurant killed nine people and wounded dozens. "The Palestinian government should also have condemned the latest attack in Israel," Gul said in an interview on Turkey's CNN-Turk television. "If it had condemned it, it would have been a great opportunity for a solution. " more.. Hamas PM rejects foreign pressure, says dignity better than dollars ReliefWeb 4/19/2006 GAZA CITY, April 19, 2006 (AFP) - Palestinian prime minister Ismail Haniya on Wednesday rejected international pressure on his Hamas-led government in the form of aid cuts, insisting that dignity was more important than dollars. "We reject all pressure on our people and government to forego our basic rights. We will not touch the rights of the Palestinian people whatever the circumstances," he said during talks with police and security officers. "Your visit is proof that this country is more important than money, that dignity is more important than dollars. Today you prove that dignity is most important thing," he said, addressing his visitors. more.. U.S. Bars Its Citizens from any dealings with Palestinian Authority International Middle East Media Center 4/19/2006 U.S. citizens have been barred from financial dealings with the Palestinian Authority because it's controlled by Hamas, which the government designates a terrorist organization, the Treasury Department said. The U.S. government's ban adds to international pressure on the new Palestinian government to renounce terrorism and work toward peace with Israel. "U.S. persons are prohibited from engaging in transactions with the PA unless authorized by Treasury's Office of Foreign Assets Control", Molly Millerwise, a Treasury spokeswoman, said today in Washington. "There has been no change in OFAC's licensing policy with respect to any other dealings with Hamas. Such transactions continue to be prohibited. " more.. Israel withholds military action to maintain int'l support China View 4/19/2006 JERUSALEM, April 19 (Xinhua) -- Israeli officials believed that the "limited" response to the deadly suicide bombing in Tel Avivon Monday would help preserve the strong international front against Hamas. In spite of holding the Palestinian National Authority (PNA)responsible for the deadliest terror attack in 20 months, Israeli cabinet decided on Tuesday to refrain from launching an escalated military operation against the Hamas-led Palestinian government. Interim Prime Minister Ehud Olmert blocked a proposal to declare the PNA an "enemy entity", which would pave the way for direct strikes against the Palestinian government. Until now,economic and political boycotts have been the main tools against the Hamas-led government. more.. U.S., Israel deny media reports of deal to free Barghouti in exchange for Pollard Ha'aretz 4/17/2006 U.S. and Israeli officials yesterday disclaimed media reports that Israel may free jailed Tanzim leader Marwan Barghouti in exchange for the Bush administration releasing Jonathan Pollard, who is serving a life sentence for treason. The initiative to release Pollard in exchange for Barghouti is supported by MK Gilad Erdan (Likud), chairman of the Knesset Lobby on behalf of Jonathan Pollard, who usually objects to releasing terrorists. "Usually I think releasing terrorists conveys a weakness but this is a special case, first because the talks are not with the Palestinians and second because Pollard has become a symbol," Erdan said. more.. Arab League deeply concerned about Palestinians on Iraqi border Ma'an News 4/19/2006 Khan Younis-Ma'an- Arab League Secretary-General, Mr. Amr Mousa, has confirmed that he is very concerned about the issue of Palestinian refugees stranded at the Iraqi border. In a letter to the Palestinian Minister of Refugee Affairs, Dr. Atif Adwan, Mousa said that he has forwarded Adwan’s letter to him to the relevant parties in Iraq to ensure that there will be appropriate follow-up. He pointed out that the Arab League has raised the issue of the refugees at the border with Iraqi officials. Mousa confirmed that he will continue his contacts with Iraqi officials and will keep the Ministry of Refugee Affairs informed of all developments. more.. Saudi aid: USD 92 million to PA YNet News 4/19/2006 Palestinian FM Mahmoud al-Zahar says Saudis agree to give Palestinian Authority USD 92. 4 million in aid -- Saudi Arabia has promised to transfer USD 92. 4 million in aid to the Hamas-led government, Palestinian Foreign Minister and Hamas leader Mahmoud al-Zahar said Wednesday after a meeting with his Saudi counterpart in Jeddah. Saudi Foreign Minister Saud al-Faisal who had announced the kingdom's commitment to funneling aid to the Palestinian Authority during the Arab League Summit in Khartoum in March, confirmed the fund transfer on Wednesday during a joint press conference with al-Zahar. more.. Palestine Ambassador to Morocco: We Appreciate Morocco’s Support Palestine Media Center/Morocco Times 4/15/2006 Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas inaugurated on Friday the new headquarters of the Palestinian embassy in Morocco, and said that the inauguration of the new headquarters constitutes a strong hint for the creation of the independent Palestinian State, which will “certainly see the light of day with Morocco's precious support”. “In Morocco, we feel like we are in Palestine, and we see that the Palestinian cause is in the hearts of all Moroccans,” Abbas underlined, expressing his sincere thanks to HM King Mohammed VI, the president of Al-Quds Committee, for having offered the headquarters to the PA. Earlier, Abbas paid a visit to the tombs of late King Mohamed V and late King Hassan II in the Mohammed V Mausoleum in Rabat. more.. Israel's UN envoy: PA, Iran, Syria statements declaration of war Ha'aretz 4/19/2006 Israel's ambassador to the United Nations called actions by Iran, Syria and Palestinian leaders "declarations of war," after an Islamic Jihad bomber blew himself up outside a Tel Aviv restaurant, killing nine and wounding dozens more. Two diplomats on Monday opened a UN Security Council debate that included some 35 speakers. The session had been scheduled before Monday's suicide bombing, after the United States last week refused to agree to a compromise statement on recent Israeli military strikes in Gaza, saying the draft was "disproportionately critical of Israel. "Nevertheless, the Palestinian UN observer, Riyad Mansour, echoed the condemnation made by Mahmoud Abbas, Palestinian Authority chairman. more.. Abbas denounces bombing ; Hamas sees it as legitimate Ha'aretz 4/18/2006 The chairman of the Palestinian Authority, Mahmoud Abbas, denounced yesterday's suicide attack in Tel Aviv. However, Hamas defended the attack as "a natural reaction. "Abbas, who is on a visit to Jordan, called the attack "an act of terror and a despicable act that is also beyond the national Palestinian consensus and causes damage to Palestinian national interests. " Abbas called on the international community to intervene in the territories "to stop the dangerous deterioration in the situation. "But the spokesman of the Hamas government, Razi Hamad, said: "The Israeli occupation bears responsibility for the consequences of its policies. We have continuously repeated that the occupation is the reason for the cycle of violence. " more.. Israeli police move to prevent Hamas meeting in Jerusalem China View 4/17/2006 JERUSALEM, April 17 (Xinhua) -- Israeli police beefed up presence around a soccer stadium in southern Jerusalem on Monday morning in a bid to prevent a planned meeting of members of the Palestinian ruling Islamic Resistance Movement (Hamas). Jerusalem police said they expected Hamas, which is listed as a terrorist organization by Israel, would try to stage a rally despite a police ban. The police said their move came after a stage had been set up and chairs had been laid out in the soccer field in the village of Tzur. Monday's operation came one day after Jerusalem police briefly detained and then released on bail seven Hamas members, including Sheikh Mohammed Abu-Tir, a member of the Palestinian Legislative Council. more.. Israeli, Palestinian envoys trade swipes in UN session The Daily Star 4/19/2006 UNITED NATIONS: Israel has warned that a new "axis of terror" - Iran, Syria and the Hamas-run Palestinian government - is sowing the seeds of the first world war of the 21st century. But the Palestinians accused Israel of an escalating and indiscriminate military campaign that targets civilians and entrenches its occupation. The Israeli and Palestinian envoys traded charges late Monday at an open Security Council meeting held in response to the recent upsurge in Israeli attacks in Gaza. The session had been scheduled before the suicide bombing Monday in Tel Aviv. Recent statements by the Palestinian government, Iran and Syria, including one by Hamas defending Monday's Tel Aviv suicide bombing, "are clear declarations of war... ": Israel's UN Ambassador Dan Gillerman. more.. Oslo open to talks with Hamas envoys The Daily Star 4/19/2006 OSLO: The Norwegian government said Tuesday it was considering meeting representatives of Hamas during their visit to Oslo in May even though some countries have refused to recognize the new Palestinian government. "The government believes in dialogue, including with groups whose actions we do not agree with," Norwegian Aid Minister Erik Solheim told public radio NRK. Solheim did not specify at what level meeting could be held, saying only that Norwegian high-ranking civil servants or members of Parliament could take part. The spokesman for Hamas' parliamentary group, Salah Bardawil, and Mohammad al-Rantissi are scheduled to visit Oslo on May 15 at the invitation of the Norwegian Palestine Committee, according to Norwegian news agency NTB. more.. Jordan accuses Hamas of smuggling weapons YNet News 4/19/2006 Jordan puts off visit by Palestinian Foreign Minister and Hamas leader Mahmoud al-Zahar -- Jordan said Tuesday it was cancelling a visit of the Palestinian foreign minister because activists of his Hamas party had been smuggling missiles and other weapons into the kingdom. Government spokesman Nasser Judeh said the visit by Palestinian Foreign Minister Mahmoud al-Zahar, which was planned for Wednesday, had been "put off until further notice. " He told The Associated Press that "missiles, explosives and automatic weapons were seized in the last couple of days. " Hamas activists had managed to smuggle "such dangerous weapons into the country" and store them, he said. more.. Muslims, Arabs Raise Funds for Palestinians Palestine Chronicle 4/18/2006 The head of the International Union of Muslim Scholars (IUMS), has urged world Muslims to financially support the suffering Palestinian people. -- WORLD CAPITALS - With millions of Palestinians hardly able to make ends meet, several Arab and Muslim countries offered aid to the cash-strapped Palestinian Authority while local fund-raising campaigns have been launched across the Muslim world to counter international aid freeze. Iran announced on Monday, April 17, that it was giving $100 million in aid to the new Hamas-led Palestinian government, doubling the initial figure it announced a day earlier. Qatar also confirmed Monday giving $50 million in aid to the PA despite calls from Washington and the EU to halt funding to the Hamas-led government. The Gulf emirate said the aid decision "stems from Qatar's support for the Palestinian people. " more.. Bush, Anan, Egypt, Arab League condemn attack YNet News 4/18/2006 'I have consistently reminded all parties that they must be mindful of whatever actions they take and mindful of the consequences. ... For those who love peace in the Palestinian territories, they must stand up and reject this kind of violence,' Bush said in the White House -- The President of the United States, the United Nations Secretary-General, Egypt and the Arab League condemned Monday's suicide bombing attack in Tel Aviv. Bush said "I strongly deplore" Monday's attack, the deadliest suicide bombing in 20 months. Israel held the Hamas-led Palestinian Authority responsible for the attack, but stopped short of ordering a large-scale military operation. more.. Qatar gives $50m to Palestinians BBC 4/17/2006 The Gulf state of Qatar has said it will give $50m (£28m) to the new Hamas-led Palestinian government. Qatar said the decision showed its support for the Palestinian people. The announcement comes a day after Iran said it was also giving $50m to the Palestinians to help them through a financial crisis. The EU and the US withdrew their financial assistance to the Palestinian Authority after the militant group Hamas took office last month. The Qatari sum represents full payment of the country's contribution to the £55m a month pledged by Arab leaders last month, the official state news agency said. [end] more.. Chirac to seek Mubarak's help as regional mediator The Daily Star 4/19/2006 PARIS: French President Jacques Chirac heads to Egypt on Wednesday for a two-day visit set to be dominated by the Israeli-Palestinian conflict and rising tensions over Iran's nuclear ambitions. Traveling with an 80-strong delegation including Foreign Minister Philippe Douste-Blazy and top business leaders, Chirac is to head straight into talks Wednesday afternoon with his Egyptian counterpart Hosni Mubarak. Chirac's visit to Egypt, his first since 2002, is a chance "to take stock of the situation, after four years which have seen many changes in Egypt and across the region," a French diplomat said. As Israel reels from a deadly suicide bombing in Tel-Aviv, the presidency said Chirac was counting on Mubarak - as a "respected and influential figure" in the region - to help draw the Palestinian group Hamas into the peace process. more.. Chirac: Hamas must understand that violence is a dead end Ha'aretz 4/19/2006 Responding to Monday's suicide bombing in Tel Aviv, in which nine people were killed, a Turkish official said Tuesday that Hamas' statements on terrorist attacks are not helpful to the political process. "Statements of Hamas which support terrorist attacks are not helpful to the political process," Namik Tan, a Turkish Foreign Ministry spokesman said. "Turkey's view about Hamas is obvious. Hamas, in line with expectations of international community, must take steps to make substantial contributions to the political process. Among these steps, avoiding terrorist assaults has a top priority," Tan said. more.. Report: Russia to give PA $10M in aid; Denmark: Hamas faces int'l isolation Ha'aretz 4/19/2006 Russia will give the Hamas-led Palestinian Authority $10 million in funding, a newspaper reported Tuesday. The European Union and the United States have cut off aid to the Palestinian government in protest of the militant group's refusal to recognize Israel and renounce violence since its January victory in legislative elections. The Izvestia newspaper, citing an unidentified Russian Foreign Ministry official and Palestinian Finance Minister Omar Abdel Razek, reported that Russia would contribute $10 million and is in talks with the Palestinians about the timing of the transfer. more.. Jordanian Ambassador meets with PLC Member Ma'an News 4/18/2006 Gaza-Ma’an-Palestinian Legislative Council Member, Rawia Ash Shawa, discussed in a meeting with the Jordanian Ambassador to the Palestinian Authority, Yahia Al Qaralah, the political and economic situation in Palestine and the issues that are of concern to the Palestinian people. In the meeting at the Jordanian embassy in Gaza, Qaralah reiterated that the Palestinian people have the support of the Jordanian King, the Jordanian government and the Jordanian people. One of the issues raised by Mrs. Rawia Ash Shawa, was a request that the Kingdom of Jordan not to refuse entry of travelers from the Gaza Strip into the Kingdom. more.. Is the Palestinian Government a “ terrorist “government? Ma'an News 4/18/2006 Jerusaem-Ma'an-Israeli Prime Minister, Ehud Olmert, has decided to withdraw the Jerusalemite citizenship of Palestinian Legislative Council members(PLC), and Palestinian Government Ministers, after consultation with his Minister of the Army, Shaul Mofaz. Officials in Olmert's office said, “Whoever is a member of a terrorist government will not have immunity and the Israeli ID. ” They added, "They will not be given pass permits and we will deal with them as we do with any other terrorist element. ” Ehud Olmert himself said, "The Palestinian Government itself carries responsibility for the terrorist operation. " more.. Erekat urges quartet to help implement roadmap China View 4/18/2006 RAMALLAH, April 18 (Xinhua) -- Chief Palestinian negotiator Saeb Erekat called Tuesday on the international quartet to help implement the roadmap peace plan. Speaking to the Voice of Palestine, Erekat said that "it is time for the quartet to shoulder its responsibilities by ordering an international conference on resuming final-status talks between Palestine and Israel. "The quartet, grouping the United Nations, the United States, Russia and the European Union, has been a long-time mediator over the Palestinian-Israeli conflict. Erekat's call came one day after U. N. Secretary-General Kofi Annan announced that the quartet will convene on May 9 in New York to discuss the Israeli-Palestinian conflict and the situation in the Palestinian territories. more.. Japan halts aid to Palestinians YNet News 4/18/2006 No new aid commitments to PA until Hamas government demonstrates support for peace, Japanese Foreign Ministry official says -- Japan will not make any new aid commitments to the Palestinian Authority until the Hamas government demonstrates its support for peace with Israel, a Japanese Foreign Ministry official said Tuesday. Japan, which has provided USD 804 million in aid to the Palestinians since 1993, will continue to honor aid commitments made before Hamas won the January 25 elections, ministry official Akira Chiba said.... "This has been our position ever since Hamas won their elections," Chiba said. more.. Israel seeks U.N. condemnation YNet News 4/17/2006 Security Council to convene Monday to discuss Palestinian demands that Israel be condemned for military actions in Gaza two weeks ago; Israel hoping to use opportunity to condemn Tel Aviv bombing -- WASHINGTON - Israel turned to the United Nations Security Council Monday demanding the world body condemn the suicide bombing attack in Tel Aviv that killed nine people. The Council was already set to convene Monday to discuss Palestinian demands that Israel be condemned for military actions in Gaza two weeks ago, and Israel is hoping to turn the tables by using the opportunity to pass a decision condemning the Palestinians. more.. PMO: Entering Gaza to stop Qassam fire is still an option Ha'aretz 4/15/2006 Head of the National Security Council at the Prime Minister's Office Giora Eiland said Saturday the Palestinian government must take control of the Gaza Strip and stop the attacks on Israel. Eiland made the statement as the latest Qassam attack on Israel hit a sports stadium in a kibbutz in southern Israel on Friday night, causing damage but no casualties. Speaking on Israel Radio, Ei