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Conflict
Axe-wielding attacker kills teen settler
The Daily Star and Agence France Presse - AFP, Daily Star 4/3/2009
BAT AYIN, Occupied West Bank: An axe-wielding Palestinian man attacked Israelis in a Jewish settlement in the occupied West Bank on Thursday, killing a 13-year-old Israeli boy and wounding a 7-year-old, medics said. Israel’s hawkish new Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu swiftly condemned the attack, warning through a spokesman that his government would have a "zero tolerance policy" toward such acts and urging Palestinians to do the same. The perpetrator fled after attacking the two boys at Bat Ayin, southwest of Bethlehem, one of the occupied West Bank’s most radical settlements, shortly after midday, witnesses said. The army was conducting a massive search in the area and residents of other settlements in the area were instructed to stay indoors, radio and television reported. The boy killed was named as Shlomo Nativ, whose parents were among the founders of the settlement in 1989. more.. e-mail
Axe-wielding attacker kills teen settler
The Daily Star and Agence France Presse - AFP, Daily Star 4/3/2009
BAT AYIN, Occupied West Bank: An axe-wielding Palestinian man attacked Israelis in a Jewish settlement in the occupied West Bank on Thursday, killing a 13-year-old Israeli boy and wounding a 7-year-old, medics said. Israel’s hawkish new Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu swiftly condemned the attack, warning through a spokesman that his government would have a "zero tolerance policy" toward such acts and urging Palestinians to do the same. The perpetrator fled after attacking the two boys at Bat Ayin, southwest of Bethlehem, one of the occupied West Bank’s most radical settlements, shortly after midday, witnesses said. The army was conducting a massive search in the area and residents of other settlements in the area were instructed to stay indoors, radio and television reported. The boy killed was named as Shlomo Nativ, whose parents were among the founders of the settlement in 1989. more.. e-mail
Axe-wielding attacker kills teen settler
The Daily Star and Agence France Presse - AFP, Daily Star 4/3/2009
BAT AYIN, Occupied West Bank: An axe-wielding Palestinian man attacked Israelis in a Jewish settlement in the occupied West Bank on Thursday, killing a 13-year-old Israeli boy and wounding a 7-year-old, medics said. Israel’s hawkish new Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu swiftly condemned the attack, warning through a spokesman that his government would have a "zero tolerance policy" toward such acts and urging Palestinians to do the same. The perpetrator fled after attacking the two boys at Bat Ayin, southwest of Bethlehem, one of the occupied West Bank’s most radical settlements, shortly after midday, witnesses said. The army was conducting a massive search in the area and residents of other settlements in the area were instructed to stay indoors, radio and television reported. The boy killed was named as Shlomo Nativ, whose parents were among the founders of the settlement in 1989. more.. e-mail
Settlers occupy Palestinian house, authorities demolish shop in Jerusalem
Ghassan Bannoura, International Middle East Media Center 4/2/2009
A group of Israeli settlers took over a Palestinian-owned house located in Jerusalem’s old city on Thursday morning. The owner, Naser Jaber, told reporters that he was doing renovation work on his house when a group of settlers came and tried to take it over. Following a scuffle Israeli police arrived and forced him away allowing the settlers to take control of the building. When neighbors gathered nearby police officers surrounded the area and did not allow them to reach the house. They then confiscated a number of residents ID cards, witnesses said. Jaber told the Palestinian News Agency WAFA that he had been to court to get his home back. Later in the day, the Jerusalem Municipality demolished a Palestinian-owned shop just outside the Old City. The municipality claimed that the shop was built without permits. more.. e-mail
Settlers occupy Palestinian house, authorities demolish shop in Jerusalem
Ghassan Bannoura, International Middle East Media Center 4/2/2009
A group of Israeli settlers took over a Palestinian-owned house located in Jerusalem’s old city on Thursday morning. The owner, Naser Jaber, told reporters that he was doing renovation work on his house when a group of settlers came and tried to take it over. Following a scuffle Israeli police arrived and forced him away allowing the settlers to take control of the building. When neighbors gathered nearby police officers surrounded the area and did not allow them to reach the house. They then confiscated a number of residents ID cards, witnesses said. Jaber told the Palestinian News Agency WAFA that he had been to court to get his home back. Later in the day, the Jerusalem Municipality demolished a Palestinian-owned shop just outside the Old City. The municipality claimed that the shop was built without permits. more.. e-mail
Settlers occupy Palestinian house, authorities demolish shop in Jerusalem
Ghassan Bannoura, International Middle East Media Center 4/2/2009
A group of Israeli settlers took over a Palestinian-owned house located in Jerusalem’s old city on Thursday morning. The owner, Naser Jaber, told reporters that he was doing renovation work on his house when a group of settlers came and tried to take it over. Following a scuffle Israeli police arrived and forced him away allowing the settlers to take control of the building. When neighbors gathered nearby police officers surrounded the area and did not allow them to reach the house. They then confiscated a number of residents ID cards, witnesses said. Jaber told the Palestinian News Agency WAFA that he had been to court to get his home back. Later in the day, the Jerusalem Municipality demolished a Palestinian-owned shop just outside the Old City. The municipality claimed that the shop was built without permits. more.. e-mail
Thousands of dunums confiscated for Israeli settler road near Nablus
Ma’an News Agency 4/2/2009
Nablus – Ma’an – Israeli authorities issued orders to confiscate more than one thousand dunums of Palestinian lands of the village of Qaryut south of Nablus, head of the villages and municipal affairs office in Nablus Ghassan Daghlas said on Thursday. On the land a road will be constructed linking the three illegal settlements, He noted that “this decision aims at to construct a three kilometer road to link the Israeli illegal settlement of Shilo, and the illegal settlement outposts of Hayovel and a second known locally as the “Qaryut” outpost. Daghlas noted that Israeli bulldozers had been surveying the area for days, and that there seemed to be a coordinated effort between soldiers and settlers, who constructed a road barrier near the village of Der Sharaf, while military crews expanded the Yitzhar road after confiscating Palestinian lands adjacent to it. more.. e-mail
Thousands of dunums confiscated for Israeli settler road near Nablus
Ma’an News Agency 4/2/2009
Nablus – Ma’an – Israeli authorities issued orders to confiscate more than one thousand dunums of Palestinian lands of the village of Qaryut south of Nablus, head of the villages and municipal affairs office in Nablus Ghassan Daghlas said on Thursday. On the land a road will be constructed linking the three illegal settlements, He noted that “this decision aims at to construct a three kilometer road to link the Israeli illegal settlement of Shilo, and the illegal settlement outposts of Hayovel and a second known locally as the “Qaryut” outpost. Daghlas noted that Israeli bulldozers had been surveying the area for days, and that there seemed to be a coordinated effort between soldiers and settlers, who constructed a road barrier near the village of Der Sharaf, while military crews expanded the Yitzhar road after confiscating Palestinian lands adjacent to it. more.. e-mail
Thousands of dunums confiscated for Israeli settler road near Nablus
Ma’an News Agency 4/2/2009
Nablus – Ma’an – Israeli authorities issued orders to confiscate more than one thousand dunums of Palestinian lands of the village of Qaryut south of Nablus, head of the villages and municipal affairs office in Nablus Ghassan Daghlas said on Thursday. On the land a road will be constructed linking the three illegal settlements, He noted that “this decision aims at to construct a three kilometer road to link the Israeli illegal settlement of Shilo, and the illegal settlement outposts of Hayovel and a second known locally as the “Qaryut” outpost. Daghlas noted that Israeli bulldozers had been surveying the area for days, and that there seemed to be a coordinated effort between soldiers and settlers, who constructed a road barrier near the village of Der Sharaf, while military crews expanded the Yitzhar road after confiscating Palestinian lands adjacent to it. more.. e-mail
Israeli boy killed in axe attack
Al Jazeera 4/2/2009
An Israeli teenager has been killed in a Jewish settlement in the West Bank after a Palestinian assailant attacked him with an axe. Witnesses told Israel Radio on Thursday the victim was a 13-year-old boy and that the attacker also badly wounded a seven-year-old boy before fleeing. Jewish settlements built on occupied Palestinian land are illegal under international law. Al-Aqsa Martyrs Brigades, a group linked to the Fatah faction led by Mahmoud Abbas, the Palestinian president, claimed responsibility in a statement, citing Israeli "crimes of occupation". Emergency services described the attack as a Palestinian "terrorist attack". Police said they had launched a manhunt for the assailant, who is believed to have been attacked by security guards. more.. e-mail
Israeli boy killed in axe attack
Al Jazeera 4/2/2009
An Israeli teenager has been killed in a Jewish settlement in the West Bank after a Palestinian assailant attacked him with an axe. Witnesses told Israel Radio on Thursday the victim was a 13-year-old boy and that the attacker also badly wounded a seven-year-old boy before fleeing. Jewish settlements built on occupied Palestinian land are illegal under international law. Al-Aqsa Martyrs Brigades, a group linked to the Fatah faction led by Mahmoud Abbas, the Palestinian president, claimed responsibility in a statement, citing Israeli "crimes of occupation". Emergency services described the attack as a Palestinian "terrorist attack". Police said they had launched a manhunt for the assailant, who is believed to have been attacked by security guards. more.. e-mail
Israeli boy killed in axe attack
Al Jazeera 4/2/2009
An Israeli teenager has been killed in a Jewish settlement in the West Bank after a Palestinian assailant attacked him with an axe. Witnesses told Israel Radio on Thursday the victim was a 13-year-old boy and that the attacker also badly wounded a seven-year-old boy before fleeing. Jewish settlements built on occupied Palestinian land are illegal under international law. Al-Aqsa Martyrs Brigades, a group linked to the Fatah faction led by Mahmoud Abbas, the Palestinian president, claimed responsibility in a statement, citing Israeli "crimes of occupation". Emergency services described the attack as a Palestinian "terrorist attack". Police said they had launched a manhunt for the assailant, who is believed to have been attacked by security guards. more.. e-mail
Netanyahu tells IDF: Make every effort to catch Bat Ayin murderer
Jonathan Lis and Nadav Shragai, Ha’aretz 4/3/2009
Two days after being sworn in as prime minister, Benjamin Netanyahu issued a statement condemning the terror attack earlier Thursday in the West Bank settlement of Bat Ayin, in which an axe-wielding Palestinian killed a 13-year-old boy and left another boy, 7, moderately hurt. The attacker apparently entered Bat Ayin, located between Jerusalem and the southern West Bank city of Hebron, unhindered. The religious settlers have refused to build a security fence around their community - standard practice in most settlements - saying it would be a sign of weakness. The perpetrator was thought to have fled the scene of the attack and the Israel Defense Forces were searching for him well into the evening. The prime minister was briefed on the attack and the subsequent manhuntduring the course of the day. more.. e-mail
Netanyahu tells IDF: Make every effort to catch Bat Ayin murderer
Jonathan Lis and Nadav Shragai, Ha’aretz 4/3/2009
Two days after being sworn in as prime minister, Benjamin Netanyahu issued a statement condemning the terror attack earlier Thursday in the West Bank settlement of Bat Ayin, in which an axe-wielding Palestinian killed a 13-year-old boy and left another boy, 7, moderately hurt. The attacker apparently entered Bat Ayin, located between Jerusalem and the southern West Bank city of Hebron, unhindered. The religious settlers have refused to build a security fence around their community - standard practice in most settlements - saying it would be a sign of weakness. The perpetrator was thought to have fled the scene of the attack and the Israel Defense Forces were searching for him well into the evening. The prime minister was briefed on the attack and the subsequent manhuntduring the course of the day. more.. e-mail
Netanyahu tells IDF: Make every effort to catch Bat Ayin murderer
Jonathan Lis and Nadav Shragai, Ha’aretz 4/3/2009
Two days after being sworn in as prime minister, Benjamin Netanyahu issued a statement condemning the terror attack earlier Thursday in the West Bank settlement of Bat Ayin, in which an axe-wielding Palestinian killed a 13-year-old boy and left another boy, 7, moderately hurt. The attacker apparently entered Bat Ayin, located between Jerusalem and the southern West Bank city of Hebron, unhindered. The religious settlers have refused to build a security fence around their community - standard practice in most settlements - saying it would be a sign of weakness. The perpetrator was thought to have fled the scene of the attack and the Israel Defense Forces were searching for him well into the evening. The prime minister was briefed on the attack and the subsequent manhuntduring the course of the day. more.. e-mail
Israel fears Jewish extremists will avenge settlement murder
Jonathan Lis and Nadav Shragai, Ha’aretz 4/3/2009
Security sources said on Thursday that right-wing extremists are likely to attempt to avenge the terror attack in the West Bank settlement of Bat Ayin, in which an axe-wielding Palestinian killed a 13-year-old boy and left another boy, 7, moderately hurt. The attacker apparently entered unhindered into Bat Ayin, which is located in the Etzion bloc between Jerusalem and the southern West Bank city of Hebron. The religious settlers there have refused to build a security fence around their community - standard practice in most settlements - saying it would be a sign of weakness. The perpetrator was thought to have fled the scene of the attack and the Israel Defense Forces were searching for him well into the evening. IDF, Shin Bet and police have stepped up security, fearing residents of Bat Ayin or the neighboring settlements. . . more.. e-mail
Israel fears Jewish extremists will avenge settlement murder
Jonathan Lis and Nadav Shragai, Ha’aretz 4/3/2009
Security sources said on Thursday that right-wing extremists are likely to attempt to avenge the terror attack in the West Bank settlement of Bat Ayin, in which an axe-wielding Palestinian killed a 13-year-old boy and left another boy, 7, moderately hurt. The attacker apparently entered unhindered into Bat Ayin, which is located in the Etzion bloc between Jerusalem and the southern West Bank city of Hebron. The religious settlers there have refused to build a security fence around their community - standard practice in most settlements - saying it would be a sign of weakness. The perpetrator was thought to have fled the scene of the attack and the Israel Defense Forces were searching for him well into the evening. IDF, Shin Bet and police have stepped up security, fearing residents of Bat Ayin or the neighboring settlements. . . more.. e-mail
Israel fears Jewish extremists will avenge settlement murder
Jonathan Lis and Nadav Shragai, Ha’aretz 4/3/2009
Security sources said on Thursday that right-wing extremists are likely to attempt to avenge the terror attack in the West Bank settlement of Bat Ayin, in which an axe-wielding Palestinian killed a 13-year-old boy and left another boy, 7, moderately hurt. The attacker apparently entered unhindered into Bat Ayin, which is located in the Etzion bloc between Jerusalem and the southern West Bank city of Hebron. The religious settlers there have refused to build a security fence around their community - standard practice in most settlements - saying it would be a sign of weakness. The perpetrator was thought to have fled the scene of the attack and the Israel Defense Forces were searching for him well into the evening. IDF, Shin Bet and police have stepped up security, fearing residents of Bat Ayin or the neighboring settlements. . . more.. e-mail
Israel decides to annex 1000 Dunams near Nablus
Saed Bannoura & Agencies, International Middle East Media Center 4/2/2009
Ghassan Daghlas, in charge of the Affairs of villages and city council in the Nablus district, in the northern part of the West Bank, stated Friday that the Israeli authorities decided to annex more than 1000 Dunams of orchards belonging to the village of Qaryout, south of Nablus. He added that this decision was made to enable paving a 3-lkilomter settler-only road linking between Hayuval and Shilo settlements. Daghlas said that Israeli bulldozers already started uprooting trees in the area and are preparing for pave a 1600-meter road linking between Alia and Hayuval settlements. Recently, settlers and soldiers stepped up their attacks against the area and illegally annexed more Palestinian lands in order to pave roads connecting illegal outpost with several settlements in the area. Abdul-Nasser Badawi, head of the Qaryout village council, said that settlers and soldiers have. . . more.. e-mail
Israel decides to annex 1000 Dunams near Nablus
Saed Bannoura & Agencies, International Middle East Media Center 4/2/2009
Ghassan Daghlas, in charge of the Affairs of villages and city council in the Nablus district, in the northern part of the West Bank, stated Friday that the Israeli authorities decided to annex more than 1000 Dunams of orchards belonging to the village of Qaryout, south of Nablus. He added that this decision was made to enable paving a 3-lkilomter settler-only road linking between Hayuval and Shilo settlements. Daghlas said that Israeli bulldozers already started uprooting trees in the area and are preparing for pave a 1600-meter road linking between Alia and Hayuval settlements. Recently, settlers and soldiers stepped up their attacks against the area and illegally annexed more Palestinian lands in order to pave roads connecting illegal outpost with several settlements in the area. Abdul-Nasser Badawi, head of the Qaryout village council, said that settlers and soldiers have. . . more.. e-mail
Israel decides to annex 1000 Dunams near Nablus
Saed Bannoura & Agencies, International Middle East Media Center 4/2/2009
Ghassan Daghlas, in charge of the Affairs of villages and city council in the Nablus district, in the northern part of the West Bank, stated Friday that the Israeli authorities decided to annex more than 1000 Dunams of orchards belonging to the village of Qaryout, south of Nablus. He added that this decision was made to enable paving a 3-lkilomter settler-only road linking between Hayuval and Shilo settlements. Daghlas said that Israeli bulldozers already started uprooting trees in the area and are preparing for pave a 1600-meter road linking between Alia and Hayuval settlements. Recently, settlers and soldiers stepped up their attacks against the area and illegally annexed more Palestinian lands in order to pave roads connecting illegal outpost with several settlements in the area. Abdul-Nasser Badawi, head of the Qaryout village council, said that settlers and soldiers have. . . more.. e-mail
Palestinian man attacks settlers near Bethlehem; kills one, troops attack nearby village
Ghassan Bannoura, International Middle East Media Center 4/2/2009
One settler was killed and another injured when a Palestinian man attacked Israeli settlers in the illegal settlement of Bat Ayin located near the southern West Bank city of Bethlehem on Thursday afternoon. Israeli medical sources said the 13 year old boy died of his wounds shortly after reaching the hospital while the 7 year old sustained serious wounds. Doctors identified the killed teen as Shlomo Nativ, the son of Haim Nativ, one of Bat Ayin settlement founders. The wounded setter was identified asYair Gamliel, the son of Ofer Gamliel, who is currently serving time in prison for planning to bomb a Palestinian school in east Jerusalem. Israeli sources said that the attacker used to work in the settlement, adding that he attacked the settlers with an axe killing one teenager and injuring another child. The Israeli military said that the man escaped after the attack. more.. e-mail
Palestinian man attacks settlers near Bethlehem; kills one, troops attack nearby village
Ghassan Bannoura, International Middle East Media Center 4/2/2009
One settler was killed and another injured when a Palestinian man attacked Israeli settlers in the illegal settlement of Bat Ayin located near the southern West Bank city of Bethlehem on Thursday afternoon. Israeli medical sources said the 13 year old boy died of his wounds shortly after reaching the hospital while the 7 year old sustained serious wounds. Doctors identified the killed teen as Shlomo Nativ, the son of Haim Nativ, one of Bat Ayin settlement founders. The wounded setter was identified asYair Gamliel, the son of Ofer Gamliel, who is currently serving time in prison for planning to bomb a Palestinian school in east Jerusalem. Israeli sources said that the attacker used to work in the settlement, adding that he attacked the settlers with an axe killing one teenager and injuring another child. The Israeli military said that the man escaped after the attack. more.. e-mail
Palestinian man attacks settlers near Bethlehem; kills one, troops attack nearby village
Ghassan Bannoura, International Middle East Media Center 4/2/2009
One settler was killed and another injured when a Palestinian man attacked Israeli settlers in the illegal settlement of Bat Ayin located near the southern West Bank city of Bethlehem on Thursday afternoon. Israeli medical sources said the 13 year old boy died of his wounds shortly after reaching the hospital while the 7 year old sustained serious wounds. Doctors identified the killed teen as Shlomo Nativ, the son of Haim Nativ, one of Bat Ayin settlement founders. The wounded setter was identified asYair Gamliel, the son of Ofer Gamliel, who is currently serving time in prison for planning to bomb a Palestinian school in east Jerusalem. Israeli sources said that the attacker used to work in the settlement, adding that he attacked the settlers with an axe killing one teenager and injuring another child. The Israeli military said that the man escaped after the attack. more.. e-mail
The Israeli army kidnaps 27 Palestinian civilian from the West Bank
Ghassan Bannoura and Agencies, International Middle East Media Center 4/2/2009
The Israeli military kidnapped 27 civilians during pre-dawn invasions targeting a number of Palestinian communities in the west Bank on Thursday. The Palestine News and Information Center, WAFA, reported that the invasions were carried out throughout the night and at dawn. Local sources said that soldiers broke into and searched homes and interrogated several residents in their homes and the streets before kidnapping 27 residents. Eleven were kidnapped from a village near Jenin, three from Qalqlia city, seven from Jericho, while three from Al Izriyah town near Jerusalem, and two from Bethlehem city [end]
The Israeli army kidnaps 27 Palestinian civilian from the West Bank
Ghassan Bannoura and Agencies, International Middle East Media Center 4/2/2009
The Israeli military kidnapped 27 civilians during pre-dawn invasions targeting a number of Palestinian communities in the west Bank on Thursday. The Palestine News and Information Center, WAFA, reported that the invasions were carried out throughout the night and at dawn. Local sources said that soldiers broke into and searched homes and interrogated several residents in their homes and the streets before kidnapping 27 residents. Eleven were kidnapped from a village near Jenin, three from Qalqlia city, seven from Jericho, while three from Al Izriyah town near Jerusalem, and two from Bethlehem city [end]
The Israeli army kidnaps 27 Palestinian civilian from the West Bank
Ghassan Bannoura and Agencies, International Middle East Media Center 4/2/2009
The Israeli military kidnapped 27 civilians during pre-dawn invasions targeting a number of Palestinian communities in the west Bank on Thursday. The Palestine News and Information Center, WAFA, reported that the invasions were carried out throughout the night and at dawn. Local sources said that soldiers broke into and searched homes and interrogated several residents in their homes and the streets before kidnapping 27 residents. Eleven were kidnapped from a village near Jenin, three from Qalqlia city, seven from Jericho, while three from Al Izriyah town near Jerusalem, and two from Bethlehem city [end]
Israeli forces seize Nablus man from home
Ma’an News Agency 4/2/2009
Nablus – Ma’an – Israeli forces detained a young Palestinian man during a raid on his house in the Askar area of Nablus early on Thursday. According to local sources, Israeli troops took 22-year-old Hassan Abedel Latif Swelim from his home. It is not known where he is held. [end]
Israeli forces seize Nablus man from home
Ma’an News Agency 4/2/2009
Nablus – Ma’an – Israeli forces detained a young Palestinian man during a raid on his house in the Askar area of Nablus early on Thursday. According to local sources, Israeli troops took 22-year-old Hassan Abedel Latif Swelim from his home. It is not known where he is held. [end]
Israeli forces seize Nablus man from home
Ma’an News Agency 4/2/2009
Nablus – Ma’an – Israeli forces detained a young Palestinian man during a raid on his house in the Askar area of Nablus early on Thursday. According to local sources, Israeli troops took 22-year-old Hassan Abedel Latif Swelim from his home. It is not known where he is held. [end]
Israeli forces detain two teenagers from Qalqilia
Ma’an News Agency 4/2/2009
Qalqilia – Ma’an – Israeli troops detained two teenagers from the West Bank city of Qalqilia at dawn on Thursday. Witnesses told Ma’an that several Israeli army vehicles entered the city. Israeli soldiers raided several houses and detained Ibrahim Ahmad Arbas, 19, and Abdel Halim Attas, 19, after raiding their houses. [end]
Israeli forces detain two teenagers from Qalqilia
Ma’an News Agency 4/2/2009
Qalqilia – Ma’an – Israeli troops detained two teenagers from the West Bank city of Qalqilia at dawn on Thursday. Witnesses told Ma’an that several Israeli army vehicles entered the city. Israeli soldiers raided several houses and detained Ibrahim Ahmad Arbas, 19, and Abdel Halim Attas, 19, after raiding their houses. [end]
Israeli forces detain two teenagers from Qalqilia
Ma’an News Agency 4/2/2009
Qalqilia – Ma’an – Israeli troops detained two teenagers from the West Bank city of Qalqilia at dawn on Thursday. Witnesses told Ma’an that several Israeli army vehicles entered the city. Israeli soldiers raided several houses and detained Ibrahim Ahmad Arbas, 19, and Abdel Halim Attas, 19, after raiding their houses. [end]
Father of Bat Ayin victim is jailed settler militia leader
Ma’an News Agency 4/2/2009
Bethlehem – Ma’an/Agencies – Israel has decided to allow a jailed settler militia leader to visit his 7-year-old son who was injured in Thursday’s ax attack near the Bat Ayin settlement. According to the Ynet, the website of Israel’s mass-selling Yediot Ahronot newspaper, Ofer Gamliel will be allowed to visit Hadassah hospital after a decision by the Israel Prison Service. Gamliel is serving a 15-year-sentence for attempting blow up a Palestinian girls school in East Jerusalem in 2002. He three to four co-conspirators were members of a group called the “Bat Ayin Underground. ” Three men were ultimately convicted in the plot. Police saw the men planting the bomb – a trailer backed with explosives – outside the school in Abu Tor in the early hours of 29 April 2002. The bomb was attached to a timer, set to explode at 7:25am, as children were arriving for school. more.. e-mail
Father of Bat Ayin victim is jailed settler militia leader
Ma’an News Agency 4/2/2009
Bethlehem – Ma’an/Agencies – Israel has decided to allow a jailed settler militia leader to visit his 7-year-old son who was injured in Thursday’s ax attack near the Bat Ayin settlement. According to the Ynet, the website of Israel’s mass-selling Yediot Ahronot newspaper, Ofer Gamliel will be allowed to visit Hadassah hospital after a decision by the Israel Prison Service. Gamliel is serving a 15-year-sentence for attempting blow up a Palestinian girls school in East Jerusalem in 2002. He three to four co-conspirators were members of a group called the “Bat Ayin Underground. ” Three men were ultimately convicted in the plot. Police saw the men planting the bomb – a trailer backed with explosives – outside the school in Abu Tor in the early hours of 29 April 2002. The bomb was attached to a timer, set to explode at 7:25am, as children were arriving for school. more.. e-mail
Father of Bat Ayin victim is jailed settler militia leader
Ma’an News Agency 4/2/2009
Bethlehem – Ma’an/Agencies – Israel has decided to allow a jailed settler militia leader to visit his 7-year-old son who was injured in Thursday’s ax attack near the Bat Ayin settlement. According to the Ynet, the website of Israel’s mass-selling Yediot Ahronot newspaper, Ofer Gamliel will be allowed to visit Hadassah hospital after a decision by the Israel Prison Service. Gamliel is serving a 15-year-sentence for attempting blow up a Palestinian girls school in East Jerusalem in 2002. He three to four co-conspirators were members of a group called the “Bat Ayin Underground. ” Three men were ultimately convicted in the plot. Police saw the men planting the bomb – a trailer backed with explosives – outside the school in Abu Tor in the early hours of 29 April 2002. The bomb was attached to a timer, set to explode at 7:25am, as children were arriving for school. more.. e-mail
Bat Ayin rabbi: We’re not seeking revenge
Daniel Edelson, YNetNews 4/3/2009
Residents of West Bank settlement gather for meeting on Thursday’s deadly terror attack, several hours after 13-year-old Shlomo Nativ’s funeral. ’I didn’t see rage, I saw pain,’ Rabbi Daniel Cohen tells Ynet - Israel Defense Forces soldiers on Thursday night continued searching for the terrorist who murdered 13-year-old Shlomo Nativ in the West Bank settlement of Bat Ayin in the Gush Etzion communities. While the forces went from house to house in the Palestinian villages adjacent to the settlement, the residents of Bat Ayin gathered Thursday evening for a meeting with the community’s rabbi, Daniel Cohen, in an attempt to deal with their pain. Talking to Ynet, Cohen spoke of the emotionally charged meeting, during which he called on his friends to practice restraint and refrain from acts of revenge. more.. e-mail
Bat Ayin rabbi: We’re not seeking revenge
Daniel Edelson, YNetNews 4/3/2009
Residents of West Bank settlement gather for meeting on Thursday’s deadly terror attack, several hours after 13-year-old Shlomo Nativ’s funeral. ’I didn’t see rage, I saw pain,’ Rabbi Daniel Cohen tells Ynet - Israel Defense Forces soldiers on Thursday night continued searching for the terrorist who murdered 13-year-old Shlomo Nativ in the West Bank settlement of Bat Ayin in the Gush Etzion communities. While the forces went from house to house in the Palestinian villages adjacent to the settlement, the residents of Bat Ayin gathered Thursday evening for a meeting with the community’s rabbi, Daniel Cohen, in an attempt to deal with their pain. Talking to Ynet, Cohen spoke of the emotionally charged meeting, during which he called on his friends to practice restraint and refrain from acts of revenge. more.. e-mail
Bat Ayin rabbi: We’re not seeking revenge
Daniel Edelson, YNetNews 4/3/2009
Residents of West Bank settlement gather for meeting on Thursday’s deadly terror attack, several hours after 13-year-old Shlomo Nativ’s funeral. ’I didn’t see rage, I saw pain,’ Rabbi Daniel Cohen tells Ynet - Israel Defense Forces soldiers on Thursday night continued searching for the terrorist who murdered 13-year-old Shlomo Nativ in the West Bank settlement of Bat Ayin in the Gush Etzion communities. While the forces went from house to house in the Palestinian villages adjacent to the settlement, the residents of Bat Ayin gathered Thursday evening for a meeting with the community’s rabbi, Daniel Cohen, in an attempt to deal with their pain. Talking to Ynet, Cohen spoke of the emotionally charged meeting, during which he called on his friends to practice restraint and refrain from acts of revenge. more.. e-mail
Gaza offensive: Israeli military says no war crimes committed
Helen Pidd, The Guardian 3/31/2009
The Israeli military has concluded that no war crimes were committed during its recent offensive in the Gaza Strip, dismissing as "hearsay" the testimonies of soldiers who allegedly admitted intentionally killing Palestinian civilians. Closing an investigation into wrongful shootings, the Israeli army declared soldiers’ confessions relating to two incidents were "purposely exaggerated" and not supported by facts. One case involved the killing of an elderly woman by a rooftop sniper, and another involved a sniper fatally shooting a mother and two children who had entered a no-go zone. After talking to soldiers who made the claims, Israeli military investigators concluded that the two incidents never took place and that the young men who made the allegations had embellished the stories during a seminar at a military preparatory school. The military police found that "crucial components of their descriptions were based on hearsay and not supported by specific personal knowledge", the army said in a statement. The army’s chief prosecutor accused the soldiers of harming Israel’s international image. "It will be difficult to evaluate the damage done to the image and morals of the Israel Defence Forces and its soldiers. . . in Israel and the world," Brigadier General Avichai Mendelblit said. Human rights groups accused the military of carrying out a biased and hasty inquiry that ignored key evidence and urged an independent body be formed to investigate Israeli army activity in Gaza. more.. e-mail
IDF raps soldiers for images of dead Palestinian babies on t-shirts
Uri Blau, Ha’aretz 4/2/2009
The IDF’s chief education officer Brig. Gen. Eli Shermeister issued a letter to a number of military units Tuesday, commenting on T-shirts printed by soldiers, as exposed by Haaretz two weeks ago. Haaretz found that dead babies, mothers weeping on their children’s grave, a child in the crosshairs of a sniper’s rifle and blown-up mosques are just a few of the images with which IDF soldiers decided to mark their graduation from a training course or tour of duty. Shermeister’s letter described some of the shirts depicted in the Haaretz story, and included pictures published in the feature. The chief education officer called on commanders to "increase vigilance and rule out any such phenomena, which stem from group culture and might affect it. " The Haaretz inquiry brought several examples of such prints: An infantry snipers’ T-shirt with. . . more.. e-mail
In Sderot, nighttime is wartime
Ha’aretz 4/2/2009
During the day the Edry family, residents of Sderot, lead relatively normal lives. The children - Chen, 15, Oron, 12 and Shilat, 8, have gone back to school, and they spend their afternoons playing outside with friends near their home. At night, however, the atmosphere is one of wartime, just like when the town was being bombarded with 30 Qassams a day and Red Dawn sirens shrieked every few minutes. Two and a half months have passed since the end of Operation Cast Lead, but the Edry family is struggling to return to a normal routine. The entire family sleeps together in a small protected space. While most days have been quiet, they are still afraid that Hamas has not had its final say, and the next Qassam is only a matter of time. Their fears proved founded Tuesday, as the area saw its worst onslaught of rockets since before the January operation. more.. e-mail
Israeli Arab and rightist MKs wrangle at inaugural Knesset session
Shahar Ilan, Ha’aretz 4/1/2009
A heated exchange broke out between Israeli Arab and rightist Jewish lawmakers during the Knesset’s inaugural session on Wednesday, as members of the two groups wrangled over Israel Defense Forces soldiers’ controversial testimonies from the war in Gaza and t-shirts printed by troops following the operation with pictures and captions seen as encouraging violence. Both issues were exposed over the last few weeks in Haaretz, raising controversy both within and outside the IDF. During the Knesset session on Wednesday, a spat erupted between Arab MKs and those from the rightist National Union party, during which expressions such as "terrorist", "fifth-column", and "Kahanist" were all used. The chairman of the Israeli Arab Balad party, MK Jamal Zahalka, said that during a battle in the Gaza Strip town of Beit Lahia, IDF soldiers "killed civilians, and bodies were strewn in the street. more.. e-mail
UN Study: '70% of the Palestinians reject violence'
IMEMC & Agencies, International Middle East Media Center 4/1/2009
A study conducted by the United Nations revealed that 70% of the Palestinians believe that there is another way than violence to end the Palestinian-Israeli conflict. Only 8% of the surveyed Palestinians said that they believe violence is an important aspect of the struggle. The study was based on interviews with 1200 Palestinians in the West Bank and the Gaza Strip. The study also found that 80% of the Palestinian youths are depressed, especially in the Gaza Strip. The UN Development Programe reported that an economy cannot be developed without providing the youth with hope and the necessary means of development. Unemployment rates among Palestinian youths are more than 35% in the West Bank, and 51% in the Gaza Strip. More than 1. 5 million Palestinians are practically imprisoned in the Gaza Strip due to the Israeli siege. more.. e-mail
A civilian injured due to an explosion caused by an Israeli military bomb
Ghassan Bannoura & Agencies, International Middle East Media Center 4/1/2009
A Palestinian civilian was reported injured on Wednesday when a bomb left by the Israeli military exploded near him east of Jabalya town in northern Gaza Strip. Medical sources said that the man, Adel Subeh, 20, was moved to a local hospital for treatment after sustaining moderate wounds. [end]
Israeli judge rules to continue home demolitions in East Jerusalem
Saed Bannoura, International Middle East Media Center 4/2/2009
A petition presented by a Palestinian homeowner from the Sheikh Jarrah neighborhood in East Jerusalem was rejected by an Israeli court on Wednesday, a decision which will allow home demolitions to move forward. The homeowner, Darwish Hijazi, presented his home ownership documents to the Israeli court, but the judge rejected the documents. Israeli settlers moved onto Hijazi’s proerty several years ago, and he was unable to get rid of them or stop them from destroying his property, taking over his land and moving into his home. Now, despite being the original homeowner and long-time resident of his home, it is Hijazi who will be forced to move to allow the Israeli settlers, who took over parts of his home using violence and force, to remain. Palestinian Authority officials said that this ruling, while unfortunate, will not prevent other cases involving Palestinian property in East Jerusalem from moving forward. more.. e-mail
Israeli forces seize university student near Tulkarem
Ma’an News Agency 4/1/2009
Tulkarem – Ma’an – Israeli forces seized a Palestinian university student from the Tulkarem branch of Al-Quds Open University on Wednesday morning. Local sources in the town of Kafr Al-Labad, east of Tulkarem, said that Israeli military vehicles stormed the Al-Wa’arat neighborhood in the western part of the town and seized 23-year-old Mujahid Thuthein. Soldiers also confiscated a computer belonging to the arrestee’s brother. [end]
Israeli court rejects Palestinian petition to save Jerusalem land from settlers
Ma’an News Agency 4/1/2009
Jerusalem – Ma’an – The Israeli Magistrate court in Jerusalem rejected a Palestinian petition on Tuesday to confirm their ownership of land in the Sheikh Jarrah neighborhood of Jerusalem that is also claimed by Israeli settlers. The land belongs to Darwish Hijazi. His lawyer presented ownership documents as a part of the petition. The court rejected Hijazi’s request to stop settler activity on his property, including the eviction of two families (Al-Ghawi and Hannoun) who live in the area. However, the judge did not rule out the possibility to use documents presented by Hijazi in other land cases in Sheikh Jarrah. According to Hatim Abdul-Qadir, the Palestinian Prime Minister’s advisor on Jerusalem affairs, “The Hijazi case was separate from another case filed by Al-Ghawi and Hannoun families against the decision to evacuate them from their homes in Sheikh Jarrah. more.. e-mail
Hamas: Netanyahu government an example of Israeli racism
Ma’an News Agency 4/1/2009
Gaza – Ma’an – Hamas described the new Israeli government led by Benjamin Netanyahu as merely one manifestation of overall Israeli racism. Hamas spokesperson Fawzi Barhoum said in a statement, “There is no difference between Israeli governments as we have tried all of them. The Netanyahu government reflects the general attitude in Israeli society. It is a racist, extremist formula, and it is the most evident government in terms of its extremist agenda and its denial of Palestinian rights. It is also clear in its negligence of commitments signed by previous Israeli governments. ”Barhoum stressed the need for a strong Palestinian front based on preserving inalienable Palestinian rights with support from Arab countries. Netanyahu officially took power on Wednesday morning after his cabinet was sworn in on Tuesday evening. more.. e-mail
Diplomacy
Arab League sees little change in Israeli government
Daily Star 4/3/2009
The head of the Arab League said on Thursday the appointment of Avigdor Lieberman as Israeli foreign minister changed Israel’s tone rather than its policy toward the Palestinians and a wider peace initiative. Secretary General Amr Moussa told a news conference at Arab League headquarters in Cairo that the previous Israeli government of Ehud Olmert had not abided by agreements on settlement building in the occupied West Bank and had ignored an Arab Peace Initiative. "In my opinion the previous government of Israel did not honor the understandings on which the Annapolis [peace] conference and process was based," Moussa said. "What the new foreign minister in Israel is saying is putting that in a blunt, very aggressive way. ""The new style of talking is just a new style. It does not initiate a new position. We know the Israeli position is negative when it comes to peace, when it comes to initiatives of peace," he said. more.. e-mail
Arab League sees little change in Israeli government
Daily Star 4/3/2009
The head of the Arab League said on Thursday the appointment of Avigdor Lieberman as Israeli foreign minister changed Israel’s tone rather than its policy toward the Palestinians and a wider peace initiative. Secretary General Amr Moussa told a news conference at Arab League headquarters in Cairo that the previous Israeli government of Ehud Olmert had not abided by agreements on settlement building in the occupied West Bank and had ignored an Arab Peace Initiative. "In my opinion the previous government of Israel did not honor the understandings on which the Annapolis [peace] conference and process was based," Moussa said. "What the new foreign minister in Israel is saying is putting that in a blunt, very aggressive way. ""The new style of talking is just a new style. It does not initiate a new position. We know the Israeli position is negative when it comes to peace, when it comes to initiatives of peace," he said. more.. e-mail
Arab League sees little change in Israeli government
Daily Star 4/3/2009
The head of the Arab League said on Thursday the appointment of Avigdor Lieberman as Israeli foreign minister changed Israel’s tone rather than its policy toward the Palestinians and a wider peace initiative. Secretary General Amr Moussa told a news conference at Arab League headquarters in Cairo that the previous Israeli government of Ehud Olmert had not abided by agreements on settlement building in the occupied West Bank and had ignored an Arab Peace Initiative. "In my opinion the previous government of Israel did not honor the understandings on which the Annapolis [peace] conference and process was based," Moussa said. "What the new foreign minister in Israel is saying is putting that in a blunt, very aggressive way. ""The new style of talking is just a new style. It does not initiate a new position. We know the Israeli position is negative when it comes to peace, when it comes to initiatives of peace," he said. more.. e-mail
Deputy FM: Annapolis conference caused damage
Yitzhak Benhorin, YNetNews 4/2/2009
Day after Lieberman said Israel not obligated by Annapolis conference, Danny Ayalon tells Washington Times Netanyahu government supports two-state solution; Saban Center: Tensions between Obama administration, new Israeli regime are already brewing - WASHINGTON - Amid the uproar over Foreign Minister Avigdor Lieberman’s aggressive speech, in which he stated thatIsrael was no longer obligated by the Annapolis conference, his deputy stressed that Benjamin Netanyahu’s new government supports a two-state solution within the context of the US-backed Road Map for peace. In an interview with The Washington Times, published Thursday, Danny Ayalon said Lieberman objects to the final-status talks with Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas that emerged from the 2007 Annapolis conference and supports a more gradual process. more.. e-mail
Deputy FM: Annapolis conference caused damage
Yitzhak Benhorin, YNetNews 4/2/2009
Day after Lieberman said Israel not obligated by Annapolis conference, Danny Ayalon tells Washington Times Netanyahu government supports two-state solution; Saban Center: Tensions between Obama administration, new Israeli regime are already brewing - WASHINGTON - Amid the uproar over Foreign Minister Avigdor Lieberman’s aggressive speech, in which he stated thatIsrael was no longer obligated by the Annapolis conference, his deputy stressed that Benjamin Netanyahu’s new government supports a two-state solution within the context of the US-backed Road Map for peace. In an interview with The Washington Times, published Thursday, Danny Ayalon said Lieberman objects to the final-status talks with Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas that emerged from the 2007 Annapolis conference and supports a more gradual process. more.. e-mail
Deputy FM: Annapolis conference caused damage
Yitzhak Benhorin, YNetNews 4/2/2009
Day after Lieberman said Israel not obligated by Annapolis conference, Danny Ayalon tells Washington Times Netanyahu government supports two-state solution; Saban Center: Tensions between Obama administration, new Israeli regime are already brewing - WASHINGTON - Amid the uproar over Foreign Minister Avigdor Lieberman’s aggressive speech, in which he stated thatIsrael was no longer obligated by the Annapolis conference, his deputy stressed that Benjamin Netanyahu’s new government supports a two-state solution within the context of the US-backed Road Map for peace. In an interview with The Washington Times, published Thursday, Danny Ayalon said Lieberman objects to the final-status talks with Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas that emerged from the 2007 Annapolis conference and supports a more gradual process. more.. e-mail
Lieberman remarks jeopardize peace prospects
The Daily Star, Daily Star 4/3/2009
OCCUPIED JERUSALEM: Israel’s new government has set a hawkish tone in its first days in office, with remarks by its top diplomat sparking fears Premier Benjamin Netanyahu might bury the troubled peace talks. On Thursday, a day after he sparked criticism by saying Israel was not bound by a US-backed 2007 agreement to restart talks with the Palestinians, Foreign Minister Avigdor Lieberman rejected any withdrawal from the Golan Heights in exchange for peace with Syria. But even as Lieberman casts doubts on the future of relations with the Palestinians and Syria, the former nightclub bouncer was interrogated by police for seven hours on Thursday over corruption allegations. "There is no Cabinet resolution regarding negotiations with Syria, and we have already said we will not agree to withdraw from the Golan Heights," firebrand Lieberman told the Haaretz daily. more.. e-mail
Lieberman remarks jeopardize peace prospects
The Daily Star, Daily Star 4/3/2009
OCCUPIED JERUSALEM: Israel’s new government has set a hawkish tone in its first days in office, with remarks by its top diplomat sparking fears Premier Benjamin Netanyahu might bury the troubled peace talks. On Thursday, a day after he sparked criticism by saying Israel was not bound by a US-backed 2007 agreement to restart talks with the Palestinians, Foreign Minister Avigdor Lieberman rejected any withdrawal from the Golan Heights in exchange for peace with Syria. But even as Lieberman casts doubts on the future of relations with the Palestinians and Syria, the former nightclub bouncer was interrogated by police for seven hours on Thursday over corruption allegations. "There is no Cabinet resolution regarding negotiations with Syria, and we have already said we will not agree to withdraw from the Golan Heights," firebrand Lieberman told the Haaretz daily. more.. e-mail
Lieberman remarks jeopardize peace prospects
The Daily Star, Daily Star 4/3/2009
OCCUPIED JERUSALEM: Israel’s new government has set a hawkish tone in its first days in office, with remarks by its top diplomat sparking fears Premier Benjamin Netanyahu might bury the troubled peace talks. On Thursday, a day after he sparked criticism by saying Israel was not bound by a US-backed 2007 agreement to restart talks with the Palestinians, Foreign Minister Avigdor Lieberman rejected any withdrawal from the Golan Heights in exchange for peace with Syria. But even as Lieberman casts doubts on the future of relations with the Palestinians and Syria, the former nightclub bouncer was interrogated by police for seven hours on Thursday over corruption allegations. "There is no Cabinet resolution regarding negotiations with Syria, and we have already said we will not agree to withdraw from the Golan Heights," firebrand Lieberman told the Haaretz daily. more.. e-mail
Doctors to reopen Yasser Arafat death investigation
Rachel Shabi in Tel Aviv, The Guardian 4/2/2009
Arab doctors to review information about ’strange death’ of former Palestinian leader Yasser Arafat - Arab doctors are to investigate the death of the former Palestinian president, Yasser Arafat, re-opening a four-year-old case which is still the subject of suspicion, conspiracy theories and political accusations. Doctors from Algeria, Tunisia, Egypt, Jordan and the Palestinian territories have been given the task of reviewing information about the former president’s demise. Arafat’s death in November 2004 in a military hospital near Paris triggered immediate rumours that he had been poisoned. French doctors said the 75-year-old died from a "massive brain haemorrhage" but could not explain what had prompted it. At the time, Arafat’s widow refused to allow an autopsy. " The investigations carried out so far didn’t reach the point at which they could say conclusively what happened," said more.. e-mail
Doctors to reopen Yasser Arafat death investigation
Rachel Shabi in Tel Aviv, The Guardian 4/2/2009
Arab doctors to review information about ’strange death’ of former Palestinian leader Yasser Arafat - Arab doctors are to investigate the death of the former Palestinian president, Yasser Arafat, re-opening a four-year-old case which is still the subject of suspicion, conspiracy theories and political accusations. Doctors from Algeria, Tunisia, Egypt, Jordan and the Palestinian territories have been given the task of reviewing information about the former president’s demise. Arafat’s death in November 2004 in a military hospital near Paris triggered immediate rumours that he had been poisoned. French doctors said the 75-year-old died from a "massive brain haemorrhage" but could not explain what had prompted it. At the time, Arafat’s widow refused to allow an autopsy. " The investigations carried out so far didn’t reach the point at which they could say conclusively what happened," said more.. e-mail
Doctors to reopen Yasser Arafat death investigation
Rachel Shabi in Tel Aviv, The Guardian 4/2/2009
Arab doctors to review information about ’strange death’ of former Palestinian leader Yasser Arafat - Arab doctors are to investigate the death of the former Palestinian president, Yasser Arafat, re-opening a four-year-old case which is still the subject of suspicion, conspiracy theories and political accusations. Doctors from Algeria, Tunisia, Egypt, Jordan and the Palestinian territories have been given the task of reviewing information about the former president’s demise. Arafat’s death in November 2004 in a military hospital near Paris triggered immediate rumours that he had been poisoned. French doctors said the 75-year-old died from a "massive brain haemorrhage" but could not explain what had prompted it. At the time, Arafat’s widow refused to allow an autopsy. " The investigations carried out so far didn’t reach the point at which they could say conclusively what happened," said more.. e-mail
Lieberman to Haaretz: Israel ready for mutual peace moves
Barak Ravid, Ha’aretz 4/3/2009
"You won’t get any ’Israbluff’ with me. Israel undertook obligations regarding the road map and it will honor them, but there must be reciprocity," Avigdor Lieberman said in an interview with Haaretz just hours after being sworn in as foreign minister. He criticized the previous government for failing to meet its commitments. "How many outposts did Olmert, Barak and Livni evacuate? How many roadblocks did they remove? "At the handover ceremony at the Foreign Ministry Wednesday afternoon, Lieberman sounded an aggressive foreign policy stance, emphasizing that the new government is not bound by the Annapolis process, under which former prime minister Ehud Olmert and former foreign minister Tzipi Livni conducted negotiations with the Palestinian Authority on the core issues of a final-status arrangement. more.. e-mail
Lieberman to Haaretz: Israel ready for mutual peace moves
Barak Ravid, Ha’aretz 4/3/2009
"You won’t get any ’Israbluff’ with me. Israel undertook obligations regarding the road map and it will honor them, but there must be reciprocity," Avigdor Lieberman said in an interview with Haaretz just hours after being sworn in as foreign minister. He criticized the previous government for failing to meet its commitments. "How many outposts did Olmert, Barak and Livni evacuate? How many roadblocks did they remove? "At the handover ceremony at the Foreign Ministry Wednesday afternoon, Lieberman sounded an aggressive foreign policy stance, emphasizing that the new government is not bound by the Annapolis process, under which former prime minister Ehud Olmert and former foreign minister Tzipi Livni conducted negotiations with the Palestinian Authority on the core issues of a final-status arrangement. more.. e-mail
Lieberman to Haaretz: Israel ready for mutual peace moves
Barak Ravid, Ha’aretz 4/3/2009
"You won’t get any ’Israbluff’ with me. Israel undertook obligations regarding the road map and it will honor them, but there must be reciprocity," Avigdor Lieberman said in an interview with Haaretz just hours after being sworn in as foreign minister. He criticized the previous government for failing to meet its commitments. "How many outposts did Olmert, Barak and Livni evacuate? How many roadblocks did they remove? "At the handover ceremony at the Foreign Ministry Wednesday afternoon, Lieberman sounded an aggressive foreign policy stance, emphasizing that the new government is not bound by the Annapolis process, under which former prime minister Ehud Olmert and former foreign minister Tzipi Livni conducted negotiations with the Palestinian Authority on the core issues of a final-status arrangement. more.. e-mail
ANALYSIS / Settlement attack plays into new government’s hands
Akiva Eldar, Ha’aretz 4/3/2009
Some described the murder of the youth at the Bat Ayin settlement on Thursday as the way Palestinian terrorists had for welcoming the Netanyahu government. This was not a message that left the residents of the Muqata in Ramallah calm. Not only did the attack ruin the marred welcome for Foreign Minister Avigdor Lieberman by the international community, but it reminded them of days past with incoming right-wing governments, who transformed such events into Defensive Shields against diplomatic talks and as excuses for setting up more settlements. Indeed, at the ceremony in which Lieberman took over as Foreign Minister, he suggested that the new government will fall back on old formulas. First "we will eradicate the terrorist infrastructure" - and then, only God knows. Lieberman’s demand that the Palestinian Authority do away with. . . more.. e-mail
ANALYSIS / Settlement attack plays into new government’s hands
Akiva Eldar, Ha’aretz 4/3/2009
Some described the murder of the youth at the Bat Ayin settlement on Thursday as the way Palestinian terrorists had for welcoming the Netanyahu government. This was not a message that left the residents of the Muqata in Ramallah calm. Not only did the attack ruin the marred welcome for Foreign Minister Avigdor Lieberman by the international community, but it reminded them of days past with incoming right-wing governments, who transformed such events into Defensive Shields against diplomatic talks and as excuses for setting up more settlements. Indeed, at the ceremony in which Lieberman took over as Foreign Minister, he suggested that the new government will fall back on old formulas. First "we will eradicate the terrorist infrastructure" - and then, only God knows. Lieberman’s demand that the Palestinian Authority do away with. . . more.. e-mail
ANALYSIS / Settlement attack plays into new government’s hands
Akiva Eldar, Ha’aretz 4/3/2009
Some described the murder of the youth at the Bat Ayin settlement on Thursday as the way Palestinian terrorists had for welcoming the Netanyahu government. This was not a message that left the residents of the Muqata in Ramallah calm. Not only did the attack ruin the marred welcome for Foreign Minister Avigdor Lieberman by the international community, but it reminded them of days past with incoming right-wing governments, who transformed such events into Defensive Shields against diplomatic talks and as excuses for setting up more settlements. Indeed, at the ceremony in which Lieberman took over as Foreign Minister, he suggested that the new government will fall back on old formulas. First "we will eradicate the terrorist infrastructure" - and then, only God knows. Lieberman’s demand that the Palestinian Authority do away with. . . more.. e-mail
Haaretz exclusive: The man who bribed Indians for Israeli arms sales
Yossi Melman, Ha’aretz 4/3/2009
Unflattering reports in the Indian press have recently revealed new information about the Indian middleman, Sudhir Choudrie. According to the reports, Choudrie and companies he owns are suspected of receiving large illegal commissions from billion-dollar arms deals involving Israeli arms sales to the Indian armed forces. During the past year, Israel has overtaken France into second place (after Russia) in terms of arms supplies to India. In nearly 15 years of close defense collaboration between the two countries, Israel has sold arms, technical knowledge and advanced systems worth about $8 billion to New Delhi. During the past three years the Indian Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) has conducted two major investigations against Choudrie and other arms dealers, who are suspected of receiving illegal commissions from. . . more.. e-mail
Haaretz exclusive: The man who bribed Indians for Israeli arms sales
Yossi Melman, Ha’aretz 4/3/2009
Unflattering reports in the Indian press have recently revealed new information about the Indian middleman, Sudhir Choudrie. According to the reports, Choudrie and companies he owns are suspected of receiving large illegal commissions from billion-dollar arms deals involving Israeli arms sales to the Indian armed forces. During the past year, Israel has overtaken France into second place (after Russia) in terms of arms supplies to India. In nearly 15 years of close defense collaboration between the two countries, Israel has sold arms, technical knowledge and advanced systems worth about $8 billion to New Delhi. During the past three years the Indian Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) has conducted two major investigations against Choudrie and other arms dealers, who are suspected of receiving illegal commissions from. . . more.. e-mail
Haaretz exclusive: The man who bribed Indians for Israeli arms sales
Yossi Melman, Ha’aretz 4/3/2009
Unflattering reports in the Indian press have recently revealed new information about the Indian middleman, Sudhir Choudrie. According to the reports, Choudrie and companies he owns are suspected of receiving large illegal commissions from billion-dollar arms deals involving Israeli arms sales to the Indian armed forces. During the past year, Israel has overtaken France into second place (after Russia) in terms of arms supplies to India. In nearly 15 years of close defense collaboration between the two countries, Israel has sold arms, technical knowledge and advanced systems worth about $8 billion to New Delhi. During the past three years the Indian Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) has conducted two major investigations against Choudrie and other arms dealers, who are suspected of receiving illegal commissions from. . . more.. e-mail
Sweden fined over banning tennis fans from Israel match
Ha’aretz 4/3/2009
The Swedish tennis federation has been fined $25,000 and the city of Malmo has been banned from hosting Davis Cup matches for five years after the city’s authorities opted to play Sweden’s tie against Israel last month behind closed doors. The ITF said in a statement that the Swedish federation will have to pay an additional $15,000, which it would have received in gate receipts had the tie been open to spectators. Meanwhile, the Israel Tennis Association is expected to announce today it will hold the Davis Cup quarterfinal encounter with Russia at Tel Aviv’s Yad Eliahu stadium instead of the Israel Tennis Center in Ramat Hasharon. "The committee strongly condemned the decision by the city government of Malmo to refuse to allow spectators to attend the matches and the resultant fact that the Swedish Tennis Association. . . more.. e-mail
Sweden fined over banning tennis fans from Israel match
Ha’aretz 4/3/2009
The Swedish tennis federation has been fined $25,000 and the city of Malmo has been banned from hosting Davis Cup matches for five years after the city’s authorities opted to play Sweden’s tie against Israel last month behind closed doors. The ITF said in a statement that the Swedish federation will have to pay an additional $15,000, which it would have received in gate receipts had the tie been open to spectators. Meanwhile, the Israel Tennis Association is expected to announce today it will hold the Davis Cup quarterfinal encounter with Russia at Tel Aviv’s Yad Eliahu stadium instead of the Israel Tennis Center in Ramat Hasharon. "The committee strongly condemned the decision by the city government of Malmo to refuse to allow spectators to attend the matches and the resultant fact that the Swedish Tennis Association. . . more.. e-mail
Sweden fined over banning tennis fans from Israel match
Ha’aretz 4/3/2009
The Swedish tennis federation has been fined $25,000 and the city of Malmo has been banned from hosting Davis Cup matches for five years after the city’s authorities opted to play Sweden’s tie against Israel last month behind closed doors. The ITF said in a statement that the Swedish federation will have to pay an additional $15,000, which it would have received in gate receipts had the tie been open to spectators. Meanwhile, the Israel Tennis Association is expected to announce today it will hold the Davis Cup quarterfinal encounter with Russia at Tel Aviv’s Yad Eliahu stadium instead of the Israel Tennis Center in Ramat Hasharon. "The committee strongly condemned the decision by the city government of Malmo to refuse to allow spectators to attend the matches and the resultant fact that the Swedish Tennis Association. . . more.. e-mail
UK official says his country would talk to Hamas if its changes its stances
IMEMC & Agencies, International Middle East Media Center 4/2/2009
Bill Rammell, minister of state at the British Foreign office, stated that his country would hold talks with the Hamas movement if it changes its stances and accepts the preconditions of the Quartet committee. Visiting Damascus, Rammell said that Hamas must "renounce violence" before the UK engages in talks with it. His statements came during a meeting with the Syrian Foreign Minister, Walid Muallem. It is worth mentioning that a delegation from the UK parliament met with the Hamas political Bureau leader, Khalid Mashal, and urged their country to end its boycott of Hamas. The British leader visiting Syria called for reconciliation between Hamas and Fateh. He stated that London upgraded its relation with Syria in the last two years because the country conducted positive changes in its regional polices. more.. e-mail
UK official says his country would talk to Hamas if its changes its stances
IMEMC & Agencies, International Middle East Media Center 4/2/2009
Bill Rammell, minister of state at the British Foreign office, stated that his country would hold talks with the Hamas movement if it changes its stances and accepts the preconditions of the Quartet committee. Visiting Damascus, Rammell said that Hamas must "renounce violence" before the UK engages in talks with it. His statements came during a meeting with the Syrian Foreign Minister, Walid Muallem. It is worth mentioning that a delegation from the UK parliament met with the Hamas political Bureau leader, Khalid Mashal, and urged their country to end its boycott of Hamas. The British leader visiting Syria called for reconciliation between Hamas and Fateh. He stated that London upgraded its relation with Syria in the last two years because the country conducted positive changes in its regional polices. more.. e-mail
UK official says his country would talk to Hamas if its changes its stances
IMEMC & Agencies, International Middle East Media Center 4/2/2009
Bill Rammell, minister of state at the British Foreign office, stated that his country would hold talks with the Hamas movement if it changes its stances and accepts the preconditions of the Quartet committee. Visiting Damascus, Rammell said that Hamas must "renounce violence" before the UK engages in talks with it. His statements came during a meeting with the Syrian Foreign Minister, Walid Muallem. It is worth mentioning that a delegation from the UK parliament met with the Hamas political Bureau leader, Khalid Mashal, and urged their country to end its boycott of Hamas. The British leader visiting Syria called for reconciliation between Hamas and Fateh. He stated that London upgraded its relation with Syria in the last two years because the country conducted positive changes in its regional polices. more.. e-mail
US to push for two-state solution
Saed Bannoura & Agencies, International Middle East Media Center 4/3/2009
The Department of State of U. S president Barack Obama’s adminstration annonced on Thursday that it would still be pushing for a two-state solution despite the new right wing government in Israel. A US official said that his country will push towards establishing a Palestinian State next to Israel, adding that he anticipates a tough road to peace, butthat "the US will work hard in an attempt to advance the peace process. " State Department spokesperson, Robert Wood, said that the US has no illusions about the difficulties facing the peace process but is still determined to pursue it. Woods added that the United States has to work with the parties to the conflict and remind them of their obligations so that progress can be made towardsthe goal of a two-state solution. The United States was "uncomfortable" with the recent statements of the new Israeli Foreign Minister, Avigdor. . . more.. e-mail
US to push for two-state solution
Saed Bannoura & Agencies, International Middle East Media Center 4/3/2009
The Department of State of U. S president Barack Obama’s adminstration annonced on Thursday that it would still be pushing for a two-state solution despite the new right wing government in Israel. A US official said that his country will push towards establishing a Palestinian State next to Israel, adding that he anticipates a tough road to peace, butthat "the US will work hard in an attempt to advance the peace process. " State Department spokesperson, Robert Wood, said that the US has no illusions about the difficulties facing the peace process but is still determined to pursue it. Woods added that the United States has to work with the parties to the conflict and remind them of their obligations so that progress can be made towardsthe goal of a two-state solution. The United States was "uncomfortable" with the recent statements of the new Israeli Foreign Minister, Avigdor. . . more.. e-mail
US to push for two-state solution
Saed Bannoura & Agencies, International Middle East Media Center 4/3/2009
The Department of State of U. S president Barack Obama’s adminstration annonced on Thursday that it would still be pushing for a two-state solution despite the new right wing government in Israel. A US official said that his country will push towards establishing a Palestinian State next to Israel, adding that he anticipates a tough road to peace, butthat "the US will work hard in an attempt to advance the peace process. " State Department spokesperson, Robert Wood, said that the US has no illusions about the difficulties facing the peace process but is still determined to pursue it. Woods added that the United States has to work with the parties to the conflict and remind them of their obligations so that progress can be made towardsthe goal of a two-state solution. The United States was "uncomfortable" with the recent statements of the new Israeli Foreign Minister, Avigdor. . . more.. e-mail
Syria’s Assad vows to liberate Golan Heights
Ma’an News Agency 4/2/2009
Bethlehem - Ma’an/Agencies - Syrian President Bashir Assad said on Thursday that he expects to free the occupied Golan Heights from Israeli control through negotiations or military action. "There is no escaping the fact that the day will come when we will free the Golan, through peace or through war," Assad said. "When a citizen loses hope – he will turn to the path of resistance, in one form or the other. " In an interview with Qatari newspaper Al-Sharq, Assad also criticized the new Israeli government led by Prime Minister Benyamin Netanyahu, saying, "All Israeli governments are the same: Ariel Sharon carried out a massacre in Palestine, and Barak aided the war in Gaza such that there is no difference between right and left in Israel. " "From the war of Palestine to the occupation of the Golan people are becoming more hostile towards Israel. more.. e-mail
Syria’s Assad vows to liberate Golan Heights
Ma’an News Agency 4/2/2009
Bethlehem - Ma’an/Agencies - Syrian President Bashir Assad said on Thursday that he expects to free the occupied Golan Heights from Israeli control through negotiations or military action. "There is no escaping the fact that the day will come when we will free the Golan, through peace or through war," Assad said. "When a citizen loses hope – he will turn to the path of resistance, in one form or the other. " In an interview with Qatari newspaper Al-Sharq, Assad also criticized the new Israeli government led by Prime Minister Benyamin Netanyahu, saying, "All Israeli governments are the same: Ariel Sharon carried out a massacre in Palestine, and Barak aided the war in Gaza such that there is no difference between right and left in Israel. " "From the war of Palestine to the occupation of the Golan people are becoming more hostile towards Israel. more.. e-mail
Syria’s Assad vows to liberate Golan Heights
Ma’an News Agency 4/2/2009
Bethlehem - Ma’an/Agencies - Syrian President Bashir Assad said on Thursday that he expects to free the occupied Golan Heights from Israeli control through negotiations or military action. "There is no escaping the fact that the day will come when we will free the Golan, through peace or through war," Assad said. "When a citizen loses hope – he will turn to the path of resistance, in one form or the other. " In an interview with Qatari newspaper Al-Sharq, Assad also criticized the new Israeli government led by Prime Minister Benyamin Netanyahu, saying, "All Israeli governments are the same: Ariel Sharon carried out a massacre in Palestine, and Barak aided the war in Gaza such that there is no difference between right and left in Israel. " "From the war of Palestine to the occupation of the Golan people are becoming more hostile towards Israel. more.. e-mail
Sinn Féin leader Gerry Adams to visit Gaza
Ma’an News Agency 4/2/2009
Bethlehem – Ma’an/Agencies – Sinn Féin President Gerry Adams plans to visit the occupied Palestinian territories and Israel next week. Israeli officials have refused to meet Adams during his trip because he would not rule out meeting members of Hamas, according to the BBC. Adams will visit the Gaza Strip to survey the damage from Israel’s three-week war on the territory, and will meet Palestinian Authority officials. The Irish Republican leader, who visited the Middle East in 2006, said it was important to include all the parties to the conflict in a dialogue. "As the leader of a party which was censored and demonized and whose members were killed, I see dialogue between all sides as key to building a successful peace process," he said. "So I will meet with all sides and urge all sides to end all armed actions and to engage in meaningful dialogue,” he was quoted by the BBC as saying. more.. e-mail
Sinn Féin leader Gerry Adams to visit Gaza
Ma’an News Agency 4/2/2009
Bethlehem – Ma’an/Agencies – Sinn Féin President Gerry Adams plans to visit the occupied Palestinian territories and Israel next week. Israeli officials have refused to meet Adams during his trip because he would not rule out meeting members of Hamas, according to the BBC. Adams will visit the Gaza Strip to survey the damage from Israel’s three-week war on the territory, and will meet Palestinian Authority officials. The Irish Republican leader, who visited the Middle East in 2006, said it was important to include all the parties to the conflict in a dialogue. "As the leader of a party which was censored and demonized and whose members were killed, I see dialogue between all sides as key to building a successful peace process," he said. "So I will meet with all sides and urge all sides to end all armed actions and to engage in meaningful dialogue,” he was quoted by the BBC as saying. more.. e-mail
Sinn Féin leader Gerry Adams to visit Gaza
Ma’an News Agency 4/2/2009
Bethlehem – Ma’an/Agencies – Sinn Féin President Gerry Adams plans to visit the occupied Palestinian territories and Israel next week. Israeli officials have refused to meet Adams during his trip because he would not rule out meeting members of Hamas, according to the BBC. Adams will visit the Gaza Strip to survey the damage from Israel’s three-week war on the territory, and will meet Palestinian Authority officials. The Irish Republican leader, who visited the Middle East in 2006, said it was important to include all the parties to the conflict in a dialogue. "As the leader of a party which was censored and demonized and whose members were killed, I see dialogue between all sides as key to building a successful peace process," he said. "So I will meet with all sides and urge all sides to end all armed actions and to engage in meaningful dialogue,” he was quoted by the BBC as saying. more.. e-mail
Arab League: Lieberman remarks a change in tone, not policy
Ma’an News Agency 4/2/2009
Bethlehem – Ma’an – Secretary General of the Arab League Amr Moussa said on Thursday that Israeli Foreign Minister Avigdor Lieberman’s recent anti-peace remarks "is a change in Israel’s tone, not in its policies toward the Palestinians and the Arab Peace Initiative. " "The former Israeli government headed by Ehud Olmert did not abide to the agreements concerning construction of settlements in the West Bank and ignored the Arab Peace Initiative," adding, "I think that the former Israeli government did not comply with the understandings on which the Annapolis peace conference relied. " He added that "what the new Israeli minister of foreign affairs is saying has put the matter in a rude offensive way. " He concluded by saying that “the new way of talking is just a new way of talking; it does not indicate a new stance. more.. e-mail
Arab League: Lieberman remarks a change in tone, not policy
Ma’an News Agency 4/2/2009
Bethlehem – Ma’an – Secretary General of the Arab League Amr Moussa said on Thursday that Israeli Foreign Minister Avigdor Lieberman’s recent anti-peace remarks "is a change in Israel’s tone, not in its policies toward the Palestinians and the Arab Peace Initiative. " "The former Israeli government headed by Ehud Olmert did not abide to the agreements concerning construction of settlements in the West Bank and ignored the Arab Peace Initiative," adding, "I think that the former Israeli government did not comply with the understandings on which the Annapolis peace conference relied. " He added that "what the new Israeli minister of foreign affairs is saying has put the matter in a rude offensive way. " He concluded by saying that “the new way of talking is just a new way of talking; it does not indicate a new stance. more.. e-mail
Arab League: Lieberman remarks a change in tone, not policy
Ma’an News Agency 4/2/2009
Bethlehem – Ma’an – Secretary General of the Arab League Amr Moussa said on Thursday that Israeli Foreign Minister Avigdor Lieberman’s recent anti-peace remarks "is a change in Israel’s tone, not in its policies toward the Palestinians and the Arab Peace Initiative. " "The former Israeli government headed by Ehud Olmert did not abide to the agreements concerning construction of settlements in the West Bank and ignored the Arab Peace Initiative," adding, "I think that the former Israeli government did not comply with the understandings on which the Annapolis peace conference relied. " He added that "what the new Israeli minister of foreign affairs is saying has put the matter in a rude offensive way. " He concluded by saying that “the new way of talking is just a new way of talking; it does not indicate a new stance. more.. e-mail
Arab League sees little change in new Israeli gov’t
Reuters, YNetNews 4/2/2009
Amr Moussa says appointment of Avigdor Lieberman as Israeli foreign minister changes Israel’s tone, not policy towards Palestinians, peace agreement. Speaking at Cairo press conference, Moussa says, ’We know Israeli position on peace initiatives is negative’ - The head of the Arab League said on Thursday the appointment of Avigdor Lieberman as Israeli foreign minister changed Israel’s tone rather than its policy toward the Palestinians and a wider peace initiative. Secretary-General Amr Moussa told a news conference at Arab League headquarters in Cairo that the previous Israeli government of Ehud Olmert had not abided by agreements on settlement building in the West Bank and had ignored an Arab peace initiative. "In my opinion the previous government of Israel did not honour the understandings on which theAnnapolis (peace) conference and process was based," Moussa said. more.. e-mail
Arab League sees little change in new Israeli gov’t
Reuters, YNetNews 4/2/2009
Amr Moussa says appointment of Avigdor Lieberman as Israeli foreign minister changes Israel’s tone, not policy towards Palestinians, peace agreement. Speaking at Cairo press conference, Moussa says, ’We know Israeli position on peace initiatives is negative’ - The head of the Arab League said on Thursday the appointment of Avigdor Lieberman as Israeli foreign minister changed Israel’s tone rather than its policy toward the Palestinians and a wider peace initiative. Secretary-General Amr Moussa told a news conference at Arab League headquarters in Cairo that the previous Israeli government of Ehud Olmert had not abided by agreements on settlement building in the West Bank and had ignored an Arab peace initiative. "In my opinion the previous government of Israel did not honour the understandings on which theAnnapolis (peace) conference and process was based," Moussa said. more.. e-mail
Arab League sees little change in new Israeli gov’t
Reuters, YNetNews 4/2/2009
Amr Moussa says appointment of Avigdor Lieberman as Israeli foreign minister changes Israel’s tone, not policy towards Palestinians, peace agreement. Speaking at Cairo press conference, Moussa says, ’We know Israeli position on peace initiatives is negative’ - The head of the Arab League said on Thursday the appointment of Avigdor Lieberman as Israeli foreign minister changed Israel’s tone rather than its policy toward the Palestinians and a wider peace initiative. Secretary-General Amr Moussa told a news conference at Arab League headquarters in Cairo that the previous Israeli government of Ehud Olmert had not abided by agreements on settlement building in the West Bank and had ignored an Arab peace initiative. "In my opinion the previous government of Israel did not honour the understandings on which theAnnapolis (peace) conference and process was based," Moussa said. more.. e-mail
US says will push hard for Palestinian statehood
Reuters, YNetNews 4/2/2009
State Department spokesman says Obama administration to pursue two-state solution ’because we believe it’s in the best interests of all the parties in the region’ but adds ’it won’t be easy’ -The United States will push hard for Palestinian statehood despite a new rightist government in Israel but anticipates a rough road ahead, a US official said on Thursday. "We’re going to be working hard to see what we can do to move the process forward. But we’re under no illusions. It’s not going to be easy," said State Department spokesman Robert Wood. "We have to engage constantly and remind the parties of their obligations and to try to set up a framework, a process for getting us toward that goal of a two-state solution," Wood added, referring to the goal of separate Israeli and Palestinian states, living side by side in peace. more.. e-mail
US says will push hard for Palestinian statehood
Reuters, YNetNews 4/2/2009
State Department spokesman says Obama administration to pursue two-state solution ’because we believe it’s in the best interests of all the parties in the region’ but adds ’it won’t be easy’ -The United States will push hard for Palestinian statehood despite a new rightist government in Israel but anticipates a rough road ahead, a US official said on Thursday. "We’re going to be working hard to see what we can do to move the process forward. But we’re under no illusions. It’s not going to be easy," said State Department spokesman Robert Wood. "We have to engage constantly and remind the parties of their obligations and to try to set up a framework, a process for getting us toward that goal of a two-state solution," Wood added, referring to the goal of separate Israeli and Palestinian states, living side by side in peace. more.. e-mail
US says will push hard for Palestinian statehood
Reuters, YNetNews 4/2/2009
State Department spokesman says Obama administration to pursue two-state solution ’because we believe it’s in the best interests of all the parties in the region’ but adds ’it won’t be easy’ -The United States will push hard for Palestinian statehood despite a new rightist government in Israel but anticipates a rough road ahead, a US official said on Thursday. "We’re going to be working hard to see what we can do to move the process forward. But we’re under no illusions. It’s not going to be easy," said State Department spokesman Robert Wood. "We have to engage constantly and remind the parties of their obligations and to try to set up a framework, a process for getting us toward that goal of a two-state solution," Wood added, referring to the goal of separate Israeli and Palestinian states, living side by side in peace. more.. e-mail
Egyptian FM says won’t shake Lieberman’s hand
Roee Nahmias, YNetNews 4/2/2009
In response to new Israeli foreign minister’s aggressive speech, Aboul Gheit says ’those who hurt Egypt’s pride must suffer the consequences of their statements’ -Egyptian Foreign Minister Ahmed Aboul Gheit said he would refuse to shake Israeli counterpart Avigdor Lieberman’s hand should they meet in the future because "he insulted Egypt. " Speaking to Egyptian television Thursday, Aboul Gheit said "an Egyptian foreign minister must protect Egypt’s honor, and therefore those who hurt this pride must suffer the consequences of their statements. "Following Lieberman’s aggressive speech on Wednesday, the Arab world slammed the new Israeli government’s policy, but stopped short of casting direct criticism at the foreign minister. In his speech Lieberman said, "Those who think that through concessions they will gain respect and peace are wrong. " more.. e-mail
Egyptian FM says won’t shake Lieberman’s hand
Roee Nahmias, YNetNews 4/2/2009
In response to new Israeli foreign minister’s aggressive speech, Aboul Gheit says ’those who hurt Egypt’s pride must suffer the consequences of their statements’ -Egyptian Foreign Minister Ahmed Aboul Gheit said he would refuse to shake Israeli counterpart Avigdor Lieberman’s hand should they meet in the future because "he insulted Egypt. " Speaking to Egyptian television Thursday, Aboul Gheit said "an Egyptian foreign minister must protect Egypt’s honor, and therefore those who hurt this pride must suffer the consequences of their statements. "Following Lieberman’s aggressive speech on Wednesday, the Arab world slammed the new Israeli government’s policy, but stopped short of casting direct criticism at the foreign minister. In his speech Lieberman said, "Those who think that through concessions they will gain respect and peace are wrong. " more.. e-mail
Egyptian FM says won’t shake Lieberman’s hand
Roee Nahmias, YNetNews 4/2/2009
In response to new Israeli foreign minister’s aggressive speech, Aboul Gheit says ’those who hurt Egypt’s pride must suffer the consequences of their statements’ -Egyptian Foreign Minister Ahmed Aboul Gheit said he would refuse to shake Israeli counterpart Avigdor Lieberman’s hand should they meet in the future because "he insulted Egypt. " Speaking to Egyptian television Thursday, Aboul Gheit said "an Egyptian foreign minister must protect Egypt’s honor, and therefore those who hurt this pride must suffer the consequences of their statements. "Following Lieberman’s aggressive speech on Wednesday, the Arab world slammed the new Israeli government’s policy, but stopped short of casting direct criticism at the foreign minister. In his speech Lieberman said, "Those who think that through concessions they will gain respect and peace are wrong. " more.. e-mail
Israeli FM dismisses Annapolis deal
Al Jazeera 4/1/2009
Israel’s new foreign minister has said that the government is not bound by the agreement reached at the Annapolis conference in the US in 2007, which provides for a Palestinian state. Avigdor Lieberman, leader of the ultra-nationalist Yisrael Beitenu party, made the remarks at a handover ceremony at the foreign ministry on Wednesday, the day after a new broad coalition government was sworn in. "There is one document that obligates us - and that’s not the Annapolis conference, it has no validity," he said. " The Israeli government never ratified Annapolis, nor did parliament. "Ehud Olmert, the former prime minister, agreed with Mahmoud Abbas, the Palestinian president, at the Annapolis conference to further "the goal of two states, Israel and Palestine". more.. e-mail
Fayyad to remain premier until unity talks conclude
Daily Star 4/2/2009
Palestinian Premier Salam Fayyad, who stepped down in March, said on Wednesday he would remain in office until the end of unity talks between Hamas and Fatah in Egypt. "My staying in office comes from a desire not to create a constitutional void," Fayyad told AFP. The US-educated Fayyad announced on March 7 that he had submitted his resignation to pave the way for a "national consensus" between Fatah and Hamas, saying he would remain in office until the end of March. Fayyad, a politically independent former World Bank economist who has won praise from Israeli and Western leaders for his economic reforms, was appointed premier after Hamas drove Abbas’ Fatah party from the Gaza Strip. According to Egyptian state news agency MENA, Hamas and Fatah began a third round of reconciliation talks on Wednesday in Cairo aimed at forging a possible unity government. more.. e-mail
Lieberman discards Annapolis declaration
The Daily Star, Daily Star 4/2/2009
OCCUPIED JERUSALEM: Israel’s new foreign minister angered Palestinians and raised the prospect of tensions with Washington by saying Wednesday that Israel was not bound by a deal to start negotiations on establishing a Palestinian state. On his first day at the Foreign Ministry, right-winger Avigdor Lieberman said the US-sponsored Annapolis declaration of 2007 "has no validity," confirming a shift in stance toward the Palestinians under new Premier Benjamin Netanyahu. But Lieberman, a Soviet immigrant denounced as a racist by many Arabs, did stress that Israel was obliged to follow the course charted by a US-backed peace "road map" of 2003. That obliges Palestinian leaders to curb attacks on Israel before any negotiations on the final shape of a state deal take place. Lieberman was effectively confirming that Netanyahu’s new administration has withdrawn from its predecessors’. . . more.. e-mail
Avigdor Lieberman rules out ’concessions’ to Palestinians
Rachel Shabi in Tel Aviv, The Guardian 4/1/2009
Israel’s new foreign minister dismayed the international community today with a rancorous analysis of the peace process and an announcement that the new government favours aggression rather than concessions to the Palestinians. In his first speech since taking office, the rightwinger Avigdor Lieberman dismissed the last round of Israeli-Palestinian negotiations, arguing that Israeli concessions made in a bid to secure peace had all been fruitless. " Those who want peace should prepare for war and be strong," he said. "There is no country that made concessions like Israel. Since 1967 we gave up territory that is three times the size of Israel. We showed willingness. The Oslo process started back in 1993, and to this day I have not seen that we reached peace. " Speaking to what the Associated Press describes as a roomful of "cringing diplomats", the new foreign minister said Israel was not bound by the Annapolis peace talks. These were initiated in November 2007 to solve the Israeli-Palestinian conflict and involved around 40 countries. " The Israeli government never ratified Annapolis; nor did [the] Knesset," said Lieberman, promising to honour only the US-initiated "road map" of 2002, which has long been in stalemate amid accusations from both sides. more.. e-mail
Hamas: Netanyahu government reflects racism of Israeli society
Ha’aretz 4/1/2009
The Islamist Hamas movement on Wednesday said that Israel’s new government under Benjamin Netanyahu "reflects the racism of Israeli society," and called on the rival Palestinian Authority to cut of all peace negotiations. "There is no difference between the current government and its predecessor," Hamas said in a statement carried by Army Radio. "Both reflect the racism of Israeli society, which does not recognize the legitimacy of the Palestinian people. " Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas, whose Fatah movement governs the PA, earlier Wednesday urged the international community to pressure Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s coalition government. Abbas blasted the newly sworn-in leader as a man who "does not believe in peace," AFP reported. "Benjamin Netanyahu never believed in a two-state solution or accepted signed agreements and does not want to stop settlement activity. more.. e-mail
Netanyahu government / Who’s who in the new cabinet
Ha’aretz 4/1/2009
An introduction to the faces - some old and some new - who make up Israel’s new coalition government. Related articles:Netanyahu: Let’s roll up our sleeves and start work Abbas urges U. S. to pressure Netanyahu on peaceHaaretz poll: 54% of public dissatisfied with new government Will Netanyahu attack Iran? #newsletterLink a {text-decoration: none; cursor: pointer;} #newsletterLink img {border:0px;} #newsletterLink{width:470; margin-bottom:20px;} . title{ color:#0000FF; font-weight: bold; font-size: 16px; font-family: Slab-serif,Arial,Helvetica,Verdana,Geneva,sans-serif; text-decoration: none;} . register {color:#0000FF; font-weight:normal; font-size: 16px; font-family: Slab-serif,Arial,Helvetica,Verdana,Geneva,sans-serif; text-decoration: none;} Get Haaretz news headlines delivered daily to your inbox!————. . . more.. e-mail
All private flights to Israel to now require anti-hijacking system
Zohar Blumenkrantz and Haaretz Service, Ha’aretz 4/1/2009
All private domestic and international flights landing in Israel will be obligated from Wednesday to activate an anti-hijacking security system. Commercial flights will not be included in the arrangement because of opposition from pilots and airlines, including Israeli national carrier El Al. "Code Positive," developed by Israel’s Elbit Systems, is activated by an electronic smartcard that every pilot will be equipped with. Leading up to the landing, the smartcard is supposed to broadcast a signal of personal identification from the pilot to a control tower in Beit Dagan, a town close to Ben-Gurion Airport. Meanwhile, the International Air Transport Association said Wednesday that Israeli airlines meet its security standards. The announcement comes two weeks after the European Union notified the Transportation. . . more.. e-mail
Lieberman: Israel is changing its policies on peace
Ha’aretz 4/1/2009
New foreign minister Avigdor Lieberman said on Wednesday that Israel was changing its policies on the peace process and was not bound by commitments it made at a U. S. -sponsored conference to pursue creation of a Palestinian state. During an official ceremony at the President’s Residence on Wednesday, Lieberman said: "There is one document that obligates us - and that’s not the Annapolis conference, it has no validity. His speech was made in reference to a 2007 gathering in Annapolis, Maryland attended by participants from about 40 countries, including Saudi Arabia, Syria and Indonesia. "The Israeli government never ratified Annapolis, nor did Knesset," Lieberman said. He said that instead, Israel would follow a course charted by the U. S. -backed peace road map. more.. e-mail
Obama tells Netanyahu: U.S. committed to Israel’s security
Barak Ravid and Haaretz Service, Ha’aretz 4/1/2009
U. S. President Barack Obama called newly sworn in Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Wednesday to congratulate him on his new position, and to reaffirm steadfast U. S. commitment to Israel and its security. "The president said he looked forward to working closely with Prime Minister Netanyahu and his government to address issues of mutual concern, including Iran and Arab-Israeli peace," the White House said in a statement following the half-hour conversation. The two agreed to work together closely on issues of mutual concern and to meet in the near future, Netanyahu’s office said in a statement. Russian Prime Minister Vladmir Putin also called Netanyahu, and stressed his desire to strengthen ties with Israel and emphasized that it was important to advance peace and stability in the Middle East. more.. e-mail
Israel seizes load of handguns and rifles en route to West Bank
Ha’aretz 4/1/2009
A load of 24 handguns and six M-16 rifles hidden in metal barrels was intercepted by customs agents in Eilat recently, en route to a Palestinian importer in the West Bank. A commercial cargo of cloths - including what appeared to be six solid metal moulds - arrived at the Arava Rabin border crossing about three weeks ago. The cloths were released from customs, but customs agents kept the moulds further investigation and to verify their intended destination. On Wednesday, the importer declared that the moulds were used to produce shoe soles and requested they be returned to Jordan so as not be held up at the Israeli border. Customs and baggage inspectors decided to run a security check on the moulds. After drilling a hole, they saw the moulds were hollow. more.. e-mail
U.S. Jews offer cautious support for Netanyahu government
Natasha Mozgovaya, Ha’aretz 4/2/2009
WASHINGTON - The American Jewish community, whose leaders had kept silent about the results of the Israeli elections, has begun to speak out, cautiously. The picture that emerged from talks with community leaders in Washington this week is that not everyone is thrilled with the new Israeli government, but most believe that support for Israel is more critical now than ever in the face of the current threats, chief among them Iran. The head of one of the most influential local Jewish Federation branches in the United States, who declined to be named, admitted that the appointment of Avigdor Lieberman is "not good" in terms of public relations. He quickly added, however, that the American Jewish community must nevertheless express support for Israel’s government. "I know Lieberman, he’s not an outsider. more.. e-mail
Hamas: Netanyahu’s government reflects real image of Israel
Rami Almeghari&Agencies, International Middle East Media Center 4/1/2009
The ruling Hamas party in Gaza has issued its response on Wednesday to the installment of the new Israeli government led by the Likud Party of Benjamin Netanyahu. In a written statement, emailed to media outlets, Hamas branded the new government a reflection of the real image of a hard-line Israeli society that does not want peace with the Palestinians. "There is no difference between this government and previous Israeli governments; all reflect a racist Israeli society that does not recognize the legitimate rights of the Palestinian people", the statement read. The statement emphasised what Hamas called the need to enter a new phase of intra-Palestinian relations that would guarantee the retention of the inalienable rights of the Palestinian people. It also called on the Ramallah-based Palestinian government to stop all forms of contact with the new Israeli government, including political negotiations. more.. e-mail
Leftist Palestinian legislator meets with Italian consul
Maram Isid & Agencies, International Middle East Media Center 4/1/2009
Dr. Mustafa Barghouthi, a Palestinian legislator and Secretary General of the Palestinian National Initiative, discussed the latest developments in the Palestinian territories in a meeting Wednesday with the Italian Consul General Luchino Bisutti. The Italian government recently acted to squelch protests in solidarity with the Palestinians, and the Italian Prime Minister reiterated his government’s full support for the Israeli occupation, in the midst of Israel’s January invasion of Gaza. Barghouthi pointed to efforts to restore Palestinian national unity through talks in Cairo, stressing the importance of international support for the formation of a Palestian Authority government of national unity, which would end the division in Palestine. He added: "The restoration of national unity in Palestine is not only a Palestinian interest, but also an international interest in order. . . more.. e-mail
Netanyahu tells Knesset: We must drop the idea of Jewish state for the sake of peace
George Rishmawi, International Middle East Media Center 4/1/2009
New Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu told the members of Israeli Parliament (The Knesset) during his inaugural speech that in order to reach genuine and comprehensive peace with the Palestinians, the idea of Jewish state must be dropped and instead establish one democratic state for all the residents, Muslims, Jews, Christians and others to live in equally. Netanyahu presented a plan to the knesset that includes, dissolving the Knesset, and the Palestinian legislative Council and the The Palestinian Liberation Organization (PLO) and Hamas and create one government that will be democratically elected by all Palestinian and Jewish residents. . . . . I do not know how many of you who read the above report believed the story, because Today is the First of April, and the above report is only April’s Fool, so Happy April Fool, sometimes lies can be dreams. more.. e-mail
Fatah, Hamas meet ahead of committees in Cairo
Ma’an News Agency 4/1/2009
Gaza – Ma’an – A third round of talks aimed at ending the rivalry between Palestinian factions Hamas and Fatah is scheduled to start in Cairo on Wednesday. Hamas and Fatah negotiators will meet ahead of the arrival of their counterparts from 11 other factions that participated in a Palestinian unity summit in March. According to Hamas leader Ismail Radwan, the agenda for the meetings includes the political platform of a proposed transitional government, the Palestinian electoral system, the Palestinian National Council (PNC), and security issues including a special committee to monitor security reform. Hamas leaders left for Cairo on Tuesday afternoon. The Islamic movement will be represented by Khalil Al-Hayya, Nizar Awad, and Isma’il Al-Ashqar from the Gaza Strip along with Mousa Abu Marzouq, from the group’s political leadership in Damascus. more.. e-mail
Abbas: Netanyahu 'does not believe in peace'
Ma’an News Agency 4/1/2009
Bethlehem – Ma’an/Agencies –Israel’s new Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu "does not believe in peace" Palestinian President Mahmud Abbas said Wednesday, and urged the world to put pressure on him to make peace. "Benjamin Netanyahu never believed in a two-state solution or accepted signed agreements and does not want to stop settlement activity. This is obvious," Abbas told the official Palestinian Authority news agency, WAFA. "We have to tell the world that this man does not believe in peace, so how should we deal with him? Let’s put the ball in the world’s court so that it puts pressure on him and assumes its responsibilities. " At the swearing-in ceremony for his right-wing cabinet on Tuesday evening, Netanyahu offered negotiations to the Palestinians but did not express support for the creation of a Palestinian state. more.. e-mail
Allenby Bridge to close early on Thursday
Ma’an News Agency 4/1/2009
Bethlehem – Ma’an - The Allenby Bridge border crossing between the West Bank and Jordan will close early, at 1:30pm on Thursday due to a “security drill,” the Israel Airports Authority announced. The terminal will reopen on Friday morning. [end]
Palestinian MK applauded for attending Arab Summit
Ma’an News Agency 4/1/2009
Doha – Ma’an – The presence of Ahmad Tibi, Palestinian member of Israeli Knesset at the Arab League Summit this week was met with appreciation by Palestinians seeing the move as one ensuring the representation of Palestinians in Israel at the diplomatic level. Palestinian officials and journalists at the Summit called the Qatari invitation to Tivi “unprecedented” and something that may spark a change in the case of Palestinians living in Israel, who are often isolated and left out of the diplomatic process. During an interview with Ma’an Tibi spoke about his impression of the new right-wing Israeli government vis-à-vis the treatment of Palestinians. “The new Netanyahu extremist government does not represent a threat to the Palestinians living in Israel only,” he said “but a threat to all Arabs who must understand and study more and more Israeli plots. more.. e-mail
Poll: Palestinians lack confidence in leadership, yearn for unity
Ma’an News Agency 4/1/2009
Bethlehem – Ma’an – Palestinians lack confidence in their own political leaders and the international community, but yearn for unity and institutional reform, according to an opinion poll carried out by the Norwegian research firm Fafo released on Wednesday. Only a third of Palestinians still support a two-state resolution to their struggle, and only a slim majority want an end to projectile attacks from the Gaza Strip. Nine out of ten have no confidence that the current ceasefire in Gaza will hold. Showing a desire for reconciliation, an overwhelming 72% support Fatah and Hamas holding joint negotiations with Israel. Fully 76% want Hamas to be included in the PLO, and more than 90% want Hamas and Fatah to form a national consensus government. The poll also shows that the legitimacy of Mahmoud Abbas’ presidency is in doubt. more.. e-mail
Israeli ceasefire in Gaza leaves young woman dead
Sameh Akram Habeeb, The Palestine Telegraph 4/1/2009
Israeli ceasefire in Gaza leaves young woman dead Wednesday, 01 April 2009 13:04 Sameh Akram Habeeb April 1, 2009, (The PT) - As the so called Israeli ceasefire continues more Palestinians die. Ma’waya Hasanian, head of ambulance and emergency section in Gaza announced that a young woman died. The current death toll from the Israeli seige is 113. Many others await death from malnutrition, pandemic disease, lack of health care, and exposure to depleted uranium. Abeer Al Agha, a young woman in her twenties suffering from 3rd degree burns, died of her injuries after being denied permission to Leave Gaza by the Israeli Army. Efforts to arrange her exit from Gaza failed until she finally died. Last week the Palestine Telegraph reported the death of three Palestinians in 24 hours. Myasir Al Azamlia, 24, a heart-disease patient from Gaza City died beside Ebrahim Al Aloul and Maryam Suliman El Hayik from Rafah. more.. e-mail
Lieberman: Concessions won’t bring peace
Roni Sofer, YNetNews 4/1/2009
New Foreign Minister Lieberman delivers aggressive speech Wednesday, hinting of policy to be adopted by ministry; Israel made more concessions than any other country, constantly uttering word ’peace’ won’t bring peace, he says - New minister, new attitude: Concessions are not the way to make peace, incoming Foreign Minister Avigdor Lieberman said Wednesday during the changing of the guard ceremony at the Foreign Ministry. "Those who think that through concessions they will gain respect and peace are wrong," the new minister said. "It’s the other way around; it will lead to more wars. " Following Lieberman’s speech, outgoing Foreign Minister Tzipi Livni whispered in his ear: "I became convinced that I was wise not to join the government. " more.. e-mail
’Lieberman damaged our image’
Ynet, YNetNews 4/1/2009
Opposition members outraged by new FM’s statement saying Israel is no longer committed to Annapolis process. ’He caused our international image irrevocable damage,’ MK Plesner says - Foreign Minister Avigdor Lieberman’s statement that Israel is not obligated by the Annapolis conference, but rather, only by the Road Map initiative caused a ruckus amongst opposition ranks Wednesday. Knesset Member Yohanan Plesner (Kadima) said that Lieberman began his tenure as head of Israel’s Foreign Ministry by "causing its international image irrevocable damage. " "Concessions are not the way to make peace. Those who think that through concessions they will gain respect and peace are wrong," the new minister said during his induction ceremony into the Foreign Ministry. "It’s the other way around; it will lead to more wars. more.. e-mail
Doctors to probe Arafat poisoning allegations
Associated Press, YNetNews 4/1/2009
Arab doctors to meet in Jordan in bid to determine whether Palestinian leader was poisoned - Nearly five years after Yasser Arafat died from what French doctors called a massive brain hemorrhage, Arab doctors will meet in Jordan to look into lingering suspicious the Palestinian leader was poisoned. Arafat’s death at a military hospital outside Paris quickly spawned speculation he’d been killed by Israel, which viewed him as an obstacle to a peace treaty. The 75-year-old Arafat, who led the Palestinian movement for almost 40 years, fell violently ill in October 2004 at his West Bank compound in Ramallah. He was moved to a French hospital where he died Nov. 11, 2004. At the time, French doctors bound by strict privacy rules were tightlipped about Arafat’s condition, and his widow refused an autopsy. more.. e-mail
GovernmentFatah-Hamas talks break up again
The Daily Star, Daily Star 4/3/2009
CAIRO: Talks between rival Palestinian factions Hamas and Fatah on a power-sharing government broke up on Thursday for a second time in a month without making any headway, Egyptian mediators said. The talks came to a halt just a day after they began in Cairo. Foreign Ministry spokesman Hossam Zaki said the two sides asked for more time but would return to Cairo later in April. "There is no indication for any progress," Zaki said. The previous round of talks broke down last month as the sides couldn’t agree on two key sticking points: the new Palestinian government’s program and to what extent Hamas would abide by past accords with Israel. But Azzam al-Ahmed, a member of Fatah delegation in the talks, dismissed allegations of complete failure. "The talks have reached a decisive period, where there is a need for both sides to return back to their leadership in order to come back with final positions to solve this conflict," he said. more.. e-mail
Fatah-Hamas talks break up again
The Daily Star, Daily Star 4/3/2009
CAIRO: Talks between rival Palestinian factions Hamas and Fatah on a power-sharing government broke up on Thursday for a second time in a month without making any headway, Egyptian mediators said. The talks came to a halt just a day after they began in Cairo. Foreign Ministry spokesman Hossam Zaki said the two sides asked for more time but would return to Cairo later in April. "There is no indication for any progress," Zaki said. The previous round of talks broke down last month as the sides couldn’t agree on two key sticking points: the new Palestinian government’s program and to what extent Hamas would abide by past accords with Israel. But Azzam al-Ahmed, a member of Fatah delegation in the talks, dismissed allegations of complete failure. "The talks have reached a decisive period, where there is a need for both sides to return back to their leadership in order to come back with final positions to solve this conflict," he said. more.. e-mail
Fatah-Hamas talks break up again
The Daily Star, Daily Star 4/3/2009
CAIRO: Talks between rival Palestinian factions Hamas and Fatah on a power-sharing government broke up on Thursday for a second time in a month without making any headway, Egyptian mediators said. The talks came to a halt just a day after they began in Cairo. Foreign Ministry spokesman Hossam Zaki said the two sides asked for more time but would return to Cairo later in April. "There is no indication for any progress," Zaki said. The previous round of talks broke down last month as the sides couldn’t agree on two key sticking points: the new Palestinian government’s program and to what extent Hamas would abide by past accords with Israel. But Azzam al-Ahmed, a member of Fatah delegation in the talks, dismissed allegations of complete failure. "The talks have reached a decisive period, where there is a need for both sides to return back to their leadership in order to come back with final positions to solve this conflict," he said. more.. e-mail
Yisrael Beiteinu takes charge of department probing Lieberman
Jonathan Lis, Ha’aretz 4/3/2009
Incoming Foreign Minister Avigdor Lieberman, under investigation for suspected financial improprieties, was present at Wednesday’s inauguration ceremony for the incoming public security minister, Yitzhak Aharonovitch of his Yisrael Beiteinu party. The ceremony was attended by senior police officials, including those in charge of the criminal investigation division handling the Lieberman probe. "Yitzhak Aharonovitch knows the work and what needs to be done," he said. Aharonovitch was deputy police commissioner from 2002 to 2004. "Forty years ago I tied my fate to serving the country’s security and enforcing its laws," said the new minister. "The challenges before Israel’s security system are manifold, difficult and complex, particularly today, with the security and social implications of the global economic crisis. more.. e-mail
Yisrael Beiteinu takes charge of department probing Lieberman
Jonathan Lis, Ha’aretz 4/3/2009
Incoming Foreign Minister Avigdor Lieberman, under investigation for suspected financial improprieties, was present at Wednesday’s inauguration ceremony for the incoming public security minister, Yitzhak Aharonovitch of his Yisrael Beiteinu party. The ceremony was attended by senior police officials, including those in charge of the criminal investigation division handling the Lieberman probe. "Yitzhak Aharonovitch knows the work and what needs to be done," he said. Aharonovitch was deputy police commissioner from 2002 to 2004. "Forty years ago I tied my fate to serving the country’s security and enforcing its laws," said the new minister. "The challenges before Israel’s security system are manifold, difficult and complex, particularly today, with the security and social implications of the global economic crisis. more.. e-mail
Yisrael Beiteinu takes charge of department probing Lieberman
Jonathan Lis, Ha’aretz 4/3/2009
Incoming Foreign Minister Avigdor Lieberman, under investigation for suspected financial improprieties, was present at Wednesday’s inauguration ceremony for the incoming public security minister, Yitzhak Aharonovitch of his Yisrael Beiteinu party. The ceremony was attended by senior police officials, including those in charge of the criminal investigation division handling the Lieberman probe. "Yitzhak Aharonovitch knows the work and what needs to be done," he said. Aharonovitch was deputy police commissioner from 2002 to 2004. "Forty years ago I tied my fate to serving the country’s security and enforcing its laws," said the new minister. "The challenges before Israel’s security system are manifold, difficult and complex, particularly today, with the security and social implications of the global economic crisis. more.. e-mail
Palestinian unity talks suspended
Al Jazeera 4/3/2009
The rival Palestinian Hamas and Fatah faction have suspended unity talks in Cairo after they were unable to reach an agreement, sources say. The Egyptian-mediated process will resume in three weeks, Nabil Shaath, a senior Fatah official, said on Thursday. "There are new creative proposals and each movement needs to consult its leadership," he said. However, Shaath refused to call the suspension of the talks a failure, saying "it was neither a failure nor a success". Senior delegations from Hamas, which controls the Gaza Strip, and Fatah, led by Mahmoud Abbas, the West Bank-based Palestinian president, had resumed talks on Wednesday. It was the third round of meetings between the two factions since Hamas, winners of 2006 parliamentary elections, seized full control of the Gaza Strip in a week of fighting in June 2007. more.. e-mail
Palestinian unity talks suspended
Al Jazeera 4/3/2009
The rival Palestinian Hamas and Fatah faction have suspended unity talks in Cairo after they were unable to reach an agreement, sources say. The Egyptian-mediated process will resume in three weeks, Nabil Shaath, a senior Fatah official, said on Thursday. "There are new creative proposals and each movement needs to consult its leadership," he said. However, Shaath refused to call the suspension of the talks a failure, saying "it was neither a failure nor a success". Senior delegations from Hamas, which controls the Gaza Strip, and Fatah, led by Mahmoud Abbas, the West Bank-based Palestinian president, had resumed talks on Wednesday. It was the third round of meetings between the two factions since Hamas, winners of 2006 parliamentary elections, seized full control of the Gaza Strip in a week of fighting in June 2007. more.. e-mail
Palestinian unity talks suspended
Al Jazeera 4/3/2009
The rival Palestinian Hamas and Fatah faction have suspended unity talks in Cairo after they were unable to reach an agreement, sources say. The Egyptian-mediated process will resume in three weeks, Nabil Shaath, a senior Fatah official, said on Thursday. "There are new creative proposals and each movement needs to consult its leadership," he said. However, Shaath refused to call the suspension of the talks a failure, saying "it was neither a failure nor a success". Senior delegations from Hamas, which controls the Gaza Strip, and Fatah, led by Mahmoud Abbas, the West Bank-based Palestinian president, had resumed talks on Wednesday. It was the third round of meetings between the two factions since Hamas, winners of 2006 parliamentary elections, seized full control of the Gaza Strip in a week of fighting in June 2007. more.. e-mail
Israeli FM questioned over graft
Al Jazeera 4/2/2009
Avigdor Lieberman, the new Israeli foreign minister, has been questioned by police on suspicion of corruption. Israeli police said that Lieberman had been placed under caution on Thursday and questioned for more than seven hours at the national fraud squad headquarters in central Israel, as part of an ongoing investigation. "Avigdor Lieberman was questioned under caution by police today for seven-and-a-half hours on suspicion of carrying out the following: bribery, money laundering and breach of trust," Micky Rosenfeld, a police spokesman, said. The long-running investigation is examining Lieberman’s business dealings. His lawyer and daughter have also been interrogated. Lieberman denies all of the allegations. In a statement issued by his office, Lieberman said he is "in a hurry to end this inquiry which has gone on for 13 years. more.. e-mail
Israeli FM questioned over graft
Al Jazeera 4/2/2009
Avigdor Lieberman, the new Israeli foreign minister, has been questioned by police on suspicion of corruption. Israeli police said that Lieberman had been placed under caution on Thursday and questioned for more than seven hours at the national fraud squad headquarters in central Israel, as part of an ongoing investigation. "Avigdor Lieberman was questioned under caution by police today for seven-and-a-half hours on suspicion of carrying out the following: bribery, money laundering and breach of trust," Micky Rosenfeld, a police spokesman, said. The long-running investigation is examining Lieberman’s business dealings. His lawyer and daughter have also been interrogated. Lieberman denies all of the allegations. In a statement issued by his office, Lieberman said he is "in a hurry to end this inquiry which has gone on for 13 years. more.. e-mail
Israeli FM questioned over graft
Al Jazeera 4/2/2009
Avigdor Lieberman, the new Israeli foreign minister, has been questioned by police on suspicion of corruption. Israeli police said that Lieberman had been placed under caution on Thursday and questioned for more than seven hours at the national fraud squad headquarters in central Israel, as part of an ongoing investigation. "Avigdor Lieberman was questioned under caution by police today for seven-and-a-half hours on suspicion of carrying out the following: bribery, money laundering and breach of trust," Micky Rosenfeld, a police spokesman, said. The long-running investigation is examining Lieberman’s business dealings. His lawyer and daughter have also been interrogated. Lieberman denies all of the allegations. In a statement issued by his office, Lieberman said he is "in a hurry to end this inquiry which has gone on for 13 years. more.. e-mail
Fayyad to remain premier until unity talks conclude
Daily Star 4/2/2009
Palestinian Premier Salam Fayyad, who stepped down in March, said on Wednesday he would remain in office until the end of unity talks between Hamas and Fatah in Egypt. "My staying in office comes from a desire not to create a constitutional void," Fayyad told AFP. The US-educated Fayyad announced on March 7 that he had submitted his resignation to pave the way for a "national consensus" between Fatah and Hamas, saying he would remain in office until the end of March. Fayyad, a politically independent former World Bank economist who has won praise from Israeli and Western leaders for his economic reforms, was appointed premier after Hamas drove Abbas’ Fatah party from the Gaza Strip. According to Egyptian state news agency MENA, Hamas and Fatah began a third round of reconciliation talks on Wednesday in Cairo aimed at forging a possible unity government. more.. e-mail
Fayyad to remain premier until unity talks conclude
Daily Star 4/2/2009
Palestinian Premier Salam Fayyad, who stepped down in March, said on Wednesday he would remain in office until the end of unity talks between Hamas and Fatah in Egypt. "My staying in office comes from a desire not to create a constitutional void," Fayyad told AFP. The US-educated Fayyad announced on March 7 that he had submitted his resignation to pave the way for a "national consensus" between Fatah and Hamas, saying he would remain in office until the end of March. Fayyad, a politically independent former World Bank economist who has won praise from Israeli and Western leaders for his economic reforms, was appointed premier after Hamas drove Abbas’ Fatah party from the Gaza Strip. According to Egyptian state news agency MENA, Hamas and Fatah began a third round of reconciliation talks on Wednesday in Cairo aimed at forging a possible unity government. more.. e-mail
Fayyad to remain premier until unity talks conclude
Daily Star 4/2/2009
Palestinian Premier Salam Fayyad, who stepped down in March, said on Wednesday he would remain in office until the end of unity talks between Hamas and Fatah in Egypt. "My staying in office comes from a desire not to create a constitutional void," Fayyad told AFP. The US-educated Fayyad announced on March 7 that he had submitted his resignation to pave the way for a "national consensus" between Fatah and Hamas, saying he would remain in office until the end of March. Fayyad, a politically independent former World Bank economist who has won praise from Israeli and Western leaders for his economic reforms, was appointed premier after Hamas drove Abbas’ Fatah party from the Gaza Strip. According to Egyptian state news agency MENA, Hamas and Fatah began a third round of reconciliation talks on Wednesday in Cairo aimed at forging a possible unity government. more.. e-mail
Police probe Lieberman on suspicion of bribery
The Daily Star, Daily Star 4/3/2009
OCCUPIED JERUSALEM: Israeli police questioned the new foreign minister, Avigdor Lieberman, for more than seven hours on Thursday on suspicion of bribery and money laundering. Lieberman, who became Israel’s top diplomat on Tuesday, has denied any wrongdoing and has called the police probe into his affairs a smear campaign. His anti-Arab rhetoric has alarmed Palestinians as well as Arab leaders in the region. "Avigdor Lieberman was questioned under caution by police today for seven-and-a-half hours on suspicion of carrying out the following: bribery, money laundering and breach of trust," said police spokesman Micky Rosenfeld. The questioning was part of a years-long investigation, details of which were not made available by the police. Israeli television quoted police sources as saying that further questioning is likely. more.. e-mail
Police probe Lieberman on suspicion of bribery
The Daily Star, Daily Star 4/3/2009
OCCUPIED JERUSALEM: Israeli police questioned the new foreign minister, Avigdor Lieberman, for more than seven hours on Thursday on suspicion of bribery and money laundering. Lieberman, who became Israel’s top diplomat on Tuesday, has denied any wrongdoing and has called the police probe into his affairs a smear campaign. His anti-Arab rhetoric has alarmed Palestinians as well as Arab leaders in the region. "Avigdor Lieberman was questioned under caution by police today for seven-and-a-half hours on suspicion of carrying out the following: bribery, money laundering and breach of trust," said police spokesman Micky Rosenfeld. The questioning was part of a years-long investigation, details of which were not made available by the police. Israeli television quoted police sources as saying that further questioning is likely. more.. e-mail
Police probe Lieberman on suspicion of bribery
The Daily Star, Daily Star 4/3/2009
OCCUPIED JERUSALEM: Israeli police questioned the new foreign minister, Avigdor Lieberman, for more than seven hours on Thursday on suspicion of bribery and money laundering. Lieberman, who became Israel’s top diplomat on Tuesday, has denied any wrongdoing and has called the police probe into his affairs a smear campaign. His anti-Arab rhetoric has alarmed Palestinians as well as Arab leaders in the region. "Avigdor Lieberman was questioned under caution by police today for seven-and-a-half hours on suspicion of carrying out the following: bribery, money laundering and breach of trust," said police spokesman Micky Rosenfeld. The questioning was part of a years-long investigation, details of which were not made available by the police. Israeli television quoted police sources as saying that further questioning is likely. more.. e-mail
Ex-Haaretz reporter Daniel Ben-Simon to head Labor’s Knesset faction
Mazal Mualem and Shahar Ilan, Ha’aretz 4/3/2009
New MK Daniel Ben Simon, a former Haaretz reporter and columnist, was elected chairman of Labor’s Knesset faction Wednesday. But the party cannot find anyone willing to head the important Knesset Foreign Affairs and Defense Committee, which Labor received under the coalition deal with senior partner Likud. In the past, MKs would fight for both these posts, but Labor is split between MKs who have been made ministers and deputy ministers, and those who oppose joining the coalition and refuse to accept key parliamentary positions. The faction met Thursday to discuss its problems following the party’s entry into the coalition with right-wing Likud. The faction elected Ben Simon chairman, the only candidate for the post traditionally reserved for a veteran MK. Ben Simon initially objected to entering the government, but "the moment. . . more.. e-mail
Ex-Haaretz reporter Daniel Ben-Simon to head Labor’s Knesset faction
Mazal Mualem and Shahar Ilan, Ha’aretz 4/3/2009
New MK Daniel Ben Simon, a former Haaretz reporter and columnist, was elected chairman of Labor’s Knesset faction Wednesday. But the party cannot find anyone willing to head the important Knesset Foreign Affairs and Defense Committee, which Labor received under the coalition deal with senior partner Likud. In the past, MKs would fight for both these posts, but Labor is split between MKs who have been made ministers and deputy ministers, and those who oppose joining the coalition and refuse to accept key parliamentary positions. The faction met Thursday to discuss its problems following the party’s entry into the coalition with right-wing Likud. The faction elected Ben Simon chairman, the only candidate for the post traditionally reserved for a veteran MK. Ben Simon initially objected to entering the government, but "the moment. . . more.. e-mail
Ex-Haaretz reporter Daniel Ben-Simon to head Labor’s Knesset faction
Mazal Mualem and Shahar Ilan, Ha’aretz 4/3/2009
New MK Daniel Ben Simon, a former Haaretz reporter and columnist, was elected chairman of Labor’s Knesset faction Wednesday. But the party cannot find anyone willing to head the important Knesset Foreign Affairs and Defense Committee, which Labor received under the coalition deal with senior partner Likud. In the past, MKs would fight for both these posts, but Labor is split between MKs who have been made ministers and deputy ministers, and those who oppose joining the coalition and refuse to accept key parliamentary positions. The faction met Thursday to discuss its problems following the party’s entry into the coalition with right-wing Likud. The faction elected Ben Simon chairman, the only candidate for the post traditionally reserved for a veteran MK. Ben Simon initially objected to entering the government, but "the moment. . . more.. e-mail
PFLP slams Fateh and Hamas for failure to achieve reconciliation
Saed Bannoura, International Middle East Media Center 4/2/2009
The Popular Front for the Liberation of Palestine (PFLP) on Thursday slammed both Fateh and Hamas for failing to achieve reconciliation, and demanded the two factions achieve a deal that ends internal rifts and restores unity. The PFLP’s statement came in a speech by Qasim Hassanen, a political leader of the front, who addressed thousands of Palestinians marching in Gaza for unity, and said that Hamas and Fateh must achieve a deal in their ongoing Cairo talks. Political figures, civil society figures, ordinary men and women, marched towards the Salah Ed Deen Gate area, which separates the Palestinian and Egyptian sides of Rafah. Hassanen added that "there is no winner in internal conflicts", and that Palestine needs unity to wage the struggle against the occupation rather than rifts and internal divisions. The PFLP stated that the Palestinian people are the ones who are steadfast,. . . more.. e-mail
PFLP slams Fateh and Hamas for failure to achieve reconciliation
Saed Bannoura, International Middle East Media Center 4/2/2009
The Popular Front for the Liberation of Palestine (PFLP) on Thursday slammed both Fateh and Hamas for failing to achieve reconciliation, and demanded the two factions achieve a deal that ends internal rifts and restores unity. The PFLP’s statement came in a speech by Qasim Hassanen, a political leader of the front, who addressed thousands of Palestinians marching in Gaza for unity, and said that Hamas and Fateh must achieve a deal in their ongoing Cairo talks. Political figures, civil society figures, ordinary men and women, marched towards the Salah Ed Deen Gate area, which separates the Palestinian and Egyptian sides of Rafah. Hassanen added that "there is no winner in internal conflicts", and that Palestine needs unity to wage the struggle against the occupation rather than rifts and internal divisions. The PFLP stated that the Palestinian people are the ones who are steadfast,. . . more.. e-mail
PFLP slams Fateh and Hamas for failure to achieve reconciliation
Saed Bannoura, International Middle East Media Center 4/2/2009
The Popular Front for the Liberation of Palestine (PFLP) on Thursday slammed both Fateh and Hamas for failing to achieve reconciliation, and demanded the two factions achieve a deal that ends internal rifts and restores unity. The PFLP’s statement came in a speech by Qasim Hassanen, a political leader of the front, who addressed thousands of Palestinians marching in Gaza for unity, and said that Hamas and Fateh must achieve a deal in their ongoing Cairo talks. Political figures, civil society figures, ordinary men and women, marched towards the Salah Ed Deen Gate area, which separates the Palestinian and Egyptian sides of Rafah. Hassanen added that "there is no winner in internal conflicts", and that Palestine needs unity to wage the struggle against the occupation rather than rifts and internal divisions. The PFLP stated that the Palestinian people are the ones who are steadfast,. . . more.. e-mail
New Israeli FM interrogated over corruption allegations
Saed Bannoura & Agencies, International Middle East Media Center 4/3/2009
One day after Avigdor Lieberman was sworn-in as the new Israeli Foreign Minister, a special interrogation unit questioned him for 7. 5 hours on Thursday regarding allegations of money laundering, fraudulent receipt of goods, breach of public trust and bribery. Yaron Kostelich, Lieberman’s lawyer, said that the new FM answered all questions and will answer any future questions, The Jerusalem Post reported. The Israeli police said that Thursday’s interrogation did not come as a surprise, and that it had been coordinated several days in advance. The police also said that further questioning will be conducted in the future. Lieberman is believed to have used a Cypriot bank account, registered under the name of his daughter Michal, in order to launder million of Shekels, Jpost added. Investigators believe that they have enough evidence to link Lieberman, head of the religious right wing party, Yisrael Beiteinu, with money laundering charges. more.. e-mail
New Israeli FM interrogated over corruption allegations
Saed Bannoura & Agencies, International Middle East Media Center 4/3/2009
One day after Avigdor Lieberman was sworn-in as the new Israeli Foreign Minister, a special interrogation unit questioned him for 7. 5 hours on Thursday regarding allegations of money laundering, fraudulent receipt of goods, breach of public trust and bribery. Yaron Kostelich, Lieberman’s lawyer, said that the new FM answered all questions and will answer any future questions, The Jerusalem Post reported. The Israeli police said that Thursday’s interrogation did not come as a surprise, and that it had been coordinated several days in advance. The police also said that further questioning will be conducted in the future. Lieberman is believed to have used a Cypriot bank account, registered under the name of his daughter Michal, in order to launder million of Shekels, Jpost added. Investigators believe that they have enough evidence to link Lieberman, head of the religious right wing party, Yisrael Beiteinu, with money laundering charges. more.. e-mail
New Israeli FM interrogated over corruption allegations
Saed Bannoura & Agencies, International Middle East Media Center 4/3/2009
One day after Avigdor Lieberman was sworn-in as the new Israeli Foreign Minister, a special interrogation unit questioned him for 7. 5 hours on Thursday regarding allegations of money laundering, fraudulent receipt of goods, breach of public trust and bribery. Yaron Kostelich, Lieberman’s lawyer, said that the new FM answered all questions and will answer any future questions, The Jerusalem Post reported. The Israeli police said that Thursday’s interrogation did not come as a surprise, and that it had been coordinated several days in advance. The police also said that further questioning will be conducted in the future. Lieberman is believed to have used a Cypriot bank account, registered under the name of his daughter Michal, in order to launder million of Shekels, Jpost added. Investigators believe that they have enough evidence to link Lieberman, head of the religious right wing party, Yisrael Beiteinu, with money laundering charges. more.. e-mail
Fateh and Hamas fail to achieve unity: agree to meet April 26
IMEMC & Agencies, International Middle East Media Center 4/3/2009
Egyptian sources reported on Thursday that delegates of Fateh and Hamas, who have holding internal talks in Cairo, have failed to achieve an agreement and only managed to agree to meet again on April 26. Hamas movement accused Fateh of placing new preconditions which have only led to moreobstructions to the talks, forcing them back to square zero. Nabil Shaath of Fateh stated that there are new proposals that the negotiators need to discuss with their leadership. Ismail Radwan, a senior political leader of Hamas, said that the tone of talks in this latest session was not positive, and that there were new preconditions that caused an obstruction. Radwan added that the new preconditions demanded by Fateh emerged following US pressure on the movement. He also said that Fateh wants to reform security mechanisms in the Gaza Strip without even mentioning those in the West Bank. more.. e-mail
Fateh and Hamas fail to achieve unity: agree to meet April 26
IMEMC & Agencies, International Middle East Media Center 4/3/2009
Egyptian sources reported on Thursday that delegates of Fateh and Hamas, who have holding internal talks in Cairo, have failed to achieve an agreement and only managed to agree to meet again on April 26. Hamas movement accused Fateh of placing new preconditions which have only led to moreobstructions to the talks, forcing them back to square zero. Nabil Shaath of Fateh stated that there are new proposals that the negotiators need to discuss with their leadership. Ismail Radwan, a senior political leader of Hamas, said that the tone of talks in this latest session was not positive, and that there were new preconditions that caused an obstruction. Radwan added that the new preconditions demanded by Fateh emerged following US pressure on the movement. He also said that Fateh wants to reform security mechanisms in the Gaza Strip without even mentioning those in the West Bank. more.. e-mail
Fateh and Hamas fail to achieve unity: agree to meet April 26
IMEMC & Agencies, International Middle East Media Center 4/3/2009
Egyptian sources reported on Thursday that delegates of Fateh and Hamas, who have holding internal talks in Cairo, have failed to achieve an agreement and only managed to agree to meet again on April 26. Hamas movement accused Fateh of placing new preconditions which have only led to moreobstructions to the talks, forcing them back to square zero. Nabil Shaath of Fateh stated that there are new proposals that the negotiators need to discuss with their leadership. Ismail Radwan, a senior political leader of Hamas, said that the tone of talks in this latest session was not positive, and that there were new preconditions that caused an obstruction. Radwan added that the new preconditions demanded by Fateh emerged following US pressure on the movement. He also said that Fateh wants to reform security mechanisms in the Gaza Strip without even mentioning those in the West Bank. more.. e-mail
PCBS report shows Palestine scores low in most governance areas
Ma’an News Agency 4/2/2009
Bethlehem - Ma’an - The courts, police, media and public education sectors in Palestine still have a long way to go, according to the results of a good governance poll conducted by the Palestinian Central Bureau of Statistics (PCBS). The bureau released its findings from the poll, conducted between 16 October and 30 November 2008, on Thursday. Rule of lawThe poll found that 17. 0% of those surveyed had been involved in a dispute over the past five years. Of those who had been involved in a dispute only 10. 5% of them (including 12. 6% for the West Bank and 6. 4% for Gaza Strip) referred to the court for arbitration. Of those who had been to court 86. 0% described judges as independent in making decisions (86. 8% in the West Bank and 83. 9% in Gaza Strip). Off all respondents, 42. 0% said that they would go to Palestinian courts if they were involved in a dispute that required judicial intervention; 39. more.. e-mail
PCBS report shows Palestine scores low in most governance areas
Ma’an News Agency 4/2/2009
Bethlehem - Ma’an - The courts, police, media and public education sectors in Palestine still have a long way to go, according to the results of a good governance poll conducted by the Palestinian Central Bureau of Statistics (PCBS). The bureau released its findings from the poll, conducted between 16 October and 30 November 2008, on Thursday. Rule of lawThe poll found that 17. 0% of those surveyed had been involved in a dispute over the past five years. Of those who had been involved in a dispute only 10. 5% of them (including 12. 6% for the West Bank and 6. 4% for Gaza Strip) referred to the court for arbitration. Of those who had been to court 86. 0% described judges as independent in making decisions (86. 8% in the West Bank and 83. 9% in Gaza Strip). Off all respondents, 42. 0% said that they would go to Palestinian courts if they were involved in a dispute that required judicial intervention; 39. more.. e-mail
PCBS report shows Palestine scores low in most governance areas
Ma’an News Agency 4/2/2009
Bethlehem - Ma’an - The courts, police, media and public education sectors in Palestine still have a long way to go, according to the results of a good governance poll conducted by the Palestinian Central Bureau of Statistics (PCBS). The bureau released its findings from the poll, conducted between 16 October and 30 November 2008, on Thursday. Rule of lawThe poll found that 17. 0% of those surveyed had been involved in a dispute over the past five years. Of those who had been involved in a dispute only 10. 5% of them (including 12. 6% for the West Bank and 6. 4% for Gaza Strip) referred to the court for arbitration. Of those who had been to court 86. 0% described judges as independent in making decisions (86. 8% in the West Bank and 83. 9% in Gaza Strip). Off all respondents, 42. 0% said that they would go to Palestinian courts if they were involved in a dispute that required judicial intervention; 39. more.. e-mail
Report: Fatah, Hamas have failed to reach unity deal
Ma’an News Agency 4/2/2009
Cairo – Ma’an – Leading Palestinian political movements Fatah and Hamas failed to reach an agreement at Egpytian-backed unity talks in Cairo, according to Al-Jazeera on Thursday. Senior Hamas leader I’zzat Ar-Resheq reportedly told the Qatar-based satellite broadcasters that "the talks failed to achieve any progress in the unsolved files. " Meanwhile, senior Hamas official Ismail Radwan said in a statement that "all of the presented issues need more time and effort to reach an agreement," but that he hoped to overcome "all obstacles and problems" in the days to come. "A huge effort has been made by Egypt to merge the views of the two parties," he added, noting that in the event of an agreement, it will be on the terms of releasing all political prisoners seized by Palestinian Authority security forces in the West Bank. more.. e-mail
Report: Fatah, Hamas have failed to reach unity deal
Ma’an News Agency 4/2/2009
Cairo – Ma’an – Leading Palestinian political movements Fatah and Hamas failed to reach an agreement at Egpytian-backed unity talks in Cairo, according to Al-Jazeera on Thursday. Senior Hamas leader I’zzat Ar-Resheq reportedly told the Qatar-based satellite broadcasters that "the talks failed to achieve any progress in the unsolved files. " Meanwhile, senior Hamas official Ismail Radwan said in a statement that "all of the presented issues need more time and effort to reach an agreement," but that he hoped to overcome "all obstacles and problems" in the days to come. "A huge effort has been made by Egypt to merge the views of the two parties," he added, noting that in the event of an agreement, it will be on the terms of releasing all political prisoners seized by Palestinian Authority security forces in the West Bank. more.. e-mail
Report: Fatah, Hamas have failed to reach unity deal
Ma’an News Agency 4/2/2009
Cairo – Ma’an – Leading Palestinian political movements Fatah and Hamas failed to reach an agreement at Egpytian-backed unity talks in Cairo, according to Al-Jazeera on Thursday. Senior Hamas leader I’zzat Ar-Resheq reportedly told the Qatar-based satellite broadcasters that "the talks failed to achieve any progress in the unsolved files. " Meanwhile, senior Hamas official Ismail Radwan said in a statement that "all of the presented issues need more time and effort to reach an agreement," but that he hoped to overcome "all obstacles and problems" in the days to come. "A huge effort has been made by Egypt to merge the views of the two parties," he added, noting that in the event of an agreement, it will be on the terms of releasing all political prisoners seized by Palestinian Authority security forces in the West Bank. more.. e-mail
Palestinian unity talks suspended
Sameh Akram Habeeb, The Palestine Telegraph 4/2/2009
The rival Palestinian Hamas and Fatah factions have suspended unity talks in Cairo after they were unable to reach an agreement, sources say. The Egyptian-mediated process will resume in three weeks, Nabil Shaath, a senior Fatah official, said on Thursday. "There are new creative proposals and each movement needs to consult its leadership," he said. However, Shaath refused to call the suspension of the talks a failure, saying "it was neither a failure nor a success". Senior delegations from Hamas, which controls the Gaza Strip, and Fatah, led by Mahmoud Abbas, the West Bank-based Palestinian president, resumed talks on Wednesday. It was the third round of meetings between the two factions since Hamas, winners of 2006 parliamentary elections, seized full control of the Gaza Strip in a week of fighting in June 2007. more.. e-mail
Palestinian unity talks suspended
Sameh Akram Habeeb, The Palestine Telegraph 4/2/2009
The rival Palestinian Hamas and Fatah factions have suspended unity talks in Cairo after they were unable to reach an agreement, sources say. The Egyptian-mediated process will resume in three weeks, Nabil Shaath, a senior Fatah official, said on Thursday. "There are new creative proposals and each movement needs to consult its leadership," he said. However, Shaath refused to call the suspension of the talks a failure, saying "it was neither a failure nor a success". Senior delegations from Hamas, which controls the Gaza Strip, and Fatah, led by Mahmoud Abbas, the West Bank-based Palestinian president, resumed talks on Wednesday. It was the third round of meetings between the two factions since Hamas, winners of 2006 parliamentary elections, seized full control of the Gaza Strip in a week of fighting in June 2007. more.. e-mail
Palestinian unity talks suspended
Sameh Akram Habeeb, The Palestine Telegraph 4/2/2009
The rival Palestinian Hamas and Fatah factions have suspended unity talks in Cairo after they were unable to reach an agreement, sources say. The Egyptian-mediated process will resume in three weeks, Nabil Shaath, a senior Fatah official, said on Thursday. "There are new creative proposals and each movement needs to consult its leadership," he said. However, Shaath refused to call the suspension of the talks a failure, saying "it was neither a failure nor a success". Senior delegations from Hamas, which controls the Gaza Strip, and Fatah, led by Mahmoud Abbas, the West Bank-based Palestinian president, resumed talks on Wednesday. It was the third round of meetings between the two factions since Hamas, winners of 2006 parliamentary elections, seized full control of the Gaza Strip in a week of fighting in June 2007. more.. e-mail
Rivals Hamas and Fatah Failed to Overcome their Differences
Sameh Akram Habeeb, The Palestine Telegraph 4/2/2009
Cairo, April 2, 2009 (Pal Telegraph) - The rival Hamas and Fatah movements failed to reach an agreement at the Egyptian-brokered power-sharing talks in Cairo. They agreed to resume talks on April 26. The two movements failed to agree on the core outstanding issues. However, they agreed to resume their dialogue in Cairo at the end of this month. Nabil Sha’ath, a member of Fatah’s central committee and head of the group’s delegation to Cairo, said that new "creative proposals" have been raised and each movement needs to consult its leadership. Sha’ath also revealed the talks have been suspended and will be resumed at the end of April. The Hamas movement accused its rival Fatah of failure of talks to overcome their differences and reach an inter-Palestinian national reconciliation. more.. e-mail
Rivals Hamas and Fatah Failed to Overcome their Differences
Sameh Akram Habeeb, The Palestine Telegraph 4/2/2009
Cairo, April 2, 2009 (Pal Telegraph) - The rival Hamas and Fatah movements failed to reach an agreement at the Egyptian-brokered power-sharing talks in Cairo. They agreed to resume talks on April 26. The two movements failed to agree on the core outstanding issues. However, they agreed to resume their dialogue in Cairo at the end of this month. Nabil Sha’ath, a member of Fatah’s central committee and head of the group’s delegation to Cairo, said that new "creative proposals" have been raised and each movement needs to consult its leadership. Sha’ath also revealed the talks have been suspended and will be resumed at the end of April. The Hamas movement accused its rival Fatah of failure of talks to overcome their differences and reach an inter-Palestinian national reconciliation. more.. e-mail
Rivals Hamas and Fatah Failed to Overcome their Differences
Sameh Akram Habeeb, The Palestine Telegraph 4/2/2009
Cairo, April 2, 2009 (Pal Telegraph) - The rival Hamas and Fatah movements failed to reach an agreement at the Egyptian-brokered power-sharing talks in Cairo. They agreed to resume talks on April 26. The two movements failed to agree on the core outstanding issues. However, they agreed to resume their dialogue in Cairo at the end of this month. Nabil Sha’ath, a member of Fatah’s central committee and head of the group’s delegation to Cairo, said that new "creative proposals" have been raised and each movement needs to consult its leadership. Sha’ath also revealed the talks have been suspended and will be resumed at the end of April. The Hamas movement accused its rival Fatah of failure of talks to overcome their differences and reach an inter-Palestinian national reconciliation. more.. e-mail
Lieberman questioned by police
Efrat Weiss, YNetNews 4/2/2009
Fraud Unit interrogates new foreign minister for over seven hours on suspicion of bribery, fraud -Foreign Minister Avigdor Lieberman was questioned by police under advisement for seven and a half hours on Thursday. He is suspected of bribery, money laundering, fraud, and breach of trust. Another round of questioning by the police’s National Fraud Investigation Unit lingers on the horizon for Lieberman as the investigation against him continues. Police stated that the date of the interrogation had been coordinated a few days ago. His attorney, Yaron Kostelitz, said that "Mr. Lieberman answered all of the questions he was asked, and will continue to do so in the future. " A law enforcement official said Lieberman would be interrogated "at least once more. " more.. e-mail
Lieberman questioned by police
Efrat Weiss, YNetNews 4/2/2009
Fraud Unit interrogates new foreign minister for over seven hours on suspicion of bribery, fraud -Foreign Minister Avigdor Lieberman was questioned by police under advisement for seven and a half hours on Thursday. He is suspected of bribery, money laundering, fraud, and breach of trust. Another round of questioning by the police’s National Fraud Investigation Unit lingers on the horizon for Lieberman as the investigation against him continues. Police stated that the date of the interrogation had been coordinated a few days ago. His attorney, Yaron Kostelitz, said that "Mr. Lieberman answered all of the questions he was asked, and will continue to do so in the future. " A law enforcement official said Lieberman would be interrogated "at least once more. " more.. e-mail
Lieberman questioned by police
Efrat Weiss, YNetNews 4/2/2009
Fraud Unit interrogates new foreign minister for over seven hours on suspicion of bribery, fraud -Foreign Minister Avigdor Lieberman was questioned by police under advisement for seven and a half hours on Thursday. He is suspected of bribery, money laundering, fraud, and breach of trust. Another round of questioning by the police’s National Fraud Investigation Unit lingers on the horizon for Lieberman as the investigation against him continues. Police stated that the date of the interrogation had been coordinated a few days ago. His attorney, Yaron Kostelitz, said that "Mr. Lieberman answered all of the questions he was asked, and will continue to do so in the future. " A law enforcement official said Lieberman would be interrogated "at least once more. " more.. e-mail
Kadima party bids Olmert goodbye
Amnon Meranda, YNetNews 4/2/2009
Former PM hints he will return after ’temporary situation we know from politics’ changes -The Kadima Party bade farewell to former Prime Minister Ehud Olmert Thursday evening with a festive ceremony that included wine and song. "I’m very excited," Olmert said to the cheering crowd as he took the stage. "I think it will be my last public appearance for quite a while. " Olmert speaks at festive event (Photo: Yaron Brener)He said it had been "painful" for him to leave his position behind due to corruption charges, but hinted at a possible comeback. "I have only resigned from the office of prime minister. I will be with you all the way. There are temporary situations which we know from politics and we know they change. I promise you we will convene in a bigger hall for a larger victory party," he said. more.. e-mail
Kadima party bids Olmert goodbye
Amnon Meranda, YNetNews 4/2/2009
Former PM hints he will return after ’temporary situation we know from politics’ changes -The Kadima Party bade farewell to former Prime Minister Ehud Olmert Thursday evening with a festive ceremony that included wine and song. "I’m very excited," Olmert said to the cheering crowd as he took the stage. "I think it will be my last public appearance for quite a while. " Olmert speaks at festive event (Photo: Yaron Brener)He said it had been "painful" for him to leave his position behind due to corruption charges, but hinted at a possible comeback. "I have only resigned from the office of prime minister. I will be with you all the way. There are temporary situations which we know from politics and we know they change. I promise you we will convene in a bigger hall for a larger victory party," he said. more.. e-mail
Kadima party bids Olmert goodbye
Amnon Meranda, YNetNews 4/2/2009
Former PM hints he will return after ’temporary situation we know from politics’ changes -The Kadima Party bade farewell to former Prime Minister Ehud Olmert Thursday evening with a festive ceremony that included wine and song. "I’m very excited," Olmert said to the cheering crowd as he took the stage. "I think it will be my last public appearance for quite a while. " Olmert speaks at festive event (Photo: Yaron Brener)He said it had been "painful" for him to leave his position behind due to corruption charges, but hinted at a possible comeback. "I have only resigned from the office of prime minister. I will be with you all the way. There are temporary situations which we know from politics and we know they change. I promise you we will convene in a bigger hall for a larger victory party," he said. more.. e-mail
IN PICTURES / Netanyahu government is sworn in
Ha’aretz 4/1/2009
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Human
Rights
Amnesty slams US arms shipment to Israel
The Daily Star, Daily Star 4/3/2009
BEIRUT: Amnesty International said late Wednesday that a US-chartered ship carrying a large shipment of munitions had delivered its cargo to Israel. In a press release, Amnesty said the Wehr Elbe, a German cargo ship chartered and controlled by US Military Sealift Command, docked and unloaded its cargo of over 300 containers at the Israeli port of Ashdod, just 40 kilometers north of Gaza by road. The German ship left the US for Israel on December 20, a week before the start of Israeli attacks on Gaza. According to Amnesty, the delivery "throws into question whether President [Barack] Obama will act to prevent the US fueling further Israeli attacks against civilians that may amount to war crimes, as were perpetrated in Gaza. " "Legally and morally, this US arms shipment should have been halted by the Obama administration given the extent of the evidence showing how military equipment. . . more.. e-mail
Amnesty slams US arms shipment to Israel
The Daily Star, Daily Star 4/3/2009
BEIRUT: Amnesty International said late Wednesday that a US-chartered ship carrying a large shipment of munitions had delivered its cargo to Israel. In a press release, Amnesty said the Wehr Elbe, a German cargo ship chartered and controlled by US Military Sealift Command, docked and unloaded its cargo of over 300 containers at the Israeli port of Ashdod, just 40 kilometers north of Gaza by road. The German ship left the US for Israel on December 20, a week before the start of Israeli attacks on Gaza. According to Amnesty, the delivery "throws into question whether President [Barack] Obama will act to prevent the US fueling further Israeli attacks against civilians that may amount to war crimes, as were perpetrated in Gaza. " "Legally and morally, this US arms shipment should have been halted by the Obama administration given the extent of the evidence showing how military equipment. . . more.. e-mail
Amnesty slams US arms shipment to Israel
The Daily Star, Daily Star 4/3/2009
BEIRUT: Amnesty International said late Wednesday that a US-chartered ship carrying a large shipment of munitions had delivered its cargo to Israel. In a press release, Amnesty said the Wehr Elbe, a German cargo ship chartered and controlled by US Military Sealift Command, docked and unloaded its cargo of over 300 containers at the Israeli port of Ashdod, just 40 kilometers north of Gaza by road. The German ship left the US for Israel on December 20, a week before the start of Israeli attacks on Gaza. According to Amnesty, the delivery "throws into question whether President [Barack] Obama will act to prevent the US fueling further Israeli attacks against civilians that may amount to war crimes, as were perpetrated in Gaza. " "Legally and morally, this US arms shipment should have been halted by the Obama administration given the extent of the evidence showing how military equipment. . . more.. e-mail
OPT: Access to buffer zone key to agricultural recovery - FAO
IRIN - UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs 4/3/2009
GAZA CITY, 2 April 2009 (IRIN) - Gaza’s battered agricultural sector has the capacity to recover but only if there is access to the buffer zone, and only if Gaza’s commercial crossings are fully opened, according to a recent UN Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) report on Gaza. FAO says the area inside the buffer zone along the northern and eastern borders with Israel contains nearly a third of Gaza’s arable land, but it has been inaccessible to farmers, residents and UN agencies since 27 December 2008 (when Israel launched a 23-day assault on Gaza in retaliation for continued Hamas rocket-fire from Gaza into Israel). The width of the buffer zone is 0. 5-1km along the eastern border and 1. 8-2km along the northern border, according to FAO. The buffer zone extends about 55km along the length of Strip from northwest of Beit Lahiya to southeast of Rafah, but the area is not clearly marked. more.. e-mail
OPT: Access to buffer zone key to agricultural recovery - FAO
IRIN - UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs 4/3/2009
GAZA CITY, 2 April 2009 (IRIN) - Gaza’s battered agricultural sector has the capacity to recover but only if there is access to the buffer zone, and only if Gaza’s commercial crossings are fully opened, according to a recent UN Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) report on Gaza. FAO says the area inside the buffer zone along the northern and eastern borders with Israel contains nearly a third of Gaza’s arable land, but it has been inaccessible to farmers, residents and UN agencies since 27 December 2008 (when Israel launched a 23-day assault on Gaza in retaliation for continued Hamas rocket-fire from Gaza into Israel). The width of the buffer zone is 0. 5-1km along the eastern border and 1. 8-2km along the northern border, according to FAO. The buffer zone extends about 55km along the length of Strip from northwest of Beit Lahiya to southeast of Rafah, but the area is not clearly marked. more.. e-mail
OPT: Access to buffer zone key to agricultural recovery - FAO
IRIN - UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs 4/3/2009
GAZA CITY, 2 April 2009 (IRIN) - Gaza’s battered agricultural sector has the capacity to recover but only if there is access to the buffer zone, and only if Gaza’s commercial crossings are fully opened, according to a recent UN Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) report on Gaza. FAO says the area inside the buffer zone along the northern and eastern borders with Israel contains nearly a third of Gaza’s arable land, but it has been inaccessible to farmers, residents and UN agencies since 27 December 2008 (when Israel launched a 23-day assault on Gaza in retaliation for continued Hamas rocket-fire from Gaza into Israel). The width of the buffer zone is 0. 5-1km along the eastern border and 1. 8-2km along the northern border, according to FAO. The buffer zone extends about 55km along the length of Strip from northwest of Beit Lahiya to southeast of Rafah, but the area is not clearly marked. more.. e-mail
Report: Israel demolished 19,000 Palestinian homes since 1967
Ma’an News Agency 4/2/2009
Bethlehem - Ma’an - At least 19,000 Palestinian homes have been destroyed by Israel, Limes magazine, the Italian geopolitical review publication, reported on Tuesday. The bi-monthly periodical ran a several-page feature on the current upsurge in home demolitions ordered by the Israeli government. The article begins with a look into the Al-Kurd family, who were evicted from their Sheikh Jarrah home. The father of the family was critically ill at the time, and the article describes him as “abandoned at the door of his neighbors. ”The article explores the repercussions of the Israeli actions, and details the European reaction to what has increasingly been described violations against international law. The article quotes the Israeli Committee Against House Demolitions (ICHAD) when it reveals the number of homes demolished by Israel since 1967. more.. e-mail
Report: Israel demolished 19,000 Palestinian homes since 1967
Ma’an News Agency 4/2/2009
Bethlehem - Ma’an - At least 19,000 Palestinian homes have been destroyed by Israel, Limes magazine, the Italian geopolitical review publication, reported on Tuesday. The bi-monthly periodical ran a several-page feature on the current upsurge in home demolitions ordered by the Israeli government. The article begins with a look into the Al-Kurd family, who were evicted from their Sheikh Jarrah home. The father of the family was critically ill at the time, and the article describes him as “abandoned at the door of his neighbors. ”The article explores the repercussions of the Israeli actions, and details the European reaction to what has increasingly been described violations against international law. The article quotes the Israeli Committee Against House Demolitions (ICHAD) when it reveals the number of homes demolished by Israel since 1967. more.. e-mail
Report: Israel demolished 19,000 Palestinian homes since 1967
Ma’an News Agency 4/2/2009
Bethlehem - Ma’an - At least 19,000 Palestinian homes have been destroyed by Israel, Limes magazine, the Italian geopolitical review publication, reported on Tuesday. The bi-monthly periodical ran a several-page feature on the current upsurge in home demolitions ordered by the Israeli government. The article begins with a look into the Al-Kurd family, who were evicted from their Sheikh Jarrah home. The father of the family was critically ill at the time, and the article describes him as “abandoned at the door of his neighbors. ”The article explores the repercussions of the Israeli actions, and details the European reaction to what has increasingly been described violations against international law. The article quotes the Israeli Committee Against House Demolitions (ICHAD) when it reveals the number of homes demolished by Israel since 1967. more.. e-mail
Israel releases Hamas-affiliated PLC member
Ma’an News Agency 4/2/2009
Tulakarem – Ma’an – Israeli authorities released a Hamas-affiliated member of the Palestinian Legislative Council on Thursday after three and a half years behind bars. Fathi Al-Qar’awi was being held in the Negev dentition center. The Al-Qar’awi family said they are preparing to receive him in his house in Nur Shams refugee camp, east of the West Bank city of Tulkarem, where he is expected to arrive via Hebron. Al-Qar’awi won legislative elections while he was detained in an Israeli; he was arrested on 25 September 2005 and released only to be detained again in 2006. The arrest was viewed by many as a reprisal operation following the capture of Israeli soldier Gilad Shalit by Palestinian militants in the Gaza Strip during the summer of 2006. more.. e-mail
Israel releases Hamas-affiliated PLC member
Ma’an News Agency 4/2/2009
Tulakarem – Ma’an – Israeli authorities released a Hamas-affiliated member of the Palestinian Legislative Council on Thursday after three and a half years behind bars. Fathi Al-Qar’awi was being held in the Negev dentition center. The Al-Qar’awi family said they are preparing to receive him in his house in Nur Shams refugee camp, east of the West Bank city of Tulkarem, where he is expected to arrive via Hebron. Al-Qar’awi won legislative elections while he was detained in an Israeli; he was arrested on 25 September 2005 and released only to be detained again in 2006. The arrest was viewed by many as a reprisal operation following the capture of Israeli soldier Gilad Shalit by Palestinian militants in the Gaza Strip during the summer of 2006. more.. e-mail
Israel releases Hamas-affiliated PLC member
Ma’an News Agency 4/2/2009
Tulakarem – Ma’an – Israeli authorities released a Hamas-affiliated member of the Palestinian Legislative Council on Thursday after three and a half years behind bars. Fathi Al-Qar’awi was being held in the Negev dentition center. The Al-Qar’awi family said they are preparing to receive him in his house in Nur Shams refugee camp, east of the West Bank city of Tulkarem, where he is expected to arrive via Hebron. Al-Qar’awi won legislative elections while he was detained in an Israeli; he was arrested on 25 September 2005 and released only to be detained again in 2006. The arrest was viewed by many as a reprisal operation following the capture of Israeli soldier Gilad Shalit by Palestinian militants in the Gaza Strip during the summer of 2006. more.. e-mail
Released legislator: 'Abducting legislators is a crime Israel must be held accountable for'
Saed Bannoura, International Middle East Media Center 4/3/2009
Fathi Al Qar’awi, a Hamas legislator who was recently released from an Israeli prison, described the Israeli abduction of Palestinian legislators as a war crime, and added that legislators and all elected officials must be released. He said that all the detained legislators are closely following the internal talks being held under Egyptian mediation in Cairo, and that they all believe that unity and reconciliation is the only way to maintainPalestinian rights and steadfastness against the occupation. Qar’awi said that the detained legislators, and all detainees, regardless of their political affiliation are closely following the news on internal talks and that they support the talks and support unity between all factions. In an interview with the Palestinian Center for Defending the Detainees, Qar’awi said, shortly after he was released, that the detainees are appealing to the. . . more.. e-mail
Released legislator: 'Abducting legislators is a crime Israel must be held accountable for'
Saed Bannoura, International Middle East Media Center 4/3/2009
Fathi Al Qar’awi, a Hamas legislator who was recently released from an Israeli prison, described the Israeli abduction of Palestinian legislators as a war crime, and added that legislators and all elected officials must be released. He said that all the detained legislators are closely following the internal talks being held under Egyptian mediation in Cairo, and that they all believe that unity and reconciliation is the only way to maintainPalestinian rights and steadfastness against the occupation. Qar’awi said that the detained legislators, and all detainees, regardless of their political affiliation are closely following the news on internal talks and that they support the talks and support unity between all factions. In an interview with the Palestinian Center for Defending the Detainees, Qar’awi said, shortly after he was released, that the detainees are appealing to the. . . more.. e-mail
Released legislator: 'Abducting legislators is a crime Israel must be held accountable for'
Saed Bannoura, International Middle East Media Center 4/3/2009
Fathi Al Qar’awi, a Hamas legislator who was recently released from an Israeli prison, described the Israeli abduction of Palestinian legislators as a war crime, and added that legislators and all elected officials must be released. He said that all the detained legislators are closely following the internal talks being held under Egyptian mediation in Cairo, and that they all believe that unity and reconciliation is the only way to maintainPalestinian rights and steadfastness against the occupation. Qar’awi said that the detained legislators, and all detainees, regardless of their political affiliation are closely following the news on internal talks and that they support the talks and support unity between all factions. In an interview with the Palestinian Center for Defending the Detainees, Qar’awi said, shortly after he was released, that the detainees are appealing to the. . . more.. e-mail
Weekly Report On Israeli Human Rights Violations in the Occupied Palestinian Territory 26 March- 01 April 2009
Palestinian Centre for Human Rights 4/2/2009
Israeli Occupation Forces (IOF) Continue Systematic Attacks against Palestinian Civilians and Property in the Occupied Palestinian Territory (OPT): Total siege on the Gaza Strip continues -- *Two members of the Palestinian resistance were killed by IOF in the Gaza Strip. *A Palestinian woman died of injuries sustained during the recent IOF offensive on the Gaza Strip. *8 Palestinian civilians, a PCHR field worker, were injured by the IOF gunfire in the West Bank and the Gaza Strip. *IOF conducted 20 incursions into Palestinian communities in the West Bank and two into the Gaza Strip. *IOF arrested 27 Palestinian civilians, including 10 children and two women, in the West Bank. *IOF have continued to impose a total siege on the OPT and have isolated the Gaza Strip from the outside world. more.. e-mail
Weekly Report On Israeli Human Rights Violations in the Occupied Palestinian Territory 26 March- 01 April 2009
Palestinian Centre for Human Rights 4/2/2009
Israeli Occupation Forces (IOF) Continue Systematic Attacks against Palestinian Civilians and Property in the Occupied Palestinian Territory (OPT): Total siege on the Gaza Strip continues -- *Two members of the Palestinian resistance were killed by IOF in the Gaza Strip. *A Palestinian woman died of injuries sustained during the recent IOF offensive on the Gaza Strip. *8 Palestinian civilians, a PCHR field worker, were injured by the IOF gunfire in the West Bank and the Gaza Strip. *IOF conducted 20 incursions into Palestinian communities in the West Bank and two into the Gaza Strip. *IOF arrested 27 Palestinian civilians, including 10 children and two women, in the West Bank. *IOF have continued to impose a total siege on the OPT and have isolated the Gaza Strip from the outside world. more.. e-mail
Weekly Report On Israeli Human Rights Violations in the Occupied Palestinian Territory 26 March- 01 April 2009
Palestinian Centre for Human Rights 4/2/2009
Israeli Occupation Forces (IOF) Continue Systematic Attacks against Palestinian Civilians and Property in the Occupied Palestinian Territory (OPT): Total siege on the Gaza Strip continues -- *Two members of the Palestinian resistance were killed by IOF in the Gaza Strip. *A Palestinian woman died of injuries sustained during the recent IOF offensive on the Gaza Strip. *8 Palestinian civilians, a PCHR field worker, were injured by the IOF gunfire in the West Bank and the Gaza Strip. *IOF conducted 20 incursions into Palestinian communities in the West Bank and two into the Gaza Strip. *IOF arrested 27 Palestinian civilians, including 10 children and two women, in the West Bank. *IOF have continued to impose a total siege on the OPT and have isolated the Gaza Strip from the outside world. more.. e-mail
UN agency warns Palestinian staff
Al Jazeera 4/1/2009
The United Nations Relief and Works Agency (Unrwa) has warned Palestinian employees that they could be sacked if they become involved withpolitical factions in the Gaza Strip, reports say. Unrwa, which provides food aid, education, and health care for many of the 1. 4 million Gazans, is a major source of employment in the Palestinian territory. Unrwa apparently warned employees that advertising their political affiliations risked violating the impartiality commitment of the agency. The warning was made after the election of the agency’s trade union chairman ended on Monday, the Haaretz newspaper reported on Thursday. The union will be led by Fatah affiliates for the first time in 12 years, but Hamas is claiming its party members were the real winners, the newspaper said. more.. e-mail
Israel’s most moral army
Rachel Shabi, The Guardian 4/1/2009
You could all but hear the leftwing jaws thudding to the ground. Shortly after opening an investigation of war crimes in Gaza, the Israeli military police has just snapped it shut. Those soldiers who described unlawful practices in the Palestinian strip were just relaying "hearsay" and rumours, was the swift conclusion. And just as fast came the stunned reaction from those who wondered if the investigation was, well, just a bit too swift. Amos Harel of Ha’aretz newspaper pointed out that it took just 11 days, including two non-work days. Israeli human rights groups deemed it suspicious and called for an independent investigation. Others pointed out that the review focused only on the veracity of soldier testimonials – without examining copious evidence from other quarters. Now, some Israelis are questioning the purpose of the inquiry. "It doesn’t seem like they were trying to find out the truth, but more that it’s an attempt to silence the debate," says Yehuda Shaul of Breaking the Silence, a group of army veterans that collates the experiences of soldiers who serve in the occupied West Bank. The fact that the military police knew about those soldier testimonials but did not activate an inquiry until there was a public furore over them seems to back Shaul’s observation. more.. e-mail
Police brutality deepens Jaffa’s divide
Seth Freedman, The Guardian 3/30/2009
Jaffa, which borders the southern edge of Tel Aviv, is a mixed city in more ways than one. Ancient, crumbling buildings stand alongside once-proud but ill-maintained Bauhaus apartment blocks; springing up in their midst like flowers straining for sunlight are ultra-modern, glass-walled homes for Israel’s nouveau-riche. Designer boutiques make unlikely bedfellows with metal-beaters’ workshops in dusty, sun-bleached backstreets, and the weekend shoppers are a curious mix of cash-rich yuppie couples and down-at-heel families seeking cheap bargains in the teeming flea market. However, the starkest sign of Jaffa’s unique status is its combination of Jewish and Arab residents, who refuse to bow to the divisive mindset so prevalent in the rest of the country. While Jaffa is not without its problems on a macro scale, at a day-to-day level the locals make the best of the situation, coexisting in relative harmony. Fadi Shbita, director of Sadaka Reut, the Jaffa-based "Arab-Jewish Partnership", works tirelessly to foment mutual understanding between his teenage charges, and believes that only through such first-hand experiences will the next generation opt for a more tolerant approach to their fellow citizens. "We don’t advocate policies such as where to draw borders, and so on," he explains. "All we say is that both people have rights here, and that they need to be treated equally. " more.. e-mail
Sharp rise in number of reports of soldiers harming Palestinian civilians
Ha’aretz 4/1/2009
The number of Israel Defense Forces investigations into reports of soldiers harming Palestinian civilians in the West Bank has risen sharply in the last two years. The IDF’s Central Investigation Division investigated 47 cases in 2008 in which soldiers allegedly harmed Palestinian civilians in the West Bank. The number is almost double that of the previous year, when there were 26 investigations, and almost double again the number from 2006, when only 14 investigations were conducted. Left-wing rights group B’Tselem reported last week an increase in the number of violent incidents by soldiers toward Palestinians in the West Bank since the IDF offensive in the Gaza Strip in January. According to IDF statistics, 15 new investigations have been opened into incidents in the West Bank since the beginning of 2009. more.. e-mail
N.Y. to battle sexual abuse among ultra-Orthodox Jews
Ha’aretz 4/1/2009
A team of New York prosecutors, counselors and religious leaders will work to combat sexual abuse in Brooklyn’s ultra-Orthodox Jewish community. The centerpiece of the outreach program, which was announced Wednesday byDistrict Attorney Charles Hynes and leaders from community-based organizations that serve Jewish communities, is a hot line abuse victims can call and speak to a culturally sensitive social worker. The establishment of the team, which will focus on child sex abuse, comespartly in response to a discussion on State Assemblyman Dov Hikind’s radio show in the summer of 2008. The show prompted dozens of listeners to come forward with stories of children being molested. Hikind has said that as many as four people a day over a three-month period last year approached him with accounts of secrets often kept for decades. more.. e-mail
Report: '17 Palestinians, including three children, killed in March'
Saed Bannoura & Agencies, International Middle East Media Center 4/1/2009
The International Solidarity For Human Rights reported that Israeli soldiers killed 17 Palestinians, including three children and one woman, in March, and kidnapped more than 280 residents. The society said that 14 Palestinians were killed in March in the Gaza Strip, including a number of residents who died during the Israeli offensive against the Gaza Strip. Some of the slain residents were killed in extrajudicial assassinations carried out by the army. Three more residents were killed during Israeli military attacks in the Gaza Strip. Also, soldiers kidnapped 280 Palestinians in March, including a number of ministers and legislators, in addition political leaders of different factions. The army also kidnapped dozens of children and a number of women. The International Solidarity For Human Rights slammed the ongoing Israeli attacks and violations against the Palestinian. . . more.. e-mail
Israel reopens three Gaza crossings
Rami Almeghari&Agencies, International Middle East Media Center 4/1/2009
Israel reopened Wednesday three Gaza crossings, allowing some shipments of goods and humanitarian assistance into the besieged territory, Palestinian officials declared. Raed Fattouh, chief of the coordination committee for goods entry at the Palestinian side of the borders confirmed that three crossings, including the Karem Abu Saelm, the Karni and the Nahal Auz fuel terminal , were reopened partially this morning. The official said that 68 trucks, loaded with goods for the private sector, 34 other for the UNRWA and 13 others for the agricultural sector, are expected to enter via these crossings. Israel, since enforcing a blockade on the coastal region in June 2007, has used to reopening some of the crossings on an irregular basis. The blockade on Gaza has created a great deal of suffering to the Gaza’s 1. 5 million residents, especially patients who are in need for medical treatment abroad. more.. e-mail
Report: Israeli takeover of East Jerusalem '˜illegal’
Saed Bannoura, International Middle East Media Center 4/2/2009
According to a confidential report from the European Union, dated March 7th and recently leaked to the media. The report accuses Israel of "using settlement expansion, house demolitions, discriminatory housing policies and the West Bank (Separation) barrier as a way of ’actively pursuing the illegal annexation’ of East Jerusalem. " Recently, Israeli officials announced plans to demolish over 2,000 Palestinian homes in East Jerusalem, an announcement that was met with anger and outrage from the Palestinian residents, many of whom have lived in East Jerusalem for hundreds of generations. The new report recognizes the acceleration of expansion recently, and the plans of the newly-implemented Israeli government to accelerate the destruction of whole neighborhoods of Palestinian homes even more. The new Jerusalem mayor has announced plans to destroy huge swaths of Palestinian homes and replace them with a Disney-like biblical theme park for tourists. more.. e-mail
OPT: Gaza orphans in the spotlight
IRIN - UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs 4/2/2009
GAZA CITY, 1 April 2009 (IRIN) - An estimated 1,346 children were left without one or more of their parents as a result of the recent 23-day Israeli assault on Gaza, according toIslamic Relief in GazaAn orphan is defined by Islamic Relief as a child under 18 who has lost the parent considered the head of the household, most often the father, according to a child welfare programme manager for Islamic Relief Mahmoud in Gaza, Abudraz. The official UNICEF definition of an orphan is a child who has lost one or both parents. There are currently about 5,200 orphans under Islamic Relief’s definition in Gaza. "There has been a dramatic increase in [the number of] requests for sponsorship [of such children] in Gaza," Abudraz said. Over 500 such requests have been made recently and Islamic Relief has responded positively to 200 of them. more.. e-mail
Gaza crossings open for minimum aid deliveries
Ma’an News Agency 4/1/2009
Gaza – Ma’an – Israel decided to partially open three crossing points to allow humanitarian aid into the Gaza Strip on Wednesday, according to Gaza crossings official Raed Fattuh. Fattuh said that 115 truckloads entered Gaza through the Kerem Shalom crossing in the southern Gaza Strip, 34 of them for UNRWA, the UN Palestinian refugee agency, and other international organizations. Another 68 trucks entered loaded with dairy products, frozen meat, grain, sugar, rice, spaghetti, cooking oil, diapers, toilet paper, and blankets for the private sector. Thirteen trucks went to the agricultural private sector loaded with fruit and carrots. Fattuh also said that the he learned from the Israelis that 45 truckloads of wheat and grain would pass through the Karni crossing, and that the Nahal Oz crossing will also be open for fuel deliveries. more.. e-mail
US civil rights group challenges tax-exempt status of pro-settler organizations
Ma’an News Agency 4/1/2009
Bethlehem – Ma’an – A US civil rights group has filed several official complaints challenging the tax-exempt status of groups raising funds for the development of illegal Israeli settlements in the West Bank. The American-Arab Anti-Discrimination Committee (ADC) filed the complaints on 27 March with the US Department of the Treasury, including the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) calling for investigations into the activities of several organizations. Among other allegations, the ADC is alleging that these groups are using funds in violation of their stated purpose “and to support illegal and terrorist activities abroad,” according to an ADC statement. “The construction of settlements in occupied territory is illegal under international humanitarian law. The use of tax-exempt status to raise funds for these types of activities is also illegal under US law,” the ADC said. more.. e-mail
Fatah leader in Beita village sentenced to 19 years in Israeli prison
Ma’an News Agency 4/1/2009
Nablus – Ma’an – Israel’s military court at Salem sentenced 35-year-old Abd Ar-Rahim Barham to 19 years in prison. Barham, from Beita village south Nablus, is a Fatah leader in the area. His family would not comment on the nature of the charges against him, but noted that he was “essentially being imprisoned for being a member of Fatah. ”Barham was detained when Israeli troops raided his house in the 2006, he has been held in administrative detention for 32 months. [end]
Israeli prison dentist blinds Palestinian; family calls for his release
Ma’an News Agency 4/1/2009
Jenin - Ma’an - The family of 29-year-old Mohamad Tawfiq Ghawadreh, who lost his sight after being infected with an un-sanitized needle while in an Israeli prison, is concerned about Mohammed’s deteriorating condition and is calling for Abbas to intervene. Mohammed was suffering from tooth aches and oral-abscesses and was treated by a prison dentist, who injected him with an infected syringe. The virus he was infected with travelled to his eyes and left him blind in the left eye. There is currently a concern that the infection will travel to his right eye as well, leaving him totally blind. The family noted that prison officials noticed his degrading condition and transferred him to the Ar-Ramleh Hospital but his health has not improved. The family has been prevented from visiting Mohammed since he was removed to hospital. more.. e-mail
Siege gets harsher as crossings closed
Sameh Akram Habeeb, The Palestine Telegraph 4/1/2009
Siege gets harsher as crossings closed Wednesday, 01 April 2009 12:32 Sameh Akram Habeeb Gaza, April 1, 2009 (Pal Telegraph) - Israeli authorities reopened Kerem Shalom, Nahel Oz , and Al Muntar commerical crossing points on Wednesday. The crossings expected to operate on low capacity that will never bridge the gap of the needs of 1. 5 million peoples. 115 trucks of humanitarian aids and commodities planned to get in. for almost 3 years, Israeli army blockaded crossings allowing only partial operations of low capacity. Last week Israeli authorities opened 2 crossings briefly. Raed Fattuh, head of the Gazan committee for entry of goods, said that, " Israel opened crossing points to let 115 truckloads cross into the Gaza Strip through Kerem Shalom, 49 of which are humanitarian aid for UN and international agencies and about 66 trucks for the Gazan private sector, including. . . more.. e-mail
Occupation killed 17 Palestinians in the last month
Sameh Akram Habeeb, The Palestine Telegraph 4/1/2009
Occupation killed 17 Palestinians in the last month Wednesday, 01 April 2009 14:21 Sameh Akram Habeeb Gaza, April 1, 2009 (Pal Telegraph) - International solidarity for human rightssaid that 17 Palestinians including three children and a woman were killed by the occupation; in addition to 280 citizens arrested during the last month. In a press releases dispatched to the Palestine Telegraph today 1/4/2009, the institution stated the Israeli occupation forces continue repressive policies against Palestinians through killing, arrests and incursions within the occupied Palestinian territories. "Some of them died as result from their injuries incurred during the recent Israeli aggression on Gaza. Others were killed in targeted assassinations carried out by the Israeli occupation against the Palestinian resistance. more.. e-mail
UNRWA’s Gaza head tells employees to avoid politics
Associated Press, YNetNews 4/1/2009
UN agency’s director threatens to fire employees involved with Palestinian factions - The Gaza head of the UN Agency that aids Palestinian refugees said he will fire employees recently elected to lead its labor union if he finds they are involved with Palestinian political factions. In a letter to his 10,000 staff, John Ging, the Gaza head of operations for the UN Relief and Works Agency, UNRWA, said employees must not "be under the influence of any political party in the conduct of their work. "The letter, dated March 29, was obtained by Theon Wednesday. His announcement came after rival Palestinian factions Fatah and Hamas boasted of victories in union elections held over the past two weeks. Although no party affiliations appeared on ballots, the candidates campaigned as part of lists with known links to the two movements. more.. e-mail
Abbas aide: Lieberman an obstacle to peace
Ali Waked and AFP, YNetNews 4/1/2009
Palestinian official slams ’racist’ Lieberman, says PA not obligated to hold peace talks with Israel’s new foreign minister; meanwhile, Foreign Ministry official slams Lieberman’s induction speech, says it undermined efforts to present him as pragmatist - Palestinians hit back:Incoming Israeli Foreign Minister Avigdor Lieberman is a racist who will hinder regional peace efforts, an aide to Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas said Wednesday evening. Yasser Abed Rabbo said Lieberman constituted "an obstacle to peace" and that he would "harm Israel first of all. ""We are not obligated to hold talks with a racist hostile to peace like Lieberman," Abbas’ aide said. In his induction speech earlier in the day, Minister Lieberman said that concessions or words won’t bring peace, adding that the incoming government was not bound by understandings reached in the Annapolis conference. more.. e-mail
EconomyFischer says to keep expansionary policies
Reuters, YNetNews 4/2/2009
Bank of Israel governor tells The Wall Street Journal he’s awaiting program from Netanyahu’s new government, adds ’’we’re not going to take off rapidly until the rest of world’s economy starts making comeback’ -Bank of Israel Governor Stanley Fischer plans to continue expansionary monetary policies for the time being and is awaiting a program from Benjamin Netanyahu’s new government to stimulate the economy, he said in an interview published on Wednesday. Netanyahu, whotook over as Israel’s prime minister on Wednesday, has promised measures such as tax cuts to boost the economy, which the central bank believes is in a recession. ’We’re doing very expansionary things now, and we’re going to have to be prepared to undo them when the economy starts recovering,’ Fischer said in an interview with The Wall Street Journal. more.. e-mail
Fischer says to keep expansionary policies
Reuters, YNetNews 4/2/2009
Bank of Israel governor tells The Wall Street Journal he’s awaiting program from Netanyahu’s new government, adds ’’we’re not going to take off rapidly until the rest of world’s economy starts making comeback’ -Bank of Israel Governor Stanley Fischer plans to continue expansionary monetary policies for the time being and is awaiting a program from Benjamin Netanyahu’s new government to stimulate the economy, he said in an interview published on Wednesday. Netanyahu, whotook over as Israel’s prime minister on Wednesday, has promised measures such as tax cuts to boost the economy, which the central bank believes is in a recession. ’We’re doing very expansionary things now, and we’re going to have to be prepared to undo them when the economy starts recovering,’ Fischer said in an interview with The Wall Street Journal. more.. e-mail
Fischer says to keep expansionary policies
Reuters, YNetNews 4/2/2009
Bank of Israel governor tells The Wall Street Journal he’s awaiting program from Netanyahu’s new government, adds ’’we’re not going to take off rapidly until the rest of world’s economy starts making comeback’ -Bank of Israel Governor Stanley Fischer plans to continue expansionary monetary policies for the time being and is awaiting a program from Benjamin Netanyahu’s new government to stimulate the economy, he said in an interview published on Wednesday. Netanyahu, whotook over as Israel’s prime minister on Wednesday, has promised measures such as tax cuts to boost the economy, which the central bank believes is in a recession. ’We’re doing very expansionary things now, and we’re going to have to be prepared to undo them when the economy starts recovering,’ Fischer said in an interview with The Wall Street Journal. more.. e-mail
People
Month in pictures: March 2009
Photostory, Electronic Intifada 4/1/2009
The below photographs are a selection of images from the month of March 2009. "The month in pictures" is an ongoing feature by The Electronic Intifada. [end]
Month in pictures: March 2009
Photostory, Electronic Intifada 4/1/2009
The below photographs are a selection of images from the month of March 2009. "The month in pictures" is an ongoing feature by The Electronic Intifada. [end]
Month in pictures: March 2009
Photostory, Electronic Intifada 4/1/2009
The below photographs are a selection of images from the month of March 2009. "The month in pictures" is an ongoing feature by The Electronic Intifada. [end]
Gaza woman gives birth to quadruplets
Ma’an News Agency 4/2/2009
Gaza – Ma’an – A 24-year-old Palestinian woman from Gaza, Muna Ahmad Juda, gave birth to quadruplets at a local hospital on Thursday. Juda, who is from Rafah, gave birth to three boys and one girl. Juda’s husband, Muhammad Subhi expressed “overwhelming happiness” at the birth. The couple already have a two-year-old daughter. [end]
Gaza woman gives birth to quadruplets
Ma’an News Agency 4/2/2009
Gaza – Ma’an – A 24-year-old Palestinian woman from Gaza, Muna Ahmad Juda, gave birth to quadruplets at a local hospital on Thursday. Juda, who is from Rafah, gave birth to three boys and one girl. Juda’s husband, Muhammad Subhi expressed “overwhelming happiness” at the birth. The couple already have a two-year-old daughter. [end]
Gaza woman gives birth to quadruplets
Ma’an News Agency 4/2/2009
Gaza – Ma’an – A 24-year-old Palestinian woman from Gaza, Muna Ahmad Juda, gave birth to quadruplets at a local hospital on Thursday. Juda, who is from Rafah, gave birth to three boys and one girl. Juda’s husband, Muhammad Subhi expressed “overwhelming happiness” at the birth. The couple already have a two-year-old daughter. [end]
InternationalEgyptian villagers torch Bahai houses after TV remark
Agence France Presse - AFP, Daily Star 4/3/2009
CAIRO: Egyptian villagers have set fire to Bahai homes after a member of the religion said on television the village was "full of Bahais," the latest incident to reflect religious tensions in Egypt. Furious villagers rampaged through Sharoniyah, near Sohag in southern Egypt, on Monday and Tuesday, setting fire to and damaging four Bahai homes, a security official told AFP, asking not to be identified. The fires spread to two Muslim homes which were also damaged, the official said. The villagers also threatened the village’s roughly 30 Bahais with death, the official said, after which all of them fled. Police have detained six people in relation to the attacks and are questioning them, and additional police have been deployed in the area. The arson attacks were the culmination of unrest that began with stone throwing immediately after a Bahai named Ahmad called a television. . . more.. e-mail
Egyptian villagers torch Bahai houses after TV remark
Agence France Presse - AFP, Daily Star 4/3/2009
CAIRO: Egyptian villagers have set fire to Bahai homes after a member of the religion said on television the village was "full of Bahais," the latest incident to reflect religious tensions in Egypt. Furious villagers rampaged through Sharoniyah, near Sohag in southern Egypt, on Monday and Tuesday, setting fire to and damaging four Bahai homes, a security official told AFP, asking not to be identified. The fires spread to two Muslim homes which were also damaged, the official said. The villagers also threatened the village’s roughly 30 Bahais with death, the official said, after which all of them fled. Police have detained six people in relation to the attacks and are questioning them, and additional police have been deployed in the area. The arson attacks were the culmination of unrest that began with stone throwing immediately after a Bahai named Ahmad called a television. . . more.. e-mail
Egyptian villagers torch Bahai houses after TV remark
Agence France Presse - AFP, Daily Star 4/3/2009
CAIRO: Egyptian villagers have set fire to Bahai homes after a member of the religion said on television the village was "full of Bahais," the latest incident to reflect religious tensions in Egypt. Furious villagers rampaged through Sharoniyah, near Sohag in southern Egypt, on Monday and Tuesday, setting fire to and damaging four Bahai homes, a security official told AFP, asking not to be identified. The fires spread to two Muslim homes which were also damaged, the official said. The villagers also threatened the village’s roughly 30 Bahais with death, the official said, after which all of them fled. Police have detained six people in relation to the attacks and are questioning them, and additional police have been deployed in the area. The arson attacks were the culmination of unrest that began with stone throwing immediately after a Bahai named Ahmad called a television. . . more.. e-mail
Scores of demonstrators break into Bank of England on eve of summit
Agence France Presse - AFP, Daily Star 4/2/2009
LONDON: Angry protesters smashed through police lines and broke into a bank in London’s financial district Wednesday, amid ugly scenes on the eve of a major economic summit. Riot police on horseback were deployed to push back demonstrators who attacked a branch of the state-controlled lender Royal Bank of Scotland in central London. Thousands of angry anti-capitalist demonstrators, meanwhile, surrounded the Bank of England in the British capital’s financial district, while anti-war activists protested outside the US Embassy in west London. Riot police could be seen inside the RBS branch, trying to prevent demonstrators from entering the building, as other protesters threw missiles including bottles, cans and shoes at police outside. "Scum" and "Beat inflation - eat the rich," were sprayed in graffiti outside of the branch, which was closed for the day. more.. e-mail
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