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Vermonters for a Just Peace in Palestine/Israel News Archives - June 2007 Select News by subject: Conflict Diplomacy Government Human Rights Economy People International |
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Palestinian killed in Balata refugee camp John Smith - IMEMC News, International Middle East Media Center 6/29/2007 Following Thursday’s invasion of Nablus, the Israeli army on Friday killed a member of the al-Aqsa brigades in Balata refugee camp. Israeli military vehicles backed by monstrous bulldozers stormed the West Bank city of Nablus from all sides and took over the city center, the old city outskirts and several neighborhoods in the area in the early hours of Thursday morning. Palestinian security sources stated that the invasion was carried out by at least 100 military vehicles and jeeps, and that the soldiers fired rounds of live ammunition in many directions. Eyewitnesses said that Israeli troops seized several buildings and used them to surround local hospitals. Shops in the area were also ransacked, and local radio stations were taken over and used to broadcast military orders. more.. Fatah armed men escape an Israeli ambush in northern Gaza Ma’an News Agency 6/29/2007 Gaza - Ma’an - Some members of the Buraq Army, which is affiliated to Fatah, and others from the National Resistance Brigades, the military wing of the Democratic Front for the Liberation of Palestine (DFLP), managed to escape death on Friday when a unit of Israeli special forces ambushed them northwest of Beit Lahiya in the northern Gaza Strip. In a joint statement, the brigades said that they escaped and assured that they would continue their "resistance against the Israel occupation crimes." Meanwhile, members of the Ayman Joudeh Brigades, who are part of the Al Aqsa Brigades, Fatah’s main military wing, announced that they had fired two projectiles at an Israeli military base at Erez crossing, located between the northern Gaza Strip and Israel, and at the Israeli southern town of Sderot, on Thursday evening. more.. Israeli forces arrest three ’wanted’ Palestinians in West Bank raids Ma’an News Agency 6/29/2007 Bethlehem - Ma’an - The Israeli forces arrested three allegedly ’wanted’ Palestinians from various areas in the occupied West Bank at dawn on Friday. Israeli sources said that the Israeli army arrested three ’wanted’ men, adding that they came under fire in Nablus city. No injuries were reported by Israeli sources. However, one member of the Fatah-affiliated Al Aqsa Brigades was killed by Israeli forces during their ongoing incursion in Nablus on Friday. [end] Al-Aqsa Brigades claim responsibility for a trap set for Israeli troops in Nablus Ma’an News Agency 6/29/2007 Nablus - Ma’an - The Ayman Joudeh Brigades, an armed group that is part of the Al Aqsa Brigades, the main military wing of Fatah, have claimed responsibility for setting a trap for an Israeli vehicle and fighting with the soldiers in it, during the ongoing Israeli military invasion of Nablus, in the north of the occupied West Bank. The Ayman Joudeh Brigades said that one Israeli soldier suffered dangerous injuries in this operation, which took place close to Ein Beit Al Ma refugee camp in Nablus. In a statement received by Ma’an, the brigades said that this operation was in response to the continuous Israeli crimes and arrests the Palestinian inhabitants and leaders face in Gaza and the West Bank. [end] PRC-affiliated brigades fire at Israeli soldier in northern Gaza Strip Ma’an News Agency 6/29/2007 Gaza - Ma’an - The An Nasser Salah Addin Brigades, the armed wing of the Popular Resistance Committees, claimed responsibility on Friday afternoon for shooting at an Israeli soldier near the monument east of Beit Hanoun in the northern Gaza Strip. In a statement received by Ma’an, the brigades said that the soldier was shot directly, and the entire operation was caught on camera. The brigades affirmed that the operation was in retaliation for Israel’s continuous targeted killing of Palestinians. [end] Israel ends two-day West Bank raid Middle East Online 6/29/2007 NABLUS, West Bank - Israeli troops on Friday shot dead a Palestinian man as the army wrapped up an extensive two-day operation in the flashpoint West Bank town of Nablus, security sources said. Taxi driver Haysam Saleh, 28, was shot dead after he jumped out of his vehicle when troops pulled it over for inspection in the centre of the northern town, Palestinian security sources said. An army spokesman said troops opened fire and identified hitting a gunman who got out of the taxi. The army said he belonged to the Al-Aqsa Martyrs’ Brigades militant group linked to president Mahmud Abbas’s Fatah party. The spokesman denied troops fired on the taxi driver. Dozens of Israeli troops and armoured jeeps withdrew from the Old City in the heart of historic Nablus, ending a two-day operation in which five soldiers... more.. Roundup: Israel ends Nablus raid, Abbas sacks security chief Deutsche Presse Agentur - DPA, ReliefWeb 6/29/2007 Israeli soldiers withdrew from Nablus Friday, ending a two-day raid in the northern West Bank city during which they arrested nine "wanted" militants and confiscated weapons, explosives and ammunition in house-to-house searches, the military said. The soldiers earlier Friday shot dead an unarmed, 25-year-old taxi driver who failed to heed orders to stop in the northern West Bank city, hospital officials said. An Israeli military spokesman confirmed the taxi driver was unarmed, but said he was transporting two armed militants and that the soldiers were directing their fire at them. He said the soldiers shot one of the armed men when he got out the taxi, and not the driver, who he said sped away with the second militant. Four Israeli soldiers had been injured, two of them seriously, in clashes with local militants Thursday. more.. News in Brief Ha’aretz 6/28/2007 ... Settlers c’tees to work on expanding Efrat -- Settlers from Kiryat Arba, Efrat and Gush Etzion have set up action committees to organize the establishment of a new settlement on Eitam Hill, close to Efrat. The construction at the site is part of the overall expansion plan for Efrat. The organizers of the effort accused the government of trying to "dry up the settlement enterprise in Judea and Samaria." They also maintain that this is the opening shot of a much broader drive for setting up new settlements. (Nadav Shragai) more.. Five IDF soldiers injured in operation in Nablus, two of them seriously Yuval Azoulay, Ha’aretz 6/28/2007 Two Israel Defense Forces officers were seriously injured yesterday during an operation for the arrest of Palestinian militants in the Nablus casbah. Three other soldiers suffered lesser injuries. The operation involved forces from the Paratrooper and the Nahal Brigade. It lasted all day yesterday and continued into the night. At least 10 Palestinian militants affiliated with Fatah were arrested. Among those arrested are fugitives the security services have identified as senior figures in militant organizations, military sources said. Very early Wednesday morning large infantry units entered Nablus from four directions and carried out a raid in the center of the city. About 30 minutes after the forces entered Nablus, they encountered serious resistance from armed Palestinians. more.. Shots fired at home of Hebron intelligence chief, allegedly related to sale of land to settlers Ma’an News Agency 6/28/2007 Hebron - Ma’an - The house of the Palestinian intelligence chief in the West Bank city of Hebron, Ihsan An Nazir, was shot at on Wednesday night. An Nazir told our Hebron reporter that unidentified armed men shot at his house with automatic machine guns while travelling in a car. He believes that the shooting was connected to the recent arrest of a man suspected of selling his house to Israeli settlers in the city. He added that his guards retaliated to the gunfire but no casualties were reported on either side. ’’We know the attackers and we will bring them to justice," he pledged. On 19 March, dozens of Israeli settlers burst into a building in Hebron claiming that they had bought it from its owners. Hebron is known for having the most extremist settlers in the occupied Palestinian West Bank and has... more.. Al Qassam Brigades launch four mortars at Erez crossing Ma’an News Agency 6/28/2007 Gaza - Ma’an The Hamas-affiliated Al Qassam Brigades have announced that they have launched four mortar projectiles at the Israeli military presence at the Erez crossing between the Gaza Strip and Israel on Thursday. In a statement issued by the brigades, they stated that "this is in retaliation for the Israeli aggressions against Palestinian people in the occupied territories." [end] Israeli forces kill Al-Aqsa member in ongoing Nablus incursion Ma’an News Agency 6/29/2007 Nablus - Ma’an - A member of the Fatah-affiliated Al Aqsa Brigades was killed by Israeli soldiers early on Friday in Nablus city, in the northern West Bank. Medical sources said that Haitham Salih, 28, was found dead in the Ad Dahiya area of Nablus after the Israeli forces contacted the Palestinian Red Crescent Society, informing them that they had killed a man there. The source added that they found the man killed by four bullet wounds in his body; he was transported to Nablus hospital. Eyewitnesses from Balata refugee camp said that Salih was travelling in a taxi and the taxi driver refused to stop when he was ordered to do so by the Israeli soldiers. Salih then managed to jump from the taxi but the soldiers shot him and killed him instantly. more.. Large Israeli operation in West Bank Middle East Online 6/28/2007 Five Israeli soldiers wounded in incursion into Nablus, prompting fierce response from Palestinian fighters. -- NABLUS, West Bank - Israeli troops poured into the West Bank town of Nablus on Thursday, sparking clashes and makeshift bomb attacks that left five soldiers wounded, security sources said. Around 80 army jeeps rolled into the Old City in the heart of historic Nablus, opening fire at random, conducting house-to-house searches and blowing open front doors, according to Palestinian witnesses. The Israeli military said an officer and a soldier were severely wounded, and two others lightly hurt, when Palestinians blew up a makeshift bomb while troops were operating in Nablus, which began overnight. "Another IDF officer was moderately wounded when Palestinians activated an explosive device in a separate incident overnight," it added. more.. IOF troops raid Gaza suburbs after Olmert-Abbas meeting; fierce clashes reported Palestinian Information Center 6/28/2007 GAZA, (PIC)-- Number of Palestinian martyrs rose to 11, and wounded Palestinian citizens reached 50 in an intensive and concentrated IOF bombarding of areas east and south of Gaza Strip Wednesday. The martyrs included a number of Palestinian resistance fighters from the Qassam Brigades of Hamas, the Quds Brigades of the Islamic Jihad, the Nasser Salahuddin of the PRC, and the AMB of Fatah faction. IOF tanks and special units attempted to infiltrate into Shujaia suburb, east of Gaza city, and Khuzaa town, south of the Strip, but Palestinian resistance fighters blocked the invading troops and inflicted casualties in their lines. Palestinian resistance sources revealed to the PIC that a group of PRC fighters were surrounding an IOF special unit trapped in a Palestinian home in Khuzaa town amidst reports of fierce armed clashes... more.. Eight IOF soldiers, including officer, wounded in Nablus incursion Palestinian Information Center 6/28/2007 NABLUS, (PIC)-- A high-ranking IOF officer was seriously wounded in an IOF incursion into the West Bank city of Nablus when Palestinian resistance fighters detonated four planted roadside bombs in their military vehicles at dawn Thursday, Hebrew sources affirmed. Seven other IOF servicemen were also wounded in the explosion as Israeli medical sources described wounds of four of them as serious. More than 60 IOF armored vehicles pushed into the city from all directions shortly after midnight Wednesday and placed the entire city under curfew. Tens of ambulance workers were seized by the intruding forces and prevented from extending help to Palestinian civilians injured in the incursion. The curfew was declared in the city till further notice as IOF troops alleged they were searching for wanted resistance activists. more.. Massive Israeli forces invade Nablus City, 30 kidnapped, 8 soldiers wounded Amin Abu Wardeh - IMEMC News, International Middle East Media Center 6/28/2007 Israeli military vehicles backed by monstrous bulldozers stormed the West Bank city of Nablus from all sides and took over the city center, the old city outskirts and several neighborhoods in the area in the early hours of Thursday morning. Troops supported by dozens of armored vehicles invaded the city and the Balata refugee camp. Palestinian security sources stated that the invasion was carried out by at least 100 military vehicles and jeeps, and that the soldiers fired rounds of live ammunition in several directions. Eyewitnesses said that Israeli troops seized several buildings to surround local hospitals. They also ransacked the shops in the area, causing great damages, and took over several local radio stations to broadcast military orders. more.. Israeli army invades Al Muthalith village south of Jenin city Ghassan Bannoura - IMEMC News & Agencies, International Middle East Media Center 6/28/2007 Israeli forces stormed the village of Muthalith, located south of Jenin city in the northern part of the West Bank, and searched homes on Thursday morning. Witnesses reported that soldiers surrounded several homes, searching and ransacking them after forcing the families out. Israeli army left the village after some time without kidnapping any civilians. [end] Three civilians kidnapped as army invades Bethlehem city Ghassan Bannoura - IMEMC News, International Middle East Media Center 6/28/2007 The Israeli army invaded several parts of Bethlehem city, located in the southern part of the West Bank, and kidnapped three civilians on Thursday morning. Palestinian sources reported that troops surrounded and searched the house of Abd Al Nasser Salhab. Salhab then was kidnapped by the invading troops and taken to an unknown detention camp. In Deheisha refugee camp in the southern part of Bethlehem, soldiers attacked the house of Yousif Al Mughrabi, 24, and abducted him. [end] Israeli campaign to capture Islamic Jihad activists rages around Ramallah Ameen Abu Warda - IMEMC & Agencies, International Middle East Media Center 6/28/2007 Israeli military forces have launched a campaign for the abduction of Islamic Jihad activists in the West Bank, according to the Palestinian Islamic Jihad movement. The campaign has already claimed about 12 members of the organization, including the representative of National and Islamic forces Sheikh Sae’ed Nakhlah. In the early hours of Wednesday morning a large unit of the Israeli army attacked several areas in the city of Ramallah in central West Bank, kidnapping a number of Islamic Jihad members and leaders who had already spent long years in the Israeli detentions, reported the media office of the Islamic Jihad. Israeli army abducted Mazen Al Mougrabi,36, who is an Islamic Jihad activist, surrounding his Ramallah home with at least 30 military vehicles. more.. Israeli Forces Invade Nablus, the Gaza Strip MIFTAH, MIFTAH 6/28/2007 Israeli occupation soldiers continued military incursions into Palestinian territories, for the second day in a row, causing considerable damage and claiming several lives. In the Gaza Strip yesterday, 14 Palestinians were killed in Gaza Strip, including two children and over 50 injured in Gaza City and Khan Younis during an Israeli army raid on the two areas. Five of those killed were members of the Quds Brigades, the military wing of the Islamic Jihad. Four were killed along with 9-year-old Izzedin Jundiya when an Israeli tank shot a shell directly at the group. The fifth, Raed Fanouna was killed when his car was targeted by an Israeli helicopter missile. Islamic Jihad sources in Gaza are accusing Israel of rigging Fanounas car with tracking devices and cameras, calling his death an assassination. more.. Quds Brigades: Assassinating Fanouna in booby-trapped car explosion Palestinian Information Center 6/28/2007 GAZA, (PIC)-- The Quds Brigades, the armed wing of the Islamic Jihad Movement, has disclosed that all evidences proved that a booby-trapped car was used in the assassination of its field commander Ra’ed Fanouna, 32, on Wednesday in Gaza. Abu Ahmed, a spokesman for the armed wing, explained in a press statement that a thorough check of the blasted car was made where a number of cameras were found along with other equipment that makes contact with drones. Fanouna was one of the Quds Brigades founders and one of the main experts in manufacturing explosives, the spokesman revealed. He said that contacts would be made with concerned security authorities to determine whether agents to Israel were involved in the assassination. Fanouna, a brother of a martyr, was killed and two pedestrians wounded... more.. IOF troops demolish Palestinian home, start fires in Palestinian lands Palestinian Information Center 6/28/2007 OCCUPIED JERUSALEM, (PIC)-- Israeli bulldozers on Tuesday flattened the home of a Palestinian old man in Ras Al-Amod suburb in occupied Jerusalem at the usual pretext of lack of construction permit. Local sources said that the bulldozers knocked down the 100-square-meter home of Othman Al-Yassini, 61, before his very eyes. They added that the house, which was built last year, was inhabited by four individuals who are now rendered homeless. Israeli occupation police sealed off the entire area and prevented citizens from approaching the demolition site. Palestinian Jerusalemites are more often than not denied construction permits in their own city while Jewish settlers arriving from various world areas are allowed to build at liberty. In Al-Khalil, IOF troops escorting Jewish settlers set fire to Palestinian cultivated lands in Yatta village south of Al-Khalil. more.. Palestine Today 062807 Ghassan Bannoura - IMEMC - Audio Dept, International Middle East Media Center 6/28/2007 Click on Link to download or play MP3 file -- || File 3. 29 MB|| Time 3m35s|| -- Welcome to Palestine Today, a service of the International Middle East Media Centre, www. imemc. org, for Thursday June 28th, 2007. Army attacks West Bank cites and towns and kidnaps 46 Palestinians, and during an ongoing military offensive in Nablus eight Israeli soldiers are injured, these stories and more coming up stay tuned. The News Cast - Israeli military vehicles backed by monstrous bulldozers stormed the West Bank city of Nablus from all sides and took over the city center, the old city outskirts and several neighborhoods in the area in the early hours of Thursday morning. Palestinian security sources stated that the invasion was carried out by at least 100 military vehicles and jeeps, and that the soldiers fired rounds of live ammunition in several directions. more.. IDF exposes bomb lab in Nablus Efrat Weiss, YNetNews 6/29/2007 Five soldiers wounded in second day of large-scale operation against terror infrastructure in West Bank city. Troops arrest eight terror suspects, confiscate weapons and bombs, shut down explosives laboratory -- A number of IDF troops were wounded during an operation in Nablus Thursday which exposed a large explosives laboratory. Three prepared explosive devices, each weighing roughly five kilograms, were found in the laboratory, along with numerous weapons, magazines and materials used to manufacture bombs. Israeli army forces entered Nablus Wednesday to operate against terrorist infrastructure and locate illegal weapons caches. The large-scale operation was launched after intelligence information indicated that terrorists in the city were planning a number of attacks in Israeli territory. more.. Israeli forces kill at least 11 Palestinians in Gaza incursion Report, PCHR, 27 June 2007, Electronic Intifada 6/27/2007 In the early morning hours of Wednesday, 27 June 2007, IOF conducted two incursions into the town of Khuza’a to the east of Khan Yunis and into Sheja’eya Quarter in the eastern part of Gaza City. Up to the publication of this report, these incursions resulted in the death of 11 Palestinians. Among those killed are six civilians, including two children and two brothers. In addition, 50 Palestinians, mostly civilians, have been injured. In the afternoon, IOF withdrew from Sheja’eya, leaving behind considerable destruction. The incursion into Khuza’a continued at the time of publication. In light of this escalation and the persistence of IOF military operations, PCHR is concerned over the falling of additional civilian victims. It is noted that this escalation coincides with the continued hermetic closure of the Gaza... more.. Israeli army terrorize Balata refugee camp for seven hours Ameen Abu Warda, International Middle East Media Center 6/27/2007 Israeli military vehicles stormed Balata refugee camp near Nablus on Tuesday night, opened random fire and terrorized hundreds of residents who were out in the streets and in fields seeking relief after another scorching hot day in the West Bank. Terrified refugees fled to their houses for safety but Israeli military vehicles sealed off streets and neighborhoods. Some shops and offices were left open as their owners ran out in panic after the sudden invasion. Blasting orders over loudspeakers, the army forced residents out their homes and made them take off their clothes. The troops fired randomly at buildings in the area and set a local restaurant on fire. No casualties were reported. The operation ended in the early hours of Wednesday morning lasting over seven hours. [end] Palestinian is critically injured as more than 50 Israeli army vehicles invade Jenin Ma’an News Agency 6/27/2007 Jenin - Maan - A Palestinian man was seriously injured when Israeli forces entered Jenin refugee camp, late on Tuesday evening. Three Palestinians were arrested during the incursion. Maans correspondent reported that 24-year-old, Samir Amin, was wounded after being shot by Israeli soldiers that had penetrated into Jenin refugee camp, in the northern West Bank. He was transported to Jenin Hospital, where his condition is said to be critical. Three men were apprehended; Islamic Jihad-affiliated Al Quds Brigades activist, Mohammad Jumah; Fatah-affiliated Al Aqsa Brigades activist, Firas Turkman; and Filstin Turkman, who was arrested after sustaining injuries. Turkman received bullet wounds when his house in the refugee camp was besieged by the Israeli forces for several hours. more.. Gunmen kidnap one Palestinian civilian near Bethlehem Ghassan Bannoura - IMEMC News, International Middle East Media Center 6/27/2007 A group of unknown gunmen kidnapped a resident of Beit Sahour town, located near Bethlehem city in the southern part of the West Bank, on Tuesday night. Witnesses told IMEMC that a group of gunmen said to be Aqsa brigades of Fatah attacked Baha Antar and his fiends as they stood in the street near the Beit Sahour police station in the town’s center. The gunmen injured two young men who attempted to stop them gunmen from kidnapping Antar. Both sustained light wounds. Shortly after the attack, scores of Beit Sahour residents gathered at the scene and demanded that the Antar be released. Fatah leaders in the town, along with Mr. Hani Al Hayik, the Mayor of Beit Sahour, managed to secure the mans release by dawn. [end] Gaza Strip crossing at Kerem Shalom closed R. P. - IMEMC and agencies, International Middle East Media Center 6/27/2007 The Kerem Shalom crossing, recently reopened to allow humanitarian assistance to reach the Gaza Strip, has been closed again by Israel for two days. Israel cited terror alerts as the reason for the closure, reporting that a large explosive device was discovered on Tuesday near Kerem Shalom. [end] About 2000 trees perish in Yatta town near Hebron Nisreen Qumsieh, International Middle East Media Center 6/27/2007 Israeli military force set ablaze large plots of olive tree on Wednesday in "Tal Zev" area of Yatta town near Hebron in southern West Bank. Local farmers and owners of the fields reported that the fire blazed in their fields located near Israeli military base "Zev" and said that more than 2000 olive and almond trees perished in the fire. One farmer said that Israeli forces destroyed hundreds of dunums in the fire that lasted five hours. The burnt fields have been off limits to the Palestinian owners as Israeli soldiers prevented farmers from reaching them for the past five years. The Israeli force carried out the fire to grab the land and prepare it for expansion of illegal Israeli settlements in the area, he said. [end] Hamas fighters shoot Israeli soldier in Gaza; Fatah and DFLP combatants target an Israeli base Ma’an News Agency 6/27/2007 Gaza - Ma’an - The Al Qassam Brigades, the military wing of Hamas, have claimed responsibility for shooting at an Israeli soldier east of Khuza’a, in the southern Gaza Strip. In a statement that Ma’an received, the brigades said the operation occurred at 7:30 am during the Israeli army’s incursion of the area. The same brigades also confirmed that they launched eight projectiles at an Israeli military jeep in the same area close to Khan Younis. The Fatah-affiliated Al Buraq Army earlier claimed responsibility for launching three mortars at an Israeli military base on Tuesday night, along with the help of the National Resistance Brigades, the military wing of the Democratic Front for the Liberation of Palestine (DFLP). The two armed groups said that this action was in retaliation for "the murder of Palestinians by the occupation. more.. Fatah and Hamas-affiliated fighters claim involvement in fighting Israeli forces in southern Gaza Ma’an News Agency 6/27/2007 Gaza - Ma’an - The Fatah-affiliated Al Buraq Army has claimed to have been involved in a gunfight with Israeli Special Forces in the southern Gaza Strip on Wednesday morning. The Buraq Army claimed that the fighting resulted in Israeli casualties and injuries and that their members managed to withdraw safely. They said that their actions were in response to Israel’s assassinations of Palestinian leaders in Gaza and the West Bank. The Al Qassam Brigades, the military wing of Hamas, also earlier claimed responsibility for shooting at an Israeli soldier east of Khuza’a, in the southern Gaza Strip. In a statement, the brigades said the operation occurred at 7:30 am during the Israeli army’s incursion of the area. The same brigades also confirmed that they launched eight projectiles at an Israeli military jeep in the same area close to Khan Younis. more.. ’Gaza gunmen fighting IDF out of frustration’ Hanan Greenberg, YNetNews 6/27/2007 Soldiers clash with Hamas, Islamic Jihad operatives in Gaza, killing 11. ’Operation not unusual, does not indicate any change in IDF policy’, say military sources "The IDF’s activities in the Gaza Strip are not indicative of any change in policy, but are rather preventive measures taken against terror," military sources told Ynet, in reference to a Wednesday operation in Gaza let had left 12 Palestinians dead. The sources denied Palestinian reports of civilians and children being among the dead, stating that the fatalities were gunmen affiliated with Hamas and Islamic Jihad. The IDF Southern Command stressed that all the Palestinian casualties, with the exception of one Islamic Jihad operative whose death was still investigated, had been killed during exchanges of fire with IDF troops operating in north and southern Gaza. more.. Israeli military tanks and jets strike Gaza, killing thirteen Palestinians Ma’an News Agency 6/27/2007 Khan Younis - Ma’an - In a ground incursion and in airstrikes, the Israeli army has killed thirteen Palestinians, since early on Wednesday morning in the Gaza Strip. Tanks invaded the southern Gaza Strip, east of Khan Younis, while Israeli fighter jets bombarded eastern Gaza City, in the north of the strip. Israeli troops also invaded Gaza City. 9 deaths in Gaza City -- Our Gaza correspondent reported director of emergencies in Gaza City’s Shifa Hospital, Dr Muawiya Hassanein, as stating that two Palestinians, named as Nafiz Mahmoud Hillis, 27, and Ahmad Ayyad Hillis, 18, were killed in armed clashes with Israeli troops in eastern Gaza City. The two men were members of the Al Aqsa Brigades, the armed wing of Fatah. An airstrike on the Shaja’iyya neighbourhood of east Gaza City killed Ra’ed Fannouna, from the Al Quds Brigades, Islamic Jihad’s military wing. more.. 13 Palestinians killed, 2 Israeli soldiers wounded as Army invades Gaza Wisam Afifeh - IMEMC News, International Middle East Media Center 6/27/2007 At least 13 Palestinians were killed in the Gaza Strip on Wednesday when the Israeli army invaded the region and attacked two neighborhoods. Israeli military sources said two troopers sustained serious wounds in clashes with the Palestinian fighters. The Israeli attacks on Gaza Strip come one day after a four-way summit in Egypt in which Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas and Israeli Prime Minister Ehud Olmert met. The summit was meant, according to Egyptian officials, who called for the summit to boost Abbas and his emergency government. On Wednesday afternoon invading Israeli Tanks shelled houses located Al-Shija’iyeh area in eastern Gaza, the shilling killed three Palestinians. Medical sources identified the three as Khalil Ijha, Sami Manasra, and Yousef Manassra. more.. Fannoun was assassinated, Al Quds Brigades reveals Ma’an News Agency 6/27/2007 Gaza Ma’an The Al-Quds brigades, the armed group affiliated to the Islamic Jihad movement said on Wednesday that their leader, Raed Fannoun, 32, was murdered in the Shuja’iyya district of Gaza within a booby-trapped car. The spokesperson of the brigades, Abu Ahmad, stated, "After examining the car, it was revealed that it contained very sensitive cameras and sensors which transmitted signals to reconnaissance planes." Abu Ahmad revealed that Fannoun was one of the founders of the Al-Quds Brigades, and led the unit known as "The first uprising calls". He was ranked number four in the brigades and was a first class manufacturing expert. [end] Woman suffers from shock in Sderot Qassam attack Shmulik Hadad, YNetNews 6/27/2007 Two rockets fired from Gaza land in southern city; al-Quds Brigades claims responsibility -- Two Qassam rockets fired from Gaza Wednesday landed in the southern city of Sderot just before 2 pm. The attack came after a morning of fierce fighting between IDF forces and gunmen in the Strip, during which at least 12 Palestinians were killed. One rocket fell in the parking lot of one of the factories in the city’s industrial zone, causing slight damage to the site. One woman suffered from shock. The second rocket landed in an open area and caused no injuries or damage. The al-Quds Brigades, Islamic Jihad’s armed wing, claimed responsibility for the attack. During the fighting in Gaza a senior member of the organization’s rocket unit was killed when his car exploded. more.. Hezbollah probes attack on peacekeepers Middle East Online 6/26/2007 Hezbollah security officials question farmers, restaurant owners in area of attack. -- BEIRUT - Hezbollah has launched its own probe into a weekend attack on UN peacekeepers in southern Lebanon in which six soldiers died, a source in the Shiite militant movement said on Tuesday. "We are carrying out our own investigations and are ready to share (the findings) with UNIFIL (the United Nations Interim Force) if necessary," the source said. The peacekeepers -- three Spaniards and three Colombian-born troops -- were killed on Sunday when a bomb struck their armoured personnel carrier as they patrolled the road between Marjayoun and Khiam in southern Lebanon. UNIFIL and the Lebanese army are carrying out separate inquiries into the attack but have not yet made public their findings. more.. Palestinian killed by Israeli air-strike in the Gaza Strip Nisreen Qumsieh - IMEMC News, International Middle East Media Center 6/26/2007 Israeli air-strikes struck Gaza City in the early hours of Tuesday morning, killing one man. While medical sources were initially unable to identify the body due to its mutilated state, the dead man was eventually identified as Husam Harb, 32, a member of Islamic Jihad. Eyewitnesses reported that Israeli air strikes fired one rocket at the activist’s car while he was passing through the north of Gaza City. Earlier on Monday night, Israeli gunboats shelled fishermens boats in the Beit Lahia Sea, to the north of Gaza City. Eyewitness reported that Israeli gunboats fired several shells at the fishermen while they were fishing. In a separate operation on Monday night, the Israeli army fired at residents homes in Beit Hanoun town. Eyewitnesses reported that Israeli tanks opened fire at homes located to the northern part of the town, causing economic damage only. more.. Soldiers invade Balata refugee camp in Nablus IMEMC & Agencies, International Middle East Media Center 6/27/2007 Israeli soldiers invaded late on Tuesday at night the Balata refugee camp in Nablus, in the northern part of the Gaza Strip. Local sources in the camp reported that soldiers, supported by at least thirty military vehicles, invaded the camp from its southern entrance and fired rounds of live ammunition at several houses; damage was reported, no injuries. [end] Soldiers invade Beit Lahia, in the northern part of the Gaza Strip IMEMC & Agencies, International Middle East Media Center 6/27/2007 Palestinian sources in the Gaza Strip reported on Tuesday at night that Israeli soldiers, supported by armored vehicles, invaded Beit Lahia town, in the northern part of the Gaza Strip. The Palestinian News Agency, WAFA, reported that the army fired rounds of live ammunition as military bulldozers advanced along with armored vehicles into Al Waha area, west of Beit Lahia. The army bulldozed farmlands and uprooted trees in the invaded area, local sources reported. [end] Army kidnaps six Palestinians from several parts of the West Bank Ghassan Bannoura - IMEMC News, International Middle East Media Center 6/26/2007 The Israeli army invades several cities and towns in the West Bank and kidnapped at least six Palestinians in the early hours of Tuesday morning. Palestinian sources reported that troops attacked Palestinian homes in Bethlehem, Hebron, Ramallah and Nablus, adding that six were kidnapped and taken to unknown detention camps. Palestine info- a Hamas linked news website stated that the six kidnapped were Hamas and Islamic Jihad activists. Last week, the Israeli army conducted at least 32 military invasions into Palestinian communities in the West Bank. [end] IOF troops advance into in Rafah, kidnap more West Bankers Palestinian Information Center 6/26/2007 RAFAH, (PIC)-- The IOF troops stormed at midnight Monday the Karam Abu Muammar area northwest of Rafah in southern Gaza, eyewitness reported. The residents confirmed that the IOF troops reinforced by tanks and bulldozers advanced one kilometer into the area and launched a campaign of raids on houses and bulldozed agricultural lands. Lately, the IOF troops have intensified its incursions in that same area carrying out many home raids and kidnappings. Meanwhile, an IOF spokesman told the Hebrew radio that 6 Palestinians allegedly affiliated with Hamas and Islamic Jihad Movements were rounded up overnight Monday and early Tuesday from a number of West Bank cities and villages. [end] Islamic Jihad, DFLP and Fatah affiliated brigades fire projectiles at Sderot and other Israeli targets Ma’an News Agency 6/26/2007 Gaza - Ma’an - Various armed factions affiliated to Fatah, Islamic Jihad and the Democratic Front for Liberation of Palestine have all claimed to have fired projectiles and mortars at Israeli targets close to the Gaza Strip on Tuesday. The Al-Quds brigades, the armed group of Islamic Jihad, claimed responsibility on Tuesday morning for firing two homemade projectiles at the western Negev Israeli town of Sderot. In a statement received by Ma’an, the brigades said, "The shelling came in retaliation for the Israeli policy of arrests and targeted killing against the Palestinians which culminated with the assassination of the Al-Quds brigades’ leader Husam Harb." In a separate incident, the Al-Aqsa Brigades, the main armed group affiliated to Fatah, claimed responsibility for launching two projectiles at the military post in Kisufim. more.. Fatah and DFLP brigades fire missiles at Sufa Crossing Ma’an News Agency 6/26/2007 Gaza - Ma’an - Members of the Al Aqsa Brigades, the main military wing of Fatah, along with members of the National Resistance Brigades, the military wing of the Democratic Front for the Liberation of Palestine (DFLP) declared at noon on Tuesday that they had fired two missiles at Sufa crossing, in the south of the Gaza Strip. The brigades said in a joint statement, "This terror campaign is a confirmation of our continued resistance, and as a response to the daily crimes against the Palestinian people." [end] Fatah combatants launch an RPG at an Israeli military base on Gaza’s border Ma’an News Agency 6/26/2007 Gaza Maan The Fatah-affiliated Al Buraq Army announced that they launched a rocket-propelled grenade at the Israeli military position at Karni Crossing, between Israel and the Gaza Strip, on Tuesday. We are retaliating for Israeli aggression and assassinations and will stick to the choice of resistance, said the brigades in a statement. [end] Sderot building damaged as two Qassams strike western Negev Mijal Greenberg, Haaretz Correspondent, Ha’aretz 6/26/2007 Two Qassam rockets were fired at Israel from the Gaza Strip on Tuesday morning. One rocket hit a building in Sderot, causing extensive damage to the structure, which belongs to a local yeshiva. A second rocket fell in an open area near Sderot causing no damage. Shin Bet chief Yuval Diskin told the cabinet Sunday that Hamas is planning to carry out suicide bombings in order to undermine the efforts by Israel and the West to bolster Palestinian Authority Chairman Mahmoud Abbas. Diskin also warned that the impression that Fatah is powerful in the West Bank is only an illusion. Meanwhile, Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh, formerly the prime minister in the PA’s unity government, Sunday called on Fatah and Hamas to resume their partnership in a shared government to extricate the Palestinians from the current crisis. more.. Murr blames Al-Qaeda-inspired groups for attack on peacekeeping forces Daily Star 6/27/2007 BEIRUT: Defense Minister Elias Murr characterized the car-bomb attack that killed six UN peacekeepers Sunday as "extremely dangerous" in an interview with Al-Arabiyya television on Tuesday. Murr blamed the attack on Al-Qaeda-inspired groups, citing intelligence reports. He said he had "urged the UNIFIL leadership to take necessary precautions two months ago, in accordance with many intelligence reports we had received about the possibility of ter- ror attacks being launched against peacekeepers." Murr also said that the government had no intention of holding any negotiations with the remaining Fatah al-Islam militants fighting the Lebanese Army at the Nahr al-Bared refugee camp "until [the militants] surrender themselves to the Lebanese judiciary. more.. Palestine Today 062607 Ghassan Bannoura - IMEMC - Audio Dept, International Middle East Media Center 6/26/2007 Click on Link to download or play MP3 file - || File 3. 49 MB|| Time 3m49s|| - Welcome to Palestine Today, a service of the International Middle East Media Centre, www. imemc. org, for Monday June 26th, 2007. Israel continued its policy of targeted-assassinations of resistance fighters in the Gaza Strip and the kidnapping of activists throughout the West Bank, with todays attacks leaving one dead, several injured and at least six others kidnapped. These stories and more coming up. Stay tuned. The Israeli army invaded several cities and towns in the West Bank and kidnapped at least six Palestinians in the early hours of Tuesday morning. Palestinian sources reported that troops attacked Palestinian homes in Bethlehem, Hebron, Ramallah and Nablus, adding that six were kidnapped and taken to unknown detention camps. more.. Israeli air strike on Gaza City kills an Al-Quds Brigades’ activist Ma’an News Agency 6/25/2007 Gaza - Ma’an - An activist from the Al-Quds Brigades, the armed wing of Islamic Jihad, was killed and two others were injured in an Israeli air raid on a car in the An Nasir neighbourhood of north Gaza City on Sunday evening." Husam Harb, 28, from Shuja’iyya was killed and one of his escorts was injured in addition to a passer-by," eyewitnesses told Ma’an’s Gaza reporter. The eyewitnesses added, "Israeli fighter jets targeted a Peugeot 504 car in which two Al-Quds brigades’ activists were travelling. The car was completely destroyed and burned." Palestinian medical sources stated that the killed and injured men were transferred to Ash Shifa Hospital in Gaza City. One of the injured men is said to be in a serious condition. The brigades said in a statement that the deceased was one of its veteran activists, and that his death would just "strengthen the resistance. more.. Israeli forces kidnap one Palestinian civilian from Za’tara village near Bethlehem Ghassan Bannoura - IMEMC News, International Middle East Media Center 6/25/2007 A massive Israeli force invaded the village of Za’tara, located east of Bethlehem city in the southern part of the West Bank, and kidnapped one civilian on Monday morning. Troops surrounded the house of Nur-Al Deen Danun, 21, searched it, and after several hours, forced Danun into a military vehicle, after which he was taken to an unknown detention camp. [end] Israel continues construction of Alon Mureh settlement at the expense of Palestinian land Ameen Abu Wardeh - IMEMC News, International Middle East Media Center 6/25/2007 Residents of the eastern part of Nablus city, located in the northern West Bank, and nearby towns and villages have expressed shock at the continued construction of the Alon Mureh settlement. An overview of an Israeli settlement near Bethlehem city in the West Bank The continued construction of the settlement has been made and continues to be made at the expense of farm land that belongs to Palestinian farmers from the city of Nablus and nearby towns and villages. This continued construction has caused the settlement to change its shape continuously. The newly constructed homes in the settlement have reached the homes of Palestinian villagers. Abd-Al Ghani Samara, from Azmot village, says that some of the newly-constructed homes are located several meters away from his village, resulting in the fear that settlers will soon attack local Palestinian farmers. more.. Palestinian homes attacked as Israeli army invades Dora village near Hebron Ghassan Bannoura - IMEMC News, International Middle East Media Center 6/25/2007 The Israeli army attacked and searched scores of Palestinian homes in the village of Dora, near Hebron city in the southern part of the West Bank, on Monday morning. Troops ransacked and searched homes and left the village after two hours. No kidnappings were reported. [end] Army invades a village near Ramallah and kidnaps one resident Ghassan Bannoura - IMEMC News, International Middle East Media Center 6/25/2007 An Israeli army force invaded the village of Safa west of the central West Bank of Ramallah and kidnapped one resident after searched a number of homes on Monday. Sources in the village identified the man as Mohamed Al Hindi, 24, and added that he works as a Palestinian police officer in Ramallah. [end] Qassam rocket damages two houses in Sderot; no one wounded Mijal Grinberg and Yuval Azoulay, Haaretz Correspondents, Ha’aretz 6/24/2007 A Qassam rocket hit the western Negev town of Sderot on Sunday morning, causing damage to two houses. No one was wounded in the attacks, although four people suffered from shock and were evacuated to Barzilai Medical Center in Ashkelon. A Fatah offshoot and Islamic Jihad both claimed responsibility for the attack, Israel Radio reported. Security forces over the weekend arrested four Palestinians wanted for their role in paramilitary activities. In a separate incident Friday, a 20-year-old Palestinian was shot dead by the Israel Defense Forces. In a combined operation of the IDF and the Shin Bet security service Saturday in the village of Arura, north of Ramallah, 41-year-old Salah al-Aruri was arrested. He is considered to be one of the founding members in the West Bank of Iz al-Din al-Qassam, Hamas’ military wing, and one of its leaders. more.. PRC’s armed wing fire two mortars at Nahal ’Oz village Ma’an News Agency 6/25/2007 Gaza - Ma’an - The An Nasser Salah Addin Brigades, the armed wing of the Popular Resistance Committees, claimed responsibility on Monday morning for launching two mortar shells towards the Israeli village of Nahal ’Oz, located east of Gaza City close to the Gaza-Israel border. The brigades said in a statement received by Ma’an, "The operation came to emphasize that resistance will continue until the Palestinian territories are freed." [end] Two shells hit a residential building in Gaza City as inter-clan clashes erupt Ma’an News Agency 6/25/2007 Gaza - Ma’an - Two explosive shells landed on a residential building in the centre of Gaza City on Sunday evening, eyewitnesses reported. The eyewitnesses said that the shells hit Al-Umara tower, a high-rise residential building, in the Tel Al-Hawa area of central Gaza City on Sunday evening. The shells fell as clashes erupted on Sunday afternoon between two Gazan clans. The residents of Al-Umara tower said that one of the shells hit an apartment on the third floor of the building and the other hit the sixth floor. No injuries were reported. [end] Islamic Jihad’s military wing fire projectiles at Sderot, Ashkelon, and Kerem Shalom Crossing Ma’an News Agency 6/25/2007 Gaza - Ma’an - The Al-Quds Brigades, the armed wing of Islamic Jihad, have claimed responsibility on Monday for launching one homemade projectile at the Israeli western Negev town of Sderot and three mortar shells at the Karem Abu Salem (Kerem Shalom) crossing. Also the Yasser Arafat Brigades, who are an armed wing of Fatah, claimed to have conducted a joint operation with the Al-Quds Brigades, in which they fired a projectile at the southern Israeli city of Ashkelon. The Al-Quds Brigades said that the operation was in retaliation for the killing of a member of their brigades by Israeli fighter jets on Sunday evening. The Yasser Arafat Brigades and the Al-Quds Brigades said in a joint statement that this operation was in response to "the Israeli crimes" in the West Bank and Gaza. [end] Extreme rightist convicted of supporting terror group Efrat Weiss, YNetNews 6/25/2007 Right-winger Itamar Ben-Gvir charged on four counts of incitement, support of terror organization, found guilty of carrying signs saying ’Kahane was right’, ’Expel Arab enemy’. Prosecutors consider requesting jail timeThe Jerusalem Magistrates Court convicted right-wing activist Itamar Ben-Gvir of supporting a terror organization and incitement to racism on Monday. Ben-Gvir was found guilty of carrying a sign saying, "Expel the Arab enemy," (incitement to racism) and a poster saying, "Rabbi Kahane was right, the Arab MKs are the fifth column" (support for a terror organization). Four indictments for four separate incidents occurring between the years 2001 and 2002 were filed against the rightist, who was convicted of the first two charges. more.. Experts say C4 explosives used in attack on UNIFIL Daily Star 6/26/2007 KHIAM: Powerful C4 plastic explosives were used in Sunday’s car-bomb attack on the Spanish contingent of the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL), a security report said on Monday. Military experts from UNIFIL and the Lebanese Army on Monday began probing the scene of the attack. Investigators rejected the hypothesis that a suicide bomber carried out the explosion, which killed six members of the Spanish contingent in the southern village of Khiam. Investigators are continuing to search for the remains of the Renault Rapide car used in the bombing, as well as for samples of the explosive in order to gain more information about the nature of the substance. Investigators used special equipment to determine that the bomb used in the attack consisted of 70 kilograms of C4, or the equivalent of about 300-350 kilograms of TNT. more.. Pines-Paz: We expected the int’l community to end the war for us Haaretz Service, Ha’aretz 6/26/2007 Former Minister of Science, Culture and Sports MK Ophir Pines-Paz (Labor) told the Winograd Committee the cabinet did not discuss a diplomatic end-point for the Second Lebanon War, as it expected international pressure to force Israel to finish it within a few days, the Committee reported Monday. "The leading diplomatic sources... gave us a working premise that we didn’t have much time to work with, and that we needed to act until we would be stopped - but then no one stopped us. This is what happened. Not only did no one stop us, they encouraged us, and we let this go to our heads," the former minister said. Pines emphasized that Israel was dragged into a war without actually deciding to enter one. "I learnt of the Israel Defense Forces plans for the war from the media," he also testified. more.. Six UN peacekeepers killed in southern Lebanon car bombing News Agencies, Ha’aretz 6/25/2007 Six United Nations peacekeepers were killed Sunday and two others wounded in a car bombing targeting UN troops in southern Lebanon, Lebanese police sources said. A police source said that vehicle involved in the attack was "most likely" driven by a suicide bomber. It was the first deadly attack on the 13,000-strong United Nations force since last year’s Israel-Hezbollah war and drew swift condemnation from the United States, France as well as Lebanese guerilla group Hezbollah. Spanish Defense Minister Jose Antonio Alonso said the five included three Colombians and three Spanish peacekeepers. The two injured troops were also from Spain, he told reporters in Madrid. Security sources in Lebanon reported that UN troops hit a roadside bomb while on patrol. more.. Islamic Jihad fighter assassinated in Gaza Saed Bannoura - IMEMC & Agencies, International Middle East Media Center 6/25/2007 Palestinian medical sources in the Gaza Strip reported on Sunday at night that one resident was killed after the Israeli air force fired at least one missile at a Palestinian vehicle driving in Al Nasser Street, north of Gaza City. The resident, Husam Khalil Harb, 32, was identified as one of the activists of the Islamic Jihad movement. Two residents were injured in the shelling and were moved to Al Shifa Hospital in Gaza City one of them is in a serious condition. The sources stated that the body of Harb was severely mutilated as a result of the blast since the missile directly hit his vehicle. The assassination in Gaza is the first since Hamas fully controlled the Gaza Strip and all of its security centers earlier this month. The Israeli army confirmed the attack. more.. Armed factions fire projectiles at Sderot and Kfar Aza Ma’an News Agency 6/24/2007 Gaza - Ma’an - The Al Quds Brigades, the armed wing of Islamic Jihad, claimed responsibility on Sunday for launching one projectile at the Israeli town of Sderot, located close to the northern Gaza Strip. Earlier, the Al Quds Brigades claimed responsibility for launching one projectile at Kfar Aza, an Israeli village located east of the northern Gaza Strip. The Al Quds Brigades said in a statement that Ma’an received that their launching was in retaliation for "the assassinations and arrest operations which the occupation has carried out against the Palestinians," the latest being the assassination of an Islamic Jihad member in the West Bank city of Nablus. According to the Israeli daily Haaretz, a projectile fired from Gaza damaged a house in Sderot on Sunday morning. more.. Armed wing of PRC fires ’Nasser-2’ missiles at Israeli military base near Gaza Ma’an News Agency 6/24/2007 Gaza - Ma’an - The An Nasser Salah Addin Brigades, the armed wing of the Popular Resistance Committees (PRC), have claimed responsibility for shelling Kissufim, an Israeli military base close to the Gaza Strip. The shelling, by two ’Nasser-2’ missiles, happened on Sunday afternoon. In a statement, the An Nasser Brigades assured that the continuous shelling of Israeli locations was retaliation for what the Israeli military carries out in the West Bank and Gaza. [end] 3 injured in Qassam attack Shmulik Hadad, YNetNews 6/24/2007 Two rockets launched towards southern Israel, three people injured after second rocket lands in backyard of Sderot home -- Three people were lightly injured when a Qassam rocket launched from the northern Gaza Strip landed in the backyard of a Sderot home Sunday morning. The "Color Red" alert system was activated in the southern town, and several residents suffered from shock. The al-Quds Brigades, the Islamic Jihad’s military wing, claimed responsibility. The rocket caused damage to the home, which was also hit by a Qassam in May. The three residents who were injured in Sunday morning’s attack were taken to the Barzilai Medical Center in Ashkelon. Another rocket landed just outside the town earlier in the day. more.. Palestinian resistance fires rockets on settlements Palestinian Information Center 6/24/2007 GAZA, (PIC)-- The Quds Brigades, the Islamic Jihad’s armed wing, on Sunday morning fired a home-made missile on Sderot settlement within the Palestinian lands occupied in 1948 inflicting various injuries on three settlers in retaliation to the persistent IOF offensives against Palestinian people. Israeli medical and security sources confirmed that three settlers had been transferred to a hospital, while two houses and two cars sustained serious damage when a rocket fell on the settlement. In addition, the Quds Brigades and the AMB claimed on Sunday morning responsibility for firing home-made rockets on "Kfar Azza" settlement in two separate attacks. In a report, theQuds Brigades confirmed that the operations come in the framework of initial responses to the Israeli policy of incursions and kidnappings against the Palestinian people... more.. Israeli settlers burn agricultural land in Bethlehem IMEMC Staff, International Middle East Media Center 6/23/2007 A group of Israeli settlers set on fire a wide agricultural land that belongs to Palestinian farmers from the village of Tiqua, east of Bethlehem on Friday afternoon. The settlers are believed to be of the nearby Tiqua settlement, which is built on land confiscated from the Tiqua village. The village council of Tiqua declared that serious damage resulted from the fires, and that sheep farms and olive trees were all lost. Around 300 dunams of land, (72 Acres) were destroyed, causing a serious financial crisis for the villagers as some 400 olive trees were completely burned. Almost 80 percent of the residents of Tiqua depend on agriculture as their main source of income. Similar to other Israeli settlements in the West Bank, the Bethlehem area settlements, do not only occupy land seized by force from Palestinians, but also control the water resources in the area. more.. Israeli jets pound Gaza Al Jazeera 6/24/2007 At least one person has been killed and four wounded in an Israeli air strike on a car driving through Gaza City. The aircraft fired at least one missile at the car as it drove through northern Gaza City on Sunday, witnesses and Palestinian security sources said. An Israeli military spokeswoman confirmed that the aircraft launched a raid against the Gaza Strip but provided no further details. It was the first Israeli air strike on a car in several weeks. A Hamas security source said the vehicle was being driven by Islamic Jihad members when it was hit. Islamic Jihad said the vehicle was carrying its members on a "holy mission," code for an attack on IsraelLink Gaza sewage crisis ongoing Hamas TV footage showed the burned car with at least one rocket inside. more.. Israeli army arrests Islamic Jihad operative near Nablus Ma’an News Agency 6/24/2007 Nablus- Ma’an - An Israeli police force arrested on Sunday morning an Islamic Jihad operative at the northern West Bank village of Kufr Tell, close to the city of Nablus in the northern West Bank. [end] Hamas member dies of earlier wounds sustained during Hamas-Fateh clashes IMEMC Staff, International Middle East Media Center 6/24/2007 Islamic Resistance Movement, Hamas, said on Sunday that one of its members died on Sunday morning of wounds sustained on June 11, during clashes between Hamas and Fateh gunmen in Gaza City. The member was identified as Abdul-Raziq Ali Madi, 43, one of the members of the Al Qassam Brigades, the armed wing of Hamas,The brigades stated that "the traitors who want to topple the Hamas government", referring to a group in Fateh, should Madi. [end] Israel seizes top Hamas leader in West Bank News Agencies, YNetNews 6/23/2007 IDF troops arrest founder of Qassam brigades near Ramallah. Move considered ’dual conspiracy’ between Israel and PA, Hamas spokesman says -- Israeli troops arrested Saleh al-Aruri, the founder of the Hamas military wing in the West Bank, as part of a widening crackdown on the Islamic militants following Hamas’ bloody takeover of Gaza. Al-Aruri was taken from his West Bank home before dawn Saturday, his wife said. Hamas denounced Aruri’s arrest as proof of collusion between Israel and Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas’s forces to crush Hamas in the West Bank. Hamas spokesman Sami Abu Zuhri said the move was proof of a "dual conspiracy" against Hamas Islamists in the West Bank, one led by Israel and the other by Abbas’s security forces. more.. Resident killed by Israeli military fire in Hebron Saed Bannoura - IMEMC & Agencies, International Middle East Media Center 6/23/2007 Palestinian sources in Hebron, in the southern part of the West Bank, reported on Friday evening that Israeli troops shot and killed one resident at a military roadblock near the city. The resident was identified as Shadi Rajih Al-Matoor, 25. He was initially seriously injured, and died of his wounds later on at Al Ahli Palestinian hospital in Hebron. The army claimed that the slain resident attempted to enter a military post north of Keryat Arba’ settlement in the city. Army source claimed that soldiers ordered the resident to stop, and that they fired at him after he failed to comply. Initial investigation conducted by the army revealed that the resident was unarmed. According to the army, Al-Matoor was wearing Israeli army pants, and the soldiers suspected that he was attempting to infiltrate into the military outpost. more.. One Palestinian women injured by army fire in Jenin Ghassan Bannoura - IMEMC News, International Middle East Media Center 6/23/2007 One Palestinian woman was shot and injured during an Israeli army invasion targeting Jenin refugee camp located in the northern West Bank city of Jenin on Saturday. Local sources said that a massive Israeli force attacked the refugee camp and soldiers opened heavy fire at the homes of residents, leading to the injury of Sana Mas’ud, 26. Medical sources said that Sana sustained moderate wounds to her shoulder after being hit by several live rounds. [end] Palestinian man assassinated by Israeli checkpoint soldiers in Halhoul Ma’an News Agency 6/23/2007 Hebron - Ma’an A Palestinian man was killed late on Friday night when Israeli soldiers stationed at Halhoul Bridge, north of Hebron, opened fire at him. He died instantly. Ma’an’s correspondent reported that Shadi Motawar, aged 25, was assassinated at a ’flying checkpoint’, a non-permanent roadblock erected by Israeli soldiers, near the Halhoul Bridge. It is reported that the man was inspected by the soldiers, before they shot him. Medical sources confirmed that the Motawar received several bullets to his head and other parts of his body. The sources confirmed that he died instantly. Motawar’s family told Ma’an: "Shadi went to bring some food, but he never returned. He was killed by the Israeli soldiers at the bridge, not too far from our home." [end] Hamas fighters shell Israeli military in southern Gaza Ma’an News Agency 6/23/2007 Gaza Ma’an The military wing of Hamas, the Qassam Brigades, on Saturday claimed responsibility for launching 15 mortar shells at Israeli military vehicles stationed east of Al Qarara in Khan Younis, in the southern Gaza Strip. The brigades issued a statement announcing that the shelling is retaliation for the frequent Israeli attempts to penetrate the Gaza Strip, east of Khan Younis. [end] Israeli settlers incinerate vast areas of Palestinian agricultural land Ma’an News Agency 6/23/2007 Bethlehem Ma’an A group of Israeli settlers set a large Palestinian agricultural area ablaze on Friday, in Teqoa’, east of Bethlehem. The local council of Teqoa’ announced that vast damage resulted from the fires, especially to sheep farms and olive trees. The total area destroyed is estimated to be 300 dunams (300,000m˛). Around 400 15-year-old olive trees were reduced to ashes in the blaze. [end] Settlers uproot Palestinian trees, plant them in settlement outpost Amin Abu Wardeh - IMEMC, International Middle East Media Center 6/23/2007 Palestinian and Israeli security sources reported on Saturday that Israeli settlers from "Ami Aad" illegal settlement outpost, near the West Bank city of Nablus, uprooted nearly 300 Palestinian Olive trees, and replanted half of them in the outpost. Abdul-Nasser Badawi, head of the Qaryout village, south of Nablus, stated that the settlers carried their act in front of Israeli peace activists, who reported the incident. The peace activists stated that the settlers replanted at least half of the uprooted trees in their outpost, and near their houses. The outpost is only 2. 5 Kilometers away from Shavuot Rachel illegal settlement which was constructed in 1998, and is inhibited by dozens of settler families, including Israeli settlers who immigrated from Russia and Brazil. more.. Four militants arrested in West Bank over weekend; 1 Palestinian killed Yuval Azoulay, Ha’aretz 6/23/2007 Security forces over the weekend arrested four Palestinians wanted for their role in paramilitary activities. In a separate incident Friday, a 20-year-old Palestinian was shot dead by the Israel Defense Forces. In a combined operation of the IDF and the Shin Bet security service yesterday in the village of Arura, north of Ramallah, 41-year-old Salah al-Aruri was arrested. He is considered to be one of the founding members in the West Bank of Iz al-Din al-Qassam, Hamas’ military wing, and one of its leaders. From 1992 to 1997, al-Aruri was jailed in Israel. He was captured and incarcerated again in 1998, and was released in March this year. During his years behind bars, al-Aruri served in the unofficial Hamas leadership in the prisons, according to security sources. more.. With nightly invasions and kidnappings, Israeli military occupation makes its presence known Ameen Abu Wardeh, International Middle East Media Center 6/23/2007 Hardly a night passes in the West Bank without Israeli army invasions and kidnapping of Palestinians. Palestinian residents are unable to sleep without hearing the sounds of explosions and live rounds that mix in with the street noise. Nightly invasions and kidnappings, the Israeli military occupat Early each morning, morning more Palestinians are kidnapped by the Israeli army. On Thursday alone, 13 Palestinians were kidnapped by Israeli troops in Nablus. The residents of Balata refugee camp in Nablus woke up on Wednesday to the sight of Israeli armored vehicles surrounding their camp, and Israeli troops taking photos of houses and streets. The assassination of two Palestinian resistance fighters in Kfar Dan village near Jenin in the West Bank on Wednesday was one of a number of attacks, part of an ongoing... more.. Army kidnaps three civilians from Hebron Ghassan Bannoura - IMEMC News, International Middle East Media Center 6/23/2007 The Israeli army attacked several areas of the southern West Bank city of Hebron and kidnapped 3 Palestinian civilians on Saturday morning. In Hebron city center, soldiers attacked and searched a building then kidnapped Fahid Ghaith and Nader AL Jamal, and took them to unknown dentition camps. In the meantime, another force attacked homes in the nearby Al Shukh village, just outside the city. Troops left after searching several homes and kidnapping Idrees Al Halika. [end] Prosthetic limb factory in Qalqilia attacked by unknown gunmen Ma’an News Agency 6/23/2007 Qalqilia - Ma’an A civic society in Qalqilia, which runs a factory making prosthetic limbs, was attacked on Friday by unknown gunmen. The attack caused a huge financial loss for the factory, as extensive material damage has been caused. Executive director of the society, Mr. Jamal Da’ud, described this factory as the first of its kind among Palestinian cities, providing artificial legs and arms for the needy, having been established in 2006 with just 400,000 US dollars. Al Hasan confirmed that investigations began immediately, and will update the media accordingly, as they attempt to gain the trust of people to protect their organizations. [end] Brigades join forces to launch projectiles at Sufa crossing Ma’an News Agency 6/23/2007 Gaza - Ma’an - Three brigades have announced joint responsibility for a rocket attack at the Israeli military presence at the Sufa crossing. The Al Aqsa, Abu ar Rish and National Resistance Brigades launched three "Aqsa 2" rockets on Friday afternoon, "to avenge the martyrs in Gaza and Jenin", as declared by the three brigades. [end] Allied Palestinian fighters bomb an Israeli jeep in Gaza Ma’an News Agency 6/23/2007 Gaza Ma’an The main armed wing of Islamic Jihad, the Al Quds Brigades, along with the An Nasser Brigades of the Popular Resistance Committees, on Saturday announced that they bombed an Israeli military jeep, in the southern Gaza Strip. The brigades said that an allied group of fighters from the two military wings planted a 30 kilo explosive device in a military jeep which was patrolling the eastern border of the Gaza Strip. The brigades said the jeep went up in flames. [end] Unknown assailants steal the property of the teachers’ union in Salfit Ma’an News Agency 6/23/2007 Nablus Salfit Ma’an Anonymous assailants on Saturday expropriated the property of the teachers’ union, which is affiliated to the Islamic bloc in Salfit, in the northern West Bank. The perpetrators demolished the doors of the office and then stormed the newly-founded society which oversees teachers’ affairs. ’Masked men’ have reportedly stolen the property of several institutions in the Salfit district in recent weeks. [end] Report: IDF believes Hamas has rockets that can reach Ashkelon Yuval Azoulay, Haaretz Correspondent, Ha’aretz 6/24/2007 The Israel Defense Forces intelligence branch believes that Hamas has several rockets that can reach any point in Ashkelon, Channel 2 TV news said this weekend. According to the television, a recent report also states that Hamas have anti-aircraft missiles which could hit any aircraft that flies over the Gaza Strip. The report also stated that in the last year the Hamas have managed to smuggle over 40 tons of explosives through the Rafah crossing that they could attach to the Qassam rockets, creating a much deadlier weapon. A military official told Haaretz this weekend that the fact that the Rafah crossing is being controlled by Hamas following its takeover of Gaza only adds to the concern that Hamas is continuing to arm itself. According to the data in the report, Hamas have 50 rockers with a range of 22 kilometers. more.. IDF troops shoot and kill Palestinian near Hebron Yuval Azoulay, Haaretz Correspondent and News Agencies, Ha’aretz 6/23/2007 Israel Defense Forces shot and killed a 25-year-old Palestinian at a West Bank roadblock near the city of Hebron on Friday. The IDF said the Palestinian had tried to enter a military outpost north of Kiryat Arba. When the Palestinian did not respond to soldiers’ calls to stop, the troops shot at him, the army said. According to a preliminary investigation, the man was unarmed. The Palestinian man was seriously wounded and taken to a hospital in Hebron, where he later died of his wounds. Sources in the IDF maintain that the Palestinian was wearing IDF army pants and high boots, and soldiers suspected he was attempting to infiltrate to the outpost. Security forces nab ’Hezbollah-trained’ suspect in W. Bank raid IDF and Border Police troops early Friday morning arrested three suspected militants in an overnight raid in the West Bank city of Nablus. more.. Israeli forces conduct extensive arrest campaigns in northern West Bank; heavy gunfire in Nablus Ma’an News Agency 6/22/2007 Nablus - Bethlehem - Ma’an - The Israeli forces have withdrawn from the northern West Bank city of Nablus after a military operation that lasted several hours and resulted in the arrest of four Palestinians and the injury of one of them. The Israeli army carried out a wide arrest campaign on Friday at dawn in which many Palestinians from Jenin and Nablus in the northern West Bank were arrested. The Israeli army claimed that the men, mostly believed to be affiliated to Fatah, were ’wanted’. Hebrew sources announced that the Israeli forces arrested several active Fatah members during a major procedure in Nablus and Jenin and then took them for interrogation. Other sources added that the military forces faced armed resistance during the arrest operations; they were targeted with three bombs and gunfire but no Israel injuries resulted, Israeli sources said. more.. IOF troops advance into Gaza after withdrawing from Khan Younis Palestinian Information Center 6/21/2007 GAZA, (PIC)-- The IOF troops at an early hour Thursday invaded east of Gaza city, shortly after withdrawing from the Qarara area, north of Khan Younis city leaving behind four fatalities, 10 injuries, and extensive destruction of infrastructure, eyewitnesses reported. The Israeli armored vehicles and tanks, reinforced by jet fighters, advanced to Shujaieh neighborhood, east of Gaza, where they stationed there and installed sandbags in the area near Ja’el gas station. To repel any further advance by the IOF troops, the Palestinian resistance fighters set up defensive positions in the area. [end] Israeli forces invades Jabalia town near Gaza Nisreen Qumsieh - IMEMC News, International Middle East Media Center 6/22/2007 Israeli forces launched an invasion in Jabalia town, in the north of Gaza Strip, in the early hours of Friday morning. Eyewitnesses reported that a huge number of Israeli military vehicles, backed by massive armored bulldozers, invaded the area while firing heavily. The army established control over a petrol station in the area and turned it to a military base. Eyewitnesses added that bulldozers established mounds of earth near the petrol station and are currently sweeping the area. Local sources reported that in a separate operation on Thursday night, Israeli military forces committed two savage crimes; one in Khan Younis, in the south of Gaza Strip and the other in Jenin, where 7 Palestinian were killed and tens of Palestinians were injured, in addition to the abductions of a number of civilians. more.. Gaza defeat breeds hatred and revenge Source: Agence France-Presse - AFP, ReliefWeb 6/22/2007 KHAN YUNIS, Gaza Strip, June 22, 2007 (AFP) - "The other day, my son was playing with a wooden sword and said ’Mummy I’ll kill Hamas when I grow up,’" sobs Amel Barbakh, a widow at 25 after the Islamists shot dead her husband. The southern Gaza Strip, where she lives, fell to Hamas 48 hours into a week of decisive fighting between Hamas Islamists and the loyalists of the secular Fatah party headed by Palestinian president Mahmud Abbas. Well-trained and well-disciplined, Hamas stormed and rapidly overwhelmed the headquarters of all mainstream security forces in the town of Khan Yunis, and Rafah further south on the Egyptian border. Fleeing to Egypt, fearing for their lives, or disarmed after Hamas’s armed takeover of the Gaza Strip, security officers and loyalists of the Western-backed Abbas are burning with hatred and lust for revenge. more.. Unknown gunmen attack Fatah building in Qalqilya Ma’an News Agency 6/22/2007 Qalqilya - Ma’an - At dawn on Friday, armed men threw a grenade at a building belonging to the Fatah movement in the neighborhood of Kufr Saba, in Qalqilya city centre, in the north west of the occupied West Bank. Our Qalqilya correspondent reported that unknown persons threw a grenade at a Fatah building in the city centre and burned some of the building’s contents. The correspondent added that the security services had begun investigating the circumstances of the incident. [end] This Week in Palestine Week 25 2007 Ghassan Bannoura - IMEMC - Audio Dept, International Middle East Media Center 6/22/2007 Click on Link to download or play MP3 file || Time 11m6s|| File 10. 1 MB|| This Week in Palestine, a service of the International Middle East Media Center, www. IMEMC. org, for June 16 through 22, 2007. Hamas and Fatah trade accusations as the Palestinian president accuses Hamas of attempting to assassinate him, meanwhile Israel continue to close Gaza border crossings, as Abbas and Olmert prepare to meet. These stories and more coming up, stay tuned. Nonviolent Resistance in Palestine Let’s begin our weekly report with the nonviolent actions in Palestine against the wall and settlements. Non-violence Report Umm Salamoneh Around 50 residents of the village of Umm Salamoneh, located to the south of Bethlehem in the West Bank, joined by international and Israeli peace activists, marched on Friday... more.. Israel launches tank and air strikes on Gaza Mark Tran and agencies, The Guardian 6/20/2007 Israeli troops today killed four Palestinian fighters as Israel launched its first major attacks in Gaza since Hamas took over the territory last week. Aircraft also struck launch sites in northern Gaza after militants fired at least one makeshift rocket at the town of Sderot, a frequent target of missile fire. An Israeli army spokeswoman said the launchers were loaded with rockets when they were hit. There were no immediate reports of casualties. Israeli officials said two Hamas fighters and two other militants were killed in a clash near the Kissufim border crossing in Gaza after Israeli tanks and troops had pushed into the coastal enclave in a search for wanted Palestinian gunmen. In the larger Palestinian territory of the West Bank, where Fatah is dominant, two more Palestinian gunmen were killed after an hour-long... more.. Palestinians killed in Israel raids Al Jazeera 6/20/2007 Israeli soldiers have killed four Palestinians during raids in the Gaza Strip and occupied West Bank, military and medical sources say. Many Palestinians remain trapped at the Erez crossing between Gaza and Israel as the humanitarian situation inside Gaza worsened. Also on Wednesday, Hamas fired rockets at Israel. Two Palestinians were killed on Wednesday when Israeli soldiers tried to arrest them near Jenin, a town in the north of the West Bank. A fighter from the Popular Resistance Committees was also killed in battles with Israeli troops near Khan Yunis in the Gaza Strip, a Palestinian medic said. The armed wing of Hamas, in control of Gaza after defeating loyalists of rival Fatah, said one of its fighters also died in the battles. more.. Police uncover weapons lab in home of West Bank settler Jonathan Lis, Ha’aretz 6/22/2007 Police have uncovered a weapons lab in the home of a West Bank settler that they believe was used to illegally fix decommissioned guns, according to information made public Thursday. In a raid on the Jewish settlement of Kiryat Arba, police found equipment used to manufacture bullet casings, as well as reference books on how to manufacture weapons and explosives. Police also found 15 Uzi semiautomatic rifles, three of which had been restored to function properly. Police have yet to determine what the weapons were intended for, and if they were to be used in a terrorist or criminal plot. The prime suspect, a secular Jew of Russian origin, apparently was not acting out of ideological motives. He was arrested at the beginning of the month along with five others, although the allegations were not made public until Thursday. more.. Militants fire 5 Qassams at western Negev, three people wounded Avi Issacharoff, Haaretz Correspondent, Haaretz Service and The Associated Press, Ha’aretz 6/22/2007 Gaza militants fired five Qassam rockets at the western Negev Wednesday evening. One rocket landed on a Sderot home wounding two people lightly. Another rocket landed near a gas station in Kibbutz Nir’am and a third person was lightly wounded. Eight people were treated for shock. Earlier Wednesday, a Qassam rocket landed south of Ashkelon causing no injuries or damage. The Israel Defense Forces said that two rockets landed in Sderot Wednesday morning. Militant group Islamic Jihad claimed responsibility for the rocket attacks in the morning prompting an Israel Air Force strike on its rocket launching sites in Gaza. Meanwhile Wednesday, senior Hamas official Mahmoud Zahar said that his group wants to maintain calm in the Gaza Strip, but will not be the "protector" of the Israeli border with Gaza, threatening retaliation if attacked. more.. Settler jailed for 2.5 years over attempt to import weapons Jack Khoury, Ha’aretz 6/21/2007 Haifa District Court sentenced Jeffery Seth, 40, to two and a half years in prison on Wednesday, for attempting to import, produce and hold weapons, as well as illegally owning military supplies. Seth, a resident of the northern West Bank settlement of Tapuah, immigrated to Israel over a year ago from the United States. Seth was also sentenced to a suspended sentence of an additional 18 months, which will be in effect for three years. According to the indictment, a crate sent from the U.S. was discovered at Haifa’s port, containing a rifle, an arrow gun, an appliance for preparing rifle bullets, a jerrycan containing two liters of gunpowder, 6,500 empty cartridge shells, 490 bullet caps, 100 bullets, 140 spent cartridges and 1,400 slugs, all in hidden compartments. more.. Gaza militants launch ’web-war’ Malik Mohamed al-Abdeh, BBC Online 6/21/2007 The power struggle between Palestinian rivals Fatah and Hamas has spilled over to the internet with a propaganda war using a popular video sharing website. After both groups moved to disrupt each other’s television and radio broadcasts, the internet - and YouTube in particular - has become an important medium for disseminating propaganda. The killing of al-Aqsa Martyrs Brigades commander Samih al-Madhun appears to have been the catalyst for the release of a flurry of videos by both sides. One video graphically shows the pro-Fatah militant being dragged along and shot by masked gunmen, apparently taken from Hamas’s own television station, al-Aqsa TV. The footage is available at the time of writing, although YouTube’s guidelines on graphic portrayals of violence may mean it gets taken down. more.. Judge: Suspected killers of Jewish terrorist unlikely to be indicted Jack Khoury, Ha’aretz 6/21/2007 Acre Magistrates Court Judge Moshe Alter reduced all restrictions placed on the suspected killers of Jewish terrorist Eden Natan-Zada, who was lynched by a mob after murdering four Israeli Arabs on a bus in the northern town of Shfaram in August 2005. Alter said the prosecution has been holding hearings on indicting the suspects for three months and he believed there has been no progress, and therefore expressed doubt that the suspects would ever be indicted. Eden Natan-Zada, 19, was an Israel Defense Forces deserter who held extreme right-wing views. He lived on the West Bank settlement of Tapuah where he was in contact with members of the outlawed Kach movement. Natan-Zada’s shooting attack took place during the lead-up to Israel’s pullout from the Gaza Strip in August 2005. more.. One dead, three injured as Israeli forces attack civilians attempting to leave Gaza Ma’an News Agency 6/19/2007 Gaza - Ma’an - One Palestinian was killed and three wounded on Monday night as they attempted to flee the Gaza Strip through Erez Crossing. The Israeli forces opened fire on the crowds that were trying to escape Hamas-controlled Gaza into Israel. The director general of ambulances and emergencies in the Palestinian health ministry, Dr. Muawiya Hassanein, said that the deceased is 30-year-old Jihad al Madhoun. Jihad is a relative of Samih al Madhoun, a senior Fatah-affiliated Al Aqsa Brigades activist who was killed by Hamas fighters during the recent conflict. The Israeli soldiers opened fire on the Palestinian civilians while they were waiting in an area known as the ’sleeve’ at Erez Crossing. The Gazans were trying to leave through Israel and take up residence in the Palestinian West Bank. more.. Troops invade Jenin refugee camp IMEMC Staff, International Middle East Media Center 6/19/2007 Israeli soldiers invaded on Tuesday at night Jenin refugee camp, in the northern West Bank city of Jenin, and conducted military searches of homes. Fighters of the Al Aqsa brigades, the armed wing of Fateh, and the Al Quds Brigades, the armed wing of the Islamic Jihad, exchanged fire with the invaded force. [end] Israeli forces arrest four Palestinian youths near Nablus Ma’an News Agency 6/19/2007 Nablus - Ma’an - Israeli forces apprehended on Tuesday morning four Palestinian citizens from the northern West Bank city of Nablus and the village of Kafr Qallil, south of Nablus. Palestinian security sources told Ma’an that a number of Israeli military vehicles invaded Kafr Qallil and stormed several homes. They arrested two young men in their twenties: Ahmad Mansour and Muhammad Sa’id Mansour. The sources added that the Israeli forces also invaded the old city of Nablus and Rafidia neighbourhood, before arresting Mahdi As Sayih, aged 18, and Ahmad Abu Al Laban, 20. [end] 3 molotov cocktails at Israeli car; no one hurt Jerusalem Post 6/20/2007 Palestinians threw three Molotov cocktails at an Israeli vehicle east of Ramallah. No one was hurt and no damage was caused. The IDF was searching the area for the perpetrators. [end] Shin Bet arrests cell that planned to blow up Modi’in synagogue Yuval Azoulay, Ha’aretz 6/19/2007 The Shin Bet security service has uncovered a suspected terrorist cell that was planning a series of attacks, including bombing a Modi’in synagogue and kidnapping American citizens in the West Bank, the agency revealed yesterday. The 12 suspects, members of the Popular Front for the Liberation of Palestine, were arrested thanks to information obtained during the interrogation of PFLP member Ramzi Sharona last February. Some of the planned attacks were apparently aimed at freeing jailed PFLP leader Ahmed Sa’adat. Sharona admitted that he had contacted PFLP operatives in Gaza who instructed him to form terror cells in the West Bank cities of Jenin, Hebron and Nablus, the Shin Bet said. His Gaza contacts allegedly asked Sharona carry out an attack at a synagogue inside Israel in order to "avenge the Jews’ activities at the Al-Aqsa compound," a reference to the Temple Mount. more.. Terroristsâ plot to attack Modi’in synagogue thwarted Efrat Weiss, YNetNews 6/19/2007 Shin Bet apprehends 12 PFLP members who planned to attack shul in Modi"in, kidnap American citizens in order to swap them for group"s imprisoned leader Saadat -- In the past few months the Shin Bet, along with IDF forces, apprehended members of the Popular Front for the Liberation of Palestine (PFLP) south of Mt. Hebron, it was cleared for publication Tuesday. The 12 terror cell members said during their interrogation that they were directed by PFLP members in Gaza and plotted to carry out several attacks in Israel, including an attack on a synagogue in Modi"in. They also plotted to kidnap American citizens in the West Bank in an attempt to later swap them for imprisoned PFLP Secretary-General Ahmed Saadat. The Shin Bet got its first lead last February with the arrest of PFLP member Ramzi Sharona, who named... more.. Yasser Arafat Brigades bomb an Israeli military vehicle in Gaza Ma’an News Agency 6/19/2007 Gaza - Ma’an - The Yasser Arafat group, a unit within the Fatah-affiliated Al-Aqsa Brigades, on Tuesday claimed responsibility for detonating an explosive device in an Israeli military vehicle near Erez Crossing, in the northern Gaza Strip. [end] Haredim threaten police guarding pride parade Efrat Weiss, YNetNews 6/19/2007 Spread leaflets calling on Jerusalem police to avoid taking part in securing pride events, threaten officers with divine curses: ’Better you act sick than end up in a cancer ward. ’ Police meanwhile are completing preparations for the event -- Tensions continue to rise surrounding the upcoming pride parade scheduled to be held in Jerusalem on Thursday as the strictly-Orthodox community directs its opposition at the police officers means to secure the event. In a menacing leaflet published Tuesday police officers are "advised" to fake ill on Thursday or else they would end up in hospital cancer wards. "He who defends the parade " the countdown to his funeral has begun, and it is a shame to end one’s life in such a way, to not even be recognized as one who has fallen in battle," said the leaflet. more.. Rabbis call for end to anti-parade protests Neta Sela, YNetNews 6/19/2007 Haredi rabbis urge yeshiva students to refrain from demonstrating against planned gay parade in capital, instruct them to recite prayers instead -- Two days before the gay pride parade is set to take place in Jerusalem, haredi rabbis published an official statement in United Torah Judaism’s newspaper Yated Ne’eman calling on the strictly-Orthodox public not to hold demonstrations against the parade. In their statement, the rabbis wrote that yeshiva students should not be out on the streets protesting, but rather reciting prayers against the "terrible abomination." Yeshiva heads were responsible for seeing their students refrain from actively protesting, they added. Anti-parade protest in Jerusalem Sunday (Photo: Dudi Vaknin) Compared to last year’s events, the weeks preceding this year’s parade... more.. Palestine Today 061907 Ghassan Bannoura - IMEMC - Audio Dept, International Middle East Media Center 6/19/2007 Click on Link to download or play MP3 file - || File 3. 95 MB|| Time 4m 19s || -- Welcome to Palestine Today, a service of the International Middle East Media Centre, www. imemc. org, for Monday June 19th, 2007. The EU and US have declared that they will resume direct funding to the PA, but will not lift the blockade on Gaza. Meanwhile, Israel has continued to attack towns and kidnap Palestinians in the West Bank. In other news, a Qassam rocket struck has struck a factory in the Sderot area. These stories and more coming up. Stay tuned. The News Cast-- Israel plans to tighten a financial clampdown on Hamas-ruled Gaza, denying it access to funds including Palestinian tax revenues released to President Mahmoud Abbas, senior officials said on Tuesday. more.. PLC: "Fateh gunmen and PA security men burnt the house of detained PLC head" Saed Bannoura - IMEMC & Agencies, International Middle East Media Center 6/18/2007 The Palestinian Legislative Council, dominated by Hamas, issued a press release on Monday accusing members of Fateh’s armed wing, the Al Aqsa Brigades, and the security forces loyal to Fateh of breaking into, and burning the house of the jailed head of the Legislative Council (PLC), Dr. Aziz dweik. The Council stated that the gunmen barred firefighters from arriving to the scene in order to extinguish the fire. The PLC slammed the attack and slammed attacks that targeted Dr. Hasan Khreihsa, deputy PLC head, Abdul-Karim Abu Taha, head of the PLC finance department. Also, Hamas movement considered this attack as attempts to obstruct the work of the legislative council, held President Abbas responsible for these attacks and called on him to "strike hard against the assailant and these groups that carries attacks against Hamas run facilities. more.. Four Palestinians kidnapped as army invades Marda village near Salfit city Ghassan Bannoura - IMEMC News, International Middle East Media Center 6/18/2007 Palestinian sources reported that the Israeli army kidnapped four Palestinian civilians from the village of Marda located near Salfit in the northern part of the West Bank. The sources identified the four as Nash’at Khafish, 20, Na’el Khafish, 20, Amier Khafish, 20, and Sa’di Khafish, 20. Witnesses reported that a massive force attacked the residents homes and searched them, the soldiers forced the four kidnapped in an army vehicle and took them to unknown detention camp. [end] Israeli settlers set Palestinian crops on fire west of Nablus city Ghassan Bannoura - IMEMC News, International Middle East Media Center 6/18/2007 A group of Israeli armed radical settlers attacked the village of Tal located West of Nablus city in the northern part of the West Bank on Monday. The settlers sat farming crops on fire during the attack and damage animal shads nearby, witnesses reported. [end] Army invades Dora and Beit Ola villages near Hebron Ghassan Bannoura - IMEMC News, International Middle East Media Center 6/18/2007 Israeli forces attacked and searched homes in the villages of Dora and Beit Ola located in the southern West Bank city of Hebron on Monday. Witnesses reported that troops searched and ransacked a number of homes then left, no kidnappings were reported. [end] Israeli Army attack Al Mazra’a village near Ramallah and kidnaps one civilian Ghassan Bannoura - IMEMC News, International Middle East Media Center 6/18/2007 Israeli troops attacked and searched homes in the village of Al Mazra’a near Ramallah city in central West Bank and kidnapped one civilian on Monday morning. Witnesses said that Abd-Al Rahman Ladawdah, 22, was kidnapped by the Israeli troops that searched his house and then took him to unknown location. [end] Israeli forces arrest seven Palestinians from the West Bank on Monday morning Ma’an News Agency 6/18/2007 Salfit Ma’an Israeli forces on Monday morning arrested seven Palestinians from the West Bank. The Israeli military arrested five students from the Salfit district and two citizens allegedly ’wanted’ by the Israeli intelligence. Five Palestinians were apprehended in the northern West Bank village Marda, north of Salfit. Eyewitnesses stated that the Israeli forces invaded the village and arrested Muhammad al Khafash, aged 21, a student at An Najah national university, his brother Nael, 19, ’Izzat al Khafash,17, a student in at secondary school, Ameer Hujeir, 20, also a student at An Najah university and Tawfiq al Khafash. In a separate incident the Israeli forces on Monday morning arrested two Palestinians from the West Bank on charges of being wanted by the Israeli intelligence. more.. Fatah fighters bomb an Israeli military bulldozer Ma’an News Agency 6/18/2007 Gaza Ma’an The military wing of Fatah, the Al Aqsa Brigades, on Monday claimed responsibility for bombing an Israeli bulldozer near Erez industrial estate, in the northern Gaza Strip. The brigades said that Israeli radio acknowledged the explosion and that the operation was filmed. [end] Land mine from Second Lebanon War wounds foreign ordinance expert The Associated Press, Ha’aretz 6/19/2007 A land mine left after the Second Lebanon War between Israel and militant group Hezbollah wounded a foreign demining expert, the Lebanese state-run National News Agency reported Monday. The agency said Mertzi Zouzi, from Zimbabwe, was working for the United Nations Mine Action Coordination Center near the south Lebanon town of Jezzine, some 35 kilometers from the Israeli border, when a mine he was attempting to deactivate went off. According to the agency, Zouzi suffered serious injuries to his shoulder and to one eye, and was rushed to hospital in the port city of Sidon. Separately, security officials in Beirut said Lebanese troops dismantled Monday two unexploded rockets also left over since the war in the town of Bayada near the southern port city of Tyre. more.. Fatah accuses Hamas combatants of killing 5 of their members in central Gaza Ma’an News Agency 6/18/2007 Gaza Ma’an The military wing of Fatah, the Al Aqsa Brigades, accused the Hamas-affiliated Qassam Brigades of killing five Fatah members on Monday morning, in the central Gaza Strip. Spokesperson of the Al Aqsa Brigades in the West Bank said "the brigades will not remain silent in response to crimes committed by Hamas in the Gaza Strip." The spokesperson also said that the general amnesty announced by the Al Aqsa Brigades is considered a weakness by Hamas. However, he said "it is a strength and a resource which protects the Palestinian people." "From now on we will deal with Hamas as Hamas deals with Fatah in the Gaza Strip," said the spokesperson. [end] In West Bank, refugees from Gaza tell tales of cruelty Ha’aretz 6/18/2007 RAMALLAH - In their stories from the Gaza Strip, Palestinians who managed to reach refuge in the West Bank described scenes of brutality, murder and chaos yesterday -- "Throughout its years of occupation the army [IDF] never did what they [Hamas] are doing," said A. , a Palestinian who came to Ramallah on Sunday. "They are stealing money, gold, computers, burning homes. They expelled the entire families of six Fatah people from their homes and filled them with Hamas people. Now you understand why we were afraid?" he said. "The feeling of every resident in the Gaza Strip was that at any moment he can die. Not because he is a member in Fatah. It is enough to have some affiliation with Fatah," said Wasim A’arib, another Palestinian who fled to Ramallah. more.. Israeli military analyst presents a plan to counter ’Hamastan’ Ma’an News Agency 6/18/2007 Bethlehem Ma’an Israeli military analyst, Ron Ben Yishai, urged the Israeli political and security leaders to not waste time and endeavour to counter what he described as "Hamastan"; the Hamas-controlled Gaza Strip. Yishai said that any procrastination will enable Iran to surround Israel with "a wall of rockets and tunnels across the country’s borders." He said that if Israel wants to avoid fighting on three fronts simultaneously, they must initiate a fight immediately with the weakest side in order to avoid a complete circular bombardment of missiles. "The Hamastan state cannot be given the chance to strengthen, this is a unique opportunity to act against them," he said. Yishai presented a three-stage plan to counter ’Hamastan’:1. more.. Gunmen vandalize nationalistic and Christian monuments in Gaza Ma’an News Agency 6/18/2007 Ramallah Ma’an On Monday it was revealed that the statue of the Unknown Soldier, in the central square of Gaza City, has been defaced by unidentified vandals. Former information minister and Palestinian Legislative Council (PLC) member, Dr Mustafa Barghouthi, condemned the assault. Barghouthi said in a statement that the attack by gunmen on the statue on ’Umar Al Mukhtar street was "a barbarian act, which distorts the image of the Palestinian people and their plight." He added "the statue represented the struggle of thousands of martyrs who lost their lives defending their homeland and their just cause during decades of nationalistic resistance against the Israeli occupation, and so the destruction of the statue harms those martyrs. more.. Trapped families caught in Gaza firefight Hazem Balousha in Erez crossing, Gaza and Rory McCarthy in, The Guardian 6/19/2007 One man was killed and 10 wounded when Israeli soldiers and Palestinian gunmen exchanged fire at a main border crossing between Israel and Gaza yesterday. Hundreds of Palestinians were trapped at the Erez crossing, hoping to escape through Israel to the West Bank, when fighting broke out. Hospital staff said a senior member of the al-Aqsa Martyrs Brigades, an offshoot of Fatah, was killed and another critically wounded. Hamas militants said they opened fire at the Israeli army, and that the soldiers killed the man returning fire. An Israeli army spokesman denied that the army killed the man, and said a gunman from Gaza shot him and also threw a grenade into the trapped Palestinians. Israel’s justice minister said that the crowd should be allowed out, but so far the crossing has remained closed, except to around... more.. Fatah leader in Gaza: "Hamas led us into an impasse" Ma’an News Agency 6/18/2007 Gaza Ma’an Fatah leader in the Gaza Strip and member of Fatah’s revolutionary council. Ahmad Hillis, on Monday demanded an investigation into recent events in the strip. Hillis said that the Palestinian president’s office, Palestinian Authority institutions and Yasser Arafat’s former house had been ransacked. At a press conference in Gaza City, Hillis urged Fatah members to not desert the Gaza Strip. He called on leaders to remain with their people and avoid spreading the domestic conflict. Hillis stressed that Fatah leaders leaving Gaza could be misinterpreted. He also spoke of Hamas’ public humiliation of Fatah members. He said "Hamas led us into an impasse and we lost this round, which we’re not proud of." "The Palestinians are familiar with one government, not two. more.. Al Jihad Brigades launch three projectiles towards Israel Ma’an News Agency 6/18/2007 Gaza Ma’an One of the groups of the Fatah-affiliated Al Aqsa Brigades, the Al Jihad Brigades, announced responsibility for launching three projectiles at Israel. The brigades issued a statement claiming that the attack is retaliation to Israeli crimes against Palestinians. The brigades also declared that they will continue to resist the occupation and strengthen unity in order to counter Israeli attacks. [end] Militant group claims rocket attack on Israel Daily Star 6/19/2007 BEIRUT: A previously unknown militant group claimed responsibility Monday for a rocket attack a day earlier on northern Israel. A group calling itself the "Jihadi Badr Brigade-Lebanon branch" vowed in a statement faxed to the offices of The Associated Press in Beirut to continue attacks on Israel, saying: "We had promised our people jihad. Here, we again strike the Zionists when a group from the Jihadi Badr Brigades struck the Zionists in the occupied Palestinian territory." Two Katyusha rockets fired from Lebanon landed Sunday in northern Israel, causing damage but no casualties. The AP said the authenticity of the group’s claim could not be immediately confirmed. The special representative of the UN Secretary General in Lebanon, Geir Pedersen, called Sunday’s attack "dangerous. more.. Qassam lands in factory with hazardous materials Shmulik Hadad, YNetNews 6/18/2007 Rocket fired from north Gaza lands in Sderot industrial zone, damages factory where hazardous chemicals are stored and causes poisonous gas leak -- A Qassam rocket fired from northern Gaza hit a factory in the She’ar Hanegev industrial zone near Sderot Monday evening. There were no casualties, but the rocket caused damage to the factory where hazardous chemicals were stored, and resulted in a gas leak of caustic soda. Police and fire-fighting forces were called to the scene, including teams specializing in handling dangerous materials. The fire-fighters located the site of the leak, sealed it and cleared the poisonous materials. Employees working the night shift were at the factory when the rocket hit. The Home Front Command has cautioned multiple times regarding the storage of hazardous... more.. Gunman kills Palestinian near Erez; wounds at least ten Avi Issacharoff and Yuval Yoaz, Ha’aretz 6/18/2007 One Palestinian was killed yesterday evening and at least 10 others were injured when a gunman attacked a group of Palestinian civilians waiting for permission to cross into Israel near the Erez Crossing. Responsibility for the attack was later claimed by the Popular Resistance Committees, a grassroots paramilitary organization. It is still unclear what the aim was. The incident occurred when Palestinians waiting in an area of the crossing known as the "sleeve" came under fire from automatic weapons and grenades. The Palestinians had been asking to cross into Israel and seek refuge in the West Bank. An initial investigation by the commander of the northern brigade of the Gaza Division, Colonel Menachem Katz, concluded that Israeli troops were not responsible for the shooting incident. more.. Salah Eddin Brigade clash with Israeli army at Erez Checkpoint in northern Gaza Strip IMEMC News, International Middle East Media Center 6/18/2007 At least one Palestinian civilian was killed and several woundedThe killed man is not identified yet, but eyewitnesses said he was among those waiting at the Palestinian terminal of Beit Hanoun attempting to go to the West Bank. [end] Palestine Today 061807 Ghassan Bannoura - IMEMC - Audio Dept, International Middle East Media Center 6/18/2007 Click on Link to download or play MP3 file || File 4. 21 MB|| Time 4m 36 || Welcome to Palestine Today, a service of the International Middle East Media Centre, www. imemc. org, for Monday June 18th, 2007. The Israeli government and international community have pledged to support the interim government of Salam Fayyad, while continuing its policy of extensive kidnapping in the West Bank and isolation of the Gaza Strip. In other news, two Katusha rockets were launched into northern Israel. These stories and more coming up. Stay tuned. The News Cast The names and positions of the new Palestinian interim government were announced on Sunday afternoon. Of the available posts, the Fatah loyalist Abdul-Raziq Al Yahia has been granted the crucial position of Minister of the Interior. more.. Hasids plan second trip to Nablus tomb, despite IDF warning Nadav Shragai, Ha’aretz 6/18/2007 A group of Bratslav Hasids attempted to reach the Joseph’s Tomb in Nablus on Saturday night, and have announced their intention to do so again Monday night. The Israel Defense Forces has prohibited Jews from entering the area of the tomb for security reasons, and is prepared to stop the group. Saturday night a group of a few dozen people managed reach the settlement of Itamar, southeast of Nablus; a second group went to Mount Bracha northeast of Nablus. However, the groups did not manage to reach their destination, the tomb of the biblical patriarch. The beginning of the Hebrew month of Tamuz, marking the death date of Joseph, is observed with celebrations. The Hasids said the IDF was preventing access to the tomb because of the desecration of graves in the northern West Bank village of Kifel Hares during... more.. Israeli authority begins excavations for the separation wall near Bethlehem Ma’an News Agency 6/18/2007 Bethlehem - Ma’an The Israeli authorities on Monday morning began excavating the area around Al Walaja, north of Bethlehem, in the occupied Palestinian West Bank, for the construction of the separation wall. The Wall is to cut through the village, separating local citizens from their land on the west side. The local council of Al Walaja has appealed to the Israeli high court of justice several times to prevent the construction of the Wall through the village’s land. However, the Israeli army began to excavate before their appeal had passed through the judicial process. [end] ’Katyushas were one-off attack’ Yaakov Lappin, YNetNews 6/18/2007 Palestinian affairs expert says small group fired rockets at Kiryat Shmona -- The Katyusha rockets which landed in Kiryat Shmona on Sunday evening were probably fired by a small Palestinian organization, and the attack is unlikely to mark the start of a wave of rocket attacks, a leading security analyst told Ynetnews on Monday. Brigadier General (Res. ) Shalom Harari, a senior researcher at the International Institute for Counter Terrorism (ICT), worked for the Ministry of Defense for 20 years in the West Bank and Gaza as an advisor on Palestinian affairs. "I don’t claim to know things with certainty a day after the attack," he cautioned, adding, "But in my personal estimation, this was probably carried out by a Palestinian group based in southern Lebanon which has an interest to embarrass the Lebanese... more.. Fatah militants storm parliament BBC Online 6/16/2007 "In terms of re-engaging with this government, yes, they will have full support", Jacob Welles US consul-general. -- Fatah gunmen have stormed the Hamas-controlled Palestinian parliament building in Ramallah in the West Bank. The gunmen reportedly tried to seize the Palestinian Legislative Council’s second deputy speaker, Hassan Khuraishah, but staff intervened. Mr Khuraishah told the BBC he had been beaten up as he tried to prevent Fatahgunmen from raising their flag. The clashes came after Fatah was ousted from Gaza by Hamas, ending a week of clashes which left more than 100 dead. The leader of Fatah, President Mahmoud Abbas, is due to swear in an interim Prime Minister, Salam Fayyad, to lead an emergency government after his predecessor was dismissed. more.. Two rockets hit Israel from South Lebanon Rym Ghazal, Daily Star 6/18/2007 BEIRUT: Two Katyusha rockets were fired from South Lebanon into Israel on Sunday, and Israeli troops launched five shells into Lebanon in retaliation. The United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon condemned the rocket attack as a "serious violation" of Security Council Resolution 1701, which ended last summer’s war with Israel. The two rockets fell on thetown of Kiryat Shmona and caused no casualties. A third failed to cross the border. The rockets, 122-millimeter Katyushas with a range of about 20 kilometers, were fired fromKhaleh, between Adaysseh and Taibeh, about 4 kilometers from the border. They were the first rockets to be fired from Lebanon into Israel since the war. Lebanese security sources and Israeli officials said Palestinian militant fired the rockets. more.. IDF takes up key positions near crossings from Gaza Strip Yuval Azoulay, Haaretz Correspondent, Ha’aretz 6/18/2007 Israel Defense Forces is continuing its intensified deployment in the south in response to Hamas’ takeover of the Gaza Strip. IDF troops, mostly from the Armored Corps, have been taking up key positions around the Erez and Karni crossings over the past few days. All of the crossings between Israel and the Gaza Strip are sealed. On Friday and Saturday several dozen Fatah operatives were granted entry into Israel, with the permission of the Shin Bet security service. Activists from human rights organizations and journalists were also allowed to cross. Entry to the Gaza Strip from Israel is otherwise forbidden. A military official said Sunday that for the time being, no coordination of any kind is taking place between Israel and Palestinians in the Gaza Strip, including in humanitarian cases. more.. Report: Barak planning military operation in Gaza within weeks Haaretz Service, Ha’aretz 6/18/2007 Newly elected Labor Party Chairman Ehud Barak, who is set to take over as defense minister on Monday, is planning to launch a military operation aimed at combating Hamas in Gaza, Britain’s Sunday Times reported. The British publication quotes an Israeli source as saying that the operation will include 20,000 troops and will be aimed at destroying Hamas’ military capabilities in a short period of time. According to the source, the Israel Defense Forces will launch the operation if Hamas continues to fire Qassam rockets into Israel, or if terror attacks against Israel are renewed. According to the Times, Barak has already asked the IDF to draw up detailed plans for the deployment of troops inside the Gaza Strip. A close aide to Barak told the Times that Israel would not allow a "Hamastan," to rise within its borders, and that an attack on Gaza seems inevitable. more.. Hamas: "Fateh gunmen executed Jamal Al Usta, one of our activists in Nablus" International Middle East Media Center 6/18/2007 Sources in Hamas movement reported on Sunday at night that Fateh gunmen executed resident Jamal Al Ustah, 45, one of the members of the movement in the northern West Bank city of Nablus. The sources added that gunmen driving a speeding vehicle fired at Al Ustah after chasing him and seriously injured him. He died later on of his wounds at the Rafidia hospital in the city. Al Ustah worked as a guard at the Red Crescent Society in Khallit Al Amoud area in Nablus. It is worth mentioning that Al Ustah was abducted by gunmen and was released earlier on Sunday morning. Hamas stated that this execution comes only a few days after Fateh gunmen executed Anees Al Salous, one of its members, after abducted him from a mosque in the city. Moreover, Hamas media sources said that Fateh gunmen killed Hani Srouji, 19, from Balata refugee camp in Nablus, when they thought that he is a member of Hamas. more.. Hizbullah denies was behind Katyusha attack Hanan Greenberg, YNetNews 6/17/2007 IDF officials believe Palestinian group, and not Hizbullah, responsible for rocket attack on north -- Hizbullah denied it was behind the launching of two Katyusha rockets at Kiryat Shmona Sunday afternoon, the organization’s TV station al-Manar reported. The station also said that the IDF was currently firing mortar shells at the Shebaa Farms area in southern Lebanon. Meanwhile, the Northern Command was holding meetings to evaluate the situation. IDF sources said that several Palestinian organizations were operating in southern Lebanon, and that they were possibly attempting to bring to an escalation on the northern border in conjunction with the crisis in Gaza, in order to create a two-front emergency situation in Israel. Army officials explained that although the groups did not have sophisticated... more.. IDF deploys near Erez, Karni passes Yuval Azoulay, Ha’aretz 6/17/2007 The Israel Defense Forces is continuing its intensified deployment in the south in response to Hamas’ takeover of the Gaza Strip. IDF troops, mostly from the Armored Corps, have been taking up key positions around the Erez and Karni crossings over the past few days. All of the crossings between Israel and the Gaza Strip are sealed. Over the weekend, several dozen Fatah operatives were granted entry into Israel, with the permission of the Shin Bet security service. Activists from human rights organizations and journalists were also allowed to cross. Entry to the Gaza Strip from Israel is forbidden. A military official said yesterday that for the time being, no coordination of any kind is taking place between Israel and Palestinians in the Gaza Strip, including in humanitarian cases. more.. Israel plans to attack Gaza to decimate Hamas Ma’an News Agency 6/17/2007 Bethlehem Ma’an British newspaper the Sunday Times reported that Israel’s new defence minister and Labor party leader, Ehud Barak, is preparing to attack the Gaza Strip in the coming weeks in order to decimate the Hamas leadership that have recently seized control. The plans laid out by the new defence minister, call for a short-lived high-impact war, in which 20,000 Israeli troops will be deployed to destroy much of Hamas’ military capability within days. Barak is claiming that the decision to invade was triggered by the launching of Qassam rockets at Israeli towns bordering the Gaza Strip, as well as the threat of suicide bombings in Israel. Barak is to be sworn in as defence minister on Monday, but even before his term begins he has made plans to deploy two armoured divisions and an infantry division,... more.. Report: Barak plans Gaza attack Ynet, YNetNews 6/17/2007 Sunday Times reports new defense minister planning large-scale attack on Hamas in Strip in event of attacks on Israel. Attack to involve 20,000 trops, including armored and infantry divisions; source close to Barak says attack just a matter of time -- Incoming defense minister Ehud Barak is planning an attack on Gaza over the next few weeks in order to crush the Hamas gunmen who have taken over the Strip, the Sunday Times reported. A senior Israeli military source, told the Sunday Times that military action, which will involve some 20,000 troops, would be in response to Hamas Qassam attacks on the western Negev, or renewed suicide attacks on Israel, and should destroy much of Hamas’ military capability in a number of days. According to the report, Barak, who is expected to take role as... more.. 2 rockets land in Kiryat Shmona Ynet reporters, YNetNews 6/17/2007 Two rockets fired at northern town of Kiryat Shmona Sunday afternoon; no injuries reported, one rocket hits car. Hizbullah denies responsibility, Palestinian group may be behind attack. IDF: Rockets launched from area close to UN outposts -- Two 107 millimeter-diameter Katyusha rockets landed in the northern town of Kiryat Shmona Sunday afternoon. No injuries were reported. At around 5:20 pm, residents of the northern town reported the sound of explosions. Rescue teams were dispatched to both locations where the rockets landed. It remains unclear who launched the rockets towards Israel. One of the rockets hit a car in the town’s northern industrial area, and the other landed in the southern part of town. IDF officials said that the rockets were apparently launched from an area very close to UN outposts in southern Lebanon. more.. Lebanese army says it prevented additional attack on Israel Associated Press, YNetNews 6/17/2007 According to Lebanese army, its forces discovered rocket set to be launched at Israel and prevented it from being fired. Meanwhile, IDF, defense officials contemplate response to strikeThe Lebanese army discovered a rocket that was set to be launched Sunday on Israel and prevented it from being fired, shortly after three were launched and two landed in the Israel, Lebanon"s military said in a statement. Katyushas 2 rockets land in Kiryat Shmona/ Ynet reporters Two rockets fired at northern town of Kiryat Shmona Sunday afternoon; no injuries reported, one rocket hits car. Hizbullah denies responsibility, Palestinian group may be behind attack. IDF: Rockets launched from area close to UN outposts Full Story The army blamed the attack on "unknown elements", the statement said. more.. The ins and outs of helping people get what they want Jim Quilty, Daily Star 6/18/2007 BINT JBEIL: When the summer 2006 war with Israel receded from Bint Jbeil, it left behind a ruin. Like other Shiite population centers along Lebanon’s southern border - Khiam, Maroun al-Ras, Aita al-Shaab, to name a few - the town was mauled by unremitting bombardment. One of the targets Israeli warplanes selected for special treatment in the last few days of the conflict was the 7,050-square-meter "old town" at the core of Bint Jbeil. It was regarded as a particularly spiteful attack, since locals say there had been no military operations in that part of the town. Sources in the town say that of the 2,800 houses damaged and destroyed in Bint Jbeil during the war, 1,032 were in the old town. Today, nearly a year after the war started, Bint Jbeil is far from rebuilt so it is too soon to draw any conclusions from the reconstruction. more.. Hasids plan trip to tomb, despite IDF ban Nadav Shragai, Ha’aretz 6/17/2007 A group of Bratslav Hasids attempted to reach the Joseph’s Tomb in Nablus on Saturday night, and have announced their intention to do so again tonight. The Israel Defense Forces has prohibited Jews from entering the area of the tomb for security reasons, and is prepared to stop the group. Saturday night a group of a few dozen people managed reach the settlement of Itamar, southeast of Nablus; a second group went to Mount Bracha northeast of Nablus. However, the groups did not manage to reach their destination, the tomb of the biblical patriarch. The beginning of the Hebrew month of Tamuz, marking the death date of Joseph, is observed with celebrations. The Hasids said the IDF was preventing access to the tomb because of the desecration of graves in the northern West Bank village of Kifel Hares during a celebration... more.. Fatah militants storm parliament BBC Online 6/16/2007 Hamas said the bodies of seven of its supporters had been found in a compound in Gaza City which had been used by pro-Fatah security forces. The Islamist group said they had been kidnapped before being shot dead. -- Fatah gunmen have stormed the Hamas-controlled Palestinian parliament building in Ramallah in the West Bank. The gunmen reportedly tried to seize the Palestinian Legislative Council’s second deputy speaker, Hassan Khuraishah, but staff intervened. Mr Khuraishah told the BBC he had been beaten up as he tried to prevent Fatah gunmen from raising their flag. The clashes came after Fatah was ousted from Gaza by Hamas, ending a week of clashes which left more than 100 dead. The leader of Fatah, President Mahmoud Abbas, is due to swear in an interim Prime Minister, Salam Fayyad... more.. Israeli settler kills Palestinian civilian near Nablus IMEMC Staff, International Middle East Media Center 6/16/2007 An Israeli settler rammed with his vehicle Palestinian civilian and killed him at a street south of the northern West Bank city of Nablus on Friday night. The resident was identified as Bassam Amirah, 46. Palestinian ambulances retrieved the body and took it to the local hospital in Nablus. Palestinian sources in Nablus stated that cases of settlers hitting Palestinian civilians with cars has significantly increased in the past few years around the city of Nablus. [end] Fateh gunmen attack on Hamas run installations continue in the West Bank Ghassan Bannoura - IMEMC & Agencies, International Middle East Media Center 6/16/2007 Palestinian media sources reported on Saturday that Fatah’s Aqsa brigades’ fighters stormed scores of Hamas controlled institutions in the West Bank, including parliament and government ministries. The sources added that fighters told all employees that have ties with Hamas not to come back to their jobs. In Ramallah Fateh activists took over the parliament headquarters and raised Fatah flags on top of them, angry fighters also tried to seize the deputy speaker of the Palestinian parliament Hassan Khreisha, but were stopped by employees. Al Aqsa brigades issued a statement saying that the group plans to take control of all Hamas institutions, in response to Hamas’ takeover of Gaza. Hamas have controlled the Gaza Strip after four days of violent clashes with the rival Fateh movement which left at least 120... more.. Fatah gunmen storm parliament in Ramallah and torch Hamas buildings in Nablus Ma’an News Agency 6/16/2007 Ramallah Ma’an On Saturday morning Fatah militias from the Al Aqsa Brigades stormed the Palestinian Legislative Council (PLC) buildings in Ramallah, in the central West Bank. Fatah gunmen also torched several institutions and societies affiliated to the Hamas movement in Nablus, in the northern West Bank. The firefighting department of Nablus municipality said that they extinguished fires in a number of institutions, clubs and industrial plants in the city. Hamas sources told Ma’an’s correspondent that Fatah’s military wing, the Al Aqsa Brigades, kidnapped several Hamas members in Nablus. Al Aqsa Brigades’ members also raided Nablus municipality’s offices and raised the Palestinian flag from the roof of the building. The brigades prevented any Hamas-affiliated members from the local council from... more.. As Gaza Unravels, Palestinians Flee Ilene R. Prusher, MIFTAH 6/16/2007 By the time the Islamic militant group Hamas declared victory in Gaza Thursday, thousands of Palestinians had already fled the coastal strip. Recent figures collected by European monitors at Rafah, the crossing into Egypt, show that some 14,000 Palestinians have left Gaza in the past year, driven by a combination of political insecurity and economic strain. Now, the violence between the two main Palestinian factions, which began to escalate Saturday and turned into brutal street warfare early this week, is driving even more Gazans to find a way out. Hazem Balousha, a journalist, says that during the fighting between Hamas and Fatah, bullets and mortar rounds have been flying past his home at a furious clip. "Some of the bullets entered my house," Mr. more.. Gunmen kill a youth in Nablus Saed Bannoura - IMEMC & Agencies, International Middle East Media Center 6/17/2007 Palestinian sources in Nablus, in the northern part of the West Bank reported on Saturday at night that Fateh gunmen shot and killed a Palestinian youth in Al Duwwar area, in the city. The sources stated that the youth Hani Al Srouji, 19, was shot after the gunmen shouted at him to stop but he didn’t hear them. The gunmen apparently thought that he was trying to escape from them and opened fire at them. He was hit by two rounds of live ammunition in his head. It is worth mentioning that the slain youth, not a member of any faction, suffered limited mental abilities. In a statement released by Hamas movement, Hamas called on Fateh to "stop its attacks in the West Bank", and claimed the some groups in Fateh have direct cooperation with the Israeli occupation in carrying these attacks, Hamas stated that... more.. Two Fatah men killed in Gaza; Hamas threatens W. Bank battles Avi Issacharoff, Haaretz Correspondent, Haaretz Service and News Agencies, Ha’aretz 6/16/2007 Two Fatah loyalists were killed in the Gaza Strip on Saturday, as Hamas cemented its control over the area at has seized in violent fighting in the past week. Fatah officials said the deaths were revenge killings. Also on Saturday, the bodies of seven Hamas members were found in the basement of the Preventive Security Service headquarters, a Fatah stronghold captured Thursday, and the bullet-ridden corpse of a Fatah field commander was found in southern Gaza. More than 100 people were killed a week of clashes. Hamas on Saturday threatened to retaliate against Palestinian Authority Chairman Mahmoud Abbas’ forces in the West Bank if they did not end Fatah "terrorism" against Hamas members there. The conquest of Gaza by Hamas has drawn furious response from Fatah activists in the West Bank, where the organization headed by PA Chairman Mahmoud Abbas is dominant. more.. Israeli forces arrest three Palestinian citizens near Jenin Ma’an News Agency 6/16/2007 Nablus Jenin - Ma’an Occupying Israeli military forces have arrested three citizens from the town of Birqin, west of Jenin, in the northern West Bank on Saturday at dawn. Ma’an’s correspondent has reported that security sources revealed that Israeli military jeeps invaded the town and attacked many houses, before interrogating citizens and arresting Naser Zaidan Al Jada’, aged 21, Ahamad Mohammad Atik, 22, and Mohran Hassan Atik, 25. [end] Fatah man found dead in central Gaza and young boy killed by an explosion Ma’an News Agency 6/16/2007 Gaza Ma’an Unknown gunmen on Saturday killed Fatah member, Nafith Mustafa, aged 20, in Deir al Balah, in the central Gaza Strip. Director of the ambulance and emergency services in the Palestinian ministry of health, Dr Mu’awiya Hassanein, stated that Mustafa’s corpse arrived at hospital with bullets in several areas of his body. In a separate incident, a Palestinian boy, Tamir Abu Ghalya, aged 15, succumbed to wounds which he sustained as a result of an explosive device. [end] Palestinian security services denounce Hamas attacks on its HQ and threaten retaliation Ma’an News Agency 6/16/2007 Bethlehem Ma’an The leadership of the Palestinian security services on Saturday blamed the Hamas political leaders and military wings for the assaults on the services’ headquarters in the Gaza Strip. The leaders of the security services issued a statement claiming that the operations of the Hamas-affiliated Executive Force and Al-Qassam Brigades were criminal acts which were planned in advance. The statement added that the tunnels beneath the security headquarters, which were used to bomb the buildings, were dug months ago. The security services warned Hamas leaders against the continuation of such criminal acts, which they said "harmed the Palestinian people and their just cause." The statement added "everyone involved in such acts will be found by the Palestinian security services and brought to justice. more.. Crowd loots Gaza home of Arafat Ali Waked and Reuters, YNetNews 6/16/2007 Witnesses say crowd took furniture, wall tiles and personal belongings from villa of deceased Palestinian leader; Fatah gunmen attempt to kidnap Hamas-affiliated official in Ramallah. Palestinian official says American envoy told Abbas US would lift ban on aid to emergency government -- A crowd on Saturday looted the home of longtime Palestinian leader Yasser Arafat, destroying one of the strongest symbols of the Fatah movement in the Gaza Strip, witnesses and Fatah officials said. Fatah officials said the crowd took furniture, wall tiles and Arafat"s personal belongings. The villa had been empty since Arafat left for the West Bank in 2001 shortly after the outbreak of the second Palestinian uprising. Israel confined Arafat to the West Bank until permitting him to fly to France for medical care in late 2004. more.. In pictures: Fatah show of strength BBC Online 6/16/2007 Gunmen loyal to Fatah have stormed the Hamas-controlled Palestinian parliament building in Ramallah in the West Bank. The deputy speaker, Hassan Khuraishah, an independent, said he had been beaten up when he tried to stop Fatah supporters from putting up one of their flags in the building. In a show of strength afterwards, the gunmen paraded around Ramallah and fired their weapons into the air. Fatah supporters also took over the Hamas-controlled legislative council in Nablus. Palestinian civilians in Hebron continued their calls for a ceasefire between the rival factions. In the Gaza Strip, where Hamas seized control on Thursday, the situation was calm. The dismissed Prime Minister, Ismail Haniya, a Hamas leader, called for people to show self-restraint and ordered police to ensure the rule of law. more.. Palestine Today 061407 IMEMC - Audio Dept, International Middle East Media Center 6/15/2007 Click on Link to download or play MP3 file || File 4. 80 MB|| Time 5m 14 || Welcome to Palestine Today, a service of the International Middle East Media Centre, www. imemc. org, for Wednesday June 14th, 2007. The infightings continues in Gaza strip, claming the life of nearly 80 Palestinians and the Israeli army killes and Palestinian resistance fighter in the Wets Bank those stories and more coming up stay tuned. Civil unrest Palestinian medical sources reported on Thursday that the number of Palestinians killed on Tuesday and Wednesday has reached 57. Dr. Mo’awiah Hassanin, the director of the emergency department in the ministry of health in Gaza stated that there were also 357 people injured, among them 52 critically. Dr. Hassanin urged all residents of Gaza who can donate blood to go to the nearest... more.. Gaza violence spreads to the West Bank as Fatah wreak revenge on Hamas Ma’an News Agency 6/15/2007 Nablus Ma’an A Hamas activist was killed by Fatah fighters, east of the West Bank city of Nablus, on Thursday night. Medical sources identified the deceased as 32-year-old, Anis As Sallous. The medical sources added that As Sallous arrived at hospital with bullets in several areas of his body, including his head, chest and legs. He died shortly after arriving at hospital. Another young Hamas activist, Rami Al Khafash, was injured by unknown gunmen, in ’Askar refugee camp, east of Nablus. The Fatah-affiliated Al Aqsa Brigades announced that they murdered Anis As Sallous, after abducting him in Nablus. The brigades said that the operation is revenge for the assassination of the leading Fatah fighter, Samih Al Madhoun, by Hamas in Gaza. more.. Israeli army kills two Palestinian suspects in separate West Bank operations Amos Harel, Ha’aretz 6/14/2007 Two Palestinians were killed in the West Bank yesterday during operations by the Israel Defense Forces and the Border Police. The IDF is continuing its campaigns to capture activists affiliated with all the terror organizations operating in the West Bank, irrespective of the civil war in the Gaza Strip. Before dawn yesterday large IDF forces entered Qalqilyah as part of the army’s campaign against Hamas’ military wing. Nahal Brigade reconnaissance forces shot and killed an armed Palestinian who was found to be in possession of a pistol and an M-16 rifle. He was identified as an arms dealer associated with Fatah. A second Palestinian, also suspected of arms trafficking, was arrested at the site. A search of his home revealed further weapons. In the village of Saida, north of Tul Karm, soldiers from an undercover unit shot and killed an unarmed Palestinian. more.. Israeli forces launch a widespread arrest campaign in the central Gaza Strip Ma’an News Agency 6/15/2007 Gaza Ma’an As media attention is diverted by Hamas assuming control over the Gaza Strip, Israeli forces launch a widespread arrest campaign in the area east of Deir al Balah, in the central Gaza Strip. Palestinian sources reported that 17 people were arrested and taken to an unknown destination. [end] Israeli forces kill a Palestinian youth during incursions in the northern West Bank Ma’an News Agency 6/15/2007 Jenin Ma’an A Palestinian citizen was killed on Friday when Israeli forces invaded the northern West Bank towns of Kafr Dan and Kafr Ra’i, south of Jenin. Local sources stated that Ahmad ’Aabid, aged 17, received a gunshot to his chest during confrontations which erupted between the Israeli forces and Palestinian youths in Kafr Dan. The Israeli forces also erected several military checkpoints along the road between Nablus and Jenin in the north and at the entrances to the towns of Arraba, Kafr Ra’i and ’Anza, southwest of Jenin. [end] Al-Aqsa Brigades clash with Israeli undercover force in central Gaza Strip Ma’an News Agency 6/15/2007 Gaza Ma’an Al-Aqsa Brigades, the main armed wing of the Fatah movement, claimed responsibility on Friday for clashing with Israeli undercover forces, east of Al-Maghazi refugee camp, in the central Gaza Strip. In a statement received by Ma’an, the brigades said that the operation comes as part of the ongoing retaliation to the Israeli atrocities against the Palestinian people. [end] Qassam Brigades fighter dies of wounds sustained in recent factional clashes Ma’an News Agency 6/15/2007 Gaza - Ma’an - Palestinian medical sources from Shuhada’ Al Aqsa Hospital in Deir al Balah, in the central Gaza Strip, announced the death Ibrahim Abu An Nar, on Friday morning. Abu An Nar was a Hamas-affiliated Qassam Brigades fighter and was critically injured in the recent clashes between Hamas and Fatah. [end] Hundreds loot buildings and offices in Gaza which have been taken over by Hamas Ma’an News Agency 6/15/2007 Gaza Ma’an Residents in Gaza reported that hundreds of people raided and looted the presidential offices of Mahmoud Abbas in Gaza City on Friday morning. Ma’an’s correspondent added that hundreds of people were seen inside the building, which Hamas took control of on Thursday. The building of Palestine TV was also taken over by Hamas and was seen being looted and robbed on Friday. [end] Gaza Infighting: Haniyeh Defiant, Crisis Deepens GAZA CITY - The Palestinian crisis deepened Friday, June 15, as, Palestine Chronicle 6/15/2007 Calling Abbas’s dismissal of the government "premature," Haniyeh said Hamas will not declare a "state" in Gaza where it overran its Fatah rivals. "I order security forces to maintain law and order from now on," he said one day after Abbas sacked the government and declared a state of emergency after six days of bloody faction fighting. Calling Abbas’s dismissal of the government "premature," Haniyeh said Hamas will not declare a "state" in Gaza where it overran its Fatah rivals. "The Gaza Strip is an indivisible part of the homeland and its residents are an integral part of the Palestinian people. No to a state in the Gaza Strip only because the state is a whole that cannot be divided," he said. "I call on my brothers in Hamas to declare a general amnesty and to guarantee people’s lives," Haniyeh added. more.. Police on high alert near Temple Mount due to Gaza chaos Efrat Weiss, YNetNews 6/15/2007 Only men over age of 45, women over age of 35 with Israeli ID cards allowed to take part in Friday prayersThe Jerusalem Police boosted its forces Friday morning ahead of the prayers which took place at the Temple Mount in the afternoon, in light of the escalating violence in the Gaza Strip and the West Bank. The prayers ended peacefully. Some 8,500 Muslim worshippers over the age of 45 arrived at the Mount. An evaluation of the situation was held by Jerusalem Police commanders on Thursday afternoon. Jerusalem District Police Commander Maj-Gen Ilan Franco recommended to Police Commissioner Dudi Cohen to limit the number of worshippers allowed to enter the Temple Mount for the Friday prayers following the situation in Gaza. more.. Lebanese agriculture still ailing nine months after end of war Jim Campbell, Daily Star 6/16/2007 BEIRUT: Nine months after the end of the war with Israel, the struggling agricultural sector is still looking for badly needed assistance from the government and donors to make up for the losses caused by the conflict. Farmers vented their anger at the government and the Agriculture Ministry in particular for failing to address the needs of the sector. But the ministry seems helpless given the fact that the budget at its disposal hardly covers the salaries of its staff The head of the Association of Lebanese Farmers, Antoine Hwayek, said that the ministry failed to provide any kind of assistance to the farmers in the aftermath of the war. Speaking in an interview with The Daily Star on Thursday, Hwayek claimed that the ministry was failing to supply aid "not only for [Association of Lebanese Farmers], but for all agriculture. more.. Are Israel’s armed forces destined for more decline? Uri Bar-Joseph, Daily Star 6/16/2007 Approximately six months before the Six-Day War, the Israeli armed forces rejected an American proposal to assist Israel in finding technological solutions to the intensifying infiltration of Palestinian guerrillas into Israel. Chief of Staff Yitzhak Rabin and his generals expressed the view that the right answer to the problem was increasing military pressure on Syria, rather than electronic fences that would turn Israel into another ghetto and consume the scarce manpower and financial resources that were needed to reinforce the army. Forty years later, the Israeli Army - which is by far the strongest between Morocco and the Indian subcontinent - failed to defeat a few thousand Hizbullah fighters who kept launching Katyusha rockets until the very last moment of the July-August 2006 Lebanon war. more.. Chronology: Conflict in the Middle East since Yasser Arafat’s death Source: Deutsche Presse Agentur (DPA, ReliefWeb 6/15/2007 Hamburg_(dpa) _ The violence in the Middle East has escalated since the death of Palestinian leader Yasser Arafat nearly three years ago. A chronology of events: Januar 9, 2005: Palestine Liberation Organization (PLO) leader Mahmoud Abbas is elected Palestinian president with 62. 5 per cent of the vote. February 8, 2005: Abbas and Israeli Prime Minister Ariel Sharon agree to a ceasefire at peace talks in Sharm el Sheik. September 12, 2005: Israel ends its 38-year occupation of the Gaza Strip. January 26, 2006: The radical Islamist Hamas wins parliamentary elections. Abbas, a member of the moderate Fatah, appoints Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh as prime minister. April 7, 2006: Key financial backers, the European Union and the United States, stop payments to the Hamas-led Palestinian government. more.. Five Palestinians, including four children, killed by Israeli forces east of Rafah Ma’an News Agency 6/14/2007 Rafah - Ma’an - Palestinian medical sources have stated that five Palestinians, including four children, have been killed, while two others have been injured by fire from Israeli tanks, east of Rafah on Thursday afternoon. Ma’an’s correspondent reports that Israeli tanks shot at citizens’ houses, near the former Gaza International Airport, east of the city of Rafah. Four were killed instantly and their corpses transported to Abu Yousef An Najjar hospital. The fifth died shortly after being admitted to the European hospital. The casualties have not yet been identified. In the West Bank, Hashim Az Zubeidi, a member of the Fatah-affiliated Al Aqsa Brigades, was shot in the chest by Israeli special forces who had infiltrated the northern city of Qalqilia. more.. Growing fear of West Bank retribution Martin Patience, BBC Online 6/14/2007 BBC News, Ramallah Evidence of a crackdown on Hamas supporters is easy to see -- Three military jeeps and more than 20 armed members of the Palestinian security forces surrounded Fouad Frokh’s family home in the early hours of the morning. The Fatah-affiliated forces demanded to know the whereabouts of Fouad’s father and then searched the house for weapons. When they turned up nothing - no father, no weapons - they "arrested" Fouad’s 16- and 18-year-old brothers. "They really wanted my father," said Mr Frokh, 23, a video editor. "They thought because he’s got a beard and goes to the mosque a lot that he is a Hamas supporter." With Hamas taking almost complete control of Gaza after battling Fatah forces, there is growing fear in the West Bank that retribution will be meted out against the Islamic movement’s supporters. more.. Struggle for control of yeshiva turns ugly Buky Naeh, YNetNews 6/14/2007 Prestigious haredi Ponevezh yeshiva has been engaged in bitter power struggle between rival factions in recent years, that has deteriorated to violence, including assault with sticks, axes and explosive devices -- In recent years, the renowned Lithuanian Ponevezh yeshiva in Beni Brak has been engulfed in a violent struggle between two rival factions over who will control the institution. The conflict began after the yeshiva"s legendary head, Rabbi Elazar Shach, became ill in the late 1990s and had to be replaced. Two camps immediately emerged as contenders for the throne: The first led by Rabbi Beryl Poversky and Rabbi Gershon Edelshtein (the heir-to-be of 95-year-old Rabbi Elyashiv), and the second headed by Rabbi Shmuel Markovich. In the most recent incident related to the power struggle, the yeshiva"s... more.. Palestinians throw rocks at car; woman hurt Jerusalem Post 6/15/2007 An Israeli woman was lightly wounded after Palestinians threw rocks at her car near Kalkilya overnight Thursday. No other details were given. [end] In pictures: Hamas takes Gaza BBC Online 6/14/2007 The green flags of Hamas are flying over Gaza as the Palestinian militant group says it is close to taking control of the territory. Hamas militants celebrated as they seized rival faction Fatah’s Preventive Security compound, their intelligence headquarters in Gaza. Hamas also took over the southern city of Rafah. Fighting between the two rival Palestinian factions has continued for more than five days, and more than 100 people have been killed. Hamas moved to cement its control over the Gaza Strip on Thursday, as the fighting escalated. There are now fears the fighting may spread to parts of the West Bank, where there have been reports of gun battles. The EU and US have voiced concern and the EU has suspended aid operations in Gaza in response to the violence. more.. Coping with the Gaza fighting BBC Online 6/14/2007 As the fighting continues in Gaza, two professionals talk about how they are continuing their work amid the worsening security and humanitarian situation. The hospital had to clear everyone except critically-ill patients It has been very difficult to bring injured people to the hospital. Our ambulances sometimes need to pass through six or seven checkpoints set up by the gunmen. The gunmen then search the vehicles. Even if someone is dying in the back of the ambulance they continue the search - they don’t care if the casualty dies. The gunmen have even seized two of our ambulances and their crews. At the beginning of the fighting the hospital was overwhelmed by casualties. There weren’t enough beds. To deal with the situation we discharged all patients in non-critical conditions who could be cared for at home. more.. Islamic Jihad’s armed wing fire two projectiles at Sderot Ma’an News Agency 6/14/2007 Gaza - Ma’an - The Al-Quds Brigades, the armed wing of Islamic Jihad, claimed responsibility on Thursday for launching two homemade projectiles at the Western Negev Israeli town of Sderot. They affirmed in a statement received by Ma’an that the operation was part of their "initial retaliation." [end] Armed factions target a settlers’ minibus near Nablus Ma’an News Agency 6/14/2007 Nablus - Ma’an - The Abu Ali Mustafa Brigades, the armed wing of the Popular Front for the Liberation of Palestine (PFLP), and the An Nasser Salah Addin Brigades, the armed wing of the Popular Resistance Committees (PRC), claimed responsibility on Thursday for detonating an explosive device next to a minibus carrying Israeli settlers in the northern West Bank. The minibus was travelling near the illegal Israeli settlement of Itamar, which is between the northern West Bank villages of Rujeib and Awarta, south of Nablus. The brigades stressed in a joint statement that "the Palestinian rifle must be directed towards the occupation." They also called on the Hamas and Fatah movements to stop the Palestinian bloodshed which they said distorts the image of the Palestinian struggle. [end] Fatah gunmen kill Hamas militant in W. Bank city of Nablus Avi Issacharoff, Haaretz Correspondent, and Agencies, Ha’aretz 6/15/2007 A Hamas activist was shot dead by Fatah militants in the West Bank city of Nablus, Hamas said early Friday, hours after the group cemented its hold on the Gaza Strip by seizing four major symbols of Fatah control there. The activist was the first to be killed in the West Bank after the days of Gaza violence, reinforcing fears that the violence might spread there. The Al Aqsa Martyrs’ Brigades, a Fatah military wing, claimed responsibility. Fearful that Hamas’ momentum could spread to the West Bank, Fatah went on the offensive there Thursday, rounding up three dozen Hamas fighters. Angry Fatah militants threw office furniture out a third-story window of the Palestinian parliament building in Ramallah, then set fire to the office of three Hamas lawmakers. more.. Explosive-filled tunnels in Gaza: targeting Abbas or Israel? Ma’an News Agency 6/14/2007 Gaza - Ma’an - Tunnels filled with explosive devices were discovered under Salahaddin Street in Gaza City, Palestinian security sources announced Wednesday night. According to these sources, the explosives were targeting Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas in anticipation of future visits to the Gaza Strip. The sources also added that several tunnels were discovered and detonated near the security headquarters. Palestinian television networks showed footage of the tunnels and explosives under Salahaddin Street. Meanwhile, Hamas’ armed wing, the Al-Qassam Brigades, accused Palestine TV of "treason" for broadcasting images of their fighters preparing tunnels. They also assured that the booby-trapped tunnel was targeted at Israeli targets, not President Abbas. more.. Israeli forces arrest 7 West Bankers Thursday Ma’an News Agency 6/14/2007 Bethlehem - Ma’an - The Israeli forces arrested 7 Palestinians, allegedly wanted by the Israeli authorities, in operations throughout the occupied West Bank Thursday morning. Israeli sources reported that 7 West Bank residents were arrested, including Islamic Jihad and Fatah activists. Meanwhile, Israeli forces invaded the northern West Bank city of Qalqiliya and imposed a curfew. The operation is ongoing. In the Nablus region of the northern West Bank, Israeli forces arrested a young Palestinian man at the Beit Iba military checkpoint, west of Nablus city. They alleged that he attempted to attack an Israeli soldier there. Our correspondent quoted Palestinian security sources as saying that the Israeli soldiers stopped Azmi Yadik, aged 21, and inspected him before they sprayed gas in his face and arrested him. more.. Factbox - Security developments in Palestinian Territories Source: Reuters Foundation, ReliefWeb 6/14/2007 June 14, (Reuters) - Following are security developments in the Gaza Strip and West Bank, as of 1030 GMT on Thursday: Asterisk denotes new developments. *GAZA CITY - Hamas fighters captured one of the last bastions in Gaza City of forces loyal to Western-backed President Mahmoud Abbas, raising green Islamist flags over the heavily fortified headquarters of the Preventive Security Service. *NABLUS, West Bank - Four Hamas militants surrendered peacefully to Fatah police forces after an hour-long siege. The four militants were shooting at random around the city and were chased by police to the building, witnesses said. GAZA CITY - Hamas said it would refuse to accept an international force along the Gaza-Egypt border and would treat it as an occupying power. more.. 2 Qassams land in Sderot Shmulik Hadad, YNetNews 6/14/2007 Rockets hit city center, open field in nearby kibbutz; several people suffer from shock, damage caused to vehicle -- Palestinian gunmen fired two Qassam rockets from the northern Gaza Strip toward Israel on Thursday morning. One rocket landed in the center of the southern town of Sderot, and another landed in an open field in a nearby kibbutz. A vehicle was damaged and a number of people suffered shock in the attack. Israeli officials fear that the Hamas takeover of areas in the Gaza Strip may cause the fire to be diverted toward Israel. Over the past few days, the number of rockets being fired at Israel’s southern communities has diminished to just a few rockets in the early mornings and evenings, following internal Palestinian clashes. more.. Hamas takes upper hand in Gaza struggle Rory McCarthy in Jerusalem and Ian Black, The Guardian 6/13/2007 Hamas fighters launched another wave of fierce attacks today plunging the Gaza strip closer towards civil war in what appeared to be a carefully coordinated effort to seize control on the streets. Gunmen from Hamas and its rival faction, Fatah, fought heavy battles in the north and south of the strip, with the Islamist movement repeatedly winning the upper hand. In a day of bloodshed, Hamas fighters seized security posts that provide control of two major roads running north to south through Gaza and took control of Khan Yunis, a town in the south. Then last night then began attacking several security posts in Gaza City. At least 17 Palestinians were killed, including several civilians, among them two workers for the UN refugee agency UNRWA. more.. 26 dead as Hamas tightens its grip on Gaza Avi Issacharoff Amos Harel, Ha’aretz 6/13/2007 Hamas effectively completed its victory over Fatah in the Gaza Strip yesterday following a day of fighting in which 26 persons lost their lives. Most of the dead were affiliated with Fatah, although at least two civilians participating in a peace demonstration and two United Nations aid workers were also killed. Since the fighting began on Sunday, at least 67 Palestinians were killed in the internecine battles. In Israel, the situation emerging in the Gaza Strip is lending greater urgency to the decision of Prime Minister Ehud Olmert to promote an initiative for the deployment of a multinational force along the Philadelphi Route and for the construction of a barrier to combat smuggling of arms and weapons into the Gaza Strip. A strategy for the containment of the current situation will be on the agenda of talks between Olmert and U. more.. Hamas gives Fatah security services till Friday evening to surrender Ma’an News Agency 6/13/2007 Gaza - Ma’an - The website of the Hamas movement on Wednesday claimed that the An Nasser Salah Addin Brigades, the armed wing of the Popular Resistance Committees, had joined forces with the Al-Qassam Brigades, the armed wing of Hamas, to attack rival security services affiliated to Fatah. In a recent development, the spokesperson of the Popular Resistance Committees (PRC), Abu Mujahid, denied reports claiming that the An Nasser Brigades of the PRC were supporting Hamas’ Al-Qassam Brigades in the assaults against the security bases of the PA. Abu Mujahid said, "The An Nasser Brigades have attempted to achieve reconciliation [between Fatah and Hamas], and have rejected infighting, as the only winner is the [Israeli] occupation." DeadlineThe Al-Qassam Brigades of Hamas have given all Fatah-affiliated... more.. At least 30 killed as Palestinian infighting rages out of control Daily Star 6/14/2007 At least 30 Palestinians, including two aid workers and two protesters, were killed in the latest round of infighting Wednesday with attacking the main security bases and the president’s compound with mortars and rockets and sending some of the rival Fatah forces fleeing in disarray. Israel and Denmark served notice that the Palestinians’ chances of achieving statehood could dim if Hamas emerged victorious over Fatah, while the Arab League said it would hold an emergency meeting Saturday to discuss the situation. Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas pleaded with Hamas’ exiled leader for a halt to the violence. In southern Gaza, the headquarters of the pro-Fatah Preventive Security Force in Khan Younis was "totally destroyed" after a bomb exploded in a tunnel underneath, said its chief, Youssef Eissa. more.. Two women would-be suicide bombers caught on way to attack Amos Harel, Ha’aretz 6/14/2007 The Shin Bet security service announced Wednesday that it had successfully foiled a double suicide attack on Tel Aviv and Netanya, planned by the Islamic Jihad. The Shin Bet said they had arrested two women from the Gaza Strip, who were slated to carry out the attacks. The two women, both mothers to young children, were arrested at the Erez crossing from Gaza into Israel on May 20 as they were trying to enter Israel. Fatma Yunes Hassan Zak, 39, a resident of Gaza, mother of eight children and pregnant with her ninth, had been responsible for an Islamic Jihad Gaza women’s labor office for four years. She had been in contact with Islamic Jihad terrorists and coordinated contacts on their behalf with women who had volunteered to be suicide bombers. more.. Hamas sources: "The Al Aqsa brigades releases twelve Hamas members it abducted earlier" Saed Bannoura - IMEMC & Agencies, International Middle East Media Center 6/14/2007 Sources close to Hamas movement reported on Wednesday evening that gunmen of the Al Aqsa Brigades, the armed wing of Fateh, released twelve Hamas members who were abducted by the group in Nablus. The twelve are employees at Al Thurayya Company for Art Work which belongs to Hamas. They were abducted on Wednesday afternoon. The sources also said that Fateh gunmen abducted a resident from Balata refugee camp, in Nablus, after breaking into his workspace and took him to an unknown destinations. Also, members of the Al Aqsa Brigades shut down all Hamas offices in Jenin, in the northern part of the West Bank. A spokesperson of the Brigades stated that the offices were shut down "in protest to the crimes carried by Hamas against Fateh members in Gaza". more.. Hamas poised to attack remaining Fatah buildings Jerusalem Post 6/14/2007 Hamas was nearing its goal of taking over the Gaza Strip, Israel Radio reported Wednesday overnight. Several hours after midnight the organization was concentrating its efforts on the Palestinian presidential complex and the buildings belonging to Preventative Security, both institutions affiliated with Fatah. Preventative Security urged its members to "fight to their last drop of blood," despite gunmen’s warnings that they were running out of ammunition and were close to surrendering. Concurrently, Palestinian Prime Minister Ismail Haniyeh and Palestinian Authority Chairman Mahmoud Abbas were debating the conditions of a truce, but have not yet signed an agreement. Hamas denied that ceasefire negotiations were taking place. [end] In pictures: Gaza fighting worsens BBC Online 6/13/2007 Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas has appealed to all factions to stop the "madness" of the fighting in Gaza. The clashes between Hamas and Fatah militants have left dozens of people dead. Mr Abbas, who leads Fatah, warned the violence could bring Gaza to the point of collapse. Hamas men appeared to be systematically taking over Fatah-controlled buildings throughout Gaza. An international human rights group accused both factions of committing serious violations of international humanitarian law. Several hundred civilian protesters briefly turned out in Gaza City to call for a ceasefire, but they scattered when confronted by masked Hamas gunmen firing their weapons. Palestinians in the West Bank also appealed to Mr Abbas to stop the fighting. more.. Fatah supporters surrender to Hamas Staff and agencies, The Guardian 6/13/2007 Hundreds of Fatah supporters today surrendered to Hamas as the Palestinian president, Mahmoud Abbas, described the escalating fighting in Gaza as "madness". Thousands of members of the Fatah-allied Bakr clan, numbering thousands, surrendered in a seaside neighbourhood of Gaza City. The development came as Hamas appeared to be gaining ground against Fatah, which is backed by the west. The Islamist Hamas has systematically taken control of security positions in the north and south of Gaza, apparently leaving the main battle for the strip’s security and political nerve centre, in Gaza City, until last. At least 22 people have died in the latest wave of violence, increasing the death toll since Saturday to 70, hospital officials said. The dead included two demonstrators taking part in a march in Gaza City to protest... more.. 40 Fatah men cross into Egypt, fleeing Gaza factional fighting Haaretz Staff and Reuters, Ha’aretz 6/13/2007 Some 40 security officials affiliated with Palestinian Authority Chairman Mahmoud Abbas’ Fatah party fled to Egypt on Wednesday, to escape the ongoing violence in the Gaza Strip, Egyptian officials said. The Popular Resistance Committees, a militant group allied with Hamas, said Wednesday evening that it had taken control of Gaza’s border with Egypt to prevent arms smuggling and to ensure that Gaze residents did not flee over the border. At least 24 Palestinians were killed in Wednesday clashes. An estimated 65 have died since Saturday in the fiercest internal violence in months between the Islamic Hamas movement and the secular Fatah, with no end in sight after a series of failed Egyptian-brokered cease-fires. Egyptian border and security officials said the security men, members of the Preventive Security... more.. Israeli army carries out operations in several areas of Hebron City and Qabatiya town in Jenin Nisreen Qumsieh - IMEMC News, International Middle East Media Center 6/13/2007 The Israeli army launched military operations in several areas of the West Bank in the early hours of Wednesday morning. Operations began in Hebron City in the southern part of the West Bank where local security sources reported that Israeli forces invaded Sorif and Sa’er towns near the city, randomly opening fire on residents who pelted the army with stones and empty glass bottles, confiscating properties and terrorizing many locals. The army also invaded Hebron City and kidnapped a civilian identified as Sameeh Al Ja’bari, 19. After invading his home, al-Ja’bari was taken to an unknown destination. Eyewitnesses reported that the Israeli military also established several roadblocks throughout the area. In a separate operation, the Israeli army invaded Qabatiya near Jenin in the West Bank, with local sources... more.. 55 Palestinian killed in Hamas-Fatah clashes in four days Ghassan Bannuora - IMEMC News, International Middle East Media Center 6/13/2007 The Al-Qassam brigades, the armed wing of Hamas, issued a statement demanding that Palestinian security forces loyal to Palestinian president Mahmoud Abbas of Fatah lay down their arms, Palestinian sources reported on Wednesday. Clashes between Hamas and Fatah loyalists continued for the fourth day despite cease-fire attempts by the political leadership. The current clashed are the fiercest seen in some time. The Executive Force and the Qassam Brigades, both loyal to Hamas, are currently clashing with the Presidential and National Guards loyal to President Abbas and Fatah. The body count changes by the minute, with official reports stating that at least nine more Palestinians were killed on Wednesday, taking the death toll to 55 in the last four days. more.. Fatah gunmen attack Hamas activist in Nablus. 12 injured Ghassan Bannoura - IMEMC News, International Middle East Media Center 6/13/2007 A group of fighters belonging to Fatah movement opened fire at a group of Hamas Activists in the northern West Bank city of Nablus on Wednesday afternoon and injured 12 of then. Palestinian medical sources stated that among the 12 injured one was critical. Palestinians sources in Balata refugee camp near Nablus also reported that one civilian was kidnapped by unknown gunmen from his shop in the refugee camp alsp on Wednesday. Earlier in the day In the West Bank today, several incidents of Hamas-Fatah infighting were reported in the central West Bank city of Ramallah and the city of Nablus. Palestinians also took to the streets on Wednesday, demanding Hamas and Fatah to stop the blood bath. About 1,000 Palestinians marched through Gaza City urging the rival factions to "stop the killing". more.. Military factions fire projectiles at Israeli targets close to Gaza Strip Ma’an News Agency 6/13/2007 Gaza - Ma’an - The An Nasser Salah Ad Din Brigades, the military wing of the Popular Resistance Committees (PRC), have said that they were behind the launching of one homemade projectile at the Kissufim Israeli military post, east of Deir Al Balah in the central Gaza Strip, on Tuesday night. In a statement, the brigades said that the projectile launching was in retaliation "for the Israeli aggressions against the Palestinian people." In the same sequence, the Abu Ali Mustafa Brigades, the military wing of the Popular Front for the Liberation of Palestine (PFLP), said that they launched five mortars at the Israeli community of Nahal Oz, located close to the northern Gaza Strip. [end] Islamic Jihad combatants launch two projectiles at Sderot Ma’an News Agency 6/13/2007 Gaza - Ma’an The Islamic Jihad-affiliated Al Quds Brigades announced responsibility for launching two homemade projectiles at the Israeli town of Sderot early on Wednesday morning. The brigades issued a statement declaring that the projectile operation is "part of the retaliation to the Israeli aggression against the Palestinian people." [end] Israeli forces arrest a Palestinian girl in Hebron for allegedly attempting to stab Israeli soldier Ma’an News Agency 6/13/2007 Hebron - Ma’an - The Israeli forces arrested on Wednesday afternoon a Palestinian girl called Fida’ Ghannam because she allegedly attempted to stab an Israeli soldier in the centre of Hebron city in the southern West Bank. The incident reportedly took place near the illegal Jewish settlement of Beit Hadassah in H2 area of the old city of Hebron, which is under Israeli military control. [end] Israeli forces arrest eight Palestinians in Jenin, Ramallah and Hebron Ma’an News Agency 6/13/2007 Bethlehem - Ma’an - The Israeli forces arrested eight Palestinians in the occupied West Bank early on Wednesday morning. Israeli media sources said that the Israeli army arrested one Islamic Jihad member south of Jenin in the northern West Bank, five Fatah activists near Ramallah in the central West Bank, and two allegedly "wanted" Palestinians in Hebron in the southern West Bank. The sources also said that the Palestinian fighters opened fire at Israeli patrols in a village south of Jenin. No casualties were reported. [end] Israeli forces invade Hebron and arrest a Palestinian youth Ma’an News Agency 6/13/2007 Hebron - Ma’an The Israeli forces on Wednesday morning arrested Palestinian citizen, Samih Ghalib Jabari, aged 19, in the Qeizoun area of Hebron city. The arrestee was taken to an unknown destination. Ma’an’s correspondent reported that the Israeli forces raided Jabari’s house and searched it invasively before arresting him. The Israeli forces also invaded Surif and Sa’ir, to the north of Hebron, and launched sonic bombs in the streets, no casualties were reported. [end] OPT: Gaza medics under fire as fighting goes on Nidal al-Mughrabi, ReliefWeb 6/13/2007 GAZA, June 13 (Reuters) - Three hours passed heavily, as if time stopped while Adel waited for news of whether his wounded cousin would receive treatment in time. The cousin, Ala, was a Gaza militant. He was trapped in a building on Tuesday surrounded by gunmen from a rival faction as clashes raged creating a crisis for Gaza’s medical specialists, who accuse fighters of turning their hospitals and ambulances into battlefield assets. As Adel stood near the building, unable to approach, he repeatedly telephoned the ambulance headquarters asking for a crew to take his injured relative to hospital, he said on Wednesday. The answer he kept getting was not one he wanted to hear: "We cannot send a vehicle there! They’re shooting at our vehicles and the drivers and medics are afraid to go," the doctor in charge repeated many times in response to appeals. more.. Qassam lands in Negev school Shmulik Hadad, YNetNews 6/13/2007 Two rockets fired at Negev Wednesday morning; one lands in Sha’ar Hanegev school, causing damage but no injuries A Qassam rocket landed in a western Negev high school Wednesday morning, near the school’s music classroom. Another rocket landed in an open field near Kibbutz Nir Am. No injuries were reported in both incidents. The rocket that landed in the school shattered several windows. Head of the Sha’ar Hanegev regional council Alon Shuster, who arrived at the place, said that despite the attack classes will be held as usual in the fortified classrooms. "Fortunately there were no students at the place at the time of the attack. We are trying to go on with our daily routine in this abnormal situation. We demand of the government to speed up the fortification of the schools and education facilities,... more.. Hamas gains ground on Fatah in Gaza battles Reuters, YNetNews 6/13/2007 Islamist group appears to have upper hand in Gaza as fighting spreads southward, thousands of Palestinians march in Gaza against violence Hamas Islamist fighters gained ground on Wednesday against forces loyal to Western-backed President Mahmoud Abbas in battles for control of the Gaza Strip, a Palestinian supremacy struggle he termed "madness". Many of Gaza ’s beleaguered 1. 5 million inhabitants called the conflict a civil war and Israel served notice their chances of achieving statehood could dim if Hamas emerged victorious over Abbas’ Fatah faction, its partner in a unity government. Chanting "stop the killing", some 1,000 Palestinians marched through Gaza City, only to draw gunfire that killed two of the demonstrators and wounded four. more.. Hamas launches new Gaza attacks BBC Online 6/12/2007 Heavy fighting has continued throughout the day in Gaza after militants of the Palestinian group Hamas attacked posts held by their Fatah faction rivals. Hundreds of Hamas fighters had moved on the positions after giving their occupants two hours to leave. Fatah leaders say they will no longer participate in the three-month-old unity government they formed with Hamas unless the fighting ends. At least 34 people have been killed in Gaza over the past two days. The residences of both Mahmoud Abbas, Fatah’s leader and the Palestinian Authority president, and of Prime Minister Ismail Haniya, of Hamas, have been targeted with gun and shell fire. Witnesses said it was the worst fighting they had experienced in Gaza during 18 months of internal strife. more.. Hamas-Fatah unity government on hold; 21 killed in clashes Source: Deutsche Presse Agentur (DPA, ReliefWeb 6/12/2007 Gaza City_(dpa) _ Fatah suspended participation in a unity government with Hamas Tuesday night as fighting between the two Palestinian factions descended into what President Mahmoud Abbas called an "ugly civil war." Hamas militants had shortly before taken over a key headquarters of the Fatah-affiliated National Security Forces in the northern Gaza Strip after several hours of fighting that left 21 people dead, witnesses and security sources said. Both Hamas and the security forces confirmed that the compound had been totally occupied by Hamas militants. After the Hamas raid, the Central Committee of the Fatah movement convened in Ramallah and decided to suspend the participation of its ministers in the unity government until the fighting ends, but held back from pulling its ministers out of the coalition completely. more.. Palestine Today 061307 Ghassan Bannoura - IMEMC - Audio, International Middle East Media Center 6/13/2007 Click on Link to download or play MP3 file || File2. 80 MB|| Time 3m0s || Welcome to Palestine Today, a service of the International Middle East Media Centre, www. imemc. org, for Wednesday June 13th, 2007. Hamas Fatah infighting continues in the Gaza Strip and limited fighting between the rival parties is reported in the West Bank. Those stories and more coming up stay tuned. The News Cast The Al-Qassam brigades, the armed wing of Hamas, issued a statement demanding that Palestinian security forces loyal to Palestinian president Mahmoud Abbas of Fatah lay down their arms, Palestinian sources reported on Wednesday. Clashes between Hamas and Fatah loyalists continued for the fourth day despite cease-fire attempts by the political leadership. more.. Factbox - Security developments in Palestinian Territories Source: Reuters Foundation, ReliefWeb 6/13/2007 June 13 (Reuters) - Following are security developments in the Gaza Strip and West Bank, as of 1200 GMT on Wednesday: Asterisk denotes new or updated entry. * GAZA CITY - Two Palestinian were killed and at least three others wounded as gunfire erupted at a peace rally where hundreds protested against the surge in factional violence, hospital officials said. * KHAN YOUNIS, Gaza - Hamas militants attacked Fatah positions controlled by Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas’s National Security Forces, witnesses said. One Fatah gunman, two civilians and one unidentified man were killed and 30 others were wounded in the fighting, medical officials said. GAZA CITY - Hamas and Fatah militants battled for several hours near the house of a Fatah spokesman. more.. IDF probe of Gaza border post attack finds reaction speedy, undecisive Amos Harel, Ha’aretz 6/13/2007 The Israel Defense Forces’ initial investigation into Saturday’s attack against an IDF position by Palestinian gunmen from the Gaza Strip revealed a speedy reaction, but also confusion and lack of a decisive response. The Gaza Division’s investigation initially focused on the brigade level, and its interim conclusions have been presented to IDF Chief of Staff Gabi Ashkenazi. Contrary to what was initially thought, the probe found that the vehicle carrying the four Palestinian gunmen was not identified by an IDF observation post. Rather, soldiers at nearby positions heard mortar fire, which the gunmen used as a diversionary tactic, and immediately after, at 12:57 P. M. , soldiers at one outpost heard the sound of automatic weapons. A patrol consisting of two vehicles was promptly rushed to the unmanned outpost... more.. Death toll reaches 43 in the past 48 hours as the conflict intensifies in Gaza Ma’an News Agency 6/12/2007 Gaza - Ma’an - Director General of ambulances and emergencies in the Palestinian Health Ministry, Dr. Muawiya Hassanein, said that 21 Palestinians were killed on Tuesday evening. Ten of the dead are national security members and eleven are from Hamas. Clashes erupted around the main station of the security forces in the northern Gaza Strip. Hassanein said this brings the death toll in the last 48 hours to 43, in addition to dozens of injuries. Hundreds of security men deployed in the streets were confronted by hundreds of Hamas members and the sound of explosions and shooting could be heard in the different areas of the Gaza Strip. Clashes on Tuesday -- A member of the Palestinian security forces and a member of the Hamas-affiliated Al Qassam Brigades were killed on Tuesday and 14 other Gaza citizens... more.. Presidents office warns of "coup" as infighting escalates further; death toll reaches 22 Ghassan Bannoura & John Smith - IMEMC & agencies, International Middle East Media Center 6/12/2007 Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas has indicated that he believes elements within the Hamas movement are planning a coup against the office of the Palestinian Presidency. Meanwhile, infighting in the Gaza Strip continues to intensify. In a statement released to the press on Tuesday afternoon, the Presidents office stated that, All information and evidence indicates that there is a current within the political and military leadership of the Hamas movement that are planning a coup against the Palestinian Presidency, believing that they are able to control the [Gaza] Strip by force. A spokesperson for the presidents office indicated that they are seriously addressing the plot planned by a small group of leaders [that] are taking the country into an ugly civil war. more.. Hamas-Fatah infighting reaches the West Bank Ghassan Bannoura & John Smith - IMEMC, International Middle East Media Center 6/12/2007 Palestinian sources in the central West Bank city of Ramallah reported several incidents of Hamas-Fatah infighting in the city on Tuesday. The sources stated that unknown gunmen kidnapped the undersecretary of the Palestinian Transport Minister, Fiydi Shabanah, in Ramallah, taking him to an unknown location. Also on Tuesday afternoon, a group of gunmen attacked the Palestinian satellite channel Siraj Al Aqssa, in Ramallah city center, kidnapping a number of employees, seizing production and broadcast equipment and fleeing the scene. Shortly after these attacks, Palestinians in Ramallah took to the streets in an unorganized protest, demanding that Hamas and Fatah stop their power struggle and save the blood of the Palestinians. Earlier on Tuesday, a number of Palestinian voices called for a ceasefire. more.. One israeli injured by home-made shell shrapnel in the western Negev John Smith - IMEMC, International Middle East Media Center 6/12/2007 One man was lightly injured by shrapnel when a number of home-made shells hit the Western Negev region on Tuesday morning. The home-made shell reportedly hit the Shaar Hanegev industrial area, with shrapnel from the strike lightly injuring one man. Israeli media sources reported that two others were treated for anxiety following the shelling. Al-Quds Brigade, the armed wing of the Islamic Jihad movement claimed responsibility for the attack. These home-made shells have initiated a serious debate among Palestinians. Some argue that these shells give Israel the chance to attack Palestinians more severely than ever and at the same time, the shells do not cause damage and do not pose a serious security threat to Israel, but Israel made them sound like a nuclear weapon. more.. Israeli forces arrest a Palestinian in Tulkarem Ma’an News Agency 6/12/2007 Tulkarem - Ma’an - Israeli forces arrested on Tuesday morning a Palestinian man, Dawsan Ar-Rabi, 27, from the northern West Bank city of Tulkarem after ransacking his home. No further details currently available. more.. Negev: Man lightly injured in rocket attack Shmulik Hadad, YNetNews 6/12/2007 Rocket fired by Palestinians in Gaza lands in factory; worker sustains light shrapnel injuries. Al-Quds Brigades claims responsibility for attackA Qassam rocket fired by Palestinians in Gaza Tuesday morning landed in a factory located in the Shaar Hanegev industrial zone. A worker sustained light injuries from shrapnel and was evacuated to the Barzilai Medical Center in Ashkelon. The factory was slightly damaged. Islamic Jihad"s al-Quds Brigades claimed responsibility for the attack. Injured worker evacuated to hospital (photo: AFP) A man who works in a nearby factory told Ynet, "Luckily we now have fortification, so as soon as the "Color Red" siren was activated we ran to a fortified room. "We heard a very loud blast that shook the factory, and when we went outside we saw... more.. Thousands of rightists arrive in Homesh Efrat Weiss, YNetNews 6/12/2007 Rally held in evacuated West Bank settlement authorized by army, attended by rabbis, yeshiva heads, MKs and public figuresThousands of settlers and right-wing activists arrived at the evacuated West Bank settlement of Homesh on Tuesday. The trip was authorized by the army, and security forces accompanied the activists to the site. The rally held in the area was organized by a number of rightist groups to mark 40 years since the "liberation of Jerusalem, the Golan Heights, the West Bank and Gaza". Nation-Wide Campaign Right-wing campaign: Returning to Homesh is answer to Qassams / Efrat Weiss Homesh First organization launches nation-wide campaign calling for a return to evacuated West Bank settlement, arguing that Qassam attacks prove that disengagement was a mistake Full Story... more.. IDF to deploy 4 battalions of troops to secure Homesh march Nadav Shragai, Ha’aretz 6/12/2007 The Israel Defense Forces said Tuesday it will deploy four battalions of Israel Defense Forces troops to secure a march to the former West Bank settlement of Homesh planned for Tuesday. The IDF spokesman told reporters the march "was coordinated with the Yesha council and approved at the state level. The IDF and the Police will work together to keep the peace and secure the event." The spokesman added that the IDF will not allow anyone to seize or resettle any of the territory of the former settlement and will require all rally participants to leave the area by nightfall. Some senior IDF officers have harshly criticized the decision to allow the march and to provide security for it, saying that instead of focusing on fighting terror, the IDF is wasting its time providing security for political demonstrations by settlers. more.. 17 Palestinians killed in two days while efforts fail to end Hamas - Fatah infighting Source: Xinhua News Agency, ReliefWeb 6/12/2007 GAZA, Jun 12, 2007 (Xinhua via COMTEX) -- The fierce infighting between rival Fatah and Hamas movements’ militants continued Tuesday for the second consecutive day in the Gaza Strip, leaving a total of 17 people dead. Egyptian efforts to end the infighting failed on Tuesday, after leaders of factions expressed to high-ranking Egyptian security officials in Gaza that they are not able to leave their homes dues to the heavy infighting. Ayman Taha, a spokesman from the Hamas movement told reporters that his movement doesn’t oppose a meeting with all factions to end the fighting. However, before calling for a meeting, the militants on the ground from both sides must be called and asked to cease-fire in order to allow factions leaders arrive at the Egyptian delegation’ s office, he added. more.. Factional media join the fray, accusing rivals of treason and collaboration Ma’an News Agency 6/12/2007 Bethlehem - Ma’an report - As the violence on the streets of Gaza between Hamas and Fatah fighters continues to escalate, the factionally-affiliated media outlets have entered the fray. Adding confusion to the situation, the affiliated factions are neglecting their duty to fair and professional journalism. The exchange of statements between Al-Aqsa Satellite TV, which is considered close to Hamas, and its affiliated websites, and Palestine Satellite TV, which is considered close to Fatah, embodies the popular saying, "War starts with words." In addition to accusations of treason, collaboration and destroyed reputations, the biased media has gone as far as insulting their rivals in a scandalous unprofessional manner which has nothing to do with journalism. more.. Factbox - Developments in Israel and Palestinian Territories Source: Reuters Foundation, ReliefWeb 6/12/2007 June 12 (Reuters) - Following are security developments in and around the Gaza Strip, as well as the West Bank, as of 1530 GMT on Tuesday: Asterisk denotes new or updated entry. *GAZA - Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas’s largest security force ordered its men into action against Hamas in a sign the fighting could escalate. *One Fatah and one Hamas militant were killed during clashes in the central Gaza Strip. A second Fatah militant was killed during a Hamas raid in northern Gaza, bringing Tuesday’s death toll to four. *At least 50 other people were wounded in factional fighting throughout Gaza. GAZA - Hamas’s armed wing attacked a Fatah security compound after demanding that Fatah security forces in Gaza City evacuate their headquarters. more.. Factbox - Security developments in Gaza, 12 June 2007 Source: Reuters Foundation, ReliefWeb 6/12/2007 June 12 (Reuters) - Following are security developments in and around the Gaza Strip as of 0930 GMT on Tuesday: GAZA - Palestinian gunmen fired machine guns and rocket-propelled grenades at the house of Palestinian Prime Minister Ismail Haniyeh of Hamas, causing damage but no casualties. Militants fired mortar bombs at the compound of Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas of Fatah. No one was hurt. Gunmen abducted and killed a member of Hamas’s armed wing. Hamas blamed Fatah for the shooting. Hamas and Fatah gunmen exchanged fire near a Fatah security post, wounding at least 10 people. CENTRAL GAZA STRIP - Hamas’s armed wing declared the central Gaza Strip a "closed military zone". Hamas gunmen intercepted three vehicles loaded with Fatah security men, and Hamas fighters seized a governate office. more.. Two Hamas members injured in Nablus Saed Bannoura - IMEMC & Agecnies, International Middle East Media Center 6/13/2007 A Palestinian sources related to Hamas reported on Tuesday at night that two members of Hamas were shot and injured near Al Nour Mosque, in Al Tal Street, west of the northern West Bank city of Nablus. Hamas accused Fateh gunmen of carrying the attack. The source stated that three Hamas members were walking near the mosque when gunmen opened fire at them and injured two. One of the injured was identified as Bassam Al Sa’eh, 22. On Monday, gunmen abducted Faidy Shabana, head of the Ministry of Transportation in Ramallah as he was standing in front of the ministry. Faidy was moved to an unknown destination. The bloody clashes in the Gaza Strip left 38 Palestinians killed on Tuesday and 50 since two days, dozens of Palestinians were injured, several are in serious conditions. more.. In pictures: Gaza attacks BBC Online 6/12/2007 Violence between Palestinian factions Fatah and Hamas has continued with gun battles across Gaza as both sides attacked each other’s positions. The clashes have left at least 16 dead in the past 24 hours. Hamas militants began moving on Fatah posts after giving their occupants two hours to leave. Palestinian Prime Minister Ismail Haniya’s home in the Shati refugee camp in Gaza City was damaged after gunmen fired a rocket-propelled grenade in one attack. Palestinian women took to the street to protest against the violence. more.. Ten killed as Hamas forces seize Fatah HQ in northern Gaza Strip Avi Issacharoff, Haaretz Correspondent, and News Agencies, Ha’aretz 6/13/2007 At least 10 people were killed and dozens wounded as Hamas captured the headquarters of the Fatah-allied security forces in northern Gaza on Tuesday evening, seizing a key prize in the bloody battle for control of the Gaza Strip. Palestinian Authority Chairman Mahmoud Abbas of Fatah and Palestinian Prime Minister Ismail Haniyeh both made calls for restraint Tuesday, but they went largely unheeded. Fatah announced Tuesday night that it was suspending its participation in the Palestinian unity government until the fighting stopped. A further 15 Palestinians were killed in other clashes in the Strip on Tuesday, including six Hamas men, bringing the day’s death toll to 25. Since the latest round of violence broke out Monday, 36 Palestinians have been killed. more.. 35 Palestinians killed in Fateh-Hamas clashes in Gaza, 50 in two days Saed Bannoura - IMEMC & Agecnies, International Middle East Media Center 6/13/2007 Palestinian medical sources in the Gaza Strip reported on Tuesday at night that 35 residents were killed on Tuesday during internal clashes between Fateh and Hamas gunmen in the Gaza Strip, and that a total of 50 residents were killed and 180 were injured, including 20 in serious conditions, in two days. The Gaza office of the Maan News Agency reported that 23 Palestinians were killed since evening hours during separate clashes that took place in various parts of Gaza. Bodies of 10 residents were moved to Kamal Adwan Hospital, and 13 bodies were moved to Al Shifa Hospital. Also, medical sources reported that doctors might have to amputate the legs of some of the injured residents due to serious injuries to the knees. Dr. Moawiya Abu Hassanen, head of the Emergency Unit at the Al Shifa Hospital, stated that... more.. IDF probe finds both good and bad Amos Harel, Ha’aretz 6/12/2007 A speedy reaction, but also confusion and lack of a decisive response - these are some of the conclusions of an initial Israel Defense Forces investigation into Saturday’s attack against an IDF position by Palestinian gunmen from the Gaza Strip. The Gaza Division’s investigation initially focused on the brigade level, and its interim conclusions have been presented to Chief of Staff Gabi Ashkenazi. Contrary to what was initially thought, the probe found that the vehicle carrying the four Palestinian gunmen was not identified by an IDF observation post. Rather, soldiers at nearby positions heard mortar fire, which the gunmen used as a diversionary tactic, and immediately after, at 12:57 P. M. , soldiers at one outpost heard the sound of automatic weapons. more.. Palestine Today 061207 Ghassan Bannoura - IMEMC - Audio Dept, International Middle East Media Center 6/12/2007 Click on Link to download or play MP3 file || File2. 80 MB|| Time 3m0s || Welcome to Palestine Today, a service of the International Middle East Media Centre, www. imemc. org, for Tuesday June 12th, 2007. At least 22 killed due Hamas-Fatah infighting in Gaza. Meanwhile, in the West Bank, Hamas-Fatah infighting has spread to Ramallah. These stories and more coming up stay tuned. The News Cast Palestinian sources reported that several RPG shells hit the house of Palestinian Prime Minister Isma’el Haniyeh on Tuesday. While damage was sustained, no injuries were reported. Also on Tuesday morning, unknown gunmen kidnapped a leader of Hamas’ military wing and executed him in the street. The leader was identified as Omer Al Rantisi, 20. The Hamas movement reported that the gunmen were comprised of a Fatah-affiliated force. more.. âFortification of Sderot classrooms wonât meet deadlineâ Ronny Sofer, YNetNews 6/12/2007 Education Ministry, Defense Ministry, State Prosecutor"s office representatives discuss High Court ruling on classroom fortification in southern towns, conclude not enough time to finish fortification before end of holidays Israel will not be able to adhere to a High Court ruling according to which all classrooms in Sderot and Gaza vicinity communities must be fortified by the end of the High Holidays (September " October). Rocket Attack 6 Qassams land in Sderot area Monday morning/ Shmulik Hadad While children make their way to schools and kindergartens, rocket barrage hits western Negev; no injuries or damage reported Full StoryIn a meeting at the Prime Minister"s Office Monday, Director-General of the Prime Minister’s Office, Raanan Dinur, and representatives of the Education Ministry,... more.. 17 killed in Gaza Strip infighting including senior Dahlan aide Avi Issacharoff, Haaretz Correspondent and News Agencies, Ha’aretz 6/12/2007 Rival Palestinian gunmen exchanged fire at two Gaza hospitals, and Cabinet ministers fled their weekly meeting after the government headquarters was hit in crossfire Monday, in the latest round in an increasingly brutal power struggle between Hamas and Fatah. In all, 17 Palestinians were killed Monday and early Tuesday, including three shot dead in Beit Hanoun Hospital in northern Gaza. At Gaza’s largest hospital, Shifa in Gaza City, combatants fired mortars, grenades and assault rifles. In spite of a Fatah announcement of a unilateral cease-fire, Naim al-Dahdouh, a senior member of the Hamas military wing, was killed late Monday and the exchanges of fire continued. After sundown, gunmen, apparently from Hamas, laid siege to the house of Jamal Abu al-Jediyan, the senior Fatah official in northern Gaza, then dragged him outside and killed him, security officials said. more.. Israeli army invades Nablus city and nearby refugee camp, six civilians kidnapped Ameen Abu Wardeh - IMEMC News, International Middle East Media Center 6/11/2007 Israeli forces invaded the northern West Bank city of Nablus and the nearby Askar refugee camp on Monday morning, searching scores of homes and kidnapping six civilians. Local sources stated that among those kidnapped were Omer Al Hanbali, 32, Wissam Hassanin, 19, and Khalil Hashash, 34. Witnesses reported that troops fired randomly at residents’ homes, forcing families out of their residences while the properties were searched. The Israeli army radio reported on Monday that its troops invaded several West Bank towns and cities, stating that they had kidnapped 21 so-called wanted Palestinians. Palestinian sources that the kidnapped persons are all civilians. [end] Israeli Army carries out military operations in Hebron area Nisreen Qumsieh - IMEMC News, International Middle East Media Center 6/11/2007 The Israeli army conducted wide scale military operations in different areas of Hebron City in the southern part of the West Bank, stating that the operation aimed to locate and arrest so-called wanted Palestinians. Early on Monday morning, Israeli Army invaded the Al Arob refugee camp, near Hebron. Local sources reported that a massive Israeli force, supported by armoured jeeps, stormed the area and deployed throughout the city. Eyewitnesses reported that the army searched scores of homes, removing families from their residences, randomly opening fire on locals and kidnapping four civilians. Local sources in the camp identified the kidnapped persons as Mohammed Al Juniedi, 14, Mohammed Abu Ghazy, 14, Naji Amer, 14, and Mohammed Al Aza, 20. more.. Israeli forces arrest six youths from Nablus following fierce clashes Ma’an News Agency 6/11/2007 Nablus Ma’an Israeli forces on Monday morning apprehended six Palestinians from the northern West Bank city of Nablus after armed clashes erupted between Palestinian operatives and Israeli troops. Palestinian security sources told Ma’an’s correspondent in Nablus that several Israeli military vehicles invaded the city and arrested six Palestinian youths. Eyewitnesses said that fierce clashes erupted between Palestinian fighters and Israeli troops in the area of the Central Square and on Amman Street. Israeli radio reported this morning that Israeli troops came under fire in Nablus, but no casualties were reported. [end] Israeli forces prevent Palestinian police from operating in the West Bank village of Habla Ma’an News Agency 6/11/2007 Qalqilia - Ma’an - Israeli forces stationed at Habla barrier, south of Qalqilia, prevented Palestinian policemen from entering Habla village. The Palestinian security sources said that the policemen were going to the village in order to participate in supervising the Tawjihi (end of school) exams and there was coordination in this regard with the Israeli authorities, but, they reported, the Israeli soldiers at the barrier stopped them for two hours and humiliated them in front of the people. [end] After two days of fighting, Hamas and Fatah announce truce Wissam Afifah - IMEMC News, International Middle East Media Center 6/11/2007 The Fatah and Hamas movement announced on Monday a truce after two days of clashes that took place in the costal city of Rafah in the southern Gaza Strip. The clashes claimed the lives of three Palestinians and injured more than 50 others. The new ceasefire agreement, which was reached with the help of an Egyptian security delegation that arrived in Rafah on Sunday, states that both Hamas and Fatah will pull their fighters from the streets and dismantle the road blocks that both factions installed in various parts of the city. Medical sources at Abu Yousif Al Najar hospital reported that a Hamas field leader, Ahmad Abu Harp, was killed during the clashes after being shot several times in the chest. Al Shifa Hospital also reported that Mohamed Al Nahaal, an officer of the Fatah-affiliated National security forces, was killed after sustaining critical wounds in the clashes. more.. Qassam rockets hit western Negev John Smith - IMEMC & agencies, International Middle East Media Center 6/11/2007 Palestinian resistance fighters launched 5 Qassam rockets at the western Negev on Monday morning. Palestinian gunmen fired a number of Qassam rockets at the Sderot area on Monday morning. The rockets landed in open spaces and there have been no reports of any injuries. Islamic Jihad claimed responsibility for the attack. In other news, the Education Ministry has pledged to remove high-school students from the town while they sit their final matriculation exams. more.. Palestinian groups launch a torrent of projectiles at Israeli targets, Al Aqsa Brigades launch operation ’Punched Wall’ Ma’an News Agency 6/11/2007 Gaza Ma’an Several Palestinian factions on Monday claimed responsibility for targeting Israeli sites with mortar shells and homemade projectiles. The Fatah-affiliated Al-Aqsa Brigades said in a statement that they launched two projectiles at Sderot and another at Zikim, after a few minutes. The Al Aqsa Brigades also claimed responsibility for launching two homemade projectiles at Nahal ’Oz, where the Israeli military vehicles were stationed, east of the Gaza Strip. The brigades affirmed that the shelling was part of operation ’Punched Wall’, which they said "will be ongoing until occupation is over." The Islamic Jihad-affiliated Al-Quds Brigades announced that they launched two projectiles at Sderot. more.. Islamic Jihad’s armed wing fires a projectile at Ashkelon; PFLP’s armed wing fires another at Sderot Ma’an News Agency 6/11/2007 Gaza - Ma’an - The Al Quds Brigades, the armed wing of Islamic Jihad, claimed responsibility on Monday afternoon for launching one homemade projectile at the southern Israeli city of Ashkelon. A statement issued by the brigades said that "the operation came in retaliation for the Israeli acts, crimes and aggressions against the Palestinian people in the West Bank and the Gaza Strip." In the same regard, the Abu Ali Mustafa Brigades, the military wing of the Popular Front for the Liberation of Palestine (PFLP), said that it fired one projectile at the Israeli town of Sderot, located east of the Gaza Strip town of Beit Hanoun. [end] Israeli media: Molotov cocktail thrown at Israeli car near Qalqilya Ma’an News Agency 6/11/2007 Qalqiliya - Ma’an - An unnamed Palestinian man threw a cocktail bomb at an Israeli car near the village of Azzoun, located east of Qalqiliya in the north west of the occupied West Bank, Israeli media sources reported on Monday evening. According to the Israeli media, no casualties were reported but the car suffered slight damages. The sources added that a huge Israeli force arrived on the scene and launched a search operation in the area. No arrests have so far been reported. [end] 6 Qassams land in Sderot area Monday morning Shmulik Hadad, YNetNews 6/11/2007 While children make their way to schools and kindergartens, rocket barrage hits western Negev; no injuries or damage reported Palestinian gunmen fired six Qassam rockets at the town of Sderot and the western Negev communities on Monday morning, following a number of relatively quiet days in southern Israel. The rockets landed in open areas, and there were no reports of injuries or damage. The al-Quds Brigades, the Islamic Jihad’s military wing, claimed responsibility for firing the rockets. The al-Quds Brigades, the Islamic Jihad’s military wing, claimed responsibility for firing the rockets. The Qassams were launched while children were making their way to schools and kindergartens. Due to the state of emergency in the area, the children are traveling in fortified buses. more.. Israeli police erect a flying checkpoint in PA-controlled central Hebron Ma’an News Agency 6/11/2007 Hebron Ma’an Israeli police on Monday morning erected a military checkpoint on ’Ein Sarah Street in the centre of Hebron, in the southern West Bank. The soldiers detained dozens of Palestinian vehicles and inspected the occupants’ IDs, after forcing them to stand against a wall. A Palestinian security official described the Israeli frequent erection of flying checkpoints in areas under Palestinian control as "a measure overtly aimed to completely end the existence of the Palestinian Authority in Hebron." He demanded that Israel adhere to signed agreements between the Israelis and Palestinians in relation to Hebron. [end] Israeli authorities frustrate 6,000 bullet arms-smuggle through Karni Crossing Ma’an News Agency 6/11/2007 Jerusalem Ma’an The Israeli authorities seized 6,000 M16 bullets from a truck at the Karni Crossing, between the Gaza Strip and Israel, late on Sunday night. Israeli sources stated that the Israeli soldiers manning the crossing arrested a Palestinian truck driver from Jerusalem, after they found 6,000 M16 bullets inside electrical appliances he was to deliver to the Gaza Strip. The sources added that the truck came from Ramallah, in the central West Bank. [end] IDF okays rightist rally at ex-W. Bank settlement of Homesh Nadav Shragai, Ha’aretz 6/12/2007 Israel Defense Forces on Monday said it would allow protesters to hold a rally at the former West Bank settlement of Homesh on Tuesday, the first time protesters have been legally allowed to demonstrate at the site since it was evacuated in 2006. Over the past year, protesters have held numerous illegal rallies and marches at Homesh, which was evcauted during Israel’s pullout from the Gaza Strip and four settlements in the northern West Bank. Tuesday’s rally is organized by a number of groups headed by the Yesha Council. Protestors will leave the old train station of Sebastia, a place of symbolic significance as it was the site of the first post-1967 Jewish settlement in the West Bank over 30-years ago, and head for Homesh where participants will be addressed by members of Knesset and public officials. more.. Thirteen killed in Gaza battles Rory McCarthy in Jerusalem, The Guardian 6/12/2007 At least 13 Palestinians were killed in Gaza yesterday during fighting between rival armed factions, including a gun battle inside a hospital that left three people dead and several injured. Although Egyptian mediators have arranged several brief ceasefires between the gunmen from the Islamist movement Hamas, which won elections last year, and its rival Fatah, there still appears to be no agreement to halt their battles. Shooting broke out in Beit Hanoun, in the north of Gaza, with the killing of a Fatah bodyguard and a Hamas fighter. Then armed men stormed into the Beit Hanoun hospital, which was being guarded by Hamas gunmen, and three people were killed, a father and two sons. One was apparently shot from close range. At least 19 others were injured. more.. Palestine Today 061107 Ghassan Bannoura - IMEMC - Audio dept, International Middle East Media Center 6/11/2007 Click on Link to download or play MP3 file || File2. 80 MB|| Time 3m0s || Welcome to Palestine Today, a service of the International Middle East Media Centre, www. imemc. org, for Monday June 11th, 2007. Internal fighting continues in Gaza, while in the West Bank the Israeli army kidnaps a number of civilians; these stories and more coming up, stay tuned. The Gaza strip New violence erupted on Monday between Fatah and Hamas in the Gaza Strip shortly after a ceasefire was called on Sunday. In Rafah, Hamas representatives said that Fatah gunmen opened fire at the Sports and Culture Ministry in Gaza City, targeting Culture Minister Bassem Naim. Shortly afterwards, Fatah released a statement claiming they were not involved in the incident. more.. Palestinian gunmen break through to Israel News agencies, Ynet, YNetNews 6/10/2007 Palestinians from Islamic Jihad, al-Aqsa Martyrs’ Brigades break through Kissufim crossing on Gaza-Israel border. Gunbattle continues on Israeli side. IDF officials say terror cell apparently planned to kidnap Israeli soldierPalestinian gunmen broke through Israel’s border fortifications around Gaza on early Saturday afternoon and exchanged fire with Israeli troops inside Israel, the military said. The attack took place after the gunmen entered an unmanned IDF outpost at Kissufim crossing between central Gaza and Israel. Army officials believe that the gunmen intended to kidnap an Israeli soldier, and that this was why they came so close to the army outpost. The terror cell was well-equipped and armed, a fact indicating it has thoroughly prepared for the operation. more.. Army invades parts of Rafah and kidnapped top Palestinian doctor International Middle East Media Center 6/9/2007 A massive Israeli force along with tanks and bulldozers strops the costal city of Rafah in the southern part of the West Bank on Saturday morning and kidnapped a top sergeant Palestinian doctor who works in a local hospital. Around 40 army vehicle stormed areas located in the Sofa crossing and Gaza international airport, located in the southern part of Rafah, troops took over a number of houses and searched scores others. During the searched soldiers forced all Palestinian men from the age of 15 to 45 to gather in a local school for interrogation. Eyewitnesses added that soldiers a also destroyed farm land and surround a Palestininian Authority security gourds station located in the are. During the continued military offensive Dr. Sami Abu Sininah, to Palestinian sergeant working in a local hospital was... more.. In a wide scale campaign Israeli army kidnaps 11 Palestinian from Hebron city International Middle East Media Center 6/9/2007 Eleven Palestinian civilians were kidnapped on Saturday when Israeli forces attacked and searched scores of Palestinian homes in the Hebron city and nearby towns and villages located in the southern part of the West Bank. The wide scale house to house search campaign targeted the old city of Hebron and nearby Yatta and Kharsinah towns also the village of Tafouha and Al Aroup refugee camp. Witnesses reported that soldiers searched and ransacked homes casuing damage during the campaign the Israeli installed checkpoint on the streets and searched civilian cars. Among those kidnapped were; Ma;mun Abu Judah, 18, Nur Al Den Al Badawi, 17, amd Mohamed Al Wahiodi, 17. All eleven were taken to unknown detention camps, local sources reported. [end] Five Palestinians injured in violent confrontations between Fatah and Hamas in southern Gaza Ma’an News Agency 6/9/2007 Rafah - Ma’an Five Palestinians have been injured in a renewal of factional violence between members of Fatah and Hamas in the Tal as Sultan area, west of Rafah, in the southern Gaza Strip, on Saturday evening. Palestinian medical sources confirmed that five Palestinians were injured and were transported to Abu Yousef An Najjar Hospital. The confrontations erupted when the two factions attempted to implement an agreement to remove mounds of earth recently erected in the streets. Hamas sources report that two of the injured are Hamas members. On Thursday a Fatah activist was killed and ten citizens injured during clashes between the two factions. [end] IDF ground troops enter southern Gaza Hanan Greenberg, YNetNews 6/9/2007 Military states operation is limited, short-term and defensive, launched in response to several terror alerts; gunman shot after firing at troops Israel Defense Forces ground troops entered southern Gaza Saturday morning, in search of terrorist infrastructure and wanted terrorist operatives. Although this entry constitutes an increase in troops in the region, the move has been defined by the IDF as a pinpoint military operation in a limited area. According to military sources, IDF’s Southern Command recently received several alerts about intended terror attacks being planned in southern Gaza and, as such, the operation is a defensive one. Forces are searching for weapons caches and are also trying to locate and question wanted Palestinian operatives, sources from Southern Command said. more.. IDF Chief backs wider operation in Gaza Strip Ze'ev Schiff, Ha’aretz 6/10/2007 The Israel Defense Forces should broaden the scope of its offensive action in the Gaza Strip, Chief of Staff Gabi Ashkenazi has recommended in recent days. Ashkenazi nonetheless believes that it is best to avoid a massive ground operation in the Strip. The National Security Council, on the other hand, is recommending that Israel maintain its current policy in the region. According to the Council’s recommendation, Israel should express its willingness to achieving a cease-fire in the Strip, while reserving the freedom of military action in the West Bank. Regardless of whose advice the cabinet will opt to follow, Saturday’s foiled attempt by Islamic Jihad to kidnap an IDF soldier at Kissufim Crossing near the center of the Gaza Strip, proved yet again that secluded IDF posts along the fence separating the Strip... more.. Israeli troops carry a large-scale offensive in Qabatia Translated by Sa'ed Bannoura, International Middle East Media Center 6/10/2007 Israeli soldiers carried on Friday night after midnight and on Saturday at dawn a large-scale military offensive into Qabatia town, near the northern west Bank city of Jenin and broke into several houses, including the house of two fighters, members of the armed wing of the Islamic Jihad. Um Yousef [the mother of Yousef] stated that Israeli soldiers broke into her house searching for her son Abdul-Fattah Khuzeimiyya, searched and ransacked the house three times between 2 a. m and 10 a. m. She stated the Israeli intelligence officers threatened to punish her and her family if her son, one of the Islamic Jihad fighters, does not surrender. The mother added that she saw dozens of soldiers surrounding the house from all directions and used lowed speakers demanding the family to leave it or the army will demolish it over them. more.. Palestinians fire at IDF near Nablus; none hurt Jerusalem Post 6/10/2007 Palestinian gunmen opened fire on IDF troops in two separate incidents in the Nablus area on Saturday night. No one was wounded and no damage was reported in either incident, one which occurred near the Huwara checkpoint and the other in the village of Kalil. [end] IDF foils Islamic Jihad kidnap bid Amos Harel, Ha’aretz 6/9/2007 The Israel Defense Forces thwarted an attempt by Islamic Jihad yesterday to kidnap an Israel Defense Forces soldier near the Kissufim Crossing in the Gaza Strip. The four militants who carried out the attack approached the area in a car disguised as a vehicle carrying journalists. One Palestinian militant was killed in the attack, which was the first such attempt since the abduction of Gilad Shalit last year. The Islamic Jihad militants were chased away by IDF troops. One of them became separated from the rest and hid near the site of the attack, until he was shot dead by IDF troops. The vehicle used by the four militants who carried out the attack was an SUV emblazoned with the letters TV, indicating that it carried press members. The militants used the car to approach the fence without getting shot at by the IDF. more.. Army kills a youth, injured another, west of Hebron Saed Bannoura, International Middle East Media Center 6/9/2007 Palestinian medial source in Hebron, in the southern part of the West Bank, reported on Friday at night that Israeli soldiers shot and killed one youth, and injured another resident, after firing at them in Tafoah town, west of Hebron. The killed resident was identified as Hijazi Mohammad Zreiqat, 17. Resident Yousef Abdul-Nabi Zreiqat was seriously injured and was moved to the Hebron Governmental Hospital. Medical sources at the hospital stated that both residents were hit by several rounds of live ammunition. Meanwhile, Israeli military sources claimed that soldiers fired at the two residents because they were armed. [end] Al-Quds brigades detonate an explosive device near the separation wall in Jenin Ma’an News Agency 6/9/2007 Tulkarem Ma’an The Al-Quds Brigades, the armed wing of the Islamic Jihad movement, claimed responsibility on Saturday for detonating an explosive device at the Qafin gate, near the separation wall, west of Jenin, in the northern West Bank. The spokesperson of the brigades told Ma’an’s correspondent in Jenin that a unit from the brigades planted an explosive device, and detonated it, before returning to their stations safely. He stated that Israeli patrols hurried to the scene and launched an inspection campaign, shooting flares. [end] Israeli troops invade Rafah, meet with resistance.Two Israeli soldiers reported killed, many Palestinians arrested Ma’an News Agency 6/9/2007 Rafah Ma’an Israeli military vehicles have invaded the Nahda neighborhood, east of Rafah, in the southern Gaza Strip under cover of heavy gunfire from Israeli helicopters. The invading Israeli forces apprehended several Palestinian citizens and demolished agricultural lands and houses. Palestinian security sources stated that at least 16 military vehicles entered the area near the now-defunct Yasser Arafat International Airport early in the morning. Prior to the incursion, an Israeli undercover unit infiltrated the area. Confrontations erupted between Israeli forces and the Palestinian resistance fighters, without casualties being reported. Eyewitnesses reported that the Israeli troops ordered Palestinian men aged between 16 and 50 to gather in a public square, before they inspected them, arresting several. more.. Gaza citizen is seriously injured after being shot repeatedly by unidentified gunmen Ma’an News Agency 6/9/2007 Gaza - Ma’an A Palestinian citizen, Sufian Mohammad, aged 35, was injured on Saturday when unidentified gunmen shot at him in Beit Lahiya, in the northern Gaza Strip. Director General of ambulances and emergencies in the Palestinian Health Ministry, Dr. Muawiya Hassanein, said that Mohammad was transported to the Kamal Adwan Hospital, suffering from serious injuries, after he was shot in several parts of his body,Dr Hassanein added that his condition was critical and he was transported to Ash Shifa Hospital in Gaza City. [end] Unknown gunmen injures one man destroy a car and blow up a shop in three attacks in Gaza strip Ghassan Bannoura, International Middle East Media Center 6/9/2007 Unknown gunmen injured one Palestinian man destroyed a car and blew up a shop in three different attacks that took place on Saturday morning in the Gaza strip. Palestinian medical sources stated that Sha’ban Al Abiad, 35, was critical injured when unknown gunmen opened fire at him while walking in a street in the northern part of Gaza city. Also on Saturday, unknown gunmen attacked and destroyed a car that belong to Fatah leader, Mohamed Qandes, a top Fatah leader stated that he stopped his car in front of his house in Rafah city southern Gaza strip, unknown gunmen shored the car with live rounds which led to the destruction of the car. In the same time unknown gunmen blow up a shop in Al Nussirat refugee camp in central Gaza strip, Palestinian sources stated that a group of unknown gunmen planted a bomb... more.. Gaza militants launch Israel raid BBC Online 6/9/2007 Palestinian militants have launched a raid into Israel from the Gaza Strip. The militants used an armoured jeep to burst through the Kissufim border crossing, and attacked a nearby Israeli army post, leading to a gun battle. One of the attackers is reported to have been killed. The Israelis said they suffered no casualties. The cross-border attack was the first since gunmen abducted an Israeli soldier, Corporal Gilad Shalit, almost a year ago. The attack on the army post was launched by two Palestinian militant groups, Islamic Jihad and the al-Aqsa Martyrs’ Brigade. Four militants were involved, according to an Islamic Jihad spokesman. After they broke through the border and began firing mortar rounds, heavy fighting broke out and lasted for three hours. more.. They came back alive Amos Harel, Ha’aretz 6/9/2007 For the Israel Defense Forces, the failed attempt yesterday by Islamic Jihad and Fatah to abduct an IDF soldier from the Kissufim Crossing in the Gaza Strip ended with reasonable results. The organizations’ claims that they had succeeded in killing and abducting an IDF soldier were presented in a ridiculous light. But the IDF’s attempt to present the incident as a success is also baseless. Almost 12 months after the abduction of IDF soldier Gilad Shalit from his outpost along the fence separating Gaza from Israel, the IDF has not sufficiently altered its deployment in the area. The army did not have enough early intelligence on the cross-border raid, and it had not been deployed in a manner to prevent it. After the raid, the IDF did not follow the militants in hot pursuit, which allowed three of the perpetrators to safely return to the Gaza Strip. more.. Two killed, 40 wounded as rival factions fight in Gaza Strip News agencies, Ha’aretz 6/10/2007 Rival Palestinian factions battled in the Gaza Strip on Sunday, raising the weekend death toll to at least two and 40 injured in the fiercest internal fighting since a ceasefire was declared nearly a month ago. The heaviest fighting between the ruling Hamas Islamist group and Chairman Mahmoud Abbas’s secular Fatah faction took place in the southern Gaza town of Rafah, where hundreds of rival gunmen took up positions on street corners and rooftops. Hamas and Fatah pounded each other’s positions with rocket-propelled grenades and machineguns, according to local residents, who took shelter indoors as the rivals fought block by block. Of the more than 40 Palestinians wounded in the fighting, at least 10 were in critical condition, hospital officials said. more.. Israeli sources: Israeli troops shoot dead a Palestinian attempting to "infiltrate" Israel Ma’an News Agency 6/8/2007 Bethlehem - Ma’an - The Israeli army opened fire at two Palestinians who were attempting to approach the security fence between the northern Gaza Strip and Israel, killing one of them, Israeli sources reported on Fridaymorning. The sources added that the Palestinians were approaching an Israeli military post, and the troops responded with gunfire, killing one of the men. However, Palestinian medical sources have not announced any deaths in the northern Gaza Strip. In a separate regard, Israeli army sources claimed that they arrested an allegedly wanted Palestinian in the northern West Bank city of Nablus on Friday morning. [end] IDF troops kill armed Palestinian in West Bank raid Amos Harel, Ha’aretz 6/9/2007 Israel Defense Forces troops shot dead an armed Palestinian and wounded another Friday night near the West Bank city of Hebron, the military said, adding that the wounded man escaped. Residents of the village of Tufah, west of Hebron, said the men were local hunters out looking for game in the dark. They were not known to be connected to any militant groups. Medics said the dead youth was aged 17, while the other man, who was in moderate condition, was 25. An army spokesman said troops spotted a number of men discharging their weapons during target practice and opened fire on them. He said Palestinians carrying weapons were seen as a threat and could be targeted, according to standing orders. "The troops spotted a number of men with guns firing off their weapons and opened fire on them, hitting two of them," the spokesman said. more.. Israeli army invades several areas in the West Bank on Friday morning Nisreen Qumsieh, International Middle East Media Center 6/8/2007 The Israeli army has carried out several operations throughout the West Bank. The operations began with the invasion of Jenin City in the northern part of the West Bank on Friday morning. In same operation, Israeli forces also invaded Jenin refugee camp and Kufr Dan village, near Nablus City. Local sources reported that Israeli military forces stormed the City and the refugee camp, deploying throughout the city and searching scores of homes. Eyewitnesses reported that the soldiers ransacked homes, forced families out and fired on a number of residents. A massive Israeli force also invaded Kufr Dan village, near Jenin City, opening fire on a number of residents. No injuries or abductions have been reported. In a separate operation in the Jordan Valley, the Israeli army invaded Ezbidat village on Friday morning. more.. Hamas accuses the security services of opening fire on its supporters in Gaza Ma’an News Agency 6/8/2007 Gaza - Ma’an - Hamas has accused a "rebellious group from the security services" of deliberately leading a physician, Dr. Fayiz Barawi, to a security base where he was then shot at in the feet before the shooters then fled the scene. Hamas added in a statement which Ma’an received that, at the same time, fire was opened towards a group of Palestinians in the Tal Al Hawa neighbourhood of Gaza City, and several were injured, including the son of Dr Hamdan Soufi, who is known to be affiliated with Hamas and teaches in the Islamic University of Gaza. In the first instance, Dr. Fayiz Barawi, who works at Kamal Adwan Hospital in Beit Lahiya, was led to a security base known as ’Ansar’ before the "rebellious group from the security services" shot 4 bullets at his feet and then ran away. more.. Israel deploys robo-snipers on Gaza border The Register 6/5/2007 Israel has begun deploying stationary robot gun-and-sensor installations along its borders with the Gaza Strip, according to reports. Both Jane’s Defence Weekly and Defence News reported last week that the Israeli Defence Forces (IDF) have begun deploying automated gun stations in pillboxes along the Gaza border. The robot systems are said to mount cal-fifty (12. 7mm) machine guns, protected by "armoured folding shields" until ready to fire. Defence News says the auto-gun network is developed by Rafael, the Israeli state weapons bureau. Given the reported calibre of the weaponry, this suggests that the gun-bots in use are the Mini-Samson type, normally used as a remote-controlled gun turret on light fighting vehicles so as to avoid a gunner having to poke his torso up out of a hatch (top gunner is one of the most dangerous jobs in counter-insurgency vehicle patrolling. )In this case, the automatic guns and their long range electro-optical sensors will be tied in by optic fibre to a command network which will also be able to draw information from existing ground sensors, manned aircraft, and overhead drones. According to Defence News Tel Aviv correspondent Barbara Opall-Rome, "each machine gun-mounted station serves as a type of robotic sniper, capable of enforcing a nearly 1,500-meter-deep no-go zone"." The IDF’s Southern Command is also considering adding Gill/Spike anti-tank missiles to extend the no-go zones to several kilometers, defense and industry sources here said." The integrated robo-sniper network has reportedly been dubbed "See-Shoot" by the IDF, suggesting that asking questions isn’t on the priority list." Nobody has any business approaching our border fence," an unnamed Israeli official told Opall-Rome. "It’s well-understood that this area is off-limits." more.. Palestinian avoids checkpoint, wounds soldier Jerusalem Post 6/9/2007 An IDF soldier was lightly wounded on Friday night after a Palestinian driver ran him over at a checkpoint near Hebron, Israel Radio reported. The driver disappeared and the army began conduction searches for him. The soldier was evacuated to a hospital for treatment. [end] Al-Quds Brigades fire 3 mortar shells at Kisufim military post in retaliation for killing of field leader Ma’an News Agency 6/8/2007 Gaza - Ma’an - The Al-Quds Brigades, the armed wing of Islamic Jihad, claimed responsibility on Friday for launching 3 mortar shells towards an Israeli military post near Kisufim, east of the southern Gaza Strip. The brigades explained in a statement that the operation came in retaliation for the "Israeli conducts against the Palestinian people" which culminated in the targeted killing of a field leader of the Al-Quds Brigades in the Gaza Strip on Thursday. Faris Abu Bakir, 20, a member of the Al Quds Brigades was shot dead by Israeli forces near the Sufa crossing, east of Rafah, on Thursday. In the same regard, the An Nasser Salah Addin brigades, the armed wing of the Popular Resistance Committees, claimed responsibility for firing one homemade projectile at the Nahal ’Oz Israeli kibbutz near the northern Gaza Strip. more.. ’Color Red’ alert reaches Tel Aviv Roee Mendel, YNetNews 6/8/2007 Sderot college students take to trendy Tel Aviv street in protest of residents" indifference to daily Qassam threats on Gaza vicinity communitiesThe "Color Red" alert system sounded suddenly Friday afternoon in Tel Aviv"s trendy Shenkin street. But the alarm was not heralding the approach of rockets. The alarm was sounded by 20 students from Sapir College in Sderot in a provocative attempt to awaken Tel Aviv residents from their indifference to the daily routine of Sderot"s residents under the constant threat of Qassam rocket fire. The alarm was heard loud and clear, catching the attention of coffee shop customers for a brief moment before they went on with their day. The students arrived to Tel Aviv in cars covered with signs of protest. more.. This Week In Palestine Week 23 2007 Ghassan Bannoura, International Middle East Media Center 6/9/2007 Click on Link to download or play MP3 file || File 14. 9 MB|| Time 16m19s || Welcome to This Week In Palestine, a service of the International Middle East Media Center, www. IMEMC. org, for June 2nd through June 9th, 2007. Palestinians this week mark the 40th anniversary of the Israeli occupation of the Palestinian territories, while the Israeli army continue to attack Palestinian communities in the West Bank and Gaza Strip, killing five this week. // These stories and more coming up, stay tuned. Nonviolent Resistance in Palestine Let’s begin our weekly report with Palestinian nonviolent actions against the wall and settlements in Bethlehem and Ramallah. Ertas A number of peaceful demonstrators were attacked on Friday afternoon by the Israeli military in Ertas village, south of the West Bank city... more.. Rafah resident killed by Israeli military fire Saed Bannoura - IMEMC & Agencies, International Middle East Media Center 6/8/2007 Palestinian medical sources reported on Thursday at night that one resident died of Israeli military fire in Rafah district, in the southern part of the Gaza Strip. Dr. Moawiya Hassanen, head of the Emergency Unit at the Palestinian Ministry of Health, reported that the body of Fares Marzouq Abu Bakir, 23, was found near the Sofa Crossing, north-east of Rafah. Abu Marzouq was hit by several rounds of live ammunition fired by Israeli soldiers stationed at the Crossing. The Al Quds brigades, the armed wing of the Islamic Jihad, issued a press releasing stating the Abu Bakir is one of the Brigades members, and that he was killed last night during clashes with Israeli troops stationed at the Sofa Crossing. Meanwhile, fighters of the National Resistance Committees, the armed wing of the Democratic Front for... more.. One Gazan killed and 9 injured as Hamas-Fatah fighting erupts anew Ma’an News Agency 6/7/2007 Rafah - Ma’an - A Fatah operative was killed on Thursday morning and 9 other Palestinian citizens were injured as infighting between Hamas and Fatah erupted anew in Rafah in the southern Gaza Strip. Our correspondent quoted Palestinian medical sources as saying that Fuad Wahbi, aged 27, was killed and 9 other citizens, including 3 children, were injured in clashes between the Palestinian rival factions of Hamas and Fatah in the Tal As-Sultan area of Rafah. The medical sources depicted two of the injuries as serious. Our correspondent affirmed that the fierce confrontations are still ongoing. Hamas-Fatah confrontations have been halted for around two weeks, and 2 delegations from both factions are now in the Egyptian capital, Cairo in an attempt to repair the rupture and ensure that clashes end once and for all. more.. Israeli army causes a blackout in a town near Jenin Ghassan Bannoura, International Middle East Media Center 6/7/2007 Israeli forces invaded the town of Al Zababdah, located near the northern West Bank city of Jenin on Wednesday night and searched some homes there. Local sources stated that during the invasion Israeli soldiers opened fire at the local power generator, causing heavy damage, and leading to a blackout in most of the town. [end] The Israeli army attacks homes in Hebron and turns two into military posts Ghassan Bannoura, International Middle East Media Center 6/7/2007 Palestinian sources reported that Israeli forces attacked and searched a number of homes in the centre of the West Bank city of Hebron Thursday lunchtime. The sources added that the soldiers took over the rooftops of two houses and turned them into military posts. They have not since allowed the families affected access to the roof of either house. [end] Israeli forces arrest seven West Bankers Thursday morning Ma’an News Agency 6/7/2007 Bethlehem - Ma’an - The Israeli forces apprehended 7 Palestinians in numerous parts of the occupied West Bank on Thursday morning. Israeli sources said that the Israeli army arrested 7 "wanted men" in Nablus in the northern West Bank, in Bethlehem in the south, and Ramallah in the centre. In a different regard, Israeli sources affirmed that their forces operating in Nablus were targeted with explosive devices at the hands of Palestinian activists. No casualties were reported. [end] Islamic Jihad’s military wing fires 3 projectiles at Sderot, 6 mortars at Israeli military posts; no harm reported Ma’an News Agency 6/7/2007 Gaza - Ma’an - The Al-Quds Brigades, the armed wing of Islamic Jihad, claimed responsibility on Thursday for launching three homemade projectiles at the Western Negev Israeli town of Sderot. They said in a statement that the attacks were "part of a series of retaliations to the Israeli atrocities against the Palestinian people." In an earlier statement, the Al-Quds Brigades also claimed responsibility for launching 3 mortar shells at the Israeli military post of Abu Matbeiq, located east of Al-Maghazi refugee camp in the central Gaza Strip. In another statement, the Al-Quds Brigades said they fired 3 mortar shells at Kissufim military post in the southern Gaza Strip. For their part, Israeli sources reported that one homemade projectile landed in Sderot without resulting in any harm. more.. Haaretz: Hamas’ armed wing decides to switch Qassam projectiles for mortar shells Ma’an News Agency 6/7/2007 Bethlehem - Ma’an - Israeli daily Haaretz stated on Thursday that the Al-Qassam Brigades, the armed wing of Hamas, decided a few days ago to stop launching homemade projectiles at Israeli towns. The newspaper quoted Palestinian sources as saying that the Al-Qassam Brigades also decided to continue launching mortar shells and explosive devices at Israeli military targets operating at the borders with the Gaza Strip or inside the Strip. The Palestinian sources explained that the decision came after the Hamas political leadership exerted pressure on the military wing of the movement. In the end, the brigades, under the leadership of Ahmad Ja’bary, decided "not to cease fire completely, but to change the weapons and the targets." Part of the reason behind that decision was to decrease the Israeli action... more.. Israeli military helicopters drop soldiers into West Bank town, troops storm several homes Ma’an News Agency 6/7/2007 Tulkarem - Jenin - Ma’an - Early on Thursday morning, Israeli forces dropped troops from a helicopter into the northern West Bank town of Bal’a, located east of Tulkarem. Israeli troops also ransacked a number of homes in both the Tulkarem and Jenin districts; no arrests were reported in either location. A Palestinian security source told our Tulkarem correspondent that an Israeli helicopter dropped troops in the Wadi An-Neis area at 2:00 am, but the goals of the operation remain unknown. In another incident, the Israeli forces also invaded the village of Kafr Al Labad, located south of Bal’a, where dozens of troops ransacked Palestinian homes amidst heavy gunfire. No injuries were reported. Among the houses that were ransacked were houses belonging to Tawfiq Abu Khamis, and to Kayid Thulthin, who is an Islamic Jihad activist. more.. A Fatah armed group fires a projectile at Israeli military post in southern Gaza Ma’an News Agency 6/7/2007 Gaza - Ma’an - The Ahmad Abu Ar-Rish Brigades, an armed wing of Fatah, claimed responsibility on Thursday for launching one homemade projectile at Kissufim military post in the south of the Gaza Strip. The brigades said in the statement that Ma’an received that this projectile launching was a response to "the Israeli crimes." [end] Palestinian citizen abducted from Qalqilia city center by Israeli special forces Ma’an News Agency 6/7/2007 Qalqilia Ma’an - Israeli special forces have arrested the Palestinian citizen Yasser Muhammad, 23, on Thursday afternoon. Palestinian security sources said that a special undercover force entered the city of Qalqilia and stormed a building in the city center, arresting the man and taking him to an unknown destination. [end] Abu Ar Rish Brigades launch projectile at Kisufim Ma’an News Agency 6/7/2007 Gaza - Ma’an The Abu Ar Rish Brigades, a small military group affiliated to the Fatah movement, have claimed responsibility for the launching of one homemade projectile at the Israeli town of Kisufim on Thursday afternoon. In a statement issued on Thursday evening, the brigades declared that the projectile launching was "in retaliation for Israeli crimes in the [occupied Palestinian] territories." [end] Al Quds Brigades shoot at Israeli patrol east of ’Abasan Ma’an News Agency 6/7/2007 Gaza - Ma’an The Al Quds Brigades, the military wing of the Islamic Jihad movement have announced their responsibility for shooting at an Israeli patrol, east of ’Abasan Thursday afternoon. The brigades said that the operation came in "retaliation for the Israeli crimes against Palestinians in the [occupied Palestinian] territories." [end] Al Quds Brigades launch projectile at Sderot Ma’an News Agency 6/7/2007 Gaza - Ma’an The Islamic Jihad-affiliated Al Quds Brigades have announced that they have launched one homemade projectile at the Israeli town of Sderot, late on Thursday afternoon. Israeli sources revealed that one projectile landed in an area of wasteland in Sderot. Although it was heard in the city, no casualties have been reported. [end] National Resistance Brigades and Al Quds Brigades launch projectiles at Sufa crossing Ma’an News Agency 6/7/2007 Gaza - Ma’an The National Resistance Brigades, the armed wing of the Democratic Front for the Liberation of Palestine, and the Islamic Jihad-affiliated Al Quds Brigades have announced their responsibility for the launching of two homemade projectiles at the Israeli military post at the Sufa crossing on Thursday afternoon. A joint statement issued declared that the operation was "a natural retaliation for the Israeli crimes and aggressions against Palestinian people in the [occupied Palestinian] territories." [end] Palestine Today 060707 Ghassan Bannoura, International Middle East Media Center 6/7/2007 Click on Link to download or play MP3 file || File2. 80 MB|| Time 3m3s || Welcome to Palestine Today, a service of the International Middle East Media Centre, www. imemc. org, on Thursday June 7th, 2007. A man was killed in the Gaza strip due to renewed fighting between Hamas and Fatah, while in the West Bank, the Israeli army continues to attack civilians. These stories and more coming up--stay tuned. The Gaza strip A Palestinian man, said to be a Fatah activist, was shot and killed in the coastal city of Rafah on Thursday, after renewed fighting between Hamas and Fatah. An IMEMC correspondent in the area reported that the clashes between the armed groups of Hamas and Fatah started in the early hours of Thursday morning. According to Hamas, Fatah activists opened fire at a post belonging to the Al Qassam brigades. more.. One Palestinian killed in renewed internal clashes in the southern Gaza strip Ghassan Bannoura, International Middle East Media Center 6/7/2007 A Palestinian man, said to be a Fatah activist, was shot and killed in the coastal city of Rafah on Thursday, after renewed infighting between Hamas and Fatah. An IMEMC correspondent in the area reported that clashes between the armed groups of Hamas and Fatah started during the early hours of Thursday morning. According to Hamas, Fatah activists opened fire at a post belonging to the Al Qassam brigades. An activist was killed and several others were injured during the ensuing gunfight. Meanwhile, Fatah sources have reported that one of its activists was killed when a group from the Al Qassam brigades surrounded a house and opened fire. Fatah sources identified the man killed as the activist’s brother. In related news, the unidentified body of a Palestinian man has been found in the centre of Rafah, Palestinian... more.. Conflicting accounts over death of elderly Hebronite at the hands of Israeli soldiers Ma’an News Agency 6/7/2007 Hebron- Ma’an - There are conflicting reports about the details surrounding the killing of an elderly Palestinian man in Hebron by Israeli soldiers on Wednesday morning during an apparant arrest operation. Our Hebron reporter said that the Israeli forces stormed the house of Yahia Jabari, 67, in the Haram Ar Rama area of Hebron city in the southern West Bank, early on Wednesday morning. The Israeli soldiers then opened fire on the family, killing Yahia Jabari instantly. His wife Fatima, 65, was seriously injured; his son Kamal, 30, received gunshot wounds in the feet; another son Rajah, 19, received gunshot wounds in many parts of his body; his daughter Mahira, 14, and two other family members also suffered from shock due to the attack. The governor of the area, Arif Jabari, described the act as "a massacre" of a Palestinian family. more.. Israeli forces kill elderly Palestinian man in Hebron, injure six members of his family Ma’an News Agency 6/6/2007 Hebron - Ma’an - Israeli soldiers stormed into a Palestinian home in Hebron on Wednesday morning and shot dead an elderly Palestinian man and injured six other members of his family. Our Hebron reporter said that the Israeli forces stormed into the house of Yahia Jabari, 67, located in the Haram Ar Rama area of Hebron city in the south of the occupied West Bank, early on Wednesday morning. The Israeli soldiers opened fire on the family, killing Yahia Jabari instantly. His wife Fatima, 65, was seriously injured; his son Kamil, 30, received gunshot wounds in the feet; another son Rajah, 19, received gunshot wounds in many parts of his body; his daughter Mahira, 14, and two other family members also suffered from shock due to the attack. The body of Yahia Jabari and the other injured family members were transported to the hospital in the city. more.. Israeli forces raid northern West Bank villages and towns, meeting armed resistance, arrest five in Nablus Ma’an News Agency 6/6/2007 West Bank - Ma’an - The Israeli forces carried out a series of violent raids of towns and villages in the northern West Bank on Wednesday morning. In the Nablus region of the occupied West Bank, the Israeli military arrested five Palestinians. According to Palestinian security sources, many Israeli military vehicles broke into the village of Salim, located east of Nablus city, and broke into many houses. The troops searched the houses before arresting two men from the same family: Amin and Awadallah Ishtaiyeh. The sources added that the Israeli forces also arrested one Palestinian in the old city of Nablus city, another in Balata refugee camp and a third in the Zawata neighbourhood of the city. All five men were taken to an unknown destination. more.. Israel expanding West Bank settlements Nicholas Bowen - IMEMC News, International Middle East Media Center 6/6/2007 An Israeli settler organisation has expanded several settlements in the occupied West Bank despite commitments by the Israeli Government against such moves, media and the settlers said today. The Amana organisation has built about 100 new housing units in several settlements, including Alon near the Dead Sea and Yakir, east of Qalqiliya, in the West Bank. The Government had issued construction permits several years ago and most of the new units have already been sold, Israeli radio announced on Wednesday. "This is private land bought by entrepreneurs who obtained construction permits," said Betsvi Lieberman, the head of a settler lobby. Under the dormant international road map for peace, Israel was to freeze all settlement expansion in the occupied West Bank. [end] Unknown gunmen open fire at Palestinian police station in Tulkarem Ghassan Bannoura - IMEMC & Agencies, International Middle East Media Center 6/6/2007 A group of gunmen from the same family opened fire at a Palestinian police station in the northern West Bank city of Tulkarem on Tuesday night. Palestinian security sources reported that the gunmen damaged the building but injured no one. The sources added that the attack came after Palestinian security officers killed Mohamed Al Shafi’y, 22, a car thief, after chasing him across [end] Israeli forces invade Tulkarem, arrest 1 Hamas activist, beat a teenager Ma’an News Agency 6/6/2007 Tulkarem - Maan - An Israeli military force comprising of more than ten military jeeps arrested a Hamas activist and beat a Palestinian teenager during an incursion into Tulkarem city in the north west of the occupied West Bank on Wednesday. Our correspondent stated that the Israeli forces invaded the city after an undercover force disguised in civilian dress arrested Abdul-Latif Hamdan, 25, who is a Hamas activist from the village of Bala, east of Tulkarem. Our correspondent added that the Israeli soldiers broke into a building and ransacked several residential apartments. They also severely beat Hadi Tamam, 17, who was working in a carpentry shop. Hamdan currently lives in Tulkarem refugee camp. He was previously arrested by the Israeli forces at the beginning of the second intifada (2000) and he was released in 2006. more.. 8 mortar shells land near Erez crossing, no injuries Hanan Greenberg, YNetNews 6/6/2007 Palestinians fire mortars at Gaza’s most important border crossing minutes after Deputy Defense Minister Ephraim Sneh tours site. No injuries reported, Hamas claims responsibilityDeputy Defense Minister Ephraim Sneh left the Erez crossing moments before eight mortar shells slammed into the area early Wednesday afternoon. No injuries were reported but damage was caused to the site. Sneh, who despite the intelligence warning had refused to wear a helmet during his visit like all those surrounding him, was touring the crossing to examine the performance of the troops manning it. Gaza Operation Continues Gaza: Gunman killed in IDF airstrike / Hanan Greenberg IAF fires at two armed Palestinians spotted placing explosives near Jabalya; witnesses report one man killed, the other injured Full Story Immediately after his visit the mortars fell. more.. Sports complex built in illegal outpost Efrat Weiss, YNetNews 6/6/2007 Nofei Nechemia mentioned in report listing outposts Israel intends to evacuate, but residents remain unfazed and have recently built modern sports complex to prove it -- The Israeli government has been harshly criticized, both by Israelis and by foreigners, of its treatment of illegal outposts in the in the West Bank, which is considered lenient. The residents of these outposts, so it seems, do not believe they will be evacuated any time soon, and have recently built a modern sports complex in Nofei Nechemia, an illegal settlement in the Shomron Regional Council. Construction works in the outpost, located 1. 8 miles east of Ariel, begun a few months ago. The complex covers 13,000 square feet, and includes a soccer field and basketball and tennis courts. more.. Islamic Jihad’s military wing fires projectile at Sderot Ma’an News Agency 6/6/2007 Gaza - Ma’an - The Al-Quds Brigades, the armed wing of Islamic Jihad, have claimed responsibility for launching one homemade projectile at the southern Israeli city of Sderot on Wednesday at dawn. A statement issued by the brigades said that the launching was in "retaliation for the Israeli crimes against the Palestinian people." [end] Sderot residents ’going crazy over misleading calm’ Shmulik Hadad, YNetNews 6/6/2007 Residents not impressed by drop in number of Qassam rockets which hit southern town in past few days, say they are still controlled by fear and businesses find it difficult to recover Four Qassam rockets landed in the Sderot area on Wednesday " a significant drop compared to the barrages which rocked the southern town in the past two weeks. In spite of the relative calm in the past few days, many have yet to return to the battered city and the state of emergency declared by the Home Front Command is still valid. Many children have stopped going to school, others study outside the city, and although the Qassams are no longer part of the Israeli public’s agenda, Sderot residents feel that the situation has not changed and has even become worse. more.. Chouf reserve is still recovering from war Maher Zeineddine, Daily Star 6/7/2007 CHOUF: The Chouf Cedars Nature Reserve reopened its gates to visitors in April after the ecological site incurred heavy damage during last summer’s war with Israel. "Israeli raids targeted several roads leading to the reserve, having a negative impact on the reserve’s biological diversity, economic situation, rural development and ecotourism," an official at the reserve told The Daily Star. The number of visitors - who bring the reserve a vital source of revenue - has plummeted, causing development programs to regress, the official said on condition of anonymity. The Chouf Cedars Reserve was declared a nature reserve by the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) on June 29, 2005. Covering some 500 square kilometers, the reserve is home to 32 animal species, 12 of which are... more.. Palestinian security services open fire on stolen car in Tulkarem, killing one Ma’an News Agency 6/6/2007 Tulkarem - Ma’an - The governor of Tulkarem, Talal Dweikat, has confirmed that he will open an investigation into the circumstances of the killing of a Palestinian man on Tuesday evening by members of the Palestinian security services in the city. He also extended his condolences to the family of the killed man. Muhannad Shehada Ash-Shfi’e, 22, was killed and another unnamed Palestinian man was injured on Tuesday evening when members of the Palestinian security services opened fire on a stolen car they were chasing through the streets of Tulkarem. Our Tulkarem correspondent reported that when the stolen car refused to stop, the Palestinian security members shot at the car, killing one of the car’s passengers and injuring another. The injured man was transported to Thabit Thabit Hospital in the city. more.. Lebanon Crisis: Health Cluster Bulletin No. 19, 06 Jun 2007 Source: World Health Organization (WHO, ReliefWeb 6/6/2007 The Lebanon Crisis Health Cluster Bulletin aims to give overview of the health activities conducted by the health partners in relation to the latest Lebanon conflict as well as crisis in the Palestinian camps. It compiles health received from the different organizations working in the affected areas. The Health Cluster Bulletin will be issued every Wednesday. Highlights -- No outbreaks were reported through the Early Warning and Response system (EWARS). However, cases of suspected Pertussis and chickenpox are awaiting diagnosis confirmation. Nahr El-Bared Crisis -- The United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees (UNRWA) is leading the Humanitarian and Relief interventions in response to the Nahr El-Bared Crisis. more.. Medics: IDF soldiers kill Palestinian Reuters, YNetNews 6/6/2007 Palestinian shot by Israeli troops during raid on house in West Bank town of Hebron, IDF "looking into" incident -- Israeli soldiers shot and killed a Palestinian man on Wednesday apparently during a military raid against militants in the occupied West Bank town of Hebron, a Palestinian security source said. The source told Reuters that soldiers came to a house in Hebron before dawn and shot a man who answered the door, killing him, then shot his wife, wounding her. Medics said the man was 67. Three other men in the home were also wounded by gunfire, the source said. The IDF"s responded to the claim and said they were "looking into it". An Israeli military source said soldiers opened fire during an operation to arrest Palestinian gunmen. more.. Details of the Israeli invasion into Qabatia IMEMC Staff, International Middle East Media Center 6/6/2007 The Israeli army invaded on Tuesday at dawn Qabatia town, near the northern West Bank city of Jenin and kidnapped ten residents, mainly students. The invasion was carried out by Israeli soldiers, under-cover units of the Israeli army and dozens of military vehicles, at least ten residents were injured, and ten were kidnapped. Local sources reported that at least 40 military vehicles and jeeps along with dozens of members of the under-cover forces and border guard policemen invaded Qabatia on Tuesday at dawn from several directions. The army completely blocked the two of the main entrances of the town and installed a roadblock at the southern entrance of Jenin, broke into dozens of homes and conducted military searches. During early dawn hours, fierce clashes erupted as fighters of the Al Aqsa brigades, the... more.. IDF arrests four Palestinians in incursion into southern Gaza Amos Harel, Ha’aretz 6/5/2007 The Israel Defense Forces on Tuesday withdrew from the southern Gaza Strip after troops and tanks had entered the strip on Monday to perform arrests and sweeps for militants. Four Palestinian militants were arrested during the raid. The operations were carried out in agricultural areas in the southern Gaza Strip, southeast of the city of Khan Yunis. IDF troops were not fired upon during the operation and suffered no casualties. The troops entered the sparsely populated area on Monday, pushing more than a mile into Gaza. Soldiers conducted searches from house to house, detaining about 40 Palestinians for questioning, the army said. No major fighting was reported. The sweeps were carried out principally to find explosive devices and smuggling tunnels that may be used to infiltrate Israel. more.. Drop in Qassam fire not by chance Avi Issacharoff, Ha’aretz 6/5/2007 It is difficult to decrypt Hamas’ intentions of these past few days. Spokesmen have denied the organization intends to end the Qassam rocket attacks against Israel. However, facts suggest that there has been a dramatic decline in the number of launches, for which other organizations are responsible. Since Sunday, four rockets have struck Israel, a similar number to that which preceded the latest escalation between Hamas and Israel. Even without an official statement announcing a cease-fire on behalf of Hamas, it seems that its activists have reached the conclusion that it is to their advantage, for now, to lower their profile and possibly stop the rocket attacks entirely. There are several reasons behind the drop in the number of rocket attacks: intensive Israeli military activity (and fear of Fatah retributions)... more.. Settlers unlikely to be removed from disputed Hebron house anytime soon Amos Harel, Ha’aretz 6/5/2007 The evacuation of settlers from a Palestinian home in Hebron will be deferred for a long time, if it takes place at all, senior defense officials said yesterday. The comments coincided with a gathering of about 200 Peace Now demonstrators in the West Bank city to mark the 40th anniversary of the outbreak of the Six Day War. The demonstrators urged the government to remove all settlers from the biblical city and held signs that reiterated this demand. They faced off against 30 counter-demonstrators, who carried signs calling them traitors. Local Palestinians peered out of their windows at the protest, which took place near the Cave of the Patriarchs, while dozens of soldiers stood guard. Defense Minister Amir Peretz and Deputy Defense Minister Ephraim Sneh had previously said they expected the evacuation of the Hebron home to be completed by mid-May. more.. Three civilians kidnapped as army invades Nablus Staff - IMEMC News, International Middle East Media Center 6/5/2007 The Israeli army invaded on Tuesday morning the northern West Bank city of Nablus and the nearby Askar refugee camp, searching homes and kidnapping three civilians. Witnesses reported that troops searched, ransacked and fired at homes in the area. While damages were reported, there were no injuries. Local sources stated that Ahamd Al Nablusy, 21, and Abd Al Rahman Ashur were kidnapped from their homes in Nablus city, while Mohamed Yousif, 18, was taken from his home in the Asker refugee camp. [end] Army sat up three checkpoints around Qalqilia city in the West Bank Staff - IMEMC News, International Middle East Media Center 6/5/2007 The Israeli army sat up three new checkpoints around the northern West Bank city of Qalqilia on Tuesday morning and did not allow Palestinians in or out of the city. [end] One Palestinian security officer injured in renewed internal clashes in Gaza Ghassan bannoura - IMEMC & Agencies, International Middle East Media Center 6/5/2007 At least one Palestinian security officer was wounded on Tuesday morning during renewed Hamas-Fatah clashes that took place near the Karni commercial crossing, in the north east of the Gaza strip. Media sources have reported that Hamas and Fatah forces fought for several hours on Tuesday in the Gaza Strip near the Karni commercial crossing, the most serious flare-up in factional fighting in two weeks. At least one member of President Mahmoud Abbas’s Presidential Guard was wounded in what the force described as an attempt by Hamas to infiltrate a key position near Karni crossing. Hamas officials confirmed the gun battle but said the Presidential Guard initiated the exchange. more.. Hamas, Fatah fighters in gun battle near key Gaza crossing Reuters, Ha’aretz 6/6/2007 Hamas and Fatah forces fought a two-and-a-half-hour long gun battle on Tuesday in the Gaza Strip near the Karni commercial crossing, the most serious flare-up in factional fighting in two weeks. At least one member of Palestinian Authority Chairman Mahmoud Abbas’s Presidential Guard was wounded in what the force described as an attempt by Hamas to infiltrate a key position near Karni. Hamas officials confirmed the gun battle but said the Presidential Guard initiated the exchange. A senior Western security source who works with the Presidential Guard said several Hamas fighters were hurt. [end] Army kidnaps three civilians from Bethlehem and nearby village Ghassan Bannoura - IMEMC News, International Middle East Media Center 6/5/2007 The Israeli army invaded the southern West bank city of Bethlehem and nearby villages, searched homes and kidnapped three civilians on Tuesday morning. The three were known as Nasser Shukah, Anwar Asakra, and Mohamed Abu Mahamed, all three were taken to unknown locations. [end] Israeli forces meet armed resistance during an incursion into Ramallah Ma’an News Agency 6/5/2007 Ramallah Ma’an The Israeli forces were shot at on Tuesday morning after they invaded the central West Bank city of Ramallah late on Monday night. No casualties have been reported. Ma’an’s correspondent stated, "The Israeli forces last night arrested 12 Palestinians in the northern West Bank cities of Nablus and Jenin, in addition to villages in Bethlehem district." [end] An Nasser Brigades launch projectiles at Israeli towns in retaliation to Israeli atrocities Ma’an News Agency 6/5/2007 Gaza Ma’an An Nasser Salah Addin Brigades, the armed wing of the Popular Resistance Committees, claimed responsibility on Monday evening for launching a homemade projectile towards the Western Negev Israeli town of Sderot. In a statement the brigades said, "A group was able to hurl a Nasser-3 projectile at Sderot despite the continuous overhead presence of Israeli fighter jets." The statement also referred to the Israeli sources admitting that a projectile landed on Sderot and that alarm sirens were sounded, but that no damage was caused. On Tuesday morning, the An Nasser Brigades renewed their action and claimed responsibility for launching two homemade projectiles at Kerem Shalom crossing into Israel, east of Rafah, in the southern Gaza Strip. more.. Israeli forces withdraw from southern Gaza after destroying land, property and arresting 20 Gazans Ma’an News Agency 6/5/2007 Rafah - Ma’an - The Israeli forces withdrew from eastern Rafah, in the southern Gaza Strip, on Tuesday. The forces had entered on Monday morning, through the Sufa Crossing between Israel and the Gaza Strip, and withdrew after conducting break-ins, ransacking homes and creating vast land erosion and demolition to the local infrastructure. Security sources reported that the Israeli forces arrested 20 Palestinians after handcuffing and beating them. The sources added that seven homes were ransacked and their properties and furniture were damaged, specifically by the undercover forces, which broke into the homes accompanied by heavy gunfire. Eyewitnesses stated that a number of greenhouses and fields were demolished, in addition to the roads and infrastructure. [end] Israeli tanks roll into southern Gaza Source: Agence France-Presse (AFP, ReliefWeb 6/4/2007 GAZA CITY, June 4, 2007 (AFP) - Israeli tanks and troops pushed deep into the southern Gaza Strip on Monday targeting Palestinian militant infrastructure in the first such ground operation into the area in months. Soldiers took over two buildings and military bulldozers ripped up roads during the incursion around the town of Rafah, about two kilometres (just over a mile) inside Palestinian territory, witnesses said. "Armoured and infantry forces are searching the area for terrorist infrastructure. Several Palestinians have been detained for questioning," an army spokesman told AFP. According to Palestinian security sources, 20 people have so far been arrested in the raid. It is the first time Israeli tanks have pushed so far into southern Gaza since a November 26 truce took effect, although bulldozers... more.. IDF pulls out of Gaza, pledges further operations Hanan Greenberg, YNetNews 6/5/2007 Army forces leave Strip after 24 hours of extensive operations that included searches for weapons and arrest raids; several terror suspects detained. Southern Command officials say similar incursions to be launched in near future The IDF’s extensive ground incursion in southern Gaza has concluded Tuesday morning, after 24 hours of searches for weapons, tunnels and wanted terror suspects within the Strip. Infantry units, armored corps and engineering corps forces participated in the operation, which took place 2 kilometers inside Gaza. Several Palestinian were detained and transferred for investigation in Israel following the raid. Southern Command officials noted that similar raids will continue to be launched in the future, as part of the army’s current method of operation in the Strip. more.. Al-Aqsa Brigades fire projectiles at Israeli target near southern Gaza Strip Ma’an News Agency 6/5/2007 Gaza - Ma’an - The Al-Aqsa Brigades, the main military wing of Fatah, claimed responsibility on Tuesday for launching two homemade projectiles at Neve Dekalim, located east of Khuza’ah in the southern Gaza Strip this evening. A statement issued by the brigades said that the operation was part of their "retaliation for the Israeli crimes and attacks." [end] Islamic Jihad’s military wing fire mortars at Israeli military post in southern Gaza Strip Ma’an News Agency 6/5/2007 Gaza - Ma’an - The Al Quds Brigades, the military wing of Islamic Jihad, have claimed responsibility for launching three mortar projectiles at an Israeli military post near the Kerem Shalom crossing in the southern Gaza Strip. In a statement issued on Tuesday, the brigades said that the operation was a "natural retaliation for the Israeli aggression against Palestinians." [end] Army kidnaps one civilian from Yatta village near Hebron Ghassan Bannoura - IMEMC News, International Middle East Media Center 6/5/2007 An Israeli army force invaded the village of Yatta near Hebron city in the southern part of the West Bank and kidnapped Jubran Mis’ef, 28, after surrounding his home and searching it, witnesses reported. [end] 2 Qassams fired at Negev Shmulik Hadad, YNetNews 6/6/2007 Palestinians fired two Qassam rockets at Israel from the northern Gaza Strip late Tuesday night. The "Color Red" alert system was activated in Sderot, but it remained unclear where the rockets landed. There were no reports of injuries. Al-Quds Brigades, the Islamic Jihad’s military wing, claimed responsibility for the rockets. The organization’s spokesman said that the rockets that were fired were medium-range "Quds" rockets. Earlier in the day, two other Qassam rockets landed near the security fence in the northern Gaza Strip. The rockets appear to have landed in open areas; no injuries were reported. The IDF"s wide scale ground operation, which began on Monday in the south of the Gaza Strip, ended Tuesday morning. more.. IDF chief: Army bracing for escalation on Palestinian, northern fronts Haaretz Service, Ha’aretz 6/5/2007 Israel Defense Forces Chief of Staff Gabi Ashkenazi said Tuesday that the army is preparing for a deterioration on the Palestinian front as well as in the north. During a visit to the Shizafon army base in southern Israel, Ashkenazi said the IDF is currently working at improving its preparedness for conflict while simultaneously fighting terror. Defense Minister Amir Peretz also spoke at the base Tuesday and said that there is no indication that Syria, Israel’s northern neighbor, is interested in engaging in war with Israel, as some recent reports have suggested. Peretz expressed his hopes that the verbal escalation between the two countries will not evolve into an armed conflict. "IDF is continually training and I hope the Syrians won’t misinterpret that," he said. more.. Army chief: IDF preparing for escalation on both fronts Hanan Greenberg, YNetNews 6/5/2007 Lt. -Gen. Ashkenazi tells officer training course cadets army preparing for possible escalation on both Palestinian front and northern front. Defense Minister Peretz states Israel has no intelligence indicating Syria wants war "The IDF is preparing for an escalation on the Palestinian front and the northern front," IDF Chief of Staff Gabi Ashkenazi stated Tuesday during a drill at the Shizafon army base in the south. "The army’s next objective is to improve its readiness and fitness, while continuing to fight terror," Lieutenant General Ashkenazi told officer training course cadets who came to watch the drill. "The drill here displays very impressive abilities. There’s only one thing missing " an enemy," he added. Ashkenazi said that he did not know whether the security situation in the region would... more.. Palestine Today 060507 Ghassan Bannoura - IMEMC - Audio Dept, International Middle East Media Center 6/5/2007 Click on Link to download or play MP3 file || File3. 66 MB|| Time 4m0s || Welcome to Palestine Today, a service of the International Middle East Media Centre, www. imemc. org, for Tuesday June 5th 2007. Palestinians mark the 40th anniversary of the occupation of Jerusalem, and in the Gaza strip a security officer injured due to infighting. These stories and more coming up. Stay tuned. The West Bank Approximately 100 residents of the Bethlehem area demonstrated on Tuesday at the Nashash Israeli army checkpoint between Bethlehem and Hebron cities in the southern part of the West Bank, closing it down for 20 minutes and demanding an end to the illegal occupation of Palestine. This action marks the 40th anniversary of the start of the Israeli-Arab 6 day war in which Israel occupied Arab lands including the Jerusalem, the West Bank, the Gaza Strip and the Golan Heights. more.. Israelis detain eight as tanks roll into Gaza again Daily Star 6/5/2007 Israeli tanks and troops pushed deep into the southern Gaza Strip on Monday in the first such ground operation into the area in months, while a Israeli military court ordered that three Palestinian officials be held without charge for six months. Later in the day, the Palestinian government endorsed President Mahmoud Abbas’ proposal for a cease-fire between fighters and Israel, a cabinet spokesman said. On Monday, the Israeli Army said forces crossed the border in southern Gaza and pushed more than 1 kilometer inside and that troops had detained a number of Palestinians for questioning. The operation was limited in time, an army spokeswoman said, adding that the military had no plans to permanently capture territory inside Gaza. No major fighting was reported. more.. National Security Council advised to end Lebanon war on 4th day Ze'ev Schiff, Ha’aretz 6/5/2007 One of the most important facts to emerge from Foreign Minister Tzipi Livni’s testimony before the Winograd Committee was that she had urged Prime Minister Ehud Olmert to make the Second Lebanon War as short as possible. It turns out, however, that Livni was not the only one to urge this: On July 16, four days after the war started, the National Security Council recommended in a document that the Israeli offensive against Hezbollah in Lebanon be wrapped up as quickly as possible, as most of the possible objectives had already been met. In retrospect, however, it is evident that no serious discussion was ever held over recommendations to shorten the war. A similar recommendation was made to Defense Minister Amir Peretz. The person who made it, David Ivri, was a former commander of the air force and director general of the Defense Ministry. more.. 25% of illegal building in W. Bank on land not officially stolen by Israel Uri Blau, Ha’aretz 6/4/2007 At least 25 percent of the structures built by Israelis in the West Bank’s Area C (full Israeli control) were constructed on private Arab-owned land, an internal report by the Civil Administration found. According to the report, only 0. 5 percent of the illegal structures were constructed on land registered to Jewish owners. The data also indicate that Israel is practicing a discriminatory policy: It is more lenient on illegal construction by Jews than by Palestinians. Although the Jewish population in the area is four times bigger than the Arab population, the authorities have demolished triple the number of Palestinian structures compared to Jewish structures. The data, published here for the first time, appear in a comprehensive report prepared by the Civil Administration, a government body entrusted with administering all nonmilitary issues in the territories. more.. Two Palestinians killed in Gaza infighting Staff - IMEMC News, International Middle East Media Center 6/4/2007 Palestinian sources in the Gaza strip reported that two Palestinians were killed in two separate incidents of infighting on Monday. Ahmad Abu Odah, 20, was shot and killed by unknown gunmen after he was kidnapped from his home in Khan Younis, located in the northern Gaza Strip. Palestinians sources stated that the man was forced into a car and taken to an unknown location. After seemingly freeing him, the man was shot in back and died immediately. The man is believed to have been a Fatah activist. Elsewhere in the Gaza strip, a gunfight broke out between two families in the city center. Mohamed Al Massrri was killed in the clash, with a further two people sustaining moderate injuries. The fight took place between the Al Massrri and Abu Taha families who last year attacked each other, a clash that led to the deaths of seven people. more.. Army kidnaps 3 civilians near Tulkarem; one civilian attacked and another kidnapped in Hebron Nisreen Qumsieh - IMEMC News, International Middle East Media Center 6/4/2007 Israeli army kidnapped three Palestinian civilians from Zeta town, near Tulkarem, ransacked their homes and took them to unknown destination. Local sources reported that an extensive military force invaded the town on Monday at dawn, launched a widespread search and kidnapping three civilians. The kidnapped were identified as Majdi Sa’ed,17 Mahmoud Balqees,18 and Naser Abu El Ez. In a separate operation in Hebron, in the southern part of the West Bank, the Israeli army assaulted one lady, Nada Al Arony, from Al Azarya, near Jerusalem, while she was walking near the Ibrahamic Mosque in the old City of Hebron. In the same operation, Israeli forces kidnapped Hatem Abu Turky, 23, taking him to an unknown location. The Army also launched a widespread search of the area, capturing civilians on the roadblock... more.. Troops invade an area in the southern part of the Gaza Strip, kidnap several residents Saed Bannoura - IMEMC & Agencies, International Middle East Media Center 6/4/2007 Palestinian sources reported on Monday evening that Israeli soldiers invaded an area close to the Sofa crossing, east of Khan Younis in the southern part of the Gaza Strip, broke into a number of houses and kidnapped several residents. [end] Mortar shells, Qassam hit Negev; no injuries Shmulik Hadad, YNetNews 6/4/2007 Seven shells fired toward Negev region, Qassam lands near kibbutz; "attacks becoming routine," Netiv Ha"asara"s security coordinator saysPalestinians in north Gaza fired seven mortars toward the western Negev Monday afternoon. One shell landed near a moshav while the rest landed by the Erez Crossing. There were no reports of injuries or damage. The Izz al-Din al-Qassam Brigades, Hamas" armed wing, claimed responsibility for the barrage. At around noon a Qassam rocket landed in an open area not far from Kibbutz Ein Hashlosha. No injuries were reported. On Sunday two more mortar shells were fired from the northern Gaza Strip toward the Israeli community of Netiv Ha’asara. On of the shells damaged greenhouses in the community and the other landed in an open field. more.. Outpost demolition proceeding at snail’s pace Uri Blau, Ha’aretz 6/4/2007 The Civil Administration had finished mapping only nine illegal settlement outposts in the West Bank, containing 131 structures, by mid-2006, its report showed. This means that it has legal grounds for demolishing only about seven percent of all illegal buildings in the outposts (some 1,800). Nine other outposts are currently being mapped, which will allow the state to issue demolition orders for the 159 illegal structures on their premises. According to the report, 12 of the 88 outposts were built entirely on privately owned Palestinian land. Another 24 were built on state lands, four were constructed on land whose status has not been determined and the rest were built on more than one type of land. The report recommends giving priority to demolishing buildings that have not yet been populated. more.. Palestine Today 060407 Ghassan Bannoura - IMEMC - Audio Dept, International Middle East Media Center 6/4/2007 Click on Link to download or play MP3 file || File 2. 69 MB|| Time 2m56s || Welcome to Palestine Today, a service of the International Middle East Media Centre, www. imemc. org, for Monday June 4th 2007. The Israeli army invades southern Gaza; meanwhile two men were shot dead in factional fighting and a number of civilians were kidnapped in the West Bank. These stories and more coming up stay tuned. Gaza strip Palestinian sources in the Gaza strip reported that two Palestinians were killed in separate incidents of infighting on Monday. Ahmad Abu Odah, 20, was shot and killed by unknown gunmen after being kidnapped from his home in Khan Younis in the northern Gaza Strip. Palestinian sources stated that the man was forced into a car and taken to an unknown location. more.. 1967: 40 years of occupation Al Jazeera 5/31/2007 Al Jazeera is marking the 40th anniversary of the 1967 war with a series of special reports. Our correspondents will be reporting on every side of the war, asking those involved how the war changed their lives, what was won - and lost - and what it means for the future of the region. It has now been 40 years since the war that changed the shape of the Middle East and the region is as divided as ever. A swift victory for Israel gave rise to the belief that the young Jewish state could not be destroyed by its powerful neighbours. But, for Arab nations, the shock and scale of the sudden defeat came as a huge blow. The 1967 war - Timeline June 5: At 10:10 GMT Israel launches the first wave of attacks. Almost 400 Egypt-based military aircraft destroyed, leaving craters in the runway... more.. Facing each other on the frontline Al Jazeera 6/3/2007 Kamara, then an Israeli tank commander, still remembers entering the city of Jerusalem -- Al Jazeera’s David Chater speaks to two veteran generals of the war, one Israeli and one Jordanian, about their experiences on the battlefields and how it still resonates in their lives today. The Israeli victory was virtually sealed in the first three hours of the 1967 War, when a pre-emptive strike caught the Egyptian airforce on the ground. With superiority in the air, the Israeli Army divisions rapidly extinguished the military threat in the Sinai. The fight against the Jordanian Arab Legion in Jerusalem and the West Bank was equally short and bloody. But on this front, many historians now say it was a Pyrrhic victory for Israel. Abu Rashid lost 13 of his men in one battle with the IsraelisAfter... more.. Mortar strike wounds Israeli troops Al Jazeera 6/3/2007 Minutes after Ehud Olmert, Israel’s prime minister, said that attacks against "terrorist elements" in the Gaza Strip would continue, the armed wing of Hamas said it fired eight mortar bombs from Gaza on Sunday. An Israeli army spokesman said three of them hit the Erez [Beit Hanoun] border crossing, wounding four soldiers. Olmert’s reiterated a threat to continue air strikes despite the reduction in the number of rockets launched." In view of what appears to be a drop in Qassam fire, I would like to make it clear that we are not negotiating," he said at the weekly cabinet meeting on Sunday. "We will continue to take action against terrorist elements... in the Gaza region and the West Bank without letting up." ’Blow to Olmert’But Sami Abu Zuhri, a Hamas official, described the mortar-bomb attack as a blow to Olmert’s credibility. more.. Two killed and three injured as the Israeli forces invade Nablus and Jenin Ma’an News Agency 6/3/2007 Jenin Ma’an A leader of the Fatah-affiliated Al Aqsa Brigades was killed on Sunday morning in an armed clash with the Israeli forces in the northern West Bank refugee camp of Jenin. Ma’an’s correspondent reported that 22-year-old Muhammad Farahati, who led a group called ’Fire Belt’; a joint operating group of the Al Aqsa and the Islamic Jihad-affiliated Al Quds Brigades, was killed during an armed confrontation with invading Israeli forces in Jenin. The spokesperson for Fire Belt announced that Farahati received numerous gunshots as he attempted to blockade the invading Israeli troops. Nablus incursion -- Another Palestinian was killed and three injured on Saturday when the Israeli army invaded the northern West Bank city of Nablus, through the area of the ’Ein Beit el Ma refugee camp. more.. Security deteriorates in Gaza as abductions, gunfire and break-ins are rife Ma’an News Agency 6/3/2007 Gaza Ma’an Over the past 24 hours, security chaos in the Gaza Strip has escalated as incidents of abductions, gunfire and forced entry into houses were rife. Ma’an’s correspondent reported that gunmen raided the home of Hani Jum’ah in the Sheikh Radwan neighbourhood, in northern Gaza City, just after midnight, amid condensed gunfire. Two girls that reside in the home were moderately injured and transferred to Ash Shifa Hospital for treatment. Eyewitnesses reported that the gunmen abducted the girls’ brother, who was also injured. Police officer attackedUnknown gunmen shot a civil police officer, Nasser Muhanna, on Yarmouk Street, in Gaza City. He was injured in his legs. In a separate incident on the same street, local citizen, Muhannad Dabbour, was abducted. more.. Israeli forces arrest four so-called ’wanted’ men from the occupied West Bank Ma’an News Agency 6/3/2007 Bethlehem Ma’an The Israeli forces on Sunday morning arrested four Palestinians in different areas of the occupied West Bank under the pretext that they were ’wanted’ men. Israeli sources reported that the army apprehended four Palestinians, three of whom are Fatah affiliated and one Hamas member. [end] IDF approves rally on site of evacuated West Bank settlement Nadav Shragai, Ha’aretz 6/3/2007 The Israel Defense Forces has approved a rally next Tuesday at the ruined settlement of Homesh in the West Bank. The rally, in which MKs, yeshiva heads and other public figures will take part, will be preceded by a march past the old railway station at Sebastia where the settlement movement started. The permit was given to the Yesha Council of Settlements, the Homesh First movement and the Bnei Akiva movement. It is the first time the Yesha Council and Homesh First, which has opposed the council’s stands in the past, are cooperating. The West Bank settlement was ruined as part of the disengagement plan in the summer of 2005. In March of this year, two IDF soldiers were lightly wounded while attempting to prevent protestors from reaching the Homesh site. more.. Separation fence decision lacked security, economic sense Meirav Arlosoroff, Ha’aretz 6/3/2007 The Israel Defense Forces wasted billions of shekels by indiscriminately firing artillery shells during last summer’s Second Lebanon War, according to the findings of the Brodet Committee report examining the defense budget. However, this revelation is small change compared to another, even scarier one: The separation barrier, one of the largest public works ever undertaken in Israel - at a cost of NIS 13-15 billion - was built without any prior discussion or analysis. "The building of the separation barrier is an example of faulty and wasteful management," says the Brodet Committee about the fence. "The committee was not convinced that the process of building the fence was undertaken with proper judgment and with consideration of all the security and economic considerations," said the panel. more.. Report: IDF kills Fatah member in Jenin Ali Waked, YNetNews 6/3/2007 Palestinian sources say Israeli force operating in West Bank city shot dead member of al-Aqsa Martyrs’ Brigades, Fatah’s military wing. Army officials confirm soldiers opened fire at armed Palestinian, hit him Palestinian sources in Jenin reported that an IDF force killed a member of the al-Aqsa Martyrs’ Brigades, Fatah’s military wing, on Saturday night. Military sources confirmed that over the night soldiers operating in the West Bank city shot an armed Palestinian and hit him. The IDF said that during the operation, Palestinian gunmen opened fire and hurled an explosive device at the soldiers. There were no injuries among the troops. The soldiers, who spotted an armed Palestinian, opened fire at him and hit him. Al-Aqsa’s commander in Jenin, Zakaria Zubeidi, said in response to the incident that his people would "continue the resistance. more.. âAttack on Erez crossing could have ended much worseâ Shmulik Hadad, YNetNews 6/3/2007 Injured soldiers recount Sunday"s mortar attack on IDF facility on Israel-Gaza border -- "We heard the "Color Red" alert system and quickly ran to a protected area," said one of the soldiers injured in Sunday" mortar attack on an IDF facility at the Erez crossing in northern Gaza. "At this point I heard a mortar landing just a few feet away and shrapnel hit my leg and a few other places." During the attack one IDF soldier was moderately injured and three were lightly hurt after being hit by three mortar shells fired at the Erez crossing in the northern Gaza Strip. The injured were evacuated to the Barzilay Medical Center in Ashkelon along with six other troops who suffered from shock. ’We"re used to living under these threats’ Two additional mortar shells landed in a hothouse and in an open area in Gaza vicinity communities. more.. Operation Focus Al Jazeera 5/29/2007 On the morning of June 5, 1967, the Israeli Air Force launched a surprise strike on Arab military airfields and destroyed over 450 aircraft. By June 10, Israel had occupied East Jerusalem, the West Bank, the entire Sinai Peninsula and the Syrian Golan Heights, ushering in decades of occupation, and changing forever the political landscape of the Middle East. The Israelis claim that the strike was pre-emptive, that it was forced upon them to prevent an attack by the war-hungry Arabs. However there is compelling evidence that the Israeli attack - Operation Focus was in fact planned. In Operation Focus Al Jazeera tells the story of that fateful morning, and uncovers the real reasons why Israel went to war. Operation Focus airs from 05 June 2007. more.. Dozens of shops, homes damaged in IDF Nablus raid The Associated Press, Ha’aretz 6/3/2007 Dozens of Palestinian shops and homes were damaged, and water, sewage and electrical lines were cut in the West Bank town of Nablus on Saturday by Israel Defense Forces blasting of concrete barriers blocking entrances to the crowded Old City, Nablus officials said. The predawn explosions left thousands without running water and electricity, though repair teams were out by mid-morning. Said Handiyeh, a Nablus city council member, estimated the damage at $100,000. He said a 60-year old woman was slightly hurt by shattering glass. The IDF, which conducts frequent arrest raids against militants in Nablus, said the concrete blocks impeded soldiers from operating within the city. Soldiers operating in Nablus regularly uncover explosives and munitions that are being readied for attacks on Israelis, the military said. more.. Palestinian shot dead in Nablus BBC Online 6/2/2007 The Israeli military said its troops were carrying out routine activities in the centre of the town when they identified and then shot a gunman. But witnesses said the 26-year-old was a shopkeeper, who died in his shop. His brother was the other casualty. Earlier, a number of shops and homes in Nablus were damaged when Israeli forces blew up concrete barriers nearby. Some people suffered minor injuries, and water and electricity supplies were also cut off, the town’s mayor said. The Palestinian Information Minister, Mustafa Barghouti, said the action was a "new crime coming in the context of Israeli escalation against the Palestinian Authority and people". The BBC’s Aleem Maqbool in Ramallah says the Israeli army frequently launches raids into Nablus to search for suspected militants. more.. Senior member of Al Quds Brigades killed in Israeli air strike John Smith, International Middle East Media Center 6/2/2007 Fadi Abu Mustafa, a prominent figure in the Al Quds Brigades, was killed in Khan Younis on Friday evening when he was targeted by an Israeli air strike. Considered to be one of the most active members of the Al Quds Brigades, Mustafa, 25, was travelling on a motorcycle in Khan Younis when he was hit by the air strike. Eyewitnesses reported that he died instantly. Hours after the attack, a Qassam rocket landed between two houses in the Israeli town of Sderot, located adjacent to the Gaza Strip, causing damage to property but injuring no one. Islamic Jihad claimed responsibility for the attack. [end] Israeli tanks re-enter Gaza Strip, two Palestinians injured Ma’an News Agency 6/2/2007 Gaza Ma’an Palestinian medical sources on Saturday stated that two Palestinians were injured, east of Al- Bureij refugee camp in the central Gaza Strip, at the hands of Israeli soldiers. The victims were named as: Jamal Dabba and Ahmad ’Ubeid, who were taken to Shohada Al-Aqsa hospital for medical treatment. Eyewitnesses reported that 15 Israeli tanks have entered Beit Hanoun from the north and the east, stationed 800 meters from Israeli borders. They are occasionally launching heavy shells into the Gaza Strip, yet no casualties have yet been reported. The Al-Qassam brigades of Hamas have claimed responsibility for the launching of nine mortar shells and two rocket-propelled grenades towards the Israeli forces recently reinvaded Beit Lahiya. [end] Israeli settlers attack Palestinian farmers in a village near Ramallah Ghassan Bannoura, International Middle East Media Center 6/2/2007 A group of Israeli settlers attacked Palestinian farmers and shepherds working on their land in the village of Dier Nitham, north of the central West Bank city of Ramallah, on Saturday afternoon. The farmers reported that they were working their land alongside some local shepherds when a group of armed Israeli settlers attacked them and beat them up. The settlers forced them from the land and told them not to come back. The settlers also took over the nearby natural water well that is used by the villagers to water their crops. Villagers stated that settlers now use it for swimming and are protected by the army while doing so. The setters come from the settlement of Homesh which is illegally built on land stolen from the village of Dier Nitham. more.. Israeli army invades a village near Salfit Ghassan Bannoura, International Middle East Media Center 6/2/2007 Israeli forces attacked and searched homes in the village of Qarawit Bani Hassan, located near Salfit city in the northern part of the West Bank, on Saturday Troops searched and ransacked homes, assaulting a number of students on their way to school in the process. Local sources reported no injures or kidnappings. [end] Israeli Army kidnaps six Palestinian civilians in Hebron Ghassan Bannoura, International Middle East Media Center 6/2/2007 The Israeli army invaded several areas in Hebron on Saturday morning and kidnapped six Palestinian civilians. Troops attacked and searched homes in the old city of Hebron and the nearby Bani No’em village and Al Fouar refugee camp. Local sources reported that soldiers forced families out before ransacking their homes. Before leaving, troops kidnapped six Palestinian men, taking them to an undisclosed detention camp. Among the kidnapped were Ahmad Abu Aisha, 21, Mohamed Id’ibes, 21, and Mohamed Al Titi, 22. [end] Undercover Israeli forces arrest two brothers from central Gaza refugee camp Ma’an News Agency 6/2/2007 Gaza - Ma’an The media spokesman for the Palestinian national security service in the southern area has announced that undercover Israeli forces arrested four citizens, including two brothers, who are both employees in the national security service, on Saturday at dawn. The spokesman said that the Israeli unit entered the central Gaza Strip Al Maghazi refugee camp and arrested the men, after entering the camp at 4:00am and invasively searching their home. [end] Two homemade projectiles launched at Israeli military positions at the Kerem Shalom crossing Ma’an News Agency 6/2/2007 Gaza - Ma’an The Amro Abu Sitta unit, part of the Abu Ar Rish Brigades, a small military wing affiliated to the Fatah movement, have announced responsibility for the launching of two homemade projectiles at Israeli military positions at the Kerem Shalom crossing early on Saturday. The Kerem Shalom crossing is the entry point to the Gaza Strip for goods from Egypt. A statement declared that "the operation comes as part retaliation for the Israeli aggression against Palestinians", and threatened "to continue resistance". [end] Al Aqsa and Al Quds Brigades launch "advanced" homemade projectile at Sderot Ma’an News Agency 6/2/2007 Gaza - Ma’an The Al Aqsa and Al Quds Brigades have announced that they have launched "An advanced homemade projectile" at the Israeli town of Sderot, early on Saturday morning. A joint statement said that "the operation comes as part retaliation against the Israeli aggression against Palestinian people in the West Bank and the Gaza Strip." The statement also maintained that the killing of a local leader in the Al Quds Brigades "remains to be retaliated for", and vowed "to continue resistance" against the Israeli occupation. Four Israelis were reported to have suffered from shocked when the projectiles landed in Sderot, according to Israeli sources. [end] Al Quds Brigades launches five projectiles from the Gaza Strip Ma’an News Agency 6/2/2007 Gaza - Ma’an The Al Quds Brigades, the armed wing of the Islamic Jihad movement, has claimed responsibility for the launching of five projectiles at an Israeli military post on Friday evening. In a statement received by Ma’an, the brigades announced that their group launched three mortars at the Israeli military post in Kissofem, east of Khan-Younis. They also announced their responsibility for launching two homemade projectiles at Sderot and Kfar ’Aza later on Friday night. The statement concluded that "this operation is part of the retaliation for the Israeli aggression and killings in the territories." [end] Two arrests in the northern West Bank Ma’an News Agency 6/2/2007 Nablus - Ma’an Occupying Israeli forces have arrested two university students from the town of Kafr Ad Dik, south-west of Salfit on Friday. Ma’an’s correspondent reported that Israeli forces raided the town with at least 16 military vehicles, and besieged the home of Hussam Mustafa, 20, and the home of Wajdi Mohammad Naji, 21. Both are students in Al Quds Open University. The Israeli forces took the two men to an unknown destination. Israeli forces also stormed into the house of the "wanted ’’ Amjad Naji , and attacked and beat the family, before damaging furniture and threatening the family of "more offensive acts and harassments if he does not turn himself in." [end] Unidentified gunmen abduct intelligence officer’s chauffeur Ma’an News Agency 6/2/2007 Gaza Ma’an Unidentified gunmen on Saturday have abducted the chauffeur of the retired Palestinian intelligence officer, Brigadier Abu Yasmin Abu Samhadana, from the northern neighbourhood of Beit Lahiya, in the northernmost part of the Gaza Strip. Eyewitnesses reported, "The gunmen asked the Brigadier and his daughter to evacuate the car, then they took the driver, Majdi Abid Rabbo, 34, who is also a member of the Palestinian intelligence service, to an unknown destination." Following the incident, dozens of family members of the abducted man demonstrated in protest at his abduction. Gunmen blocked the path of the protestors, seriously injuring Muhammad Abid Rabbo, 27, in his abdomen. He was taken to Kamal ’Udwan hospital in the northern Gaza Strip, and was immediately admitted to the intensive care unit. more.. Israeli forces invade Far’un village in search of stone-throwing youths Ma’an News Agency 6/2/2007 Tulkarem Ma’an The Israeli forces on Saturday afternoon invaded the northern West Bank village of Far’un, south of Tulkarem. Ma’an’s correspondent reported that several military vehicles invaded the village and held a wide-scale inspection campaign in the residents’ homes, under the pretext of searching for Palestinian youths who allegedly threw stones at the separation wall. Among the houses searched was that of the head of the local village council, Abdul Kareem ’Umar. [end] Al-Quds Brigades shoot an Israeli soldier and shell a town bordering the Gaza Strip Ma’an News Agency 6/2/2007 Gaza Ma’an The Al-Quds Brigades, the armed wing affiliated to the Islamic Jihad movement, claimed responsibility on Saturday for shooting an Israeli soldier in Beit Lahiya, in the northern Gaza Strip. Furthermore, they also said they launched two mortar shells at the Israeli town of Kisufim, east of the Gaza Strip. The brigades released a statement claiming that the Israeli soldier, who was in a military tank, was hit during the attack. [end] Al-Aqsa Brigades announce the injury of Israeli soldiers following clashes in the northern Gaza Strip Ma’an News Agency 6/2/2007 Gaza Ma’an The Al-Aqsa brigades, the main armed wing of the Fatah movement, affirmed on Saturday that Israeli soldiers were injured during clashes with the brigades’ fighters near the Agricultural College in Beit Hanoun, in the northern Gaza Strip. The brigades said in a statement that the clash lasted more than 15 minutes, following the entrance of Israeli military vehicles into the area on Saturday afternoon. [end] IDF kills Palestinian gunman, wounds another in Nablus area Amos Harel, Ha’aretz 6/3/2007 Israel Defense Forces troops on Saturday night shot dead an armed Palestinian in the Old City of Nablus. An IDF spokeswoman said troops shot at a gunman armed with an assault rifle and reported hitting him. Palestinian security officials said that the dead man was a shopkeeper who was killed and his brother wounded during an apparent attempt to shoot two gunmen in Nablus. The soldiers, disguised as Palestinians, opened fire from a building overlooking a meat and vegetable shop in the center of the town of Nablus when the two militants appeared, but hit the two civilians instead, the officials said. In a separate incident, IDF troops shot and wounded an armed Palestinian in a refugee camp near Nablus on Saturday night. Hours earlier, witnesses said IDF troops blew up several cement barriers that militants... more.. Is it better to reoccupy Gaza? Uzi Rubin, Ha’aretz 6/2/2007 In his article "Missiles Against Metal Pipes" (Haaretz, May 14), Reuven Pedatzur dismisses the development of an anti-Qassam defense system for technological and financial reasons, as well as on principle. He feels it is doubtful whether it is even possible to solve the technical problem of intercepting Qassam missiles. Beyond that, he suggests, even if the technical challenges can be overcome, the project will be more expensive and take longer than has been promised by Rafael, the Armament Development Authority, and in general, the whole idea of a missile to intercept flying "metal pipes" is fundamentally mistaken. Pedatzur had reservations about developing a defense system against the Scud missiles, and offered amazingly similar reasons. In a long and detailed study he published in 1993, he cast doubt on the... more.. Rockets Fray Nerves in Israeli ’Bull’s Eye City’ Isabel Kershner, MIFTAH 6/2/2007 Kobi Cohen was 2 years old when a Qassam rocket fired by Palestinians from the Gaza Strip exploded 50 yards from him. Now 5, a skinny boy with an impish face, Kobi still shows signs of trauma. He had some therapy at the time, said his mother, Hanna Cohen, but she is not sure how effective it was. Even today he gets very angry about every little thing, and he shakes, Mrs. Cohen said. Another of her six children, Maayan, a shy girl of 10, panicked a few months ago when a rocket attack caught her outside the house. Her mother had sent her across the road to invite a lonely neighbor to hear the Sabbath blessing over wine. Then the red alert sounded over the citywide public address system the recorded voice of a woman calmly but urgently repeating Color red, color red, the code for an incoming rocket, which is inevitably followed by a whistle and a terrifying boom. more.. Qassam hits Sderot neighborhood Tovah Dadon, YNetNews 6/2/2007 Four victims treated for shock when rocket falls between two buildings in residential neighborhood in Sderot; attack comes day after IDF kills senior Islamic Jihad chief in Khan Younis A Qassam rocket fired from the northern Gaza Strip landed in a residential neighborhood in Sderot Saturday morning. Four people suffered shock and were treated at the city’s post-traumatic stress center. Two buildings were damaged. Sderot is on heightened alert after a senior Islamic Jihad chief was killed by the Israeli Defense Forces in Gaza Friday. Sderot’s streets were empty when the rocket hit early Saturday due to fear of more attacks and because of the Sabbath. The city’s security chief, Eli Ben Maman, told Ynet, "This is a ritual that’s been repeating itself for seven years now. more.. Nablus blast leaves thousands without water, electricity Efrat Weiss, YNetNews 6/2/2007 Dozens of homes and shops in Nablus were damaged Saturday morning when concrete barriers placed by Palestinians to block entrances to the Old City exploded, officials at City Hall said. The blast left thousands without running water and electricity in the West Bank town, though repair teams were out by mid-morning. Palestinians complained at the coordination headquarters accusing the IDF of exploding the barricades. Responding to the Palestinian claims, IDF officials told Ynet that "when the Palestinians placed such barricades in the past, they loaded them with explosives against Israeli forces. In any case, an army spokeswoman said that the IDF would have had legitimate reasons to explode the cement barricades, since they deliberately prevented soldiers from foiling terrorists plots originated in the city. more.. Two boys killed by Israeli troops Al Jazeera 6/1/2007 Israeli troops have shot dead two Palestinian children in the northern Gaza Strip, Palestinian medical staff said. An Israeli army spokeswoman confirmed on Friday that troops had shot at what they said were suspicious figures trying to plant an object close to the border fence. The soldiers reported hitting three people, two of whom were evacuated by Palestinian ambulance workers, she added. The two boys, believed to be aged 12 and 13, were reportedly searching the area near Beit Lahiya for scrap metal. "We know that a number of Palestinians crawled towards the border fence," the Israeli spokeswoman said. ’Suspicious device’ "They know that it is a dangerous area but they did not heed repeated calls to stop and they planted a suspicious device close to the fence. more.. IDF kills senior Islamic Jihad member in Gaza Ali Waked, YNetNews 6/1/2007 Air Force fires missile at top al-Quds Brigades member Fadi Abu Mustafa while he rides his motorcycle in southern Strip town of Khan Younis. Organization’s spokesman says in response, ’Israelis should prepare for additional rockets and suicide bombings’The IDF killed a senior Islamic Jihad member on Friday evening while he was riding his motorcycle in the southern Gaza Strip town of Khan Younis. The man killed in the airstrike was identified by Palestinians as Fadi Abu Mustafa. According to IDF officials, he was involved in planning terror attacks against Israeli targets. A senior Islamic Jihad member told Ynet that Abu Mustafa was a top member of the al-Quds Brigades, the organization’s military wing, in the southern Strip. more.. 18-year-old Palestinian dies from gunshot wounds sustained during Israeli attack a week ago Ma’an News Agency 6/1/2007 Gaza - Ma’an - An 18-year-old Palestinian man, Hamza Al Masri, from Beit Lahiya in the northern Gaza Strip, has died of wounds he sustained a week ago, Palestinian medical sources declared on Friday. The sources added that the man was injured by bullets fired at him by Israeli soldiers near his house; he was transported to Kamal Adwan Hospital in Beit Lahiya where he died this morning. Also this morning, Israeli warplanes used machine guns to fire at Palestinian houses in the Tuffah neighborhood of east Gaza City, terrifying women and children; no casualties were reported. more.. Palestinian armed wings fire projectiles at Sderot, Kisufim and Kerem Shalom Crossing Ma’an News Agency 6/1/2007 Gaza - Ma’an - Palestinian armed wings have fired a series of projectiles at the southern Israeli town of Sderot and other Israeli targets on Friday morning and Thursday evening; the military wing of the Popular Resistance Committees (PRC) alleged that they fired a more developed projectile at Sderot on Thursday. All the responsible factions said that the projectile-launching operations were in retaliation for the "Israeli crimes" against the Palestinian people. The Ayman Jouda Brigades, a minor military wing of Fatah, and the Al Quds Brigades, the military wing of Islamic Jihad, claimed responsibility on Friday morning for launching three mortar projectiles at Kisufim, near the southern Gaza Strip. In a joint statement, the brigades said that "the operation was part of the retaliation for the Israeli crimes against the Palestinian people. more.. Israeli forces arrest six allegedly ’wanted’ West Bankers Ma’an News Agency 6/1/2007 Bethlehem - Ma’an - Israeli forces arrested six Palestinians in the occupied West Bank on Friday at dawn, according to Israeli sources. Israeli media sources reported that the men, including several allegedly "wanted" Palestinians, were arrested in several areas across the West Bank and taken to interrogation centres for questioning. [end] Fortified stalls to fill Sderot streets Shmulik Hadad, YNetNews 5/31/2007 Army delivers 15 fortified stalls to Sderot part of government efforts to provide shelter from rockets to city’s residents A delivery of 15 mobile fortified stalls was spread on major streets in Sderot as part of the government’s efforts to provide shelter to residents in the southern city from rockets fired from the Gaza Strip. Two people died on the streets of Sderot over the last three weeks since Hamas intensified rocket fire towards Israel. An early warning system sounds a siren when a rocket is fired towards Israel, giving residents about a minute to seek shelter. "These are fortified stalls that will be positioned in 15 locations in the city after consultations with the army’s homefront command," said Yehuda Ben Maman, a security officer for the city. more.. Sderot residents protest in central Israel, say wonât budge until action taken Ynet reporters, YNetNews 5/31/2007 Residents demonstrate near Hadera against "government"s helplessness in the face of incessant Qassam rocket attacks" on western Negev town. Protesters’ signs read, "Olmert, wake up, because Ariel Sharon is in a coma"Several hundred residents of Sderot held a demonstration Thursday at the Olga junction near Hadera in protest of what they said was the government"s helplessness in the face of incessant Qassam rocket attacks on the western Negev city. "We are prepared to stand here until someone cares, because everyone seems oblivious to our situation," protester Tzuri Chen said. "My brother"s house was hit by a Qassam yesterday; there is no solution to the attacks." ’Everyone seems oblivious to our situation. ’ (Photo: Or Cohen) Chen, who along with some 200 other Sderot residents... more.. Israeli commander resigns over "failure" in Lebanon war Ma’an News Agency 6/1/2007 Bethlehem - Ma’an - Another casualty of the Lebanese war. Brigadier General Erez Zuckerman, aged 43, told the Israeli army’s chief of staff, Gabi Ashkenazi, on Thursday, "I have failed, and I resign." Zuckerman, who commanded an armoured division during Israel’s war with Hezbollah in southern Lebanon last summer, will be released from the army one year early." Toward the end of the war I felt that I had failed in my duty and decided to take personal responsibility... I told this to my commanders and subordinates every chance I got," Zuckerman said, according to reports in the Israeli media. Asked why he had taken so long to announce his resignation, he said: "I realized that immediate resignation would be like shirking responsibility, in light of the burning need to retrain the division and its units. more.. Sderot officers say will refuse reserve duty Shmulik Hadad, YNetNews 6/1/2007 Reserve officers, soldiers, sign petition declaring they will not do reserve duty until government addresses Sderot’s plight. We have been abandoned by state, government being run by a bunch of clowns, one signatory says Some 100 reservists from Sderot decided to launch a public struggle and refuse to do reserve duty as long as the government continues to "abandon Sderot’s residents." the reservists declared their intentions in a letter to Prime Minister Ehud Olmert. The petition was signed by officers and soldiers in the reserve, both religious and secular. "We, reserve soldiers and officers from Sderot, have been brought up on the values of Zionism, Judaism and the sacrifice for the state and its citizens. We used to believe that army service was a privilege and a duty for the State of Israel and its... more.. 3 Qassams land in Negev Friday morning Shmulik Hadad, YNetNews 6/1/2007 Rockets fired from northern Gaza land in Negev and south of Ashkelon; damage caused to garage, warehouse Four Qassam rockets were fired from northern Gaza on Friday. Two of the rockets landed near a Negev kibbutz, causing some damage to the community’s garage. Another rocket landed in a kibbutz south of Ashkelon, hitting a warehouse and causing considerable damage. The fourth rocket did not reach Israel and landed inside the Gaza Strip. Head of the Sha’ar Hanagev local council, Alon Shuster, told Ynet that the kibbutzim in the region were trying to maintain their routine life, despite the ongoing attacks. "We are trying to keep the routine in schools, inside fortified classrooms; so far, 27 percent of the students showed up, and we certainly understand the parents who are afraid to send their parents," he said. more.. Palestinian resistance shells Sderot Nisreen Qumsieh - IMEMC News, International Middle East Media Center 6/1/2007 Palestinian resistance shelled the Israeli town of Sderot with a home-made shell on Friday morning. The Al Quds brigades, the armed wing of Islamic Jihad, claimed responsibility for the attack, stating it was in response to Israeli attacks against Palestinians. [end] Two 12-year olds killed by Israeli forces in Gaza Saed Bannoura - 1 of International Middle East Media Center - IMEMC, International Middle East Media Center 6/1/2007 Israeli and Palestinian sources confirm the killing of two children near the former Israeli settlement of Dugit, in the northern part of the Gaza Strip. The two were identified as Ahmad Abu Zubeida and Zaher Al-Majdalawi, both aged 12. A child crawling near former Israeli settlement in Gaza - archive photo The children were scavenging building materials and scrap metal from the site when they were fired upon without warning by Israeli forces stationed at the nearby border with Israel, eyewitnesses reported. Palestinians often try to scavenge materials from the former sites of Israeli settlements, evacuated two years ago as part of the ’disengagement plan’ from Gaza, and completely demolished by Israeli forces at that time. The ruins of the settlements, while full of asbestos and hazards, are also known... more.. Hamas plot against IDF thwarted Efrat Weiss, YNetNews 5/31/2007 Shin Bet arrests three Islamist group members who planted several bombs along trans-Judea highway and intended to detonate them on Israeli security forces The Shin Bet exposed a plot by Hamas members in the Hebron area to carry out an attack against IDF forces on the trans-Judea highway between Kiryat Gat and Kiryat Arba, it was cleared for publication Thursday. According to security sources, three Hamas members planted several explosive devices alongside the highway and intended to detonate one of the bombs in order to draw emergency services and security forces to the scene before detonating the additional bombs. One of the bombs was supposed to be activated by a cell phone. The terrorists were arrested by IDF soldiers at the beginning of April; dozens of kilograms of explosives were found in their possession, and two of the bombs were uncovered. more.. This Week In Palestine Week 22 2007 Ghassan Bannoura - IMEMC - Audio Dept, International Middle East Media Center 6/1/2007 Click on Link to download or play MP3 file || File 11. 9 MB|| Time 13m0s || This Week In Palestine, a service of the International Middle East Media Center, www. IMEMC. org, for May 26 through June 1st, 2007. Norway decides to channel aid to the Palestinian government, and a British University Union joins the academic boycott of Israel. On the ground, the Israeli army continues to attack Palestinians has killed 19 this week. These stories and more coming up, stay tuned. Nonviolent Resistance in Palestine Let’s begin our weekly report with the nonviolent actions in Palestine in Bethlehem and Ramallah against the wall and settlements. Bil’in On Friday, the villagers of Bilin, located near the central west bank city of Ramallah, alongside Israeli and international supporters, conducted their weekly... more.. Jihadist Groups Fill a Palestinian Power Vacuum Steven Erlanger and Hassan M. Fattah, MIFTAH 6/1/2007 It was 2 a. m. when masked gunmen raided Al Wafa Net in the Khan Yunis camp in Gaza where 17 young men were surfing the Internet. The gunmen tied their hands, then forced them to stand at the stairs while they broke all the screens, and then the server and the television and the photocopier, said the owner, Hamad, of the attack a few months ago. Then they burned all 36 computers. In recent months in Gaza, there have been similar attacks on music and video shops and pharmacies accused of selling Viagra, as well as on American and United Nations schools. A standoff between the Lebanese Army and Islamists at a Palestinian refugee camp in Lebanon has focused attention on a jihadist element taking root there as well as a radicalization in the Palestinian areas themselves. more..  Diplomacy
Abbas: Int’l force needed in Gaza Strip before new elections News Agencies, Ha’aretz 6/30/2007 Palestinian Authority Chairman Mahmoud Abbas appealed Friday for the deployment of an international force in Gaza, so the divided Palestinians can hold new elections, and insisted he was determined to isolate the militant Hamas. Abbas, in Paris for his first talks with Nicolas Sarkozy since he was elected French president last month, won France’s full support for the Palestinian Authority and $20 million in aid. Abbas lashed out at the putschists of Hamas for their violent takeover of Gaza earlier this month, and said he hopes to stage presidential and parliamentary elections before the end of the current terms. Abbas’ emergency cabinet, devoid of Hamas representation, now controls only the West Bank. "I proposed an international force in Gaza to Sarkozy to ensure the elections can be held peacefully," Abbas said. more.. Saudi king avoids meeting Abbas Al Jazeera 6/29/2007 Saudi Arabia’s King Abdullah has snubbed the Palestinian president, skipping a meeting with Mahmoud Abbas on a visit to Jordan. An Abbas official said "the meeting was postponed due to lack of time as both leaders had busy schedules", but Al Jazeera’s David Chater, reporting from Jordan, said it was a deliberate and undiplomatic snub. Abbas was kept waiting at a palace room for a telephone call that never came. Instead, the Saudi monarch, who brokered a power-sharing deal between Abbas’s Fatah faction and rivals Hamas in February, urged both sides to talk to each other, saying the infighting was benefiting only the Israelis. It would be a bitter pill for Abbas to swallow, just days after he dissolved the unity government set up under the Saudi deal and accused Hamas of attempting to assassinate him. more.. Abbas urges immediate resumption of peace talks Roee Nahmias, YNetNews 6/29/2007 Palestinian president calls on Israel to resume peace talks to reach final agreement - Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas called on Israel Friday afternoon to resume peace negotiations with the Palestinians, saying there was a pressing need for a final and comprehensive peace agreement between the two sides. "I call for the renewal of negotiations to reach a general and comprehensive agreement as fast as possible between the Palestinians and Israel," he said at the Socialist International convention in Geneva. Abbas added that he was committed to all the agreements signed between the Palestine Liberation Organization (PLO) and Israel. "I am committed to all the agreement that the PLO signed with Israel," he said. Abbas also slammed Hamas for its violent takeover of the Gaza Strip... more.. Hamdan: "Isolation of Hamas in Gaza is a Zionist-American plan implemented by Abbas" Saed Bannoura - IMEMC & Agencies, International Middle East Media Center 6/29/2007 Hamas representative in Lebanon, Osama Hamdan, accused on Friday Fateh movement and President Mahmoud Abbas, of rejecting the movement’s calls for internal talks, and said that the decision to isolate Hamas movement in the Gaza Strip is a "Zionist-American plan implemented by Abbas". In an interview with Al Sabeel Jordanian newspaper, Hamdan stated that "the decision of Fateh movement, and president Mahmoud Abbas, to reject Hamas’ repeated calls for internal talks, are unjustified", and added that "those who are rejected to talk with Hamas, and rushing to meet with Ehud Olmert". Hamadan also said that the decision to isolate Hamas movement in the Gaza Strip is a "Zionist-American plan, but this plan is implemented by Mahmoud Abbas". Commenting on the Arab countries’ stance regarding Hamas, Hamdan stated that... more.. Mubarak: Olmert should ’forget about’ talks with Saudi officials Reuters, Ha’aretz 6/30/2007 Egypt’s President Hosni Mubarak has said that Prime Minister Ehud Olmert, who called in April for a regional conference with Arab leaders, should "forget about" holding talks with Saudi Arabia’s King Abdullah. In an interview with Israeli television, a transcript of which was published by Egypt’s Al-Ahram newspaper, Mubarak said circumstances in conservative Saudi Arabia, home to Islam’s holiest sites, prevented the Saudi monarch meeting Olmert. "Forget about meeting with the king... The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia has circumstances that differ from those of any other state. They have holy lands and men of religion," Mubarak said. Olmert called in April for a regional conference with Arab leaders, singling out King Abdullah, for talks on an Arab peace plan championed by Saudi Arabia five years ago and renewed at an Arab summit in Riyadh in March. more.. Abbas visits France, meets with its president Saed Bannoura - IMEMC & Agencies, International Middle East Media Center 6/30/2007 Palestinian President, Mahmoud Abbas, visited on Friday the French capital, met with president Nicolas Sarkozy and informed him on the latest development and the situation in the Palestinians territories. The two leaders discussed the efforts being carried out in order to resume the stalled peace process between Israel and the Palestinian authority, and discussed the general situation in the Gaza Strip and the West Bank. Following the45-minute meeting, Abbas stated that president Sarkozy confirmed the French support to the Palestinian Authority and the Palestinian people. Abbas added that what he heard from Sarkozy is a political support to the international legitimacy and the Arab Peace Initiative, in addition to a support to the two-state solution. more.. President Sarkozy to restore France’s direct aid to PA during meetings with Abbas Friday Ma’an News Agency 6/29/2007 Bethlehem - Ma’an - French president Nicolas Sarkozy will receive Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas in the Elysee Palace in Paris on Friday. He is expected to announce direct aid to Abbas’ emergency government. This will be the first encounter between the two men since the right-wing French politician took office last month. The visit is part of a series of visits and meetings Abbas is carrying out with many Arab and foreign leaders in order to bolster political and economic support for his emergency government. The discussions will also focus on the current Palestinian dilemma and other regional problems. The spokesman of the French presidency, David Martinon, said, "Paris sees the PA’s current situation as very fragile; that is why Sarkozy wishes to support Abbas through restoring direct aid to the emergency government. more.. Palestinian minister of information condemns Israeli aggression in Nablus Ma’an News Agency 6/28/2007 Bethlehem - Ma’an - The new Palestinian minister of information and official spokesman for the emergency government has denounced the Israeli military action in Nablus. In a statement received by Ma’an, the Bethlehem-born Dr Maliki spoke against "the crimes committed by the Israeli occupation in Nablus. This is following the massacre in the Gaza Strip, and continuing the Israeli war against Palestinians, aiming to destroy them completely." The minister stated that the Israeli military "plan to apply their domination with force". The minister also pointed to cases of the occupying army breaking into hospitals and homes, carrying out arrests, using human shields, disrupting school examinations, as well as controlling radio stations by force, confiscating equipment and using their facilities to broadcast their own message. more.. Erekat calls for European monitors at Rafah crossing to remain in place Ma’an News Agency 6/28/2007 Jericho - Ma’an The head of the negotiation department of the Palestine Liberation Organisation (PLO), Dr Saeb Erekat, has called on the EU to keep European monitors in place at the Rafah border crossing between Gaza and Egypt, and to help the Palestinians stuck there to either leave or enter the Gaza Strip. Erekat’s call came while hosting a meeting with the European envoy for the peace process, Mark Otte in Jericho on Thursday. Erekat praised the aid sent by European countries to the Palestinian people through the Temporary International Mechanism and UNRWA, in addition to the humanitarian aid sent through other organizations. Following the appointment of Tony Blair as the quartet’s envoy, Erekat urged the EU to intensify their efforts to launch negotiations in order to implement the Arab Peace Initiative,... more.. Kuwaiti newspaper: "President Abbas requests the entry of Badr forces" Ma’an News Agency 6/28/2007 Bethlehem - Ma’an - The Kuwaiti daily newspaper, Al Qabas, has reported on Thursday that President Abbas has requested the entry of the Badr forces, to restore the Gaza Strip to the PA, following Hamas’ overthrow of Fatah-loyal forces. The paper reported "learned sources" stating that Israeli permission had been sought to allow armored vehicles to enter the occupied territories to support the PA security forces, as part of a plan agreed by the PLO leadership, and as part of indirect support to American plans for the region. The sources told the paper that "[President] Abbas’ insistence against dialogue with Hamas is part of a plan to regain control of the strip," an issue which Egypt has reservations over, according to the sources. The paper also said that Egypt is attempting to follow a policy of containment... more.. Sweden to contribute to wage payments in the Palestinian public sector Government of Sweden, ReliefWeb 6/28/2007 Following a Government decision today, Sweden is to contribute SEK 20 million to support wage payments to employees within the civilian public sector - in schools and health services, for example - in the West Bank and Gaza. The contribution will be paid by Sida to the PLO. "The humanitarian and political situation in the Palestinian territories is very serious. The Palestinian Authority is in risk of collapse, along with essential social services such as healthcare and education. This would have devastating consequences for the Palestinian people. We must therefore do what we can to strengthen the position of the democratically elected President Abbas, promote Palestinian unity and avoid isolation of Gaza," says Minister for International Development Cooperation Gunilla Carlsson. more.. Ban releases report on Resolution 1701 Daily Star staff, Daily Star 6/30/2007 BEIRUT: United Nations Secretary General Ban Ki-moon released his fourth report on Security Council Resolution 1701 on Friday, voicing his dismay over the political turmoil in Lebanon and Israel’s continual violations of the resolution. "I am deeply concerned that Lebanon remains in the midst of a debilitating political crisis and faces ongoing attacks aimed at destabilizing and undermining its sovereignty, territorial integrity and independence," Ban said in the report, which was presented to the Security Council on Friday. "Against this background, I am concerned that continued implementation of Resolution 1701 may face repeated difficulties." "Greater progress is necessary on key issues that are central to the achievement of a permanent cease-fire and a longer-term solution, such as the release of the abducted... more.. Arabs scornful of ’biased’ Blair in Mideast role By Nagham Mohanna - GAZA CITY, Middle East Online 6/29/2007 The Arab world poured scorn on Tony Blair as new Middle East envoy on Thursday, dismissing him as biased towards Israel, but moderate leaders said they believed he could indeed help ease the hardship of Palestinians. Just hours after standing down as British prime minister, Blair was named international envoy for the Middle East Quartet which sponsors the Israeli-Palestinian peace process, in the doldrums for years. Arab commentators and analysts quickly dismissed Blair as a lackey of US President George W. Bush, incapable of easing Palestinian hardship or bringing peace to the troubled region. "When Blair was prime minister and one of the closest friends of George W. Bush he did nothing for the Palestinian cause. So what can he do now as the Quartet’s envoy?" said Middle East political expert Oreib al-Rintawi. more.. Hamas strongly denies halting resistance in return for opening crossings Palestinian Information Center 6/28/2007 GAZA, (PIC)-- Dr. Sami Abu Zuhri, one of the Hamas spokesmen in the Gaza Strip, has strongly denied press reports that Hamas was ready to halt resistance operations against occupation in return for opening crossings in the Gaza Strip. Abu Zuhri described the report in a press release on Thursday as completely baseless, asserting that Hamas was committed to all forms of resistance in defense of the Palestinian people. He underlined that his Movement was ready to ensure security of all Gaza terminals without giving any other commitment regarding resistance. The spokesman said that Hamas was holding contacts with Egyptian officials considering the Rafah terminal an Egyptian-Palestinian affair, but noted nothing has been materialized so far. [end] Lieberman wants NATO troops in Gaza Ronny Sofer, YNetNews 6/28/2007 Minister for strategic affairs discusses deploying military force in Strip with NATO deputy secretary general; discusses Iranian threat with former Spanish president, considers bringing Yisrael Beitenu into EPPMinister for Strategic Affairs Avigdor Lieberman discussed deploying NATO forces in the Gaza Strip in a meeting with NATO Deputy Secretary General Alessandro Minuto Rizzo in Brussels. The two discussed deploying a force to preserve order and prevent weapon smuggling into the Gaza Strip. Lieberman also brought up the matters of aerial defense, technological research and development and intelligence cooperation between Israel and NATO. Lieberman visited Europe this week to hold a round of talks with European leaders. more.. Israel opens Gaza commercial crossing for trial run Reuters Foundation, ReliefWeb 6/28/2007 KARNI CROSSING, June 28 (Reuters) - Israel opened part of a major commercial crossing with Gaza on Thursday for the first time since the Islamist group Hamas seized control of the coastal strip two weeks ago, U. N. and Israeli officials said." There is a trial operation today. It’s a small number of trucks today just to see that it works and hopefully we can do more tomorrow," said Major Peter Lerner, who is part of the Israeli force stationed at the Karni crossing near central Gaza. Lerner said wheat was transferred to the Palestinian side through a small part of the crossing on conveyor belts. The wheat, weighing about 5,000 tonnes, will be processed in mills in Gaza and then bought by the United Nations Relief and Works Agency (UNRWA) to be distributed to some 860,000 Gazans, U. more.. Acting Minister of Health slams Israeli attacks in hospitals IMEMC Staff, International Middle East Media Center 6/28/2007 The acting Palestinian Minister of Health, Dr. Basim Naim, slammed on Thursday the Israeli military attacks against the Palestinian people in the West Bank and the Gaza Strip, and slammed that military attacks and siege of the National Hospital and the Rafidia hospital in Nablus city, in the northern part of the West Bank. Dr. Naim stated that as the army carried a large-scaled offensive in Nablus on Wednesday evening and Thursday morning, surrounded several medical centers and targeted ambulances in addition to searching them and obstructing them while in emergency. Dr. Naim added that these attacks are direct violations to the international law, and the basic principles of human tights. Soldiers detained dozens of medics and physicians who were attempting to provide first aid to dozens of injured residents. more.. Arab Press Roundup United Press International, MIFTAH 6/28/2007 Arabs have fallen into an Israeli trap -- Arab newspapers commented Tuesday on the escalating political and sectarian divisions, tensions and fighting in several Arab countries where chaos prevails. Oman’s al-Watan said the bomb attack against U. N. peacekeepers in southern Lebanon that killed six Spanish troops can only be linked to the crises in the region, especially the Palestinian and Lebanese ones. The attack, it said, was a "bloody message to whoever is concerned" that there are those using the tension and "proper atmosphere" to accelerate violence and chaos. The pro-government daily added in a commentary what is happening in the Arab and Muslim worlds are counter-wars to wars that were intended to be aimed at Israel. But Israel’s awareness, with U. more.. Hamas is Offered Johnston for Shalit Mohammad Al-Sawwaf, Palestine Chronicle 6/28/2007 Hamas scoffed at the idea of trading Shalit, a legitimate target, for Johnston, an innocent civilian abducted by criminals." They want Hamas to deliver Shalit to the Army of Islam which would then negotiate with Israel swapping him for Palestinian detainees in Israeli jails," well-placed sources told IOl Wednesday, June 27." In return the Army of Islam would hand over Johnston to Hamas which can turn him safely to Britain." The BBC Gaza correspondent, who spent his 100th day in captivity last week, is being held by militants from the powerful Dagmoush clan, which is centered on northern Gaza and has a long-running blood feud with Hamas. Johnston, an experienced reporter, was the only Western journalist permanently based in the increasingly lawless territory when he was seized on March 12. more.. FM Livni, Canadian Ambassador slam UNHRC’s stance on Israel Lisa Zilberpriver, Ha’aretz 6/29/2007 Foreign Minister Tzipi Livni criticized the United Nations Human Rights Council on Wednesday for its decision to single out Israel for repeated criticism. "There is no connection between the United Nations Human Rights Council and human rights," said Livni, in an address to dignitaries and officials at Canada Day celebrations in Ramat Gan. The foreign minister thanked Canada for being the only one of the council’s 47 members to vote against its decision last week to place Israel on its permanent agenda. "It’s easy to be a friend of Canada, and difficult to be a friend of Israel," she said, adding Israel needs allies who are willing to stand up for it. "These are not diplomatic words, and I hope the diplomats here will take it as an example," continued the foreign minister. more.. Competing Visions for Palestinians Dan Murphy and Joshua Mitnick, MIFTAH 6/28/2007 As the high level meetings continue in the aftermath of the violent split between Hamas and Fatah, it is becoming clear that two competing visions are emerging for the best way forward for the Palestinians. While the Americans and Israelis want to continue to strengthen Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas and his secular Fatah Party against the Islamist Hamas in the Gaza Strip, the Egyptian and Jordanian governments are coming to view the need for a new Palestinian government that reunites the two rivals. On Tuesday, Egyptian President Hosni Mubarak, who attended a summit in Sharm el-Sheikh the day before with Mr. Abbas, Israeli Prime Minister Ehud Olmert, and Jordanian King Abdullah, told state TV that a Hamas-Fatah reconciliation is inevitable. more.. Jordan Struggles with Palestinians Jamal Halaby, MIFTAH 6/28/2007 This key U.S. ally must walk a delicate path to appease its own large group of Palestinian refugees, as the bloody conflict between Hamas and Fatah erupts across the Middle East. Egypt and Saudi Arabia face threats from Hamas’ rise, too, leaving the United States’ key moderate Arab allies all struggling with how to respond. The issue came to the fore this week when Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas signaled that he wants Jordan to dispatch to the West Bank a military unit under Jordanian command that is made up of his own Palestinian Fatah loyalists. The Palestinian force, known as the Badr Brigade, would bolster Abbas’s security in the wake of rival Hamas’ conquest of Gaza. Jordan says it condones deploying the troops. Yet it also insists it has no intention of meddling in a Palestinian power struggle, or of assuming any type of protectorate role in the West Bank. more.. Quartet Representative - QuartetStatement The Quartet, MIFTAH 6/28/2007 Quartet Principals noted that recent events in Gaza and the West Bank make it more urgent than ever that we advance the search for peace in the Middle East. The Quartet reaffirms its objective to promote an end to the conflict in conformity with the Roadmap and expresses its intention to redouble its efforts in that regard. The urgency of recent events has reinforced the need for the international community, bearing in mind the obligations of the parties, to help Palestinians as they build the institutions and economy of a viable state in Gaza and the West Bank, able to take its place as a peaceful and prosperous partner to Israel and its other neighbours. To facilitate efforts to these ends, following discussions among the Principals, today the Quartet announced the appointment of Tony Blair as the Quartet Representative. more.. Maps Preview - occupied Palestinian territories: The Gaza Strip - Situation Map (as of 27 Jun 2007)) ReliefWeb 6/28/2007 # Date: 27 Jun 2007 # Source(s): United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) # Type: Complex Emergency # Keyword(s): Access; Refugees # Format: PDF *, 436k [end] Rabbi Rosen: Donât aid Darfur refugees, Gazans Kobi Nahshoni, YNetNews 6/28/2007 Head of Zomet institute says Israel has no moral obligation to aid Sudanese in Israel or abroad; slams assistance to ’Israel’s bitter enemies’ in Gaza -- Israel must not absorb refugees from Sudan into the country, or assist them in any way abroad, Rabbi Israel Rosen, head of the Zomet Institute and one of the most prominent rabbis of religious Zionism, insists. In an article set to be published in a synagogue pamphlet this weekend, Rabbi Rosen also criticizes extending basic humanitarian aid to the hungry residents of the Gaza Strip, claiming that "this will serve as a biological weapon that will encourage internal resistance." Rosen told Ynet that there was no moral obligation "in the name of the prophets" to send aid, or halachic rulings on which to base such assistance. more.. Bush cites Israel as model for Iraq Yahoo! News 6/28/2007 NEWPORT, R. I. - President Bush held up Israel as a model for defining success in Iraq Thursday, saying the U.S. goal there is not to eliminate attacks but to enable a democracy that can function despite violence. With his Iraq policies under increasing fire from the American public and lawmakers from both parties, Bush went to the U.S. Naval War College here to declare progress. As the president pleaded for patience, his top national security aide went to Capitol Hill to meet with Republican critics. Sen. Richard Lugar of Indiana, the senior Republican on the Foreign Relations Committee, delivered a lengthy floor speech earlier this week contending that Bush’s war strategy won’t have time to work and that U.S. troops should start leaving now." Our success in Iraq must not be measured by the enemy’s ability to get a car bombing in the evening news," he said. more.. International media seminar on Middle East peace concludes with participants underlining importance of communication and tension, strife United Nations Department of Public Information - DPI, ReliefWeb 6/27/2007 TOKYO -- After two days of a lively and frank exchange of views, the fifteenth International Media Seminar on Peace in the Middle East concluded its work today, with many speakers emphasizing the positive role of such meetings in promoting mutual understanding and proving the importance of communication, even in a time of tension and strife. Closing the concluding panel of the two-day Seminar, which focused on "The Way Forward" in the Middle East, United Nations Under-Secretary-General for Communications and Public Information Kiyo Akasaka expressed hope that step by step, such events could bring closer the objectives of peace, prosperity and security in the region. Summarizing the proceedings of the Seminar –- entitled "Re-engaging the Israelis and the Palestinians in the Search for a Comprehensive and. more.. Blair says will immediately start as Quartet Mideast envoy The Associated Press, Ha’aretz 6/29/2007 Tony Blair said in an interview published Thursday that he will begin his new job as special Middle East envoy for the Quartet immediately, and will probably travel to the region as early as next month. The former British prime minister who officially stepped down on Wednesday said he would begin preparing the ground for a future Palestinian state in his new role, which he says is essential for a negotiated settlement in the region. He will represent the Quartet of peace negotiators comprised of the United Nations, the United States, the European Union and Russia. "It is a fundamental issue. I will be starting straight away," he told The Northern Echo, a local newspaper which serves England’s northeast. "I will probably go out in July." Palestinian Prime Minister Salam Fayad welcomed Blair’s appointment as Mideast envoy. more.. Senior Russian diplomat says Moscow to keep Hamas contacts Reuters, Ha’aretz 6/29/2007 Russia intends to keep up its contacts with Hamas, a senior Foreign Ministry official said on Thursday, rejecting Western calls to isolate the Palestinian group after its takeover of the Gaza Strip. "The ’divide and conquer policy’ is not helping to solve the conflict," said Oleg Ozerov, deputy head of the ministry’s Middle East directorate. The United States and the European Union pledged to bolster Palestinian Authority Chairman Mahmoud Abbas and sideline Hamas financially and diplomatically after its armed wing defeated his Fatah forces in a Gaza civil war two weeks ago. Abbas has since pulled Fatah out of a unity government with Hamas and formed an emergency administration in the West Bank. "If there is any solution to the conflict at all, it is in a dialogue between the two leading Palestinian forces,". more.. PM: Israel will not bow to demands of Shalit’s captors The Associated Press and Haaretz Service, Ha’aretz 6/29/2007 Prime Minister Ehud Olmert said Thursday that Israel would not free the number of Palestinian militants demanded by the captors of Israel Defense Forces soldier Gilad Shalit, who was abducted a year ago. Olmert was speaking in televised remarks to an economic conference at the Mediterranean coastal resort of Caesarea, two days after the Hamas-linked group holding Shalit released a recorded message from their captive, the first sign of life from the 20-year-old soldier since he was snatched by Palestinian raiders from an army post inside Israel and taken to a Gaza hideout. The militants demand that Israel trade hundreds of Palestinian prisoners for Shalit’s release. Israel has agreed to a swap in principle, but balked at the number and type of prisoners to be freed. more.. Peace is cheaper Nehemia Shtrasler, Ha’aretz 6/29/2007 It is not clear whether the Sharm el-Sheikh summit actually accomplished anything. True, Ehud Olmert spoke eloquently about his desire for peace and his commitment to resolving the conflict with the Palestinians, but we have all had our fill of speeches and promises. On the other hand, Olmert returned from the United States a few days ago with something tangible in hand - a $600 million addition to the defense budget. When the two met privately, President George W. Bush promised to increase the U.S. defense grant to $3 billion a year beginning in 2009. Olmert takes credit for this, of course. He believes it is related to his warm relationship with Bush. But the truth is that, with or without Olmert, Bush is a staunch supporter of Israel. He regards Israel as a stable island of democracy in a sea of Arab dictatorships. more.. London police probe death of Yom Kippur War Mossad agent Yossi Melman, Ha’aretz 6/28/2007 London police are investigating the death of a high-level Mossad operative who operated in Egypt before the Yom Kippur War whose body was found near his London home Wednesday. Dr. Ashraf Marwan’s body was found near his apartment at Carlton House Terrace in central London. He fell from his balcony. It is as yet unclear whether the death was an accident, suicide, or homicide. The official version presented by the Egyptian media is that Marwan was a private businessman. In Egypt, at least publicly, Marwan was not seen as an Israeli agent. Marwan is Gamal Abdel Nasser’s son-in-law, and he worked as a special envoy and private assistant to his successor Anwar Sadat. "I didn’t sense any distress in his voice, but he spoke about ’that headache,’" said Dr. more.. Ex-Mossad head: Israeli reports led to death of Egyptian agent Yossi Melman, Ha’aretz 6/29/2007 Former Mossad head Zvi Zamir has said that reports in Israel about Dr. Ashraf Marwan, Israel’s Egyptian agent who warned of the pending outbreak of the Yom Kippur War, led to his death. "I have no doubt that reports published about him in Israel caused his death," Zamir told Haaretz Thursday, in response to Marwan’s mysterious death in London on Wednesday. Zamir, who questioned Marwan during a secret meeting held in London on the Friday on the eve of the 1973 war, said he had no idea whether the Egyptian had committed suicide or had been assassinated. "This is a matter to be investigated by the British police. But it is clear that the reports and the exposure of his name by Eli Zeira [who was head of Military Intelligence in 1973] have led to his death," Zamir said. more.. Lebanese, Spanish PMs meet in Madrid Middle East Online 6/28/2007 MADRID - Lebanese Prime Minister Fouad Siniora met his Spanish counterpart Jose Luis Rodriguez Zapatero in Madrid on Thursday, just days after Spanish troops were killed in a car bombing in Lebanon. Siniora "wanted to take advantage of his trip to Europe to come to personally express his condolences to Zapatero," the Spanish prime minister’s office said in a statement announcing the meeting. Siniora was also expected to "comment on the situation in his country and to discuss the investigation" into the bomb attack, the first deadly attack on the UN’s peacekeeping force in Lebanon since last year’s Israel-Hezbollah war. Three Spaniards were killed Sunday along with three Colombian soldiers serving in the Spanish contingent of the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) when a car bomb struck their. more.. Saudi and Jordanian monarchs call for end to Palestinian infighting Daily Star 6/28/2007 Israeli incursion into gaza leaves 13 dead, dozens more wounded -- Key US allies Saudi Arabia and Jordan cautioned Wednesday that a bloody conflict between Hamas and Fatah could hamper the creation of an independent Palestinian state and gives Israel an excuse not to make peace. The warning came on a bloody day for the Gaza Strip, where Israel launched raids that killed at least 13 Palestinians, including an 11-year old boy, and wounded scores others. Saudi Arabia’s King Abdullah, who is the first Saudi ruler to visit Jordan in more than 25 years, and Jordan’s King Abdullah II also warned of the "dangerous repercussions of the situation in the Palestinian Territories," according to a royal palace statement. "The continuation of internal division doesn’t serve national Palestinian interest, which is mainly the... more.. Jordan, Saudi Arabia: Palestinian infighting may hamper creation of state The Associated Press, Ha’aretz 6/27/2007 Key U.S. allies Saudi Arabia and Jordan cautioned Wednesday that a bloody conflict between Hamas and Fatah could hamper the creation of an independent Palestinian state and gives Israel an excuse not to make peace. Saudi Arabia’s King Abdullah, who is the first Saudi ruler to visit Jordan in more than 25 years, and Jordan’s King Abdullah II also warned of the dangerous repercussions of the situation in the Palestinian territories, according to a royal palace statement. "The continuation of internal division doesn’t serve national Palestinian interest, which is mainly the end of the Israeli occupation and the establishment of an independent Palestinian state," both monarchs said. They said the infighting also gives Israel the excuse to circumvent peace. more.. Abbas meets Russian FM in Ramallah Rashid Hilal - IMEMC, International Middle East Media Center 6/27/2007 Palestinian President, Mahmoud Abbas, met for two hours on Wednesday with the Russian Foreign Minister, Sergei Lavrov,in the presidential headquarters in the northern West Bank city of Ramallah, and discussed with him humanitarian aid and the general political situation in the Palestinian territories. During the meeting, Abbas slammed that Israeli attacks against the Palestinian people in the West Bank and the Gaza Strip, and also slammed the firing of homemade shells from the Gaza Strip into adjacent Israeli areas. On his side, Lavrov presented the Russian impressions regarding the current events in the Palestinian territories, and presented the Russian position which supports the Palestinians legitimacy. The two leaders also discussed the results of the Sharm Al Sheikh summit which was held in Cairo on Monday, and discussed its possible implications. more.. MIDEAST: Egypt Loses Diplomatic Ground with Hamas Adam Morrow and Khaled Moussa al-Omrani, Inter Press Service 6/27/2007 CAIRO, Jun 27(IPS) - Almost two weeks after the takeover of the Gaza Strip by Palestinian faction Hamas, attempts by Cairo to resolve the crisis have so far come to naught. But while government officials say mediation efforts are still under way, some commentators question the ability of Egypt -- a longtime supporter of Hamas rival Fatah -- to mediate impartially." Egypt’s open support of Fatah has cost it all credibility as an arbitrator," Gamal Zahran, political science professor at Suez Canal University and speaker for the independent bloc in parliament told IPS. On Jun. 14, after six days of fighting that left more than 100 dead, Palestinian resistance movement Hamas wrested control of the Gaza Strip from the western-backed government of Fatah-affiliated Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas. more.. Scepticism hangs over Blair’s appointment as quartet envoy Ian Black, Julian Borger and Rory McCarthy in Jerusalem, The Guardian 6/28/2007 Tony Blair is to make his first working visit to Ramallah in the West Bank next month as a special envoy of the quartet of Middle East peacemakers to discuss Palestinian state-building, it emerged yesterday after he was confirmed in the high risk job amid scepticism about his chances of success. In his new role, announced jointly in New York by the US, EU, UN and Russia, Mr Blair, as quartet representative, will work on Palestinian government institutions and the rule of law, mobilise international assistance to Palestinians and promote their economic development." He will spend significant time in the region working with the parties and others to help create viable and lasting government institutions representing all Palestinians, a robust economy, and a climate of law and order for the Palestinian people," the Quartet said in a statement. more.. Fatah spokesperson welcomes Blair as potential Middle East envoy Ma’an News Agency 6/27/2007 Ramallah Maan The spokesperson of the Fatah movement in the West Bank, Fahmi Az-Za’arir, welcomed the assigning of Tony Blair as Middle East envoy. Tony Blair will be leaving his post as British prime minister on Wednesday afternoon. Zaarir said Blair has been prime minister for ten years now and he is familiar with the situation in the Middle East, he will be an active member of this committee and will aid the peace process through negotiations that meet the Palestinian needs. Zaarir added that Fatah view Blair as a tool that will make Israel commit to signed agreements between Palestinians and Israelis. [end] Marwan Barghouthi appeals to the Israeli public to support the 2-state solution Ma’an News Agency 6/27/2007 Bethlehem Maan Israeli daily Maariv on Wednesday printed an appeal from imprisoned popular Fatah leader, Marwan Barghouthi, in which he urged the Israeli public to support the idea of a two-state solution, as he said this is the best time to do that. Lebanese prisoner, Samir Quintar, and several Hamas detainees are held in the same jail as Barghouthi and they are known to have good relations. Attorney, Khadie Shqirat, says, Everyone knows that Marwan Barghouthi is the true leader of the Palestinian people and a man who believes in freedom of opinion, and democracy. The Israeli sources described Barghouthi’s daily schedule as follows:He starts his day at 6am by doing exercise outdoors. From 7. 30am to 10. 30am he reads books and newspapers; he reads the Israeli daily Maariv, Haaretz and Yedioth Ahronoth. more.. Former Iranian president appeals to Abbas and Haniyeh to end the dispute Ma’an News Agency 6/27/2007 Bethlehem Ma’an Chair of the international institution; Dialogue Among Civilizations, and also former Iranian president, Muhammad Khatami, has sent a message to Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas and dismissed Prime Minister Ismail Haniyeh urging them to resolve their disagreement through dialogue. The Iranian News Agency quoted Khatami as saying that the Palestinian infighting caused great distress to all Muslims. He also said that the internecine fighting jeopardised the Palestinian struggle, which he said, had proved successful through resistance over six decades. Khatami called on all Palestinian leaders to exert concerted efforts to end the dispute." The occupiers of Jerusalem take advantage of such disagreements and clashes to suppress the Palestinian people and to lessen their [Israel’s] domestic... more.. Australia supports formation of emergency Palestinian Government Source: Government of Australia, ReliefWeb 6/27/2007 Australia will provide $4 million to support the emergency Palestinian Government and a further $3 million in humanitarian funding for refugees in Gaza and Lebanon. Australia’s contribution to the emergency Palestinian Government will be delivered through the Temporary International Mechanism and will assist in providing essential supplies for the Palestinian Authority’s health and education institutions to keep hospitals open and children in school. Australia supports Palestinian Authority President Abbas’s decision to form an emergency government with Mr Salam Fayyad as Prime Minister following the violent Hamas takeover of Gaza. The formation of the emergency government presents a valuable opportunity to revive the peace process and ensure that the actions of violent extremistsdo not derail the legitimate aspirations of the Palestinian people. more.. Minister Ezra: Release prisoners with âblood on their handsâ Ronny Sofer, YNetNews 6/27/2007 Environment minister recommends releasing Palestinian prisoners with ’blood on their hands’, says older prisoners unlikely to return to terror activity -- "I support the release of Palestinian prisoners, even those with ’blood on their hands’, as long as they are adults "Ś they won’t go back to terror," said Environment Minister Gideon Ezra on Wednesday. The minister told Ynet that he was concerned about the stubbornness that could prevent the release of kidnapped IDF soldier Gilad Shalit or the release of prisoners that could strengthen Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas. Ezra’s suggestion echoed that of Knesset Member Yitzhak Levy (National Union-NRP), who said he would agree to the release of his daughter’s murderers in exchange for Shalit’s freedom. more.. POLITICS-US: Congress to Curb Bush Enthusiasm for Abbas Khody Akhavi, Inter Press Service 6/26/2007 WASHINGTON, Jun 26(IPS) - U.S. President George W. Bush threw his full support behind President Mahmoud Abbas of the Palestinian Authority (PA) last week, declaring the Fatah leader "the president of all the Palestinians." With Hamas, the Islamist political party backed by Iran and described by the U.S. as a terrorist organisation, firmly in control of Gaza, the administration is now attempting to bolster Abbas, who formed a new government in the West Bank following the Hamas takeover in Gaza. No sooner had Bush, along with Israel and the European Union, pledged to resume the flow of hundreds of millions of dollars in financial aid to the beleaguered PA, than neo-conservative commentators and some Congressmen criticised Washington’s public support of Fatah’s "moderate" Palestinian government and demanded... more.. Mubarak: Fatah, Hamas will solve their differences soon Source: Deutsche Presse Agentur - DPA, ReliefWeb 6/26/2007 Jerusalem_(dpa) -- President Hosny Mubarak said in an interview to Israel Television Tuesday that the situation in the Palestinian territories requires a "cooling off" period, after which the rival Hamas and Fatah factions will resolve their differences through dialogue. Mubarak said Egypt would be willing to play the role of mediator between the sides, even though the dialogue is an internal Palestinian matter. Mubarak said the events in Gaza have "regional" implications and that Egypt would not allow radical Islamic groups to stabilize themselves in the country. The Egyptian president called recent events in the Gaza Strip, namely Hamas’ forcible takeover of the area, "regrettable." "We must find a way to advance the peace process," he said, later adding that the events in Gaza should not affect the... more.. Olmert, Mubarak agree to send infiltrators back to Egypt Ronny Sofer, YNetNews 6/28/2007 Egyptian President Mubarak complies with Olmert’s request to have Egypt absorb some 1,000 people who infiltrated Israel through Sinai border n recent months. Darfur refugees to stay in Israel Egypt will absorb hundreds of African and Eastern European citizens who infiltrated Israel over the past six months. The government will hold a discussion regarding the refugees from Darfur, who represent a small part of the infiltrators, and it appears that they will be allowed to stay in Israel. Ynet has learned that Egyptian President Hosni Mubarak has complied with Prime Minister Ehud Olmert’s request during the Sharm el-Sheik summit, and agreed to accept the several hundreds refugees in Egypt. Teams from the two countries will study the issue in the coming weeks, and formulate the details of transferring the refugees. more.. No compromise say BBC man’s kidnappers Rory McCarthy in Jerusalem, The Guardian 6/27/2007 Kidnappers holding the BBC journalist Alan Johnston have again warned that they are not prepared to negotiate over their demand for the release of Muslim prisoners. Last night’s statement from a group in Gaza, the Army of Islam, came after two of its members were detained by Hamas. The group for the second time in as many days threatened to kill Mr Johnston. "The demands are very clear," it said. "There is no discussion or bargaining in this issue - even if he will remain in captivity for 1,000 years or he is slaughtered like a sheep." The group repeated its call for the release of Abu Qatada, a radical cleric imprisoned in Britain, an Iraqi woman sentenced to death in Jordan over hotel bombings in 2005, and others; it added to the list Abu Mohammad al-Maqdisi, a Jordanian linked to Abu Musab al-Zarqawi, killed in Iraq by US forces last year. more.. Netanyahu: Swapping prisoners for Shalit would harm Israel Amiram Barkat and Barak Ravid, Haaretz Correspondent, Ha’aretz 6/27/2007 Likud Chairman and opposition leader Benjamin Netanyahu said Tuesday that "releasing [Palestinaian] prisoners would send out a misleading message and undermine our efforts, and would harm our battle against terrorism." Speaking before the Jewish Agency assembly, Netanyahu said that "the government must do all that it can to secure the release of the kidnapped soldier Gilad Shalit," but expressed his objection to the prisoner exchange deal proposed by Hamas, noting that "freeing terrorists would further weaken Abu-Mazen [Abbas] in the inter-Palestinian arena." Addressing the issue of Qassam rocket fire on Sderot, Netanyahu said that Israel’s central problem is "the collapse of deterrence," and suggested "changing the rules so that Hamas understands that they will pay a significantly heavier price. more.. Abbas to PM: Let Palestinian unit in Jordan army serve in W. Bank Barak Ravid, Haaretz Correspondent, Ha’aretz 6/27/2007 Palestinian Authority Chairman Mahmoud Abbas asked Prime Minister Ehud Olmert at Monday’s Sharm el-Sheikh summit to allow the Jordan-based Badr Brigade to enter the West Bank. Abbas wants the group of Palestinian troops serving in the Jordanian army to help keep law and order. A senior Israeli official said Olmert will consider the request. "We didn’t say no, but we also didn’t say yes," the source said. "In the past, the request came up regarding the brigade’s entry into Gaza, and now Abbas is making another request, and we have to consider it." The official said that about a year ago, the issue was brought up by the U.S. security coordinator in the region, General Keith Dayton. At the time, Israel’s recommendation was that the forces are improperly trained and equipped for the mission. more.. London police probe death of Yom Kippur War Mossad agent Yoav Stern, Ha’aretz 6/27/2007 London police are investigating the death of Dr. Ashraf Marwan, a senior Mossad agent who operated in Egypt prior to the Yom Kippur War, whose body was found near his London home Wednesday. Some reports maintain Marwan fell off the balcony of his home, while other accounts claim he collapsed on the street near his house. Two weeks ago, Haaretz reported that a court ruled Major General (Res. ) Eli Zeira, who headed the Military Intelligence during the war in 1973, leaked Marwan’s identity, placing his life in danger. The ruling ended a protracted legal dispute between Zeira and Zvi Zamir, who served as head of the Mossad during the war. In 2004, Zeira filed a libel suit against Zamir, after Zamir had publicly accused him of betraying Marwan’s identity. more.. U.S. presidential candidates plan for Palestine Vasilena Todorova, International Middle East Media Center 6/27/2007 Presidential Republican candidate and former New York City mayor, Rudolph W. Giuliani stated yesterday that the United States should collaborate with Egypt and Jordan to support the Palestinian faction Fatah and its control over the West Bank, and abandon any possible negotiations with Hamas, a radical Palestinian faction in control of the Gaza Strip. Rudolph W. Giuliani -- Lets see if we cant get Jordan and Egypt to help us try and create something with Abbas in the West Bank, Mr. Giuliani said in a campaign speech at Regent University in Virginia. Giuliani criticized the Clinton administration for trying to discuss peace options with the late Palestinian leader Yasir Arafat in the 1990s, and urged for American involvement along with Israel in resolving the Middle East crisis. more.. Giuliani: Gaza a ’microcosm’ of Iraq Yitzhak Benhorin, YNetNews 6/27/2007 Leading Republican presidential candidate warns against US withdrawal from Iraq, saying such a move might engulf entire region in civil war. Former NYC mayor also slams US reaction to 1993 terror attacks, pledges to stop Iran from developing nuclear weapons if elected -- WASHINTGON - Speaking before an audience of supporters at a Jewish temple in Maryland on Tuesday, Republican presidential candidate Rudy Giuliani compared the war in Iraq to the conflict between Hamas and Israel. ’’What happened in Gaza is a microcosm of what’s going to happen in Baghdad,’’ said Giuliani when discussing his objection to a withdrawal of US forces from Iraq. ’’It will become something that inflames the entire region. ’’ Giuliani said that after Israel withdrew its troops Hamas launched a civil war and took control of Gaza. more.. Leftist DFLP leader calls on the international community to stop the Israeli attacks in Gaza IMEMC Staff - Translated by Saed Bannoura, International Middle East Media Center 6/27/2007 Taiseer Khalid, member of the Executive Committee of the Palestinian Liberation Organization and member of the political bureau of the leftist Democratic Front For the Liberation of Palestine (DFLP), called on the International Community to intervene and stop the Israeli attacks in the Gaza Strip. Khalid added that these attacks, that target civilians and non-civilians, will have consequences and the Palestinians will not stand idle without any retaliation. He also stated that the DFLP strongly believes that Israel is making a mistake if it believes that the incidents in Gaza, and the Hamas’ Executive Force control over all security devices there, will give it the chance to carry assaults in the Gaza Strip, and warned that the resistance will retaliate against all Israeli attacks. more.. Australia shows its support for Abbas emergency government with a $4 million aid package Ma’an News Agency 6/27/2007 Ramallah - Maan - Australia agreed on Wednesday to provide US $4 million to support the emergency government and a further $3 million in humanitarian aid for Palestinian refugees in the Gaza Strip and Lebanon. In a meeting with Salam Fayyad, the prime minister of Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas emergency government, Australian Foreign Minister Alexander Downer announced the aid, which will be delivered through the Temporary International Mechanism. The aid is intended to express Australias support for Abbas and his decision to form an emergency government, headed by Fayyad, following Hamas violent takeover of the Gaza Strip. According to a press release from the Australian representative office in Ramallah, the aid will assist in providing essential supplies for the Palestinian Authoritys health... more.. Norway mediate between Hamas and Israel over potential prisoner’s exchange Ma’an News Agency 6/27/2007 Bethlehem Ma’an - Israeli TV has stated on Wednesday evening that European-mediated negotiations are underway between the Hamas movement and Israel over an exchange of prisoners. Channel 2 stated that Norway is mediating between Hamas and Israel. They added, "The Norwegian envoy to Damascus discussed the issue with the director of Hamas’ politburo Khalid Mash’al three days ago, yet Mash’al did not give final answers." The Israeli TV station also detailed that it was Norway who pressured Hamas into revealing indications that the captured Israeli soldier, Corporal Gil’ad Shalit being alive. According to the channel, Norwegian authorities had been worried of disturbing Egypt, formerly the major mediator in Cpl. Shalit’s case. Yesterday, the Israeli daily Maarev stated that Hamas had demanded the release of... more.. OPT: Statement of the Quartet, 27 Jun 2007 Source: Middle East Quartet, ReliefWeb 6/27/2007 Following is the text of a statement | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
