Armed
Palestinian killed in West Bank
Middle East Online, July 1, 2003
JERUSALEM - Israeli troops shot dead an armed Palestinian who fired at an army
roadblock Tuesday near the northern West Bank city of Tulkarem, military sources
said. The sources said the man, whose identity was not specified, had approached
the roadblock and opened fire with a pistol. Soldiers fired back and killed him.
Breaking
News: IOF tightens control in Ramallah, Al Bireh
International Press Center, July 1, 2003
13:00-- Israeli occupation forces tightened control on all entrances of Ramallah
and Al Bireh Cities, denying civilians' access from into them.
Returning
Our Rights Key To Peace: Abbas Tells Sharon
Islam Online, July 1, 2003
OCCUPIED JERUSALME, July 1 (IslamOnline.net & News Agencies) - Palestinian
Prime Minister Mahmmoud Abbas held Tuesday, July 1, a joint press conference with
Israeli counterpart Ariel Sharon ahead of their talks in Sharon's office, with
Abbas asserting that peace could only be materialized by giving the Palestinians
their national rights.
Al-Aqsa
Brigades join truce
Haaretz, July 1, 2003
Al-Aqsa Martyrs Brigade, the Fatah-affiliated armed faction, announced last night
it was suspending military activity for the coming three months. A spokesman for
the group said its acceptance of the cease-fire depended on Israel halting actions
against the Palestinian Authority, lifting the siege on Yasser Arafat, and freeing
Marwan Barghouti and other prisoners.
Goverment
razes foundations of unauthorized Nazareth mosque
Come and See, July 1, 2003
In an operation that began in the pre-dawn hours Tuesday in the town of Nazareth,
the Interior Ministry sent large bulldozers to demolish the foundations of the
unauthorized Shehab a-Din mosque, which Muslems sought to erect next to the town's
Church of the Annunciation.
Waqf
Rejects Israeli Actions Permitting Non-Muslims into Al-Aqsa
Palestine Media Center, July 1, 2003
The Islamic Waqf, the body responsible for Islamic sites in the Holy City, has
“totally refused” Israel’s permission to allow non-Muslims into
Jerusalem’s Al-Aqsa Mosque, where the ongoing conflict erupted some 33 months
ago. Al-Aqsa Mosque, also known as Al-Haram Al-Sharif, is Islam’s third
holiest shrine. The compound is known to Jews as the Temple Mount.
Arafat
Slams Israel Over Allowing Extremists Into Al-Aqsa
Islam Online, July 1, 2003
OCCUPIED JERUSALEM, July 1 (IslamOnline.net & News Agencies) - Palestinian
President Yasser Arafat lashed out Tuesday, July 1, at the Israeli decision to
allow Israelis and foreigners into Al Aqsa mosque compound, Islam's third holiest
site. Arafat branded the move as a conspiracy, charging Israel of allowing extremist
Jews into the mosque to provoke Palestinians, Arabs and Muslims worldwide.
IOF
Continues Aggressions Against Palestinians in Hebron, Rafah and Nablus
International Press Center, July 1, 2003
HEBRON, Palestine, July 1, 2003 (IPC + WAFA)- - Morning today, the Israeli occupation
forces (IOF) arrested three Palestinians in Hebron and led them to an unknown
area. Eyewitnesses said that the occupation forces stormed the homes of the Palestinian
inhabitants in Hebron and arrested three of them: Zyad Al-Dweik, 33, his brother
Tareq, 26, and Abdalah Al-Horoob.
Israel
may consider 'one-way trip' for Arafat
CNN, July 1, 2003
JERUSALEM (CNN) -- Israel would consider any request from Palestinian President
Yasser Arafat to move to Gaza, Israeli officials said Tuesday. But if Arafat were
allowed to leave the West Bank, "it would most likely be a one-way trip," an official
said.
Residents
Of Gaza Reclaim Streets
Washington Post, July 1, 2003
Israeli Pullout Continues; Militants Kill Foreigner -- ...Husni Afaneh, 43, surveyed
what had been his state-of-the-art cattle farm, now a jumble of twisted blue pipes
and mangled pieces of sheet metal. "It's indescribable," he said on his first
visit since the farm was razed by Israeli troops about two weeks ago. "This farm
was destroyed in the final phase of the incursion, while they were talking about
withdrawal. All my work for 30 years has been destroyed." -- BEIT HANOUN, Gaza
Strip, June 30 -- Weary Palestinians today reclaimed the streets of this occupation-battered
town of 28,000, the first that Israeli forces have evacuated as part of the new
initiative aimed at ending almost three years of violence. Farmers began clearing
destroyed fruit groves while engineers restrung downed electrical wires.
Abbas
sees Israeli withdrawal from West Bank within six weeks
Sydney Morning Herald, July 2, 2003
Palestinian prime minister Mahmud Abbas said he believed the Israeli army would
withdraw from all positions occupied in the West Bank since the start of the Palestinian
uprising within six weeks. "I expect Israel will complete the withdrawal (from
all reoccupied Palestinian areas) within a month or a month and a half," he told
a meeting of the Palestinian Legislative Council in Ramallah yesterday.
Palestinians
criticize PA-Zionist agreement on Bethlehem
Palestinian Information Center, July 1, 2003
Bethlehem - Palestinians in the West Bank city of Bethlehem have criticized the
new agreement between the Palestinian Authority and the Zionist entity over troop
withdrawal from their city. They said that the new agreement was worse than a
previous one reached between the two parties.
Abed
Rabbo: Lands of 3 Palestinian Villages Face Confiscation
Palestine Media Center, July 1, 2003
The Palestine National Authority (PNA) on Tuesday called on the world community
to immediately intervene to stop a new Israeli settlement plan to confiscate thousands
of dunums of the land from three Palestinian villages. In a memorandum to diplomatic
missions, the PNA Minister of Cabinet Affairs Yasser Abed Rabbo said: “Thousands
of dunums of agricultural land from three Palestinian villages are threatened
with confiscation by the Israeli Occupation Forces (IOF) and settlement by Israeli
settlers.”
Jerusalem:
New Settlement Project in Beit Iksa
Alternative Information Center/Hear Palestine, July 1, 2003
It was revealed today that a new Israeli settlement project is expected to swallow
up the entire land of Beit Iksa Village, northwest Jerusalem. This morning, the
1600 residents of the village woke up in shock to the roars of Israeli armored
vehicles and municipality cars. An Israeli captain of what is referred to as the
"civil administration" and head of the organization committee of Beit Ilksa settlement
informed the residents that their land and agricultural fields are now in the
hands of the occupation army and the settlers whose aim is to establish a new
settlement on the village's land (around 14,000 dunums).
Sharon:
Israel is ready to release Palestinian prisoners
Haaretz, July 1, 2003
Israel is prepared to release Palestinian prisoners in administrative detention,
Prime Minister Ariel Sharon said yesterday. He also hinted that security prisoners
who had been serving long sentences for the murder of Israelis might also be freed.
Arafat
says PA arrested killers of Bulgarian worker
Al-Bawaba, July 1, 2003
Palestinian leader, Yasser Arafat said Tuesday that Palestinian security forces
had arrested gunmen, who killed a Bulgarian road worker in a West Bank shooting
on Monday that violated the truce declared Sunday.
Dahlan
investigates cease-fire breach
Haaretz, July 1, 2003
Palestinian Security Minister Mohammed Dahlan is sending two of his officers to
investigate the shooting yesterday near Shaked, a settlement near Jenin, where
a foreign worker from Bulgaria was shot to death in an attack claimed by a cell
of the Fatah-associated Al Aqsa Martyrs Brigade.
Fencing
in their own lives on their own land
Haaretz, July 1, 2003
"Someone who forces you to eat something bitter is not the same as someone who
forces you to eat something even more bitter," says Mohammed Jeradat (Abu Farouk),
the head of Zabuba local council in the Jenin district. Abu Farouk pointed toward
the dozens of workers engaged in building the security fence near his village.
They are residents of Zabuba who, with their own hands are enclosing their village
with the fence from the west, north and east. "The fence is bitter," he says,
"but the workers' economic plight and the need to feed their children is even
more bitter and they have no choice..."
Treasury:
Government has reached 94% of 2003 budget deficit
Haaretz, July 1, 2003
The government posted a mammoth deficit of NIS 6.3 billion in June 2003, almost
half of its budget deficit for the year, according to preliminary estimates released
Tuesday by the treasury. The government deficit in the first half of 2003 is NIS
14.3 billion, which is 94 percent of the NIS 15.2 billion deficit it set itself
under law.
Israeli
soldiers kill Palestinian near Tulkarem
Al-Bawaba, July 1, 2003
Israeli soldiers shot dead a Palestinian Tuesday morning who opened fire on them
at a checkpoint outside the West Bank city of Tulkarm, the Israeli army said.
Palestinian security sources confirmed a 20-year-old man was killed by soldiers
at a checkpoint between Tulkarem and Qalqiliya on Tuesday but they had no details
of the incident.
Soldiers
kill Palestinian at checkpoint between Tulkarem and Qalqiliya
Jerusalem Post, July 1, 2003
Israeli troops on Tuesday shot dead a Palestinian who fired a pistol at soldiers
manning a checkpoint in the northern West Bank, the army said. Palestinian security
sources said a 20-year-old man was killed by soldiers at a checkpoint between
Tulkarem and Qalqiliya on Tuesday but they had no details of the incident.
Killing
exposes fragility of ceasefire in Middle East
The Independent, July 1, 2003
After 1,000 days of violence, in which more than 800 Israelis and three times
as many Palestinians have been killed, a ceasefire made a promising, if bumpy,
start yesterday. Israeli troops began withdrawing from the Gaza Strip and opening
roads to Palestinian traffic, but gunmen shot dead the Bulgarian driver of an
Israeli lorry near the West Bank town of Jenin.
Israel
destroys foundations of planned mosque in Nazareth
Al-Bawaba, July 1, 2003
Israel Tuesday destroyed the foundations of the planned Shehab a-Din mosque near
Nazareth's main Christian shrine, ending a project that had angered the Vatican
and raised religious tensions in the city. The mosque was to be built next to
the town's Church of the Annunciation.
Israelis
Bulldoze Unauthorized Mosque
The Guardian, July 1, 2003
NAZARETH, Israel (AP) - Bulldozers on Tuesday tore down a mosque being built without
authorization next to the Basilica of the Annunciation, where Christians believe
the Angel Gabriel foretold the birth of Jesus.
Israel
levels symbolic mosque
BBC, July 1, 2003
Some Muslim protestors were arrested after scuffles -- An Israeli demolition squad
has smashed the foundations of a mosque being built near the Basilica of the Annunciation
in Nazareth - the largest Christian church in the Middle East. An Israeli court
ordered the demolition of the Shihab al-Din mosque - which did not have a building
permit - in March.
Mosque
Foundations Razed; Tourists, Jews Allowed on Temple Mount
Crosswalk.com, July 1, 2003
Jerusalem (CNSNews.com) - Israeli bulldozers tore up the foundations of a planned
mosque next to an important Christian church in the northern Israeli city of Nazareth
on Tuesday. The demolition happened after a court said plans to build a town square
could proceed. And in Jerusalem, police confirmed on Tuesday that small groups
of Jews and tourists are allowed to visit the Temple Mount once again after a
hiatus of nearly three years.
Temple
Mount police are turning into tour guides
Haaretz, July 1, 2003
Two weeks ago, Public Security Minister Tzachi Hanegbi announced to the Knesset
that Jews would soon be allowed to visit the Temple Mount "even if there's no
agreement with the waqf [Muslim trust]."....Labor MK Colette Avital discovered
last week that the Israeli police haven't waited for the prime minister and waqf
to reach an agreement.
The
Homecoming
The Independent, July 1, 2003
"I cried in blood," Fawzi al-Kafarneh told me as we walked through the ruins of
his brick factory in Gaza, "all my savings of 20 years are blown away." Unshaven
and disheveled, the 58-year-old Palestinian man talked ceaselessly to himself
in a low voice yesterday, sweating profusely under his flowing, tan-coloured shirt.
IOF
Withdraw from N. Gaza Towns Leaving Behind Arid Land
Palestine Media Center, July 1, 2003
Israel Violates Withdrawal Agreement: Palestinian Security Official -- July
1, 2003 - Israeli Occupation Forces (IOF) withdrew on Sunday from the northern
Gaza Strip towns of Beit Lahia and Beit Hanoun after killing at least 25 Palestinians
and systemically destroying the infrastructure there.
Palestinian
Relief at Gaza Pull-Out, Scars Remain
Reuters, July 1, 2003
BEIT HANOUN, Gaza Strip (Reuters) - Palestinians greeted a sudden Israeli military
withdrawal from the Gaza Strip with relief on Monday, but fury at the destruction
wreaked by two years of incursions was undiminished. "Happy? I now live in the
street with my husband, our children and grandchildren. No, I am not happy," said
Intisar al-Baseuni as she sat with some of her 18 children on the rubble that
was once her home in the town of Beit Hanoun.
Israeli
army carries out withdrawals; Hamas, Islamic Jihad doubts
Arabic News, July 1, 2003
The Israeli army yesterday completed the implementation of most items of the security
agreement on withdrawal from Gaza, as members of the Palestinian police were permitted
into Rafah crossing and Salah Eddin main road was opened, while the Palestinian
security forces returned back to previous positions, but accused the Israeli side
of violating the agreement between the two sides by establishing a new military
position on Salah Eddine road.
Hope
lost in rubble as Israelis leave Gaza
The Telegraph, July 1, 2003
Inigo Gilmore in Beit Hanoun, Gaza, finds little confidence in the peace plan.
- Some Palestinians hoisted flags along the route to mark the occasion but the
principal emotions were bewilderment and shock at the devastation left behind
by the Israelis. -- There were no signs of celebration in Beit Hanoun and little
in the way of optimism even after Israeli tanks pulled out of this devastated
area of the Gaza Strip yesterday.
Ceasefire
is implemented, yet for Palestinians, doubts remain
Palestine Monitor, June 30, 2003
Palestinian groups have this morning announced a ceasefire halting all attacks
on Israelis in the Occupied Palestinian Territories and Israel. This is an important
step as one of the requirements of the Phase I of the implementation of the Road
Map. However many Palestinians are concerned that the Israeli government is not
implementing what is required of it.
Gaza
road opens smoothly to Palestinian travelers
Haaretz, July 1, 2003
The first phase of putting the security agreement in place in the Gaza Strip went
surprisingly smoothly yesterday despite typically Middle Eastern chaos quickly
developing on the reopened Gaza-Rafah in an unscheduled departure from the agreement.
However, the atmosphere remained positive as Palestinian policemen advanced toward
their designated positions.
Israel
'Offers' Bethlehem to Palestinians
Yahoo! News, June 30, 2003
JERUSALEM - Israel agreed to return the West Bank town of Bethlehem to Palestinian
control after its pullback Monday from the Gaza Strip (news - web sites), crucial
steps that advance a U.S.-backed "road map" to Palestinian statehood and raise
hopes that 33 months of violence may be nearing an end.
Israel
row professor apologises
BBC, July 1, 2003
An Oxford professor accused of rejecting a student because he was Israeli faces
an "immediate and thorough investigation" by university authorities. The university
has issued a tough statement that "under no circumstances" would it allow discrimination
on grounds of nationality - and the professor at the centre of the row has apologised
for his "wholly inappropriate" comments.
ISM:
Freedom Summer 2003
International Solidarity Movement, July 1, 2003
Stop the Wall! -- [Occupied Palestine] Training for Campaign Freedom Summer Palestine
2003 began today in Ramallah with twenty-three foreign civilians from the United
States and the UK attending sessions given by a combination of Palestinian and
international trainers. Currently 30 international ISM volunteers are already
located throughout the West Bank and Gaza, and hundreds more are expected to join
in the weeks to come.
Background
/ Running the cease-fire from an Israeli jail
Haaretz, July 1, 2003
Working far behind the scenes over the past months, one group has proven the crucial
force pressing for a halt in terror attacks on Israelis: Palestinians whom Israel
has jailed for terrorism....."[Barghouti] is a significant player for now and
the future," Palestinian legislator Hanan Ashrawi said this week. "His activities
during the recent negotiations have significantly enhanced his standing both with
the Israelis and the Palestinians."
Hamas,
Islamic Jihad and Fateh detainees agree with ceasefire
Palestinian Information Center, July 1, 2003
Bethlehem - The detainees of the main Palestinian resistance movements including
those from Hamas, Islamic Jihad and Fateh have welcomed the truce that has been
announced lately on the condition that occupation forces withdraw from Palestinian
towns and villages, stop arrests, assassinations and siege and release all the
Palestinian and Arab political detainees unconditionally.
Israel
cuts links with BBC
The Guardian, July 1, 2003
The Israeli government has accused the BBC of competing with the "worst of Nazi
propaganda" and severed ties with the corporation over a documentary broadcast
internationally over the weekend.
BBC journalists will still be able to report from Israel, but the government will
no longer invite corporation journalists to special briefings or grant them interviews.
BBC
awaits official notification that Israel is severing ties
Jerusalem Post, July 1, 2003
The BBC has still not received official notification that Israel is withdrawing
its cooperation in protest at its "demonization" of Israel, which "verges on the
anti-Semitic," a BBC spokesman told me on Tuesday. Careful to avoid the word "sorry,"
a statement from the BBC said "it's unfortunate that the Israeli government have
chosen this strong language."
Boycotting
the Beeb
BBC, July 1, 2003
Israel is cutting working ties with the world's largest broadcaster over what
it calls `biased and hostile coverage.' -- LONDON - Israel joined Zimbabwe
last weekend as one of two countries boycotting the BBC. The move was taken in
protest of the "biased and hostile coverage policy," as Danny Seaman, the head
of the Government Press Office in Jerusalem put it. Although Israel has not gone
so far as to expel journalists, as did Zimbabwe, "A decision to expel all BBC
correspondents has not been ruled out," Seaman says. At this stage, Israel is
making do with measures designed to make life more difficult for the world's largest
television and radio news broadcaster.
Hear
Palestine, July 1, 2003
NEWS: Tulkarem: Youngster Shot Dead at Al-Kafriyat Junction / Rafah: Occupation
Army Constructs New Settlement Road / Hebron: Occupation Soldiers Arrest 3 Residents
/ Ramallah: All Western Sand Roads Closed / Nablus: Settlers Invade Youssif’s
Tomb in Balata; Ongoing Arrests / Jenin: Arrests and Searches in Ya’bid
/ Palestinian Detainees Continue Food Strike FEATURES: 168 Homes Demolished
in central Gaza Strip since Beginning of Intifada / Israeli Formal Redeployment
at Al-Shuhada Junction / North Gaza: Beit Hanoun Destroyed / Relative Comfort
with Opening of Al-Matahin and Abu Holi
Hear
Palestine, June 30, 2003
NEWS: Beit Hanoun Resident Found Dead under the Rubble of Demolished Factory /
Israeli Army Imposes Curfew on Yai'bid / Invasion of Tulkarem refugee Camp; Demolition
of Home / Hebron: 3 residents Wounded in Settler Attacks / Jerusalem: New Settlement
Project in Beit Iksa / Jenin: More Land Confiscated from Zabouba Village / Bethlehem:
Israeli Army Invades Beit Fajar and Tqou' / Nablus: Dozens held at Military Roadblock;
Woman Arrested FEATURES: Overwhelming Destruction Left Behind
by Occupation Army in Beit Hanoun / Tulkarem: Farmers Unable to Reach their Land
/ Rafah: Al-Mawasi Residents Wonder / I don't know about 'Road Map' or 'Ceasefire',
just want to Return to My Land / Israeli Soldiers Assassinate the Olive Trees
of Qanta Village / Oppressive Measures at Qalandya
Occupation
Chronicle Events in Palestine July 1, 2003
Palestine Media Center
Israeli Occupation Forces (IOF) killed a Palestinian man near the northern West
Bank town of Tulkarem. Meanwhile, IOF detained four Palestinians in various areas
in the West Bank. Israeli Settlers Attack Palestinian Family in Hebron.
Sharon
tells Abbas: Arafat may travel to Gaza if he asks
Haaretz, July 1, 2003
Prime Minister Ariel Sharon told his Palestinian counterpart Mahmoud Abbas on
Tuesday that Palestinian Authority Chairman Yasser Arafat may visit the Gaza Strip,
if he asks to do so, Israel Radio reported.
Excerpts
From Mideast Peace Talks
The Guardian, July 1, 2003
Excerpts of statements by Israeli Prime Minister Ariel Sharon and Palestinian
Prime Minister Mahmoud Abbas at the beginning of their summit meeting in Jerusalem
on Tuesday:
Middle
East leaders vow to work for peace
The Guardian, July 1, 2003
The Israeli prime minister, Ariel Sharon, today said that he was "willing to pay
a painful price" for peace as he prepared for a third peace summit with his Palestinian
counterpart, Mahmoud Abbas.
Mid-East
sides vow to pursue peace
BBC, July 1, 2003
The Israeli and Palestinian prime ministers have spoken of their desire for peace
in a carefully managed joint appearance before talks in Jerusalem. Ariel Sharon
and Mahmoud Abbas shared an enthusiastic handshake and said their people held
no fundamental enmity towards the other.
Sharon,
Abbas to meet today, Bethlehem transfer tomorrow
Haaretz, July 1, 2003
Prime Minister Ariel Sharon and Palestinian Prime Minister Mahmoud Abbas (Abu
Mazen) are slated to meet today in Sharon's Jerusalem office to discuss further
Israeli withdrawals from Palestinian cities in the West Bank as the implementation
of the road map moves ahead.
Hizbullah
confident cease-fire will not hold, plays ‘waiting game’
Daily Star, July 1, 2003
Hizbullah has remained tight-lipped on the Palestinian cease-fire, but analysts
say the party is confident the arrangement will not hold, given the continued
animosity between the Israelis and Palestinians, and that the intifada will soon
resume.
At
Israeli-Palestinian summit, body language sends as strong a message as words
New Jersey.com, July 1, 2003
JERUSALEM (AP) -- Bitter enemies not long ago, the Israeli defense minister and
Palestinian security chief chattered away like old friends Tuesday, sending a
picture of hope in the effort to end 33 months of violence. Their amiable talk
came during a public session as the Israeli and Palestinian premiers began a summit
by restating their dedication to peace.
Palestinian
Factions Aiming to Control Outcome of Truce
New York Times, July 1, 2003
GAZA, June 30 — The agreement by the three main Palestinian factions to
suspend attacks on Israelis is based on bad faith — and that may give it
a fragile chance of success. The truce, which was announced Sunday, came about
because of new international pressure after the war in Iraq. But its roots are
deeper than that, in the complex politics of Palestinian violence, which fed the
33-month-old uprising against Israel and now might, haltingly, be bringing it
to a close.
Mideast
takes a first wary step
Christian Science Monitor, June 30, 2003
JERUSALEM – The classic formula for Middle East peacemaking is land for
peace. This week, after nearly three years of conflict, Israel and the Palestinians
are attempting a scaled-down version: pummeled territory for temporary truce.
Peace
push: Key quotes
BBC, July 1, 2003
The Israeli and Palestinian prime ministers made a concerted effort to push the
Mid-East peace process forward in a highly choreographed joint appearance on Tuesday.
Speaking before a joint meeting in Jerusalem, Ariel Sharon and Abu Mazen both
focused on the positive before sharing a hearty handshake and disappearing in
Mr Sharon's office. Here are some of the key points from their speeches....
Abbas,
Sharon to Meet Ahead of IOF Redeployment in Bethlehem
Palestine Media Center, July 1, 2003
July 1, 2003 - Palestinian and Israeli premiers are scheduled to meet on Tuesday
to discuss the implementation of the “roadmap” peace plan, following
an agreement to withdraw Israeli Occupation Forces (IOF) from Bethlehem Governorate
on Wednesday, amid insistence by the US Secretary of State Colin Powell that the
“terror networks operating in the region” should be “dismantled.”
Sharon
and Abbas Discuss Next Peace Steps
New York Times, July 1, 2003
JERUSALEM, July 1 — Appearing side by side before meeting here, the Israeli
and Palestinian prime ministers declared their mutual respect and hopes for peace
this evening, while Israeli forces prepared to withdraw from the West Bank town
of Bethlehem on Wednesday.
Zionist
sources: Washington to earmark $billion to isolate Hamas
Palestinian Information Center, July 1, 2003
Occupied Jerusalem - American national security advisor Condoleezza Rice has revealed
that her administration would invest hundreds of millions of dollars in various
West Bank and Gaza Strip areas, according to Zionist sources.
U.S.
weighs aid to Palestinian Authority
New Jersey.com, July 1, 2003
WASHINGTON (AP) — Pleased with the performance of Prime Minister Mahmoud
Abbas and his new finance minister, the Bush administration is considering a resumption
of direct aid to the Palestinian Authority — with a big boost to help strengthen
its security forces.
Islamic
and national forces advocate unity
Palestinian Information Center, July 1, 2003
Gaza - The Palestinian national and Islamic forces have affirmed insistence on
national unity in the face of occupation forces’ aggression against the
Palestinian people. The national and Islamic forces issued a statement pointing
out, “National unity is the sole guarantee for preserving our people’s
ability to proceed along the road of intifada until regaining legitimate rights”.
Israel's
security fence sparks US criticism
Middle East Online, July 1, 2003
Sharon shows intransigence towards security fence despite Rice's fear it will
hinder application of peace roadmap. -- The vast security fence Israel is building
around the West Bank has exploded on to the diplomatic scene following criticism
from the United States, which fears the fence will hinder application of the peace
roadmap. The wall cutting off the West Bank from Israel with fencing, trenches
and walls was sharply criticised by US President George W. Bush's national security
adviser Condoleezza Rice during talks with Israeli Prime Minister Ariel Sharon.
Even
when ‘road map’ is rolling, groups still see role for Congress
Jewish Telegraphic Agency, June 30, 2003
WASHINGTON, June 30 (JTA) — The latest positive developments along the “road
map” peace plan have come at an inconvenient time for Congress — when
it’s on recess....Leaders of Arab and dovish Jewish groups are concerned
by Congress’ hawkish sentiments, saying they’re inconsistent with
public opinion either in the United States or in Israel. Thus the groups are happy
that this week’s moves occurred when Congress was not able to counter-balance
them with “one-sided resolutions,” in the words of one congressional
official.
Obeid:
Palestinian-Israeli truce must be embraced
Daily Star, July 1, 2003
Lebanon's Foreign Minister Jean Obeid commented Monday on the truce that was announced
between Palestinians and Israelis and said it was important to seize the opportunity
and halt the bloodshed, regardless of the political results entailing from negotiations.
“We support every step that would safeguard Palestinian blood,” said
Obeid.
Arab
states praise Palestinian truce as step toward peace
Jordan Times, July 1, 2003
CAIRO (AFP) — Arab states Monday welcomed the ceasefire announcement by
Palestinians as a step towards putting the Middle East peace process back on track,
and urged Israel to meet the conditions laid down by the factions.
In Cairo, the 22-member Arab League said the truce would bolster Arab and international
efforts to implement the US-backed "roadmap" that calls for the creation of a
Palestinian state by 2005.
Arab
nations quiet over Palestinian ceasefire
BBC, June 30, 2003
Key Arab nations that cautiously supported a Mid-East truce to halt Palestinian
attacks on Israelis have been tight-lipped since a ceasefire was tabled on Sunday.
Egypt, Syria, Saudi Arabia and other Mid-East nations issued no reactions after
Sunday's announcement of the three-month truce negotiated by the three main Palestinian
militant groups - Islamic Jihad, Hamas and Yasser Arafat's Fatah faction.
Britain
to address issue of Jewish refugees from Arab countries
Jerusalem Post, July 1, 2003
British officials have promised to make "every effort" to highlight the cause
of Jewish refugees from Arab countries within the European Union. The pledge followed
the presentation of a report by members of the Justice for Jews from Arab Countries
(JJAC) to Foreign Office Minister Baroness Symons and Lord Michael Levy, Prime
Minister Tony Blair's personal envoy to the Middle East.
Education
Min. to examine low scores reflected in int'l survey
Haaretz, July 1, 2003
Research into students in 41 industrialized nations puts Israel in 30th place
for reading, 33rd place for mathematics and sciences. -- The Education Ministry
announced Tuesday that Education Minister Limor Livnat and ministry Director-General
Ronit Tirosh decided to appoint a committee to determine the reasons for the "problematic"
scores that Israeli 15-year-olds attained in the Program for International Student
Assessment (PISA-2000) survey on industrialized countries (OECD. Israel ranked
in the lower third of the 41 countries that took part in the survey.
Poraz
urges recognition of non-Orthodox conversions
Haaretz, July 1, 2003
Interior Minister Avraham Poraz has called for recognition of Reform and Conservative
conversions to Judaism carried out in Israel. Poraz told the Knesset's Immigrant
Absorption Committee yesterday that Reform and Conservative converts should be
granted Israeli citizenship and that it was time for the monopoly of the Chief
Rabbinate over conversions to come to an end.
AG:
Yesha rabbis' ruling is not a threat against PM
Haaretz, July 1, 2003
A halakhic (according to Jewish law) ruling by the Yesha Council of Rabbis does
not pose a threat to the life of Prime Minister Ariel Sharon, Attorney General
Elyakim Rubinstein said yesterday. For this reason, Rubinstein added, he had not
ordered a police investigation into the affair.
Gang
boss survives fourth murder attempt at TA port
Haaretz, July 1, 2003
Five people were wounded yesterday in the latest attempt on the life of Ze'ev
Rosenstein, believed to be the most powerful figure in the Israeli underworld,
who owns casinos here and abroad....Police insiders say the murder attempt is
part of a battle for control of the country's illegal gambling industry.
Key
issues on Egypt-US cooperation tackled
Arabic News, July 1, 2003
A high-ranking delegation led by President Hosni Mubarak's Political Advisor Osama
al-Baz and Gamal Mubarak, Chairman of the National Democratic Party's Political
Committee has concluded a tour to the US early this week during which three lengthy
sessions of talks were held with a number of high-ranking American officials on
the regional and international situation as well as means of activating partnership
and bolstering bilateral cooperation in various fields.
Arab
women entrepreneurs deplore obstacles hindering women enterprise promotion
Arabic News, July 1, 2003
Women heads of enterprise exposed in Marrakesh over the weekend the difficulties
hindering their professional business, evoking in particular funds and training.
The subject was addressed during the forum on Economic development organized on
the fringes of World Women Summit, held in Marrakech.
Bahrain
Urged to Drop Trial of Journalists
Arab News, July 1, 2003
DUBAI, 1 July 2003 — Reporters Without Borders urged Bahraini authorities
yesterday to call off the trial of two journalists accused of publishing without
authorization a report that three suspected terrorists had been freed on bail.
Outrage
as Musharraf backs Israel
The Telegraph, July 1, 2003
President Pervaiz Musharraf has caused a storm in Pakistan by urging recognition
of Israel. Islamic leaders have threatened to launch a mass movement to oust him
from power if he goes ahead with recognition.
Boy-Martyr
Fashion Defended
Arab News, July 1, 2003
JEDDAH, 1 July 2003 — Yahya Al-Bishri denied here yesterday that he has
exploited the martyrdom of the Palestinian boy Muhammad Al-Durra to further his
international career as a Saudi fashion designer....The uproar began when Al-Bishri
designed a dress featuring bloodstains, an Israeli tank and a picture of Muhammad
Al-Durra. Al-Bishri said that he had dedicated the dress to the children of the
intifada.
Rights
office, UN agencies salute entry into force of migrant workers treaty
UNHCR, July 1, 2003
Joint statement of executive heads of the International Labor Office, International
Organization for Migration, Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights,
and United Nations Educational, Scientific and Culutural Organization on the occasion
of the entry into force of the International Convention on Protection of Migrants'
Rights -- We welcome the entry into force of the 1990 International Convention
on the Protection of the Rights of All Migrant Workers and Members of Their Families
(the Convention).
Annan
reiterates his support for latest developments in Middle East
United Nations News, July 1, 2003
1 July – In his third hopeful comments conflict in four days United Nations
Secretary-General Kofi Annan said today he was encouraged by the recent developments,
which have seen an agreement between Israel and Palestinians on a troop pullback
and a ceasefire agreement by Palestinian groups.
Economic
Hudna? Saudi, Algerian, Moroccan firms to participate in Tel Aviv expo
Al-Bawaba, July 1, 2003
Israel Trade Fairs and Convention Center Ltd., the organizers of Plasto Ispack,
one of the world top ten plastics, rubber and packaging industry exhibitions,
reported that representatives of Saudi, Algerian and Moroccan companies have confirmed
their participation in the event’s 2003 edition. Other Gulf firms have yet
to confirm their arrival.
International
airline passenger traffic to Israel recovering
Globes, July 1, 2003
The Israel Airports Authority reports that international air passenger traffic
rose from 542,000 in June 2002 to 607,000 in June 2003, a 12% increase. The number
of flights by Israeli and international airlines was up 3.6% to 4,500.
Book:
Occupied voices: stories of everyday life from the second Intifada, by Wendy Pearlman
Palestine Monitor/Nation Books, July 1, 2003
Many books have spoken for the Palestinians, but few have given them a chance
to speak for themselves. 'Occupied Voices: Everyday Stories from the Second Intifada'
is different. As the second Palestinian Intifada begins, Wendy Pearlman travels
to the West Bank and Gaza Strip in a quest to talk to ordinary Palestinians. The
emerging narrative offers readers a unique chance to "visit" the Palestinian
territories and discover what life is like from the inside.
Lockheed-Martin:
Israel to get F-16I by year-end
Globes, July 1, 2003
The F-16I purchase is the largest ever in Israel's history: 102 planes for $4.5
billion. -- Lockheed-Martin (NYSE:LMT) today confirmed that deliveries of the
new F-16I to the Israel Air Force (IAF) will be delayed because of a strike at
the plane’s production line in Texas. Lockheed-Martin stated, “Delivery
of the first plane to the IAF will be in mid-December, and before 2004.”
Israel,
Jordan to set QIZ zones differential format
Globes, July 1, 2003
11 QIZs, with 45 enterprises employing 45,000 workers, are currently active in
Jordan. Most products are textiles. -- Israel and Jordan are expected to alter
the format of the Qualified Industrial Zones (QIZ) agreement to one of differential
Israel inputs, before the expected renewal of contracts in February 2004.
IBDAA’:
A Palestinian Youth Dance Troupe Returns with a Message of Hope
Palestine Monitor/Middle East Children’s Alliance, June 24, 2003
The internationally acclaimed Palestinian youth dance troupe IBDAA’ is coming
back for a second US tour this summer. The group will kick off their 21-city tour
in Los Angeles July 3rd and will culminate their tour in New York City on August
6.
Senat:
Without growth - 120% of GDP gov’t debt in 2004
Globes, July 1, 2003
Senat position paper: Zero, or even negative, growth means falling tax revenues
and higher government spending. -- A Senat position paper written by Bar Ilan
University Israeli Institute for Economic and Social Research chairman Dr. Roby
Nathanson and analyst Jonathan Katz states that a necessary condition for renewed
growth is progress in the peace process. Without the peace process, Israel could
face another year of per capita contraction.
Turkish
president blocks human rights reform
Salaam UK, July 1, 2003
Ahmet Necdet Sezer, the Turkish president, yesterday vetoed a central element
of a human rights reform package designed to meet the European Union's criteria
for starting accession talks with Turkey. Mr Sezer opposed the abolition of article
eight of Turkey's anti-terror legislation, which had been used to jail academics
and journalists for expressing pro-Kurdish points of view, even after the defeat
of a separatist insurgency by the outlawed Kurdistan Workers Party (PKK) terror
group.
Bahrain
to host conference on Islamic economics and finance
Bahrain Tribune, July 1, 2003
BAHRAIN will host the 5th International Conference on Islamic Economics &
Finance from October 7 to 9, 2003 under the theme ‘Sustainable Development
and Islamic Finance in Muslim Countries'. The event is being organised in co-operation
with the University of Bahrain, Islamic Research and Training Institute (IRTI),
Islamic Development Bank, Jeddah, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and the International
Association for Islamic Economics (IAIE), United Kingdom.
High
Street bank offers Islamic mortgage
BBC, July 1, 2003
HSBC has become the first major UK bank to offer mortgages that comply with Islamic
law. Under Islamic law, the receipt and payment of interest is forbidden. As a
result some of Britain's two million Muslims have chosen not to take out conventional
mortgages or open bank accounts.
