Stabbing
attack in Tel Aviv
BBC, July 15, 2003
A Palestinian man has stabbed three people in Tel Aviv, in what police describe
as the first case of political violence in an Israeli city since Palestinian groups
declared a truce in June. One of the victims later died in hospital. The attacker
was shot in the leg and restrained by security guards from a nearby restaurant
until police arrived.
Shalom:
PA must do more to fight terror; Abbas slams attack
Haaretz, July 15, 2003
The Palestinian Authority is not doing enough to fight terror, Foreign Minister
Silvan Shalom said Tuesday, hours after a Palestinian man killed one Israeli and
wounded two others in a knifing attack on the Tel Aviv beachfront promenade. "The
Palestinians are still not acting in the realm of terror," Shalom told Army Radio.
"There's maybe the beginning of sparks of activity." He did admit to seeing "positive
change" in the PA's reduction of incitement.
Clashes
in Ramallah, Israel Resorts to Human Shields Practice
Palestine Chronicle, July 14, 2003
"Israeli troops stopped his van, having re-grouped again. One armed soldier then
forced the man to move it towards a section of the stone-throwers, using it as
a shield .." -- RAMALLAH, West Bank (PC) - Israeli troops opened fire on stone-throwing
youths in Ramallah today (Monday). The Palestine Chronicle watched as soldiers
shot rubber bullets at a group of around 40 children this afternoon. Tension still
hung in the air tonight after a curfew was imposed on the area. Cars lay abandoned
in the road and more clashes seemed imminent.
Irish
journalist held in Israel is no bomb-master, claims editor
The Scotsman, July 15, 2003
"He is a well-known Irish language and Palestine Solidarity Committee activist
in Belfast and was reporting from Jenin for Lá and Raidió na Gaeltachta." -- The
editor of a daily Irish language newspaper has denied that one of its correspondents
arrested on suspicion of training Palestinian militants in bomb-making techniques
was a terrorist. Seán O Muireagáin, 40, from west Belfast, was detained at the
weekend by Israeli security forces, reportedly acting on information from UK security
services.
Israel
still holding Belfast journalist in IRA identity snafu
Haaretz, July 15, 2003
Since his arrest on Saturday his family and friends have heard nothing from him
and Israeli authorities have spurned their efforts to get official information.
-- LONDON - British intelligence is rechecking the truth of information recently
sent to Israel about a Northern Irish bomb expert suspected to be in the West
Bank and helping Palestinian terror cells.
Hearing
for imprisoned ISMers postponed; Bail currently denied
International Solidarity Movement, July 15, 2003
The hearing for the ISM 8, 4 of which have been held since Wednesday July 9, and
4 since Thursday July 10, has again been postponed, with no actual court date
yet made known. The Ministry of the Interior has cancelled the visas of the eight
activists and the State continues to deny them bail.
39
Israeli Violations after Palestinian Bilateral Announcement of Al Hudna
International Press Center, July 15, 2003
GAZA, Palestine, July 15, 03(IPC Exclusive)-- Israeli occupation forces
perpetrated 23 violations within the second week of the unilateral cease fire
agreement, Al Hudna, announced on the 30 June. In a report prepared by the Palestinian
National Information Center (PNIC) of the state information service, the Israeli
forces violations from 30 June to 13 July, 2003, recorded 39 times in Bethlehem
and Gaza Strip.
Four
Arab Israelis charged with attempted kidnapping of soldier
Jerusalem Post, July 15, 2003
Four residents of Kfar Buena have been charged with planning to kidnap a soldier,
Israel Radio reported on Tuesday. Wissam Halil, Hassan Dalasha, Omer Bachar and
Mahmoud Joabat approached a hitchhiking soldier at Golani Junction and left after
the soldier refused to take a ride with them.
U.S.
grants asylum to Israeli Arab man
Haaretz, July 15, 2003
The 9th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals, a federal court in San Francisco, ruled
on Friday to grant political asylum to an Israeli Arab after ruling he suffered
economic persecution in the country and that the violent conflict between Israel
and its Palestinian neighbors constituted an element in the decision to grant
the decree. Expressing displeasure with the decision, Israeli officials in the
U.S. said it was the first time an Israeli citizen had been granted asylum in
the U.S.
UNRWA:
no money for emergency programs in W. Bank, Gaza
Haaretz, July 15, 2003
GENEVA - A month ago, the United Nations relief agency for Palestinians appealed
for $102 million for emergency programs in Gaza and the West Bank for the second
half of 2003. By Tuesday, it had still not received a penny. Peter Hansen, head
of the UN Relief and Works Agency, said he has confirmed pledges of just $3 million,
and even that money has yet to be delivered.
Netanyahu
admits deficit will be 6% of GDP
Globes, July 15, 2003
The immediate effect of the finance minister's comments was a jump in the shekel/dollar
exchange rate. -- The single mothers crisis has forced Minister of Finance Benjamin
Netanyahu and Minister without portfolio Meir Sheetrit to reveal that the 2003
budget deficit will be NIS 32 billion and exceed 6% of GDP, more than double the
deficit target.
Palestinians
Seek Out Kidnapped Israeli
The Guardian, July 15, 2003
JERUSALEM (AP) - A top Palestinian official said Monday that Palestinian police
will do all they can to free an Israeli taxi driver feared kidnapped by militants,
and Palestinian prisoners in Israel called for the missing man's release. The
disappearance of 61-year-old Eliyahu Goral has stoked Israeli fears that a unilateral
truce by the Palestinians could break down because of rogue operations by Palestinian
groups, forcing Israeli retaliation.
Israeli
Troops Grip Control Over OPT Despite Calm
International Press Center, July 15, 2003
PALESTINE, July 15, 2003(IPC+ Agencies)-- Israeli occupation forces (IOF) escalated
Monday military actions in different Palestinian cities, despite the recent
relative calm in the Occupied Palestinian Territories (OPT). In the West
Bank, IOF imposed Monday afternoon a tight curfew on Ramallah and Al Bireh cities
shortly after dozens of armored Israeli vehicles incurred into the
two cities, WAFA reported.
Palestinians
yearn for freedom of movement
Jang Group, July 15, 2003
SURDA CHECKPOINT: Whether businessmen, students or workers, the glum-faced thousands
toiling across this dusty checkpoint near Ramallah yearn for one thing: freedom
of movement. "This checkpoint has turned my life upside down. It has made me poor
and insane. I feel trapped, all I have is the air that I breathe," says Jassem
Kadadha, who works as a taxi driver here.
Israel
Seeks European Alternative to Hamas Welfare Services
Palestine Media Center, July 15, 2003
Israel is proposing that Europe takes a role in Middle East peace efforts by setting
up social and welfare services in the Israeli – occupied Palestinian territory
like those run by Hamas, in a bid to erode the Islamic group's support base, a
senior Israeli official said.
Israeli
Killed In A Stabbing Attack In Tel Aviv
Islam Online, July 15, 2003
OCCUPIED JERUSALEM, July 15 (Islamonline.net & News Agencies) - An Israeli
man was killed and two others injured after an overnight knife attack by a Palestinian
near a Tel Aviv bar, a police source said Tuesday, July 15. Two other people were
injured in the attack, the first by a Palestinian in an Israeli city since Palestinian
factions announced a temporary truce on June 29.
An
Israeli killed in Tel Aviv knife attack
The Guardian, July 15, 2003
An Israeli was killed and another injured in an attack by a suspected Palestinian
militant on a restaurant in Tel Aviv overnight. The attack, which police said
was the first in an Israeli city since Palestinian groups declared a truce on
June 29, came as the Israeli prime minister, Ariel Sharon, continued his three-day
visit to London.
Al-Aqsa
denies connection to fatal Tel Aviv attack
Jerusalem Post, July 15, 2003
The third fatal attack on Israelis since the Palestinian declaration of a "hudna"
(cease-fire) is raising concerns that the cease-fire has run its short course.
An East Jerusalem Arab stabbed one man, and injured two others in a knife attack
at a seaside restaurant in Tel Aviv early Tuesday.
Palestinian
knife attack in Tel Aviv: Israel blames the PA, Fatah faction claims responsibility
Al-Bawaba, July 15, 2003
A 24-year old Israeli man was killed and two others wounded early Tuesday when
a Palestinian armed with a long-bladed knife stabbed passers-by on Tel Aviv's
beachfront promenade, close to Jaffa. The Palestinian, a 23-year-old East Jerusalem
resident, was shot and arrested. According to Haaretz, he later told investigators
that he was a member of the Al Aqsa Martyrs Brigades of Fatah movement. A few
hours after the attack, a group linked to Fatah said it was behind the killing
of the Israeli.
Tel
Aviv attack casts new shadow over roadmap
Middle East Online, July 15, 2003
A fatal stabbing of an Israeli man by a Palestinian militant cast a new shadow
over the peace process Tuesday as Yasser Arafat and his premier Mahmud Abbas shelved
their differences over the handling of talks with Israel.
Powell
Affirms That Red Cross Is Allowing Israel to Take Part
New York Times, July 15, 2003
WASHINGTON, July 14 — Secretary of State Colin L. Powell has certified that
the Israeli relief agency, the Red Shield of David, is fully taking part in the
activities of the International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement, despite a
standoff over the agency's emblem.
Magen
David Adom "cannot oppose" US donations to ICRC
Jerusalem Post, July 15, 2003
Magen David Adom director-general Avi Zohar says his organization cannot ask the
American Red Cross to continue withholding funds from the International Committee
of the Red Cross that would go for humanitarian aid - even though the ICRC has
not yet approved recognition of its symbol or made it a full member.
PA
intelligence chief personally supervises search for lost settler
Palestinian Information Center, July 15, 2003
Ramallah - Tawfik Tirawi, chief of the Palestinian Authority’s general intelligence
apparatus in the West Bank, was personally supervising the large-scale search
operation for the Jewish taxi driver whose tracks were lost since last Friday.
Terror
suspect's arrest is mistake, say Belfast man's family
The Guardian, July 15, 2003
Friends and family of a Belfast man arrested by Israeli security forces on suspicion
of being a republican terrorist last night claimed he is the victim of mistaken
identity. Officers from the Shin Bet security agency, allegedly acting on UK intelligence
information, seized John Morgan, a single man in his 40s, as he drove to Ramallah
in the occupied territories on Saturday night.
Real
IRA suspect held in Israel may be the wrong man
The Telegraph, July 15, 2003
The man was working in the occupied territories as a "peace activist" with the
Irish Palestinian Solidarity Campaign and wrote for the Irish language newspaper
La. -- British authorities may have blundered by demanding the arrest of a man
in the West Bank they had wrongly described as a Real IRA master bomb-maker. The
arrest had been hailed by officials accompanying Ariel Sharon, the Israeli prime
minister, to his summit with Tony Blair as a major success underlining the Anglo-Israeli
alliance in the war against terrorism.
Irish
Man Detained by Israel Peace Activist, not Bomb Maker
Palestine Media Center, July 15, 2003
..Ireland Palestine Solidarity Campaign (IPSC) said Morgan was a member of the
group, adding that they have not heard from John Morgan since Saturday, the day
he was arrested by IOF. -- Relatives and Friends of a Northern Ireland man arrested
by Israeli Occupation Forces (IOF) for suspicion of helping Palestinians in bomb
making said Monday he is a pro-Palestinian peace activist with no links to armed
anti-occupation activities. Israeli security sources said Sunday troops had arrested
an Irish man, identified as John Morgan, who they suspected was a bomb maker in
the West Bank.
'Riot'
over Palestinian poll
BBC, July 14, 2003
Only a small minority of Palestinian refugees would seek to return to live in
Israel if allowed under a peace agreement, a controversial survey suggests. Eminent
Palestinian political scientist Dr Kahil Shikaki was pushed, shoved and pelted
with eggs as he released details of the research by the Palestinian Centre for
Policy and Survey Research.
Government
slammed as `racist' for bill to prevent Arab family unification
Haaretz, July 15, 2003
"Since 1994, some 140,000 Arab residents of the territories have received Israeli
citizenship and have settled in the country," Deputy Attorney General Meni Mazuz
told the Knesset Interior and Environment Committee yesterday. Mazuz's comments
came during a discussion on a government-sponsored bill to almost completely prevent
residents of the territories from receiving Israeli citizenship or residency status
by virtue of family unification under the Entrance into Israel Law.
ISM:
Fear and waiting in the West Bank
International Solidarity Movement, July 15, 2003
Ramallah, Eric, 15 Jul 03 -- I have nothing to fear. The snipers sitting back
in the dark behind the tall chain-link fence are not directing their laser-pointers
at me. I will not be ordered to wait with the men who’d had their ID’s
confiscated, one having been there since 9 am.
PCATI
complaint to Israeli Minister of Internal Security
Public Committee Against Torture in Israel, July 13, 2003
The Public Committee Against Torture in Israel (PCATI) today, July 13, called
on Minister of Internal Security, Tzahi Hanegbi, and Prison Service Commissioner,
Yakov Granot, to immediately investigate the violent behavior of the wardens during
last week’s events at the Neve Tirza prison, to allow independent doctors
to visit the prisoners who had been injured during these events and to absolutely
prohibit the spraying of tear gas in prison cells.
Jenin
terrorist gets 31 life sentences, 50 years
Haaretz, July 15, 2003
The court yesterday imposed 31 life sentences and another 50 years imprisonment
on Sa'id Tubasi, 20, from Jenin. Tubasi was convicted of participating in the
preparation of the booby-trapped cars that exploded in two suicide bombings.
Barghouti:
Israel has rigged my trial
Haaretz, July 15, 2003
A leader of the Palestinian uprising on trial for murder yesterday accused Israel
of rigging his trial and said he had no faith that the court could reach an objective
verdict. Israel has charged Marwan Barghouti, one of the Palestinians' most popular
figures, with 26 counts of murder for his alleged role in attacks against Israelis.
Annan
calls on Israel, Palestinians and international donors to consolidate peace
United Nations News, July 15, 2003
15 July – For the latest Middle East peace plan to succeed, Israel should
ease security measures to minimize Palestinian suffering, the Palestinian Authority
must act decisively to prevent terrorism and the international community must
increase its support to halt the Palestinians' downward spiral of social and economic
despair, United Nations Secretary-General Kofi Annan said today.
Human
rights committee asks Tel Aviv to release Lebanese prisoners
Palestinian Information Center, July 15, 2003
Geneva - The UN human rights committee during a session in Geneva has asked the
Zionist authority to release all Lebanese detainees in its jails immediately.
The committee passed a decision asking the Hebrew state to set free the Lebanese
detainees with a majority of 32 votes against only one and 20 abstentions.
Occupation
authorities block travel of 1948 Palestinian
Palestinian Information Center, July 15, 2003
Tel Aviv - Zionist airport security men today arrested an Arab citizen of the
1948 occupied areas while preparing to travel at the Ben Gurion airport on his
way to Amsterdam, Holland. The Hebrew radio quoted a police source as saying that
the suspect was arrested during search operations at the airport after finding
a knife in his pocket.
Jewish
Settlers Escalate Aggression in Hebron, IOF Arrests 4 in Gaza Strip
International Press Center, July 15, 2003
HEBRON, Palestine, July 14, 2003, (IPC+Agencies)-- A group of armed Jewish settlers
occupied Sunday a Palestinian house, assaulted Palestinian peasants and seized
arable lands near the West Bank city of Hebron. Eyewitnesses told IPC correspondent,
a mob of armed Jewish settlers from the Jewish illegitimate settlement of "Mitsbi
Lakhish", near Hebron, occupied the house of a Palestinian citizen, Kayed Swaiti.
Gaza
fishermen catch breath of freedom after Intifada hardships
Jordan Times, July 15, 2003
For the first time in many months, Gaza's fishermen were allowed to ply their
boats up and down most of the Gaza coast, provided they did not go out further
than five kilometres from the shore, the usual limit imposed by Israel. -- GAZA
CITY — A three-mile journey out at sea and a meager catch of fish is all
Kamel can boast for his first fishing trip aboard his large boat, the "Abdel Hajj,"
since the Palestinian uprising broke out three years ago.
Barghouti
Inside His Cell: "Israel Has Been Trying to Kill Me"
International Press Center, July 15, 2003
PALESTINE, July 15, 2003 (IPC)-- The Israeli central court in Tel Aviv held Monday
an additional session for the Palestinian Legislative Council member Marwan Barghouti's
trial, in which he rebuffed conducting a formal defense. "This trial is illegal;
the Israeli court has no legitimacy to try me as I happen to be a war prisoner
and an elected legislator," Barghouti said, looking relaxed and confidant in the
courtroom.
Gaza's
graffiti artists down paints in spirit of ceasefire
The Scotsman, July 15, 2003
FIRST, Palestinian fighters were called upon to lay down their weapons and give
the ceasefire a chance. Now, Gaza’s prolific graffiti artists are being
ordered to put their spray cans on the shelf. "There is a decision to stop writing
graffiti," said Ahmed Hellis, a youth leader in the Fatah movement of the Palestinian
president, Yasser Arafat.
Hear
Palestine July 15, 2003
NEWS: Khan Younis: Resident Wounded in Israeli Military Attacks / Hebron: Child
Wounded, 3 Arrested in Attack by Settlers / Nablus: At Least 5 Residents Arrested
by Israeli Soldiers / Ramallah: Military Roadblock at Southern Entrance to Al-Bireh
/ Bethlehem: 'Isolation Wall' Threatens Thousands of Dunums of Land
FEATURES: Khan Younis: Mawasi Residents Continue to Suffer / Farmer Determined
to Stay on his Land despite its Confiscation / Jenin: 19,000 Dunums Swallowed
Up by Dividing Wall / Rafah: 238 Killed, 2350 Wounded Since Beginning of Intifada
Occupation
Chronicle Events in Palestine July 15, 2003
Palestine Media Center
Israeli Occupation Forces (IOF) wounded a Palestinian civilian in the southern
Gaza Strip town of Khan Younis. Meanwhile, IOF detained eight Palestinians in
the West Bank overnight. 7 Palestinians Detained in Hebron, Nablus. IOF Impose
Curfew on Ramallah.
Palestinians
Call For Int’l Intervention to Solve Detainees Problem
Palestine Media Center, July 15, 2003
Minister of Detainees’ Affairs Says Detainees Issue Has Reached a ‘Stalemate’
-- Palestinian minister in charge of the detainees’ affairs warned the problem
of detainees has reached a “stalemate,” calling for international
intervention to break an impasse with Israel over the release of Palestinian prisoners.
Belgium
to scrap war crimes law
The Guardian, July 15, 2003
Human rights groups accused Belgium of caving in to the US yesterday after the
country's centre-left government said it would scrap a war crimes law which has
upset Washington and Tel Aviv.
After
season of frost, fragile thaw seen in Israeli-European relations
JTA, July 14, 2003
JERUSALEM, July 14 (JTA) — After years of mutual distrust and periodic acrimony,
there are signs of a thaw in relations between Israel and Europe. As Prime Minister
Ariel Sharon was feted in London this week, Foreign Minister Silvan Shalom pressed
a new "friendship with Europe" initiative. Also, the European Union recently put
out feelers about including Israel in plans for a "wider Europe." But though the
stage for warmer ties was set by the revival of an Israeli-Palestinian peace process,
there are still deep differences between Israel and Europe on the Palestinian
issue.
Israeli
ploy on Arafat backfires
The Guardian, July 15, 2003
Blair rejects Sharon's plea to cut contact with president -- Tony Blair's hopes
of improving relations with Ariel Sharon suffered a blow last night when the prime
minister was forced to rebuff an attempt by his Israeli counterpart to persuade
Britain to sever all contact with Yasser Arafat.
Press
diplomatic on Sharon visit
BBC, July 15, 2003
Israeli papers see Prime Minister Ariel Sharon's talks in London as cordial but
lacking in real progress on key areas of disagreement. "Blair made clear to Sharon:
We are your best friends in Europe," says Yediot Aharonot. "Yet despite the smiles
and the warm atmosphere, the objectives decided on the eve of visit were not achieved:
Britain will not boycott Arafat, and it seems will not freeze Hamas assets in
Europe," the paper says.
UK
rejects Arafat isolation calls
BBC, July 15, 2003
The UK Government has rejected Israeli Prime Minister Ariel Sharon's appeals for
Britain to break off relations with Palestinian leader Yasser Arafat. Mr Sharon
wants European leaders to cut ties with Mr Arafat, who he says is interfering
in the work of Mahmoud Abbas, the moderate Palestinian prime minister.
Blair
and Sharon's dinner diplomacy
BBC, July 15, 2003
A cosy two-and-a-half hour dinner at Number 10 between Tony Blair and Ariel Sharon
has warmed relations between Britain and Israel despite headlines which concentrated
on Britain's refusal to boycott Yasser Arafat. British sources indicated that
for practical purposes they will deal with the Palestinian Prime Minister Mahmoud
Abbas (Abu Mazen) but that for symbolic purposes Yasser Arafat must be regarded
as the Palestinian figurehead.
Sharon
accused of jeopardising peace
The Scotsman, July 14, 2003
ARIEL Sharon, the Israeli prime minister, will carry his diplomatic offensive
against Yasser Arafat to Downing Street tonight, but two Scottish MPs visiting
the Middle East say that it is the Israeli leader who is jeopardising peace efforts.
Arafat:
Egyptian leadership helping PA implement road map
Haaretz, July 15, 2003
Egyptian intelligence chief Omar Suleiman and the Egyptian leadership are helping
the Palestinians implement the details of the U.S.-backed road map to peace, Palestinian
Authority Chairman Yasser Arafat said after meeting in Ramallah on Tuesday with
Suleiman and Palestinian Prime Minister Mahmoud Abbas.
Arafat,
Abbas Approve Terms of Reference, Mechanism of Negotiations
Palestine Media Center, July 15, 2003
July 15, 2003 - Palestinian President Yasser Arafat and Prime Minister Mahmud
Abbas on Monday worked out an agreement sorting out presidential and premiership
powers, with formulas specifying the terms of reference and the follow-up mechanism
of the negotiating process with the Israeli side, according to the Palestinian
Basic Law (constitution).
Peacemakers
get Arafat, Abbas together
Haaretz, July 15, 2003
Yasser Arafat and his prime minister, Mahmoud Abbas (Abu Mazen), yesterday settled
their differences in a meeting in Arafat's office in Ramallah, Palestinian officials
said. The two had a falling out with Abbas threatening to resign last week....Palestinian
legislator Saeb Erekat said he and parliament speaker Ahmed Qureia (Abu Ala) arranged
the peacemaking session yesterday, and the differences were resolved.
Palestinian
leadership crisis is over after Arafat, Abbas meeting
Al-Bawaba, July 14, 2003
Palestinian President Yasser Arafat and Palestinian Prime Minister Mahmoud Abbas
reached an agreement Monday evening to end the recent tensions between them. The
two met in Arafat's Ramallah headquarters, days before Egyptian intelligence chief
Omar Suleiman is due in the West Bank city as part of the attempts to end the
dispute.
Arafat
and Abbas 'close rift'
BBC, July 15, 2003
Palestinian Prime Minister Mahmoud Abbas and Yasser Arafat appear to have settled
their differences after talks in Ramallah. The two men met on Monday for the first
time since Mr Abbas - also known as Abu Mazen - threatened to resign last week
from Mr Arafat's Fatah movement unless it backed his handling of negotiations
with Israel.
Arafat
and Abbas Agree on Roles in the Peace Effort
New York Times, July 15, 2003
JERUSALEM, July 14 — Yasir Arafat and the Palestinian prime minister, Mahmoud
Abbas, worked out a power-sharing agreement tonight that guarantees Mr. Arafat
continued influence over negotiations with Israel and over Palestinian security
forces, Palestinian officials said.
Nabil
Shaath in Hungary: Sharon has failed to sideline Arafat
Jerusalem Post, July 15, 2003
Calling Yasser Arafat a "historical national hero," Palestinian Foreign Minister
Nabil Shaath on Tuesday criticized Israeli Prime Minister Ariel Sharon's attempts
to persuade European leaders to sideline the Palestinian president.
Egypt's
Suleiman holds talks with Arafat
Middle East Online, July 15, 2003
Arafat thanked Mubarak for his continuous efforts -- RAMALLAH, West Bank - Palestinian
leader Yasser Arafat met Tuesday with the head of Egyptian intelligence General
Omar Suleiman in a bid to shore up a truce called by Palestinian radical groups.
Abbas,
Arafat Settle Their Dispute
The Guardian, July 15, 2003
JERUSALEM (AP) - A Palestinian attacker stabbed a man to death and wounded another
in Tel Aviv on Tuesday in what police called the first terror attack in an Israeli
city since militant groups declared a truce June 29. Palestinian leaders, meanwhile,
said they settled a rift that jeopardized peace efforts.
Israel’s
Apartheid Wall Fact Sheet
MIFTAH/Scottish Friends of Palestine, July 15, 2003
The Wall: Imagine a concrete wall up to 1000km long, eight metres high with a
round watchtower every 200 metres. Visions of a Stalag come to mind, of a huge
prison camp. Such an entity cannot exist, surely, without international condemnation
echoing in the halls of the good and the great throughout the world.
Special
Report on the West Bank Security Barrier
United Nations Relief and Works Agency, July, 2003
The greatest change in the landscape of the West Bank since 1967 is underway.
Tens of thousands of Palestinian refugees will have their access to farmland,
schools, clinics, markets and towns denied by the security barrier now under construction.
Hundreds of thousands of dunums of land are being swallowed by the fence itself
and thousands more will be trapped between the new barrier and the Green Line.
UNRWA has carried out extensive field visits to examine the humanitarian effects
of the barrier on the refugees in its care.
Report:
The Situation of Workers of the Occupied Arab Territories - Acrobat format
UN International Labour Conference, May 31, 2003
Report of the Director-General:...In the occupied Arab territories in general
and in the West Bank and Gaza in particular, the economic and social situation
of workers and their families has worsened. Their situation would have been even
more dramatic had it not been for the exceptional humanitarian and development
assistance provided by the Arab and international community.
New
ILO report sees further economic and social deterioration in the occupied Arab
territories
UNISPAL/UN International Labour Conference, July 14/June 11, 2003
GENEVA (ILO News) - The economic and social crisis in the occupied Arab territories
has deepened markedly over the past year, with rising unemployment and plummeting
incomes leading to an "untenable" situation, according to a new report (see note
1) of the Director-General of the International Labour Office (ILO). However,
the report, to be discussed by delegates to the ILO's 91st International Labour
Conference here on Thursday, 12 June, also says "economic and social situation
may have stabilized in the first half of 2003, albeit at a significantly lower
level than before the outbreak of the intifada in September 2000".
Secretary-General's
message to the UN Seminar on Assistance to the Palestinian People
UNISPAL/United Nations, July 15, 2003 - [delivered by Mr. Peter Hansen, Commissioner-General
of UNRWA] -- I send my best wishes to all who have gathered to discuss international
assistance to the Palestinians and Palestinian economic recovery. You meet at
a time of both hope and suffering for the Palestinian people. The hope springs
from the outcome of the Aqaba Summit. Since then, despite all-too-familiar acts
of violence in which both Palestinians and Israelis have suffered, we have seen
certain positive steps.
The
Tabboun: Arab Community Insider
Ray Hanania, Palestine Chronicle, July 14, 2003
For the week of Monday, July 13, 200. Community insider column on events, personalities
and facts. Posted every Monday -- HOLLYWOOD IMPACT ON ARABS: Two months before
the US invasion of Iraq, former ABC News producer and now documentarian Charles
Stuart put a camera crew in front of a small video store in Cairo to gauge the
popularity of American entertainment among Muslims.
Jenin
Determined to Survive Despite Bitter Past
Palestine Chronicle, July 14, 2003
JENIN, West Bank (PC) - Jenin’s residents have spent the last year trying
to rebuild their lives after Israeli troops destroyed much of the town. But the
area remains a mess and any efforts at reconstruction are being hampered by new
military strikes.
Sheetrit:
Welfare cuts won’t be restored
Globes, July 15, 2003
Minister without portfolio Meir Sheetrit: It doesn’t matter what everyone
says. It’s impossible to go back. We have a huge deficit. -- “We’re
not under any pressure. There’s no way back, because there’s no money,”
said Minister without portfolio Meir Sheetrit today, in response to the decision
by the single mothers to continue their protest against the economic plan.
Bank
of Israel: Goods exports up 5.7% in first half
Globes, July 15, 2003
The trade deficit fell by 11.9% in the first half of 2003, compared with the first
half of 2002. -- The export of goods in the first half of 2003 rose 5.7%, compared
with the first half of 2002, despite the drop in exports in June, states a Bank
of Israel analysis of Central Bureau of Statistics data.
Feathers
ruffled at Greenpeace pollution protest
Daily Star, July 15, 2003
Demonstrators thrown out of environment minister’s office -- Environment
Minister Fares Boueiz kicked photojournalists and a Greenpeace campaigner in Lebanon,
Wael Hmaidan, out of his office at the ministry Monday morning following a verbal
dispute on the issue of “solid waste.”
Residents,
Greenpeace protest Beit Shemesh plant to burn tires
Haaretz, July 15, 2003
Idea of `experimental' burning does not pacify city hall -- Yesterday was
a worldwide Greenpeace-sponsored day of protests against incinerators, which it
says release poisons - including dioxin - into the atmosphere. -- Beit Shemesh
residents are threatening to use violence if necessary to prevent the establishment
of a plant to burn tires near the city. At a press conference called by Eli Vanunu,
the head of environmental affairs in city hall, and Greenpeace, Vanunu said the
city would take every step necessary to prevent the plant from going into operation
at Nesher.
New
Arabic-language radio station takes to the air
Haaretz, July 15, 2003
Gaon Communications Group has `ambitions of coexistence' -- Israel's only
legal, commercial, Arabic-language radio station was dedicated yesterday on the
outskirts of Kibbutz Ein Hahoresh, upon a hill topped with pine trees.
Tough
new U.S. visa rules in force
Haaretz, July 15, 2003
Over one thousand Israelis lined up outside the U.S. Embassy in Tel Aviv yesterday
morning, the first day of new American visa application regulations. They were
waiting for the interview set up for them weeks ago by their travel agents to
determine their eligibility for a visa.
Czech
foreign minister: EU should label Hamas terrorist
Haaretz, July 15, 2003
The Czech government has proposed that the European Union declare Hamas a terror
organization, Czech Foreign Minister Cyril Svoboda told Haaretz yesterday, at
the end of a visit to Israel to inaugurate the Czech-Israel chamber of commerce.
Sri
Lankan officials in Israel for $20 million arms deal
Haaretz, July 15, 2003
Top Sri Lankan officials are in Israel to further a major arms purchase by Sri
Lanka. Sri Lankan Defense Minister Thilak Marapana and naval commander Vice-Admiral
Daya Sandagiri are here to buy new weapons control systems for the Dabur naval
patrol boats it bought several years ago from Israel. The deal is said to be worth
at least $20 million.
Shalom
pleads with UEFA for end to home games ban
Haaretz, July 15, 2003
Foreign Minister Silvan Shalom met with senior European soccer officials in Switzerland
to argue Israel's case for an end to the ban imposed by UEFA on soccer games being
played in Israel because of the security situation.....Shalom brought with him
letters of support from eight European foreign ministers, including Germany's
Joschka Fischer, Franco Frattini of Italy and Ana Palacio of Spain.
Health
crisis deepens, more hospitals cut services
Haaretz, July 15, 2003
The crisis in the public health system intensified yesterday as more public hospitals
cut back their services, following the cancellation of the meeting between Finance
Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Health Minister Danny Naveh.
Single
moms scorn new Netanyahu plan
Haaretz, July 15, 2003
More women were marching on Jerusalem to beef up the single mothers' protest camp
outside the treasury despite Finance Minister Benjamin Netanyahu announcing a
crash plan to subsidize jobs for single parents.
Sewage
flow kills marine life in Kishon River
Haaretz, July 15, 2003
"Years of rehabilitation work on the Kishon River was destroyed within days,"
Environment Minister Yehudit Naot said in response to the ministry examination.
-- An Environment Ministry examination of the Kishon River Tuesday following the
deaths of countless fish and other marine animals over the past several days indicated
pollution figures thousands of percent above normal levels. Pollution levels skyrocketed
several days ago when the main sewage line between Shfaram and Haifa burst and
untreated sewage began flowing into the Kishon.
Official
suggests single mother welfare might be moderated
Haaretz, July 15, 2003
A senior Israeli official accompanying Prime Minister Ariel Sharon on his current
London visit expressed hope late Monday that the government could moderate a substantial
portion of proposed cuts in welfare payments to single mothers, who are staging
a closely-watched protest against the treasury's planned cuts.
Israeli
mothers protest against benefit cuts
BBC, July 15, 2003
Israel's single mothers have stepped up their protest against welfare cuts, despite
an offer of jobs from the government. Single mothers from all over the country
have set up camp in front of Prime Minister Ariel Sharon's office in Jerusalem.
CPI
drops 0.6 percent in June
Haaretz, July 15, 2003
The Consumer Price Index dipped by 0.6 percent in June 2003, at the far end of
expectations, which had ranged from 0.5 percent to 0.6 percent. June was the third
consecutive month in which the CPI lost ground. From the start of the year, the
CPI has dropped 0.5 percent, says the Central Bureau of Statistics.
Nazareth
Construction Crew Finds Cistern
Come and See, July 14, 2003
A construction crew digging near the Basilica of Announciation in Nazareth, discovered
a cistern that crusaders might have built 1,000 years ago, archaeologists said
Friday.
Holy
See Thanks Israel for Halting Nazareth Mosque
Come and See, July 15, 2003
JERUSALEM, JULY 13, 2003 (Zenit.org).- The Holy See thanked the Israeli government
for putting a stop to the construction of a mosque next to the Basilica of the
Annunciation, in Nazareth. The Jerusalem Post reported that Vatican Secretary
of State Cardinal Angelo Sodano expressed the Holy See's gratitude last Thursday,
when he met in Rome with Israeli Foreign Affairs Minister Silvan Shalom. The Vatican's
official statement on the meeting made no mention of the issue.
Egypt,
Israel continue to receive most U.S. aid
Middle East Newsline, July 15, 2003
WASHINGTON [MENL] -- Egypt and Israel continue to be the two largest recipients
of U.S. aid. The House Appropriations subcommittee has approved a $17.1 billion
foreign operations bill for fiscal 2004 that makes Cairo and Jerusalem the two
largest recipients of U.S. foreign aid. The House legislation contains $1.8 billion
less than that requested by President George Bush.
McDonald's
reports growth in Middle East despite anti-US sentiment
MENA Report, July 15, 2003
Despite the ongoing grass-root boycott campaign in the Arab world against US goods
and services, McDonald's has reported growth in the region with the opening of
new stores and the introduction of new menu items. "We do face challenges, as
any successful business does… In the Kingdom (Saudi Arabia) alone, we increased
our number of stores by 20 percent in 2002 in accordance with our customer's demand,"
said Saudi Prince Mishaal.
Turks
revoke Hercules upgrade contract with Israel
MENA Report, July 14, 2003
The Turkish Air Force has cancelled a $14 million contract with Israel Aircraft
Industries (IAI) Friday, July 11, 2003. The deal provided for the upgrade of seven
C-130 Hercules planes, reported Yediot Ahronot. The international tender for the
modernization of the seven military transport planes was issued late 1998 and
was designed to give the aircraft inter-continental flight capability. The Turks
insisted that the upgrade contract specification included systems that IAI claimed
were not part of the deal.
Muslim
call to thwart capitalism
BBC, July 12, 2003
An Islamic conference in the Spanish city of Granada has called on Muslims around
the world to help bring about the end of the capitalist system. The call came
at a conference titled 'Islam in Europe' attended by about 2,000 Muslims.
US
sanction campaign against Syria put on hold
MENA Report, July 15, 2003
The US Congress has postponed until further notice discussions over a bill that
would instill political and economic sanctions against Syria for supporting terror
groups and for developing weapons of mass destruction. The cancellation of a congressional
session set for Tuesday, July 15, dedicated to the Syria Accountability Act, could
be linked to the recent scandal involving the inaccurate information presented
in US President Bush’s January speech concerning Iraqi uranium purchases
from Africa, reported Assafir.
Syrian
forces pull out from south Beirut, northern Lebanon
Al-Bawaba, July 15, 2003
Syria pulled out its last remaining forces from south Beirut and cut its military
presence in northern Lebanon in the fourth redeployment operation staged by the
Syrian army in less than three years. Convoys of military buses have been moving
some 1,000 Syrian troops from south Beirut's suburbs of Khaldeh and Aramoun via
the Beirut-Damascus highway in the direction of Damascus since midnight Monday-Tuesday,
A Nahar website reported.
Syrian
army pulling out from parts of Lebanon
Middle East Online, July 15, 2003
BEIRUT - The Syrian army Tuesday continued to withdraw from parts of north Lebanon
and south of Beirut in the fourth such redeployment in three years, witnesses
and Lebanese security forces said.
Three
years of Assad's rule
Middle East Online, July 15, 2003
Calls for political reforms are being stepped up inside Syria -- Three years after
Bashar al-Assad took over as president, debate is hotting up on political reforms
and the role of the Baath Party which has monopolised power in Syria for the past
four decades. "It would be better for the authorities, in step with society, to
carry out comprehensive reforms on a national scale rather than introduce them
under orders from abroad," author Michel Kilo said.
Lebanon
arrests five men allegedly preparing to attack Western interests
Al-Bawaba, July 15, 2003
A group of five men allegedly preparing to carry out "acts of terror against Western
interests" in Lebanon have been arrested, police said Tuesday. The five men, aged
between 19 and 28 years, were planning to target the US restaurant chain Hardee's,
which has an outlet in Ashrafiyeh, the Christian sector of Beirut, the International
Security Forces said in a statement, published by AFP.
Conflict
on Iraq-Syria Border Feeds Rage Against the U.S.
New York Times, July 15, 2003
ALHERI, Syria, July 14 — On this desolate stretch of desert along the Iraqi
frontier, tensions with the American soldiers just across the border are running
so high, Syrian soldiers say, that four villagers have been shot by American soldiers
in the past month.
US
justice department defies court on al-Qaida
The Guardian, July 15, 2003
The US justice department, in a remarkable move that could have profound judicial
ramifications, yesterday defied a judge's order to allow a potential witness to
be questioned by an al-Qaida suspect, Zacarias Moussaoui. The move could technically
lead to the case against Mr Moussaoui being thrown out.
UK
gives up fight for Guantanamo captives
The Guardian, July 15, 2003
Ministers believe legal barriers rule out trial in British courts -- Senior ministers
are resigned to the prospect that the two British prisoners who face US military
tribunals at Guantanamo Bay in Cuba cannot be repatriated to stand trial in UK
courts because the legal barriers to such a political compromise are insurmountable.
Patriot
Act battle is fought locally
USA Today, July 13, 2003
Activists in tiny Belfast, Maine, hope to persuade community leaders Tuesday to
join a growing number of states and cities opposed to the USA Patriot Act.
US
Public Wants Unbiased, but Patriotic Reporters
Arab News, July 15, 2003
WASHINGTON, 15 July 2003 — Americans want their reporters to show patriotism,
increase accuracy and lessen bias, but also say media criticism of the military
weakens the nation’s defenses. “You’re right to focus on the
seeming discrepancy in Americans wanting patriotic but unbiased reporters,”
Carroll Doherty, editor for the Washington-based Pew Research Center told Arab
News in a telephone interview yesterday.
Waiting
for U.S. To Utter 'Yes'
Washington Post, July 13, 2003
Va. Bride's Father May Miss Wedding Over Visa -- The menu will feature lamb kebab
and a four-tiered cake. The favors are tiny silver doors with a Koranic verse.
The Muslim sheikh is lined up. And more than a hundred relatives and friends have
said they will be at Marriott Metro Center's Grand Ballroom on July 26 to witness
Iraqi-born Hamadi marry her love, Omar Humadi.
