| |
|
Conflict..
Israel
to build new towns inside ‘Green Line’
Daily Star 2003-07-21
BEIRUT: As Israeli Prime
Minister Ariel Sharon met on Sunday with his Palestinian counterpart to discuss
the “road
map” for Middle East peace, the Israeli daily Haaretz reported that Sharon’s
office had given orders for the establishment of 30 new settlements on the Israeli
side of the “Green Line.”
Islamic Jihad Activist Killed, Reason Disputed
International Middle East Media Center 2003-07-21
Medical sources from Jenin Hospital reported Monday that the body which arrived
at the hospital was that of Rami Salet 24, from Jenin. Local sources said that
Salet is a known Islamic Jihad activist. While Islamic Jihad is so far silent,
a local source reported that Salet was killed in an exchange of fire with an Israeli
army unit near the settlement of Kadim.
Israeli Troops Storm Sho’fat Refugee Camp,Take
over Stores’ Roofs in Hebron
International Press Center 2003-07-21
SHO’FAT, Palestine, July 21, 2003 (IPC+WAFA)-- Israeli occupation forces
(IOF) stormed Monday the Palestinian refugee camp of Sho’fat in the Occupied
East Jerusalem. Dozens of military Israeli armored vehicles stormed Monday noon
the Sho’fat refugee camp and started to photo a number of residential buildings
in the down neighborhood, local sources said....Mustafa Alnatsha, mayor of Hebron,
viewed such Israeli action as a preliminary step to expand nearby Jewish settlement
blocs, asserting that it is a dangerous order.
Jerusalem stabbing Sunday appears to have been terror
act
Ha'aretz 2003-07-21
Police investigators are increasingly convinced that a Sunday night stabbing in
Jerusalem's Yemin Moshe neighborhood was a terrorist act, Army Radio reported
Monday. A 67-year-old Israeli sustained moderate injuries in the incident in the
upscale Yemin Moshe neighborhood. Eyewitnesses said the saw a Palestinian fleeing
the scene after the attack.
Militants beat up Jenin governor
BBC 2003-07-21
Militants in the West Bank town of Jenin abducted the Palestinian governor and
held him captive for several hours. Haider Irsheid was pulled from his vehicle
and beaten before being driven off by members of the al-Aqsa Martyrs' Brigade.
The group accused him of collaborating with Israel.
IOF Exploits Ceasefire to Forcibly Seize Lands in
Rafah
International Press Center 2003-07-20
RAFAH, Palestine, July 20, 2003 (IPC + Agencies)- - Despite the current ceasefire
in the Palestinian territories, the Israeli occupation forces (IOF) continued
its plot to seize and annex as much of the Palestinian lands as they can, in order
to expand Gaza Strip's illegitimate Jewish settlements.
IOF Wounds a Palestinian Woman in Nablus
International Press Center 2003-07-20
NABLUS, Palestine, July 20, 2003, IPC-- An old Palestinian woman was reportedly
wounded Sunday by Israeli occupation forces IOF in Rojeeb village, near Nablus.
Eyewitnesses told IPC correspondent, Israeli occupation forces, stationed near
Jewish illegitimate settlement of “Baracha”, opened fire at Palestinian
civilians injuring one old woman.
Zionist army constructs new road over confiscated
areas
Palestinian Information Center 2003-07-21
Khan Younis - The Zionist occupation forces yesterday completed the construction
of an electronic fence to surround the road constructed outside the borders of
the Morag settlement to the south of Khan Younis city....One of the citizens whose
lands were confiscated to build the new road said that the Zionist occupation
forces had seized over 300 dunums of Palestinian lands so far.
PA security men kidnap three DFLP cadres for resisting
occupation
Palestinian Information Center 2003-07-21
Gaza - The Democratic Front for the Liberation of Palestine has condemned the
Palestinian Authority’s preventive security apparatus for kidnapping three
of its members. A DFLP statement a couple of days ago said that the PA preventive
security elements in the Gaza city had kidnapped three of its members last Thursday.
Israeli sources: Two Jewish terror groups operating
in West Bank
Palestinian Information Center 2003-07-21
Occupied Jerusalem - At least two Jewish terrorist groups are now acting in the
West Bank, Israeli press sources said Sunday. The two groups, which carry out
terrorist attacks against Palestinian civilians, are reportedly active in the
al-Khalil (Hebron) and Ramallah regions.
Israeli Prime Minister Reinforces Jewish Settlement
Activities
International Press Center 2003-07-20
WEST JERUSALEM, July 20, 2003 (IPC+ Agencies)-- Israeli Prime Minister, Ariel
Sharon, plans to expedite execution of a Jewish settlement scheme (scheme of points),
near the Israeli-Palestinian borders (Green Line), Israeli sources said Sunday.
“Scheme of Points”, would include establishment of a number of Jewish
settlement blocs between Israel and the southern part of Hebron city as well as
several others in the Mothalath and Galelie cities, northern Israel, preventing
further Israeli-Arab population growth, the sources added.
IDF arrests 6 Palestinians with bomb belt in West
Bank
Jerusalem Post 2003-07-21
An IDF patrol arrested 6 Palestinians this morning who were in possession of a
terror suicide bomb belt near the Jewish settlement of Bracha in the West Bank,
a military source told The Jerusalem Post.
Egypt helping IDF find weapons smuggling tunnels
Ha'aretz 2003-07-21
Defense Minister Shaul Mofaz said Monday that the Israel Defense Forces continues
to uncover smuggling tunnels under the Israeli-Egyptian border. Speaking at a
Likud faction meeting in the Knesset, Mofaz added that the army is operating in
cooperation with Egypt to pinpoint and demolish the tunnels.
Curfew's Gone, but Troops Still Hem In Hebron Family
New York Times 2003-07-21
HEBRON, West Bank, July 15 — The Palestinian uprising that began three years
ago inflicted instant hardship on the Karaki clan. The 70 members of the extended
Palestinian family were confined to their large compound in the center of Hebron
for days at a stretch under Israeli military curfews.
Pas suspected of funding Jewish terror groups
Ha'aretz 2003-07-21
The decision to extend Yitzhak Pas' remand was upheld yesterday by the Jerusalem
District Court. Pas - whose 10-month-old daughter Shalhevet was shot to death
by a Palestinian sniper in Hebron in March 2001 - and his brother-in-law Matitiyahu
Shvu were arrested Thursday for "security crimes against Palestinians."
Court reviewing ban on Pas, Shvu speaking with lawyers
Ha'aretz 2003-07-21
The High Court of Justice was reviewing Monday an order barring Yitzhak Pas, whose
10-month-old daughter Shalhevet was killed by a Palestinian sniper in Hebron on
March 2001, and his brother-in-law Matityahu Shvu, both suspected of unspecified
"security crimes," to meet with their attorneys.
Israel Kills A Palestinian, Abbas Starts Shuttle Diplomacy
Islam Online 2003-07-21
JENIN, West Bank, July 21 (IslamOnline.net & News Agencies) - A Palestinian
was shot dead in an exchange of fire with the Israeli army east of the West Bank
town on Jenin on Sunday night, July 20, as Palestinian prime minister Mahmmoud
Abbas is beginning in Cairo Monday, July 21, an intensive round of international
diplomacy which would culminate in his first ever trip to the White House later
in the week.
Rush order for 30 new villages inside Green Line
Ha'aretz 2003-07-20
In what may turn out to be the largest settlement effort inside the Green Line
in the last 25 years, the Prime Minister's Office is planning to establish some
30 new towns, most in the Negev and the Galilee. The project, which will be given
top priority, is expected to be completed in the shortest possible period.
Israel Plans to Expropriate Palestinian Lands in Bedo
and Biet Sureek
International Press Center 2003-07-21
AL-BIEREH, Palestine, July 21, 2003(IPC+ Wafa)—The Palestinian Committee
for the Defense of Lands of Palestine (DLP) stated Monday that the Israeli authorities
announced a tender to build huge settling housing units on the lands of the villages
of Beit Sureek, Bedo and the other adjacent villages in the northern west of Jerusalem
in order to expand the settlement of Haradar, built on Palestinians' lands.
Occupation Chronicle Events in Palestine July 21,
2003
Palestine Media Center 2003-07-21
Israeli Occupation Forces (IOF) shot dead a Palestinian civilian in the northern
West Bank town of Jenin. Also in Jenin, IOF raided the village of Jaba and detained
a Palestinian citizen.
Diplomacy..
Palestinians
angry after Sharon blocks progress at talks
The Guardian 2003-07-21
Mahmoud Abbas, the Palestinian
prime minister, almost walked out of a meeting with his Israeli counterpart, Ariel
Sharon, yesterday over Israel's refusal to carry out its commitments under the
"road map" peace process. In the event, he remained at the meeting at Mr Sharon's
Jerusalem residence but described it as "extremely disappointing".
PA calls for urgent U.S. action ` to save road map'
Ha'aretz 2003-07-21
The Palestinians were describing yesterday's meeting between their Prime Minister
Mahmoud Abbas and Israeli Prime Minister Ariel Sharon as "difficult" after Sharon
refused to tell them how many prisoners would be released.
Abbas and Sharon split on prisoners
BBC 2003-07-20
The talks come ahead of meetings with the US president Israeli Prime Minister
Ariel Sharon and his Palestinian counterpart Mahmoud Abbas have failed to secure
a deal over Palestinian prisoner releases. The meeting was described as a "shouting
match" by Israel radio, with sources close to the talks saying the two prime ministers
had been screaming at each other.
Shalom attacks 'one-sided' stand by UN against Israel
Ha'aretz 2003-07-21
Foreign Minister Silvan Shalom on Monday attacked what he called the one-sided
position of the United Nations against Israel and called on the European Union
to act together with the United States to change the situation. Shalom, in Brussels
to meet with the EU's council of foreign ministers on the peace process and ways
of strengthening relations between Israel and the EU, also promised to deepen
European involvement in the Middle East peace process.
Israel Will Coordinate Prisoners’ Release with
PA
International Middle East Media Center 2003-07-21
Israel Radio quoted a Palestinian source as saying that Israeli Prime Minister
Sharon accepted his Palestinian counterpart Mahmoud Abbas (Abu Mazen) proposal
to coordinate prisoners’ release with the Palestinian Authority. The prime
ministers held a two-hour meeting Sunday and will meet again to discuss the prisoners
issue upon returning back from their trips to Washington.
Israel Not Doing Enough On Prisoners Issue: U.S. Official
Islam Online 2003-07-21
GAZA CITY, July 19 (IslamOnline.net & News Agencies) – After parlays
between the Israeli and Palestinian sides on the release of Palestinian prisoners
in Israeli jails hit a cul-de-sac, a senior U.S. official stressed Israel has
not done enough regarding Palestinian prisoner releases and should do more, an
Israeli newspaper reported Saturday, July 19.
Israel calls for greater European role in Mideast
peace process
Jerusalem Post 2003-07-21
Suggesting a warming toward Europe, Israel's foreign minister said Monday the
European Union should play a bigger role in the Mideast peace process while still
urging a "more balanced approach" toward the Palestinians.
France Supports Considering Suspension of EU Partnership
With Israel
Palestine Media Center 2003-07-21
France said it supports the initiative announced this week by several human rights
organizations, including the International Federation of Human Rights Leagues
(FIDH), to have the European Union (EU) consider the suspension of its partnerships
with Israel to protest the Jewish state’s violations of human rights in
the occupied Palestinian territory.
Saudi Ambassador: Dore Gold lied about our funding
of Hamas
Jerusalem Post 2003-07-21
"It should be known that Dore Gold is not an expert on Saudi society, faith or
culture. He is simply hatred's scribe." -- Recent remarks by former Israeli Ambassador
Dore Gold that Saudi Arabia funds terror activity against Israel are "lies and
unsubstantiated accusations," Saudi Ambassador to the United States Bandar bin
Sultan said.
Potential Iraqi leader talks peace with Peres
Jerusalem Post 2003-07-21
A leading candidate to head a caretaker government in Iraq has told Israel Labor
Party chairman Shimon Peres that Iraq would likely make peace with Israel if it
gives the Palestinians control over 95 percent of the West Bank and Gaza, Peres
said Monday. Peres told Israel Radio he had met over the weekend with former Iraqi
Foreign Minister Adnan Pachachi, 80, at a Rome conference organized by the Socialist
International.
Abbas to press hard for gains in Friday Bush visit
Ha'aretz 2003-07-21
Palestinian Prime Minister Mahmoud Abbas appears set to press hard for tangible
gains for Palestinians in scheduled Friday talks with President George W. Bush,
Israeli media said Monday, following a largely inconclusive meeting Sunday between
Abbas and Prime Minister Ariel Sharon.
Analysis / Tough talk and no photo ops
Ha'aretz 2003-07-21
"A tense and unproductive meeting" - that's how the Palestinian spokesmen described
yesterday's meeting between Prime Minister Ariel Sharon and Palestinian Prime
Minister Mahmoud Abbas (Abu Mazen) and their negotiating teams. The meeting took
place without joint photo ops or ceremonies, just as PA Chairman Yasser Arafat
and other Palestinian leaders had demanded of Abu Mazen.
Abbas To Discuss With Sharon Detainees
Al-Hayat 2003-07-19
Palestinian premier Mahmoud Abbas and his Israeli counterpart Ariel Sharon are
getting ready to take their negotiations files to Washington, where they will
meet the American President George Bush successively, with a period of four days
separating each meeting. They are carrying two agendas that seem to be contradictory,
for the first one will seek to discuss the actual implementation of the Roadmap,
including the means to establish the Palestinian state.
Tense Meeting of Sharon and Abbas Ends in Stalemate
New York Times 2003-07-21
JERUSALEM, July 20 — The Israeli and Palestinian prime ministers emerged
from a tense two-hour meeting here today at loggerheads. Rebuffing Palestinian
demands for immediate troop withdrawals and the release of prisoners, Ariel Sharon
of Israel said Mahmoud Abbas, his Palestinian counterpart, must first dismantle
militant groups.
'Hundreds to Be Freed by Israel’
Arab News 2003-07-21
OCCUPIED JERUSALEM, 21 July 2003 — Israel agreed to free hundreds more Palestinian
prisoners yesterday, disappointing Palestinian Prime Minister Mahmoud Abbas’
hopes for a full amnesty but keeping a US-backed peace road map in motion.
Scrapping over prisoners
The Economist 2003-07-21
The latest obstacle on the “road map” to peace in the Middle East
is a squabble over the number of Palestinian prisoners Israel is prepared to release.
Ariel Sharon may not want to show his hand before meeting George Bush next week
-- PALESTINIAN leaders say they will seek vigorous American intervention in Israeli-Palestinian
negotiations following an unsatisfactory meeting on Sunday July 20th between the
Palestinian prime minister, Mahmoud Abbas, and his Israeli counterpart, Ariel
Sharon.
Abbas in 'difficult' talks with Sharon
Financial Times 2003-07-21
The focus of hopes of progress in the internationally backed "road map" to peace
in the Middle East shifted to Washington on Sunday following inconclusive talks
between Mahmoud Abbas, the Palestinian prime minister, and Ariel Sharon, his Israeli
opposite number. Both sides described Sunday's meeting in Jerusalem, the fourth
encounter between the two, as "difficult".
PA: Sunday Summit Difficult, No Tangible Results
International Middle East Media Center 2003-07-21
Palestinian Minister for Security Affairs Mohammed Dahlan on Sunday described
the prime ministers’ meeting as difficult. Dahlan called for an urgent American
intervention to prevent the collapse of the road map.
No Israeli ‘Commitment’ On Prisoners At
Abbas-Sharon Meeting
Islam Online 2003-07-20
OCCUPIED JERUSALEM, July 20 (IslamOnline.net & News Agencies) - Heated talks
between Israeli Prime Minister Ariel Sharon and his Palestinian counterpart Mahmud
Abbas ended without a commitment Sunday, July 20, from Israel to release more
Palestinian prisoners in its jails. Instead the two sides agreed to form a joint
committee which would "consider" the numbers of Palestinian prisoners who should
be released from Israeli jails, Palestinian information minister Nabil Amr said
according to Agence France-Presse (AFP).
Abbas starts flurry of diplomacy with trip to Cairo
Middle East Online 2003-07-21
GAZA CITY JENIN, West Bank - Palestinian prime minister Mahmud Abbas was beginning
in Cairo Monday an intensive round of international diplomacy which would culminate
in his first ever trip to the White House later in the week.
Abbas, Sharon Hold ‘Stormy’ Meeting, Produce
No ‘Concrete’ Results on Ground
Palestine Media Center 2003-07-21
The Palestine National Authority (PNA) said the meeting between Prime Minister
Mahmud Abbas and his Israeli counterpart Ariel Sharon was “useful,”
but will produce “no concrete and immediate results on the ground.”....“The
main topic was the siege on Arafat. Abu Mazen (Abbas' nom-de-guerre) and his team
told Sharon and the Israelis that any talk about moving ahead the situation on
the ground without lifting the siege would be useless,” a Palestinian source
close to Abbas told AFP.
PLC Condemns Knesset Resolution on Occupied Land As
‘Null and Void’
Palestine Media Center 2003-07-21
The Palestinian Legislative Council (PLC) on Sunday condemned in a statement as
“null and void” the resolution passed Tuesday, 15 July 2003, by the
Israeli Knesset (parliament) considering the Palestinian land occupied in 1967
as “unoccupied.”
During a Rally In Gaza, Abdelrazeq to IPC: “Release
of Prisoners Comes First”
International Press Center 2003-07-21
GAZA, Palestine, July 21, 2003, (IPC Exclusive)-- Thousands of Palestinian citizens
including prisoners’ families, politicians and public figures, took part
Monday in a rally in Gaza city, protesting the Israeli intransigence on the release
of the Palestinian political prisoners.
Government..
2004
budget cut to hit defense and gov't offices
Ha'aretz 2003-07-21
The cut in the 2004 budget
will be primarily in defense and government ministries, while National Insurance
Institute payments will be a lower priority, with an emphasis on cracking down
on people who exploit the system for NII payments, said Ori Yogev, head of the
budgets department in the Finance Ministry.
Arafat procures release of kidnapped Jenin governor
Daily Star 2003-07-21
Phone call sends beaten, threatened official to hospital -- Militants free senior
administrator, abducted for allegedly collaborating with occupation, after president
personally intervenes -- The acting governor of the West Bank district of Jenin
said Sunday how he was freed on the orders of Palestinian President Yasser Arafat
after kidnappers had beaten and threatened to kill him.
Likud faction discusses finance of separation fence
construction
Ha'aretz 2003-07-21
The Likud faction convened on Monday to discuss the construction of the security
fence separating Israel and the West Bank, ahead of a Knesset Finance Committee
vote on the issue scheduled for Tuesday. Prime Minister Ariel Sharon said that
"the best separation fence should be built in the shortest period of time," even
though the project involves a massive amount of work and would cost billions of
shekels.
Netanyahu allows Israelis to do business with Iraq
Ha'aretz 2003-07-21
Finance Minister Benjamin Netanyahu signed an injunction Monday allowing Israeli
companies to conduct business with Iraq. The decision will make it easier for
Israeli companies to participate in rebuilding Iraq, a process being led by Britain
and the United States. Israelis will now be able to invest in Iraq and import
and export goods between the two countries.
Arafat Orders Republication of Decree on Incitement,
with Immediate Effect
Palestine Media Center 2003-07-21
July 21, 2003 - President Yasser Arafat on Sunday ordered, with immediate effect,
republication of the three-article presidential decree No. 3 of 1998 reinforcing
national unity, forbidding racial discrimination, “incitement to violence,”
insulting various religions, and “incitement to violate agree- ments contracted
by the Palestine Liberation Organization” (PLO).
Finance Committee set to approve funds for security
fence
Jerusalem Post 2003-07-21
The Knesset Finance Committee is expected to approve transferring some NIS 750
million on Tuesday for building the security fence, after Prime Minister Ariel
Sharon compelled Likud MKs on the committee to vote in favor of the transfer.
Water Commissioner: Planned desalination capacity
inadequate
Globes 2003-07-21
Water Commissioner Shimon Tal: There will be a potable water shortage of 1.5 billion
cubic meters a year in Israel, Jordan, and the Palestinian Authority by 2025.
Sharon backs Netanyahu's stance over single moms
Ha'aretz 2003-07-21
Prime Minister Ariel Sharon yesterday told his cabinet that "it is not possible
that someone who does not work earns more than someone who does work," during
a very brief discussion on the growing protest by single-parent families. Sharon
also said he supports Finance Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's plan to solve the
plight of single mothers faced with cuts in their income support, adding that
the government "won't cave in" to the mothers.
Interior Minister Poraz tells police he voted twice
by accident
Ha'aretz 2003-07-21
Fraud squad investigators questioned Interior Minister Avraham Poraz in police
headquarters in Jerusalem for more than two hours yesterday as part of their ongoing
investigation into the Knesset double voting scandal that broke out in May during
a vote on the government's economic plan.
In Knesset-army showdown, MK Steinitz bows to Mofaz
Ha'aretz 2003-07-21
Knesset Foreign Affairs and Defense Committee Chairman MK Yuval Steinitz has backed
down from his demand that Military Intelligence chief Maj. Gen. Aharon Farkash-Ze'evi
be the first witness to testify to the subcommittee he heads on the MI's assessment
of Iraq leading up to the Gulf war, and not the chief of staff as the army - backed
by the defense minister - preferred.
PM's choice will head women's authority
Ha'aretz 2003-07-21
The government yesterday approved the nomination of Yehudit Plotkin as the new
director of the authority for the advancement of women. Plotkin, a Likud-activist
nominated to the position by Prime Minister Ariel Sharon, replaces Ronit Lev-Ari,
who was appointed by former prime minister Ehud Barak and stayed on under Sharon
until her term expired about six months ago.
Cop in anti-terror unit convicted of fraud, breach
of trust
Ha'aretz 2003-07-21
The Ramle Magistrate's Court on Sunday convicted Yoav Barzilai, an officer with
the police's special anti-terror unit (known by its Hebrew acronym YAMAM), of
fraud and breach of trust.
Human
Rights..
Palestinians
'reduced to begging'
The Guardian 2003-07-21
Palestinians in Gaza and the
West Bank have been "reduced to begging" by Israeli military action, and Israel
is breaching international law by failing to provide much-needed aid, a UN expert
said yesterday. "There is a permanent, grave violation of the right to food by
the occupying forces. There is a catastrophic humanitarian situation," said Jean
Ziegler, UN special expert on the right to food.
Does a 7 Kilometer Journey between the Village and
the City endanger Israel?
Physicians for Human Rights - Israel 2003-07-17
On 13 July, Physicians for Human Rights-Israel turned to the Coordinator of the
Government`s Activities in the Occupied Territories, and demanded that Israeli
army officials and the Civil Administration stop the practice of requiring Palestinians
to have permits to travel within the West Bank and should allow freedom of movement
for the residents of the Occupied Territories so that they may manage their day
to day lives, ranging from medical treatment to education and the economy.
The Tale of Two Prisoners: Special Report
Palestine Chronicle 2003-07-18
OCCUPIED JERUSALEM (PC) - Nimer Sha'ban and his uncle Mahmoud Safadi have had
the best years of their lives taken from them. Fourteen-years-ago they were both
imprisoned for resisting the Israeli occupation and they are still in jail today.
Sabri Safadi, brother of Mahmoud and uncle of Nimer, said: “I spend a lot
of nights just thinking. Sometimes you are weak enough to cry, sometimes you are
angry.
UN expert says 56% of the Palestinian people eat one
meal per day
Electronic Intifada 2003-07-18
The UN special rapporteur on the right to food John Ziegler said Friday that 56%
of the population eat only one meal per day and that 60% are living in extreme
poverty. Returning from a field mission to the Occupied Palestinian Territories
Ziegler added that there is massive economic destruction in the Palestinian territories.
U.S. Opposes Jordan Valley Fence, Would Completely
Imprison Palestinians
International Middle East Media Center 2003-07-21
Israeli Army Radio quoted an American official assaying that United States seriously
opposes Israel’s intentions to build a fence to separate the Jordan Valley
from other Palestinian land. The American official reiterated the U.S. opposition
to the separation fence in general and more specifically the planned eastern route
of the fence.
Student Released, Suffers Amnesia and Paralysis
International Middle East Media Center 2003-07-20
After three months in detention, Israeli prison authorities released on Saturday
prisoner Anas Shreiteh 24, originally from Yatta village near Hebron but now living
in the city of Nablus. Anas’s wife told reporters that her husband was released
after he became totally paralyzed and lost his memory.
An Orphan Child Celebrates His First Birthday After
Release
International Press Center 2003-07-21
Five days after his release from the "Beit Eil" Israeli occupation detention camp,
15-year old Tareq Abbad, from Al Bireh City, has celebrated his fifteenth birthday,
despite the physical and psychological trauma....The child has been held in a
cell with 15 other children. The holding cells were only 16 square meters each,
with four mattresses.
Deportations, Detention, and the ISM 8: Who's Where,
When Do They Get There
International Solidarity Movement 2003-07-20
New information necessitates a correction to the ISM update for the 19th. We have
learned that the status of the ISM peace workers who have agreed to deportation
is as follows..The complete lack of access to communication with the prisoners
has complicated every step of the process for the ISM and its supporters.
Refugees conference affirms right of return
Palestinian Information Center 2003-07-21
Al-Khalil - A preparatory committee was formed in the Doheisha refugee camp in
the West Bank to arrange for a popular conference endorsing the Palestinian refugees’
right of return as a sacred right guaranteed by international doctrines especially
the UN Security Council resolution 194.
Adalah demands translators for Arabic-speakers in
courts
Ha'aretz 2003-07-21
Adalah, The Legal Center for Arab Minority Rights in Israel, has told Dan Arbel,
Director of the Courts in Israel, that his recent order to judges to limit translation
services available to Arabic speakers is illegal and damages the status of Arabic
as an official language in Israel.
Israel ordeal of 'IRA bomb maker'
The Guardian 2003-07-18
A west Belfast man wrongly accused of training Palestinian militants to make bombs
returned to Northern Ireland yesterday and described his five-day ordeal at the
hands of the Israeli authorities.
Condemnation of Belgian Government's Decision to Abandon
the Universal Jurisdiction Law under Economic Pressure
Alternative Information Center 2003-07-21
Lawyers for the Survivors of the Sabra and Shatila Massacre 7-18-03 -- The Belgian
government has decided to abandon the law on universal jurisdiction. Henceforth,
jurisdiction shall be limited to cases involving Belgian victims, Belgian perpetrators,
or perpetrators living on Belgian soil. Fierce pressure from the United States
of America and Israel, combined with strategic and legal errors by the Belgian
authorities concerning a number of recent complaints, ultimately forced the government
to take this huge step backwards.
Buying Israeli Spike Missile ‘Immoral’:
UK Told
Palestine Chronicle 2003-07-18
LONDON - The International Solidarity Campaign (ISC) is urging the British government
not to further facilitate Israeli war crimes by purchasing "immoral" Spike anti-tank
missiles from the Israeli government regime.
Interior Ministry Approves Registry of Palestinian
Brothers
Jerusalem Center for Social and Economic Rights 2003-07-17
In an unprecedented action, the Israeli Interior Ministry has approved registry
of Husam & Khaled Shihabi and granted them Jerusalem ID cards....Mr. Qadah
described the Ministry’s decision as ‘very important’, as it
allows him to submit a strategic petition against the Ministry’s procedures,
which prevent the registration of children if one parent is from the West Bank...
Economy..
Single
mothers urge Bush to push PM to cancel benefit cuts
Ha'aretz 2003-07-21
Vicki Knafo and the leaders
of the single mothers' protest movement wrote to U.S. President George Bush on
Sunday, pleading with him to help annul the cuts in their state benefits introduced
by Prime Minister Ariel Sharon's government.
World Bank: Intifada depressed Israel’s GDP
by 9% by end 2002
Globes 2003-07-21
The Palestinian Authority’s GDP plunged 36% between September 2000 and December
2002. -- Israel’s GDP fell 9% between September 2000 and December 2002,
due to the intifada, states the World Bank in a report on the intifada’s
impact on the Palestinian economy. The intifada cost Israel $3-3.6 billion.
World Bank Report: Twenty-Seven Months - Intifada,
Closures and Palestinian Economic Crisis - Acrobat format
Palestine Media Center 2003-07-21
HCJ petition: Order Antitrust Authority to decide
whether Microsoft Israel monopoly
Globes 2003-07-21
Online Freedom Forum: Even the Antitrust Authority’s website is accessible
only to people with Microsoft Windows PCs. -- Online Freedom Forum head Oded Lavi
petitioned the High Court of Justice today to order Antitrust Authority director
general Dror Strum to decide whether Microsoft Israel is a monopoly.
IDF to equip with IMI’s Tavor rifle
Globes 2003-07-21
The Ministry of Defense will buy 15,000 rifles from its shekel budget. Ministry
of Defense director general Amos Yaron: Negotiations are underway to sell the
Tavor to foreign armies.
Health officials say solution to cash crisis is in
sight
Ha'aretz 2003-07-21
Senior sources in the government health system reported that the Ministry of Health
and the treasury were close to a solution to the crisis after Health Minister
Dan Naveh and Finance Minister Benjamin Netanyahu reached a series of agreements
in their meetings the day before yesterday.
People..
Report:
A half million Israelis live in the U.S.
Ha'aretz 2003-07-21
More than 650,000 Israelis - equal to about a tenth of the country's population
- live abroad, according to a Foreign Ministry study quoted by the daily Yedioth
Ahronoth yesterday. The study, completed by the ministry's consular section last
week, shows the vast majority, almost a half million, live in the U.S., the paper
reported.
Glimmer of hope as Israel readmits Gaza labourers
Jordan Times 2003-07-21
GAZA CITY (AFP) — After nearly three years of unemployment, life is finally
improving for thousands of Palestinians in the Gaza Strip since Israel allowed
them to return to work two weeks ago. The relief at being able to earn money once
more means none of them dare complain about security checks, working conditions
and the long journey to Israel.
Hany Abu-Assad wins 'Spirit of Freedom Award' at Jerusalem
Film Festival
Electronic Intifada 2003-07-21
Hany Abu-Assad's documentary 'Ford Transit', which follows Palestinian taxi-van
driver Rajai who tries to live and survive in and around roadblocks separating
Ramallah from Jerusalem, won the 'Spirit of Freedom Award', dedicated to the memory
of Wim van Leer, for best documentary at the 20th annual Jerusalem Film Festival.
The most watched film in history
BBC 2003-07-21
Forget Titanic. Forget Star Wars and Gone With the Wind. They are small fry compared
to the Jesus Film, which has been watched by more than two billion people. And
now the people behind it have their eyes on a new goal... Iraq....But how, while
it is virtually unknown in the UK and many other Western countries, did it ever
receive such an enormous worldwide audience? And how did it get translated into
more than 760 languages and dialects, among them Uyghur, Jorai, Karakalpak, Hakka,
Mongo-Nkudu and Nosu Yi?
International..
Blair
Declines to Raise Israel's Nuclear Arms with Sharon
Palestine Chronicle
2003-07-18
"Blair's comments were seen
in stark contrast to the recent threats of sanctions he has made against Iran,
which unlike Israel, is a signatory to the NPT and is subjected to regular IAEA
tests .." -- LONDON - British Prime Minister Tony Blair avoided raising any concern
over Israel's illegal arsenal of nuclear weapons during his meetings this week
with Ariel Sharon in London, it has been revealed in parliament.
Pak-Israeli nexus now an open book
The Statesman 2003-07-21
ISLAMABAD, July 20. — The Pakistani army secretly helped Israel re-route
captured Soviet arms to the mujahideen fighting the Red Army in Afghanistan, a
new book claims. Zia-ul Haq, the then Pakistani President, happily acquiesced
with the deal but laid down just one condition: “Just don’t put any
Stars of David on the boxes,” claims the book, War: The Extraordinary Story
of the Largest Covert Operation in History.
Indian, Jewish Lobbies at Work in USA
The Statesman 2003-07-20
WASHINGTON, July 19. - The alliance of Indian American and American Jewish lobbies
to serve the common interests of India and Israel is increasingly becoming effective,
and the recent legislation requiring Pakistan to curb cross-border terrorism is
considered one of their victories, media reported today.
Syria loosens its grip on Lebanon
Christian Science Monitor 2003-07-21
Despite the latest troop withdrawal last week, about 15,000 Syrians remain. --
KHALDAH, LEBANON – Syria has staged its fourth troop redeployment from Lebanon
in three years as Damascus continues to remove the visible examples of the vise-like
grip it exerts on its tiny neighbor.
Powell looks forward to end of Syrian presence
Daily Star 2003-07-21
Washington has noted concessions but wants even more -- US Secretary of State
Colin Powell on Saturday outlined his country’s stance with regard to Syria
and expressed hope that one day all Syrian troops would be completely withdrawn
from Lebanon. Speaking during an interview with Paris-based Radio Monte Carlo
on Saturday, Powell argued that Syria was “occupying another country, which
is not part of Syria.”
Hariri: Withdrawal proves Damascus has confidence
in Beirut
Daily Star 2003-07-21
Prime Minister Rafik Hariri said that the latest Syrian withdrawal from Lebanon
reflected increased confidence in the Lebanese authorities, adding that any additional
Syrian redeployments depended on the country’s situation....This was the
first time a Lebanese official spoke out over this issue.
Bush says Syria, Iran must stop 'terror' support
Ha'aretz 2003-07-21
CRAWFORD, Texas - U.S. President George W. Bush on Monday accused Syria and Iran
of supporting "terrorists" who undermine Middle East peace efforts and said countries
continuing the practice would be held accountable.
India, Israel Interests Team Up
Washington Post 2003-07-21
Common Needs Lead to a Growing Lobbying Alliance -- When the House passed a $3
billion aid package for Pakistan this week, Jewish and Indian American lobbyists
teamed up to win an amendment pressuring Pakistan to stop Islamic militants from
crossing into India. Wearing lapel pins of the Stars and Stripes sandwiched between
the flags of India and Israel, the amendment's supporters then gathered in a Capitol
Hill reception room to celebrate the burgeoning political alliance between Indians
and Jews in the United States.
Jordan's new government sworn in
Middle East Online 2003-07-21
Eight new faces in Jordan's new 28-member government with introduction of separate
environment ministry. -- AMMAN - Jordan's new 28-member government was sworn in
before King Abdullah II on Monday, ahead of a confidence vote in parliament expected
next week, an official at the royal palace said.
Riyadh thwarts terror attacks
Middle East Online 2003-07-21
RIYADH - Saudi police have foiled planned "terror" attacks against the kingdom's
key installations, including targets in the oil-rich Eastern Province, and arrested
16 suspected terrorists, the interior ministry announced Monday.
Iraq: UN refugee chief calls return of Kurds displaced
by Saddam Hussein a priority
Arabic News 2003-07-21
The top United Nations refugee official Friday discussed with Iraqi Kurdish leaders
the return of hundreds of thousands of people, mostly Kurds, forcibly displaced
under Saddam Hussein's devastating "Arabization" policy, calling it a priority
but one that also needed a fair solution for the Arabs brought in to replace them.
Vatican builds biggest Middle East Church
Come And See 2003-07-21
The Vatican will build the biggest church of the Middle East in Jordan near the
site where scholars believe Jesus was baptized by John the Baptist, ASSIST News
Service (ANS) has learned from official sources. According to "Come and See" Editor,
the biggest Church in the Middle East nowadays is the Church of Annonciation in
Nazareth.
Shahab-3 Missile Poses No Regional Threat: Iran
Islam Online 2003-07-21
TEHRAN, July 21 (IslamOnline.net & News Agencies) - Iran denied Monday, July
21, that its new ballistic missile - that brings Israel within range - is a threat
to the region. "All our weapons are defensive and deterrent," foreign ministry
spokesman Hamid-Reza Asefi told journalists, adding "the Islamic republic does
not threaten other countries, as the last 25 years have shown."
Blair accepts military trial for Britons
The Guardian 2003-07-21
US warnings shift view on Guantanamo Bay prisoners -- Tony Blair indicated yesterday
that two of the British men being detained at Guantanamo Bay in Cuba will still
stand trial before a US military court because national security would be at risk
if they were returned to Britain.
Scientist's Demise Stalks Blair
Toronto Globe & Mail 2003-07-21
British Prime Minister Tony Blair struggled yesterday to quell the biggest crisis
of his leadership, ruling out his resignation over the apparent suicide of a government
weapons expert but promising to take responsibility if an inquiry finds that the
government had a role in the man's death.
US seeks to establish a military base in Algeria
Arabic News 2003-07-21
The Algerian daily L' Occidental De Oran said yesterday that the American government
is negotiating with the Algerian authorities at the meantime over founding an
American military base to the south of Algeria.
Arab youths wooed with US magazine
BBC 2003-07-18
The United States has launched an Arabic-language lifestyle magazine for young
men and women across the Middle East. The government hopes the publication, called
Hi, will change America's image among 18 to 35 year olds in the Arab world.
Report on USA Patriot Act Alleges Civil Rights Violations
New York Times 2003-07-21
WASHINGTON, July 20 — A report by internal investigators at the Justice
Department has identified dozens of recent cases in which department employees
have been accused of serious civil rights and civil liberties violations involving
enforcement of the sweeping federal antiterrorism law known as the USA Patriot
Act.
US$40 Million Theme Park Project Launched In Lebanon
Al-Hayat 2003-07-21
United Arab Emirates business tycoon Khalaf al Habtoor has launched a US$40 million
project to build Lebanon's first theme park, hailed as a new concept for providing
quality entertainment and education in a pleasant environment.
Iraq war 'began last year'
The Guardian 2003-07-21
The Iraq war began in mid-2002 with intensive air strikes under the guise of enforcing
the southern no-fly zone over the country, a senior US officer admitted in remarks
published yesterday. Lieutenant General Michael Moseley, the chief allied war
commander, said that the previously secret plan, Operation Southern Focus, was
launched last summer - before President Bush took his case against Baghdad to
the United Nations.
Turkey, U.S. to Disucss Better Relations
The Guardian 2003-07-21
ANKARA, Turkey (AP) - With ties between allies at an all-time low, Turkey and
the United States are taking steps to amend relations, discussing the possible
deployment of Turkish peacekeepers in a stabilizing force in Iraq that would help
relieve U.S. soldiers there.
MI5 under fire in spy muddle
The Guardian 2003-07-21
Special Branch in Belfast are privately furious with MI5 for passing on erroneous
intelligence to Israel that led to the arrest of the wrong man on the West Bank
last weekend. Sean O'Muireagain was freed from Israeli custody on Wednesday after
it emerged that he was not the man the British security services thought was in
Palestinian territory training terrorist groups.
Iran inaugurates missile capable of reaching Israel
Ha'aretz 2003-07-21
TEHRAN - Iran equipped its elite revolutionary guards Sunday with a locally made
ballistic missile - the Shihab-3 - capable of reaching Israel and U.S. forces
stationed in Saudi Arabia and Turkey..... The Shihab-3 has a range of about 810
miles (1,296 kilometers), making it able to reach Israel and U.S. troops stationed
in Saudi Arabia, Afghanistan, Pakistan and Turkey.
ISM
News
Guardian
News
The
Independent Iraq, Middle East news
BBC
news
Islam
Online news
Palestine
Media Center news
International
Press Center news
Ha'aretz
news
Washington
Post Iraq, Middle east news
News
Archives
|
|
|
|
