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Conflict..
Border Police kill Israeli who refused to stop for check
Ha'aretz 2003-07-24
Border Police officers shot and killed a Bedouin man Thursday near the Shocket junction in the south of the country after he refused to stop his vehicle for a routine security check. The man was identified as 23-year-old, father of three Nassar Abu al-Qia`an from a Bedouin settlement in the Negev.
Large Units of Israeli Police & Border Guards Raid Shu’fat Refugee Camp
Jerusalem Center for Social and Economic Rights 2003-07-24
In one of the biggest Israeli campaigns to date, large units of the Israeli police, the Jerusalem Municipality, the National Insurance Institute, and the Arnona Municipal Department raided Shu’fat refugee camp, north of Occupied Jerusalem, early Wednesday morning. Over 200 Palestinian residents, mostly workers from the West Bank plus a number of Palestinian Jerusalemites from the camp, have been arrested for questioning by Israeli security forces. Pictures of recently-built houses have been taken.
Israeli cyclist stabbed near Arab refugee camp in capital
Jerusalem Post 2003-07-24
A 40-year-old Israeli resident of Jerusalem riding home on bicycle Wednesday night was stabbed and moderately wounded by four Arab assailants near the city's northern Shuafat refugee camp, police said. It was the second major stabbing in the capital in the last three days....The four 15 year old suspects approached Shilo, asked him if he wanted to sell his bike, then threw him off the bike, and stabbed him in the back with a kitchen knife before fleeing.
Israeli Troops Arrest Civilians in Hebron, Harass Others in Tulkarim, Beef Up Presence in Southern Gaza strip
International Press Center 2003-07-24
PALESTINE, July 24, 2003 (IPC+ Agencies)--Israeli occupation forces (IOF) escalated Thursday oppressive measures against Palestinians in different cities. In the West Bank city of Hebron, Israeli troops arrested four Palestinian civilians after storming a number of houses to the south of the city, WAFA reported....In Tulkarim city, Israeli soldiers, stationed at several military roadblocks to the south of the city, harassed Palestinian civilians traveling at roads by beating and chasing them after checking their identities.
Israel Accuses Palestinian Resistance of Kidnapping Soldier
Palestine Chronicle 2003-07-24
HEBRON, West Bank - Israel on Thursday accused Palestinian elements of kidnapping an Israeli soldier for the purpose of exchanging him for Palestinian political prisoners detained in Israeli jails. The Israeli radio said that the solider who went missing two days ago might have been kidnapped by Palestinian guerrillas.
At least 7 hurt in explosion at Gaza prison
Jerusalem Post 2003-07-24
An explosion rocked the central Palestinian prison in Gaza City after sundown Thursday, Palestinian security officials said, and hospital doctors said at least seven people were wounded, but not seriously.
Israeli troops expelling 36 families from their homes in east Jerusalem
Miftah 2003-07-24
Israeli troops have set up a military roadblock just outside Dahiyat AlSalam near the village of Anata in east Jerusalem. Palestinian residents of Dahitat AlSalam are being detained and forced to sign a document stating that they are unlawfully residing in the neighborhood.
Israeli Settler Numbers ‘Rise’ To Record High
Islam Online 2003-07-24
OCCUPIED JERUSALEM, July 24 (IslamOnline.net & News Agencies) - The number of Jewish settlers in the West Bank and Gaza Strip has risen by 5,400 during the last 12 months to reach a record 231,443, according to figures from the Israeli Interior Ministry on Thursday, July 24.
SIS report: 168 Killed, 2,881 Wounded and Industrial Losses of $565 million in Tulkarem Governorate During 33 Months of Al Aqsa Intifada
International Press Center 2003-07-24
In a report prepared by the Palestinian National Information Center (PNIC) revealed that the number of Palestinians, aged from 19 to 50, killed amounted about 127, making up 77.9% of the total death toll in Tulkarem governorate of the West Bank during the last 33 months of Al Aqsa Intifada, in an indication that the Israeli soldiers targeted with intent the Palestinian youth.
In 32 Months, IOF Kills 592 Students, wounds 4198 and further$3 millions material losses
International Press Center 2003-07-24
PALESTINE, July 24, 2003 (IPC) – In a report accounted on the losses of educational sector in OPT released by Palestinian Education Ministry, about 592 Palestinian students were killed including 377 school pupils, 186 university students, 22 teachers, 6 ministry officers, and a university officeholder who was killed in an extra-judicial assassination attempt carried out by Israeli warplanes in Gaza, since the eruption of Al Aqsa Intifada until June 3, 2003.
BREAKING NEWS: Prisoners Society director arrested
International Press Center 2003-07-24
13:30-- Israeli occupation forces arrested Palestinian citizen, Issam Farokh, director at the Palestinian Prisoners Society, in Ramallah, (WAFA)...12:55-- IOF blocked the Al-Tuffah checkpoint in Khan-Younis, preventing hundreds of Palestinian vehicles and pedestrians from entering or leaving the Al-Mawasi neighborhood, south of the city, Palestinian security sources said.
IDF arrests 3 suspected terrorists in West Bank
Jerusalem Post 2003-07-24
The Israel Defense Forces arrested a Tanzim operative in Rahmallah this morning and two Palestinians were taken into custody in the West Bank last night. The three men are accused of being directly involved in terror activity, a military source told The Jerusalem Post.
Jerusalem security fence will not stop 'low-level' attacks
Jerusalem Post 2003-07-24
The ongoing construction of a security fence surrounding Jerusalem as part of a multi-pronged defense plan around the capital is unlikely to have an impact on "low-grade" terror attacks such as stabbings because of the simple geographic and demographics of the city, Israeli security officials said Thursday.
Huge explosion rocks PA prison in Gaza, cause unknown
Ha'aretz 2003-07-24
GAZA CITY - A huge explosion rocked the central Palestinian prison in Gaza City after sundown Thursday, Palestinian security officials said, and hospital doctors said that at least seven people were wounded. It was not immediately known what caused the explosion.
Hizbullah leader defends armed response to overflights
Daily Star 2003-07-24
Hizbullah’s South Lebanon commander, Sheikh Nabil Qaouq, on Wednesday said that Hizbullah’s armed response to Israeli overflights over Lebanese territory a day before was justified. Addressing a group of students from Belgium, Britain and France visiting the former prison in Khiam, the Hizbullah official said that the UN was given a “long chance to bring the Israeli overflights of Lebanese territories to a halt.” But, he said, the Lebanese resistance “will not hesitate to challenge the Israeli warplanes’ overflights so they would be costly and hurt Israeli settlers.”
Number of settlers in West Bank and Gaza Strip growing
Al-Bawaba 2003-07-24
The number of settlers living in the occupied West Bank and Gaza Strip has risen by 5,415 since the outset of the current year, Israel's Interior Ministry statistics from the end of June indicated.
Driver who gave missing soldier ride says he got out in north
Ha'aretz 2003-07-24
Police said Thursday that they had located the driver who gave a ride to missing Israel Defense Forces soldier Oleg Shaichat on Monday afternoon, from a hitchhiking spot at Ami Ad junction in the Galilee. The driver, also an IDF soldier, told investigators that Schaichat had got out of the car at the Beit Rimon junction in the Upper Galilee.
Israeli police kill second Arab citizen in less than 48 hours
Al-Bawaba 2003-07-24
An Israeli policeman shot and killed an Arab citizen Thursday near a junction in the south of the country. The policeman said he opened fire after the man refused to stop his vehicle for a routine security check. The dead was identified as 23-year-old, father of three Mohammed Abu al-Jia'an from a nearby Bedouin village.
Hear Palestine July 24, 2003
Hear Palestine 2003-07-24
NEWS: 2 Palestinians Killed within 'Green Line' in 2 Days / Hebron: 4 Residents Arrested / Military Reinforcements in `Gosh Qatif' Settlements / Khan Younis: Tuffah Military Roadblock Closed / Ramallah: Head of Detainee Center Arrested / Tulkarem: Ongoing Israeli Attacks against Civilians
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Diplomacy..
Abbas to Congress: Israel undermining Bush's vision of peace
Ha'aretz 2003-07-24
Palestinian Prime Minister Mahmoud Abbas told congressional leaders Thursday that Israel was undermining President George W. Bush's vision of Mideast peace by continuing to build Jewish settlements on the West Bank and constructing a security fence to separate Israel from Palestinian areas. Abbas arrived in Washington on Thursday ahead of talks with President Bush on Friday. Abbas told the Arabic-language newspaper Al Quds that he will discuss the problematic implications of the separation fence with the U.S. administration, presenting them with maps illustrating the route of the planned fence and the surrounding lands that will be appropriated by Israel to build the fence.
FM Shalom blasts Washington's opposition to security fence
Ha'aretz 2003-07-24
Foreign Minister Silvan Shalom has rejected opposition by Washington and the Palestinian Authority to Israel's separation fence in the West Bank, insisting that the fence will actually help the peace process by thwarting terror attacks by Palestinian militants bent on wrecking it. In his talks Wednesday with National Security Adviser Condoleezza Rice, Shalom was told that the U.S. wants Israel to halt construction of the fence and alter its route, Israel Radio reported Thursday.
Israel, PA quietly seek immunity deal
Ha'aretz 2003-07-24
Israeli and Palestinian security authorities are negotiating a deal under which armed men wanted by Israel would be granted immunity in exchange for commitments by the Palestinian Authority that the wanted suspects would not be involved in new terrorist acts or attacks on IDF troops. Palestinian sources said the talks are part of an effort for an agreement between the PA and Fatah activists in the West Bank to end activity by rogue Fatah cells, and in some cases to draft them into the Palestinian security services.
Israeli-U.S. Misunderstanding Over Fence Growing: FM
Islam Online 2003-07-24
WASHINGTON, July 24 (IslamOnline.net & News Agencies) - As Palestinian Prime Minister Mahmud Abbas began his first landmark trip to Washington for talks with President George W. Bush on Thursday, July 24, Israel said a "misunderstanding" is developing with the U.S. administration over the construction of the so-called "separation fence".
Imprisoned behind barbed wire: "Without European decisiveness no perspective on peace in the Middle East"
Electronic Intifada/United Civilians for Peace 2003-07-24
Prominent Dutch women: "Israeli military occupation of Palestinian territories threatens Israel's own security" -- While Israeli and Palestinian negotiators discuss the road map to peace and while Palestinian groups maintain a ceasefire, a delegation of nine prominent Dutch women visited Israel and the occupied Palestinian territories (July 6 - 12, 2003). The delegation was shocked to observe that while presently attempts are made to have the road map implemented, Israel is bringing about an opposite reality on the ground.
Opportunity 'Must not Be Lost', Powell Tells Palestinians, Israelis
Palestine Chronicle 2003-07-24
WASHINGTON - Shortly ahead of the arrival of the Palestinian and Israeli prime ministers in Washington, the US Secretary of State Colin Powell warned that “both sides” have to “realize this is an opportunity that must not be lost.” US President George W. Bush will meet with the Palestinian and Israeli premiers Mahmud Abbas and Ariel Sharon at the White House on Friday and Tuesday respectively.
Abbas meets Arab leaders ahead of Washington visit
Jerusalem Times 2003-07-25
Prime Minister Mahmoud Abbas held talks with the Jordanian King Abdullah II Tuesday and the Egyptian President Hussni Mubarak Monday on the peace process in the Middle East, the implementation of the roadmap and the truce declared by the Palestinian factions three weeks ago.
US inclined to accept Palestinian view regarding fence as Abbas arrives in Washington
Al-Bawaba 2003-07-24
A "misunderstanding" is developing between the Bush administration and Israel over the construction of the so-called "separation fence" between Israel and the West Bank, Israeli Foreign Minister Silvan Shalom said Thursday. "A misunderstanding is developing with the Americans on this fence because of ignorance of the specifics of this project," Shalom said from Washington, where he met US Secretary of State Colin Powell on Wednesday.
EU Working To Help Israel, Palestinians Link Power Grids
Al-Hayat 2003-07-24
Israel and the Palestinian Authority committed themselves Wednesday to finalize agreements to link their power grids and define energy projects of common interest by the end of the year. "This is an important step for peace between Israel and Palestine," said EU Energy Commissioner Loyola de Palacio who helped broker the deal.
Shalom in U.S. meets Cheney, denounces Iran, Syria
Ha'aretz 2003-07-24
WASHINGTON - After a White House meeting with Vice President Dick Cheney, Foreign Minister Silvan Shalom yesterday said Syria needs to shut down its extremists' training camps and Iran should open its doors to wider nuclear weapons inspections. Shalom reiterated comments President George Bush made earlier this week when he accused Syria and Iran of harboring terrorists, and said terrorism was the greatest obstacle to peace in the Middle East.
People and Politics / Beware of PMs bearing gifts
Ha'aretz 2003-07-24
Sharon's first present to Bush was to freeze planning on the security fence route between Israel and the West Bank. -- ...The worrisome news from Washington said that the Palestinian advance parties ahead of Abu Mazen's arrival have had an extraordinary success in preparing the groundwork in Congress and the administration. Sharon's office had already reached the conclusion that the prime minister cannot go to Washington without bringing some gifts.
Arafat: Foreign observers needed to oversee Roadmap
Jerusalem Times 2003-07-25
President Yasser Arafat urged Monday the Quartet committee which drafted the roadmap peace plan to send foreign observers to oversee the shaky peace process. "It is necessary to send to the region foreign observers who will work under the guide of the United States, Russia, the European Union and United Nations," Arafat told Russia's Channel One television.
Panel eases criteria for freeing prisoners
Ha'aretz 2003-07-24
Government sources last night said the original list of Palestinian prisoners the Shin Bet proposed Israel release as a goodwill gesture to the new Palestinian government was "not serious." It did not include enough prisoners, so it was decided to increase the number by at least 100....A first session of the ministerial panel yesterday decided to release about 530 prisoners, including between 90-100 Hamas and Islamic Jihad men who did not carry out terror attacks. But Sharon ruled that the releases of the Islamic fundamentalists would be postponed until the government can reconvene and revote on whether Hamas and Islamic Jihad detainees can be released.
U.S. wants compromise from Abbas and Sharon
Ha'aretz 2003-07-24
WASHINGTON - The Bush administration yesterday called on Israel and the Palestinians to take more steps toward peacemaking and a better life for people in the region. The plea was issued on the eve of visits by Palestinian Prime Minister Mahmoud Abbas and Israeli Prime Minister Ariel Sharon. The two leaders will see President George W. Bush at the White House - Abbas tomorrow and Sharon next Tuesday.
Keeping up the 'roadmap' momentum
BBC 2003-07-24
Diplomacy in the Middle East peace process is picking up pace once again as the key players make their way to the White House to press their case. The reason for this sudden burst of activity is the fear that positive early momentum on the "roadmap" is being lost as each side waits for the other to follow through on commitments.
'Hezbollah won't discuss prisoner swap'
Ha'aretz 2003-07-24
Hezbollah is refusing to renew talks over the exchange of prisoners with Israel, according to Ori Tenenbaum, the son of kidnapped Israeli businessman Elhanan Tenenbaum. His father has been held by the Lebanese organization since October 2000. Earlier this month, there were reports in the Lebanese media that the German-brokered negotiations between Israel and Hezbollah were making progress.
Poll says Jewish settlers will leave if paid
Financial Times 2003-07-24
Seventy-four per cent of Jewish settlers living in the West Bank and Gaza Strip would be willing to leave their homes in return for compensation from the Israeli government as part of a peace deal with the Palestinians, according to an opinion poll published on Wednesday.
King calls on Israel to release Palestinian prisoners
Jordan Times 2003-07-24
AMMAN (JT) — His Majesty King Abdullah called Wednesday on Israel to take practical steps to implement the roadmap, freeze settlement activities and release Palestinian prisoners. Meeting with Palestinian Prime Minister Mahmoud Abbas at the Royal Court, King Abdullah reiterated Jordan's support for the Palestinian Authority and its efforts to accomplish the roadmap, the US-backed peace plan for the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.
Withdrawal Line Between Israel and Lebanon Remains Calm But Tense: Annan
Palestine Chronicle 2003-07-24
NEW YORK (United Nations) - Israel and Lebanon have by and large “exercised restraint,” resulting in a relative calm along the line of withdrawal, but tension between the two parties remains high, United Nations Secretary-General Kofi Annan says in a new report that also recommends a six-month extension of the UN force monitoring the situation in southern Lebanon.
PM Abbas Arrives in US for Crucial Talks with Bush
Palestine Media Center 2003-07-24
Palestinians, Israelis in Crisis over Detainees -- July 24, 2003 - Prime Minister Mahmud Abbas arrived in the United States for crucial talks with the US President Bush in Washington Friday after a meeting with the Jordanian monarch in Amman, amid a Palestinian – Israeli crisis over detainees in the jails of the Israeli Occupation Forces (IOF).
Palestinian Detainees Call on President Bush to Pressure Israel
International Press Center 2003-07-24
PALESTINE, July 24, 2003 (IPC+WAFA)-- Thousands of Palestinian detainees held in various Israeli prisons and detention camps called Thursday on President Bush to pressure the Israeli government to release them unconditionally. WAFA News Agency reported that the Palestinian detainees conveyed a message to President Bush, stressing that releasing them from Israeli prisons would rather further peace in the region not harm Israel’s security as Israel continues to claim.
Brigades’ Leader: Truce Should Be a Choice Not a Dictation
Palestine Chronicle 2003-07-24
Zakaria Al-Zubeidi 24, a refugee from Jenin Refugee Camp and the leader of Al-Aqsa Brigades (the military wing of Fatah), insists that the Brigades’ refusal to abide to the truce was neither a tactical step nor a challenge to the authority of President Arafat. “It is a stand for principles, which is neither negotiable nor subject to blackmail” he said. Al-Zubiedi, in an unexpected move, rejected the truce agreement even when it was accepted by Hamas, Islamic Jihad, and Fatah.
Hamas: Detainees’ question could not be divided
Palestinian Information Center 2003-07-24
Gaza - The Islamic Resistance Movement, Hamas, has affirmed that the question of Palestinian detainees in Zionist occupation jails would remain at the topmost priorities of the Movement. Hamas issued a statement yesterday warning that no party was ever authorized to surrender or bargain over freedom of those detainees. It cited the Oslo agreement as one such case when the question of prisoners was ignored.
Ranteesi: Zionist enemy shoulders responsibility for violating the truce
Palestinian Information Center 2003-07-24
Gaza - Dr. Abdul Aziz Ranteesi, political bureau member of the Islamic Resistance Movement, Hamas, has charged the Zionist entity of being responsible for violating the Palestinian factions’ declared truce. Ranteesi said that the Zionist enemy’s’ refusal to release all prisoners especially those affiliated with the Hamas and Islamic Jihad Movements had violated the ceasefire.
Top brass worried by lack of PA action against terror cells
Ha'aretz 2003-07-24
Some senior army and Shin Bet officers are becoming increasingly critical of the Palestinian government's apparent refusal to act against terrorist organizations in the territories. Security officials have recommended that Prime Minister Ariel Sharon avoid any goodwill measures until the Palestinians prove their intentions are serious.
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Government..
Abbas' Future Rests On Visit To Washington
Al-Hayat 2003-07-24
The Palestinian parliament could vote Prime Minister Mahmoud Abbas from power unless he wins substantial Israeli concessions in upcoming talks in Washington, a top Palestinian official said Wednesday. Abbas, who is supported by the United States and Israel but lacks popularity among Palestinians, is under heavy pressure to make progress in talks on Friday with U.S. President George W. Bush.
Palestinian legislature will grade Abbas on basis of Israeli concessions
Daily Star 2003-07-24
PM could be voted out of power unless Bush helps pressure Jewish state -- The Palestinian Parliament could vote Prime Minister Mahmoud Abbas out of power unless he wins substantial Israeli concessions in upcoming talks in Washington, a top Palestinian official said Wednesday. Abbas, who is supported by the US and Israel but lacks popularity among Palestinians, is under pressure to make progress in talks Friday with US President George W. Bush.
PA security closes summer camp at pretext of affiliating with Hamas
Palestinian Information Center 2003-07-24
Nablus - Citizens in the village of Kufr Al-Deek near the West Bank city of Nablus were surprised at the Palestinian Authority’s decision to close down a summer camp for their children. Well informed sources said that the decision was issued by one of the senior officials of the PA intelligence called Abu Jihad Kameel, who is well known for his anti-Islamic leanings and hostility to the Hamas Movement.
J'lem court extends remand for Pas and Shabo by six days
Ha'aretz 2003-07-24
Jerusalem Magistrate's Court yesterday extended the remand of Yitzhak Pas and Matti Shabo by six days. The two are suspected of belonging to a Jewish terror cell. The hearings were held in camera and the court has banned publication of details.
Palestinian-Egyptian committee to overhaul Gaza Airport
Jordan Times 2003-07-25
Saadi el Kurnz, Minister of Transportation, said that efforts are being made to overhaul Gaza Airport and make it functioning again last Tuesday. Gaza Airport is the only airport under the authority of the Palestinians and was forced to stop functioning after Israeli forces destroyed its runway and confiscated the tower's equipment last year.
Defense Ministry doesn't know the exact number of outposts
Ha'aretz 2003-07-24
Deputy Defense Minister Ze'ev Boim was unable to tell the Knesset yesterday how many illegal outposts there are at present in the territories.Responding to a question by Labor MK Matan Vilnai, Boim said, "We are talking about several dozen outposts that have not received approval and their number changes all the time. The numbers go up and down at various times."
IDF plans deep manpower cuts over 2-3 years
Globes 2003-07-24
The IDF plans to save NIS 260 million in 2004 through the personnel cuts. -- Under its multiyear "Bullet 2008" program, the IDF is planning manpower cuts over the next three years. Most of the cuts will in officers ranked major and above (1,244 officers) and sergeant majors (1,800 NCOs). Officers and NCOs aged 38 and above, candidates for promotion, and those rated in the top three quality deciles will not be retired.
PA police refuses to return Khalas party property
Palestinian Information Center 2003-07-24
Gaza - The Palestinian Authority police in the Gaza Strip were still refusing to return property of the Resalah newspaper, mouthpiece of the Khalas (Salvation) party. The possessions were confiscated around one and a half years ago when police closed down the paper and seized its premises converting it into a police station. The paper received a message from the PA police force early this week that it would return the paper’s property.
PA-Aqsa Martyrs relations pass through ups and downs
Palestinian Information Center 2003-07-24
Bethlehem - A number of incidents in various areas of the West Bank has recently occurred pointing to a growing unrest among Fatah members after finding themselves left out following the truce with the Zionist entity. The most prominent among those incidents was the Aqsa Martyrs Brigades (the military wing of the Fatah Movement) abduction of acting governor of the Jenin district Haider Ershaid and manhandling him.
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Human
Rights..
Stop the Wall Immediately
Alternative Information Center 2003-07-24
The Israeli government is currently erecting the Wall of Separation euphemistically called the "Security Fence" that might cause the displacement of 90,000 to 210,000 Palestinians. The signatories of this petition refuse to accept the Wall as inevitable, and decry the cowardice of those who do not raise their voices against this injustice.
The Israeli who defends suicide bombers
BBC 2003-07-24
In an office on the fourth floor of a building in East Jerusalem, a group of Palestinian women wait impatiently. They are here to see their lawyer, but she is busy on the telephone. It is a hot day and the windows are open in a vain attempt to air the stuffy room. A picture on the wall catches my eye. It is a painting of Palestinian prisoners sitting shackled on the ground in a desert camp, watched over by menacing-looking Israeli guards.
Weekly Report on Israeli Human Rights Violations in the Occupied Palestinian Territories, July 10 - 23
Palestinian Centre for Human Rights 2003-07-24
Indiscriminate Israeli shelling of Palestinian residential areas continued and 5 Palestinian civilians were wounded / Israeli forces annexed large areas of Palestinian land to “Morag” settlement, southeast of Khan Yunis / Continued Israeli incursions into Palestinian controlled areas / A house was demolished in Rafah and another was seized in Deir al-Balah / 2 houses in Beit Reema village near Ramallah were demolished as Israel continues its campaign of retaliation against the families of wanted Palestinians and those who allegedly carried out armed attacks against Israeli targets / Continued siege on Palestinian communities in the West Bank and partial siege in the Gaza Strip / 9 Palestinians arrested, one seriously wounded, by Israeli forces in the Gaza Strip...
Photos-Essay: Al-Nakba: The Palestinian Dispossession - Then and Now
Miftah 2003-05-14
In 1948 their homes were taken away; today they are still denied their Right of Return!
Belgium Lawmakers Debate War Crimes Law
The Guardian 2003-07-24
BRUSSELS, Belgium (AP) - Belgian lawmakers Thursday debated a reformed, more limited law for prosecuting war crimes to replace legislation that had become a political liability because of cases filed against President Bush and other world leaders. Prime Minister Guy Verhofstadt's government introduced the bill after the Bush administration threatened to pull NATO headquarters out of Belgium unless the 1993 law was scrapped.
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Economy..
Economy in Brief: 4,280 companies collapse
Jerusalem Times 2003-07-25
The Palestinian Union of Chambers of Commerce and Industry revealed the destructive results of the Israeli siege on the Palestinian economy. According to a recent study by the Small Projects Unit at the union, supported by the International Labor Organization, the most crucial problems burdening the Palestinian economy are reliance on the Israeli economy and the dilapidated infrastructure.
Arab women protest economic cuts
Ha'aretz 2003-07-24
Arab women demonstrating yesterday outside the treasury in Jerusalem against the government's economic decrees. Some 400 Arab citizens, including many single mothers and their children, traveled to the capital from communities in the Wadi Ara, Galilee and Haifa areas to join the public campaign against the government's cuts in welfare benefits. [In contrast to the heavy reporting of recent protests by Jewish women, protesting Arab women get a single paragraph and incomplete sentences. - Ed.]
Israel, Palestinians to set up joint power station
Globes 2003-07-24
The agreement to construct the power station on the Israel-Gaza Strip border was made under EU auspices. -- Minister of Infrastructure Joseph Paritzky, Palestinian Authority (PA) Minister of Energy Azzam Shawwa, and European Union (EU) representatives agreed yesterday in Brussels to cooperate in the construction of an Israeli-Palestinian power station. The power station will be on the border between Israel and the Gaza Strip.
Agricultural committees start project in Beit Hanoun
Jerusalem Times 2003-07-25
The general manager of the union of the agricultural working committee in Gaza,Eng. Mohammed Al-Baqri, said recently that a special working program which is funded by the UNDP in the amount of $530,000 is about to start soon. The project is considered as a working relief developing program aiming at serving the farmers in the northern sector of Gaza and especially Beit-Hanoun.
Histadrut announces labor dispute on behalf of IDF workers
Ha'aretz 2003-07-24
In a rare move, the Histadrut labor federation announced Thursday a labor dispute with the Israel Defense Forces on behalf of the military's civilian workers, who are employed in rehabilitation and maintenance centers at the IDF bases in Tel Hashomer and Tsrifin. This is only the second time since the establishment of the state that the Histadrut has declared a work dispute with the IDF.
Fayyad is moving to end PA monopolies
Ha'aretz 2003-07-24
Palestinian Finance Minister Salam Fayyad has lifted restrictions preventing cement imports from Jordan and Egypt to the Palestinian territories. Fayyad told a meeting of the Palestinian Chambers of Commerce that the PA has changed the rules allowing businessmen to import cement. "Local merchants can import the cement from those two countries without any PA involvement - other than collecting taxes," he said.
Privatization trend
Jerusalem Times 2003-07-25
PNA transfer of investments in cement, petroleum -- The Palestinian Minister of Finance, Dr. Sala’am Fayyad, reiterated the new Palestinian Government’s commitment to halt its commercial activities, especially in the petroleum and the cement trading as soon as possible and to transfer investment powers to the private sector.
Palestinian Airlines to go independent
Jerusalem Times 2003-07-25
Saadi Al-Karnaz, Minister of Transportation, announced that the ministry will begin privatizing the Palestinian Airlines once the Gaza International Airport is reactivated. He stressed the need for investment in the airline to enable it to contribute to the building process and achieving economic stability.
Israel exports to Iraq might reach 100 million dollars
Arabic News 2003-07-24
The Israeli exports institute said yesterday that the Israeli companies will not, more expectedly, win the possibility of joining the Iraqi market directly, at the beginning, but annual exports might reach indirectly 100 million dollars in the first three years. The Israeli companies are working behind the scenes or through partnership contracts with Americam, British, Turkish, Jordanian, Czech, Polish and Australian companies.
Barak: Netanyahu is over-optimistic
Globes 2003-07-24
Former Prime Minister Ehud Barak: In general, Netanyahu is doing the right things, but his measures won't bear fruit unless there is a change in the diplomatic situation. -- "The joy and optimism in the global markets are premature, considering the underlying global economic factors, the blurry geopolitical picture, and that this is a political year in Europe and the US, former Prime Minister Ehud Barak told "Globes" yesterday.
NIH to the rescue
Globes 2003-07-24
Israeli biotechnology companies having trouble raising money until the recession passes can try their luck among US government funds -- At a time when Israel's biotechnology industry is "out for the count" as FreeMind Business Promotion Consultants CEO Eyal Schmidt puts it, there might be new ways for companies to get the financing they need to reach their goals....The proposed alternative is...US federal government funds from the National Institutes of Health (NIH), Defense Advanced Research Project Agency (DARPA), and other agencies.
IAI to supply night-vision equipment to police in Arizona
Globes 2003-07-24
Israel Aircraft Industries (IAI) will supply its POP (Plug-in Optronic Payload) 200 night-vision system to the Mesa, Arizona, police force. The system will be installed on Defender helicopters used in patrols and chases. IAI's TAMAM division manufactures the system.
Bank of Palestine deducts 25% in interest rate
Jerusalem Times 2003-07-25
The chairman of Bank of Palestine Ltd., Dr. Hani Al-Sha’wah, declared recently that the Bank’s administration decided to deduct 25% of the interest rates which were collected in the past on all the banking guarantees which were imposed on the contractor’s sector in the Palestinian Territories.
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People..
Summer camps: 263 facilities opened in West Bank and Gaza
Jerusalem Times 2003-07-24
The Ministry of Higher Education recently announced the opening of several summer camps in the West Bank and Gaza. Mousa Jumhour, director of education in the Ramallah District, said during the opening ceremony of summer camps at Al-Bireh Basic School and the New Bireh Boys School, that the ministry has opened 263 camps across its districts, including 206 in cooperation with UNICEF.
Getting children away from the war
Jerusalem Times 2003-07-25
Halfway between the city of Al-Bireh and the Israeli settlement of Psagot east of Ramallah, 350 children erected their tents in an area known until recently as 'The Area of Death,' which saw fierce armed battles between Palestinian fighters and settlement security guards. Rushdi Shaheen, one of the supervisors of the summer camp, said, "The National Committee for Summer Camps at the Ameen Al-Husseini School was keen to hold the camp in this spot to extract the fear of the children living in the area from the 'Area of Death,' which became a source of terror to them, disabling them to enjoy their childhood."
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International..
Jordan promises facilitations on Karameh bridge, says Dahlan
Jerusalem Times 2003-07-25
Muhammad Dahlan, Minister for Security Affairs, said Wednesday that King Abdullah II instructed Jordanian officials to facilitate Palestinian entry into Jordan. Since the beginning of the Intifada almost three years ago, the Jordanian government placed hard procedures to allow the Palestinian to cross into Jordan including a written order from the interior ministry.
Al-Watan: Saudi Arabia and the WTO negotiations
Arabic News 2003-07-24
The Saudi Arabian daily al-Watan disclosed yesterday the main European demands from Saudi Arabia in order to join the World Trade Organization, which are still pending between the two sides.The paper quoted a well-informed source at the European commission that these demands are embodied in increasing the rate of foreign ownership in joint companies in Saudi Arabia to 51 percent during five years as well as increasing the rate of foreign participation of banks and insurance to 51 percent, noting that also among the American demands is to end old laws enacted in the area of trade and investment and adopt new laws that open the way for foreign participation and ensure the rights of such participation.
Khatami cancels trip to Belgium
Middle East Online 2003-07-24
TEHRAN - Iranian President Mohammad Khatami has cancelled a visit to Belgium, the government newspaper Iran said Thursday, linking the decision to European pressure on Iran's nuclear programme and human rights.
Pipes vote fails to draw quorum
Electronic Intifada 2003-07-24
Today after a contentious executive session of the Senate Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions Committee on the nomination of Daniel Pipes to the board of the U.S. Institute for Peace, the Committee lost a working quorum. Based on an AAI initiative, organizations present agreed that they would send a joint letter to the White House asking that the President withdraw this nominee from consideration.
Marchers want congressional investigation
New Britain Herald 2003-07-24
NEW BRITAIN -- An activist group calling for a congressional investigation into the March 16 death of Washington college student Rachel Corrie marched through the streets of New Britain Wednesday. A member of the pro-Palestinian International Solidarity Movement, 23-year-old Corrie was crushed to death by an Israeli army bulldozer while trying to prevent a Palestinian doctor’s home from being demolished.
Survey: Americans believe Palestinians must disarm terrorists
Jerusalem Post 2003-07-24
...The survey of 800 registered voters on July 21-22, commission[ed] by the Israel Project, found that 95% of Americans think the Palestinians need to arrest and disarm terrorists, and 88% believe the leadership must halt all incitement before a state of Palestine is created.
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