| News Archives |  |
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
|||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
|||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
|||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
|||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
|||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
IMEMC 10 Nov 2009 - Tuesday November 10, 2009 - 09:25, Israeli Prime Minister, Benjamin Netanyahu, vowed during his Monday night meeting with U.S. President, Barack Obama, to place a limited decrease on Israeli settlement activities in the occupied Palestinian territories.
Mezan Center Slams Hamas’ Government For Shutting Down IFJ Conference
IMEMC 10 Nov 2009 - Tuesday November 10, 2009 - 08:04, The Al Mezan Center for Human Rights issues a press release calling on the Hamas-run Ministry of Information to void its decision which banned the conference of the International Federation of Journalists (IFJ).
Netanyahu: “We Are Ready To Make Concessions, But Not On Jerusalem, Israel’s Security”
IMEMC 10 Nov 2009 - Tuesday November 10, 2009 - 00:43, Israeli Prime Minister stated at the conference of the General Assembly of the Jewish Federation in North America that he is willing to make concessions for peace but will never compromise Israel’s security.
Marking The Fall of Berlin Wall, Palestinians Down Section Of The Annexation Wall In Bil’in
IMEMC 10 Nov 2009 - Monday November 09, 2009 - 21:37, Dozens of protesters reenacted the 20the anniversary of the fall of the Berlin Wall by downing part of the Israeli Annexation Wall built on local Palestinian lands near the Qalandia Airport, north of Jerusalem. The army rushed to the area firing tear gas at the protesters.
Israel to bulldoze Jerusalem women’s organization
11/9/2009 - Jerusalem - Ma'an - Israeli municipality staff delivered a notice to demolish the Women's Society office in the Old City of Jerusalem, accusing the organization of 100 square meters of unlicensed construction. Wafa'a At-Taweel, executive officer of the Women's Society, stated that the organization provides a range of services to women and children in the field of rehabilitation and culture, further explaining that it remains the sole society offering such services in the area. Founded in 2009, At-Taweel emphasized that the demolition of the organization's office will harm its ongoing programs and activities. The women's organization is located in the Al-Magharbeh neighborhood south of the Al-Aqsa Mosque, The Israeli municipality delivered 17 demolition notices in the Al-Bustan, Ein Al-Luzeh and Al-Yaman neighborhoods in Silwan, also in East Jerusalem on Sunday.
Medical aid denied entry into Gaza
11/9/2009 - Gaza - Ma'an - Egyptian authorities denied a European medical aid convoy from "Miles of Smiles" en route to Gaza to unload its cargo and has been left waiting at Al-Arish Port. Hamdi Sha'ath, head of the committee against the siege, stated that the director of Al-Arish Port told those travelling with the medical aid that they could not unload their cargo until Israel approved its shipment to the Gaza Strip. Sha'ath further noted that a delegation representing the convoy had asked the Egyptian Red Crescent to facilitate the entry of the medical cargo into the Gaza Strip, highlighting that they had received assurances from the Egyptian authorities that the shipment would be permitted entry into Gaza. In September, "Miles of Smiles" sent forty trucks loaded with medical equipment and wheelchairs to the Gaza Strip.
PLO chief: Abbas has lost faith in the PA
11/9/2009 - Bethlehem - Ma'an - President Mahmoud Abbas has come to the conclusion that the Palestinian Authority is no longer a relevant institution, chief PLO negotiator Saeb Erekat told the New York Times on Monday. "He really doesn't think there is a need to be president or to have [the Palestinian] Authority," the PLO chief was quoted as saying. Framing the crisis as larger than mere politics, Erekat warned of far-reaching implications. "This is not about who is going to replace him. This is about our leaving our posts. You think anybody will stay after he leaves? " According to Erekat, the president lost faith in the 14-year-old body, itself meant to be temporary, when it became clear establishing an independent state was no longer likely to happen. "I think he is realizing that he came all this way with the peace process in order to create a Palestinian state but he sees no state coming. . . . "
Marking Berlin anniversary, Palestinians breach Israel’s wall
11/10/2009 - Ramallah - Ma'an - Marking the 20th anniversary of the fall of the Berlin Wall, Palestinian demonstrators breached Israel's concrete barrier near the West Bank city of Ramallah on Monday. Reporting from the scene, Ma'an's correspondent said the protesters, once they reached the other side, set fire to tires. Israeli forces also opened fire, the reporter said. Around 100 demonstrators waving Palestinian flags and wearing fluorescent jackets reading, "We are going to Jerusalem," broke through near the Qalandiya military checkpoint, onlookers said. A truck was used to pull down the concrete slabs making up the wall, an organizer said. Early reports said the demonstration was planned by the "popular committees" - local groups organized to oppose the construction of the wall - as well as the Fatah movement. Last Friday, protesters in the village of Ni'lin also managed to tear down a section of the wall.
At least 10 Palestinians detained overnight
11/9/2009 - Bethlehem - Ma'an - Israeli forces detained at least ten civilians across the West Bank around dawn on Monday, taking them to an undisclosed location, Palestinian security sources said. Israeli sources put the number at 14. The PA police media office reported that Israeli forces stormed the Jenin governorate early on Monday, opened fire and ransacked homes, and ultimately detained from Fahma village Samer As-Sanouri, 36, Iyad Nawassrah, 32, and Yazid Nawassrah. Soldiers operating in the Bethlehem governorate detained 16-year-olds Ahmad and Baha'a Zaghloul, as well as 15-year-old Ahmad Zaghloul and 18-year-old Bashar Zaghloul. In Nablus, Israeli forces stormed the Aynabous and Awarta areas, where stun grenades burned Luay Dawabsheh's car. Three civilians were detained in Hebron, and a fourth was beaten, the police office said.
Nablus man given two life terms in Israeli jail
11/9/2009 - Bethlehem - Ma'an - An Israeli military court sentenced a Palestinian man from Nablus, Riyad Arafat, on Sunday to two life terms and an additional 30 years in jail. The court convicted Arafat of masterminding and participating in an operation near Tapuah crossroads in southern Nablus four years earlier. According Israel Radio, one Israeli soldier was killed in the operation and two others were moderately injured. Arafat recruited two of his cousins and transported them in his car to carry out the operation, the court said. They were disguised as Israeli soldiers, stopped an Israeli military vehicle and opened fire at its occupants. His other two cousins were yet to be tried.
Two Gaza crossings open
11/9/2009 - Gaza - Ma'an - Israeli authorities decided to open the Kerem Shalom and Karni crossings to allow food and goods into Gaza on Monday. Raed Fattouh, a border crossings representative, said the Nahal Oz crossing would stay closed. Israel allowed the delivery of 92-102 trucks of aid, among which 12 were carrying 330 calves, and opened the Karni crossing for 120 to 130 trucks loaded with wheat and animal feed. [end]
Israel military ethics authors want Gaza probe
11/9/2009 - Bethlehem - Ma'an - The two professors who authored the Israeli military's ethical code in 1992 called on Israel to probe certain aspects of the Goldstone report that alleges war crimes in Gaza, Israeli media reported on Monday. Professors Moshe Halbertal and Avi Sagi, two authors of the "Spirit of the IDF," a military code of conduct released in 1992 have published articles respectively detailing the need to investigate certain aspects of the Goldstone report on conduct that appears to undermine the Israeli military's ethical code. In an article published in the US magazine The New Republic, Professor Moshe Halbertal stated that while Judge Richard Goldstone's reported intended"to prepare a general indictment of Israel as a predatory state that is geared toward violating human rights all the time, " the Israeli military must nonetheless investigate. . .
Israeli press: Projectile lands in Sderot
11/9/2009 - Bethlehem - Ma'an/Agencies - A homemade projectile landed in the southern Israeli town of Sderot overnight, the Hebrew-language daily Yedioth Ahronoth reported on Monday. There were no reports of injury or damage. There were also no immediate claims of responsibility for the reported launch. [end]
PA: US failure will cause ’regional violence’
11/9/2009 - Bethlehem - Ma'an - US failure to push forward the peace process has created a political vacuum that will soon be filled with violence, said Nabil Abu Rudeina, spokesperson of the Palestinian president Mahmoud Abbas on Monday. "The current political vacuum which resulted from the failure of the peace process will soon be filled with violence leading to a serious shake up in the security of the whole region," Abu Rudeina said. "To avoid this, the US administration should immediately start exerting pressure on the government of Israel and make them comply with their share of the peace process," he added, according to the Palestinian Authority's WAFA news agency. The official explained that in the view of the Palestinian leadership in Ramallah, the peace process reached an impasse due to Israel's insistence on expanding settlements on Palestinian land in the West Bank.
DFLP slams Mofaz proposal
11/9/2009 - Gaza - Ma'an - The Democratic Front for the Liberation of Palestine (DFLP) on Monday slammed the Mofaz plan to establish a Palestinian state on 60% of the West Bank. In a statement distributed by the DFLP, the party announced that, "The plan suggested by Kadima's senior leader and former Israeli defense minister Mofaz is an Israeli plan to annex Jerusalem and 40% of the West Bank, and to drop the right of return of Palestinian refugees which was guaranteed by the UN resolution 194. " The statement also warned other Palestinian factions, the PLO, the Palestinian Authority, and Arab countries not to deal with the Mofaz proposal, and instead remain adamant that the Palestinian people have the right to self determination, an independent state with Jerusalem as its capital, and the return of refugees who had been forcibly displaced from their lands.
Al-Ahmad: Hamas, Israel, US drove Abbas to quit
11/9/2009 - Nablus - Ma'an - US failure to place pressure Israel and an impasse in negotiations with Hamas drove President Mahmoud Abbas to quit, a top member of his Fatah party said on Monday. Azzam Al-Ahmad, a member of Fatah's Central Committee, said during his speech at a workshop in An-Najah University in Nablus, that, "The real reason why president Abbas refused to join the presidential elections was because he was disappointed by the internal conflict and by the United States' failure to support Palestinians. " Al-Ahmad stated that Fatah had agreed to sign a reconciliation document, despite pressure from the US, while Hamas refused to do so, confirming Hamas' desire for internal division, he said. The member of the Central Committee further stressed that he considered the current state of internal conflict as a turning point in the Palestinian case, asserting that reconciliation between the rival factions must take way.
Netanyahu says willing to make ’great concessions’
11/9/2009 - Bethlehem - Ma'an/Agencies - Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu urged President Mahmoud Abbas to immediately re-launch peace talks in a speech in Washington on Monday. Netanyahu said Israel is "willing to make great concessions for peace but there is something I will never compromise on, and that is Israel's security. We have to ensure that weapons do not flow into the West Bank - we cannot permit another Gaza in the heart of our country. What we want is durable peace. " "We should not place preconditions for holding talks, such preconditions have never been set in 16 years," he also said, according to the Israeli newspaper Haaretz. "No Israeli government has been so willing to restrain settlement activity as part of an effort to relaunch peace talks," Netanyahu reportedly told an audience of thousands at the General Assembly of the Jewish Federations of North America.
Abbas: Peace deal was close under Olmert
11/9/2009 - Bethlehem - Ma'an - Israeli and Palestinian negotiators were close to reaching a peace deal in the last round of formal negotiations, President Mahmoud Abbas said on Monday. Abbas claimed that the two sides were nearing a breakthrough in talks that were broken off last year when Israel launched its war on the Gaza Strip. The present Israeli government, led by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, he said, is simply uninterested he peace, he said. "We sat and negotiated with the Israelis over drawing borders and we negotiated these borders with [former Israeli Prime Minister Ehud] Olmert and [former Foreign Minister Tzipi] Livni," Abbas was quoted as saying. According to the Palestinian Authority's WAFA news agency, Abbas told a gathering of business figures at his compound in Ramallah, "We must continue to have faith in peace, security and we must believe in the development of our country and our national unity.
Bahar: National consensus before elections
11/9/2009 - Gaza - Ma'an - The Palestinian Legislative Council (PLC) favors Palestinian national consensus unbound by external intervention before elections, PLC first deputy Ahmad Bahar said on Monday. During a panel discussion at Islamic University's faculty of arts in Gaza, the Hamas political official said President Mahmoud Abbas did not have the constitutional authority to issue elections decrees. Last month's presidential decree was illegal and meant "to impose the International Quartet's demands on all Palestinian society," he said. "Abbas' decision was based on Article 1 of the 2000 elections law," he said. "This law compels each candidate for both legislative and presidential elections to sign a written commitment that he is committed to the PLO program and, consequently, to the Oslo Accords, which stipulates abandoning resistance.
Fatah dissident Qaddoumi meets Islamic Jihad chief
11/9/2009 - Gaza - Ma'an - Dissident Fatah leader Farouq Qaddoumi met with the Secretary General of Islamic Jihad in Damascus on Monday, sources said. Qaddoumi, the head of the PLO political department, is considered a rogue within Fatah and a critic of President Mahmoud Abbas. In July he stirred controversy by accusing Abbas of involvement in a plot to kill his predecessor, Yasser Arafat. The meeting was said to address recent developments in Palestinian affairs, including the rise to power of the current right-wing government in Israel, the crisis in Jerusalem, and the US position on Israeli settlements. They also discussed Egypt's stalled efforts to reunite the disparate Palestinian factions. Shallah was quoted as saying after the meeting, "There is a need to re-direct the Palestinian national project on better foundations in order to build a strong united front and re-activate the. . .
Settler rabbi authors guidelines on killing gentiles
11/10/2009 - Bethlehem - Ma'an - Jews have the right to kill non-Jews in just about any circumstance, said Rabbi Yitzhak Shapira, the head of a religious school in the illegal settlement of Yitzhar, near Nablus. "If we kill a gentile who has sinned or has violated one of the seven commandments. . . there is nothing wrong with the murder," Shapira wrote, according to Hebrew-language Israeli newspaper Maariv. In his new book, The King's Torah, Shapira, who heads the Od Yosef Chai yeshiva, justifies the slaying of "non-Jews who demand the land for themselves," and for, among other transgressions, "hostile blasphemy. " "Those who, by speech, weaken our sovereignty" - deserve to die, the book explains. "It is permissible. . . even if they are not responsible for the threatening situation. "According to Maariv, the book is a manifesto, "230 pages, no less, on the laws of the killing of gentiles,. . .
Gaza photojournalist wins international prize
11/9/2009 - Bethlehem - Ma'an - Gaza's Eman Mohammed, a Palestinian photojournalist, was shortlisted to win the prestigious Carmignac Gestion Photojournalism Prize on Saturday. "Gestion aims each year to support photojournalists who, through their work, are at the forefront of events and uphold the values of courage, independence, transparency and sharing," the committee said in a statement. At the end of a first round of analysis, the work of two other finalists was singled out: Kai Wiedenhöfer from Germany and Lizzie Sadin from France. In its discussions, the judges made special mention of the quality and sensitivity of the work of 22-year-old Mohammed's work on the conditions of Palestinian women, for which she was awarded the judges' Special Prize. Fourteen candidates from eight countries were shortlisted for the prize, "selected as much for their extremely well-researched projects as. . .
Gaza: 2,700 pilgrims depart for Mecca
11/9/2009 - Gaza - Ma'an - Hajj pilgrims from the Gaza Strip continued to depart through the Rafah crossing on Monday. Sources at the terminal say about 2,700 pilgrims have left since Friday. The first group left Monday morning heading to Al-Arish Airport en route to Saudi Arabia, said Jasir Al-Mashyukhi, a Palestinian official at Rafah. Four other groups of 205 pilgrims each were scheduled to leave the same day. For his part, the de facto government's minister of endowments, Talib Abu Sha'r, said Palestinian Airlines failed to adhere to its agreement signed with the ministry stipulating that pilgrims should fly directly from Al-Arish to Medina Airport. This infraction resulted in confusion about flights, he added, expressing hopes that the issue would be sorted out in time.
Fayyad to attend ceremony for record-breaking gown
11/9/2009 - Hebron - Ma'an - Caretaker Prime Minister Salam Fayyad will sponsor a celebration on Thursday to mark the entry of the world's largest embroidered gown, made by Palestinians, into the Guinness Book of World Records at the Masader youth center in Hebron. Manager of youth center, Tariq Abu Hashash, announced that the celebration will take place at the Ben Ali playground in Hebron and will be attended by a number of consuls and ambassadors from the Arab world and the international community. Abu Hashash added that event's sponsor, caretaker Prime Minister Salam Fayyad will deliver the opening speech. Entrance to the event is free. [end]
PSE rises: Al-Quds Index up 0.08% on Monday
11/9/2009 - Bethlehem - Ma'an - Stocks increased slightly on the Palestine Securities Exchange in Nablus on Monday, as the Al-Quds Index increased 0. 42 points (0. 08%) to close at 496. Trading volume was 576,577 shares, a total value of 1,560,668. 4 US dollars over the course of 201 trades. The shares of 18 companies were traded. The shares prices of eight companies rose, and those of four others declined. The top five gainers were PIIC by 3. 08%, PCB by 2. 50%, UCI by 1. 69%, AZIZA by 1. 61%, and ISBK by 1. 37%. The top losers were JCC by 3. 75%, GCOM by 3. 50%, PID by 2. 11%, and WASSEL by 1. 67%. [end]
IDF to Palestinians: Bring forth Gaza war complaints
Ha'aretz 10 Nov 2009 - IDF chief says criminal investigation division along with five committees now probing 45 Palestinian complaints.
IDF Chief: Hezbollah has rockets capable of hitting Tel Aviv
Ha'aretz 10 Nov 2009 - IDF chief says calm is 'misleading - Beyond the fences the terror groups are gaining strength.'
Most advanced, expensive fighter jet headed to Israel
Ha'aretz 10 Nov 2009 - The U.S. is scheduled to respond next week to Israel's request for 25 F-35 stealth fighter jets.
[uruknet.info] US appellate court blocks lawsuit against extraordinary rendition and torture
Uruknet November 10, 2009 - For the second time in two years a federal appellate court has denied Canadian citizen Maher Arar the right to sue former Attorney General John Ashcroft and other US government officials for money damages based on his "extraordinary rendition" to Syria, where he was imprisoned without due process and tortured for almost a year. On November...
[uruknet.info] Settler rabbi authors guidelines on killing gentiles
Uruknet November 9, 2009 - Jews have the right to kill non-Jews in just about any circumstance, said Rabbi Yitzhak Shapira, the head of a religious school in the illegal settlement of Yitzhar, near Nablus. "If we kill a gentile who has sinned or has violated one of the seven commandments... there is nothing wrong with the murder," Shapira wrote, according...
[uruknet.info] The 'Unknown' Fight the Illegal
Uruknet November 9, 2009 - "Make sure your father gets this," the municipal inspector tells a ten-year-old boy at the gate of the concrete house in an alleyway in the Al-Bustan quarter of Silwan, a Palestinian neighbourhood right under the shadow of the walled Old City. "This" is a court-approved demolition notice, "No. 59". It's for a house under imminent threat...
[uruknet.info] Irredeemable war criminals AshkeNazi threatens Gaza with another "little holocaust"
Uruknet November 9, 2009 - There seems to be a perfect conformity between Gabi Ashkenazi and his last name. The Israeli chief of staff is considered one of the main Israeli war criminals responsible for the virtual genocide against the Gaza Strip during the past winter. On his murderous hands, he carries tons of innocent blood, including that of more than...
[uruknet.info] A group of Palestinians from the popular committees and Fatah movement tore down a part of the Apartheid Wall separating occupied East Jerusaelm from the rest of the West Bank
Uruknet November 9, 2009 - ...Rebuilding popular resistance is essential for Jerusalem and Palestine. In this event we are calling for a return to the achievements of the popular uprising that began on 9 December 1987. This year, on 9 December, we are calling on people to move en masse towards Jerusalem. We are calling for the formation of a unified...
[uruknet.info] Open Letter to the Board of Governors of Trondheim University
Uruknet November 9, 2009 - We are Arab students at the Israeli universities writing to you in support of the proposed academic boycott of Israeli academic institutions. We believe that the boycott is timely and hopefully will help in upholding moral values of fairness, justice and equality which have been sorely missed in our region. While the reason for the boycott...
[uruknet.info] Israel targeting the boycott movement
Uruknet November 9, 2009 - For nearly six weeks now Mohammed Othman, a prominent Palestinian activist and an outspoken advocate of the nonviolent boycott, divestment and sanctions (BDS) movement, has been held in an Israeli military prison without charges. On 22 September 2009 Othman, 34, was detained at the Allenby Crossing as he attempted to enter the occupied West Bank from...
[uruknet.info] Vast majority of Gaza children suffer PTSD symptoms
Uruknet November 9, 2009 - More than 40 years of Israeli military occupation have had a devastating impact on Palestinians in Gaza. Air strikes, artillery shelling, ground invasions, jet flybys and other acts of violence have all led to an epidemic of suffering among Gaza's most vulnerable inhabitants. The most recent studies indicate that the vast majority of Gaza's children exhibit...
[uruknet.info] Lebanon PM forms unity cabinet
Uruknet November 9, 2009 - Lebanon's prime minister-designate has formed a national unity government, five months after his March 14 coalition won parliamentary elections in June. Saad al-Hariri submitted a list of ministers to Michel Sleiman, the president, in Beirut on Monday after tough negotiations with opposition leaders over the make-up of the cabinet. The 30-member cabinet will include 15 ministers...
[uruknet.info] Report says Tel Aviv uses site to get inside people's head Israel uses Facebook to spy on Arabs & Muslims
Uruknet November 9, 2009 - For Facebook users updating their statuses or posting family pictures is for their select friends list but according to new report the information most people believe is private is actually being used by Israel to profile people and spy on them to obtain valuable information. According to "reliable" sources quoted in France-based, Israël Magazine, Israeli intelligence...
UN official calls on Israel to allow construction raw-materials into Gaza
Palestine, Novermber 10, 2009 (Pal Telegraph)-A senior United Nations official Monday called on Israel to reopen the crossing points to allow construction raw-materials into the Gaza Strip blockaded by Israel.
Like Berlin Wall; Palestinians try to break Israeli "Apartheid " wall
Palestine, Novermber 10, 2009 (Pal Telegraph) - Palestinians and foreign activists have torn down segments of Israel's separation wall in a demonstration marking the 20th anniversary of the fall of the Berlin Wall.
Palestinian leaders foresee bleak future
The National 9 Nov 2009 - Even as Obama meets Netanyahu in an effort to push for peace, Palestinians see no possibility of statehood as Israel expands settlements.
Hariri ready to lead Lebanon in unity
The National 9 Nov 2009 - After months of difficult negotiations, prime minister-designate announces formation of national unity cabinet to join political factions.
Lebanon PM forms unity cabinet
AlJazeera 9 Nov 2009 - Opposition agrees to join government after months of negotiations.
Israeli Settlers Plow Privately Owned Palestinian fields, Israeli Police Fail to Intervene
Alternative Information Center 9 Nov 2009 - At-Tuwani - On the morning of Sunday 8 November 2009 four Israeli Settler youth from Ma'on settlement plowed privately-owned Palestinian fields in Umm Zeituna valley. The settlers arrived at approximately 8:50am and chased two Palestinian shepherds...
Open Letter to the Board of Governors of Trondheim University
Alternative Information Center 9 Nov 2009 - We are Arab students at the Israeli universities writing to you in support of the proposed academic boycott of Israeli academic institutions. We believe that the boycott is timely and hopefully will help in upholding moral...
Palestinians adrift five years after Arafat death
PNN 10 Nov 2009 - RAMALLAH, November 10, 2009 (AFP) - Every time Nader Ismail comes to Ramallah he makes his way to the white mausoleum of Yasser Arafat, the father of the Palestinian struggle for statehood, to say a prayer. President Arafat is a symbol of the Palestinian revolution, and I cannot come to Ramallah without reading the fatiha (Koranic verses) over his tomb, says Ismail,...
Palestinians tear down West Bank Wall
PNN 10 Nov 2009 - RAMALLAH, West Bank: Palestinians tore down a massive chunk of Israel’s illegal West Bank separation barrier on Monday in a protest staged to coincide with the 20th anniversary of the day the Berlin Wall came down. A truck was used to pull down the wall section to the cheers of an estimated 150 Palestinian activists and foreign supporters near the Qalandia refugee...
UN's Ban calls for disarmament of Hizbullah
Jeruslalem Post 10 Nov 2009 - Lebanon's new PM Hariri sworn in after lengthy internal struggle; 2 Hizbullah ministers announced.
IDF chief Ashkenazi: Sanctions could work against 'rational' Iran
Jeruslalem Post 10 Nov 2009 - IDF chief tells FADC that international community "could bring about change within Iran"; says Hizbullah has rockets which could reach Dimona.
'I'd talk with any Palestinian group'
Jeruslalem Post 10 Nov 2009 - Mofaz clarifies that he would only negotiate with Hamas after it ends arms race, attacks on Israel.
Lieberman: 'Ties with Diaspora vital against Iran'
Jeruslalem Post 10 Nov 2009 - In Denmark, FM compares Teheran regime to Nazis, accuses Iran of funding activities targeting Jews.
Media silence after PM, Obama meeting
Jeruslalem Post 10 Nov 2009 - Barak scraps planned radio interviews; White House: President reaffirmed commitment to Israel's security.
Israel, Jordan conduct joint army drill
Jeruslalem Post 10 Nov 2009 - IDF forces simulate earthquake victim evacuation with Jordanian counterparts in Beit She'an Valley.
Netanyahu to Abbas: 'Let's begin talks now'
Jeruslalem Post 10 Nov 2009 - PM tells GA no previous gov't made more concessions on settlements to resume peace talks.
'Abbas's decision came from frustration'
Jeruslalem Post 10 Nov 2009 - In radio interview, Blair calls for Israel, Palestinians to make peace, says economy in W. Bank growing.
IDF's 7th Armored Brigade trains for war in Golan
Jeruslalem Post 10 Nov 2009 - As part of the lessons learned from Cast Lead, brigade trains in condition similar to those of battle.
POLITICS: On Nuke Disarmament, It's Still "You First"
IPS UNITED NATIONS, Oct 31 (IPS) - Is the ongoing controversy over Iran's nuclear programme helping to advance the United Nations' agenda on nuclear disarmament? To a number of diplomats and experts who have participated in past U.N. discussions on the spread of nuclear weapons, the answer is, yes – although...
Al-Ma’sara commemorates the fall of the Berlin Wall
Stop The Wall 10 Nov 2009 - In Friday’s demonstration against the illegal construction of the Apartheid Wall that is designed to steal the agricultural lands of the villages of Southern Bethlehem, the people of al-Ma'sara celebrated the 20th anniversary of the fall of the Berlin Wall in Germany. In chants and speeches, the demonstrators insisted on the illegality of the Wall and occupation, while international and Israeli activists showed support using percussion instruments. [
"We are going to Jerusalem!"
Stop The Wall 10 Nov 2009 - This afternoon, exactly 20 years after the fall of the Berlin Wall, popular committees struggling against the Apartheid Wall and the settlements destroyed part of the Wall near Qalandiya. Hundreds of people, with some 30 international supporters, used a truck to pull down part of the Wall in the area east of the Qalandiya refugee camp and beyond the UN Vocational College. They also destroyed iron gates and other pieces of concrete in the same area. [
Protesters reenacted the fall of the Berlin Wall to mark its 20th anniversary: 8 meter tall concrete wall dividing Ramallah and Jerusalem tipped-over
11/9/2009 - International Solidarity Movement - Popular Struggle Coordination Committee - Photos - In a symbolic reenactment of the event that changed the world 20 years ago, demonstrators from all over the West Bank managed to topple a section of Israel's wall, 8 meters of reinforced concrete in height, near the infamous Qalandiya Checkpoint. On the 20th anniversary of the fall of the Berlin wall, hundreds of demonstrators from across the West Bank convened in Qalandiya to demand the immediate dismantling of Israel’s wall. In a dramatic turn of events, protesters managed to tip-over a a section of the wall, opening a passage in this strategic and symbolic location at the entrance to East-Jerusalem. Exactly twenty years ago today the Berlin Wall came crumbling down in two days that changed the world forever. Today, a wall twice as high and five times as long is being built by Israel in the West Bank, in blatant contempt of international law, to separate Palestinians from their lands.
Qaryut residents successfully remove a roadblock
11/9/2009 - International Solidarity Movement - 5 November 2009 - The villagers of Qaryut are facing a new weekend tradition: the Friday removing of a roadblock, repeatedly re-instated by the Israeli army upon every attempt to clear the road connecting the village with Ramallah and Nablus. The morning of Friday, 5 November, saw approximately 200 villagers join forces in clearing a large earth mound that blocks Qaryut's passage to Road 60, the route for travelling between Ramallah and Nablus. Although 15 soldiers, 2 Israeli police vehicles and one car of settlers (who halted to observe from Road 60) were awaiting the villagers' arrival when they marched down to the roadblock, the action remained peaceful to the end. The soldiers and border guards had initially taken up position to defend the block, however they had no choice but to move back in the face of the large and determined crowd.
Seven Palestinians arrested during Nablus military raids
11/9/2009 - International Solidarity Movement - 5 November 2009 - In the dead of night, at 2am, Thursday 4 November, the Israeli Occupation Force made a series of military raids on civilian home in Nablus, arresting 7 young men. Al-Ein camp was brutally attacked by a force of some 100 Israeli soldiers, encircling a large part of the camp while firing sound bombs. A large number of houses were invaded, their occupants awoken and forced to stand outside in the freezing cold, while soldiers with dogs wrecked havoc upon their personal belongings. One woman saw two young Palestinians with their hands tied behind their backs, while the soldiers had placed toy guns, partisan scarfs and knives at their side and were taking pictures of this (apparently a ploy to prove that they were ‘dangerous militants', thereby justifying their arrest). Among the arrested were Mustafa Kasem Al-Mabruk, 21 years old, and Ahmed Khalid Abdo Bohe, his cousin, who is 18 years old.
Residents of Sheikh Jarrah demonstrate against settlements in East Jerusalem
11/9/2009 - International Solidarity Movement - 4 November 2009 - On Wednesday 4 November 2009, a vibrant demonstration was held in the Sheikh Jarrah neighbourhood of occupied East Jerusalem. The demonstration was organised as a protest against Jewish settlers taking over a Palestinian house in Sheikh Jarrah, belonging to the Al Kurd family, on the previous day. It was also a protest against the ongoing home confiscations, home demolitions, and evictions of Palestinian families in East Jerusalem. The demonstration gathered about 150 demonstrators and was covered by a number of press reporters. In addition to Sheikh Jarrah families, participant organizations included Israeli activists such as Ta'ayush and Israeli Committee Against House Demolitions, and international activists such as the International Solidarity Movement, Michigan Peace Team, and Ecumenical Accompaniment Programme in Palestine and Israel.
Israeli army use live ammunition during invasion of Iraq Burin
11/9/2009 - International Solidarity Movement - 7 November 2009 - On Saturday 7 November the residents of Iraq Burin, a small village outside Nablus, once again had their weekend disrupted by settlers and the Israeli army. During the day settlers from the nearby illegal settlement came down close to the village in a provocative act. The scenario that followed was the same as the previous two Saturdays – settler attack followed by an army invasion. During the invasion that lasted about one hour, the army shot teargas and live ammunition inside the village. Because of similar events of settler and army violence in the last two weekends, the Palestinians have called for international activists to be present in the village on Saturday morning. At around 2. 30pm, five settlers from the illegal settlement Bracha appeared close to the village, scaring and provoking the villagers.
IDF Chief: Iran is radical, but not irrational - it may still curb nukes
Ha'aretz 10 Nov 2009 - Israel Defense Forces Chief of Staff Gabi Ashkenazi said on Tuesday that he believed Western powers would succeed in stymieing Iran's contentious nuclear program, adding that the Islamic Republic "not irrational" despite its extremist nature. ...
Kadima warms to Mofaz plan for Hamas talks, despite Livni opposition
Ha'aretz 10 Nov 2009 - Kadima chairwoman Tzipi Livni on Tuesday slammed party rival Shaul Mofaz' plan to open negotiations with Hamas in order to push forth the establishment of a Palestinian state, saying the concept ran contrary to their faction's political platform. ...
Blair: Abbas leaving office due to frustration over stalled peace
Ha'aretz 10 Nov 2009 - The United Nations envoy to the Middle East, Tony Blair, said Tuesday that he believed Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas' decision not to seek re-election was a reflection of deep frustration regarding the slow pace of peace negotiations. ...
Seeking peace between Jews, one Israel program at a time
Ha'aretz 10 Nov 2009 - Following years of tension between the Jewish Agency and the Birthright Israel-Taglit program JA Chairman Natan Sharasky has brought the groups to reconcile. ...
Israeli expats protest Lieberman visit to Holland
Ha'aretz 10 Nov 2009 - The scheduled arrival of Foreign Minister Avigdor Lieberman in the Netherlands Wednesday has touched off a rare display of discord between the local Jewish community and some Israelis living there. Holland has one of the largest Israeli communities in Europe. ...
Man threatens to kill himself at Knesset after home eviction
Ha'aretz 10 Nov 2009 - Jerusalem Police on Tuesday arrested an Israeli man who threatened to blow himself up near the Knesset on Tuesday, a police spokesman said. ...
National budget cut stalled due to Haredi objection
Ha'aretz 10 Nov 2009 - The ministry of finance suggested on Tuesday to reduce this years' national budget cut by half, from NIS 2 billion to NIS 1 billion. ...
Self-proclaimed rabbi charged in Israel's most severe child abuse case
Ha'aretz 10 Nov 2009 - "Rabbi" Elior Chen was charged in the Jerusalem District Court Monday for abusing and assaulting eight children, as well as ordering his followers to do the same. ...
Beneath Mandate-era Nazareth fort there's a massive surprise
Ha'aretz 10 Nov 2009 - The architect, first lieutenant Omer Neeman, spent several minutes running his hands along the massive reinforced concrete wall under the Nazareth fort. ...
Netanyahu: Drought tax to be suspended in January
Ha'aretz 9 Nov 2009 - Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has ordered the drought tax to be suspended as of January 2010, and the plans to hike water rates will be put off. Sunday evening, as Netanyahu was posed to depart for the United States, the director-general of the Prime Minister's Office Eyal Gabai was asked to reach an agreement to this effect with the finance and national infrastructure ministries before the prime minister returns tomorrow. ...
Syria/OPT: UNRWA opens US-funded school in Dera'a camp
Relief Web 10 Nov 2009 - Source: UN Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East
OPT: 'Not for a single moment' has Israel ceased illegal settlement activities, Fourth Committee told, opening discussion of Israeli practices in occupied territories
Relief Web 9 Nov 2009 - Source: UN General Assembly
OPT: Interview - U.N. official warns of grim Gaza winter
Relief Web 9 Nov 2009 - Source: Reuters - AlertNet
OPT: Call for immediate opening of Gaza Strip crossings - Press statement by UN agencies and AIDA
Relief Web 8 Nov 2009 - Source: Association of International Development Agencies, UN Resident and Humanitarian Coordinator for the oPt
Sources: Abbas may resign from PLO Executive Committee
YNet News 10 Nov 2009 - Ma'an quotes Palestinian sources as saying president considering quitting PLO, Fatah committees after announcing he won't seek re-election. 'He'll carry out threat if Israel not pressed on settlements,' source says
IDF chief: Iran rational, pressure can work
YNet News 10 Nov 2009 - Army commander tells Knesset committee Iran 'very radical but not an irrational country; change in policy, efficient pressure could make difference'. Also warns Hezbollah has 325 km range missiles
Obama: Hard for Iran to make quick decisions
YNet News 10 Nov 2009 - US president says world powers made 'fair' offer to Iran that would allow it to have legitimate civilian nuclear program, but unsettled political situation making it difficult for Tehran to seal nuclear fuel deal
Israel, US leaders discuss stalled Middle East peace
YNet News 10 Nov 2009 - White House meeting fails to provide any sign of progress toward jumpstarting stalled Israeli-Palestinian peace talks; PM cancels scheduled briefing for reporters. Barak to CNN: All options on table regarding Iran
Should Teitel's house be razed?
YNet News 9 Nov 2009 - Defense minister avoids answering question presented by Ynet, after firmly demanding last year that east Jerusalem terrorists' homes be demolished
Riyadh 'will not tolerate' breaches of sovereignty
Daily Star 10 Nov 2009 The Saudi Cabinet on Monday stressed that the kingdom would not "tolerate any violation of the sovereignty of its territory," in a statement issued at the end of its weekly meeting. According to a provisional Saudi toll, three soldiers and four other Saudis have now been killed in the fighting. Meanwhile France's Foreign Ministry condemned any violation of Saudi sovereignty.
Peres to tour Latin America to counter Iranian influence
Daily Star 10 Nov 2009 Israeli President Shimon Peres on Monday headed on a tour of Brazil and Argentina to counter arch-foe Iran's influence in Latin America, the second such trip in months by a senior Israeli official. The elder statesman was to arrive in Brasilia early on Tuesday for the first visit to Brazil by an Israeli president since 1966. On Sunday he will continue to Argentina in the first such visit in 20 years., Israeli President Shimon Peres on Monday headed on a tour of Brazil and Argentina to counter arch-foe Iran's influence in Latin America, the second such trip in months by a senior Israeli official. The elder statesman was to arrive in Brasilia early on Tuesday for the first visit to Brazil by an Israeli president since 1966. On Sunday he will continue to Argentina in the first such visit in 20 years.
Palestinians show support for Abbas at Ramallah rally
Daily Star 10 Nov 2009 Hundreds of Palestinians gathered in the West Bank town of Ramallah on Monday to express support for President Mahmoud Abbas days after he said he would not seek re-election in January. Several rallies have been held for the beleaguered president since he announced last Thursday that he would not seek another term in office because of the US government's failure to compel Israel to freeze Jewish settlements.
Three Americans held in Iran face spying charges
Daily Star 10 Nov 2009 Three Americans taken into custody near the border with Iraq on July 31 are facing spying charges, Iran's judiciary said on Monday, as US Secretary of State Hillary Clinton called for their release. Tehran's chief prosecutor Abbas Jaffari Doulatabadi said investigations were continuing against the three hikers, Shane Bauer, 27, Sarah Shourd, 31, and Josh Fattal, 27, the official IRNA news agency reported.
A young nation with growing pains
Daily Star 10 Nov 2009 Teenage pregnancies are common in Yemen. In fact, Yemen is a nation raised by young mothers. In the remote northern village of Al-Qobai, local villager Hassan and I talk about our homelands. The conversation turns to women in Lebanon and Yemen. He suddenly tells me, "Ask Mohammad why he wants to find a husband for his 8-year-old daughter," and points to his friend sitting in our group.
Prisoners center: Medical neglect threatens lives of diabetic detainees
PIC 10 Nov 2009 - The prisoners' center for studies has said that the lives of Palestinian sick detainees in Israeli occupation authority jails were in danger especially those with diabetes.
IOF soldiers round up 8 Palestinians most of them from Al-Khalil
PIC 10 Nov 2009 - The Israeli occupation forces (IOF) at a late hour on Monday and at dawn Tuesday kidnapped six Palestinian citizens in Al-Khalil district including a teenager, local sources reported.
Abbas’s militias and Israeli troops wage raids on Palestinian homes in Tulkarem
PIC 10 Nov 2009 - Mahmoud Abbas’s militias and the Israeli occupation forces (IOF) in Tulkarem on Monday waged raids on a number of homes belonging to Hamas supporters in the city.
Shaat: Miles of Smiles to arrive in Gaza on Tuesday
PIC 10 Nov 2009 - The government committee against the siege has said that the European aid convoy Miles of Smiles is expected to arrive in the Gaza Strip on Tuesday.
Abu Halabia: Jewish rabbis edicts meant to facilitate aggression on Palestinians
PIC 10 Nov 2009 - Hamas MP Dr. Ahmed Abu Halabia has said that the edicts by Jewish rabbis allowing the murder of Palestinians in cold blood target facilitating aggression on Palestinians.
Gaylard: The winter season will be tough on homeless Gazans especially children
PIC 10 Nov 2009 - UN humanitarian affairs coordinator Maxwell Gaylard stated that the winter season will be hard for Gaza people especially children whose homes were bombed during the Israeli war.
AshkeNazi threatens Gaza with another“little holocaust”
PIC 10 Nov 2009 - Because of the serious moral imbalance afflicting our world today, Ashkenazi and ilk are not only free but are even threatening their victims with a fresh holocaust.
Zionist Rabbi allows killing non-Jewish infants if they pose “threat” to Israel
PIC 10 Nov 2009 - Yitzhak Shapira, the fanatic Zionist rabbi, has issued a number of religious edicts in his new book allowing killing of non-Jewish enemies even if they were children and infants.
Bahar: PLC supports elections after national reconciliation
PIC 10 Nov 2009 - Dr. Ahmed Bahar, the first deputy speaker of the PLC, has emphasized that the PLC supports general elections only after national reconciliation away from conditions of the quartet committee.
Masri: Hamas would never accept partial solutions or give up rights
PIC 10 Nov 2009 - Hamas MP Mushir Al-Masri has denied press allegations that he supported the plan tabled by Israeli MP Shaul Mofaz stipulating the establishment of a Palestinian state with temporary borders.
Lebanon rivals form unity government
LA Times 10 Nov 2009 - The deadlock-ending accord divides power between U.S.-backed Prime Minister Saad Hariri and Hezbollah, which the U.S. considers a terrorist organization. After a months-long deadlock, Lebanon's rival political camps agreed to a unity government that includes both American-backed Prime Minister Saad Hariri and Hezbollah, a Shiite Muslim political party and militia that the United States considers a terrorist organization.
US Generals Flood Israel for Exercise against ‘Specific Threats’
11/8/2009 - Arutz Sheva - (IsraelNN. com) An unprecedented number of American generals, along with 1,400 U. S. army soldiers, are participating with top IDF brass in the high-level Juniper Cobra military exercise that one U. S. Navy commander said is aimed at “specific threats. ” Public affairs officials interrupted the naval commander in order to divert the conversation from the scenario of Israel attacking Iran’s nuclear facilities and defending itself from a counter-attack. One senior IDF source told BBC magazine, “I've never seen so many American generals. ”Prime Minister Binyamin Netanyahu, Defense Minister Ehud Barak, IDF Chief of Staff Gabi Ashkenazi, along with the commander of the U. S. force in Europe and U. S. ambassador to Israel James Cunningham attended the three-week exercise on Tuesday. It is one of the largest-ever joint training drills and is fueling speculation that the United States is preparing for
Pete Seeger’s role in ending Israeli house demolitions
11/8/2009 - Ha'aretz - Anyone who owns a radio probably knows the song "Turn, Turn, Turn" (To everything there is a season) very well. A number of versions of this song have become permanent fixtures on the play lists of most popular music radio stations. Here's what the listeners don't know: every time this song is played, the Israeli Committee Against House Demolitions receives a few dollars, which accumulate to a "several thousand dollars every year," according to the committee's co-founder and coordinator. The Israeli Committee Against House Demolitions (ICAHD) is a non-profit organization that uses non-violent means to oppose Israeli demolition of homes in the West Bank and East Jerusalem. Seeger has been donating some of the song's royalties to ICAHD for ten years. The banjo-playing Seeger, 90, is considered one of the pioneers of American folk music.
Israel’s New Generation Of Conscientious Objectors
11/7/2009 - Palestine Monitor - "We cannot ignore the truth - the occupation is a violent, racist, inhumane, illegal, undemocratic, immoral and an extreme condition that presents a mortal danger to both peoples… We, who were educated on the values of liberty, justice, honesty and peace, cannot accept it. " So reads the letter declaring the refusal of 150 students to join the Israeli army this year. Amongst that number is Efi Brenner, 18 years old and an active animal and human rights campaigner. His decision has resulted in ten days imprisonment, with further terms likely, and for his family to throw him out of home. Despite the fallout Efi’s commitment to his decision and the reasons underlying it remain resolute. " One of the reasons I refuse to join is because I want the Palestinians to know that not all Israelis are in favour of the occupation and that some people are willing to make a sacrifice to end it. "
Dispute persists over Israel’s weapons-shipment claims
11/9/2009 - Daily Star - Release of vessel and crew casts doubt on validity of claims - BEIRUT: The dispute over Israel’s claimed haul of “hundreds of tons” of rockets it said was aboard a ship bound for Hizbullah showed no sign of abating over the weekend as the Antiguan-owned vessel docked in Beirut. Israel claims that it seized cargo from a ship after naval commandoes stormed the vessel in the Mediterranean in the early hours of Wednesday morning, a bounty which consisted of more than 3,000 rockets, according to reports from the Israeli media. Israeli Army sources claimed to have obtained papers proving that the ship was destined for the port of Latakia in Syria and weapons aboard it were sent from Iran, eventually destined for Hizbullah. Both Syrian and Iranian foreign ministers denied that such a cargo existed and accused Israel of attempting to hamper legitimate trade routes between the two nations.
Berri: Israel arms-ship claims ’fabricated’
11/7/2009 - Daily Star - Parliament Speaker Nabih Berri said Friday that Israeli claims about an alleged arms ship sent from Iran to Hizbullah were fabricated by Israel to target the resistance, which he stressed had the right to obtain weapons from “anywhere in the world. ” The speaker added that Israel’s capture of a ship near Cyprus was also a bid to deflect attention away from the Goldstone report, on Israeli war crimes during the Gaza war. The Goldstone report accused Israel and Hamas militants of war crimes during the recent conflict in the Gaza Strip, which killed up to 1,387 Palestinians and 13 Israelis. The report gave Israel and the Palestinian Hamas movemnet six months to mount credible investigations into the allegations or face possible prosecution at the International Criminal Court in The Hague. On Wednesday, Israeli naval commandos stormed a ship they said was carrying hundreds of tons of weapons just before dawn in waters close to Cyprus.
J’lem mayor finds support for united city in Congress
11/7/2009 - YNetNews - Barkat warmly received in Washington, with Congress members presenting to him legislation proposal to have US embassy moved from Tel Aviv to capital without need for president's consent - WASHINGTON - Jerusalem Mayor Nir Barkat met with Democratic and Republican Congress members in Washington on Friday, and was pleased to find wall-to-wall support of the need to keep Jerusalem united. The mayor, who is on a two-week visit to the United States and Canada, arrived at Congress accompanied by Israeli Ambassador to Washington Michael Oren. Barkat was received warmly, and learned that it is seemingly easier to run Jerusalem from the US capital than from the Israeli one. One example of the support Barkat found for his position on Jerusalem can be found in the Senate, where a group of seven senators are working on legislation that will support maintaining a united Jerusalem.
PLC Speaker: Hamas Will SignThe Egyptian Document By End of November
IMEMC 11 Nov 2009 - Wednesday November 11, 2009 - 18:23, Speaker of the Palestinian Legislative Council, Dr. Aziz Dweik, of Hamas told Media that his movement will sign the Egyptian document for internal Palestinian conciliation.
The Israeli Military Kidnaps 12 Civilians From The West Bank
IMEMC 11 Nov 2009 - Wednesday November 11, 2009 - 14:36, The Israeli military kidnapped on Wednesday 12 Palestinian civilians during invasions targeting a number of West Bank communities.
Two Palestinians wounded by settlers in Hebron
IMEMC 11 Nov 2009 - Wednesday November 11, 2009 - 14:23, Two Palestinian teenagers were inquired late Tuesday night when Israeli settlers attacked them at the southern West Bank city of Hebron.
Zahhar: “Nobody Will Be Sorry To See Abbas Leave”
IMEMC 11 Nov 2009 - Wednesday November 11, 2009 - 11:29, Member of the Hamas Political Bureau, Mahmoud Zahhar, stated that nobody will be sorry to see President Mahmoud Abbas leaving his political life and position as president, and added that Abbas did not achieve any positive accomplishment.
Egypt Prevents Six Ministers, Hamas And Islamic Jihad Leaders From Heading To Mecca
IMEMC 11 Nov 2009 - Wednesday November 11, 2009 - 09:24, The Palestine News and Information Center, affiliated with the Hamas movement, reported on Tuesday evening that the Egyptian Authorities prevented six Palestinian officials, including two Hamas ministers, from leaving the Gaza Strip for pilgrimage in Mecca.
New report says tunnel industry harming fabric of Gaza society
11/11/2009 - Gaza - Ma'an - In its first report about children working in the Gaza-Egypt smuggling tunnels, the research unit of the Palestinian National Society for Democracy and Law reported the prime factor in child labor in the tunnels was abject poverty. The report, released in early November, details the working conditions for children employed in the tunnel industry, and provides analysis on the impact child labor in the tunnels has on Palestinian society in Gaza. The findings of the report say tunnel labor has a "very negative influence" on the political, social, and economic life in Palestinian society in Gaza. "This kind of labour weakens the potential of future generations and hinders development of human resources," the report's conclusion said, and recommended an immediate halt be put on the practice. The role of small children in the tunnel industry was described as merchandise movers.
Israeli forces detain Palestinian, two youths sustain beating
11/11/2009 - Ramallah - Ma'an - Israeli forces detained a Palestinian in the town of Aqraba, Nablus, beat two youths from Hebron and raided a number of houses in different locations across the West Bank, the information office of the Palestinian police said on Wednesday. The information office stated that Israeli forces raided the town of Aqraba and detained Amjad Yousef Derieh, 42. They added that Hussam Wa'el Ash-Sharabati, 16, and his brother Hazem, 15, were transferred to Hebron hospital for bruising sustained while Israeli forces struck them in the Old City of Hebron, the information office said. In addition, Israeli forces raided the city of Qalqiliya, searching and causing damage to the house and personal property of Atef Da'oud Ash-Sharif.
French union joins Israel boycott
11/11/2009 - Bethlehem - Ma'an - A French labor union decided to join the international movement to apply Boycotts, Divestment, and Sanctions (BDS) on Israel, a statement from the National Work Confederation (Confederation Nationale du Travail - CNT) said Wednesday. "The commitment of the CNT to support the Palestinian people over many years has led us naturally to join this vital campaign to end the exploitation and occupation by Israel," the document said. The international secretary of the union said it would also invite each of its constituent members to join the BDS campaign and participate in its activities. "Our joining this Boycott, Disinvestment and Sanctions campaign is coherent with our solidarity with Palestine, defined by our statement of support of the Palestinian people's struggle, adopted by the CNT during its 2006 congress.
Israeli troops close eastern entrance of Hebron
11/11/2009 - Hebron - Ma'an - Israeli forces closed the eastern entrance of Hebron and prevented Heron residents from entering the area, Ma'an's reporter said from the scene on Wednesday evening. Several Israeli soldiers were reportedly stationed above the Halhoul bridge northeast of Hebron, stopping traffic and preventing dozens of locals from reaching their homes. No justification was given at the scene for the searches. [end]
Declaring a state? Palestinian leaders weigh in
11/11/2009 - Bethlehem - Ma'an - The Palestinian National Council proclaimed the establishment of a Palestinian state during a meeting in Algiers on 15 November 1988. Like the declaration of a Palestinian state in Gaza in 1948 amidst the war with the nascent Israeli state, the 1988 declaration has little practical meaning today. For whatever reason, recent media speculation has raised the notion that Palestinian leaders could make another such declaration in the current political climate. As the anniversary of the 1988 proclamation approaches, however, the idea of making such a pronouncement again remains a controversial idea among Palestinian political leaders. Officials from several political factions debated prospects for a new declaration in a program on Ramallah's Amwaj radio station on Tuesday morning. "The Palestinian people's right to self determination has been recognized. . .
Birzeit hosts leaders to discuss feasibility of Fayyad plan
11/11/2009 - Ramallah - Ma'an report - The Palestinian Institute for Politics and Strategic Studies held a brainstorming session Tuesday to discuss logistics of Prime Minister Salam Fayyad's plan of establishing a state in two years. Principal of Birzeit University Nabil Qassis headed the session, opening with comments marking the serious agenda Fayyad put forward, calling the plan a "serious agenda," and a "turning point in the way the [Palestinian Authority] PA thinks. " No longer, he said, is the "occupation a pretext for failure. " The three-hour session saw professionals, politicians, community officials and members of parliament focus on the possibilities and drawbacks of Fayyad's "Palestine: Ending the Occupation, Establishing the State," released on 25 August 2009. Central among the discussion was whether or not Fayyad's plan needed popular support, and whether or not it would get it.
Gaza: Two crossings opened
11/11/2009 - Gaza - Ma'an - Israeli authorities opened the Kerem Shalom and Karni crossings in Gaza on Wednesday, while Nahal Oz remained closed. Palestinian coordinator at the crossing Raed Fattuh noted that "it is expected that between 77-88 truckloads of aid will be allowed into Gaza through Kerem Shalom including, 12 truckloads of 330 cows, while between 122-133 truckloads of wheat and fodder will be allowed through Karni. " Israel opened the Kerem Shalom and Nahal Oz crossings on Tuesday to allow aid and limited amounts of industrial fuel, cooking gas all the while keeping Karni closed. [end]
Israeli troops: We will never evacuate Homesh
11/11/2009 - Bethlehem - Ma'an - Soldiers of the reservist Shimshon Battalion expressed their support for soldiers who brandished signs against the evacuation of the Homesh settlement in the West Bank, Israeli media reported on Wednesday. Israeli reserve troops sent support in a letter to commanders on behalf of protesters who announced their refusal to evacuate the Homesh settlement during a military ceremony at the Western Wall in the Old City of Jerusalem in October 2009. The protestors were later sentenced to 20-days imprisonment following expulsion from the battalion. The letter, quoted in the Israeli daily Ynet, accused the battalion commanders of "acting on political whims" and compelled them to return to "the true national missions - a crushing war against terrorists and enemies. " "We fought with the battalion in Gush Katif, in Netzarim, in Nisanit and in Gush Etzion, we were part. . .
Al-Ashqar: Egypt lets Gazan leaders leave for Hajj
11/11/2009 - Gaza - Ma'an - Egypt allowed leaders of various Palestinian parties to depart to Saudi Arabia for to perform Hajj, said senior Hamas leader Isma'il Al-Ashqar on Wednesday after having been prohibited on Tuesday. On Tuesday Al-Ashqar stated that he and other Palestinian leaders had been banned from travelling to Saudi Arabia by Egyptian authorities, despite having the official documents required, he said. However, Al-Ashqar announced on Wednesday that they had now been permitted to travel to Saudi Arabia. The list of those now allowed to travel including Muhammad Al-Hindi, a leader of the Islamic Jihad party, Muhye Ad-Deen Abu Daqa from As-Sa'eqa, Zakaria Daghmash from the Popular Resistance, Salem Salama, and Iyad Ad-Dajani from Hamas, in addition to himself, said Al-Ashqar.
Abbas sets out strict peace talk program at Arafat memorial
11/11/2009 - Ramallah - Ma'an - "I will make decisions as the situation develops," President Mahmoud Abbas told thousands marking the fifth anniversary of Arafat's death on Wednesday, referring to his political future and role in the Palestinian Authority. Speaking from the presidential compound in Ramallah, Abbas laid out for the assembled crowd the parameters of his political program, which seemingly leaves little room for movement unless progress comes from other sides. Abbas said he would continue to refuse peace talks with Israel unless Israeli leadership put a halt to settlement construction in the West Bank including East Jerusalem. He also said he would refuse a state with temporary boundaries, explaining "a state with temporary boundaries exists as a choice within the Roadmap plan, but we are declining to take that choice.
Egypt to transport meat of 3,000 cows into Gaza before eid
11/11/2009 - Al-Arish - Ma'an - Egypt is to allow the transport of calves into Gaza ahead of Eid Al-Adha, on the condition that they are slaughtered before entering the Rafah crossing. Head of the Union of Arab Physicians Mustafa At-Tayeh said Egyptian authorities approved the transport of 3,000 calves via the Rafah border crossing, to be delivered in three stages, adding that Egyptian authorities would only allow the transfer to go ahead on the condition that the animals are slaughtered before entering Gaza. At-Tayeh added that humanitarian aid will also be allowed into Gaza which will be assigned by the union to children in Gaza. The Union of Arab Physicians further stated that it had coordinated with the Egyptian authorities to permit the transport of one thousand tents and five thousand caravans for families in Gaza left homeless due to Israel's assault on the Strip last winter.
Haniyeh: We do not want violence with Israel
11/11/2009 - Gaza - Ma'an - De facto Prime Minister Ismael Haniyeh told a delegation from the International Committee of the Red Cross that Gaza is "not looking for more violence," but that he was sure Israel has "plans to target the Gaza Strip once again. " During a meeting with the delegation on Wednesday, Haniyeh said he "hopes what he said would not prove to be true, that the world will stop Israel from killing more children. "If Israel does decide to attack, he added, "our people will not surrender, they will fight back," a statement from his office said. The comments follow a string of threats from Israeli officials, saying the country's next war will be with Gaza. In one notable example, Israeli Military Chief of Staff Gabi Ashkenazi told a cadre of graduating military officers, "The army will return to face the places where they [Gaza militants] launch rockets which is in the most. . .
Nasrallah: Resistance must be supported
11/11/2009 - Bethlehem - Ma'an - Hizbullah Secretary-General Hassan Nasrallah called followers to "strengthen the role of resistance in Lebanon and Palestine, to face Israel after the failure of all efforts to achieve peace," in an hour long speech broadcast by Al-Manar TV from Lebanon on Wednesday. Typically verbose and rhetorical, Nasrallah praised nations like Turkey and Vuenezuela for their support, highlighting the non-religious nature of Hizbullah's conflict with Israel. "We are with any state like the Sunni Turkey if they support Palestine and Lebanon and we are with Venezuela the communist if they support Palestine and Lebanon," he said. Nasrallah also typically postured against Israel, threatening the country with reports of a weaponthat can "reach to the heart of Haifa and more than that. "The threat followed a declaration that, "If Israel tries to attack Lebanon again, we will oppose. . .
Arafat celebrated five years after death
11/11/2009 - Bethlehem - Ma'an - More than 13,000 Palestinians gathered in Ramallah on Wednesday to mark the fifth anniversary of the death of former Palestinian President Yasser Arafat. Large crowds packed into the Presidential Compound to hear a memorial from President Mahmoud Abbas, who donned a white ball cap emblazoned with the flag of Palestine and a black and white kuffeyeh as he addressed the crowd for what many anticipated to be a historic speech. Rumors spread before the event that Abbas would announce his resignation, precipitating the dissolution of the Palestinian Authority. "Today we commemorate anniversary of our historic leader Arafat. He planted the seed which became the tree to provide shadow for us. We have reached the last quarter of our run for statehood, and thus we shouldn't give up hope," Abbas began, with hundreds of thousands watching from home and listening from the compound.
Hamas: PA security detained five supporters
11/11/2009 - Bethlehem - Ma'an - Five Hamas supporters were detained over the past two days by the Palestinian Authority's security services, Hamas said in a statement released on Wednesday. The statement explained that the detainees were from Nablus in the north, Bethlehem and Hebron in the south. While the statement included the names of detainees, they will not be published in order to guarantee privacy. [end]
PA deploys police ahead of Arafat memorial
11/11/2009 - Ramallah - Ma'an - Hundreds of Palestinian police officers, including women, were deployed across Ramallah in preparation for the fifth anniversary of the death of Yasser Arafat, police media offices said on Wednesday. A statement released by the Palestinian police media office saidbuses of participants ready to attend the Arafat rally would arrive from the southern districts of Hebron, Bethlehem and Jerusalem in addition to those arriving from the northern districts. The road from the Manara Square to the Muqata'a was to be closed to traffic, the statement added. The media office further stated that the police established three operating rooms for each branch of the security services and one for field officers in Ramallah to help coordinate security for the event.
Hamas: Arafat a symbol of struggle
11/11/2009 - Gaza - Ma'an - Hamas hailed late President Yasser Arafat as an icon of struggle on the fifth anniversary of his death Wednesday, despite the ongoing bitter feud with the current leaders of Arafat's party, the Fatah movement. Hamas spokesman Fawzi Barhoum said, "for Fatah, Arafat's death meant [the party's] decision-making process was thrown off track, but to the Palestinian people, his death meant losing a symbolic leader committed to the Palestinian cause whether we agreed with him or not. " In his speech, Barhoum also referred to the widely-held belief that Arafat was poisoned as Israel kept him under virtual house arrest in his Ramallah compound during the Ramallah siege in 2004. Barhoum said the death showed that leaders who defend Palestinian rights and principles must eventually "pay the price. "Referring to the declaration of the second intifada in 2000, Barhoum said
Dweik: Hamas will sign Egyptian proposal by end of month
11/11/2009 - Ramallah - Ma'an - Hamas will sign the Egyptian reconciliation paper by month's end,Dr Aziz Ad-Dweik, speaker of the Palestinian Legislative Council and member of the Hamas bloc said Wednesday. Dweik gave an interview on Al-Jazeera Arabic announcing that Hamas leaders had secured Egyptian guarantees that they would take into account Hamas' reservations on the issue, and would list them on the sidelines of the reconciliation paper, which would be signed by both parties. "By the end of the month you'll hear what will delight your hearts," Dweik said, assuring that political activity ensuring the end of Palestinian division was ongoing. Earlier Wednesday, the Palestinain paper Al-Quds Al-Arabi had Dweik hinting that Hamas would soon sign the Egyptian plan for unity. In the article, Dweik elaborated on the matter of the conditions Hamas insisted on inserting into the unity document before it would sign.
Final group of Gaza pilgrims leave for Hajj
11/11/2009 - Gaza - Ma'an - The remaining group of Palestinian pilgrims in Gaza will leave on Wednesday for Mecca to perform the Hajj, according to a Palestinian communications official. The official, Jaser Al-Mashukhi said, "A group of 143 pilgrims will leave to Al-A'rish Airport then to Mecca for the Hajj. " He further noted, "The total number of pilgrims who travelled [from Gaza] as of Friday was 4,205 pilgrims" adding that some 170 passports in the Saudi consulate waiting to get Hajj visas for their holders. " Senior Hamas leader Ismail Al-Ashqar said on Tuesday that Egyptian authorities prevented him and Palestinian leaders from other political parties from travelling to perform the Hajj.
Do not let the olive branch fall from my hand
11/11/2009 - Born in Cairo on 4 August, 1929 to Gazan and Jerusalemite parents, Yasser Arafat, known also as Abu Ammar, remains an icon of the Palestinian people in the occupied territories and across the world for his dedication to the pursuit of a Palestinian state. His struggle for national liberation began in 1948, when he participated in Arab-Zionist fighting as British troops withdrew from Mandate Palestine. Following his election as Chairman of the Palestine Liberation Organization (PLO) in 1968, he continued to assert the Palestinian right to self determination internationally. Appearing at the UN in 1974 "bearing an olive branch and a freedom fighter's gun," Arafat demanded: "Do not let the olive branch fall from my hand. " Following the signing of the Declaration of Principles by Israel and the PLO at the White House in 1993, giving Palestinians. . .
PSE drops: Al-Quds Index down 0.38% on Wednesday
11/11/2009 - Bethlehem - Ma'an - The Palestine Securities Exchange in Nablus fell on Wednesday, as the Al-Quds Index dropped 1. 91 points (0. 38%) to close at 494. 97. Trading volume was 173,172 shares traded for a total value of 259,473. 54 US dollars in 161 trades. The shares of 18 companies were traded. The share prices of five companies rose, while those of 10 declined. The top five gainers were NCI by 3. 33%, AMB by 2. 63%, PCB by 2. 44%, PEC by 2. 06%, and PIIC by 1. 52%. The top five losers were GCOM by 4. 55%, ARAB by 3. 39%, WASSEL by 1. 64%, BPC by 1. 35%, QUDS by 0. 83%. [end]
Brazil to buy $350 million worth of drones from Israel
Ha'aretz 11 Nov 2009 - The deal was signed during President Peres' official visit to Brazil, but negotiations began months ago.
Israel shows papers linking Iran to seized 'Hezbollah arms ship'
Ha'aretz 11 Nov 2009 - Iran urges Russia: Ignore Israeli pressure, deliver S-300 missiles are capable of shooting down warheads.
U.S. accuses Iran of arms shipments to Hezbollah
Ha'aretz 11 Nov 2009 - U.S. raises issue of arms shipments to Security Council; UN: Both sides violating UN Resolution 1701.
Alleged Jewish terrorist to be charged with murdering two Palestinians
Ha'aretz 11 Nov 2009 - Yaakov Teitel arrested a month ago on suspicion of murder, involvement in several murders and bomb plots.
Outpost residents finally admit IDF official issuing demolition order
Ha'aretz 11 Nov 2009 - Police negotiating with residents of unauthorized community, Givat Asaf, who refuse to accept decree.
Lebanon source: Israel working with Islamists to hurt Hezbollah
Ha'aretz 11 Nov 2009 - Lebanese official says Katyusha fired last month was arranged with Israel, to make Hezbollah take blame.
Report: Hezbollah rearming for imminent conflict with Israel
Ha'aretz 11 Nov 2009 - The British Observer quotes a Hezbollah commander as saying they expect an Israeli attack by spring.
U.S. top brass: Nuclear Iran is existential threat to Israel
Ha'aretz 11 Nov 2009 - Mullen: A nuclear Iran would undermine the stability of a region that is already highly unstable.
Lebanon authorities detain 'arms ship' crew for questioning
Ha'aretz 11 Nov 2009 - After Israel releases ship found to be carrying tons of weapons apparently to Hezbollah, crew questioned in Beirut.
[uruknet.info] From the River to the Sea
Uruknet November 11, 2009 - Let's once and for all stop getting excited about America mounting pressure on Israel to freeze West Bank settlements. The entire fascination with the topic is a product of Zionist spin. It is there to divert attention from the root cause of the conflict: The robbery of Palestine and Palestinians in the name of a 'Jewish...
[uruknet.info] Ministry of detainees: Israel stepped up its racist practices against prisoners
Uruknet November 11, 2009 -- The Palestinian ministry of prisoners stated Tuesday that the Israeli occupation authority (IOA) has stepped up its malicious racist practices against detainees, who number more than 10,000 Palestinians. Information director of the ministry Riyadh Al-Ashqar gave many examples of the serious violations committed against prisoners in Israeli jails, noting that these violations reflect Israel's hatred and...
[uruknet.info] Settlers 'stone' school children
Uruknet November 11, 2009 - Twaneh School in Hebron has seen some improvements since former UK Prime Minister Tony Blair paid it a visit as UN Middle East envoy last year. The track leading from the school to the new main road joining Jerusalem to Israeli settlements on the south eastern slopes of Palestine is now paved. There are two new...
[uruknet.info] Fatah marks Arafat's anniversary behind closed doors in Gaza
Uruknet November 10, 2009 - A Fatah lawmaker on Tuesday defied a Hamas ban on marking the death anniversary of late Palestinian leader Yasser Arafat and held a candle-lighting ceremony at his office in southern Gaza Strip town of Rafah. The office of Ashraf Jum'a, a member of the Palestinian Legislative Council (PLC), were crammed with nearly 100 supporters of Fatah...
[uruknet.info] Video: UN calls for the opening of crossings into Gaza
Uruknet November 10, 2009 - UN Humanitarian Coordinator for the Occupied Palestinian Territory called for the immediate opening of crossings into Gaza so that Palestinians can prepare for the coming winter...
[uruknet.info] Comrade Sa'adat calls from his isolation cell for support for Palestinian prisoners
Uruknet November 10, 2009 - Comrade Leader Ahmad Sa'adat, the imprisoned General Secretary of the Popular Front for the Liberation of Palestine, issued a letter on November 8, 2009 from his isolation cell in response to the international day of action and the efforts of political, social, legal and media organizations in solidarity with Comrade Sa'adat and all Palestinian prisoners, particularly...
[uruknet.info] Israeli Jews and the one-state solution
Uruknet November 10, 2009 - One of the most commonly voiced objections to a one-state solution for Palestine/Israel stems from the accurate observation that the vast majority of Israeli Jews reject it, and fear being "swamped" by a Palestinian majority. Across the political spectrum, Israeli Jews insist on maintaining a separate Jewish-majority state. But with the total collapse of the Obama...
[uruknet.info] Palestinians adrift five years after Arafat death
Uruknet November 10, 2009 - Every time Nader Ismail comes to Ramallah he makes his way to the white mausoleum of Yasser Arafat, the father of the Palestinian struggle for statehood, to say a prayer. "President Arafat is a symbol of the Palestinian revolution, and I cannot come to Ramallah without reading the fatiha (Koranic verses) over his tomb," says Ismail,...
[uruknet.info] Five years on, Palestinians still mourning Arafat
Uruknet November 10, 2009 - Every time Nader Ismail comes to Ramallah he makes his way to the white mausoleum of Yasser Arafat, the father of the Palestinian struggle for statehood, to say a prayer. "President Arafat is a symbol of the Palestinian revolution, and I cannot come to Ramallah without reading the fatiha (Koranic verses) over his tomb," says Ismail,...
[uruknet.info] PCHR Condemns Gaza Government's Decision to Ban International Federation of Journalists Conference in Gaza
Uruknet November 10, 2009 - The Palestinian Center for Human Rights (PCHR) strongly condemns the Gaza Government's decision to ban a conference of the International Federation of Journalists (IFJ) in Gaza. The conference was due to be held on 9 and 10 November 2009, and linked to the West Bank meeting via video conference. PCHR stresses that this measure constitutes an...
[uruknet.info] Obama, Netanyahu meet as U.S. peace bid flounders
Uruknet November 10, 2009 - President Barack Obama held unusually low-profile talks with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Monday that failed to provide any sign of progress toward reviving Israeli-Palestinian peace negotiations. A White House statement after the one-hour, 40-minute session framed the meeting in only general terms, saying the two leaders discussed "how to move forward on Middle East...
Arafat's death: Who is the killer?
Palestine, November 11, (Pal Telegraph) - Palestinians are marking the fifth anniversary of the death of Yasser Arafat. Hundreds of people gathered in the main square of the West Bank city of Ramallah to remember the late Palestinian leader.
Like Berlin Wall; Palestinians try to break Israeli "Apartheid " wall
Palestine, Novermber 10, 2009 (Pal Telegraph) - Palestinians and foreign activists have torn down segments of Israel's separation wall in a demonstration marking the 20th anniversary of the fall of the Berlin Wall.
Fenced in but defiant in Israeli-occupied West Bank
US, Novermber 8, 2009 (Pal Telegraph) - Sabri Mohammed Ghraieb has seen the olive groves that once fringed his West Bank home turn into a Jewish settlement and prison-like walls but still he refuses to leave.
UN: Israel violates Lebanon resolution
The National 11 Nov 2009 - All Israeli military flights over Lebanon break a resolution aimed at ending the 2006 hostilities between the two neighbours, a UN envoy says.
Abbas is playing a bluff with few cards
The National 10 Nov 2009 - President's decision to not run for re-election may be part of a desperate ploy to face the White House and Israel with a final ultimatum.
Israel and Iran visit Brazil
The National 10 Nov 2009 - Dueling visits to Brazil by the presidents of Israel and Iran are showing the South American powerhouse's growing role in Mideast diplomacy.
Palestinians mark Arafat's death
AlJazeera 11 Nov 2009 - Amid stalled peace talks, Fatah supporters honour man who led them for four decades.
Iran 'ready to aid Yemeni security'
AlJazeera 11 Nov 2009 - Tehran offers to help after warning Yemen's neighbours against interfering.
Jordan police held over man's death
AlJazeera 10 Nov 2009 - Jordanian police officers to face trial in connection with death of a civilian.
Chairperson of Hebrew University Student Union: Build Wall between the University and the Neighboring Palestinian Village of Issawiya
Alternative Information Center 11 Nov 2009 - According to the Jerusalem online newspaper Mynet , Hebrew University’s Student Union Chairperson, Ofer Raviv, recently recommended that a Separation Wall between the university’s Mount Scopus campus and the nearby Palestinian village of Issawiya be constructed.
How Israel Won the Settlement Battle Again
Alternative Information Center 10 Nov 2009 - When British Foreign Secretary David Miliband uttered a few words regarding the illegality of the Israeli settlements in the occupied West Bank, many wanted to believe that London was taking a sharp stance against Israel’s continued...
Condemnation of the Gaza Government’s Decision to Ban an International Federation of Journalists Conference in Gaza
Alternative Information Center 10 Nov 2009 - The Palestinian Center for Human Rights (PCHR) strongly condemns the Gaza Government's decision to ban a conference of the International Federation of Journalists (IFJ) in Gaza. The conference was due to be held on 9 and...
Palestinians mark anniversary of Arafat's death
PNN 11 Nov 2009 - Palestinians are marking the fifth anniversary of the death of Yasser Arafat. Hundreds of people gathered in the main square of the West Bank city of Ramallah to remember the late Palestinian leader. Tributes have also been paid at his gravestone, inside the Palestinian presidential compound. The Hamas group, which runs the Gaza Strip, banned similar commemorations there. The anniversary of Arafat’s...
Israeli settlers plow privately owned Palestinian fields, Israeli police fail to intervene.
PNN 9 Nov 2009 - At-Tuwani - On the morning of Sunday 8 November 2009 four Israeli settleryouth from Ma'on settlement plowed privately-owned Palestinian fields inUmm Zeituna valley. The settlers arrived at approximately 8:50am andchased two Palestinian shepherds off the land throwing stones, beforestarting plowing. Local Palestinian shepherds and international peaceactivists from Operation Dove called the Israeli police, who failed torespond to the incident.Settlers worked for several...
Qalqilia Zoo
PNN 9 Nov 2009 - The Qalqilia Zoo was established in 1986 through funding from the Qalqilia Municipality. The total area of the project did not initially exceed ten dunums, including a small park, the animals’ area, and some recreational attractions. As time went on, the zoo started to expand. In recent years, the Qalqilia Municipality has focused on expanding and improving the zoo and inaugurated the...
The Writing on the Wall
PNN 9 Nov 2009 - As the 20th anniversary of the fall of the Berlin Wall approaches, I find it appropriate to reflect on what lessons its fall has to teach us about the Wall being built here in Palestine, what is known to Israelis as the “Security Fence” and what is known to many Palestinians as the “Apartheid Wall.” In order to deepen my understanding of...
Harvest under Fire
PNN 9 Nov 2009 - Immatin is a small village of nearly 2,500 people that is nestled in the hills east of Qalqilia. Like so many other villages in Qalqilia, Immatin’s recent history is marred by stories of confiscated lands, uprooted olive trees, and the approach of the Wall, which threatens to isolate 10,000 of the village’s 27,000 dunums. To make matters worse, the people of Immatin...
Abbas: No talks if no settlement freeze
Jeruslalem Post 11 Nov 2009 - Fatah supporters convene at Mukata in Ramallah to mark the fifth anniversary of Yasser Arafat's death.
Petition demands stop to demolitions in Jerusalem's Jebl Mukaber
Jeruslalem Post 11 Nov 2009 -
Yesh Din: Settlers build fences to keep Palestinian landowners off their own land
Jeruslalem Post 11 Nov 2009 -
Army launches new probe for 'counter-Goldstone' report
Jeruslalem Post 11 Nov 2009 - IDF seeks B'tselem's assistance in gathering testimony from Gaza amid efforts to refute war crimes accusations, Jerusalem Post learns.
Dutch FM: Israel, Hamas must probe Gaza war
Jeruslalem Post 11 Nov 2009 - Verhagen meets Lieberman; FM: Positive, dynamic and mutual trust needed to launch talks with PA.
Mofaz blames Hamas spin on rivals
Jeruslalem Post 11 Nov 2009 - Former defense minister tells 'Post' he'll only meet with terror group if it decides to turn new leaf.
9/11 memorial to be unveiled in J'lem's Arazim Valley
Jeruslalem Post 11 Nov 2009 - Ramot monument one of the first major int'l memorials to 9/11 and only site outside New York to list names of all those who perished.
Brazilian president seeks role as Mideast peace mediator
Jeruslalem Post 11 Nov 2009 - Da Silva tells Peres he'll come to Israel in March to listen to Israeli and Palestinian viewpoints and then continue on to Jordan and Syria.
PM tries to jump-start talks with Syria
Jeruslalem Post 11 Nov 2009 - Netanyahu willing to negotiate without preconditions; Barak: Don't belittle Damascus peace signals.
ISRAEL: Getting tough on "infiltrators"
IRIN JERUSALEM Tuesday, November 10, 2009 (IRIN) - Aid groups and several members of parliament (MPs) are outraged by what seems to be the toughening of Israeli policy towards asylum-seekers illegally entering the country.
EGYPT: Black cloud with a silver lining
IRIN CAIRO Monday, November 09, 2009 (IRIN) - The conversion of excess rice straw into fertilizer, rather than simply burning it off could be the solution to a problem that has plagued Cairo residents for the last 10 years: the “black cloud” that decends on the city every October and November.
In Brief: Israel transfers 5,000 H1N1 vaccinations to Gaza
IRIN TEL AVIV Sunday, November 08, 2009 (IRIN) - Israel’s Civil Administration announced on 5 November that it had transferred 5,000 pandemic H1N1 vaccinations to Gaza for Hajj pilgrims leaving to Saudi Arabia via the Rafah border crossing with Egypt.
POLITICS: On Nuke Disarmament, It's Still "You First"
IPS UNITED NATIONS, Oct 31 (IPS) - Is the ongoing controversy over Iran's nuclear programme helping to advance the United Nations' agenda on nuclear disarmament? To a number of diplomats and experts who have participated in past U.N. discussions on the spread of nuclear weapons, the answer is, yes – although...
MIDEAST: The 'Unknown' Fight the Illegal
IPS OCCUPIED EAST JERUSALEM, Nov 8 (IPS) - "Make sure your father gets this," the municipal inspector tells a ten-year-old boy at the gate of the concrete house in an alleyway in the Al-Bustan quarter of Silwan, a Palestinian neighbourhood right under the shadow of the walled Old City.
Al-Ma’sara commemorates the fall of the Berlin Wall
Stop The Wall 11 Nov 2009 - In Friday’s demonstration against the illegal construction of the Apartheid Wall that is designed to steal the agricultural lands of the villages of Southern Bethlehem, the people of al-Ma'sara celebrated the 20th anniversary of the fall of the Berlin Wall in Germany. In chants and speeches, the demonstrators insisted on the illegality of the Wall and occupation, while international and Israeli activists showed support using percussion instruments. [
"We are going to Jerusalem!"
Stop The Wall 11 Nov 2009 - This afternoon, exactly 20 years after the fall of the Berlin Wall, popular committees struggling against the Apartheid Wall and the settlements destroyed part of the Wall near Qalandiya. Hundreds of people, with some 30 international supporters, used a truck to pull down part of the Wall in the area east of the Qalandiya refugee camp and beyond the UN Vocational College. They also destroyed iron gates and other pieces of concrete in the same area. [
(29 Oct.- 04 Nov. 2009)
PCHR Weekly Report
Netanyahu Meets Sarkozi
IMEMC 11 Nov 2009 - Thursday November 12, 2009 - 00:37, Israeli Prime Minister, Benjamin Netanyahu, met on Wednesday with the French President, Nicolas Sarkozi, during a visit to France. The two discussed the bilateral relations between Israel and France, the efforts to resume the stalled peace process and the Iranian file.
Netanyahu to Sarkozy: Israel ready for Syria talks without preconditions
Ha'aretz 11 Nov 2009 - Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said Wednesday that Israel would be prepared to hold immediate peace negotiations with Syria , as long as the talks were held without preconditions. ...
Hezbollah chief: Obama gives Israel more support than Bush did
Ha'aretz 11 Nov 2009 - Hezbollah leader Sheik Hassan Nasrallah on Wednesday accused U.S. President Barack Obama of absolute bias in favor of Israel and disregard for the dignity of Arabs and Muslims. ...
Lebanon condemns four alleged Israel spies to death
Ha'aretz 11 Nov 2009 - A Lebanese military court on Wednesday sentenced to death a first sergeant in the country's Internal Security Forces charged with spying on behalf of Israel. ...
Palestinian cave-dweller fights Israeli eviction
Ha'aretz 11 Nov 2009 - A Palestinian camping in an ancient cave near Jerusalem said he has been told by Israeli authorities to get out because the hillside is slated for a housing development and his "illegal" home will be demolished. ...
Report: Angelina Jolie planning to adopt child from Syria
Ha'aretz 11 Nov 2009 - Academy Award-winning actress Angelina Jolie is planning to adopt a child from Syria, OK! magazine reported Wednesday. ...
Abbas repeats demand for Jewish settlements freeze
The Guardian 11 Nov 2009 - Palestinian president uses fifth anniversary of Arafat's death to demand halt on construction before talks with Israel Mahmoud Abbas today underlined the stark reality of the stalemate in the Middle East peace process by again demanding...
Erdogan's blind faith in Muslims | Seth Freedman
The Guardian 11 Nov 2009 - The Turkish leader's support of Sudan's Omar al-Bashir while condemning Gaza 'war crimes' play to fears on the Israeli right Despite glaring evidence to the contrary, the Turkish prime minister, Recep Tayyip Erdogan , believes "it is...
Abbas's mixed messages | Hussein Ibish
The Guardian 9 Nov 2009 - The Palestinian president is fed up, but his statement that he would not seek a second term was a warning, not a resignation The recent announcement by Palestinian president Mahmoud Abbas that he would not seek...
Study: Israeli employers prefer not to hire Arabs
Ha'aretz 11 Nov 2009 - Israeli employers prefer not to hire Arabs, Ethiopians and Haredis - even those holding at least an undergraduate degree, according to a study published on Monday. ...
Abbas accuses Israel of 'disfiguring' two-state solution
Ha'aretz 11 Nov 2009 - Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas accused Israel on Wednesday of trying to undermine an internationally backed two-state solution to the Palestinian-Israeli conflict. ...
Bereaved women to Netanyahu: Stop gambling with Gilad Shalit's life
Ha'aretz 11 Nov 2009 - A group of women who had lost loved ones in combat or terror attacks sent a letter to Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Wednesday asking him to meet with them and tell them "when Gilad Shalit's tragic saga will end, so that we can stop struggling." ...
'Israel has different laws for Arab and Jewish youth'
Ha'aretz 11 Nov 2009 - The Nazareth Magistrate's Court on Wednesday dismissed a case against an Arab youth who was charged with attacking a police vehicle near Nazareth during the Gaza offensive earlier this year. ...
Probe: Near 5-plane crash at B-G Airport due to systemic glitch
Ha'aretz 11 Nov 2009 - The near crash of five airplanes at Ben Gurion Airport last June was due to a serious systemic failure involving Israel Airport Authorities officials, technicians, air traffic controllers and pilots, results of an investigation released on Wednesday revealed. ...
Syria: RCA funds rehabilitation of the Neirab Palestinian refugee Camp
Relief Web 11 Nov 2009 - Source: Emirates News Agency
Syria/OPT: Work begins on Shaikh Zayed quarter, Neirab Camp
Relief Web 11 Nov 2009 - Source: UN Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East
Conseil de sécurité : la protection des civils dans les conflits armés - résolution 1894 (2009)
Relief Web 11 Nov 2009 - Source: UN Security Council
Saying torture can 'never be justified,' Third Committee approves text condemning any attempt to legalize, authorize, including on national security grounds
Relief Web 11 Nov 2009 - Source: UN General Assembly
Middle East peace process not suffering from lack of standards, but of effort to implement them, Fourth Committee told, ending debate on Israeli practices
Relief Web 11 Nov 2009 - Source: UN General Assembly
Palestinian rights committee approves four draft resolutions on question of Palestine for adoption by General Assembly
Relief Web 11 Nov 2009 - Source: UN General Assembly
UN official to Security Council: Penalize Israel over Gaza op
YNet News 11 Nov 2009 - High Commissioner for Human Rights says Israel responsible for civilian deaths in Gaza, 'confiscation' of Arab land in east Jerusalem
Netanyahu to Sarkozy: Immediate talks with Syria
YNet News 11 Nov 2009 - After Paris meeting, Israeli, French leaders say they agreed to 'deploy all efforts' toward 'immediately reviving the peace process'; also discuss Iranian nuclear program
Nasrallah: Obama fully committed to Israel
YNet News 11 Nov 2009 - During 'Shahid Day' speech, Hezbollah leader says hopes for change in 'savage policy' towards Arab world quickly faded, US committed to Israeli interests
Barak: PM's meeting with Obama was constructive
YNet News 11 Nov 2009 - Upon returning to Israel, defense minister rejects reports of tension between Netanyahu, US president
Prize awarded to Shimshon Battalion 'rebels'
YNet News 11 Nov 2009 - New recruits Aryeh Arbus and Ahiya Ovadia who protested against evacuation of Homesh during induction ceremony still in military prison, while their families receive check and certificate of recognition from SOS Israel for sons' actions
Lebanon: Death sentence to 4 convicted of collaborating with Israel
YNet News 11 Nov 2009 - Judges find defendants guilty of 'knowingly conspiring with Israel, allowing it to launch attack against Lebanon.' Two of defendants tried in absentia because they apparently fled to Israel
Lieberman in The Hague: Positive dynamics needed ahead of negotiations
YNet News 11 Nov 2009 - Foreign minister meets with Dutch counterpart as part of visit to Holland, says one condition to advancing political process is cessation of incitement, international diplomatic intrigue
Assad: No preconditions for peace with Israel
YNet News 11 Nov 2009 - At meeting of Arab political parties in Damascus, Syrian president says, 'We do not put forward conditions on making peace,' but adds, 'Resistance forms the core of our policy'
Update on Cast Lead investigations
10 Nov 2009 - The Military Police are investigating some 21 incidents from Operation Cast Lead in the Gaza Strip. However, these investigations address specific incidents and will not address larger policy questions. They will also not examine the responsibility of civ
Abbas demands freeze of illegal Israeli settlements at Arafat memorial rally
Daily Star 11 Nov 2009 Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas stood by his demand for a complete Israeli settlement freeze in an address Wednesday to tens of thousands of Palestinians gathered to honor the late Yasser Arafat. The fifth anniversary of the revered leader's death finds Palestinians more divided than ever and his successor, Abbas, pondering resignation because.
Netanyahu-Sarkozy talks focus on Iran, Middle East
Daily Star 11 Nov 2009 Israel's Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu held talks Wednesday in Paris with French President Nicolas Sarkozy focusing on Iran and the crisis in the Middle East peace process. Neither leader spoke to reporters after the two hour meeting in the Elysee Palace, and Netanayahu set off for the airport immediately.
Families of Americans detained in Iran consult one another before each move
Daily Star 11 Nov 2009 The families of three Americans accused of espionage in Iran are attempting the delicate feat of keeping a spotlight trained on the plight of their loved ones while trying to avoid the tangled politics of the tense US-Iran relationship. Even as the Americans' captivity passed the 100-day point this week, the families of Shane Bauer, Sarah Shourd and Josh Fattal together.
Assad: No terms for peace with Israel, just rights
Daily Star 11 Nov 2009 President Bashar Assad said on Wednesday that Syria was not setting conditions on making peace with Israel, but that it did have rights that must be restored, the official SANA news agency reported. "Resistance [to Israeli occupation] forms the core of our po licy, both in the past and in the future. We do not put forward conditions on making peace., President Bashar Assad said on Wednesday that Syria was not setting conditions on making peace with Israel, but that it did have rights that must be restored, the official SANA news agency reported. "Resistance [to Israeli occupation] forms the core of our po licy, both in the past and in the future. We do not put forward conditions on making peace.
Iran urges Russia to deliver on defense contract despite pressure from Israel
Daily Star 11 Nov 2009 Iran urged Russia on Wednesday to deliver on an air-defense contract signed with Tehran and ignore Israeli pressures for delaying the deal that has also raised US concerns. Iranian Defense Minister Ahmad Vahidi said Moscow is under an obligation to carry out the contract to provide the S-300 missiles to Tehran.
Ex-Blackwater chiefs claim $1m Iraqi civilian shooting cover-up
Daily Star 11 Nov 2009 Former top executives at Blackwater Worldwide say the US security contractor sent some $1 million to its Iraq office, with the intention of paying off officials in the country who were angry about the fatal shootings of 17 civilians by Blackwater employees, the New York Times reported Tuesday. Four former executives described the plan under the condition of anonymity, the newspaper said.
Washington sniper John Allen Mohammad executed
Daily Star 11 Nov 2009 The Washington sniper was executed Tuesday after a 2002 reign of terror that claimed 10 lives and left the US capital paralyzed in fear for three weeks. John Mohammad staggered into the death chamber with the aid of prison guards and offered no last-minute explanation for his random killings, before being executed by lethal injection.
Abbas’s militias kidnap five citizens and summon many others in W. Bank
PIC 11 Nov 2009 - Mahmoud Abbas’s militias during the last two days kidnapped five Palestinian citizens affiliated with Hamas and issued tens of summonses against others in Nablus, Al-Khalil and Bethlehem.
Haneyya calls for devising Arab strategy to restore Palestinian rights
PIC 11 Nov 2009 - Ismail Haneyya, the PA premier in Gaza Strip, has called for the formulation of a pan-Arab strategy that would restore Arab rights in general and Palestinian rights in particular.
Hamas discusses political developments with DFLP
PIC 11 Nov 2009 - Delegates from Hamas and the democratic front for the liberation of Palestine (DFLP) conferred on Wednesday on latest Palestinian political developments topped by the reconciliation efforts.
Assad: The resistance of the occupation is an honor we should be proud of
PIC 11 Nov 2009 - Syrian president Bashar Al-Assad stated Monday that the resistance of the occupation is a national duty and to support it is a moral and legal duty as well as an honor which we should be proud of.
IOF troops severely beat two children
PIC 11 Nov 2009 - Israeli occupation forces (IOF) on Wednesday severely beat up two Palestinian children in the Old City of Al-Khalil without any apparent justification, locals reported.
Dweik: Hamas to sign the Egyptian reconciliation paper by end of month
PIC 11 Nov 2009 - Dr. Aziz Dweik, the Palestinian legislative council's speaker, has affirmed that Hamas would sign the Egyptian reconciliation paper by the end of November.
MP Zeidan: We don’t beg for negotiations
PIC 11 Nov 2009 - Hamas MP Abdul Rahman Zeidan has said that his Movement does not beg for negotiations but rather wants the "Zionist enemy" to recognize the Palestinian people's stable rights.
IOA extends administrative detention of Sheikh Saadi
PIC 11 Nov 2009 - The Israeli occupation authority (IOA) renewed for the sixth time the administrative detention of Sheikh Bassam Al-Saadi, a senior Islamic Jihad leader, after spending six years in Israeli jails.
Ministry of detainees: Israel stepped up its racist practices against prisoners
PIC 11 Nov 2009 - The Palestinian ministry of prisoners stated that the Israeli occupation authority (IOA) has stepped up its malicious racist practices against detainees, who number more than 10,000.
Hamas, Islamic Jihad dismayed at Egyptian blockage of their leaders' Haj
PIC 11 Nov 2009 - Hamas and Islamic Jihad top officials have expressed surprise and dismay at the Egyptian authorities' refusal to allow four of their officials and two other factional leaders to leave for Haj.
An Iranian couple's revolution
LA Times 11 Nov 2009 - Both were members of the Basiji elite, the hard-line Iranian militia. Over time, they took different paths, one embracing feminism and the other mellowing, then turning back to the use of force. One night he came home covered with blood.
Blair Hails Economic Steps in West Bank
New York Times 11 Nov 2009 - Palestinians marked two breakthroughs: a second mobile telephone company opened, and a long-closed crossing point from Israel allowed limited motor traffic.
Palestinian Authority’s Future Is in Question
New York Times 10 Nov 2009 - Those close to Mahmoud Abbas said that he intended to resign and that other Palestinian officials would follow.
Israeli Asks Abbas Not to Step Down
New York Times 8 Nov 2009 - Appealing to the president of the Palestinian Authority, who announced that he would not seek re-election, the Israeli president said: “Don’t let go.”
Call White House, Ask for Barack
New York Times 8 Nov 2009 - Until the Palestinians and Israelis are serious about the peace process, the United States should get out of the picture.
Young, Talented and Unhappy Playing Basketball Overseas
New York Times 8 Nov 2009 - Jeremy Tyler, 18, left high school in San Diego to play basketball in Israel. His goal is to be drafted by an N.B.A. team in two years, but for now he is struggling.
UN: Gaza needs construction material before winter
11/9/2009 - Antiwar.com - UN: Israel must allow Gazans to repair homes damaged in January offensive before winter - AP News - Thousands of Gaza Palestinians left homeless by an Israeli invasion face a cold and rainy winter unless Israel allows building supplies in, a senior U. N. official said Monday. But Israel has ruled out unrestricted shipments, fearing the material would be used by militants. Thousands of homes in Gaza were damaged or destroyed during Israel's fierce three-week winter offensive against the territory's Hamas rulers, aimed at stopping years of rocket attacks. Although the offensive ended nine months ago, the homes have not been repaired because Israel does not allow raw materials to enter the territory, part of its two-year blockade imposed after Hamas seized power in Gaza. " For the people in Gaza, life is miserable, life is not getting better, winter is coming, the rain is coming," Maxwell Gaylard, the U.
Netanyahu Scrambles to Assure Obama He Is Serious About Peace Process
11/9/2009 - Antiwar.com - Palestinians Tear Down Section of Refugee Camp Wall in Act of Defiance - Faced with the prospect of the Palestinian Authority being formally dissolved because of his government’s repeated threats to abandon peace talks and repeatedly ruling out demands, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is engaged in a bit of public relations to assure people how serious he is about the peace process. Not people in the Palestinian Authority, of course. Instead, Netanyahu was telling the press he would emphasize in a meeting with President Obama how “generous” he was prepared to be and how serious he was about peace. He also called for PA President Mahmoud Abbas to return to peace talks. The call was made at a Jewish Federation conference in Washington DC. One can only assume Mr. Abbas was not in attendance. Netanyahu sloganeering in a visit to the United States is unlikely to convince anyone in the West Bank of his sincerity, particularly without formal offers.
Lebanon premier unveils new Cabinet with Hezbollah
11/9/2009 - Antiwar.com - AP News - Lebanon's prime minister formed a Cabinet Monday that includes the militant group Hezbollah and its allies, ending a political deadlock that left the deeply divided nation without a government for months and threatened to ignite violence. Saad Hariri unveiled the 30-member Cabinet after more than four months of tough bargaining with his rivals in the Hezbollah-led political coalition over who would get which portfolios. Hariri's Western-backed bloc narrowly defeated the Hezbollah-led group in June's parliamentary election, enabling it to retain a slim majority in the 128-member legislature. But Hariri's need to include his powerful rivals in a national unity government set the stage for the months of wrangling. In the end, some commentators said the governing formula gives Hezbollah and its allies virtual veto power over government decisions.
Barack Obama provokes Palestinian anger by inviting Netanyahu to White House
11/9/2009 - Telegraph - President Barack Obama risked Palestinian anger on Monday by inviting Benjamin Netanyahu, the Israeli prime minister, to the White House. Mr Netanyahu, who is in Washington to address a conference of American Jews, had hoped for a high-profile meeting with the president that would confirm a renaissance in the US-Israeli relationship. But for three weeks, the White House declined to give any formal response to the Israeli request for a meeting, leading many in Israel to interpret the silence as a snub. The invitation finally arrived just hours before Mr Netanyahu's plane landed in the American capital, but the White House declined to disclose the agenda of the evening meeting in an apparent attempt to downplay its significance. An Israeli official, speaking anonymously, insisted that the encounter was no courtesy call, saying that "substantive" issues including Iran and the peace process would be discussed.
VIDEO - Inside Britain’s Israel Lobby
11/9/2009 - Channel 4 - UK - Peter Oborne - Dispatches investigates one of the most powerful and influential political lobbies in Britain, which is working in support of the interests of the State of Israel. Despite wielding great influence among the highest realms of British politics and media, little is known about the individuals and groups which collectively are known as the pro-Israel lobby. Political commentator Peter Oborne sets out to establish who they are, how they are funded, how they work and what influence they have, from the key groups to the wealthy individuals who help bankroll the lobbying. He investigates how accountable, transparent and open to scrutiny the lobby is, particularly in regard to its funding and financial support of MPs. The pro-Israel lobby aims to shape the debate about Britain's relationship with Israel and future foreign policies relating to it. Oborne examines how the lobby operates from within parliament and the tactics it employs behind the scenes when engaging with print and broadcast media.
Tuesday’s Toon ~~ This Wall Will Also Fall!
11/9/2009 - Desert Peace - By Carlos Latuff - Palestinians break Israel’s wall - Palestinians and foreign activists have torn down segments of Israel’s separation wall in a demonstration marking the 20th anniversary of the fall of the Berlin Wall. In the town of Qalandiya in the occupied West Bank, a group of masked activists using a lorry pulled down a two-metre cement block before Israeli security forces confronted them with tear gas grenades. Several of the estimated 50 demonstrators passed through the hole they had made, hoisting a Palestinian flag and setting ablaze tyres on the other side. Protesters were wearing shirts with the text “Jerusalem we are coming”, which was the slogan for the protest. Abdullah Abu Rahma, leader of the People’s Campaign to Fight the Wall, said: “Today we commemorate 20 years since the fall of the Berlin Wall.
India buys Israeli air defences for $1.1bn
11/10/2009 - Jang Group - TEL AVIV: Israel has signed a $1. 1 billion contract to supply an upgraded tactical air defence system to India, with delivery expected by 2017, an Israeli official said on Monday. The sale of the Barak-8 systems came as India’s army chief, General Deepak Kapoor, held high-level talks in Israel, India’s biggest defence supplier. Made by state-owned Israel Aerospace Industries Ltd. , the Barak-8 is designed for use aboard ships and can shoot down incoming missiles, planes and drones. The most advanced version can be also deployed on land, the Israeli official said. India has already acquired an earlier generation of the Barak system, the official said. The Barak-8 contract was signed in April, and delivery of the systems will take place “over the next six to eight years”. The Indian embassy in Tel Aviv had no immediate comment.
Israeli cabinet to meet in Germany
11/10/2009 - Globes Online - The meeting will commemorate 20 years since the fall of the Berlin Wall. - Two days after "Globes" reported about the number of ministers and MKs currently travelling abroad, another large-scale foreign trip is now in the works. Sources inform ''Globes'' that nearly one third of the cabinet plan to hold the weekly cabinet meeting on November 30, in Germany. The special cabinet meeting will be held in the Reichstag Building in Berlin, as part of the commemoration to mark the 20th anniversary of the fall of the Berlin Wall. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu will chair the meeting, which will include Minister of Foreign Affairs Avigdor Lieberman, Minister of Defense Ehud Barak, Minister of Finance Yuval Steinitz, Minister of Industry, Trade and Labor Benjamin Ben-Eliezer, Minister of National Infrastructures Uzi Landau, Minister of Social Welfare Isaac Herzog, Minister of Environmental Protection
Obama-Netanyahu meeting followed by near-silence
11/10/2009 - Globes Online - A congressional aide said, "No news is bad news. "- Yesterday's meeting between US President Barack Obama and Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu ended in a thunderous silence. In contrast to the flood of briefings, interviews, and statements that have been an inseparable part of visits to the White House by Israeli prime ministers in years gone by, this time the White House issued a terse, 52-word statement about the meeting. There was not even a hint about hope for resumption of the peace process. In contrast to previous meetings, there were no TV cameras present, nor was there even a photo-op at the start of the meeting. Netanyahu's entourage twice cancelled a briefing for Israeli correspondents. An Israeli spokesman who tried to expand a bit on the brief White House statement, could only add, "Unfortunately, we have nothing to add. "
Africa-Israel misses bond principal payment
11/10/2009 - Globes Online - The company's bonds are due today. - Lev Leviev-controlled Africa-Israel Investments Ltd. (TASE:AFIL; Pink Sheets:AFIVY. PK) paid only the interest, not the principal, on its Series 9 bonds that mature today. Africa-Israel transferred to the Tel Aviv Stock Exchange (TASE) clearing house only the NIS 11. 43 million interest payment due (4. 2% annual coupon rate), but not the full amount of principal and interest which together total about NIS 550 million. Series 9 bondholders claim Africa-Israel is able to pay them in full on time. The company claims that doing so shows preferential treatment to a group of bondholders. Africa-Israel has 13 series of bonds, and investors in the other series can now demand immediate repayment after the company missed a principal payment. Adv. Guy Gissin, the attorney for the Series 9 bondholders, said, "The company has the capital and assets to meet its obligations.
VIDEO - Benjamin Netanyahu Heckled At Major US Conference
11/9/2009 - Political Theatrics - Speaking at the 2009 General Assembly of the The Jewish Federations of North America in Washington, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu was interrupted by shouts from the crowd to which he replied that he was “better received at the United Nations than here. ” Protestors shouted “Peace for everyone, shame on you!” as they were escorted out. [end]
If Golan Talks Fail, We’ll Turn To Resistance
11/9/2009 - Political Theatrics - Syrian President Bashar Assad warned on Monday that if the Golan Heights are not returned peacefully – Syria will turn to resistance. Speaking at an economic forum of the Organization of Islamic Conference in Istanbul, Assad said, “The failure of negotiations towards the full restoration of rights automatically means resistance is the alternative solution. ”According to Assad, “Resisting the occupation is a national duty. It is our legitimate and moral obligation to support it, and it is an honor that we take pride in. This does not contradict the constant desire to achieve a just and inclusive peace on the basis of the restoration of the occupied lands, starting with the occupied Syrian Golan. ”The Syrian president also criticized the international community’s approach towards Israel: “The events have proven that censure lacks any real value if it are not accompanied real steps, starting
US Non-Profit Bankrolled Settlement Home Of Accused Jewish Terrorist Jack Teitel
11/3/2009 - MaxBlumenthal.com - VIDEO - Shvut Rachel founder and Moskowitz grantee Ronit Shuker call for forcibly transferring Palestinians out of the “Land of Israel” - Yaakov “Jack” Teitel, a resident of the Jewish settlement outpost Shvut Rachel, was arrested by Israel’s Shabak for his alleged murder of two Palestinians and planned terrorist attacks on a left-wing academic and homosexuals. Teitel, an immigrant from Florida who was granted Israeli citizenship through the country’s “right of return” policy for Jews, is the second accused terrorist to emerge from Shvut Rachel. The first, Asher Weisgan, murdered five Palestinian co-workers in 2005 in an effort to derail the Gaza disengagement. So what’s the matter with Shvut Rachel? Was Teitel a lone wolf, as many, including Amos Harel, have argued? Or was the settlement an ideological seedbed for acts of terror against Palestinians and their allies? Until Shabak’s investigation
Palestinian leader Mahmoud Abbas may quit, leaving vacuum
11/11/2009 - Times of London - A President threatening to quit, his potential successor languishing in an Israeli jail and a peace process heading nowhere: rarely have prospects for the Palestinian people looked so bleak. Five years after Yassir Arafat died, his defiant portrait stares down from banners in the streets of Ramallah. While he remains a potent symbol of Palestinian resistance, his successors are characterised more by despair than defiance. Mahmoud Abbas — popularly known as Abu Mazen — is so frustrated by the stalled peace process that he is refusing to stand for re-election. With no obvious successor, his imminent retirement threatens to unravel the entire Palestinian leadership. There is even talk of the movement being hijacked by the militants who regard talking to Israel as a waste of time. Mr Abbas cannot resign until after January, the scheduled date of elections, because under the Palestinian constitution he would have to be replaced by the Speaker of parliament.
Author of book ’exposing’ CAIR ordered to remove supporting documents from Web
11/10/2009 - Jewish World Review - (MCT) WASHINGTON — A federal judge has taken the rare step of ordering self-described anti-terrorism investigator Paul David Gaubatz to remove from his Web site some of the 12,000 documents that his son allegedly stole from the Council on American-Islamic Relations. U. S. District Judge Colleen Kollar-Kotelly also ordered Gaubatz to return documents used in his book, "Muslim Mafia: Inside the Secret Underworld That's Seeking to Islamize America," which was co-authored by Paul Sperry and portrays the council as a subversive organization that's allied with international terrorists. The 15-year-old nonprofit civil rights and advocacy organization says its goals are to "enhance understanding of Islam" and "empower American Muslims. " "The record … supports a finding that defendants have unlawfully obtained access to, and have already caused repeated public disclosure of, material containing
Bilin’s legal struggle continues
11/12/2009 - International Solidarity Movement - Jillian Kestler-D'Amours, The Electronic Intifada, 10 November 2009 - Abdullah Abu Rahme can no longer sleep in his own home. A member of the Bilin Popular Committee Against the Wall, Abu Rahme explained that since Bilin began its legal proceedings in Canada, Israeli soldiers have made life especially difficult for residents of the small West Bank village. "[Israeli soldiers] came to my home and they tried to arrest me. They're destroying my home. It's not allowed to me to sleep in my home. I feel very bad about this. I'm suffering from this case until now," he said. "I took my family to another place. It's very difficult for me. "Still, Abu Rahme and the villagers of Bilin are pushing forward in their nonviolent struggle against the Israeli occupation by appealing a Quebec Superior Court ruling in their case against two Canadian companies. The residents of Bilin are suing Green Park International and Green Mount International.
Miles Of Smiles Makes It Into Gaza
IMEMC 13 Nov 2009 - Thursday November 12, 2009 - 21:11, The Miles of Smiles European humanitarian aid convoy finally made it into the Gaza Strip on Wednesday at night after being stranded at the Egyptian side of the Rafah Border Terminal for 25 days.
The Palestinian election committee says no elections in January 2010
IMEMC 13 Nov 2009 - Thursday November 12, 2009 - 16:16, Dr. Hanna Nasser, Director of the Central Election Committee, told reporters at a press conference in the central West Bank city of Ramallah Thursday that the elections committee does not have the ability to conduct the general elections by January 2010.
Due To Repeated Violations Against It, Ramattan Decides To Close Gaza Offices
IMEMC 13 Nov 2009 - Thursday November 12, 2009 - 12:14, The administration of the Ramattan news agency in Gaza decided on Wednesday to shut its offices down until further notice due to repeated attacks and violations by the Hamas-controlled security forces in the Gaza Strip.
Peres: “Goldstone; Small Man Out To Hurt Israel”
IMEMC 13 Nov 2009 - Thursday November 12, 2009 - 11:38, Israeli President, Shimon Peres, slammed Judge Richard Goldstone, who headed the Gaza war investigation team, and described him as “a small person who is out to hurt Israel”.
Settlers chop down olive trees south of Nablus
11/12/2009 - Nablus - Ma'an - Several Israeli settlers cut down dozens of olive trees in the West Bank village of Burin village south of Nablus on Thursday morning, a local official reported. Ghassan Douglas, who holds the settlement portfolio for the northern West Bank, said that a number of settlers from the Yitzhar colony destroyed 81 olive trees on the property of Akram Amran. He said he considered the destruction "provocative and unacceptable. " Israeli sources quoted Palestinians saying as many as 97 trees were chopped down. Amram told the English-language news agency Ynet that at around 5:30am he had discovered 97 uprooted olive trees. "I am not embarrassed to admit that when I discovered the massacre which took place on my land, I cried," he said, according to the news source. "These trees are more than 60 years old and I raised them just like I raised my kids. . . "
Israeli army criticized at BU student deportation hearing
11/12/2009 - Bethlehem - Ma'an - The Israeli High Court of justice criticized the violation of due process that saw Bethlehem University Student Berlanty Azzam, seized, blindfolded, handcuffed and thrown into the Erez crossing headed for Gaza as she headed home from a job interviewon 29 October. The first court date hearing a complaint filed on behalf of Azzam by the Israeli human rights group Gisha saw the military ordered to conduct an administrative hearing on 22 November at which Berlanty and her attorney can challenge the removal from the West Bank. According to observers at the court hearing, the Israeli prosecution will question Berlanty but not allow her to leave the Gaza Strip. Questions will center on whether or not the 21-year-old Business Administration student knew she was "living illegally in the West Bank. "
Israeli forces detain 7 across West Bank including 2 minors
11/12/2009 - Salfit - Ma'an - Israeli forces detained ten civilians including two minors across the West Bank early on Thursday morning, police sources said. In Jericho, Israeli soldiers raided the Aqbat Jaber Refugee Camp and detained 13-year-olds Muhammad Hajjaj and Muhammad Yaghi. The media office of the Palestinian police reported Israeli forces storming the Qalandiya Refugee Camp near Ramallah, where they detained Hassan Zayyat, Abdullah Al-Louzi and Hamada Hammad. The police report also said Israeli troops stormed Jamma'in village southwest of Nablus and detained Raed Ibrahim, 35. In Hebron Israeli soldiers fired sound blasts into the home of Raed An-Natsheh, 23, stormed the building and detained the young man. In Ramallah, Israeli forces detained 32-year-oldNelly As-Safady 32 years-old from Nablus at a military checkpoint while she was on her way to Ramallah.
Israeli forces detain nine internationals
11/12/2009 - Bethlehem - Ma'an - Israeli forces detained two Palestinians and nine internationals working on the rehabilitation of agricultural lands within the project "Green Palestine" near the village of Umm Salamoneh south of Bethlehem on Thursday. Ibrahim Awad, the coordinator of the Popular Committee against the Wall in the area said Israeli forces raided his land and detained him along with a member of the Village Council and nine internationals near the illegal Effrat settlement, while Deputy Director of Agriculture in Bethlehem Ibrahim Masha'lehsaid that Israeli forces detained "dozens of foreigners and the employees of the Palestinian Ministry of Agriculture in Umm Salamoneh village. " Bethlehem district is the second to embrace Project Green, after a successful debut in Tulkarem. The initiative is run by the Popular Committees in the area, and brings together local government,. . .
Peres: Investigate Goldstone, not Israel
11/12/2009 - Bethlehem - Ma'an - Richard Golstone, the celebrated war crimes prosecutor who lead UN inquiries on Rwanda, Yugoslavia and Gaza, is obsessed with Israel and cares little for justice, according to Israeli President Shimon Peres. "Goldstone is a small man, devoid of any sense of justice, a technocrat with no real understanding of jurisprudence," Peres was quoted as telling Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva on Wednesday. The Israeli daily newspaper Haaretz reported on Thursday that Peres termed Goldstone's UN-backed fact-finding inquiry on alleged war crimes committed in Gaza was "a one-sided mission to hurt Israel. . . If anyone should be investigated, it should be him. " It was the harshest personal attack on Goldstone by a senior Israeli official since the conclusions of his inquiry were made public in late September.
Media watchdog slams raid on Gaza news network
11/13/2009 - Gaza - Ma'an - The de facto government in the Gaza Strip has again come under scrutiny over allegations its security services shut down a news conference in Gaza City on Wednesday. Ramattan news agency closed its offices in protest of the raid, in which security services stormed its offices and banned a news conference organized by the National Action Commission. The government claimed the event was unlicensed. The Palestinian Center for Development and Media Freedoms (MADA) condemned authorities for shutting it down, which it termed a "flagrant violation of freedom of expression. "A Ramattan journalist who asked not to be named told MADA the conference would have detailed the de facto government's efforts to derail commemoration of Arafat's death. MADA also rejected the government's pretext that organizers had failed to apply for permits to hold memorials.
One Gaza crossing open for larger than average goods transfer
11/12/2009 - Gaza - Ma'an - Israeli authorities opened the Kerem Shalom border crossing on Thursday, keeping the agricultural goods and fuel access points shut, a crossings official said. Raed Fattouh, a Palestinian border crossing official, said between 135 and 145 truckloads of commercial merchandise and humanitarian aid was expected to be allowed through the Kerem Shalom crossing point while the others will be closed. He added that 15 of these trucks are carrying 400 cows. The amount of transferred goods is the highest for a single day since February. On Wednesday, Israel allowed the transfer of educational supplies into Gaza for use in schools run by UNRWA, the UN's Palestinian refugee agency, according to a statement from the Israeli Foreign Ministry. The shipment included copy machines, printers, and projectors, the statement said.
Europe aid convoy arrives in Gaza after month-long delay
11/12/2009 - Gaza - Ma'an - The European medical aid convoy "Miles of Smiles" arrived in Gaza late night Wednesday night after spending 25 days waiting on the Egyptian side of the crossing. Hamdi Sha'th, head of the committee against the siege, told Ma'an over the phone that the convoy will stay in Gaza only 48 hours and will leave on Friday after the noon prayer. The short trip was part of the terms negotiated by Egyptian border officials. Initial conditions were set at a 24-hour visit, but negotiations with convoy leaders saw the timeframe extended by a day. The group brings into the Strip 100 small trucks loaded with medical aid and nearly 260 wheelchairs in addition to a number of ambulances, 102 cars for transportation of the disabled and computers for schools damaged during the last war. Sha'th said the convoy consisted of 60 individuals from 10 different European countries,. . .
Alleged killer Teitel: No doubt God pleased with me
11/12/2009 - Bethlehem - Ma'an/Agencies - An Israeli settler charged with a string of murders and assaults told prosecutors in Jerusalem on Thursday that he regrets nothing. "It was a pleasure and an honor to serve my God," said defendant Yaakov Teitel, according to the Israeli daily Haaretz. "I have no regret and no doubt that God is pleased. "Dubbed the "Jewish terrorist" by Israeli media, the 37-year-old was charged with two murders, three attempted murders using poison and bombs, and other violent acts spanning a decade. Israeli police arrested the settler last month for the killings, which included two Palestinians. An immigrant from the US, Teitel was arrested in Jerusalem on 7 October. He allegedly confessed to authorities to shooting to death Palestinian shepherd Issa Jibril south of Hebron in 1997 and killing an East Jerusalem taxi driver the same year.
Report: France to relay Israeli message to Syria on Golan
11/12/2009 - Bethlehem - Ma'an/Agencies - A message expressing Israel's willingness to withdraw from the occupied Syrian Golan Heights may be delivered to Syria via French President Nicolas Sarkozy as the start of a peace deal between the two Middle Eastern nations, the Arabic-language satellite TV channel Al-Arabiya reported on Thursday. The Dubai-based media network said the move was the continuation of earlier efforts to secure peace on the northern border, but Israeli media sources said the report was denied by officials in the office of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. The Israeli daily Haaretz quoted a senior political source in Jerusalem as saying the leader is "considering French mediation" for talks with Syria. It is unclear whether the move marks a change of focus for the Netanyahu government, shifting from a concentration on Palestinian peace talks and moving to a broader Middle East peace before returning to the table.
Hamas, Fatah spar over elections delay
11/12/2009 - Ramallah - Ma'an - The Central Elections Commission does not have the capacity to hold elections on 24 January, the body's chairman Hanna Nasser announced on Thursday. Nasser said in a Ramallah news conference that the commission sent a letter to President Mahmoud Abbas explaining the situation, and noting that it is not up to the commission to decide when to hold elections, if they are not held on the 24th. The decision will effectively postpone Palestinian presidential and legislative elections to an unknown date. A statement from Abbas' office said the president would issue a decision "in light of this development" following consultation with Palestinian institutions and Basic Law experts. Abbas' spokesperson blamed what he termed a "Hamas-imposed ban on the Central Elections Commission from entering Gaza" for the delay, calling it "evidence that Hamas does not value the unity of the homeland or national reconciliation.
Gaza court sentences man on collaboration charges
11/12/2009 - Gaza - Ma'an - A de facto military court in the Gaza Strip on Thursday sentenced a young Palestinian man to 15 years in prison on charges he collaborated with an enemy state. Mohammad Bassam Ahmad Abu Dayer, 21, of Jabaliya, was charged with carrying out violent acts dictated by an enemy state under the 1979 Palestinian Basic Law. The court said it would consider appeals from the defendant to alter his sentence. The maximum penalty is death, although it is rarely carried out. Meanwhile, 27-year-old Nour Sa'eed At-Tarbin of Beit Hanoun was found not guilty on the same charges. He was released unconditionally. [end]
Palestinian photojournalist wins first place in Amman competition
11/12/2009 - Bethlehem - Ma'an - Palestinian Reuters photographer Nayef Hashlamoun was announced as the best of the photojournalist in 2009 by the Arab Youth Media Forum in Amman Jordan, on Monday, in the category of Best Press Photographer. The award was given "in recognition of the professionalism and skill and for his service in the media, and courage to work despite being wounded several times by Israeli soldiers and settlers," President of the Forum Haitham Yousif said. Hashlamoun works in Hebron, and expressed his happiness to receive the award. He has received earlier accolades from competitions in China (2006), and has published several books including Press and Media: between theory and Practical application and Journalism Writing, both in Arabic. The photographer currently works as a lecturer at Palestine Polytechnic University and the Yarmouk University and the Ibrahimiah College.
Palestinian Hajj pilgrims arrive in Medina
11/12/2009 - Medina - Ma'an - Sources at the Palestinian Hajj delegation said all Gazan pilgrims reached Medina on Thursday after travelling from the Jeddah airport early in the morning. The pilgrims are expected in Mecca on Friday. The last group of 200 Palestinian Hajj from the Gaza Strip arrived Medina at dawn, leaving 190 behind at the Al-A'rishAirport who had improper documentation. Once in Medina, the 4,300 Palestinians from Gaza were spread out amongst the hotels and apartments near the prayer site, from where they will visit the grave of the Prophet Mohammad then depart for Mecca to walk the Kabba. There have been some early complaints of poor transportation coordination and crowded rooms for families, but in general the crossing was smooth, sources said.
Ma’an-produced EU quiz show to premier Friday
11/12/2009 - Bethlehem - Ma'an Network, in conjunction with the European Union, proudly presents a pioneering new program called "Stars," the first quiz show between Palestinian universities, starting Friday on Ma'an TV and Palestine TV at 8pm. Nine Palestinian universities across the West Bank and Gaza Strip will compete to demonstrate which team has the greatest knowledge of the EU, with topics spanning culture, art, politics and economics. "Stars" is filmed in front of a live audience of the participants' peers, who will also be able to take part in the show. Viewers are encouraged to answer questions by text or over the phone. Participating institutions include Al-Azhar University in Gaza; Arab American University in Jenin; An-Najah National University in Nablus; Birzeit University in Ramallah; Al-Quds University, Abu Dis Campus; Al-Quds Open University in Bethlehem; the Palestine Polytechnic. . .
Scheduled blackouts across Bethlehem Thursday night
11/12/2009 - Bethlehem - Ma'an - Jerusalem Electric announced a scheduled power cut to the Bethlehem area starting at 11pm on Thursday and ending at 6am the following morning. The blackout will affect the following areas: Bethlehem, Beit Sahour, Beit Jala, Ad-Doha, Al-Walaja, Al-Khadr, Husan, Battir, Nahhalin, Wadi Fukin, Al-Ubeidiya, Dar Salah, Khallet An-Nu'man, Ash-Shawawra, Ras Al-Wad, Um At-Tale', Juhdum, Aida, Ad-Duheisha and Al-Azza refugee camps, Wadi Shahin, Wadi Ghneim, Khallet Al-Louza, Hindaza and Barda'a. Water wells, institutions and businesses in the listed areas will go offline, as well. The company said the cut was for maintenance work and apologized for any inconvenience.
Tourism in Palestine, Israel down
11/12/2009 - Bethlehem - Ma'an - So far in 2009, 168,582 tourists stayed in West Bank hotels for a total of 409,013 nights, the Palestinian Central Bureau of Statistics announced Thursday. Over the same period, the Israeli Ministry of Tourism said 2. 3 million visitors spent time in Israel. For the month of October, noting a record number of visitors, the Israeli ministry reported 330,000 visitors, up 9% from the previous October. "These figures are a result of focused marketing, target audience segmentation and the creation of an infrastructure for marketing continuity worldwide, in line with Israel's new positioning as the Holy Land with Jerusalem at its center," Israeli Minister of Tourism Stas Misezhnikov was quoted as saying in a news briefing. East Jerusalem, home to the Church of the Holy Sepulchure, the Al-Aqsa Mosque and the Western Wall, is on the Palestinian side of the Green Line,. . .
IDF troops kill Palestinian militant at Gaza border
Ha'aretz 13 Nov 2009 - In separate incident, Palestinian youth arrested after attempting to stab police officer near Temple Mount.
IDF Chief: Israel will fight in Gaza again if needed
Ha'aretz 13 Nov 2009 - Hamas tells Red Cross: Israel planning another war in Gaza'; Palestinian militant killed by IDF at border.
Olmert: Groups using Goldstone Gaza report to attack us are 'hypocritical'
Ha'aretz 13 Nov 2009 - Former PM, who launched Gaza offensive condemned in UN report, says Israel must continue fighting terror.
IDF to Palestinians: Bring forth Gaza war complaints
Ha'aretz 13 Nov 2009 - IDF chief says criminal investigation division along with five committees now probing 45 Palestinian complaints.
IDF Chief: Hezbollah has rockets capable of hitting Tel Aviv
Ha'aretz 13 Nov 2009 - IDF chief says calm is 'misleading - Beyond the fences the terror groups are gaining strength.'
Most advanced, expensive fighter jet headed to Israel
Ha'aretz 13 Nov 2009 - The U.S. is scheduled to respond next week to Israel's request for 25 F-35 stealth fighter jets.
[uruknet.info] Video: Road restrictions for West Bank Palestinians
Uruknet November 13, 2009 - Roads in the occupied Palestinian Territories are vital arteries connecting West Bank towns and villages. But major routes have been closed off to tens of thousands of Palestinians, for the benefit of a handful of Israeli settlers. Now, in the first ruling of its kind, Israel's supreme court has ordered the army to open up a...
[uruknet.info] Jewish settlers destroy over 80 olive trees south of Nablus
Uruknet November 13, 2009 -- A number of Jewish settlers on Thursday attacked and destroyed olive trees belonging to Palestinian farmers in the village of Burin to the south of the northern West Bank city of Nablus. Local sources in the village said that settlers from the nearby Yitshar Jewish settlement cut down 81 olive trees in a stretch of land...
[uruknet.info] At least one, possibly two dead as Israeli forces fire on Gaza youth
Uruknet November 13, 2009 - One Palestinian is dead and two brothers injured along with one other now in Israeli custody, and a fifth admitted to an Israeli hospital following an apparent clash in the central Gaza Strip near Johr Ad-Dik south of Gaza City on Friday. Eyewitnesses said the group was on a hunting trip near the border east of...
[uruknet.info] Israeli army chief warns of operating in Gaza again if needed
Uruknet November 13, 2009 - If Palestinian Islamic Hamas movement continues its rocket attacks against Israel, Israeli army would operate in Gaza again as a response, Israel Defense Forces Chief of Staff Gabi Ashkenazi said on Friday. "If necessary, we will operate again in the Gaza Strip to stop the rocket fire," local daily Haaretz quoted Ashkenazi as saying when he...
[uruknet.info] PCHR Condemns Raid on Ramattan News Agency in Gaza, and Expresses Deep Concerns over Measures Taken by the Gaza Government to Prevent Commemoration of Late President Yasser Arafat's Death
Uruknet November 12, 2009 - On Tuesday, 10 November 2009, Palestinian security services stormed the offices of Ramattan News Agency in Gaza and banned a press conference organized by the National Action Commission. The press conference had been organized to publicize the cancellation of an event commemorating President Arafat's anniversary. The Gaza government claimed that the event was unlicensed. This measure...
[uruknet.info] Video: Israeli Confessions
Uruknet November 12, 2009 - If one wants to know why and how the conflict started in Palestine more than 60 years ago, the "confessions" of Israeli and Zionist leaders should make it very clear. 700,000 Palestinians (more than half of the Palestinian population at the time) were expelled in 1948. More than 600 towns and villages were ethnically cleansed...
[uruknet.info] Gaza: waiting for justice
Uruknet November 12, 2009 - Fourteen people cram into two connected tents covered with plastic sheeting to combat the winter rains. Although November and the beginning of cooler days, the heat inside the tents is choking. In time, the opposite will be true: the tent's thin walls and floors without mattresses will render it unbearably cold in the coming cold months....
[uruknet.info] * * * NOT SATIRE * * * Peres: Investigate Goldstone, not Israel
Uruknet November 12, 2009 - Richard Golstone, the celebrated war crimes prosecutor who lead UN inquiries on Rwanda, Yugoslavia and Gaza, is obsessed with Israel and cares little for justice, according to Israeli President Shimon Peres. "Goldstone is a small man, devoid of any sense of justice, a technocrat with no real understanding of jurisprudence," Peres was quoted as telling Brazilian...
[uruknet.info] Video: Mohammed Omer on Israel's Separation Wall and Death
Uruknet November 12, 2009 - On Nov. 5, 2009, at the Palestine Center in Washington, D.C., an award-winning journalist, Mohammed Omer, presented a video that he had taken in January, 2005, at Rafah, Gaza Strip, near the Egyptian border. Mr. Omer, now 25 years of age, was born and raised in the Rafah refugee camp. His video dealt with some Palestian...
[uruknet.info] Testimony: Israeli Security Agency exploits illness of Gazan to try and force him to become a collaborator
Uruknet November 12, 2009 - In the summer of 2007, Israel instated a new procedure regarding residents of the Gaza Strip wishing to exit Gaza in order to receive medical treatment. According to the procedure, authorization some of these requests are authorized only if the resident first undergoes a questioning by the Israeli Security Agency (ISA). In a response by the...
[uruknet.info] Palestinian cave-dweller fights Israeli eviction
Uruknet November 12, 2009 - A Palestinian camping in an ancient cave near Jerusalem says he has been told by Israeli authorities to get out because the hillside is slated for a housing development and his "illegal" home will be demolished. The predicament of Abdel Fattah Abed Rabbo, a 48-year-old father of 10, highlights the dispute between Israel and Palestinians living...
[uruknet.info] Palestinian poll delay recommended
Uruknet November 12, 2009 - The Palestinian Election Commission has recommended the postponement of presidential and parliamentary polls scheduled for January. Hanna Nassar, the director of the electoral body, said on Thursday that the recommendation had been communicated to Mahmoud Abbas, the president of the Palestinian Authority. Abbas, under Palestinian law, is mandated to take the final decision...
Abbas resists US pressure for talks!
Palestine, November 12, 2009, (Pal Telegraph) - The Palestinian president on Wednesday resisted US pressure for a resumption of peace talks with Israel, repeating his demand for a complete halt to West Bank settlement building before negotiations. Mahmoud Abbas also offered no...
UN official calls on Israel to allow construction raw-materials into Gaza
Palestine, Novermber 10, 2009 (Pal Telegraph)-A senior United Nations official Monday called on Israel to reopen the crossing points to allow construction raw-materials into the Gaza Strip blockaded by Israel.
The legal legacy of a ‘hedonist’
The National 13 Nov 2009 - In an unprecedented case, the former prime minister Ehud Olmert faces trial for graft, while some of his ministers have been sentenced.
Sleiman to meet with Assad
The National 13 Nov 2009 - The Lebanese president Michel Sleiman meets his Syrian counterpart Bashar al Assad in Damascus, just days after the formation of a unity government in Lebanon.
Kidnappers free Irish priest before Clinton’s Manila visit
The National 13 Nov 2009 - An Irish priest held captive in the southern Philippines for more than a month is freed just hours before the US Secretary of State, Hillary Clinton, arrived in Manila for a visit.
Debate on Gaza report shows growing resolve to challenge pro-Israeli stance
The National 13 Nov 2009 - The US congressional debate on the Goldstone report highlights growing resolve to oppose the pro-Israeli lobby.
Lebanon and Syria to discuss relations
The National 13 Nov 2009 - In an indication of warming bilateral ties, Syrian prime minister congratulates his Lebanese counterpart on unity cabinet.
US ‘very concerned’ about Palestinian student deportation
The National 13 Nov 2009 - A female student's rough treatment by the Israeli military threatens to deepen a rift between the country and its US ally.
France meets Syria over peace plan
AlJazeera 13 Nov 2009 - Sarkozy expected to persuade al-Assad to restart Middle East talks.
Israeli troops kill Palestinian
AlJazeera 13 Nov 2009 - Palestinian hunting birds killed near Gaza crossing by Israeli soldiers.
Palestinian poll delay recommended
AlJazeera 12 Nov 2009 - Electoral body informs Mahmoud Abbas about its inability to organise polls on January 24.
Settler defends West Bank murders
AlJazeera 12 Nov 2009 - Jewish-American says he has no regrets for attacking Palestinians and moderate Jews.
Condemnation of Palestinian Security Services Raid on Ramattan News Agency in Gaza
Alternative Information Center 12 Nov 2009 - On Tuesday, 10 November 2009, Palestinian security services stormed the offices of Ramattan News Agency in Gaza and banned a press conference organized by the National Action Commission. The press conference had been organized to publicize...
Chairperson of Hebrew University Student Union: Build Wall between the University and the Neighboring Palestinian Village of Issawiya
Alternative Information Center 11 Nov 2009 - According to the Jerusalem online newspaper Mynet , Hebrew University’s Student Union Chairperson, Ofer Raviv, recently recommended that a Separation Wall between the university’s Mount Scopus campus and the nearby Palestinian village of Issawiya be constructed.
Fatah official: Palestinian elections likely to be delayed
PNN 12 Nov 2009 - Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas is expected to accept a recommendation that he postpone elections scheduled for January, a senior official said on Thursday. The independent Central Election Commission, responsible for organizing elections on Thursday confirmed it had recommended postponing the vote, the head of the Central Elections Commission said. We met today and we decided to tell the president, who called these...
Frozen efforts may still lead to reconciliation
PNN 12 Nov 2009 - an interview with Mahmoud al-Ramahi BI: It seems Egyptian mediation efforts between Fateh and Hamas are stuck. Is that a correct reading of the situation?Ramahi: Let's say they are frozen. BI: What happened?Ramahi: The dialogue started at the beginning of this year, as you know. After eight months, Fateh and Hamas reached compromise on all outstanding issues. But in the final proposal...
Surgeon from UAE heals Gaza children deaf from Israeli bombings
PNN 12 Nov 2009 - Doctor from UAE performs string of operations on deaf children for free in Israeli-besieged Gaza. GAZA CITY - Wafa Sarhan was devastated to think her two sons would never hear her voice again after an Israeli strike on Gaza left them deaf.Then Dr. Hajeri showed up in the impoverished enclave.Bahaa and Qusei Sarhan, today six and five, lost their hearing in June...
High Court examines Israel's refusal to allow a 21 year old student to complete her BA in Bethlehem
PNN 12 Nov 2009 - Today, Thursday, November 12, 2009, a hearing will be held in the Israeli High Court of Justice in the case of Berlanty Azzam, a student at Bethlehem University who was detained and forcibly removed to the Gaza Strip. Berlanty was to complete her BA in Business Management in just two months.Israel admits that it has no security claims against Berlanty and that...
Assad to Sarkozy: If Netanyahu is sincere, let us resume talks
Jeruslalem Post 13 Nov 2009 - Syrian president stresses Turkey has proven an experienced and capable mediator, tells Le Figaro US "weak link" in Mideast peace efforts.
'Italy won't help Iran launch satellite'
Jeruslalem Post 13 Nov 2009 - Italy's Berlusconi pledges to ADL chief Foxman that his country supports efforts to stymie nuke program.
Kassam slams into Sdot Negev
Jeruslalem Post 13 Nov 2009 - 1 killed, 4 arrested in Gaza as IDF foils apparent bomb plot; Ashkenazi: Cast Lead goals fulfilled.
Sixth annual Saban Forum to be held in J'lem and Ramallah this week
Jeruslalem Post 13 Nov 2009 -
Court orders army to hold hearing for Palestinian student expelled from West Bank to Gaza
Jeruslalem Post 13 Nov 2009 - State maintains 21-year-old Gaza woman was enrolled since 2005 at Bethlehem University after crossing into the city illegally.
Americans in Israel protest tax clause in Obama health care plan
Jeruslalem Post 13 Nov 2009 - If included in the version of the bill signed into law, individual citizens who opt out of a health care plan would pay an annual tax of $750.
Will talk of peace strengthen coalition?
Jeruslalem Post 12 Nov 2009 - Netanyahu and Barak hope so; Labor leader tells Ben-Simon to quit Knesset if he has issue with party.
No freeze in east Jerusalem building
Jeruslalem Post 12 Nov 2009 - Construction continues despite Housing Minister Ariel Attias's claim of no new authorizations.
At Augusta Victoria Hospital, medicine transcends politics
Jeruslalem Post 12 Nov 2009 - Jerusalem hospital provides Palestinians with treatment they can't get anywhere else.
In Brief: Egypt’s Copts facing persecution - report
IRIN CAIRO Thursday, November 12, 2009 (IRIN) - A new report on religious freedom in Egypt says Coptic Christians, who make up about 10 percent of the 80 million population (CIA factbook), face major rights violations and are being increasingly persecuted.
MIDEAST: Gaza Graduates Search for Vitamin W
IPS THE HAGUE, Nov 12 (IPS) - "We fast a long time," says Gaza graduate Mona Ismail, 23. "Only to break our fast on a piece of onion."
Jewish settlers throw stones at Palestinian houses in Sheikh Jarrah
11/12/2009 - International Solidarity Movement - 6 November 2009 - On Friday 6 November 2009 at 2am, many stones and one glass bottle were thrown onto the roofs and yards of Palestinian houses in the Sheikh Jarrah neighbourhood of occupied East Jerusalem. The stone throwing did not cause material or physical damages but did wake up and endanger the Palestinian residents including young children. The stone throwers were observed by Palestinian residents as being orthodox religious Jews. They gathered on the street outside the Shimon Hatzadik Tomb, located just behind the Palestinian houses in the heart of Palestinian Karm Al-Ja'ouni neighbourhood. The stone throwing lasted about 10 minutes until the police arrived. When the Palestinians informed the police about the violence, they didn't show any interest and failed to arrest the perpetrators. Instead, they focused on harassing the local Palestinians and international activists, questioning them about their presence and demanding their passports.
Palestinian cave-dweller fights Israeli eviction
11/12/2009 - International Solidarity Movement - YNet News - A Palestinian camping in an ancient cave near Jerusalem says he has been told by Israeli authorities to get out because the hillside is slated for a housing development and his "illegal" home will be demolished. The predicament of Abdel Fattah Abed Rabbo, a 48-year-old father of 10, highlights the dispute between Israel and Palestinians living in the steep hills between Jerusalem and Bethlehem, on land the Israelis annexed in 1980. Abed Rabbo says he was actually brought up in the cave by his parents but occupies it now simply as a way of upholding his claim to 5 acres of stony hillside. His family lives in an apartment in a Bethlehem refugee camp. "Three days ago, Israeli building planners came. They started landscaping this entire area," he told Reuters Television this week. 8220;The purpose is, of course, to build an Israeli settlement. . . "
Activists Protest Peres’ Visit To Brazil
IMEMC 13 Nov 2009 - Thursday November 12, 2009 - 22:27, Dozens of activists protested on Thursday against the Israeli President, Shimon Peres, during a visit to Sao Paolo – Brazil. Peres was participating in an event when the activists gathered outside protesting against Peres and describing him as “Shimon Hitler”.
Top official: U.S. won't accept partial settlement freeze
Ha'aretz 13 Nov 2009 - The United States does not accept continued Israeli settlement construction in the West Bank, a senior U.S. state department official has said, adding that Jerusalem's commitment to restrain settlement activity is not enough. ...
Obama: Iran must uphold obligations on nuclear program
Ha'aretz 13 Nov 2009 - Iran and North Korea must uphold their international obligations on their nuclear programs, U.S. President Barack Obama and Japan Prime Minister Yukio Hatoyama the governments said in a joint statement on Friday. ...
Hamas calls off Independence Day declared by Arafat
Ha'aretz 13 Nov 2009 - Hamas authorities have called off annual Palestinian Independence Day celebrations in the Gaza Strip, ordering its schools and offices to remain open as usual when the holiday falls on Sunday, officials said on Friday. ...
Assad to Obama: Draw up plan for Israel-Syria peace talks
Ha'aretz 13 Nov 2009 - Syrian President Bashar Assad said that U.S. President Barack Obama should come up with a firm plan of action to renew peace talks between Syria and Israel. ...
Who are the 50 most influential Jews of 2009?
Ha'aretz 13 Nov 2009 - The New Faces Of Leadership ...
The community leadership we deserve | Antony Lerman
The Guardian 13 Nov 2009 - Jewish leaders too often lose their moral compass over Israel, but we ourselves are to blame if we do not hold them to account There was something both homely and understatedly heroic about the Guardian front...
Israel's dark view of the world | Charles Grant
The Guardian 13 Nov 2009 - Many Israelis see little need for a peace settlement but feel isolated in what they regard as an increasingly hostile world The official explained to Bibi Netanyahu that if there was a peace settlement, extra investment...
Letters: Distorted claims
The Guardian 12 Nov 2009 - Tom Porteous, London director of Human Rights Watch , says: "Bernstein's central argument is that HRW should focus only on 'closed' societies, such as China and not report on 'open' societies such as Israel" ( Letters , 30 October)....
Mahmoud Abbas puts off Palestinian elections after Hamas opposition
The Guardian 12 Nov 2009 - Prospects for restarting the stalled Middle East peace process hit new uncertainty today when the Palestinian president, Mahmoud Abbas, decided to postpone crucial elections due to have been held in late January. Officials said Abbas would...
Fragmenting Palestinian land | Ben White
The Guardian 12 Nov 2009 - A young student deported from the West Bank to Gaza is just the latest victim of Israeli efforts to sever ties between the territories Twenty-one-year-old Palestinian student Berlanty Azzam was seized by Israeli soldiers at a...
Obama fails to resuscitate the Middle East peace process
The Guardian 12 Nov 2009 - Obituaries for the hope generated by his election are being written in Arabic, Hebrew and English Barack Obama seems to have failed dismally in his first sustained attempt to show he is serious about making peace...
Cool, calculated 'Jewish terrorist' shows no remorse in court
Ha'aretz 13 Nov 2009 - Cool. Trained. Collects intelligence. Tries to cover his identity. Prepares escape routes. A professional who coolly squeezes the trigger. ...
Comment / Jewish murder suspects prove Israel's Law of Return is obsolete
Ha'aretz 12 Nov 2009 - The eight murders allegedly carried out by Damian Karlik and Yaakov ...
Haaretz poll: 57% of Israelis support plan to talk to Hamas
Ha'aretz 13 Nov 2009 - In a few words, French Foreign Minister Bernard Kouchner was able to encapsulate the political situation in Israel: "There is no more peace camp." New survey numbers appear to prove him right. ...
Mazuz: If AG role is split, ministers will do 'whatever they want'
Ha'aretz 12 Nov 2009 - Attorney General Menachem Mazuz on Thursday lashed out again at Justice Minister Yaakov Neeman's proposal to split his role in two. ...
Haaretz's Yossi Melman, Zvi Bar'el win prestigious journalism award
Ha'aretz 12 Nov 2009 - Two veteran Haaretz reporters, Yossi Melman and Zvi Bar'el, have been awarded the prestigious 2009 Sokolov Prize for Journalism, the prize committee announced on Thursday. ...
Palestinian electoral body postpones January polls
Relief Web 13 Nov 2009 - Source: Agence France-Presse
Third Committee approves resolution aimed at 'combating defamation of religions', one of 16 draft texts recommended to General Assembly
Relief Web 12 Nov 2009 - Source: UN General Assembly
Second Committee approves text demanding that Israel stop exploiting, depleting, endangering natural resources in occupied Arab lands
Relief Web 12 Nov 2009 - Source: UN General Assembly
Security Council open debate on the protection of civilians in armed conflict: Statement by Mr. John Holmes, USG and ERC
Relief Web 12 Nov 2009 - Source: UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs
OPT: Protection of civilians weekly report, 4 - 10 Nov 2009
Relief Web 12 Nov 2009 - Source: UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs
OPT/Israel: Plan for new settlement in East Jerusalem on land of al-Walajah Village
Relief Web 12 Nov 2009 - Source: Israeli Information Center for Human Rights in the Occupied Territories
Assad: Syria wants peace talks
YNet News 13 Nov 2009 - Syrian president tells French counterpart in Paris that his country wants to resume peace talks with Israel through Turkish mediation, but feels there is no 'Israeli partner willing to move forward, achieve results'
Naalin: Protestors say IDF using live fire
YNet News 13 Nov 2009 - Two anti-fence protestors injured in West Bank claim soldiers fired at them with banned Ruger rifles
Palestinian killed by IDF fire; Hamas: He was bird hunting
YNet News 13 Nov 2009 - Muhammad Wadi shot dead when soldiers open fire on group of youngsters suspected of trying to plant bomb near Gaza fence. Hamas claims they weren't terrorists
Iran armed forces chief backs nuclear deal
YNet News 13 Nov 2009 - 'Exchange of fuel will prove bona fides of our peaceful nuclear activities,' General Firouzabadi says. Turkish energy minister says his country won't oppose to temporarily storing Iranian enriched uranium
IDF chief on Goldstone Report: Terror should not be rewarded
YNet News 13 Nov 2009 - During meeting with high school students Gabi Ashkenazi addresses Gaza offensive, UN report accusing Israel of war crimes. 'We're looking into Palestinian complaints as well, and are not always proud of results,' he says
Syria urges firm US plan on Middle East peace
YNet News 13 Nov 2009 - Assad tells Le Figaro, 'What Obama said about peace was a good thing, but what's the action plan?' On seized Iranian arms ship: Israeli act of piracy in the middle of the Mediterranean
IDF: Number of recruits requesting combat service at record level
YNet News 13 Nov 2009 - Data show 73% of November 2009 recruits asked to serve in combat units; IDF attributes trend to success of Operation Cast Lead
Bill Clinton, Schwarzenegger to attend Saban Forum in Israel
YNet News 13 Nov 2009 - Former US president, California governor to take part, along with other senior officials, in prestigious conference on US-Israeli relations, Middle East policy
Palestinian expelled by IDF fears she won’t finish degree
YNet News 13 Nov 2009 - Bethlehem University student sent back to Gaza month before completing her business studies. 'I miss my life in Bethlehem, and pray that I'll be able to return and get my degree,' she says. Rights group: Moderate Palestinians being oppressed
B'Tselem offers public tours
10 Nov 2009 - To mark 20 years since its founding, B’Tselem is inviting the public to free tours of the West Bank from a human rights perspective.
Sarkozy tries his hand at reviving Middle East peace talks
Daily Star 13 Nov 2009 President Nicolas Sarkozy on Thursday stepped up French diplomatic efforts in the Middle East, holding talks with Palestinian and Israeli leaders ahead of an Elysee meeting with Syrian President Bashar Assad. With the Israeli-Palestinian peace effort in peril, Sarkozy spoke by phone with Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas after meeting.
Norway school rejects Israel boycott
Daily Star 13 Nov 2009 The Norwegian University of Science and Technology (NTNU) voted against a proposed academic boycott of Israel, for its occupation of the Palestinian territories, officials said Thursday. The board of directors unanimously rejected the call, NTNU - the country's second-biggest university, located in the western city of Trondheim - said in a statement.
Houthis and Hizbullah: Peas in a pod or worlds apart?
Daily Star 13 Nov 2009 The rebels of Yemen's northern mountains and Lebanon's Hizbullah militia both follow Shiite faiths and claim to be fighting for their communities, but analysts differ sharply over how much further to push the comparison. The Yemeni government, which has been battling the rebels for the past five years, has repeatedly sought to portray the so-called Houthis as proxies of Shiite Iran, the same charge long levelled against Hizbullah.
Abbas to accept Palestinian election delay - officials
Daily Star 13 Nov 2009 Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas will accept the recommendation of independent election experts on Thursday to postpone the vote he had scheduled for January, senior officials said. The Central Election Commission said it had advised Abbas to put off the election since the rival Hamas Islamist group ruling some 1.5 million Palestinians in the Gaza Strip had warned it would not allow them to vote.
Visiting surgeon heals children left deaf by Gaza war for free
Daily Star 13 Nov 2009 Wafa Sarhan was devastated to think her two sons would never hear her voice again after an Israeli strike on Gaza left them deaf. Then Dr. Hajeri showed up in the impoverished enclave. Bahaa and Qusei Sarhan, today six and five, lost their hearing in June 2004 when an Israeli drone fired missiles at a group of militants near their home in the northern town of Jabaliya.
Ambasador to US denies Syria allowing fighters to enter Iraq
Daily Star 13 Nov 2009 Disputing an assertion by the top US general in Iraq, Syria's ambassador to Washington denied on Wednesday that his government allows foreign fighters to cross the Syrian border into Iraq. Ambassador Imad Mustafa said his government has been cooperating with the United States on the foreign fighter problem, which has persisted for years, and Syria wants to help the US with its 2010 troop withdrawal from Iraq., Disputing an assertion by the top US general in Iraq, Syria's ambassador to Washington denied on Wednesday that his government allows foreign fighters to cross the Syrian border into Iraq. Ambassador Imad Mustafa said his government has been cooperating with the United States on the foreign fighter problem, which has persisted for years, and Syria wants to help the US with its 2010 troop withdrawal from Iraq.
Turning a blind eye to killing and rape in Democratic Republic of Congo
Daily Star 13 Nov 2009 On November 11, the UN Security Council discussed the pressing, but still elusive issue of protection of civilians in armed conflict. Accountability for crimes committed in the course of hostilities should be at the forefront of that debate. History shows that there can neither be durable peace nor meaningful security without a measure of justice.
Zionist security officials claim that Hamas has anti-aircraft missiles
PIC 13 Nov 2009 - The Hebrew newspaper, Yedioth Ahronoth, reported that Zionist security officials said that Hamas has managed, after the war on Gaza, to smuggle anti-aircraft missiles into the Gaza Strip.
Jewish settlers destroy over 80 olive trees south of Nablus
PIC 13 Nov 2009 - A number of Jewish settlers on Thursday attacked and destroyed olive trees belonging to Palestinian farmers in the village of Burin to the south of the northern West Bank city of Nablus.
IOF troops abduct 45 W.B. Palestinians, including 12 children since 5th November
PIC 13 Nov 2009 - The IOF has abducted, at dawn Friday, five Palestinian citizens from various West Bank localities, according to Israeli radio reports.
Campaign to boycott Israeli goods in al-Khalil
PIC 13 Nov 2009 - The Popular Campaign to Boycott Israeli Goods organized a tour of Al-Khalil streets and markets on Wednesday asking citizens to boycott Israeli goods and to buy alternative products instead.
Picketers in Holland denounce visit of Lieberman, ask for his arrest
PIC 13 Nov 2009 - Tens of Palestinian supporters picketed the Dutch parliament to protest the visit of Avigdor Lieberman to the Netherlands, describing him as a "war criminal".
IOF kidnaps wife of Qassam leader Abada Bilal in Nablus
PIC 13 Nov 2009 - The Israeli occupation forces kidnapped Wednesday evening the wife of prisoner Abada Bilal, a senior Qassam leader, at a military checkpoint as she was on her way to visit her sister in Ramallah.
Haneyya meets with Red Cross delegation, hails mutual relations
PIC 13 Nov 2009 - Palestinian premier Ismail Haneyya hailed Wednesday during his meeting with a delegation of the Red Cross the relations between his government and the agency and urged it to double its efforts.
Abbas's militias kidnap five Hamas supporters including son of detained MP
PIC 13 Nov 2009 - Militias loyal to former PA chief Mahmoud Abbas kidnapped five supporters of Hamas Movement over the past couple of days including the son of MP Hassan Yousef, who is held in Israeli occupation jails.
Dweik: Ready to assume the PA leadership if Abbas steps down
PIC 13 Nov 2009 - Dr. Aziz Dweik, the speaker of the Palestinian legislative council (PLC), stated that he is ready to assume the presidency of the Palestinian Authority (PA) in case Mahmoud Abbas resigned.
IOF troops open fire at students, Jewish settlers attack Palestinian homes
PIC 13 Nov 2009 - Israeli occupation forces (IOF) opened fire at a group of Palestinian students while on their way to their secondary school in Taku village east of Bethlehem on Wednesday, local sources reported.
Disagreement in Middle East over Iran's nuclear program
LA Times 13 Nov 2009 - A TV debate in Qatar shows sharp divisions over whether Iran can be trusted not to build a nuclear bomb. Perhaps most surprising is the sympathy shown for Tehran. It's a sentiment bubbling just below the surface of a lively and charged televised debate over whether to trust Iran not to build a nuclear weapon.
Authorities move to seize U.S. properties allegedly tied to Iran
LA Times 13 Nov 2009 - Federal prosecutors seek the forfeiture of Islamic centers, mosques and other properties they accuse of funneling money to an Iranian bank involved in Tehran's nuclear program. Federal authorities Thursday moved to seize an array of U.S.-based properties, bank accounts and religious sites that they charged in court documents were funneling money to an Iranian bank involved in that country's suspected nuclear weapons program.
Palestinian officials doubtful about elections
LA Times 13 Nov 2009 - The Palestinian election commission says the presidential and parliamentary vote set for January may have to be postponed, especially with Hamas saying it won't allow voting in Gaza. Palestinian officials trying to organize a Jan. 24 election recommended Thursday that the vote be postponed, a move that could prolong uncertainty over Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas' political future and the prospect for Israeli-Palestinian peace talks.
Review: 'The Little Traitor'
LA Times 13 Nov 2009 - A chance encounter in 1947 Palestine changes lives forever. "The Little Traitor," set in 1947 Palestine during the final throes of the British occupation before Israel became a nation, is a lyrical yet emotionally spare film about the unexpected casualties of war.
Israeli and French Leaders Meet
New York Times 12 Nov 2009 - Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and President Nicolas Sarkozy issued a joint statement agreeing “to use all efforts” to restart the Middle East peace process.
Al-Ma’sara commemorates the fall of the Berlin Wall
Stop The Wall 13 Nov 2009 - In Friday’s demonstration against the illegal construction of the Apartheid Wall that is designed to steal the agricultural lands of the villages of Southern Bethlehem, the people of al-Ma'sara celebrated the 20th anniversary of the fall of the Berlin Wall in Germany. In chants and speeches, the demonstrators insisted on the illegality of the Wall and occupation, while international and Israeli activists showed support using percussion instruments. [
Miles of Smiles Convoy Leaves Gaza
IMEMC 14 Nov 2009 - Friday November 13, 2009 - 19:42, Miles of Smiles Convoy left the Gaza Strip on Friday evening after spending 48 hours in the coastal region and delivering humanitarian supplies.
Three were injured at the Nil'in weekly protest
IMEMC 14 Nov 2009 - Friday November 13, 2009 - 16:51, Scores of villagers from Nil'in village, central West Bank, protested the Israeli wall on Friday. The military attacked the protest and injured three civilians.
Villagers near Bethlehem protest the Israeli wall
IMEMC 14 Nov 2009 - Friday November 13, 2009 - 16:33, The villagers of the Al-Ma'sara near Bethlehem, southern West Bank, along with their international and Israeli supporters protested the Israeli wall on Friday.
Scores suffered tear gas inhalation at the weekly Bil'in protest
IMEMC 14 Nov 2009 - Friday November 13, 2009 - 16:29, Scores of people suffered effects of tear gas inhalation on Friday among them Mohamed Baraka, an Arab member of the Israeli Parliament, during the weekly protest against the wall at the village of Bil'in central West Bank.
High Court examines Israel’s refusal to allow a 21 year old student to complete her BA in Bethlehem
IMEMC 14 Nov 2009 - Friday November 13, 2009 - 16:24, A hearing will be held in the Israeli High Court of Justice in the case of Berlanty Azzam, a student at Bethlehem University who was detained and forcibly removed to the Gaza Strip.
Palestinian killed by Israeli fire in Gaza
11/13/2009 - Gaza - Ma'an - Israeli forces killed a young Palestinian man and injured three others in the southern Gaza Strip on Friday. Two brothers were hurt, medics said, adding that the Johr Ad-Dik-area shooting left another Palestinian hospitalized. An Israeli military spokeswoman confirmed that one Palestinian was killed during the incident, but would not comment on the hospitalized youth's condition. Three others were being questioned, she said. There were conflicting reports on what led to the incident, none of which could be independently confirmed. Palestinian witnesses said the group was on a hunting trip near the border east of Al-Bureij refugee camp when Israeli forces opened fire. Local medics said the fire was directed at the youths. Israeli media reported that troops entered the Johr Ad-Dik area for a short while, where they located a group of men near the Nahal Oz crossing.
Medic among two hurt by live fire in Nil’in
11/14/2009 - Bethlehem - Ma'an - Israeli forces used live fire on Palestinian demonstrators protesting Israel's separation barrier in the West Bank village of Nil'in on Friday, activists said and the military confirmed. Rumors had been circulating that the Israelis would respond more harshly than usual due to the activists' success in pulling down a section of the wall at the Qalandiya military checkpoint a week earlier. "These rumors were confirmed," said Ibraheem Amera, coordinator of the Nil'in popular committee. "A huge army of Israeli soldiers was awaiting [protesters] and immediately started [to] fire huge amounts of tear gas, rubber coated steel bullets and also live ammunition. " Amera said the popular committee had warned protesters to be extra cautious on Friday, because he believed a "decision was made by the Israeli military, because in Nil'in the wall has been taken down twice. . . "
Reports of abuse, neglect in Israeli jails
11/13/2009 - Salfit - Ma'an - Israeli prison officials have kept a Palestinian inmate in an isolation cell for more than four months despite his ill health and complaints from fellow prisoners, the man's parents said. Thirty-two-year-old Mehraj Ibrahim from the Tulkarem Refugee Camp is serving his ninth year of a 15-year sentence in Israeli prison. He has been transfered from the Gelboa, Bafha, Negev, Maggido, Ashkelon and Beersheba prisons during his time in incarceration. His mother was permitted to see the man last week, and reported he was in serious condition. Ibrahim's hands and legs were cuffed when his mother saw him, and he reported that he had been held in an isolation cell with no contact from other inmates for at lest four months. She said her son looked ill, was limping on his right leg, shook violently and had a racking cough.
NY Mets embroiled in settlement flap
11/13/2009 - Bethlehem - Ma'an - Controversy continued to grow in the US over a fundraiser scheduled for Saturday at the New York Mets' Citi Field stadium for the Brooklyn-based Israeli settlement group The Hebron Fund. Settlement supporters have called for letters praising the Mets for standing with the fund, while human rights groups issued a public appeal this week that resulted in hundreds of emails, letters and calls demanding the event's cancelation. "The New York Mets will be facilitating activities that directly violate international law and the [US President Barack] Obama administration's call for a freeze in settlement construction, and that actively promote racial discrimination and the ethnic cleansing of Palestinians from their homes in Hebron," read a letter sent by 11 human rights organizations to the US baseball team.
Gaza crossings closed
11/13/2009 - Gaza - Ma'an - Continuing a trend, Gaza crossings are closed Friday, with no commercial or humanitarian goods passing into the besieged Strip, Gaza crossings officials said. Border official for the Palestinian side Raed Fattouh said Israeli forces informed his office early Friday morning that the crossings would be closed. Gaza crossings are scheduled to be open six days a week, but since the spring Israeli officials have kept the transport areas closed Fridays and Saturdays without explanation. [end]
Halhoul: Attackers of local college dean sentenced to two years
11/13/2009 - Hebron - Ma'an - The Palestinian court of Halhoul headed by Judge Issa Jabbour sentenced four accused of attacking the dean of Al-Aroub college in Hebron to two years in prison after the men confessed to the attack, officials said. Chief of the Halhoul-area prosecution Ashraf Mash'al called for strict legal action against the four for what he called their "rude and aggressive" attack on Dean Basem Qumsiyyeh on 25 October 2009. Three of the four were detained by Palestinian police on 8 November in Hebron, at which time the media office of the Hebron police said it suspected a fourth attacker, from the northern West Bank governorates, was still at large. According to police all four confessed to having beaten the academic and were transferred to local prosecution.
Israel: Teen tries to stab soldier in Jerusalem
11/13/2009 - Bethlehem - Ma'an/Agencies -Jerusalem police detained a Palestinian youth for allegedly attempting to stab an Israeli soldier in the Old City on Friday. Israeli media said the 18-year-old youth pulled out the knife after a group of soldiers stopped him in the street and demanded he submit to a security check. According to the English-language Israeli news site Ynet, no injuries were reported. The teen continued to be held in Israeli custody. [end]
Gaza armed wings mull over Ashkenazi threats
11/14/2009 - Gaza - Ma'an - The armed wings of Hamas and Islamic Jihad speculated on the veracity of Israeli Chief of Staff Gabi Ashkenazi's threat on Friday to renew operations inside the Gaza Strip. "I think this Israeli propaganda could be an prelude to waging a new attack on Gaza within the coming days," said Abu Ahmad, the spokesman of Islamic Jihad's armed wing. He suggested the recent upsurge in Israeli leaders' threats was attributable to the Goldstone report, interests in deflecting attention from settlements, or concerns that Palestinians may manage to sign a reconciliation agreement. " A new attack could serve as an exit for the occupation, what with all the crises it's facing. "Asked whether Jihad's armed wing moved weapons through Rafah's underground tunnels, he said, "I can't confirm or deny whether we smuggle rockets into Gaza.
USAID funds Israeli military checkpoint upgrade
11/13/2009 - Bethlehem - Ma'an - Vehicles will soon be permitted to traverse Israel's northernmost military checkpoint separating the Jenin area from Palestinian communities in Nazareth and the agricultural zone to the north, an Israeli government news release said Wednesday. The change in status of the military checkpoint, according to the release, was due to an upgrade in the military facility funded by USAID. Israel spends three billion shekels per year on upgrading and maintaining its military infrastructure in the West Bank, including an expansive renovation of the Huwwara military checkpoint inside the West Bank, which was dismantled only months after it was installed. More permanent infrastructure was also installed at the Container checkpoint between Bethlehem and Ramallah, while renovations and adjustments were recorded at Israeli roadblocks across the West Bank.
US consul announces scholarship recipients
11/13/2009 - Bethlehem - Ma'an - US Consul General Daniel Rubinstein formally announced 21 Palestinian high school recipients of the "Abraham Lincoln Incentive Grants" during a visit to the Amideast office in Ramallah on Tuesday. The grants, meant to assist Palestinians applying to US colleges and universities, are part of the funding to support local students announced by Secretary of State Hillary Clinton during her March visit to Ramallah. The US plans to award over 100 such grants during the next five years, the consulate said in a statement. While at Amideast, Rubinstein addressed students, including nine recipients from Gaza who were able to attend the ceremony in person. The students' parents were also in attendance or joined by digital videoconference from Gaza. Israel occasionally allows Palestinian students from Gaza to leave for the West Bank if accompanied by a foreign diplomatic mission during their visit.
US: Israeli settlement offer not enough
11/13/2009 - Bethlehem - Ma'an - Israel's offer to rein in some settlement building in the occupied West Bank is a step forward, but not in keeping with its obligations, a senior US State Department official said on Friday. Speaking at the Middle East Institute in Washington, Secretary of State for Political Affairs William Burns reiterated Barack Obama's insistence that the US does not "accept the legitimacy of continued Israeli settlements. ""We consider the Israeli offer to restrain settlement activity to be a potentially important step, but it obviously falls short of the continuing Road Map obligation for a full settlement freeze," Burns added, according to the Israeli daily newspaper Haaretz. His comments came a week after President Mahmoud Abbas announced he would not seek a second term in office, saying he made up his mind when it became clear the US would not alter its position in favor of Israel and the settlement enterprise.
Hebron unveils bid for record-breaking dress
11/13/2009 - -click for more -Hebron - Ma'an - Hebron unveiled its bid for the latest Palestinian Guinness World Record entry on Friday, as part of the city's festival, A Dream Through A Thread. The title of World's Largest Embroidered Dress may be awarded to the giant creation of the event organizers, pending Guinness Book approval. Its unveiling was accompanied by a large cultural event where Palestinian poet Samih Al-Qassim recited to large crowds, as well as traditional dance and theater. Prime Minister Salam Fayyad opened the celebration, which he said was a tribute to Palestinian cultural production and values. He said the gown will serve as a link between Palestine's past, present and future, using cultural traditions in new and innovative ways. Governor of Hebron Hussein Al-Araj described that day as "one to remember" and dedicated the dress to the late Palestinian President Yasser Arafat.
PA customs returns truck of expired chips to Israel
11/13/2009 - Hebron - Ma'an - The Palestinian Authority Customs department returned a truck loaded with potato chips to Israel Friday, saying the food inside did not conform to the standards set by the protection agency, officials said. Haitham Az-Zein, a public relations official in the customs department, said the truck that was loaded with nearly 35,000 small bags of chips. It was seized on the way to the Ramallah marketplace. Az-Zein said the packaging of the chips was sup-standard, and that the expiration date could be removed easily. The owner of the goods was fined and they were returned to Israel. [end]
Brazil to buy $350 million worth of drones from Israel
Ha'aretz 14 Nov 2009 - The deal was signed during President Peres' official visit to Brazil, but negotiations began months ago.
Israel shows papers linking Iran to seized 'Hezbollah arms ship'
Ha'aretz 14 Nov 2009 - Iran urges Russia: Ignore Israeli pressure, deliver S-300 missiles are capable of shooting down warheads.
U.S. accuses Iran of arms shipments to Hezbollah
Ha'aretz 14 Nov 2009 - U.S. raises issue of arms shipments to Security Council; UN: Both sides violating UN Resolution 1701.
Alleged Jewish terrorist to be charged with murdering two Palestinians
Ha'aretz 14 Nov 2009 - Yaakov Teitel arrested a month ago on suspicion of murder, involvement in several murders and bomb plots.
Outpost residents finally admit IDF official issuing demolition order
Ha'aretz 14 Nov 2009 - Police negotiating with residents of unauthorized community, Givat Asaf, who refuse to accept decree.
Lebanon source: Israel working with Islamists to hurt Hezbollah
Ha'aretz 14 Nov 2009 - Lebanese official says Katyusha fired last month was arranged with Israel, to make Hezbollah take blame.
Report: Hezbollah rearming for imminent conflict with Israel
Ha'aretz 14 Nov 2009 - The British Observer quotes a Hezbollah commander as saying they expect an Israeli attack by spring.
U.S. top brass: Nuclear Iran is existential threat to Israel
Ha'aretz 14 Nov 2009 - Mullen: A nuclear Iran would undermine the stability of a region that is already highly unstable.
Lebanon authorities detain 'arms ship' crew for questioning
Ha'aretz 14 Nov 2009 - After Israel releases ship found to be carrying tons of weapons apparently to Hezbollah, crew questioned in Beirut.
[uruknet.info] Reports of abuse, neglect in Israeli jails
Uruknet November 13, 2009 - Israeli prison officials have kept a Palestinian inmate in an isolation cell for more than four months despite his ill health and complaints from fellow prisoners, the man's parents said. Thirty-two-year-old Mehraj Ibrahim from the Tulkarem Refugee Camp is serving his ninth year of a 15-year sentence in Israeli prison. He has been transfered from the...
[uruknet.info] Young Israeli women follow their consciences into prison
Uruknet November 13, 2009 - When most Israeli girls her age are planning how they will spend the time after their mandatory two-year stint in the armed forces, Emelia Markovitch, 19, is considering a spell in jail. The 19-year-old high school graduate has refused to serve in the Israel Defense Forces because she does not agree with the country's continued occupation...
[uruknet.info] Naalin: Protestors say IDF using live fire
Uruknet November 13, 2009 - Two Palestinians were injured Friday at the weekly anti-fence protest in the West Bank village of Naalin. The protestors claim Israeli security forces have reinstated the use of Ruger rifles, which have been deemed live fire by the military prosecution. The IDF confirmed the use of the rifles, which can be used to fire live ammunition...
[uruknet.info] Israel 'personally attacking human rights group' after Gaza war criticism
Uruknet November 13, 2009 - America's leading human rights organisation has accused Israel and its supporters of an "organised campaign" of false allegations and misinformation, including "extremely personal attacks" on its staff, in an attempt to discredit the group over its reports of war crimes in Gaza. Human Rights Watch (HRW) ties the campaign - which has included accusations that the...
[uruknet.info] High Court examines Israel's refusal to allow a 21 year old student to complete her BA in Bethlehem
Uruknet November 13, 2009 - A hearing will be held in the Israeli High Court of Justice in the case of Berlanty Azzam, a student at Bethlehem University who was detained and forcibly removed to the Gaza Strip. Berlanty was to complete her BA in Business Management in just two months. Israel admits that it has no security claims against Berlanty...
[uruknet.info] NOAM CHOMSKY ~~ DILETTANTE EXTRAORDINAIRE
Uruknet November 11, 2009 - At one time I was impressed every time Noam Chomsky spoke. Seeing his name on lists endorsing political actions was most encouraging.... but NOT seeing him participate in those actions sort of put a damper on the situation. In recent days he has been very vocal about the situation in Gaza. He speaks of International Solidarity...
[uruknet.info] Gaza Graduates Search for Vitamin W
Uruknet November 13, 2009 - "We fast a long time," says Gaza graduate Mona Ismail, 23. "Only to break our fast on a piece of onion." She is speaking not of Ramadan but of the whole year, and year after year. She graduated in 'academic excellence in English language' from the Islamic University in Gaza. A prestigious course, and her dream....
Arafat's death: Who is the killer?
Palestine, November 11, (Pal Telegraph) - Palestinians are marking the fifth anniversary of the death of Yasser Arafat. Hundreds of people gathered in the main square of the West Bank city of Ramallah to remember the late Palestinian leader.
Palestinians mark anniversary of Arafat's death
PNN 11 Nov 2009 - Palestinians are marking the fifth anniversary of the death of Yasser Arafat. Hundreds of people gathered in the main square of the West Bank city of Ramallah to remember the late Palestinian leader. Tributes have also been paid at his gravestone, inside the Palestinian presidential compound. The Hamas group, which runs the Gaza Strip, banned similar commemorations there. The anniversary of Arafat’s...
Palestinian Affairs: Is Mahmoud Abbas becoming chairman Arafat?
Jeruslalem Post 13 Nov 2009 - Abbas is only now understanding the value of adept political maneuvering and fiery anti-Israel rhetoric.
IDF uses 'tutu bullets' in Ni'ilin clash
Jeruslalem Post 13 Nov 2009 - 0.22 inch pellets similar to BB gun pellets seen as equivalent to live ammo; one border cop hurt.
'US, Israel, share ties, not a romance'
Jeruslalem Post 13 Nov 2009 - Expert: Monday's low-profile meeting simply an instance of "private diplomacy"; US releases 1 photo.
Assad in France: If Netanyahu is sincere, let's resume talks
Jeruslalem Post 13 Nov 2009 - Syrian president stresses Turkey has proven an experienced and capable mediator, tells Le Figaro US "weak link" in Mideast peace efforts.
ISRAEL: Getting tough on "infiltrators"
IRIN JERUSALEM Tuesday, November 10, 2009 (IRIN) - Aid groups and several members of parliament (MPs) are outraged by what seems to be the toughening of Israeli policy towards asylum-seekers illegally entering the country.
EGYPT: Black cloud with a silver lining
IRIN CAIRO Monday, November 09, 2009 (IRIN) - The conversion of excess rice straw into fertilizer, rather than simply burning it off could be the solution to a problem that has plagued Cairo residents for the last 10 years: the “black cloud” that decends on the city every October and November.
POLITICS: On Nuke Disarmament, It's Still "You First"
IPS UNITED NATIONS, Oct 31 (IPS) - Is the ongoing controversy over Iran's nuclear programme helping to advance the United Nations' agenda on nuclear disarmament? To a number of diplomats and experts who have participated in past U.N. discussions on the spread of nuclear weapons, the answer is, yes – although...
No Independence Holiday for Gaza Schools
IMEMC 14 Nov 2009 - Friday November 13, 2009 - 22:13, The Palestinian Ministry of Education in Gaza stated Friday evening that Independence Day, Sunday November 15, will be an ordinary school day, but Gaza schools would designate the first two classes to the occasion.
"We are going to Jerusalem!"
Stop The Wall 13 Nov 2009 - This afternoon, exactly 20 years after the fall of the Berlin Wall, popular committees struggling against the Apartheid Wall and the settlements destroyed part of the Wall near Qalandiya. Hundreds of people, with some 30 international supporters, used a truck to pull down part of the Wall in the area east of the Qalandiya refugee camp and beyond the UN Vocational College. They also destroyed iron gates and other pieces of concrete in the same area. [
PCHR During the reporting period, 6 Palestinian civilians were wounded by Israeli forces in the West Bank
(12-11-2009) Weekly Report: On Israeli Human Rights Violations in the Occupied Palestinian Territory
PCHR
Naalin: Protestors say IDF using live fire
11/13/2009 - International Solidarity Movement - Naalin: Protestors say IDF using live fire Ali Waked |YNet News 13 November 2009Two Palestinians were injured Friday at the weekly anti-fence protest in the West Bank village of Naalin. The protestors claim Israeli security forces have reinstated the use of Ruger rifles, which have been deemed live fire by the military prosecution. The IDF confirmed the use of the rifles, which can be used to fire live ammunition with relatively low force. Earlier this year B'tselem appealed to the military prosecution with a demand to ban the rifles. Judge Advocate General Avi Mandelblit said in his response to the appeal that "the guidelines for use of this ammunition are severe, and parallel to those for the use of live ammunition". In June a Palestinian was killed during an anti-fence protest in Naalin, assumedly from ammunition fired from a Ruger rifle.
Bil’in demonstrates in solidarity with indicted MK Barakeh
11/13/2009 - International Solidarity Movement - Bil'in Popular Committee - Directly after the Friday prayers, Bil'in citizens gathered in a large demonstration, in response to a call from the Poplar Committee Against the Wall. They were joined by international and Israeli activists, as well as a group of members and supporters of the Democratic Front for Peace and Equality (Hadash) and a delegation of members of the Palestinian People's Party. The protest was led by Mohammed Baraka – the front's general secretary and member of the Israeli Knesset. One international activist was injured and dozens suffered tear gas inhalation at the weekly demonstration in Bil'in. The demonstrators have raised dozens of Palestinian flags and pictures of the late martyr Abu Ammar, along with banners marking the fifth year of his martyrdom, emphasizing their loyalty to his soul.
U.S. rejects Ahmadinejad call to choose between Israel and Iran
Ha'aretz 14 Nov 2009 - The United States on Friday rejected a call by Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad for it to choose between supporting Israel or Iran. ...
The U.S. Jew whose Iran views rile Israel intelligence officials
Ha'aretz 13 Nov 2009 - WASHINGTON, D.C. - Hillary Mann Leverett and her partner and husband, Flynt Leverett, make the Iran desk staffers in the Israeli intelligence community see red. For the past two years the Leveretts, both of whom are former U.S. National Security Council and State Department officials, have preached relentlessly against using sanctions and threats against Iran. ...
Four days late, U.S. releases photo of Netanyahu-Obama meet
Ha'aretz 14 Nov 2009 - The White House finally released on Friday a photograph of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's meeting Monday with U.S. President Barack Obama, after speculation that the lack of a photo opportunity was an intentional slight. ...
U.S.: Sept. 11 terror suspects heading to New York trial
Ha'aretz 14 Nov 2009 - Self-proclaimed Sept. 11 mastermind Khalid Sheikh Mohammed and four other Guantanamo Bay detainees will be brought to trial in a civilian U.S. courthouse in New York, blocks from site of the devastating 2001 terror attacks. ...
Assad, in Paris: Israel doesn't want peace with Syria
Ha'aretz 13 Nov 2009 - Syrian President Bashar Assad on Friday questioned Israel's will to restart peace talks and suggested that a summit meeting between the two enemy states would be useless. ...
Israel 'personally attacking human rights group' after Gaza war criticism
The Guardian 13 Nov 2009 - Human Rights Watch denies having political agenda or seeking funds from Saudi Arabia America's leading human rights organisation has accused Israel and its supporters of an "organised campaign" of false allegations and misinformation, including "extremely personal...
Abbas repeats demand for Jewish settlements freeze
The Guardian 11 Nov 2009 - Palestinian president uses fifth anniversary of Arafat's death to demand halt on construction before talks with Israel Mahmoud Abbas today underlined the stark reality of the stalemate in the Middle East peace process by again demanding...
Erdogan's blind faith in Muslims | Seth Freedman
The Guardian 11 Nov 2009 - The Turkish leader's support of Sudan's Omar al-Bashir while condemning Gaza 'war crimes' play to fears on the Israeli right Despite glaring evidence to the contrary, the Turkish prime minister, Recep Tayyip Erdogan , believes "it is...
UNHCR Iraq Fact Sheet Sep 2009
Relief Web 13 Nov 2009 - Source: UN High Commissioner for Refugees
Palestinian families at risk of being forced to leave homes
Relief Web 13 Nov 2009 - Source: Save the Children
Life on the edge: The struggle to survive and the impact of forced displacement in high risk areas of the Occupied Palestinian Territory
Relief Web 13 Nov 2009 - Source: Save the Children
Ariel settlement wastewater pollutes Salfit
10 Nov 2009 - For years, the town of Salfit has suffered from wastewater channeled its way from Ariel. A video co-produced with "HaYarkon 70 News" portrays the problem, which exists in other places in the West Bank.
Israel hits back in super-sized salad war, fosters town ties
Daily Star 13 Nov 2009 Residents of the Israeli town of Shfaram were seeking Friday to make the world's largest tabbouleh salad, hoping to bring reconciliation after violent Christian-Druze clashes. "We are trying to get the Guinness record," said event organizer Ala Khuria as residents were busy chopping 700 kilograms of tomatoes and other ingredients that should make up a more-than 4-ton salad.
Jewish troops shoot Palestinian dead in Gaza confrontation
Daily Star 13 Nov 2009 Israeli soldiers shot and killed a Palestinian and wounded two others in a confrontation near a Gaza Strip border on Friday, the Israeli army and Palestinian medical workers said. A rocket fired from Gaza struck later in an open area near an Israeli town, causing no injury, the army said. There were no immediate claims of responsibility for that shooting.
Middle East radicals fill abyss created by impasse in peace talks
Daily Star 13 Nov 2009 Iran's closest allies in the Middle East are seizing on a deadlock in US-backed peace efforts to try to sway a frustrated Arab world to their side. Radicals have escalated their rhetoric as hopes for progress on an Israeli-Palestinian deal have faded. The leaders of Syria and the Shiite militant group Hizbullah endorsed violence against Israel and attacked President Barack Obama's Mideast approach in recent days.
Obama vows to strengthen engagement in Asia at start of first regional tour
Daily Star 13 Nov 2009 Barack Obama insisted on Friday that the United States was a "pacific" power and vowed to deepen its engagement in the region as he set foot in Asia for the first time as US president. "The United States will strengthen our alliances, build new partnerships and we will be part of multilateral efforts and regional institutions that advance regional security and prosperity," he said in Tokyo as he launched his four-nation tour.
Syria dismisses Israeli offer for peace talks as mere word games
Daily Star 13 Nov 2009 Syrian President Bashar Assad said on Friday that an Israeli call to renew peace talks was mere "word play" and the US should be doing more to resolve conflict in the Middle East. Assad was in Paris for talks with French President Nicolas Sarkozy and said ties with France had greatly improved in recent months, after a long period of frosty relations., Syrian President Bashar Assad said on Friday that an Israeli call to renew peace talks was mere "word play" and the US should be doing more to resolve conflict in the Middle East. Assad was in Paris for talks with French President Nicolas Sarkozy and said ties with France had greatly improved in recent months, after a long period of frosty relations.
IMF favors continued fall in interest rates in Lebanon
Daily Star 13 Nov 2009 The International Monetary Fund (IMF) again heaped praise on Lebanon for its ability to contain the negative effects of the global recession that hit many countries around the world, including some regional states. The fund has even projected a GDP growth of 7 percent this year, much higher than Western and Asian economies., The International Monetary Fund (IMF) again heaped praise on Lebanon for its ability to contain the negative effects of the global recession that hit many countries around the world, including some regional states. The fund has even projected a GDP growth of 7 percent this year, much higher than Western and Asian economies.
Electricity solution can build consensus
Daily Star 13 Nov 2009 Lebanon's new energy and water minister called Friday for "national consensus" to ensure that electricity and water are kept free of politics as officials struggle with the problems in these sectors. Jibran Bassil, who took up his duties at one of the country's most demanding ministries after ending a controversial tenure as telecommunications minister., Lebanon's new energy and water minister called Friday for "national consensus" to ensure that electricity and water are kept free of politics as officials struggle with the problems in these sectors. Jibran Bassil, who took up his duties at one of the country's most demanding ministries after ending a controversial tenure as telecommunications minister.
Live Lebanon calls for Diaspora donations
Daily Star 13 Nov 2009 Thursday evening marked a serendipitous occurrence when the famous Beirut city center landmark "The Egg," also known as the Old Dome, finally hatched the highly anticipated and promising "Live Lebanon" development project. Live Lebanon is a United Nations Development Program (UNDP) initiative, aimed at encouraging the vast Lebanese Diaspora to channel remittance payments., Thursday evening marked a serendipitous occurrence when the famous Beirut city center landmark "The Egg," also known as the Old Dome, finally hatched the highly anticipated and promising "Live Lebanon" development project. Live Lebanon is a United Nations Development Program (UNDP) initiative, aimed at encouraging the vast Lebanese Diaspora to channel remittance payments.
Palestinians need clarity, not charades
Daily Star 13 Nov 2009 Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas has reverted to an old political trick by saying he will resign and not run for re-election when the next presidential elections are held in early 2010 - and then immediately arranging a series of staged "rallies" in which ordinary people appear to cheer him and demand that he remain in office.
Women lose out in Lebanon's liberal illusion
Daily Star 13 Nov 2009 Outside observers often express awe at the perceived emancipation women enjoy in "the Paris of the Middle East" - a triumph in the battle for women's rights, to be heeded by other states in this often misogynistic region. However, ask a Lebanese woman married to a foreign national, a female political studies graduate, or a woman who is being., Outside observers often express awe at the perceived emancipation women enjoy in "the Paris of the Middle East" - a triumph in the battle for women's rights, to be heeded by other states in this often misogynistic region. However, ask a Lebanese woman married to a foreign national, a female political studies graduate, or a woman who is being.
The servers are overloaded
PIC 14 Nov 2009 - Due to server load we cannot process your request at this time. Please try again a few minutes.
Blair Hails Economic Steps in West Bank
New York Times 11 Nov 2009 - Palestinians marked two breakthroughs: a second mobile telephone company opened, and a long-closed crossing point from Israel allowed limited motor traffic.
Israel ’personally attacking human rights group’ after Gaza war criticism
11/13/2009 - The Guardian - Human Rights Watch denies having political agenda or seeking funds from Saudi Arabia - America's leading human rights organisation has accused Israel and its supporters of an "organised campaign" of false allegations and misinformation, including "extremely personal attacks" on its staff, in an attempt to discredit the group over its reports of war crimes in Gaza. Human Rights Watch (HRW) ties the campaign � which has included accusations that the group's reports on the Jewish state are written by "anti-Israel ideologues" and that it has sought funds from Saudi Arabia � to a statement by a senior official in the Israeli prime minister's office in June pledging to "dedicate time and manpower to combating" human rights organisations. The criticism began with Israeli pressure groups and rightwing blogs, but in recent weeks it has drawn the support of influential individuals such as Elie Wiesel,
IDF launches ’counter-Goldstone’ probe
11/12/2009 - Jerusalem Post - The Military Police has launched a new criminal investigation into allegations that soldiers committed war crimes during Operation Cast Lead, The Jerusalem Post learned Wednesday, amid efforts by the IDF to complete a report to counter the accusations leveled at it by the Goldstone Commission. According to B'tselem, Military Police investigators contacted the human rights organization and asked it to coordinate a meeting with several Palestinians at the Erez crossing to question them regarding the deaths of two Palestinian men who were killed in their car near Dir el-Balah on January 15. B'tselem has a field worker, Mohammed Sabah, based in the Gaza Strip, whose job is to track down Palestinians who want to file complaints against Israel and bring them to the Erez crossing to give testimony. Since the end of Cast Lead, B'tselem has coordinated the testimonies of close to 30 Palestinians for the IDF's Military Police. -- Links: B'tselem: Military investigations of harm to civilians in Operation Cast Lead are insufficient
Expelled West Bank student petitions Israel court
11/12/2009 - Antiwar.com - AP News - West Bank student blindfolded, expelled in handcuffs to Gaza, petitions Israel to return - A female Palestinian student who says she was handcuffed, blindfolded and hauled off to the Gaza Strip by the Israeli army in the middle of the night late last month asked Israel's supreme court Thursday to let her return to her studies in the West Bank. The incident highlights a deep fear among the thousands of Palestinians originally from Gaza who now live in the West Bank � sudden expulsion by the Israelis to the Hamas-ruled coastal strip. Berlanty Azzam, 21, was only two months away from finishing her business degree at Bethlehem University when she was stopped by Israeli soldiers at a checkpoint in the West Bank. After noticing her Gaza-issued identity card, soldiers detained Azzam and put her in the back of an army jeep.
US �very concerned� about Palestinian student deportation
11/12/2009 - The National - TEL AVIV // Two weeks ago, Berlanty Azzam was blindfolded, handcuffed and driven from the West Bank to the Gaza Strip by Israeli soldiers who claimed the Palestinian university student was illegally residing in the occupied territory. Ms Azzam�s expulsion and rough treatment by the Israeli military have drawn wide international media attention and have threatened to deepen a rift between the country and its US ally, the Jersusalem consul general for which was quoted in Israeli newspapers as saying he was �very concerned� by the incident. Human rights activists say that the 22-year old senior at Bethlehem University has become a test case for the risk that some 25,000 Palestinians who live, work or study in the West Bank face in their possible removal from the area by Israel. Yesterday, Israel�s Supreme Court held the first hearing on a petition filed by the Israeli human rights group
Young Israeli women follow their consciences into prison
11/13/2009 - The National - TEL AVIV // When most Israeli girls her age are planning how they will spend the time after their mandatory two-year stint in the armed forces, Emelia Markovitch, 19, is considering a spell in jail. The 19-year-old high school graduate has refused to serve in the Israel Defense Forces because she does not agree with the country�s continued occupation of Palestinian lands. But that decision will land her in prison. �I am afraid. I don�t know what will happen there,� she said. Ms Markovitch said she felt being jailed for her moral convictions was an �insult�. However, she is not alone. In October, 88 youngsters � some still enrolled in school, some recent graduates � sent a letter to Benjamin Netanyahu, the prime minister, Ehud Barak, the defence minister, and the IDF�s chief of staff, Gaby Ashkenazi, stating their refusal to serve in the armed forces.
Ilan Pappe silenced in Munich
11/12/2009 - YNetNews - Left-wing groups enraged by Germany municipality's decision not to allow anti-Zionist Israeli historian to speak at governmental institution. Pappe writes to Munich mayor his policy reminiscent of Nazi Germany - Anti-Zionist historian Prof. Ilan Pappe, one of the most important "New Historians", was scheduled to speak last weekend at the Pedagogical Institute of Munich. But a letter received from the "Israeli-German association of Munich", claiming that Pappe's lecture would turn into "an anti-Israeli propaganda show," led the Munich Municipality to reconsider the event. The municipality eventually did not let Pappe use the room, claiming its decision was prompted by fears of violent clashes breaking out in the area. The Munich police insisted that there was no danger of fear for the security of those attending the lecture.
PCHR Condemns Raid on Ramattan News Agency in Gaza, and Expresses Deep Concerns over Measures Taken by the Gaza Government to Prevent Commemoration of Late President Yasser Arafat�s Death
11/12/2009 - Palestinian Centre for Human Rights - On Tuesday, 10 November 2009, Palestinian security services stormed the offices of Ramattan News Agency in Gaza and banned a press conference organized by the National Action Commission. The press conference had been organized to publicize the cancellation of an event commemorating President Arafat�s anniversary. The Gaza government claimed that the event was unlicensed. This measure was taken in the context of a series of measures taken by the Gaza Government to prevent the commemoration of the fifth anniversary of the death of late President Yasser Arafat on 11 November. The Palestinian Centre for Human Rights (PCHR) expresses deep concerns over such measures, and stresses that the right to freedom of opinion and expression and the right to peaceful assembly are basic human rights that are ensured by the Palestinian Basic Law and international human rights instruments.
Visiting surgeon heals Gazan children deafened by war
11/12/2009 - Telegraph - Wafa Sarhan was devastated that her two sons would never hear her voice again after an Israeli strike on Gaza robbed them of their hearing. Then Dr Hajeri showed up in the impoverished enclave. Bahaa and Qusei Sarhan, today six and five years old, lost their hearing in June 2004 when an Israeli drone fired missiles at a group of militants near their home in the northern town of Jabaliya. " Bahaa was wounded again by shrapnel during the last war [in December and January] because there was shelling and he couldn't hear us yelling at him to come inside," she says. Since the boys lost their hearing, Wafa Sarhan and her husband have been trying to get them treated outside the coastal strip, which Israel and Egypt have kept under a tight blockade since the Islamist Hamas movement seized power in June 2007. They heard of a procedure under which a device dubbed an electronic "snail" is inserted in the ear, enabling a person to regain his hearing.
Goldstone to Haaretz: U.S. does not have to protect Israel blindly
11/13/2009 - Ha'aretz - Judge Richard Goldstone told Haaretz Thursday that President Shimon Peres' remarks criticizing him were "specious and ill-befitting the head of State of Israel. " Peres was quoted Wednesday as calling Goldstone "a small man, devoid of any sense of justice, a technocrat with no real understanding of jurisprudence," who was "on a one-sided mission to hurt Israel. " In Thursday's interview by e-mail with Haaretz, Goldstone said: "I am content to be judged by my actions over the course of my career both in terms of my professional judicial career and my voluntary service. " Goldstone also said he had anticipated that the report would engender considerable criticism. "After all, no one likes to be accused of committing serious war crimes. However, I was surprised at the many nasty attacks made against me personally. In my view, it was a classic case of attacking the messenger rather than addressing the message. "
Hamas Tells Red Cross: Israel Planning Another War In Gaza
11/13/2009 - Political Theatrics - Hamas Prime Minister Ismail Haniyyeh has warned that Israel is planning another offensive on the Gaza Strip, Iran�s Press TV reported on Friday. According to Haniyyeh, it is Israel and not Hamas that is intent on keeping the conflict going between the two sides. Hamas is �not looking for more violence,� Haniyyeh told a group of Red Cross delegates visiting the Gaza Strip earlier this week. The Hamas leader, who was elected to head the movement�s cabinet and took over leadership of Gaza in 2007, told the delegates that he hoped his prediction of war would not come into fruition. Haniyyeh said that should such an offensive occur, Hamas would be prepared to retaliate. �Our people will not surrender; they will fight back,� Prime Minister Haniyyeh�s office said, in a statement. He also said he hoped that �the world will stop Israel from killing more children,� according to the Iranian network.
'Peace Talks with Israel Hindered by Obama Inaction'
11/13/2009 - Political Theatrics - French President Nicolas Sarkozy will deliver a message from Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to Syrian leader Bashar Assad during the latter�s visit to Paris on Friday, relaying Israel�s desires to renew �peace negotiations� immediately without preconditions. The French newspaper La Figaro on Friday quoted Assad as saying that U. S. President Barack Obama represented a weak point in the efforts to renew negotiations. �The American godfather needs to draw up a plan of action and take his own initiative, not wait for others,� said the Syrian President. According to the pan-Arab satellite television station Al Arabiya, �Netanyahu has expressed willingness to withdraw from the Golan to the borders of June 4, 1967�. Netanyahu also reportedly stressed that he is interested in a meeting with Assad, without preconditions.
Israeli Foreign Ministry Drops Peace As Goal
11/13/2009 - Political Theatrics - Israeli Foreign Minister Avigdor Lieberman has set priorities for his ministry that apparently are at odds with those of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. While Netanyahu is trying to convince U. S. President Barack Obama that he is sincere about advancing the peace process on the principle of two states for two peoples, the Israeli foreign ministry�s written goals don�t even mention the word �Palestinians. � Israeli Foreign Ministry director general Yossi Gal recently distributed a document detailing the ministry�s goals for 2010 to Israeli embassies around the world. The goals are significantly different than those the ministry espoused during previous foreign minister Tzipi Livni�s term, especially regarding the peace process. Netanyahu�s Bar-Ilan University speech, outlining his vision for the Middle East and his agreement to establishing a Palestinian state, is hardly reflected at all in the document.
Impatient with U.S. efforts, France makes Mideast push
11/11/2009 - McClatchey Newspapers - Christian Science Monitor - PARIS � Europeans, and the French in particular, strong backers of Washington's efforts to broker a Mideast deal, are starting to register frustration with the White House's handling of Israel-Palestinian relations. Palestinian leader Mahmoud Abbas is threatening to quit in January, and efforts toward Israeli-Palestinian peace are completely stalled. Now the Europeans are searching for ways to push both Americans and Israelis to solve what they see as a deteriorating situation in the West Bank and Gaza, with the French leading the way. Despite French President Nicolas Sarkozy's close ties to Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, who was in Paris Wednesday, Sarkozy told the Israeli leader that progress on peace with the Palestinians remains a priority, diplomats said. Europeans don't have a strong hand, diplomats here said.
Disillusioned with Europe, Turkey Looks East
11/12/2009 - Der Spiegel - As European opposition to EU membership for Turkey grows, Ankara is looking to forge closer ties to its neighbors. Turkey wants to once again become a leading power in the Middle East -- but its relationship with Israel may suffer as a result. He was the last heir to the throne of the Ottoman Empire, a major power that controlled large parts of Europe, North Africa and the Middle East for centuries. But Prince Osman Ertugrul Osmanoglu was a prince without a country, and he was stateless for much of his life. When Turkish officers proclaimed the republic in 1924, they expelled Osmanoglu and his entire family. It wasn't until 2004 that the exiled prince was granted Turkish citizenship. The prince died in Istanbul on Sept. 23, at the age of 97, and the republic that had once banished him became reconciled with Osmanoglu.
East Jerusalem settlements continue to expand despite Israeli government assurances
IMEMC 15 Nov 2009 - Sunday November 15, 2009 - 03:31, As part of the 3,000 units scheduled to be constructed in the coming months in the West Bank and East Jerusalem, construction has begun in Ras al-Amud, Pisgat Ze'ev and a number of other East Jerusalem settlements. This is despite a statement earlier this week by Housing and Construction Minister Ariel Attias that no new construction permits have been authorized since March.
Abbas-mubarak To Meet Wednesday
IMEMC 15 Nov 2009 - Sunday November 15, 2009 - 00:40, Nimir Hammad, advisor to the Palestinian President, Mahmoud Abbas, stated Saturday that President Abbas and his Egyptian counterpart, Hosni Mubarak, will be holding a meeting in Cairo next Wednesday November 18.
African Man Killed By Egyptian Fire, Three Wounded
IMEMC 15 Nov 2009 - Sunday November 15, 2009 - 00:36, Egyptian border guards opened fire on Saturday at four African men trying to infiltrate into Israel from an area 5 kilometers away from the Salem terminal.
Palestinian Youth Killed By Army Fire In Gaza, Three Wounded
IMEMC 15 Nov 2009 - Friday November 13, 2009 - 21:46, Palestinian medical sources in the Gaza Strip reported on Friday that a Palestinian youth was killed by Israeli army fire, and three others were wounded, when the army invaded an area close to Juhr Al Deek, east of Gaza City.
Cooking gas shortages reported in Gaza
11/14/2009 - Gaza - Ma'an - Israeli-imposed changes to the fuel transfer point in Gaza have lead to a shortage of cooking gas for residents and the closure of dozens of fuel and gas stations as supplies remain low. Head of the society of the owners of the fuel and gas stations in Gaza Mahmoud Ash-Shawwa said Friday that filling stations for cooking fuel had been closed for more than 25 days already. "At least 60 percent of the bakeries here do not have any more cooking gas," he said. Ash-Shawwa blamed the shortage on Israel's decision last month to shut down the Nahal Oz crossing, currently the only fuel transfer point for the Gaza Strip, and instead divert fuel transfer infrastructure to the Kerem Shalom crossing. "Since the switch started we have noticed supplies dwindle," the official noted, wondering aloud why the switch was going forward.
Negev detainees punished for marking Arafat memorial
11/14/2009 - Gaza - Ma'an - Palestinian prisoners in Israel's Negev facility have been banned from receiving prisoners for a month, reportedly as a retaliation for a celebration held by the prisoners marking the fifth anniversary of the death of former Palestinian Prime Minister and PLO founder Yasser Arafat. The anniversary itself events themselves were stymied, detainees reported, as prison guards prevented groups from gathering and stifled attempts at speeches on Friday. Prisoners reported the incident over the phone to a lawyer working with the Detainees Society, and called on the Red Cross to prevent the collective punishment. [end]
Palestinians breach wall near Tulkarem
11/14/2009 - Bethlehem - Ma'an - At least six demonstrators were arrested in the northern West Bank after they breached a section of Israel's wall on Saturday, Palestinian and Israeli sources said. The protesters said they intended to march to lands that were left isolated behind the wall in Deir Al-Ghusun, northeast of Tulkarem, and managed to break open one of the barrier's gates before Israeli soldiers invaded the village. One demonstrator was lightly injured after being struck with a rubber-coated bullet in the leg, onlookers said. "Today's demonstration was the opening salvo for a public campaign by the Deir Al-Ghusun municipality and the affected farmers," said Anarchists Against the Wall, an Israeli group, in a statement. "As the demonstration was coming to an end, a large group of soldiers surprised a group of the protesters by closing in on them from the direction of the village, and arrested 18 of the village's youth.
PLO to plan for potential constitutional crisis
11/14/2009 - Gaza - Ma'an - The Central Committee of the PLO will meet on 22 December to determine the proper legal formula regarding the possible constitutional vacuum if elections do not take place on 24 January, an official said. Walid Awwad, a member of the Palestine People's Party political bureau, announced Saturday that the body would discuss what will happen to Palestinian leadership after 24 January, the date set for the recently called off Palestinian presidential and legislative elections. The term of current President Mahmoud Abbas expired on 9 January 2009, but he has remained in his post mostly uncontested. The term of the Palestinian Legislative Council, inactive since 2007, ends on 24 January 2010. Abbas' Fatah party said his term legally extends to the end of the legislative term, and that both government bodies must go to elections in January in order for legitimacy to be maintained.
PLO leader: Hamas wants mini-state in Gaza
11/14/2009 - Ramallah - Ma'an - Yasser Abed Rabbo, secretary-general of the PLO's Central Committee, on Saturday accused Hamas of planning to establish "a state within a state. " He compared Hamas' "aims" to Hizbullah's control of southern Lebanon. Speaking at a session of the Palestinian National Council in Ramallah, Abed Rabbo said the PLO and Palestinian Authority were threatened by "Hamas' hostage-taking campaigns and attempts to kidnap Palestinian legitimacy. " "Hamas conducted a coup in Gaza and still wants to dominate the Gaza Strip - yet now it's demanding control of the West Bank," he said, while Palestinians in Gaza "are still paying the price of this internal division. "Meanwhile, he said, the Palestinian leadership and people are undergoing "Israel's fierce political attacks, especially against Jerusalem, via their settlements and house demolitions.
Erekat: PA planning to declare statehood
11/14/2009 - Bethlehem - Ma'an/Agencies - The Palestinian Authority is mobilizing international support for declaring statehood, chief PLO negotiator Saeb Erekat said on Saturday. "The idea is clear and understandable," Erekat told the Arabic-language daily newspaper Al-Ayyam. "Now we mobilize. "Palestinians will bring the issue to a vote before the United Nations Security Council, which would declare a Palestinian state on the 4 June 1967 border with Israel, he explained. He called the initiative a response to Israel's policies, which would send a clear message that "settlements and other unilateral actions are null and void and do not establish rights or territory. " Erekat said he had discussed the idea more than once with the Americans and Europeans, while President Mahmoud Abbas raised the proposal with UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon and Russian officials, who reacted positively.
Nativity deportees meet relatives in Medina
11/14/2009 - Medina - Ma'an - Thirteen Palestinians deported from Bethlehem to the Gaza Strip in 2002 were able to meet some of their family members for the first time in years as they congregated in Saudi Arabia for the Hajj pilgrimage. The 13, half of the group of 26 known as the Nativity Church Deportees, are barred from entering the West Bank where their families live. They were deported to Gaza following a weeks-long stand-off with the Israeli army as the group, including another half dozen deported to Europe, took refuge in Bethlehem's Nativity Church. Fifty-six-year-old Yasin Al-Hreimi, the oldest of the deportees, met his eldest son Jalal in the yard of the Prophet Muhammad Mosque in Medina for the first time in 10 years. When Al-Hreimi was deported to Gaza, his son Jalal was serving a 12-year sentence in Israeli jail.
DFLP: We’re ready to counter any new Israeli attack
11/14/2009 - Gaza - Ma'an - The National Resistance Brigades, the armed wing of the Democratic Front for the Liberation of Palestine (DFLP), rebuffed recent Israeli threats for a new war on Gaza, calling them an expression of Israel's failure to halt projectile fire. Brigades spokesman Abu Saleem said in a statement that militants would continue firing projectiles at Israeli targets as long as Israel maintains its siege on Gaza and its attacks on the Palestinians. "No Israeli war will meet its objective" of stopping the projectiles, he said. Abu Saleem called the recent comments by Israeli military Chief of Staff Gabi Ashkenazi an expression of Israel's "failure of achieving the goal it set out in the first Gaza war," which at one point was to stop the flow of projectiles over the border wall. The comments from Israeli military personnel and militant leaders came as both sides are being. . .
Prisoners on agenda at Arab League meet
11/14/2009 - Bethlehem - Ma'an - The Arab League met in Cairo on Saturday to discuss the plight of Palestinian prisoners. Delegates were expected to discuss allegations of mistreatment toward 33 specific women, including torture and forced confessions. Issa Qaraqi, the Palestinian Authority's minister of prisoners and ex-detainees, said the meeting would initiate an international and Arab campaign "to support prisoners politically and legally," and said he would present a report on "inhumane Israeli practices" in the country's jails. In a statement, he stressed that the international community should seek curbs on imprisoning minors, as well as efforts to end to administrative detention, a term that refers to Israel's policy of detaining Palestinians for up to six months at a time without charge. Qaraqi said the Arab League will vote on two new observer members, Norway and Slovenia, as. . .
Hamas: No word on new Egypt talks
11/14/2009 - Gaza - Ma'an - Hamas has not received an invitation from Cairo for renewed talks, Hamas spokesman Fawzi Barhoum said Saturday following announcements in the West Bank that unity talks were back on. "If we receive an invitation from Cairo we will go," Barhoum said over the phone from Gaza, affirming what he called a Hamas commitment to conciliation. Fatah officials announced Friday that Egyptian mediator Omar Suleiman had opened the door to continued talks set to take place at the beginning of December following the Eid Al-Adha holiday. Barhoum expressed concern over recent announcements from Fatah and the Palestine People's Party that said the Central Committee of the PLO would meed in mid-December and determine what should be done about what they called the "constitutional vacuum" on 25 January after the legal term of the defunct Palestinian Legislative Council expires.
Abbas to meet Egyptian President Mubarak
11/14/2009 - Bethlehem - Ma'an - President Mahmoud Abbas is scheduled to meet his Egyptian counterpart in Cairo on Wednesday before leaving for Latin America, an official said on Saturday. Nimir Hammad, the president's political advisor, said Abbas and Egyptian President Hosni Mubarak would discuss asking the UN Security Council to adopt the Arab Peace Initiative. They will also review the Middle East peace process and inter-Palestinian dialogue, Hammad added. The Palestinian Authority is mobilizing international support for declaring statehood, chief PLO negotiator Saeb Erekat said on Saturday. Palestinians will bring the issue to a vote before the United Nations Security Council, which would declare a Palestinian state on the 4 June 1967 border with Israel, he explained. Erekat said he had discussed the idea more than once with the Americans and Europeans, while President Mahmoud Abbas. . .
Deputy PLC speaker slams Fatah ’provocations’
11/14/2009 - Gaza - Ma'an - Ahmad Bahar, the deputy head of the Palestinian Legislative Council, condemned statements made by Fatah officials on Saturday, describing them as "provocations" against the parliament's legitimacy. In a statement, Bahar said "these Fatah positions and statements reflect poor political actions against the Palestinian Basic Law. "He added that "the media campaign being waged by Fatah against the authority of [parliament speaker Aziz] Dweik and the council leadership is a reflection of a real serious crisis that needs to be resolved. " He said Dweik would remain the head of the PLC despite efforts to stifle his work. Fatah Central Committee Member Jamal Muheisen had said earlier that the party was considering withdrawing its approval for Egypt's reconciliation document. Unwilling to wait until the term of the last elected government, defunct since 2007, expires. . . .
Gaza schools observe Palestinian Independence day Sunday
11/14/2009 - Bethlehem - Ma'an - De facto government schools will close Sunday to observe Palestinian Independence Day, the Gaza Ministry of Education announced on Friday. Spokesperson of the de facto government ministry Khalid Radi said the decision was a reflection of the will of the people in Gaza, but also said the government did not want others up in arms if no celebration was called. "We want to avoid misinterpretations," he said. The ministry was not initially going to give children a day off school, preferring to use the day as a teaching tool on the history of Palestinian Independence Day. " That would have been better than having students sit at home and know nothing about Independence Day, however, to avoid misinterpretations by one party or another, we decided to announce holiday," he said. "
Police: 10 fugitives captured during slow week at Allenby
11/14/2009 - Jericho - Ma'an - Police operating at the Allenby Bridge border crossing near Jericho detained ten Palestinians they called fugitives apparently trying to leave the country. Police noted, however, that traffic at the border continues to be light, with a surge expected next week ahead of the Eid Al-Adha holiday on the 27th and Palestinians heading to Saudi Arabia for the Hajj pilgrimage. In years past, wanted individuals have tried to slip into Jordan during the busy pilgrimage season and the traffic at the bridge. According to the police media center, 10,788 passengers departed for Jordan from the West Bank between 8-14 November, while 5,855 arrived in the West Bank, including 111 foreigners and 30 Israeli ID holders. The traffic is down from the week before, the report said.
IDF chief Ashkenazi: Army open to looking into Goldstone claims
Ha'aretz 15 Nov 2009 - Ashkenazi says Israel must explain the war's justice as it is possible we will be forced to act again in Gaza.
IDF Chief Rabbi: Troops who show mercy to enemy will be 'damned'
Ha'aretz 15 Nov 2009 - 'The IDF fought in Cast Lead with all their heart and soul, and with all the resources.'
ANALYSIS / Next round of Gaza hostilities will be more intense
Ha'aretz 15 Nov 2009 - To halt rocket fire, IDF will have to combine massive firepower with deployment of ground forces.
Hamas: Israel fabricating pretext for new Gaza war
Ha'aretz 15 Nov 2009 - Spokesman says IDF report of Hamas test-firing rocket is intended to cover up 'previous crimes' in Gaza.
IDF Chief: Israel will fight in Gaza again if needed
Ha'aretz 15 Nov 2009 - Hamas tells Red Cross: Israel planning another war in Gaza'; Palestinian militant killed by IDF at border.
IDF troops kill Palestinian militant at Gaza border
Ha'aretz 15 Nov 2009 - Gaza militants fire rocket into south Israel; Palestinian arrested over bid to stab cop near Temple Mount.
Olmert: Groups using Goldstone Gaza report to attack us are 'hypocritical'
Ha'aretz 15 Nov 2009 - Former PM, who launched Gaza offensive condemned in UN report, says Israel must continue fighting terror.
IDF to Palestinians: Bring forth Gaza war complaints
Ha'aretz 15 Nov 2009 - IDF chief says criminal investigation division along with five committees now probing 45 Palestinian complaints.
IDF Chief: Hezbollah has rockets capable of hitting Tel Aviv
Ha'aretz 15 Nov 2009 - IDF chief says calm is 'misleading - Beyond the fences the terror groups are gaining strength.'
Most advanced, expensive fighter jet headed to Israel
Ha'aretz 15 Nov 2009 - The U.S. is scheduled to respond next week to Israel's request for 25 F-35 stealth fighter jets.
[uruknet.info] IDF Chief Rabbi: Troops who show mercy to enemy will be 'damned'
Uruknet November 14, 2009 - The Israel Defense Forces' chief rabbi told students in a pre-army yeshiva program last week that soldiers who "show mercy" toward the enemy in wartime will be "damned." Brig. Gen. Avichai Rontzki also told the yeshiva students that religious individuals made better combat troops. Speaking Thursday at the Hesder yeshiva in the West Bank settlement of...
[uruknet.info] Delusional Self Defense, Delusional Congressional Vote
Uruknet November 14, 2009 - ...Thus, neither the facts nor the law support an Israeli self-defense claim. Rather than condemn Israel's act of aggression and its ongoing occupation and blockade of the Gaza Strip, Congress added its name to a pungent piece of manipulative delusion: that Israel's onslaught of Gaza constituted an act of self-defense. The House is now on record...
[uruknet.info] Palestinians breach wall near Tulkarem
Uruknet November 14, 2009 - At least six demonstrators were arrested in the northern West Bank after they breached a section of Israel's wall on Saturday, Palestinian and Israeli sources said. The protesters said they intended to march to lands that were left isolated behind the wall in Deir Al-Ghusun, northeast of Tulkarem, and managed to break open one of the...
[uruknet.info] Spotlight on Palestine An Interview with Stuart Littlewood
Uruknet November 14, 2009 - Stuart Littlewood is one of the most consistent and passionate writers on the continuing Israeli occupation of Palestine. His book, Radio Free Palestine, and his frequent articles, focus readers on the plight of the Palestinian people, on the occupiers who are responsible, and on the governments who support Israel's slow-motion genocide and theft of an Indigenous...
[uruknet.info] U.S. rejects Ahmadinejad call to choose between Israel and Iran
Uruknet November 14, 2009 - The United States on Friday rejected a call by Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad for it to choose between supporting Israel or Iran. "Israel is a very, very close friend of the U.S., and we don't think we have to choose between Israel or any other country," State Department Spokesman Ian Kelly told reporters. Ahmadinejad on Wednesday...
[uruknet.info] Gaza: Union of fuel companies warns of humanitarian crisis due to gas depletion
Uruknet November 14, 2009 - The union of fuel companies in the Gaza Strip warned Saturday of an imminent humanitarian crisis after the depletion of cooking gas from fuel stations for the 25th consecutive day. Mahmoud Al-Shawwa, the head of the union, said that the gas stations in Gaza shut down after they sold out their stocks. Shawwa explained that the...
[uruknet.info] Israel general says Hamas curbing Gaza rocket fire
Uruknet November 14, 2009 - Hamas has suspended its rocket launches against Israel since the Gaza Strip war and is similarly curbing other armed Palestinian factions in the territory, Israel's military chief said on Friday. The rare Israeli recognition of Hamas restraint came as both sides pursue Egyptian- and German-mediated prisoner-swap talks...
[uruknet.info] Palestinian People Will Not Live As Slaves Under Occupation
Uruknet November 14, 2009 - During a conference held at Wattan Media Center, MP Mustafa Barghouti, Secretary General of the Palestinian National Initiative, exposed the current political situation in the Palestinian territory. "What we see today" declared Dr Barghouti in the opening of his speech "is a deep and concerning political crisis whose origins reside in Israeli policies - international and...
[uruknet.info] Ashkenazi threatens new Gaza war, IOF raids southern Gaza
Uruknet November 14, 2009 -- Gabi Ashkenazi, the Israeli chief of staff, has threatened to attack Gaza anew if the rockets fired from there did not stop while a unit of his forces raided southern Gaza on Friday night. Ashkensazi, speaking to secondary school students in Beersheba on Friday said, "Although the Hamas rulers in Gaza have of late been restraining...
[uruknet.info] Iran creates Internet crime unit
Uruknet November 14, 2009 - The Iranian police have created a special unit to monitor Internet crime, particularly political offences, a senior police officer was quoted by the ILNA news agency as saying on Friday. "A special committee has been created to monitor the Internet ... and it will act against attempted fraud, illegal advertising, insults and false statements," an officer identified...
Bees Provide Pain Relief in Gaza
Gaza City, November 15, 2009, (Pal Telegraph) - In a clinic in the beleaguered Gaza Strip, Ratib Samur makes his way from one patient to the next armed with little more than a small box filled with enraged bees.
Bees Provide Pain Relief in Gaza
Gaza City, November 15, 2009, (Pal Telegraph) - In a clinic in the beleaguered Gaza Strip, Ratib Samur makes his way from one patient to the next armed with little more than a small box filled with enraged bees.
Doctor from UAE performs string of operations on deaf children for free in Israeli-besieged Gaza. I
Palestine, November 14, 2009, (Pal Telegraph) - Doctor from UAE performs string of operations on deaf children for free in Israeli-besieged Gaza.
Doctor from UAE performs string of operations on deaf children for free in Israeli-besieged Gaza. I
Palestine, November 14, 2009, (Pal Telegraph) - Doctor from UAE performs string of operations on deaf children for free in Israeli-besieged Gaza.
Marching for peace in Bethlehem and around the world
Palestine, November 14, 2009, (Pal Telegraph) - A million people around the world are marching for peace. In the past few weeks alone, they walked through the streets of Sarajevo, Zagreb and Gendema, on the Sierra Leone-Liberia border. At the same time,...
Marching for peace in Bethlehem and around the world
Palestine, November 14, 2009, (Pal Telegraph) - A million people around the world are marching for peace. In the past few weeks alone, they walked through the streets of Sarajevo, Zagreb and Gendema, on the Sierra Leone-Liberia border. At the same time,...
Abbas resists US pressure for talks!
Palestine, November 12, 2009, (Pal Telegraph) - The Palestinian president on Wednesday resisted US pressure for a resumption of peace talks with Israel, repeating his demand for a complete halt to West Bank settlement building before negotiations. Mahmoud Abbas also offered no...
Abbas resists US pressure for talks!
Palestine, November 12, 2009, (Pal Telegraph) - The Palestinian president on Wednesday resisted US pressure for a resumption of peace talks with Israel, repeating his demand for a complete halt to West Bank settlement building before negotiations. Mahmoud Abbas also offered no...
Arafat's death: Who is the killer?
Palestine, November 11, (Pal Telegraph) - Palestinians are marking the fifth anniversary of the death of Yasser Arafat. Hundreds of people gathered in the main square of the West Bank city of Ramallah to remember the late Palestinian leader.
Frustrated Israelis increasingly favour peace talks with Hamas
The National 15 Nov 2009 - Almost six in 10 Israelis would support holding peace negotiations with Hamas if the group abandons terrorism and recognises Israel.
Play fair, and Egypt may yet be land of the rising son
The National 15 Nov 2009 - Sultan Al Qassemi: Creating a free and fair electoral process is not the impossible task that some Arab regimes scaremonger their citizens and the West into believing. In Egypt, for instance, there is a rule that a presidential candidate has to have led a political party for one year.
Play fair, and Egypt may yet be land of the rising son
The National 15 Nov 2009 - Sultan Al Qassemi: Creating a free and fair electoral process is not the impossible task that some Arab regimes scaremonger their citizens and the West into believing. In Egypt, for instance, there is a rule that a presidential candidate has to have led a political party for one year.
Palestinian groups send out feelers
The National 15 Nov 2009 - Schools in both the West Bank and Gaza will close to observe the PLO's independence declaration in 1988 amid signs of a temporary rapprochement between Hamas and Fatah
Palestinian groups send out feelers
The National 15 Nov 2009 - Schools in both the West Bank and Gaza will close to observe the PLO's independence declaration in 1988 amid signs of a temporary rapprochement between Hamas and Fatah
Syria turns to France to defuse tensions
The National 15 Nov 2009 - Washington's failure to draw up a viable action plan for the Middle East peace prompts Damascus to explore alternatives.
Syria turns to France to defuse tensions
The National 15 Nov 2009 - Washington's failure to draw up a viable action plan for the Middle East peace prompts Damascus to explore alternatives.
The legal legacy of a ‘hedonist’
The National 15 Nov 2009 - In an unprecedented case, the former prime minister Ehud Olmert faces trial for graft, while some of his ministers have been sentenced.
The legal legacy of a ‘hedonist’
The National 15 Nov 2009 - In an unprecedented case, the former prime minister Ehud Olmert faces trial for graft, while some of his ministers have been sentenced.
Abbas may put off Palestinian elections
The National 15 Nov 2009 - Mahmoud Abbas, the Palestinian Authority president, is today likely to announce the postponement, possibly indefinitely, of parliamentary and presidential elections.
Abbas may put off Palestinian elections
The National 15 Nov 2009 - Mahmoud Abbas, the Palestinian Authority president, is today likely to announce the postponement, possibly indefinitely, of parliamentary and presidential elections.
Palestinians denied access to water
AlJazeera 14 Nov 2009 - Israel dubs Palestinian farmers trying in vain to irrigate their lands "water pirates".
Palestinians denied access to water
AlJazeera 14 Nov 2009 - Israel dubs Palestinian farmers trying in vain to irrigate their lands "water pirates".
Cairo match ends peacefully
AlJazeera 14 Nov 2009 - No violent incidents as Egypt celebrates football victory over Algeria.
Cairo match ends peacefully
AlJazeera 14 Nov 2009 - No violent incidents as Egypt celebrates football victory over Algeria.
France meets Syria over peace plan
AlJazeera 13 Nov 2009 - Sarkozy expected to persuade al-Assad to restart Middle East talks.
France meets Syria over peace plan
AlJazeera 13 Nov 2009 - Sarkozy expected to persuade al-Assad to restart Middle East talks.
Israeli troops kill Palestinian
AlJazeera 13 Nov 2009 - Palestinian hunting birds killed near Gaza crossing by Israeli soldiers.
Israeli troops kill Palestinian
AlJazeera 13 Nov 2009 - Palestinian hunting birds killed near Gaza crossing by Israeli soldiers.
Marching for peace in Bethlehem and around the world
PNN 14 Nov 2009 - BETHLEHEM: A million people around the world are marching for peace. In the past few weeks alone, they walked through the streets of Sarajevo, Zagreb and Gendema, on the Sierra Leone-Liberia border. At the same time, halfway around the world, others marched in Mexico City. Next on the agenda? New York, Paris, Freetown and Santiago. The first-ever World March for Peace and...
Marching for peace in Bethlehem and around the world
PNN 14 Nov 2009 - BETHLEHEM: A million people around the world are marching for peace. In the past few weeks alone, they walked through the streets of Sarajevo, Zagreb and Gendema, on the Sierra Leone-Liberia border. At the same time, halfway around the world, others marched in Mexico City. Next on the agenda? New York, Paris, Freetown and Santiago. The first-ever World March for Peace and...
Fatah official: Palestinian elections likely to be delayed
PNN 12 Nov 2009 - Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas is expected to accept a recommendation that he postpone elections scheduled for January, a senior official said on Thursday. The independent Central Election Commission, responsible for organizing elections on Thursday confirmed it had recommended postponing the vote, the head of the Central Elections Commission said. We met today and we decided to tell the president, who called these...
Fatah official: Palestinian elections likely to be delayed
PNN 12 Nov 2009 - Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas is expected to accept a recommendation that he postpone elections scheduled for January, a senior official said on Thursday. The independent Central Election Commission, responsible for organizing elections on Thursday confirmed it had recommended postponing the vote, the head of the Central Elections Commission said. We met today and we decided to tell the president, who called these...
Frozen efforts may still lead to reconciliation
PNN 12 Nov 2009 - an interview with Mahmoud al-Ramahi BI: It seems Egyptian mediation efforts between Fateh and Hamas are stuck. Is that a correct reading of the situation?Ramahi: Let's say they are frozen. BI: What happened?Ramahi: The dialogue started at the beginning of this year, as you know. After eight months, Fateh and Hamas reached compromise on all outstanding issues. But in the final proposal...
Frozen efforts may still lead to reconciliation
PNN 12 Nov 2009 - an interview with Mahmoud al-Ramahi BI: It seems Egyptian mediation efforts between Fateh and Hamas are stuck. Is that a correct reading of the situation?Ramahi: Let's say they are frozen. BI: What happened?Ramahi: The dialogue started at the beginning of this year, as you know. After eight months, Fateh and Hamas reached compromise on all outstanding issues. But in the final proposal...
Surgeon from UAE heals Gaza children deaf from Israeli bombings
PNN 12 Nov 2009 - Doctor from UAE performs string of operations on deaf children for free in Israeli-besieged Gaza. GAZA CITY - Wafa Sarhan was devastated to think her two sons would never hear her voice again after an Israeli strike on Gaza left them deaf.Then Dr. Hajeri showed up in the impoverished enclave.Bahaa and Qusei Sarhan, today six and five, lost their hearing in June...
Surgeon from UAE heals Gaza children deaf from Israeli bombings
PNN 12 Nov 2009 - Doctor from UAE performs string of operations on deaf children for free in Israeli-besieged Gaza. GAZA CITY - Wafa Sarhan was devastated to think her two sons would never hear her voice again after an Israeli strike on Gaza left them deaf.Then Dr. Hajeri showed up in the impoverished enclave.Bahaa and Qusei Sarhan, today six and five, lost their hearing in June...
High Court examines Israel's refusal to allow a 21 year old student to complete her BA in Bethlehem
PNN 12 Nov 2009 - Today, Thursday, November 12, 2009, a hearing will be held in the Israeli High Court of Justice in the case of Berlanty Azzam, a student at Bethlehem University who was detained and forcibly removed to the Gaza Strip. Berlanty was to complete her BA in Business Management in just two months.Israel admits that it has no security claims against Berlanty and that...
High Court examines Israel's refusal to allow a 21 year old student to complete her BA in Bethlehem
PNN 12 Nov 2009 - Today, Thursday, November 12, 2009, a hearing will be held in the Israeli High Court of Justice in the case of Berlanty Azzam, a student at Bethlehem University who was detained and forcibly removed to the Gaza Strip. Berlanty was to complete her BA in Business Management in just two months.Israel admits that it has no security claims against Berlanty and that...
Erekat: PA may ask UNSC to recognize state on '67 borders
PNN 14 Nov 2009 - The Palestinian Authority is considering asking the UN Security Council to recognize the existence of a Palestinian state along the 1967 lines with its capital in east Jerusalem, top PA negotiator Saeb Erekat told the Palestinian Al-Ayyam newspaper in an interview published Saturday. Erekat said that, in light of the long-stalled negotiations with Israel, the PA was currently busy enlisting the support...
Erekat: PA may ask UNSC to recognize state on '67 borders
PNN 14 Nov 2009 - The Palestinian Authority is considering asking the UN Security Council to recognize the existence of a Palestinian state along the 1967 lines with its capital in east Jerusalem, top PA negotiator Saeb Erekat told the Palestinian Al-Ayyam newspaper in an interview published Saturday. Erekat said that, in light of the long-stalled negotiations with Israel, the PA was currently busy enlisting the support...
Lieberman: Return to '67 borders would move conflict into Israel
Jeruslalem Post 15 Nov 2009 - At Saban Forum, FM reportedly warns Israeli Arabs would demand autonomy if a Palestinian state were established in Judea and Samaria.
Lieberman: Return to '67 borders would move conflict into Israel
Jeruslalem Post 15 Nov 2009 - At Saban Forum, FM reportedly warns Israeli Arabs would demand autonomy if a Palestinian state were established in Judea and Samaria.
Aspiring rabbi wins piece of 154 title
Jeruslalem Post 15 Nov 2009 - Israel boxer Yuri Foreman outpoints WBA super welterwight champion Daniel Santos for world title.
Aspiring rabbi wins piece of 154 title
Jeruslalem Post 15 Nov 2009 - Israel boxer Yuri Foreman outpoints WBA super welterwight champion Daniel Santos for world title.
Analysis: IDF backs peace talks with Syria, but questions of mutual sincerity remain
Jeruslalem Post 15 Nov 2009 - Asheknazi, Yadlin wants peace with Syria in order to isolate Iran, stop Damascus support of Hizbullah.
Analysis: IDF backs peace talks with Syria, but questions of mutual sincerity remain
Jeruslalem Post 15 Nov 2009 - Asheknazi, Yadlin wants peace with Syria in order to isolate Iran, stop Damascus support of Hizbullah.
Assad rejects direct talks with Israel
Jeruslalem Post 14 Nov 2009 - Syrian president supports resuming contacts mediated by Turkey, calls on Netanyahu to send experts there.
Assad rejects direct talks with Israel
Jeruslalem Post 14 Nov 2009 - Syrian president supports resuming contacts mediated by Turkey, calls on Netanyahu to send experts there.
Livni slams Mofaz over his diplomatic proposals
Jeruslalem Post 14 Nov 2009 - Former defense minister called to establish Palestinian state with temporary borders in 60 percent of West Bank while annexing settlement blocs, and then negotiating final borders.
Livni slams Mofaz over his diplomatic proposals
Jeruslalem Post 14 Nov 2009 - Former defense minister called to establish Palestinian state with temporary borders in 60 percent of West Bank while annexing settlement blocs, and then negotiating final borders.
Haredim protest against Intel in J'lem
Jeruslalem Post 14 Nov 2009 - Approximately 1,500 people demonstrate against company's operations on Shabbat; violence reported.
Haredim protest against Intel in J'lem
Jeruslalem Post 14 Nov 2009 - Approximately 1,500 people demonstrate against company's operations on Shabbat; violence reported.
'We would've had peace within 3 years'
Jeruslalem Post 14 Nov 2009 - Bill Clinton: Had Rabin not been assassinated, there would be comprehensive peace in the Mideast.
'We would've had peace within 3 years'
Jeruslalem Post 14 Nov 2009 - Bill Clinton: Had Rabin not been assassinated, there would be comprehensive peace in the Mideast.
Hamas: Israel lying to justify next war
Jeruslalem Post 14 Nov 2009 - Reports of rocket testing were fabricated by IDF to "create pretext" for "new aggression," group says.
Hamas: Israel lying to justify next war
Jeruslalem Post 14 Nov 2009 - Reports of rocket testing were fabricated by IDF to "create pretext" for "new aggression," group says.
Abbas has little chance of winning PA election, think-tank report says
Jeruslalem Post 14 Nov 2009 - Recent threat by Abbas to drop out of the race for the Palestinian presidency is a political maneuver, MACRO reports.
Abbas has little chance of winning PA election, think-tank report says
Jeruslalem Post 14 Nov 2009 - Recent threat by Abbas to drop out of the race for the Palestinian presidency is a political maneuver, MACRO reports.
POLITICS: On Nuke Disarmament, It's Still "You First"
IPS UNITED NATIONS, Oct 31 (IPS) - Is the ongoing controversy over Iran's nuclear programme helping to advance the United Nations' agenda on nuclear disarmament? To a number of diplomats and experts who have participated in past U.N. discussions on the spread of nuclear weapons, the answer is, yes – although...
US-MIDEAST: Baseball Team Urged to Cut Ties with Israeli Group
IPS WASHINGTON, Nov 14 (IPS) - A coalition of 11 U.S., Israeli and Palestinian groups are calling on the New York Mets baseball team to cancel a fundraiser by the "violent and racist" Israeli Hebron Fund which is scheduled to be held at the Mets' stadium, Citi Field, on Nov. 21.
"We are going to Jerusalem!"
Stop The Wall 15 Nov 2009 - This afternoon, exactly 20 years after the fall of the Berlin Wall, popular committees struggling against the Apartheid Wall and the settlements destroyed part of the Wall near Qalandiya. Hundreds of people, with some 30 international supporters, used a truck to pull down part of the Wall in the area east of the Qalandiya refugee camp and beyond the UN Vocational College. They also destroyed iron gates and other pieces of concrete in the same area. [
Medic beaten, youth destroy fence in Ni'lin
Stop The Wall 15 Nov 2009 - More than 200 people participated in the protest that the Ni’lin popular committee organizes every week on Friday. In response to the recent tearing down of the Wall in both Qalandiya and Ni'lin, a large contingent of soldiers were waiting for the protestors, and immediately started fire huge amounts of tear gas, rubber coated steel bullets and also live ammunition. Despite this, a group of youth managed to cut up parts of the fence and partially damage the gate. [
PCHR During the reporting period, 6 Palestinian civilians were wounded by Israeli forces in the West Bank
Settlers cut olive trees south of Nablus
11/14/2009 - International Solidarity Movement - 12 November 2009 - A group of 25 settlers from Yitzhar settlement, south of Nablus, cut down 97 olive trees in the village of Burin this morning. The attack comes on the heels of a similar attack made 5 weeks ago, and a continued campaign of intimidation and harrassment of Burin's residents from nearby settlements Yitzhar and Bracha. Approximately 25 settlers began hacking the trees to pieces at 3am this morning. Although cutting manually, the noise awoke a Palestinian resident, whose house is located close to the scene on the Yitzhar 'side' of Burin. After alerting the village, the Palestinians arrived in the olive grove as it became light to survey the damage, amongst them the owner of the land, Burin farmer Akram Brahim Embran. They counted 97 trees destroyed. It is not the first time this year that Burin's olive trees have been caught in the middle of territorial violence, for which Yitzhar settlers are notorious.
Only precondition for peace is that Netanyahu be a statesman
Ha'aretz 15 Nov 2009 - Another innovation has been added to the list of sophisticated negotiation-stalling tactics. It is known by the business term "without preconditions." Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's latest message is that he is ready to conduct negotiations with Syrian President Bashar Assad without preconditions, and the same applies to Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas. ...
Peres, not Goldstone, is the small man
Ha'aretz 15 Nov 2009 - President Shimon Peres considers Richard Goldstone a "small man, devoid of any sense of justice, a technocrat with no real understanding of jurisprudence." Same to you, we used to say when we were kids. Indeed, it's amazing to see how aptly these harsh remarks describe Peres himself, a small man, devoid of any sense of justice. ...
Sarkozy offers to host summit to break Mideast deadlock
Ha'aretz 15 Nov 2009 - PARIS - French President Nicolas Sarkozy offered last week to host an international summit in Paris to break the deadlock in the Middle East peace process. Sarkozy first raised the proposal in his meeting with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Wednesday, then with Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas and Syrian President Bashar Assad. ...
IDF chief: Army open to looking into Goldstone claims
Ha'aretz 15 Nov 2009 - Israel Defense Forces Chief of Staff Gabi Ashkenazi said last week that the army was willing to probe claims of wrongdoing by its soldiers. ...
New British law lets museums return works stolen by Nazis
Ha'aretz 14 Nov 2009 - BERLIN - A law passed Friday in Great Britain allows national museums to return art stolen by the Nazis during World War II to their previous owners or their descendants. ...
The community leadership we deserve | Antony Lerman
The Guardian 13 Nov 2009 - Jewish leaders too often lose their moral compass over Israel, but we ourselves are to blame if we do not hold them to account There was something both homely and understatedly heroic about the Guardian front...
Israel's dark view of the world | Charles Grant
The Guardian 13 Nov 2009 - Many Israelis see little need for a peace settlement but feel isolated in what they regard as an increasingly hostile world The official explained to Bibi Netanyahu that if there was a peace settlement, extra investment...
Letters: Distorted claims
The Guardian 12 Nov 2009 - Tom Porteous, London director of Human Rights Watch , says: "Bernstein's central argument is that HRW should focus only on 'closed' societies, such as China and not report on 'open' societies such as Israel" ( Letters , 30 October)....
Mahmoud Abbas puts off Palestinian elections after Hamas opposition
The Guardian 12 Nov 2009 - Prospects for restarting the stalled Middle East peace process hit new uncertainty today when the Palestinian president, Mahmoud Abbas, decided to postpone crucial elections due to have been held in late January. Officials said Abbas would...
Fragmenting Palestinian land | Ben White
The Guardian 12 Nov 2009 - A young student deported from the West Bank to Gaza is just the latest victim of Israeli efforts to sever ties between the territories Twenty-one-year-old Palestinian student Berlanty Azzam was seized by Israeli soldiers at a...
Obama fails to resuscitate the Middle East peace process
The Guardian 12 Nov 2009 - Obituaries for the hope generated by his election are being written in Arabic, Hebrew and English Barack Obama seems to have failed dismally in his first sustained attempt to show he is serious about making peace...
Bikers seek to make Israel's roads hellish to protest insurance hikes
Ha'aretz 15 Nov 2009 - Motorcyclists began a bid to create traffic jams on roads from major cities on Sunday in protest against proposed hikes in insurance rates for two-wheeled vehicles. ...
Firms charge Holocaust survivors high fees to file restitution claims
Ha'aretz 14 Nov 2009 - The Company for Restitution of Holocaust Victims Assets, established by the state in 2005, has not been able to prevent some private firms and lawyers from unnecessarily mediating between the company and the Holocaust survivors in filing their claims and charging high fees, despite Justice Ministry regulations instituted this year. ...
Galilee woman hit by stray bullet while solving crossword puzzle
Ha'aretz 14 Nov 2009 - A woman from the Lower Galilee suffered a head injury while was solving a crossword puzzle on Saturday, when a local hunter accidentally fired into her living room. ...
Jerusalem Haredim protest Shabbat opening of Intel plant
Ha'aretz 14 Nov 2009 - Hundreds of ultra-Orthodox demonstrators on Saturday gathered outside the Jerusalem compound of computer chip manufacturer Intel to protest the company's opening on Saturdays. ...
OPT: IOF kill child; arrest four by Gaza border. Al Mezan condemns IOF violations; call for international protection of civilians
Relief Web 14 Nov 2009 - Source: Al Mezan Center for Human Rights
Trends in staple food prices in selected vulnerable countries- Issue No 5, Oct 2009
Relief Web 14 Nov 2009 - Source: World Food Programme
Israel kills Palestinian in Gaza confrontation
Relief Web 14 Nov 2009 - Source: Reuters - AlertNet
PM: No Palestinian state without talks
YNet News 15 Nov 2009 - Following reports of Palestinian plan to unilaterally declare statehood, prime minister plans to announce Israel rejects this notion, stress that solution lies in negotiations. Meanwhile, President Peres in South America says 'Palestinian state cannot be established without a peace agreement. It's impossible and it won't work'
Lieberman: Withdrawal won't end conflict
YNet News 14 Nov 2009 - Establishment of Palestinian state to shift conflict into Israel's borders, foreign minister says
US expert urges all-out financial war on Iran
YNet News 14 Nov 2009 - Former US Treasury official tells Ynet time has come to 'get serious', hurt Iran financially
Clinton: Rabin's death prevented peace
YNet News 14 Nov 2009 - Former US President Bill Clinton tells Israelis, Palestinians 'divorce not an option' in conflict, says he is convinced peace deal would have been struck within three years had Rabin stayed alive
Hamas makes U-turn over Palestinian national day
YNet News 14 Nov 2009 - Islamist movement overturns previous plan to keep schools in Gaza Strip open on symbolic Fatah holiday marking the Nov.15, 1988 declaration of independence by late Palestinian leader Yasser Arafat
6 protestors detained in anti-fence rally
YNet News 14 Nov 2009 - IDF says demonstrators arrested after damaging gate; protestors say 18 held for questioning
Iran opposition: