Israeli troops sweep into Tulkarem
Toronto Globe and Mail, November 12, 2002
Israeli troops hunting the killer of five Israelis, including a mother and her two young sons, swept through this West Bank town and an adjacent refugee camp Tuesday, demolishing the home of a local Palestinian militia leader and arresting three wanted men.

Nine refugee homes demolished in Rafah 
Alternative Information Center, November 12, 2002
Yesterday nine Palestinian homes were demolished by the Israeli army in Block "O" of Rafah refugee camp, southern Gaza Strip.

Palestinian Toddler Shot By Israeli Troops Dies
Islam Online, November 12, 2002 
GAZA CITY, November 11 (IslamOnline & News Agencies) - A two-year-old Palestinian, who was among four children wounded by Israeli fire on a house in Rafah in the southern Gaza Strip Monday, November 11, died of his injuries.

IDF bombs Gaza 'weapons plant'
Ha'aretz, November 12, 2002 
An Israel Air Force attack helicopter yesterday bombed a weapons plant producing mortar shells and Qassam missiles in Gaza City. Three Palestinians were hurt in the helicopter attack on the plant in the southeastern part of the city.

Israel to hit Nablus area after attack on kibbutz; Gaza toddler killed
Jordan Times, November 12, 2002   
ISRAEL HAS decided to take military action soon in the Nablus area of the West Bank to avenge the killing of five Israelis in a Palestinian attack on a kibbutz, security sources said on Monday.

Israelis fear war crimes arrests
The Guardian, November 12, 2002
The Israeli government has ordered an urgent assessment of whether its politicians and soldiers could face arrest and trial for war crimes while travelling abroad.

War in Iraq Could Kill Half-a-Million People: Report
Islam Online, November 12, 2002
The report said the U.S. will spend 200 billion U.S. dollars or more executing the war: SYDNEY, November 12 (IslamOnline & News Agencies) - A conventional war in Iraq could kill nearly 500,000 people, with the death toll shooting to four millions if nuclear weapons are used, a group of anti-war doctors said Tuesday, November 12. See also: Physicians' Report Forecasts Large Death Toll, Long-Term Health, Environment Damage From US-Led Attack On Iraq (IPPNW)

Sharon asked U.S. for a `diplomatic recess' until after primaries in Likud
Ha'aretz, November 12, 2002
Prime Minister Ariel Sharon has asked the Americans for a "diplomatic recess" - until after the Likud primaries - during which the U.S. would not pressure Israel to respond to the "road map" or to hand over frozen funds to the Palestinian Authority.

Palestinians discuss bombing truce
BBC, November 12, 2002
The Palestinian Islamic group Hamas is discussing in Cairo the possibility of a one-year halt to suicide bombings within Israel.

Hear Palestine, November 12, 2002
NEWS: Occupation Army Demolishes Home and Invades Village in Tulkarem, Occupation Army Invades Village West Ramallah and Carries Out Collective Arrests, Occupation Army Continues to Impose Tight Closure Measures in West Bank. FEATURES: Difficult Times for the Workers of Jenin / Occupation Soldiers Prevent Nablus Villagers from Picking Olives

Israeli Foreign Minister Advocates Expulsion of Arafat
Palestine Chronicle, November 11, 2002
TEL AVIV (PC) - After a bloody morning in Israel and Palestine, where 5 Israelis were killed and Israeli aerial attacks took place on the besieged city of Gaza, newly appointed Israeli Foreign Minister Benjamin Netanyahu again advocated the “removal” of Palestinian Authority President, Yasser Arafat.

Israeli forces move into Tulkarem; Palestinian baby killed in Gaza Strip
Al-Bawaba, November 12, 2002
Israeli forces moved into Tulkarem refugee camp in the West Bank early on Tuesday following a Palestinian attack on a kibbutz that killed five Israelis.

Palestinians: 2-year-old boy killed by IDF fire in Gaza
Ha'aretz, November 12, 2002 
Israel Defense Forces soldiers shot dead a two-year-old boy on Monday night west of Rafah in the southern Gaza Strip, and wounded three civilians, Palestinian witnesses reported.

Israeli soldiers kill Palestinan child, wound 2 others
Bradenton Herald, November 12, 2002
JERUSALEM - Israeli soldiers killed a Palestinian toddler and wounded two others in Gaza Monday, hospital officials and witnesses said.

From Gaza City to Rafah
Palestine Chronicle, November 11, 2002
GAZA CITY (PC) - Last night at 1:30 a.m. Israel fired between six and ten missiles into Gaza City.

Israel Carries Out Airstrikes in Gaza
Palestine Chronicle, November 11, 2002 
GAZA CITY (PC) - Israeli helicopters attacked a small shop in Gaza early Monday, firing eight missiles into the building, which ignited a large fire.  The Israelis would not comment on their actions.

US Outlines Approach to Palestinian-Israeli Conflict
Palestine Media Center, November 12, 2002
The United States has again indicated its determination to press ahead with efforts to finalize a ‘roadmap’ for an Israeli-Palestinian peace deal, despite growing Israeli passivity and obstacles, and a possible US military action in Iraq, confirming that none of Washington’s goals in the Middle East “should be made hostage to the others or tackled a la carte.”

Blair Calls for Rapid Progress in Peace Talks
Palestine Media Center, November 12, 2002
British Prime Minister Tony Blair has called for rapid progress in Middle East peace talks, while the Jordanian Foreign Minister Marwan Moasher urged Arab countries to back a US ‘roadmap’ for peace in the region in the same manner they supported a UN resolution on Iraq, saying both are aimed to contain conflicts in the region.

Fearing Arrest over War Crimes, Israelis Avoid Overseas Travel
Palestine Media Center, November 12, 2002
The Israeli government has ordered an urgent assessment of whether its politicians and soldiers could face arrest and trial for war crimes against the Palestinian people, while traveling abroad.

Occupation Chronicle Events in Palestine
Palestine Media Center, November 12, 2002
Israeli Occupation Forces (IOF) invaded the northern West Bank City of Tulkarem on Tuesday and demolished one civilian home. IOF also killed a toddler in the Gaza Strip city of Rafah and wounded two other children, Palestinian medical sources confirmed.

IOF Invade Tulkarem, Kill Toddler in Rafah
Palestine Media Center, November 12, 2002
Disregarding worldwide criticism of its aggressive military attacks and occupation of Palestinian cities and towns, Israeli Occupation Forces (IOF) invaded Tuesday morning the city of Tulkarem and its refugee camp, critically wounding a nine year-old boy.

Fatah and Hamas start their dialogue in Cairo
Arabic News, November 12, 2002
An official in the Hamas movement said on the inauguration of a round of dialogue which started in Cairo on Saturday between representatives for the Fatah and Hamas movements that there is no basic differences between the two movements, noting that the difference is with the Palestinian Authority.

Israel sweeps into Tulkarm
BBC, November 12, 2002
Israeli tanks and troops have moved into a Palestinian refugee camp in the West Bank city of Tulkarm in a hunt for militants who attacked a kibbutz over the weekend.

Arafat blocked reform efforts, ex-minister says
Toronto Globe and Mail, November 12, 2002
RAMALLAH -- When a leading reformer and outspoken critic of suicide bombings left Yasser Arafat's government this fall, he told the Palestinian leader he was fed up with the corruption and militancy of security forces in the West Bank and Gaza Strip.

PA officials accused of swiping land, property
Jerusalem Post, November 11, 2002 
The military wing of Fatah in the Bethlehem region has called for an independent commission of inquiry to look into the involvement of top Palestinian Authority officials into fraudulent land deals.

Troops demolish home of alleged kibbutz attack mastermind
Jerusalem Post, November 12, 2002
The IDF demolished the home Tuesday of a Palestinian accused of orchestrating an attack on a kibbutz in Israel in which five people were killed including a mother and her four and five-year-old sons.

Kibbutz's concern for Arab neighbors delayed construction of security fence
Jerusalem Post, November 12, 2002
Many Kibbutz Metzer members feel the deadly attack that claimed five victims could have been averted had a security fence been built between their community and the West Bank.

'We will not cease to believe in coexistence, in compromise, in giving'
Jerusalem Post, November 11, 2002
Thousands accompanied Yitzhak Dori, 44, on his final journey to the graveyard of Kibbutz Metzer on Monday. Dori, gunned down in his car as he tried to intercept the lone gunman who killed five kibbutz residents Sunday night, was mourned by Jew and Arab alike.

Sharon approves harsh response to Metzer attack
Jerusalem Post, November 12, 2002 
The IDF was preparing for a widespread operation in Samaria, focusing mainly on Nablus and Tulkarm, in an attempt to wipe out the Fatah Tanzim terrorist infrastructure and catch those responsible for dispatching the Metzer terrorist and other would-be attackers.

Ramon staying in Labor leadership race
Jerusalem Post, November 12, 2002
Labor Party leadership candidate MK Haim Ramon ended speculation that he would quit the party's November 19 primary, telling supporters in Holon Monday night that he intends to remain in the race until the end.

Netanyahu: Expel Arafat when the time is right
Jerusalem Post, November 12, 2002
Israel needs to expel Yasser Arafat, and the only question now is one of timing, Foreign Minister Binyamin Netanyahu said yesterday in response to Sunday night's terrorist attack at Kibbutz Metzer.

Survey predicts low Arab vote
Jerusalem Post, November 12, 2002 
Less than 55 percent of the 580,000 Arabs eligible to vote in the upcoming Knesset election have actually decided to go to do so, according to the findings of a survey conducted for the Jewish-Arab Center for Peace at Givat Haviva.

Arafat promises investigation of Metzer attack
Jerusalem Post, November 11, 2002
Palestinian Authority Chairman Yasser Arafat has ordered an investigation into the terrorist attack on Kibbutz Metzer.

Green Line heads demand more security
Jerusalem Post, November 12, 2002 
Ten heads of Green Line area local municipalities convened for an urgent meeting last night following Sunday's terrorist attack, which killed five residents of Kibbutz Metzer.

Metzer and Meiser residents determined to remain good neighbors
Jerusalem Post, November 11, 2002
Sunday night's murderous attack by a Palestinian gunman on Kibbutz Metzer appears to have failed in one of its targets driving a wedge between the kibbutzniks and their Arab neighbors.

Arafat accepts road map for peace 'in principle'
Ha'aretz, November 12, 2002
Palestinian Authority Chairman Yasser Arafat said Tuesday that Palestinians accepted in principle a proposed "roadmap" for peace and would respond to the United States after consulting Arab states.

Hamas to Fatah: Let's join forces
Jerusalem Post, November 11, 2002 
Hamas yesterday lauded the terrorist attack in Kibbutz Metzer as a "legitimate resistance operation" and urged Fatah to step up its struggle against Israel.

Analysis: Changes in IDF deployment weakened Green Line towns
Ha'aretz, November 12, 2002
The deadly attack on Kibbutz Metzer late Sunday night, in which five people were killed, has probably laid to rest at least one debate inside the security establishment.

IDF poised to strike Nablus, Tul Karm in Metzer response
Ha'aretz, November 12, 2002
The Israel Defense Forces were poised late last night to carry out a widespread attack on the West Bank towns of Nablus and Tul Karm.

Kibbutz fought to move fence
Ha'aretz, November 12, 2002
Members of the small Kibbutz Metzer had been troubled for months by the proposed construction of a separation fence inside Palestinian territory, 800 meters east of the kibbutz because it would have run through a Palestinian village, Kafin, near Metzer and through an olive plantation, where some trees have already been uprooted.

Shin Bet: Fatah `splinter' cell responsible for attack
Ha'aretz, November 12, 2002
Shin Bet sources say a Tanzim cell from the Tul Karm area was behind the shooting rampage by a lone terrorist at Kibbutz Metzer on Sunday night.

Physicians' Report Forecasts Large Death Toll, Long-Term Health, Environment Damage From US-Led Attack On Iraq; Seeks To Avoid Pre-Emptive War, Massive Humanitarian Catastrope
International Physicians for Prevention of Nuclear War (IPPNW), November 12, 2002
Washington -- A US-led attack on Iraq could kill between 48,000 and 260,000 civilians and combatants in just the first three months of conflict, according to a study by medical and public health experts. Post-war health effects could take an additional 200,000 lives.

Report: Collateral Damage: The Health and Environmental Costs of War on Iraq - Acrobat format
International Physicians for Prevention of Nuclear War (IPPNW),  November 12, 2002

Huge U.S. Military Buildup for Invasion Before Christmas
Islam Online, November 12, 2002
WASHINGTON, November 12 (IslamOnline & News Agencies) – U.S. President George W. Bush braced the United States for war against Iraq if the United Nations does not take a decision on military action, among reports of a huge military buildup for what is seen as an "inevitable" strike.

France threatens force against Iraq
BBC, November 12, 2002
France has made its strongest statement of support yet for military action against Iraq. French Foreign Minister Dominique de Villepin said that if President Saddam Hussein fails to comply with the Security Council resolution on inspection and disarmament, force will inevitably be used against Baghdad.

U.S. says Baghdad is hiding anthrax
Washington Times, November 8, 2002
U.S. intelligence agencies have told U.N. weapons inspectors that Iraq has hidden 7,000 liters of anthrax, but chief inspector Hans Blix never reported the information to the U.N. Security Council, The Washington Times has learned.

Saddam to have final decision over UN resolution
The Guardian, November 12, 2002
Iraq's parliament today unanimously recommended rejection of the UN resolution on weapons inspections, however the foreign office dismissed the vote and said the world must await a decision by the country's president, Saddam Hussein, later this week.

UN puts Blix in invidious position by handing him the trigger for war
The Guardian, November 12, 2002
The security council resolution on Iraq passed unanimously on Friday provides Saddam Hussein with a last chance to avert a war to remove him from power.

Iraq parliament spurns inspectors
BBC, November 12, 2002
Iraq's parliament has voted unanimously to reject a UN resolution requiring the return of weapons inspectors, but has left the final decision to President Saddam Hussein.

Arab press condemns US
BBC, November 10, 2002
BBC Monitoring looks at the comments of Arab newspapers on Sunday morning, ahead of the Arab League meeting in Cairo.

Report: Church of England Backs Unilateral Attack on Iraq
Islam Online, November 12, 2002
LONDON, November 12 (IslamOnline & News Agencies) – The Church of England decided Monday evening, November 11, that "British and American plans to attack Iraq if Iraqi President Saddam Hussein breaches the latest United Nations resolution could be justified even without the further backing of the U.N."

Jordan isolates dissident town
The Guardian, November 12, 2002
Jordanian authorities yesterday imposed a clampdown on reports of violence from the southern town of Maan amid fears that the Hashemite kingdom could become the first casualty of a possible war with Iraq.

Jordan Police Search for Radicals
The Guardian, November 12, 2002
AMMAN, Jordan (AP) - Armored vehicles prowled deserted streets in the sealed southern city of Maan as police searched house-to-house Tuesday for Muslim radicals suspected of holding a giant cache of weapons.

Jordanian city under curfew
BBC, November 11, 2002
Jordanian police backed by troops have put the southern city of Maan under curfew for a second day as they search for Islamic militants.

Army Helicopters Bombard Jordanian Town
Palestine Chronicle, November 11, 2002
AMMAN (PC) - Jordanian army helicopters are reportedly shelling a neighborhood in the town of Maan, as authorities claimed that it’s trying to flush out accused Muslim militants.

Ramadan 2002
The Guardian
Interactive guide: Find out why one fifth of the world's population are not drinking or eating during daylight.

Small bombs explode near U.S. restaurants in Lebanon; No injuries
Al-Bawaba, November 12, 2002
Small bombs detonated outside three U.S. fast-food restaurants early Tuesday, causing damage but no casualties, police said.

Fast food outlets bombed in Lebanon
BBC, November 12, 2002
Police in Lebanon say three restaurants with US connections have been damaged by small bomb explosions.

Israel plans artificial islands
BBC, November 11, 2002
The islands would accommodate 20,000 people:
The Israeli Government is to set up a committee to examine plans to create a chain of artificial islands along its Mediterranean coast, Israeli media say.

Business sector skeptical about artificial islands
Globes, November 12, 2002
The island would cost $1.5 billion to build. The banks’ ability to finance the project is in doubt: The business sector is skeptical about investing in the artificial island project approved yesterday by the government.

Foreign Ministry debates impact of rightist government
Jerusalem Post, November 11, 2002
Sparked by the ascendance of the Right, and an almost assured appointment of either Binyamin Netanyahu or Prime Minister Ariel Sharon to the position of prime minister in the January election, a debate has broken out as to the practical and diplomatic effects of a right wing government.

EU denies condoning attacks in settlements
Jerusalem Post, November 11, 2002
European sources denied Monday they are implicitly condoning attacks over the Green Line by facilitating the Hamas and Fatah talks in Cairo regarding the possibility of confining terrorist attacks to the West Bank and Gaza Strip.

Terror alert in central region; IDF beefs up troops in Nablus
Ha'aretz, November 12, 2002
Police increased the number of officers across the central region and set up roadblocks following a warning late Tuesday afternoon of a terrorist infiltration in the area.

Bill to cut election budget okayed for first Knesset reading
Ha'aretz, November 12, 2002
A bill to cut the amount of funding given to parties for elections will be submitted for its first reading in the Knesset, the Constitution, Law and Justice Committee decided Tuesday.

Top level teams from Israel, U.S. to discuss war on Iraq
Ha'aretz, November 12, 2002
Top level teams from the United States and Israel will meet in Washington on Thursday as part of the "strategic dialogue" between the two countries to discuss the ramifications of the expected war on Iraq.

Far-right parties to form single list for Knesset elections
Ha'aretz, November 12, 2002
"..the leaders agreed to include the transfer concept in the party's platform..":  The far right-wing parties Yisrael Beiteinu, Moledet and Tekuma reached an agreement Tuesday to establish a united list for the January 28 Knesset elections. Party leaders are expected to announce their decision Wednesday.

Local authorities reject deal to end strike by municipal workers
Ha'aretz, November 12, 2002
The general assembly of the Union of Local Authorities on Tuesday rejected an agreement reached earlier in the day between Histadrut Chairman MK Amir Peretz and ULA Chairman Adi Eldar that would have ended the continuing strike by municipal workers.

From anti-Fuad to anti-Mitzna
Ha'aretz, November 12, 2002
There are quite a few people in the Ramon camp - Avraham Burg, for example - who doubt the conventional wisdom that if Haim Ramon quits the Labor Party race, Amram Mitzna should celebrate.

Analysis: Palestinians are also curious about first test for new team
Ha'aretz, November 12, 2002
Palestinian leaders no less than Israelis are waiting to see how the new government security-political team will respond to the murders of five Israelis at Kibbutz Metzer.

No vote, no voice
Ha'aretz, November 12, 2002
Almost every evening since the beginning of September our television screens have been showing scenes that until now had not been filmed in Israel's cities. Inspectors and policemen, dressed in civilian clothing and bearing threatening looks bursting into dismal apartments or gloomy building sites, arresting surprised and terrified foreign workers, handcuffing them and shoving them into waiting vehicles that would transport them to detention centers, from which they would be taken directly to the airport for deportation.

King discusses Palestine, Iraq with Chinese envoy
Jordan Times, November 12, 2002       
AMMAN — His Majesty King Abdullah on Monday met with China's new special envoy to the Middle East Wang Shijie, who arrived here yesterday as part of a regional tour.

Study: Remittances from Jordanians abroad exceed overall income from national exports
Jordan Times, November 12, 2002       
AMMAN (JT) — Remittances by Jordanian expatriates exceed the overall income from national exports, a study conducted by the Amman Chamber of Industry (ACI) shows.

Committee finalising study on linking Arab ports
Jordan Times, November 12, 2002       
AMMAN — A committee set up last July and representing several Arab countries will come up next month with a study on how best to link Arab ports through a maritime line, a senior official at the shipping sector said Monday.

UN to Launch Over $3 Billion Humanitarian Appeal to Help 50 Million People in 2003
Palestine Chronicle, November 12, 2002
NEW YORK - The United Nations today announced plans to ask donors for more than $3 billion to help some 50 million people with humanitarian needs in 2003.

Iranian students ignore Khamenei warning
Al-Bawaba, November 12, 2002
Thousands of Iranian students ignored official warnings and demonstrated for the fourth day running on Tuesday against a dissident's death sentence and to demand freedom of speech and political reform.

Spirited exchange marks Fortune Global Forum
Arab News, November 12, 2002
WASHINGTON, 12 November 2002 — Prince Bandar ibn Khaled Al-Faisal, in his opening remarks to international business leaders at the Fortune Global Forum, spoke on the opportunities of open exchange, the Middle East’s economic potential for positive growth and development within the Arab world.

audio
Report from Tulkarm
BBC, November 12, 2002