Israel Kills Two in West Bank Village
The Guardian, December 4, 2002
HEBRON, West Bank (AP) - Israeli soldiers killed two suspected Islamic militants Wednesday in a gun battle in a West Bank village, and Israeli helicopters fired missiles on a Palestinian government complex in the Gaza Strip, killing a security guard and injuring five people.

PA security member killed in IAF helicopter strike in Gaza City
Ha'aretz, December 4, 2002
A Palestinian high on Israel's wanted list was killed and four others wounded Wednesday when IAF helicopters fired rockets at a Palestinian Authority Preventive Security intallation in Gaza City on Wednesday, in what Palestinian sources said was an assassination.

US votes against against UN resolution targetting Jerusalem
Jerusalem Post, December  4, 2002
For the first time ever, the United States on Tuesday voted against a UN decision calling on Israel to repeal the Jerusalem Law. In previous years the US has abstained when the issue has been raised. A total of 154 countries voted in favor of the decision, with Israel, the US, Micronesia, the Marshall Islands, and Costa Rica voting against.

Israelis set expansion of settlements
Arab News, December 4, 2002
OCCUPIED JERUSALEM, 4 December — Israeli settlers are planning to build new neighborhoods in 14 settlements in the West Bank, the Israeli Ma’ariv daily reported yesterday, quoting a settler leader who said settlers wanted to “increase construction” in dozens of settlements.

U.S.: Man deported by Israel for Qaida links works for Red Cross
Ha'aretz, December 4, 2002
The U.S. Embassy in Israel said Wednesday it was "not aware" of any evidence linking a Palestinian man with U.S. citizenship to Al-Qaida, after it emerged earlier in the day that the man had been deported by Israel last week for suspected links to Osama bin Laden's group.

Appeal to all Regional and International Cultural Organizations: ‘Stop the War Crimes on Historical Hebron Homes’
Palestine Media Center, December 4, 2002
In response to ongoing Israeli plans to oust Palestinians from Hebron by demolishing their homes and property, PNA Minister of Culture and Information, Yasser Abed Rabbo has sent out an appeal to all cultural organizations across the globe to work on safeguarding the historical houses of the people of Hebron.

Israelis kill woman, 95, at checkpoint
The Guardian, December 4, 2002
The Israeli army killed a 95-year-old Palestinian woman near Ramallah yesterday after opening fire at a minibus taxi in disputed circumstances.

Analysis: IDF fire at roadblocks killing innocent Palestinians
Ha'aretz, December 4, 2002 
Even though the IDF rules of engagement in the territories have been made significantly more flexible over the past two years - too flexible, many say - the soldier who killed the 95-year-old Palestinian woman near the West Bank city of Ramallah on Tuesday will not be able to claim he operated in accordance with orders.

Barghouti: PA leaders must go
Ha'aretz, December 4, 2002 
Jailed Tanzim leader Marwan Barghouti called yesterday for changes in the Palestinian Authority - the first time he has openly challenged Palestinian leader Yasser Arafat.

Israeli Forces Kill 3 Palestinians
The Guardian, December 4, 2002
HEBRON, West Bank (AP) - Israeli soldiers killed two suspected Islamic militants Wednesday in a gun battle in a West Bank village, and Israeli helicopters fired missiles on a Palestinian government complex in the Gaza Strip, killing a security guard and injuring five people.

Israelis Nab American in al-Qaida Probe
The Guardian, December 4, 2002
JERUSALEM (AP) - Israel said Wednesday it arrested a U.S. citizen of Arab descent last month on suspicion he transferred money to al-Qaida.

Blair courts controversy to meet new Israeli leader
The Guardian, December 4, 2002
Tony Blair is to risk the accusation of interfering in Israeli domestic politics by inviting Amram Mitzna, the leftwing challenger in next month's prime ministerial election, to Downing Street.

Israel assassinates senior Palestinian activist in Gaza; Two Islamic Jihad members killed near Hebron
Al-Bawaba, December 4, 2002
A senior Palestinian activist was killed and four others wounded Wednesday when Israeli helicopters fired rockets at a Palestinian Authority Preventive Security building in Gaza City on Wednesday.

U.N. adopts new resolutions criticizing Israel; U.S. slams Israeli settlement activity
Al-Bawaba, December 4, 2002
Despite U.S. and Israeli objections, the U.N. General Assembly overwhelmingly approved six resolutions Tuesday criticizing Israeli policies and calling for new efforts to bring peace to the Middle East.

Israel Plans Increased Settlement Activity
Palestine Media Center, December 4, 2002
The Israeli housing ministry and the illegal so-called Settlers Council in the occupied Palestinian Territory have drawn up a plan for increased settlement activity in the West Bank over the next three months, the Israeli daily Ma’ariv reported on Tuesday.

Israelis attack Gaza government building
Bradenton Herald, December 4, 2002
GAZA CITY, Gaza Strip - Israeli helicopters fired several missiles Wednesday at a small, cinderblock building in a Palestinian government complex, killing a security guard and wounding at least five people, witnesses said.

Jailed leader wants Arafat out
Chicago Sun-Times, December 4, 2002
JERUSALEM--One of the most popular leaders of the Palestinian uprising issued a prison cell appeal Tuesday for high-level change in the Palestinian Authority--the first time Marwan Barghouti openly has challenged Palestinian leader Yasser Arafat.

Israel 'threatens lives of UN workers'
BBC, December 4, 2002
A group of United Nations workers has signed a petition calling on the Israeli Government to hold its army to account over their lives and well-being.

Leadership Condemns ‘Judaization’ of Hebron, Urges End to Occupation in Bethlehem
Palestine Media Center, December 4, 2002
Members of the Palestinian Liberation Organization (PLO) Executive Committee and the ministerial cabinet, meeting with President Yasser Arafat, condemned the unprecedented Israeli move to “Judaize” Hebron as well as the re-occupation of the Palestinian-controlled parts in the city, known as the H2 area.

US says denied access to American held by Israel for Al-Qaida links
Jerusalem Post, December  4, 2002
Israel has arrested an Arab-American charity worker suspected of funneling funds disguised as Islamic charity to terrorist organizations linked to Al-Qaida, officials said today. However, The US Embassy said it was barred from seeing the doctor during his detention, and that there was no evidence linking him to any terror group.

Soldier shoots dead 95-year-old woman in taxi
Ha'aretz, December 4, 2002 
A soldier is expected to face disciplinary measures after he shot and killed a 95-year-old Palestinian woman in a taxi while firing warning shots to force the taxi away from a road the army had closed to Palestinian drivers.

IOF Kill 95-year-old Grandmother as UN slams Israel for ‘Killing, Beating’ Staff
Palestine Media Center, December 4, 2002
Amidst roaring UN anger at Israel over its “killing and beating” of its staff, a 95-year-old Palestinian woman was killed Tuesday by Israeli occupation forces (IOF) gunfire at the entrance to the West Bank city of Ramallah, making her the oldest victim of Israeli aggression in the ongoing 2-year-old Intifada.

UN General Assembly Approves Five Pro-Palestinian Resolutions
Palestine Media Center, December 4, 2002
US ‘No’ Vote on Jerusalem ‘Shocks’ Palestinian UN observer -- Over US and Israeli objections, the UN General Assembly overwhelmingly approved six resolutions Tuesday criticizing Israeli policies and calling for new efforts to bring peace to the Middle East, amid Palestinian “shock” at the US ‘no’ vote on the Jerusalem resolution, which the Palestinian UN observer called “a slap in the face” to all Arabs, all Muslims, and Christian believers.

Israel second only to US in socio-economic gaps
Al-Bawaba, December 4, 2002
Israel is second only to its closest ally, the United States, in terms of socio-economic gaps among Western nations.

Britain and US step up bombing in Iraq
The Guardian, December 4, 2002
Ministry of Defence reveals 300% rise in ordnance dropped over southern no-fly zone  -- The total amount of bombs dropped by British and American aircraft on targets in southern Iraq has increased dramatically over the past few months, in a clear indication that the no-fly zone is being used to destroy the country's air defence systems in anticipation of an all-out attack.

Blair links Saddam to global terror
BBC, December 3, 2002
A direct link between global terrorists and "unstable" countries like Iraq will develop unless dictators such as Saddam Hussein are tackled, UK Prime Minister Tony Blair has warned.

Britain accused of providing Saddam torture instruments
The Telegraph, December 3, 2002
The Government's attempt to present Iraq as a uniquely evil regime turned into a public relations flop yesterday when the Iraqi dissident chosen to present it denounced the threat of war with Saddam Hussein and said Baghdad officials used British-made equipment as instruments of torture.

U.N. Experts Visit Nuclear Facility, Iraq Upset by Palace Visit
Islam Online, December 4, 2002
BAGHDAD, December 4 (IslamOnline & News Agencies) – U.N. arms inspectors left Baghdad Wednesday, December 4, to inspect two Iraqi sites, as a visit Tuesday, December 3, to one of President Saddam Hussein’s palaces earned them their first criticism from Baghdad since arriving in the country last week.

First palace visit is a propaganda coup for Saddam
The Guardian, December 4, 2002
Iraq stepped up its charm offensive towards the United Nations weapons inspectors yesterday by quickly letting them into one of Saddam Hussein's Baghdad palaces when they turned up for a surprise search.

US wants only two-week extension of Iraq oil-for-food program
Jerusalem Post, December 3, 2002
UNITED NATIONS - The United States said Tuesday it wants a two-week extension of the UN humanitarian program in Iraq to add more items to a list that Baghdad needs approval to import - but Russia wants to make it easier to sell some items to the Iraqis.

Iraq censures UN inspectors
BBC, December 4, 2002
Iraq has for the first time criticised the work of United Nations inspectors after they visited a presidential site on Tuesday.

Turkey's offer of military bases widens America's options
The Guardian, December 4, 2002
Turkey announced yesterday that it would allow US forces the use of its airbases and airspace in any militatry campaign against Iraq, but qualified the offer by insisting that a second UN resolution authorising the use of force be obtained.

U.N. Team Inspects Iraqi Nuclear Complex
The Guardian, December 4, 2002
AL-MUTHANNA STATE ESTABLISHMENT, Iraq (AP) - U.N. inspectors entered a former chemical weapons factory in the desert here Wednesday while a second team of monitors inspected an Iraqi nuclear complex.

U.S. Looks to Upgrade Turkey Army Bases
The Guardian, December 4, 2002
ANKARA, Turkey (AP) - U.S. officials are looking at investing hundreds of millions of dollars to upgrade Turkish military bases that could be used in case of war, U.S. Deputy Defense Secretary Paul Wolfowitz said Wednesday.

Kurd fighters battle al Qaeda supporters in Northern Iraq; Casualties reported
Al-Bawaba, December 4, 2002
Some 20 Kurdish militiamen were killed or injured Wednesday in a battle with Islamic militants believed to be linked to al-Qaeda in northern Iraq, Kurdish military officials said.

Washington to reward a cooperative Turkey with aid package
Al-Bawaba, December 4, 2002
The Turkish government might open its airspace and allow American forces access to the 50 airbases on its soil if every peaceful means of disarming neighboring Iraq had been exhausted and a UN resolution passed, stated the Republic’s newly appointed Foreign Minister Yasar Yakis on Tuesday, December 3.

US serviceman hurt as Iraqi ship opens fire on Kuwaiti boats
Arab News, December 4, 2002
KUWAIT CITY, 4 December 2002 — A US serviceman and two Kuwaiti coast guards were wounded yesterday when an Iraqi ship opened fire on two Kuwaiti vessels on patrol in coastal waters, the Al-Rai Al-Am newspaper reported.

Iraq: Report Will Have No Violations
The Guardian, December 4, 2002
BAGHDAD, Iraq (AP) - A senior Iraqi official said Wednesday that Iraq will hand over its report on chemical, biological and nuclear programs it claims don't violate U.N. resolutions on Saturday, a day ahead of the U.N. deadline.

U.S., U.N. at Odds Over Iraq Inspections
The Guardian, December 4, 2002
WASHINGTON (AP) - President Bush on Wednesday dismissed reports that Iraqi weapons inspections are going well, saying Saddam Hussein's actions away from the U.N. team's work prove that Saddam ``is not somebody who looks like he's interested in complying.''

Bush appoints a new ambassador to the Iraqi opposition
Arabic News, December 4, 2002
A statement by the White House on Monday said that the US President George Bush appointed Zalmai Khalil Zaad as an ambassador for the Iraqi opposition.

Iraqis sketch out post-war needs
BBC, December 4, 2002
Iraq will need a new currency, freedom from debts and continuing humanitarian aid if its economy is to recover after any change in regime, a group of opposition members and exiles has said.

Russia and India in Iraq warning
BBC, December 4, 2002
The leaders of Russia and India have said they oppose any unilateral military action against Iraq.

Key Senators Skeptical of Saudi Claims
The Guardian, December 4, 2002
WASHINGTON (AP) - Despite Saudi Arabia's assurances that terror groups were not being bankrolled by Saudi charities, two key senators are urging the Bush administration to investigate possible financial links to the desert kingdom's royal family.

Al-Watan: Saudi Arabia, the US are about to settle princess issue
Arabic News, December 4, 2002
The Kuwaiti daily al-Watan said yesterday according to diplomatic sources that Riyadh and Washington are about to eliminate the "crisis of princess Haifa" through reaching a political agreement that will clearly specify steps to which the two sides are committed.

Saudis unveil anti-terror measures
BBC, December 3, 2002
Saudi Arabia has announced a series of measures to stop money going to terrorists, including tighter controls on charities and attempts to prevent money laundering through its banks.

Al-Sharq: American conditions to the Palestinian authority to settle the Arab- Israeli conflict
Arabic News, December 4, 2002
The Lebanese daily al-Sharq issued on December 2nd the text of an American message which had reached the Palestinian authority and includes American conditions to settle the Arab- Israeli conflict.

BACKGROUND: Missile strike targets perpetrator of Merkava tank ambushes in Gaza
Jerusalem Post, December 4, 2002
The following is a rundown of the three instances in which Merkava tanks were blown up by minetraps set in the Gaza Strip, killing seven soldiers.

Arafat's once-lavish compound a rough bunker-fortress
Bradenton Herald, December 4, 2002
(KRT) - Yasser Arafat's desk is his dining table. He sleeps behind his office, in a small, improvised bedroom that is off-limits to everyone but a few bodyguards who double as valets. Cubbyholes where clerks once worked are now strewn with mattresses for his aides and guards.

EEOC: Job Discrimination Up Since 9/11
Macon Telegraph, December 4, 2002
WASHINGTON - A museum is accused of firing an Afghan-American Muslim man on the basis of his national origin and religion shortly after the Sept. 11 attacks.

Al-Qaeda 'targeted Israeli footballers'
BBC, December 4, 2002
Al-Qaeda planned to attack the Israeli national football team during an away match in Malta, the Israeli media have reported.

Iranian conservative backs US ties
BBC, December 4, 2002
A prominent Iranian conservative official has criticised the country's foreign policy, saying that opportunities for restoring ties with the United States have been missed.

Israelis knew of Kenya activity
San Antonio Express-News, December 4, 2002
JERUSALEM — Israeli intelligence had advance warning that terror groups were operating in Kenya but didn't have information they were planning to attack Israeli targets, an army intelligence chief says.

Blue Knot - The ultimate Jewish network
Globes, December 4, 2002
A new initiative wants to expose US-based Jewish high tech professionals to cutting edge technology and talent in Israel.

Bush: Qaida involved in Kenya bombing
Ha'aretz, December 4, 2002
MOMBASA - President George W. Bush said on Wednesday he believed Al-Qaida was involved in attacks in Kenya, where a man told police he had sold the car used in the Mombasa suicide attack to two men of Arab origin.

Labor's Mitzna slams IDF chief Ya'alon for 'political' remarks
Ha'aretz, December 4, 2002 
Labor Party Chairman Amram Mitzna slammed IDF Chief of Staff Moshe Ya'alon on Wednesday, saying that his remarks at a lecture at the Herzliya Interdisciplinary Center on Tuesday were political in nature.

Ross: Peace talks unlikely as long as Iraq issue unresolved
Ha'aretz, December 4, 2002 
Former U.S. envoy to the Middle East Dennis Ross said Wednesday that any resumption of peace talks between Israel and Palestinians were unlikely at the moment while Iraq remains the primary focus in the Middle East.

No talks or settlement evacuations while violence goes on, Ya'alon says
Ha'aretz, December 4, 2002
Israel must insist on an end to the violence before making any diplomatic overtures to the Palestinians, since to do otherwise would merely encourage the terrorists, Israel Defense Forces Chief of Staff Moshe Ya'alon said yesterday.

Kurtzer slams settler movement
Ha'aretz, December 4, 2002
"Settlers represent a particular point of view in Israel about the future of the occupied territories; they do not represent a national consensus," U.S. Ambassador Daniel Kurtzer told the third annual Herzliya Conference on National Security yesterday.

FM: U.S. war in Iraq could be 'opportunity' for Israel
Ha'aretz, December 4, 2002 
Speaking on Monday at the Herzliya Conference on Israel's National Strength and Security, Foreign Minister Benjamin Netanyahu declared that the impending U.S. military operation in Iraq could provide "an opportunity for us." Israel, Netanyahu explained, might be able to work toward its goals of replacing the Palestinian Authority's leadership, and, subsequently, democratizing Palestinian society.

Man high on FBI list tied to Kenya attack
Ha'aretz, December 4, 2002 
Western intelligence sources say that a Kenyan Muslim who appears on the FBI's list of the 22 most wanted terrorists in the world was behind the attack in Mombasa last week. Faisal Abdullah Mohammed is believed to be hiding in Somalia, the sources say.

Reality games: Getting ready for a second Mandate
Ha'aretz, December 4, 2002 
Assume for a second that Amram Mitzna is elected prime minister and a few months later signs an agreement that puts and end to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.

The public came by the hundreds, but the gallery has to close
Ha'aretz, December 4, 2002 
The Hagar Gallery, established as a meeting place for Arab and Jewish artists, is facing closure.

Mitzna calls on settlers to move back inside pre-1967 Israel
Jerusalem Post, December  4, 2002
Labor Party Chairman Amram Mitzna made a direct appeal today to settlers to return to pre-1967 Israel to settle in the Galilee and the Negev.

Germany balks at Israeli armored personnel carrier request
Jerusalem Post, December  4, 2002 
German and Israeli officials met Wednesday to discuss an Israeli request for German-built armored personnel carriers following an embarrassing mix-up that resulted in Chancellor Gerhard Schroeder pledging to deliver purely defensive versions of the vehicles.

Netanyahu urges US to help resettle Palestinian refugees
Jerusalem Post, December  4, 2002 
A change of leadership, an economic development package and a continuation of Israeli control over international transit spots are the three absolute prerequisites for discussions with Palestinians in the future, Foreign Minister Binyamin Netanyahu said today.

New Jersey poet laureate says he won't testify unless invited by lawmakers
Jerusalem Post, December  4, 2002 
Lawmakers are willing to let the state's embattled poet laureate come before them to, defend the poem in which he is accused of making anti-Semitic remarks. But Amiri Baraka said he won't come without an invitation.

Arafat sued in Belgian court
Ha'aretz, December 4, 2002
MK Abraham Hirchson (Likud), filed a lawsuit on Monday in Brussels against Palestinian Authority Chairman Yasser Arafat, charging him with decades of involvement in terror attacks against Israel.

Hear Palestine, December 4, 2002
NEWS: Palestinian Killed in Israeli Helicopter Attack, Gaza City / Two Palestinians Killed in Hebron / 3 Brothers Arrested in Bethlehem  FEATURES: Al-Bireh: Occupation Soldiers Murder Elderly Woman / Hebron: 100 Homes and 61 Pieces of Land Threatened by Settlement Expansion / Israeli Closure Isolates Nablus Villages Outside World

Eid in Palestine Marred by Siege, Mourning, Recession
Islam Online, December 4, 2002
OCCUPIED TERRITORIES, December 4 (IslamOnline) – Palestinians welcome this year’s Eid-ul-Fitr in worse conditions than they were last year. The state of mourning is the only common feature among Palestinian families.

Palestinians Urge Berlin Not to Give Israel Armored Vehicles
Islam Online, December 4, 2002
GAZA CITY, December 4 (IslamOnline & News Agencies) - The Palestinian leadership called on Germany to turn down an Israeli request for armored personnel carriers, asserting they will be used against Palestinian civilians.

IOF Close Israeli-Palestinian Liaison Offices in Ramallah, Jenin
Palestine Media Center, December 4, 2002
The Israeli army on Tuesday closed two Israeli-Palestinian security liaison offices in the West Bank as part of moves to re-impose its military rule of the territory, a Palestinian official said.

Vatican To Enlarge its Presence in Middle East
Palestine Media Center, December 4, 2002
Major world powers, including the US, EU, Russia, and China, have appointed special envoys to the Middle East, in what seems to be an increased international interest in the peace process, aimed at solving the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.

Occupation Chronicle Events in Palestine, December 4, 2002
Palestine Media Center, December 4, 2002
Israeli occupation Forces (IOF) killed a 95 year-old woman trying to get to Ramallah City. IOF also shelled several neighborhoods in the Gaza Strip injuring four civilians.