Arafat
Accuses Bin Laden of Exploiting Palestinian Cause
Islam Online, December 15, 2002
Arafat warns bin Laden "not to hide behind the Palestinian cause." -- LONDON,
December 15 (IslamOnline & News Agencies) – Palestinian President
Yasser Arafat accused, in an interview with a British newspaper published
December, 15, Osama bin Laden of "exploiting the Palestinian cause for his
own interests."
Christmas
is 'cancelled' in Bethlehem
Times of London, December 15, 2002
Mayor of Bethlehem: “Our infrastructure, our buildings, streets and
pavements have been destroyed. We are not able to fix the millions of pounds
of damage because the Israelis have only lifted the curfew for a few days
in the last three weeks. When people are allowed out for a few hours, they
must rush to buy food and bring their sick to hospital. Nobody feels like
celebrating.”
Bush
favors special aid to Israel
Ha'aretz, December 15, 2002
U.S. President George W. Bush supports conferring special American aid to
Israel to help the country cope with its current economic difficulties.
US
cash squads 'buy' Iraqi tribes
The Observer, December 15, 2002
Dozens of teams of elite American soldiers and intelligence specialists have
been sent into Iraq with millions of dollars in cash to woo key tribal leaders
away from Saddam Hussein.
IDF
detains six Palestinian journalists in Nablus
Jerusalem Post, December 15, 2002
In Nablus, AP photographer Nasser Ishtayeh and Associated Press Television
News cameraman Abdel Rahman Khabeisa were detained by Israeli troops for five
hours, along with four other Palestinian journalists working for foreign media.
Israel’s
Labor Party Says Ready to Give up East Jerusalem
Palestine Media Center, December 15, 2002
Israeli Labor party’s secretary general, Ofer Pines said Sunday his
party was ready to give up the Jewish state’s claim to Arab districts
of Jerusalem annexed after the eastern part of the city was occupied by Israeli
forces in the 1967 war.
Hear
Palestine, December 15, 2002
NEWS: Palestinian Killed at Dawn in Rafah; Youth Died of Wounds in Al-Breij
/ 10 Civilians Wounded in Nablus; 6 Journalists Arrested / Israeli Authorities
Plan to Demolish 110 Homes in Rafah and Jenin / Wide-Scale Campaign of Arrests
in Ramallah and Villages / Occupation Soldiers Raid the American-Arabic University,
Jenin / Qalqilya Under Curfew; Bulldozing Activities on Agricultural Land
/ Occupation Army Invades Areas Southwest Deir al-Balah / Occupation Army
Wages Military Attacks on Rafah Residential Areas / Occupation Army Shells
Residential Areas in Khan Younis / Israeli Soldiers Open fire on Salah al-Din
Street
IDF
Chief of Staff: 200 Gazans killed in raids and infiltration attempts
Jerusalem Post, December 15, 2002
The IDF Chief of General Staff Lt. Gen. Moshe Ya'alon told the cabinet today
that about 200 Palestinians have been killed since spring in IDF raids in
the Gaza Strip, and in the course of attempts to infiltrate Israel from Gaza.
Ya'alon also told ministers that since Operation "Defensive Shield," in April,
more than 4,700 Palestinians involved in terrorism have been arrested.
Two
settlers hurt in shooting
Ha'aretz, December 15, 2002
IDF kills two Hamas men in separate West Bank firefights --
Two Israelis were lightly injured last night in a shooting incident
north of Ramallah, near the settlement of Shilo...Two Hamas
members were shot and killed in separate firefights with security
forces near Tul Karm and Bethlehem Friday, while 34 other Palestinians
were arrested over the weekend.
Bin
Laden 'exploits Palestinian cause'
BBC, December 15, 2002
Arafat says he is the first Arab leader to stand up to Bin Laden -- Palestinian
leader Yasser Arafat has accused Osama Bin Laden of exploiting the Palestinian
struggle for an independent state.
Occupation
Chronicle Events in Palestine
Palestine Media Center, December 15, 2002
IOF Kill One Palestinian in Rafah, Shell Khan Younis City / Israeli Bulldozers
Demolish Two Homes in Gaza / Israeli Tanks Invade Deir Al-Balah, Shell Citizens’
Homes / Two Palestinians injured near Gaza-Egypt border / IOF Raid Birzeit
Town / Five Citizens Detained in West Bank
British
MPs Sign Motions Condemning Israel
Palestine Media Center, December 15, 2002
MP Dalyell Slams Sharon for War Crimes -- More than 40 British Members of
Parliament (MPs) signed several Early Day Motions (EDM) slamming Israel’s
offenses on Palestinians in the occupied Territory as well as its continued
violation of international law. Meanwhile, a British Labor MP, visiting Abu-Dhabi
to deliver a lecture said several members of the House of Commons consider
Ariel Sharon a war criminal for the crimes perpetrated against the Palestinian
people.
Arabs
urge Arafat to abolish Oslo Accords
WorldNetDaily, December 15, 2002
Petition says collapse of Iraq to lead to U.S.-Israel hegemony -- Some 70
prominent Arabs have signed a petition calling on Yasser Arafat’s Palestinian
Authority to scrap the Oslo Accords, warning that the collapse of Saddam Hussein's
regime in Iraq would place all the Arab countries under the control of Israel
and the US, the Jerusalem Post reports today.
Palestinians
angry at decision to bar Arafat from Bethlehem Christmas services
Jerusalem Post, December 15, 2002
The Palestinians, who take great pride in hosting the Christmas services in
Manger Square that attract Christian pilgrims from around the world, sharply
criticized the Israeli move to bar Palestinian Authority Chairman Yasser Arafat
from attending the services.
Palestinians:
two girls seriously wounded as IDF demolishes 7 houses in Gaza
Jerusalem Post, December 15, 2002
Seven houses were demolished and two teenage sisters were seriously injured
when tanks and bulldozers moved into the outskirts of Rafah in the Gaza Strip,
Palestinian security officials said Sunday.
Labor
Party asks for Mofaz to be disbarred from Likud Knesset list
Jerusalem Post, December 15, 2002
The Labor party has officially asked Supreme Court Justice Mishael Cheshin
to bar Defense Minister Shaul Mofaz from the Likud Knesset list, Israel Radio
reported Sunday.
Israelis
to Bar Arafat From Bethlehem
The Guardian, December 15, 2002
JERUSALEM (AP) - Israel's Cabinet decided Sunday that Palestinian leader Yasser
Arafat will not be allowed to travel to Bethlehem for Christmas celebrations,
an Israeli government source said.
Israel's
Labor Ready to Give Up Claim to East Jerusalem
Islam Online, December 15, 2002
OCCUPIED JERUSALEM, December 15 (IslamOnline & News Agencies) - In a bold
move likely to stir up feelings over occupied Jerusalem, Israel's Labor party,
facing an uphill battle in January elections, said Sunday, December 15, it
was ready to renounce Israeli claims to the annexed eastern sector of the
holy city.
Two
settler youths detained for allegedly beating 50-year-old Palestinian
Jerusalem Post, December 15, 2002
Two Jewish youths, residents of the West Bank, were detained for questioning
by police on Sunday on suspicion of beating a 50-year-old Palestinian man
near an illegal outpost, Army Radio reported.
Two
held for US diplomat’s murder
Arab News, December 15, 2002
AMMAN, 15 December 2002 — Jordanian authorities arrested a Jordanian
and a Libyan yesterday, both members of the Al-Qaeda terror network, in connection
with the October murder of US diplomat Laurence Foley, Information Minister
Mohamad Adwan said.
Plot
against Sharon foiled: Israel
News.com, December 15, 2002
THREE Palestinians living in annexed east Jerusalem have been arrested on
charges of plotting attacks, including one to shoot down Prime Minister Ariel
Sharon's helicopter, Israeli authorities said.
Arafat:
Bin Laden Exploits Palestinians
Bradenton Herald, December 15, 2002
JERUSALEM - Palestinian leader Yasser Arafat is demanding that Osama bin Laden
stop using the Palestinian struggle for statehood as a reason to conduct terror
activities against the West, a London newspaper reported Sunday.
Report:
Arafat rejects bin Laden interest
USA Today, December 15, 2002
JERUSALEM (APOnline) — Palestinian leader Yasser Arafat is demanding
that Osama bin Laden stop using the Palestinian struggle for statehood as
a reason to conduct terror activities against the West, a London newspaper
reported Sunday.
Palestinian
cell indicted for planning Jerusalem attacks
Ha'aretz, December 15, 2002
Three Palestinian residents of East Jerusalem were indicted Sunday afternoon
for planning attacks in Jerusalem, including a plot to bring down a helicopter
as it landed on the Knesset roof. The prosecution will request that the Jerusalem
district court extend the remands of the three until the end of proceedings
against them.
PM:
Israel won't let Arafat attend Christmas mass in Bethlehem
Ha'aretz, December 15, 2002
The Prime Minister's Office is scheduled to hold a discussion Monday regarding
the deployment of IDF troops in the West Bank city of Bethlehem during Christmas
celebrations next week.
CEC
chair asks for details of Mofaz discharge dates
Ha'aretz, December 15, 2002
The chairman of the Central Elections Committee (CEC), High Court Justice
Mishael Cheshin, on Sunday asked the Military Advocate General, Major General
Dr. Menahem Finkelstein, to provide details of the exact date Defense Minister
Shaul Mofaz was discharged from the Israel Defense Force.
Kingdom
submits draft resolution on Palestine to UN
Jordan Times, December 15, 2002
AMMAN (Petra) — Jordan has urged the UN General Assembly to provide
urgent assistance to the Palestinian refugees now facing deep suffering under
Israeli occupation. The call, in the form of a draft resolution, was
part of an official letter sent to the UN and signed by 25 Arab and European
countries.
Israel
nabs Palestinians; peace plan lags
Jordan Times, December 15, 2002
OCCUPIED JERUSALEM (R) — Israeli occupation forces detained at least
14 Palestinians in the West Bank on Saturday in a new sweep for fighters as
international peace efforts looked likely to be eclipsed by wider Middle East
developments.
Five
Palestinians killed at fence with Israel were on desperate search for work
Jordan Times, December 15, 2002
KHAN YOUNIS, Gaza Strip — Unable to provide for their families, Ahmad
Astal and four cousins set out for what they knew was a treacherous and risky
venture. Hefting two ladders, they prepared to climb a barbed wire-topped
fence to sneak into Israel and find work.
U.S.
rejects French bid to publish `road map'
Ha'aretz, December 15, 2002
WASHINGTON - The United States rejected a request by France to publish the
official "road map" for the establishment of a Palestinian state within three
years.
Syrian
leader makes historic UK visit
BBC, December 15, 2002
Mr al-Assad and his wife, Asma, landed at London's Heathrow airport amid tight
security, and received a red carpet welcome.
Jordan
arrests two for diplomat's killing
BBC, December 14, 2002
Police in Jordan have arrested two men in connection with the killing of American
diplomat Laurence Foley in October.
Jordan
Acknowledges al-Qaida Cells After Arresting Two Group Members in U.S. Diplomat's
Killing
Yankton Daily Press & Dakotan, December 15, 2002
Al-Qaida has set up terrorist cells in Jordan, but security forces have succeeded
in uprooting them, Jordanian officials said Sunday, a day after announcing
the arrest of two suspected members of Osama bin Laden's terror network accused
of killing a U.S. diplomat.
Iraq
told to name scientists
Arab News, December 15, 2002
BAGHDAD, 15 December 2002 — The United Nations pressed Baghdad for a
list of scientists linked to its arms programs as the head of the international
nuclear watchdog said the UN would need a few months to reach a conclusion
on Iraq’s arms dossier.
Source:
U.S. Firms on List Aided Iraq Arms Development
Newsday, December 13, 2002
United Nations -- Iraq's 12,000-page declaration of its weapons programs lists
American companies that provided materials used by Baghdad to develop chemical
and biological weapons in the 1980s, according to a senior Iraqi official.
London
Conference Serves U.S. Agenda, Ignores People: Iraqi Dissidents
Islam Online, December 15, 2002
CAIRO, December 15 (IslamOnline) - The conference of Iraqi opposition, held
in London for the second day Sunday, December 15, does not represent all of
the anti-Saddam opposition factions, and discusses a U.S. agenda hostile to
the Iraqi people, leaders of opposition parties boycotting the London gathering
told IslamOnline.
Jews
raise a small but visible flag against possible war in Iraq
JTA, December 15, 2002
NEW YORK, Dec. 10 (JTA) — Three rabbis were among 100 people arrested
here Tuesday after blocking the U.S. Mission to the United Nations to protest
a possible war with Iraq.
Sean
Penn urges peace with Iraq
BBC, December 15, 2002
Penn is "concerned by the lack of information" about Iraq -- Hollywood star
Sean Penn is visiting Baghdad to seek, he says, a greater understanding of
the issues behind the current crisis.
'We're
not human shields, but we'll stay through the bombing'
The Independent, December 15, 2002
They have been accused of naivety and vilified as traitors, but for Kathy
Kelly and her colleagues in Voices in the Wilderness, that is something which
comes with the territory. Many of them have suffered far worse than abuse
in their years of campaigning for peace.
Hi-tech
arms 'would finish war in a week'
The Independent, December 15, 2002
The American weaponry likely to be deployed in any military strike against
Iraq is so advanced and hi-tech that some was not even ready to be used in
the operation in Afghanistan just 12 months ago.
Syria
smuggling arms to Baghdad
WorldNetDaily, December 15, 2002
Revelations come as Assad meets with Blair -- Syria is secretly helping Saddam
Hussein to prepare for a U.S.-led attack by smuggling vital arms supplies
to Baghdad, the London Telegraph reports today.
'Infidel'
Saddam dons Islamic clothing for jihad against US
Jordan Times, December 15, 2002
BAGHDAD — Long branded an “infidel” by Islamist groups such
as Al Qaeda, Iraqi President Saddam Hussein has adopted the language of “political
Islam” as he moves to bolster support for holy war against the United
States.
UN
in record sweep of suspect sites as Iraqi opposition meet
Jordan Times, December 15, 2002
BAGHDAD (AFP) — United Nations inspectors swooped on a record number
of suspected weapons sites in Iraq on Saturday as opponents of President Saddam
Hussein met in London in a US-backed bid to forge a common front against Baghdad.
Saudi
Arabia restores telephone links with Iraq for first time since Gulf War
Jerusalem Post, December 15, 2002
Saudi Arabia restored direct telephone service with Iraq for the first time
since the 1991 Gulf war, and an official on Sunday said the move was based
on economic, not political motives.
UN
to check Iran N-sites
Arab News, December 14, 2002
TEHRAN, 14 December 2002 — The International nuclear watchdog yesterday
said that it would send inspectors to check on two Iranian nuclear plants
under construction as Tehran dismissed US accusations that the plants could
be used to make secret nuclear weapons.
TV
series to show how Islam led Europe out of the Dark Ages
Arab News, December 15, 2002
WASHINGTON, 15 December 2002 — “Reason and Revelation” is
a planned documentary television series that directly resulted from the tragic
events of 9/11, says Jacob Bender, the director. “It is both an artistic
response, and a way to address the unfortunate anti-Muslim and anti-Arab stereotypes
that flooded the American media in the months following the attacks.”
Bush
'approves terrorist hit list'
BBC, December 15, 2002
US President George W Bush has authorised the Central Intelligence Agency
(CIA) to kill about a dozen terrorist leaders named on a secret list prepared
by the White House, US media has reported.
Bush
Has Widened Authority of C.I.A. to Kill Terrorists
New York Times, December 15, 2002
WASHINGTON, Dec. 14 — The Bush administration has prepared a list of
terrorist leaders the Central Intelligence Agency is authorized to kill, if
capture is impractical and civilian casualties can be minimized, senior military
and intelligence officials said.
World
Bank report recommends reorientation of Palestinian economy
MEED.com, December 13, 2002
The restricted access of Palestinians to the Israeli labour market since the
beginning of the current intifada in 2000 has had a major negative impact
the Palestinian economy, according to a report by the World Bank published
in October 2002.
Labor
Party to decide on budget vote tonight
Globes, December 15, 2002
The Labor Party is convening tonight in Tel Aviv to decide how to vote on
the 2003 state budget and Economic Arrangements Law by the Knesset plenum
on Tuesday.
Saudis
building homes for Palestinians
UPI, December 15, 2002
GAZA, Dec. 15 (UPI) -- Palestinian Authority officials announced Sunday that
Saudi Arabia would finance the building of as many as 600 housing units in
the West Bank and Gaza Strip for Palestinians whose homes have been destroyed
by Israel military forces in the intifada, or uprising.
Saudis
gear up for oil price war
The Independent, December 15, 2002
As war in the Middle East threatens to throw the international oil market
into uncertainty, the member nations of Opec, led by Saudi Arabia, are quietly
gearing up for a price war intended to boost their own market share at the
expense of their competitors. Such a squeeze would set back US efforts to
lessen its dependence on Middle Eastern oil and seek alternative energy sources
elsewhere in the world.
Jaggi
Singh Refused Entry Into Israel
International Solidarity Movement, December 14, 2002
Montreal. December 14, 2002 -- Jaggi Singh, a Montreal-based writer and social
justice activist, has been denied entry into Tel Aviv. He flew out of Montreal
last night and arrived in Tel Aviv today at around 6:30 PM local time (11:30
AM EST). He was stopped at customs and questioned for several hours
before being refused by Israeli officials.
Syrian
army moves are little concern to Israel
Ha'aretz, December 15, 2002
Syria has recently moved troops to new positions along the border with Israel.
These redeployments, which are limited to specific areas, at first worried
Israeli security officials, however, as time passed, the officials have reached
the conclusion that Syria's army switched positions mainly for defensive reasons.
Sharon
reiterates commitment to give Olmert, Rivlin Portfolios
Ha'aretz, December 15, 2002
Prime Minister Ariel Sharon has reaffirmed commitments to Communications Minister
Reuven Rivlin and outgoing Jerusalem Mayor Ehud Olmert. Despite their low
placement on Likud's Knesset list, Sharon has promised both ministerial portfolios
in the next government even if neither is elected.
State
error in identifying foreign worker lands him in jail for 75 days
Ha'aretz, December 15, 2002
Gu Tianchi was detained at Ma'asiyahu prison for 75 days because authorities
made a mistake about his name. Despite his insistence that he had been given
the wrong name, expulsion orders were issued against him.
Mofaz
off to U.S. for Iraq talks
Ha'aretz, December 15, 2002
Defense Minister Shaul Mofaz left early this morning on an official visit
to the U.S. During his three-day stay, Mofaz will meet with top American officials
and leaders of the American Jewish community. The main item of discussion
will be preparations and coordination between the two countries for an expected
U.S. attack on Iraq.
Yatom
to head Labor's security team
Ha'aretz, December 15, 2002
Maj. Gen. (res.) Danny Yatom was appointed head of Labor party's security-diplomatic
team on Friday by party chair Amram Mitzna. Yatom, a former Mossad head and
a senior aide in the Prime Minister's Office during Ehud Barak's term, has
experience conducting talks with Syria, Jordan and the Palestinians.
Egyptian
Parliament Islamic MP Loses Seat
Islam Online, December 15, 2002
CAIRO, December 15 (IslamOnline & News Agencies) - An Islamic lawmaker
lost his seat in the Egyptian parliament Sunday, December 15, after election
results in his northern constituency were cancelled over irregularities, a
charge the MP considered a falsification to voters’ will.
Arab
newspaper, TV station launch news merger
Jerusalem Post, December 15, 2002
Two of the Arab world's leading media organizations have merged their news
departments, believed to be the first such pooling of TV and print journalism
in the Middle East.
Hebrew
U gang terrorists get 60 years to 35 life sentences
Jerusalem Post, December 15, 2002
The convicted ringleader of a Palestinian terror gang responsible for the
July bombing at the Hebrew University campus on Mount Scopus, was sentenced
to 35 life sentences today.
Former
President Bush skeptical of Saddam's apology to Kuwait
Jerusalem Post, December 15, 2002
Former US President George H.W. Bush said in an interview broadcast Sunday
that he was skeptical of Saddam Hussein's apology to the people of Kuwait
for Iraq's 1990 invasion of their country.
Palestinian
Authority offers to return 10,000 stolen cars for NIS 4000 each
Jerusalem Post, December 15, 2002
The Palestinian Authority allegedly told Israeli insurance companies that
they would return some 10,000 stolen vehicles that are in the Palestinian
territories in return for NIS 4000 ($900) per car, Israel Radio reported Sunday.
Peace
Now to demonstrate in Hebron next week
Jerusalem Post, December 15, 2002
The State Prosecutor has agreed to allow Peace Now members to demonstrate
in Hebron at the beginning of next week, Israel Radio reported.
Hamas
leader: Halting terror attacks would only help Sharon get reelected
Jerusalem Post, December 15, 2002
Hamas spiritual leader Ahmed Yassin says that ordering a halt to terror attacks
against Israel would only help Prime Minister Ariel Sharon win reelection,
therefore he is opposed to the idea.
IDF
lifts curfews on Bethlehem, Tulkarm
Jerusalem Post, December 15, 2002[
The IDF has lifted the curfews on Bethlehem and Tulkarm Sunday morning, according
to Israel Radio.
Birzeit
U launches regional conference on International Criminal Court
Jordan Times, December 15, 2002
AMMAN — A Palestinian university on Saturday launched a regional conference
here, since the ongoing Israeli occupation had made it impossible to hold
the event in Palestine. Defying Israeli occupation, Birzeit University opened
a conference on the International Criminal Court (ICC) at the Centre for Strategic
Studies (CSS) at the University of Jordan.
Concordia
relaxes ban on Hillel, but continues to withhold money
JTA, December 15, 2002
MONTREAL, Dec. 15 (JTA) — Concordia University’s student government
has decided to remove a ban on the campus Hillel, but will continue to deny
funds to the Jewish group.
Saudi
Arabia, UAE to Fund Child-Care Centers in Palestine
Palestine Media Center, December 15, 2002
Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates will fund a five million dollar
construction of two educational centers for Palestinian children wounded in
the uprising against Israel, an Arab League official said Saturday.
