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Palestine Diaries

courtesy The Electronic Intifada

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Map of Israel's planned "security fence", adapted for clarity from Gush Shalom map. Gush Shalom notes: The Israeli government did not publish full, official maps of the wall. The path of the Eastern wall was compiled by the Land Research Center and the Palestinian Hydrology Group, based on expropriation orders issued to Palestinian land owners.

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Video Archives
Audio Archives

VIDEO
BBC:
Gap Between CIA
And Bush Stories
posted 10/9/02

VIDEO
BBC:
Region As
Unsettled As It's
Ever Been
10/9/02

VIDEO
BBC:
"No compromise
here"
posted 10/8/02

VIDEO
BBC:
Another Gaza
Attack
posted 10/6/02

VIDEO
BBC:
PA's Erekat: We
Need International
Protection Now
posted 10/6/02

VIDEO
BBC:
Khalil Shikaki, CPR:
'Chances slim for
negotiation'
posted 9/28/02

PHOTOS
Islam Online:
Arafat HQ
Destroyed
posted 9/25/02

PHOTOS
Islam Online:
Nine Palestinians Killed In Gaza
posted 9/24/02

VIDEO
Konscious:
Metal of Dishonor
The Face of US
War on Iraq
posted 9/18/02

VIDEO
BBC:
Sabra & Shatila
Is Sharon A
War Criminal?
posted 9/13/02

VIDEO
CBC:
Israeli
Army Was
Embarrassed
By Release
of Video
released 3/18/02
posted 9/6/02

Video Archives

Conflict..

10 Palestinians Killed and 40 Others Injured in a Brutal Israeli Carnage International Press Center 12/23/2003 Rafah, Palestine, December23,2003 (IPC)--- 10 Palestinians have been killed, 8 of whom are civilians, and 40 others have been wounded, of whom 9 children and a woman seriously wounded,in a new brutal carnage committed by the Israeli Occupation Forces (IOF) in the ongoing Israeli invasion ofRafah refugee camp, south of Gaza Strip....Early, Palestinians security resources reported in a phone call with IPC that IOF blocked Rafah crossing (the Palestinians only outlet to the outside world through Egypt.) The same resources added that IOF stationing in the crossing open fire at the Palestinians citizens using guns with silencers....Israeli bulldozers demolished a big number of the Palestinian-owned homes, cut off electricity and the phone lines and sabotaged the sewage pipes, the Israeli demolition of the Palestinian-owned property is still ongoing up to now. Gaza Strip plunges in bloodshed Middle East Online 12/23/2003 At least eight Palestinians and two Israeli army officers were killed in the Gaza Strip during one of the bloodiest bouts of violence in the region in recent months, sources on both sides said Tuesday. Six Palestinians were killed during a major incursion by the Israeli army into Rafah refugee camp in southern Gaza, which began hours after the two soldiers died in a grenade attack by a Palestinian militant in the centre of the territory. The Palestinian attacker was shot by other soldiers and during an ensuing search a second Palestinian as shot after he opened fire on troops, Israeli military sources said. IOF Invades Rafah, Kills Five Palestinians and Wound 27 Others International Press Center 12/23/2003 RAFAH, Palestine, December 23, 2003 (IPC)-- The Israeli occupying forces (IOF) invaded several areas in the southern Gaza Strip city of Rafah, opening heavy gunfire at Palestinian citizens and their homes, killing five citizens and wounding 27 others. Palestinian security sources told IPC correspondent that large Israeli forces invaded the areas of Al Qassas, Yebna refugee camp and Bloc "O", accompanied by intensive gunfire and shelling of citizens' houses....The director of Abu Yousif Al Najjar hospital, Dr. Ali Mousa, said that the Palestinian medical crews were having difficulties in evacuating the wounded due to the intensive gunfire, and the local residents are forced to evacuate the wounded themselves. 16 Palestinian Children Killed and 23 Permanently Handicapped During the Intifada in Tulkarem International Press Center 12/23/2003 TULKAREM, Palestine, December 23, 2003 (IPC) - - Even the children were never spared the atrocities of the oppressive Israeli occupation military attacks in Tulkarem governorate of the West Bank. Figures released by the Social Affair Directorate of Tulkarem indicated that the death toll of the Palestinian children (below 18 years) were 16, who werekilled through the Israeli occupying incursions, assassination operations against Palestinian resistant activists while the children were causally been in the area, and others were killed by shrapnel caused by Israeli combat helicopter bombardment of Palestinian civil structures or the cars of “wanted people” by Israel. Two officers killed by Palestinian in Gaza gun battle Ha'aretz 12/23/2003 Two army officers were killed in a gunfight with a Palestinian in the Gaza Strip yesterday, and in an ambush near Hebron, a border policeman was moderately wounded. The slain officers were Captain Haggai Bibi, 24, of Ma'aleh Adumim, who last month signed on for another eight years in the Israel Defense Forces, and Lieutenant Leonardo Weissman of Afula. They were the first Israeli fatalities in a month - the last fatal attack, which killed two guards near the separation fence in Jerusalem, was on November 22. Family waits to bury boy, 7, as camp scorns Sharon's 'propaganda' The Guardian 12/23/2003 Israel Army action breeds fresh hatred -- Mohammed was eating beans and bread when he heard the soldiers outside. He stood up and ran to close the door, but stopped and turned back when he saw the soldier. It is not clear what threat the soldier identified from the seven-year-old, but he fired and Mohammed fell dead, still clutching his piece of bread. Yesterday Balata was waiting to bury Mohammed and two other casualties of the Israeli army's week-long incursion into the West Bank's largest refugee camp, but troops continued to patrol the streets, confining everyone to their homes. Occupation forces demolish six houses in Deir Al-Balah Palestinian Information Center 12/23/2003 Deir Al-Balah - Zionist terrorist forces demolished today six Palestinian residential houses to the south of Deir Al-Balah city in central Gaza Strip. Zionist occupation troops backed by armored vehicles and huge army tractors advanced from the Kisufim settlement into the Palestinian area and flattened the houses. News Briefs: Detainees assulated by army, Balata invasion continues, many homes demolished in Rafah International Middle East Media Center 12/23/2003 Several political detainees assaulted by the administration: The lawyer of the Palestinian prisoner club, Yacoob Abu-Na'im, said that the army entered the cells of some political prisoners in a detention center near Hebron and assaulted the detainees. Eyad Fannoun from Bethlehem, was transferred to a hospital after being attacked and beaten after the detainees announced Hunger Strike protesting bad treatment. / Troops continue invasion in Balata: The army intensified its procedures in Balata near Nablus, increased the number of checkpoints and intensified closure in that area which resulted in banning more than 200.000 person from entering Nablus. Meanwhile, the military invasion continued for the seventh day. / Troops invade Rafah, Kills 3, injures 25 and demolishes several houses: Meanwhile, the troops demolished huge number of houses south Rafah using military Bulldozers. Locals said that more than five Bulldozers started to demolish the houses near the Egyptian border, and shelled the area with bombs and heavy machine guns. 2 people hurt after Qassam rocket lands in Gaza settlement Ha'aretz 12/23/2003 Two people were wounded on Tuesday night after Palestinians fired a Qassam rocket at the Nissanit settlement in the Gaza Strip. The rocket landed on a residential building. The wounded sustained light and light-to-moderate injuries and were taken to Barzilai Medical Center in Ashkelon. Earlier Tuesday, eight Palestinians were killed in Rafah during an Israeli search for weapons-smuggling tunnels, Palestinian sources said. Aqsa Martyrs and Quds Brigades claim responsibility for killing Zionist officers Palestinian Information Center 12/23/2003 Gaza - The Quds Brigades, military wing of the Islamic Jihad Movement, and the Aqsa Martyrs Brigades, military wing of the Fatah Movement, have declared joint responsibility for the attack that left three Zionist soldiers dead last night north of Gaza Strip. A joint communiqué for both military wings said that the attack on the Kisufim road had killed three Zionist soldiers, including two senior officers, and wounded four others seriously. Death Toll Climbs to Four Palestinians as IOF Continues Ravaging West Bank Cities International Press Center 12/22/2003 NABLUS, Palestine, December 22, 2003 (IPC + Agencies) - - In what have developed to be a large scale military offensive on West Bank cities, especially the battered city of Nablus and its Balata refugee camp, the Palestinian death toll in the camp climbed to four citizens, including two children, as the Israeli occupying forces (IOF) continue rampaging through the camp....[An] elderly Palestinian citizen, Nazmi Aziz, 62, died today evening of a heart attack in Balata refugee camp when the Israeli soldiers blasted open the front door of his house without prior notice, under the false pretext of searching for "wanted" Palestinian resistance activists....Palestinian security sources told IPC's that more than 20 Israeli military vehicles supported by combat helicopters invaded the eastern part of Jenin City, opening heavy and indiscriminate gunfire at Palestinian citizens and their properties....In Hebron governorate, IOF arrested four Palestinian citizens from the town of Taffouh and the city of Hebron. Palestinian sniper wounds Zionist soldier Palestinian Information Center 12/23/2003 Al-Khalil - A Palestinian sniper shot and wounded a Zionist border guard last night near a military position in the vicinity of the Ibrahimi Mosque in the old quarters of the southern West Bank city of Al-Khalil. Zionist sources said that the soldier was shot while on duty, guarding Jewish settlers in the Palestinian city! Occupation forces arrest 11 Palestinians Palestinian Information Center 12/23/2003 Ramallah - Zionist occupation army command last night declared that eleven Palestinians were arrested in various areas of the West Bank on suspicion of affiliation with resistance factions. The army command said that the Zionist soldiers arrested seven Palestinians in north of the West Bank, four of whom were Hamas Movement activists. Five year-old killed during fifth day of attacks in Nablus Palestine Monitor 12/22/2003 A five year-old boy was killed by Israeli troops today during a fifth day of confrontations in the Belata refugee camp in Nablus. Mohammed Al Araj had just left his house and was standing at his gate when he was shot in the heart by a single live bullet from random Israeli gunfire. For the last five days, Israeli soldiers have conducted house-to-house searches for Palestinian militants. Typically these raids have involved soldiers firing with impunity and a number of innocent civilians have been killed or injured in the process. Canadian's trial in Israel delayed CBC News 12/22/2003 JERUSALEM - An Israeli military court has delayed making a decision on its authority to try a Gaza-born Canadian citizen charged with conspiracy to commit murder and with illegal military training. The decision to defer was made at the second pre-trial hearing, at an Israeli military base on Monday. Defence lawyer Jamil Khatib challenged the court's authority to try Jamal Akkal. Israeli officials have accused Akkal of being involved in a plot to carry out attacks against Israelis and Jews in North America. Arrests foil Hamas cell plan to kill, decapitate IDF soldiers Ha'aretz 12/23/2003 Security forces have arrested 22 Palestinians believed to be involved in a Ramallah-area Hamas cell that planned to ambush soldiers on patrol near the West Bank city, cut off their heads and negotiate an exchange for Palestinians held in Israeli jails, the Israel Defense Forces and Shin Bet security service released Tuesday. Ben-Baruch acquitted of membership in Jewish terror cell Ha'aretz 12/23/2003 The Jerusalem District Court on Tuesday acquitted Yosef Ben-Baruch of being a member of the Bat Ayin Jewish terror cell, Israel Radio reported. Ben-Baruch has been under arrest for the past 19 months and was cleared Tuesday of all accusations against him, including involvement in murder and membership in a terror cell. Shots fired at private car north of Eilat Palestinian Information Center 12/23/2003 Occupied Jerusalem - Zionist security sources said that an unknown armed man earlier today shot at a Zionist private car to the north of the Eilat port south of occupied Palestine. The sources said that the gunman fired at the Zionist settler’s car at dawn today around 12 kilometers to the north of Eilat. To Save Civilians The Agonies of The Crisis International Middle East Media Center 12/22/2003 The Israel army ' Military Intelligence (MI) division believes that over the last 100 days, Hamas has refrained from carrying out terror strikes against Israeli civilians west of the Green Line. According to their research findings, Hamas's last attack within the Green Line took place at Cafe Hillel in Jerusalem, on September 9, 2003. MI's research department, headed by Brigadier General Yossi Kupperwasser, views this as a significant change in the attack strategy of the Islamic group, saying that the change stems from Hamas' sensitivity toward Palestinian public opinion, which has become increasingly opposed recently to attacks on Israeli civilians. Ten dead in Gaza violence The Guardian 12/23/2003 Eight Palestinians were killed today in an Israeli army raid on a Gaza refugee camp. The attack came hours after a Palestinian ambush killed two Israeli soldiers. Today's violence, the worst for over a month, came after yesterday's attack by an angry crowd on the Egyptian foreign minister, Ahmed Maher. He had been in Jerusalem to discuss prospects for peace with the Israeli prime minister, Ariel Sharon. Palestinian witnesses said between 20 and 40 Israeli tanks entered a refugee camp in the Rafah area early today....Forty-two people were wounded by Israeli gunfire, including nine children, hospital officials told AP.

Diplomacy..

Hamas sent message to U.S. via Qatar proposing truce Ha'aretz 12/23/2003 Using mediators from Qatar, Hamas delivered a message a few weeks ago to American officials, offering to halt suicide attacks within Israel in exchange for an Israeli promise to curtail assassination strikes against its leaders in the Gaza Strip. More than two months ago, senior members of Hamas' political branch held a meeting in Doha, Qatar, say Palestinian and other sources. The meeting was held not long after an attempted strike (on September 10) against Hamas spiritual leader Sheikh Ahmed Yassin....In addition to delivering messages to the Americans via channels in Qatar, a Hamas operative in Lebanon, Ossama Hamdan, met in Beirut with what Palestinian sources describe as "retired American officials." Haneyya: We did not promise to spare civilians in return for sparing our leaders Palestinian Information Center 12/23/2003 Gaza - Ismail Haneyya, one of the Hamas Movement leaders in the Gaza Strip, has accused unnamed parties of attempting to besmear the image of the Hamas Movement through circulation of rumors and fabricated news. Haneyya said that none of his Movement cadres had met American officials in Beirut and stressed that his Movement did not promise any Arab or other party to spare civilians in the armed attacks only in return for sparing Hamas leaders. Palestinians Condemn Assault On Egypt's FM Islam Online 12/23/2003 OCCUPIED JERUSALEM, December 23 (IslamOnline.net) - The assault on Egyptian Foreign Minister Ahmad Maher, as he was making his way through the esplanade of Al-Aqsa Mosque, drew immediate condemnations from Palestinian officials and resistance groups, chiefly Hamas and the Islamic Jihad. "Undoubtedly, we strongly condemn this assault on a dear brother like the Egyptian foreign minister, whose country has been standing up for the Palestinian cause. This act does not serve the interests of the Palestinians," said Palestinian Prime Minister Ahmad Qorei....The Islamic Resistance movement Hamas described the attack as "deplorable and immoral". Sayed Siam, a Hamas official, told IslamOnline.net Hamas is keen on cementing the Palestinian-Egyptian time-honored relations. U.S. expects Migron to be dismantled Ha'aretz 12/23/2003 The United States expects Israel to evacuate the illegal settlement outpost of Migron, a senior American official said yesterday. "Migron is an outpost, and it always appeared on both our lists and yours as an outpost that was included in the prime minister's commitment to evacuate the outposts," the official said in a conversation with reporters. Asked how the U.S. would respond if Migron were retroactively legalized, the official responded: "If an outpost ... suddenly receives a permit, that will raise many questions." Annan Strongly Condemns Latest Incursion into Gaza Refugee Camp Palestine Chronicle 12/23/2003 NEW YORK - United Nations Secretary-General Kofi Annan today strongly condemned the latest military incursion in the Rafah refugee camp in Gaza, which left at least eight Palestinians, many of them civilians, dead. "The Secretary-General reiterates that Israel, as the occupying power, must protect the civilian population and desist from using disproportionate force," a spokesman for Annan said in a statement, which noted that dozens more, including many children, were wounded and several houses destroyed. Maher plays down assault at Al-Aqsa mosque Middle East Online 12/23/2003 CAIRO - Egyptian Foreign Minister Ahmed Maher late Monday played down an incident in which he was assaulted by a group of Palestinians while he went to pray at Jerusalem's mosque compound and then hospitalized. "It was a simple incident which is not worrying," he told reporters on his return to Cairo after being treated at the Hadassah hospital on the western outskirts of Jerusalem for three hours. He said the incident "will have no impact on Egypt's" role as a mediator in the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, and Cairo would "continue its efforts" for peace in the region. Islamic Awkaf holds Zionist security responsible for Maher assault Palestinian Information Center 12/23/2003 Occupied Jerusalem - The Palestinian Islamic Awkaf has held the Zionist security apparatuses responsible for the attack on Egyptian foreign minister Ahmed Maher during his visit to the Aqsa Mosque yesterday. Adnan Al-Husseini, director of Islamic Awkaf in occupied Jerusalem, said, “We regret what happened” but affirmed that the Zionist security was fully responsible for that incident because it changed program of the visit. Hussein explained that the Awkaf officials were waiting for the minister at the Asbat gate but the Zionist police opened instead the Magharaba gate, the keys for which were seized by the Zionist entity on occupying the holy city back in 1967. Maher Can Not Change Sharon's Agenda: Expert Islam Online 12/22/2003 CAIRO, December 22 (IslamOnline.net) – Egyptian Foreign Minister Ahmad Maher's visit to Israel can neither change the agenda of the right-wing Israeli government of Ariel Sharon nor force Israel to turn off its aggressive policies against the Palestinian people, a Palestinian political expert said Monday, December 22. The director of the Gaza-based Maqdis Center for Political Studies, Dr. Mohammad Hamza, told IslamOnline.net that Maher's talks with the Israelis, which took place earlier Monday, could by no means press the Israeli Premier into re-shaping his policies based chiefly on the much-hoped and long-awaited security. Pressure on Israel to scrap WMD The London Herald 12/22/2003 ARAB nations last night demanded that Israel follow Libya's lead on weapons of mass destruction and begin dismantling its nuclear arsenal, thought to number some 200 warheads, which they say is the main threat to the region. The call came as government ministers in Britain hailed Colonel Muammar Gaddafi's unexpected move to scrap his country's illegal weapons programme as a "personal triumph" for Tony Blair....As the full meaning of Libya's move continued to sink in, Arab leaders called on Ariel Sharon, Israel's prime minister, to begin scrapping his country's nuclear weapons. Israel has never confirmed it has a nuclear capability, but is widely believed to be the only Middle East country with the bomb. Palestinian right to return is key: Horani Gulf News 12/23/2003 The recent Geneva Initiative brings an immense danger and negative impact to Palestinians fighting to return to their homelands, said a senior Palestinian official here. Abdullah Al Horani, chairman of the Palestinian National Council's political committee, was speaking in a press briefing at the Dubai Press Club. He explained that displaced people have always been at the heart of the Palestinian cause and were the major reasons behind starting the Palestinian Liberation Organisation. But while he warned of the 'dangers' of the Geneva Initiative, he said Palestinians should remain united and fight attempts to supress their claims. Palestinian Cabinet Asserts Adherence with "Road Map" International Press Center 12/23/2003 RAMALLAH, Palestine, December 23, 2003 (IPC + Agencies)-- The Palestinian cabinet assured that the Palestinian National Authority (PNA) remained in commitment to the full text of the internationally-backed “Road Map“ peace plan and with literal implementation of its terms. The PNA accredited the US sponsored "Road Map", the relative UN resolutions and the Saudi Arabian initiative adopted in Beirut in 2002 as the sole option to start the peace process again. UN Security Council extends for UNDOF in the Golan Arabic News 12/23/2003 The UN Security Council yesterday extended the mission of the UN forces serving in the occupied Syrian Golan heights for 6 months. The 15 members of the UN security council voted unanimously for extension to UNDOF forces of more than 1000 troops for an additional 6 months that expire in June 2004. Israel, Turkey to sign tomorrow a terrorism fighting agreement Arabic News 12/23/2003 An Israeli source said yesterday that the minister of internal security Tsahi Hanighbi will sign tomorrow in Ankara a bilateral agreement in the field of fighting terrorism. A spokeswoman for the Israeli embassy said that the visit of the Israeli official to Turkey came in response to the visit of the Turkish minister of the interior, Abdul Qader Akso, to Israel in September, aiming at strengthening relations in the security field. Sheikh Yassin: Land of Palestine is not for sale or bargaining Palestinian Information Center 12/23/2003 Al-Khalil - Sheikh Ahmed Yassin, founder and spiritual leader of the Islamic Resistance Movement, Hamas, has asserted his Movement’s insistence on resistance in a telephone address to the crowds that gathered yesterday in the West Bank city of Al-Khalil to commemorate Hamas’ 16th anniversary. Sheikh Yassin said that the land of Palestine was not for sale or bargaining and that his Movement insisted on the liberation of the entire holy land from the Mediterranean to the Jordan River and from Ras Al-Naqura to the Negev. Bush counsels patience on Mideast in Chanukah meeting with the Jews JTA 12/23/2003 “Arik has a job like mine: His job is to protect his people,” the participant, who asked not to be identified, quoted Bush as saying. -- WASHINGTON, Dec. 23 (JTA) — Israeli Prime Minister Ariel Sharon may have set a six-month ultimatum for the Palestinians — offering them partnership or pullout — but President Bush is counseling patience and adherence to existing peace initiatives. Bush met with Jewish lay and communal leaders at the White House on Monday for the traditional annual Chanukah celebration....Hoenlein said participants were especially impressed by Bush’s concern about anti-Semitism. “He implied it’s a U.S. responsibility to show Europeans the need to address it, he was forceful and talked about it as a fundamental value,” Hoenlein said. Bush also related anti-Semitism to the issue of anti-Israel incitement among the Palestinians. Hamas condemns assault on Maher in Aqsa Mosque Palestinian Information Center 12/23/2003 Gaza - The Islamic Resistance Movement, Hamas, has strongly condemned the assault on Egyptian foreign minister Ahmed Maher in the holy Aqsa Mosque’s plaza yesterday. A Hamas press release expressed deep regret over the incident and hoped that it would not negatively affect the Egyptian-Palestinian relations.

Human Rights..

50% of Palestinian mothers give birth at home Middle East Online 12/22/2003 Israeli army's roadblocks force half of Palestinian mothers to give birth at home since start of intifada. -- The number of Palestinian women giving birth in hospital has dropped by around 50 percent since the start of the intifada as a result of Israeli army roadblocks, a report by rights groups said Monday. "The sweeping restrictions on Palestinian movement within the West Bank has severely impaired their access to medical treatment," a joint report by Physicians for Human Rights-Israel and B'Tselem found. "The emergency medical system in the West Bank has difficulty functioning and in many cases ambulances are unable to reach their destination." Youngest Palestinian prisoner released Palestinian Information Center 12/23/2003 Ramallah - The Zionist authorities released yesterday the 12 years old boy Rakan Nusseirat the youngest Palestinian prisoner in occupation jails. Lawyer of the Palestinian Authority’s ministry of prisoners’ affairs Jawad Al-Amawi had asked for his release at the Zionist Ofer court last Thursday and his request was accepted. Amawi said that the release of Nusseirat was an accomplishment for all minors serving in Zionist jails. The lawyer explained that he contested the legality of detaining a 12 years old and referred to international doctrines especially the children rights agreement that was signed by the Hebrew state. Palestinian Female Prisoners Call Satellite TV Scoop 12/23/2003 GAZA -- The Palestinian female political prisoners at "Al Ramlah" lodged an appeal to all the Arab satellite channels, especially the Al Manar, Al Jazeera And Abu Dhabi channels, to address their harsh detention conditions inside the Israeli jails with special programs, after the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) officers have been prevented from visiting them inside the jails. Matkal dissenters get mixed response from comrades Ha'aretz 12/23/2003 A day after disclosure of their letter to Prime Minister Ariel Sharon, the 13 reservists in the elite Matkal commando unit who refuse to serve in the territories were flooded by telephone calls. Two types of calls stood out: the reservists were inundated by requests to give interviews on all conceivable media outlets (at this stage, the dissenting reservists have decided to give interviews exclusively in Israel's media). Second, the reservists fielded a number of calls from their comrades in the Matkal unit. Additional Israeli war crimes result in 5 Palestinians dead and more than 10 homes destroyed in Rafah and Deir al-Balah Palestinian Centre for Human Rights 12/23/2003 In another war crime perpetrated against Palestinian civilians and property, Israeli occupying forces, reinforced by tanks and helicopters, moved into Rafah refugee camp in the south of the Gaza Strip on Tuesday morning, 23 December 2003.Israeli forces have remained in the camp through the early afternoon, using intense shelling and indiscriminate shooting to cover their actions.The Rafah refugee camp is one of the most densely populated areas in the Gaza Strip and attacks by Israeli forces inevitably result in massive damage.Already today, the Israeli occupying army has killed 5 Palestinians, including 4 civilians, and wounded over 27 others, including a number of women and children.In addition, 10 homes have been destroyed by explosive charges and armored Israeli bulldozers. Watchdogs: Travel rules harm health of Palestinians Ha'aretz 12/23/2003 Israel Defense Force roadblocks and checkpoints within the West Bank are denying Palestinians access to health care and endangering their entire emergency medical system, a report released yesterday says. The joint study was conducted by the human rights group B'Tselem and Physicians for Human Rights-Israel. It says sweeping restrictions on movement within the West Bank is blocking ambulances from reaching patients and hospitals, even in urgent emergencies. B'Tselem says several dozen Palestinians have died during delays at checkpoints. The Israeli army declined to comment on the report, repeating its usual statement that delays are necessary for "security reasons."

Economy..

Strawczynski: Public debt will rise to 109.4% of GDP Globes 12/23/2003 Bank of Israel Research Department deputy director Dr. Michel Strawczynski warns that Israel's public debt will continue to rise, reaching a record 109.4% of GDP. Israel's public debt is projected to rise by 4.2%, or NIS 21 billion, in 2002-04. At a Maurice Falk Institute for Economic Research in Israel conference at Hebrew University of Jerusalem today, Strawczynski said the government ought to meet its deficit target of 4% of GDP for 2004 and 3% of GDP for 2005. Israel to 'ease Bethlehem restrictions' Middle East Online 12/23/2003 JERUSALEM - Travel restrictions will be eased for worshippers and tourists wishing to celebrate Christmas in Bethlehem, although existing checkpoints will stay in place, Israeli officials said Tuesday. "Christmas will be celebrated in Bethlehem with the maximum attendance of worshippers, pilgrims and tourists from all over the world," foreign ministry spokesman Jonathan Peled told reporters here. Hoteliers see Christian tourism doubling in 2004 Globes 12/23/2003 The Israel Hotel Association predicts 750,000 Christian tourists and pilgrims in 2004. -- Israel Hotel Association economics division head Raphael Farber predicts that the number of Christian tourists and pilgrims in Israel will double in 2004 to 750,000.Farber, who is also chairman of Royal Plaza Hotels Israel, said most Christian tourists in Israel came from the US, France, South America, Nigeria, Indonesia, Germany, and South Korea. Morgan Stanley: Israel will not be next deflation story Ha'aretz 12/23/2003 Israel's economy is struggling with deflationary pressures, but deflation is not a given situation as in Japan, writes Morgan Stanley in a special report on Israel. Titled "The Curious Evolution from Inflation to Deflation," the report suggests that low inflation is a "secular reality" in Israel. "Only a policy blunder could set off an inflationary burst via currency pass-through effects and deteriorating inflation expectations," as happened two years ago, writes analyst Serhan Cevik. 33 companies apply for NIS 2b R&D grants Globes 12/23/2003 25 large companies submitted 184 applications worth NIS 1.7 billion in 2003. -- 33 companies have submitted 219 R&D grant applications for a total of NIS 2 billion, in the first applications round for 2004, Chief Scientist Dr. Eli Opper said today. Large companies, those whose R&D grant applications exceed NIS 30 million a year, submit applications to the Office of the Chief Scientist once a year, on November 15. Mexico buys Israeli missile ships, helicopters for $90 million Ha'aretz 12/23/2003 Mexico has bought two Israeli-made missile ships and transport helicopters from Israel Defense Forces surplus for $90 million, one of the largest sales of used Israeli equipment in recent years. The ships remain in Israel, and are undergoing renovations.

People..

Latin Patriarch: Israel more at fault for violence than Palestinians Ha'aretz 12/23/2003 The Latin Patriarch of Jerusalem, Michel Sabbah, says that while both Israelis and Palestinians seek an end to war, the onus of violence belongs to the Israelis. "Truly, nobody, neither Israelis nor Palestinians, wants war and bloodshed," Patriarch Sabbah said Sunday at a pre-Christmas press conference in the Old City. He later added that the Israelis, however, are at fault. "The one who occupies the land of the other is more responsible," he said. Marcel Khalifeh enthralls with musical journey Daily Star 12/23/2003 Master of the oud performs at UNESCO Palace -- Sitting in his distinctively quiet posture and minimalist setting, Marcel Khalifeh took his audience on a two-hour musical journey Friday night at UNESCO Palace, through a richly varied program that included sequences from his new, innovative compositions to a selection of rearranged pieces from his past tunes, and ending with a flourish on his classic songs, which over the past three decades have established him as an internationally renown oud master.

International..

UK plan to pressure Syria on weapons The Guardian 12/23/2003 Britain is pressing to use the combined weight of the European Union's "big three" countries to put pressure on Syria over weapons of mass destruction, terrorism and Iraq, the Guardian has learned. The move follows Libya's dramatic agreement to dismantle its WMD arsenal and is designed to show that Europe, galvanised by Britain, has the clout to help the US deal peacefully with security issues in the Middle East. The plan is for a joint initiative by Britain, France and Germany and is modelled on a similar tripartite effort which persuaded Iran to accept nuclear inspections. Ford takes steps to reverse funding for anti-Israel groups JTA 12/18/2003 WASHINGTON, Dec. 18 (JTA) — The Ford Foundation has taken its first steps to fulfill a pledge made last month to reverse its funding for organizations engaged in anti-Israel agitation. In the pledge to U.S. Rep. Jerrold Nadler (D-N.Y.) and a group of Jewish organizations, Ford president Susan Berresford promised immediately to stop funding the Palestinian Society for the Protection of Human Rights, also known as LAW....[Ford VP of communications] Wilde did not respond to specific questions about the PNGO boycott campaign. But he did say that like all other Ford grantees, future funding to PNGO “will be subject to our new and expanded worldwide program of grantee audits, our continuing investigation into the events surrounding the Durban conference, and new grantee contract language that prohibits any organization receiving Foundation funds from promoting or engaging in violence, terrorism, bigotry, or the destruction of any state.” The blonde who snared Saddam By Gordon Thomas, The Sunday Mail 12/21/2003 SADDAM Hussein was captured through the demands of the one woman he still trusted. She is Samira Shahbander, the second of his four wives. On December 11 she contacted Saddam from an Internet cafe in Ba'albeck, near Beirut...."The calls were affectionate. It was clear there was a close relationship still between them," said a high-ranking Mossad source in Tel Aviv after Saddam had been captured....And the Mossad analysts, as part of their work, began to ask intriguing questions: WHO were the two unidentified men armed with AK-47 rifles who stood guard over the hole? Were they there to protect Saddam – or kill him if he tried to escape?...."It may well emerge that Saddam, as such, was not actually in hiding, but was being held down there against his will," an Israeli analyst suggested. Children represent nearly 50 percent of the Arab population Arabic News 12/23/2003 Children represent almost 50 percent of the Arab population, that is nearly 140 million, the regional bureau of the World Health organization (WHO) said, in Cairo Sunday, in a report on the situation of children in the Arab states. Children under one year constitute 2.8 percent of the overall Arab population, points out the report that was drawn up by the Arab Council for Children and Development. Kadhafi: NKorea, Iran, Syria should follow our steps Middle East Online 12/23/2003 Libyan leader such step will tighten noose around Israelis to expose their programs of weapons of mass destruction. -- WASHINGTON - Libyan leader Moamer Kadhafi told CNN late Monday that his government had taken "corrective" action in renouncing weapons of mass destruction and that nations such as North Korea, Iran and Syria, suspected of having nuclear arms, should follow its lead. "In my opinion I should believe that they should follow the steps of Libya, take an example from Libya, so that they prevent any tragedy being inflicted upon their own people," Kadhafi said in an exclusive interview with CNN. Jordan parliament approves new govt's agenda Middle East Online 12/23/2003 AMMAN - After four days of debate, Jordanian lawmakers on Tuesday approved the policy agenda of the government of Prime Minister Faisal al-Fayez, which vows to revive the floundering economy and fight poverty. Eighty-five of the 110 lawmakers in parliament voted in favour of the government's agenda and 22 against, including all 17 Islamic deputies. Five lawmakers abstained. Fayez said in a speech that his government would strive to kickstart Jordan's economy, struggling under a foreign debt of some seven billion dollars and a high unemployment rate. Khatami hopes talks with Egypt 'will bear fruit' Middle East Online 12/23/2003 TEHRAN - Iranian President Mohammad Khatami said Tuesday he hopes negotiations between Tehran and Cairo, who have not had diplomatic relations for the past 22 year, will bear fruit. "Both sides want and intend to overcome the problems in their way and put an end to the relations cut. There are currently negotiations underway, and we hope in future they would bear fruit," he told reporters. Britain plans 'tripartite' pressure on Syria Middle East Online 12/23/2003 LONDON - Britain plans to combine with France and Germany to put pressure on Syria over weapons of mass destruction, terrorism and Iraq, a London newspaper said Tuesday. The report follows Libya's surprise agreement on Friday to dismantle its weapons arsenal and give up its pursuit of weapons of mass destruction. The plan, according to The Guardian, is for a joint initiative by Britain, France and Germany and is modelled on a similar tripartite effort which persuaded Iran to accept nuclear inspections. Saudi Arabia, US in talks on WTO Middle East Online 12/23/2003 Saudi Arabia is in the advanced stages of negotiations with the United States and is looking to enact legislation bringing the kingdom in line with the regulations and standards of the World Trade Organisation, a Saudi official said Tuesday. "The Saudi-US negotiations are well advanced and are progressively achieving results which we believe are conducive to the WTO accession," Fawaz al-Alamy, deputy minister of commerce amid industry and head of the negotiating team for the accession of Saudi Arabia to the WTO, said. Gulf summits denounces terrorism, presses ahead with economic unity Arabic News 12/23/2003 The 24th Gulf Cooperation Council GCC summit concluded its works in Kuwait following a close door meeting yesterday that lasted for two hours, by issuing a statement under the name "The Kuwait declaration." The declaration embarked on an agreement to coordinate efforts of the council member states to fight terrorism, and authorized the ministers of the interior to sign an agreement to this effect, later. It stressed the concern of the GCC member states over the acceleration of terrorist operations against certain countries in the region, and support for all efforts aiming at fighting this phenomenon. Iran urges French scarf rethink BBC 12/23/2003 Iranian President Mohammad Khatami has called on France to review its proposed ban on overt religious signs, such as headscarves, in schools. "I hope the French Government, which claims to be avant-garde in liberty, equality and fraternity, will cancel this wrong decision," he said. He told reporters that banning the headscarf would be "a kind of extreme nationalistic tendency". French President Jacques Chirac gave his support for the ban last week. Saudis petition for speedy reform BBC 12/23/2003 Some 100 leading Saudi Arabians have signed a petition urging the government to speed up political reform. The document, sent to Crown Prince Abdullah, is said to partly blame Islamic militancy on the lack of popular participation in politics. It is said to repeat calls for an elected parliament, an independent judiciary and equal rights for women. Colombia hostage demands apology BBC 12/23/2003 An Israeli backpacker who was freed after being held captive by Colombian rebels for three months has demanded an apology from the Colombian Government. Beni Daniel, 23, expressed outrage at comments made by the president of Columbia's Congress, who called for an investigation into alleged gun running. German Vargas suggested Mr Daniel and seven other tourists had been involved in arms trafficking or "shady deals". Russian defense contractor eyes Middle East at Dubai Air Show 2003 Daily Star 12/23/2003 Sukhoi hopes to re-establish relations with ‘old friends’ Iran, Syria -- DUBAI: It can climb vertically at great speed, drop down and then glide along like a paper plane. Boasting unmatched performance, the highly maneuverable Sukhoi, one of the world’s best strike aircraft, was at the Dubai Air Show 2003, available for discerning buyers in the Middle East and elsewhere. Sales for Sukhoi, the undisputed leader in fighter manufacturing from Russia, have been soaring. As many as 95 percent of its products are already spoken for by foreign orders for 2004, speaking volumes about its quality. The Courage to Listen: Women of Iraq Tour U.S Palestine Chronicle 12/21/2003 "When she was interviewed on NPR’s 'Worldview' program, Jerome McDonnell asked Al-Mufti how the Iraqi people functioned during the sanctions.."-- Fifteen-thousand bombs have dropped on Iraq. Twelve years of brutal sanctions and two wars have killed 4 million Iraqi people. After the U.S. invasion of civilization’s cradle, Amal Al-Khedairy and Nermin Al-Mufti are on their U.S. tour. The objective: to build an international nexus between Iraqis and Americans. “We can talk heart-to-heart, eye-to-eye,” stated Al-Kheidary. “Iraq is not Saddam. It’s generations, it’s history, not one man.” A well-known expert in Iraqi art, archeology, history, culture, and music, Al-Kheidary is founder and curator of Al-Beit Al-Iraqi (Iraqi House). In 1988, it became Baghdad’s first arts and crafts center.

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