InI Needs Your Support!
Vermonters for a Just Peace in Palestine/Israel
www.vtjp.org/
For those interested in keeping up with events in Palestine/Israel, there is no better digest than VTJP.
News
International Middle East Media Center
Israel
Plans To Reoccupy Evacuated Military Camp That Became Public Park
IMEMC
1 Feb 2010 - Monday February 01, 2010 - 01:32, Israeli sources reported
Sunday that the head of the Etzion Brigades of the Israeli army
informed the so-called The Committee for a Jewish Shidmah that the army
intends to reoccupy the military camp that was evacuated by Israel in
April 2006.
Palestinian
Killed In Tunnel Accident In Rafah
IMEMC
1 Feb 2010 - Sunday January 31, 2010 - 08:53, Palestinian medical
sources reported Saturday that a Palestinian resident was killed by
electric shock at a siege-busting tunnel in Rafah, in the southern part
of the Gaza Strip.
King
Abdullah Of Jordan: “We Will Not Be A New Occupation in Palestine”
IMEMC
1 Feb 2010 - Sunday January 31, 2010 - 03:11, King Abdullah of Jordan
stated Saturday that the whole world would pay the price of failed
peace between Israel and the Palestinians, and added that his country
will not accept any role as an occupying power in Palestine.
Swedish
Mayor Denounces Zionism As Racism
IMEMC
1 Feb 2010 - Sunday January 31, 2010 - 02:30, A Swedish mayor has upset
the Jewish community by saying that Zionism is unacceptable in an
interview published on the 27th of January, the International Holocaust
Memorial Day.
Army
Claims Arresting Four Palestinians Carrying Explosives
IMEMC
1 Feb 2010 - Sunday January 31, 2010 - 01:44, Israeli soldiers stated
on Saturday at night that they detained four Palestinians in the Jordan
Valley area after finding out that the four carried six explosive
charges.
Report:
“7300 Detainees, Including 33 Women And 300 Children, Still Imprisoned
By Israel”
IMEMC
1 Feb 2010 - Sunday January 31, 2010 - 01:16, Former prisoner,
Palestinian researcher and the head of the census department at the
Palestinian Ministry of Detainees, Abdul-Nasser Farawna, stated in a
comprehensive report that there are currently 7300 Palestinians
imprisoned by Israel.
Israel
Files First Response To Goldstone Report, Refuses Demand For Inquiry
IMEMC
1 Feb 2010 - Saturday January 30, 2010 - 09:58, Israel filed on Friday
its first official response to the report of Judge Richard Goldstone,
accusing its army of committing war crimes during the war on Gaza.
10
Women, 15 Children, Wounded After Soldiers Fired Gas Bombs Into A
Palestinian Home
IMEMC
1 Feb 2010 - Saturday January 30, 2010 - 08:42, Palestinian medical
sources reported on Friday at night that 10 women and 15 children were
hospitalized suffering severe effects of tear gas inhalation after
Israeli soldiers fired gas bombs into the lower floor a house in Nabi
Saleh village, near the central West Bank city of Ramallah.
Dubai
Says It Revealed Mystery Of Al Madbouh Assassination
IMEMC
1 Feb 2010 - Saturday January 30, 2010 - 05:06, The Media Office of the
government in Dubai reported Friday the details of the assassination of
Hamas leader Mahmoud Al Madbouh who was killed on January 20. Al
Madbouh is an exiled leader of the Al Qassam Brigades, the armed wing
of Hamas.
Testimonies
of Israeli Female Soldiers Regarding Violations Against Palestinian
Civilians
IMEMC
1 Feb 2010 - Saturday January 30, 2010 - 02:09, ...Somehow, a female
combatant has to prove herself more, on the ground too. Again, a female
combatant who can lash out is a serious fighter. Capable. A
ball-breaker. There was one with me when I got there, she’d been there
long before, she was – wow, everyone talked about what grit she had,
because she could humiliate Arabs without batting an eyelash. That was
the thing to do...
Israeli
police detain settler, seize weapon in Sheikh Jarrah
1/31/2010
- Jerusalem - Ma'an - Israeli police detained an Israeli settler and
confiscated his weapon after he attacked a member of the Al-Ghawi
family in the Sheikh Jarrah neighborhood of East Jerusalem on Sunday
evening. Maysoon Al-Ghawi told Ma'an: "Children were playing in the
area when a settler came, showed off his weapon, and tried to shoot
people who intervene - including police. He was detained and police
confiscated his weapon. "The incident came two days after hundreds of
Israelis protested in Sheikh Jarrah against what they have termed
settler attempts to ethnically cleanse the neighborhood of its
Palestinian inhabitants. Related: VIDEO -
Settler Attack in Sheikh Jarrah with M-16
Israel
army to reoccupy base near Bethlehem
2/1/2010
- Bethlehem - Ma'an - Israel's army plans to reoccupy an abandoned
military base near Bethlehem, security sources said on Sunday, in a
move certain to please settlers seeking to establish themselves in the
district. An Israeli military spokeswoman told Ma'an that the army will
rebuild parts of a base in Beit Sahour known as Oush Al-Ghrab "in order
to ensure security in the area, according to all of the estimates of
officials in the IDF [Israel Defense Forces]. "On Friday, activists
aligned with the right-wing settler groups Women in Green and the
Committee for Jewish Shdema were in the area for a tree-planting
ceremony, part of their weekly efforts to prevent Oush Al-Ghrab "from
falling into Arab hands," the settler-affiliated Arutz Sheva news
agency reported. Before the ceremony, they marched to the site, which
they call Shdema, from the Har Homa settlement, also in Bethlehem.
Locals:
Israeli forces storm Surif overnight
1/31/2010
- Hebron - Ma'an - Israeli forces stormed the southern West Bank town
of Surif northwest of Hebron on Saturday night and conducted house to
house inspections, local sources told Ma'an. Sources said a an Israeli
military patrol was sweeping the area by the separation wall near
Surif, when it came under fire. The raid was carried out in response to
the shots, and Surif was searched to find those responsible, the
sources said. Local sources said Israeli forces stormed Surif and
neighboring villages, conducting inspections for several hours. No
detentions were reported. Separately, Israeli forces closed Al-Baq'a
area east of Hebron and prevented journalists from accessing the area,
after five buses with students for the nearby Kharsina settlement
arrived at the village. Ma'an's reporter spoke with a number of locals
who said that the students brought sapling trees to plant on land owned
by Palestinian villagers.
Bethlehemite
lives in cave to save land from confiscation
1/31/2010
- Bethlehem - Ma'an - Abdul-Fattah Abed Rabbo has lived in a cave
adjacent to his agricultural land for the last ten years, in the
village of Walaja, west of Bethlehem, to protect his land from being
annexed by nearby Israeli settlements. The Popular Committee for
Resisting Settlements and the Separation Wall visited Abed Rabbo in his
cave to offer their support to him and all Palestinian faced with land
confiscation. Coordinator for the committee, Awad Abu Swayy, described
Abed Rabbo as an example to be followed, pointing out that he refused
significant financial offers made by Israeli settlement agencies
wanting to buy his land. Abu Swayy said that the popular committee
would try to errect a sit-in tent near the cave to host international
solidarity activists and a tin roofed gallery which will be connected
to the nearest water network.
Guards
shoot driver at Ramallah checkpoint
1/31/2010
- Ramallah - Ma'an - Israeli guards opened fire on an Israeli citizen
driving a tank truck near Ramallah on Sunday, seriously injuring him,
Israeli and Palestinian sources said. Ma'an's Ramallah correspondent
reported that forces believed the man driving an Israeli-plated vehicle
was Palestinian, and they opened fire when he refused to slow down. The
truck, a fuel tanker, ran over several cars during the incident. He was
fleeing Palestinians who threw stones at the vehicle, according to our
correspondent, who was reporting from the scene. A spokesman for
Israel's Border Guard paramilitary police unit told Ma'an that the
injured man was driving a tanker to a refugee camp near Qalandiya when
Palestinians threw stones at the vehicle. "He was trying to escape, and
drove close to the checkpoint. He ran over three to four cars, but
nobody else was injured," the spokesman said.
Israel
opens one Gaza crossing, limited fuel supplies allowed
1/31/2010
- Gaza - Ma'an - Israeli authorities opened the Kerem Shalom crossing
into the Gaza Strip on Sunday to allow the transfer of humanitarian aid
and fuel into the besieged strip and for limited export, Palestinian
border crossing official Raed Fattouh said. However, the Karni crossing
to the north of Gaza will remain closed, he added. Between 90 and 100
truckloads of commercial merchandize and humanitarian aid will enter
through Gaza's southern border crossing, including two trucks of fuel,
Fattouh said. Additionally, two trucks of cut carnations and one truck
of Gaza strawberries will exit also via Kerem Shalom for export.
According to the Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs,
since 10 December 2009, 39 truckloads exited Gaza, including 15
truckloads of cut flowers (1,674,840 stems) and 24 truckloads of
strawberries (41 tonnes).
MoH:
Over 11,000 Gazans being treated outside the Strip
1/31/2010
- Nablus - Ma'an - The number of patients from Gaza who have received
medical treatment outside of the besieged Strip has reached 11,608,
according to the Ramallah-based Ministry of Health spokesman Omar
An-Nasser on Sunday. An-Nasser said that Hamas estimates of 5,151
patients were incorrect, adding that "Hamas has ignored the number of
patients whom it prevented from leave the Strip for medical treatment.
The Hamas government prevented 52 [from traveling], while Israeli
authorities prevented 150. "The spokesman added that the Ramallah
Ministry has undertaken all expenses for the transfer of patients from
Gaza to medical facilities elsewhere. [end]
Female
journalists demand union representation
1/31/2010
- Gaza - Ma'an - Dozens of female journalists from Gaza rallied on
Sunday in front of the office of the Palestinian Journalists' Syndicate
in Gaza City, demanding that membership be opened up to women.
Journalist Dunya Isma'il called on the PJS to introduce a set quota for
women members, as in the Palestinian Legislative Council. "We request
legal standards in registration and representation of female
journalists in all the union's committees, including membership and
contest committees," she said. Isma'il said that the union's elections
should be delayed until a more appropriate time, and called for the
democratic and professional performance of the PJS, regardless of
political affiliation. "Partiality has not benefited journalism,
rather, it has deepened the rivalry. "Present action, she said, was but
a step in a series of actions which will be taken in order to exert
pressure on the PJS' board to adopt democratic standards.
PCHR
concerned over violence at PFLP rally in Gaza
1/31/2010
- Bethlehem - Ma'an - The Palestinian Center for Human Rights (PCHR)
expressed deep concern over attacks by police officers on a number of
participants in a festival organized by the Popular Front for the
Liberation of Palestine (PFLP) on Friday. In a statement, the PCHR
stressed that the right to peaceful assembly and the right to freedom
of opinion and expression are fundamental human rights ensured by the
Palestinian Basic Law and international human rights instruments.
According to investigations conducted by PCHR, the PFLP organized a
festival in the central Gaza Strip's Al-Bureij refugee camp. The
festival, titled "Loyalty to the Wise Man," was organized to
commemorate the second anniversary of the death of George Habash, the
late leader and founder of PFLP. It was held in an open area in the
east of the camp, near Saladin Street.
Egypt
uncovers 3 tunnels along Gaza border
1/31/2010
- Al-Arish - Ma'an - Egypt commandeered three tunnels for smuggling
motorcycles, cars tools and paint into the Gaza Strip on Sunday.
Security sources told Ma'an that two tunnels were uncovered in the
Salah Ad-Din border area, where motorcycles and paint were found.
Egyptian forces also found another tunnel near the Al-Sarsouriya area,
a site that was already under extra scrutiny. Security officials said
they were planning to demolish the tunnels and sell the goods at
auction. Security sources explained that these areas were not included
in the plan to build an underground steel wall, which was first exposed
by the Israeli press. They said these areas were not usually used for
smuggling. A Palestinian died from an electric shock sustained in a
tunnel on the border between Gaza and Egypt on Saturday afternoon.
Israel:
Army detains Palestinian with explosives
1/31/2010
- Bethlehem - Ma'an/Agencies - A Palestinian was detained east of
Nablus on Saturday evening for carrying six pipe bombs, Israeli media
reported on Sunday. According to the Israeli daily Yedioth Aharonot,
Israeli forces at the checkpoint stopped the suspect because of "his
abnormal behavior. "An Israeli military spokesman said that the six
pipe bombs were "detonated in a controlled manner," and that the
suspect is currently in questioning. [end]
Abbas:
We don’t want guarantees
1/31/2010
- Bethlehem - Ma'an - President Mahmoud Abbas told reporters in London
on Friday that his government was not interested in US guarantees and
denied reports that Arab ministers exerted pressure on him in
Washington to resume negotiations with Israel. "The US continued to
contact us and the Israelis, and they intended to give what they call
'guarantees,' but we said frankly that we didn't want guarantees,"
Abbas added. Abbas said US President Barack Obama proposed a freeze to
settlement construction, yet failed to convince Israel to halt
settlement activity completely. Obama's suggestion, he said, was a
moratorium which is unacceptable, being only a partial standstill for
10 months, excluding Jerusalem and parts of the West Bank. The PA,
according to Abbas, gave to suggestions on how to restart negotiations
with Israel.
US
to deploy ships off Iranian coast
1/31/2010
- Bethlehem - Ma'an/Agencies - The US is to accelerate the deployment
of special fleets and antimissile systems in as many as four Arab
countries against possible Iranian missile attacks in the Persian Gulf,
administrative and military officials told American media on Sunday.
American General David H Petraeus undertook public discussions on the
latest US deployments near Iran, the American daily The New York Times
reported. The move is in part seen as an attempt to show Israel that an
immediate military strike against Iranian nuclear and missile
facilities is not necessitated, anonymous US administration officials
told the daily. Furthermore, the latest deployments form part of a US
strategy aimed at increasing pressure on Iran, as well as countering
the imager that itis becoming the most powerful military force in the
region. According to the daily, the US seeks to avoid a sharp response
from Tehran by underscoring the military deployment's defensive aims.
Italian
surgeons perform open heart surgery in Jerusalem
1/31/2010
- Bethlehem - Ma'an - A four member team of surgeons and nurses from
Messa, Italy completed a Palestine Children's Relief Fund mission to
provide life-saving open heart surgery for babies from the West Bank
and Gaza on Thursday. This was the second mission to Palestine in 2010
in pediatric cardiac surgery and part of the ongoing PCRF program to
build the only congenital heart program to serve the children from the
occupied territories. Led by surgeon Dr V Stefano Luisi, who has led
several missions to the Makassed Charitable Hospital in Jerusalem in
the past with the PCRF, and is scheduled for five more trips in 2010.
The team included junior surgeon Dr Luigi Arcieri, anesthesiologist and
intensive care doctor Elisabetta Perversi and physiotherapist nurse
Maura Dell'Amico. Most of the operations were performed by Dr Vivian
Bader, the surgeon in Makassed who is being trained by the. . .
Protest
held at Egypt embassy in Paris
1/31/2010
- Gaza - Ma'an - The Sheikh Yassin coalition organized a protest
outside the Egyptian embassy in Paris on Saturday, demanding that Egypt
stop building an underground steel barrier on the border with the Gaza
Strip, Hamas-affiliated media reported. According to The Palestinian
Information Center, a Hamas Web site, the protestors toured Wilson
street and an avenue leading to the Egyptian Embassy, which closed its
doors and refused to listen to the protestors' demands. Demonstrators
chanted slogans in support of Palestinian resistance, calling for an
end to the crippling siege imposed on the Gaza Strip by Israel and
Egypt, which deprives the population of their basic needs. A French
human rights activist, Nelly Labushi, delivered a speech through a
loudspeaker calling on the Egyptian government to stop building the
wall, and to open the Rafah crossing, its sole terminal with the
besieged coastal enclave.
PPP:
Hamas placing Gazans under house arrest
1/31/2010
- Gaza - Ma'an - The Palestinian People's Party (PPP) on Saturday
criticizedthe de facto governmentfor the restrictions it has placed on
the freedom of movement of Palestinians in and out of Gaza. Member of
the PPP's politburo, Nafith Ghneim, described the recent decision to
prevent the entry of Fatah leaders into the besieged strip without
permission from the Gaza government as illegal, a violation of
Palestinian law and basic human rights. "Hamas' decision that citizens
need permission in advance to leave the Gaza Strip means that all
citizens are under house arrest. How can any Gazan accept this while
the Gaza Strip is suffering from a crippling Israeli siege, which
everyone is exerting all efforts to get rid of," Ghneim said in a
statement. He added, "If Hamas or its government has anything against
any citizen such as breaching the law or disturbing the peace, they can
take. . . "
Hamas:
PA security detained 3 affiliates
1/31/2010
- Bethlehem - Ma'an - Hamas accused the Palestinian Authority security
forces of detaining three of the movement's affiliates in the West
Bank, a statement said on Sunday. The three were detained in Ramallah,
central West Bank, Tulkarem to the north, and Hebron, in the south, the
statement read. Among the detainees was son of Hamas lawmaker Muhammad
Badr from Hebron, whose father is in Israeli custody, Hamas wrote. [end]
In
photos: Nablus hosts chess tournament
1/31/2010
- MaanImages/Rami Swidan - Palestinians attend a chess tournament in
Nablus on 30 January 2010. [end]
In
photos: East Jerusalem vs. Bethlehem
1/31/2010
- MaanImages/Haytham Othman - 1) A player from Bethlehem's Islami
football club reacts during a match against East Jerusalem's Silwan
team on 30 January 2010. 2-7) Players fight for the control of the ball
during the match, held in the West Bank village of Al-Khader, near
Bethlehem. 8) Silwan (red and white) players celebrate after scoring a
goal during the match against Islami Bethlehem (blue and white). [end]
Ha'aretz 1 Feb 2010 - Lebanese MP tied to Hezbollah calls on country to deal with incident he says clearly violates UN resolution.
U.S. official: Hezbollah arms flow may signal plans for war with Israel
Ha'aretz 1 Feb 2010 - State Dept. official tells Al-Hayat that flow of arms into south Lebanon clearly breaches UN Resolution 1701.
Netanyahu leaning toward probe into alleged Gaza war crimes
Ha'aretz 1 Feb 2010 - PM wants inquiry but defense ministry and IDF blocking investigation into deliberate targeting of civilians.
Report: U.S. accelerates missile defenses in Persian Gulf
Ha'aretz 1 Feb 2010 - Obama places defense systems in four Arab countries; Peres tells IAEA chief a nuclear Iran threatens the world.
Report: Dubai has lead in assassination of top Hamas man
Ha'aretz 1 Feb 2010 - Report comes as security official says wouldn't rule out chance that Mossad was behind January 20 killing.
PA to probe alleged Hamas Gaza war crimes
Ha'aretz 1 Feb 2010 - Intent to investigate Hamas acts was stated by PA envoy while delivering report on Gaza fighting to UN.
Hamas warns Israel of 'resistance' after official killed in Dubai
Ha'aretz 1 Feb 2010 - Dubai government: Police have identified suspects in the killing as members of a criminal gang.
Israel arrests leading Palestinian protest organizer
Ha'aretz 1 Feb 2010 - Activists: Israel is concerned with 'popular resistance' demonstrations against settlement policies.
Settler teens suspected in West Bank mosque arson freed from custody
Ha'aretz 1 Feb 2010 - Some state attorneys believe evidence against torching suspects insufficient to justify indictment.
Netanyahu to returning Haiti team: You raised Israel's image
Ha'aretz 1 Feb 2010 - Hero's welcome greets 200-member Israeli rescue crew; IDF Chief: Other armies were astounded by us.
The IDF's new head rabbi / Same background, but less divisive
Ha'aretz 1 Feb 2010 - Rabbi Peretz is a religious Zionist and an outspoken opponent of disobeying orders for ideological reasons.
Settler rabbi arrested over West Bank mosque arson
Ha'aretz 1 Feb 2010 - Rabbi Itzik Shapira, one of the heads of a Yitzhar yeshiva, was arrested by authorities on Tuesday.
Haaretz probe: Israel dismantling roadblocks, but Palestinians still can't move
Ha'aretz 1 Feb 2010 - Haaretz learns that new 'unmanned' roadblocks in West Bank are no less restraining than those removed.
Israel mulls internal probe of Gaza war
Ha'aretz 1 Feb 2010 - Decision to be part of Israel's response to Goldstone report; inquiry committee to consist of senior Israeli jurists.
German firm cancels deal with Iran port due to Israeli pressure
Ha'aretz 1 Feb 2010 - Israel envoy to Berlin tells German officials Israel would see contract as aiding terrorist arms deal.
Hamas: Mubarak helping Israel starve Gaza Palestinians
Ha'aretz 1 Feb 2010 - Militant group says Egypt's planned steel barrier will bolster blockade of 1.5 million Gazans.
Government plans land giveaway to combat troops
Ha'aretz 1 Feb 2010 - Proposed legislation would grant real estate worth NIS 100,000 to every fighting soldier.
Report: Israel opens Gaza crossings, lets in aid
Ha'aretz 1 Feb 2010 - Israel's Foreign Ministry blocks entrance of Belgian minister into Gaza, says visit could bolster Hamas.
Court orders IDF to compensate evicted settlers
Ha'aretz 1 Feb 2010 - IDF razed West Bank outpost Yad Yair despite Supreme Court order to delay destruction.
Israel refuses Belgium minister's request to enter Gaza
Ha'aretz 1 Feb 2010 - Deputy FM says visa would be seen as gesture to Hamas, warns aid would fall into hands of militants.
1/31/2010 - YouTube\ISM Palestine - After verbal taunting, a settler in the East Jerusalem neighborhood of Sheikh Jarrah left the Gawi house which he and other settlers have occupied since August 2009. He descended the stairs with an M-16 and pushed a teenage boy. When neighborhood adults stepped in to protect the teenager, he pushed Nasser Gawi and then punched him. Seconds later the settler cocked his M-16 and pointed it wildly at the crowd that had gathered. In this video you can clearly see the first punch thrown by the settler and clearly hear the cock of his gun. Related: Nasser Gawi expelled from Sheikh Jarrah – settler detained, weapon siezed and Israeli police detain settler, seize weapon in Sheikh Jarrah
VIDEO - My Heart Broke When My Mum And Dad Died In Front Of Me
1/17/2010 - YouTube - Children in Gaza talk about watching their parents die from Israeli violence. [end]
Israel ‘poisoned Hamas leader’
1/31/2010 - Times of London - A HIT squad that killed a top Hamas commander in his Dubai hotel room injected him with a drug that induced a heart attack, photographed all the documents in his briefcase and left a “do not disturb” sign on the door. The body of Mahmoud al-Mabhouh, 50, was discovered by staff at the luxury Al Bustan Rotana hotel after lunch on January 20. There were no suspicious signs and local doctors diagnosed a heart attack. Nine days later, after blood samples sent to Paris for analysis showed signs of poison, Hamas announced his death and blamed Mossad, the Israeli overseas intelligence service, for the assassination. Al-Mabhouh was one of the founders of the Izzedine al-Qassam Brigades, the military wing of Hamas, the Islamic organisation that seized control of the Gaza strip in 2007. According to Middle Eastern sources, al-Mabhouh, who was the official responsible for arranging arms supplies from Iran to Gaza, was tracked from the moment he boarded Emirates flight EK 912 at Damascus at 10. 05 on January 19.
Israel spied on Iran, Syria from secret Turkish base
1/30/2010 - Press TV - Israeli spy agencies have reportedly made spying on Iran's nuclear program "a top priority". Revelations of a secret Israeli spy base, which was allegedly set up in Ankara to gather classified information on Iran and Syria, has dragged Tel Aviv into a new spy scandal. Sources in Turkey's ruling party told Russia's Mignews that Israeli spy agents ran an advanced electronic monitoring station from the Ankara military headquarters to keep tabs on communication networks in Iran and Syria. According to the sources who were speaking on condition of anonymity, the Signals Intelligence station was solely managed by Israeli intelligence personnel and had become off-limits for members of the Turkish government. Israeli military sources have refused to comment on the revelations, which are likely to spark an outcry in Turkey, now that they have been leaked to newspapers and media outlets.
U.S. official: Hezbollah arms flow may signal plans for war with Israel
1/31/2010 - Ha'aretz - The U. S. is concerned that the continued flow of arms to the Hezbollah militant organization could prompt a war between Israel and Lebanon, State Department official Jeff Feltman said in remarks published Sunday by the London-based Al-Hayat daily. Feltman, who serves as Assistant Secretary of U. S. State Department's Bureau of Near Eastern Affairs, told the daily that the U. S. had no evidence of any Israeli plan to attack its northern neighbor. Nevertheless, Feltman said he was growing increasingly worried by reports describing the quantity and types of weapons being smuggled to the terrorist organization in clear violation of United Nations Resolution 1701, which put an end to the 2006 war. The UN resolution clearly demanded a weapons-free south Lebanon, said Feltman, but the world had yet to see that put into play.
Obama aide says Iran may lash out at Israel
1/31/2010 - Las Vegas Sun - The Associated Press - President Barack Obama's national security adviser is citing a heightened risk that Iran will respond to growing pressure over its nuclear program by stoking violence against Israel. The adviser, retired Marine Gen. James Jones, said history shows that when regimes are feeling pressure they can lash out through surrogates. He said that in Iran's case that would mean facilitating attacks on Israel through Hezbollah in Lebanon and Hamas in Gaza. Iran helps arm Hezbollah and Hamas. Jones also alluded to the prospect of additional international sanctions being applied to Iran as one factor in making Iran feel greater pressure. He said another factor is internal pressure _ an apparent reference to street protests against the Iranian leadership over the disputed presidential election last summer.
Blair warns that world faces decision to halt Iran’s nuclear programme
1/30/2010 - Times of London - World leaders might have to go to war to stop Iran developing its weapons programme, Tony Blair suggested yesterday. The former Prime Minister, who is now a Middle East peace envoy, said that Tehran’s actions had made him more afraid today that a rogue state could supply weapons of mass destruction to terrorists than he was when he took Britain to war with Iraq in 2003. He warned that world leaders, including the British Prime Minister, now faced the same kinds of decision about the dangers posed by repressive regimes as he did seven years ago. “My judgment — and it may be other people don’t take this view, and that’s for the leaders of today to make their judgment — is we don’t take any risks with this issue,” he said. The former Prime Minister raised concerns about Tehran’s links with terrorist organisations. Mr Blair said: “My fear was — and I would say I hold this fear stronger. . . .
U.S. Speeding Up Missile Defenses in Persian Gulf
1/30/2010 - New York Times - WASHINGTON — The Obama administration is accelerating the deployment of new defenses against possible Iranian missile attacks in the Persian Gulf, placing special ships off the Iranian coast and antimissile systems in at least four Arab countries, according to administration and military officials. The deployments come at a critical turning point in President Obama’s dealings with Iran. After months of unsuccessful diplomatic outreach, the administration is trying to win broad international consensus for sanctions against the Iranian Revolutionary Guards Corps, which Western nations say control a covert nuclear arms program. Mr. Obama spoke of the shift in his State of the Union address, warning of “consequences” if Iran continued to defy United Nations demands to stop manufacturing nuclear fuel. And Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton publicly warned China on Friday that its opposition to sanctions was shortsighted.
CIA chief holds secret talks with Egypt, Israel
2/1/2010 - Global Research - The Director of the CIA, Leon Panetta, has held secret talks with Egyptian and Israeli officials over expanded US intervention in Yemen. According to Debkafile, the CIA chief paid secret visits to the Egyptian capital Cairo and Jerusalem Al-Quds on Thursday. Panetta met with Egyptian President Hosni Mubarak, Defense Minister Mohamed Hussein Tantawi, and intelligence minister, Gen. Omar Suleiman to ask them to dispatch forces to Yemen to help the US troops. Meanwhile, Washington has asked the Egyptian government to let the US use Egyptian airports for ferrying military equipment and launching air raids. Panetta also met with Israeli officials in Jerusalem Al-Quds on the same day to talk about the latest developments in Yemen. A large US base is under construction near the Yemeni Red Sea port of Hodeira, according to the report.
U.S. steps up arms sales to Persian Gulf allies
1/31/2010 - Washington Post - DUBAI, UNITED ARAB EMIRATES -- The Obama administration is quietly working with Saudi Arabia and other Persian Gulf allies to speed up arms sales and rapidly upgrade defenses for oil terminals and other key infrastructure in a bid to thwart future military attacks by Iran, according to former and current U. S. and Middle Eastern government officials. The initiatives, including a U. S. -backed plan to triple the size of a 10,000-man protection force in Saudi Arabia, are part of a broader push that includes unprecedented coordination of air defenses and expanded joint exercises between the U. S. and Arab militaries, the officials said. All appear to be aimed at increasing pressure on Tehran. The efforts build on commitments by the George W. Bush administration to sell warplanes and antimissile systems to friendly Arab states to counter Iran's growing conventional arsenal.
Human rights community to Israeli Prime Minister: Time is running out. Establish independent inquiry into Operation Cast Lead
1/26/2010 - Gisha - Adalah -- The Legal Center for Arab Minority Rights in Israel | Association for Civil Rights in Israel | B’tselem - The Israeli Information Center for Human Rights in the Occupied Territories | Gisha - Legal Center for Freedom of Movement | Hamoked - Center for Defence of the Individual | Physicians for Human Rights - Israel | Public Committee Against Torture in Israel | Yesh Din - Volunteers for Human Rights -- Human rights organizations in Israel reissued their call to the Government of Israel to establish, without delay, an independent and impartial investigation mechanism to thoroughly examine the allegations raised regarding violations of international law during Operation Cast Lead. In a letter addressed to the Prime Minister and members of his cabinet, heads of the organizations today (Tuesday, 26. 1. 10) called on Israel to take advantage of the short time still remaining before the UN deliberates on the Goldstone report’s implementation.
Israeli mind-reading systems could change air security
1/8/2010 - News on Domestic Security Policy - AP News - Airport security of the future: Mind-reading systems and tough interrogations? A would-be terrorist tries to board a plane, bent on mass murder. As he walks through a security checkpoint, fidgeting and glancing around, a network of high-tech machines analyzes his body language and reads his mind. Screeners pull him aside. Tragedy is averted. As far-fetched as that sounds, systems that aim to get inside an evildoer's head are among the proposals floated by security experts thinking beyond the X-ray machines and metal detectors used on millions of passengers and bags each year. On Thursday, in the wake of the Christmas Day bombing attempt over Detroit, President Barack Obama called on Homeland Security and the Energy Department to develop better screening technology, warning: "In the never-ending race to protect our country, we have to stay one step ahead of a nimble adversary. Related: Israeli Mind-scanner May Take Over US Airports"
Hillary
Clinton's Prescription: Make The World A NATO Protectorate
Uruknet
January 31, 2010 - U.S. Secretary of State Hillary Clinton was busy in
London and Paris last week advancing the new Euro-Atlantic agenda for
the world. As the top foreign policy official of what her
commander-in-chief Barack Obama touted as being the world's sole
military superpower on December 10, she is no ordinary foreign
minister. Her position is rather some...
Iran:
Two Bloggers in Danger of Death
Uruknet
January 31, 2010 - Two bloggers and members of the "Committee of Human
Rights" (Chrr), Mehrdad Rahimi and Kouhyar Goudarzi (photographed
above: Goudarzi, left, and Rahimi, right) have been accused of wanting
to wage "a war against God," and charged as being "Mohareb" (enemies of
God). Their charges are similar to those against the two men who were
executed this...
Is
the EU Helping Mossad to Commit International Terror?
Uruknet
January 31, 2010 - On past 20 January, Mohammad Al-Mabhouh was
assassinated in a hotel in Dubai by Mossad people holding EU passports.
According to the press, four to seven Israeli Mossad death squads
assassinated Al-Mabhouh in his hotel room at the Al-Bostan, Rotana
hotel in Dubai. The Mossad injected Al-Mabhouh with a drug which leads
to a heart attack....
Israel
army to reoccupy base near Bethlehem
Uruknet
January 31, 2010 – Israel's army plans to reoccupy an abandoned
military base near Bethlehem, security sources said on Sunday, in a
move certain to please settlers seeking to establish themselves in the
district. An Israeli military source told Ma'an that the army will
rebuild parts of a base in Beit Sahour known as Oush Al-Ghrab "in order
to ensure...
Testimony:
Young girl dies in Gaza after waiting two months for a permit to enter
Israel for treatment
Uruknet
January 31, 2010 - My brother’s daughter, Fidaa Talal Salim Heji, began
to suffer from health problems around March 2007, when she was fifteen.
She was hospitalized in a-Shifaa Hospital, in Gaza City, where they
found that her hemoglobin level was very low. She was referred to
Nasser Hospital in Egypt, and her mother and I went with her. The...
In
the West Bank's stony hills, Palestine is slowly dying
Uruknet
January 31, 2010 - Area C doesn't sound very ominous. A land of
stone-sprinkled grey hills and soft green valleys, it's part of the
wreckage of the equally wrecked Oslo Agreement, accounting for 60 per
cent of the Israeli-occupied West Bank that was eventually supposed to
be handed over to its Palestinian inhabitants. But look at the
statistics and leaf...
A
DAY WITH AN EVICTED FAMILY IN OCCUPIED EAST JERUSALEM
Uruknet
January 31, 2010 - We spent the day in Sheikh Jarrah, East Jerusalem
today. 28 Palestinian refugee families are at the threat of being
evicted from their homes to become refugees again. Four families have
already been evicted and thrown out on the streets of Sheikh Jarrah by
Settlers with the support of the Israeli government – Police and
Military...
Video:
Gaza residents denied eye treatment
Uruknet
January 31, 2010 - Aid agencies have warned that Israel's blockade of
Gaza is putting the health of many Palestinians at risk. Last week,
Israeli authorities have prevented 19 patients from crossing over to
Ramallah in the West Bank, which is Palestinian territory, for cornea
implants that could save their sight. Ayman Mohyeldin reports from Gaza
on the harmful effects...
We
are All Palestine
Uruknet
January 31, 2010 - ...Growing up, we too had our heroes. These were
Palestinians who, regardless of their political affiliation, were
sincere in their fight for a free Palestine and worked solely towards
achieving that goal. Among others, our heroes included the martyrs, the
people who made the ultimate sacrifice for Palestine. We would
distribute their posters everywhere, would hang...
PCHR
Expresses Deep Concern over Attacks by Police Officers on Participants
in PFLP's Festival
Uruknet
January 31, 2010 - The Palestinian Center for Human Rights (PCHR)
expresses its deep concern over attacks by police officers on a number
of participants in a festival organized by the Popular Front for the
Liberation of Palestine (PFLP) on Friday, 29 January 2010, in Al-Boreij
refugee camp. PCHR stresses that the right to peaceful assembly and the
right to...
The
impact of the Zionist projet on Palestine and the region
Uruknet
January 30, 2010 - Since the start of the second Intifada in Palestine,
we have seen the collapse of imperialism’s Plan B for the region. Plan
A had been simply to allow Israel to hold on to the territories it
occupied in 1967. Following the first Intifada, it became clear that
this approach was not viable, and a new plan "...
Israeli
court allows settlers to storm Palestinian home in Jerusalem
Uruknet
January 30, 2010 - Dozens of Israeli settlers stormed the second floor
of a house belonging to an 80-year old Palestinian woman called Fatima
Al-Dahoudi in the old city of occupied Jerusalem after an Israeli court
allowed them to enter on a daily basis. The Israeli court decision,
which was issued on January 25, states that the owner of this...
Tel Aviv, January 31, 2010 (Pal Telegraph; reprinted from Haaretz, by Barak Ravid) - Defense officials have successfully resisted an attempt by the prime minister to launch an inquiry into the targeting of civilians by Israeli troops in Gaza - amid warnings from inside the government that skirting the issue will fail to satisfy the United Nations. Prime Minister Benjamin...
Petition calls for civil rights for Palestinian refugees in Lebanon
Lebanon, January 31, 2010 (Pal Telegraph) - Please sign and circulate this petition. It involves an innovative twinning initiative. Each signer will be twinned with a person living in a Palestinian refugee camp located in Lebanon. The number of signers required to secure a personal twinning with each refugee is 433,000. Express your views to those who govern Lebanon and...
Football beats politics in Gaza Strip
Palestine, January 31, 2010 (Pal Telegraph) - Gazans' enthusiasm for Egypt's win in the final match of the African Nations Cup on Sunday contrasts sharply with their disappointment about the economic difficulties and hopes for peace. The cafes are usually dominated by politics, but football is now "in charge." That match Sunday evening was between Ghana and defending champion Egypt,...
Ministry of Agriculture: fuel shortages lead to food crisis in Gaza
Gaza, January 31, 2010, ( Pal Telegraph ) - The Palestinian Ministry of Agriculture said in a statement that shortages of fuel and natural gas are leading to a food crisis in the Gaza Strip. In addition, the ministry has warned that the "food basket" of Gazans -- agriculture, fishing and livestock -- is in jeopardy after wells, machines, poultry farms and canning...
Israel detains 4 Palestinains
West Bank, January 31, 2010 (Pal Telegraph) - Israeli occupation forces detained 4 Palestinians at military barrier in Al-Aghwar, claiming that they had 6 explosive devices. Israel radio reported that the 4 Palestinians were detained at Bakaout military barrier, pointing out that the Israeli soldiers and explosive experts exploded the explosive devices. The IDs of the detainees are unknown, while...
The National 31 Jan 2010 - Following the murder of Hamas leader Mahmoud al Mabhouh, The National looks at how the Gaza Strip's neighbour has often used novel methods to get rid of its enemies.
Gaza shows subdued reaction to killing of leader
The National 31 Jan 2010 - Hamas calls for revenge but may fear Israelis will respond disproportionately as fragile peace just about holds.
Assassinated al Mabhouh travelled to UAE without bodyguards
The National 31 Jan 2010 - Guards were due on next flight, says Hamas.
The Media Line 27 Jan 2010 - Afghani airline Safi Airways signs interline deal with United Airlines for single fare tickets. A cooperation contract between a number of international operators and the Afghani airline has been signed to allow passengers to buy single...
AlJazeera 1 Feb 2010 - Authorities detain dozens in relation to failed bomb attack on Israeli diplomats.
Alternative Information Center
BDS and The Britain-Israel Research and Academic Exchange (BIRAX)Alternative Information Center 29 Jan 2010 - On 17 January 2010, UK Foreign Office Minister Ivan Lewis announced that the British government would be contributing an additional £29,000 (174,000 NIS) to the Britain-Israel Research and Academic Exchange partnership scheme. Launched by British Prime...
PNN 30 Jan 2010 - A senior member of the Palestinian militant group Hamas has been found murdered in a Dubai hotel. Hamas accused agents from Mossad, the Israeli foreign intelligence service, of assassinating Mahmoud al Mabhouh, a founder of their military wing, the Ezzedeen al Qassam Brigades. The Israeli government has not commented on the claims.Dubai Police confirmed that the body of al Mabhouh, 50, was...
Jeruslalem Post 31 Jan 2010 - Israeli officials say commander played key role in smuggling weapons from Iran to Gaza.
Giant Star of David in Gaza field causes a stir
Jeruslalem Post 31 Jan 2010 - Satellite photograph slided under IDF radar screen during probe of allegations contained in Goldstone Report.
Mandelblit to decide whether to charge soldiers in Gaza war
Jeruslalem Post 31 Jan 2010 - Of the 150 IDF probes opened, 36 have been referred for criminal investigation.
IDF plans to return to strategic Gush Etzion Shdema hilltop
Jeruslalem Post 31 Jan 2010 - IDF base on hilltop abandoned in 2006, before construction of road that links Har Homa with the Tekoa and Nokdim settlements.
King David gives a right royal welcome to Berlusconi
Jeruslalem Post 31 Jan 2010 - The Italian premier, who is no stranger to the luxurious Jerusalem hotel, is reportedly not difficult to please.
Soccer players to raise funds for diabetes
Jeruslalem Post 31 Jan 2010 - Meanwhile, the Israel Association for Autistic Children is raising funds to help the one out of 100 children born with this disorder.
PM, Barak at odds over Cast Lead probe
Jeruslalem Post 31 Jan 2010 - Sources: When Netanyahu decides, he'll take Israel’s image into account.
Landau denies links to Hamas terrorist’s death
Jeruslalem Post 31 Jan 2010 - What we are witnessing is the wild eastern imagination going hand-in-hand with Palestinian anger over an Israeli flag flying over Abu Dhabi. minister says.
No decision on Ukraine visa requirement
Jeruslalem Post 31 Jan 2010 - PM postpones cabinet vote after Lieberman, Meseznikov and Yishai fail to reach an agreement.
IPS WASHINGTON, Jan 22 (IPS) - One year ago Thursday, the last Israeli tanks were lumbering out of the Gaza Strip, ending the 22-day Gaza War and leaving in their wake a decimated landscape and population.
MIDEAST: Civil Society Takes On Israeli Settlements
IPS JERUSALEM, Jan 21 (IPS) - Salam Fayyad turned civil society activist this week. In Salfit, on the West Bank, the Palestinian prime minister threw onto a giant bonfire goods made in Israeli settlements.
MIDEAST: Netanyahu Plants Trees and More on Occupied Land
IPS MAALEH ADUMIM, Occupied West Bank, Jan 28 (IPS) - When Benjamin Netanyahu dug a spade here and in another West Bank settlement this week, some thought the Israeli Prime Minister was actually digging a hole into current United States-sponsored peace efforts.
MIDEAST: Israel Crushes Local Dissent, Attacks Global Criticism
IPS RAMALLAH, Jan 20 (IPS) - Israel is lashing out at international criticism and attempting to crush local dissent in what appears to be growing sensitivity to reproach of its policies.
PCHR
International Solidarity Movement
Nasser Gawi expelled from Sheikh Jarrah – settler detained, weapon siezed2/1/2010 - International Solidarity Movement - Settler attacks young boy in Sheikh Jarrah. - Nasser Gawi and one settler have been expelled from the East Jerusalem neighborhood of Sheikh Jarrah for 15 days after the settler attacked local residents and threatened them with an M-16. At 7PM on Sunday night a settler occupying the Palestinian Gawi family house in the East Jerusalem neighborhood of Sheikh Jarrah fought neighborhood residents and threatened them with an M-16 automatic rifle. The settler first threw rocks at the tent the Gawi family has stayed in since being evicted, provoking angry shouts from the family. When the settler descended to the street, he physically attached a neighborhood boy, shaking and pushing him. Other adults stepped in and the settler began pushing and eventually punched Nasser Gawi. Numerous blows were exchanged before the settler began wildly waving his M-16 rifle, he then cocked the gun. . . . Related: VIDEO - Settler Attack in Sheikh Jarrah with M-16 and Israeli police detain settler, seize weapon in Sheikh Jarrah
Settlers target Palestinian car in arson attack for the second time
1/31/2010 - International Solidarity Movement - Settlers torched a car in the northern West Bank village of Asira Al-Qabliya in the early hours of Thursday morning, January 28. The attack was launched from the notorious Shalhevit Yam outpost of Yitzhar settlement, that lies a short distance from the village and has been waging a continuous campaign of intimidation on the village. Residents of Asira Al-Qabliya reported a car from the outpost approaching the village at approximately 1:30am on Thursday morning. An Israeli military jeep was then sighted pulling up alongside the car, at which point soldiers were witnessed conversing with the settlers, although making no effort to force the settlers to retreat to the outpost. The jeep departed towards the settlement, leaving the settlers to linger on the edge of the village. The family of Machmoud Darhoud awoke the next morning to find Darhoud's work vehicle burnt down to its framework, still smouldering, in the driveway.
Several injured by tear gas grenades in Bil’in weekly demonstration
1/31/2010 - International Solidarity Movement - Friends of Freedom and Justice, 29 January - During today's weekly demonstration, Iyad Burnat, the head of the Popular Committee Against the Wall and Settlements, was directly hit in his hand by a tear-gas canister, which caused major burns. Palestine TV correspondent, Haroon Amayreh, as well as a member of the Central Committee of Fatah, Sultan Aboul-Enein, and dozens of Palestinian, Israeli, and international peace activists, who had joined the demonstration in solidarity, suffered from tear-gas inhalation including fainting as the Israeli occupying forces violently suppressed today's protest against the apartheid wall and settlements in the village of Bil'in. The peaceful demonstration was organized by the Popular Committee Against the Wall and Settlements, and started at the center of the village of Bil'in after midday prayers.
Our last port is freedom: Sending a flotilla to break the siege of Gaza
1/31/2010 - International Solidarity Movement - Free Gaza Movement, 30 January - Yesterday the Free Gaza Movement and the Turkish Relief Foundation (IHH) announced a joint venture, sending 10 boats in the spring of 2010 to the besieged Gaza strip. Organizations from Greece, Ireland and Sweden have also promised to send boats to join the flotilla with the Free Gaza movement and Turkey. Mr. Bulent Yildirim, chairman of the IHH said, "We sail in the spring to Gaza, and our last port is freedom: freedom for the 1. 5 million Palestinians denied the right to rebuild their society. We will never stop sailing until Israel's siege is lifted. "Two cargo ships will be part of the flotilla, one donated by the Malaysia-based Perdana Foundation and one from IHH. Both will be laden with building supplies, generators and educational materials that Israel prohibits from entering Gaza since their brutal attack on the civilian population a year ago.
'Together we can end this occupation'
1/31/2010 - International Solidarity Movement - Jody McIntyre, The Electronic Intifada, 29 January - The Israeli military recently dropped hundreds of leaflets warning Palestinian residents from the village of Beit Hanoun in the northern Gaza Strip not to travel within 300 meters of the border – the distance of Israel's so-called "buffer zone. "In response, local activists marched to and nonviolently demonstrated inside the "buffer zone" against the illegal action. The Electronic Intifada contributor Jody McIntyre recently spoke with demonstration organizer Saber Zanin. Jody McIntyre: Can you tell us about yourself? Saber Zanin: My name is Saber Zanin. I am 31 years old, living in Beit Lahiya, in the northern Gaza Strip. I am a Palestinian who loves life, peace, justice and equal rights for all. I come from a poor family, around 20 of us in all, from Beit Hanoun.
Collective punishment continues in Khirbet Tana
1/31/2010 - International Solidarity Movement - 28 January - Israeli occupation forces confiscated a fifth tractor from the endangered village of Khirbet Tana in the northern West Bank yesterday, January 27. The confiscation was justified by Israeli military personnel as punishment for farmers attempted to rebuild shelters on land that was razed by the occupation forces two weeks prior. Fursa Farris Hanani, lifelong farmer and resident of Khirbet Tana, was confronted by Israeli soldiers yesterday morning as he attempted to reassemble the small stone structure that constitutes a shelter for him and his family, after its demolition by Israeli bulldozers two weeks ago. The military commander present accused Hanani of "making a challenge" for the army in his actions, by re-building on the same site as the former home. The commander informed Hanani that he was not to re-build in this area, , but to move his family and their animals to another, unspecified location.
Press briefing: Case closed on shooting of American citizen Tristan Anderson
1/31/2010 - International Solidarity Movement - Who: Tristan Anderson's family and attorney, Michael Sfard / What: Press briefing about the status of Tristan's case and the planned next steps / When: Monday February 1st, 1:00 pm / Where: Alternative Information Center (AIC) – Queen Shlomzion Street 4 – Jerusalem / Why: Case closed on Tristan Anderson's case with suspicion of negligence of investigation process - indications that police did not visit the scene of the alleged offense and most probably interviewed the wrong group of border policemen. On Monday, February 1 at 1:00, the family of Tristan Anderson will hold a press conference at the AIC in Jerusalem to expose new information about the case. Anderson's lawyer, Attorney Michael Sfard will give a comprehensive update about the case, the decision to close it made by the District Attorney's office and negligence of the police investigation, and discuss the next legal steps.
BOI chief: Peace could boost Israel's economy by 7%
Ha'aretz 1 Feb 2010 - Netanyahu aide blames stalled talks on Abbas 'refusal', says policy will eventually hurt Palestinians.,
Leonard Cohen receives lifetime achievement Grammy
Ha'aretz 1 Feb 2010 - The 75-year-old poet was not the only one honored, with Michael Jackson receiving a posthumous nod.,
Abbas: Israel setting tone for one-state solution
Ha'aretz 1 Feb 2010 - Palestinian leader tells The Guardian he'd accept talks in exchange for full 3-month settlement freeze.,
Egypt police arrest 'jihadist cell' planning attacks on Israelis
Ha'aretz 1 Feb 2010 - Prosecutors say new Islamist group tried to target the shrine of Rabbi Abu Hasira in the Nile delta.
Dubai not ruling out Mossad hand in murder of Hamas official
Ha'aretz 1 Feb 2010 - Dubai narrows down 7 European suspects; Report: Assassins injected Mabhouh with heart attack drug.
How Israel's Tourism Minister spends a 'work week' in Spain
Ha'aretz 1 Feb 2010 - Misezhnikov's trip to Spain was replete with nightly outings and a handshake with an Iranian official.,
J.D. Salinger, an American Jewish writer unlike any other
Ha'aretz 1 Feb 2010 - Salinger, who died last week aged 91, was born to a Jewish father but did not learn of his roots till his teens.,
Israel closes case of U.S. activist hurt during West Bank protest
Ha'aretz 1 Feb 2010 - Tristan Anderson left comatose after hit in head by tear gas canister; Justice Min. sees no criminal intent.,
U.S. Jews and Latinos form unlikely bond over immigration policy
Ha'aretz 1 Feb 2010 - Jewish-Latino alliance on immigration issues builds on heritage, experience, joint needs.,
Obama adviser: U.S. and Israel working very closely on Iran
Ha'aretz 1 Feb 2010 - Jim Jones says Israel's conduct is very 'responsible,' adds Iran trying to distract world pressure.,
Turkey PM: Israel should mull future without us as ally
Ha'aretz 1 Feb 2010 - Erdogan says Turkey has done its 'best for Syria-Israel relations', deplores Netanyahu's 'inexperience'.,
Dershowitz: Goldstone is a traitor to the Jewish people
Ha'aretz 1 Feb 2010 - Dershowitz severs ties with Richard Goldstone after years of friendship over 'slanderous' Gaza probe.,
Palestinians get first private equity fund at $15m start up
Ha'aretz 1 Feb 2010 - Investors target small, medium businesses, hope to raise total to $50 million this year.,
Berlusconi to Haaretz: Israel's settlement policy is unwise
Ha'aretz 1 Feb 2010 - Italian PM, 8 Italian cabinet ministers to arrive in Israel Monday for 3-day visit, special Knesset session.,
Jordan arrests militants linked to attack on Israeli envoy
Ha'aretz 1 Feb 2010 - Jordan police say since failed attack last month there has been a police crackdown across the country.,
The Guardian 31 Jan 2010 - Exclusive interview: Palestinian president hints at mediated talks to restart moribund peace process Israel's continuing colonisation of the West Bank is leading to a "one-state solution", the Palestinian president, Mahmoud Abbas, has told the Guardian, while...
Ha'aretz 31 Jan 2010 - Transportation Minister Yisrael Katz (Likud) said on Sunday that Israel would allow the ultra-Orthodox community continue to run their private bus lines segregated by gender, but could not officially recognize the practice on public bus lines. ...
How Israel's Tourism Minister spends a 'work week' in Spain
Ha'aretz 31 Jan 2010 - What began as an official week-long work visit to Spain and Portugal turned into an embarrassing situation, not just for Tourism Minister Stas Misezhnikov, but for the entire State of Israel. ...
Last two suspects in West Bank mosque arson released to house arrest
Ha'aretz 31 Jan 2010 - The Petah Tikva Magistrate's Court on Sunday released to house arrest the final two suspects who were being held by police for their alleged involvement in the torching of a West Bank mosque in December. ...
Israeli left needs to wake up before it's too late
Ha'aretz 31 Jan 2010 - Looking at the way the right acts makes one go green with envy and want to learn from them. Four hundred criminal cases opened against opponents of the 2005 Gaza Strip disengagement, people who threw oil, acid, garbage and stones at soldiers and police, were closed last week and their criminal record expunged. Fifty-one MKs voted in favor of the closure, nine against. That is the true map of Israeli politics (and society). Only about seven percent of the lawmakers believed that this was a worthless and dangerous decision. All the rest agreed with it, or did not bother to vote or take an interest. ...
Sea of Galilee water levels rise nearly a meter in two months
Ha'aretz 31 Jan 2010 - Heavy rainfall boosts capacity by equivalent to total desalinated by Israel each year.
Relief Web 30 Jan 2010 - Source: Palestine Monitor
Palestine submits preliminary report on Gaza war, hopes Hamas will cooperate
Relief Web 30 Jan 2010 - Source: Kuwait News Agency
YNet News 1 Feb 2010 - Naftali Bennett, prime minister's former chief of staff, appointed to run central settlers' body but does not even live in settlement. 'There is a 20-year erosion of relations between the public and Judea and Samaria. Even if we win the battle with Netanyahu, someone else will come after him,' one of his associates
Senior officers punished over Gaza op
YNet News 1 Feb 2010 - Israel's response to Goldstone Report reveals Gaza Division Commander Brigadier-General Eyal Eisenberg, former Givati Brigade Commander Colonel Ilan Malka 'disciplined for exceeding their authority in a manner that jeopardized the lives of others' in incident involving alleged damage to UNRWA compound
Barak: Don't involve IDF in Goldstone probe
YNet News 1 Feb 2010 - In face of international pressure to appoint independent commission of inquiry into Operation Cast Lead, defense minister wants team of senior Israeli and foreign legal experts to examine government's instructions to IDF during operation, investigation of incidents by judge advocate general
Retired IDF officials: Abuse of Palestinians rare
YNet News 31 Jan 2010 - Former army seniors admit cases of abuse against Palestinians described by female soldiers as part of Breaking the Silence report occur but are rare. Former IDF chief of staff Amnon-Lipkin Shahak says incidents cannot be completely avoided
Abbas: Occupation leading to one-state solution
YNet News 31 Jan 2010 - Palestinian president tell the Guardian, 'There will be progress if Israel accepts accept framework of two-state solution based on the 1967 borders and an end to occupation.' Adds: There will be no return to armed struggle; it would destroy our territories and our country
Jordan arrests dozens over attack on Israeli diplomats
YNet News 31 Jan 2010 - Police crackdown across Hashemite Kingdom focuses mainly on militants who seek to revive strict Muslim doctrine
Israeli woman suspected of trying to smuggle Palestinians into Israel
YNet News 31 Jan 2010 - Soldier at busy Hizma Checkpoint whose suspicion was aroused by van driver, discovers 10 Palestinians concealed inside vehicle
Mazuz wants severer punishment for terror
YNet News 31 Jan 2010 - Attorney general proposes longer prison sentences, confiscation of property in terror cases
Daily Star 1 Feb 2010 The police chief of Dubai said Sunday Israel's spy agency Mossad or others with a vested interest could have killed a top militant of Hamas in a Dubai hotel room. "It could be Mossad, or another party," police chief Dhahi Khalfan told AFP. "Personally- I don't exclude any party that has an interest in the assassination" of Mahmoud al-Mabhuh, he said
Supersub 'Gedo' the hero as Egypt retains African crown
Daily Star 1 Feb 2010 Egypt entered the record books on Sunday, beating Ghana 1-0 in the final of the Africa Cup of Nations with super-substitute Mohamed 'Gedo' Nagy lifting the Pharaohs to their third straight title. Gedo, who has scored from the bench in Egypt's last four games in Angola, came on in the 63rd minute and produced his magic with five minutes left on the clock to cement Egypt's standing as the kings of Africa
Egypt says 'militants' plotting attack on Israelis arrested
Daily Star 1 Feb 2010 Twenty-five Egyptians were arrested on suspicion of planning a bombing attack against Jewish pilgrims in the country and belonging to a militant Islamist group, a security official said on Sunday. The official said the suspects, rounded up over the past few weeks in the Nile Delta governorate of Daqahlia, were found in possession of explosives and rudimentary rocket warheads
Suicide bomber kills two at restaurant in Iraq's Samarra
Daily Star 1 Feb 2010 A suicide bomber detonated an explosives belt Saturday at a restaurant popular with Iraqi security forces in a city that was once a flash point for sectarian slaughter, killing at least two people, authorities said. The attack came the same day an Al-Qaeda front group in Iraq claimed responsibility for a suicide bombing Tuesday at Baghdad's main crime lab that killed 22 people
Iran tries 16 opposition supporters for rioting, plotting against establishment
Daily Star 1 Feb 2010 Iran put 16 opposition supporters detained during anti-government protests last month on trial Saturday on charges of rioting and conspiring against the ruling system, Iran's state media reported. The defendants face charges ranging from plotting against the establishment to violating security regulations, said the official IRNA news agency
Palestinian Information Center
10 Fatah leaders officially resign in NablusPIC 1 Feb 2010 - 10 Fatah leaders submitted their official resignations to the leadership of their movement’s central committee in Nablus in protest at monopolizing the regulatory decision-making.
British Times: Hit men injected Mabhouh with poisonous drug
PIC 1 Feb 2010 - The Times newspaper said that Hamas official Mahmoud Mabhouh was injected by professional hit squad with a drug causing a heart attack in order to show that his death was natural.
Agriculture ministry: Power outages and fuel shortages portend a food crisis
PIC 1 Feb 2010 - The ministry of agriculture warned that the power outages and the shortages of fuel and gas adversely affected the agricultural sector in Gaza and portends an imminent food crisis.
Kharsina settlers seize Palestinian lands in Al-Khalil
PIC 1 Feb 2010 - A large number of Israeli settlers from Kharsina settlement, east of Al-Khalil took over Palestinian citizens’ lands and planted some saplings under military protection
Rally outside Egyptian embassy in Paris in protest at Egypt’s iron wall
PIC 1 Feb 2010 - The coalition of Sheikh Yassin on Saturday evening staged a massive rally outside the Egyptian embassy in Paris to demand Egypt to ease the siege on Gaza and stop building its iron wall.
OCHA holds PA responsible for Gaza power crisis
PIC 1 Feb 2010 - The UN office for the coordination of humanitarian affairs held the Palestinian authority responsible for Gaza electricity crisis, saying that the PA refrained from paying for industrial fuel.
Zahhar: Israel will be fully responsible for expanding the arena of conflict
PIC 1 Feb 2010 - Dr. Mahmoud Al-Zahhar stated that if Israel wanted to change the rules of the game and expand the arena of conflict, It would be fully responsible for the repercussions.
Egypt detains chief of police patrols in Khan Younis upon his return to Gaza
PIC 1 Feb 2010 - The Egyptian authorities detained the chief of police patrols in the city of Khan Younis Ibrahim Maarouf upon his return along with ill father from a medical treatment trip abroad.
Committee of solidarity with Nofal slams Egypt for arresting Ma’rouf
PIC 1 Feb 2010 - The committee of solidarity with Ayman Nofal, a prisoner in Egyptian jails, deplored the Egyptian security for arresting Ibrahim Ma’rouf, the chief of police patrols in Khan Younis.
Israeli court allows settlers to storm Palestinian home in Jerusalem
PIC 1 Feb 2010 - Israeli settlers stormed the second floor of a house owned by a Palestinian woman in the old city of occupied Jerusalem after an Israeli court allowed them to enter it on a daily basis.
LA Times 1 Feb 2010 - Mahmoud Mabhouh was a middleman who moved Iranian antiaircraft missiles and other weapons into the Gaza Strip and Lebanon, an Israeli military official says. His death remains a mystery. A Hamas military commander slain in a Dubai hotel room played a key role in smuggling antiaircraft missiles and other weapons into the Gaza Strip, Israeli and Hamas officials said Sunday.
U.S. beefs up defenses near Iran
LA Times 31 Jan 2010 - New antimissile systems are being set up in Persian Gulf countries, including early-warning radar and missile batteries. Washington emphasizes that the measures are intended to be defensive. The Obama administration has increased the U.S. military presence near Iran and is accelerating installation of antimissile systems in nearby countries, officials said Saturday, as the White House builds pressure for stern new sanctions against Tehran.
Iran's opposition leaders call for big turnout on anniversary of '79 revolution
LA Times 31 Jan 2010 - Mir-Hossein Mousavi and Mehdi Karroubi condemn recent executions, seen as an attempt to intimidate the green movement. But a hard-liner warns that protesters would be 'firmly confronted.' Leaders of Iran's opposition movement and the country's hard-line establishment sharpened their months-long confrontation Saturday, with opponents calling on demonstrators to take to the streets on a highly charged anniversary next week and the judiciary putting 16 alleged protesters on trial.
Another unsung death on the Nile
LA Times 30 Jan 2010 - Struggling to make ends meet, Samir Asar took his life, torn between his new wife and his parents. For them his loss is catastrophic. But it is just one of many in Egypt's desperately poor delta area. He hanged himself in a room above a donkey stall. He lived there with his new wife; he will not know the child she carries inside her; never again will he work the summer fields, walk home along the canal at dusk with his brother.
Hard-line cleric's harsh words aimed at Iranian opposition
LA Times 30 Jan 2010 - Ayatollah Ahmad Jannati, a close ally of President Ahmadinejad, presents a religious justification for killing opponents of the government. A high-ranking Iranian cleric close to both supreme leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei and President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad sharpened the rhetoric against opposition supporters by giving religious justification for their killings in a fiery Friday sermon.
New York Times 1 Feb 2010 - During one of the most serious outbreaks of sectarian violence in years, Egypt declared that any talk of sectarian conflict amounted to sedition.
Main Opposition Leaders in Iran Call for Rally
New York Times 30 Jan 2010 - A protest on Feb. 11 would be the first rally since 10 people were killed and hundreds were wounded in cities across Iran on Dec. 27.
Clinton Warns China on Iran Sanctions
New York Times 30 Jan 2010 - The secretary of state told China on Friday that it would face diplomatic isolation if it did not fall in line.
Hamas Official Murdered in Dubai Hotel
New York Times 30 Jan 2010 - Mahmoud al-Mabhouh, 50, was a founder of the military wing of Hamas, and the Palestinian group accused Israel of the killing.
Israel Defends Its Inquiry Into Gaza War
New York Times 30 Jan 2010 - The letter was the first official response to a harshly critical U.N. study called the Goldstone report.
Israel Signals Tougher Line on West Bank Protests
New York Times 29 Jan 2010 - The Israeli Army and security forces have recently begun clamping down, arresting scores of local organizers and activists and conducting nighttime raids on the homes of others.
Palestine Monitor - 30 Jan 2010 - Around twenty residents of Nabi Salah village were injured during Friday's demonstration, directed mainly at the Hallamish settlement which occupies the village's farmland and primary water source. Most of those injured were children not participating in the protest, tear gassed and fired upon with rubber bullets...
Neocon junket: ‘live penetration raids in Arab territory’
Mondoweiss - 31 Jan 2010 - Below is an ad that was in Haaretz lately for the Ultimate Mission to Israel . The trip is a red-meat propaganda trip of a retro-masculine character–"live exhibition of penetration raids in Arab territory"– pitched to American professionals, accountants, doctors, lawyers. The fascination is not just the...
Israel not always a force for good in Haiti
Mondoweiss - 31 Jan 2010 - [This ran originally in Ha’aretz , by Nirit Ben-Ari; this translation ran Feb. 1 in WW4 Report : Haiti and the Jews: Forgotten History. Key paragraphs: But it seems the Israeli involvement in the nation was not always so positive. On Dec. 27, 1982, the US newspaper Christian...
Dershowitz’s latest celebrity client
Mondoweiss - 31 Jan 2010 - It appears the man who defended O.J. Simpson will go to any length for his current celebrity client, the State of Israel. From Haaretz : "Dershowitz calls Goldstone a traitor to the Jewish people." In his book, The Best Defense , Dershowitz gave a view of the approach...
Goldstone explains why Israel is being singled out (after South Africa and Serbia)
Mondoweiss - 31 Jan 2010 - The other night I came home from Judge Goldstone’s speech at Yale and, sensing that it was important, posted a quick report. In days since I’ve relistened to the speech and seen its depths. Though it was not about Gaza per se, nearly everything the judge...
Israeli NGO: IDF combat doctrine in Gaza ’caused intentional and large-scale damage to civilian infrastructure’
Mondoweiss - 30 Jan 2010 - One of the most important questions raised by the Goldstone Report is whether there was an intentional Israeli objective to destroy Gaza’s civilian infrastructure. As B’Tselem’s Executive Director Jessica Montell explained here in Mondoweiss : We all know the extent of the destruction in Gaza: homes, mosques,...
Articles
The kangaroo
Uri Avnery, Ma’an News Agency 1/31/2010
George Mitchell looks like a kangaroo hopping around with an empty pouch.
He hops here and he hops there. Hops to Jerusalem and hops to Ramallah, Damascus, Beirut, Amman (but, God forbid, not to Gaza, because somebody may not like it). Hops, hops, but doesn"™t take anything out of his pouch, because the pouch is empty.
So why does he do it? After all, he could stay at home, raise roses or play with his grandchildren.
This compulsive traveling reveals a grain of chutzpah. If he has nothing to offer, why waste the time of politicians and media people? Why burn airplane fuel and damage the environment?
The declared aim of Mitchell is to "get the peace process going again." How? "Get the two sides to return to the negotiating table."
There is a naive American belief that all the problems of the world could be solved if only the parties would sit down at the table and talk. When reasonable people talk to each other, they will eventually arrive at a solution.
The trouble with this is that the people responsible for the fate of nations are not, in general, reasonable people. They are politicians with passions and prejudices and constituencies, who are driven by the mood of the masses. When one is dealing with a 130-year old conflict, the naïve belief in the value of talk borders on folly. more.. e-mail
Iran And Obama’s State Of The Union Address: Back To The Future?
Flynt Leverett and Hillary Mann Leverett, The Race for Iran 1/30/2010
In a State of the Union address that devoted less time or attention to foreign policy than any recent counterpart, President Obama provided disturbing evidence as to the ongoing strategic regression of his administration’s Iran policy.
Obama has moved, during just one year in office, from relatively forward-leaning expressions of interest in engaging Iran on the basis of “mutual interests” and in an atmosphere of “mutual respect” to rhetoric reminiscent of President George W. Bush’s description of an “axis of evil” (North Korea, Saddam Husayn’s Iraq, and the Islamic Republic of Iran) in his 2002 State of the Union address. Last night, Obama equated Iran’s nuclear activities with North Korea’s nuclear weapons program—even though there is no doubt that North Korea has built nuclear weapons and no evidence that the Islamic Republic has done so or even tried to do so. (For good measure, the President effectively put the status of Iranian women in the same category as that of their Afghan sisters. While one can take issue with restrictions still in place on Iranian women, the educational, professional, and social standing of women in the Islamic Republic is among the highest in the greater Middle East and clearly superior to the status of women in Afghanistan.)
There was no mention of engaging Tehran in last night’s speech. Instead, the emphasis—as during George W. Bush’s administration—was on isolating and punishing Iran. With regard to the nuclear issue, in particular, Obama said that “as Iran’s leaders continue to ignore their obligations, there should be no doubt: They, too, will face growing consequences.” (Departing from his prepared text at this point in the speech, the President added starkly: “That is a promise.”) more.. e-mail
Britain’s Jewish Chronicle warns Gordon Brown: change UK law to accommodate Israeli war criminals or you are finished
Gilad Atzmon, Redress 1/31/2010
Britain’s Jewish Chronicle is apparently stupid enough to unveil the ferocity of Zionist lobbying within the British government and its corridors of power. The Jewish newspaper is happy to outline the relentless measures that are being taken by Jewish lobbyists in order to Zionize the British legal system and the values underlying it.
One can assume the supporters of Israel in Britain are anything but happy with Britain’s magistrates being able to implement universal jurisdiction laws – laws that allow local magistrates to issue arrest warrants for high profile foreign visitors accused of war crimes. The rabid Zionist Jewish Chronicle is obviously outraged because universal jurisdiction puts most of the Israeli political and military echelon at severe risk. Last month former Israeli Foreign Minister Tzipi Livini cancelled her visit to Britain over fears that arrest warrants would be issued in connection with accusations of war crimes under laws of universal jurisdiction.
Israeli flag superimposed on UK flagHow long will it take before the British people say no to Israeli and Zionist infiltration of their politics, laws and values?
Surely, universal jurisdiction is not a bad thing. It is actually an ethically-based idea that is there to prevent world leaders from abusing their powers and committing crimes against humanity. It is also there to prosecute war criminals and to stop them from celebrating their crimes. Yet, it is not very surprising that the only political lobby in Britain that acts against such a set of universal laws is the Zionist lobby. more.. e-mail
Eight Children Hospitalised in Nabi Saleh Siege
Palestine Monitor: 30 Jan 2010 - Around twenty residents of Nabi Salah village were injured during Friday's demonstration, directed mainly at the Hallamish settlement which occupies the village's farmland and primary water source. Most of those injured were children not participating in the protest, tear gassed and fired upon with rubber bullets as they sheltered in a nearby house. Although yesterday was only the fourth protest of its kind, Nabi Salah has fast become a hub of the popular struggle, adopting the non-violent principles of its sister movements in Bilin and Ni'lin. Following on from the fractious scenes of the previous week, which saw six arrests and several serious injuries, around 200 villagers and activists approached the IDF positions waving flags and chanting demands for the return of their land, annexed by settlers. The protest begins peacefully. Hallamish settlement in the background. Photo by Renee Lewis They were met with volleys of tear gas, sound bombs...