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News
International Middle East Media Center
Israeli
Police Remove Evicted East Jerusalem Family's Tent; Israelis &
Internationals Aid to Rebuild
IMEMC
2 Feb 2010 - Tuesday February 02, 2010 - 16:43, On Tuesday at dawn, the
Israeli police entered the East Jerusalem neighborhood of Sheikh Jarrah
to remove the tent owned by al-Gawi family, a Palestinian family
evicted from their home.
UN
Findings Contradict Israeli Response on Gaza
IMEMC
2 Feb 2010 - Tuesday February 02, 2010 - 16:20, British daily, The
Guardian, have reported that the Israeli response to the report
authored by Richard Goldstone and his UN fact-finding team, contains a
critical error, regarding the al-Badr flour mill.
Egyptian
Driver Injured at the Borders with Gaza
IMEMC
2 Feb 2010 - Tuesday February 02, 2010 - 16:05, An Egyptian driver was
injured, Tuesday afternoon, when his car was attacked by stones as it
passed the border road between southern Gaza and Egypt.
The
Israeli Military Detains 10 Civilians & Hands Out 6 Demolition
Orders In The West Bank
IMEMC
2 Feb 2010 - Tuesday February 02, 2010 - 15:55, Ten Palestinian
civilians were detained by Israeli troops, on Tuesday, as the military
served six demolition orders to families during different invasions
targeting West Bank communities.
Hamas
Leader Survives Assassination Attempt
IMEMC
2 Feb 2010 - Tuesday February 02, 2010 - 11:29, A Hamas leader
survived, on Tuesday at dawn, an assassination attempt after unknown
assailants placed an explosive charge in his parked vehicle in Khan
Younis refugee camp, in the southern part of the Gaza Strip.
Ethiopian
Man Wounded By Egyptian Fire, Another Man Detained
IMEMC
2 Feb 2010 - Tuesday February 02, 2010 - 10:23, Egyptian security
sources reported Monday that a young Ethiopian man was shot and wounded
by Egyptian Border Police fire, and another man was arrested while
trying to infiltrate Israel through an area south of Kerem Shalom
(Karem Abu Salem) Crossing.
Barak
Warns Of Confrontations With Syria
IMEMC
2 Feb 2010 - Tuesday February 02, 2010 - 07:12, Israeli Defense
Minister, Ehud Barak, warned, Monday, of the possibility of military
confrontations with Syria due to the lack of progress during indirect
talks with the country, and added that such an issue could develop into
a comprehensive war.
Hamas:
“Abbas No Longer Represents The Palestinians”
IMEMC
2 Feb 2010 - Tuesday February 02, 2010 - 02:01, On Monday, Islamic
Resistance Movement, Hamas, issued a statement challenging the
legitimacy of president Mahmoud Abbas, stating that Abbas’ term in
office is over, and that he does not represent the Palestinian people
and their aspirations anymore.
HRW
Report: “Jordan: Stop Withdrawing Nationality from Palestinian-Origin
Citizens”
IMEMC
2 Feb 2010 - Tuesday February 02, 2010 - 01:19, (Amman) - Jordan should
stop withdrawing nationality arbitrarily from Jordanians of Palestinian
origin, Human Rights Watch said in a report released today. Authorities
stripped more than 2,700 of these Jordanians of their nationality
between 2004 and 2008, and the practice continued in 2009, Human Rights
Watch said.
Two
Explosives Located Off Ashkelon Port
IMEMC
2 Feb 2010 - Tuesday February 02, 2010 - 00:54, The Israeli police
reported, Monday evening, that two explosives were located off Ashkelon
and Ashdod shorelines. Military engineers rushed to the scene and
safely defused the explosives.
Israeli
jets strike southern Gaza
2/3/2010
- Bethlehem - Ma'an - Israeli warplanes carried out airstrikes on at
least two targets in the southern Gaza Strip overnight, witnesses said
and the Israeli military confirmed. Three Palestinians were reportedly
wounded and three others reported missing shortly after six separate
strikes, which targeted the Yasser Arafat International Airport in
Dahaniya and a tunnel along the Gaza-Egypt border. Israeli forces
launched the strikes "in response for the attempted naval attacks in
southern Israel and recent rocket attacks," an Israeli military
spokesman said in a statement over the phone. The official added that
the army confirmed direct hits on both targets, which he alleged
included a tunnel used for smuggling weapons and a "terror tunnel" on
the border meant for carrying out attacks in Israel.
Psychological
trauma stalks Gaza children
2/2/2010
- Gaza - IRIN - Mona Samouni, 12, is depressed and has nightmares about
the day - just over a year ago - when she witnessed her parents and
several relatives being shot by Israeli soldiers in their home in
Az-Zaitoun, southeast of Gaza City. Like a number of other children who
witnessed horrific events during last year's 23-day Israeli military
operation in the Gaza Strip, Mona has become increasingly withdrawn and
silent - common ways of coping with tragedies, doctors say. Statistics
about Palestinians who lost their lives during the military operation
vary, but NGOs place the overall number of persons killed between 1,387
and 1,417. The Gaza authorities report 1,444 fatal casualties, whilst
Israel provides a figure of 1,166, according to the UN Fact Finding
Mission on the Gaza Conflict, also known as the Goldstone report - The
killing of Mona's family is one of the. . .
Prisoners
society accuses Israel negligence
2/2/2010
- Hebron - Ma'an - The Palestinian Prisoners Society of Hebron accused
Israeli doctors of negligence and failing to provide care to critical
patients. Head of the society Amjad An-Najjar said there were 300
detainees and ex-detainees in the govornorate who had suffered from
inadequate treatment. He outlined the case of Muhammad Abdul Afu
Al-Imleh, 26, who suffered renal failure while he was in prison, and
Hamza At-Tarayreh, who was diagnosed with throat cancer shortly after
his release. Al-Imleh was detained in 2004 and released in 2007. His
kidney problems were so acute he was left with no option other than a
transplant, which was arranged in Jordan in 2008, An-Najjar said. The
youth was sent to the Ar-Ramleh Hospital, the only facility equipped
for prisoners in need of medical attention, but An-Najjar said he was
not okayed for a transplant at the time.
Mideast
NGOs deplore politically motivated attacks
2/2/2010
- The following is an open letter signed by a coalition of Palestinian,
Israeli, and international human rights organizations. - The Board of
Directors of Rights & Democracy, a not-for-profit organization
created by Canada's parliament in 1988 to encourage and support human
rights around the world, recently voted, with substantial objection, to
repudiate grants given to Al-Haq and the Al-Mezan Centre for Human
Rights, two well-known Palestinian human rights organizations located
respectively in the West Bank and in Gaza. The chairperson of the Board
of Directors of Rights and Democracy, Aurel Braun, was quoted in The
Globe and Mail as criticizing both organizations for being two "of the
most vitriolic anti-Israeli organizations" and for their accusations
against Israel's human rights violations. Further, the article reports
that Braun said that "there is no way to ensure that some. . . "
Arab
politicians ’facing increased persecution’ in Israel
2/3/2010
- Nazareth - Leaders of the Palestinian minority in Israel warned this
week that they were facing an unprecedented campaign of persecution,
backed by the right-wing government of Benjamin Netanyahu, designed to
stop their political activities. The warning came after Said Nafaa, a
Druze member of the Israeli parliament, was stripped of his immunity
last week, clearing the way for him to be tried for a visit to Syria
three years ago. In recent weeks legal sanctions have been invoked
against two other Palestinian political leaders, following clashes with
the Israeli security forces at demonstrations against the occupation,
and pressure is growing for two more members of Knesset to be
investigated. Palestinian politicians are particularly concerned about
a bill introduced last month requiring all parliamentary candidates to
swear loyalty to Israel as a Jewish state.
Qaraqe:
65 dentists to attend to Palestinian prisoners
2/2/2010
- Ramallah - Ma'an - Palestinian Authority Minister of Prisoners and
Ex-Detainees' Affairs Issa Qaraqe struck a deal on Tuesday with the
Arab Dentists' Society in which 65 specialists will attend to prisoners
in Israeli jails. The medical visits will be coordinated with the
ministry as detainees are in need of dental treatment, the minister
said. All of the dentists hold Israeli citizenship and therefore have
access to prisoners. Qaraqe noted that the deal follows recent failures
to provide Palestinians with adequate medical care by the Israeli
Prison Administration. According to the minister, at least 1,500
Palestinian detainees suffer from a number of serious illnesses,
including cancer. The minister called on local and international human
rights organizations to intervene in the cases of those detainees whose
health is deteriorating as a result of the alleged Israeli medical
negligence.
Jordan
urged to stop stripping Palestinians of citizenship
2/2/2010
- Bethlehem - Ma'an - Jordan should stop withdrawing nationality
arbitrarily from Jordanians of Palestinian origin, the New York-based
Human Rights Watch said in a report released on Monday. Authorities
stripped more than 2,700 of these Jordanians of their nationality
between 2004 and 2008, and the practice continued in 2009, the human
rights organization has alleged. Its 60-page report, "Stateless Again:
Palestinian-Origin Jordanians Deprived of their Nationality ," details
what Human Rights Watch termed the arbitrary manner, with no clear
basis in law, in which Jordan deprives its citizens who were originally
from the West Bank of their nationality, thereby denying them basic
citizenship rights such as access to education and health care. "Jordan
is playing politics with the basic rights of thousands of its
citizens," said Sarah Leah Whitson, Middle East director of Human
Rights Watch.
Palestinian
universities, colleges on partial strike
2/2/2010
- Ramallah - Ma'an - The Union of Palestinian Public Universities and
Colleges undertook a partial strike on Tuesday in two universities and
three colleges across the occupied Palestinian territories. The Al-Aqsa
University in Gaza, the Khodouri University in Tulkarem in the West
Bank, the Ramallah Technical College for Girls, Al-Umma College, and
Al-Arroub College were on strike between 8am to noon as employees
remained in their offices, followed by a complete suspension of classes
after midday. Head of the Union of Employees Abdul-Jawwad Al-Atrash
said the strike was "part of the union's protests against the lack of
response from the Palestinian Ministry of Education to unresolved
employees' causes for the last four years. "He added that employees
were growing increasingly frustrated with the ministry's approach
toward their causes, asserting that the ministry tried to marginalize
the employees' union.
Israel:
Armed Palestinian detained, 4 others
2/3/2010
- Bethlehem - Ma'an - The Israeli army said on Tuesday that military
police detained a Palestinian after discovering a bomb, two
fragmentation grenades, a knife and ammunition in his belongings at the
Tulkarem checkpoint Hervat Jibara. "The Palestinian was taken for
questioning by security forces," the military said in a statement.
Overnight, the Israeli army detained four "wanted" Palestinians "during
an IDF operation in the Judea and Samaria region [the West Bank]. "They
were detained from Jenin, Qalandiya, Ramallah and Qadura, near Hebron,
and transferred to security forces for further investigations, the
statement concluded. [end]
UN
closes Palestinian refugee camp in Iraq
2/3/2010
- Damascus - The main UN refugee agency closed the Al-Tanf refugee camp
between the borders of Syria and Iraqi on Monday and relocated the last
of the Palestinian refugees who had been stranded in the bleak no-man's
land for nearly four years. The UN High Commissioner for Refugees,
working in cooperation with the Syrian authorities, transferred the
last 60 camp residents on Monday morning. They will be housed
temporarily at another refugee camp, Al-Hol, inside Syria. "I am very
happy that this is finally over," said Abu Mohanned, one of the
relocated refugees. "We have been waiting for this for such a long time
and yet we are anxious about what's next. We have suffered a lot and
have been forced to leave with no document in hand after living 60
years in Iraq. We just want a place that welcomes us and recognizes us
as human beings. . . "
Israeli
police chase down, detain 4 in East Jerusalem
2/2/2010
- Bethlehem - Ma'an - Four Palestinians were chased down and detained
by Israeli forces in Al-Eizariyya on Monday night, as witnesses
described a high-speed chase through the streets of occupied East
Jerusalem. Witnesses identified two of the detainees as Dawood Abu
Ar-Reish, and Muhammad Sinnawi. Four military patrol cars were said to
have ambushed a Palestinian Fiat car near the center of Al-Eizariyya.
[end]
One
Gaza crossing open
2/2/2010
- Gaza - Ma'an - One Gaza crossing will open on Tuesday, Israeli
officials announced, allowing limited amounts of aid, fuel and exports.
Gaza liaison officer Raed Fattouh said 100 to 110 truckloads were
expected, moving aid, commercial goods, products for the agricultural
sector and four truckloads of materials for the Palestine
Telecommunication Company. The official also said limited amounts of
cooking gas would be transferred, as well. Exports will continue during
the week, with one truck of flowers and one of strawberries to be
exported and shipped to Europe under the auspices of a Dutch government
program supporting Gaza's farmers. [end]
PCHR
condemns arson attack on Gaza resort
2/2/2010
- Bethlehem - Ma'an - Two masked men set fire to the gates of the
Al-Basha Resort in Gaza City on Tuesday, causing serious damage to the
sign and no injuries, the Palestinian Centre for Human Rights reported.
According to the investigation, the attack occurred at 5:30am. The
resort is in the Ad-Daraj neighborhood in the east of Gaza City, and is
owned by Mohammed Zakareya As-Sawafiri. It was the second violent
incident of the day, after a 3am car bombing that injured two children.
Following its investigation, the PCHR distributed a statement saying it
"strongly condemns" the act, and saw it as part of "the state of
security chaos and misuse of weapons" in Gaza. Workers called on the
Office of the Attorney General to open "serious investigations into the
incident and to bring the perpetrators to justice. " . . . .
East
Jerusalem protests revive hope in Israeli left
2/2/2010
- Bethlehem - Ma'an - A record number of Israeli demonstrators in East
Jerusalem's Sheikh Jarrah neighborhood on Friday challenged the trend
of continued arrests and threats to protesters, reviving hope in an
Israeli left. Despite police plans to end the demonstration with force,
more than 300 Palestinians, internationals, and Israeli activists
gathered in Sheikh Jarrah on Friday afternoon to protest the evictions
of Palestinian families from their homes. A record number of protesters
attended the rally, which most expected would end in dozens of arrests
and possibly violence. During previous protests, dozens were detained
including the director of the Association for Civil Rights in Israel,
Hagai El-Ad. When police and protesters clashed in December, 21 were
detained. The Israeli daily Haaretz estimated that more than 70
demonstrators have been arrested to date.
Israel:
Projectile lands in the Negev
2/3/2010
- Bethlehem - Ma'an/Agencies - A homemade projectile landed in an open
area in the Eshkol Regional Council in southern Israel on Tuesday
afternoon, Israeli media reported. Residents heard a loud blast at
around 3pm and a Color Red siren was sounded, the Hebrew-language daily
daily Yedioth Ahronoth reported. No damage or injuries were reported.
[end]
Gaza
blast destroys Hamas official’s car
2/2/2010
- Gaza - Ma'an - The private car of Hamas leader Yousif Sarsour (known
as Abu Omar) was destroyed by explosives in front of his home in Khan
Younis on Tuesday morning, medics said. Palestinian medical sources
said two children, hit by shrapnel and flying glass, were evacuated to
the An-Nasser Hospital in Khan Younis, while Abu Omar remained
unharmed. Medical sources described the childrens' injuries as light.
Sarsour told Ma'an that he "heard a resonant explosion at around 3am
that shook the area. "He said he thought the blast was the result of an
Israeli air strike, but then saw the car in front of his home was
destroyed without damage to any other area. Sarsour described that
apparent attack as "cowardly act" by forces he described as "backward,
not even approaching the level of human," on account of the injury of
two children, his young neighbors.
Egyptian
injured by stone-throwing youths
2/2/2010
- Gaza - Ma'an - An Egyptian man was injured whilst driving close to
the Gaza-Egypt border on Tuesday by Palestinian youths hurling stones,
Egyptian security sources told Ma'an. Abbas Al-Rubari, who was driving
an Egyptian government vehicle, sustained injuries to the head and
face, the sources said. Al-Rubari was en route to the Rafah crossing on
Egypt's side. Sources added that the car was damaged in the incident.
Egyptian authorities have launched an investigation and called on
Palestinians to enforce stricter security measures on their borders
with Egypt. [end]
Hamas:
Reprimands prove Israel committed war crimes
2/2/2010
- Gaza - Ma'an - Israel's willingness to punish its own officers is
proof enough the country's armed forces committed war crimes, Hamas
spokesman Fawzi Barhoum said on Tuesday. The statement followed news
reports that Israel took disciplinary action for over a brigadier
general and a colonel for their actions during last year's war on Gaza.
The disciplinary measures were announced in Israel's official response
to the UN's fact-finding mission, which was led by South African jurist
Richard Goldstone. Barhoum said that even the "occupation's allegation
that it punished its officers for their crimes in Gaza" was "clear
evidence and condemnation, [amounting to] official recognition of the
commission of war crimes against the Palestinian people. " Although
later news reports in Israel said military officials "flatly denied"
that there had in fact been any disciplinary action, Barhoum. . .
Palestinian
FM meets Spanish counterpart
2/2/2010
- Ramallah - Ma'an - PA Foreign Minister Riyad Al-Maliki met Spanish
counterpart Miguel Angel Moratinos on Tuesday in his Ramallah office to
discuss developments in bilateral relations between the PA and Spain,
as well as between the PA and EU. Al-Maliki told Moratinos that a
successful and credible political process necessitated a complete halt
to Israeli settlement activity in the Palestinian territories including
Jerusalem. Furthermore, Israel must cease all violations of
international law and resolutions, as well as all detentions,
assassinations, and incursions in Palestinian territories within the
framework of a given timeline, the PA foreign minister said. The right
of return, self-determination, and the establishment of an independent
Palestinian state for the Palestinian people should also be guaranteed,
added Al-Maliki.
Hamas
criticizes Fayyad’s participation in Herzilya conference
2/2/2010
- Gaza - Ma'an - Hamas spokesman Sami Abu Zuhri condemned caretaker
Prime Minister Salam Fayyad's participation in a Herzilya conference
which began on Tuesday. "The Palestinian Authority's cooperation with
Israel reached a political level and this is a serious indicator that
this national side has connected its projects with Israeli interests
and policies," the spokesman said in a statement. The conference,
organized by the Strategic Studies Institute, is held annually in
Israel and contributes to decisions on Israeli policy and strategy
relating to security and politics. [end]
Hamas:
PA forces detain 3 supporters
2/2/2010
- Bethlehem - Ma'an -Palestinian Authority security services detained
three Hamas members in the West Bank on Tuesday, the Islamic movement
said in a statement. Those allegedly seized included ex-detainee Faysal
Saba'neh from Qabatiya in Jenin, who was recently released from an
Israeli prison due to a deterioarting health condition, Hamas said. In
Ramallah, Khaled Abul Bahaa was detained, also a recently released
prisoner, Hamas added. In Qalqiliya, a fisherman's storehouse owned my
Muhsen Hardan was raided. Hardan is currently in a PA prison, and his
whose nephew was detained following the raid, the statement said. [end]
Said
conservatory preps for national competition
2/2/2010
- Bethlehem - Ma'an - The Edward Said National Conservatory of Music
invited Palestinian youth from the West Bank, Gaza, Jerusalem, Israel
and the occupied Golan Heights to participate in their third national
music competition. From 2001-2005 the conservatory hosted internal
competitions annually, and in 2006 they opened the spectacle to a
national body of musicians, hosting the event biennially. The 2008
competition was the first to include voice. A statement from
conservatory officials said the competition "aims at encouraging young
musicians and music students to improve their musical performance and
at enriching the musical culture in Palestine as a whole. "Mohamad
Maragha, the activity coordinator at the conservatory, said the event
was the only one of its kind in Palestine, bringing together multiple
facets of Palestinian music from all parts of Palestine.
Ha'aretz 2 Feb 2010 - Attack comes after Gaza militants fire a Qassam rocket which lands in an open field in the Negev.
Israeli Bedouin crosses border into Gaza Strip
Ha'aretz 2 Feb 2010 - Man tried crossing Jordan and Egypt borders in the past; found to suffer from mental health problems.
Israel fears more explosive-laden barrels in Mediterranean
Ha'aretz 2 Feb 2010 - Following discovery of two explosives in Ashkelon and Ashdod, police scan coast for devices.
IDF arrests two suspects plotting to attack Israel for Hamas
Ha'aretz 2 Feb 2010 - East Jerusalem residents allegedly recruited while living in Jordan and Dubai to attack civilian locations.
VIDEO: Israel's immigration police cracks down on pro-Palestinian foreigners
Ha'aretz 2 Feb 2010 - Newly formed Oz Unit has joined the IDF in at least three arrest raids on foreign activists in recent weeks.
IDF denies disciplining top officers over white phosphorous use in Gaza war
Ha'aretz 2 Feb 2010 - Army denial counters state report into Gaza shelling that found two officers jeopardized civilian lives.
Israel frees detained Lebanese shepherd into UNIFIL hands
Ha'aretz 2 Feb 2010 - Lebanese sources accuse IDF of kidnapping 17-year-old and abusing him; Lebanon MP appeals to army.
IDF arrests Lebanese shepherd carrying army knife near border
Ha'aretz 2 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 2 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 2 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 2 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 2 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 2 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 2 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 2 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 2 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 2 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 2 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 2 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 2 Feb 2010 - Haaretz learns that new 'unmanned' roadblocks in West Bank are no less restraining than those removed.
2/2/2010 - The Guardian - UN team find remains of aircraft-dropped bombs, contradicting Israeli report on military conduct during three-week conflict - A new Israeli report defending the military's conduct in the Gaza war was challenged tonight after evidence emerged apparently contradicting one of its key findings. Israel submitted a 46-page report to the UN on Friday saying its forces abided by international law throughout the three-week war last year. It was meant to avert the threat of international prosecutions and to challenge a highly critical UN inquiry by South African judge Richard Goldstone, which accused both Israel and Hamas of "grave breaches" of the fourth Geneva convention, war crimes and possible crimes against humanity. The Israeli report looked in detail at a handful of incidents, including the attack on the al-Badr flour mill in northern Gaza, which was severely damaged.
Al Mezan Condemns the IOF Attacks against Palestinian Fishermen
2/2/2010 - Al Mezan Center for Human Rights - The Israeli Occupation Forces (IOF) escalated its attacks against Palestinian fishermen. Today, Tuesday 2 February 2010, IOF naval vessels opened heavy fire at fishermen boats, followed them to the beach, and torn their fishing nets in the sea. According to the documentation of Al Mezan Centre for Human Rights, at approximately 8am on Monday 1 February 2010, IOF naval vessels were patrolling the sea opposite to Dier Al Balah town in middle Gaza district and opened fire at Palestinian fishermen boats who were working in the coast of the town and the nearby An-Nuseirat camp. Israeli vessels then sporadically fired towards fishing boats until 1pm on the same day. On Tuesday 2 February 2010, the IOF fired at fishermen boats and chased them by army rubber boats. Al Mezan’s field workers investigated these attacks and reported that fishermen boats did not exceed the limited fishing zone that had been announced by the IOF.
VIDEO - 'To shoot an elephant'
2/2/2010 - ToShootAnElephant.com - A documentary by Alberto Arce and Mohammad Rujailah, "To shoot an elephant" is an eye witness account from The Gaza Strip. December 27th, 2008, Operation Cast Lead. 21 days shooting elephants. Urgent, insomniac, dirty, shuddering images from the only foreigners who decided and managed to stay embedded inside Gaza strip ambulances, with Palestinian civilians. Sinopsis [sic] ". . . afterwards, of course, there were endless discussions about the shooting of the elephant. The owner was furious, but he was only an Indian and could do nothing. Besides, legally I had done the right thing, for a mad elephant has to be killed, like a mad dog, if it's owner fails to control it". George Orwell defined a way of witnessing Asia that still remains valid. "To shoot an elephant" is an eye witness account from The Gaza Strip. December 27th, 2008, Operation Cast Lead. 21 days shooting elephants. . . . Download the film and share it
Palestinian Woman Raises Palestinian Flag In Antarctica
2/2/2010 - Political Theatrics - A Palestinian woman living in Dubai, Susan Al-Hobi, recently climbed Vinson Mount and became the first Arab to reach the highest point in Antarctica. The peak is 4,898 meters (16,050 feet) high. Al-Hobi previously raised the Palestinian flag on the top of a number of other “highest peaks”: Kilimanjaro (Africa), Elbrus (Europe), Mont Blanc (Alps of Western Europe), Aconcagua (South America) and Toubkal (Northern Africa). According to The Gulf newspaper, Al-Hobi loves adventure and looks forward to climbing all of the seven highest mountains in the world. Remaining for her to climb are the summits of Denali (Alaska, US), Carstensz Pyramid (Papua, Indonesia) and Everest (Nepal). She says she wants to prove to the world that Arab women can conquer the impossible.
Series of Explosions and Arson attacks in Gaza
2/2/2010 - Al Mezan Center for Human Rights - Al Mezan: Attacks Condemned; Gaza Government Obligated to Investigate, Prosecute Perpetrators - Detonating explosive devices and arson attacks against cars and coffee shops have increased in the Gaza Strip. Recently, a car exploded in Khan Younis town and a coffee shop was set to fire in Gaza City. Al Mezan Centre for Human Rights condemns these acts and calls the authorities in Gaza to investigate them and prosecute their perpetrators. According to information collected by Al Mezan Centre for Human Rights, at approximately 3am on Thursday 2 February 2010, a white Subaru car owned by Yousif Mohammed Sarsour, 50, was destroyed in an explosion while parking near his house in Al Majadla neighborhood, opposite UNRWA Health Centre in refugee camp of Khan Younis. Fire started in the car and burnt it completely, as a result. The explosion caused light damages to adjacent houses; mainly due to shattered windows panes. Two brothers, Mohannad and Mohiye Ad-Din Ahmed Sarsour (4 and 6 respectively) were injured.
VIDEO - Dr. Norman Finkelstein at the University of Waterloo
2/2/2010 - YouTube - January 20, 2010 - Clip is from American Radical: The Trials of Norman Finkelstein. Copyright Baraka Productions / Typecast Releasing. [end]
Israel’s Nuclear Secrets Exposed: Vanunu’s Photos Of Dimona - 1985
2/2/2010 - The US Campaign to Free Mordechai Vanunu - Photos - Mordechai Vanunu brought his camera to work in late 1985, shortly before leaving his eight-year stint as a technician at Israel's nuclear weapons factory at Dimona. Acting on his conscience, he carefully took about 60 photos of the top-secret labs and unique production processes involved. When some of these photos were originally published in the London Sunday Times' exposé, they confirmed his eyewitness testimony about the extent of Israel's nuclear weapons program and revealed Israel to be one of the world's top nuclear powers. To this day, the Israeli government refuses international inspection of Dimona and continues to deny the existence of its nuclear arsenal. [click here for more of Vanunu's story: archive/story. html]While their publication resulted in Vanunu being locked away for an 18-year prison sentence, his photographs of Israel's nuclear weapons factory - a bold statement against nuclear secrecy and for the abolition of nuclear weapons - are here for all to see.
Congrats to Egypt…and yes it’s from Gaza!
2/1/2010 - Palestine Note - There has been a lot of talk lately that the Palestinians in Gaza hold a grudge against their Egyptian counterparts, which is untrue. A few days ago Egypt won the African cup for the third time on the row, beating the Algerian team, and as result you can see celebrations of this victory in the streets of Gaza. No one in Gaza can forget what Egyptian football player Mohamed Abu-Treka did back in Africa cup. The "We Sympathize with Gaza" t-shirt that he displayed during a match made that player a popular figure in the whole Arab countries, especially Gaza. Until now, you can find how much the people respect and love him. Yes, the Egyptian government is following policies that make our lives here in Gaza harder, but I am perfectly sure that most of the Egyptian people do not agree with it. Today is the perfect time for Egyptians and Algerians to put their disputes aside and to be happy and grateful for both teams' achievements.
Video:
East Jerusalem residents languish beyond the wall
Uruknet
February 2, 2010 - More than 50,000 Palestinian residents of East
Jerusalem live beyond the separation barrier -- areas which are
officially part of the city but cut off from its daily life. AFPTV
visited the isolated suburb of Kfar Aqeb, where Palestinians are
deprived of most municipal services....
British
Citizens vs an IDF Guard
Uruknet
February 2, 2010 - The Times reported today that the British Government
is blocking a deal for Paul and Rachel Chandler's release. The British
couple were kidnapped by Somalian pirates in the Indian Ocean. Paul and
Rachel may be facing a doomed fate as the British Government is
blocking a deal for their release...In the centre of the British
Government’s...
Torture,
Rendition Victim Maher Arar Asks Supreme Court to Allow Suit Against US
Gov’t
Uruknet
February 2, 2010 - Lawyers for the Canadian torture and rendition
victim Maher Arar are asking the Supreme Court to overturn a lower
court ruling blocking him from suing the US government. In 2002, Arar
was seized by US officials at Kennedy Airport in New York and rendered
to Syria, where he was tortured, interrogated and detained in a tiny...
Exclusive:
Israeli commander: 'We rewrote the rules of war for Gaza' Civilians
'put at greater risk to save military lives' in winter attack -
revelations that will pile pressure on Netanyahu to set up full inquiry
Uruknet
February 2, 2010 - A high-ranking officer has acknowledged for the
first time that the Israeli army went beyond its previous rules of
engagement on the protection of civilian lives in order to minimise
military casualties during last year's Gaza war, The Independent can
reveal. The officer, who served as a commander during Operation Cast
Lead, made it clear that...
Israeli
Police Remove Evicted East Jerusalem Family's Tent; Israelis &
Internationals Aid to Rebuild
Uruknet
February 02, 2010 - On Tuesday at dawn, the Israeli police entered the
East Jerusalem neighborhood of Sheikh Jarrah to remove the tent owned
by al-Gawi family, a Palestinian family evicted from their home. The
family has resorted to living in a tent situated in front of their
former residence, and the 13th time they have had to rebuild their...
Iran
president Ahmadinejad accepts nuclear deal terms
Uruknet
February 2, 2010 - Iran's president has said it is ready to send its
enriched uranium abroad for further enrichment under a deal to ease
concerns about its nuclear programme. Mahmoud Ahmadinejad told state TV
that Iran would have "no problem" if most of its stock was held for
several months before being returned as fuel rods...
AI:
Nine at risk of execution over Iran protests
Uruknet
February 2, 2010 - Amnesty International has urged the Iranian
authorities not to execute nine people sentenced to death who were
arrested in relation to the protests that followed last year's disputed
presidential election. The organization said it fears the Iranian
authorities are planning to execute some or all of the nine in public
before 11 February, the anniversary of...
Israeli
Occupation Supportive Companies to Boycott
Uruknet
February 2, 2010 - In July 2005, a coalition of 171 Palestinian Civil
Society organizations created the global BDS movement for "Boycott,
Divestment and Sanctions against Israel Until it Complies with
International Law and Universal Principles of Human Rights" for
Occupied Palestinians, Israeli Arabs, and Palestinian diaspora
refugees. Since 1948, hundreds of UN resolutions and civil society
actions condemned Israel's...
Israel
Owes Over NIS 8.3 Billion to Palestinian Workers from the Occupied
Palestinian Territories
Uruknet
Febraury 2, 2010 - The State of Israel owes more than NIS 8.3 billion
(including interest) to Palestinian workers from the Occupied
Palestinian Territories who worked in Israel. This money was deducted
from the Palestinian workers’ salaries for social benefits they did not
receive. This is the conclusion of detailed research conducted by the
Alternative Information Center (AIC) and Kav...
Israeli
troops wound two Palestinians including child in West Bank and Gaza
Uruknet
February 2, 2010 -- Clashes between the Israeli occupation forces (IOF)
and Palestinians on Monday led to the injury of two citizens including
a 10-year-old child in the West Bank village of Ni’lin and east of the
Gaza Strip. According to B’Tselem organization, an Israeli soldier
fired deliberately at very close range a rubber-coated bullet at the
head of a...
Psychological
trauma, nightmares stalk Gaza children
Uruknet
February 2, 2010 - Mona al-Samouni, 12, is depressed and has nightmares
about the day - just over a year ago - when she witnessed her parents
and a number of relatives being shot by Israeli soldiers in their home
in Zeitoun, southeast of Gaza City. Like a number of other children who
witnessed horrific events during last year’s 23-day...
Escaping
in Gaza
Uruknet
February 2, 2010 - Many in Gaza ask me, 'which is better, the
(occupied) West Bank or Gaza?’ Not giving in to the devisive efforts of
external forces and politicians, I answer that both are Palestine –it’s
all Palestine– and both have their beauties and intense hardships. The
presence of Israeli occupation soldiers in the occupied West Bank, of
remorseless...
Iraq, February 01, 2010 (Pal Telegraph) - The main UN refugee agency closed the Al-Tanf refugee camp between the borders of Syria and Iraqi on Monday and relocated the last of the Palestinian refugees who had been stranded in the bleak no-man's land for nearly four years. UNHCR, working in cooperation with the Syrian authorities, transferred the last 60 camp...
Gaza suffering severe shortage of medical supplies
Gaza, February 2, 2009 ( Pal Telegraph) - The General Department of Pharmacy is reporting that 104 essential drugs --including treatments for cancer, heart conditions, kidney disease and psychiatric disorders -- and 123 types of medical supplies have completely run out due to the Israeli blockade and ongoing closure of the crossings. The Ministry of Health in Gaza calls on all...
Two Palestinians injured by IOF soldiers in West Bank
Hebron, February 2, 2010 (Pal Telegraph) - Israeli occupation soldiers beat and wounded two Palestinians, a man and a woman, in the southern West Bank city of Hebron. Local sources said that Alaa Ibrahim Sabarna, 22, from Beit Omar, was referred to a hospital for treatment after Israeli soldiers beat him. Also beaten and sent to a hospital was Nalah Fadel...
Israeli attacks on Palestinians this week
West Bank, February 01, 2010 (Pal Telegraph) -This week, Israeli forces injured 12 Palestinians throughout the West Bank, compared to the 2009 weekly average of 17. This week's injuries bring the total number of Palestinians injured in Israeli-Palestinian violence since the beginning of 2010 to 53. Eight of this week's injuries were sustained in non-violent demonstrations throughout the West Bank:...
Gaza: Human rights issues a report of Israeli violations in January 2010
Gaza, February 2, 2010 (Pal Telegraph) - A laconic report issued by Al-Mezan Center for Palestinian human rights has confirmed continuation of the Israeli violations of human rights and the rules of international humanitarian law in the Gaza Strip in January. The report, issued by Al-Mezan center for human rights, showed the continuation of Israeli violations in the Gaza Strip...
The National 2 Feb 2010 - As the country fears another period of conflict, a black-market weapons dealer says the price of everyone's favourite rifle is rising rapidly.
Arab politicians 'facing increased persecution' in Israel
The National 1 Feb 2010 - Leaders of the Arab minority in Israel say they are facing an unprecedented campaign of persecution, backed by the right-wing government of Benjamin Netanyahu.
Abbas: I fear a one-state solution
The National 1 Feb 2010 - The Palestinian president says he is still prepared to begin negotiations if Israel agrees to institute a full settlement freeze for three months.
The Media Line 1 Feb 2010 - Israel's major aerospace manufacturer considers plans to build wind turbines. Israel's prime aircraft manufacturer is contemplating expanding its expertise of military and commercial aircrafts to the development of wind turbines. The Israeli military and civil aviation...
Somalia's Al-Shabab Aligns with Al-Qaeda
The Media Line 1 Feb 2010 - Somalia's Al-Shabab declares a formal allegiance with the global terrorist network Al-Qaeda. Somalia's Islamist Al-Shabab movement plans to become part of the global Al-Qaeda organization in an attempt to boost its standing among potential recruits and...
Israel Disciplines Senior Officers for Gaza Artillery Use
The Media Line 1 Feb 2010 - Experts argue that international law is no longer relevant in Israel's asymmetric conflict with the Palestinians. One year after the Gaza Operation, the Israeli army has reprimanded two senior officers for firing cannons in populated areas....
Israeli Beaches Closed After 2 Explosive Devices Found Offshore
The Media Line 1 Feb 2010 - Israeli security authorities are keeping civilians off the beaches until they are certain no more explosive devices are floating in the waters south of Tel Aviv. Two devices apparently set to explode were discovered on Monday....
Iran Celebrates Ayatollah Khomeini's Triumphant Return 31 Years Ago
The Media Line 1 Feb 2010 - Iran was awash in celebration on Monday, marking 31 years since the late Ayatollah Khomeini returned from exile to lead the revolution that ousted the Shah of Iran. Festivities will continue until February 11th: the anniversary...
‘Abbas Now Offering Resumption of Talks for Temporary Building Freeze
The Media Line 1 Feb 2010 - Palestinian Authority head Mahmoud 'Abbas is apparently tempering his absolute refusal to return to peace talks with Israel unless an absolute freeze in building in areas Israel acquired in the 1967 war is in place. The...
‘Wine Fatwa' Sparks Religious Spat in Morocco
The Media Line 31 Jan 2010 - A Moroccan cleric issues a ban on wine, drawing angry responses from secularists. A Moroccan cleric's religious edict banning the consumption of wine has drawn angry responses from pro-democracy groups, who say religion is being hijacked...
Israel Outlines Energy Goals
The Media Line 31 Jan 2010 - Israel plans to generate 10% of its energy needs from renewable sources by 2020. Israel hopes to have five percent of its energy needs supplied by renewable sources within five years and to double that percentage...
AlJazeera 1 Feb 2010 - Authorities detain dozens in relation to failed bomb attack on Israeli diplomats.
Israel 'disciplines' army officers
AlJazeera 1 Feb 2010 - Two reprimanded for "breaching guidelines" in shelling populated area during Gaza war.
Iran criticises US missile move
AlJazeera 2 Feb 2010 - Tehran says expansion of missile system will increase US military presence in Gulf.
Palestinian PM attends Israel forum
AlJazeera 2 Feb 2010 - Salam Fayyad discusses peace prospects with Ehud Barak in annual Herzliya conference.
Alternative Information Center
Israel Owes Over NIS 8.3 Billion to Palestinian Workers from the Occupied Palestinian TerritoriesAlternative Information Center 2 Feb 2010 - The State of Israel owes more than NIS 8.3 billion (including interest) to Palestinian workers from the Occupied Palestinian Territories who worked in Israel. This money was deducted from the Palestinian workers’ salaries for social benefits...
Meeting and Discussion: Nurit Peled
Alternative Information Center 2 Feb 2010 - The AICafé Tuesday , February 2nd, 2010 Israeli Racist Education: Discussion with Nurit Peled Nurit Peled-Elhanan i s an Israeli peace activist and professor at Hebrew University. She's one of the most prominent critical voices against the...
Attorney Sfard: Israeli Police Investigation of Shooting of Tristan Anderson “Gravely Negligent”
Alternative Information Center 1 Feb 2010 - Yesterday’s announcement by the Israeli Ministry of Justice not to indict anyone in the March 2009 shooting and critically injuring of American activist Tristan Anderson at a non-violent demonstration in the West Bank village of Ni’ilin...
PNN 2 Feb 2010 - DAMASCUS // Although the exact circumstances of the death of Mahmoud al Mabhouh may have been unanticipated he was believed electrocuted and then strangled in a Dubai hotel room the fact of his murder hardly comes as a surprise. Anyone whose job is to make sure that Hamas fighters are well-supplied with weapons for their war with Israel probably does not expect to...
Israel seeks to deport East Jerusalem man for spending too many years in U.S.
PNN 1 Feb 2010 - The Interior Ministry is demanding that a Palestinian resident of East Jerusalem be deported for having spent too many years in the United States. Elias Khayyo - who holds no foreign citizenship - has been detained for three weeks at Givon incarceration facility in Ramle with other people deemed illegal residents and slated for deportation. Khayyo, 41, was born in East Jerusalem...
ISRAEL: 'Avatar' and the Palestinian blues
PNN 1 Feb 2010 - This week, a screening of Avatar erupted into a small ruckus in a suburb when one moviegoer loudly announced that the Palestinians should learn from this movie what to do to the Jews, causing a commotion and angering others in the audience. The opinionated moviegoer was Juliano Mer-Khamis. Born in Nazereth to a Jewish mother and Arab father, he is an accomplished...
Israel 'disciplines' army officers
PNN 1 Feb 2010 - The Israeli army has disciplined two high-ranking officers for approving the use of white phosphorous shells during the Gaza offensive last year, according to local media. The Haaretz newspaper's website said on Monday that a military inquiry concluded that the Gaza division commander and a brigade commander endangered human life by firing the highly incendiary weapon towards a compound run by a...
Jeruslalem Post 2 Feb 2010 - Hura resident said to be mentally ill; IDF searches area; political leaders briefed.
‘Financial Times sees Israel as main cause of ME problems'
Jeruslalem Post 2 Feb 2010 - Study shows business paper downplays factors integral to conflict, such as terrorism and split between Hamas, Fatah.
PM: If Hamas wants deal, there'll be one
Jeruslalem Post 2 Feb 2010 - Free Gilad Schalit campaigners block Gaza fuel convoy.
'Obama erred in pressuring Israel'
Jeruslalem Post 2 Feb 2010 - Republican Mike Huckabee criticizes US administration during visit to Israel.
'Israel infiltrated Syria leadership'
Jeruslalem Post 2 Feb 2010 - Hamas probing whether Israel also got into Damascus security services.
'Iran ready to send uranium abroad'
Jeruslalem Post 2 Feb 2010 - Ahmadinejad says if West doesn't fulfill UN deal, Iran will resume enrichment on its own.
Salam Fayyad: Occupation must end
Jeruslalem Post 2 Feb 2010 - PA prime minister sits next to Barak in Herzliya during discussion on diplomacy.
MK Danon: Israel should adopt no more than 50 Haitian kids
Jeruslalem Post 2 Feb 2010 -
PM: If Hamas wants a deal, there'll be one
Jeruslalem Post 2 Feb 2010 - Free Schalit campaigners block Gaza fuel convoy.
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.
JORDAN: Palestinians Unfairly Stripped of Citizenship - Report
IPS WASHINGTON, Feb 1 (IPS) - The Jordanian government should halt the arbitrary revocation of nationality from its citizens of Palestinian origin, according to a Human Rights Watch (HRW) report released Monday.
MIDEAST: Helpless in Gaza
IPS JERSUALEM, Feb 1 (IPS) - Scores of Palestinian women and their children carefully sift through the desert sands. They are looking for hard nuggets.
Q&A: ''Hamas Accepts Existence of Israel Within 1967 Borders''
IPS RAMALLAH, Jan 29 (IPS) - Palestinian politics are at an impasse. The four-year term of the Palestinian Legislative Council (PLC) ended on Jan. 25 with no new elections planned. Presidential elections, meant to be held last year, were also postponed indefinitely.
PCHR
International Solidarity Movement
Gathering to rebuild Gawi tent creates air of solidarity and support in the face of police repression and settler violence2/3/2010 - International Solidarity Movement - 2 February - Photos - 50 Israeli and international supporters gathered today in Sheikh Jarrah to help Palestinian residents rebuild the Gawi family tent after it was demolished by police earlier in the day. The event, called by neighborhood residents and ISM activists, created a sense of support, solidarity and community in the face of high tension and repression by authorities. Two days earlier, Nasser Gawi was suspended from entering the neighborhood for 15 days after a settler attacked a child, punched Nasser, then cocked and pointed his M-16 assault rifle at a crowd of Palestinians and internationals. The weapon was seized and the settler was also expelled from Sheikh Jarrah for 15 days. Then, in a blatant attempt to break the spirit of the displaced and protesting residents, police raided and removed the living space of the Gawi family.
Sheikh Jarrah: Gawi family tent demolished as tension builds, gathering to rebuild tent today at 4PM
2/2/2010 - International Solidarity Movement - What? Gathering to rebuild Gawi family tent and show support for evicted families in Sheikh Jarrah / When? 4pm, 2 February 2010 / Where? Outside occupied Gawi family house, Sheikh Jarrah, East Jerusalem -- Sheikh Jarrah, East Jerusalem – At 4PM in a showing of solidarity with the forcefully evicted families of Sheikh Jarrah, Israeli, Palestinian and international supporters will gather to rebuild the Gawi family tent after it was demolished by police earlier today. At 9AM police raided and removed the living space of the Gawi family in Sheikh Jarrah, East Jerusalem. Local residents scrambled to remove personal belongings before police confiscated the Gawi tent where the family has been living since their forceful eviction in August of last year. This is the 12th demolition of the Gawi living space. Previous demolitions have occurred as tension in the neighborhood builds and settler vs.
Attorney Sfard: Israeli police investigation of shooting of Tristan Anderson 'gravely negligent'
2/2/2010 - International Solidarity Movement - Alternative Information Center, 1 February - Yesterday's announcement by the Israeli Ministry of Justice not to indict anyone in the March 2009 shooting and critically injuring of American activist Tristan Anderson at a non-violent demonstration in the West Bank village of Ni'ilin was based on a "gravely negligent" investigation by the Israeli police, says Israeli attorney Michel Sfard, who represents Tristan and his family. "We were notified two weeks ago that Israel decided to close this case, and our subsequent study of the investigation file led us to call this press conference," noted Sfard, who met with local and international journalists in Jerusalem at the office of the Alternative Information Center (AIC). "The investigation of the Judea and Samaria District Police into the shooting of Tristan Anderson was gravely negligent," stated Sfard.
International activists accompany Gazan farmers
2/2/2010 - International Solidarity Movement - ISM Gaza, 31 January - Farmers form the villages of Faraheen and Khuza'a , near Gaza's second biggest city of Khan Younis, reported to the ISM that routine 'sweeps' which Israelis carry out along the the border , disrupted the sowing of the wheat in the last few days available after the recent rainfall. Twice a month Israeli's enter the Gazan side of the electrified border fence to ensure that they are no explosive devices left by the Palestinian resistance in the 50 meter belt. This is the time of increased tensions when farmers experience more incidents of intimidation and firing by the Israeli border patrols. For example, in separate incidents, Israeli border patrols fired at the farmers form villages of Faraheen and Khuza'a in the morning of the Saturday, 30th January. The farmers withdrew to the safe distance and returned to continue with the wheat sowing after the soldiers left the area.
Hamas deputy: Israel press reports on Dubai killing 'far from truth'
Ha'aretz 2 Feb 2010 - Abu Marzouk told Syrian TV that Israeli media have exaggerated reports of Al-Mabhouh assassination.
Netanyahu to Hamas: Prisoner swap deal for Shalit is up to you
Ha'aretz 2 Feb 2010 - 'If Hamas wants a prisoner swap deal, it will happen,' the premier said in joint appearance with Berlusconi.
Fayyad to Barak: Israel must show that it is rolling back occupation
Ha'aretz 2 Feb 2010 - Palestinian prime minister made rare joint appearance with Israeli defense minister at Herzliya Conference.
U.S. report: Iran's nuclear program gaining ground
Ha'aretz 2 Feb 2010 - U.S. director of intelligence says it is unclear if Iran has political will to develop nuclear weapons.
Sarah Palin takes aim at 'foul-mouthed' Rahm Emanuel
Ha'aretz 2 Feb 2010 - Former GOP Vice Presidential hopeful slams White House chief of staff for 'f---ing retarded' comment.
Peres: Ahmadinejad travels like king while Iran suffers
Ha'aretz 2 Feb 2010 - In Herzliya conference Peres urges international community to attack the unethical Iranian regime.
After Haiti, Israeli doctor still thinking about the rescue effort
Ha'aretz 2 Feb 2010 - For two weeks, Dr. Ian Miskin was totally immersed in treating survivors rescued from the rubble.
Shalit family warns Hamas after group declares swap talks failed
Ha'aretz 2 Feb 2010 - Hamas leader Zahar accuses Netanyahu of taking negotiations 'step backward' by interfering.
Tehran accuses U.S. of stirring 'Iran phobia'
Ha'aretz 2 Feb 2010 - Iran says U.S. measures are 'conspiracy' which stokes 'Iran phobia' in the Middle East.
In his diary, Mengele predicted 90% of humans would die of stupidity
Ha'aretz 2 Feb 2010 - Journal of Auschwitz death camp doctor put up for auction in U.S. at starting price of $60,000.
Poland requests arrest of Swede for Auschwitz theft
Ha'aretz 2 Feb 2010 - Poland has arrested five local men it believes stole the sign and cut it into three pieces.
Hamas: Dubai assassins were likely Arabs, not Israelis
Ha'aretz 2 Feb 2010 - Probe finds slain arms smuggler Mabhouh had enemies across Mideast, was wanted by Jordan and Egypt.
Mitchell to Abbas: No more excuses, renew Mideast talks
Ha'aretz 2 Feb 2010 - Envoy frustrated with Palestinian leader's refusal to return to talks but rules out U.S. guarantees.
Netanyahu risks Muslim wrath over Jerusalem holy site
Ha'aretz 2 Feb 2010 - Restoration work near Al-Aqsa Mosque could destroy the remnants of Israel's relations with the Muslim world.
Report: UN evidence counters Israel's account of Gaza war
Ha'aretz 2 Feb 2010 - Remains of aircraft bomb disproves army's claims that tank shells detroyed flour mill, The Guardian says.
The Guardian 2 Feb 2010 - Ehud Barak, Israel's defence minister, last night delivered an unusually blunt warning to his country that a failure to make peace with the Palestinians would leave either a state with no Jewish majority or an "apartheid"...
Israel debates over its self-defence| Uri Dromi
The Guardian 2 Feb 2010 - I supported an independent inquiry into the Gaza conflict, but the one conducted by Goldstone and the UN was biased When the Goldstone report condemning Israel was issued last September, I wrote in the Jewish Chronicle...
A real plan to build Palestine | Hussein Ibish
The Guardian 2 Feb 2010 - The PA's proposal to unilaterally build the framework of a Palestinian state is a legal, peaceful response to Israel Two weeks ago the Palestinian Authority issued a detailed budget for the state and institution-building programme it...
UN find challenges Israeli version of attack on civilian building in Gaza war
The Guardian 1 Feb 2010 - UN team find remains of aircraft-dropped bombs, contradicting Israeli report on military conduct during three-week conflict A new Israeli report defending the military's conduct in the Gaza war was challenged tonight after evidence emerged apparently contradicting...
Video: Israel reprimands top army officers over Gaza war
The Guardian 1 Feb 2010 - Disciplinary action taken over UN compound attack in populated area of Gaza City last year
False hopes for Palestine | Ben White
The Guardian 2 Feb 2010 - Reports of optimistic developments in the Palestinian Territories are premature – they are still crushed by Israel's control regime Over the last six months, there have been numerous reports on the apparent signs of hope in...
Israeli soldiers 'disciplined' over UN compound attack in Gaza
The Guardian 1 Feb 2010 - Israeli military report says troops 'fired artillery shells in violation of rules of engagement in populated areas' last year Two senior Israeli army officers have been "disciplined" over the firing of artillery shells towards a United...
Hamas blames Israel for assassination of top militant
The Guardian 2 Feb 2010 - Brother claims dead commander Mahmoud al-Mabhouh was strangled and electrocuted The Palestinian Islamist group Hamas has claimed that Israeli agents assassinated one of its senior military commanders in Dubai. Mahmoud al-Mabhouh, 49, was killed on 20...
Ha'aretz 2 Feb 2010 - The Israeli film "Ajami" was named Tuesday as one of the five films in the running for the foreign language Oscars at the upcoming Academy Awards, making it the third consecutive year in which an Israeli film has been nominated for this prestigious award. ...
Illegal Chinese worker arrested on IDF military base
Ha'aretz 2 Feb 2010 - A Chinese citizen, who was working illegally in the Israel Defense Forces army base in Julis, was captured on Tuesday by immigration inspectors from the special unit Oz. ...
Who is the real Israel: its citizens or its politicians?
Ha'aretz 2 Feb 2010 - Israel has embarrassed itself vis-a-vis the international community twice in just the last few weeks. First there was the public humiliation of the Turkish ambassador by Deputy Foreign Minister Danny Ayalon, an episode worthy of a third world banana republic, but not of a modern, sophisticated country. ...
Are Haredi leaders losing their followers to the Web?
Ha'aretz 2 Feb 2010 - Are Israel's Haredi religious authorities losing control of their followers? ...
West Bank settlement growth slows as freeze starts to bite
Ha'aretz 2 Feb 2010 - The settlement freeze is having an impact, figures obtained by Haaretz reveal: In the second half of 2009, one third of all West Bank settlements experienced slower population growth than the average inside Israel - a larger proportion than during the first half. ...
Relief Web 2 Feb 2010 - Source: UN Department of Public Information
Latest Israeli response to Gaza investigations totally inadequate
Relief Web 2 Feb 2010 - Source: Amnesty
Report on Israeli settlement in the occupied territories Jan - Feb 2010
Relief Web 2 Feb 2010 - Source: Foundation for Middle East Peace
OPT: Psychological trauma, nightmares stalk Gaza children
Relief Web 2 Feb 2010 - Source: Integrated Regional Information Networks
Gaza Operation Investigations: An Update
Relief Web 1 Feb 2010 - Source: Government of Israel
End of long ordeal for Palestinian refugees as desert camp closes
Relief Web 1 Feb 2010 - Source: UN High Commissioner for Refugees
YNet News 2 Feb 2010 - Gaza sources report Air Force aircraft fired three missiles at tunnels, three additional missiles at old Dahaniyeh airport. Report not confirmed by army
IDF estimates security fence to be completed in 2020
YNet News 2 Feb 2010 - Army largely satisfied with fence around West Bank that will bring new decade low in number of forces deployed in territories. Soldiers in compulsory service will be given time for training and number of reservists will be reduced. Fears of terrorist infiltrations near Mount Hebron
Mentally ill man crosses into Gaza
YNet News 2 Feb 2010 - Resident of Bedouin village of Hura jumps over fence near northern Strip. IDF force dispatched to area, but man disappears in Palestinian territory. Political echelon briefed on details of incident, fears he may be held by Hamas
IDF chief: Reserve service has become a disadvantage
YNet News 2 Feb 2010 - Ashkenazi visits Ashkelon high school with Education Minister Sa'ar, says employers must care for reserve soldiers' rights
Biden: Iran sowing seeds of its own destruction
YNet News 2 Feb 2010 - As Ahmadinejad suggests in state TV interview exchange for three US hikers jailed in Iran, indicates softened position on uranium deal, US vice president says Iranian regime has lost 'moral credibility' among its people, but warns that not all anti-regime figures are necessarily pro-Western
Fayyad: Israel building inside our state
YNet News 2 Feb 2010 - Palestinian prime minister addresses Herzliya Conference despite death threats, says Palestinians planning to establish independent state by 2011. Defense Minister Barak speaks before him, says 'Israel has a silent majority for peace, which leans to the right at the polling stations'
Peres: Fayyad – Palestinians' 1st 'Ben-Gurionist'
YNet News 2 Feb 2010 - In Herzliya conference address, president lauds Palestinian prime minister for his efforts to establish state, slams those calling for bi-national state. 'There is no country that can hold two nations,' he says
Spanish FM: How could Lieberman work with EU?
YNet News 2 Feb 2010 - Silvio Berlusconi wants to add Israel to European Union, but Moratinos has his doubts: 'Can anyone imagine Lieberman working under foreign affairs chief Catherine Ashton?'
31 Jan 2010 - B'Tselem has written urgently to the judge advocate general demanding that he immediately order a Military Police investigation into the circumstances of the firing of phosphorus shells at the UNWRA compound in Gaza during Operation Cast Lead. This is a p
Daily Star 2 Feb 2010 Opposition leader Mir Hossein Mousavi Tuesday issued his harshest criticism yet of Iran's regime, saying the 1979 Islamic revolution had failed as the "roots of tyranny and dictatorship" still exist. The sharply worded interview posted on his website Kaleme.org came as a top Iranian Judiciary official was reported as saying another nine anti-government
Militants float explosive-laden barrels toward Israel to avenge Mabhouh killing
Daily Star 2 Feb 2010 Palestinian militants claimed Tuesday they had sent a barrage of floating barrels filled with explosives toward Israel's beaches to avenge the killing of a Hamas leader in the Gulf emirate of Dubai. Police cordoned off beaches, ordered surfers out of the water and deployed robotic bomb squads along a large swath of southern Israel's coastline after two explosive-laden barrels washed up on shore, ready to blow up
Hamas-Israel talks on prisoner swap collapse
Daily Star 2 Feb 2010 A senior Hamas leader said on Tuesday indirect talks with Israel on a prisoner exchange had collapsed and blamed Premier Benjamin Netanyahu for hardening Israeli terms. "The main cause - is that after the interference of the political element, after the interference of Netanyahu personally, there was a big regression and retraction," Mahmoud al-Zahar told BBC World News' Hardtalk program
Tehran criticizes US missile deployments in Gulf, says it stokes 'Iran phobia'
Daily Star 2 Feb 2010 Iran accused the US on Tuesday of seeking to stoke "Iran phobia" in the Middle East by deploying missile defense systems in the Gulf, and said Tehran enjoyed friendly ties with neighboring states. US officials said Sunday the US has expanded land and sea-based missile defense systems in and around the Gulf - a waterway crucial for global oil supplies - to counter what it sees as Iran's growing missile threat
Palestinian Information Center
Hamdan: Hamas would not let Israel drag it into irrational reactionsPIC 2 Feb 2010 - Osama Hamdan said Tuesday that his movement will not allow the Zionist entity to drag it into irrational reactions by the assassination of Qassam leader Mahmoud Mabhouh.
Radwan: We are ready for dialog with Fatah at any level
PIC 2 Feb 2010 - Ismail Radwan, one of the leaders of the Hamas Movement, called on Fatah faction to hold direct talks with his Movement to reach an understanding on signing the national reconciliation agreement.
Israeli troops wound two Palestinians including child in West Bank and Gaza
PIC 2 Feb 2010 - Clashes between the IOF and Palestinians on Monday led to the injury of two citizens including a 10-year-old child in the West Bank village of Ni’lin and east of the Gaza Strip.
Egyptian authorities detain 150 Palestinian students
PIC 2 Feb 2010 - The Egyptian security authorities are detaining 150 Palestinian students in their jails all of them from the Gaza Strip despite studying in Egyptian universities, students residing in Cairo said.
Ex-prisoner Fidda: Palestinian female captives experience harsh incarceration
PIC 2 Feb 2010 - Liberated prisoner Majeda Fidda has said that Palestinian prisoners in IOA jails are experiencing harsh incarceration conditions and deliberate medical neglect.
Ruqub: Criminals detonate a car of a noted Hamas official in Khan Younis
PIC 2 Feb 2010 - Hamas spokesman Hammad Al-Ruqub said that unknown criminals at dawn Tuesday detonated an explosive device in a car belonging to Yousuf Sarsour, a noted Hamas official in Khan Younis refugee camp.
Abu Zuhri: Abbas's rejection of resistance reveals his role in liquidating it
PIC 2 Feb 2010 - Dr. Sami Abu Zuhri, a Hamas spokesman, on Tuesday said that the statements by Mahmoud Abbas, the former PA chief, against resistance proved his involvement in liquidating it in the West Bank.
Al-Qassam: Israel messes with the national security of Arab and Muslim states
PIC 2 Feb 2010 - Al-Qassam Brigades said that the murder of one of its leaders in Dubai lately sent a message to Arab and Muslim countries that the Israeli Mossad can tamper with their national security.
Barhoum: IOA allegations on punishing officers attempt to evade ICC
PIC 2 Feb 2010 - The IOA allegation that officers were punished for shelling Gaza Strip with phosphorous bombs was a clear incriminating evidence, Fawzi Barhoum, a Hamas spokesman, said.
Mizan center: IOF killed 8 Palestinians, wounded 5 in January
PIC 2 Feb 2010 - The Israeli occupation forces (IOF) killed eight Palestinians including a child and wounded five others in the Gaza Strip in the past month of January, the Mizan center reported on Monday.
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.
New York Times 2 Feb 2010 - Recent images of Iran's president, Mahmoud Ahmadinejad, standing before backdrops prepared for official ceremonies in which the colors of Iran's flag appear to have been changed from red, white and green to red, white and blue have puzzled observers.
Iran, With Opposition Protests Continuing, Executes More Prisoners
New York Times 2 Feb 2010 - Critics of the Tehran government said two recent hangings were an effort to intimidate its opponents, who plan a large demonstration for Feb. 11.
World Briefing | Middle East: Jordan: Loss of Palestinians’ Citizenship Is Assailed
New York Times 2 Feb 2010 - A human rights group criticized Jordan on Monday for stripping the citizenship of nearly 3,000 Jordanians of Palestinian origin in recent years.
Israel Rebukes 2 for U.N. Gaza Compound Shelling
New York Times 2 Feb 2010 - The punishment of a brigadier general and a colonel was a rare admission of high-ranking wrongdoing during the war a year ago.
In Egypt, Religious Clashes Are Off the Record
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.
Palestine Monitor - 2 Feb 2010 - What began as a peaceful demonstration ended with dozens of injuries, including young children. Others were forced to flee their homes under fire from Israeli soldiers. All photos by Lazar Simeonov. Learn more about the Popular Struggle http://www.popularstruggle.org/
Trees Against
Palestine Monitor - 2 Feb 2010 - Planting trees against occupation, settlement expansion and land expropriation – this is the symbolic action carried out by popular committees of resistance who joined a tree-planting action in Aboud, North-West of Ramallah, last Sunday. Heading to the farmland in Aboud. Photo by Brady Ng Local villagers,...
50 years after North Carolina lunchcounter sit-in, Times calls West Bank protests ‘theatrical… spectacle’
Mondoweiss - 2 Feb 2010 - Here’s the video accompanying Isabel Kershner’s piece on the West Bank protests last week in the Times. It’s billed: "The Spectacle of West Bank Protests… With a stalled peace process, Israeli soldiers and Palestinian protesters [no mention of Israelis and internationals] clash violently each Friday. The...
Ambition: Huckabee says Palestinians should be ‘content’ with Gaza
Mondoweiss - 2 Feb 2010 - Mike Huckabee is interviewed in Israel by the JPost : The issue is not should there be two states– sure– but should those two states be on the same piece of land. Certainly the Palestinians have Gaza, but they don’t seem to be content… The Israelis have...
Obama puts pressure on… Palestinians!
Mondoweiss - 2 Feb 2010 - More evidence (in Haaretz : "Mitchell to Abbas: No more excuses, renew Mideast talks") that Obama and Mitchell have no problem squeezing the Palestinians to make up for their own political problems and weakness. Having taken on Netanyahu and lost, they compensate for their failure by pressuring...
Latest white phosphorus tale is Israel’s 4th
Mondoweiss - 2 Feb 2010 - Israel has announced that it has reprimanded two senior army officers for their role in an attack on a UN facility during last year’s Gaza offensive. Large amounts of fuel were stored in both underground and above-ground tankers at the facility, and 600-700 civilians were taking...
Routine: Israeli army forces shepherds off their lands
Mondoweiss - 2 Feb 2010 - Writer David Shulman of Ta’ayush accompanied Palestinian shepherds in the Hebron Hills near the illegal colony, Maon, the other day. The army came in to force the shepherds, who had three flocks of sheep, including two from Um Zaituna, off their own lands. Part of his...
Israel Owes Over NIS 8.3 Billion to Palestinian Workers from the Occupied Palestinian Territories
Alternative Information Center - 2 Feb 2010 - The State of Israel owes more than NIS 8.3 billion (including interest) to Palestinian workers from the Occupied Palestinian Territories who worked in Israel. This money was deducted from the Palestinian workers’ salaries for social benefits they did not receive. This is the conclusion of detailed...
Meeting and Discussion: Nurit Peled
Alternative Information Center - 2 Feb 2010 - The AICafé Tuesday , February 2nd, 2010 Israeli Racist Education: Discussion with Nurit Peled Nurit Peled-Elhanan i s an Israeli peace activist and professor at Hebrew University. She's one of the most prominent critical voices against the Israeli occupation of the West Bank and Gaza. Please come...
Attorney Sfard: Israeli Police Investigation of Shooting of Tristan Anderson “Gravely Negligent”
Alternative Information Center - 1 Feb 2010 - Yesterday’s announcement by the Israeli Ministry of Justice not to indict anyone in the March 2009 shooting and critically injuring of American activist Tristan Anderson at a non-violent demonstration in the West Bank village of Ni’ilin was based on a “gravely negligent” investigation by the Israeli...
Articles
Arab politicians face tide of 'persecution' in Israel
Jonathan Cook in Nazareth, Redress 2/3/2010
Laws set to criminalize dissent
Leaders of the Arab minority in Israel have warned that they are facing an unprecedented campaign of persecution, backed by the right-wing government of Benjamin Netanyahu, designed to stop their political activities. The warning came after Said Nafaa, a Druze member of the Israeli parliament, was stripped of his immunity last week, clearing the way for him to be tried for a visit to Syria three years ago.
In recent weeks legal sanctions have been invoked against two other Arab political leaders, following clashes with the Israeli security forces at demonstrations against the occupation, and pressure is growing for two more MPs to be investigated.
Arab politicians are particularly concerned about a bill introduced last month requiring all parliamentary candidates to swear loyalty to Israel as a Jewish state. If passed, the seats of the 10 Arab MPs belonging to non-Zionist parties in the 120-member parliament, or Knesset, would be under threat. Jamal Zahalka, one of those MPs, said: “Every week either the Knesset or the government try to impose new restrictions on our activities and freedom of speech. There is a growing trend towards anti-democratic legislation.” Mr Nafaa, the latest target for legal action, was stripped of his parliamentary immunity from prosecution last week by a Knesset committee dominated by the right wing. more.. e-mail
An Israeli Trojan Horse
Christopher Ketcham, CounterPunch 9/27/2008
How Israeli Backdoor Technology Penetrated the U.S. Government’s Telecom System and Compromised National Security
Since the late 1990s, federal agents have reported systemic communications security breaches at the Department of Justice, FBI, DEA, the State Department, and the White House. Several of the alleged breaches, these agents say, can be traced to two hi-tech communications companies, Verint Inc. (formerly Comverse Infosys), and Amdocs Ltd., that respectively provide major wiretap and phone billing/record-keeping software contracts for the U.S. government. Together, Verint and Amdocs form part of the backbone of the government’s domestic intelligence surveillance technology. Both companies are based in Israel – having arisen to prominence from that country’s cornering of the information technology market – and are heavily funded by the Israeli government, with connections to the Israeli military and Israeli intelligence (both companies have a long history of board memberships dominated by current and former Israeli military and intelligence officers). Verint is considered the world leader in “electronic interception” and hence an ideal private sector candidate for wiretap outsourcing. Amdocs is the world’s largest billing service for telecommunications, with some $2.8 billion in revenues in 2007, offices worldwide, and clients that include the top 25 phone companies in the United States that together handle 90 percent of all call traffic among U.S. residents. The companies’ operations, sources suggest, have been infiltrated by freelance spies exploiting encrypted trapdoors in Verint/Amdocs technology and gathering data on Americans for transfer to Israeli intelligence and other willing customers (particularly organized crime). “The fact of the vulnerability of our telecom backbone is indisputable,” says a high level U.S. intelligence officer who has monitored the fears among federal agents. “How it came to pass, why nothing has been done, who has done what – these are the incendiary questions.” If the allegations are true, the electronic communications gathered up by the NSA and other U.S. intelligence agencies might be falling into the hands of a foreign government. Reviewing the available evidence, Robert David Steele, a former CIA case officer and today one of the foremost international proponents for “public intelligence in the public interest,” tells me that “Israeli penetration of the entire US telecommunications system means that NSA’s warrantless wiretapping actually means Israeli warrantless wiretapping.” more.. e-mail
Land swap, a dangerous concept
Bassam As-Salhi, Ma’an News Agency 2/2/2010
Bassam As-Salhi is leader of the Palestinian People’s Party (PPP). In an interview with bitterlemons, As-Salhi speaks of the dangers surrounding the notion of a land swap of illegal Israeli settlements in the West Bank. Some say the concept of land swaps is a creative way to resolve territorial problems in negotiations. Do you agree?
No. I think this idea is very dangerous. We need clear recognition of the borders of a Palestinian state, i.e., the whole area of 1967, including East Jerusalem. This is the law as embodied in many resolutions from the UN and negotiations must start from this point. Any land swap must not change this reality or the unity of the area of the Palestinian state.
However, what’s happening is that Israel is making changes in areas of the West Bank using the idea of a land swap to legitimize its settlement blocs. Israel wants to open negotiations with the Palestinian side from this point. In other words, from the beginning, Israel is leaving those areas outside Palestinian territory. But the original idea, which in my opinion was anyway a mistake, was that the notion of a land swap should follow the establishment of borders, not come before.
Why, during the Camp David negotiations, did the Palestinian side accept the notion in the first place?
I think this was a mistake. I think it came about because at the time there was one package solution and a land swap was a small component of this larger package to solve all issues. But now the other issues are not being discussed, and Israel is trying to isolate the idea of a land swap. This makes it dangerous. We need, first, recognition of the Palestinian borders, recognition of the issue of East Jerusalem and refugees, etc....Related: Bitterlemons: A dangerous concept -- See also: Bitterlemons: A dangerous concept more.. e-mail
Palestinian politicians face tide of persecution in Israel
Electronic Intifada: 2 Feb 2010 - Leaders of the Palestinian Arab minority in Israel warned this week that they were facing an unprecedented campaign of persecution designed to stop their political activities. The warning came after Said Nafaa, a Druze member of the Israeli parliament was stripped of his immunity last week, clearing the way for him to be tried for a visit to Syria three years ago. Jonathan Cook reports.
Palestinians unfairly stripped of citizenship in Jordan
Electronic Intifada: 2 Feb 2010 - WASHINGTON, (IPS) - The Jordanian government should halt the arbitrary revocation of nationality from its citizens of Palestinian origin, according to a Human Rights Watch (HRW) report released Monday. The report, "Stateless Again: Palestinian-Origin Jordanians Deprived of their Nationality," details the Jordanian government's efforts to strip more than 2,700 Jordanians of their citizenship between 2004 and 2008.
"A different kind of occupation": an interview with Elia Suleiman
Electronic Intifada: 1 Feb 2010 - Nazareth-born filmmaker Elia Suleiman is one of the darlings of Cannes and stands out from the pack of contemporary Palestinian filmmakers for his unique style of filmmaking based on sewing together a series vignettes, silence -- an emphasis on visual storytelling versus dialogue, and deadpan comedy found in often grim humor in the lives of everyday people living under the tyranny of what he calls a "pathetic occupation." Sabah Haider recently interviewed Suleiman for The Electronic Intifada.
Carleton University students launch campus divestment campaign
Electronic Intifada: 1 Feb 2010 - For the past several months, Students Against Israeli Apartheid - Carleton (SAIA), a student group at Carleton University in Ottawa that is committed to supporting the Palestinian struggle for freedom, has been conducting research on Carleton's investments in Israeli apartheid. In light of its findings, SAIA has launched a campaign calling on Carleton to immediately divest from the offending corporations, as well as to adopt a socially responsible investment policy for all of its investments.
Palestine Monitor: 2 Feb 2010 - What began as a peaceful demonstration ended with dozens of injuries, including young children. Others were forced to flee their homes under fire from Israeli soldiers. All photos by Lazar Simeonov. Learn more about the Popular Struggle http://www.popularstruggle.org/
Trees Against
Palestine Monitor: 2 Feb 2010 - Planting trees against occupation, settlement expansion and land expropriation – this is the symbolic action carried out by popular committees of resistance who joined a tree-planting action in Aboud, North-West of Ramallah, last Sunday. Heading to the farmland in Aboud. Photo by Brady Ng Local villagers, students from the Birzeit University and some international peace activists gathered on the hilltops facing the village of Aboud and planted 300 trees: an effort to reclaim land confiscated by the ongoing expansion of the settlements and the wall, whose construction has turned one third of the village's land into a buffer zone. Dr. Mustafa Barghouti and Elias Azar with tree-planting volunteers. Photo by Brady Ng “The village community has protested several times against Israel's Apartheid Wall,” said Elias Azar, president of the village council since 1994, “ Our villagers have paid and are still paying a high price for the construction of the...
Lasting Agriculture Versus Lasting Occupation
Palestine Monitor: 1 Feb 2010 - The village of Battir, North West of Bethlehem, was once a haven for farmers. Its rich soil, water resources and favourable climate produced abundant harvests of olives and vegetables. But since the start of the occupation, Battir's 4,000 inhabitants have faced tremendous difficulties. The farmland of Battir. The village straddles B and C areas, falling under administrative and military Israeli control. It is surrounded on one side by the separation wall and on the other by two settlements, Bitay Illet and Walja. If the settlements continue to expand at their current rate, they will soon merge, further isolating Battir. The village is one of fourteen such ‘blockations' in the West Bank. Available land has been steadily decreasing since 1949, when the Israeli Government began building a railroad through the village. Despite these restrictions, Battir's farmers retain faith that with determination and effective use of their natural resources, the good years...
Palestine Chronicle: 2 Feb 2010 - By Jonathan Cook - Nazareth Leaders of the Arab minority in Israel warned this week that they were facing an unprecedented campaign of persecution, backed by the right-wing government of Benjamin Netanyahu, designed to stop their political activities. The warning came after Said Nafaa, a Druze member of the Israeli parliament was stripped of his immunity last week, clearing the way for him to be tried for a visit to Syria three years ago. In recent weeks legal sanctions have been invoked against two other Arab political leaders, following clashes with the Israeli security forces at demonstrations against the occupation, and pressure is growing for two more MPs to be investigated. Arab politicians are particularly concerned about a bill introduced last month requiring all parliamentary candidates to swear loyalty to Israel as a Jewish state. If passed, the seats of the 10 Arab MPs belonging to non-Zionist parties in the 120-member parliament, or Knesset, would be under threat. Jamal Zahalka, one of those MPs, said: “Every week either the Knesset or the government try to impose new restrictions on our activities and freedom of speech. There is a growing trend towards anti-democratic legislation.” Mr Nafaa, the latest target for legal action, was stripped of his parliamentary immunity from prosecution last week by a Knesset committee dominated by the right wing. Keeping his immunity was his only hope of avoiding a trial after he was indicted by the attorney general, Menachem Mazuz, in December over a visit he organised in 2007...
Israeli Occupation Supportive Companies to Boycott
Palestine Chronicle: 2 Feb 2010 - By Stephen Lendman In July 2005, a coalition of 171 Palestinian Civil Society organizations created the global BDS movement for "Boycott, Divestment and Sanctions against Israel Until it Complies with International Law and Universal Principles of Human Rights" for Occupied Palestinians, Israeli Arabs, and Palestinian diaspora refugees. Since 1948, hundreds of UN resolutions and civil society actions condemned Israel's lawlessness; its crimes of war and against humanity; occupation; discriminatory policies; illegal home demolitions, land seizures and settlements; oppression of a civilian population; the Separation Wall; the Gaza siege; and preemptive imperial wars. Nothing so far has worked. Palestine is still occupied. Its people continue to suffer. Their human rights are denied. World leaders ignore them. This no longer can be tolerated. In solidarity, people of conscience everywhere must pressure Israel with BDS initiatives that include boycotting Israeli companies, their products and services, and global ones supporting the occupation. They're numerous, many with familiar names. Below is a partial list, starting with global giants, Israeli companies following. Others can be added, but use it as a good start along with a New Year's resolution to boycott them and encourage others to do it as well. Motorola The US Campaign to End the Israeli Occupation "aim(s) to change those US policies that both sustain Israel's 42-year occupation of the Palestinian West Bank, Gaza, and East Jerusalem, and deny equal rights for all." It started with a boycott campaign to "Hang up on Motorola" and its subsidiary, Motorola Israel, that support the worst...
Blair's War Decision: Secretive, Misleading
Palestine Chronicle: 2 Feb 2010 - By Deepak Tripathi Clare Short, former Cabinet minister for international development in British Prime Minister Tony Blair's cabinet at the time Iraq was invaded in March 2003, testified before the Iraq inquiry today (February 2, 2010). Short confirmed a picture of exclusion and secrecy in official deliberations prior to Britain’s decision to launch the invasion of Iraq with the United States and minor allies in what President George W Bush called the ‘coalition of the willing’. She was the second member of Tony Blair’s Cabinet to resign in May 2003, two months after ex-foreign secretary and then leader of the House of Commons, Robin Cook, walked out on the eve of the invasion. Clare Short said that Blair and ‘his mates’ decided war was necessary and everything was done on ‘a wing and a prayer’. She accused Blair’s personal friend and Attorney General Lord Goldsmith of misleading the Cabinet. She said Cabinet was not a ‘decision-making body’ and called Parliament a ‘rubber stamp’. She said the Cabinet was not told that Goldsmith secretly asked Blair on March 14, 2003 to give a written confirmation that Saddam Hussein was in breach of previous UN resolutions. Meanwhile, the senior legal adviser at the British Foreign Office, Sir Michael Wood, whose objections about the legality of going to war were vetoed by government, submitted a second written statement to the inquiry. Entitled The Rights and Responsibilities of Occupying Powers, the statement made clear that, after Saddam Hussein’s overthrow, the United States and Britain...