Ha'aretz – The Ashkenazi chief rabbi of Israel, Yona Metzger, told congregants in a Sabbath sermon that if U.S. President Barack Obama seeks reelection, he must release Jonathan Pollard, Israel Radio reported on Sunday.
In the sermon delivered at Yeshurun Synagogue in Jerusalem on Saturday, Metzger told said there was a feeling that many American Jews that had supported Obama in the last election were disappointed in him, in no small part because of Obama's indifference to Pollard.
A civilian employee for the United States Navy, Pollard was sentenced to life in prison in 1987 on charges of spying for Israel. He is incarcerated at a federal jail in North Carolina. [Pollard did more damage to US than any other spy.]
Sunday, April 17, 2011
Israeli TV shows troops using live ammunition in deadly prison raid
aljazeera – Television images shows troops using live ammunition in deadly operation at detention centre.
Hundreds of Palestinian have died inside Israeli prisons and now an Israeli television channel has aired shocking footage of Israel's so-called Control and Restraint unit, or Masada, attacking Palestinian prisoners.
Activists have demanded people in charge of the operation, carried out in 2007, be charged and the family of one of the victims told Al Jazeera that they would consider suing Masada.
Al Jazeera's Nisreen El-Shamayleh reports from Seida in the occupied West Bank.
Hundreds of Palestinian have died inside Israeli prisons and now an Israeli television channel has aired shocking footage of Israel's so-called Control and Restraint unit, or Masada, attacking Palestinian prisoners.
Activists have demanded people in charge of the operation, carried out in 2007, be charged and the family of one of the victims told Al Jazeera that they would consider suing Masada.
Al Jazeera's Nisreen El-Shamayleh reports from Seida in the occupied West Bank.
International group to launch boat to monitor human rights abuses against Gaza fishermen
CPSGAZA – On Wednesday April 20th, the "Oliva", a human rights monitoring boat with an international crew, will launch from the port of Gaza City. The crew of the Civil Peace Service, which currently consists of citizens from Spain, the United States, Italy and Belgium, will accompany Gazan fishermen within Palestinian waters. Violations of international law will be monitored and documented. Data and video materials will be collected and disseminated.
Vittorio Arrigoni, the murdered human rights activist, was involved in setting up this project and therefore a commemoration will be held at the end of the press conference. As Vik was involved in choosing the name of the boat and expressed his desire for it not to be named after an individual, the boat will be going by the name Oliva, which he supported, but the mission will carry on in his spirit.
The launch of Oliva, an 8-meter long white motor boat, will inaugurate the Civil Peace Services mission in Palestinian waters. Since Operation Cast Lead, access to fishing grounds has been unilaterally restricted by Israel to 3 nautical miles. This dramatic reduction of the 20-mile limit which was agreed upon in the Oslo Accords has resulted in the overexploitation of fishing grounds in which stocks are close to exhaustion. Fishermen are threatened by gunfire, confiscation of their boats and fishing tools and arrest by the Israeli Navy which regularly launches attacks and incursions in Palestinian waters.
According to the International Committee of the Red Cross, nearly 90% of Gaza's 4000 fishermen are now considered either poor (with a monthly income of between 100 and 190 US dollars) or very poor (earning less than 100 dollars a month), up from 50% in 2008.
Vittorio Arrigoni, the murdered human rights activist, was involved in setting up this project and therefore a commemoration will be held at the end of the press conference. As Vik was involved in choosing the name of the boat and expressed his desire for it not to be named after an individual, the boat will be going by the name Oliva, which he supported, but the mission will carry on in his spirit.
The launch of Oliva, an 8-meter long white motor boat, will inaugurate the Civil Peace Services mission in Palestinian waters. Since Operation Cast Lead, access to fishing grounds has been unilaterally restricted by Israel to 3 nautical miles. This dramatic reduction of the 20-mile limit which was agreed upon in the Oslo Accords has resulted in the overexploitation of fishing grounds in which stocks are close to exhaustion. Fishermen are threatened by gunfire, confiscation of their boats and fishing tools and arrest by the Israeli Navy which regularly launches attacks and incursions in Palestinian waters.
According to the International Committee of the Red Cross, nearly 90% of Gaza's 4000 fishermen are now considered either poor (with a monthly income of between 100 and 190 US dollars) or very poor (earning less than 100 dollars a month), up from 50% in 2008.
Some Itamar settlers espouse extremist views; father says daughter and grandchildren "received the privilege of being sacrifical lambs"
By Alison Weir – Following the brutal murder of five family members in the illegal Israeli settlement of Itamar, some settlers are espousing extremist views, including calls for ethnic cleansing.
In an interview reported by Israel National News, the father of the family killed in Itamar, Rabbi Yehuda Ben Yishai, said that his daughter and her family "received the privilege of being the sacrificial lambs and to sanctify the name of heaven." Yishai called for a greater strengthening of "Jewish identity and pride."
The New York Jewish Week reports that some Itamar residents have been calling for the expulsion of all Palestinians from the West Bank, quoting David Schneerson, who lives next to the house of the murdered family:
According to the report, "Schneerson believes that a picture of the late Lubavitcher Rebbe, Rabbi Menachem Mendel Schneerson, saved the lives of his family and five children." The story quotes Schneerson: “Our door was open. We are sure that he saw the rebbe and fled.”
The Rebbe, as Rabbi Schneerson is known, is highly revered by thousands of followers in Israel and the U.S.; some believed him to be the messiah.
Schneerson taught an extreme form of Jewish supremacism, stating that Jews constitute a separate, superior species, writing that "the body of a Jewish person is of a totally different quality from the body of [members] of all nations of the world...A non-Jew’s entire reality is only vanity" and that "The entire creation [of a non-Jew] exists only for the sake of the Jews."
Schneerson was recently honored by a proclamation by President Obama, following a tradition begun by Congress in 1978.
Related stories:
In an interview reported by Israel National News, the father of the family killed in Itamar, Rabbi Yehuda Ben Yishai, said that his daughter and her family "received the privilege of being the sacrificial lambs and to sanctify the name of heaven." Yishai called for a greater strengthening of "Jewish identity and pride."
The New York Jewish Week reports that some Itamar residents have been calling for the expulsion of all Palestinians from the West Bank, quoting David Schneerson, who lives next to the house of the murdered family:
"As long as there is one Arab here, it’s not enough... Kahane is the closest to correct in all of the politics in areas,” he said, referring to Rabbi Meir Kahane, who advocated the transfer of West Bank Palestinians. “No one wants Arabs here in the state.”Jewish Week reports that Schneerson, 30, is a Chabad Lubavitch emissary and says that Israeli military officers told David Schneerson that the murderer cased his home.
According to the report, "Schneerson believes that a picture of the late Lubavitcher Rebbe, Rabbi Menachem Mendel Schneerson, saved the lives of his family and five children." The story quotes Schneerson: “Our door was open. We are sure that he saw the rebbe and fled.”
The Rebbe, as Rabbi Schneerson is known, is highly revered by thousands of followers in Israel and the U.S.; some believed him to be the messiah.
Schneerson taught an extreme form of Jewish supremacism, stating that Jews constitute a separate, superior species, writing that "the body of a Jewish person is of a totally different quality from the body of [members] of all nations of the world...A non-Jew’s entire reality is only vanity" and that "The entire creation [of a non-Jew] exists only for the sake of the Jews."
Schneerson was recently honored by a proclamation by President Obama, following a tradition begun by Congress in 1978.
Related stories:
Media omissions on Itamar
Obama honors Rabbi Menachem Mendel Schneerson
Palestinian villagers suspect "confession" was coerced, call for international probe
Ynet – Following Sunday's revelations with regards to the arrest of two Palestinians from the village of Awarta for the murder of the Fogel family in the Itamar massacre last March, villagers in Awarta, the village adjacent to the settlement of Itamar, were stunned to discover that two teens, Hakim Mazen Awad (18) and Amjad Mohammad Awad (19) are the main murder suspects.
Many in the village refuse to believe the investigation conclusions including the village council chief Kais Awad. "I have major doubts over the Israeli findings and demand an international inquiry. They're children, it isn't possible that they committed this awful act," he said.
Awad stressed that he condemned the murders but claimed that the two suspects confessed to the murders under duress. Read more
Many in the village refuse to believe the investigation conclusions including the village council chief Kais Awad. "I have major doubts over the Israeli findings and demand an international inquiry. They're children, it isn't possible that they committed this awful act," he said.
Awad stressed that he condemned the murders but claimed that the two suspects confessed to the murders under duress. Read more
Israel arrests two Palestinian teens in murder of settler family in Itamar
Ma'an – Two Palestinians have been arrested in connection with the murder last month of a young Israeli settler family in the West Bank, Israel's internal security agency Shin Bet said Sunday.
In a briefing document obtained by AFP, the agency said the men had confessed to the murder of five members of the Fogel family, from the northern West Bank settlement of Itamar. The document said the two had staged a reconstruction of the slaying.
Israel's daily newspaper Haaretz named the two as students Amjad Awad, 19, and Hakim Awad 18, noting they were unrelated to each other, but were both members of the leftist Popular Front for the Liberation of Palestine.
The Israeli military confirmed the arrests, with Colonel Nimrod Aloni, commander of the Shomron Brigade in the northern area of the occupied West Bank telling a briefing: "We can say that the murderers are in our hands."
The Shin Bet and Israeli military said the two suspects are from the West Bank village of Awarta, the Palestinian village closest to the Itamar settlement, and the central focus of the investigation into the murders.
Investigation procedures sparked concern in the international and human rights communities, with several military curfews imposed on the village, mass sweeps of residents, home-to-home searches and forcible detentions of elderly women and children.
Village leaders called the tactics "collective punishment," and called for international observers to come to the area and ensure no further rights abuses. Rights groups noted that none of the residents detained, questioned and compelled to give fingerprints and DNA samples were given access to a lawyer, some - reports said - were held for days and weeks without charge, and accusations were made that some of the detainees had been badly beaten in Israeli custody.
The murders, which saw three children and their parents brutally stabbed in their beds, and survived by three children, sent Israeli police on high alert and sparked revenge attacks by West Bank settlers.
Dozens of acts of settler harassment, violence and vandalism were reported in the wake of the murders, which were condemned by the Palestinian leadership, and went unclaimed by any Palestinian faction. [In the weeks prior to the murder four teens from the area had been killed by Israelis.]
In a briefing document obtained by AFP, the agency said the men had confessed to the murder of five members of the Fogel family, from the northern West Bank settlement of Itamar. The document said the two had staged a reconstruction of the slaying.
Israel's daily newspaper Haaretz named the two as students Amjad Awad, 19, and Hakim Awad 18, noting they were unrelated to each other, but were both members of the leftist Popular Front for the Liberation of Palestine.
The Israeli military confirmed the arrests, with Colonel Nimrod Aloni, commander of the Shomron Brigade in the northern area of the occupied West Bank telling a briefing: "We can say that the murderers are in our hands."
The Shin Bet and Israeli military said the two suspects are from the West Bank village of Awarta, the Palestinian village closest to the Itamar settlement, and the central focus of the investigation into the murders.
Investigation procedures sparked concern in the international and human rights communities, with several military curfews imposed on the village, mass sweeps of residents, home-to-home searches and forcible detentions of elderly women and children.
Village leaders called the tactics "collective punishment," and called for international observers to come to the area and ensure no further rights abuses. Rights groups noted that none of the residents detained, questioned and compelled to give fingerprints and DNA samples were given access to a lawyer, some - reports said - were held for days and weeks without charge, and accusations were made that some of the detainees had been badly beaten in Israeli custody.
The murders, which saw three children and their parents brutally stabbed in their beds, and survived by three children, sent Israeli police on high alert and sparked revenge attacks by West Bank settlers.
Dozens of acts of settler harassment, violence and vandalism were reported in the wake of the murders, which were condemned by the Palestinian leadership, and went unclaimed by any Palestinian faction. [In the weeks prior to the murder four teens from the area had been killed by Israelis.]
House gives Israel $205 million more tax dollars on top of this year's $3 billion
Ha'aretz – Defense Minister Ehud Barak welcomed Friday a decision by the U.S. House of Representatives to approve a budget which includes $205 million intended for continuing development of the Iron Dome anti-missile system.
[This is in addition to the $3 billion Israel receives from the US in 2011.]
Barak said the decision is a "significant reinforcement of Israel's defense capabilities against missiles."
The U.S. Congress also voted to continue aiding Israel to fund defense projects such as Arrow 2, Arrow 3, and Magic Wand. U.S. President Barack Obama is expected to sign the budget on Friday evening.
[This is in addition to the $3 billion Israel receives from the US in 2011.]
Barak said the decision is a "significant reinforcement of Israel's defense capabilities against missiles."
The U.S. Congress also voted to continue aiding Israel to fund defense projects such as Arrow 2, Arrow 3, and Magic Wand. U.S. President Barack Obama is expected to sign the budget on Friday evening.
Obama honors Rabbi Menachem Mendel Schneerson, who proclaimed Jews a separate species superior to all others
JTA – President Obama said Education and Sharing Day marked the legacy of hope for a "brighter future"of the late Lubavitcher Rebbe, who launched the initiative.
"On Education and Sharing Day, U.S.A., we celebrate the example set by Rabbi Menachem Mendel Schneerson, the Lubavitcher Rebbe, who dedicated his life to improving education and fostering goodwill for all people," Obama said in a statement Thursday proclaiming April 15 as the 33rd commemoration of the event instituted by Schneerson in 1978. "His legacy continues to inspire individuals to carry forward his effort to build a brighter future. Each year, Education and Sharing Day, U.S.A., reminds us of our obligation to create opportunities for a better tomorrow -- life lessons we pass on to all our children."
Schneerson was an early advocate of a Department of Education separate from the former Department of Health, Education and Welfare.
#
Beginning in 1978 Congress has authorized and requested the President to proclaim an "education day" honoring Schneerson and the international Lubavitch movement.
According to the Jewish Virtual Library, in 1994 "a bill was introduced in the U.S. House of Representatives by Congressmen Charles Schumer, John Lewis, Newt Gingrich, and Jerry Lewis to bestow on the Rebbe the Congressional Gold Medal. The bill passed both Houses by unanimous consent, honoring the Rebbe for his 'outstanding and lasting contributions toward improvements in world education, morality, and acts of charity'."
Schneerson, who died in 1994, taught that Jews were a completely different, superior species than non-Jews and has numerous followers in Israel and the U.S. Among his teachings (as quoted in Jewish Fundamentalism in Israel, by Israel Shahak & Norton Mezvinsky, Pluto Press):
"a non-Jewish soul comes from the three satanic spheres, while the Jewish soul stems from holiness."
"On Education and Sharing Day, U.S.A., we celebrate the example set by Rabbi Menachem Mendel Schneerson, the Lubavitcher Rebbe, who dedicated his life to improving education and fostering goodwill for all people," Obama said in a statement Thursday proclaiming April 15 as the 33rd commemoration of the event instituted by Schneerson in 1978. "His legacy continues to inspire individuals to carry forward his effort to build a brighter future. Each year, Education and Sharing Day, U.S.A., reminds us of our obligation to create opportunities for a better tomorrow -- life lessons we pass on to all our children."
Schneerson was an early advocate of a Department of Education separate from the former Department of Health, Education and Welfare.
#
Beginning in 1978 Congress has authorized and requested the President to proclaim an "education day" honoring Schneerson and the international Lubavitch movement.
According to the Jewish Virtual Library, in 1994 "a bill was introduced in the U.S. House of Representatives by Congressmen Charles Schumer, John Lewis, Newt Gingrich, and Jerry Lewis to bestow on the Rebbe the Congressional Gold Medal. The bill passed both Houses by unanimous consent, honoring the Rebbe for his 'outstanding and lasting contributions toward improvements in world education, morality, and acts of charity'."
Schneerson, who died in 1994, taught that Jews were a completely different, superior species than non-Jews and has numerous followers in Israel and the U.S. Among his teachings (as quoted in Jewish Fundamentalism in Israel, by Israel Shahak & Norton Mezvinsky, Pluto Press):
"a non-Jewish soul comes from the three satanic spheres, while the Jewish soul stems from holiness."
"The body of a Jewish embryo is on a higher level than is the body of a non-Jew."The illegal settlement of Itamar, where five members of a family were brutally murdered last month, hosts Chabad Lubavitch emissaries in the house next door.
"the substance of all [divine] emanations was created only to serve the Jews."
"The entire creation [of a non-Jew] exists only for the sake of the Jews."
"the body of a Jewish person is of a totally different quality from the body of [members] of all nations of the world...A non-Jew’s entire reality is only vanity."
Saturday, April 16, 2011
Israeli rabbi preparing to sacrifice 300 goats & sheep
Forward – Making Seder for the extended family seems like child’s play compared with Rabbi Yehudah Glick’s Passover preparations. The New York-born Glick is getting ready to lead world Jewry in a Paschal sacrifice April 18, the first night of Passover. Read more
Netanyahu Invited To Speak to His DC Friends at a Joint Session of Congress
James M. Wall – US Secretary of State Hillary Clinton, speaking on April 12 at a dinner to open the US-Islamic World Forum, hosted by the Brookings Institution and the State of Qatar, had warm words of greeting to her many friends there:
Saban has been described by a New York Times reporter as a “tireless cheerleader for Israel.” He has also founded various centers and institutions to produce policy research favorable to Israel. In 2002 he pledged $13 million to found the Saban Center for Middle East Policy at the Brookings Institution, which is now directed by Indyk, who had earlier founded the Washington Institute for Near East Policy, an AIPAC spinoff. Read more
It is such a pleasure for me to join you at this first U.S.-Islamic World Forum held in America. His Highness the Amir and the people of Qatar have generously hosted the Forum for years. . . . I was honored to be a guest in Doha last year. And now I am delighted to welcome you to Washington. I want to thank Martin Indyk, Ken Pollack and the Saban Center at the Brookings Institution for keeping this event going and growing.Indyk and Pollack have helped to shape US foreign policy in the Middle East for decades. They are currently housed at the Saban Center, thanks to the generosity of Haim Saban, an Israeli-American media-mogul and one of the biggest contributors to the campaigns of pro-Israel politicians in the U.S.
Saban has been described by a New York Times reporter as a “tireless cheerleader for Israel.” He has also founded various centers and institutions to produce policy research favorable to Israel. In 2002 he pledged $13 million to found the Saban Center for Middle East Policy at the Brookings Institution, which is now directed by Indyk, who had earlier founded the Washington Institute for Near East Policy, an AIPAC spinoff. Read more
Former New York State Comptroller Havesi sentenced, junkets to Israel
WallStreetJournal, Jacob Gershman – Former state Comptroller Alan Hevesi was sentenced to one to four years in prison Friday for exploiting his power over the state pension fund for personal gain.
The murder of Arrigoni: True Muslims don’t do that
PIC, Khalid Amayreh – We don't know for sure as of yet who murdered international Italian activist Vittorio Arrigoni. However, whoever committed this despicable crime must be a human beast walking on two legs.
Vittorio Arrigoni was abducted on Thursday, 14 April, in Central Gaza. Members of a notoriously fanatical group posted a video online saying they would kill him unless the Gaza government released detained Salafists from prison.
Within a few hours of the warning, Arrigoni's body was found in an empty house.
Arrigoni's death has infuriated Palestinians everywhere. Ismael Haniya, the elected Prime Minister of Hamas called Arrigoni's murder a "nefarious crime that goes against our religion, norms and traditions." A spokesman for the Gaza government described the perpetrators as "thugs and murderers of the lowest kind."
Vittorio Arrigoni was abducted on Thursday, 14 April, in Central Gaza. Members of a notoriously fanatical group posted a video online saying they would kill him unless the Gaza government released detained Salafists from prison.
Within a few hours of the warning, Arrigoni's body was found in an empty house.
Arrigoni's death has infuriated Palestinians everywhere. Ismael Haniya, the elected Prime Minister of Hamas called Arrigoni's murder a "nefarious crime that goes against our religion, norms and traditions." A spokesman for the Gaza government described the perpetrators as "thugs and murderers of the lowest kind."
Israeli navy gunboats fire at Palestinian fishing boats
PIC – Israeli navy gunboats opened heavy machine gun fire at Palestinian fishing boats off the coast of Gaza city on Saturday evening, local sources reported.
Israeli soldiers beat and arrest Palestinian child after Israeli settlers attack his home
Ma'an – Israeli soldiers detained a child from Hebron's Old City after settlers attacked the boy's home Saturday.
Mu'taz Al-Muhtaseb was beaten by soldiers and arrested, locals told Ma'an.
They added that Israeli forces came to the area after settlers from the illegal outpost Beit Hadasa attacked Mu'taz's home.
An Israeli army spokesman confirmed that soldiers arrested a Palestinian but said that the army was unaware of any beating or unusual incidents since his arrest.
He also told Ma'an that the incident came after several Israeli civilians hurled rocks at a Palestinian house. "When an IDF force arrived at the scene, they dispersed," the official said.
Mu'taz Al-Muhtaseb was beaten by soldiers and arrested, locals told Ma'an.
They added that Israeli forces came to the area after settlers from the illegal outpost Beit Hadasa attacked Mu'taz's home.
An Israeli army spokesman confirmed that soldiers arrested a Palestinian but said that the army was unaware of any beating or unusual incidents since his arrest.
He also told Ma'an that the incident came after several Israeli civilians hurled rocks at a Palestinian house. "When an IDF force arrived at the scene, they dispersed," the official said.
Mother of Slain Italian Activist to Sail to Gaza, Flotilla Change Name in Honor of Vittorio
PNN – Agidea Prata, the mother of Vittorio Arrigoni, the Italian activist and journalist killed in Gaza on Friday, said that she will be sailing to Gaza on May with the Free Gaza flotilla.
Prata on Saturday told Italian news sources that “I want to see Gaza that my son loved and sacrificed for, I want to meet the good people living there that my son Vik always talked about”. She added that Vittorio work will go on though his friends.
Vittorio’s mother added that her son received death threats from a right wing American group [called StoptheISM, reportedly created by pro-Israel fanatic Lee Kaplan] on their website two years ago because of his photos published online and the pro Palestinian tattoo he has on his shoulder.
Prata on Saturday told Italian news sources that “I want to see Gaza that my son loved and sacrificed for, I want to meet the good people living there that my son Vik always talked about”. She added that Vittorio work will go on though his friends.
Vittorio’s mother added that her son received death threats from a right wing American group [called StoptheISM, reportedly created by pro-Israel fanatic Lee Kaplan] on their website two years ago because of his photos published online and the pro Palestinian tattoo he has on his shoulder.
Israelis mount a diplomatic offensive to stop the Gaza flotilla
Warisacrime, Ann Wright – While the Israeli military pounded Gaza in the past month killing 14 Palestinians and wounding 52 including 19 children, Israeli diplomats embarked on a massive political campaign to stop the next international flotilla to Gaza that will challenge Israel’s naval blockade of the 1.5 million Palestinians who live in Gaza. In extensive meetings around the world, Israeli diplomats urged diplomats of European countries, Turkey, the United States and the United Nations to use their authority to stop the ships in the next flotilla to Gaza.
Mother and daughter killed in Israeli air strike against Gaza were anticipating wedding
ElectronicIntifada, Rami Almeghari – Around midday last Friday, Ibrahim Qdeih was chatting with his daughters and wife about preparations underway for his daughter Nidal's wedding later this month. Those plans would be forever disrupted after an Israeli missile hit their house, taking the lives of Ibrahim's wife, Najah, and daughter, Nidal.
"I was set to go to the Friday sermon [at the mosque] and it was about 12:15pm, when my daughter Nidal was talking to me about the final touches for her wedding party. By then, electricity was cut off and my wife Najah and my daughters Nidal, Neda and Fida, all moved to rest a bit on these chairs," Qdeih explained, standing near a crater left by the fatal missile strike next to his modest, rural home in al-Faraheen, east of Khan Younis in the southern Gaza Strip.
The bereaved father added "After we talked, I took my son to the Friday sermon at a nearby mosque. While in the middle of the road, we heard a large explosion but we went on walking, for I didn't expect it was my home. As we arrived at the mosque, someone told me that my house was struck by a missile. Then I rushed back along with my son to the house."
As the two arrived, Ibrahim's 43-year-old brother, Fathi, along with Ibrahim's neighbor, Mansi, were trying to aid Ibrahim's wounded daughters, Neda and Fida. Najah and Nidal did not survive the strike. Neda is currently in critical condition and is being treated at al-Nasser hospital, while Fida's injuries are moderate.
"I was set to go to the Friday sermon [at the mosque] and it was about 12:15pm, when my daughter Nidal was talking to me about the final touches for her wedding party. By then, electricity was cut off and my wife Najah and my daughters Nidal, Neda and Fida, all moved to rest a bit on these chairs," Qdeih explained, standing near a crater left by the fatal missile strike next to his modest, rural home in al-Faraheen, east of Khan Younis in the southern Gaza Strip.
The bereaved father added "After we talked, I took my son to the Friday sermon at a nearby mosque. While in the middle of the road, we heard a large explosion but we went on walking, for I didn't expect it was my home. As we arrived at the mosque, someone told me that my house was struck by a missile. Then I rushed back along with my son to the house."
As the two arrived, Ibrahim's 43-year-old brother, Fathi, along with Ibrahim's neighbor, Mansi, were trying to aid Ibrahim's wounded daughters, Neda and Fida. Najah and Nidal did not survive the strike. Neda is currently in critical condition and is being treated at al-Nasser hospital, while Fida's injuries are moderate.
Israeli warplanes strike Gaza
Ma'an – Israeli warplanes launched two airstrikes Saturday morning in the northern Gaza Strip. No injuries were reported.
Local sources said the shelling targeted two military bases of Hamas' armed wing the Al-Qassam Brigades in Ash-Shati refugee camp in the northern Gaza Strip, and the Zaytoun neighborhood of Gaza City, also in the north.
Witnesses said several houses near the military bases sustained damages and locals said they feared further attacks as warplanes and drones continued to hover over the besieged coastal enclave.
Local sources said the shelling targeted two military bases of Hamas' armed wing the Al-Qassam Brigades in Ash-Shati refugee camp in the northern Gaza Strip, and the Zaytoun neighborhood of Gaza City, also in the north.
Witnesses said several houses near the military bases sustained damages and locals said they feared further attacks as warplanes and drones continued to hover over the besieged coastal enclave.
Co-authors of UN report on Gaza: In his retraction Goldstone misrepresented facts
UK Guardian, Hina Jilani, Christine Chinkin and Desmond Travers –
Goldstone report: Statement issued by members of UN mission on Gaza war
In recent days some articles and comments appearing in the press with respect to the report of the United Nations (UN) fact-finding mission on the Gaza conflict of 2008-2009 have misrepresented facts in an attempt to delegitimise the findings of this report and to cast doubts on its credibility.
The mission that comprised four members, including Justice Richard Goldstone as its chair, came to an end when it presented its report to the UN human rights council in September 2009. The report of the mission is now an official UN document and all actions taken pursuant to its findings and recommendations fall solely within the purview of the United Nations general assembly which, along with the human rights council, reviewed and endorsed it at the end of 2009.
Aspersions cast on the findings of the report, nevertheless, cannot be left unchallenged.
Members of the mission, signatories to this statement, find it necessary to dispel any impression that subsequent developments have rendered any part of the mission's report unsubstantiated, erroneous or inaccurate.
We concur in our view that there is no justification for any demand or expectation for reconsideration of the report as nothing of substance has appeared that would in any way change the context, findings or conclusions of that report with respect to any of the parties to the Gaza conflict. Indeed, there is no UN procedure or precedent to that effect.
The report of the fact-finding mission contains the conclusions made after diligent, independent and objective consideration of the information related to the events within our mandate, and careful assessment of its reliability and credibility. We firmly stand by these conclusions.
Also, it is the prerogative of the UN to take cognisance of any evidence subsequently gathered under domestic procedures that it finds credible and in accordance with international standards. Over 18 months after publication of the report, however, we are very far from reaching that point.
The mandate of the mission did not require it to conduct a judicial or even a quasi-judicial investigation. The mission and the report are part of a truth-seeking process that could lead to effective judicial processes. Like all reports of similar missions of the UN, it provided the basis for parties to conduct investigations for gathering of evidence, as required by international law, and, if so warranted, prosecution of individuals who ordered, planned or carried out international crimes.
In the case of the Gaza conflict, we believe that both parties held responsible in this respect, have yet to establish a convincing basis for any claims that contradict the findings of the mission's report.
The report recommended that proper investigations and judicial processes should ideally be carried out first of all at the domestic level, with monitoring by the UN. If these proved inadequate, it laid down a roadmap for the continuation of such processes at the international level. In line with these recommendations, the UN human rights council appointed a committee of independent experts to monitor the independence, effectiveness and genuineness of any domestic proceedings carried out to investigate crimes and violations of international law pointed out in the mission's report.
Many of those calling for the nullification of our report imply that the final report by the follow-up committee's two members, Judge Mary McGowan Davis and Judge Lennart Aspergren, presented to the human rights council in March 2011, somehow contradicts the fact-finding mission's report or invalidates it.
In the light of the observations of this committee such claims are completely misplaced, and a clear distortion of their findings. The committee's report states that, according to available information, Israel has conducted some 400 command investigations into allegations by the fact-finding mission and other organisations. Command investigations are operational, not legal, inquiries and are conducted by personnel from the same command structure as those under investigation.
Goldstone report: Statement issued by members of UN mission on Gaza war
In recent days some articles and comments appearing in the press with respect to the report of the United Nations (UN) fact-finding mission on the Gaza conflict of 2008-2009 have misrepresented facts in an attempt to delegitimise the findings of this report and to cast doubts on its credibility.
The mission that comprised four members, including Justice Richard Goldstone as its chair, came to an end when it presented its report to the UN human rights council in September 2009. The report of the mission is now an official UN document and all actions taken pursuant to its findings and recommendations fall solely within the purview of the United Nations general assembly which, along with the human rights council, reviewed and endorsed it at the end of 2009.
Aspersions cast on the findings of the report, nevertheless, cannot be left unchallenged.
Members of the mission, signatories to this statement, find it necessary to dispel any impression that subsequent developments have rendered any part of the mission's report unsubstantiated, erroneous or inaccurate.
We concur in our view that there is no justification for any demand or expectation for reconsideration of the report as nothing of substance has appeared that would in any way change the context, findings or conclusions of that report with respect to any of the parties to the Gaza conflict. Indeed, there is no UN procedure or precedent to that effect.
The report of the fact-finding mission contains the conclusions made after diligent, independent and objective consideration of the information related to the events within our mandate, and careful assessment of its reliability and credibility. We firmly stand by these conclusions.
Also, it is the prerogative of the UN to take cognisance of any evidence subsequently gathered under domestic procedures that it finds credible and in accordance with international standards. Over 18 months after publication of the report, however, we are very far from reaching that point.
The mandate of the mission did not require it to conduct a judicial or even a quasi-judicial investigation. The mission and the report are part of a truth-seeking process that could lead to effective judicial processes. Like all reports of similar missions of the UN, it provided the basis for parties to conduct investigations for gathering of evidence, as required by international law, and, if so warranted, prosecution of individuals who ordered, planned or carried out international crimes.
In the case of the Gaza conflict, we believe that both parties held responsible in this respect, have yet to establish a convincing basis for any claims that contradict the findings of the mission's report.
The report recommended that proper investigations and judicial processes should ideally be carried out first of all at the domestic level, with monitoring by the UN. If these proved inadequate, it laid down a roadmap for the continuation of such processes at the international level. In line with these recommendations, the UN human rights council appointed a committee of independent experts to monitor the independence, effectiveness and genuineness of any domestic proceedings carried out to investigate crimes and violations of international law pointed out in the mission's report.
Many of those calling for the nullification of our report imply that the final report by the follow-up committee's two members, Judge Mary McGowan Davis and Judge Lennart Aspergren, presented to the human rights council in March 2011, somehow contradicts the fact-finding mission's report or invalidates it.
In the light of the observations of this committee such claims are completely misplaced, and a clear distortion of their findings. The committee's report states that, according to available information, Israel has conducted some 400 command investigations into allegations by the fact-finding mission and other organisations. Command investigations are operational, not legal, inquiries and are conducted by personnel from the same command structure as those under investigation.
Hamas holds 4 suspects over Vittorio Arigoni murder
Ma'an – The Hamas government said Saturday it has arrested two more suspects in connection with the murder of an Italian activist, hanged hours after his abduction.
The interior ministry "managed to arrest two suspects" in the murder on Friday of pro-Palestinian activist Vittorio Arrigoni, in addition to two other suspects previously taken into custody, a statement said.
"The security forces continue to hunt other members of the group responsible for the murder," said the statement.
The suspects arrested were being questioned about Arrigoni's murder, it added, without revealing their names or when they were arrested.
Hamas had said Friday two suspected kidnappers were arrested and security officials were looking for accomplices.
The Italian activist was found hanged in a house north of Gaza City, the ruling Hamas government said on Friday, blaming a radical Islamist group for his murder.
"The government media office denounces the criminal kidnapping and murder of an Italian solidarity activist... who was found by security hanging in an abandoned house in northern Gaza," Hamas said on Friday.
Hamas government spokesman Ihab Al-Ghoussein branded the murder a "heinous crime which has nothing to do with our values, our religion, our customs and traditions."
The interior ministry "managed to arrest two suspects" in the murder on Friday of pro-Palestinian activist Vittorio Arrigoni, in addition to two other suspects previously taken into custody, a statement said.
"The security forces continue to hunt other members of the group responsible for the murder," said the statement.
The suspects arrested were being questioned about Arrigoni's murder, it added, without revealing their names or when they were arrested.
Hamas had said Friday two suspected kidnappers were arrested and security officials were looking for accomplices.
The Italian activist was found hanged in a house north of Gaza City, the ruling Hamas government said on Friday, blaming a radical Islamist group for his murder.
"The government media office denounces the criminal kidnapping and murder of an Italian solidarity activist... who was found by security hanging in an abandoned house in northern Gaza," Hamas said on Friday.
Hamas government spokesman Ihab Al-Ghoussein branded the murder a "heinous crime which has nothing to do with our values, our religion, our customs and traditions."
Vittorio Arrigoni: The man I knew
Al Jazeera, Nicole Johnston – There is a packet of pipe tobacco sitting in my Gaza City apartment.
It's Victor's. He left it behind the last time I saw him, about one month ago.
Anyone who knew Italian activist Vittorio Arrigoni knew that he was usually puffing away on a pipe. Like a wise sea captain.
I had hoped to give his tobacco back to him this weekend, to catch up before he left Gaza and returned to Italy.
He was heading home to see his father, who has been very ill. Also to have a break from Gaza and return refreshed on a new flotilla aiming to set sail to Gaza at the end of May and break the siege.
I last heard from him on Wednesday. It was a short text message asking me if I'd just heard the loud booms. These were sonic booms from low flying Israeli war planes. No, I replied, I hadn't.
The following day he was kidnapped and shortly afterwards killed. Members of a Salafi group say they are responsible.
I first met Vik on a story inside Gaza's buffer zone. A team from the International Solidarity Movement (ISM) was accompanying a farmer and a dozen Palestinian women onto their land while they harvested their crop.
This area has been declared a no-go area by Israel. Inside the buffer zone Israeli soldiers shoot and sometimes kill Palestinians. ISM hopes the international presence will deter the Israelis.
It didn't seem much of a deterrent when we were there. Even with a film crew present Israeli troops fired shots. We crouched down low into the wheat.
Israeli sniper shoots Palestinian marching in memory of Vittorio Arrigoni
Palsolidarity – The protester, a 35 year old resident of the village was hit in his shoulder and foot by 0.22 mm live bullets shot at him by a sniper during a protest in memory of Vittorio Arrigoni, murdered last night in Gaza.
Around 300 people participated in the weekly demonstration against the Wall in the village of Bilin today. This week’s march was dedicated to the memory of Italian activist Vittorio Arrigoni, and protested his murder in Gaza City last night. As the peaceful procession approached the gate in the Wall, soldiers immediately began shooting tear gas projectiles at the protesters.
While most protesters were forced to retreat due to the gas, smaller groups of protesters remained in the area of the Wall, where clashes ensued. At some point, Samir Bournat, a 35 year-old resident of the village and regular demonstrator, noted that a sniper was aiming his rifle at a group of protesters standing near the iron gate in the Wall. He approached in order to warn them, and was shot by the sniper twice. One bullet hit his right shoulder, while a second bullet penetrated his left foot.
A Red Crescent ambulance which rushed to the sport to evacuate Burnat was also attacked with tear-gas projectiles shot directly at him by the soldiers. Burnat was eventually taken to the hospital in Ramallah, where an x-ray was taken and proved beyond a shadow of doubt that he was indeed hit by 0.22″ caliber live bullets.
A short while after Burnat’s injury, a few Border Police officers crossed the Wall in the direction of the village and proceeded to clash with the youth using tear-gas and rubber-coated steel bullets. Moreover, one of the soldiers, even threw rocks at protesters.
Following a number of deaths and subsequent ballistic tests held at the Adam military shooting range in 2001, the Judge Advocate General ordered the classification of 0.22″ bullet changed from “less-lethal” to “live ammunition”, forbidden for use as crowd control means. Despite the classification change, the Israeli Army resumed using these bullets against demonstrators, causing at least two deaths – 14 year-old Az ad-Din al-Jamal from Hebron on February 13th, 2009, and Aqel Srour from Ni’ilin on June 5th, 2009.
Two other protesters who were lightly injured were treated by a medical team on the ground and did not require being evacuated to the hospital.
Around 300 people participated in the weekly demonstration against the Wall in the village of Bilin today. This week’s march was dedicated to the memory of Italian activist Vittorio Arrigoni, and protested his murder in Gaza City last night. As the peaceful procession approached the gate in the Wall, soldiers immediately began shooting tear gas projectiles at the protesters.
While most protesters were forced to retreat due to the gas, smaller groups of protesters remained in the area of the Wall, where clashes ensued. At some point, Samir Bournat, a 35 year-old resident of the village and regular demonstrator, noted that a sniper was aiming his rifle at a group of protesters standing near the iron gate in the Wall. He approached in order to warn them, and was shot by the sniper twice. One bullet hit his right shoulder, while a second bullet penetrated his left foot.
A Red Crescent ambulance which rushed to the sport to evacuate Burnat was also attacked with tear-gas projectiles shot directly at him by the soldiers. Burnat was eventually taken to the hospital in Ramallah, where an x-ray was taken and proved beyond a shadow of doubt that he was indeed hit by 0.22″ caliber live bullets.
A short while after Burnat’s injury, a few Border Police officers crossed the Wall in the direction of the village and proceeded to clash with the youth using tear-gas and rubber-coated steel bullets. Moreover, one of the soldiers, even threw rocks at protesters.
Following a number of deaths and subsequent ballistic tests held at the Adam military shooting range in 2001, the Judge Advocate General ordered the classification of 0.22″ bullet changed from “less-lethal” to “live ammunition”, forbidden for use as crowd control means. Despite the classification change, the Israeli Army resumed using these bullets against demonstrators, causing at least two deaths – 14 year-old Az ad-Din al-Jamal from Hebron on February 13th, 2009, and Aqel Srour from Ni’ilin on June 5th, 2009.
Two other protesters who were lightly injured were treated by a medical team on the ground and did not require being evacuated to the hospital.
PCHR weekly report: grandmother, mother and two children among 18 Palestinians killed this week by Israeli forces
IMEMC – In its Weekly Report on Israeli Human Rights Violations in the Occupied Palestinian Territories for the week of 07 - 13 April 2011, the Palestinian Center for Human Rights (PCHR) found that 18 Palestinians, including 9 civilians, were killed by Israeli forces in the Gaza Strip.
The victims include a grandmother, mother and two children in the same family who were killed in an airstrike.
During the past week, Israeli forces warplanes launched a series or air strikes against targets in the Gaza Strip, in which a number of training sites were destroyed and dozens of houses were damaged.
Israeli forces continued to use force against peaceful protests in the West Bank. Two Palestinian civilians, including a child, and an international human rights defender were wounded.
Israeli forces conducted 58 incursions into Palestinian communities in the West Bank. and abducted 42 Palestinian civilians, including 8 children and two women.
The victims include a grandmother, mother and two children in the same family who were killed in an airstrike.
During the past week, Israeli forces warplanes launched a series or air strikes against targets in the Gaza Strip, in which a number of training sites were destroyed and dozens of houses were damaged.
Israeli forces continued to use force against peaceful protests in the West Bank. Two Palestinian civilians, including a child, and an international human rights defender were wounded.
Israeli forces conducted 58 incursions into Palestinian communities in the West Bank. and abducted 42 Palestinian civilians, including 8 children and two women.
Salafist group claims no connection with murder of Italian activist Vittorio Arigoni
IMEMC – The Tawhid and Jihad fundamentalist Salafist group in Gaza, claimed it has no connection with the murder of Italian peace activist, Vittorio Arrigoni, whose body was found hanged on Friday at dawn.
Video
The group published a statement on the internet claiming that it had no connection with the death of Arrigoni, yet stated that what happened is “a natural outcome of the practices of the Hamas-led government against Salafist groups in Gaza”.
The body of Arriogoni was found in an area, north-west of Gaza city.
The group, or an affiliated group, initially published a video on YouTube of Arrigoni before he was murdered.
Arriogoni entered Gaza with an aid convoy in 2008, and showed utmost passion to the Palestinians and their struggle against the Israeli occupation.
He was one of a few international reporters and activists who were in Gaza during Israeli Cast Lead offensive in late December 2009, especially since Israel prevented foreign reporters from entering the besieged enclave.
The Hamas movement in Gaza strongly denounced the killing of the Italian activist and described it as a shameful and a dangerous terrorist attack.
Hamas spokesperson, Fawzi Barhoum, stated in a press release on Friday morning that the group behind the murder is acting on creating chaos and insecurity in the streets of Gaza, and accused it of attempting to sabotage the strong ties between the Palestinian people and their supporters around the world.
Barhoum stated that this outlawed group is acting in accordance with the enemies of the Palestinian people and their cause.
The International Solidarity Movement, ISM, expressed shock and deep sadness after hearing the news of Arrigoni’s murder. The ISM described Arrigoni as an inspiring activist and a generous soul.
The Tawhid and Jihad Salafist fundamentalist group has Islamic Resistance Movement, Hamas, as one of its main sworn enemies, and went into several gun battles with Hamas fighters and members of the Hamas-led security forces in Gaza.
The group is responsible for several previous abductions and for killing Hamas fighters in the Gaza Strip.
Video
The group published a statement on the internet claiming that it had no connection with the death of Arrigoni, yet stated that what happened is “a natural outcome of the practices of the Hamas-led government against Salafist groups in Gaza”.
The body of Arriogoni was found in an area, north-west of Gaza city.
The group, or an affiliated group, initially published a video on YouTube of Arrigoni before he was murdered.
Arriogoni entered Gaza with an aid convoy in 2008, and showed utmost passion to the Palestinians and their struggle against the Israeli occupation.
He was one of a few international reporters and activists who were in Gaza during Israeli Cast Lead offensive in late December 2009, especially since Israel prevented foreign reporters from entering the besieged enclave.
The Hamas movement in Gaza strongly denounced the killing of the Italian activist and described it as a shameful and a dangerous terrorist attack.
Hamas spokesperson, Fawzi Barhoum, stated in a press release on Friday morning that the group behind the murder is acting on creating chaos and insecurity in the streets of Gaza, and accused it of attempting to sabotage the strong ties between the Palestinian people and their supporters around the world.
Barhoum stated that this outlawed group is acting in accordance with the enemies of the Palestinian people and their cause.
The International Solidarity Movement, ISM, expressed shock and deep sadness after hearing the news of Arrigoni’s murder. The ISM described Arrigoni as an inspiring activist and a generous soul.
The Tawhid and Jihad Salafist fundamentalist group has Islamic Resistance Movement, Hamas, as one of its main sworn enemies, and went into several gun battles with Hamas fighters and members of the Hamas-led security forces in Gaza.
The group is responsible for several previous abductions and for killing Hamas fighters in the Gaza Strip.
Israeli Military Police Commander: “Most Abuse complaints against soldiers never make It to court”
IMEMC – Commander of the Israeli Military Police, Brigadier General, Meir Ohanna, admitted Thursday that most complaints of abuse practiced by Israeli soldiers against Palestinians end up without an investigation, court and even a disciplinary measure.
His statements were made as he was testifying in front of the Turkel Committee that was assigned to investigate army conducts, and means of interrogation practiced by the Police.
He said that only 6-9% of the complaints lead to actual indictments, while the rest just get ignored, voided or shelved.
His statements were made as he was testifying in front of the Turkel Committee that was assigned to investigate army conducts, and means of interrogation practiced by the Police.
He said that only 6-9% of the complaints lead to actual indictments, while the rest just get ignored, voided or shelved.
Body Of Human Rights Solidarity Activist Vittorio Arrigoni Found In Gaza
IMEMC – The body of an Italian peace and human rights activist, member of the Free Gaza Movement, was found on Friday at dawn in an abandoned house in the Gaza Strip, medial sources reported.
The activist was identified as Vittorio Arrigoni. On Thursday, the Jahidst Salafi group, an outlawed terrorist group that aligns itself with the Al Qaeda Terrorist network, released a video of Arrigoni, and threatened to execute by 5 PM Palestinian time unless Hamas forces release one of the groups’ prominent leaders.
The activist was identified as Vittorio Arrigoni. On Thursday, the Jahidst Salafi group, an outlawed terrorist group that aligns itself with the Al Qaeda Terrorist network, released a video of Arrigoni, and threatened to execute by 5 PM Palestinian time unless Hamas forces release one of the groups’ prominent leaders.
Israel demolishes Palestinian farm structures near Jericho
IMEMC – The Jerusalem Legal Aid and Human Rights Center reported that Israeli soldiers violated a ruling issued by the Israeli High Court, and demolished six tin-houses and barns that belong to Bedouin residents living in Al Nwei’ma area, near the Jericho City.
Israel approves 900 settlement units near Bethlehem, 1800 total
IMEMC – The Israeli Regional Construction and Planning Committee approved a new settlement plan that aims at constructing 900 units for Jewish settlers in an area adjacent to Al Walaja Palestinian town in the Bethlehem District.
The units will be built close to the Gilo illegal settlement that was built on lands that were illegally annexed [from Palestinian Christians]. Israel does not regard Gilo as a settlement, but brands it’s as a “Jerusalem neighborhood”.
The new constructions will be built on 228 Dunams (56.34 Acres) that were illegally annexed from their Palestinian owners, and will include 4, 6 and 8-story apartment buildings, advanced roads and infrastructure.
The newly approved plan comes only one day after the so-called Regional Construction Committee approved the construction of 942 units for Jewish settlers south of Gilo settlement.
The two projects complement each other as they will ensure the expansion of Gilo settlement from the south with a total addition of more than 1800 units.
Israel’s policies of settlement construction and expansion were the main reason that pushed the Palestinians to withdraw from the American “supervised” peace talks with Israel.
The Palestinian Authority also decided to leave the negotiations table to protest Israel’s policies against the Palestinians in occupied East Jerusalem, home demolitions, and ongoing invasions into the occupied territories.
Although the United States repeatedly “urged” Israel to halt its settlement activities in order “to give the peace process a chance to resume”, US financial support to Israel is the main funder of Israel’s settlement construction and expansion.
The United States grants Israel more than $3 Billion a year in direct aid, in addition to $3 Billion in loan guarantees.
The units will be built close to the Gilo illegal settlement that was built on lands that were illegally annexed [from Palestinian Christians]. Israel does not regard Gilo as a settlement, but brands it’s as a “Jerusalem neighborhood”.
The new constructions will be built on 228 Dunams (56.34 Acres) that were illegally annexed from their Palestinian owners, and will include 4, 6 and 8-story apartment buildings, advanced roads and infrastructure.
The newly approved plan comes only one day after the so-called Regional Construction Committee approved the construction of 942 units for Jewish settlers south of Gilo settlement.
The two projects complement each other as they will ensure the expansion of Gilo settlement from the south with a total addition of more than 1800 units.
Israel’s policies of settlement construction and expansion were the main reason that pushed the Palestinians to withdraw from the American “supervised” peace talks with Israel.
The Palestinian Authority also decided to leave the negotiations table to protest Israel’s policies against the Palestinians in occupied East Jerusalem, home demolitions, and ongoing invasions into the occupied territories.
Although the United States repeatedly “urged” Israel to halt its settlement activities in order “to give the peace process a chance to resume”, US financial support to Israel is the main funder of Israel’s settlement construction and expansion.
The United States grants Israel more than $3 Billion a year in direct aid, in addition to $3 Billion in loan guarantees.
Friday, April 15, 2011
On Thursday Israelis released teenage Palestinian girl from Awarta, held five days
Palsolidarity – Late on Thursday afternoon sixteen year old Julia Manzen Awwad arrived back to the village of Awarta, following her release from Israeli military prison. She had been detained for five days after being arrested by force during an army raid on her family home in the early hours of Sunday morning. Upon arrest Julia was taken blindfolded and bound by her wrists and ankles to the military base at Huwwara, where she was detained for a night. She was then transferred to a military prison.
During her detention Julia was denied basic human rights and prevented from contacting either her family or a lawyer. Instead she was confined to a dark room and intensively interrogated about the murders of the Fogel family at Itamar, the nearby illegal settlement. Julia described being woken at regular intervals and asked the same questions repeatedly. Confused and frightened she answered that she knew nothing, only to be met with aggressive retorts accusing her of lying.
Ill treatment and abuses included the refusal of her request for a doctor when experiencing stomach pains, being fed food she described as fit for animals, and being handcuffed and marched to the toilet furthest from her cell. At times she was not even allowed to use the toilet. Prior to her release Julia was coerced into signing a document she could not understand and had wires attached to various parts of her body during a lie detector test.
Whilst Julia was welcomed by her mother, Noaf, and extended family members, she spoke of the sorrow she felt returning to her house as her brothers, George (20) and Hakim (17), along with their father, Mazen, still remain in custody. Her mother, who was also detained in the raid last weekend, was released on Monday.
Earlier in the day a demonstration organized by a local Palestinian women's group marched through Awarta in protest at the barbaric treatment of the community at the hands of the Israeli army over the last month. In a show of solidarity it finished outside the homes of other members of the Awwad family, which were ransacked and destroyed by soldiers in a raid last Monday night.
Since the brutal murder of five family members in Itamar settlement at the beginning of March the villagers of Awarta have been subjected to near continuous incursions by the Israeli army. Men and women, some in their 80s, and children, some as young and 14, have been arrested. Whilst many have been released after a few days, others, mainly men, remain in detention. On these early morning raids, the army fire sound grenades through windows prior to forcing their way into homes and brutalizing the occupants – regardless of age.
During her detention Julia was denied basic human rights and prevented from contacting either her family or a lawyer. Instead she was confined to a dark room and intensively interrogated about the murders of the Fogel family at Itamar, the nearby illegal settlement. Julia described being woken at regular intervals and asked the same questions repeatedly. Confused and frightened she answered that she knew nothing, only to be met with aggressive retorts accusing her of lying.
Ill treatment and abuses included the refusal of her request for a doctor when experiencing stomach pains, being fed food she described as fit for animals, and being handcuffed and marched to the toilet furthest from her cell. At times she was not even allowed to use the toilet. Prior to her release Julia was coerced into signing a document she could not understand and had wires attached to various parts of her body during a lie detector test.
Whilst Julia was welcomed by her mother, Noaf, and extended family members, she spoke of the sorrow she felt returning to her house as her brothers, George (20) and Hakim (17), along with their father, Mazen, still remain in custody. Her mother, who was also detained in the raid last weekend, was released on Monday.
Earlier in the day a demonstration organized by a local Palestinian women's group marched through Awarta in protest at the barbaric treatment of the community at the hands of the Israeli army over the last month. In a show of solidarity it finished outside the homes of other members of the Awwad family, which were ransacked and destroyed by soldiers in a raid last Monday night.
Since the brutal murder of five family members in Itamar settlement at the beginning of March the villagers of Awarta have been subjected to near continuous incursions by the Israeli army. Men and women, some in their 80s, and children, some as young and 14, have been arrested. Whilst many have been released after a few days, others, mainly men, remain in detention. On these early morning raids, the army fire sound grenades through windows prior to forcing their way into homes and brutalizing the occupants – regardless of age.
Thursday, April 14, 2011
Palestinian says 150 trees cut down by Israeli settlers
Ynet – [West Bank] resident says settlers cut down his trees; Civil Administration confirms details, but founder of nearby Jewish outpost says trees are his
Palestinian villager Ibrahaim Salah faced a rude welcome after arriving at his olive grove Tuesday, claiming that his trees were cut down by settlers.
"I arrived at my land Tuesday morning and couldn't believe my eyes," said the Samaria resident, who is allowed to access his grove only a few times a year with a security escort. "We found some 150 olive trees that are dozens of years old cut down."
Salah says that only 60 trees remain in his plot of land at this time, yet most of them are too young and do not produce commercial quantities of trees.
"I don't know what to do now. I have nothing except for these trees," he said. Salah added that a caravan belonging to the nearby Havat Gilad outpost was placed by his cut down trees.
Palestinian villager Ibrahaim Salah faced a rude welcome after arriving at his olive grove Tuesday, claiming that his trees were cut down by settlers.
"I arrived at my land Tuesday morning and couldn't believe my eyes," said the Samaria resident, who is allowed to access his grove only a few times a year with a security escort. "We found some 150 olive trees that are dozens of years old cut down."
Salah says that only 60 trees remain in his plot of land at this time, yet most of them are too young and do not produce commercial quantities of trees.
"I don't know what to do now. I have nothing except for these trees," he said. Salah added that a caravan belonging to the nearby Havat Gilad outpost was placed by his cut down trees.
Wednesday, April 13, 2011
The details AP left out on Israel's April 8th bombing of children playing football
Palsolidarity – On Friday April 8th at approximately 5.30 pm a drone dropped a bomb on a group of children and young people who were playing football next to a school in the Al-Shijaija neighborhood, east of Gaza City, near the border. People hurried to come to the rescue of the injured when a second bomb hit the exact same place. A child and a young man were killed, while 10 more civilians were injured, including a paramedic and six children.
It took a day to identify the brutally dismembered body of a young man after initially only a headless body was found. It belonged to 23 year old Bilal Mohammed Al A’arer.
Mahmoud Wa’el Al-Jaro is the name that goes with the other young face, drained of the joyous expression it had until the vicious attack. The bewildered dead darkness in his eyes and his half open mouth makes one feel and see the moment. A split second: the abrupt discontinuity of his activity, the inner alarm that causes panic, the anxiety that instantly swells to mortal fear and is immediately followed by death, mercilessly cooling the intensity of his last life experience. Ten years old he was and he has paid dearly for trying to enjoy his young life, playing football under Gaza’s dangerous sky.
It took a day to identify the brutally dismembered body of a young man after initially only a headless body was found. It belonged to 23 year old Bilal Mohammed Al A’arer.
Mahmoud Wa’el Al-Jaro is the name that goes with the other young face, drained of the joyous expression it had until the vicious attack. The bewildered dead darkness in his eyes and his half open mouth makes one feel and see the moment. A split second: the abrupt discontinuity of his activity, the inner alarm that causes panic, the anxiety that instantly swells to mortal fear and is immediately followed by death, mercilessly cooling the intensity of his last life experience. Ten years old he was and he has paid dearly for trying to enjoy his young life, playing football under Gaza’s dangerous sky.
Trying to farm in Gaza with Israeli drones overhead and remote-controlled gunfire
Palsolidarity – We left Gaza city early; we were going to Faraheen, a small village near the buffer zone to help farmers plant peppers. Israel has declared a 300 meter “buffer zone” along the entire border with Gaza. What does the buffer zone mean? Simply, that Israel will shoot anyone who approaches within 300 meters of the border. They don’t really have rulers though; usually they don’t even have soldiers. Just remote control guns controlled by teenage conscripts in the basement of a military base somewhere, maybe an office park, maybe the soldiers telecommute, that would be more convenient for them. For the soldiers, it is basically a video game, push a button on your mouse, and shoot a farmer.
The fields that we were planting aren’t actually in the buffer zone, but they are close, and even being close to the buffer zone is dangerous – it isn’t easy to judge distance with a mouse. April 6th was a beautiful day; the weather was perfect, no wind and not too hot. A drone hovered overhead; occasionally bursts of remote controlled shooting came from the Israeli gun towers that line the border. They weren’t shooting at us; they were shooting at some other anonymous farmer trying to work on his land. Maybe they were shooting at an unemployed man who went to collect rocks near the buffer zone? The importing of cement is banned by Israel, and it is in desperate need to repair the damage from Operation Cast Lead and to accommodate the needs of the growing population.
We didn’t manage to finish planting all of the peppers on Wednesday, so we went back to work on Thursday. The ‘weather’, the farmers joked, wasn’t so good on Thursday, there were a lot of drones, and occasionally the thunder of distant bombing reached our ears. We kept working, what else could the farmers do?
The fields that we were planting aren’t actually in the buffer zone, but they are close, and even being close to the buffer zone is dangerous – it isn’t easy to judge distance with a mouse. April 6th was a beautiful day; the weather was perfect, no wind and not too hot. A drone hovered overhead; occasionally bursts of remote controlled shooting came from the Israeli gun towers that line the border. They weren’t shooting at us; they were shooting at some other anonymous farmer trying to work on his land. Maybe they were shooting at an unemployed man who went to collect rocks near the buffer zone? The importing of cement is banned by Israel, and it is in desperate need to repair the damage from Operation Cast Lead and to accommodate the needs of the growing population.
We didn’t manage to finish planting all of the peppers on Wednesday, so we went back to work on Thursday. The ‘weather’, the farmers joked, wasn’t so good on Thursday, there were a lot of drones, and occasionally the thunder of distant bombing reached our ears. We kept working, what else could the farmers do?
Obama names pro-Israel Wasserman Schultz to most powerful party position
JTA – Debbie Wasserman Schultz’s first day as a sophomore in the U.S. House of Representatives, on Jan. 8, 2007, was marked by a number of extraordinary achievements for a woman barely out of her first term.
Named to the Democratic caucus leadership. Named to the all-powerful Appropriations Committee. Named as a major fundraiser -- $17 million -- for the party’s breakthrough 2006 election. Named by a tabloid as one of the 50 most beautiful people on Capitol Hill.
Named to the Democratic caucus leadership. Named to the all-powerful Appropriations Committee. Named as a major fundraiser -- $17 million -- for the party’s breakthrough 2006 election. Named by a tabloid as one of the 50 most beautiful people on Capitol Hill.
Palestinians warn of possible tampering during rehabilitation of Jerusalem’s Old City wall
WAFA – Palestinians warned Tuesday of acts of forgery the Israeli archaeology authority is introducing to the Wall of the Old City of Jerusalem during the rehabilitation of sections of the ancient Wall, particularly at Damascus Gate.
They said that by covering sections of the Wall, where work is underway, could mean that Israel is trying to hide the changes it is doing to the Wall to stress its alleged Jewish history while wiping out any reference to the Islamic period.
They said that by covering sections of the Wall, where work is underway, could mean that Israel is trying to hide the changes it is doing to the Wall to stress its alleged Jewish history while wiping out any reference to the Islamic period.
Israel imprisons abducted engineer in solitary confinement
Ma'an – Abducted Gaza engineer Dirar Abu Sisi and a second man in Israeli jail were transferred into solitary confinement this week, a statement from the Gaza Ministry of Prisoners Affairs said Wednesday.
Accused by Israel of nine charges regarding activity in a terrorist organization, hundreds of counts of attempted murder, conspiracy to commit murder and arms production offenses, Abu Sisi was indicted on April 4, after being abducted from a train in the Ukraine by Israeli intelligence and held at the Shikma prison in the southern port city of Ashkelon.
Abu Sisi's family, however, believe Dirar was abducted because he had been able to engineer a switch in fuel source for the Gaza Power Plant.
At the close of 2010, the Gaza Strip halted its import of Israeli industrial diesel, and initiated a trial-run using purified fuel brought in through smuggling tunnels from Egypt.
A second man, Murad Abu Irkab, from the West Bank city of Ramallah who is sentenced to 27 years in Israeli prison, was also moved into solitary confinement this week, the ministry statement said, adding that the move came with no explanation.
Accused by Israel of nine charges regarding activity in a terrorist organization, hundreds of counts of attempted murder, conspiracy to commit murder and arms production offenses, Abu Sisi was indicted on April 4, after being abducted from a train in the Ukraine by Israeli intelligence and held at the Shikma prison in the southern port city of Ashkelon.
Abu Sisi's family, however, believe Dirar was abducted because he had been able to engineer a switch in fuel source for the Gaza Power Plant.
At the close of 2010, the Gaza Strip halted its import of Israeli industrial diesel, and initiated a trial-run using purified fuel brought in through smuggling tunnels from Egypt.
A second man, Murad Abu Irkab, from the West Bank city of Ramallah who is sentenced to 27 years in Israeli prison, was also moved into solitary confinement this week, the ministry statement said, adding that the move came with no explanation.
Israeli army kidnaps 14 Palestinian villagers, including 3 children, in West Bank
IMEMC – Israeli soldiers kidnapped on Wednesday at dawn 14 Palestinians, including children, in several West Bank areas.
The invasions targeted the districts of Nablus, Jerusalem, Bethlehem and Hebron.
The invasions targeted the districts of Nablus, Jerusalem, Bethlehem and Hebron.
European network denounces extended solitary confinement of blind Palestinian detainee
IMEMC – The European network to Support the Rights of Palestinian Prisoners, (UFree), denounced Tuesday an Israeli court ruling forcing a blind Palestinian detainee in solitary confinement for additional six months.
Flowers for export rot In Gaza as total closure continues for eighth day, essential food supplies & medicines running out
IMEMC, Saed Bannoura - For the eighth straight day, Israeli officials maintained a full closure of all border crossings in and out of the Gaza Strip Tuesday, refusing to allow even the small trickle of goods that has been allowed to pass since late last year, when a 4-year old blockade was slightly decreased.
Thousands of flowers which had been prepared for export to florists worldwide have been prevented from passing through, devastating the flower industry in Gaza at a crucial time in the growing season.
The head of the Flower and Berry Growers' Association in Gaza, Mahmoud Khalil, said that the organization had a meeting to determine what to do if the border remains closed for the entire season, and that they considered reducing the planting of certain crops in order to avoid serious losses.
In addition to the flower export crisis, the United Nations Relief and Works Agency (UNRWA) has stated that essential food supplies are about to run out, adding that there are currently 172 truckloads of oil, sugar and flour waiting in Israel just outside the Gaza border. The food aid from the UNRWA supplies basic food to about 2/3 of the population of Gaza, who have been unable to maintain their economy due to the Israeli siege, and have become dependent on food aid as a result.
According to the Palestinian Center for Human Rights, there are about 150 basic medicines that are lacking in Gaza's hospitals and clinics.
Although Israeli officials deny that they are depriving Palestinians of basic goods by continuing the siege, a number of Israeli officials were quoted when the siege began as saying they would impose a 'diet' on the Palestinian population of Gaza.
Collective punishment measure like siege warfare are considered violations of the Fourth Geneva Convention, to which Israel is a signatory.
Thousands of flowers which had been prepared for export to florists worldwide have been prevented from passing through, devastating the flower industry in Gaza at a crucial time in the growing season.
The head of the Flower and Berry Growers' Association in Gaza, Mahmoud Khalil, said that the organization had a meeting to determine what to do if the border remains closed for the entire season, and that they considered reducing the planting of certain crops in order to avoid serious losses.
In addition to the flower export crisis, the United Nations Relief and Works Agency (UNRWA) has stated that essential food supplies are about to run out, adding that there are currently 172 truckloads of oil, sugar and flour waiting in Israel just outside the Gaza border. The food aid from the UNRWA supplies basic food to about 2/3 of the population of Gaza, who have been unable to maintain their economy due to the Israeli siege, and have become dependent on food aid as a result.
According to the Palestinian Center for Human Rights, there are about 150 basic medicines that are lacking in Gaza's hospitals and clinics.
Although Israeli officials deny that they are depriving Palestinians of basic goods by continuing the siege, a number of Israeli officials were quoted when the siege began as saying they would impose a 'diet' on the Palestinian population of Gaza.
Collective punishment measure like siege warfare are considered violations of the Fourth Geneva Convention, to which Israel is a signatory.
Four Palestinians killed, six injured In Gaza tunnel collapse; 150 have died in tunnel accidents since Israel began siege four years ago
IMEMC – Palestinian medical sources reported Tuesday that four Palestinians were killed and six others were injured when a tunnel collapse on them in Al Barazil border area, in Rafah, in the southern part of the Gaza Strip.
The four Palestinians killed in the incident were identified as Samir Abdul-Rahman Shaqqoura, 32, Abdul-Halim Abdul-Rahman Shaqqoura, 22, Haitham Mustafa Mansour, 20, and Abdul-Rahman Adnan Al Mheisin, 28. All are from Khan Younis district, in southern Gaza.
The bodies of the four residents were moved to Abu Yousef Al Najjar Hospital in Rafah. Six residents were also hospitalized and received the needed medical attention.
It is worth mentioning that more than 150 Palestinians were killed in similar tunnels accidents since Israel imposed the deadly siege on Gaza more than four years ago.
The four Palestinians killed in the incident were identified as Samir Abdul-Rahman Shaqqoura, 32, Abdul-Halim Abdul-Rahman Shaqqoura, 22, Haitham Mustafa Mansour, 20, and Abdul-Rahman Adnan Al Mheisin, 28. All are from Khan Younis district, in southern Gaza.
The bodies of the four residents were moved to Abu Yousef Al Najjar Hospital in Rafah. Six residents were also hospitalized and received the needed medical attention.
It is worth mentioning that more than 150 Palestinians were killed in similar tunnels accidents since Israel imposed the deadly siege on Gaza more than four years ago.
Tuesday, April 12, 2011
7,000 Palestinian prisoners hold one-day hunger strike to protest conditions in Israeli prisons - 1,000 held without trial
IMEMC – According to the Palestinian Minister of Detainees, a one-day hunger strike was held on Monday to protest the conditions where Palestinian prisoners are being held by Israeli authorities, including medical negligence, prevention of family visits, poor food quality, and the continual imposition of fines on prisoners who, because they are imprisoned, have no means to pay.
Minister Issa Qaraqi said that 7,000 Palestinian prisoners participated in the hunger strike. Around 8,000 total Palestinian prisoners, including several hundred children, are believed to be held in Israeli detention facilities. At least 1,000 are being held without charges, in so-called 'administrative detention'.
As the hunger strike was held inside the detention centers, supporters gathered in several West Bank and Gaza Strip cities in advance of the annual 'Prisoners Day', held each year on April 17th, and to call for the release of all Palestinian prisoners – a call which represents one of the three core demands of the Palestinian people, along with a state with Jerusalem as its capital, and the return of Palestinian refugees.
The Arab News website reports that, “Palestinian prisoners [have] held dozens of hunger strikes since the Israeli occupation of Palestinian territories in 1967. Abdulqader Abu al-Fahem was the first Palestinian prisoner to die after 15 days of a hunger strike at the Asqalan prison in 1970. The prisoners Rasim Halaweh, Alial-Ja’fari and Ishaq Maragheh died in the Nafha prison in 1980 after 32 days. The prisoners Anees Douleh and Hussein Obaidat died in 1992 after 15 days.”
In addition to calling for better conditions overall, the prisoners also demanded the release of Akram Mansour, who is suffering from a brain tumor, as well as back and kidney problems.
Mansour, like many of those imprisoned by Israeli authorities, is serving a long sentence for vague charges that he “resisted the Israeli occupation” of Palestinian land.
One prisoner is being held by Palestinian resistance groups, including Hamas, which blames Israel for the breakdown of a prisoner-swap deal that would have seen the release of several hundred Palestinian prisoners (around 5% of those held) in exchange for the release of Gilad Shalit (the only Israeli held by Palestinian groups).
Minister Issa Qaraqi said that 7,000 Palestinian prisoners participated in the hunger strike. Around 8,000 total Palestinian prisoners, including several hundred children, are believed to be held in Israeli detention facilities. At least 1,000 are being held without charges, in so-called 'administrative detention'.
As the hunger strike was held inside the detention centers, supporters gathered in several West Bank and Gaza Strip cities in advance of the annual 'Prisoners Day', held each year on April 17th, and to call for the release of all Palestinian prisoners – a call which represents one of the three core demands of the Palestinian people, along with a state with Jerusalem as its capital, and the return of Palestinian refugees.
The Arab News website reports that, “Palestinian prisoners [have] held dozens of hunger strikes since the Israeli occupation of Palestinian territories in 1967. Abdulqader Abu al-Fahem was the first Palestinian prisoner to die after 15 days of a hunger strike at the Asqalan prison in 1970. The prisoners Rasim Halaweh, Alial-Ja’fari and Ishaq Maragheh died in the Nafha prison in 1980 after 32 days. The prisoners Anees Douleh and Hussein Obaidat died in 1992 after 15 days.”
In addition to calling for better conditions overall, the prisoners also demanded the release of Akram Mansour, who is suffering from a brain tumor, as well as back and kidney problems.
Mansour, like many of those imprisoned by Israeli authorities, is serving a long sentence for vague charges that he “resisted the Israeli occupation” of Palestinian land.
One prisoner is being held by Palestinian resistance groups, including Hamas, which blames Israel for the breakdown of a prisoner-swap deal that would have seen the release of several hundred Palestinian prisoners (around 5% of those held) in exchange for the release of Gilad Shalit (the only Israeli held by Palestinian groups).
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