Ma’an- "Ashraf was as usual near the shop. I heard a gunshot outside and then my son was shouting and trying to open the door. More than ten soldiers were behind him," his mother told Ma'an on Wednesday.
The day before, 23-year-old Ashraf Muhammad Suleiman Mousa, who lives with a developmental disability and has the cognitive ability of a four-year-old, was assaulted by Israeli forces apparently searching for stone thrower on Tuesday evening, witnesses said. Read more
Thursday, May 26, 2011
Inauguration ceremony for Jewish-only settlement in East Jerusalem
Ma'an-AFP- The speaker of Israel's parliament and two ministers attended the dedication on Wednesday of new Jewish settler homes in East Jerusalem in what an Israeli NGO called "a dangerous provocation."
Among the first of the VIPs to arrive at the site in the city's annexed eastern sector were speaker Reuven Rivlin, Environment Minister Gilad Erdan and Education Minister Gideon Saar, all of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's right-wing Likud party. Read more
Among the first of the VIPs to arrive at the site in the city's annexed eastern sector were speaker Reuven Rivlin, Environment Minister Gilad Erdan and Education Minister Gideon Saar, all of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's right-wing Likud party. Read more
"Israel Is Not Alone" member turns aggressive on journalist
Alison Weir - Press TV- We had just completed a CNI press briefing at the National Press Club, when the next group scheduled to use the room, "Israel Is Not Alone," began to enter. One of their members saw our signs and began a discussion with a member of the CNI group. The conversation was heated but within appropriate bounds. Another "Israel Is Not Alone" member, however, then approached the CNI man in a somewhat threatening posture and loudly began to berate him.
At that point Lt. Col Karen Kwiatkowski, who had spoken on our panel, thought she recognized the man and he was asked his name. At first he only gave his first name, Jerry, but eventually also gave his last name: Boykin.
Lt. Gen Boykin (three stars) is known for making offensive statements about Islam and supporting Israel.
For some reason, I actually thought I might be able to convince him to rethink his positions. I told him I had been born at West Point and tried to tell him about Palestine. I was holding a booklet from our press conference, and asked him fervently to read it. He didn't say anything.
As I was trying to describe the facts, another man came up and began haranguing me. He was almost shaking with fury. He yelled that Muslims tear the fingernails off Christians and similar things. I tried to answer him, but he shouted over everything I tried to say. I got my phone out and tried to video what he was yelling at me. I then tried to resume my conversation with Boykin and tell him about my first trip to Palestine, but the man continued shouting at me, drowning out my words, so I again tried to video what he was yelling at me. He suddenly violently hit my hand and phone, knocking the phone across the room.
I was stunned. A bit shaken, I asked someone to get security, which they did. Some of the "Israel Is Not Alone" group, probably realizing that their member had just crossed a serious line and was guilty of battery, brought me the pieces of my phone (fortunately, and surprisingly, it still works). The man (I haven't yet learned his name) proffered an unconvincing apology.
Some people have suggested that I file charges. It turns out that a Press TV crew apparently filmed the whole incident and led off with part of it on their broadcast about our conference. You can see the video and news report here.
I'm undecided about filing charges. I know that if the situation were reversed, they would do so.
I don't know what's behind this angry, disturbed man. Was he angry because he was spreading such venemous lies? Or is it that the people behind "Israel Is Not Alone" are exploiting a vulnerable man and intentionally creating or fueling his rage? Read more
At that point Lt. Col Karen Kwiatkowski, who had spoken on our panel, thought she recognized the man and he was asked his name. At first he only gave his first name, Jerry, but eventually also gave his last name: Boykin.
Lt. Gen Boykin (three stars) is known for making offensive statements about Islam and supporting Israel.
For some reason, I actually thought I might be able to convince him to rethink his positions. I told him I had been born at West Point and tried to tell him about Palestine. I was holding a booklet from our press conference, and asked him fervently to read it. He didn't say anything.
As I was trying to describe the facts, another man came up and began haranguing me. He was almost shaking with fury. He yelled that Muslims tear the fingernails off Christians and similar things. I tried to answer him, but he shouted over everything I tried to say. I got my phone out and tried to video what he was yelling at me. I then tried to resume my conversation with Boykin and tell him about my first trip to Palestine, but the man continued shouting at me, drowning out my words, so I again tried to video what he was yelling at me. He suddenly violently hit my hand and phone, knocking the phone across the room.
I was stunned. A bit shaken, I asked someone to get security, which they did. Some of the "Israel Is Not Alone" group, probably realizing that their member had just crossed a serious line and was guilty of battery, brought me the pieces of my phone (fortunately, and surprisingly, it still works). The man (I haven't yet learned his name) proffered an unconvincing apology.
Some people have suggested that I file charges. It turns out that a Press TV crew apparently filmed the whole incident and led off with part of it on their broadcast about our conference. You can see the video and news report here.
I'm undecided about filing charges. I know that if the situation were reversed, they would do so.
I don't know what's behind this angry, disturbed man. Was he angry because he was spreading such venemous lies? Or is it that the people behind "Israel Is Not Alone" are exploiting a vulnerable man and intentionally creating or fueling his rage? Read more
Press Statement: The Spirit of Rachel Corrie International aid ship to Gaza
The Spirit of Rachel Corrie Mission hereby objects to the use of an Israeli land port to deliver its humanitarian aid to the Palestinian people.
The team is thankful to the Malaysian Government for their negotiations with the Egyptian Government in securing the docking of MV Finch into the El-Arish Port since May 16th.
We have been informed that the Egyptian Government has imposed on the Malaysian Government as a condition precedent for the cargo to be discharged, that the same be transported via Karem Shalom, at the Israeli border in Gaza.
The team is thankful to the Malaysian Government for their negotiations with the Egyptian Government in securing the docking of MV Finch into the El-Arish Port since May 16th.
We have been informed that the Egyptian Government has imposed on the Malaysian Government as a condition precedent for the cargo to be discharged, that the same be transported via Karem Shalom, at the Israeli border in Gaza.
Wednesday, May 25, 2011
Israeli authorities to inaugurate new settlements in Jerusalem
Wafa- Israeli sources announced the inauguration of 'Har Hazeetim' settlement on Wednesday in Silwan, a town south of Jerusalem with the participation of Israeli ministers, parliament members and heads of political parties.
In addition the Israeli authority will inaugurate working in new settlement units in Silwan.
It is expected that the Palestinians will hold mass demonstrations against these settlements, the Israeli authority’s threats of completely demolishing Al-Bostan neighborhood and preventing Jerusalemites from building in East Jerusalem. Read more
In addition the Israeli authority will inaugurate working in new settlement units in Silwan.
It is expected that the Palestinians will hold mass demonstrations against these settlements, the Israeli authority’s threats of completely demolishing Al-Bostan neighborhood and preventing Jerusalemites from building in East Jerusalem. Read more
Israeli Intelligence, backed by military, threatens villagers in At-Tuwani
Wafa- Israeli intelligence escorted by about soldiers entered At-Tuwani village in the south Hebron hills on Monday raiding a local leader's house, demanding that villagers stop their nonviolent resistance and threatening violent retaliation if the Palestinians persist asserting their rights to the land.
A press release by an international peace groups aid the soldiers first invaded the house of one of the community's nonviolent resistance leaders, searched rooms and the surroundings at gunpoint. Read more
A press release by an international peace groups aid the soldiers first invaded the house of one of the community's nonviolent resistance leaders, searched rooms and the surroundings at gunpoint. Read more
Palestinian Bedouin Refugee Representative speaks at UN Forum
Wafa- Representative of the Bedouin Community in the West Bank, Mohammed al Korshan, spoke on Tuesday at the 10th session of the United Nations Permanent Forum on Indigenous Issues in New York.
This came in an appeal to the international community for recognition and protection as a displaced indigenous group living as refugees under occupation.
Amongst his key messages al Korshan voiced his deep concern for the parallel collapse of his people's traditional livelihood and the distinctive tribal custom intrinsically linked to it, under the increasing pressure of the Israeli occupation of the West Bank. He outlined the effects that the continuous threat of forced displacement have on his peoples' ability to exercise their basic human rights and also their rights as a tribal minority. Read more
This came in an appeal to the international community for recognition and protection as a displaced indigenous group living as refugees under occupation.
Amongst his key messages al Korshan voiced his deep concern for the parallel collapse of his people's traditional livelihood and the distinctive tribal custom intrinsically linked to it, under the increasing pressure of the Israeli occupation of the West Bank. He outlined the effects that the continuous threat of forced displacement have on his peoples' ability to exercise their basic human rights and also their rights as a tribal minority. Read more
Palestinian producer price index down in April
Wafa- The overall Producer Price1 Index (PPI) in the Palestinian Territory with its base month (January 2011=100) reached 97.90 in April, which indicates a decrease by 3.23% compared with March, Wednesday said the Palestinian Central Bureau of Statistics (PCBS).
Producer Price Index for exported products reached 100.17 in April, which indicates an increase by 0.45% compared with March.
Producer Price Index for local consumed products reached 97.68 in April, which indicates a decrease by 3.59% compared with March.
Agriculture goods decreased by 8.24%, fishing by 3.30 %, mining and quarrying by 2.74% and manufacturing group by 0.31%. Read more
Producer Price Index for exported products reached 100.17 in April, which indicates an increase by 0.45% compared with March.
Producer Price Index for local consumed products reached 97.68 in April, which indicates a decrease by 3.59% compared with March.
Agriculture goods decreased by 8.24%, fishing by 3.30 %, mining and quarrying by 2.74% and manufacturing group by 0.31%. Read more
Palestinian Committee in Israel denounces Netanyahu’s speech
Wafa- The High Follow-up Committee for Arab citizens in Israel denounced on Wednesday Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s lies in his speech to the US Congress Tuesday.
The committee said in a statement that “ Netanyahu is exploiting the circumstances that the Arab nations are going through in order to market Israel’s false democracy lie .”
It said that the Arab nations suffer from Israel’s racist discrimination and hardships of its fascist institute, which is based on ethnic cleansing policy. In addition to the seizures, arrests and oppression imposed on Palestinians. Read more
The committee said in a statement that “ Netanyahu is exploiting the circumstances that the Arab nations are going through in order to market Israel’s false democracy lie .”
It said that the Arab nations suffer from Israel’s racist discrimination and hardships of its fascist institute, which is based on ethnic cleansing policy. In addition to the seizures, arrests and oppression imposed on Palestinians. Read more
Egypt to lift restrictions on Gaza border
Ma'an-Mena News Agency- Egypt will open the Rafah border crossing on a daily basis starting this weekend in a bid to ease the blockade on the Gaza Strip, the official MENA news agency reported Wednesday.
Egyptian authorities will now open the border from "9:00 am to 5:00 pm on a daily basis, except for Fridays and public holidays" starting Saturday, May 28, MENA said. Read more
Egyptian authorities will now open the border from "9:00 am to 5:00 pm on a daily basis, except for Fridays and public holidays" starting Saturday, May 28, MENA said. Read more
Jerusalem court to look into Silwan home demolitions
Ma’an– Israel's central court in Jerusalem was scheduled to look into home demolitions in Al-Bustan neighborhood in East Jerusalem’s Silwan area Tuesday.
A court hearing for the case was scheduled earlier and was postponed until Tuesday.
Member of the local committee to defend Silwan and Al-Bustan neighborhood Abdul-Karim Abu Sneinan told Ma’an that the postponement was an attempt to put pressure on the residents of Al-Bustan neighborhood. Read more
A court hearing for the case was scheduled earlier and was postponed until Tuesday.
Member of the local committee to defend Silwan and Al-Bustan neighborhood Abdul-Karim Abu Sneinan told Ma’an that the postponement was an attempt to put pressure on the residents of Al-Bustan neighborhood. Read more
Israeli protesters block cash truck from Gaza
Ma'an- An armored truck carrying cash to Gaza returned to Israel without delivering its payload after activists sat in the road and prevented the truck from proceeding Tuesday, Israeli media reported.
Activists demanding the release of captive soldier Gilad Shalit positioned themselves on the only road leading to the Gaza Strip crossing, surrounded the truck and chanted slogans, The Jerusalem Post newspaper reported. Read more
Activists demanding the release of captive soldier Gilad Shalit positioned themselves on the only road leading to the Gaza Strip crossing, surrounded the truck and chanted slogans, The Jerusalem Post newspaper reported. Read more
Israel permits limited building materials to cross into Gaza
Ma’an- Israeli authorities opened Gaza's sole remaining commercial crossing terminal on Wednesday, for the limited import of building materials designated to international development projects.
Palestinian liaison official, Raed Fattouh, said Kerem Shalom crossing in the southern Gaza Strip was opened for 270-280 truckloads of aid to commercial, agricultural and transport sectors.
Ten truckloads of cement were marked for a German development agency project in Sheikh I’jilin, and 19 truckloads of cement and metal, and 60 truckloads of gravel, would be delivered to US development agency projects, Fattouh said.
A limited amount of cooking gas will also be pumped through Kerem Shalom Wednesday, the official added. Read more
Palestinian liaison official, Raed Fattouh, said Kerem Shalom crossing in the southern Gaza Strip was opened for 270-280 truckloads of aid to commercial, agricultural and transport sectors.
Ten truckloads of cement were marked for a German development agency project in Sheikh I’jilin, and 19 truckloads of cement and metal, and 60 truckloads of gravel, would be delivered to US development agency projects, Fattouh said.
A limited amount of cooking gas will also be pumped through Kerem Shalom Wednesday, the official added. Read more
Israeli forces detain 12 Palestinians overnight
Ma'an- Israeli forces detained 12 Palestinians from the West Bank overnight, to be "transferred for security questioning," according to a military statement.
Palestinian sources, however, said four were detained in raids on Nablus, while four were taken from homes in Jericho and five from the southern West Bank regions of Hebron and Bethlehem. Read more
Palestinian sources, however, said four were detained in raids on Nablus, while four were taken from homes in Jericho and five from the southern West Bank regions of Hebron and Bethlehem. Read more
Protester who disrupted Netanyahu in Congress attacked, hospitalized, arrested
Electronic Intifada- Rae Abileah a CODEPINK activist who disrupted Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s speech in the United States Congress this morning was physically attacked, hospitalized and then arrested from hospital according to reports.
According to CODEPINK co-founder Medea Benjamin:
Rae Abileah is in the hospital, after having been assaulted and tackled to the ground by members of the audience in the House Gallery during Israel Prime Minister Netanyahu’s speech to Congress. Abileah, who is with the group CODEPINK: Women for Peace, interrupted Netanyahu with a banner that said “Occupying Land Is Indefensible” and shouting, “No more occupation, stop Israel war crimes, equal rights for Palestinians, occupation is indefensible.” She rose up to speak out just after the Prime Minister talked about the youth around the world rising up for more democracy. As this 28-year-old Jewish American woman spoke out for the human rights of Palestinians, other members of the audience—wearing badges from the conference of the American-Israel Public Affairs Committee—brutally attacked her. The police then dragged her out of the Gallery and took her to the George Washington University Hospital, where she is being treating for neck and shoulder injuries. Read more
According to CODEPINK co-founder Medea Benjamin:
Rae Abileah is in the hospital, after having been assaulted and tackled to the ground by members of the audience in the House Gallery during Israel Prime Minister Netanyahu’s speech to Congress. Abileah, who is with the group CODEPINK: Women for Peace, interrupted Netanyahu with a banner that said “Occupying Land Is Indefensible” and shouting, “No more occupation, stop Israel war crimes, equal rights for Palestinians, occupation is indefensible.” She rose up to speak out just after the Prime Minister talked about the youth around the world rising up for more democracy. As this 28-year-old Jewish American woman spoke out for the human rights of Palestinians, other members of the audience—wearing badges from the conference of the American-Israel Public Affairs Committee—brutally attacked her. The police then dragged her out of the Gallery and took her to the George Washington University Hospital, where she is being treating for neck and shoulder injuries. Read more
Report: EU to rally against Israeli stance on peace
Ma'an- "Netanyahu's rejection of peace based on the 1967 borders is self-important and arrogant," Luxembourg Foreign Minister Jean Asselborn told the German daily Der Spiegel in a Tuesday interview. Read more
Arab League to meet in support of Palestinian unity
Ma'an- Permanent representatives to the Arab League will join its outgoing chief Amr Mussa for a meeting next week, where delegates will evaluate progress and implementation on the Palestinian reconciliation agreement. Read more
Abbas says Netanyahu moved far from peace
Wafa- President Mahmoud Abbas Wednesday accused Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu of moving very far from the peace process.
Abbas, speaking at the opening of a meeting for the Palestinian leadership in Ramallah to respond to US President Barack Obama’s speeche last week, said that Netanyahu, speaking at a joint session of the US Congress on Tuesday, “has shown us, in addition to the many mistakes and distortions, that he moved very far from the peace process.” Read more
Abbas, speaking at the opening of a meeting for the Palestinian leadership in Ramallah to respond to US President Barack Obama’s speeche last week, said that Netanyahu, speaking at a joint session of the US Congress on Tuesday, “has shown us, in addition to the many mistakes and distortions, that he moved very far from the peace process.” Read more
Israeli authorities plan to seize 2000 dunums of Salfit land
Wafa News Agency– The Israeli authorities plan to seize more than 2000 dunums of land in the Salfit area, north of the West Bank, to expand two settlements in that area, Tuesday said head of Bani Hassan local council, Abdul Karim Rayyan.
He said that the Israeli military arm in the West Bank, the so-called civil administration, announced the plans to seize the land to expand the settlements of Kiryat Netafim and Revava.
Rayyan said more than 40 families from the village have documents proving ownership of the land in question and that these families are planning to object to the land expropriation plan through Israeli courts. Read more
He said that the Israeli military arm in the West Bank, the so-called civil administration, announced the plans to seize the land to expand the settlements of Kiryat Netafim and Revava.
Rayyan said more than 40 families from the village have documents proving ownership of the land in question and that these families are planning to object to the land expropriation plan through Israeli courts. Read more
Tuesday, May 24, 2011
Spirit of Rachel Corrie Aid Ship forced to dock at El Arish
PNN-A week after the Spirit of Rachel Corrie, a vessel carrying aid to the Gaza strip was fired upon by the Israeli Navy, the Perdana Global Peace Organization, sponsoring the humanitarian initiative, posted a press release today saying that it was unable to get out of the Egyptian waters after having reported engine problems.
The press release said,
“The ship’s aqua pilot sailing system has broken down and our ship is spinning, going in circles, and turning round and round. We are therefore unable to get out of the Egyptian territorial waters.” Read more
The press release said,
“The ship’s aqua pilot sailing system has broken down and our ship is spinning, going in circles, and turning round and round. We are therefore unable to get out of the Egyptian territorial waters.” Read more
Israel's new F-35 fighter jet may be delayed
PNN-The future of the Israel’s air power technology is in question. The F-35 jet, which has stealth capabilities and is said to be the future of air power and which was slated to take the place of an entire generation of old fighter jets, has become too costly for the Americans.
However, the U.S. has already been slated to buy 2,443 of these jets from Lockheed- Martin for their own Air Force, Navy and Marine Corps. They have also purchased the jets for other countries, including Israel. Israel has already ordered 20 of these jet fighters. Read more
However, the U.S. has already been slated to buy 2,443 of these jets from Lockheed- Martin for their own Air Force, Navy and Marine Corps. They have also purchased the jets for other countries, including Israel. Israel has already ordered 20 of these jet fighters. Read more
EU Council Conclusions on Middle East Peace Process
PNN– On Monday May 23, the Council of the European Union signed on its “Council conclusions on Middle East Peace Process.”
The Conclusions are as follows:
1. The fundamental changes across the Arab world have made the need for progress on the Middle East Peace Process all the more urgent. Recent events have indeed shown the necessity of heeding the legitimate aspirations of peoples in the region, including those of Palestinians for statehood, and of Israelis for security.
2. The EU is deeply concerned about the continuing stalemate in the Peace Process and calls for the urgent resumption of direct negotiations leading to a comprehensive solution on all tracks. Our goal remains a just and lasting resolution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, with the State of Israel and an independent, democratic, contiguous, sovereign and viable State of Palestine, living side by side in peace and security and mutual recognition. A way must be found through negotiations to resolve the status of Jerusalem as the future capital of two States. Recalling the Berlin Declaration, the EU reiterates its readiness to recognize a Palestinian State when appropriate.
3. The EU believes that negotiations are the best way forward, if there is to be a lasting resolution to the conflict. The parties and the international community must contribute to the resumption of substantive talks as a matter of urgency, leading to a framework agreement by September 2011, as agreed by the parties and endorsed by the Quartet. In this regard the EU welcomes the recent consultations between the parties and the Quartet envoys. Read more
The Conclusions are as follows:
1. The fundamental changes across the Arab world have made the need for progress on the Middle East Peace Process all the more urgent. Recent events have indeed shown the necessity of heeding the legitimate aspirations of peoples in the region, including those of Palestinians for statehood, and of Israelis for security.
2. The EU is deeply concerned about the continuing stalemate in the Peace Process and calls for the urgent resumption of direct negotiations leading to a comprehensive solution on all tracks. Our goal remains a just and lasting resolution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, with the State of Israel and an independent, democratic, contiguous, sovereign and viable State of Palestine, living side by side in peace and security and mutual recognition. A way must be found through negotiations to resolve the status of Jerusalem as the future capital of two States. Recalling the Berlin Declaration, the EU reiterates its readiness to recognize a Palestinian State when appropriate.
3. The EU believes that negotiations are the best way forward, if there is to be a lasting resolution to the conflict. The parties and the international community must contribute to the resumption of substantive talks as a matter of urgency, leading to a framework agreement by September 2011, as agreed by the parties and endorsed by the Quartet. In this regard the EU welcomes the recent consultations between the parties and the Quartet envoys. Read more
'US lawmakers forced to support Israel'
Press TV- Former US lawmaker Cynthia McKinney says every candidate for Congress has to sign a pledge to vote for supporting the military superiority of Israel.
“Every candidate for Congress at that time had a pledge. They were given a pledge to sign ... that had Jerusalem as the capital city,” McKinney said in an interview with Press TV on Sunday.
“You make a commitment that you would vote to support the military superiority of Israel that the economic assistant that Israel wants that you would vote to provide that,” she added.
McKinney said that if a candidate does not sign the pledge or perform accordingly, “then you do not get money to run your campaign.”
The former Congresswoman said that after she made the pledge issue public “the tactic changed.”
“But this is what is done for 535 members of the United States Congress, 100 senators and 435 members of the House of Representatives have to now write a paragraph which basically says the same thing.” Read more
“Every candidate for Congress at that time had a pledge. They were given a pledge to sign ... that had Jerusalem as the capital city,” McKinney said in an interview with Press TV on Sunday.
“You make a commitment that you would vote to support the military superiority of Israel that the economic assistant that Israel wants that you would vote to provide that,” she added.
McKinney said that if a candidate does not sign the pledge or perform accordingly, “then you do not get money to run your campaign.”
The former Congresswoman said that after she made the pledge issue public “the tactic changed.”
“But this is what is done for 535 members of the United States Congress, 100 senators and 435 members of the House of Representatives have to now write a paragraph which basically says the same thing.” Read more
Internationals call for solidarity with "Naksa" day marches
IMEMC- The International Solidarity Committee, the international activist organization for Palestine, has called for solidarity marches around the world with upcoming “Naksa” events in the Middle East.
The group, which maintains a large international activist presence in the West Bank, has called on global demonstrations to Israeli embassies around the world on June 5th, “Naksa Day”, to show solidarity with refugee’s seeking a return to their homes.
Naksa, meaning “setback”, marks the forced exodus of 300,000 Palestinians during the 1967 Six Day War between Israel and the Arab states. While it is normally marked on Nakba Day (May 15th), this year the group for the “Third Palestinian Intifada” has called on Palestinian refugees to mark the day by repeating actions taken during this year’s Nakba Day when they marched to the Israeli border in Lebanon, Syria, and in the Gaza Strip. Read more
The group, which maintains a large international activist presence in the West Bank, has called on global demonstrations to Israeli embassies around the world on June 5th, “Naksa Day”, to show solidarity with refugee’s seeking a return to their homes.
Naksa, meaning “setback”, marks the forced exodus of 300,000 Palestinians during the 1967 Six Day War between Israel and the Arab states. While it is normally marked on Nakba Day (May 15th), this year the group for the “Third Palestinian Intifada” has called on Palestinian refugees to mark the day by repeating actions taken during this year’s Nakba Day when they marched to the Israeli border in Lebanon, Syria, and in the Gaza Strip. Read more
Jewish donors pressure Obama
Press TV- Jewish donors and fund-raisers have reportedly warned the re-election campaign of US President Barack Obama over his “tough policies” towards Israel.
The donors said the US president has pushed Israeli leaders too hard to stop the construction of settlement units in the occupied Palestinian territories, The Wall Street Journal said.
They said Obama is putting more pressure on the Israelis than the Palestinians to enter negotiations, expressing their disappointment over Obama not having visited Israel yet.
The US-sponsored direct talks between Israel and the Palestinian Authority cancelled after Tel Aviv refused to extend its partial 10-month freeze on settlement activities.
One top Democratic fund-raiser, Miami developer Michael Adler, urged Obama campaign manager Jim Messina to be "extremely proactive" in countering the perception in the Jewish community that Obama is too critical of Israel. Read more
The donors said the US president has pushed Israeli leaders too hard to stop the construction of settlement units in the occupied Palestinian territories, The Wall Street Journal said.
They said Obama is putting more pressure on the Israelis than the Palestinians to enter negotiations, expressing their disappointment over Obama not having visited Israel yet.
The US-sponsored direct talks between Israel and the Palestinian Authority cancelled after Tel Aviv refused to extend its partial 10-month freeze on settlement activities.
One top Democratic fund-raiser, Miami developer Michael Adler, urged Obama campaign manager Jim Messina to be "extremely proactive" in countering the perception in the Jewish community that Obama is too critical of Israel. Read more
Israeli forces detain 70-year-old Palestinian woman
Ma'an- Israeli forces detained a 70-year-old woman from her home near Ramallah overnight Sunday, a detainees' center reported.
Soldiers detained Hajjeh Aicha Yousef after searching her home, the center said. Read more
Soldiers detained Hajjeh Aicha Yousef after searching her home, the center said. Read more
Israeli naval forces continue intimidation of Malaysian aid ship to Gaza
Ma'an-AFP- A Malaysian aid ship attempting to land in Gaza after being warned off by Israeli naval forces last week has been forced to abort its mission after engine trouble, activists said.
Matthias Chang, who is heading the mission for the Perdana Global Peace Foundation, told AFP on Monday that the MV Finch was now stuck six nautical miles from Egypt's Al-Arish port. Read more
Matthias Chang, who is heading the mission for the Perdana Global Peace Foundation, told AFP on Monday that the MV Finch was now stuck six nautical miles from Egypt's Al-Arish port. Read more
Palestinian unity arose from ruins of peace talks
Ma'an-AFP- A Palestinian unity deal, slammed by Barack Obama as an "enormous obstacle to peace," emerged after Hamas and Fatah agreed on the shared goal of a state on the 1967 lines and the failure of talks with Israel.
"The recent agreement between Fatah and Hamas poses an enormous obstacle to peace," the US president told delegates at the US-Israel lobby group AIPAC in Washington on Sunday, demanding the Islamist movement recognize Israel, reject violence and respect all existing agreements with Israel. Read more
"The recent agreement between Fatah and Hamas poses an enormous obstacle to peace," the US president told delegates at the US-Israel lobby group AIPAC in Washington on Sunday, demanding the Islamist movement recognize Israel, reject violence and respect all existing agreements with Israel. Read more
Monday, May 23, 2011
Obama to Israel: Take whatever you want
Al Jazeera- In his latest speech, Obama's thinly veiled rhetoric proves he will do anything to satisfy his pro-Israel voter base.
"We've increased foreign military financing to record levels."
In 2008, Barack Obama, the Democratic presidential candidate, pandered to pro-Israeli voters and Israel by promising in a speech addressed to the American Israel Public Affairs Committee (AIPAC), that Jerusalem would forever remain "the undivided capital of Israel".
Three years later, Obama is on another pre-campaign trail in order to improve his chances for re-election in 2012. As part of this campaign, he has made a new round of half-hearted attempts to revive the stalled "peace process" completely under Israel's terms.
In his latest speech addressed to AIPAC, Obama promised Israel everything short of allegiance by reaffirming America's commitment to Israel's political and security goals. His speech denied the right of Palestinians to declare a nation and he even vowed to block any peaceful Palestinian efforts to claim their legal rights at international organisations.
Obama's lip service to Palestinian "self-determination" is nothing more than vacuous rhetoric - as he clearly implied that Israeli interests, especially its security, remain the top priority for American foreign policy in the region. Read more
"We've increased foreign military financing to record levels."
In 2008, Barack Obama, the Democratic presidential candidate, pandered to pro-Israeli voters and Israel by promising in a speech addressed to the American Israel Public Affairs Committee (AIPAC), that Jerusalem would forever remain "the undivided capital of Israel".
Three years later, Obama is on another pre-campaign trail in order to improve his chances for re-election in 2012. As part of this campaign, he has made a new round of half-hearted attempts to revive the stalled "peace process" completely under Israel's terms.
In his latest speech addressed to AIPAC, Obama promised Israel everything short of allegiance by reaffirming America's commitment to Israel's political and security goals. His speech denied the right of Palestinians to declare a nation and he even vowed to block any peaceful Palestinian efforts to claim their legal rights at international organisations.
Obama's lip service to Palestinian "self-determination" is nothing more than vacuous rhetoric - as he clearly implied that Israeli interests, especially its security, remain the top priority for American foreign policy in the region. Read more
'UN deaf to Palestinians' plight'
Press TV- Israeli troops have killed more than 20 people during Nakba Day demonstrations across the Middle East.
Nakba Day, or the day of the catastrophe, marks the occupation of Palestinian territories by Israel 63 years ago.
In order to give a legal insight into the status of Palestinian refugees, Press TV interviews Francis Boyle who is a Professor of International Law in Illinois. What follows is a transcript of the interview.
Press TV: Lebanon has this week called for action from the UN regarding the Palestinians shot at its border on Nakba Day. How should the UN be responding to these Israeli attacks on unarmed demonstrators?
Boyle: This clearly violates Israel's obligations under the international law on civil and political rights, the basic human right to life itself as recognized by the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. You simply cannot shoot dead unarmed protesters at a border in someone else's sovereign territory. Whether the UN will do anything about it, I cannot say I am terribly optimistic. Israel has been shooting dead Palestinians like dogs in the streets for decades and the United Nations has so far refused to do anything about it that I am aware of.
Press TV: What are the legal statuses of Palestinians trying to return home? I mean if you are from a Lebanese refugee camp and you go to a place that Israel considers its borders, are you Palestinian or are you Lebanese? I mean what is your right under international law? Read more
Nakba Day, or the day of the catastrophe, marks the occupation of Palestinian territories by Israel 63 years ago.
In order to give a legal insight into the status of Palestinian refugees, Press TV interviews Francis Boyle who is a Professor of International Law in Illinois. What follows is a transcript of the interview.
Press TV: Lebanon has this week called for action from the UN regarding the Palestinians shot at its border on Nakba Day. How should the UN be responding to these Israeli attacks on unarmed demonstrators?
Boyle: This clearly violates Israel's obligations under the international law on civil and political rights, the basic human right to life itself as recognized by the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. You simply cannot shoot dead unarmed protesters at a border in someone else's sovereign territory. Whether the UN will do anything about it, I cannot say I am terribly optimistic. Israel has been shooting dead Palestinians like dogs in the streets for decades and the United Nations has so far refused to do anything about it that I am aware of.
Press TV: What are the legal statuses of Palestinians trying to return home? I mean if you are from a Lebanese refugee camp and you go to a place that Israel considers its borders, are you Palestinian or are you Lebanese? I mean what is your right under international law? Read more
Curfews, discrimination and apartheid in Hebron
PNN- Some of the streets in Hebron on Sunday saw Palestinians put under a four hour curfew from 15.00 until 19.00 in order to facilitate a Jewish tour of the old city for the Jewish settler population living in the area.
The group of settlers gathered in Shuhadah Street at checkpoint 56, which is a checkpoint normally used on a daily basis by Palestinians entering to the market, and as the main access point from which they can go to the shopping streets, the transport places, including taxi ranks and bus stations and many other areas in the old city which are frequented by the Palestinian inhabitants. Read more
The group of settlers gathered in Shuhadah Street at checkpoint 56, which is a checkpoint normally used on a daily basis by Palestinians entering to the market, and as the main access point from which they can go to the shopping streets, the transport places, including taxi ranks and bus stations and many other areas in the old city which are frequented by the Palestinian inhabitants. Read more
One Palestinian worker dies in Gaza; Israeli troops arrest nine civilians from the West Bank
PNN- A Palestinian worker was reported dead on Monday when a tunnel he works in at the Gaza-Egypt border collapsed. Doctors said that Mohamed al-Najar, 32 years old, sustained critical wounds when the tunnel collapsed while he was inside. Al-Najar died later in hospital. Another worker is still in critical condition, doctors added.
Since the Israeli siege on Gaza, which started in 2007, the tunnels have become the only source of much needed medical and food supplies to the 1.6 million Palestinians living there. According to Palestinian sources, 380 people were killed in tunnel accidents over the last four years.
Elsewhere, on Monday, Israeli troops invaded a number of West Bank communities and arrested nine civilians, Palestinian sources reported. Read more
Since the Israeli siege on Gaza, which started in 2007, the tunnels have become the only source of much needed medical and food supplies to the 1.6 million Palestinians living there. According to Palestinian sources, 380 people were killed in tunnel accidents over the last four years.
Elsewhere, on Monday, Israeli troops invaded a number of West Bank communities and arrested nine civilians, Palestinian sources reported. Read more
Israel under criticism from British leaders and politicians
IMEMC- Israel has come under increasing criticism from British leaders and Parliamentarians both for its illegal settlement activity and its treatment of Palestinian children in Israeli military courts.
Reacting to the declaration of intent to build a further 1,500 Jewish only housing units in occupied East Jerusalem by the Israeli planning body, British Prime Minister David Cameroon has expressed his “deepest disappointment”.
“Settlement activity is a recognised obstacle to this path. It is illegal under international law and should stop," Cameron said in a statement. The announcement came on the same day as US Presidents Speech on the region which called on the Israeli government to halt the expansion of illegal settlement activity in Palestinian land. Read more
Reacting to the declaration of intent to build a further 1,500 Jewish only housing units in occupied East Jerusalem by the Israeli planning body, British Prime Minister David Cameroon has expressed his “deepest disappointment”.
“Settlement activity is a recognised obstacle to this path. It is illegal under international law and should stop," Cameron said in a statement. The announcement came on the same day as US Presidents Speech on the region which called on the Israeli government to halt the expansion of illegal settlement activity in Palestinian land. Read more
Israeli incursion into Nablus holy site planned for tomorrow
PNN- Few hours separate us from the visit of Jewish settlers and right-wing Israeli parliamentarians to Joseph's Tomb, located east of Nablus city in northern West Bank.
The visit was announced after the Israeli defense minister Ehud Barak gave the okay to right-wing Israeli MPs to visit the tomb during the day under the protection of the Israeli army. Read more
The visit was announced after the Israeli defense minister Ehud Barak gave the okay to right-wing Israeli MPs to visit the tomb during the day under the protection of the Israeli army. Read more
Israeli court sentences Palestinian teen to 6 months
Ma'an- Israel's military judges on Monday issued a six-month jail sentence to a teenager from Bil'in village near Ramallah.
Amjad Ayed Abu Rahma, 15, was sentenced at Ofer military court near Ramallah, local activists said.
He was detained in January for participating in Bil'in's weekly non-violent protests against the separation wall. Read more
Amjad Ayed Abu Rahma, 15, was sentenced at Ofer military court near Ramallah, local activists said.
He was detained in January for participating in Bil'in's weekly non-violent protests against the separation wall. Read more
Israeli forces install fence around Qalqiliya village
Ma'an- Israeli forces began to install a barbed-wire fence on Monday around a Palestinian village in the northern West Bank, saying it was meant to prevent stone throwing.
Residents of Izbat At-Tabib, located east of Qalqiliya, awoke to the sounds of construction, and were told that lands made inaccessible by the construction were being confiscated for the construction of a buffer area between the village and the settler road that passes to its north. Read more
Residents of Izbat At-Tabib, located east of Qalqiliya, awoke to the sounds of construction, and were told that lands made inaccessible by the construction were being confiscated for the construction of a buffer area between the village and the settler road that passes to its north. Read more
Sunday, May 22, 2011
Americans organize conference countering Israeli Lobby meeting in DC
Press TV- People from all over the United States have participated in a 'Move Over AIPAC' summit in a bid to counter the influence of the Israel lobby on US policies.
The summit kicked off this weekend with the aim to thwart the American Israel Public Affairs Committee's influence on Capitol Hill, a Press TV correspondent reported on Saturday.
During the summit, Stephen Walt, who co-authored the highly acclaimed and controversial book, “Israel Lobby,” made speeches on how the American people suffer from detrimental impacts of the Israeli policies.
“Everyone in Congress and anybody running for president knows you are playing with fire if you question support for Israel,” Walt said. Read more
The summit kicked off this weekend with the aim to thwart the American Israel Public Affairs Committee's influence on Capitol Hill, a Press TV correspondent reported on Saturday.
During the summit, Stephen Walt, who co-authored the highly acclaimed and controversial book, “Israel Lobby,” made speeches on how the American people suffer from detrimental impacts of the Israeli policies.
“Everyone in Congress and anybody running for president knows you are playing with fire if you question support for Israel,” Walt said. Read more
Palestinian youth killed by Israeli army fire in central Gaza
IMEMC- Palestinian medical sources reported Saturday at night that a Palestinian youth was killed by Israel army fire, east of Al Boreij refugee camp, in central Gaza. Read more
Eight Palestinians, including four children, wounded in Hebron
IMEMC- Palestinian medical sources reported, Saturday evening, that eight Palestinians, including four children, were treated by the effects of teargas inhalation during clashes with Israeli soldiers and settlers in the Old City of Hebron, in the southern part of the West Bank. Read more
Israeli settlers dump sewage in Palestinian town
IMEMC- Sewage and wastewater from the Israeli settlement of Ariel, the largest settlement in the West Bank, has polluted the Palestinian village of Bruqin, which sits adjacent to the settlement. Read more
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