The Economist- For many years now, we've heard American commentators bemoan the violence of the Palestinian national movement. If only Palestinians had learned the lessons of Gandhi and Martin Luther King, we hear, they'd have had their state long ago. Surely no Israeli government would have violently suppressed a non-violent Palestinian movement of national liberation seeking only the universally recognised right of self-determination.
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Sunday, May 29, 2011
New Palestinian unity govt to be announced 6 June
Ma'an- The composition of the new Palestinian Authority's technocrat government will be announced on 6 June by delegates from formerly rival parties Fatah and Hamas as a major step to the implementation of a unity agreement, an official said Sunday. Read more
Saturday, May 28, 2011
Palestinian demolishes own home instead of paying Israeli municipality to do so
Wafa- A Palestinian living in Jerusalem tore down his house by himself Saturday to avoid paying the Israeli municipality of Jerusalem exorbitant amount if it tore down the house using its crews, according to local sources.
The municipality had issued a demolition order to Mahmoud Aramin for building a house near the Old City wall without a license. He has been paying monthly installments for fines the municipality had already imposed on him.
Israel does not grant building permits to Palestinians to build in East Jerusalem as part of its effort to reduce the number of Palestinians in the occupied city while building thousands of housing units in settlements for Jews only in an around the city. Read more
The municipality had issued a demolition order to Mahmoud Aramin for building a house near the Old City wall without a license. He has been paying monthly installments for fines the municipality had already imposed on him.
Israel does not grant building permits to Palestinians to build in East Jerusalem as part of its effort to reduce the number of Palestinians in the occupied city while building thousands of housing units in settlements for Jews only in an around the city. Read more
New Palestinian stamp on International Passports
Wafa- Palestinian artist, Khalid Jrar, launched a new campaign in which he invented a new stamp for the new sovereign state of Palestine and stamped foreigners’ passports with it to spread it all over the world.
Jrar stamped American, British, Danish, German and French passports with the new stamp which was designed and written in both Arabic and English.
He didn’t wait for the declaration of the Palestinian state next September, but started looking for foreigners at Qalandia’s checkpoint to Ramallah’s bus station to stamp their passports.
After greeting them, he would explain his idea and stamp their passports with the new stamp next to other countries.
Jrar created a new page on ‘Facebook’ in which he presented his idea and looked for volunteers and supporters who would love to help him in spreading the new stamp. Read more
Jrar stamped American, British, Danish, German and French passports with the new stamp which was designed and written in both Arabic and English.
He didn’t wait for the declaration of the Palestinian state next September, but started looking for foreigners at Qalandia’s checkpoint to Ramallah’s bus station to stamp their passports.
After greeting them, he would explain his idea and stamp their passports with the new stamp next to other countries.
Jrar created a new page on ‘Facebook’ in which he presented his idea and looked for volunteers and supporters who would love to help him in spreading the new stamp. Read more
NGO declares 'commercial disaster' in Jerusalem's Old City
PIC- The Jerusalem Center for Social and Economic Rights has declared a “disaster” in the Old City's commercial and tourism sectors after Israel used hefty taxes and other pressures to shut down 250 shops in the past few years.
JCSER director Ziyad al-Hammouri expected the situation to worsen as the campaign to Judaize the Old City thrives.
“What is taking place is designed to promote the presence of Jewish settlements inside the city walls and the entire area surrounding the Old City, especially in Silwan, Ras al-Amud, and Sheikh Jarrah, which are neighborhoods geographically connected to the Old City. There is also a plan to erect shopping centers and hotels in the area similar to those built near the Gate of Al-Khalil,” Hammouri said.
He added that checkpoints spread across Jerusalem's entrances have become traps for Palestinians and traders, as municipality units and tax collectors and forces responsible for carrying out court orders have seized possessions and arrested their owners.Read more
JCSER director Ziyad al-Hammouri expected the situation to worsen as the campaign to Judaize the Old City thrives.
“What is taking place is designed to promote the presence of Jewish settlements inside the city walls and the entire area surrounding the Old City, especially in Silwan, Ras al-Amud, and Sheikh Jarrah, which are neighborhoods geographically connected to the Old City. There is also a plan to erect shopping centers and hotels in the area similar to those built near the Gate of Al-Khalil,” Hammouri said.
He added that checkpoints spread across Jerusalem's entrances have become traps for Palestinians and traders, as municipality units and tax collectors and forces responsible for carrying out court orders have seized possessions and arrested their owners.Read more
Protests in Jordan demand closure of Israeli embassy
PIC- Hundreds protested in several areas of Jordan's capital Amman, demanding closure of the Israeli embassy there and nullification the Israeli-Jordanian peace treaty.
The protests condemned recent statements by Netanyahu this week ruling out the possibility of retracting to 1967 borders or recognizing the Palestinian refugees' right of return if negotiations resumed with the Palestinians. Read more
The protests condemned recent statements by Netanyahu this week ruling out the possibility of retracting to 1967 borders or recognizing the Palestinian refugees' right of return if negotiations resumed with the Palestinians. Read more
European campaign slams Ban Ki-moon calls curtailing Gaza aid flotilla
PIC-The European campaign to end the Gaza siege has criticized calls by UN secretary-general Ban Ki-moon to thwart a Gaza aid flotilla, dubbed Freedom Flotilla 2, set to deliver humanitarian aid late this June in defiance of Israel's illegal siege on the Gaza Strip.
It is the fifth straight year that Israel has tightened its blockade on the tiny coastal enclave with a population of 1.5 million.
Ki-moon has deployed official messages to countries overlooking the Mediterranean Sea that have citizens who will take part in the aid mission, calling on them to use their influence to help stop the ships before they set sail to Gaza in order to avoid a potential conflict.
The European campaign, a chief organizer of the flotilla, expressed surprise over the recent calls, given that he heads the UN Security Council which issued two decisions in 2008 and 2009 unambiguously demanding that Israel end the Gaza siege. Read more
It is the fifth straight year that Israel has tightened its blockade on the tiny coastal enclave with a population of 1.5 million.
Ki-moon has deployed official messages to countries overlooking the Mediterranean Sea that have citizens who will take part in the aid mission, calling on them to use their influence to help stop the ships before they set sail to Gaza in order to avoid a potential conflict.
The European campaign, a chief organizer of the flotilla, expressed surprise over the recent calls, given that he heads the UN Security Council which issued two decisions in 2008 and 2009 unambiguously demanding that Israel end the Gaza siege. Read more
Prisoners freeze hunger strike as negotiations begin
PIC- Palestinians held in Israeli prisons have “temporarily” halted a wide-ranging hunger strike designed to aid the prisoners placed in isolation, the Asra prisoner studies center reported Saturday.
The decision came three weeks after the hunger strike began as prisoner leaders and the prison administration have begun talks discussing the demands.
The strike will resume should the talks fail or should the prison administration renege on gestures to solve the pending problems, the prisoners told Asra. Read more
The decision came three weeks after the hunger strike began as prisoner leaders and the prison administration have begun talks discussing the demands.
The strike will resume should the talks fail or should the prison administration renege on gestures to solve the pending problems, the prisoners told Asra. Read more
Israeli army declares Iraq Burin, Palestinian village, closed military zone
Palestine Information Center- The Israel occupation forces (IOF) has declared Iraq Burin village south of Nablus city in the West Bank a closed military zone in a bid to block media and activists from entering the village ahead of anti-apartheid wall protests.
The IOF has erected a barrier at the entrance between the villages of Iraq Burin and Tel, as soldiers have begun searching civilians and blocked entry to all but the village's residents, Iraq Burin mayor Abdul-Raheem Qaddous told our correspondent.
Qaddous said the move was a proactive step to curb marches organized every Saturday by locals to protest the confiscation of land and settlement construction as well as repeated attacks by settlers.
Witnesses said the army used military vehicles to blockade the village's main entrances and sent dozens of troops to stop foreign pro-Palestinian activists from nearing the village to show support. They have also restricted the movement and activities of locals themselves. Read more
The IOF has erected a barrier at the entrance between the villages of Iraq Burin and Tel, as soldiers have begun searching civilians and blocked entry to all but the village's residents, Iraq Burin mayor Abdul-Raheem Qaddous told our correspondent.
Qaddous said the move was a proactive step to curb marches organized every Saturday by locals to protest the confiscation of land and settlement construction as well as repeated attacks by settlers.
Witnesses said the army used military vehicles to blockade the village's main entrances and sent dozens of troops to stop foreign pro-Palestinian activists from nearing the village to show support. They have also restricted the movement and activities of locals themselves. Read more
Israeli police attack nonviolent protesters in Jerusalem, kidnap one
IMEMC- The Israeli Police attacked on Friday afternoon Israeli leftist protesters and Palestinian activists as they held a nonviolent protest in front of “Har Hazeiteem” illegal Israeli settlement in Ras Al Amoud neighborhood, in occupied East Jerusalem, and kidnapped one Palestinian protester. Read more
Israeli settlers to march in occupied Palestinian neighborhood
IMEMC- Extremist Israeli settlers intend to hold a provocative procession starting from Sheikh Jarrah Palestinian neighborhood in occupied East Jerusalem to mark 44 years since Israel occupied the city.
Israeli paper, Yedioth Aharonoth, reported that the protest is planned for next Wednesday, as it marks the 44th anniversary of occupying Jerusalem, according to the Hebrew calendar.
The extremist settlers intend to march through the Bab Al Amoud and the Hebron Gate, in order to hold their procession in the heart of the occupied Old City of Jerusalem, filled with illegal Jewish-only settlements. Read more
Israeli paper, Yedioth Aharonoth, reported that the protest is planned for next Wednesday, as it marks the 44th anniversary of occupying Jerusalem, according to the Hebrew calendar.
The extremist settlers intend to march through the Bab Al Amoud and the Hebron Gate, in order to hold their procession in the heart of the occupied Old City of Jerusalem, filled with illegal Jewish-only settlements. Read more
Report: 200 Israeli companies have ties with Iranian energy sector
Haaretz- But Israel wants to make money, as in selling weapons to Iran during its war with Iraq, Israel knows how to close its eyes.
The Ofer family started its shipping business in Haifa during the British Mandate era. With perseverance, resolve and business acumen the small agency grew into an economic empire. One of its scions, David, preferred to stay in public service and later became a police commander. His two brothers, Sammy and Yuli, bought merchant ships and tankers, expanded their fleet and spread their business over seas and continents.
Over the years the Ofer Brothers, reinforced by the family's next generation, became an influential force in the Israeli economy. In the Ofer family's business, the sale of a tanker for $8 million is a drop in the ocean, and the family chalks up the Americans' objections to a misunderstanding. But its alleged sale of a ship to Iran evokes bewilderment and embarrassment. Read more
******Related Article******
IMEMC- A report published by Israeli Haaretz indicated that there are 200 Israeli companies that have indirect investment with the Iranian Energy Sector that feeds the Iranian Nuclear Program, and that the Israeli government knows about the investments.
Haaretz’ reporter, Yossi Melman, issued a special investigative report indicating that the Israeli trade ties include investments in the Iranian Nuclear Energy sector, the main income source for Iran, and funnels funds used by Tehran allegedly to develop its weaponry and to maintain its nuclear program. Read more
The Ofer family started its shipping business in Haifa during the British Mandate era. With perseverance, resolve and business acumen the small agency grew into an economic empire. One of its scions, David, preferred to stay in public service and later became a police commander. His two brothers, Sammy and Yuli, bought merchant ships and tankers, expanded their fleet and spread their business over seas and continents.
Over the years the Ofer Brothers, reinforced by the family's next generation, became an influential force in the Israeli economy. In the Ofer family's business, the sale of a tanker for $8 million is a drop in the ocean, and the family chalks up the Americans' objections to a misunderstanding. But its alleged sale of a ship to Iran evokes bewilderment and embarrassment. Read more
******Related Article******
IMEMC- A report published by Israeli Haaretz indicated that there are 200 Israeli companies that have indirect investment with the Iranian Energy Sector that feeds the Iranian Nuclear Program, and that the Israeli government knows about the investments.
Haaretz’ reporter, Yossi Melman, issued a special investigative report indicating that the Israeli trade ties include investments in the Iranian Nuclear Energy sector, the main income source for Iran, and funnels funds used by Tehran allegedly to develop its weaponry and to maintain its nuclear program. Read more
Palestinian Women's Organization for Political Prisoners May 2011 newsletter
WOFPP- There are, at present, 36 women political prisoners in the Israeli jails: 17 in Hasharon Prison (Tel Mond), 18 in Damoon Prison (Carmel Mountain), 1 in Neve Tirza Prison (Ramle).
Hasharon Prison (Tel Mond)
The Palestinians' Prisoners Day
The women political prisoners took part in the activities of the Prisoners Day: They went on a hunger strike on this day and expressed solidarity with Mansour Akram, a political prisoner who has been held in prison for over 31 years.
Family visits
Samha Hijaz, 39 years old, a mother of six, from elMazr'a elSharqiya, Ramallah district, was arrested on 8 February 2011. The Israeli authorities prohibit all the adult members of her family from visiting in prison..
Nilly Safadi, 34 years old, from Nablus, was arrested on 11 November 2009 and is supposed to be released at the beginning of June 2011. Even now, a short time before her release, the prison authorities still refuse her request to meet her husband who is also a political prisoner. Read more
Hasharon Prison (Tel Mond)
The Palestinians' Prisoners Day
The women political prisoners took part in the activities of the Prisoners Day: They went on a hunger strike on this day and expressed solidarity with Mansour Akram, a political prisoner who has been held in prison for over 31 years.
Family visits
Samha Hijaz, 39 years old, a mother of six, from elMazr'a elSharqiya, Ramallah district, was arrested on 8 February 2011. The Israeli authorities prohibit all the adult members of her family from visiting in prison..
Nilly Safadi, 34 years old, from Nablus, was arrested on 11 November 2009 and is supposed to be released at the beginning of June 2011. Even now, a short time before her release, the prison authorities still refuse her request to meet her husband who is also a political prisoner. Read more
British PM leaves Jewish National Fund
Ma'an- The Palestine Solidarity Campaign in the United Kingdom on Friday welcomed British Prime Minister David Cameron's decision to step down as patron of Jewish National Fund.
"This is a welcome development, and reflects the fact that it is now impossible for any serious party leader to lend their public support to racism," said campaign director Sarah Colborne.
"The Jewish National Fund plays a critical role in facilitating the continued dispossession and suffering of Palestinians," the Palestine Solidarity Campaign statement added. Read more
"This is a welcome development, and reflects the fact that it is now impossible for any serious party leader to lend their public support to racism," said campaign director Sarah Colborne.
"The Jewish National Fund plays a critical role in facilitating the continued dispossession and suffering of Palestinians," the Palestine Solidarity Campaign statement added. Read more
Palestinian threatened and detained over collision with settler's car
Ma'an- A Palestinian man said Israeli police detained and threatened him on Wednesday, several days after he was involved in a car accident with a settler.
Sharif Azmi Al-Shyoukhi, 21, said police tried to force him to take full responsibility for the accident, which happened Sunday. Read more
Sharif Azmi Al-Shyoukhi, 21, said police tried to force him to take full responsibility for the accident, which happened Sunday. Read more
3 peace activists arrested in West Bank
Ma'an- Israel's army arrested three peace activists at a protest near Nablus in the occupied West Bank, onlookers said. The army did not immediately return a call seeking comment. Read more
Israeli soldiers 'deliver summonses in northern West Bank'
Ma'an- Israeli soldiers on Saturday delivered summons to three Palestinians during a raid on a village in the northern West Bank, local officials and the army said.
Forces entered Madama village, near Nablus, and ordered Hesham Ziada, Mujahed Qut, and Yasar Nassar to appear before intelligence services, village councilor Hasen Ziada said.
Soldiers broke into several homes during the raid, Ziada added. Read more
Forces entered Madama village, near Nablus, and ordered Hesham Ziada, Mujahed Qut, and Yasar Nassar to appear before intelligence services, village councilor Hasen Ziada said.
Soldiers broke into several homes during the raid, Ziada added. Read more
Palestinian unity leader says Israel inciting against unity
Ma'an- ...During an address to the US Congress on Tuesday, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu instructed President Mahmoud Abbas to "tear up" the recently-signed Palestinian unity deal.
Al-Wadieh said Israel was trying to thwart the reconciliation agreement between Hamas and Fatah and to enforce national division so it could continue to build settlements on Palestinian land. Read more
Al-Wadieh said Israel was trying to thwart the reconciliation agreement between Hamas and Fatah and to enforce national division so it could continue to build settlements on Palestinian land. Read more
Jewish settlers torch Palestinian olive grove
Ma'an- Israeli settlers set fire to an olive grove belonging to a Palestinian family near Hebron on Friday, an international monitoring group reported.
The fire damaged 16 trees belonging to the Abu Haikel family in Tel Rumeida, Christian Peacemaker Teams said, adding that some of the trees affected were over 1,000 years old. Read more
The fire damaged 16 trees belonging to the Abu Haikel family in Tel Rumeida, Christian Peacemaker Teams said, adding that some of the trees affected were over 1,000 years old. Read more
UN official: US could stop Palestine membership bid
Ma'an- Palestine cannot join the United Nations if the US vetoes its application, General Assembly President Joseph Deiss said Friday.
The 15-member Security Council must recommend Palestine for UN membership before the General Assembly can vote on the application, Deiss said.
Israel and Washington strongly oppose Palestinians' bid for UN membership, and the US is widely expected to use its Security Council veto to stop the move. Read more
The 15-member Security Council must recommend Palestine for UN membership before the General Assembly can vote on the application, Deiss said.
Israel and Washington strongly oppose Palestinians' bid for UN membership, and the US is widely expected to use its Security Council veto to stop the move. Read more
Egypt reopens Rafah border with Gaza
Ma'an- Egypt reopened its Rafah border crossing with Gaza permanently on Saturday morning, easing Israel's four-year blockade on the Gaza Strip.
Egyptian officials said the terminal would operate daily between 10 a.m. and 6 p.m. except Fridays and public holidays, giving Gazans a gateway to the world as Rafah is the only crossing which does not pass through Israel. Read more
Egyptian officials said the terminal would operate daily between 10 a.m. and 6 p.m. except Fridays and public holidays, giving Gazans a gateway to the world as Rafah is the only crossing which does not pass through Israel. Read more
Friday, May 27, 2011
Study values Israeli settlements at $18.8 billion
IMEMC-JNET- A new study by formerly Israeli state funded Macro Center for Political Economics has valued Israeli settler homes at $18.8 billion in the West Bank, according to JNet.
The report was released on the back of US President Barrack Obama’s speech in which he called for an Israeli return to 1967 borders.
Israeli PM Arial Sharon compensated settlers whom, under his 2005 disengagement plan from Gaza, were withdrawn from their settlements and their housing dismantled as part of the Israeli withdrawal. Read more
The report was released on the back of US President Barrack Obama’s speech in which he called for an Israeli return to 1967 borders.
Israeli PM Arial Sharon compensated settlers whom, under his 2005 disengagement plan from Gaza, were withdrawn from their settlements and their housing dismantled as part of the Israeli withdrawal. Read more
PCHR Weekly Report: 1 killed, 3 wounded, 26 abducted by Israeli forces this week
PCHR-IMEMC- In its Weekly Report On Israeli Human Rights Violations in the Occupied Palestinian Territories for the week of 19– 25 May 2011, the Palestinian Center for Human Rights found that a Palestinian civilian was killed by Israeli forces near the border in the central Gaza Strip.
A Palestinian civilian was wounded in the east of Khan Yunis in the south of the Gaza Strip. Two Palestinian boys sustained severe burns as a smoke bomb, left by Israeli forces in Hebron, exploded.
Israeli forces continued to target Palestinian farmers in border areas in the northern Gaza Strip. Israeli forces fired at Palestinian farmers in two separate incidents, but no casualties were reported. Read more
A Palestinian civilian was wounded in the east of Khan Yunis in the south of the Gaza Strip. Two Palestinian boys sustained severe burns as a smoke bomb, left by Israeli forces in Hebron, exploded.
Israeli forces continued to target Palestinian farmers in border areas in the northern Gaza Strip. Israeli forces fired at Palestinian farmers in two separate incidents, but no casualties were reported. Read more
Israeli leftists call on Europe to recognize Palestine come september
IMEMC- About twenty Israeli writers and intellectuals have signed a petition calling on the EU recognise a Palestinian state based on 1967 borders.
Members of the Israeli left have signed a petition, organised by the Sheikh Jarrah Solidarity Movement, calling on the EU to recognise an independent state of Palestine based on 1967 borders in the UN in September.
Notable signatories of the letter are said to include Nobel Laureate Professor Aniel Kahneman, former Knesset Speaker Avraham Burg and former Foreign Ministry Director General Alon Liel. Read more
Members of the Israeli left have signed a petition, organised by the Sheikh Jarrah Solidarity Movement, calling on the EU to recognise an independent state of Palestine based on 1967 borders in the UN in September.
Notable signatories of the letter are said to include Nobel Laureate Professor Aniel Kahneman, former Knesset Speaker Avraham Burg and former Foreign Ministry Director General Alon Liel. Read more
Press Release: Palestinian Centre for Human Rights on lifting the siege of Gaza
PCHR- PCHR Welcomes the Egyptian Authorities’ Decision to Open All Land and Air Passages for Palestinians to and from the Gaza Strip
The Palestinian Center for Human Rights (PCHR) welcomes the decision of the Egyptian authorities to open all land and air passages for Palestinians to and from the Gaza Strip. This decision reflects the spirit of revolution and change in Egypt, shows Egypt’s major role in supporting the Palestinian people, and illustrates the respectable efforts made by the Egyptian leadership to achieve Palestinian national reconciliation.
On Thursday 26 May 2011, the Egyptian al-Ahram Daily reported that beginning Saturday, 28 May 2011, Egyptian authorities will increase the hours of operation at Rafah International Crossing Point from 09:00 to 17:00 daily, excluding Fridays and official holidays. They also announced that they would apply the procedures regulating the entry of Palestinians to Egypt that were in effect prior to 2007. Under these procedures the following categories are exempted from applying for entry visas:
·All Palestinian women.
·Male Palestinian aged below 18 and above 40.
·Patients who have medical transfers.
·Children who accompany their parents, who are already exempted from applying for visas.
·Palestinian families passing via Egyptian territory to travel to and from the Gaza Strip, provided that they have their Palestinian passports, identity cards, and visas to enter a country of destination.
While it reiterates welcoming these facilitations, PCHR emphasizes the following:
1.The newly declared policy is related to the movement of persons only and do not include commercial transactions. These procedures will not to ease the suffering of the Palestinian civilian population or change the economic situation caused by the strict closure imposed on the Gaza Strip.
2.The Gaza Strip is still an occupied territory controlled by Israeli occupation forces.
3.The State of Israel, as an occupying power according to international law, is responsible for the welfare of the civilian population of the Gaza Strip.
4.The newly declared Egyptian policy, which we highly appreciate, is not an alternative to the core issue, which is lifting the Israeli closure imposed on the Gaza Strip, opening crossings for commercial transactions and allowing the freedom of movement of persons, including the movement between the Gaza Strip and the West Bank, through the outlets that are controlled by the Israeli occupation forces.
5.The new Egyptian policy does not exempt the international community of their responsibilities to exert pressure on Israel to lift the closure and comply with international law.
The Palestinian Center for Human Rights (PCHR) welcomes the decision of the Egyptian authorities to open all land and air passages for Palestinians to and from the Gaza Strip. This decision reflects the spirit of revolution and change in Egypt, shows Egypt’s major role in supporting the Palestinian people, and illustrates the respectable efforts made by the Egyptian leadership to achieve Palestinian national reconciliation.
On Thursday 26 May 2011, the Egyptian al-Ahram Daily reported that beginning Saturday, 28 May 2011, Egyptian authorities will increase the hours of operation at Rafah International Crossing Point from 09:00 to 17:00 daily, excluding Fridays and official holidays. They also announced that they would apply the procedures regulating the entry of Palestinians to Egypt that were in effect prior to 2007. Under these procedures the following categories are exempted from applying for entry visas:
·All Palestinian women.
·Male Palestinian aged below 18 and above 40.
·Patients who have medical transfers.
·Children who accompany their parents, who are already exempted from applying for visas.
·Palestinian families passing via Egyptian territory to travel to and from the Gaza Strip, provided that they have their Palestinian passports, identity cards, and visas to enter a country of destination.
While it reiterates welcoming these facilitations, PCHR emphasizes the following:
1.The newly declared policy is related to the movement of persons only and do not include commercial transactions. These procedures will not to ease the suffering of the Palestinian civilian population or change the economic situation caused by the strict closure imposed on the Gaza Strip.
2.The Gaza Strip is still an occupied territory controlled by Israeli occupation forces.
3.The State of Israel, as an occupying power according to international law, is responsible for the welfare of the civilian population of the Gaza Strip.
4.The newly declared Egyptian policy, which we highly appreciate, is not an alternative to the core issue, which is lifting the Israeli closure imposed on the Gaza Strip, opening crossings for commercial transactions and allowing the freedom of movement of persons, including the movement between the Gaza Strip and the West Bank, through the outlets that are controlled by the Israeli occupation forces.
5.The new Egyptian policy does not exempt the international community of their responsibilities to exert pressure on Israel to lift the closure and comply with international law.
Jewish settlers severely beat elderly Palestinian shepherd in Nablus
Wafa- Ghassan Douglas, in charge of settlements file at the Palestinian Authority in the northern part of the West Bank, said Thursday that settlers severely beat an elderly Palestinian Shepherd, 67, in Madama, a village south of Nablus.
Douglas said that Hamad al-Kett was beaten by 12 settlers from the settlement of Yizhar. He was transferred to a hospital in the city of Nablus where they described his condition as critical. Read more
Douglas said that Hamad al-Kett was beaten by 12 settlers from the settlement of Yizhar. He was transferred to a hospital in the city of Nablus where they described his condition as critical. Read more
Israeli forces storm Palestinian children center in Jerusalem
Wafa- Israeli forces Thursday stormed Madaa Silwan creative center (Madaa) in Wadi Hilwah, a neighborhood in Silwan, near Al-Aqsa Mosque, while the children were there, according to witnesses.
Witnesses told WAFA that the Israeli soldiers terrorized the children while they were looking for the head of the Center, Jawad Ssyam.
They interrogated Ssyam’s wife who was at the center, and handed her a summon for her husband to be interrogated in the interrogation center in Jerusalem. They also raided Ssyam’s house looking for him, witnesses added. Read more
Witnesses told WAFA that the Israeli soldiers terrorized the children while they were looking for the head of the Center, Jawad Ssyam.
They interrogated Ssyam’s wife who was at the center, and handed her a summon for her husband to be interrogated in the interrogation center in Jerusalem. They also raided Ssyam’s house looking for him, witnesses added. Read more
Malaysian aid ship refuses to send Gaza aid via Israel
Ma'an-AFP- Activists on a Malaysian aid ship that had been bound for Gaza refused to hand their cargo to Egypt on Thursday, saying they feared it would end up in Israel.
They had tried to land in Gaza last week but changed course when the Israeli navy fired warning shots.
Matthias Chang, who is heading the mission for the Perdana Global Peace Foundation, told AFP the group was not consulted when the Malaysian and Egyptian governments worked out a deal to end the impasse.
Chang said Egypt had insisted the cargo be discharged and transported via Kaern Shalom, at the Israeli border in Gaza.
"We are not assured that this cargo would in fact be delivered to Gaza, as in the past... most of the humanitarian aid was laid to waste in Israel," he added. Read more
They had tried to land in Gaza last week but changed course when the Israeli navy fired warning shots.
Matthias Chang, who is heading the mission for the Perdana Global Peace Foundation, told AFP the group was not consulted when the Malaysian and Egyptian governments worked out a deal to end the impasse.
Chang said Egypt had insisted the cargo be discharged and transported via Kaern Shalom, at the Israeli border in Gaza.
"We are not assured that this cargo would in fact be delivered to Gaza, as in the past... most of the humanitarian aid was laid to waste in Israel," he added. Read more
Non-aligned states urge release of Palestinian prisoners
Ma'an-AFP- The 118-nation Non-Aligned Movement on Friday demanded Israel release a "substantial number" of Palestinian political prisoners as a "positive step" toward peace.
At the end of a ministerial meeting in Indonesia, the movement reiterated its support for the creation of a Palestinian state based on the 1967 borders, a position it shares with the United States but which is rejected by Israel. Read more
At the end of a ministerial meeting in Indonesia, the movement reiterated its support for the creation of a Palestinian state based on the 1967 borders, a position it shares with the United States but which is rejected by Israel. Read more
3 Palestinians hurt after Israeli navy shells fishing boat
Ma’an- Israel's navy fired on fishing boats late Thursday, injuring three Palestinians, medics said.
The fishermen were transferred to Ash-Shifa hospital for treatment of moderate injuries, medical official Adham Abu Silmiya said. Read more
The fishermen were transferred to Ash-Shifa hospital for treatment of moderate injuries, medical official Adham Abu Silmiya said. Read more
Thursday, May 26, 2011
77 Palestinians arrested recently in Nablus
Wafa- The Palestinian prisoner’s club in Nablus (PPC) said Thursday that 77 Palestinians from several areas of Nablus, a city north of the West Bank, were arrested in the past few months by the Israeli soldiers.
The Israeli soldiers are continuously storming Nablus city; Raiding villages and refugee camps on daily bases, arresting Palestinians for interrogation, in addition to sabotaging their houses during raids, according to Ra'ed Amer, head of the Prisoner's club in Nablus.
Israeli soldiers vandalized houses and furniture of Palestinians, mixed food items together in a vengeance way and confiscated cellular phones and computers, said the detainees’ families. Read more
The Israeli soldiers are continuously storming Nablus city; Raiding villages and refugee camps on daily bases, arresting Palestinians for interrogation, in addition to sabotaging their houses during raids, according to Ra'ed Amer, head of the Prisoner's club in Nablus.
Israeli soldiers vandalized houses and furniture of Palestinians, mixed food items together in a vengeance way and confiscated cellular phones and computers, said the detainees’ families. Read more
Israeli military asks Palestinian detainee to pay for own surgery
PNN- The Palestinian detainees and ex-detainees society announced on Thursday that the Israeli military prison administration has asked Ahmed Assofor to pay the expenses of a surgery he needs.
Assofor was arrested on Nov. 24, 2009 as he was leaving the Gaza Strip to get medical treatment in Jerusalem. He was injured during Operation Cast Lead, the Israeli invasion of the Gaza Strip that happened from December 2008 to January 2009. Read more
Assofor was arrested on Nov. 24, 2009 as he was leaving the Gaza Strip to get medical treatment in Jerusalem. He was injured during Operation Cast Lead, the Israeli invasion of the Gaza Strip that happened from December 2008 to January 2009. Read more
Israeli troops kidnap 7 Palestinians in Ramallah
IMEMC- Israeli soldiers kidnapped on Thursday at dawn seven Palestinians in the central West Bank city of Ramallah.
Israeli Army Radio reported on Thursday morning that the army invaded several villages and towns in the Ramallah district, and kidnapped what was described as “wanted” Palestinians.
The latest invasion and arrests are part of daily violations carried out by the Israeli forces against the Palestinian in the occupied territories. Read more
Israeli Army Radio reported on Thursday morning that the army invaded several villages and towns in the Ramallah district, and kidnapped what was described as “wanted” Palestinians.
The latest invasion and arrests are part of daily violations carried out by the Israeli forces against the Palestinian in the occupied territories. Read more
US to fund 4 more Iron Dome Defense Systems for Israel
IMEMC- US President Barrack Obama’s administration is to fund the purchase of four more anti rocket systems for the Israeli military. The US will help fund the short range anti rocket “Iron Dome” missile defence system as part of the $200 million Obama military aid initiative to Israel. Read more
Israeli Vice-PM against opening Gaza crossing
IMEMC-Jerusalem Post- Israeli Vice-Premier Silvan Shalom has spoken out against the easing of the blockade on Gaza through relaxed restrictions at the Egypt-Gaza crossing at Rafah, according to the Jerusalem Post.
...Shalom also called for international monitoring of the crossing, however, Heeratz reports, the European Border Assistance Mission has not as yet received an invitation to return to Rafah from either the Israelis or the PA.
The EU had agreed, in 2005, to monitor the crossing. The mission has been waiting in the Israeli city of Ashkelon since suspending its work in 2007 when Hamas gained control of the West Bank. Read more
...Shalom also called for international monitoring of the crossing, however, Heeratz reports, the European Border Assistance Mission has not as yet received an invitation to return to Rafah from either the Israelis or the PA.
The EU had agreed, in 2005, to monitor the crossing. The mission has been waiting in the Israeli city of Ashkelon since suspending its work in 2007 when Hamas gained control of the West Bank. Read more
Israeli soldiers demolish 3 water wells in Hebron
Wafa- Israeli Soldiers Thursday demolished three water wells near the Separation Wall, in Idhna, a town west of Hebron, according to Idhna municipality.
The wells were used for agricultural and domestic needs due to water shortage in town. Read more
The wells were used for agricultural and domestic needs due to water shortage in town. Read more
Israel arrests 8 Palestinians, searches homes and school
Wafa- Israeli forces Thursday raided several villages in Hebron area, arrested five and set up several checkpoints at village entrances, said security sources.
Sources told WAFA that soldiers arrested two Palestinians from Idna, one from Surif, and another from Beit Awwa, all in the Hebron area.
Soldiers also arrested a 15-year- old Palestinian boy from Al-Samu’, a village south of Hebron, holding him as hostage until his brother, who apparently is wanted by the army, turns himself in. However, both brothers were released within several hours of their arrest. Read more
Sources told WAFA that soldiers arrested two Palestinians from Idna, one from Surif, and another from Beit Awwa, all in the Hebron area.
Soldiers also arrested a 15-year- old Palestinian boy from Al-Samu’, a village south of Hebron, holding him as hostage until his brother, who apparently is wanted by the army, turns himself in. However, both brothers were released within several hours of their arrest. Read more
Israeli navy fires at Palestinian fishing boats in Gaza
Wafa- The Israeli navy Thursday opened fire at Palestinian fishing boats off the coast of Gaza, according to local sources. No injuries were reported.
Since imposing the blockade on Gaza in 2006, Israel does not allow Palestinian fishermen to go deep into the sea off Gaza. Read more
Since imposing the blockade on Gaza in 2006, Israel does not allow Palestinian fishermen to go deep into the sea off Gaza. Read more
Former Israeli secret service chief supports Palestinian UN bid
Ma’an- Former Mossad Director Meir Dagan came out against Israel's prime minister on Tuesday, in a speech saying he was against blocking a Palestinian move to bring the issue of statehood to the UN. Read more
Eager anticipation for Rafah border opening
Ma'an- The siege on the Gaza Strip, maintained by Israel and Egypt for the past four years, will soon be significantly relaxed for would-be travelers, a decision that has Palestinians on both sides of the border waiting anxiously.
From students to tunnel smugglers, opening Gaza will transform lives drastically impacted by years of isolation. On Wednesday, Egypt announced that the crossing would open regularly for some travelers, six days a week, starting on Saturday. Read more
From students to tunnel smugglers, opening Gaza will transform lives drastically impacted by years of isolation. On Wednesday, Egypt announced that the crossing would open regularly for some travelers, six days a week, starting on Saturday. Read more
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