IMEMC – Israeli Prime Minister, Benjamin Netanyahu, warned Thursday that Israel will act firmly against attempts to cross into the country while the Palestinian mark the “Naksa” day this coming Sunday.
The Nakba day marks the day Israel was established in historic Palestine (the 1948 territories), while the Naksa day marks Israel's occupation of the rest of the occupied territories (West Bank, Gaza Strip, East Jerusalem and other Arab areas).
During a speech at a High Tech Conference in Jerusalem, Netanyahu said that he issued orders to the army and the security forces to “maintain self-restraint” while at the same time to act firmly “to protect the border and prevent any infiltration”.
His statements came as thousands of Palestinian refugees and supporters intend to hold protests in several Arab countries to mark the 44th anniversary of the Naksa similar to protests held during Nakba commemoration on May 15th when thousands of protesters and Palestinian refugees, marched along the Syrian border in an attempt to cross back into the country through the occupied Golan Heights.
Saturday, June 4, 2011
VIDEO: Israeli guard shoots, injures peaceful protester on Palestinian land
Ma’an -- A security guard at an Israeli quarry in the occupied West Bank opened fire at Palestinians Saturday, activists said.
Locals said one person from Budros was moderately injured by shrapnel. The hurt person was not immediately identified.
The Palestinians were holding a peaceful rally west of Ramallah when the guard opened fire near the factory, which was built on Palestinian land.
A convoy of Israeli soldiers arrived and fired tear gas at the protesters.
Thousands of dunnums of Palestinian land have been confiscated from Ni’lin, Shuqba and Qibya by the quarry, which is owned by a retired Israeli military officer, the activists said.
Locals said one person from Budros was moderately injured by shrapnel. The hurt person was not immediately identified.
The Palestinians were holding a peaceful rally west of Ramallah when the guard opened fire near the factory, which was built on Palestinian land.
A convoy of Israeli soldiers arrived and fired tear gas at the protesters.
Thousands of dunnums of Palestinian land have been confiscated from Ni’lin, Shuqba and Qibya by the quarry, which is owned by a retired Israeli military officer, the activists said.
Israel seals off Palestinian village of Iraq Burin
Ma'an -- The Israeli army declared a closed military zone in a tiny northern West Bank village on Saturday ahead of a planned protest, a Palestinian Authority official said.
PA settlement affairs official Ghassan Douglas said Israeli troops had been trying to stop anyone entering Iraq Burin, near Nablus, since Friday evening.
Iraq Burin holds weekly non-violent protests against illegal Jewish-only settlements built on village land.
PA settlement affairs official Ghassan Douglas said Israeli troops had been trying to stop anyone entering Iraq Burin, near Nablus, since Friday evening.
Iraq Burin holds weekly non-violent protests against illegal Jewish-only settlements built on village land.
Tensions grow as Egypt restricts Gaza crossing
Ma'an -- Egypt opened its Rafah border with Gaza several hours later than scheduled Saturday, causing tension as hundreds of Palestinians waited to cross.
The director of the Palestinian side, Salameh Barakeh, said Egypt decided to allow travelers to enter on foot rather than buses.
The decision was difficult to implement due to the number of patients, elderly people and children who were traveling among others across the sole Egyptian exit from Gaza, Barakeh told reporters at a news conference.
The director of the Palestinian side, Salameh Barakeh, said Egypt decided to allow travelers to enter on foot rather than buses.
The decision was difficult to implement due to the number of patients, elderly people and children who were traveling among others across the sole Egyptian exit from Gaza, Barakeh told reporters at a news conference.
Israeli forces ransack home of acting Palestinian supreme judge
Ma'an -- Israeli forces ransacked the home of the acting supreme judge of Palestine and deputy chief of the Higher Judiciary Council Sheikh Yousif Id'eis early Saturday morning in Biddu near Ramallah.
The sheikh was not home at the time, and soldiers gave his wife a warrant ordering him to go to the Ofer military base near Ramallah, his assistant Muhammad Kaffiya said.
An Israeli military spokeswoman said Yousif Id'eis was not issued a warrant overnight.
The sheikh was not home at the time, and soldiers gave his wife a warrant ordering him to go to the Ofer military base near Ramallah, his assistant Muhammad Kaffiya said.
An Israeli military spokeswoman said Yousif Id'eis was not issued a warrant overnight.
Thursday, June 2, 2011
AIPAC praises US for boycotting UN racism conference
Ma'an- The pro-Israel group AIPAC praised the Obama administration Thursday for its decision not to participate in the UN's commemoration of the Durban World Conference Against Racism.
The event, scheduled to take place in New York in September, "unfairly singled out Israel" and "displays intolerance and anti-Semitism," a US senator's letter circulated in an AIPAC statement explained. Read more
The event, scheduled to take place in New York in September, "unfairly singled out Israel" and "displays intolerance and anti-Semitism," a US senator's letter circulated in an AIPAC statement explained. Read more
Gazans rally to end 'culture of cigarette-consumption'
Ma'an- As World No Tobacco Day was marked in Gaza, the Hamas lawmaker responsible for health policy said progress would be made in banning smoking in public places in the coastal enclave.
...An-Najjar joined a children's demonstration against smoking during the celebrations, which marked their call to end a culture of cigarette-consumption.
The youth held anti-smoking posters, chanted “people want to end smoking,” an echo of the calls in Egypt and across the Middle East, "the people want the end of the regime," and burnt a large model of a pack of cigarettes. Read more
...An-Najjar joined a children's demonstration against smoking during the celebrations, which marked their call to end a culture of cigarette-consumption.
The youth held anti-smoking posters, chanted “people want to end smoking,” an echo of the calls in Egypt and across the Middle East, "the people want the end of the regime," and burnt a large model of a pack of cigarettes. Read more
Gaza fishermen: Israeli navy hit skiff, 1 injured
Ma'an- Gaza fishermen said one skiff was hit and sunk Wednesday night by an Israeli naval boat off the Rafah coast.
Fisherman Ahmad Abu Salmiyeh, 20, was injured after sinking with his boat following the collision, which took place near Tal As-Sultan in the southern Gaza Strip, his colleagues told Ma'an. Read more
Fisherman Ahmad Abu Salmiyeh, 20, was injured after sinking with his boat following the collision, which took place near Tal As-Sultan in the southern Gaza Strip, his colleagues told Ma'an. Read more
Report: Clinton refuses to meet with Israeli FM
Ma’an- An Israeli television station reported Wednesday that US Secretary of State Hillary Clinton had refused to meet with Israeli Foreign Minister Avigdor Lieberman during last week’s OECD meeting in Paris.
...Channel 10 said Clinton refused the meeting because of her frustration with the Israeli government over the stalemate in the Israeli-Palestinian peace process, saying she holds Israel accountable.
Lieberman, who lives deep in the West Bank in an illegal Israeli settlement, is against an end to settlement construction, or a return of lands housing settlements to Palestinians under a peace deal. Read more
...Channel 10 said Clinton refused the meeting because of her frustration with the Israeli government over the stalemate in the Israeli-Palestinian peace process, saying she holds Israel accountable.
Lieberman, who lives deep in the West Bank in an illegal Israeli settlement, is against an end to settlement construction, or a return of lands housing settlements to Palestinians under a peace deal. Read more
Jewish settlers torch Palestinian crops in Nablus villages
Ma’an- For the second time this week, villagers reported fires set by settlers in farmlands south of Nablus, with Burin residents pointing the finger at residents of the Yitzhar settlement.
Farmlands near the Madama and Burin villages, both south of Nablus, were ablaze Thursday afternoon, and villagers told settlements observer Ghassan Doughlas that settlers were seen in the area. Read more
Farmlands near the Madama and Burin villages, both south of Nablus, were ablaze Thursday afternoon, and villagers told settlements observer Ghassan Doughlas that settlers were seen in the area. Read more
Israeli march breaks into violence on Jerusalem Day
Ma’an- In the first Israeli "Jerusalem Day" rally to go through the heart of Palestinian East Jerusalem, marchers chanted "death to the Arabs" and lobbed vegetables at Palestinians.
Wednesday’s march saw 40, 000 Israelis, mainly young men, wearing white and blue in the colors of the Israeli flag, and flooding toward flashpoint neighborhood Sheikh Jarrah, where they continued to the Jewish-revered Western Wall inside Jerusalem’s Old City.
The annual event, which celebrates the capture of Palestinian Jerusalem in 1967, usually passes through West Jerusalem, and its re-routing saw 3,000 Israeli police deployed to avert violence, the force’s spokesman Micky Rosenfeld said. Read more
Wednesday’s march saw 40, 000 Israelis, mainly young men, wearing white and blue in the colors of the Israeli flag, and flooding toward flashpoint neighborhood Sheikh Jarrah, where they continued to the Jewish-revered Western Wall inside Jerusalem’s Old City.
The annual event, which celebrates the capture of Palestinian Jerusalem in 1967, usually passes through West Jerusalem, and its re-routing saw 3,000 Israeli police deployed to avert violence, the force’s spokesman Micky Rosenfeld said. Read more
After outpost evacuation, Jewish settlers smash 12 Palestinian cars
Ma'an- Twelve Palestinian vehicles were vandalized Thursday morning, along the Nablus-Ramallah road not far from the Shilo settlement, where violence erupted before dawn as Israeli soldiers evacuated an illegal settlement outpost there.
The cars' windshields were broken by rocks, bats and sticks, locals told Ma'an, doors dented, paint scraped and decals ripped off in what residents blamed on settler aggression. Read more
The cars' windshields were broken by rocks, bats and sticks, locals told Ma'an, doors dented, paint scraped and decals ripped off in what residents blamed on settler aggression. Read more
Americans are joining Flotilla to protest Israeli blockade
Laurie Goodstein - New York Times- When an international flotilla sails for Gaza this month to challenge Israel’s naval blockade of the Palestinian territory, among the boats will be an American ship with 34 passengers, including the writer Alice Walker and an 86-year-old whose parents died in the Holocaust.
Related
A year ago, nine people in a flotilla of six boats were killed when Israeli commandos boarded a Turkish boat in international waters off the coast of Gaza. The Israelis said their commandos were attacked and struck back in self-defense, but the Turks blamed the Israelis for using live ammunition. The raid soured relations between Israel and Turkey and intensified pressure on Israel to end the naval blockade.
Organizers said the new flotilla, scheduled to leave in late June from a port they would not identify, had at least 1,000 passengers on about 10 boats. One boat will carry Spaniards, another Canadians, another Swiss and another Irish. Read more
Related
A year ago, nine people in a flotilla of six boats were killed when Israeli commandos boarded a Turkish boat in international waters off the coast of Gaza. The Israelis said their commandos were attacked and struck back in self-defense, but the Turks blamed the Israelis for using live ammunition. The raid soured relations between Israel and Turkey and intensified pressure on Israel to end the naval blockade.
Organizers said the new flotilla, scheduled to leave in late June from a port they would not identify, had at least 1,000 passengers on about 10 boats. One boat will carry Spaniards, another Canadians, another Swiss and another Irish. Read more
Record number of house members vote for aid to the U.S.-Israel missile defense program
JTA- The U.S. House Appropriations defense subcommittee awarded the highest-ever level of funding to the joint U.S.-Israel missile defense program.
The subcommittee on Wednesday appropriated $235.7 million in funding for the coming year.
In a statement, committee member Rep. Steve Rothman (D-N.J.) said it was "a mark of importance" of the three joint defense programs -- Arrow 2, Arrow 3 and David's Sling -- that they were given such high funding during the current economic climate.
"The growing proliferation and increasing deadliness of missiles and rockets around the world -- including those possessed by dangerous regimes such as the one headed by President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad in Iran, Hezbollah in Lebanon, Hamas in Gaza and President Bashar al-Assad in Syria -- pose a direct threat to U.S. national security," Rothman said. "Funding these new technologies serves our interests in the volatile Middle East, and wherever America's troops and citizens are stationed."
Funding for such cooperative ventures is separate from the $3 billion in U.S. defense assistance Israel receives each year. Read more
The subcommittee on Wednesday appropriated $235.7 million in funding for the coming year.
In a statement, committee member Rep. Steve Rothman (D-N.J.) said it was "a mark of importance" of the three joint defense programs -- Arrow 2, Arrow 3 and David's Sling -- that they were given such high funding during the current economic climate.
"The growing proliferation and increasing deadliness of missiles and rockets around the world -- including those possessed by dangerous regimes such as the one headed by President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad in Iran, Hezbollah in Lebanon, Hamas in Gaza and President Bashar al-Assad in Syria -- pose a direct threat to U.S. national security," Rothman said. "Funding these new technologies serves our interests in the volatile Middle East, and wherever America's troops and citizens are stationed."
Funding for such cooperative ventures is separate from the $3 billion in U.S. defense assistance Israel receives each year. Read more
PCHR Press Release on Israeli arrest of Palestinian Legislative Council leaders
Palestinian Centre for Human Rights- In the past 48 hours, Israeli Occupation Forces (IOF) have waged a campaign of arrests that targeted Palestinian political leaders and activists in the West Bank, including current and former members of the Palestinian Legislative Council (PLC) and leaders of Hamas and Islamic Jihad. IOF have also closed two charities linked with Islamic Jihad. During this campaign of arrest, IOF arrested two PLC Members and a former one, two female community activists, an academic and 11 political activists. The Palestinian Center for Human Rights (PCHR) condemns this campaign of arrest and the closure of two charities, and calls upon the international community to act towards compelling the government of Israel to stop its systematic crimes against Palestinian civilians.
According to investigations conducted by PCHR, on Tuesday morning, IOF waged a wide scale campaign against leaders, activists and charities of Islamic Jihad in Jenin in the northern West Bank. During this campaign, IOF arrested 12 Palestinians, including two women, and closed two charities linked with Islamic Jihad after confiscating their contents. However, IOF failed to arrest Khader Mousa, a political leader of Islamic Jihad, when they raided his house and harassed his family.
In Arraba village, southwest of Jenin, IOF arrested Saja Jasser Shaibani, 23, an employee of the Islamic Relief Association for Orphans; Muna Hussein Qe’dan, 40, Director of al-Baraa’ Association for Muslim Girls; and Mohammed ‘Azmi Mardawi, 30. However, they failed to arrest Khader ‘Adnan Mousa, 32, a leader of Islamic Jihad. They handed a notice to his wife ordering him to refer to Salem military post, northwest of Jenin, within 12 hours, claiming that he is wanted.
In al-Zababda village, southeast of Jenin, IOF arrested Taha Najeh Sharqaqi, 24, a university student. In Jaba’ village, south of the town, IOF arrested Murad Waleed Malaisha, 22, and Ibrahim As’ad Baddad, 43. In Kufor Ra’ei village, southwest of the town, IOF arrested Majdi Waleed al-Sheikh Ibrahim, 30, and Bilal Nabeel Diab, 27. In ‘Aanin village, west of the town, IOF arrested Jamal Abdul Fattah Yousef, 33. In Seilat al-Harthiya village, northwest of Jenin, IOF arrested three Palestinians: Mohammed Saleem Shalabi, 38; Fadi Ahmed Zayoud “al-Sa’di,” 26; and Mohammed Wajeeh Jaradat, 26.
On the same day, IOF raided two offices on the third floor of al-Bassatin building in the center of Jenin. One of the offices belongs al-Baraa’ Association for Muslim Girls, and the other one belongs to the Islamic Relief Association for Orphans, whose parent organization is inside Israel.
In the evening, Israeli soldiers positioned at the Container checkpoint at the eastern entrance of al-Sawahra village, east of Jerusalem, arrested Nizar ‘Abdul ‘Aziz Ramadan, 47, a PLC Member from the Change and Reform Bloc – the parliamentary bloc of Hamas. Israeli soldiers arrested Ramadan after holding him together with ‘Aziz Dwaik, Speaker of the PLC and PLC Members, Anwar Zaboun, from Bethlehem, and Bassem al-Za’arir, from Hebron, for more than 4 hours.
On Thursday morning, 02 June 2011, IOF arrested ‘Abdul Rahman Fahmi Zaidan, 51, a PLC Member from the Change and Reform Bloc, from his house in Deir al-Ghossoun village north of Tulkarm. In Nablus, IOF arrested Hussam Mahmoud Khader, 48, a former PLC Member from Fatah movement, from his house in Balata refugee camp east of Nablus. IOF also arrested Yasser Ibrahim al-Badrassawi, 46, a trader, and Ghassan Nayef Thouqan, 54, an academic.
PCHR reiterates condemnation for this arrest campaign and the closure of two charities. PCHR calls upon the international community to immediately act to stop such crimes. PCHR further reiterates the call for the High Contracting Parties to the Fourth Geneva Convention to fulfill their obligation under Article 1 of the Convention to respect and ensure respect for the Convention in all times, and their obligation under Article 146 to prosecute those suspected of perpetrating grave breaches of the Convention, which constitute war crimes according to Article 147 of the Convention, and the Protocol I Additional to the Geneva Convention, and ensure protection for Palestinian civilians in the Occupied Palestinian Territory.
According to investigations conducted by PCHR, on Tuesday morning, IOF waged a wide scale campaign against leaders, activists and charities of Islamic Jihad in Jenin in the northern West Bank. During this campaign, IOF arrested 12 Palestinians, including two women, and closed two charities linked with Islamic Jihad after confiscating their contents. However, IOF failed to arrest Khader Mousa, a political leader of Islamic Jihad, when they raided his house and harassed his family.
In Arraba village, southwest of Jenin, IOF arrested Saja Jasser Shaibani, 23, an employee of the Islamic Relief Association for Orphans; Muna Hussein Qe’dan, 40, Director of al-Baraa’ Association for Muslim Girls; and Mohammed ‘Azmi Mardawi, 30. However, they failed to arrest Khader ‘Adnan Mousa, 32, a leader of Islamic Jihad. They handed a notice to his wife ordering him to refer to Salem military post, northwest of Jenin, within 12 hours, claiming that he is wanted.
In al-Zababda village, southeast of Jenin, IOF arrested Taha Najeh Sharqaqi, 24, a university student. In Jaba’ village, south of the town, IOF arrested Murad Waleed Malaisha, 22, and Ibrahim As’ad Baddad, 43. In Kufor Ra’ei village, southwest of the town, IOF arrested Majdi Waleed al-Sheikh Ibrahim, 30, and Bilal Nabeel Diab, 27. In ‘Aanin village, west of the town, IOF arrested Jamal Abdul Fattah Yousef, 33. In Seilat al-Harthiya village, northwest of Jenin, IOF arrested three Palestinians: Mohammed Saleem Shalabi, 38; Fadi Ahmed Zayoud “al-Sa’di,” 26; and Mohammed Wajeeh Jaradat, 26.
On the same day, IOF raided two offices on the third floor of al-Bassatin building in the center of Jenin. One of the offices belongs al-Baraa’ Association for Muslim Girls, and the other one belongs to the Islamic Relief Association for Orphans, whose parent organization is inside Israel.
In the evening, Israeli soldiers positioned at the Container checkpoint at the eastern entrance of al-Sawahra village, east of Jerusalem, arrested Nizar ‘Abdul ‘Aziz Ramadan, 47, a PLC Member from the Change and Reform Bloc – the parliamentary bloc of Hamas. Israeli soldiers arrested Ramadan after holding him together with ‘Aziz Dwaik, Speaker of the PLC and PLC Members, Anwar Zaboun, from Bethlehem, and Bassem al-Za’arir, from Hebron, for more than 4 hours.
On Thursday morning, 02 June 2011, IOF arrested ‘Abdul Rahman Fahmi Zaidan, 51, a PLC Member from the Change and Reform Bloc, from his house in Deir al-Ghossoun village north of Tulkarm. In Nablus, IOF arrested Hussam Mahmoud Khader, 48, a former PLC Member from Fatah movement, from his house in Balata refugee camp east of Nablus. IOF also arrested Yasser Ibrahim al-Badrassawi, 46, a trader, and Ghassan Nayef Thouqan, 54, an academic.
PCHR reiterates condemnation for this arrest campaign and the closure of two charities. PCHR calls upon the international community to immediately act to stop such crimes. PCHR further reiterates the call for the High Contracting Parties to the Fourth Geneva Convention to fulfill their obligation under Article 1 of the Convention to respect and ensure respect for the Convention in all times, and their obligation under Article 146 to prosecute those suspected of perpetrating grave breaches of the Convention, which constitute war crimes according to Article 147 of the Convention, and the Protocol I Additional to the Geneva Convention, and ensure protection for Palestinian civilians in the Occupied Palestinian Territory.
Claim of prisoner swap raises hopes, rustles feathers
Ma'an- A former Egyptian ambassador told a Cairo-based paper Thursday that 1,000 Palestinian prisoners could be released "within hours," in exchange for the freedom of a captured Israeli soldier.
The report sparked immediate reactions; hope from the families of prisoners, and swift denials from officials in Israel and Gaza. Finally, speaking to Ma'an, the source quoted in the Egyptian paper denied the information, saying his comments were misrepresented. Read more
The report sparked immediate reactions; hope from the families of prisoners, and swift denials from officials in Israel and Gaza. Finally, speaking to Ma'an, the source quoted in the Egyptian paper denied the information, saying his comments were misrepresented. Read more
Israeli forces detain Hamas, Fatah leaders in West Bank
Ma’an- Israeli forces detained two members of the Palestinian Legislative Council from the Hamas and Fatah blocs overnight on Wednesday, following raids on their homes in Nablus and Tulkarem, official sources told Ma'an.
Fatah lawmaker Hussam Khader, a long-time proponent of reconciliation between Hamas and Fatah, was taken from his home at 2 a.m., officials said.
Witnesses said 50 Israeli military jeeps had arrived in the Balata refugee camp, surrounded the home and searched its contents before taking Khader to an unknown location. Read more
Fatah lawmaker Hussam Khader, a long-time proponent of reconciliation between Hamas and Fatah, was taken from his home at 2 a.m., officials said.
Witnesses said 50 Israeli military jeeps had arrived in the Balata refugee camp, surrounded the home and searched its contents before taking Khader to an unknown location. Read more
Wednesday, June 1, 2011
Israeli security minister hints murder of Shalit abductors
Wafa– Israeli Homeland Security Minister, Matan Vilnai, hinted for the first time Israel’s role in killing those who kidnapped soldier, Gilad Shalit.
He said, “Gilad Shalit’s abductors have died, Poor them! they were killed in ‘unfortunate accidents’!”
Vilnai said, during a lecture in a school in West Jerusalem, “Even Ismail Haniyeh and Hamas Chief of Staff don't know where Gilad is being held.” Read more
He said, “Gilad Shalit’s abductors have died, Poor them! they were killed in ‘unfortunate accidents’!”
Vilnai said, during a lecture in a school in West Jerusalem, “Even Ismail Haniyeh and Hamas Chief of Staff don't know where Gilad is being held.” Read more
Jewish extremists attack Palestinian boy and teacher in Jerusalem
Wafa– Groups of extremist settlers and Jewish students Wednesday assaulted a school teacher and a Palestinian boy in Jerusalem, said witnesses.
Extremist Jewish settlers, participating in celebrations marking the annexation of East Jerusalem in 1967 today, attacked Nour al-Husseini, who works at a school for special needs, and kicked her while she was shopping for food for her students. Read more
Extremist Jewish settlers, participating in celebrations marking the annexation of East Jerusalem in 1967 today, attacked Nour al-Husseini, who works at a school for special needs, and kicked her while she was shopping for food for her students. Read more
Leftist Israeli lawmakers, activists protest new settlement in Jerusalem
Wafa– Leftist Knesset members along with Peace Now activists demonstrated on Wednesday to protest the construction of a new Jewish settlement ‘Ma’aleh HaZeitim’ in the Arab neighborhood of Ras el-Amud, southeast Jerusalem.
Protestors expressed their resentment of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s government for building this new settlement in the heart of Jerusalem. Read more
Protestors expressed their resentment of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s government for building this new settlement in the heart of Jerusalem. Read more
Extremist Jews storm Al-Aqsa compound
Wafa– Israeli police Wednesday allowed extremist Jewish groups under its protection into al-Aqsa Mosque compound, one of Islam’s holiest sites, in Jerusalem’s Old City as part of celebrations marking the annexation of East Jerusalem in 1967.
Extremist Jewish groups had announced they will organize an “invasion” of al-Aqsa Mosque complex and a provocative ceremonial march where hundreds of Israeli settlers will raise Israeli flags on this occasion. Read more
Extremist Jewish groups had announced they will organize an “invasion” of al-Aqsa Mosque complex and a provocative ceremonial march where hundreds of Israeli settlers will raise Israeli flags on this occasion. Read more
Israeli police attack Palestinian worker in Jerusalem
Wafa– Israeli border police Wednesday attacked a Palestinian worker in Jerusalem, according to security sources.
The 30 year old man from Bethlehem was working in Sur Baher, a village east of Jerusalem, when Israeli border police raided, led him elsewhere and beat him severely, causing bruises and wounds in his body. Read more
The 30 year old man from Bethlehem was working in Sur Baher, a village east of Jerusalem, when Israeli border police raided, led him elsewhere and beat him severely, causing bruises and wounds in his body. Read more
Israel escalates arrests, summons of Palestinians
Wafa- Israeli soldiers raided several areas of the West Bank Wednesday at dawn, arresting eight Palestinians.
Seven military vehicles raided Awarta village east of Nablus in the northern West Bank, photographing buildings in the old parts of the village, especially abandoned houses there, according to the head of the village council. Read more
Seven military vehicles raided Awarta village east of Nablus in the northern West Bank, photographing buildings in the old parts of the village, especially abandoned houses there, according to the head of the village council. Read more
Protests announced for Naksa Day
IMEMC- Refugees are preparing for a second display of mass civil disobedience on June 5th as part of commemorations of “Naksa Day”. Palestinian refugees plan to once again gather at Israel’s borders between Syria and Lebanon in a repeat of actions taken on Nakba Day of this year.
Social networking pages such as Facebook and Twitter have hosted calls for Palestinian refugees to use momentum gained from this year’s Nakba protests to march again to Israeli borders in the region. Read more
Social networking pages such as Facebook and Twitter have hosted calls for Palestinian refugees to use momentum gained from this year’s Nakba protests to march again to Israeli borders in the region. Read more
Israeli army displaces Palestinian village in the Jordan Valley
IMEMC- Israeli soldiers attacked on Wednesday at dawn “Khirbit Yizra” village in the Jordan Valley of the occupied West Bank, and displaced its residents under the claim that the area is a “closed military zone”.
Local sources reported that the soldiers displaced more than 200 shepherds living in the area after surrounding and isolating it. Read more
Local sources reported that the soldiers displaced more than 200 shepherds living in the area after surrounding and isolating it. Read more
Arab League forms a committee to monitor the implementation of Unity Agreement
IMEMC- The Ministerial Council of the Arab League held a session on Tuesday at night and decided to form a higher committee that will be tasked with supervising and monitoring the implementation of the reconciliation agreement between Fateh and Hamas. Read more
Israeli soldiers invade Hebron, nearby areas, kidnap 3 children
IMEMC- Israeli soldiers kidnapped on Wednesday at dawn three children in the southern West Bank city of Hebron, and took them to an unknown destination. Troops installed roadblocks in the Hebron district, invaded several nearby villages and towns, broke into and searched several homes causing damage. Read more
30,000 religious Zionists expected to march through Palestinian neighborhoods
IMEMC- Israeli police presence in East Jerusalem has been increased to control a march of 30,000 religious Zionists through Arab neighbourhoods in East Jerusalem as part of Jerusalem Day celebrations, according to Haaretz.
The march plans to move through the Palestinian neighbourhood of Sheikh Jarrah which is the site of repeated clashes between Israeli security forces and local residents. Sheikh Jarrah has been targeted by Jewish settlers who have established enclaves and outposts in what is, according to residents, a concerted effort to alter the neighbourhoods demographic. Read more
The march plans to move through the Palestinian neighbourhood of Sheikh Jarrah which is the site of repeated clashes between Israeli security forces and local residents. Sheikh Jarrah has been targeted by Jewish settlers who have established enclaves and outposts in what is, according to residents, a concerted effort to alter the neighbourhoods demographic. Read more
Official says Israeli army gearing up for large protests
Ma'an- Israel's army is gearing up for large protests, its chief of staff said Tuesday.
"There's a new player in the Middle East - the street," Benny Gantz said. "The IDF has drawn lessons from the Nakba Day events and knows it may find itself facing large-scale popular protests in the coming months." Read more
"There's a new player in the Middle East - the street," Benny Gantz said. "The IDF has drawn lessons from the Nakba Day events and knows it may find itself facing large-scale popular protests in the coming months." Read more
Report: 3 Palestinians hurt by hazardous material in Israel
Ma'an- Three people were lightly injured Tuesday by hazardous material in an industrial zone in northern Israel, the Israeli news site Ynet reported.
A leak of a hazardous material in the industrial zone of Baqa al-Gharbiyye was reported after a tractor collided with a barrel containing the unidentified hazardous substance, Ynet said. Read more
A leak of a hazardous material in the industrial zone of Baqa al-Gharbiyye was reported after a tractor collided with a barrel containing the unidentified hazardous substance, Ynet said. Read more
Israeli soldiers disperse protest in north Gaza
Ma’an- Israeli forces opened fire during a protest in Gaza early Tuesday, activists said.
There were no injuries in the incident in Beit Hanoun, along the border with Israel, the coordinator for the demonstration against Israel's no-go zone, Saber Zaanin, explained. Read more
There were no injuries in the incident in Beit Hanoun, along the border with Israel, the coordinator for the demonstration against Israel's no-go zone, Saber Zaanin, explained. Read more
Rafah opening not as good as it sounds
IRIN News- The opening of Rafah on 28 May, the only official border crossing between the Gaza Strip and Egypt, has created a lifeline for Palestinians living in Gaza, but some, mostly refugees, will still be restricted to their localities because they lack identification papers.
Palestinians were allowed to pass freely from Gaza into Egypt through Rafah for the first time in four years. The decision marked a huge shift in Egyptian foreign policy, introduced after the fall of President Hosni Mubarak, and provides a critical valve for the 1.6 million people trapped within Gaza’s borders since June 2007.
...Not everyone happy
Not all Palestinians are as optimistic. For men aged 18-40, the reopening makes little difference. Unless they can provide proof of having a place at university abroad or a foreign visa, they will remain stuck in the Gaza Strip. Read more
Palestinians were allowed to pass freely from Gaza into Egypt through Rafah for the first time in four years. The decision marked a huge shift in Egyptian foreign policy, introduced after the fall of President Hosni Mubarak, and provides a critical valve for the 1.6 million people trapped within Gaza’s borders since June 2007.
...Not everyone happy
Not all Palestinians are as optimistic. For men aged 18-40, the reopening makes little difference. Unless they can provide proof of having a place at university abroad or a foreign visa, they will remain stuck in the Gaza Strip. Read more
Israel detains 5 in West Bank overnight
Ma’an- Israeli forces detained five Palestinians from areas of the West Bank overnight, a military statement said, with Palestinian officials identifying a young man and two minors taken from the Qalqiliya area. Read more
East Jerusalem residents face police violence
Ma'an-AFP- An Israeli rights group on Tuesday called on Jerusalem's new police chief to "fundamentally change" what it said was his officers' violent treatment towards the city's Palestinian residents.
In a report timed to coincide with the anniversary of Israel's 1967 occupation of east Jerusalem, the Association for Civil Rights in Israel said that over the past two years it had received a rising number of complaints and mounting evidence of abuses suffered by Palestinian residents. Read more
In a report timed to coincide with the anniversary of Israel's 1967 occupation of east Jerusalem, the Association for Civil Rights in Israel said that over the past two years it had received a rising number of complaints and mounting evidence of abuses suffered by Palestinian residents. Read more
Palestinian Christians plan mass at Bethlehem checkpoint
Ma'an- Churches and community groups from Bethlehem and Jerusalem will hold a church service on Saturday next to the checkpoint dividing the cities, a statement said Monday.
After the service, at the Benedictine Church abutting the checkpoint, congregants will process by candlelight along the separation wall, and gather to watch presentations and films projected on the wall about the restrictions on Palestinians' access to Jerusalem, according to organizers. Read more
After the service, at the Benedictine Church abutting the checkpoint, congregants will process by candlelight along the separation wall, and gather to watch presentations and films projected on the wall about the restrictions on Palestinians' access to Jerusalem, according to organizers. Read more
PA to cover treatment of journalist injured on Nakba Day
Ma’an- Palestinian journalist Muhammad Othman will be transferred to Jordan for medical treatment at the expense of the Palestinian Authority, President Mahmoud Abbas ordered on Wednesday.
Othman was shot in the chest by Israeli soldiers while covering a rally commemorating the Nakba Day on May 15, near the Erez crossing in the northern Gaza Strip. Read more
Othman was shot in the chest by Israeli soldiers while covering a rally commemorating the Nakba Day on May 15, near the Erez crossing in the northern Gaza Strip. Read more
Gaza's third generator to resume operations
Ma'an- The headquarters of the main electricity company in Gaza Strip, shortly after being hit by an Israeli missile during an air strike over the city on June 28, 2006.
The Gaza Energy Authority announced Wednesday that the power station's third generator would resume operations as of 2 p.m.
Since 2007, Israel's closure of the Gaza Strip has led to severely restricted fuel supply, causing power shortages. Restrictions on the import of equipment saw the power station's four generators reduced to three, only two of which have been working since 2009. Read more
The Gaza Energy Authority announced Wednesday that the power station's third generator would resume operations as of 2 p.m.
Since 2007, Israel's closure of the Gaza Strip has led to severely restricted fuel supply, causing power shortages. Restrictions on the import of equipment saw the power station's four generators reduced to three, only two of which have been working since 2009. Read more
Palestinin Authority says promised donor aid not arriving
Ma'an-AFP- The Palestinian Authority is facing a financial crisis because funds pledged by donor nations are not arriving on time, Prime Minister of the West Bank government Salam Fayyad said Tuesday.
Speaking at a press conference with Japan's representative to the Palestinian Authority, Fayyad said the slow delivery of promised aid was putting pressure on the government. Read more
Speaking at a press conference with Japan's representative to the Palestinian Authority, Fayyad said the slow delivery of promised aid was putting pressure on the government. Read more
Administrative detention of Hamas lawmaker extended
Ma’an- Israeli authorities extended Tuesday the administrative detention of former minister and legislator Nayef Rujoub for an additional six months, two days ahead of the end of his current term.
The 53-year-old lawmaker elected to the Hamas party, has spent six months in administrative detention so far this year, and had been slated for release on 1 June. Read more
The 53-year-old lawmaker elected to the Hamas party, has spent six months in administrative detention so far this year, and had been slated for release on 1 June. Read more
Egypt: Consulate may open in Gaza after govt formed
Ma'an- Egypt is seriously considering the possibility of opening a consulate in Gaza City, a top official was quoted Wednesday, saying the office would oversee travel coordination for those not permitted to travel freely through the newly opened Rafah crossing. Read more
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