Ma’an- Israeli forces stationed along the separation wall near the Jerusalem-area village of Qatanna fired tear-gas canisters at a group of young farmers on Monday, the heat from which caused a brush fire damaging 40 trees.
The leader of the village council told Ma'an that the brush around the olive grove was dry and caught fire easily, killing 10 trees and damaging 30 others. He said no fire crews had been notified by the forces though they saw the blaze ignite. Read more
Tuesday, June 7, 2011
EU calls for restraint in Golan
Ma'an- The EU's foreign policy chief Catherine Ashton called "on all parties to exercise restraint," referring to the death of between 10 and 23 pro-Palestinian marchers killed during a Sunday protest calling for an end to Israel's occupation of Palestinian and Syrian lands.
Syrian television says 23 were killed by Israeli fire while Israel's military says 10 died throwing Molotov cocktails toward landmines in the ceasefire zone, as thousands marched from the Syrian Golan to the Israeli-occupied region of the plateau calling for an end to the 44-year-old occupation. Read more
Syrian television says 23 were killed by Israeli fire while Israel's military says 10 died throwing Molotov cocktails toward landmines in the ceasefire zone, as thousands marched from the Syrian Golan to the Israeli-occupied region of the plateau calling for an end to the 44-year-old occupation. Read more
Gaza activists plan monitoring boat to sail Wednesday
Ma'an- The first monitoring boat in Gaza waters crewed by international citizens will set sail on Wednesday morning, activists said.
The vessel, named Oliva, will leave from Gaza City fishing port with crew from Spain, the US, Sweden and the UK, and accompany Gaza fisherman in the waters, organizers said in a statement released Tuesday.
"Violations of international law will be monitored, documented, and disseminated," the release from the Civil Peace Service said.
The organization said the initiative is in cooperation with local groups including the Palestinian Center for Human Rights, the Popular Struggle Coordination Committees, the Union of Agriculture Committees and Fishing and Marine Sports Association. Read more
The vessel, named Oliva, will leave from Gaza City fishing port with crew from Spain, the US, Sweden and the UK, and accompany Gaza fisherman in the waters, organizers said in a statement released Tuesday.
"Violations of international law will be monitored, documented, and disseminated," the release from the Civil Peace Service said.
The organization said the initiative is in cooperation with local groups including the Palestinian Center for Human Rights, the Popular Struggle Coordination Committees, the Union of Agriculture Committees and Fishing and Marine Sports Association. Read more
Israeli forces detain man in Jenin
Ma’an- Israeli forces detained a Palestinian man in Jenin on Tuesday morning, after a raid on houses in the city's ancient center.
Palestinian security sources said Hani Adnan Makhzoum was detained after 15 military vehicles entered the city, fired sound grenades and raided a number of houses.
Also Tuesday morning, witnesses told Ma'an that the Israeli army set up a flying checkpoint to the south of Jenin. Soldiers stopped cars on the road between villages Meithalun and Sanur, with no detentions reported, the locals said. Read more
Palestinian security sources said Hani Adnan Makhzoum was detained after 15 military vehicles entered the city, fired sound grenades and raided a number of houses.
Also Tuesday morning, witnesses told Ma'an that the Israeli army set up a flying checkpoint to the south of Jenin. Soldiers stopped cars on the road between villages Meithalun and Sanur, with no detentions reported, the locals said. Read more
Greek 'Boycott, Divestment, Sanctions' activists plant trees in Estee Lauder store
Electronic Intifada- Palestine solidarity activists in Thessaloniki, Greece, engaged in a creative action in support of the Palestinian-led call for boycott, divestment and sanctions (BDS) against Israeli policies of apartheid and ethnic cleansing on 28 May when they entered an Estee Lauder cosmetics store with tree saplings in tow.
According to a press release from an activist performance group calling itself the Land Annexation Society, six participants dressed in suits as members of the Jewish National Fund (JNF) and “proceeded to ‘plant’ trees over the Estee Lauder shop space … flyers were distributed to shoppers and staff informing them that ‘this Estee Lauder space is currently being rezoned.’”
The JNF is an Israeli quasi-governmental institution which has facilitated ethnic cleansing operations since 1948 and continues to administer land-grabs for Jewish-only use in illegal settlements in the occupied West Bank, and in places like al-Araqib in the Naqab (Negev) desert. It was tasked with literally covering up the destruction of approximately 500 Palestinian villages beginning in the late 1940s by planting trees and forests over the ruins of Palestinian homes. The JNF has currently re-branded itself as an environmental charity organization, and has implemented its land confiscation policies as ones under a benign-sounding “re-greening” project in the Naqab. Read more
According to a press release from an activist performance group calling itself the Land Annexation Society, six participants dressed in suits as members of the Jewish National Fund (JNF) and “proceeded to ‘plant’ trees over the Estee Lauder shop space … flyers were distributed to shoppers and staff informing them that ‘this Estee Lauder space is currently being rezoned.’”
The JNF is an Israeli quasi-governmental institution which has facilitated ethnic cleansing operations since 1948 and continues to administer land-grabs for Jewish-only use in illegal settlements in the occupied West Bank, and in places like al-Araqib in the Naqab (Negev) desert. It was tasked with literally covering up the destruction of approximately 500 Palestinian villages beginning in the late 1940s by planting trees and forests over the ruins of Palestinian homes. The JNF has currently re-branded itself as an environmental charity organization, and has implemented its land confiscation policies as ones under a benign-sounding “re-greening” project in the Naqab. Read more
Response to President Obama’s official statement on advancing Israel’s security and supporting peace
The Daily Censored - Deppen Webber- “As for Israel, our friendship is rooted deeply in a shared history and shared values. Our commitment to Israel’s security is unshakeable. And we will stand against attempts to single it out for criticism in international forums. But precisely because of our friendship, it’s important that we tell the truth: The status quo is unsustainable, and Israel too must act boldly to advance a lasting peace.”
President Barack Obama May 19, 2011
The fundamental paucity of this markedly biased profession is the lack of concern for Palestinian security. Is it the position of the United States that Palestinian security is not a priority? The answer dolefully lies in the fact that there will not be a similar declaration dedicated to the safety of the non-Jews of Palestine ’48 by the Americans.
According to the CIA’s website, Israel has a $13B defense budget, nearly twice that of Iran, while the Palestinians have essentially no military possessing not a single tank or aircraft. Given the extreme disproportionality of each party’s ability to defend itself, the administration feels disposed to declare its allegiance to the most unlikely victim of aggression.
The recent numbers of civilian deaths reflecting the unbalance of this 63-year-old conflict are staggering, especially those tallying children. According to B’Tselem, an Israeli human rights organization, in the past decade 1315 Palestinian minors were killed by Israeli forces, compared to 40 Israeli casualties under the age of 18. Read more
President Barack Obama May 19, 2011
The fundamental paucity of this markedly biased profession is the lack of concern for Palestinian security. Is it the position of the United States that Palestinian security is not a priority? The answer dolefully lies in the fact that there will not be a similar declaration dedicated to the safety of the non-Jews of Palestine ’48 by the Americans.
According to the CIA’s website, Israel has a $13B defense budget, nearly twice that of Iran, while the Palestinians have essentially no military possessing not a single tank or aircraft. Given the extreme disproportionality of each party’s ability to defend itself, the administration feels disposed to declare its allegiance to the most unlikely victim of aggression.
The recent numbers of civilian deaths reflecting the unbalance of this 63-year-old conflict are staggering, especially those tallying children. According to B’Tselem, an Israeli human rights organization, in the past decade 1315 Palestinian minors were killed by Israeli forces, compared to 40 Israeli casualties under the age of 18. Read more
Thousands of Palestinians rally for medical services, hearing aids
Ma'an-IRIN- Hearing impairments are common among Palestinians mainly due to inherited genetic mutations and lack of access to adequate medical services which allows minor infections to develop into major problems, according to Rafi Walden, a surgeon at Sheba medical center in Israel.
..."We have since received another 10,000 requests." No one, he added, knows exactly how many deaf children and adults live in the West Bank, but the large number of requests indicates the extent of the problem among the 2.5 million people who live there. Read more
..."We have since received another 10,000 requests." No one, he added, knows exactly how many deaf children and adults live in the West Bank, but the large number of requests indicates the extent of the problem among the 2.5 million people who live there. Read more
Hamas legislator detained by Israeli forces
Ma’an- Israeli forces detained a Hamas-affiliated lawmaker from his home overnight, officials told Ma’an.
Ahmad Al-Hajj Ali was taken into Israeli custody after soldiers entered and searched his home in the Ein Beit El-Mai refugee camp west of Nablus in the northern West Bank.
An Israeli military spokesman confirmed the detention but said he could offer no immediate comment on why Al-Hajj Ali was detained. Read more
Ahmad Al-Hajj Ali was taken into Israeli custody after soldiers entered and searched his home in the Ein Beit El-Mai refugee camp west of Nablus in the northern West Bank.
An Israeli military spokesman confirmed the detention but said he could offer no immediate comment on why Al-Hajj Ali was detained. Read more
Non-violent protester injured by Israeli fire in Gaza
Ma’an- A young Palestinian man was injured Tuesday when Israeli forces opened fire on a non-violent rally in Beit Hanoun near Erez crossing in the northern Gaza Strip.
A group of dozens had marched toward the border with Israel, demanding Israel's disengagement from a swath of land inside the coastal enclave that has been declared a "no-go zone" by the military. Read more
A group of dozens had marched toward the border with Israel, demanding Israel's disengagement from a swath of land inside the coastal enclave that has been declared a "no-go zone" by the military. Read more
France: Israel considering Paris peace talks
Ma'an- Israel is considering a French proposal to resume peace talks with Palestine in Paris before the end of June, France's foreign minister told reporters in the United Sates on Wednesday.
Speaking alongside the minister, US Secretary of State Hillary Clinton said the two discussed Paris' plan, "will be certainly working together," she said, adding that both nations believed the "status quo is unsustainable." Read more
Speaking alongside the minister, US Secretary of State Hillary Clinton said the two discussed Paris' plan, "will be certainly working together," she said, adding that both nations believed the "status quo is unsustainable." Read more
Amnesty: Israel must investigate Golan deaths
Ma'an- Amnesty International on Wednesday called on the Israeli authorities to investigate their army's killing of protesters along the ceasefire line with Syria on Sunday.
The global rights group said they had spoken to a human rights activist in the Israeli-occupied Golan Heights who "contradicts IDF [Israeli army] claims that all possible non-lethal means were used to disperse the protesters before lethal force was used." Read more
The global rights group said they had spoken to a human rights activist in the Israeli-occupied Golan Heights who "contradicts IDF [Israeli army] claims that all possible non-lethal means were used to disperse the protesters before lethal force was used." Read more
Jewish settlers set fire to mosque near Ramallah
Ma’an- A Ramallah-area mosque was torched overnight and its remains graffitied with racist anti-Arab slogans; witnesses said Israeli settlers were seen setting the fire at 3 a.m. on Tuesday morning.
Al-Mughayyir's village council said the building was badly damaged, and its contents incinerated, drawing condemnation of the third mosque torching in three years.
Eyewitnesses told Ma’an that a group of Israeli settlers arrived in the village before dawn, and shortly after they saw flames rising into the sky. Read more
Al-Mughayyir's village council said the building was badly damaged, and its contents incinerated, drawing condemnation of the third mosque torching in three years.
Eyewitnesses told Ma’an that a group of Israeli settlers arrived in the village before dawn, and shortly after they saw flames rising into the sky. Read more
Rafah crossing to re-open Wednesday
Ma’an- The crossing between Egypt and the Gaza Strip will be re-opened Wednesday after a four-day closure, the Palestinian official responsible for the Rafah terminal said Tuesday.
Ayyoub Abu Sha'ar said in a statement that the transit point would open normally in both directions for travel, and travelers on a list of passengers due to cross last Thursday and Saturday would be given priority. Read more
Ayyoub Abu Sha'ar said in a statement that the transit point would open normally in both directions for travel, and travelers on a list of passengers due to cross last Thursday and Saturday would be given priority. Read more
Monday, June 6, 2011
Israel army attacks Naksa demonstration in Qalandia
IMEMC- A fresh round of violence erupted during Naksa Day in the Golan and the West Bank as Palestinians marched for the right of return to their homes in what is now Israel.
The West Bank town of Qandaliyah, near Ramallah, was the scene of clashes between local youth and the Israeli military after the Israeli military attacked a march commemorating Naksa day.
The military rushed the small demonstration of 100 people as it approached the checkpoint in Qalandia, using tear gas and stun grenades to disperse the crowd. Read more
The West Bank town of Qandaliyah, near Ramallah, was the scene of clashes between local youth and the Israeli military after the Israeli military attacked a march commemorating Naksa day.
The military rushed the small demonstration of 100 people as it approached the checkpoint in Qalandia, using tear gas and stun grenades to disperse the crowd. Read more
Ban condemns actions on Golan ‘intended to provoke violence’
Wafa– United Nations Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon condemned what he described as “use of violence and all actions intended to provoke violence” on the Syrian borders with the Israeli-occupied Golan Heights, according to a statement distributed Monday.
Israeli soldiers based on the borders with Syria opened fire at Palestinian and Syrian protesters who gathered on the Syrian side of the fence on Sunday to mark the anniversary of the June 1967 war and what Palestinians call the Naksa, or setback, killing at least 23 protesters and wounding hundreds others.
“The Secretary General has been following with deep concern today's (Sunday’s) events in the area of separation on the occupied Syrian Golan, including reports of efforts to cross the Israeli technical fence and an unconfirmed number of civilian casualties from live IDF (Israel Defense Forces) fire,” said Ban in the statement. Read more
Israeli soldiers based on the borders with Syria opened fire at Palestinian and Syrian protesters who gathered on the Syrian side of the fence on Sunday to mark the anniversary of the June 1967 war and what Palestinians call the Naksa, or setback, killing at least 23 protesters and wounding hundreds others.
“The Secretary General has been following with deep concern today's (Sunday’s) events in the area of separation on the occupied Syrian Golan, including reports of efforts to cross the Israeli technical fence and an unconfirmed number of civilian casualties from live IDF (Israel Defense Forces) fire,” said Ban in the statement. Read more
Palestine seeks Observer Status in the WTO
Wafa– The ministry of economy’s technical support advisory team for membership in the World Trade Organization (WTO) Monday held a second meeting in Ramallah to continue preparation for Palestine’s admission as an observer in the WTO.
Minister of Economy Hasan Abu Libdeh, who chaired the meeting, urged members of the advisory team to exert every effort possible to conclude their work before the next WTO meeting with a hope Palestine will be ready to receive at least an observer status if not full membership. Read more
Minister of Economy Hasan Abu Libdeh, who chaired the meeting, urged members of the advisory team to exert every effort possible to conclude their work before the next WTO meeting with a hope Palestine will be ready to receive at least an observer status if not full membership. Read more
Lesotho recognizes Palestinian state within 1967 borders
Wafa– Fatah Commissioner of International Relations, Nabil Shaath, said Monday that the Kingdom of Lesotho had recognized the Palestinian state within 1967 borders.
The African country told its permanent representative at the United Nations to contact the Palestinian representative to start procedures to open diplomatic representation between the two states, said Shaath. Read more
The African country told its permanent representative at the United Nations to contact the Palestinian representative to start procedures to open diplomatic representation between the two states, said Shaath. Read more
Palestinians find Israeli explosive remnants in West Bank villages
Wafa– Palestinians Monday found explosive remnants of the Israeli army in Surra and Bazaria, villages west of Nablus, according to a Palestinian police report.
It said villagers in Surra called the police to report finding the explosives. Police sent members of the Explosive Engineering Unit to the area to defuse them.
The object turned out to be an RPG shell and was successfully defused with no damage reported, police said.
Nablus police got a similar call from a Palestinian about the existence of a suspicious object in Bazaria, which turned out to be an old bomb. The bomb was successfully defused by the explosive engineering unit. Read more
It said villagers in Surra called the police to report finding the explosives. Police sent members of the Explosive Engineering Unit to the area to defuse them.
The object turned out to be an RPG shell and was successfully defused with no damage reported, police said.
Nablus police got a similar call from a Palestinian about the existence of a suspicious object in Bazaria, which turned out to be an old bomb. The bomb was successfully defused by the explosive engineering unit. Read more
Israel regularly violates Palestinian environment, says official
Wafa– A Palestinian official Monday accused the Israeli authorities and settlers of destroying the Palestinian environment through confiscation of forest land to build settlements on and through burning of agricultural land.
Jamil Matawir, deputy chairman of the Palestinian environment authority, told a press conference in Ramallah that the Israeli authorities regularly violates Palestinian environment and Jewish settlers cut down and burn trees, seize lands, attack Palestinians and expel Palestinian farmers after razing their land.
Matawir, who was speaking on the occasion of World Environment Day, summed up the Israeli violations of the Palestinian environment between October 2010 and May 2011 in the West Bank and the Gaza Strip.
He said major Israeli violations of the environment included the continuous flow of wastewater from Jewish settlements to Palestinian villages and continuous settlers and Israeli army aggression against Palestinian farmers. Read more
Jamil Matawir, deputy chairman of the Palestinian environment authority, told a press conference in Ramallah that the Israeli authorities regularly violates Palestinian environment and Jewish settlers cut down and burn trees, seize lands, attack Palestinians and expel Palestinian farmers after razing their land.
Matawir, who was speaking on the occasion of World Environment Day, summed up the Israeli violations of the Palestinian environment between October 2010 and May 2011 in the West Bank and the Gaza Strip.
He said major Israeli violations of the environment included the continuous flow of wastewater from Jewish settlements to Palestinian villages and continuous settlers and Israeli army aggression against Palestinian farmers. Read more
Jewish settlers assault Palestinian shepherds in Hebron
Wafa– Jewish settlers Monday assaulted Palestinian shepherds in Khirbet Umm al-Khair, a locale south of Hebron in the southern West Bank, according to witnesses.
Yaser al-Hathalen, one of the Khirbet’s residents, said a group of settlers from Karmiel settlement, constructed on Palestinian land, assaulted Palestinians in the locale under the protection of Israeli army and border guards.
The settlers stopped the shepherds from herding their sheep and forced them to turn back. Al-Hathelan added that they threatened to repeat the assault until the shepherds left the area. Read more
Yaser al-Hathalen, one of the Khirbet’s residents, said a group of settlers from Karmiel settlement, constructed on Palestinian land, assaulted Palestinians in the locale under the protection of Israeli army and border guards.
The settlers stopped the shepherds from herding their sheep and forced them to turn back. Al-Hathelan added that they threatened to repeat the assault until the shepherds left the area. Read more
Israeli army fears rallies at border will emulate weekly demonstrations
Wafa– Israeli military sources said the army is worried the rallies on the borders with Syria will become weekly demonstrations, like those in Nilin and Bilin in the West Bank.
A senior Israeli officer in the north told Yediot Ahranot that there is a difference between the Syrian border areas and Nilin, because international law allows the use of gas bombs to a very limited extent and prohibits their use outside the border. Read more
A senior Israeli officer in the north told Yediot Ahranot that there is a difference between the Syrian border areas and Nilin, because international law allows the use of gas bombs to a very limited extent and prohibits their use outside the border. Read more
Palestinian youth dies in Gaza tunnel
Wafa– A Palestinian youth died Monday after a tunnel in Rafah south of Gaza collapsed, according to medical sources.
Sami Ahmad al-Nadi, 22, a resident of Khan Younis, was dead on arrival in Abu Yusif al-Najjar hospital after the tunnel collapsed while he was inside it.
Collapses in tunnels built between the Palestinian-Egyptian border have killed about 170 Palestinians since 2006. Read more
Sami Ahmad al-Nadi, 22, a resident of Khan Younis, was dead on arrival in Abu Yusif al-Najjar hospital after the tunnel collapsed while he was inside it.
Collapses in tunnels built between the Palestinian-Egyptian border have killed about 170 Palestinians since 2006. Read more
Israel intensifies presence at Golan Heights
Wafa News Agency– Israeli forces are still heavily present near the borders of Majdal Shams, a town in the Golan Heights, on Monday.
Israel killed 23 people yesterday and injured more than 350 others as it shot at civilians who were commemorating the 44th anniversary of the Naksa. Read more
Israel killed 23 people yesterday and injured more than 350 others as it shot at civilians who were commemorating the 44th anniversary of the Naksa. Read more
Palestinian Christians wary about Obama’s proposals for peace
Catholic News Service- U.S. President Barack Obama’s call for Israeli and Palestinian states based on Israel’s 1967 borders met with a largely wary response from Palestinian Christians.
While the Palestinians welcomed Obama’s proposal - which includes mutually agreed-upon land swaps - in May 19 and 22 speeches, they doubted that Israel would easily back away from Palestinian territory it has occupied for nearly 44 years.
Sami Awad, executive director of the Holy Land Trust and a promoter of nonviolent resistance to the Israeli occupation of Palestinian territory, called Obama’s proposal “symbolic.”
“It was like every other president, he pushes the envelope a bit more than the previous president. That’s not enough,” he said.
Awad added that the plight of Palestinian refugees must be recognized and solved.
As an activist, Awad also expressed disappointment that Obama failed to acknowledge what he believes to be a growing Palestinian nonviolence movement that seeks to challenge Israeli policy.
Hussam Elias, an Arab Catholic living in Cana, Israel, who directs the Galilee program for the Jerusalem Center for Jewish-Christian Relations, noted that the crucial issue of the final status of Jerusalem had been left out of Obama’s talks, even though settling on the city’s future is key to reaching a final resolution to the conflict.
Even so, Obama’s speeches were an indication that “the time had come” for Palestinians and Israelis to make serious moves toward a final and justice peace agreement, Elias said. Read more
While the Palestinians welcomed Obama’s proposal - which includes mutually agreed-upon land swaps - in May 19 and 22 speeches, they doubted that Israel would easily back away from Palestinian territory it has occupied for nearly 44 years.
Sami Awad, executive director of the Holy Land Trust and a promoter of nonviolent resistance to the Israeli occupation of Palestinian territory, called Obama’s proposal “symbolic.”
“It was like every other president, he pushes the envelope a bit more than the previous president. That’s not enough,” he said.
Awad added that the plight of Palestinian refugees must be recognized and solved.
As an activist, Awad also expressed disappointment that Obama failed to acknowledge what he believes to be a growing Palestinian nonviolence movement that seeks to challenge Israeli policy.
Hussam Elias, an Arab Catholic living in Cana, Israel, who directs the Galilee program for the Jerusalem Center for Jewish-Christian Relations, noted that the crucial issue of the final status of Jerusalem had been left out of Obama’s talks, even though settling on the city’s future is key to reaching a final resolution to the conflict.
Even so, Obama’s speeches were an indication that “the time had come” for Palestinians and Israelis to make serious moves toward a final and justice peace agreement, Elias said. Read more
How will Israel deal with the next flotilla, IDF use of attack dogs
Security and Defense: This time, the Navy has been preparing rigorously for the operation.
The Jerusalem Post- ...The teams will be supported by snipers – whose job will be to neutralize violent protesters before the commandos board the ships – with dogs from Oketz, the IDF’s canine unit, and operators from Yahalom, the elite unit from the Engineering Corps.
Beyond these personnel changes, the two major changes will be the way the commandos board the ships.
Last year, as seen in the video footage released after the operation – unfortunately too late – the navy commandos are seen fast-roping down from helicopters one by one. The objective this time will be to get as many commandos on the decks of the ships at once with more non-lethal capabilities than before in order to get control of the situation as quickly and with as few casualties as possible.
IN THE meantime, insiders argue, Israel should be doing more to undermine the legitimacy of the flotilla. Media briefings should become a daily routine for the IDF and the Foreign Ministry – not only showing reporters the military preparations, but also explaining the legal legitimacy of the blockade now, as opposed to waiting to explain the day after, when Israel may be on the defensive.
Comments from senior officials, for example, questioning why IHH even needs to send a flotilla to Gaza when the infant mortality rate in Turkey is higher – 23.94 deaths per 1,000 live births – than it is in Gaza – 17.12 deaths per 1,000 live births (stats can be found in the CIA’s official World Factbook) – should be all over the papers. Read more
******Related Article******
IDF confirms sets dogs on illegal Palestinian laborers
Several laborers have been injured by dog attacks; when laborers tried to file complaints with police, they were arrested on suspicion of tearing the fence.
Gideon Levy - Haaretz- Hundreds of Palestinian day-laborers who enter Israel without a permit have been facing a new threat recently - IDF soldiers at the separation fence are siccing dogs on them.
Since the beginning of last month, soldiers with dogs have been lying in ambush near a breach in the fence, between the Bedouin refugee village Ramadin and Kibbutz Shoval in the Negev.
Every night hundreds of West Bank Palestinians gather at this point to seek work the next day in the nearby Jewish and Bedouin communities.
Several laborers have been injured by dog attacks and some have been hospitalized for treatment. When the laborers tried to file complaints with the Kiryat Arba police, they were arrested on suspicion of tearing the fence and indictments have been filed against them. Read more
Israeli forces fire teargas at young farmers, cause fire that kills/damages 40 olive trees
Ma’an – Israeli forces stationed along the separation wall near the Jerusalem-area village of Qatanna fired tear-gas canisters at a group of young farmers on Monday, the heat from which caused a brush fire damaging 40 trees.
The leader of the village council told Ma'an that the brush around the olive grove was dry and caught fire easily, killing 10 trees and damaging 30 others. He said no fire crews had been notified by the forces though they saw the blaze ignite.
The leader of the village council told Ma'an that the brush around the olive grove was dry and caught fire easily, killing 10 trees and damaging 30 others. He said no fire crews had been notified by the forces though they saw the blaze ignite.
Palestinian non-violence activist addresses Israeli military court
Ma'an – Bassem Tamimi is on trial at Israel's Ofer military court near Ramallah. The non-violence activist is charged with inciting and organizing "unauthorized processions" in the West Bank village of Nabi Saleh.
Following is his address to Israel's Ofer military court during his trial for organizing protests in the West Bank village of Nabi Saleh. A military judge refused to allow Tamimi to read his full statement in court.
Your Honor,
I hold this speech out of belief in peace, justice, freedom, the right to live in dignity, and out of respect for free thought in the absence of Just Laws.
Every time I am called to appear before your courts, I become nervous and afraid. Eighteen years ago, my sister was killed by in a courtroom such as this, by a staff member. In my lifetime, I have been nine times imprisoned for an overall of almost 3 years, though I was never charged or convicted. During my imprisonment, I was paralyzed as a result of torture by your investigators. My wife was detained, my children were wounded, my land was stolen by settlers, and now my house is slated for demolition.
I was born at the same time as the Occupation and have been living under its inherent inhumanity, inequality, racism and lack of freedom ever since. Yet, despite all this, my belief in human values and the need for peace in this land have never been shaken. Suffering and oppression did not fill my heart with hatred for anyone, nor did they kindle feelings of revenge. To the contrary, they reinforced my belief in peace and national standing as an adequate response to the inhumanity of Occupation.
International law guarantees the right of occupied people to resist Occupation. In practicing my right, I have called for and organized peaceful popular demonstrations against the Occupation, settler attacks and the theft of more than half of the land of my village, Nabi Saleh, where the graves of my ancestors have lain since time immemorial.
I organized these peaceful demonstrations in order to defend our land and our people. I do not know if my actions violate your Occupation laws. As far as I am concerned, these laws do not apply to me and are devoid of meaning. Having been enacted by Occupation authorities, I reject them and cannot recognize their validity.
Despite claiming to be the only democracy in the Middle East you are trying me under military laws which lack any legitimacy; laws that are enacted by authorities that I have not elected and do not represent me. I am accused of organizing peaceful civil demonstrations that have no military aspects and are legal under international law.
Following is his address to Israel's Ofer military court during his trial for organizing protests in the West Bank village of Nabi Saleh. A military judge refused to allow Tamimi to read his full statement in court.
Your Honor,
I hold this speech out of belief in peace, justice, freedom, the right to live in dignity, and out of respect for free thought in the absence of Just Laws.
Every time I am called to appear before your courts, I become nervous and afraid. Eighteen years ago, my sister was killed by in a courtroom such as this, by a staff member. In my lifetime, I have been nine times imprisoned for an overall of almost 3 years, though I was never charged or convicted. During my imprisonment, I was paralyzed as a result of torture by your investigators. My wife was detained, my children were wounded, my land was stolen by settlers, and now my house is slated for demolition.
I was born at the same time as the Occupation and have been living under its inherent inhumanity, inequality, racism and lack of freedom ever since. Yet, despite all this, my belief in human values and the need for peace in this land have never been shaken. Suffering and oppression did not fill my heart with hatred for anyone, nor did they kindle feelings of revenge. To the contrary, they reinforced my belief in peace and national standing as an adequate response to the inhumanity of Occupation.
International law guarantees the right of occupied people to resist Occupation. In practicing my right, I have called for and organized peaceful popular demonstrations against the Occupation, settler attacks and the theft of more than half of the land of my village, Nabi Saleh, where the graves of my ancestors have lain since time immemorial.
I organized these peaceful demonstrations in order to defend our land and our people. I do not know if my actions violate your Occupation laws. As far as I am concerned, these laws do not apply to me and are devoid of meaning. Having been enacted by Occupation authorities, I reject them and cannot recognize their validity.
Despite claiming to be the only democracy in the Middle East you are trying me under military laws which lack any legitimacy; laws that are enacted by authorities that I have not elected and do not represent me. I am accused of organizing peaceful civil demonstrations that have no military aspects and are legal under international law.
Rafah border: A dream that remains a dream
Gaza, June 1, A major crisis mounted between Egypt and the De Facto government of Gaza yesterday regarding Rafah border, which left both sides to exchange accusations of failing to create a mechanism to facilitate the crossing of Palestinians in both directions through Rafah crossing.
High-leveled security leaders on both sides held an important meeting last night to discuss the ongoing crisis at Rafah. They both agreed upon reducing the number of passengers passing per day 250-400 only, and the requirement of sending the lists of passengers who want to cross before the day of their travel. The meeting also tackled the entry of students who are already enrolled in foreign universities abroad and NOT those who got recently accepted. The Egyptian side had a few conditions in mind, one of these conditions is that the Palestinian side has no right to object on The Egyptian side’s decision to prevent any passenger from traveling. Also, any patient enters must be examined by the Egyptian medical committee before letting him pass.
Both sides lashed at each other accusing, resenting and objecting. Gaza’s De Facto government accused Egypt of backing down on their promises of implementing a new eased mechanism for the Palestinians who wish to cross the Rafah border saying that Egypt allowed Palestinians to cross “easily” on the first day only, last Saturday.
On the other hand the Egyptian high-leveled Security leaders came out with statements stressing that Egypt provided facilities for their Palestinian brothers, which are considered as “unprecedented” and also defied Israel in order to open the Rafah crossing permanently and Egypt also provided facilities for the passing of those who are less than 18 years and more than 40 years to easily cross from Gaza into Egypt without a visa as well as the fact that they are screened with full transparency on the Egyptian side.
An Egyptian security source, who preferred anonymity, said that the Egyptian authorities have found a number of Palestinian elements who are listed on the Egyptian black security list because they are related to smuggling through the tunnels, and cases of other security issues that the Egyptian side cant allow to pass through. Those were issues which needed to be discussed but both sides postponed the meetings of discussing their cases.
Salama Baraka, Palestinian border official, showed resentment regarding the increase in the number of cases prohibited to enter or exit Gaza listed on the computers of the Egyptian border security to five thousand Palestinian, sparking the Palestinian side who wants to double the numbers of Palestinians crossing from the Gaza Strip to Egypt.
The Palestinian side said that Rafah border isn’t working in full force because the Egyptian home-land security crew no longer exists, which leaves both sides with double the work and time to screen and inspect travelers and let them through.
The Egyptian side said that they offered more facilitation but they cant let anyone and everyone pass through, they are obligated to implement a thorough inspection to filter the people who want to pass, their biggest priority is Egypt’s safety and the international agreements of preventing Palestinians with security issues. They believe that 25-400 Palestinians passing each day in both directions daily is enough and this will give them the needed time to inspect. While the Palestinian side say 25-400 Palestinians passing each day isn’t enough and that thousands of those who previously-registered need to pass first.
The first day Rafah border opened due to the new regulations –a day of celebration to Gazans- 530 Palestinians passed in both directions and the second day around 845 Palestinians have crossed in both directions and the third day only 250 passed into Egypt which sparked the whole crisis.
The meeting was chaired on the Palestinian side by Dr. Ghazi Hamad, Chairman of the Palestinian Crossings Committee in Hamas’s De Facto government in Gaza and the Egyptian side was chaired by leaders of the Egyptian national security.
Rafah border’s opening was a dream that went back to being a dream after an attempt of turning it into reality, Gazans havent got the chance to feel happy or relieved. A crisis hit Rafah border and now doubts are camping over it. Will it open again or will the problems will be deep enough to cause more restrictions and closure?
High-leveled security leaders on both sides held an important meeting last night to discuss the ongoing crisis at Rafah. They both agreed upon reducing the number of passengers passing per day 250-400 only, and the requirement of sending the lists of passengers who want to cross before the day of their travel. The meeting also tackled the entry of students who are already enrolled in foreign universities abroad and NOT those who got recently accepted. The Egyptian side had a few conditions in mind, one of these conditions is that the Palestinian side has no right to object on The Egyptian side’s decision to prevent any passenger from traveling. Also, any patient enters must be examined by the Egyptian medical committee before letting him pass.
Both sides lashed at each other accusing, resenting and objecting. Gaza’s De Facto government accused Egypt of backing down on their promises of implementing a new eased mechanism for the Palestinians who wish to cross the Rafah border saying that Egypt allowed Palestinians to cross “easily” on the first day only, last Saturday.
On the other hand the Egyptian high-leveled Security leaders came out with statements stressing that Egypt provided facilities for their Palestinian brothers, which are considered as “unprecedented” and also defied Israel in order to open the Rafah crossing permanently and Egypt also provided facilities for the passing of those who are less than 18 years and more than 40 years to easily cross from Gaza into Egypt without a visa as well as the fact that they are screened with full transparency on the Egyptian side.
An Egyptian security source, who preferred anonymity, said that the Egyptian authorities have found a number of Palestinian elements who are listed on the Egyptian black security list because they are related to smuggling through the tunnels, and cases of other security issues that the Egyptian side cant allow to pass through. Those were issues which needed to be discussed but both sides postponed the meetings of discussing their cases.
Salama Baraka, Palestinian border official, showed resentment regarding the increase in the number of cases prohibited to enter or exit Gaza listed on the computers of the Egyptian border security to five thousand Palestinian, sparking the Palestinian side who wants to double the numbers of Palestinians crossing from the Gaza Strip to Egypt.
The Palestinian side said that Rafah border isn’t working in full force because the Egyptian home-land security crew no longer exists, which leaves both sides with double the work and time to screen and inspect travelers and let them through.
The Egyptian side said that they offered more facilitation but they cant let anyone and everyone pass through, they are obligated to implement a thorough inspection to filter the people who want to pass, their biggest priority is Egypt’s safety and the international agreements of preventing Palestinians with security issues. They believe that 25-400 Palestinians passing each day in both directions daily is enough and this will give them the needed time to inspect. While the Palestinian side say 25-400 Palestinians passing each day isn’t enough and that thousands of those who previously-registered need to pass first.
The first day Rafah border opened due to the new regulations –a day of celebration to Gazans- 530 Palestinians passed in both directions and the second day around 845 Palestinians have crossed in both directions and the third day only 250 passed into Egypt which sparked the whole crisis.
The meeting was chaired on the Palestinian side by Dr. Ghazi Hamad, Chairman of the Palestinian Crossings Committee in Hamas’s De Facto government in Gaza and the Egyptian side was chaired by leaders of the Egyptian national security.
Rafah border’s opening was a dream that went back to being a dream after an attempt of turning it into reality, Gazans havent got the chance to feel happy or relieved. A crisis hit Rafah border and now doubts are camping over it. Will it open again or will the problems will be deep enough to cause more restrictions and closure?
Israeli soldiers raid Palestinian refugee camp overnight, abduct three
Ma'an – Israeli forces detained three Palestinians in a raid of Nour Ash-Shams refugee camp near Tulkarem overnight Sunday, Palestinian security sources said.
Security officials identified those detained as Imad Abu Saryeh, 20, Faysal Mahmud Khaleefeh, 28, and Mahmud Abu Aisha.
An Israeli military spokesman said two Palestinians were detained from the Tulkarem district overnight and taken for security questioning.
Security officials identified those detained as Imad Abu Saryeh, 20, Faysal Mahmud Khaleefeh, 28, and Mahmud Abu Aisha.
An Israeli military spokesman said two Palestinians were detained from the Tulkarem district overnight and taken for security questioning.
Israeli Prime Minister lobbies Greece to prevent Flotilla
The Jerusalem Post- The PM's lobbying efforts on behalf of the Greek economy show the blooming Israeli-Greek ties in wake of deteriorating relations with Turkey.
Greece, hoping that a new, multi-billion dollar economic-rescue plan will be approved by the EU and the International Monetary Fund, has found a surprising new advocate: Prime Minister Binyamin Netanyahu.
...Israel is encouraging both Greece and Cyprus – the latter, another country with whom ties have improved as a result of the dramatic deterioration of ties with Turkey – to act to prevent the launch of a flotilla of ships from their ports later this month to the Gaza Strip. Read more
Greece, hoping that a new, multi-billion dollar economic-rescue plan will be approved by the EU and the International Monetary Fund, has found a surprising new advocate: Prime Minister Binyamin Netanyahu.
...Israel is encouraging both Greece and Cyprus – the latter, another country with whom ties have improved as a result of the dramatic deterioration of ties with Turkey – to act to prevent the launch of a flotilla of ships from their ports later this month to the Gaza Strip. Read more
Israel detains 13-year-old girl during visit to her imprisoned father
IMEMC – A 13 year old Palestinian girl has been detained during a visit to her father in a Israeli prison in the Negev Israeli detention camp.
The girl, Samah Majdi Musallam, was visiting her father who is serving a 13 year statement.
Israeli guards at the prison accused her of trying to pass contraband to her father. The girl will be tried at a court in Beersheba in Southern Israel.
The PA Minister for Detainees, discussing the incident, has said that often family visits to Palestinian prisoners become opportunities for punishment and humiliation practices by Israeli soldiers and prison guards. [IAK has received reports about Israeli soldiers grotesquely abusing female visitors.]
The girl, Samah Majdi Musallam, was visiting her father who is serving a 13 year statement.
Israeli guards at the prison accused her of trying to pass contraband to her father. The girl will be tried at a court in Beersheba in Southern Israel.
The PA Minister for Detainees, discussing the incident, has said that often family visits to Palestinian prisoners become opportunities for punishment and humiliation practices by Israeli soldiers and prison guards. [IAK has received reports about Israeli soldiers grotesquely abusing female visitors.]
French Activist summoned to court over Israel boycott video
IMEMC – Olivia Zemor a French national has been summoned to appear before the Paris tribunal for publishing a video on the Boycott, Divestment and Sanctions movement against israel on the website of the organisation she is heading. Zemor is expected to appear before the court on June 17.
The video features Palestinian and French activists dancing in a supermarket in the town of Evry, near Paris, wearing T-Shirts written on them phrases calling for Boycotting Israel.
Zemor, President of the EuroPalestine association says she was not present at the action at the supermarket, she only published the video on the internet.
“We showed our solidarity in publishing this action on our website in July 2009, even though we did not participate ourselves, because the action took place at the same time as the Librairie Résistances was sacked by the LDJ.” said Zemor.
The Kahana movement was outlawed in Israel over a decade ago, yet in France it is still permitted; however, calls for boycotting Israel are outlawed by the French government.
The video features Palestinian and French activists dancing in a supermarket in the town of Evry, near Paris, wearing T-Shirts written on them phrases calling for Boycotting Israel.
Zemor, President of the EuroPalestine association says she was not present at the action at the supermarket, she only published the video on the internet.
“We showed our solidarity in publishing this action on our website in July 2009, even though we did not participate ourselves, because the action took place at the same time as the Librairie Résistances was sacked by the LDJ.” said Zemor.
The Kahana movement was outlawed in Israel over a decade ago, yet in France it is still permitted; however, calls for boycotting Israel are outlawed by the French government.
UPDATE: 24 Killed By Israeli Fire In the Golan, 350 Injured
IMEMC – Syrian media sources confirmed that Israeli soldiers shot and killed on Sunday 24 protesters who gathered on the Syrian side of the border of the Israeli occupied Golan Heights marking the Naksa Day, while at least 350 were injured.
Thousands of Palestinian refugees and supporters marched near the border marking the Naksa, the day Israel illegally began to annex the rest of Palestine in 1967.
The protesters were demanding their right to return to their homeland when the Israeli forces opened fire at them. At least eight of the wounded are in serious conditions.
Eyewitnesses told media agencies that the Israeli army used live ammunition, gas bombs and and phosphorous munition, and that the soldiers were directly aiming at the protesters leading to this large number of casualties.
The army even set ablaze several areas near the border fence in at attempt to prevent the protesters from marching to the border, eyewitnesses added.
A 23-year-old woman, identified as Enas Shreitih, from Al Yarmouk refugee camp in Syria was also among the killed by Israeli fire. She is originally from Yatta city, near the southern West Bank city of Hebron.
Thousands of Palestinian refugees and supporters marched near the border marking the Naksa, the day Israel illegally began to annex the rest of Palestine in 1967.
The protesters were demanding their right to return to their homeland when the Israeli forces opened fire at them. At least eight of the wounded are in serious conditions.
Eyewitnesses told media agencies that the Israeli army used live ammunition, gas bombs and and phosphorous munition, and that the soldiers were directly aiming at the protesters leading to this large number of casualties.
The army even set ablaze several areas near the border fence in at attempt to prevent the protesters from marching to the border, eyewitnesses added.
A 23-year-old woman, identified as Enas Shreitih, from Al Yarmouk refugee camp in Syria was also among the killed by Israeli fire. She is originally from Yatta city, near the southern West Bank city of Hebron.
Israel detained 370 in May, including 5 women, 40 under age 15, 2 lawmakers & 20 international peace activisits
Ma’an – The Ministry of Prisoners Affairs in Gaza released a report Sunday, tallying a total of 370 detentions carried out by Israeli forces targeting Palestinians during the month of May.
According to the report, among those detained were 40 under the age of 15, five women, two lawmakers, and 20 international peace activists.
The detentions were carried out during 540 invasions and raids on Palestinians ares, the report said. In 2009, the UN cataloged an average of 103 arrest and raid operations per week in the West Bank.
According to the report, among those detained were 40 under the age of 15, five women, two lawmakers, and 20 international peace activists.
The detentions were carried out during 540 invasions and raids on Palestinians ares, the report said. In 2009, the UN cataloged an average of 103 arrest and raid operations per week in the West Bank.
Sunday, June 5, 2011
Deaths rise to 14, including woman & child, killed by Israeli forces as demonstrators try to return to Occupied Golan
Ma'an, AFP – Israeli troops opened fire on Sunday as protesters from Syria stormed a ceasefire line in the occupied Golan Heights, with Damascus saying 14 demonstrators were killed.
Hundreds of protesters rushed towards the ceasefire line, cutting through barbed wire as they tried to enter the occupied Golan Heights in a repeat of demonstrations last month that saw thousands mass along the line separating Israeli-controlled territory from Syria.
Similar protests were held in the West Bank, where hundreds demonstrated at the Qalandiya checkpoint near Ramallah, and in the Gaza Strip, where several hundred more gathered.
In Majdal Shams, Israeli troops opened fire as demonstrators sought to push through the mined ceasefire line, which had been reinforced with several rows of barbed wire blocking access to a fence since the 15 May demonstration.
Hundreds of protesters rushed towards the ceasefire line, cutting through barbed wire as they tried to enter the occupied Golan Heights in a repeat of demonstrations last month that saw thousands mass along the line separating Israeli-controlled territory from Syria.
Similar protests were held in the West Bank, where hundreds demonstrated at the Qalandiya checkpoint near Ramallah, and in the Gaza Strip, where several hundred more gathered.
In Majdal Shams, Israeli troops opened fire as demonstrators sought to push through the mined ceasefire line, which had been reinforced with several rows of barbed wire blocking access to a fence since the 15 May demonstration.
Abbas agrees to peace talks based on 1967 borders
Ma'an, AFP – President Mahmoud Abbas has told France he is ready to attend a Paris peace conference if Israel accepts talks based on the 1967 borders, an aide told AFP Sunday.
Israeli forces kill 6 Syrians trying to enter Israeli occupied Golan, reports that 100 wounded
Ma'an, AFP – Israeli troops opened fire on Sunday as protesters from Syria stormed a ceasefire line in the occupied Golan Heights, killing six demonstrators, according to Syrian television.
Hundreds of protesters rushed toward the ceasefire line, attempting to cut through a cluster of barbed wire and head into the Golan Heights in a repeat of demonstrations last month, which saw thousands mass along Israel's north.
Similar protests were held in the West Bank, where hundreds demonstrated at the Qalandiya checkpoint near Ramallah, and in Gaza, where several hundred gathered in the north of the coastal enclave, and tens of demonstrators who tried to break away and march north clashed with Hamas police, who detained at least a dozen.
Hundreds of protesters rushed toward the ceasefire line, attempting to cut through a cluster of barbed wire and head into the Golan Heights in a repeat of demonstrations last month, which saw thousands mass along Israel's north.
Similar protests were held in the West Bank, where hundreds demonstrated at the Qalandiya checkpoint near Ramallah, and in Gaza, where several hundred gathered in the north of the coastal enclave, and tens of demonstrators who tried to break away and march north clashed with Hamas police, who detained at least a dozen.
Palestinians close Gaza border in protest
Ma'an -- Palestinian officials closed the Rafah border crossing between Egypt and the Gaza Strip on Sunday, the terminal's director Ayyoub Abu Sha'ar said.
Closed out of frustration, Abu Sha'ar said the Egyptian authority's 'mechanism' at the terminal was unclear, citing Egypt's decision to close the crossing on Saturday without coordinating with Palestinian officials.
Egypt opened the terminal several hours later than scheduled Saturday without informing Palestinian officials. Several buses of Palestinians were left waiting at the Egyptian gate, and dozens of Palestinians tried to storm the border.
Egyptian security sources said the delay was due to maintenance works underway at the crossing. Egyptian authorities opened the crossing on Saturday afternoon, but only for passengers on foot.
The director of border crossings in Gaza, Salameh Barakeh, said 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.
Closed out of frustration, Abu Sha'ar said the Egyptian authority's 'mechanism' at the terminal was unclear, citing Egypt's decision to close the crossing on Saturday without coordinating with Palestinian officials.
Egypt opened the terminal several hours later than scheduled Saturday without informing Palestinian officials. Several buses of Palestinians were left waiting at the Egyptian gate, and dozens of Palestinians tried to storm the border.
Egyptian security sources said the delay was due to maintenance works underway at the crossing. Egyptian authorities opened the crossing on Saturday afternoon, but only for passengers on foot.
The director of border crossings in Gaza, Salameh Barakeh, said 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.
Thousands rally in Tel Aviv against occupation
Ma'an, AFP -- Thousands of Israelis on Saturday marked the 44th anniversary of the Six-Day War by demonstrating in Tel Aviv against the continued occupation of Palestinian territories captured in the conflict.
The predominantly Jewish crowd marched through the center of Tel Aviv calling for the creation of a "Palestinian state in the interests of Israel" along the borders prior to the Six-Day War, which began on June 5, 1967.
Protesters carried a placard featuring a caricature of the country's Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu cast as the Pied Piper of Hamlin and bearing the slogan "Netanyahu, you are leading us into catastrophe."
Waving Palestinian and Israeli flags, the protesters chanted: "Israel, Palestine: two states for two peoples" and "Solidarity with the Palestinians."
The predominantly Jewish crowd marched through the center of Tel Aviv calling for the creation of a "Palestinian state in the interests of Israel" along the borders prior to the Six-Day War, which began on June 5, 1967.
Protesters carried a placard featuring a caricature of the country's Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu cast as the Pied Piper of Hamlin and bearing the slogan "Netanyahu, you are leading us into catastrophe."
Waving Palestinian and Israeli flags, the protesters chanted: "Israel, Palestine: two states for two peoples" and "Solidarity with the Palestinians."
Saturday, June 4, 2011
PCHR Weekly Report: Israeli forces wound 2 Palestinians, including child, abuduct 44, conduct 47 invasions into Palestinian communities, bulldoze land
IMEMC – In its Weekly Report On Israeli Human Rights Violations in the Occupied Palestinian Territories for the week of 26 May – 01 June 2011, the Palestinian Center for Human Rights (PCHR) found that a Palestinian child was wounded in Iraq Bourin village, south of Nablus. In addition, a Palestinian demonstrator was wounded in Bil'in, west of Ramallah.
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