16 December, 2010 — VTJP
News
International Middle East Media Center
PCHR Weekly Report: 4 Palestinians killed, 15 civilians and 2 fighters wounded by Israeli forces
IMEMC Р16 Dec 2010 РFriday December 17, 2010 Р01:11, In its Weekly Report On Israeli Human Rights Violations in the Occupied Palestinian Territory for the week of 09 – 15 December. 2010, the Palestinian Center for Human Rights (PCHR) found that two Palestinians were killed by Israeli forces in the Gaza Strip. In addition, two Palestinian children were killed by the explosion of an object left by Israeli forces in the Gaza Strip.
P.A. Asks European Countries for the Recognition of Palestine
IMEMC – 16 Dec 2010 – Thursday December 16, 2010 – 17:24, On Thursday, Palestinian negotiators asked to a number of European countries to recognize a Palestinian state in the 1967 borders, as a new strategy to failure of peace talks. Meanwhile, the U.S. approved a resolution opposing a possible unilateral declaration, Haaretz reported.
Nine Palestinians Detained in Hebron Area During Night Raids
IMEMC – 16 Dec 2010 – Thursday December 16, 2010 – 13:14, Israeli forces arrested, on Wednesday night, nine Palestinians from Hebron region and transported them to an unknown location, Ma’an News and PNN echoed.
Israel Approves the Construction of New Settlements Near Beit Orot Yeshiva
IMEMC – 16 Dec 2010 – Thursday December 16, 2010 – 12:51, According to Israel Radio, the Jerusalem Municipality gave approval, on Thursday, the construction of 24 additional Jewish houses, near the Ultra-Orthodox center Beit Orot in the occupied East Jerusalem. Ma’an News reported.
Israel approves construction for Jerusalem yeshiva
12/16/2010 – JERUSALEM (Ma’an) — Israel’s Jerusalem Municipality approved for construction an additional 24 housing units near the ultra-Orthodox center Beit Orot in occupied East Jerusalem, Israel Radio reported Thursday. The organization’s website confirmed the report, but said there were only 18 units under construction, all designed as “housing for married students….
Jerusalem official condemns plans for Jordan hotel
12/16/2010 – JERUSALEM (Ma’an) — The Palestinian Authority’s chief of Jerusalem affairs condemned Thursday Israel’s plans to renovate and expand a hotel confiscated from its Jordanian owners when Israel occupied the West Bank in 1967. The Seven Arches Hotel, atop the Mount of Olives in East Jerusalem, belongs to the Jordanian royal….
Family takes stock after mass Lod demolition
12/16/2010 – LOD, Israel (Ma’an) — The 67 members of the extended Abu Eid family assessed the remains of their six concrete homes on Wednesday, two days after police in Lod demolished them amidst sheets of rain and blustery winds. The six buildings were among more than 100 in the city under immediate demolition orders, following….
9 detained overnight in Hebron area
12/16/2010 – HEBRON (Ma’an) – Israeli forces detained nine Palestinians from the Hebron region overnight, and transported them to an unknown location. A statement from the Israeli military said the nine, all “terror suspects,” were detained from the southern West Bank town of Dura, and noted that during the detentions that weaponry including one shotgun were….
Hebron court vandalized ‘without any justification’
12/17/2010 – HEBRON (Ma’an) – The Palestinian lawyers’ union condemned on Thursday what it called an attack by Israeli troops against the Dura courthouse in Hebron “without any justification.”The court’s doors and windows were damaged during arrest raids in the village overnight. The union said in a statement that such attacks were….
Village leader released from Israeli custody
12/16/2010 – RAMALLAH (Ma’an) — Ramallah’s Center for Detainees reported Wednesday that head of the Rantis village council, 48-year-old Salim Shaker, was released from Israeli custody after 22 months in prison. Head of the center Foad Al-Khafsh said that Salim was elected to head the village council more than three years earlier, following….
Sheikh Jarrah to light community Christmas tree
12/16/2010 – JERUSALEM (Ma’an) — National and religious institutions in Jerusalem invited guests to join Sheikh Jarrah families in lighting its Christmas tree Monday at 4 p. m. Organizers said the event would be a chance to “voice your rejection and opposition to Israel’s ethnic cleansing policy in Jerusalem,” and support the “lawful struggle….
Palestinians disappointed after US House vote
12/17/2010 – BETHLEHEM (Ma’an) — PLO officials expressed disappointment Thursday over a resolution passed by the US House of Representatives condemning unilateral attempts to gain recognition of a Palestinian state.” The Palestinian right to freedom and self-determination is not contingent on the approval of the state of Israel,” the PLO mission to the United States said…. Related: US House opposes declaration of Palestinian state
Single Gaza crossing opens
12/16/2010 – GAZA CITY (Ma’an) — Following a three days of consecutive bulk goods transfer, Israeli authorities announced Thursday morning that the Karni crossing would be closed, with limited imports and exports passing through the southernmost crossing, Kerem Shalom. Palestinian liaison officer at the crossings Raed Fattuh said 20 new vehicles would be transferred into Gaza….
Israel downs ‘suspicious object’ flying near Dead Sea
12/16/2010 – BETHLEHEM (Ma’an) — Israeli aircraft shot down an unidentified object Thursday evening near the Dead Sea, security sources said. A military spokeswoman told Ma’an that the army was investigating its origin. It might have been a balloon, she added. An Israeli security official said the apparently unmanned balloon flew over the Dimona….
US House opposes declaration of Palestinian state
12/17/2010 – WASHINGTON (AFP) – The US House of Representatives late Wednesday approved a measure condemning unilateral measures to declare or recognize a Palestinian state, and backing a negotiated solution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. The House measure comes after Brazil, and later Argentina and Uruguay, in early December recognized a Palestinian state within the 1967 borders, the boundaries…. Related: Palestinians disappointed after US House vote
Arab FMs want ‘serious offer’ on Israel peace
12/16/2010 – CAIRO (AFP) – Arab foreign ministers on Wednesday rejected more Palestinian-Israeli peace talks without a “serious offer” and said they will seek a UN Security Council resolution against Israeli settlement building. They announced their decision after meeting Palestinian president Mahmoud Abbas in Cairo and US Middle East envoy George Mitchell vowing “substantive” talks with Israel and….
Lebanon army dismantles Israeli ‘spy’ devices
12/16/2010 – BEIRUT (AFP) — The Lebanese army said it dismantled two “espionage devices” on Wednesday that Israel had placed on top of two of the country’s mountains, acting on an alert from Hezbollah.” Earlier today, military intelligence discovered the two devices and dismantled them,” an army spokesman told AFP, without specifying the nature of the….
Norway upgrades PLO mission, supports statehood
12/16/2010 – OSLO, Norway (Ma’an) — Norway’s foreign ministry announced Wednesday that the status of the Palestinian representative’s office in Oslo would be upgraded to a diplomatic mission as part of an effort of the scandanavian nation to support Palestinian efforts toward building a state. The announcement came while Prime Minister Salam….
Israel PM convenes advisers as talks hit impasse
12/16/2010 – JERUSALEM (AFP) — Israel’s Benjamin Netanyahu was on Thursday meeting with his inner Forum of Seven, a government official said, to discuss ideas for rescuing peace talks that were raised with the US Middle East envoy. A government official confirmed the prime minister had called the meeting but refused to say what would be….
4 national security officers detained near Hebron
12/16/2010 – HEBRON (Ma’an) — Israeli forces detained on Thursday four Palestinian security officers at the entrance of Hebron. Eyewitnesses told Ma’an that the forces in Yatta village took the Palestinian officers to the Civil Administration headquarters even though they showed the soldiers their security IDs. The four officers were identified as Imad Bahees….
No Israel talks ‘in any format,’ negotiators say
12/16/2010 – RAMALLAH (AFP) — Leaders in the Palestinian Authority on Thursday said they would not hold any form of talks with Israel, in any format, without a complete halt to Israeli settlement activity on occupied Palestinian lands. The tough stance came as Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and his inner council met to discuss US ideas on….
PLO official questions US stance on peace process
12/16/2010 – BETHLEHEM (Ma’an) — A member of the PLO negotiating team with Israel said Thursday that while the Palestinians backed a strong US role in the peace process, the Obama administration could be doing more. Mohammad Shtayyeh criticized Wednesday’s US House vote opposing the unilateral recognition of a Palestinian state and questioned why…. Related: US House opposes declaration of Palestinian state
Fatah, Hamas bicker as final unity round looms
12/16/2010 – GAZA CITY (Ma’an) — Echoing Fatah counterparts, Hamas official Fisal Abu Shahla told Ma’an on Wednesday that the upcoming unity meeting would be the last in the most recent string of talks aimed at bringing the rival parties back together.”The last round will take place in Damascus, then all parties will….
Bethlehem church to host tree decorating contest
12/16/2010 – BETHLEHEM (Ma’an) —Bethlehem’s Holy Land Christian Ecumenical Foundation will host a Christmas-tree decorating contest for Palestinian communities across the West Bank in an effort to encourage community participation in holiday traditions. Contestants must design and implement a large-scale Christmas tree exhibit completed by the children of the community and ready for….
Palestinians appeal to European countries: Recognize statehood even without peace deal
Palestine Note 16 Dec 2010 – Haaretz – Palestinian negotiators on Thursday asked a number of individual European countries to recognize a Palestinian state in the West Bank and Gaza Strip – even without a peace deal with Israel. The Palestinian Authority…
Israel condemns Norway’s upgrade of Palestinian standing in Oslo to ‘diplomatic delegation’
Palestine Note 16 Dec 2010 – Haaretz – Israel harshly condemned Norway on Thursday for upgrading the standing of the Palestinian representation in Oslo from a ‘general delegation’ to a ‘diplomatic delegation’. Naor Gilon, who heads the Western Europe division at the…
PLO ‘disappointed’ over U.S. resolution opposing unilateral declaration of Palestinian state
Palestine Note 16 Dec 2010 – Haaretz – The Palestinian delegation in the United States expressed its “deep disappointment” on Thursday over the resolution passed by the U.S. House, which opposes unilateral declaration of a Palestinian state. The General Delegation of the…
No Israel talks ‘in any format,’ negotiators say
Palestine Note 16 Dec 2010 – Maan – Leaders in the Palestinian Authority on Thursday said they would not hold any form of talks with Israel, in any format, without a complete halt to Israeli settlement activity on occupied Palestinian lands. The…
US House opposes declaration of Palestinian state
Palestine Note 16 Dec 2010 – Maan – The US House of Representatives late Wednesday approved a measure condemning unilateral measures to declare or recognize a Palestinian state, and backing a negotiated solution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. The House measure comes after…
Israel approves construction for Jerusalem yeshiva
Palestine Note 16 Dec 2010 – Maan – Israel’s Jerusalem Municipality approved for construction an additional 24 housing units near the ultra-Orthodox center Beit Orot in occupied East Jerusalem, Israel Radio reported Thursday. Read Full Article Photo: East Jerusalem. [reutC, Flickr]
Hezbollah urges Arabs to resist as Mideast talks fail
Palestine Note 16 Dec 2010 – Arabiya – Lebanon’s Hezbollah called on Arab states on Thursday to abandon peace talks and join the armed group in its fight against Israel, after negotiations foundered over Israeli settlement building, and predicted that the U.N….
WikiLeaked cable says Iran approached Bedouin for Gaza gun running
Palestine Note 16 Dec 2010 – Arabiya – Egypt’s spy chief told U.S. officials last year Iran was trying to recruit Bedouin in the Sinai Peninsula to help smuggle arms into the blockaded Gaza Strip, a leaked U.S. diplomatic cable said. U.S….
Obstructing a Middle East Rescue Effort
Palestine Note 16 Dec 2010 – Daniel Levy, Forward – Special Middle East envoy George Mitchell is back in the region conducting his shuttle diplomacy, settlement construction continues apace and the much-anticipated speech of Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton managed to…
Middle East peace process: Dead but not buried
Palestine Note 16 Dec 2010 – Editorial, The Guardian – The Middle East peace process died a quiet, undramatic death with the statement last week that the US had given up trying to persuade Binyamin Netanyahu to stop building on occupied land…
Lebanon ‘Israeli spy device’ find
Palestine Note 16 Dec 2010 – BBC – The Lebanese army says it has dismantled two sophisticated Israeli spy systems planted in the mountains above Beirut. The military said it was alerted to the long-range spying devices by the Shia militant and…
Fatah official: Upcoming unity talks will be last
Palestine Note 16 Dec 2010 – Maan – The next round of negotiations with Hamas will be the last, a top Fatah official said Wednesday. Azzam Al-Ahmad said the party would not participate in further negotiations after the talks later this month…
Palestinian Authority cracks down on mosques to promote moderate Islam
Palestine Note 16 Dec 2010 – Washington Post – Each week, Mahmoud Habbash, the Palestinian Authority’s minister of religious affairs, sends an e-mail to mosques across the West Bank. It contains what amounts to a script for the Friday sermon that every…
Former Israeli national security advisor says Israel cannot defeat Hezbollah
Palestine Note 16 Dec 2010 – Alert Net – Israel cannot defeat Hezbollah in a direct engagement and the Lebanese guerrilla group would inflict heavy damage on the Israeli home front if war broke out, a former Israeli national security adviser said…
Arabs rule out new peace talks
Palestine Note 16 Dec 2010 – Al Jazeera – Arab foreign ministers have said there will be no more negotiations between the Palestinians and Israelis unless the United States makes a “serious offer” for resolving the conflict. “The negotiation track between the…
Norway upgrades PLO mission, supports statehood
Palestine Note 16 Dec 2010 – Maan – Norway’s foreign ministry announced Wednesday that the status of the Palestinian representative’s office in Oslo would be upgraded to a diplomatic mission as part of an effort of the scandanavian nation to support Palestinian…
Full Text: 60 Israeli child welfare experts call on their government to ensure detentions and interrogations of minors are in accordance with the law
Palestine Note 16 Dec 2010 – Israeli Children’s Welfare Expert Letter on East Jerusalem Minors
Danny Ayalon plays a losing blame game
Palestine Note 15 Dec 2010 – While taking apart an argument made by Danny Ayalon may seem like shooting fish in a barrel, his op-ed in today’s LA Times contains so many inaccuracies or outright falsehoods, and there are enough people, both…
Who’s afraid of a unilateral declaration?
Palestine Note 15 Dec 2010 – Later this evening, the House is set to vote on a resolution “condemning unilateral declarations of a Palestinian state.” Introduced by Rep. Howard Berman, the outgoing chair of the House Foreign Affairs Committee, the suspension bill…
The Palestinians are the real obstacle to peace
Palestine Note 15 Dec 2010 – The Middle East peace process is once again stalled, while Palestinian leaders sadly continue to propagate the myth that Israeli construction impedes progress. Only last Friday, Palestinian negotiator Saeb Erekat said in Washington that “the Israeli…
Arabs rule out new peace talks
AlJazeera 15 Dec 2010 – Arab League ministers demand “serious offer” after Washington ends attempts to push Israel into settlement freeze.
Army ‘could block’ Egypt succession
AlJazeera 15 Dec 2010 – Leaked US documents suggest Hosni Mubarak could fail to convince the military that his son should be next president.
Israeli Forces Storm al-Ibrahimi Mosque in Hebron, Arrest Woman
PNN – Hebron ‚Äì PNN – Preliminary reports from the southern West Bank city of Hebron indicate that Israeli soldiers entered the al-Ibrahimi Mosque (Mosque of Abraham) and arrested a 31-year-old woman named Ramya…
Nine Arrested Overnight; Settlers Attack Shepherd, Kill Sheep
PNN – Hebron ‚Äì PNN – In a series of overnight raids mainly focused on the southern West Bank city of Hebron, Israeli troops arrested nine Palestinians before Thursday morning. Meanwhile, a Palestinian shepherd…
US House Opposes Palestinian Statehood Declaration; Hamad: International Law Supersedes Domestic
PNN – Washington, D.C. ‚Äì PNN – In a vote of 435-0 on Wednesday, the US House of Representatives approved a resolution opposing a unilateral declaration of statehood by Palestine and discouraging Palestinians from…
Bethlehem Mayor Decries Occupation, Lights Christmas Tree
PNN – Bethlehem ‚Äì PNN – As Bethlehem’s Christmas tree lit up once again, officials decried the Israeli separation wall, called for sanctions, and accused Israel of cannibalizing the Bethlehem tourist industry. The celebrations…
Palestinian Center for Human Rights
Weekly Report On Israeli Human Rights Violations in the Occupied Palestinian Territory (09 – 15 December. 2010)
Palestinian Center for Human Rights
PCHR Concludes a Training Course in Human Rights in Nuseirat Refugee Camp in Deir al-Balah Governorate
Palestinian Center for Human Rights Ref: 91/2010 On Thursday, 16 December 2010, the Training Unit of the Palestinian Centre for Human Rights (PCHR) concluded a training course in Human Rights, in cooperation with al-Karmel Cultural Society for Societal Development in Deir al-Balah governorate. The 20-hour training course was held in the main office of the Society in Nuseirat refugee camp in the period 12-16 December
Amar forms c’tee to advise him on IDF conversions
Jeruslalem Post 16 Dec 2010 – If chief Sephardi rabbi declares military conversions kosher, Israel Beiteinu bill may be deemed superfluous.
WikiLeaks: Iran’s influence spreads like cancer
Jeruslalem Post 16 Dec 2010 – Mubarak warns that Iran, Hizbullah attempting to “stand up a cell within Egypt,” recruiting Sinai Beduin to smuggle weapons into Gaza.
Blair blasts isolation of Gaza, says doesn’t weaken Hamas
Jeruslalem Post 16 Dec 2010 – Improving the lives of people improves the prospects of peace, argues Quartet envoy.
Court asked to ensure Palestinian farmers’ water access
Jeruslalem Post 16 Dec 2010 – Law suit filed after Civil Administration declares land as archeological area; lawyer says settlers have access to disputed spring.
Netanyahu meets with Tea Party ‘darling’ Mike Lee
Jeruslalem Post 16 Dec 2010 – PM’s lengthy talks with Utah senator-elect underline outreach to freshman congressional class; Lee considered strong supporter of Israel.
Lebanon: ‘Israeli markings’ on uncovered spy device
Jeruslalem Post 16 Dec 2010 – LAF website publishes pictures of alleged Israeli espionage equipment found near Beirut; Suleiman announces cooperation with Hizbullah.
Lebanon: ‘Israeli markings’ on uncovered espionage device
Jeruslalem Post 16 Dec 2010 – LAF website publishes pictures of alleged Israeli espionage equipment found near Beirut; Suleiman announces cooperation with Hizbullah.
Hebrew writing on ‘spying’ devices found in Lebanon
Jeruslalem Post 16 Dec 2010 – Lebanese Army website publishes pictures of alleged Israeli espionage equipment found near Beirut.
WikiLeaks: Iran recruiting Beduin for Gaza arms smuggling
Jeruslalem Post 16 Dec 2010 – Leaked US cable quotes Egyptian intelligence chief expressing concern over Iran enlisting help of Sinai Beduins and Hizbullah attempting to “stand up a cell within Egypt.”
Eiland: Israel does not know how to defeat Hizbullah
Jeruslalem Post 16 Dec 2010 – Former national security adviser says Israel must make clear that a war with Hizbullah would “wreak destruction on Lebanon.”
Bon Jovi to visit Israel on ‘The Circle’ tour
Jeruslalem Post 16 Dec 2010 – Lead singer of 80’s metal band from New Jersey tells Larry King he is looking forward to his first concert in the Jewish State.
Lebanon claims it confiscated Israeli ‘spy’ equipment
Jeruslalem Post 16 Dec 2010 – Military experts discover 2 long range spying systems in mountains outside Beirut; army acts based on tip from Hizbullah.
International Solidarity Movement
Israeli Military demolishes water wells and cisterns in the South Hebron Hills
12/16/2010 – International Solidarity Movement – 14 December, Christian Peacemaker Teams – The Israeli military demolished three water cisterns and two wells in the Khashem Ad Daraj ‚Äì Hathaleen region on Tuesday, December 14th. The military gave no reason for the destruction of the wells and cisterns. The demolitions follow a pattern of destruction of Palestinian property by the Israeli military in…. Related: Christian Peacemaker Teams
Sheikh Jarrah: Daoudi family faces first court appearance to fight eviction
12/16/2010 – International Solidarity Movement – Today in Jerusalem, the Daoudi family appeared at their first court hearing to defend themselves against forced eviction. The Daoudis live in the Sheikh Jarrah neighborhood of Palestinian East Jerusalem where Israeli settlers are seeking to illegally evict and displace Palestinian residents from their homes. According to the UN, of the approximately 2,800 Palestinian residents….
Freedom for Ibrahim, Hassan and Zaydoon: An interview with leaders of the Ni’lin Popular Committee Against the Separation Wall
12/16/2010 – International Solidarity Movement – On December 3, 2010, three leaders of the Ni’lin Popular Committee Against the Separation Wall were released from Israeli military prison: Ibrahim Amireh, coordinator of the Popular Committee; Hassan Mousa, spokesperson; and Zaydoon Srour. Israel wrongfully imprisoned them for 11 months in apparent retaliation for their role as leaders of the nonviolent movement…. Related: Support Ibrahim and Ni’lin Popular Committee Against the Separation Wall
Three victims of Carmel fire could have escaped, police report finds
Ha’aretz – Eyewitnesses say police who entered blazing forest in order to try rescue a trapped bus of prison guards could have driven out but chose to stay.
Lebanon Army: Spy device found near Beirut bears Hebrew writing
Ha’aretz – Photos of spy installation show the words ‘mini cloud’ in Hebrew and name of Israeli manufacturer; Lebanese army says it found two Israeli spy devices in mountains near Beirut on…
WikiLeaks: Iran tried to recruit Sinai Bedouin to smuggle arms into Gaza
Ha’aretz – Egypt told U.S. officials in April 2009 it was frightened by the spread of Iranian influence in the Middle East and the possibility Iran could obtain nuclear weapons, leaked cables…
Israel condemns Norway’s upgrade of Palestinian standing in Oslo to ‘diplomatic delegation’
Ha’aretz – Foreign Ministry official warns that Palestinians won’t want to renew peace talks with Israel if they start attaining political goals without negotiations.
Israel shoots down ‘suspicious flying object’ near Dimona nuclear reactor
Ha’aretz – IDF spokesperson says IAF warplane shot down the object, probably a balloon, in south; official says it flew over the Dimona nuclear reactor, a no-fly zone., Foxman calls Watergate-era recordings…
Submitting to criticism, Libya charity drops politics to avoid angering Israel
Ha’aretz – The foundation, led by Gadhafi’s son, sent a Gaza-bound aid ship in November, but now claims its priority is ‘assisting the poor in sub-Saharan Africa.’
Palestinians appeal to European countries: Recognize statehood even without peace deal
Ha’aretz – In wake of EU’s decision to wait until ‘appropriate’, PA negotiators bring request for the first time to individual countries – France, Britain, Sweden and Denmark – as well as…
‘Blast off Lebanon coast was IDF destroying espionage device’
Ha’aretz – Voice of Lebanon radio attributes explosion to Israel Air Force operations day after Lebanese Army said it had found two Israeli spy cameras in mountains near Beirut and Bekaa Valley.
Israel denies plans to expand East Jerusalem hotel, but documents prove otherwise
Ha’aretz – Foreign Ministry says reported plans for construction on Jordanian-owned compound are from 1988 – but Haaretz has obtained blueprints and letter from 2010 that show recent approval for expansion.
U.S. House opposes unilateral declaration of Palestinian state
Ha’aretz – Resolution urges Palestinians to ‘cease all efforts at circumventing the negotiation process, including efforts to gain recognition of a Palestinian state from other nations.’
Mitchell proposes ‘parallel’ but separate U.S. talks with Israel, Palestinians
Ha’aretz – Palestinian source tells AFP news agency that the aim of the talks ‘is for the U.S. administration to form an idea of what the two parties want.’
Israeli army erects military checkpoints in WB
16 Dec 2010 – West Bank, December 16, (Pal Telegraph) ‚Äì Israeli occupation forces (IOF) raided on Thursday different areas in the West Bank and erected military checkpoints. Local sources said that Israeli soldiers erected a military checkpoint at the crossroad Al-Nashash at the southern entrance of Bethlehem and erected another checkpoint at the entrance of Janata in the same city where the soldiers…
Israeli army detains 9 Palestinians in Hebron
16 Dec 2010 – Hebron, December 16, (Pal Telegraph) ‚Äì Israeli occupation forces (IOF) detained yesterday night nine Palestinians from Hebron city in the West Bank. Israeli occupation forces broke into and searched houses in Al-Zahria town where they detained two citizens from the same family known as Nedal Al-Qesayah, 21, and Mostafa, 19. Besides, they detained two brothers Shams and Nour Al-Awawdah from…
Israel builds new settlement neighborhood in Jerusalem
16 Dec 2010 – Jerusalem, December 16, (Pal Telegraph) – Israeli occupation authorities have started building new settlement neighborhood in Jabl Al-Zaytoon in Jerusalem. The radio of Israel reported that the new settlement neighborhood will include 24 housing units and it will be specified for the students of the Jewish institute pointing out that the local committee for building and organizing approved the building…
Jerusalem’s Pisgat Ze’ev: Arabs Raus!
Uruknet December 16, 2010 – The Jerusalem settlement of Pisgat Ze’ev, named for rightist Revisionist leader Zeev Jabotinsky, knows how to handle Arabs. Just take it from Moshe Ben Zikri, recently elected “community adminstrator” (in Chicago he’d be called the ward boss or council leader) for the neighborhood. His most critical task: fighting the Arab menace, the campaign to take…
Palestinian woman enters her fifteenth day of hunger strike in Israeli jail
Uruknet December 16, 2010 – A Palestinian woman being held in prison by the Israelis has entered the fifteenth day of a hunger strike. Linan Abu Ghalma, 28, from Nablus in the occupied West Bank was abducted from her home by the Israeli occupation forces in July at the same time as her sister. It is reported that her health…
Israel Now Builds Separation Wall With Africa
Uruknet December 16, 2010 – After the separation barrier against Palestinian territories, Israel has begun to build a new wall, this one to keep migrants from Africa out. The new wall is coming up on the Egyptian border, and with Egyptian support. The Israeli government approved plans late last month to build a detention camp near its border with Egypt…
A Bethlehem Christmas wish
Uruknet December 16, 2010 – … Jesus was born in Bethlehem, yet Bethlehem — the place where I was born and raised my whole life before moving to the United States several years ago — is not witnessing peace, and the star that the shepherds followed more than 2,000 years ago is fading away. Bethlehem is also the place where an…
Israel’s Jerusalem Master Plan 2020 –
Uruknet December 16, 2010 – A November 10 Qatar News Agency article headlined, “Israel Plans to Rebuild Old Jerusalem – Palestinian Official,” saying: Attorney Ahmed Al-Ruwaidi, “responsible for the Jerusalem unit in the Palestinian Authority (PA), said Israel plan(s) to build new settlement homes in old Jerusalem where the ancient walls of the city will be overshadowed by modern bridges,…
US House passes anti-Palestine bill
Uruknet December 16, 2010 – At last the United States is responding to Israeli Prime Minister Binyamin Netanyahu’s refusal to freeze settlements and re-start negotiations with the Palestinians. Congressman Howard Berman (D-CA), chair of the House Foreign Affairs Committee, rushed to the House floor with a resolution drafted by the American Israel Public Affairs Committee [AIPAC] condemning the Palestinians for…
We pay for every Israeli war at the gas pump
Uruknet December 16, 2010 – How about a new slogan for the anti-war and Palestine solidarity movements?
WikiLeaks cables: Chevron discussed oil project with Tehran, claims Iraqi PM
Uruknet December 15, 2010 – The US energy firm Chevron negotiated with Tehran about developing an Iraq-Iran cross-border oilfield in spite of tight US sanctions, according to the Iraqi prime minister in leaked diplomatic cables. Nouri al-Maliki’s claim, reported in the cables, that Chevron was in discussions with the Iranian government will raise eyebrows in Europe and other parts of…
Inside the moral corruption of Israeli society
Uruknet December 15, 2010 – After being arrested in a Palestinian demonstration near Hebron some time ago, I was handcuffed and blindfolded then sat in the direct sun along with another Israeli activist. After some time, an IDF commander arrived on the scene and asked one of his soldiers, “why are those two in the sun?” The soldier reported that…
Mubarak: ‘Iranian influence spreading like a cancer’ across Arab world
Uruknet December 15, 2010 – Egyptian President Hosni Mubarak compared Iran’s growing influence in the Middle East to a “cancer,” according to a cable released by the anti-secrecy website WikiLeaks. “President Mubarak has made it clear that he sees Iran as Egypt’s — and the region’s — primary strategic threat,” says the secret cable, sent April 28, 2009, from the…
Israel redefines the definition of Chutzpah
Uruknet December 15, 2010 – After failing to take an incentive package from the United States in exchange for a freeze on settlement activity, Israel is asking for the incentive package anyway. Israel was reportedly offered 20 advanced war planes from the United States in exchange for a settlement freeze which would lead the way to renewed peace talks. However,…
Desolation in Hebron’s Old City
Uruknet December 15, 2010 – Hebron – Al Khalil in Arabic – is the infamous theater of violent clashes between Israeli settlers and the IDF on the one side, and Palestinian residents on the other. Ever since 1968 when a group of Jewish settlers led by Rabbi Moshe Levinger occupied one of the main hotels in the city and the…
Wishing Qalandiya Away
Uruknet December 15, 2010 – My eight-year old summed up her three “genie wishes” the other day in a way that made me want to cry and laugh all at once. The first wish, she said, was to have her grandfather cancer-free “forever”. The second wish, she said, was that the “checkpoint” ‚Äì she was referring to the Qalandiya crossing…
Settlers doggedly intimidate Palestinians
Uruknet December 15, 2010 – At around 3:30pm, Israeli police arrested a 19-year-old Palestinian man named Imen in Sheikh Jarrah, following a confrontation with settlers. The settlers’ dog, on a 2-meter long chain, attacked Imen as he stood on the street outside of his former home, which the settlers had dispossessed. The settlers responded with laughter and walked up to…
In A Letter Send To Turkish PM; Likud MK Says Israel Should Have Killed All Marmara Passengers
Uruknet December 15, 2010 – Israeli sources reported Wednesday that Israeli Member of Knesset of the Likud Party, Dani Dannon, sent a sarcastic letter to Turkish Prime Minister, Recep Tayyip Erdogan, telling him that Israeli soldiers should have killed all of the passengers of the Marmara Ship that was heading to Gaza to deliver humanitarian supplies. During the attack that…
The Palestine Cables’: WikiLeaks dox expose Netanyahu’s vision of Palestinian bantustan
Uruknet December 15, 2010 – The Obama administration’s failure to bribe Israel’s right-wing government into accepting a three-month settlement “freeze” should have ended talk about the “peace process,” but Obama’s Middle East team is still crawling towards a two-state solution with little light at the end of the tunnel. State Department cables released by WikiLeaks will dim the lights further….
Video: Cinema Jenin
Alternative Information Center – In the past years the city of Jenin has worldwide mainly gained notoriety as one of the main trouble spots in the Israeli-Palestinian conflict ‚Äì in particular after the brutal attack of the Israeli army on…
PA Postponement of Municipal Elections Deemed Illegal, New Date to be Set
Alternative Information Center – The Palestinian Supreme Court in Ramallah on Monday (13 December) negated a decision by the Palestinian Authority cabinet to postpone municipal elections that were set to be held 17 June 2010. The Popular Front for the…
Hamas Celebrates Anniversary of Founding
Alternative Information Center – Thousands of people gathered in Gaza City Tuesday (14 December) to celebrate the 23 rd anniversary of the founding of Hamas. A mass rally was held in Kateeba Square, where an enormous replica of Jerusalem’s Dome…
Letters: Pessimism on Israel
The Guardian 16 Dec 2010 – Your insufficiently pessimistic leading article ( Dead but not buried , 16 December) fails to refer to the most ineluctable fact about the stalemate between Israel and the Palestinians: demography. The prime minister of Jordan , whom I met…
OPT: The Inauguration of the Emergency Services Section in Al-Quds Hospital of PRCS in Gaza
Relief Web 16 Dec 2010 – Source: Pakistan Red Crescent Society
Weekly Report On Israeli Human Rights Violations in the Occupied Palestinian Territory (09 – 15 December. 2010)
Relief Web 16 Dec 2010 – Source: Palestinian Centre for Human Rights
The Palestinian Authority and the European Union co-finance the payment of social allowances to over 56,400 Palestinian families in need
Relief Web 16 Dec 2010 – Source: European Commission, Palestinian National Authority
Israel downs flying object near nuclear reactor
YNet News – F-16 jet shoots down apparent engine-powered balloon that flew in forbidden zone….
Report: Israel destroyed spy device at sea
YNet News – Lebanese radio station gives interpretation of evening blast, accompanied by….
Congress: No to Palestinian statehood declaration
YNet News – House of Representatives unanimously decides to remind Obama it supports Israel,….
New plan to double haredi enlistment
YNet News – Gov’t to vote Sunday on plan asking yeshiva students to choose between IDF,….
Ben-Eliezer to Mitzna: Only you can save Labor
YNet News – As part of efforts to replace Barak, trade minister asks former party head to….
Norway upgrades Palestinian mission
YNet News – Norway has raised the status of the Palestinian representation in the Scandinavian country in recognition of efforts to build a Palestinian state, the Foreign Ministry …….
Lebanon: Israeli tags on ‘spy gear’
YNet News – Israel has so far declined to comment on reports from Lebanon about espionage equipment discovered there, but on Thursday evening the Lebanese army released incriminating …….
Legal precedent: Child to be adopted by father’s partner
YNet News – In an unprecedented ruling, the Jerusalem Family Court determined Thursday that a baby born to a surrogate mother will be adopted by the biological father’s partner. …….
IDF holds drill in preparation for Lebanon confrontation
YNet News – The IDF on Thursday evening completed one of the most extensive drills it has held in recent years. Two combat units were involved, the Nahal Infantry Brigade and the …….
Humanitarian aid officers’ begin training
YNet News – The IDF has begun training for the first time officers from within the various brigades and battalions in order to serve during times of emergency as humanitarian aid …….
35 officers’ course cadets contract swine flu
YNet News – Thirty-five IDF officers’ course cadets have contracted the H1N1 virus, or swine flu, Ynet reported Thursday. The soldiers were taking part in an educational seminar …….
Palestinian Information Center
13 Palestinians arrested in the West Bank amid pursuit of activists
PIC 16 Dec 2010 – Israeli troops rounded up thirteen Palestinians for questioning Thursday morning in the West Bank amid a wide-ranging campaign to pursue alleged wanted activists in the region.
Zahhar: Follow up committee meeting covers PA failure
PIC 16 Dec 2010 – Dr. Mahmud Al-Zahhar said that the Arab follow up committee meeting in Cairo on Wednesday was meant to serve as a cover for the failure of the PA in Ramallah.
PA militias kidnap 12 Palestinians in W. Bank areas
PIC 16 Dec 2010 – The latest arrest campaigns waged by PA security militias in Nablus, Qalqiliya, Al-Khalil, Tulkarem and Jerusalem led to the kidnapping of 12 Palestinian citizens affiliated with Hamas Movement.
Israeli academic hosted in Riyadh to give lecture
PIC 16 Dec 2010 – News reports said that an Israeli academic from Britain is making a visit to Saudi Arabia nowadays to deliver a lecture at King Faisal center for research and Islamic studies.
Abu Zuhri calls for supporting Palestinian rights instead of negotiations
PIC 16 Dec 2010 – Dr. Sami Abu Zuhri, a Hamas spokesman, has urged the Arab countries to support other options after failure of the peace talks in restoring any of the Palestinian rights.
Israel will not offer apology to Turkey over May 31 flotilla attack
PIC 16 Dec 2010 – The Israeli foreign ministry has refused to offer an apology to Turkey for the country’s May 31 naval attack on the Freedom Flotilla, which was on its way to the besieged Gaza Strip to deliver aid.
Haneyya: People in Gaza living under better leadership
PIC 16 Dec 2010 – Ismail Haneyya has said that the Palestinian people in the Gaza Strip were currently living under a better leadership than before thanks to the loyalty and dedication of government cadres.
Nasrallah: Israeli enterprise has come to an end
PIC 16 Dec 2010 – Hassan Nasrallah said that thanks to the resistance movement that gained a victory in 2000 when Israel left Lebanon “humiliated without gains” the greater Israel enterprise has come to an end.
Bardawil: Fatah’s talk about a last meeting with Hamas is meaningless
PIC 16 Dec 2010 – Senior Hamas official Salah Al-Bardawil said Fatah’s claims that the meeting to be held with his Movement later this month would be the last one is a nonsense.
Israeli police trash Palestinian store in Jerusalem, break worker’s foot
PIC 16 Dec 2010 – Israeli troops raided Wednesday night a Jerusalem shop, trashing the store’s contents, and attacking the workers. The owner’s son’s foot was broken in the incident. Other employees were apprehended.
Gaza Mends, but Israelis See Signs of Trouble
New York Times 16 Dec 2010 – Two years after the war in Gaza, things seem to be shifting backward as the economic siege eases, the border heats up and Hamas seems as strong as ever.
State Department hails ‘civil society activists’ around the world but refuses to say anything for imprisoned Abdallah Abu Rahmah
Mondoweiss – Why did we vote for Obama? Joseph Dana reports that AP reporters have now pressed PJ Crowley, ass’t sec’y of State, three times over the imprisonment of Abdallah Abu Rahmah, a leader of nonviolent protest of the unending landgrab in the West Bank. And… the State…
Editable comments | Site Improvements
Mondoweiss – Thank you so much to everyone who has contributed to the end of the year matching fundraising drive! Our target is in sight with less than $5000 of new contributions to reach $40K. The first improvement to the site has just been implemented. Over our time…
House vote against Palestinian statehood actually showed that Israel lobby is losing its grip
Mondoweiss – Yesterday the House of Representatives passed a resolution, H.Res.1765 , “condemning unilateral measures to declare or recognize a Palestinian state.” At first glance, this vote appears to be yet another in a long string of resolutions shoring up unconditional Congressional support for Israeli occupation and apartheid. In…
Miami Jewish Federation smear-video says that Jimmy Carter and Walt and Mearsheimer want Israel ‘wiped off the map’
Mondoweiss – The Jewish Federation of Greater Miami is having a big event on the delegitimation of Israel this weekend. What larks, huh! Debbie Wasserman Shultz the Democratic congresswoman will be there, but also many rightwingers and Republicans, like dour Daniel Pipes and Natan Sharansky. Honey, you made…
Congress is fueling terrorism by denying Palestinans authority and empowerment
Mondoweiss – Many are responding with outrage to Congress’s passage of a resolution seeking to block any recognition of a unilaterally-declared Palestinian state. The text of this resolution is not up on the Congressional site , even though Congress passed it. But AIPAC has a copy . Maggie Sager’s full…
Palestinians: No Talks with Israel without Settlement Halt
Al-Manar 16 Dec 2010 – The Palestinians on Thursday reiterated they would not hold any form of talks with Israel, in any format, without a complete halt to settlement activity, one day after Arab League foreign ministers ruled out a resumption of negotiations without a “serious offer” that would ensure their…
US State Department Silent on Bil’in’s Abdallah Abu Rahmah
Joseph Dana 16 Dec 2010 – US State Department spokesman continues to avoid giving a clear US position on the case of imprisoned non-violent leader Abdallah Abu Rahmah. Asked three times on different occasions by Associated Press reporters, spokesman PJ Crowley failed to show clear US support of Abdallah Abu Rahmah. Amid…
Inside the moral corruption of Israeli society
Joseph Dana 15 Dec 2010 – Army takes over a house in Hebron, 16.10.08. Photo by Activestills.org After being arrested in a Palestinian demonstration near Hebron some time ago, I was handcuffed and blindfolded then sat in the direct sun along with another Israeli activist. After some time, an IDF commander arrived…
Israel redefines the definition of Chutzpah
Joseph Dana 15 Dec 2010 – After failing to take an incentive package from the United States in exchange for a freeze on settlement activity, Israel is asking for the incentive package anyway. Israel was reportedly offered 20 advanced war planes from the United States in exchange for a settlement freeze which…
Nima Shirazi – If Words Could Kill: Those Bloodthirsty Americans and Their Death Threat Duplicity
Palestine Think Tank 16 Dec 2010 – Urging attacks in Internet videos and writings? Most of the staunch advocates of assassinating both Awlaki and Assange, not to mention encouraging an unprovoked American or Israeli assault on Iran, have strong connections – and career histories – with U.S. government foreign policy and the military…
Ofer court holds appeal hearing over administrative detention of MP Ramhi
Sabr 15 Dec 2010 – [ 15/12/2010 – 02:12 PM ] WEST BANK, ( PIC )— The Israeli court of Ofer military camp held a hearing to listen to the appeal filed by Palestinian lawmaker Mahmoud Al-Ramhi against a previous decision to detain him administratively for six months. The lawyer of MP Ramhi…
PFLP prisoners mark anniversary in occupation jails
Sabr 15 Dec 2010 – PFLP website The Popular Front for the Liberation of Palestine’s organization of comrades in the prisons organized a series of cultural activities inside the occupation prisons to mark the 43rd anniversary of the PFLP. In the Naqab prison, the comrades organized a series of addresses to…
Comrade Ibrahim Salem sentenced to 26 years in occupation prisons
Sabr 15 Dec 2010 – PFLP website Comrade Ibrahim Salem, from the Ein Beit Ilma refugee camp west of Nablus, was sentenced to 26 years in Israeli prisons by the occupation military courts on December 5, 2010. He was accused of being a member of the Abu Ali Mustafa Brigades, the…
Israeli Forces Stormed Palestinian MP House
Sabr 15 Dec 2010 – Wednesday December 15, 2010 14:39 by Alessandra Bajec – IMEMC & Agencies Israeli soldiers raided, on Tuesday, the house of Palestinian MP Halaika in Hebron, the Palestinian Information Center claimed. (photo from Press TV) Hamas lawmaker Samira al-Halaika said Israeli military raided the house at noon…
Lebanon ‘Israeli spy device’ find
BBC 16 Dec 2010 – The Lebanese army says it has dismantled two Israeli spy systems planted in the mountains above Beirut following a tip-off from Hezbollah.
Israel downs atom site ‘balloon’
BBC 16 Dec 2010 – Israel says one of its warplanes has shot down what appeared to be an unmanned balloon which had flown over the Dimona nuclear facility.
Pakistani Ambassador Unknowingly Hosted Neocon Fundraiser
Antiwar.com 16 Dec 2010 – Amid putting on a two-and-a-half day conference focused on escalating measures against Iran, a neoconservative think-tank held a fundraiser at the residence of Pakistan’s ambassador to the U.S., according to an IPS investigation. The embassy said the think tank, the Foundation for Defense of Democracies (FDD),…
Israel’s war on Jerusalem children: 1,200 arrested in one year
Sabbah report 16 Dec 2010 – Late last month, in a sign of growing anger at the arrests, a large crowd in Silwan was reported to have prevented police from arresting Adam Rishek, a seven-year-old accused of stone-throwing. His parents later filed a complaint claiming he had been beaten by the officers….
The Elders: We need peace in the Middle East, not just process
Sabbah report 16 Dec 2010 – Israelis and Palestinians must ultimately agree to a solution, but they cannot do it alone. Without a strategy that can deliver a peace agreement based on a two-state solution, Palestinians will continue to live under Israeli occupation, millions of Palestinian refugees will continue to live without…
No such thing as justice in the Holy Land, Palestinian Church leaders tell the Irish
Sabbah report 16 Dec 2010 – Archbishop Theodosius Hanna (Greek Orthodox Church), Monsignor Manuel Musallam (Latin Catholic) and Mr Constantine Dabbagh (Executive Director of the Middle East Council of Churches) are courageous human rights defenders and spiritual leaders from Palestine. They have just completed a tour of Ireland to raise awareness of…
Articles
Freedom for Ibrahim, Hassan and Zaydoon: An interview with leaders of the Ni’lin Popular Committee Against the Separation Wall
International Solidarity Movement12/17/2010
On December 3, 2010, three leaders of the Ni’lin Popular Committee Against the Separation Wall were released from Israeli military prison: Ibrahim Amireh, coordinator of the Popular Committee; Hassan Mousa, spokesperson; and Zaydoon Srour.
Israel wrongfully imprisoned them for 11 months in apparent retaliation for their role as leaders of the nonviolent movement. During their imprisonment, Saeed Amireh, Ibrahim’s 19 year-old son, stepped forward as a powerful leader of the efforts to free his father.
ISM interviewed the four activists on December 15.
SAEED AMIREH: I want to talk about the strategy of the Israeli occupation here in Ni’lin.
In 2004, Israel began to build the separation wall. Back then, there were no [organized] demonstrations and no organization like the popular committee we have now. We just went there, thousands of us, to stop the construction. One protester lost his eye to a rubber bullet.
We didn’t give up; we continued our protests against the annexation wall because it is just a way to steal more of our land. If we stay silent, they will continue to steal our land.
In 2008, they started to build the wall again and we surprised them with a large number of demonstrators. At our demonstration on May 27, 2008 the Israelis used a new strategy: high violence against us. There were many soldiers: if we were maybe 400 [demonstrators], they were 300 [soldiers]. We demonstrated every day and we could stop the construction for maybe 5 minutes but then they would shoot live ammo, tear gas, sound bombs and rubber bullets. They were surprised when we kept returning the next day and bringing greater numbers! — See also: Ni’lin Popular Committee Against the Separation Wall and Support Ibrahim more.. e-mail
Solution to Palestine refugees imperative for peace
Chris Gunness, Ma’an News Agency12/16/2010
UNRWA was established in 1949 under a UN General Assembly resolution that called upon the agency to assist and support Palestine refugees pending a just and lasting resolution of their plight.
As a temporary agency, the duration of whose mandate is tied to the resolution of the Palestine refugee situation, UNRWA looks forward to the day when its services will no longer be required, allowing it to fold its operations. The arrival of that day, however, is contingent upon a real peace process that bears tangible results for Palestine refugees in line with United Nations resolutions and with international law and practice.
The Arab Peace Initiative, inclusive of its call for a just and agreed solution on refugees, has been recognized by the UN and other members of the Quartet as part of the terms of reference of the bilateral peace process between Israel and the Palestinians. UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon, for his part, has referred to the API as one of the main pillars in the search for peace. United States and European Union leaders have commented upon the opportunity served by it. Not speaking to the API but addressing the need for a complete peace, US Secretary of State Hillary Clinton recently remarked that there should be a just and permanent solution on refugees that meets the needs of both sides.
Consistent with the UN and it partners, UNRWA recognizes that the API is an important element in the pursuit of peace. As the agency with a unique remit for Palestine refugees, UNRWA must commend, in particular, the definitive and explicit commitment on the part of Arab states and Palestinian leaders to ensure that the refugees are included in a comprehensive settlement that would see the end of conflict, and is encouraged by the international acceptance of this imperative. As an agency that has witnessed—and been impacted by—the peace process, we feel it is most urgent that Palestine refugees, including those outside of the occupied Palestinian territories, be integrated into our collective vision for a just resolution of this protracted conflict. more.. e-mail
Israel, Obama and the Bomb
Conn Hallinan, CounterPunch12/15/2010
Hypocrisy Gone Nuclear
This past July, a nuclear-armed nation, in violation of an international treaty, clandestinely agreed to supply uranium to a known proliferator of nuclear weapons. China and North Korea? No, the United States and Israel.
In a July 8 article entitled “Report: Secret Document Affirms U.S. Israeli Nuclear Partnership,” the Israeli daily Haaretz revealed that the Obama Administration will begin transferring nuclear fuel to Israel in order to build up Tel Aviv’s nuclear stockpile.
There is profound irony in the fact that while the U.S. and some of its allies are threatening military action against Iran for enriching uranium, Washington is bypassing the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT) while aiding Israel’s nuclear weapons program, the only country in the world that has actually helped another nation construct and test a nuclear device.
The saga starts with a box of tea that arrived in South Africa in 1975.
This past May, researcher Sasha Polakow-Suransky uncovered declassified South African documents indicating that in 1975 the Israeli government offered to sell nuclear warheads to the apartheid regime. Israeli officials apparently tried to block the declassification of the documents, but failed.
According to the British Guardian, then Israeli Defense Minister Shimon Peres—currently president—negotiated with Pretoria to supply South Africa with nuclear warheads for Israel’s Jericho missile. Peres dismissed Polakow-Suransky’s book—”The Unspoken Alliance: Israel’s Secret Relationship With Apartheid South Africa”—as having “no basis in reality for the claims.” more.. e-mail
A Bethlehem Christmas wish
Electronic Intifada: 16 Dec 2010 – More than 2,000 years ago, a miracle happened in Bethlehem and the prophet of peace, love and forgiveness was born. Now Bethlehem, as well as every other Palestinian city, town and refugee camp, still lives under occupation and oppression.more
Israel’s Jerusalem Master Plan 2020
Palestine Chronicle: 16 Dec 2010 – By Stephen Lendman A November 10 Qatar News Agency article headlined, “Israel Plans to Rebuild Old Jerusalem – Palestinian Official,” stated: Attorney Ahmed Al-Ruwaidi, “responsible for the Jerusalem unit in the Palestinian Authority (PA), said Israel plan(s) to build new settlement homes in old Jerusalem where the ancient walls of the city will be overshadowed by modern bridges, synagogues and gardens spreading from the Arab neighborhoods of Sheikh Jarrah to Wdi Al Joze and Suwaneh.” The scheme involves home demolitions, dispossessions, and new settlement construction to solidify “the capital and spiritual center of Israel and the Jewish people (by creating) a world city which attracts the souls of millions of believers across the globe.” Projects completed so far are part of the plan, to completely transform Jerusalem’s Old City, according to Al-Ruwaidi. “All the settlement projects in Jerusalem during the past three years, some of which have been practically implemented,…more
Insisting on Their Humanity: ‘The Plight of the Palestinians’
Palestine Chronicle: 16 Dec 2010 – By Ramzy Baroud When a copy of William A. Cook’s latest book, The Plight of the Palestinians arrived in my mailbox, I initially felt a little worried. The volume, featuring the work of over 30 accomplished writers, is the most articulate treatise on the collective victimization of Palestinians to date. From Cook’s own introduction, ‘The Untold Story of the Zionist Intent to Turn Palestine into a Jewish State’ to Francis Boyle’s summation of ‘Israel’s Crimes against the Palestinians’, it takes the reader through an exhaustive journey, charting the course of Palestinian history prior to and since al-Nakba, the Catastrophe of 1947-48. Still, I feared that something might be missing in this noble and monumental undertaking: Palestinian people’s own responses to the cruelties they’ve suffered. Would Palestinians be presented yet again as merely poster-child victims, eager for handouts? The photograph on the cover was telling: a kindly old man with a…more
More material available from Vermonters for a Just Peace in Palestine/Israel – www.vtjp.org
To subscribe, please write to OccupationNews-subscribe@yahoogroups.com or visit http://groups.yahoo.com/group/OccupationNews/join
The New Dark Age 