News
International Middle East Media Center
Israeli Lifts Closer On East Jerusalem And The Rest West Bank
IMEMC – Wednesday March 17, 2010 – 15:56, Israel announced on Wednesday the end of its lockdown on East Jerusalem and the rest of the West Bank which started last Friday.
Israeli Troops Injury Two Journalists During Clashes With Local Youth, Southern West Bank
IMEMC – Wednesday March 17, 2010 – 15:10, Two journalists were reported injured on Wednesday during clashes between Israeli troops and local youth in deferent parts of southern West Bank.
The Israeli Army Opens Fire At Anti-wall Nonviolent Protest Near Gaza City
IMEMC – Wednesday March 17, 2010 – 14:34, Israeli troops opened fire on Wednesday midday at a nonviolent protest against the wall central Gaza Strip.
Israel Approves Two Bids To Build 426 Units For Settlers
IMEMC – Wednesday March 17, 2010 – 11:32, Israel’s TV, Channel 10, reported that Israel announced bids for the construction of 26 additional units for Jewish settlers in East Jerusalem, especially in Abu Ghneim, and east of the Green Line inside the occupied West Bank and occupied East Jerusalem.
Abed-Rabbo: “Leadership To Call For Comprehensive Meeting on Jerusalem”
IMEMC – Wednesday March 17, 2010 – 09:48, Yasser Abed-Rabbo, secretary of the Executive Committee of the Palestinian Liberation Organization (PLO) said that the Palestinian leadership intends to call for a comprehensive meeting for all factions in order to take a national stance to counter the Israeli aggression and violations in Jerusalem.
On 7th anniversary of Rachel Corrie’s murder, Palestinian street named in her honor
IMEMC – Wednesday March 17, 2010 – 08:25, Commemorations were held in several places in the Palestinian Territories Tuesday, including a ceremony in Ramallah with Corrie’s parents to name a street in the slain activist’s honor, marking the seventh anniversary of her death at the hands of an Israeli soldier.
Jailed Fateh Leader Gets PHD
IMEMC – Wednesday March 17, 2010 – 08:00, Imprisoned Fateh leader, Marwan Barghouthi, serving five consecutive life terms in Israeli prisons, obtained his PHD degree in Political Science.
U.S. envoy George Mitchell cancels his visit to Israel amidst U.S-Israeli diplomatic crisis
IMEMC – Tuesday March 16, 2010 – 16:40, The U.S Embassy in Tel Aviv informed Israel PM Benjamin Netanyahu that U.S. special peace envoy George Mitchell had cancel his visit to the region.
Gaza: Hundreds Protest In Solidarity With Jerusalem
IMEMC – Tuesday March 16, 2010 – 15:58, Hundreds of students along with politicians and teachers protested on Tuesday in Gaza city in solidarity with Jerusalem.
Jerusalem Update: 38 Injured At Least 20 Detained As Police Crackdown On Palestinian Protesters
IMEMC – Tuesday March 16, 2010 – 15:46, At least 38 Palestinians civilians were injured by Israeli police fire on Tuesday during the ongoing clashes in East Jerusalem.
Egyptian man dies after shot by Israeli forces at border
3/17/2010 – Bethlehem – Ma’an – Israeli forces on Monday night shot an Egyptian citizen who was en route to Israel, the army said. The man died in a hospital inside Israel, an Israeli security source told Ma’an. Israeli soldiers fired at a “suspicious group” on the border, part of which is unfenced, south of Mount Harif, the military said. An army spokesman said the man was crossing into Israel and failed to stop after an arrest procedure was initiated. The group was thought to be smuggling cigarettes into Israel, Hebrew-language news reports said. The incident came a day after Israeli journalist Yotam Feldman was arrested in Rafah while preparing a report on migrants. Egyptian forces routinely fire on migrants and suspected criminals in the border area on Israel’s behalf. Earlier this month, the UN human rights chief deplored Egypt’s use of “lethal force” against migrants in the Sinai peninsula.
Clashes spread throughout West Bank
3/17/2010 – Bethlehem – Ma’an – Fierce clashes erupted between Palestinians and Israeli forces at the Qalandiya checkpoint between Ramallah and Jerusalem on Wednesday, as marches held across the West Bank witnessed renewed discord. The Betillo village junction, west of Ramallah, saw further clashes between protesters and soldiers. Riot-dispersal measures were used to disperse the crowds, witnesses said, with no injuries reported. An Israeli military spokesman said the incident involved rock hurling toward patrolling border guards in the area, but did not describe the incident as a clash. He confirmed no damage or injuries at the scene. Witnesses said violent confrontations were underway at the Beita junction, south of Nablus in the northern West Bank. No injuries or detentions were reported in the incident, which erupted at an Israeli military checkpoint.
Protesters say Israel fired on Gaza demonstration
3/17/2010 – Gaza – Ma’an – Israeli forces opened fire during a demonstration in the northern Gaza Strip on Wednesday afternoon, protesters said. An Israeli military spokeswoman confirmed that soldiers opened fire, but said the reports were still being investigated. Abu Al-Walid Az-Zaq, member of the Popular Committee Against the Buffer Zone, said the demonstration was intended to reassert control over an Israeli “no-go area” near Beit Hanoun. The closure separates farmers and residents from their lands and property, and runs counter to claims that the military evacuated all of Gaza during its 2005 redeployment. Az-Zaq said the protest began in the Ash-Shujaiyeh neighborhood and ended at the military zone, where shots were fired at participants. The demonstration was themed “Jerusalem and the Land,” he said, adding that a similar protest would take place Thursday in Khan Younis.
Female detainees moved to cell ‘where human beings cannot live’
3/17/2010 – Gaza – Ma’an – Fifteen female detainees at the Damon detention center in Israel were transferred to a new section that falls well below required standards, the Detainees Support Committee said. Committee spokesman Riyad Al-Ashqar said the new sector “is a place where human beings cannot live, particularly during the winter. There are no windows, no doors, and electricity wires remain uncovered, which could potentially cause a fatal accident when it rains. “Al-Ashqar added that the cells lack hot water and heaters, with no bathrooms. “The toilets are public and outside the cells. The women have limited and restricted times when they are allowed to use the facilities,” he said, describing the kitchen as “poor. “The spokesman further said detainee Wafa’ Samir Al-Lubs from the Gaza Strip was permitted to speak to her family over the phone for the first time since her detention, where she congratulated her sister on her recent wedding.
Dozens detained from Hebron refugee camp
3/17/2010 – Hebron – Ma’an – The Israeli army on Wednesday closed off the entrance to the Al-Fawar refugee camp, south of the West Bank city of Hebron, detaining dozens of its residents, security sources said. The military checkpoint at the camp’s entrance was shut down, the sources said, preventing residents from entering or leaving. Dozens were detained during the closure, and extensive searches were carried out with Israeli forces checking identity cards. The camp’s entrance leads to the Dura village in Hebron. An Israeli military spokesman said the refugee camp was not sealed off for its residents and said one Palestinian was detained “suspected of involvement in terrorist activities. “[end]
MADA condemns ‘attacks’ on Palestinian journalists
3/17/2010 – Bethlehem – Ma’an – The Palestinian Center for Development and Media Freedoms (MADA) on Tuesday strongly condemned what it termed Israeli attacks against a group of journalists in the West Bank and Jerusalem in recent days. In a statement, MADA stressed the need for Palestinian journalists to exercise their right to free expression and coverage, and called on the international community and human rights organizations to intervene. Police prevented journalists from covering clashes in the town of Al-Esawiya, near Jerusalem, on Tuesday and used force against Palestine TV cameraman Nader Pabers and Pal Media cameraman Hamza Naaji the same day, MADA said. The group also alleged that Israeli forces detained the Palestine TV crew (correspondent Haroon Amayreh, cameramen Samer Habash and Najib Sharoneh) at the Atarah checkpoint near Birzeit on Tuesday.
Why violence against women is widespread
3/17/2010 – Gaza City – IRIN – Nahla*, aged 30, from Bureij refugee camp in central Gaza, said she was physically and mentally abused for more than 10 years by her husband before being granted a divorce three months ago. Fear and cultural factors prevented her from seeking help from women’s organizations. “I never tried to go to the police to complain about my husband’s criminal acts, because he threatened to kill me if I did,” Nahla told IRIN. “And I never went to complain to any women’s rights organizations because I didn’t think they would be able to solve my problem – and I was also scared that my husband would find out. “Rights activists blame the economy, Hamas-Fatah tensions and the conflict with Israel for the rising number of cases of violence against women. Disinterest in domestic abuse by the judicial authorities and the apparent impunity of violators have made matters worse, they say.
Israel opens Gaza crossing
3/17/2010 – Gaza – Ma’an – Israeli authorities were expected to open the Kerem Shalom crossing on Wednesday to allow aid into the Gaza Strip, an official said. Palestinian liaison Raed Fattouh said approximately 93 truckloads of aid would be allowed through the terminal, Gaza’s southernmost crossing with Israel. Three trucks of flowers will be allowed out of the Strip, Fattouh added. Restricted quantities of domestic gas and industrial diesel will also enter via Kerem Shalom crossing, he said. The Karni crossing in northern Gaza will be closed, he added. [end]
Report: Israeli police to remain in state of alert
3/17/2010 – Bethlehem – Ma’an/Agencies – Israel’s increased police presence and state of alert will continue Wednesday, news reports said. The Hebrew-language daily Yedioth Ahronoth said thousands of police and Border Guard officers would remain deployed in Jerusalem. Dozens of Palestinians were injured and detained in clashes over access to holy sites on Tuesday. [end]
Egyptian forces discover 2 smuggling tunnels
3/17/2010 – Al-Arish – Ma’an – Egyptian forces on Tuesday discovered two tunnels used for smuggling goods into the Gaza Strip. Ma’an’s correspondent said both tunnels were taken over in the Salah Ad-Din area along the Gaza-Egypt border. Egyptian forces found 150 bags of charcoal ready to be smuggled into Gaza. The smugglers fled before security forces arrived. Egypt will close the tunnels with stones as they are near houses and cannot be demolished with explosives, the correspondent added. [end]
In photos: Clashes erupt south of Nablus
3/17/2010 – MaanImages / Rami Swidan – Clashes erupt between Palestinians and Israeli soldiers in the West Bank village of Beita, south of Nablus, on 17 March 2010. Israel reopened the flashpoint Al-Aqsa compound and lifted a lockdown of the occupied West Bank on Wednesday, a day after violent clashes left dozens of protesters and police officers injured. [end]
Israeli authorities release 3 Hamas affiliates
3/17/2010 – Bethlehem – Ma’an – Israeli authorities have released three Hamas-affiliated detainees, including the leader of the Al-Qassam Brigades in the West Bank, the National Detainees’ Support Committee reported Wednesday. Committee spokesman Riyad Al-Ashqar said Khaled Ibrahim Tafesh, a Hamas legislator in Bethlehem, was released after serving one year in an Israeli prison. Tafesh was detained on 19 March 2009 “as a result of the failure of prisoners to deal with the pressure of Palestinian factions to deal with the conditions of the occupation,” the spokesman said. The Palestinian Legislative Council member was transferred to administrative detention, which was renewed three consecutive times, Al-Asqar added. Fifteen Hamas-affiliated PLC members remain in Israeli custody, including Issa Ja’bari from Hebron and the former minister of prisoners affairs, Wasfi Qabaha from Jenin, whose administrative. . .
In photos: Classes held at army checkpoint
3/17/2010 – MaanImages / Khaleel Reash – Israeli soldiers prevent students and others from crossing a checkpoint between their homes and schools on the edge of the West Bank city of Qalqiliya on 17 March 2010. Some teachers used the checkpoint as a makeshift classroom and held studies despite the closure, which was linked to clashes elsewhere in the occupied territories. [end]
PJS demands an end to media shut downs
3/17/2010 – Ramallah – Ma’an – The Palestinian Journalists’ Syndicate denounced on Wednesday the closure of local TV and radio stations across the West Bank. “The closures come at a time when [caretaker] Prime Minister Salam Fayyad said freedom of speech was indefinite,” a PJS statement read, amidst the closure of two Bethlehem radio stations, Ar-Ru’ah and Al-Mahed. Several Palestinian radio and TV stations have been forced to stop broadcasting, as the Palestinian Authority set what station owners have called exorbitant licensing fees, with a failure to pay leading to their closure. The PJS called on the Ministry of Telecommunications to bring an end to the practice until an agreement is reached between station owners and the government, demanding a time-line for talks and a justification for their actions. The union said it would “struggle to restore the voice of local media,” in the midst of Israeli attacks against Palestinian media.
Haniyeh threatens religious war for Jerusalem
3/17/2010 – Gaza – Ma’an – Ismail Haniyeh, prime minister of the Gaza-based government, threatened Tuesday that a religious war will enflame Israel, calling for an Arab-Palestinian campaign to stand with Jerusalem. Speaking at a conference organized by his government in Gaza City, Haniyeh said that “what is happening now exposes the reality of Jerusalem’s future and the Jews’ plans. “ “Don’t be afraid of a religious or non-religious war, because Jerusalem will always remain Islamic,” he added, calling on the American administration to stop Israel’s “blind” policies. He added that the Americans’ relations with Israel were being tested over disagreements about settlements in occupied East Jerusalem, a few of which were announced during a vice presidential visit last week. Haniyeh said his government would follow up on all developments regarding Jerusalem and “Israeli Judaization”.
Israel condemns ‘anti-Semitic’ Hamas remarks
3/17/2010 – Bethlehem – Ma’an – Israel’s Foreign Ministry on Tuesday denounced what it termed recent anti-Semitic remarks by Hamas officials. “Israel condemns with disgust the recent contemptuous, anti-Semitic remarks of senior Hamas officials, aimed at inflaming emotions in the region,” the Israeli Ministry of Foreign Affairs said in a statement, which did not point to any specific remarks. “These tenebrous, ignorant and venomous remarks disseminated by the Hamas terror organization against Jews and Judaism, once again emphasize that Hamas is not only a violent, murderous terror organization, which has caused grief and sorrow to all nations in the region, but is also an active anti-Semitic organization whose foundation documents refer to Jews as animals and advocate the murder of Jews. “ Israel calls on intellectuals of all religions and beliefs to resolutely condemn these declarations of incitement. . . “ “
Netanyahu calls on Palestinians to negotiate
3/17/2010 – Bethlehem – Ma’an – Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu calls on Palestinians to enter peace negotiations without preconditions, his office reiterated on Tuesday. Talks are the “only way to reach an agreement that will ensure peace, security and prosperity for both peoples,” a statement from the Prime Minister’s Office said. The statement said Palestinians have raised preconditions for the resumption of the diplomatic process, such as they have not done in the past 16 years. “They are waging an assault to delegitimize Israel in international institutions via the Goldstone report. They are also continuing to incite towards hatred and violence; included in this is the decision to dedicate a square in Ramallah after the woman terrorist responsible for murdering 38 Israelis,” the statement read. Concerning possible ailing Israel-US relations, the prime minister’s office said Israel appreciated. . .
EU vows to maintain financial, political support to PA
3/17/2010 – Bethlehem – Ma’an – The European Union will continue channeling funds to the Palestinian Authority in 2010, hoping Prime Minister Salam Fayyad’s plan to build state institutions will reach its goals, EU Representative to the PA Christian Berger said Monday. “There will be a large portion of money again going to the Palestinian budget so the PA can pay salaries of employees and also can pay for poor families in the West Bank and the Gaza Strip,” Berger affirmed, speaking during an interview with Ma’an TV. “We have read very carefully, and we take very seriously Dr Fayyad’s plan to build PA institutions needed for the coming state. We are discussing and cooperating with the PA on how we can support this,” he said. However, Berger hoped the EU would not need to provide humanitarian aid as was the case in 2009 in the aftermath of the war in Gaza.
Abbas says keen to reach peace through talks
3/17/2010 – Ramallah – Ma’an – Israel must implement its commitments under the Road Map, President Mahmoud Abbas told his Brazilian counterpart in Ramallah on Wednesday. “ There is no other way to achieve peace than through negotiations,” Abbas told visiting President Luiz In?ɬ°cio Lula da Silva at his office in the central West Bank city. He added that the Ramallah-based leadership is “keen to reach peace through talks. “”We agreed to carry out indirect talks without any preconditions. We and the Israelis want to apply international legitimacy and the Road Map peace plan,” Abbas added. “Specific commitments were required of us, which we implemented. Israel has commitments that it is required to implement, the most important of which is a settlement halt in all of the Palestinian territories, including East Jerusalem,” he said. “These are international commitments that were stated in the Road Map,which the US expressed and wants. “
Oxfam: Ashton must match words with action
3/17/2010 – Bethlehem – Ma’an – Oxfam international urged EUforeign policy chief Baroness Ashton to make the immediate lifting of the Israeli-imposed blockade her top priority as she prepares to visit the Gaza Strip on Thursday. A statement from the charity commended High Representative Ashton for “demonstrating great leadership by visiting Gaza,” but added that while the EU, the largest donor to the Palestinians, has spoken out on human rights violations in the region, “it has failed to match its strong words with action. “ “Over $4 billion was pledged to assist reconstruction and development following last year’s military operation by Israel, but little of this money has been spent due to Israel’s closure policy. It is now time for the international community to put its mouth where its money is and insist that Israel fully opens all the crossings” saidOxfam International Executive Director Jeremy Hobbs.
Report: 1,300 new settlements await Netanyahu’s OK
3/17/2010 – Bethlehem – Ma’an – A new round of settlement homes in East Jerusalem are in the works, Israeli media reported on Wednesday, as the US administration awaits a response from Israel on its decision to expand a settlement in the city. The Israeli Housing Ministry plans to build 1,300 new housing units across the Pisgat Ze’ev, Nabi Yakov and Har Homa settlements, which require Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s approval, in light of the recent crisis in Israeli-US relations, the Hebrew daily Yedioth Ahronot wrote. The newspaper explained that the latest building proposal is in advanced stages, and has already received support from the regional construction committee – the execution only requires political backing, according to the daily. In December 2009, Housing Minister Ariel Itas said Israel should build on land outside of the green line, referring to a 54 housing unit expansion. . .
Peres: Previous governments built in East Jerusalem
3/17/2010 – Bethlehem – Ma’an – Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s government is not the first to build Israeli housing in occupied East Jerusalem, Israeli President Shimon Peres said Wednesday. “Previous governments built in Jewish [neighborhoods] according to the new map and avoided construction in Arab neighbors. The Palestinians and we decided to continue as such in the past until we reach an agreed upon map,” Peres said. On the issue of proximity talks, Peres said “We all prefer face to face talks, but proximity talks are preferable to no talks at all. In my opinion, proximity talks can open the path to renewing the peace negotiations. “ I can say, on this stage, to our Palestinian neighbors and to whoever is listening””Israel has already made a historic decision to establish two states for two peoples. An Arabic state named Palestine and a Jewish state named Israel. “
Abed Rabbo: National conference on Jerusalem
3/17/2010 – Ramallah – Ma’an – A conference will be held to reconcile factions on a united plan to support Jerusalem and counter Israel’s position toward the Palestinian people and holy places, PLO secretary-general Yasser Abed Rabbo said Tuesday. Abed Rabbo hinted that the Palestinian leadership in Ramallah may officially take its case to the UN Security Council seeking support for its efforts against what he termed provocative Israeli actions in Jerusalem. “ Several options are being considered to recruit more support toward ending Israeli aggression,” Abed Rabbo said. The PLO official accused Israel of foiling international, Arab, and Palestinian efforts to start a real peace process based on halting settlement construction, endorsement of the obvious bases for negotiations, ending the occupation, and the establishment of a Palestinian state.
Hamas: 10 party members arrested by PA forces
3/17/2010 – Bethlehem – Ma’an – Palestinian Authority security forces have arrested 10 Hamas members in the West Bank, the party said Wednesday. In a statement, the Islamic movement said PA forces recently detained the Hamas members in Nablus, Hebron and Qalqiliya. The detainees’ names were released to Ma’an for confirmation. The PA security establishment declared high alert following violence in East Jerusalem and the West Bank on Tuesday, the Hebrew-language daily Yedioth Ahronoth reported. A PA security source told the Israeli newspaper that “security forces are in near emergency standby, to maintain the order,” and extra police were deployed in major West Bank cities. [end]
Police destroy expired meds near Bethlehem
3/17/2010 – Bethlehem – Ma’an – Palestinian police said Wednesday that medication worth 150,000 shekels was seized in Al-Ubeidiya, near Bethlehem. A police report said that the medication, produced in Israel and abroad, did not meet minimum Health Ministry standards. A man, who was not identified, confessed to possessing the medication, which he and another suspect allegedly intended to sell in Hebron. A court sentenced the man to one month in prison, while the other suspect remained wanted, police said. [end]
Life sentence for man convicted of treason
3/17/2010 – Tulkarem – Ma’an – A Tulkarem court sentenced a Palestinian man to a life sentence with hard labor on Wednesday after he was convicted of treason and contact with an enemy state. The accused, identified only as N, 27, was sentenced for violating articles 111 and 112 of the penal code. During the trial, evidence was presented to the general attorney. The accused has the right to appeal the verdict. Justice Usama Al-Kilani presided over the hearing, with judges Ma’moun Kalash and Belal Abu Ar-Rub. The attorney general was represented by Meqdad Hattab and Rasha Mahamid. [end]
Gaza police seize 6 suspected money forgers
3/17/2010 – Gaza – Ma’an – Six Palestinian men suspected of forging US dollar bills have been detained in Rafah, police said Wednesday. In a statement, police said one suspect was arrested following a sting operation. He confessed involvement and led investigators to another suspect, 50, who was himself arrested in a separate sting in the Tel Al-Hawa neighborhood of Rafah, police said. Prosecutors issued a search warrant before the suspect was detained, after which some $6,000 worth of counterfeit 100-dollar bills were discovered under a pillow in his home. Other amounts of forged currency had blown out a window into the apartment of an uninvolved neighbor. Police found a total of 11,000 US dollars during the course of the investigation, the statement concluded. . . . .
Jordan’s Abdullah: Israel trying to rid Jerusalem of Arabs
Ha’aretz 17 Mar 2010 – Comment comes as Israel opens Temple Mount after a day of fierce clashes with rioting Palestinians.
Shalit’s father to address UN council on son’s release
Ha’aretz 17 Mar 2010 – Noam Shalit to demand the execution of the Goldstone Gaza report which calls for his son’s release.
Israeli NGO: Hamas ‘used civilians as human shields’ in Gaza
Ha’aretz 17 Mar 2010 – Goldstone report showed ‘systematic pro-Palestinian bias’, says Intelligence and Terrorism Information Center.
Report: U.S. positioning ‘bunker-busters’ for possible Iran strike
Ha’aretz 17 Mar 2010 – Sunday Herald: 387 ‘Blu’ bombs are being shipped to U.S. military base on Diego Garcia in Indian Ocean.
IDF official: Neither Israel nor PA wants violence
Ha’aretz 17 Mar 2010 – Hamas ‘day of rage’ leads to violence across Jerusalem; police chief: This will not lead to third intifada.
Egypt may try Israeli journalist for sneaking across border
Ha’aretz 17 Mar 2010 – Yotam Feldman, who also reports for Haaretz, was working on piece for Ch. 10 about illegal immigration.
IDF declares West Bank protest villages a ‘closed military area’
Ha’aretz 17 Mar 2010 – Police cite military edict restricting movement in Bil’in and and Na’alin until August.
Egypt’s wall along Gaza border nears completion
Ha’aretz 17 Mar 2010 – Smugglers dimiss attempt to seal off Hamas-ruled Gaza: ‘We’ll just tunnel deeper’.
Settlers’ call sends Palestinian shepherd to IDF beating
Ha’aretz 17 Mar 2010 – Soldiers reportedly bound and blindfolded civilian, then assaulted him repeatedly.
Iran tried to buy nuclear bomb from Pakistan as early as 1987
Ha’aretz 17 Mar 2010 – New documents reveal how a close ally of Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei bid $10bn for ready-made weapons.
IDF chief in Turkey to mend damaged ties
Ha’aretz 17 Mar 2010 – Lt. Gen. Gabi Ashkenazi’s visit is first Turkish trip by an army chief in five years.
Palestinian female detainees moved to cell ‘where human beings cannot live’
Uruknet March 17, 2010 — Fifteen female detainees at the Damon detention center in Israel were transferred to a new section that falls well below required standards, the Detainees Support Committee said. Committee spokesman Riyad Al-Ashqar said the new sector “is a place where human beings cannot live, particularly during the winter. There are no windows, no doors, and electricity wires…
‚ÄòDAY OF RAGE’ IN JERUSALEM
Uruknet March 17, 2010 – Yesterday, demonstrations were held throughout Jerusalem by Palestinians and progressive Israelis. They were protesting the growth of illegal settlements and evictions throughout the occupied eastern part of the city. One of the demonstrations was held on the campus of the Hebrew University. About 80 Palestinian students assembled peacefully outside one of the main entrances. They were…
Israeli raids targeting children
Uruknet March 17, 2010 – Silwan, Occupied East Jerusalem (IPS) – Three thousand heavily armed Israeli security service forces locked down large parts of the Old City of Jerusalem on Tuesday, as battalions of police fired rounds of tear gas and rubber-coated steel bullets at Palestinian protesters in the occupied eastern part of the city. Nearly 40 Palestinians were wounded and…
Jerusalem: A City Under Siege
Uruknet March 17, 2010 – For five days and in the context of the opening of the Hurva Synagogue in the Jewish quarter, the Old City has been turned into a city under siege. Israeli authorities have maintained a heavy military and police presence. Since Friday, a closure was imposed on the West Bank, banning the entry of West Bank permit…
Protesters say Israel fired on Gaza demonstration
Uruknet March 17, 2010 — Israeli forces opened fire during a demonstration in the northern Gaza Strip on Wednesday afternoon, protesters said. An Israeli military spokeswoman confirmed that soldiers opened fire, but said the reports were still being investigated. Abu Al-Walid Az-Zaq, member of the Popular Committee Against the Buffer Zone, said the demonstration was intended to reassert control over an…
How Iran’s Workers Fight Ahmadinejad’s Neoliberal CutbacksThe Iranian Tsunami
Uruknet When most Americans think about the recent upheavals in Iran, it is about marches demanding democracy and challenging the June 12 presidential election. March 16, 2010 – …The face of those protests is the “Green Movement”—so called because its supporters wear green—that put millions of people into the streets of Teheran and other large cities throughout the country. Largely unseen,…
The Rabbi, the Priest, the Imam and Egypt’s Steel Wall
Uruknet March 16, 2010 – THE STEEL WALL Egypt is building along its nearly nine-mile border with the Gaza Strip extends almost 60 feet underground. Its purpose is to prevent Palestinians from digging the tunnels that have become Gaza’s only lifeline. “The steel wall is a serious threat that will make life impossible for us here in Gaza,” said Abu Ayman,…
Israel-U.S. Tensions Continue to Percolate
Uruknet March 16, 2010 – Despite assurances by Secretary of State Hillary Clinton Tuesday that the United States and Israel share a “close, unshakeable bond”, the week-old crisis between the two allies continued to percolate here Tuesday. Washington cancelled a planned trip to the region by its special Middle East peace envoy, while its top regional military commander warned that the…
Simon Wiesenthal Center launches PR campaign to whitewash Jerusalem desecration
Uruknet March 16, 2010 – More grotesque news. At a time when Israel has declared two sites in the Occupied Palestinian Territories to be Jewish heritage sites, showing that it has no sign of creating any kind of viable Palestinian state, grim tidings from Haaretz: A rabbi declares that work is going to begin on the Simon Wiesenthal Museum of Tolerance…
Letter to Rachel Corrie’s family and Washington State legislators
Uruknet March 16, 2010 – …This coming March 16 will be the seventh anniversary of Israel’s deliberate murder of a 23 year old young idealist college student from Olympia, Washington named Rachel Corrie. Her story and the shocking photos of her murder can be found in the links below. For seven years Israel has denied and falsified the story of this…
PFLP: Meet occupation’s settlement crimes in Jerusalem with popular revolt
Uruknet March 16, 2010 – The Popular Front for the Liberation of Palestine called on March 16, 2009 to confront the occupation’s campaign of settlement and Judaization of Jerusalem with a popular uprising that can pave the way for an alternative strategy and a unified national leadership. Only a mass popular mobilization can fully meet the challenges imposed by the occupation’s…
’Israeli Government knew of Jewish terrorist’s plan to open fire on Shfaram bus’
Uruknet March 16, 2010 – Newly discovered footage of a terrorist attack perpetrated by an Israel Defense Forces soldier in the Arab town of Shfaram five years ago indicates that authorities were aware of plans to commit the attack, a lawyer representing Israeli Arabs suspected of taking part in the subsequent lynching of the gunman said Sunday. In August 2005, Eden…
’Brand Israel’ struggles to fight tarnished image
Israel, March 17, 2010 (Pal Telegraph; reprinted from The Nation, by Neve Gordon) – Seven years ago, Rachel Corrie was crushed to death by a Caterpillar D9R Israeli bulldozer while nonviolently protesting the demolition of Palestinian homes in Rafah, Gaza Strip, along with other members of the International Solidarity Movement (ISM). Now her parents, sister and brother are suing the…
Canada joins US in criticizing Israeli settlement expansion
Toronto, Canada, March 17, 2010 (Pal Telegraph; reprinted from The Globe and Mail) – Canadian Foreign Affairs Minister Lawrence Cannon is taking a harder line against Israel’s controversial decision to build settlements in East Jerusalem and now says he condemns the plan. That’s the strongest language to date by a Conservative cabinet minister against Israel. It comes in response to…
Group protests transfer of Palestinian children to Israeli jails
West Bank, March 17, 2010 (Pal Telegraph) – Defense for Children International (DCI) is issuing an urgent appeal for international action on behalf of Palestinian children who have been transferred to Israeli jails. On or about March 8, the organization reports, Israeli authorities transferred at least seven Palestinian children from Ofer Prison, in the West Bank, to Rimonim Prison, inside…
Gazans demonstrate near Gaza-Israel border
Gaza, March 17, 2010 (Pal Telegraph) – Hundreds of Palestinians demonstrated on Wednesday near the Gaza-Israel border. The demonstrators protested against Israeli measures in East Jerusalem and the no-go 300-meter-wide buffer zone Israel declared along its border with Gaza. Leftist parties organized the peaceful demonstration, which inspired similar demonstrations in the West Bank. The demonstrators gathered near Nahal Oz Crossing…
Settlers attack village near Nablus
West Bank, March 17, 2010 (Pal Telegraph)- Extremist settlers attacked on Wednesday a number of residents of Deir Al-Hatab village east of Nablus, in the northern West Bank. Ghassan Douglas, an official in the Nablus office of the Palestinian Authority, said: “A number of villagers went to a spring – the village’s major source of water – and a group…
Jerusalem back to normal after riots but tension still simmers
The National 17 Mar 2010 – Spread of settlements and marginalising of Palestinian residents seen as part of plan to present a Judaised’ city and forestall talks.
Moderate pro-Israel lobbyists energised by tougher White House rhetoric
The National 17 Mar 2010 – The emerging moderate Israel lobby in Washington seeks to counter hawkish groups that have long dominated the discourse.
Jerusalem’s day of rage’
The National 17 Mar 2010 – Peace envoy Mitchell cancels visit but Israel defiant in rift with US as violent clashes rock East Jerusalem.
Dated Power Grid Hampers Israeli Renewable Energy Plans
The Media Line 16 Mar 2010 – Expert says national power grid incapable of meeting Israeli Minister of Environment’s renewable energy targets. In February Israeli Minister of National Infrastructure Uzi Landau announced that by 2020, 10 percent of Israel’s energy needs will come…
Rising Rhetoric in Israel-U.S. Tensions
The Media Line 16 Mar 2010 – In a sign that the heightened tensions between the U.S. and Israel have not subsided, Israeli Prime Minister Binyamin Netanyahu’s brother-in-law Hagi Ben Artzi opened the morning by appearing on Israeli national radio accusing U.S. President…
Netanyahu’s Son Wins Bible Quiz
The Media Line 16 Mar 2010 – Another Netanyahu family member was headline news in Israel on Wednesday: 16-year-old Avner Netanyahu. Perhaps not the orator that his father is, Netanyahu’s youngest son sure knows how to recite the Jewish bible. Avner Netanyahu, 16,…
Lula criticises Israeli policies
AlJazeera 17 Mar 2010 – Settlements and separation barrier are obstacles to peace, says Brazilian president.
Tensions persist in West Bank
AlJazeera 17 Mar 2010 – Palestinians clash with Israeli police who remain heavily deployed despite lifting of closure.
Alternative Information Center
It is Time to Hear the Palestinian People
Alternative Information Center – Tuesday, 16 March 2010, Israel’s dangerous and arrogant escalation in settlement building, house demolitions and evictions of Palestinian families in East Jerusalem indicates that the government of Netanyahu-Lieberman’s is pushing for overt clash and conflict— and…
World Education Forum in Palestine Launched
Alternative Information Center – Tuesday, 16 March 2010, The Palestinian National Committee in charge of the preparations of the World Social Forum on Education hosted a delegation of the International Advisory Committee of the World Social Forum in Ramallah from…
AIC Participates in Moroccan Social Forum for Another World
Alternative Information Center – Tuesday, 16 March 2010, Seven hundred people attended the 5th Moroccan Social Forum, held in Bouznika, near Casablanca, from 5-7 March 2010. The Alternative Information Center (AIC) and the Teachers’ Creativity Centre from Palestine joined the…
Jail ordeal of hundreds of Palestinian children arrested for throwing stones
PNN – Wednesday, 17 March 2010
US special MiddleEast envoy delays trip to Israel
PNN – Wednesday, 17 March 2010
Jerusalem’s ‘day of rage’
PNN – Wednesday, 17 March 2010
Tensions persist in the West Bank
PNN – Wednesday, 17 March 2010
Peres: Israel, US both wish to move past tensions
Jeruslalem Post 17 Mar 2010 –
Analysis: Hamas leaders fan the flames of Islamic anger following ‘Day of Rage’
Jeruslalem Post 17 Mar 2010 – Hamas seeks to supplant the West Bank Palestinian Authority of Mahmoud Abbas and Salam Fayyad.
Palestinian director arrested at Jaffa rally
Jeruslalem Post 17 Mar 2010 – Local community leaders say ‚Äòthird intifada’ not imminent.
Journalist: Obama wants Livni in coalition
Jeruslalem Post 17 Mar 2010 – Reporter close to US president says Washington trying to get Kadima into gov’t.
Inner cabinet seeks way out of crisis
Jeruslalem Post 17 Mar 2010 – Netanyahu meets with ministers after reportedly being told by White House that Israel must respond to demands before any high level meetings.
’Don’t count on Jewish Obama voters’
Jeruslalem Post 17 Mar 2010 – Netanyahu’s brother says US must stay out of J’lem issue; PM disagrees.
Arab faith in Obama fading
Jeruslalem Post 17 Mar 2010 – Skepticism about Washington’s hard line towards J’lem undermines front against Iran
Yesha sends Clinton protest letter
Jeruslalem Post 17 Mar 2010 – After J’lem building row, settler council says capital will never be divided.
Ashton: J’lem issue must be resolved
Jeruslalem Post 17 Mar 2010 – EU official urges 2 sides to begin talks; FM stresses Jews’ right to capital.
WORLD CUP: But South Africa Will Win
IPS JERUSALEM, Mar 17 (IPS) – Less than a hundred days to go, and the world looks on, often more with scepticism than anticipation.
MIDEAST: Israel-U.S. Tensions Continue to Percolate
IPS WASHINGTON, Mar 16 (IPS) – Despite assurances by Secretary of State Hillary Clinton Tuesday that the United States and Israel share a “close, unshakeable bond”, the week-old crisis between the two allies continued to percolate here Tuesday.
Armed Clashes in Jabalya and Explosion in Police Station in Gaza City
PCHR 16 Mar 2010 – Field Update Yesterday, armed clashes took place in Jabalya refugee camp in the northern Gaza Strip, due to which a gunman was wounded. In a separate incident, unknown persons detonated a bomb near the Sheikh Radwan police station without injuries. These incidents are part of the ongoing state of security chaos and….
Civilian Kidnapped and Tortured by Unknown Persons
PCHR 16 Mar 2010 – Field Update On Sunday, 14 March 2010, unknown gunmen kidnapped Salah Mohammed al-Masri, 38, in Gaza city. They led him to an unknown destination and violently beat him. According to investigations conducted by the Palestinian Centre for Human Rights (PCHR), at approximately 21:30 on Sunday, 14 March 2010, Salah al-Masri, an n employee in….
International Solidarity Movement
Israel’s repression leaves dozens wounded in Jerusalem
3/18/2010 – International Solidarity Movement – In reaction to the blanket West Bank closure and Israel’s severe limitation of entrance into Al-Aqsa Mosque, demonstrations spread through Jerusalem. Police and soldiers used percussion grenades, tear gas, rubber bullets and physical assaults in an attempt to quell Palestinians show of disdain. Confrontations were reported in Isawiya and Wadi-Joz. Reports claimed that nearly 100 demonstrators were injured (about 25 seriously) and over 70 arrested. An ominous and anticipatory air hung over the Old City on Tuesday. The normal banter of the Muslim quarter was replaced with closed shops and anxious stares. This was in response to Israel’s closure of much of the Old City. This closure only extended to Palestinians attempting to pray at the holy site. Tourists and Israeli school children were allowed free reign within its walls.
Obama: ‘No crisis’ in U.S. ties with Israel
Ha’aretz 17 Mar 2010 – U.S. envoy may arrive in Israel Sunday after canceling earlier visit as diplomatic row shows signs of ending.
U.S. to pursue ‘aggresive’ Iran sanctions, Obama vows
Ha’aretz 17 Mar 2010 – Iranian attempts to acquire a bomb could spark nuclear arms race in the Middle East, president warns.
U.S.-Israel tensions ignite ‘war of words’ amongst Israel lobbies
Ha’aretz 17 Mar 2010 – Dovish lobby J Street says hawkish Israel supporters are using recent tensions to attack Obama.
U.S. general: Israel-Palestinian conflict foments anti-U.S. sentiment
Ha’aretz 17 Mar 2010 – General Petraeus: Conflict presents distinct challenges to our ability to advance U.S. interests.
U.S.: Turkey must back Iran nuclear sanctions
Ha’aretz 17 Mar 2010 – State Deptartment: Many would be disappointed if Turkey is an exception to a consensus on Iran.
Brazil President in West Bank: I dream of a free Palestine
Ha’aretz 17 Mar 2010 – Brazil President meets with Abbas, lays wreath at Arafat’s grave after row over refusal to visit Herzl’s tomb.
It’s too bad Netanyahu and Obama didn’t stop and think first
Ha’aretz 17 Mar 2010 – Netanyahu and Obama are like heroes in a Greek tragedy, waiting for the inevitable confrontation.
Peres: We want U.S. ties to return to positive state
Ha’aretz 17 Mar 2010 – Netanyahu and Biden speak on phone; Oren denies saying ties between the two countries at low point.
Netanyahu’s brother-in-law: Obama is an anti-Semite
Ha’aretz 17 Mar 2010 – Dr. Hagai Ben-Artzi told Army Radio the U.S. president will be long forgotten in a year or two.
Netanyahu to Clinton: Israel has proven its commitment to peace
Ha’aretz 17 Mar 2010 – Clinton dismisses suggestions of crisis in Israel ties; U.S. envoy Mitchell postpones visit to region.
Nazi veterans in Latvia march to remember fallen comrades
Ha’aretz 17 Mar 2010 – Latvian capital splits, as dozens cheer on Nazi vets, alongside hecklers shouting ‘Nazis get out of Latvia.’
UN chief chides Lieberman for breaching confidentiality of talks
Ha’aretz 17 Mar 2010 – Lieberman tells Ban that Israel seeks more objectivity from world instead of pressure and demands.
VIDEO / Egypt president shown on TV for first time since surgery
Ha’aretz 17 Mar 2010 – Hosni Mubarak, 81, had his gallbladder removed last week stirring rumors about the seriousness of his condition.
IN PICTURES / Danish artist dresses her baby as Hitler, exploring the meaning of evil
Ha’aretz 17 Mar 2010 – Exhibit by Nina Maria Kleivan also includes her daughter in costumes depicting Mussolini, Milosevic and Stalin.
Israel’s Titanic moment: Does Obama want Bibi’s head?
Ha’aretz 17 Mar 2010 – With Hamas at the gates of J’lem, the U.S. has begun to treat the Netanyahu gov’t as if it were Hamas.
Jerusalem issue ‘a red line’, says Jordan’s king
The Guardian 17 Mar 2010 – King Abdullah, a close ally of the US and Britain, demanded firm action to stop Israel’s provocative measures and threats against Muslim holy sites King Abdullah of Jordan added to pressure on Israel over its settlements…
Crisis in US-Israeli relations: Barack Obama must not back down | Editorial
The Guardian 17 Mar 2010 – Mr Netanyahu’s coalition went too far even for a pliant US president. And Mr Obama is not that He blinked once and he can not afford to blink again. The most serious crisis in US-Israeli relations…
Jonathan Freedland on US putting more pressure on Israel over Palestinians
The Guardian 17 Mar 2010 – Jonathan Freedland on the US putting more pressure on Israel over Palestinians Jonathan Freedland
Hillary Clinton piles pressure on Israel over East Jerusalem settlements
The Guardian 17 Mar 2010 – US secretary of state says onus is on Israel to restart peace process as Israeli soldiers clash with Palestinians The US secretary of state, Hillary Clinton, today demonstrated a new-found steeliness towards Israel by making it…
Israel slapped America — and may have jolted Obama awake | Jonathan Freedland
The Guardian 17 Mar 2010 – The row over Joe Biden’s visit gives Washington the chance to dispense with endless talks about talks and push for real peace Things might get tense in the green room next week at the Walter E…
Jerusalem: Palestinians and Israeli forces clash in streets
The Guardian 16 Mar 2010 – The streets in and around the old city of East Jerusalem are the site of conflict between Israeli police on what they call a ‘day of rage’. Dozens of rock-throwing Palestinians confront police in several locations…
Pass notes No 2,746: Binyamin Netanyahu
The Guardian 16 Mar 2010 – The Israeli prime minister is embroiled in an international crisis Age: 60. Appearance: Statesmanlike. Great, another middle-aged man in a suit. This one’s prime minister of Israel, isn’t he? Or is that Benjamin Netanyahu? They’re the…
’Day of rage’ in East Jerusalem
The Guardian 16 Mar 2010 – Dozens of Palestinian stone-throwers clash with Israeli police in East Jerusalem on a ‘day of rage’ declared by Hamas Islamists in protest at Israel’s consecration of an ancient synagogue in the city
Violent clashes erupt in East Jerusalem as synagogue reopens
The Guardian 16 Mar 2010 – Hamas begin ‘day of rage’ as US envoy postpones visit in protest over settlement policy Israeli-Palestinian tensions erupted into violence today with clashes in East Jerusalem as the US postponed a visit by its Middle East…
Ian Black on relations between Israel and the USA said to be the worst in thirty years
The Guardian 16 Mar 2010 – Ian Black on relations between Israel and the USA said to be the worst in thirty years Ian Black
Ancient ruin thought to be a synagogue may be a Muslim site
Ha’aretz 17 Mar 2010 – Israeli archaeologists have announced that ruins long thought to be of an ancient synagogue are actually the remains of a palace built by Arab caliphs 1,300 years ago. …
Israel Railways officials charged over fatal train crash
Ha’aretz 17 Mar 2010 – The state prosecutor for the central region on Wednesday brought charges against senior officials in the Israel Railways over a 2006 accident, in which five people were killed and another 80 injured. …
A first look at the Simpsons’ upcoming visit to Israel
Ha’aretz 17 Mar 2010 – The first images from the upcoming episode of The Simpsons, in which the animated family visits Israel, were released this week after six months of …
Court intervenes after Jewish town refuses Bedouin family
Ha’aretz 17 Mar 2010 – For three years, a Bedouin family has been waiting to move to the house they rented on Moshav Nevatim in the northern Negev. The moshav secretariat demanded the family appear before a selection committee, and the Be’er Sheva District Court ruled the demand irrelevant. However, the Supreme Court hinted last week it may overturn this ruling and allow the moshav committee meeting, angering both the Jewish landlord and would-be tenant. A decision is expected in the next few days. …
Finance Ministry to pay NIS 32m to 20,000 Holocaust survivors
Ha’aretz 17 Mar 2010 – The Finance Ministry will compensate some 20,000 Holocaust survivors with NIS 32 million, the director of the ministry’s Authority for Holocaust Survivors’ Rights announced this week. The ministry will pay NIS 30 million as part of reforms aimed at raising survivors’ living standards, and NIS 2 million as reimbursement for money the ministry collected directly from survivors’ accounts after claiming it had been paid out in error. …
Iraq: Humanitarian Needs Persist
Relief Web 17 Mar 2010 – Source: Refugees International
Al Mezan Condemns Internal Attacks in Gaza; Gaza Government Obligated to Investigate, Prosecute Perpetrators
Relief Web 17 Mar 2010 – Source: Al Mezan Center for Human Rights
Conference de presse du Secretaire general des Nations Unies, M. Ban Ki-moon, 16 mars 2010
Relief Web 17 Mar 2010 – Source: UN Secretary-General
Press Conference by Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon at United Nations Headquarters, 16 March 2010
Relief Web 16 Mar 2010 – Source: UN Secretary-General
Obama says Israel home plans not helpful for peace
YNet News 17 Mar 2010 – In first reference to recent dispute over 1,600 new housing units near east Jerusalem, US president points finger at Interior Minister Yishai, but says issue has not led to a crisis with between countries. ‘Friends are going to disagree sometimes,’ he states
Kadima MK organizes petition for Netanyahu
YNet News 17 Mar 2010 – MK Schneller, Land of Israel Lobby call on prime minister to reject US demands, continue building in Jerusalem
Dahlan to Hamas: Join forces against Israel
YNet News 17 Mar 2010 – Fatah strongman, considered bitter enemy of organization controlling Gaza, calls for joint struggle in order to ‘defend the holy sites, in light of the attack on Jerusalem’. Negotiations with Israel ended before they even began, he adds
Jaffa: Dozens protest against ‘Judaization of Jerusalem’
YNet News 17 Mar 2010 – Arabs, left-wing activists hold rally in support of east Jerusalem residents. Event’s organizer detained for questioning by police
Top ministers debate US crisis
YNet News 17 Mar 2010 – Seven-minister forum convenes for series of meetings into the night to discuss Israeli response to demands made by Secretary of State Clinton, including halting construction in Jerusalem. PM Netanyahu to leave for Washington on Sunday; meetings with senior administration officials have yet to be scheduled
Rightists to march in Silwan despite tensions
YNet News 17 Mar 2010 – Police approve parade of 70 people along 400 meters in east Jerusalem neighborhood even after Palestinian ‘day of rage’
Testimony: Schoolhouse still in ruins, a year after Cast Lead
14 Mar 2010 – Beit Lahiya lies near the northern border of the Gaza Strip, where Israel began its invasion in Operation Cast Lead. Pupils of a school in the town that suffered heavy fire are still studying among the ruins, as the Israeli siege is preventing reconstruct
Israel reopens Al-Aqsa Mosque compound after Jerusalem riots
Daily Star 17 Mar 2010 OCCUPIED JERUSALEM: Israel reopened the flashpoint Al-Aqsa Mosque compound on Wednesday as calm largely returned to occupied East Jerusalem one day after the holy city saw the heaviest Palestinian rioting in years. Tensions also appeared to be easing between Israel and the US after a bitter diplomatic row erupted over new
UK, France, Germany seek action against Iran censorship
Daily Star 17 Mar 2010 PARIS: Britain, France and Germany asked the EU on Wednesday to take measures to curb Iran’s ability to censor domestic opposition and to jam foreign satellite broadcasts.In a joint letter to EU foreign affairs chief Catherine Ashton, the three countries’ foreign ministers called for tighter limits on sales of technology that could be used by Iran for repression
Erdogan dangles threat to expel Armenians after ‘genocide’ votes
Daily Star 17 Mar 2010 ANKARA: Turkey’s premier has threatened to expel thousands of illegal Armenian immigrants after US and Swedish lawmakers passed votes branding World War I-era killings of Armenians by Ottoman Turks as genocide. Turkey, a NATO member and candidate to join the European Union, recalled its ambassadors to Washington and Stockholm after the
Iran ready for one-shot nuclear-fuel exchange
Daily Star 17 Mar 2010 TEHRAN: Iran has said it is ready for a one-shot nuclear fuel exchange on its own soil, edging closer to the conditions of a plan drawn up by the UN atomic watchdog last year as major powers mulled a new round of sanctions.Iran’s atomic chief Ali Akbar Salehi revealed the new offer in an interview published by hardline daily Jawan on
Jordan premier, ministers to get salary cut
Daily Star 17 Mar 2010 AMMAN: Cash-strapped Jordan has decided to cut the monthly salaries of the prime minister and the 28 members of his government by 20 percent to face an economic crisis, an official said on Wednesday. “The council of ministers decided at a meeting on Tuesday to cut the monthly salaries of the prime minister and the ministers by 20 percent as part of austerity measures to face the economic crisis
Gazans find glimmer of luxury in thriving gold bazaar
Daily Star 17 Mar 2010 GAZA CITY: Gaza’s borders are closed and its economy in shambles, but the glittering alleys of the territory’s centuries-old gold bazaar are packed with young brides to be.The market has experienced an unlikely renaissance in recent years as Gaza’s Islamist Hamas rulers have championed weddings and Israeli closures have crippled the economy
Yemen Houthi rebels free scores of prisoners
Daily Star 17 Mar 2010 SANAA: Yemeni Shiite rebels freed at least 170 government soldiers and tribal fighters on Wednesday after Sanaa accused them of dragging their feet on implementing a truce deal to end a northern war, both sides said. The move came a day after a top Yemeni security body said the rebels were not fully complying with a deal struck in February to end a conflict
Palestinian Information Center
Abu Marzouk champions broad plan to preserve holy sites
PIC 17 Mar 2010 – Dr. Mousa Abu Marzouk has advocated a Pan-Arab plan to support steadfastness of Jerusalemites in their city, warning that statements would be of no value.
Three Islamic leaders freed from Zionist jails
PIC 17 Mar 2010 – The Israeli occupation authorities have freed three Islamic leaders from the West Bank after holding them hostages for prolonged periods.
Abu Sha’ar: The US state department blessed the ruin synagogue building
PIC 17 Mar 2010 – Dr. Taleb Abu Sha’ar stated that the US state department blessed the Israeli step to build the ruin synagogue near the Aqsa Mosque and demanded the PA to put an end to the incitement in Jerusalem.
Settlers’ attacks on Palestinians soar in March
PIC 17 Mar 2010 – The Jewish settlers’ attacks on Palestinian citizens and property recorded an unprecedented hike during the current month of March, the civilian administration of the IOA said.
Joint IOF-PA patrols in Salfit
PIC 17 Mar 2010 – Palestinians in Salfit were angered over the sight of joint patrols of the IOF and militias of the PA in Ramallah in their streets at a time the IOA was embarking on judaization of occupied Jerusalem.
Ashaal: The only option to save the Aqsa Mosque is resistance
PIC 17 Mar 2010 – Egyptian professor of political science Abdullah Al-Ashaal stated Wednesday that the only option to save the Aqsa Mosque from Judaization is the resistance.
Bardawil: The PA intent to hold a meeting on J’lem bid to spruce up its image
PIC 17 Mar 2010 – Dr. Salah Al-Bardawil described the declared intention of the PA to call for a national meeting to form a unified position on how to support occupied Jerusalem as an attempt to spruce up its image.
Qaddoumi: Abbas implements a Zio-American agenda
PIC 17 Mar 2010 – Farouk Al-Qaddoumi, the head of the political department of the PLO, on Tuesday launched a scathing attack on Mahmoud Abbas, saying he implements a Zio-American agenda.
New housing units in occupied Jerusalem
PIC 17 Mar 2010 – The planning and construction committee in the Israeli controlled municipality of Jerusalem has endorsed new building plans in a number of suburbs in eastern Jerusalem.
Khudari urges Ashton to find a solution to Gaza electricity problem
PIC 17 Mar 2010 – MP Jamal Al-Khudari on Wednesday urged Catherine Ashton, the EU foreign affairs chief, to solve the Gaza electricity problem by returning to the old system of direct payment of fuel cost.
World’s richest man happy to be in Lebanon, not shelling out
LA Times 17 Mar 2010 –
Palestinians must not stay on the sidelines, official says
LA Times 17 Mar 2010 – Mustafa Barghouti, a member of the PLO, sees a weakening of the Palestinian Authority over the hobbled peace process and is skeptical that the U.S. will keep the pressure on Israel. Almost overshadowed in the recent days of diplomatic tussle between the U.S. and Israel is the Palestinian Authority, whose leaders have been watching with concern — and perhaps a little amusement. It’s not often Palestinians get to see the U.S. and Israel clash so publicly.
Anger builds over Israel housing
LA Times 17 Mar 2010 – Palestinians clash with police in Jerusalem, and the U.S. puts off a visit. Reporting from Washington and Jerusalem Paul Richter — With anger over Israeli building plans stoking tensions about the future of Jerusalem’s holy sites, violence spilled into the streets Tuesday in a string of clashes between Palestinians and Israeli police that injured more than 100 people.
Israel lifts some curbs on Palestinian movement
LA Times 17 Mar 2010 – Thousands of police remain on alert, but closure of the West Bank is called off and access to Jerusalem’s holiest shrine is granted. Israel on Wednesday lifted its tight restrictions on Palestinian access to Jerusalem’s holiest shrine and called off an extended West Bank closure after days of clashes between Palestinians and Israeli security forces.
More than 100 injured in ‘Day of Rage’ Israeli-Palestinian clashes
LA Times 16 Mar 2010 – Palestinians fueled by anger over what they see as Israeli expansions into Palestinian-dominated areas clash with police in East Jerusalem. Rising political and religious tensions in Jerusalem spilled into the streets Tuesday with a string of clashes between Palestinians and Israeli police that left more than 100 people injured.
Israel rejects U.S. calls to halt East Jerusalem plan
LA Times 16 Mar 2010 – Prime Minister Netanyahu says construction will go ahead, despite a diplomatic flap. A day after trying to ease tensions, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Monday rejected U.S. demands to end the construction of new housing units in disputed East Jerusalem, leaving the two allies in the middle of an increasingly uncomfortable diplomatic feud.
News Analysis: Opportunity in a Fight With Israel
New York Times 17 Mar 2010 – A dispute could shore up President Obama’s credibility as a peacemaker by showing that he has the fortitude to push Israelis and Palestinians toward an agreement.
Israelis Resist U.S. Demands on Building in Jerusalem
New York Times 17 Mar 2010 – Israel said it would reject U.S. demands and expressed anger over the public upbraiding of the prime minister.
Iran Unlikely to Develop a Nuclear Weapon This Year, Petraeus Says
New York Times 16 Mar 2010 – Gen. David H. Petraeus said the country still remained the greatest threat to stability in the Middle East and Central Asia.
NPR’s Robert Siegel opens a door I want to go through
Mondoweiss – 17 Mar 2010 – Why is Martin Indyk saving Americans, and Netanyahu, too, from Netanyahu’s brother-in-law’s statement that Obama is “anti-semitic”? On NPR tonight, Indyk was interviewed by Robert Siegel, and described Netanyahu’s “ chevra — the people he lives with—” as hardline Zionist rightwing ideologues. For instance, Bibi’s brother-in-law,…
TNR says it’s Obama who’s endangering Israeli lives
Mondoweiss – 17 Mar 2010 – Sober Yossi Klein Halevi (a favorite of Isabel Kershner’s in the New York Times ) writing in the New Republic about the new blood libel, the idea that Israel’s brutal occupation is in any way, shape, fashion or form, endangering American security: The administration, according to a…
Switcheroo at Khalil Gibran school prompts call for Almontaser’s re-appointment
Mondoweiss – 17 Mar 2010 – Communities in Support of the Khalil Gibran International Academy responds to the news that the current principal of the Arab-language public school, Holly Anne Reichert, is stepping down to make way for a principal at another public school to take over the job: Beshir Abdelatiff. What…
Special relationship is melting in the sun
Mondoweiss – 17 Mar 2010 – Rasmussen poll, reported by Jay Bookman, Atlanta Journal-Constitution : 49 percent of Americans believe that “Israel (should) be required to stop building new settlements in occupied Palestinian territory,” while only 22 percent believe it should not. That represents a strong endorsement of the position taken by the…
Mearsheimer: the lobby can’t hide the fact it is siding with Israel against the US president
Mondoweiss – 17 Mar 2010 – John Mearsheimer at LRB says one great thing about the contretemps is that it has forced the lobby out into the open, taking a stand against the US president and still claiming that it is operating in the American interest: Siding with Israel against the United…
Border Police Critically Injures 14 Year Old in Nabi Saleh Demonstration
Alternative Information Center – 17 Mar 2010 – Saturday, 06 March 2010, The 14 year old boy was critically injured during a demonstration in the West Bank village of Nabi Saleh against creeping land grab by the adjacent Jewish-only settlement of Halamish.
Condolences
Alternative Information Center – 17 Mar 2010 – Monday, 08 March 2010, The Alternative Information Center shares in the deep sorrow of veteran staff member Bryan Atinsky, at the tragic and untimely loss of his wife, Dr. Efrat Gamliel-Atinsky, children Noam (5) and Ya’ari (8 months) Gamliel-Atinsky and mother-in-law Esther Gamliel, in a car…
World Education Forum in Palestine Launched
Alternative Information Center – 17 Mar 2010 – Tuesday, 16 March 2010, The Palestinian National Committee in charge of the preparations of the World Social Forum on Education hosted a delegation of the International Advisory Committee of the World Social Forum in Ramallah from March 11 -13. Together they launched the organizing process that…
AIC Participates in Moroccan Social Forum for Another World
Alternative Information Center – 17 Mar 2010 – Tuesday, 16 March 2010, Seven hundred people attended the 5th Moroccan Social Forum, held in Bouznika, near Casablanca, from 5-7 March 2010. The Alternative Information Center (AIC) and the Teachers’ Creativity Centre from Palestine joined the meeting; the friendly and helpful atmosphere among the participants,…
It is Time to Hear the Palestinian People
Alternative Information Center – 17 Mar 2010 – Tuesday, 16 March 2010, Israel’s dangerous and arrogant escalation in settlement building, house demolitions and evictions of Palestinian families in East Jerusalem indicates that the government of Netanyahu-Lieberman’s is pushing for overt clash and conflict— and demonstrates that it has absolutely no real…
Articles
The Failure of the American and Israeli Peace Organizations
Jerome Slater, Israeli Occupation Archive 3/12/2010
The prospects for a settlement of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict have never been worse, primarily because of the rightward shift of the Israeli government and public opinion and, secondarily, because of the end of hopes that the United States would help “save Israel from itself.” And yes, I assign little or no responsibility to the Palestinians: they are the victims not the perpetrators; the Palestinian political leadership in the West Bank has never been more impressive and more anxious for a two-state peace settlement; and contrary to the standard but ill-informed view, there are strong indications that in the context of a complete Israeli withdrawal from the occupied territories and an end to the economic siege and all other forms of Israeli oppression of the Palestinians, Hamas in Gaza would agree to a long-term “truce” that in all likelihood would become a permanent two-state settlement.
Is there any hope at all? The best chance for peace, of course, would be a sea-change within the Israeli public. However, Israeli peace groups have not succeeded in convincing mainstream opinion that their country’s policies are both a moral and a long-term security disaster. For this reason, many on the Israeli left have long hoped for—sometimes surreptitiously, and sometimes quite openly—serious American pressures on Israel to agree to a just and viable peace settlement.
However, the Obama administration’s abandonment of its mild initial efforts to persuade Israel to change its policies has now dashed those hopes and in the absence of a major shift in public and congressional attitudes, there is no chance of change in the traditional US policies of near-unconditional support of Israel. Consequently, the primary function of the leading U.S. peace groups—Americans for Peace Now (APN) and, more recently, J Street.—must be to persuade American opinion that those traditional policies are detrimental both to the best interests of Israel and U.S. national interests. — See also:Sourcemore..e-mail
The time is not right for a new intifada
Nasser Lahham, Ma’an News Agency 3/16/2010
Bethlehem – Ma’an – It has become obvious that Israeli assaults against the Palestinian people, their holy places, and freedoms have become intolerable. It is also clear that no tranquilizers can prevent a new intifada against settlers in the West Bank and the occupied capital of Palestine, East Jerusalem. Those who fail to understand the might of logic will understand the logic of might.
Nevertheless, before taking an official decision to launch a new intifada, Palestinian civil society and popular leaders should deeply consider internal and external factors in order to avoid improvisation and chaos. An important factor to be taken into account is the atmosphere at an international, Islamic, Arab, Palestinian, and Israeli level.
Internationally, all countries in the world agree that the establishment of a Palestinian state on the territories occupied in 1967 has become a necessity. Thus, they support the Palestinian Authority financially, logistically, and politically in establishing a state, and under these conditions it is more a US interest than a Palestinian, Arab, and Islamic one. In this regard, it should be pointed out that the only obstacle impeding this achievement is the right-wing Israeli government led by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.
At an Islamic level, there are two aspect to be considered: Iranian nuclear armament, and the alternative peace plan suggested by Shimon Peres, who proposed normalization with 58 Muslim countries. The two aspects may be implemented simultaneously.
At an Arab level, the coming Arab League summit should not be counted on to end Hamas-Fatah rivalry or to wage war against Israel. Yet, an Arab vision should be declared, even if it is simply boasting, and this vision should publicly call for toppling Netanyahu’s government and divestment from Israel. If the Arabs succeed in making this declaration, we will be grateful and thankful.more..e-mail
The Break on Palestine
David Bromwich, The Huffington Post, International Solidarity Movement 3/17/2010
To wipe the spit off his face, Biden had to say it was only rain.” The Israeli journalist Akiva Eldar was tapping a vein of bitter Jewish wit when he wrote those words about the humiliation of the vice president on his recent state-visit to Israel. Trust a weakling, the saying goes: if you spit in his face he’ll just pretend it was rain. Last week, an American leader finally chose not to pretend.
Before Biden issued his rebuke to a prime minister who forgot the second rule of diplomacy — when you undermine a friend, have the decency to wait till he waves goodbye — he had offered the traditional performance of an American dignitary in Israel. Thus in response to the unctuous platitudes of Shimon Peres, Biden had actually said:”It’s good to be home.” A crazy thing for an American to say outside America. But in the context of our relations to Israel over the past thirty years, such a remark is almost par-for-the course. It shows how reckless American mainstream opinion had grown in its indulgence of all things relating to Israel. It had reached the point where a reflex avowal of false nostalgia was taken as the simplicity of good manners. An American politician in Israel is routinely expected to show more piety for Tel Aviv than for Plymouth Rock.
The sentiment of “home” dished up by the vice president and the graceless insult with which it was met by the Israeli prime minister also reflect a political background. The United States had recently assisted Israel in its attempt to suppress the facts and discredit the findings of the Goldstone Report. The effort had several steps, all of them brutal. First there was the character assassination of Judge Goldstone. A South African Jew, a renowned authority on international law, who had presided over the trial of Slobodan Milosevic and whose probity had never been called into question in Israel, Goldstone was reviled in terms of abuse that would normally be leveled against a gutter anti-Semite….. — See also:Sourcemore..e-mail
Why violence against Palestinian women is widespread
Electronic Intifada: 17 Mar 2010 – GAZA CITY, occupied Gaza Strip (IRIN) – Nahla (not her real name), aged 30, from Bureij refugee camp in central Gaza, said she was physically and mentally abused for more than ten years by her husband before being granted a divorce three months ago. Fear and cultural factors prevented her from seeking help from women’s organizations.
Israeli raids targeting children
Electronic Intifada: 17 Mar 2010 – Silwan, Occupied East Jerusalem (IPS) – Three thousand heavily armed Israeli security service forces locked down large parts of the Old City of Jerusalem on Tuesday, as battalions of police fired rounds of tear gas and rubber-coated steel bullets at Palestinian protesters in the occupied eastern part of the city. Nearly 40 Palestinians were wounded and treated at nearby hospitals, as 25 were arrested during intense clashes.
Barenboim-Said Foundation does not promote normalization
Electronic Intifada: 17 Mar 2010 – On 28 January 2010 the Palestinian Campaign for the Academic and Cultural Boycott of Israel (PACBI) issued a statement to the Qatari government calling for a boycott of Daniel Barenboim and the West-Eastern Divan Orchestra (WEDO) and condemning the Qatari Ministry of Culture for hosting the orchestra in Doha. The statement goes so far as to accuse Daniel Barenboim of being an ardent Zionist. Mariam Said comments for The Electronic Intifada.
Film review: Choreographed struggle in “Pomegranates and Myrrh”
Electronic Intifada: 17 Mar 2010 – Pomegranates and Myrrh is a solid exploration of the walls — internal and external — built up under conditions of extraordinary stress. It’s also about struggle and liberation, both on the personal and political levels. Director Najwa Najjar is a growing talent with her third feature being her strongest to date. Jimmy Johnson reviews for The Electronic Intifada.
psst… voices calling loud
In Gaza: 16 Mar 2010 – Today, the latest in growing demonstrations in the Israeli-imposed “buffer zone” , demonstrators again protested this lethal Israeli ban (shoot to kill threat) which renders roughly 30% of Gaza’s best agricultural land off-limits and under which in August 2009 the UN’s OCHA reported 33 Palestinian civilians (among them 11 children) had been killed and another 61 civilians (among them 13 children) injured. From January 18 2009 to September 15 2009 alone, ISM reported 7 civilians (among them 4 children) killed and 28 (among them 8 children and 2 women) injured by Israeli soldiers in the border regions. Bearing in mind that the Israeli assaults on farmers and civilians in the border regions have continued , and that these assaults occur far beyond the 300 metres that Israeli authorities say make up the “buffer zone” [the actual off-limits area veering up to 2 km in some areas ], those protesting weekly have serious, valid…
Rachel Corrie’s Memory, Israel’s Image
Palestine Chronicle: 17 Mar 2010 – By Neve Gordon Seven years ago, Rachel Corrie was crushed to death by a Caterpillar D9R Israeli bulldozer while nonviolently protesting the demolition of Palestinian homes in Rafah, Gaza Strip, along with other members of the International Solidarity Movement (ISM). Now her parents, sister and brother are suing the State of Israel and the defense minister, claiming wrongful death. The suit’s objective, according to Rachel’s mother, Cindy, “is to illustrate the need for accountability for thousands of lives lost, or indelibly injured, by [Israel’s] occupation…. We hope the trial will bring attention to the assault on nonviolent human rights activists (Palestinian, Israeli and international) and we hope it will underscore the fact that so many Palestinian families, harmed as deeply as ours or more, cannot access Israeli courts.” The State’s attorneys have decided to use any and all ammunition to undermine Corrie’s suit. They claim that there is no evidence…more
Selling Cell Phones with Soccer Balls and Criminal Walls
Palestine Chronicle: 17 Mar 2010 – By William A. Cook “Kurt Zehmisch of the 134th Saxons recorded in his diary: ‘The English brought a soccer ball from the trenches, and pretty soon a lively game ensued. How marvellously wonderful, yet how strange it was. The English officers felt the same way about it. Thus Christmas, the celebration of Love, managed to bring mortal enemies together as friends for a time.’” — (the London Times, January 1, 1915) No one can doubt that the news story of the American designed McCann Erickson Cellcom ad shown on Israeli TV for the past week has roused interest around the world. It should. What upstanding Englishman or American could not be impressed by the good natured, manicured Israeli soldiers as they responded to the soccer ball thudding off their Humvee’s bonnet by tearing off their uniforms and helmets at the slight chance of engaging the unseen Palestinians on the other…more
Despite Lobby Pressure, Obama Still Can
Palestine Chronicle: 17 Mar 2010 – By George S. Hishmeh — Washington, D.C. The pro-Israel lobby and its supporters elsewhere in the U.S. are unashamedly turning their guns on Barack Obama in the wake of the U.S.-Israeli clash over the construction of 1600 new housing units for Jews in occupied Arab East Jerusalem on the eve of “proximity talks” between Israel and the Palestinian National Authority. The showdown between the U.S. and Israel began when Vice President Joe Biden Jr., described in a leading Israeli paper as Israel’s “only friend in the White House,” was in the midst of talks with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu in Jerusalem to kick-start the moribund peace negotiations with the Palestinians. But the embarrassing Israeli announcement about the new housing plan, which was bound to infuriate the Palestinians, shocked the visiting American and reverberated harshly in Washington. Biden’s immediate condemnation of the Israeli action was quickly followed by a 45-minute…more
The New Dark Age 
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