News
International Middle East Media Center
Four Palestinians Wounded As Egypt Detonates Tunnel
IMEMC – Thursday April 01, 2010 – 01:56, Palestinian medical sources reported Wednesday that four Palestinians were wounded when the Egyptian Security Forces detonated a siege-busting tunnel on the border between Gaza and Egypt.
Qassam Brigades Publishes Video OF Friday Clashes
IMEMC – Thursday April 01, 2010 – 00:45, The Al Qassam Brigades, the armed wing of the Hamas movement, published a video documenting Friday clashes with Israeli soldiers and undercover forces infiltrating into Khan Younis, in the southern part of the Gaza Strip. The clashes led to the death of two Israeli soldiers.
Israeli Army Shells Homes, Farmlands In Southern Gaza
IMEMC – Wednesday March 31, 2010 – 17:19, Israeli tanks shelled on Wednesday midday residents homes and farmlands in the southern Gaza Strip city of Rafah.
Troops Detain Three Civilians During Invasions Targeting West Bank Communities
IMEMC – Wednesday March 31, 2010 – 16:59, Three Palestinian civilians were detained on Wednesday by Israeli troops during invasions targeting a number of West Bank communities.
Two Injured, Two Detained As Israeli Troops Attack Protests In Ramallah And Jenin
IMEMC – Wednesday March 31, 2010 – 15:48, Two injured, dozens of people suffered effects of tear gas inhalation, and two were detained, on Wednesday afternoon, when Israeli troops attacked protests organized in Ramallah and Jenin, in the central and northern parts of the West Bank.
U.S Wants Four Months Settlement Freeze In Exchange For Direct Talks
IMEMC – Wednesday March 31, 2010 – 12:04, The United States is asking Israel to announce a four-month freeze of settlements activities in East Jerusalem in exchange for pressuring the Palestinian Authority of Mahmoud Abbas to hold direct talks with Israels Prime Minister, Benjamin Netanyahu.
Senior Fateh Official To Stand Trial Wednesday
IMEMC – Wednesday March 31, 2010 – 11:03, Member of the Fatehs Central Committee, Abbas Zaki, reported that senior European official, representatives of the French and Spanish Consulates, will be attending his trial which will be held at an Israeli Court in Jerusalem on Wednesday.
Troops Kidnap Two Residents, Impose Curfew On Dir Estia Village, Near Salfit
IMEMC – Wednesday March 31, 2010 – 07:19, On Tuesday evening, Israeli soldiers imposed curfew on the village of Dir Estia, west the central West Bank city of Salfit, after invading and kidnapping two residents, including a child.
Palestinian Wounded By Settlers In Hebron
IMEMC – Wednesday March 31, 2010 – 02:21, Palestinian medical sources reported on Tuesday evening that a resident suffered concussions and bruises after being violently attacked by extremist Jewish settlers in Hebron city, in the southern part of the West Bank.
Thousands Mark Land Day in Sakhneen
IMEMC – Wednesday March 31, 2010 – 00:59, Thousands of Arabs residents, peace activists, held protests on Tuesday commemorating the 34th anniversary of Land Day in Sakhneen and several Arab villages and towns, north of the country.
Police: Settlers beat, hospitalize Hebron man
3/31/2010 – Hebron – Ma’an – Israeli settlers beat a Hebron man who was transferred to hospital for treatment of severe bruising on Tuesday, a police report from the Palestinian Authority said. The man was identified as A’teiyah Yousef Maswada, 31, who was accosted by a group of 10 Israeli settlers at the intersection where Palestinian Authority control turns into an Israeli military-controlled zone, members of the Christian Peacemaker Teams were told by witnesses. Shopkeepers in the area said the man was en route to the Ibrahimi Mosque when he was assaulted, and was described as having a bloody face, CPT reported, noting that witnesses said the man did not go to the hospital. By the time Israeli police arrived on the scene, the CPT observer noted, shopkeepers said the settlers had fled. Israeli police officials were not immediately available by phone for comment, and the military said it was looking into the report.
Israel releases former minister
3/31/2010 – Hebron – Ma’an – Israeli authoritiesreleased the Palestinian Authority’s former Minister of Local Governance Issa Kheiri Al-Ja’bari on Wednesday following 14 months of administrative detention. Al-Ja’bari had his administrative detention sentence extended three times and was not seen by a judge since he was taken from his home on the first of January 2009, in the midst of Israel’s war on Gaza. During his detention Al-Ja’bari was transferred to six different detention facilities. He had previously been detained by Israeli officials on June 29 2006, during an Israeli detention campaign targeting Palestinian member of the Legislative Council and other Palestinian leaders following the capture of Israeli soldier Gilad Shalit by resistance factions in Gaza. During the previous detention, he spent 30 months in Israeli custody.
Chaos at trial for Palm Sunday detainees
3/31/2010 – Ramallah – Ma’an – Israeli military judges inhaled thick tear gas used to disperse protesters in front of the Ofer military court on Wednesday, as men detained during a peaceful Palm Sunday demonstration were set to be tried. Most notable among the dozen detainees was PLO Executive Committee member Abbas Zaki, who refused to stand in front of the military judge, calling his detention illegal. Supporters gathered in at the Beituniya military checkpoint outside of the Ofer detention center were tear gassed, with observers in the court saying the smell was so thick that it wafted in the courtroom and caused judges to cough. Palestinian medics said dozens were treated for tear-gas inhalation and others were lightly injured by rubber-coated bullets.”We are all Abbas Zaki,” one banner outside of the courtroom read, as others condemned his detention and the continued access restrictions for. . .
Negev detainees announce end to family visits
3/31/2010 – Bethlehem – Ma’an – Palestinians detained in Israel’s Negev prison decided to stop family visits for one month, in protest of the restrictions placed on some prisoners’ families, and the general maltreatment of Palestinians in Israeli custody. The visits will stop on 7 April, which will be marked by a hunger strike, prisoners announced, adding that for the first time since 2006, prisoners of all factions would participate in the protest action. Negev prison detainee Mahmud Da’is told Ma’an Radio on Wednesday, that prisoners were united in their determination to secure fair treatment for [all] Palestinians. [end]
Hamas prisoner exiled to Syria
3/31/2010 – Bethlehem – Ma’an – The founder of Hamas’ Al-Qassam Brigades in the West Bank arrived in Damascus on Tuesday, following an agreement with Israeli officials last week to release him on the condition he be exiled. Saleh Al-Aruri was freed from Israeli prison and forced into exile along with his wife and mother, according to Al-Qassam’s Web site. Jordanian officials refused to accept Al-Aruri two weeks ago, and the three were forced back into the West Bank until they received permission to travel to the Syrian capital, the site reported. Al-Aruri spent 18 years in prison on charges of organizing resistance to the occupation of the West Bank. Israel implementing Shalit deal? — Al-Aruri’s name is among those detainees which Hamas demanded in exchange for a captured Israeli soldier, raising questions that Israel and Hamas had confidentially implemented the a deal.
Palestinian Christians to be barred from Old City
3/31/2010 – Bethlehem – Ma’an – Palestinians, particularly Christians will be barred from entering Jerusalem’s Old City and accessing the Church of the Holy Sepulchre on Saturday, when eastern Orthodox Christians observe Sept An-Nour, or Saturday of light. Church officials were informed by Israeli police that only international pilgrims would be allowed to access the area, Jerusalem officials said on Wednesday. Saturday of Light takes place the day before Easter every year. Faithful believe that praying Church leaders are granted the miracle of fire from God after days of fasting and devout worship. Christians line the streets of the Old City in anticipation of the miracle fire, holding bunches of 33 candles, symbolizing the age of Christ when he was crucified. Worshipers in the church light their candles and spread the fire to waiting pilgrims.
EU officials to attend Palm Sunday detainees court appearance
3/31/2010 – Hebron – Ma’an – Representatives of the European Union, French and Spanish offices in Jerusalem will attend the court appearance of a PLO Executive Committee member detained on Palm Sunday during Bethlehem protests, the official’s aides said. The court appearance was set for Wednesday, when Abbas Zaki will stand on as yet unannounced charges for his role in a non-violent protest against the Israeli decision to refuse entry of West Bank Christian worshipers to Jerusalem for the Palm Sunday march from the Mount of Olives into the Old City. A representative of the French Foreign Ministry told reporters Tuesday that the ongoing detention of Zaki and 11 other Palestinians who participated in the non-violent protest was illegal, and their release was demanded. According to a statement from Zaki’s office, non-violent popular rallies will continue across Palestine demanding his release.
Israeli raids see 2 detained, civilian car destroyed
3/31/2010 – Bethlehem – Ma’an – Israeli soldiers raided the Duheisha refugee camp overnight, prompting young camp residents to throw stones at the invading troops, who responded by firing tear-gas canisters and rubber-coated bullets, locals said. During the invasion, residents reported, soldiers totaled the car of a civilian, identified as Mohammad Al-Afendi, as armored vehicles deployed around his home. The raid lasted just under an hour, locals said, noting no detentions or injuries. An Israeli military spokesman said soldiers were in the camp performing “routine activities” and responded with riot dispersal mechanisms when camp residents threw stones and “firebombs” at the invading forces. The spokesman said he had no knowledge of specific damages. A report from the Palestinian Authority police said two were detained during overnight raids in the Salfit district, and a curfew was imposed on the village of Deir Istiya.
Bethlehem checkpoint closed, traffic diverted to Beit Jala
3/31/2010 – Bethlehem – Ma’an – The 300 checkpoint near Rachel’s Tomb in Bethlehem will be closed until at least Saturday, an Israeli military spokesman said, suggesting travelers to pass via the Beit Jala “tunnels” checkpoint instead. On Wednesday afternoon, two German citizens and a pregnant Palestinian woman with a hospital permit were turned away from the 300 checkpoint, with soldiers telling the group that the crossing was closed. An Israeli military spokesman for the crossing point initially said there was no official closure of the terminal, but noted that vehicular traffic had been restricted following a Palm Sunday demonstration. When informed that a group traveling on foot was told to leave the crossing and its gates were shut, the spokesman said he would look into the issue. He later confirmed the total closure of the checkpoint, and advised passport holders, Palestinians with hospital permits. . .
VIDEO – Al-Qassam releases footage of Gaza clashes
3/31/2010 – Bethlehem – Ma’an – Hamas’ military wing released footage Thursday purportedly showing an attack that left two Israeli soldiers dead in the Gaza Strip last week. Two Palestinian operatives were also killed in the fighting. The video, posted on the Web site of the Al-Qassam Brigades, appears to corroborate reports that the clashes came as Israeli forces crossed westward into Gaza. Israel said its forces moved in after a bomb exploded near the border. Hamas has insisted its operatives opened fire only after Israeli forces crossed 500 meters into Gaza. [end] Related:Hamas Video: ‘This Is Revenge For Mabhouh’
3 injured in Khan Younis clan brawl
3/31/2010 – Gaza – Ma’an – Three Palestinians were injured in a Wednesday morning brawl among clan members in the southern Gaza city of Khan Younis. Muawiya Hassanein, ambulance and emergency services director in Gaza, said one man was in serious condition after sustaining a gunshot wound to the chest and was being treated at the Nasser Hospital in Khan Younis. He said two others were moderately to lightly injured. [end]
Two Gaza crossings partially open following closures
3/31/2010 – Gaza – Ma’an – Israeli crossings authorities controlling the Gaza borders announced a partial opening of two terminals on Wednesday, following a two-day closure for Jewish Passover, officials said. Palestinian crossings coordination official Raed Fattouh said the Karni and Kerem Shalom crossings would allow limited goods into Gaza and three truckloads of flowers out, under a continuing Dutch government program supporting Gaza farmers. Fattouh said the Kerem Shalom crossing, at the southernmost tip of Gaza’s border with Israel, would allow 89 truckloads of aid and commercial goods into the Strip, along with limited amounts of cooking fuel and industrial diesel for the Gaza Power Plant. The fuel imports are expected to remain below the minimum needed for basic power provision to Gaza residents, as they have been for the last seven weeks, the UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs noted in its weekly Protection of Civilians report.
Fatah official disputes Al-Aqsa break-in rumors
3/31/2010 – Jerusalem – Ma’an – Fatah’s Jerusalem affairs chief Hatim Abdul-Qader on Wednesday denied reports that ultra-Orthodox Jewish groups had stormed the Al-Aqsa Mosque compound. Abdul-Qader affirmed that the situation in and around Al-Aqsa Mosque has been quiet, and that no unusual incidents were noticed. Officials within the Palestinian Authority Ministry of Endowment also said the reports were false. Ma’an’s Jerusalem correspondent quoted security officers at the Al-Aqsa compound as saying dozens of Israeli and international tourists paid normal visits to the site, but that reports of a break-in were baseless.
PJS to quiz members over Tel Aviv meeting
3/31/2010 – Ramallah – Ma’an – An emergency session was held Monday morning by the Palestinian Journalists Syndicate to hear from journalists who recently met with Israeli members of the press in Tel Aviv. It was not entirely clear why the general secretariat of the PJS decided to form a commission of inquiry into the event, during which journalists described the pressures of working in a hostile press environment. Officials told Ma’an that the general secretariat will meet next week in order to discuss the issue in detail, and produce “clear and declared recommendations for all Palestinian journalists.” Collaboration with Israeli reporters is not unusual, although tensions over a government scandal first reported by an Israeli news network has significantly altered some journalists’ trust in their counterparts. Many Palestinians believe the reports, aired by Israel’s Channel 10, intended to discredit the Palestinian Authority.
Greece contributes 150,000 euro to PA
3/31/2010 – Bethlehem – Ma’an – The Government of Greece announced on Tuesday a contribution of 150,000 euro to help the Palestinian Authority settle debts to the private sector in the fields of security and the rule of law. The contribution will be channeled through the European mechanism for support to the Palestinians, PEGASE, and centrally cover arrears relating to the purchase of vehicles for the use of the Palestinian police, a statement said. The donation was the second from the Greek government since 2009, designated to cover costs relating to the purchase of police equipment. The statement quoted Greek Consul-General Sotorious Athanassiou as saying “Greece is strongly committed to supporting the Palestinian Authority in its efforts to build strong and viable institutions. In this respect, the Security and Rule of Law sector is of particular importance, which is the reason of our country’s contribution through the EU PEGASE mechanism.”
Report: US wants 4-month settlement freeze
3/31/2010 – Bethlehem – Ma’an – If Israel undertakes a four-month settlement freeze in East Jerusalem, the Obama administration will put pressure on President Mahmoud Abbas to enter direct peace talks with Israel, news reports said Wednesday. The Israeli daily Haaretz, quoting an official in Jerusalem, reported that the US administration is demanding that Israel freeze construction in East Jerusalem, including settlements in Neveh Yaakov, French Hill and Ramat Shlomo. The freeze would last the four months that the Arab League has authorized for indirect talks between both sides, Haaretz reported. US President Barack Obama made clear during talks with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu last week that he intends to impose a peace deal in less than two years, Haaretz reported Monday. Israeli officials view Obama’s supposed demands as just the beginning in a dramatic change in US policy toward Israel, with which the Americans retain strong ties.
Report: AIPAC mobilizes against Obama
3/31/2010 – Bethlehem – Ma’an/Agencies – America’s main pro-Israel lobby group is mobilizing members of the US Congress to pressure the White House over its confrontation with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, news reports said Thursday. The Guardian newspaper reported that the move, by the American Israel Public Affairs Committee (AIPAC), appears aimed at exploiting differences within the Obama administration as it decides how to use the crisis around settlement building in Jerusalem to press Israel toward concessions to kickstart peace negotiations. AIPAC has persuaded more than three-quarters of the members of the US House of Representatives to sign a letter calling for an end to public criticism of Israel and urging the US to “reinforce” its relationship with Israel, The Guardian reported.
Hamas accuses PA of destabilizing Gaza
3/31/2010 – Gaza – Ma’an – Hamas officials accused the Palestinian Authority on Wednesday of working to create instability in Gaza by entrapping members of the resistance factions and seeking to divert energies away from the national cause. The comments came following a string of accusations from Fatah and Hamas officials around the involvement of Hamas fighters in the death of two Israeli soldiers last week, their alleged arrest by de facto government forces in Gaza, and reports of Fatah officials soliciting detailed information about the alleged fighters. Hamas spokesman Hammad Ar-Ruqab said “the Palestinian Authority is trying to create instability in a big way through inciting those linked with goals different from those of the PA.”Accusations have come principally from Fatah Central Committee member and former Gaza strongman Muhammad Dahlan, who was accused Tuesday of asking a former intelligence. . .
Hamas: Fatah must apologize to Palestine
3/31/2010 – Gaza – Ma’an – Fatah’s call for an escalation of peaceful resistance is an admission of the failure of the government to reach a peace deal for Palestinians, Hamas officials declared on Tuesday following a cabinet meeting in Gaza. Fatah and the Palestinian Authority must now “apologize to the Palestinians for forcing them into a failed process that lasted 20 years,” a statement from the Gaza government said, citing the continued occupation of the West Bank, the siege on Gaza, and the unfaltering settlement construction in the West Bank including East Jerusalem. The comments followed announcements from members of Fatah’s Central Committee calling for more popular resistance efforts in the wake of the mass detention of peaceful demonstrators in Bethlehem on Palm Sunday. Among those detained was PLO Executive Committee member Abbas Zaki, who remains in Israeli custody.
Fayyad: Agriculture support protects land rights
3/31/2010 – Ramallah – Ma’an – A bill for an agricultural assistance fund will soon be implemented, Prime Minister Salam Fayyad said Wednesday. Fayyad announced a twinning between the Ministries of Agriculture and Detainees’ Affairs, which will aid ex-detainees in land reclamation. He highlighted that his two-year plan to end the occupation and establish a state was based on enhancing citizens’ abilities to remain steadfast on their lands, build state institutions, and focus on sustainable development, which necessitates ending the occupation. Fayyad’s comments came in his opening speech at a national panel to launch agricultural sector’s strategy. The panel was held at the Best Eastern Hotel in Ramallah, and was organized by the Ministry of Agriculture. The event was attended by Agriculture Minister Isma’il D’eiq, Planning Minister Ali Al-Jarbawi, Mazin Sunnuqrut representing the private sector,. . .
Hamas releases footage of ‘Gaza clashes’
Ha’aretz 31 Mar 2010 – Military wing of Hamas shows documentation of incident wherein two IDF soldiers were killed.
IDF soldier laid to rest after killed by friendly fire
Ha’aretz 31 Mar 2010 – IDF St.-Sgt. Gabriel Cepic was killed by friendly fire near Kissufim during pursuit of infiltrators.
Israeli troops shoot dead Palestinian boy in West Bank
Ha’aretz 31 Mar 2010 – Sixteen-year-old killed by IDF rifle fire during violent protest outside Nablus, medics say.
‘Israel will defend itself from Gaza rockets, regardless of Goldstone’
Ha’aretz 31 Mar 2010 – IAF strikes six targets in Gaza in response to Qassam rocket attack that killed a man Thursday.
Jordan’s Abdullah: Israel trying to rid Jerusalem of Arabs
Ha’aretz 31 Mar 2010 – Comment comes as Israel opens Temple Mount after a day of fierce clashes with rioting Palestinians.
IDF denies killing Palestinian teen on Gaza border
Ha’aretz 31 Mar 2010 – Army rebuffs Palestinian media claims that it killed 15-year-old as he tried to enter Israel.
IAF conducts first missile-defense system test
Ha’aretz 31 Mar 2010 – Just how well will the air force’s multi-layered technology protect Israel from rocket attacks?
Barak: Hamas will pay for shaking equilibrium on Gaza border
Ha’aretz 31 Mar 2010 – Defense minister visits IDF troops who fought in Friday’s Gaza gunbattle in which two soldiers were killed.
Netanyahu: Israel will respond to any attack
Ha’aretz 31 Mar 2010 – PM says Hamas will be made to be held accountable for the attack that killed 2 IDF soldiers in Gaza.
Thousands mourn IDF officer and soldier killed in Gaza
Ha’aretz 31 Mar 2010 – Major Eliraz Peretz’s best friend: We will avenge your death against those who hurt you.
Hamas is reminding the world it exists
Ha’aretz 31 Mar 2010 – Hamas is satisfied with media coverage of the recent Gaza clashes, but it still isn’t interested in inciting war.
Amos Harel / Israel’s border with Egypt is like the Wild West
Ha’aretz 31 Mar 2010 – PM wants to build a fence along the Egyptian border, as tensions rise over the refugee question.
Mother of soldier killed in Gaza: He paid the price of war
Ha’aretz 31 Mar 2010 – Major Eliraz Peretz and Staff Sergeant Ilan Sviatkovsky die in Gaza clash; another soldier in serious condition.
Egypt police shoots dead two African migrants at Israel border
Ha’aretz 31 Mar 2010 – Security forces injure five and detain three African migrants who tried infiltrating the Egyptian border into Israel.
Is Gaza now Netanyahu’s biggest problem?
Ha’aretz 31 Mar 2010 – While PM focuses on U.S. pressure, four Israeli fatalities in last week near Gaza may prove more urgent.
NATO chief calls for new missile defenses to counter Iran
Ha’aretz 31 Mar 2010 – West must cooperate with Russia against ‘growing WMD threat’, Anders Fogh Rasmussen tells allies.
Barak under fire for ministry’s costly Independence Day party
Ha’aretz 31 Mar 2010 – State Comptroller report says Barak brought cost of Defense Ministry fete to more than NIS 1.5 million.
Exclusive / Despite row, U.S. and Israel sign massive arms deal
Ha’aretz 31 Mar 2010 – Israel will purchase three new Hercules C-130J airplanes at cost of nearly a quarter billion dollars.
After delay, Turkey receives first delivery of Israeli-made drones
Ha’aretz 31 Mar 2010 – Six Heron drones delivered; Diplomatic row between countries delayed execution of $185 million deal.
‘I was stabbed in the back,’ says soldier who used human shield in Gaza
Ha’aretz 31 Mar 2010 – Trial begins for two IDF soldiers suspected of using children to open bags of explosives in Gaza war.
Palestinian Prisoners Forum: Israeli Occupation arrested 80 children from Hebron last month
Uruknet March 31, 2010 – The Palestinian Prisoners Club in Hebron said that the rate of arrests of Palestinians from the Hebron district is the highest of all of the Palestinian governorates, in the context of the Occupation’s wave of arrests since the beginning of the year. Amjad Al Najjar, the Director of the club, said that the number of prisoners…
Video: Palestinians mark “Land Day”
Uruknet March 31, 2010 – It has been 34 years since six Palestinian activists were killed by Israeli troops during a demonstration against Israeli occupation. It is a day remembered annually as the Palestinian Land Day. Like every year, Palestinians around the world used the day to voice their opposition against the occuption of their land. Nour Odeh reports from the…
Israel’s policy of land theft
Uruknet March 31, 2010 – A Palestinian human rights report has accused the Israeli Occupation of confiscating approximately 160,000 acres of Palestinian land during 2009 by abusing various laws, such as the Barren Land Law and the laws on closed areas and fallow land. A report issued by the International Solidarity Foundation for Human Rights to commemorate Land Day (March 30)…
Chaos as Israel attempts to try Palm Sunday detainees
Uruknet March 31, 2010 – Israeli military judges inhaled thick tear gas used to disperse protesters in front of the Ofer military court on Wednesday, as men detained during a peaceful Palm Sunday demonstration were set to be tried. Most notable among the dozen detainees was PLO Executive Committee member Abbas Zaki, who refused to stand in front of the military…
Free Gaza Movement to Launch Cargo Ship from Ireland
Uruknet March 31, 2010 – Today, Wednesday 31st March, the Free Gaza Movement, a human rights organisation which has successfully sent a number of boats into Gaza through the Israeli naval blockade, announced that it had bought a 1200 tonne cargo ship at an auction in Dundalk, Ireland. The vessel had been impounded a year ago following an inspection by the…
My Beautiful Palestine
Uruknet March 30, 2010 – This is to all of the Palestinian parents in exile and the long trail of olive trees they’ve planted around the globe. A few days ago, my father emailed me a photo of my mom and him standing proudly next to my newest sibling; a young olive tree they’ve planted in their garden in Queensland Australia….
Palestinian Land Day call for equality
Uruknet March 30, 2010 – Palestinians in Israel and the occupied West Bank and Gaza Strip have marked the 28th anniversary of Land Day with renewed demands for equality and an end to Israel’s occupation. Numerous rallies, parades and demonstrations were organised on Tuesday in Arab towns and villages in Israel to mark the prominent annual anniversary. Land Day marks the…
Israel’s war against children
Uruknet March 30, 2010 – Naseem Jawad Abu Dakka, 14, was playing in front of his grandfathers house, under the lemon tree in the front of the house, 800 metres from the area where Israeli army the made an incursion, firing tanks shells and bullets. One medium calibre bullet entered his back and exited from his chest, leading to a fracture…
Palestinian Land Day: The Non-Violent Struggle Continues
Uruknet March 30, 2010 -In the occasion of the Palestinian Land day several non-violent demonstrations will be held during the week: March 30, 2010: Land Day: Qarawet Bani Zeid Friday March 2, 2010: Bilin, Nilin, Masara, Nebi Saleh, Sheikh Jarrah The non-violent struggle in West Bank: Since the construction of the separation and Apartheid Wall began on June 16th 2002, Palestinian…
Answering an email about Iran
Uruknet March 30, 2010 – Yesterday I received an email that has the merit at least of encapsulating all of the arguments from the “anti-imperialist” supporters of President Ahmadinejad, including Yoshie Furuhashi, Edward Herman/David Peterson, Sam Marcys followers of one stripe or another, James Petras and others not important enough to mention. The letter appears below. My reply is interspersed in…
Palestinian Land Day
Uruknet March 30, 2010 – On 30th March each year, the Palestinian people commemorate the anniversary of Land Day, the day in March 1976 on which the Zionist occupation government confiscated thousands of dunums* of Palestinian land in the Galilee, leading to the displacement of the Palestinian people living inside the 1948 occupied territories (so-called Israel). A general strike and peaceful…
Palestine’s “turbulent priest” delivers a blistering Easter message
Uruknet March 30, 2010 – Fr Manuel Musallam recently retired at the age of 71 after serving as the parish priest of the Holy Family Church in Gaza for 14 years. For most of that time the Israelis would not allow him to visit his family and friends in the West Bank. So, in spite of failing health, he soldiered on…
Delivery of first Siamese twins in Gaza
Gaza, March 31, (Pal Telegraph) A strange and rare phenomenon occurred for the first time in the Palestinian territories as a Siamese twins were born, two girls (Rittal, and Retag) glued and attached to each other in Mubarak hospital in Khan Younis, which caused a state of shock and bewilderment among doctors because it was the first time they are…
Israel closes Al-Haram Al-Ibrahimi for 2 days
Hebron, March 31, 2010 (Pal Telegraph) The Israeli occupation forces declared today the closure of Al-Haram Al-Ibrahimi Mouque for two days and prevented Muslims to pray at it as they opened it to the Jewish settler to celebrate the Passover. Extensive Israeli forces exist in the area of Al-Haram Al-Ibrahimi Mosque and disseminate huge number of the Israeli occupation…
Israel is back to assassination policy
Jerusalem, March 31, (Pal Telegraph) Israeli Minister of Environmental Protection Gilad Ardenne, as a response to the Kissufim operation that killed a soldier and an officer of the Golani Brigade last Friday, said that our response should must be strong and decisive, but he also added, “We do not need an extensive military operation like the type of cast lead,…
Barack entices Netanyahu for a militant adventure
Jerusalem, March 31, (Pal Telegraph) Defense Minister Ehud Barak is enticing Minister Netanyahu to go on a dangerous military adventure to break the current impasse of Israel at all levels. Israeli sources started saying that the Israeli newspaper Maariv published a survey before the Feast of Passover that clearly indicated to the collapse and decrease of Baraks and Netanyahus popularity,…
Israel conducts limited incursion in Al-Qrara
Gaza, March 31, 2010 (Pal Telegraph) – Israeli occupation forces invaded today a limited area in Al-Qrara to the northern east of Khan Younis, in central Gaza Strip. According SAFA news agency, six bulldozers and 16 tanks, came from the direction of Kissufim, invaded Al-Qrara area, where the bulldozers razed agricultural in distance of 200 far from the borders with…
Palestinians cynical over US pressure on Israel to freeze settlements
The National 31 Mar 2010 – Palestinians hold out little hope for any talks emerging from US pressure to accept a four-month settlement halt.
Bahraini players say no to Palestine football match
The National 31 Mar 2010 – Players reject friendly match in West Bank because they don’t want passports stamped by Israeli authorities.
Turkish leaders frustrated with Tehran’s nuclear vacillation
The National 31 Mar 2010 – Ankara faces a critical test as the row over Iran’s nuclear programme continues to dominate debate within the international community.
HAMAS VIDEO: ‘THIS IS REVENGE FOR MABHOUH’
Palestine Note 31 Mar 2010 – HAMAS FOOTAGE OF FRIDAY CLASHES SHOWS THE KILLING OF TWO IDF SOLDIERS, DEDICATES THEM TO SLAIN HAMAS FIGURE Hamas’ military wing, the Izz ad-Din al-Qassam Brigades , has released footage of clashes between militants and IDF soldiers…
Hamas red tape slows Gaza rebuild
Palestine Note 31 Mar 2010 – The sheer amount of damage and nearly nonexistent building supplies have meant a painfully slow rebuilding process for the Gaza Strip following the 22-day Israeli incursion from late December 2008 into January of 2009. The Israeli…
Zaki shuns Israeli court
Palestine Note 31 Mar 2010 – Fatah Central Committee member Abbas Zaki, arrested during a peaceful demonstration marking Palm Sunday, has refused to appear before Israeli military court, Al-Jazeera English reports. Said AJE’s Nour Odeh in the West Bank: “Abbas Zaki refused…
French Foreign Ministry calls for Zaki’s release
Palestine Note 31 Mar 2010 – Tuesday a representative of the French Ministry of Foreign and European Affairs called for the release of Fatah Central Committee member Abbas Zaki and the other Palm Sunday detainees, Ma’an News Agency reports. Site commemorating the…
US CALLS FOR 4-MONTH JERUSALEM BUILDING FREEZE
Palestine Note 31 Mar 2010 – PRESIDENT OBAMA HAS OFFERED ISRAEL DIRECT NEGOTIATIONS WITH THE PA IN EXCHANGE FOR A 4-MONTH FREEZE ON E. JERUSALEM SETTLEMENTS When Israeli PM Benjamin Netanyahu met with US President Barack Obama in Washington last week, the…
Palestinian reporters under fire for fraternizing with Israeli counterparts
Palestine Note 31 Mar 2010 – Palestinian journalists who met with Israeli colleagues in Israel last week have come under fire from Fatah and Hamas and could face expulsions from the Palestinian Journalist Syndicate for “promoting normalization with Israel,” the Jerusalem Post…
Netanyahu Confers with Cabinet Over Response to Obama
The Media Line 27 Mar 2010 – Israeli Prime Minister Binyamin Netanyahu continues to discuss his proposed response to President Obama in meetings with his inner cabinet on Sunday. The deliberations began when Netanyahu returned to Israel on Thursday from what many Israeli…
Arab Summit Offers Support for Palestinian Position
The Media Line 27 Mar 2010 – The Israeli-Palestinian conflict tops the agenda of the Arab summit meeting in Libya. Palestinian Authority head Mahmoud ‘Abbas told the 2-day conference that no agreement will be acceptable unless it includes an “end to Israeli occupation…
G8 urges ‘strong steps’ over Iran
AlJazeera 30 Mar 2010 – Foreign ministers urge action to stop Iran’s nuclear enrichment programme.
Israeli troops kill Palestinian boy
AlJazeera 30 Mar 2010 – Fifteen-year-old boy shot dead near Gaza’s border with Israel, witnesses say.
Obama pushes speedy Iran sanctions
AlJazeera 30 Mar 2010 – US president hopes to see new restrictions “in weeks” as France pledges support.
Fatah official shuns Israeli court
AlJazeera 31 Mar 2010 – Abbas Zaki, detained after rally in Bethlehem, refuses to appear before a military judge.
Alternative Information Center
Israel’s Inclusion in Economic Organization a Threat to Democracy
Alternative Information Center – Sunday, 28 March 2010, Membership in the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD), which includes 30 of the world’s most developed countries, does not provide money or any special economic benefits. Yet it is easy…
Biliin as an Allegory: The Party is Over, Declares Netanyahu
Alternative Information Center – Sunday, 28 March 2010, The decision to declare Biliin and Naalin as closed military zones for a period of six months (so far) has meaning that goes far beyond the weekly demonstrations held there for the…
Land Day Commemorations in France in Support of BDS
Alternative Information Center – Sunday, 28 March 2010, On March 30, Palestinian Land Day, there will be a large rally of all the people who refuse the repression and threats from our government against the people who join the Boycott,…
Fatah official shuns Israeli court
PNN – Wednesday, 31 March 2010
Gaza banks close their doors to protest Hamas raid
PNN – Wednesday, 31 March 2010
Arab countries miss opportunity to cash in on strained Israeli-US relations
PNN – Wednesday, 31 March 2010
Teenager ‘shot dead’ in Gaza clashes
PNN – Wednesday, 31 March 2010
Settler activists claim area near Rawabi
Jeruslalem Post 31 Mar 2010 – Some 60 right-wingers tour site close to new, developing Palestinian city.
Israel mum on freezing in J’lem
Jeruslalem Post 31 Mar 2010 – 4-month construction halt could result in resumption of direct negotiations.
Fatah leaders: Escalate popular intifada
Jeruslalem Post 31 Mar 2010 – Protests aim to generate int’l pressure over settlements, security barrier.
Hamas reveals Friday attack video
Jeruslalem Post 31 Mar 2010 – Footage seems to corroborate Hamas claim that IDF troops fell into ambush.
Assad meets Druze leader Jumblatt
Jeruslalem Post 31 Mar 2010 – 1st meeting in years possible sign of reconciliation, rising Syrian influence in Lebanon.
US not pushing e. J’lem resolution
Jeruslalem Post 31 Mar 2010 – Obama: Israel, PA must take bold steps; Kerry to try restart process with Syria.
Givat Hayovel outpost status to be reviewed
Jeruslalem Post 30 Mar 2010 – Defense Ministry looking to prevent demolition of family homes of slain IDF majors.
US officials say they are not pushing east J’lem resolution
Jeruslalem Post 30 Mar 2010 – White House plays down reports that Obama punished Netanyahu by keeping their talks private; Sen. John Kerry heads to region to look into restarting Israel-Syria diplomatic process.
Palestinian journalists condemned as collaborators
Jeruslalem Post 30 Mar 2010 – Reporters who met with Israeli counterparts face expulsion from the Fatah-controlled Palestinian Journalists Syndicate.
Israeli Soldiers Ransack Palestinian Homes in Tuba village
WAFA 31 Mar 2010 – HEBRON, March 31, 2010 (WAFA)- Israeli Special Police Forces entered the Palestinian village of Tuba, in South Hebron Hills immediately east of Ma’on settlement, and destroyed household
Solution for Israel in New Government, Researchers Say
WAFA 31 Mar 2010 – RAMALLAH, March31, 2010(WAFA)- Researchers and academics participating in a workshop that the political situation faces an impasse that can be surpassed by a new government instead of the
CCI Increases by 0.26%, RCI Decreases by 0.29%, PCBS Says
WAFA 31 Mar 2010 – RAMALLAH, March 31, 2010 (WAFA)- Palestinian Central Bureau of Statistics (PCBS) reported Wednesday that Construction Cost Index (CCI) increased by 0.26%, While Road Cost Index (RCI) Decreased by
U.S. Consulate General, AMIDEAST Announce A-PLUS Program
WAFA 31 Mar 2010 – JERUSALEM, March 31, 2010 (WAFA)- In partnership with AMIDEAST, the U.S. Consulate General in Jerusalem formally announced the launch of the new American Palestinian Local University Scholarship
Settlers Try to Stop New Palestinian City
WAFA 31 Mar 2010 – TEL AVIV, March 31, 2010 (WAFA)- Some 60 Israeli right-wing activists from the ‘Youth for the Land of Israel’ movement arrived early Wednesday at deserted buildings near the West Bank town of Birzeit
DCI – Palestine Completes First Year of EU-funded Project
WAFA 31 Mar 2010 – RAMALLAH, 31 March 2010 (WAFA)- At the end of March, Palestinian child rights organization, Defense for Children International – Palestine Section (DCI-Palestine) will have completed the first year
France Calls for Releasing Abbas Zaki
WAFA 31 Mar 2010 – PARIS, March 30, 2010 (WAFA)- France called Tuesday on Israel to release Member of Fatah Central Committee arrested Sunday with a dozen other people during a peaceful march from the Church of the
Greece Helps PA Cover Arrears to Private Sector for Vehicles
WAFA 31 Mar 2010 – JERUSALEM, March 30, 2010 (WAFA)- The Government of Greece said it is contributing 150,000 to help the Palestinian Authority (PA) settle bills due to the private sector in the field of security and
MIDEAST: Palestinian Death Penalty Very Much Alive
IPS RAMALLAH, Mar 31 (IPS) – Last November, Muhammad Al Saba, 36, from Rafah in the southern Gaza Strip was sentenced to death by hanging by a military court in Gaza for alleged acts of “treason and collaborating with hostile forces.”
MIDEAST: Israel Recognising Obama Means Business
IPS JERUSALEM, Mar 30 (IPS) – Against all expectations, it’s becoming the forerunner of a peace plan. Indeed, it might in the end even surprise the world as Israelis and Palestinians are forced into a peace. Even if, for now, it’s shaping up as anything but peaceful.
Palestinian Center for Human Rights
Weekly Report on Israeli Human Rights Violations in the Occupied Palestinian Territory (18-24 march 2010)
PCHR 24 Mar 2010 – A Palestinian is carried into al-Aqsa Martys Hospital in the central Gaza Strip town of Deir al-Balah, as he was wounded by Israeli troops, 22 March 2010….
PCHR Concludes a Human Rights Training Course in Rafah
PCHR 24 Mar 2010 – Ref: 35/2010….
PCHR Receives Professor Tateyama from the Department of International Relations at the Japan National Defense Academy
PCHR 24 Mar 2010 – Ref: 36/2009….
International Solidarity Movement
Demonstrators Demand Prisoners Release
3/31/2010 – International Solidarity Movement – Popular Struggle Coordination Committee – Hundreds of people gathered at the Bitunya checkpoint near Ofer Military prison to demand the release of ten demonstrators arrested in Bethlehem last Sunday, among them Abbas Zaki of the PLO Executive Committee. Two demonstrators were arrested. Hundreds of demonstrators, among them Jubril Rajoub, Jamal Muhsein and Mahmoud alAloul of Fatah’s Central Committee, gathered today in front of the Bituntya military checkpoint leading to Ofer Prison, where the ten demonstrators who were arrested in Bethlehem last Sunday are held. The demonstrators demanded the immediate release of those arrested in Bethlehem and of all the prisoners of the popular struggle. They also denounced the racial discrimination the ten were subjected to in their arrest, as the Israeli activists arrested with them were released with a slap on the wrist that very same day.
Sheikh Jarrah garden reclaimed in Land Day celebration
3/31/2010 – International Solidarity Movement – In honor of Land Day, an upbeat group of local residents and school children gathered on Wednesday in front of the half-occupied Al Kurd home in Sheikh Jarrah. Neighbors, friends and supporters cleaned up the garden and planted olive trees. The conspicuous and unusual absence of both settlers and police contributed greatly to the positive mood of the day, although the ongoing threat of further evictions looms over the whole neighborhood. The al-Kurd family live in the back half of their home, but were evicted from the newly built front partition in December 2009. The day’s actions were seen by many present as a sign of defiance against the illegal presence of Israeli settlers in the front part of the house, and against the imminent court proceedings which may be used to force them from the back half. The day concluded with the usual Wednesday night community dinner, in which international. . . .
Islamist Chechen rebels claim responsibility for Moscow attacks
Ha’aretz 31 Mar 2010 – In a video posted hours after second suicide attack, Chechen leader says they will not be the last.
Source: China agrees to new Iran sanctions
Ha’aretz 31 Mar 2010 – Six world powers to start preparing a UN Security Council resolution in next days; Obama insists a nuclear Iran is unacceptable.
Sarkozy ‘condemns Israeli construction in East Jerusalem’
Ha’aretz 31 Mar 2010 – French president, in press conference with Obama, says absence of Mideast peace ‘is a problem for all of us.’
U.S.: Iran sending weapons to Afghanistan fighters
Ha’aretz 31 Mar 2010 – Admiral Mike Mullen concerned that Iran’s desire to be influential in region is increasing.
Report: Iranian nuclear scientist defects to U.S.
Ha’aretz 31 Mar 2010 – Physicist defected as part of long-planned operation, has been debriefed by CIA, says ABC news.
Livni: World must isolate Iran, impose political sanctions
Ha’aretz 31 Mar 2010 – World powers hold a conference call to discuss a U.S.-drafted proposal for a new round of Iran sanctions.
Two meetings, but no agreement between Obama and Netanyahu
Ha’aretz 31 Mar 2010 – Israeli and American leaders could not even agree on a joint statement after their White House talks.
Netanyahu to U.S.: Palestinian demands may delay peace talks again
Ha’aretz 31 Mar 2010 – Netanyahu courts U.S. leaders including Clinton after AIPAC speech, declares that Jerusalem is not a settlement.
Britain issues Israel travel warning amid expulsion over passport row
Ha’aretz 31 Mar 2010 – Israeli diplomat expelled over ‘passport misuse’ in Dubai; U.K.: Israel showed disregard for our sovereignty.
In Gaza, UN chief calls Israel siege ‘unsustainable and wrong’
Ha’aretz 31 Mar 2010 – Ban Ki-moon: Israel must end Gaza blockade, Palestinians should work to heal political rift.
Netanyahu and Obama to meet Tuesday in Washington
Ha’aretz 31 Mar 2010 – Mitchell and Barak: Direct talks needed soon; Netanyahu tells U.S. Israeli policy on Jerusalem unchanged.
Obama: Netanyahu understands he must take some bold steps
Ha’aretz 31 Mar 2010 – President says U.S.-Israel bond strong; White House spokesman: Jerusalem to be discussed in final-status talks.
Israeli student lightly hurt in Moscow bombing
Ha’aretz 31 Mar 2010 – 28-year-old Israeli university student was lightly injured in Monday morning’s double-suicide bombing.
Obama wants sanctions on Iran ‘in weeks’
Ha’aretz 31 Mar 2010 – Under Russian pressure, G8 issues watered-down statement on Tehran’s enrichment program.
Obama in Passover message: Fight oppression everywhere
Ha’aretz 31 Mar 2010 – President hosts a White House Passover seder, his third in a row, and second as president.
US pushes Israel to freeze settlement construction
The Guardian 31 Mar 2010 – A four-month halt to building in East Jerusalem may be brokered by encouraging Palestinians to enter direct peace talks The US administration is pressing Israel for a four-month freeze on settlement construction in East Jerusalem and…
Israel’s pull, or your push? | Marc Goldberg
The Guardian 30 Mar 2010 – The reason diaspora Jews such as me are migrating to Israel is not for ‘tax breaks’, but to escape an insidious hostility More and more British Jews are moving to Israel, this fact is reported on…
3 men arrested for allegedly planning to sell poisoned fish to Passover shoppers
Ha’aretz 31 Mar 2010 – Israel’s coastal guard arrested on Wednesday three residents from the northern towns of Acre and Nahariya suspected of planning to sell over 70 kilograms of poisoned fish to markets around Israel during the Passover holiday season. …
Palestinian prisoners of all factions unite in maltreatment protest
Ha’aretz 31 Mar 2010 – Palestinian detainees in Israel’s Ketziot prison in the Negev have decided to unite in order to secure better conditions, the Palestinian news agency Ma’an reported on Wednesday. …
3 Border Police officers lightly hurt in West Bank clashes
Ha’aretz 31 Mar 2010 – Three Border Police officers were lightly hurt on Wednesday in clashes with 200 Palestinian and left-wing activists near Ramallah, who were calling for the release of Palestinians arrested earlier in the week. …
PA accuses Israel of killing Palestinian teens ‘in cold blood’
Ha’aretz 31 Mar 2010 – Senior Palestinian Authority officials on Sunday accused Israel of escalating tensions after Israeli soldiers killed four Palestinian youth in the West Bank in 24 hours. …
Israeli firm Teva to acquire Germany`s Ratiopharm for $5.1 billion
Ha’aretz 31 Mar 2010 – Israel’s Teva (TEVA.TA) (TEVA.O) won the battle for generic drugmaker Ratiopharm, paying $5.1 billion to fix its weakness in Germany, the world’s second-largest generics market. …
Report: German mediator back in action
YNet News 31 Mar 2010 – Shalit deal mediator goes back to work, looks into Hamas’, Israel’s willingness to resume negotiations on prisoner swap, Italian news agency reports; Hamas: Any prisoner exchange will have to include Arab-Israeli detainees
Pilgrims dip in Jordan River under heavy security
YNet News 31 Mar 2010 – Thousands of Christians head to site where John the Baptist believed to have baptized Jesus
Source: China on board for sanctions
YNet News 31 Mar 2010 – Six world powers, including China, to start drawing up new Iran sanctions, well-placed source says; White House: US confident on ability to cooperate with Beijing, Chinese know nuke arms race not in their interest
Hamas releases video of deadly Gaza clash
YNet News 31 Mar 2010 – Izz al-Din al-Qassam Brigades publish video documenting incident where IDF officer, soldier were killed
Assad, Jumblatt discuss ‘importance of resistance’
YNet News 31 Mar 2010 – Lebanese Druze leader, considered one of Syrian president’s strongest critics, warmly welcomed in Damascus after abandoning anti-Syrian camp
Hezbollah deputy chief says group arming itself
YNet News 31 Mar 2010 – Sheikh Naim Qassem says Shiite organization not violating Resolution 1701 because no weapons are deployed south of Litani River
Settlers try to stop new Palestinian city
YNet News 31 Mar 2010 – Some 60 members of right-wing youth movement arrive in West Bank town of Birzeit at dawn in bid to establish Jewish community in area
Military Police to investigate killing of youths in Iraq Burin
27 Mar 2010 – On 20 March ’10, soldiers killed two youths in ‘Iraq Burin. Demonstrations had taken place in the village that day. B’Tselems findings contradict the armys statement that the soldiers had shot only rubber bullets. In a rare step, the Military Police w
Stop the Wall Land Day and Global BDS Day Activities
Stop The Wall – Click here to see the full program – including 20 activities all over the West Bank -, which Stop the Wall and the popular committees against the Wall and the settlements are organizing to commemorate Land Day and join in the Global BDS Action Day. [
http://stopthewall.org/latestnews/2217.shtml
Stop The Wall – Israeli occupation forces arrested 11 Palestinians, including journalists and detained 5 Israelis and internationals. They were part of a protest-procession which moved today from the Church of the Nativity in Bethlehem towards Jerusalem under the banner of the call for freedom of religion and freedom of worship. [
US wants 4-month Jerusalem build freeze
Daily Star 31 Mar 2010 OCCUPIED JERUSALEM: The US wants a four-month Israeli building freeze in occupied East Jerusalem, one of several US demands aimed at reigniting dormant peace talks, media reports said Wednesday.In return for a Jerusalem freeze – something Israel has refused to contemplate in the past – the United States would pressure the Palestinians
Jumblatt holds reconciliation talks with Assad in Damascus
Daily Star 31 Mar 2010 DAMASCUS: Lebanon’s Progressive Socialist Party leader Walid Jumblatt on Wednesday held a reconciliation meeting with Syrian President Bashar Assad, on a fence-mending mission to Damascus.Jumblatt in their talks “paid tribute to President Assad’s positions on Lebanon and his commitment to the security and stability of the country,” according
Abbas Zaki arrest spurs clashes in West Bank
Daily Star 31 Mar 2010 BEITUNIYA, West Bank: Israeli security forces on Wednesday fired tear gas at dozens of rock-throwing Palestinians protesting outside a West Bank prison against the detention of 10 people, including a senior Fatah official.Around 300 protesters had gathered outside the Beituniya checkpoint near the Ofer military prison where the detainees.
Iran nuclear negotiator visits China amid sanctions pressure
Daily Star 31 Mar 2010 TEHRAN: Iranian nuclear negotiator Saeed Jalili was heading to China to discuss Tehran’s atomic program, a report said on Wednesday, as world pressure grew for fresh sanctions against the Islamic Republic. Iran’s official news agency IRNA reported that Jalili, the chief nuclear negotiator, will on Thursday hold talks on Iran’s “nuclear issue
Obama pushes for new Tehran sanctions
Daily Star 31 Mar 2010 WASHINGTON: US President Barack Obama said on Tuesday he wanted tough new United Nations sanctions imposed on Iran within “weeks” as visiting French President Nicolas Sarkozy blasted Tehran’s “mad” nuclear race. But Obama admitted that key world powers had “not yet” closed wide gaps on the specifics of the biting new measures,
Palestinian Information Center
Jewish fanatics plan to storm Aqsa on Thursday
PIC 31 Mar 2010 – Temple Mount Faithful distributed a statement on Wednesday calling for a big march on Thursday in the Old City of occupied Jerusalem heading to the Aqsa Mosque on the occasion of the Jewish Passover.
Ghoul: Jerusalem captives in any prisoners swap deal
PIC 31 Mar 2010 – Minister of prisoners and justice in Gaza Mohammed Al-Ghoul has affirmed that any prisoners exchange deal with the IOA must include Jerusalem and 1948 occupied Palestine captives.
Tens suffer breathing difficulties in confrontations with IOF troops
PIC 31 Mar 2010 – IOF fired teargas bombs at a demonstration organized by hundreds of citizens that headed towards the Beitonia crossing, Ramallah district, on Wednesday morning, eyewitnesses reported.
Abu Zuhri: Fatah gave up armed struggle
PIC 31 Mar 2010 – Dr. Sami Abu Zuhri, a Hamas spokesman, said that Fatah’s decision to adopt the policy of peaceful marches against the wall and settlement activity practically means that it gave up armed struggle.
IOA imposed house arrest on journalist for exposing crimes
PIC 31 Mar 2010 – The IOA has been imposing house arrest on the Israeli journalist Anat Kam for three months for leaking secret information regarding the IOA deliberate killing of two Jihad activists in Jenin district.
Abbas militias kidnap two ex-detainees in Israeli jails in W. Bank
PIC 31 Mar 2010 – Mahmoud Abbass militias kidnapped during the last two days two ex-detainees affiliated with Hamas in the districts of Nablus and Qalqiliya.
Hamas: Palestinian prisoners to stage a general strike in April
PIC 31 Mar 2010 – The higher committee of Hamas prisoners declared that the Palestinian prisoners of all political spectra will organize a general strike in protest at the ongoing Israeli violations of their rights.
Palestinian scholars appeal to Muslims to defend Aqsa Mosque by all means
PIC 31 Mar 2010 – The association of Palestinian scholars on Tuesday appealed to the Arab and Muslim nations in general and the Palestinian people in particular to defend the Aqsa Mosque by all means available.
Jewish settlers storm Aqsa Mosque
PIC 31 Mar 2010 – Tens of Jewish settlers stormed the yards of the Aqsa Mosque in occupied Jerusalem on Wednesday with intensified protection on the part of Israeli occupation policemen.
Palestinian govt calls for activating issue of Israeli war crimes in Gaza
PIC 31 Mar 2010 – The Palestinian government in the Gaza Strip called for activating the prosecution of Israeli war criminals at the Arab level and using all available files and documents that condemn them.
Two Iranian teens, two reactions to their father’s jailing
LA Times 31 Mar 2010 – Prominent economist Saeed Laylaz was taken to notorious Evin Prison amid last year’s postelection unrest. Now his son believes speaking out is futile, and his daughter can’t imagine doing otherwise. ‘Daddy, don’t you confess!” she implored over the phone, the outburst of an impulsive teen.
Rachel Corrie’s family takes case to court in Israel
LA Times 30 Mar 2010 – Corrie was killed by an Israeli bulldozer while trying to protect Palestinian homes. Her family has been met with hostility while pursuing a civil suit after calling the investigation a ‘whitewash.’ The American parents sit stoically in a sky-lit courtroom, listening to testimony about how an Israeli military bulldozer crushed their daughter to death seven years ago.
One buried, more jailed after Kurd celebration in Syria
LA Times 30 Mar 2010 – News of the killing by security forces surfaces, underscoring worsening conditions for the minority. Mohammad Haider’s family buried him quietly, without a funeral, as they had been instructed by Syrian authorities.
Obama Expects U.N. Sanctions on Iran Soon
New York Times 31 Mar 2010 – The president said he would be able to persuade the United Nations to move forcefully against Iran within weeks in an effort to halt its nuclear program.
Several Wounded in Gaza by Israeli Gunfire
New York Times 30 Mar 2010 – Several Palestinians were wounded by Israeli army fire in Gaza as they demonstrated close to the border with Israel, according to Palestinian and Israeli officials.
Ministers Reaffirm Jerusalem Stance
New York Times 29 Mar 2010 – Senior Israeli ministers have publicly rejected American demands for curbs on Jewish building in East Jerusalem.
Checkpoints
Palestine Monitor – 17 Dec 2010 – The right to freedom of movement provides that people are entitled to move freely within the borders of the state, to leave any country and to return to their country. Article 13 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and article 12 of the International Covenant…
Status quo is not OK
Mondoweiss – 31 Mar 2010 – There is an interesting symmetry between Tom Friedmans NYT column saying the Peace movement died in Israel in part because the status quo is ok and the Israeli press reporting that Syrias Bashir al-Assad is telling the PA that that they are making a mistake in…
Palm Sunday protest in Bethlehemand only the Palestinians are still detained
Mondoweiss – 31 Mar 2010 – This past weekend, after Palm Sunday mass at the Nativity church in Bethlehem a large group of people from all faiths, Palestinian, Israeli, and international activists alike, marched from the church toward the Israeli checkpoint that separates Bethlehem from Jerusalem. They were protesting the restrictions that…
The creed of objectivity and The New York Times
Mondoweiss – 31 Mar 2010 – Many have recently questioned just how objective the New York Times correspondent in Israel and Palestine, Ethan Bronner, can be when he has a son serving in the Israel Defense Forces, the Israeli army. In an article published March 28 , Bronner showed readers there was cause…
This is not a phony crisis
Mondoweiss – 31 Mar 2010 – This is not a phony crisis, as a number of critics have been saying. I think the Obama administration has gotten the word from Petraeus and Mullen that Israel has become a liability and it is not about to let Israels government of right wing crazies…
Land Day Commemorations in France in Support of BDS
Alternative Information Center – 31 Mar 2010 – Sunday, 28 March 2010, On March 30, Palestinian Land Day, there will be a large rally of all the people who refuse the repression and threats from our government against the people who join the Boycott, Divestment and Sanctions (BDS) Campaign. In less than three weeks,…
Letter from French MP Patrick Braouezec to PM Francois Fillon Concerning BDS
Alternative Information Center – 31 Mar 2010 – Sunday, 28 March 2010, Dear Mr. Prime Minister, During the recent celebratory dinner of the Coordination of the Jewish Organizations in France (CRIF) to which you were invited, you stated that the Boycott Divestment Sanctions(BDS) Campaign, endorsed by many local and international organizations, a campaign that…
Advice Givers from the Zionist Left
Alternative Information Center – 31 Mar 2010 – Sunday, 28 March 2010, In the Palestinian daily newspaper Al Quds, an article by the Co-Chief Executive Officer of the Israel/Palestine Center for Research and Information) Gershon Baskin, was published in the opinion section on 3 March 2010. The article has nothing new and this is…
Biliin as an Allegory: The Party is Over, Declares Netanyahu
Alternative Information Center – 31 Mar 2010 – Sunday, 28 March 2010, The decision to declare Biliin and Naalin as closed military zones for a period of six months (so far) has meaning that goes far beyond the weekly demonstrations held there for the past five years already. The party is over that…
Israel’s Inclusion in Economic Organization a Threat to Democracy
Alternative Information Center – 31 Mar 2010 – Sunday, 28 March 2010, Membership in the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD), which includes 30 of the world’s most developed countries, does not provide money or any special economic benefits. Yet it is easy to see why the Israeli government attributes great importance to…
Articles
Israel prevents Christian pilgrims from visiting Bethlehem
Palestine Note 3/31/2010
In a response to a totally nonviolent protest by Palestinian Christians and Muslims demanding their freedom of movement the Israeli army has effectively banned entry of Christian pilgrims and tourists from visiting the birth place of Christ.
The protest on March 28th focused on the Israeli restrictions to Palestinians from Bethlehem from participating in the Palm Sunday events in the holy city of Jerusalem, a mere 8 miles away. For centuries Christians from around the world have reenacted the triumphant entry of Jesus to Jerusalem from the Mount of Olives one week before his crucifixion, burial and resurrection.
Protesters marched from the Nativity Church in Bethlehem towards the checkpoint near Rachels Tomb. In addition to Palestinians, the protest included members of international solidarity groups as well as a number of Israeli peace activists.
Additionally, and in keeping with the biblical story of the entry of Jesus to Jerusalem, the marchers waving palms and olive branches were led by a man riding a donkey.
When the protesters arrived at the checkpoint they appear to have caught the Israelis totally off guard even though the march that was sponsored by the Palestinian NGO Holy Land Trust was publicized using local media for the past week. The private security company hired to man the checkpoint escaped leaving the protesters the ability to pass through the checkpoint without restrictions. No soldiers appeared to stop them, no one declared the area a military zone and so the protesters which included a senior member of the Fatah movement continued their march…. — See also:Flickr: Freedom march from Bethlehem to Jerusalem 3/28/2010more..e-mail
Culture of contempt
Stephen Lendman, Al-Ahram Weekly 3/25/2010
Israel adopts ever more cynical positions vis—vis world opinion to continue settlement expansion.
An estimated 500,000 Jews reside illegally in over 120 West Bank and East Jerusalem settlements and dozens of outposts. Their numbers grow daily despite occasional pledges to curtail or slow them, the latest last November when Prime Minister Binyamin Netanyahu declared a 10-month freeze, calling it a move to “help launch meaningful negotiations to reach a historic peace agreement that would finally end the conflict between Israel and the Palestinians”.
The freeze, of course, was rhetoric with no substance, especially so given Israels plan to make all Jerusalem a Jewish city, according to Netanyahu, an extremist hard-right zealot. During the Jerusalem Day ceremony (commemorating the citys 1967 reunification) on 22 May, 2009, he declared: “United Jerusalem is Israels capital. Jerusalem was always ours and will always be ours. It will never again be partitioned and divided.”
For East Jerusalem Palestinians this means removing them one settlement expansion and home demolition at a time.
On 26 February Haaretz reported that Israel “plans to build another 600 homes in East Jerusalem” on occupied Palestinian land. On 10 March, Israels Interior Ministry approved 1,600 homes in Ramat Shlomo, “an ultra- Orthodox East Jerusalem neighborhood”, during US Vice-President Joe Bidens visit to restart peace talks. A day later Haaretz reported that planning officials had confirmed “some 50,000 new housing units in Jerusalem neighbourhoods beyond the Green Line are in various stages of planning and approval”. Plans for 20,000 apartments “are in advanced stages of approval and implementation, while plans for the remainder have yet to be submitted to the planning committees”.more..e-mail
Gideon Levy Interview: A rare voice of courage
David Cronin, The Electronic Intifada, Israeli Occupation Archive 3/31/2010
Gideon Levy is a rare voice of courage in an Israeli media generally supine towards the political establishment. Since 1988, he has written the Twilight Zone column for the Israeli daily Haaretz, documenting unflinchingly the myriad cruelties inflicted on the Palestinian people under occupation. In his new book Gaza, a collection of articles which has just been published in French, Levy utters phrases that, by his own admission, are considered insane by most of his compatriots. The Electronic Intifada contributor David Cronin spoke with Gideon Levy about his background and journalism.
David Cronin: You were born in Tel Aviv in the 1950s. Were your parents survivors of the Holocaust?
Gideon Levy: They were not Holocaust survivors, they just left Europe in 1939. My father was from Germany, my mother Czech. Both were really typical refugees because my father came on an illegal ship, which was stopped for half a year in Beirut by the British and only after half a year on the ocean could it make it to Palestine. My mother came on a project with Save the Children. She came without her parents directly to a kibbutz.
My father always said he never found his place in Israel. He lived there for 60 years but his life was ruined. He had a PhD in law but never practiced it in Israel. He never really spoke proper Hebrew. I think he was really traumatized all his life.
At the same time, he never wanted to go back [to Europe] even for a visit. He came from Sudetenland, which became Czechoslovakia. All the Germans were expelled.more..e-mail
A rare voice of courage: journalist Gideon Levy interviewed
Electronic Intifada: 31 Mar 2010 – Gideon Levy is a rare voice of courage in an Israeli media generally supine towards the political establishment. Since 1988, he has written the “Twilight Zone” column for the Israeli daily Haaretz , documenting unflinchingly the myriad cruelties inflicted on the Palestinian people under occupation. In his new book Gaza , a collection of articles which has just been published in French, Levy utters phrases that, by his own admission, are considered “insane” by most of his compatriots. The Electronic Intifada contributor David Cronin spoke with Gideon Levy about his background and journalism.
Swedish fashion chain H&M under pressure
Electronic Intifada: 31 Mar 2010 – More than a year ago, several concerned Swedish organizations asked fashion chain H&M about its plans to extend its franchise to Israel. H&M’s management denied the rumors but refused to provide written confirmation. In March, H&M unexpectedly opened a store in Tel Aviv and a second store in Jerusalem’s Malha shopping mall. Adri Nieuwhof reports for The Electronic Intifada.
Interview: Palestine a rich landscape for a mystery
Electronic Intifada: 31 Mar 2010 – Kate Raphael is a Palestine solidarity activist who is currently publishing a mystery novel entitled Murder Under the Bridge one chapter at a time on its own blog. The Electronic Intifada contributor Hannah Mermelstein interviewed Raphael about how the novel came about and where she hopes it will go.
Health workers and advocates support call for U of Arizona to divest
Electronic Intifada: 31 Mar 2010 – A joint group of more than 50 Jewish, Christian, Muslim and agnostic medical and health advocates of the Tucson and surrounding region, following student initiative, are calling on the University of Arizona to divest from corporations benefiting from the global health and humanitarian crisis in Palestine caused by Israel’s military occupation, supported by the United States.
IOF assaults on Land Day demos: 4 youths shot at close range
In Gaza: 30 Mar 2010 – Four non-violent demonstrators were shot at close range with live ammunition by Israeli soldiers during six simultaneous protests throughout the Gaza Strip commemorating Land Day. Three of those injured come from Khozaa, a village east of Khan Younis in Gazas south. The fourth, from Deir al Balah, was participating in a peaceful demonstration east of Meghazi, central Gaza. The Khozaa demonstration neared the border shortly after 12 noon. Israeli jeeps stopped along the Green Line border, their number increasing quickly. Israeli soldiers exited their jeeps and assumed sniper positions on a raised dirt mound and along the border fence. Jemah Najjar, 22, was the first to fasten a Palestinian flag to the border fence in todays demonstration. He was also the first injured in the Khozaa region, roughly 10 minutes after he had placed the flag on the fence, he estimates. Israeli soldiers repeatedly opened fire on the very visibly…
Netanyahu’s Days May Be Numbered
Palestine Chronicle: 31 Mar 2010 – By George S. Hishmeh Washington, D.C. Believe it or not, Benjamin Netanyahu may be coming back to Washington next weekend. The Israeli prime minister has apparently wiped the spit not rain off his head, which he earned after his stressful encounter with President Barack Obama last month on ending illegal Israeli settlement construction on occupied Palestinian land, especially in East Jerusalem where the Palestinians hope to establish their capital. But whether he will have his tail tucked between his legs remains to be seen. The Israeli prime minister will be one of 40 world leaders expected to participate in the April 12-13 nuclear security summit conference, sponsored by President Obama, to enhance international cooperation to prevent nuclear terrorism. What he may have to say here will be eagerly watched by all those who are eagerly awaiting any revelation about Israels nuclear arsenal. Whatever, the serious…more
Defacto State
Palestine Chronicle: 31 Mar 2010 – By Jim Miles Part of the dilemma in Palestine is that the more the peace process is delayed, moving nowhere, the more Israel gains in the way of confiscated and settled land. There are two basic solutions: either a one state solution (whether bi-national or otherwise); or a two state solution with Palestine existing on some remnant of land left over from Israeli settlement. A recent combination of events/ideas has left me wondering if the one state solution is perhaps the only remaining solution if not the de facto situation now. Christian Peacemakers I recently attended a local presentation of Christian Peacemakers (CPT) on their experiences in Hebron in Palestine. The main presenter Johann Funk is a Mennonite who has been to Hebron several times recently. The CPT ideal as presented on their website is a powerful statement of intent: CPT embraces the vision of unarmed intervention waged by committed…more
Palestine’s ‘Turbulent Priest’ Delivers Blistering Easter Message
Palestine Chronicle: 31 Mar 2010 – By Stuart Littlewood London Fr Manuel Musallam recently retired at the age of 71 after serving as the parish priest of the Holy Family Church in Gaza for 14 years. For most of that time the Israelis would not allow him to visit his family and friends in the West Bank. So, in spite of failing health, he soldiered on through the devastating siege and the murderous blitzkrieg. I was privileged to meet a couple of years ago and I just love the way this man speaks out. He doesn’t mince words. He tells it the way it is, with truth and style. Retirement hasnt silenced him or dimmed his perceptions. This Easter he’s concerned, as always, about the Occupation and how it robs those in the Holy Land of Easter’s message of hope and joy. “We Christians of Palestine have been under Occupation for many long years. Weve…more
The New Dark Age 
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