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International Middle East Media Center
Soldiers Detain, Violently Attack A Youth In Hebron
IMEMC – 10 Jun 2010 – Israeli soldiers detained and violently attacked a Palestinian Youth in Beit Ummar, near the southern West Bank city of Hebron, and released him later on.
Israel announces it will allow some Coca Cola, junk food to enter Gaza; Hamas rejects ‘PR move’
IMEMC – 10 Jun 2010 – While the people of Gaza continue to demand that Israel lift its 3-year long siege and allow building materials, electric appliances, medical equipment and car parts into Gaza, the Israeli government announced that it will allow a trickle of Coca Cola and junk food to enter Gaza. These items had previously been deemed a ‚Äòsecurity risk’. But the Hamas government announced that it would reject the junk food, calling it a ‘public relations’ stunt by the Israeli government.
New Knesset Bill To Demand Sending P.A Money To Settlements
IMEMC – 9 Jun 2010 – 25 fundamentalist members of Israeli Knesset submitted a proposed bill the Knesset demanding transferring to Jewish settlements money allocated to the Palestinian Authority to punish the Palestinians for their boycott campaign.
Veterans Commemorate 43rd Anniversary of Israeli Attack on American Ship
IMEMC – 9 Jun 2010 – In the 1967 War, the Israeli military attacked and sank the USS Liberty in international waters. 34 US sailors were killed and 174 wounded after Israeli Navy officers mistook the Liberty for an Egyptian ship.
Obama to Give 400 Million Dollars for Development in Gaza
IMEMC – 9 Jun 2010 – Following his meeting with Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas, US President Barack Obama announced that his administration had decided to give 400 million dollars to the Gaza Strip in order to build schools and provide housing.
Israel suddenly closes Gaza crossing
6/10/2010 – Gaza – Ma’an – Israeli authorities briefly closed Gaza’s northern Karni crossing Thursday for unspecified security reasons, officials said. Israeli crossings official Nili Aharon said the terminal was closed for a few hours for security reasons, but it was later reopened. The military said Karni was not scheduled to be open. Palestinian liaison official Raed Fattouh said….
7 Palestinians detained overnight
6/10/2010 – Bethlehem – Ma’an – At least seven people were detained overnight in the occupied West Bank, officials said, but reports were conflicting. Palestinian security sources identified five as Tareq Ash-Shahatit, Eshaq Hantash, Munther Abu Atwan and Muhammad Maher Ad-Darabi; all four from Dura, near Hebron; and Khaled Ghneimat, 17, from Surif, near Bethlehem. Palestine Solidarity Project spokesman….
Report: Cilantro seeds now allowed into Gaza
6/10/2010 – Bethlehem – Ma’an/Agencies – Israel will begin permitting cilantro seeds into the Gaza Strip on Thursday, the Israeli daily Haaretz reported. It was not clear why cilantro seeds were among hundreds of other items like cement and metal tubing banned for the past four years. Israel maintains a blockade on Gaza for what it terms security….
PA: Elections canceled for sake of Gaza
6/10/2010 – Ramallah – Ma’an – The Palestinian Authority postponed indefinitely the municipal elections scheduled for 17 July, a Thursday cabinet decision declared. No explanation initially accompanied the cabinet decision, which was made behind closed doors following calls from some Fatah members that the local elections be held off in the interest of legitimacy. The move came on the….
Sri Lanka says national among flotilla injured
6/10/2010 – Bethlehem – Ma’an – Israeli commandos shot a Sri Lankan citizen during last week’s deadly raid on a Gaza-bound aid flotilla, officials said.”Ahmad Luqman Talib received gunshot injuries in the leg and is now recovering in a hospital in Istanbul,” said Nihad Issa, office director for the Representative Office of Sri Lanka to the Palestinian National….
Former US professor among 3 detained near Bethlehem
6/10/2010 – Bethlehem – Ma’an – Israeli forces detained three anti-wall protesters in the occupied West Bank on Wednesday morning, witnesses said. Mazin Qumsiyeh, a Palestinian-American activist and former Yale geneticist, was reportedly among the three detained in Walaja, a village near Bethlehem where construction of Israel’s wall has sparked confrontation with locals.Onlookers said Qumsiyeh was detained after the protest…. Related:Israel releases former US professor
PA official: Settlers burn car in northern West Bank
6/10/2010 – Nablus – Ma’an – Israeli settlers burnt a car belonging to a Palsetinian in the northern West Bank at dawn, officials said. Ghassan Doughlas, a Palestinian official who monitors settlements in the northern West Bank, told Ma’an that settlers burnt a car belonging to Ayed Abdullah Sawan, a resident of the Amatin village, which is between Nablus….
Israel releases former US professor
6/10/2010 – Bethelhem – Ma’an – Former Yale professor Mazin Qumsiyeh was released from an Israeli detention facility following hours of questioning, a statement from the Beit Sahour naive said Thursday. Detained during a non-violent protest against the continued construction of Israel’s separation wall on Wednesday, Qumsiyeh said that he had “minor bruises” and was fined, in addition to being ordered to “stay away from the wall for 30 days.”…. Related:Former US professor among 3 detained near Bethlehem
18-year prisoner released into Gaza
6/10/2010 – Gaza – Ma’an – A Beit Lahiya man was released by Israeli officials following 18 years incarceration on Thursday, and was welcomed by officials from the Hamas movement, a statement said. Mahmoud Nimer Shahin was welcomed and honored by Gaza ministers and legislators, Hamas officials said, with Minister of Prisoners Affairs Muhammad Al-Ghoul leading the delegation.”We….
2 detained by Egypt en route to Sweden
6/10/2010 – Al-Arish – Ma’an – Egyptian authorities detained three Palestinians they said were attempting to sneak into Egypt via a smuggling tunnel on Wednesday night. Security officials in Al-Arish said the boys were transferred to interrogations in Rafah, where two of the three told officials that they were en route to Sweeden for treatment, alongside the third, who….
In photos: Bethlehem-area residents protest wall
6/10/2010 – An Israeli soldier detains a man stationed on construction equipment used to destroy lands in the Al-Walajah area in preparation for the construction of the separation wall on 9 June 2010. Three protesters were arrested on Wednesday by Israeli soldiers during the demonstration. Locales watched on and one elderly land owner berated the soldiers for….
Detainee dies in Ramla prison
6/10/2010 – Bethlehem – Ma’an – The Palestinian Authority (PA) Ministry of Prisoners Affairs announced the death of a West Bank man in Israeli prison on Thursday, saying the cause of death remained unclear. Muhammad Abdul Salam Abdeen, 26, was convicted for his alleged attempt to run down four Israeli soldiers in the French Hill neighborhood of East Jerusalem….
Israel police seek to extend remand of alleged mosque vandals
6/10/2010 – Bethlehem – Ma’an/Agencies – Israeli police plan to request that a court extend the remand of four yeshiva students suspected of spraying graffiti on a mosque in the town of Ibtin, Israeli media reported Thursday. Police said the four 18-year-olds from Kfar Hasidim in northern Israel denied the allegations against them, and that the investigation….
Quartet conditions on Hamas a thing of the past: Official
6/10/2010 – Bethlehem – Ma’an – Recognizing the international Quartet is no longer a requirement to break the siege on Gaza, Fatah Central Committee member Nabil Sha’ath told Ma’an on Wednesday. The Palestinian leadership, “told the Americans frankly that the PLO is calling for” an end to the siege regardless of the Gaza government’s position on Israel or on….
Zahhar ’never expected’ Israel to attack flotilla
6/10/2010 – Gaza – Ma’an – Hamas leader Mahmoud Zahhar said Wednesday that he never expected Israel to open fire on an aid flotilla bound for Gaza last Monday. Zahhar, a member of the Islamic movement’s politburo, said he assumed the Israeli navy would surround the flotilla for a short period until it changed course. Addressing a political seminar….
Arab League chief slams flotilla ’atrocity’
6/10/2010 – Bethlehem – Ma’an/Agencies – “Israel is the main reason for the black hole in the region,” Arab League Secretary-General Amr Moussa said Thursday, condemning Israel’s “atrocity and assault” on a flotilla bound for Gaza. At an economic forum in Turkey, Moussa, who is expected to visit Gaza soon, described as martyrs the eight Turkish nationals and….
US approves $400 million for Palestinians
6/10/2010 – Bethlehem – Ma’an – US President Barack Obama announced Wednesday that the United States will move forward with approximately $400 million in initiatives and commitments for the West Bank and Gaza that will help increase access to clean drinking water, create jobs, build schools, expand the availability of affordable housing, and address critical health and infrastructure needs….
Official says Hamas won’t alter Shalit demands
6/10/2010 – Gaza – Ma’an – Captured Israeli soldier Gilad Shalit will not be freed until Israel meets Hamas’ demands, one of the party’s leaders Khalil Al-Hayya said Thursday. Speaking at a festival in Gaza City honoring released prisoner Fuad Abu Nar,Al-Hayya termed the Shalit issue “a constant” for Hamas, and urged Israel not to stall progress by….
EU to propose full opening of market to Palestinian goods
6/10/2010 – Bethlehem – Ma’an – The European Commission is to propose full opening of the European market to Palestinian exports in an effort to boost the Palestinian economy, an EU official said Thursday. EU Trade Commissioner Karel De Gucht’s announcement came following a meeting with Palestinian Authority Minister of National Economy Hasan Abu-Libdeh to discuss measures to enhance….
South America condemns deadly flotilla raid
6/10/2010 – Bethlehem – Ma’an – South America has condemned Israel’s assault on a Gaza-bound aid flotilla that left nine passengers dead last week. The Union of South American Nations (UNASUR) issued a declaration in which it condemns Israel’s actions against the Freedom Flotilla. UNASUR represents Bolivia, Colombia, Ecuador, Peru, Argentina, Brazil, Paraguay, Uruguay, Chile, Guyana, Suriname, Mexico and….
Egyptian artists arrive in Gaza for solidarity tour
6/10/2010 – Gaza – Ma’an – Egyptian Actors Association chief Ashraf Zaki and a delegation of 15 other Arab actors and artists arrived in the Gaza Strip on Thursday, entering from Egypt via the Rafah crossing. The visit was billed as a “solidarity mission,” possible following the opening of the crossing by Egyptian President Hosni Mubarak last week, after….
Leftist PPP says postponing elections a mistake
6/10/2010 – Ramallah – Ma’an – Secretary-General of the Palestine People’s Party Bassam As-Salhi said he would refuse to recognize the cabinet decision to postpone indefinitely the local elections slated for July. In a news conference at the Watan Media Center following the Thursday announcement, As-Salhi said he would demand that the elections be held, calling them a central….
Gaza: All factions meet Arab League rep in unity plea
6/10/2010 – Gaza – Ma’an – The Arab League secretary-general’s assistant entered Gaza on Thursday, to participate in an all-factions meeting in the Gulf Hotel, officials said.”We invited ambassador Yousef for the meeting to talk about the urgent need for reconciliation, an end of division, and reconstruction [in Gaza],” coordinator for People’s Reconciliation Commission Mahmud Thabet said shortly….
The top 10 things I hate about summers in the Middle East
Palestine Note 10 Jun 2010 – 1.Hot summers with a blazing sun every day and only a handful of places with air conditioning is a one-way ticket to Stinkville. Yes, summer makes pretty much everyone stink. Men sweat in places they didn’t…
An 11th-hour opportunity
Palestine Note 10 Jun 2010 – RAMALLAH – Negotiations between Palestinians and Israelis have resumed after a year and a half of a stalemate that began after Israel launched its devastating military assault against the Gaza Strip in December 2008. The resumption…
We now hate Turkey, So the Armenian genocide DID happen
Palestine Note 10 Jun 2010 – Spencer Ackerman has an excellent and succinct post on the hypocrisy abounding now that the American Jewish leadership has decided Turkey is an enemy, so they have stopped lobbying against recognition of the Armenian genocide. He’s…
What an Israeli Official admits to when his guard is down
Palestine Note 10 Jun 2010 – In a stark departure from finely crafted talking points, Israeli Ambassador to the United States, Michael Oren spoke with rare clarity about Israel’s intentions in imposing and maintaining the blockade on Gaza’s 1.5 million people. Appearing…
How dare Americans criticize Israel? Look at Fallujah!
Palestine Note 10 Jun 2010 – The author — an American and adviser to rightist pastor John Hagee— writes that Americans are not allowed to criticize Israelis when they act like barbarians because Americans do the same (Fallujah, etc). Stupid point. Most…
The confrontation that Obama is avoiding
Palestine Note 10 Jun 2010 – Much as the Palestinian leadership would welcome the U.S. financial commitment to the tune of $400 million to alleviate, in part, the deplorable situation within Gaza, President Barak Obama’s pronouncements at the end of his one-hour…
A Palestinian partner
Palestine Note 10 Jun 2010 – High on the list of questions I get when promoting the pro-Israel, pro-peace message is who I’m proposing that Israel make peace with. The question in short: Is there a Palestinian partner? Last night, I had…
They’re coming: Freedom flotilla two and others planned
Palestine Note 10 Jun 2010 – The European Campaign to End the Siege on Gaza (ECESG) is “an umbrella body” of 34 European human rights and humanitarian organizations supporting the right of Palestinians “to live in peace and dignity,” to be free…
Leader(ship) of fools: Beware of the “Knesset A” flotilla
Palestine Note 10 Jun 2010 – Psychologist speak of a fascinating phenomenon known as Inattentional Blindness – when our attention to something specific literally blinds us to something obvious others can easily see. In short: out of mind, out of sight . A…
Israel’s cult of victimhood
Palestine Note 10 Jun 2010 – Why are Israelis so indignant at the international outrage that has greeted their country’s lethal attack last week on a flotilla of civilian ships taking aid to Gaza? Israelis have not responded in any of the…
Abbas faces questions at Washington forum
Palestine Note 10 Jun 2010 – By Sarah Harlan Washington – Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas gave public remarks in English at the Brookings Institution in Washington Thursday. Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas speaks at the Brookings Institution in Washington on Thursday [Photo: Palestine…
US is asked: Why not talk to Hamas?
Palestine Note 10 Jun 2010 – Washington – President Barack Obama’s pledge on Wednesday to help lift Israel’s closure of the Gaza Strip in the wake of last week’s raid on the Gaza aid flotilla is bringing attention to the US and…
WATCH: Stephen Colbert takes on Israeli ambassador
Palestine Note 10 Jun 2010 – Washington – Israeli Ambassador Michael Oren appeared on Comedy Central’s the Colbert Report Wednesday June 9. Stephen Colbert (above) plays a comical neo-conservative on the Colbert Report. [Photo: Wikimedia Commons] The segment poked fun at the…
PA local elections postponed indefinitely
Palestine Note 10 Jun 2010 – Washington – The Palestinian Authority (PA) has postponed indefinitely municipal elections scheduled for July 17, Ma’an News Agency reported Thursday. The PA cabinet gave no accompanying explanation. The decision to postpone the elections was made “behind…
‘They bled to death’
Palestine Note 10 Jun 2010 – New footage emerges of Gaza flotilla raid Washington – New video footage was released on Thursday of Israel’s deadly raid last week on the Turkish-owned ship Mavi Marmara, which was carrying aid to the Gaza Strip….
Hamas and Turkey to sue Israel
Palestine Note 10 Jun 2010 – Washington – The Hamas and Turkish justice ministries are working together to sue Israel for its raid and seizure of the Mavi Marmara in international waters May 31, London-based al-Sharq al-Awsat reported via Ynet News Thursday….
Report: Israel Foreign Ministry warned against flotilla raid
Palestine Note 10 Jun 2010 – Washington – Officials in Israel’s foreign ministry have told the newspaper Haaretz that they warned the Israeli armed forces that it would be difficult to justify a raid on last week’s Gaza aid convoy in international…
Abbas to Charlie Rose: No agreement without Jerusalem
Palestine Note 10 Jun 2010 – Washington – Making an appearance on Charlie Rose while in Washington, Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas told the famed interviewer that the Palestinian Authority will not sign any kind of agreement that does not guarantee East Jerusalem…
‘One state solution coming’
Palestine Note 10 Jun 2010 – Abbas aide tells Palestine Note : Time running out on 2-state deal By Jared Malsin Washington — The failure of peace talks could result in a one-state solution to the Israeli-Palestinian impasse, a spokesman for Palestinian President…
Iran threatens to revise IAEA ties
AlJazeera 10 Jun 2010 – Response to new UN sanctions could restrict inspectors access to nuclear facilities.
Palestinian local polls postponed
AlJazeera 10 Jun 2010 – Palestinian prime minister announces indefinite delay for July 17 ballot.
Israel dominates Turkey-Arab forum
AlJazeera 10 Jun 2010 – Turkish PM urge Arab nations to unite in effort to end Gaza siege.
PCHR: Six killed 11 Injured By The Military Fire This Week
PNN – Ghassan Bannoura — PNN- This week Israeli military attacks on Palestinian communities in the West Bank and Gaza left six Palestinians killed and 11 others injured; the Palestinian Center for Human Rights…
Five home demolition orders to villagers in northern West Bank
PNN – Ramallah — PNN – The Israeli military ordered the demolition of five homes at the village of Al Nabi Saleh, central West Bank. The military clams that the five homes are built…
Soldiers Attack W.B. Communities: One Injured, 17 Arrested One Car Destroyed
PNN – Bethlehem — PNN – Israeli troops invaded the village of Beit Omer Thursday afternoon, which is located in the southern part of the West Bank. The soldiers also conducted house to house…
Yeshiva Students Suspected Of Mosque Vandalism
PNN – Ibtin – PNN – Four 18 year old yeshiva students from the Jewish village of Kfar Hasidim were arrested today on charges that they vandalized a mosque in the nearby Arab village…
Obama It is Time to Move Forward on a Two-State Solution
PNN – Washington — PNN – Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas told 30 Jewish Leaders from many different organizations in Washington that “He would never deny Jews their right to the land of Israel”. The…
Fifty Ships To Join Freedom Flotilla Two
PNN – Gaza — PNN — The head of Free Palestine Movement, Yasser Qashlaq, announced on Thursday that the Freedom Flotilla two could include up to 50 ships. Qashlaq said that a ship organized…
Palestinian Center for Human Rights
Weekly Report on Israeli Human Rights Violations in the Occupied Palestinian Territory (03— 09 June 2010)
Palestinian Center for Human Rights
PCHR Organizes Three New Meetings On Democracy, Political Participation and the Right to Freedom of Opinion and Expression
Palestinian Center for Human Rights Ref: 59/2010 The Palestinian Centre for Human Rights’ (PCHR) Democratic Development Unit (DDU) has organized three new meetings on democracy, political participation and the right to freedom of opinion and expression, in cooperation with several civil society organizations across the Gaza Strip. Today morning, Thursday, 10 June 2010, a meeting was organized in cooperation with Beit Lahi Development Association in
‘No sign of war with Hizbullah soon’
Jeruslalem Post 10 Jun 2010 – Exclusive: UNIFIL chief says situation in Lebanon far more stable now.
EU seeks to open sea route to Gaza
Jeruslalem Post 10 Jun 2010 – Ships may be inspected in Cyprus, under new proposals.
Erdogan wins raucous reception from Arab leaders
Jeruslalem Post 10 Jun 2010 – Turkish PM’s attacks on Israel, vote against Iran sanctions, make him darling of Muslim world.
Unrepentant Iran derides sanctions
Jeruslalem Post 10 Jun 2010 – Teheran says it will review relations with the IAEA due to resolution.
Israel, US hold joint strike sim
Jeruslalem Post 10 Jun 2010 – IAF says it has increased overseas drills by 40 percent.
Israel lets snacks, juice, spices, shaving cream into Gaza
Jeruslalem Post 10 Jun 2010 – Hamas minister rejects new items, demands raw materials for factories.
Abbas recognizes Jewish claims to Israel
Jeruslalem Post 10 Jun 2010 – Accepts ancient Jewish claims to Israel and west Jerusalem as capital.
‚ÄòThere will probably be more US demands’
Jeruslalem Post 10 Jun 2010 – Malcolm Hoenlein speaks about US – Israel ties.
Israel Bonds group here from US to ‚Äòmotivate leadership’
Jeruslalem Post 10 Jun 2010 – “Everybody knows Israel is always on fire, and people come here and are totally 100 percent involved with Israel’s welfare,” says organization head.
Unions call for boycott of Turkish goods
Jeruslalem Post 10 Jun 2010 – Turkey’s involvement in the Gaza flotilla incident sparks reaction by mass-consumers.
International Solidarity Movement
Activists to demonstrate outside of European Commission Delegation in Barcelona
6/10/2010 – International Solidarity Movement – NOVA – 8 June – The European Union must put an end to the shameful and illegal siege that Israel imposes on Gaza. For 4 years, 1. 5 million people have been living in inhumane conditions for having democratically elected a party Israel does not accept; for 43 years, Israel has been blocking all access to Gaza….
Netanyahu backs antitrust bill against concentration‚Ä©
Ha’aretz –
Report: Madrid bans Israelis from gay pride march over Gaza flotilla raid
Ha’aretz – Israeli gay delegates angry over ban, say Spanish gay federation should not mix politics with gay pride, The Guardian reports.
Man arrested for raping his four daughters since childhood
Ha’aretz – 60-year-old suspect originally denied all allegations against, later admitted to molesting his daughters.
Abbas: We demand an end to Gaza siege; entire world stands with us
Ha’aretz – Palestinian President repeats acceptance of Jews’ claim to the land of Israel, citing the Koran.
Arab states: Israel nuclear danger reinforced by its aggression
Ha’aretz – Arab states target Israel at UN nuclear debate, urge Israel to join global anti-nuclear arms pact NPT.
Turkey signs deal with Arab neighbors to create free trade zone
Ha’aretz – Meanwhile, EU announces plan to grant duty-free access for Palestinian products.
Lieberman: Israel shouldn’t lift Gaza siege until Hamas lets Red Cross see Shalit
Ha’aretz – Lieberman’s remarks echo calls made by Shalit supporters amid international calls on Israel to end 4-year-blockade.
Arab states: Israel blocking Mideast from becoming nukes-free
Ha’aretz – U.S.: Singling out Israel is ‘counterproductive and inappropriate’; Iran repeats call for IAEA mission to Israel.
Russia says in talks with Iran on new nuclear plants
Ha’aretz – Russia: Iran sanctions won’t affect sale of S-300 missiles, will only impact deals regarding mobile missiles., Seoul downgrades status of president’s trip from ‘official’ to ‘working’, due to pressure over…
Abbas tells U.S. Jews: I would never deny Jewish right to the land of Israel
Ha’aretz – Palestinian president meets with leaders of the American Jewish community in Washington, interviews with Charlie Rose.
Netanyahu: Iran nuclear sanctions a ‘positive’ step
Ha’aretz – U.S., Israel hail UN sanctions as Iran vows to continue nuclear enrichment; prime minister hopes world will move on to broader economic and diplomatic measures.
Gates: Turkey-Israel rift a concern for U.S.
Ha’aretz – U.S. Defense Secretary says European reluctance to boost links with Turkey played a role in pushing Ankara eastward.
U.S., Russia, France notify IAEA of concerns over Iran nuclear fuel deal
Ha’aretz – Powers: Plan does not address core doubts over Tehran’s nuclear program, which is likely aimed at developing atomic weapons.
Israel orders Commandos unit to close their Facebook account
10 Jun 2010 – Jerusalem, June 10, (Pal Telegraph) IOF soldiers from the special Commando force “13” in the Israeli Marine Corps recieved Israeli decision to close their account on Facebook, after rising fear among the Israeli army and commando forces to reveal their identities after their participation in the operation of attacking the freedom flotilla Ships.
Israel decides to close Carney crossing for ‘security’ reasons
10 Jun 2010 – Gaza, June 10, (Pal Telegraph) The Israeli occupation authorities decided to close the Carney crossing, located in east of Gaza for reasons related to “security” after it announced today morning that the commercial crossing will open. Engineer Raed Fattouh, Chairman of the goods entry of into Gaza Committee, said: “We have been told by the Israeli side this morning about…
Israeli settlers set fire in Palestinian car
10 Jun 2010 – Nablus, June 10, (Pal Telegraph) A group of Israeli settlers decided this morning to set a car on fire, the car belongs to a Palestinian civil citizen from the village of “Immatin” between the cities of Nablus and Qalqilya. Ghassan Douglas, the official responsible of the settlement file in the northern West Bank confirmed that the Israeli settlers set a…
Israel demands its Navy not to attack any ships bound to Gaza
10 Jun 2010 – Gaza, June 10, (Pal Telegraph) The Israeli Foreign Ministry asked the Israeli Navy not to attack any ships bound for the Gaza Strip in international waters as it causes damage to Israel, where it also demanded that the Israeli naval armed boats to be waiting for these ships to enter into Israeli territorial waters and then capture it.
Israel detains 4 Palestinians in Hebron, Nablus
10 Jun 2010 – West Bank, June 10, 2010 (Pal Telegraph) — Israeli occupation forces (IOF) detained four Palestinians on Wednesday overnight from Hebron and Nablus, in the West Bank. In Al-Zaheria town south of Hebron, IOF detained the citizen Mohammed Sabah Al-Hawaren, Esa Baher, 16, and Sameer Abu Marya, 16. They also beat the child Saker Abu Hashem, SAFA news agency reported. Israeli…
Israel detains 4 Palestinians in WB
9 Jun 2010 – West Bank, June 9, 2010 (Pal Telegraph) — Israeli occupation forces detained today four Palestinians in different cities in the West Bank. Local sources reported that Israeli forces raided Jenin and Nablus cities. They searched the citizens’ houses and then detained four citizens. The detainees were taken to unknown place, the sources added. Eight Israeli vehicles raided the eastern neighborhood…
The Images Israel Didn’t Want Seen: Video and Photographs from the Gaza-Bound Aid Flotilla
Uruknet June 10, 2010 – In the wake of the commando raid that left nine dead, the Israeli government confiscated every recording and communication device it could find—thus allowing the state to control what the world learned about the assault. Democracy Now! has interviewed some of the reporters, filmmakers, and photographers who managed to smuggle out some of their images….
Zionism’s colonial project
Uruknet June 10, 2010 – IN MAY 1948, Israel’s first prime minister, David Ben-Gurion, proclaimed the founding of the state of Israel. Immediately, Jewish commandos in Palestine launched what Israel called its “war of independence.” When Israel concluded an armistice with the armies of Egypt, Transjordan and Syria in 1949, more than 750,000 Palestinians had been forced to flee from…
EXCLUSIVE: New Video Smuggled Out from Mavi Marmara of Israel’s Deadly Assault on Gaza Aid Flotilla
Uruknet In a Democracy Now! exclusive, we bring you a sneak preview of previously unseen raw footage from the Mavi Marmara that will be formally released at a press conference at the United Nations later in the day. The footage shows the mood and the activities onboard the Mavi Marmara in the time leading up to the attack, and the…
Iran opposition calls off vote anniversary demos: report
Uruknet June 10, 2010 — Iranian opposition leaders have called off anti-government protests planned for Saturday, the anniversary of last year’s disputed presidential election, an opposition website reported. Both opposition leaders Mir Hossein Mousavi and Mehdi Karroubi have decided not to go ahead with demonstrations, Karroubi’s website Sahamnews.com reported on Thursday. “After receiving reports from reformist parties and to protect…
50 Ships To Join Second Freedom Flotilla
Uruknet June 10, 2010 – Yasser Qashlaq, the head of the Free Palestine Movement, announced Thursday that Freedom Flotilla 2 could include up to 50 ships. Qashlaq said that a ship organized by Journalists Without Borders will depart from Lebanon to Gaza within a week. There will be journalists, members of the Free Palestine Movement, and other peace activists aboard…
The real face of Israel is exposed, and it is tainted by racism
Uruknet June 10, 2010 – Even though the Freedom Flotilla was not allowed to reach Gaza as planned, the mission was far from unsuccessful. The situation in Gaza has been put back on the international agenda, with many countries around the world calling for the immoral and illegal Israeli siege to be lifted. Even the United Nations, part of the…
Israel steps up repression against its Arab citizens
Uruknet June 9, 2010 – Alongside its May 31 assault on a convoy bringing aid to Gaza, Israel has stepped up its repression of domestic political opponents. In recent weeks, the security authorities have detained two prominent figures within the Israeli Arab community, accusing them of acting as spies for the Lebanese organisation, Hezbollah. Ameer Makhoul, who heads an umbrella…
Israel sends Sudanese worker to Gaza
Uruknet June 9, 2010 — Israeli authorities sent a Sudanese citizen to the Gaza Strip on Tuesday evening, a prisoners’ rights group said. According to the Gaza-based Wa’ed Society for Detainees and Liberated, Israeli authorities forced Mike Joel into Gaza from Israel. The “deportee” apparently worked in Israel for one year before he was detained by Israeli forces and sent…
Israeli document: Gaza blockade isn’t about security
Uruknet June 9, 2010— As Israel ordered a slight easing of its blockade of the Gaza Strip Wednesday, McClatchy Newspapers obtained an Israeli government document that describes the blockade not as a security measure but as “economic warfare” against the Islamist group Hamas, which rules the Palestinian territory. Israel imposed severe restrictions on Gaza in June 2007, after Hamas won…
After the Flotilla, will Turkey emerge as a force for Palestinian rights?
Uruknet June 9, 2010 – …After years of disappointment with successive Arab regimes, Turkey appears to be taking a regional leadership role. While better and closer relations between Turkey and the Arab world are welcome developments, and there is hope for a momentum building up for the Palestinian cause, the ambiguities of the Turkish stance are apparent and raise important…
Pain of Gaza exile endures after 43 years
Uruknet June 9, 2010 – In the Arab world, 1967 is known as the year of the setback – al-Naksa. A year of lost hopes, dreams, land and freedom. It was also the year of my birth. My parents had been married for almost seven years and had three children with a fourth on the way – me. They lived…
7 Questions for Defenders of Israel’s Inhumane Siege of Gaza
Uruknet June 9, 2010 – Apologists for the brutal siege of Gaza base their defense largely on a single, spectacularly dishonest argument: that Israel is only trying to keep arms out of Gaza — arms that Hamas might use against Israeli civilians. It’s a red herring of monstrous proportions, made more pernicious by the brutal effects of the blockade it…
Israeli “democracy” unmasked
Uruknet June 9, 2010 – “We are facing times like never before.” These are the words of Ahmad Tibi, a Palestinian citizen of Israel and member of its parliament (the Knesset). On 7 June, he filed a complaint with the Knesset Guard about death threats he has received. Tibi is not alone; two other leading Arab politicians, Talab El Sana…
Nearly four hundred Palestinian children subject to serious abuse in Israeli prisons
Uruknet June 9, 2010 – Almost four hundred Palestinian children being held in Israeli prisons are subjected to “flagrant” violations of their human and civil rights, according to a Palestinian rights centre. A statement issued by the Prisoners’ Studies Centre claims that 380 children in Damon Prison and other detention centres are being abused to the extent that intervention is…
Palestinian Member of Israeli Knesset Receives Death Threats After Surviving Israeli Raid on Gaza Aid Flotilla
Uruknet June 9, 2010 – Hanin Zoabi was aboard the Mavi Marmara, the lead ship in the flotilla where all nine activists were killed, and she witnessed some of them bleed to death. When she returned to Israel to speak in the Knesset, she was verbally assaulted by parliament members for her participation in the flotilla…
Turkey to continue with Tehran diplomacy
The National 10 Jun 2010 – Turkey aims to continue its efforts to find a diplomatic solution to the row surrounding Iran’s nuclear programme.
Tehran may reduce access for IAEA
The National 10 Jun 2010 – Iran’s parliament will draft a bill to reduce relations with the UN nuclear watchdog, a powerful committee chairman said yesterday, in response to the latest round of sanctions over Tehran’s nuclear programme.
Obama pledges $400m aid for Gaza
The National 10 Jun 2010 – The White House announces US$400 million in assistance to the West Bank and Gaza that will help fund infrastructure projects, improve home ownership and create jobs.
Registration for World Education Forum in Palestine Opens 25 June
Alternative Information Center – We are pleased to inform you that the registration for organizations and self-organized activities for the World Education Forum in Palestine (28-31 October 2010) will open on June 25. This event is vitally…
Hanin Zoabi: My MK
Alternative Information Center – The Israeli Knesset’s House Committee decided to recommend revoking the parliamentary privileges of Member of Knesset Hanin Zoabi for “harming the dignity of the Knesset.” For numerous years the Knesset has lacked all dignity and if…
No Pride in Occupation: Tel Aviv Pride Parades Focus on Protest, Progressive Social Change
Alternative Information Center – Friday (11 June) will be a busy day in Tel Aviv, with the city hosting not just one, but three pride parades. In addition to the municipality’s 12thannual pride parade, two alternative marches will be making…
US Embassy Demands Investigation after American Activist Loses Eye from Israeli Tear Gas Grenade
Alternative Information Center – The United States Embassy is demanding an investigation into how Emily Henochowicz, a 21-year-old American citizen, lost her eye last week. Emily was struck by a tear gas grenade at the Qalandiyah checkpoint during a peaceful…
Israel Detains 3 Activists, Destroys More than 50 Trees in Bethlehem Area Village of Al Walaja
Alternative Information Center – The village of Al Walaja is again under threat as Israel continues construction of the Separation Wall through the village’s agricultural land. Tuesday morning (8 June), the Israeli military entered Al Walaja, a village northwest of…
PRC World Cup Campaign: End Apartheid of Israel in Palestine
WAFA – LONDON, June 10, 2010 (WAFA)- With the world focused on the 2010 world cup in symbolic South Africa, the Palestinian Return Centre (PRC) is calling on the world community to remember the ongoing
New UN Report Highlights Bleak Economic Situation for Palestinians
WAFA – GENEVA, June 10, 2010 (WAFA)- The economic situation in the occupied Palestinian territory has seen some improvement but remains precarious, particularly in the Gaza Strip, where the continued
EC Set to Help Palestinian Economy with Full Opening of EU Market
WAFA – RAMALLAH, June 10, 2010 (WAFA)- EU Trade Commissioner Karel De Gucht and Minister of National Economy Hasan Abu-Libdeh discussed measures to enhance EU-Palestinian bilateral trade relations and
Israel Needed to Change its Aggressive Stance, Former Envoy Tells Palestinian Rights Committee
WAFA – NEW YORK, June 10, 2010 (WAFA)- Israel needed to change its aggressive stance towards the Palestinians or face the possibility of a catastrophic outcome in the future, Edward Peck, a former United
Arab nations applaud Turkey’s Erdogan for tough stand on Israel
Daily Star 10 Jun 2010 ISTANBUL: Arab nations burst into applause Thursday as Turkey’s prime minister walked to the podium at a summit, reflecting Turkey’s meteoric rise on the world stage amid disputes over Israel’s blockade of Gaza and UN sanctions…
Russia hunts for ‘Robin Hood’ anti-police vigilantes
Daily Star 10 Jun 2010 MOSCOW: Russia on Thursday captured one of a gang of anti-police youths whose deadly attacks on the security forces in its Far East Region have gripped the public imagination, investigators said. The authorities have launched a…
Iranian opposition leaders call off election anniversary rally
Daily Star 10 Jun 2010 TEHRAN: Iran’s opposition on Thursday cancelled a rally to mark the anniversary of last June’s presidential election, due to fears for people’s lives in any crackdown by a government under pressure at home and abroad. A…
Hamas rejects Israel-approved snack foods for Gaza
Daily Star 10 Jun 2010 GAZA CITY, Gaza Strip: The Hamas government said Thursday it will not let newly approved food items into the Gaza Strip as long as Israel maintains its blockade of the impoverished territory.Israel slightly eased the much-criticized…
US sees no sign of Iran incursion in north Iraq
Daily Star 10 Jun 2010 WASHINGTON: The US military said Thursday it had no evidence to substantiate a report that Iranian troops have been building a small fort on Iraqi territory since crossing the border in pursuit of Kurdish rebels. The…
Poll: 78 pct of Israelis view Turkey as enemy
Daily Star 10 Jun 2010 OCCUPIED JERUSALEM: Some 78 percent of Jewish Israelis now view Turkey, once Israel’s only Muslim ally in the Middle East, as an enemy nation, according to a poll published on Thursday.The sharp switch in public attitude…
Iran defiant on sanctions, West plans harsher moves
Daily Star 10 Jun 2010 UNITED NATIONS/LONDON: Britain led calls on Thursday for harsher penalties to be imposed on Iran, as Tehran defied a compromise United Nations sanctions resolution to punish it for its suspected nuclear weapons program. The UN Security…
Abbas: Faith in two-state peace plan ‘eroding’
Daily Star 10 Jun 2010 WASHINGTON: Palestinian president Mahmoud Abbas warned on Thursday that the lack of progress toward peace was “beginning to erode” faith that a two-state solution to end the Israeli-Palestinian conflict was possible. “I would like to express…
IAEA board puts spotlight on Israel’s nuclear weapons
Daily Star 10 Jun 2010 VIENNA: Arab states criticized Israel Thursday at a meeting of the UN atomic watchdog, calling on the country to come clean about its nuclear capability and open up to global scrutiny.Arab countries had succeeded – despite…
French TV wants 12 teenagers to find a road map to Middle East peace
The Guardian 10 Jun 2010 – Reality show Les Accords de Marseille to put six youths from Israel and six from Palestine in a house for three weeks Most reality television shows keep their aspirations modest: good ratings, plenty of gossip and…
Barack Obama announces $400m aid package to Gaza and West Bank
The Guardian 10 Jun 2010 – UK has promised increase in aid to troubled area as well President Barack Obama said today the US would send $400m of aid to the Palestinian territories following 10 days of international focus on Gaza, which…
INTERVIEW-Fayyad wants Gaza opened in line with 2005 deal
Relief Web 10 Jun 2010 – Source: Reuters – AlertNet
Fatah divisions force delay of Palestinian vote
Relief Web 10 Jun 2010 – Source: Reuters – AlertNet
ICRC activities in Lebanon from Jan 2009 to Apr 2010
Relief Web 10 Jun 2010 – Source: ICRC
European Commission set to help Palestinian economy with full opening of EU market
Relief Web 10 Jun 2010 – Source: European Commission
NATO ‘Singing Israeli Tunes’
IPS BRUSSELS, Jun 9 (IPS) – Strategists with NATO are eager to maintain the strong bonds they have developed with Israel in recent times, even though its forces last week attacked a ship flagged in Turkey, a steadfast member of the alliance.
U.S.: Neo-Conservatives Lead Charge Against Turkey
IPS WASHINGTON, Jun 9 (IPS) – As the right-wing leadership of the organised U.S. Jewish community defends Israel against international condemnation for its deadly seizure of a flotilla bearing humanitarian supplies for Gaza, a familiar clutch of neo-conservative hawks is going on the offensive against what they see as the flotilla’s…
The villagers of Al-Walaja and activists gather to stop bulldozing of agricultural land
Stop The Wall – On the morning of June 9th, 2010, Israeli Occupation forces arrested Palestinian and international activists in Al-Walaja, a village in the north west of Bethlehem district. [
Abbas: Concept of 2-states beginning to erode
YNet News – Palestinian president tells Washington think tank, ‘I would like to express….
Arab nations cheer Turkey for tough Israel stand
YNet News – Turkish-Arab Economic Forum says will work ‘until Israel held accountable for….
Palestinian local elections postponed
YNet News – Municipal West Bank vote delayed indefinitely due to inter Fatah rift over….
Iran election anniversary rally called off
YNet News – Opposition rally to mark disputed June elections cancelled ‘to preserve people’s….
Russia: Sanctions allow Iran missile contract
YNet News – Foreign Ministry responds to report saying new UN sanctions resolution caused….
Hamas, Turkey to work to sue Israel
YNet News – Justice ministers of Hamas, Turkey, agree to work together to prosecute Israeli….
Initiative: Cancel Izmir’s twin city status with TA
YNet News – Two years after Gaza City partnership canceled, city councilman Arnon Giladi….
Erdogan says sanctions against Iran ‘mistake’
YNet News – Turkish prime minister, whose country voted against UN sanctions against Iran,….
US disappointed in Turkey, Brazil vote
YNet News – WASHINGTON – The US administration expressed its regret on Thursday over Turkey’s and Brazil’s vote opposing sanctions against Iran in the UN Security Council, but …….
Palestinian PM calls to open Gaza borders
YNet News – Palestinian Prime Minister Salam Fayyad called on Thursday for Gaza’s borders to be opened in line with an agreement that would restore a role for his West Bank-based …….
Russia says in talks with Iran on more nuclear plants
YNet News – Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov said Thursday that Moscow was in talks on building further nuclear power plants in Iran — a step that, if followed through, would …….
Hebron settlers: Don’t improve supply of electricity to Arabs
YNet News – Representatives of the Jewish settlement in Hebron asked Infrastructure Minister Uzi Landau to halt the installation of a high-voltage line meant to improve the supply of …….
Iran opposition calls off election anniversary rally
LA Times 10 Jun 2010 – Supporters are stunned after Mir-Hossein Mousavi and Mehdi Karroubi call off a protest to mark the first anniversary of the disputed presidential election amid concerns over safety. Iran’s opposition leaders Thursday called off a weekend demonstration, stunning supporters who had been plastering walls with graffiti and distributing leaflets to promote the event.
White House works to ease Iran proposal in Congress
LA Times 11 Jun 2010 – The Obama administration fears tough U.S. sanctions against companies doing business in Iran would anger foreign allies. The Obama administration, which labored for months to impose tough new United Nations sanctions against Iran, now is pushing in the opposite direction against Congress as it crafts U.S. sanctions that the White House fears may go too far.
News Analysis: Beyond Iran Sanctions That Probably Won’t Work, Plans B, C, D …
New York Times 10 Jun 2010 – Further efforts against Iran include old-style military containment, and an operation known at the C.I.A. as the Braindrain Project to lure away Iran’s nuclear talent.
New Approach Sought as Pressure Grows to End Gaza Embargo
New York Times 10 Jun 2010 – A consensus is emerging among some world powers and Israeli officials that the attempt to weaken Hamas has failed.
Iran Warns of ‚ÄòReduced’ Ties With U.N. Inspectors
New York Times 10 Jun 2010 – Responding to new sanctions, Iran threatened to reduce its dealings with the U.N. nuclear watchdog.
Registration for World Education Forum in Palestine Opens 25 June
Alternative Information Center 3 – We are pleased to inform you that the registration for organizations and self-organized activities for the World Education Forum in Palestine (28-31 October 2010) will open on June 25. This event is vitally…
Greek Tragedy in Jerusalem
Palestine Monitor – Omar Ibn al-Khattab square, near the Jaffa Gate entrance of the Old City of Jerusalem, is a site rich with the memory of conquerors past. From Khattab himself through to Kaiser Wilhelm II and General Allenby in the 19th and 20th centuries, this has been the…
Torture Of Palestinian Child Prisoners “Widespread And Institutionalised”
Palestine Monitor – This week a DCI (Defence For Children International) report found that Palestinian children are still routinely tortured under Israeli custody. The document, based on hundreds of sworn, independent affidavits, has been submitted to the UN Committee Against Torture. Photo: Lazar Simeonov ‘Free The Children’ protest outside…
No Pride in Occupation: Tel Aviv Pride Parades Focus on Protest, Progressive Social Change
Alternative Information Center 1 – Friday (11 June) will be a busy day in Tel Aviv, with the city hosting not just one, but three pride parades. In addition to the municipality’s 12thannual pride parade, two alternative marches will be making their way through the city. The parades, Community Pride Parade:…
Hanin Zoabi: My MK
Alternative Information Center 1 – The Israeli Knesset’s House Committee decided to recommend revoking the parliamentary privileges of Member of Knesset Hanin Zoabi for “harming the dignity of the Knesset.” For numerous years the Knesset has lacked all dignity and if dignity is our business, then the dignity of MK Zoabi,…
Israel Detains 3 Activists, Destroys More than 50 Trees in Bethlehem Area Village of Al Walaja
Alternative Information Center 1 – The village of Al Walaja is again under threat as Israel continues construction of the Separation Wall through the village’s agricultural land. Tuesday morning (8 June), the Israeli military entered Al Walaja, a village northwest of Bethlehem and considered part of the Jerusalem municipality,…
US Embassy Demands Investigation after American Activist Loses Eye from Israeli Tear Gas Grenade
Alternative Information Center 1 – The United States Embassy is demanding an investigation into how Emily Henochowicz, a 21-year-old American citizen, lost her eye last week. Emily was struck by a tear gas grenade at the Qalandiyah checkpoint during a peaceful protest of Israel’s attack of the Freedom Flotilla aid convoy…
Emily Henochowicz was shot while holding Turkish flag
Mondoweiss – Today’s Washington Post report on Emily Henochowicz, 21, the Cooper Union art student blinded in one eye by the Israeli army on May 31, includes this account: demonstrators who witnessed the incident said the canister was fired directly at Henochowicz from about 10 to 15 yards…
‚ÄòGuardian’ offers more clues on how the 19-year-old Turkish-American died
Mondoweiss – The chilling video that was posted by Paul Woodward here earlier has been circulating around the internet, and shows Israeli commandos kicking and beating someone and then firing shots. The shots seem to be fired at extremely close range. People are claiming that the victim in…
With US mood turning, Israel lobbyist urges approach to Russia (‚Äòwe share values’)
Mondoweiss – Things are getting desperate in the U.S. Jennifer Laszlo Mizrahi of the Israel Project, an Israel lobby group, writes in the Jerusalem Post that America will never be the same, and it’s time to remember Israel’s shared values with the Russians: The pro-Israel community must internalize……
‚ÄòJ Street’ publishes an ‚ÄòI am scared’ letter from an Israeli
Mondoweiss – J Street has published an “I am scared” letter from an Israeli describing his society’s slide toward authoritarianism and the necessity of “pressure” from outside to save Israel. The word “apartheid” appears, and the statement that most Israelis don’t want peace. Remember when people said that…
New footage of flotilla attack contradicts Israeli account
Mondoweiss – Update: Iara Lee has posted her complete, unedited footage: Here is the description from her website Cultures of Resistance : On the night of Sunday, May 30, showing a terrifying disregard for human life, Israeli naval forces surrounded and boarded ships sailing to bring humanitarian aid to…
ALISON WEIR — While Israel Kills and Maims ‚Ķ The Outrage at Helen Thomas
Palestine Think Tank – Whenever Israel commits yet another atrocity, its defenders are quick to redirect public attention away from the grisly crime scene. Currently, there are headlines about allegedly anti-Semitic comments made by senior White House correspondent Helen Thomas. Pundits across the land evince outrage at her off-the-cuff 25-second…
Break the Siege NOW! DAY OF ACTION IN THE EU!
Palestine Think Tank – Fermate l’assedio su Gaza! End the Siege on Gaza! Mettons fin au si?®ge deGaza! Day of action throughout Europe on 14 June to coincide with the EU Committee on Gaza summit. This appeal is also herein Italian by Diego Traversa and French by MR for Gulagnik…
Kawther Salam — 107 Israeli Crimes Against Palestinian Journalists
Palestine Think Tank – “Israel perpetrated 107 attacks and violations against Palestinian journalist’s rights since the start of 2010” said the secretary general and president of the Palestinian Journalist Syndicate (PJS), Professor Abed Al-Nasser Al-Najjar. He stated that the Israeli attacks included beating the journalists, breaking their cameras, preventing them…
Gaza Internal Security Break into Offices of Five NGOs; Confiscate Belongings:Al Mezan Condemns the Assaults, Calls for Respecting the Law
Al Mezan Center for Human Rights –
Flotilla Activists Detained in Israel without Access to Lawyers, Al Mezan Calls for Investigation, Accountability, and End of the Siege of Gaza
Al Mezan Center for Human Rights –
Israel Violently Attacks the Freedom Fleet in International Waters; Al Mezan Calls on International Community to Investigate and Protect Solidarity Activists
Al Mezan Center for Human Rights –
THEY ARE WATCHING YOU
Irish4Palestine – UK is part of this European surveillance programme to “watch” and gather details of people like us who support a free and independent Palestinian state and who speak out against Israel and it’s tactics and war crimes. Why dont they “get it?” We are not “Radicals”…
TODAY’S NEWS RUNDOWN
Irish4Palestine – Perusing the news on Israel today,so much to choose from, it’s like a giant pu pu platter, alas have to pick, so here are my favourites to poke fun at: Israel decides to investigate itself: The Israeli military said Tuesday it has set up an internal…
Iran missile deal ‘not affected’
BBC – The latest round of UN sanctions will not affect Russia’s deal to supply controversial missiles to Iran, Russian officials say.
Turkey agrees to Arab trade plan
BBC – Turkey agrees to set up a free trade zone to boost ties with its Arab neighbours Syria, Lebanon and Jordan.
Abbas concerned for peace process
BBC – Lack of progress in the Mid-East peace process is “eroding” faith in a two-state solution, says the Palestinian leader.
Neoconservatives Lead Charge Against Turkey
Antiwar.com – As the right-wing leadership of the organized U.S. Jewish community defends Israel against international condemnation for its deadly seizure of a flotilla bearing humanitarian supplies for Gaza, a familiar clutch of neoconservative hawks is going on the offensive against what they see as the flotilla’s chief…
Israel’s Cult of Victimhood
Antiwar.com – Why are Israelis so indignant at the international outrage that has greeted their country’s lethal attack last week on a flotilla of civilian ships taking aid to Gaza? Israelis have not responded in any of the ways we might have expected. There has been little soul-searching…
Brazil, Turkey Defy US on Nuke Vote Against Iran
Antiwar.com – After several months of closed-door negotiations and shuttle diplomacy, the United States succeeded Wednesday in getting a new Security Council resolution — the fourth in a series — imposing a fresh set of sanctions penalizing Iran for its nuclear program But the most powerful political body…
Israel Military Admits It Doctored Gaza Freedom Flotilla Audio Clip
Sabbah report – Washington Post’s Kessler Must Retract By Max Blumenthal | Sabbah Report | www.sabbah.biz The IDF admitted today in a press release that it doctored audio footage from its exchanges with the Gaza flotilla in order to paint the flotilla passengers as anti-Semites. I am beginning to wonder if…
Ilan Pappe: The deadly closing of the Israeli mind
Sabbah report – The decline in Israel’s reputation since the brutal attack on the Gaza flotilla is unlikely to influence the country’s leaders By Ilan Papp?©* | Sabbah Report | www.sabbah.biz At the top of Israel’s political and military systems stand two men, Ehud Barak and Benjamin Netanyahu, who are behind…
Are the defenders of Anti-semitism losing their edge?
Sabbah report – By Debbie Menon * | Sabbah Report | www.sabbah.biz A year ago, Americans were reluctant to discuss Zionism or anti-Zionism or read the stuff, even “moderate Arabs and Muslims” (whatever that means) , shied away from the communities around these two camps and lacked the strength to support the few…
(en) Britain, Anarchist Federation, No state solution in Gaza
A-infos – Statement distributed by the Manchester and Sheffield Anarchist Federation groups on the conflict in Gaza, in solidarity with the victims of the conflict, and for internationalism. —— One thing is absolutely clear about the current situation in Gaza: the Israeli state is committing atrocities which must…
Articles
Israel’s Impunity From International Law
George Bisharat, CounterPunch6/9/2010
Both the Attack on the Flotilla and the Siege of Gaza are Illegal
Israel’s deadly attack on the Gaza “Freedom Flotilla” was flagrantly illegal. The flotilla, carefully searched for arms before disembarkation, enjoyed the right of free navigation in international waters, and Israel had no legal justification to interrupt its peaceful mission.
Flotilla passengers were entitled to defend themselves against Israel’s forcible boarding of the Mavi Marmara, whether or not Israeli commandos fired immediately on landing on the ship’s deck, as the passengers maintain. Dropping 100 armed soldiers on a ship from the sky is not a peaceful maneuver. Nor can Israeli armed commandos claim self-defense, any more than a purse snatcher facing a victim who elects to fight back. Hence, Israel is culpable for the killings that followed.
Israel has claimed that it is in “armed conflict” with the Hamas government in the Gaza Strip and that its actions on the high seas to enforce the blockade of the Gaza Strip are therefore permissible. That claim is wrong.
In fact, under customary international law that Israel accepts as binding, Israel continues to occupy the Gaza Strip, despite the withdrawal of its ground troops and settlers from that region in 2005. A territory is “occupied” when foreign forces exercise “effective control” over it, whether accomplished through the continuous presence of ground troops or not.
Israel patrols the territorial waters and airspace of the Gaza Strip, regulates Gaza’s land borders, restricts internal movements by excluding Gazans from a “buffer zone” that includes 46 percent of the strip’s agricultural land, and controls the Gaza Strip’s supplies of electricity, heating oil, and petrol….more..e-mail
Not by cement alone
Amira Hass, Ha’aretz6/9/2010
The flotilla, like its predecessors and the ones still to come, serves the Israeli goal, which is to complete the process of separating the Gaza Strip from the West Bank.
The achievement of the failed flotilla to Gaza – mainly, it must be conceded, by its dead – is that the demand is being heard from everywhere that Israel halt its policy of siege. The government of Israel was not willing to listen to the desperate supplications of John Ging, the head of UNRWA in Gaza. Now it must heed French President Nicolas Sarkozy and Turkish Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan. But unknowingly, this flotilla, like its predecessors and the ones still to come, serves the Israeli goal, which is to complete the process of separating the Gaza Strip from the West Bank. The process, it will be said here for the millionth time, started in 1991 and not after the rise of Hamas rule. It’s purpose was to thwart the two-state solution, which the world understood at that time as based on all of Gaza and the West Bank, and the link between them.
Since the method of sailing to Gaza started about two years ago, none of its initiators purported to meet the need for this or that product. Israel is attempting by signs and wonders to prove there is no hunger in Gaza. The initiators are actually thinking about hunger of a different kind: a very human hunger for a direct link to the world, to freedom of movement of people, not just goods. The seaborne method was later switched to overland breaches to the Strip via Rafah, to Egypt’s displeasure and Israel’s joy.
Israel brought the closure to grotesque and petty proportions, attracting attention with its prohibition on macaroni and permission for cinnamon, the counting of calories and delaying cement even for a sewage treatment plant. Israel expanded the closure to the extent of prohibiting Gazans from working, creating, manufacturing and earning a living, with the declared goal of bringing down Hamas. But it achieved the opposite. That rule only grew stronger, proving its resourcefulness, its ability to suppress internal opposition and engender support by international activists who are ideologically opposed to its methods and philosophy. The siege strengthened Hamas to such an extent that Palestinian conspiracy theorists are convinced this was Israel’s intention from the outset.more..e-mail
The Real Threat Aboard the Freedom Flotilla
Noam Chomsky, In These Times6/8/2010
Israel’s violent attack on the Freedom Flotilla carrying humanitarian aid to Gaza shocked the world.
Hijacking boats in international waters and killing passengers is, of course, a serious crime.
But the crime is nothing new. For decades, Israel has been hijacking boats between Cyprus and Lebanon and killing or kidnapping passengers, sometimes holding them hostage in Israeli prisons.
Israel assumes that it can commit such crimes with impunity because the United States tolerates them and Europe generally follows the U.S.’s lead.
As the editors of The Guardian rightly observed on June 1, “If an armed group of Somali pirates had yesterday boarded six vessels on the high seas, killing at least 10 passengers and injuring many more, a NATO task force would today be heading for the Somali coast.” In this case, the NATO treaty obligates its members to come to the aid of a fellow NATO country—Turkey—attacked on the high seas.
Israel’s pretext for the attack was that the Freedom Flotilla was bringing materials that Hamas could use for bunkers to fire rockets into Israel.
The pretext isn’t credible. Israel can easily end the threat of rockets by peaceful means.
The background is important. Hamas was designated a major terrorist threat when it won a free election in January 2006. The U.S. and Israel sharply escalated their punishment of Palestinians, now for the crime of voting the wrong way.
The siege of Gaza, including a naval blockade, was a result. The siege intensified sharply in June 2007 after a civil war left Hamas in control of the territory.more..e-mail
Helen Thomas and the moral failure of US liberals
Electronic Intifada: 10 Jun 2010 – The ostracism of Helen Thomas, the doyenne of the White House press corps, over her comment that Jews should “get the hell out of Palestine” and “go home” to Poland, Germany, America and elsewhere is revealing in several ways. In spite of an apology, the 89-year-old has been summarily retired by the Hearst newspaper group, dropped by her agent, spurned by the White House, and denounced by long-time friends and colleagues. Jonathan Cook comments.
Greek Tragedy in Jerusalem
Palestine Monitor: 10 Jun 2010 – Omar Ibn al-Khattab square, near the Jaffa Gate entrance of the Old City of Jerusalem, is a site rich with the memory of conquerors past. From Khattab himself through to Kaiser Wilhelm II and General Allenby in the 19th and 20th centuries, this has been the location of choice for victorious invaders. Over the past few years the area has witnessed new history being written. The Greek Orthodox Patriarchate, the Israeli government, and a settler organisation hiding behind shady offshore companies are conspiring to conquer the Old City in a new way. Omar Ibn al-Khattab Square. Its not easy to pinpoint when the saga began, but it gathered momentum following the March 18th, 2005 headline in right-wing Israeli tabloid Maariv that proclaimed “Omar Bin Khattab Square is ours”. It emerged that the Greek Orthodox Patriarchate, one of the biggest private landowners in Israel, had issued long-term leases on two buildings…
Torture Of Palestinian Child Prisoners “Widespread And Institutionalised”
Palestine Monitor: 10 Jun 2010 – This week a DCI (Defence For Children International) report found that Palestinian children are still routinely tortured under Israeli custody. The document, based on hundreds of sworn, independent affidavits, has been submitted to the UN Committee Against Torture. Photo: Lazar Simeonov ‘Free The Children’ protest outside Ofer military prison. September 12, 2009. Each year around 700 Palestinian children are arrested, interrogated and prosecuted in the Israeli military court system. From 100 testimonies, from different age groups and locations, DCI found that 69% were beaten or kicked and 81% made forced confessions during interrogations, which would commonly take place with the prisoner blindfolded and handcuffed. 32% signed confessions in Hebrew. A senior DCI source called it “the most comprehensive report yet”, making a pattern from previous years hard to discern but added the results were “not a surprise”. Explaining his confidence in the data’s legitimacy, he explained “all the affidavits were…
Moral Failure of American Liberals: A Defence of Helen Thomas
Palestine Chronicle: 10 Jun 2010 – By Jonathan Cook The ostracism of Helen Thomas, the doyenne of the White House press corps, over her comment that Jews should ‘get the hell out of Palestine’ and ‘go home’ to Poland, Germany, America and elsewhere is revealing in several ways. In spite of an apology, the 89-year-old has been summarily retired by the Hearst newspaper group, dropped by her agent, spurned by the White House, and denounced by long-time friends and colleagues. Ms Thomas earnt a reputation as a combative journalist, at least by American standards, with a succession of administrations over their Middle East policies, culminating in Bush officials boycotting her for her relentless criticisms of the occupations of Iraq and Afghanistan. But the reaction to her latest remarks suggest that, if there is one topic in American public life on which the boundaries of what can and cannot be said are still tightly policed, it is…more
Israel Leading America into Darkness
Palestine Chronicle: 10 Jun 2010 – By James Gundun – Washington D.C. Somewhere underground Israel defense officials debated alternate strategies to handle future aid ships headed for the Gaza strip. ‘Nothing has been decided,’ but ‘there are a lot of ideas out there.’ The leading one would allow aid ships to enter Gaza after being inspected by UN and Israeli officials at Ashdod Port. Though the sincerity of defense officials is always suspect, Israel’s military has additional motivation beyond the international community to work out a new system. The next flotilla could reach Gaza’s beach if escorted by Turkish and Iranian warships; Iran claims to be launching its own aid convey next week. Try as Israel will to deflect the blame onto Turkey or Iran, a naval confrontation would threaten the peace process and isolate it even further. While half-arrangement may be incompatible to activists, they surely feel invigorated that Gaza blockade, however slowly, is crumbling…more
The Confrontation that Obama Is Avoiding
Palestine Chronicle: 10 Jun 2010 – By George S. Hishmeh — Washington, D.C Much as the Palestinian leadership would welcome the U.S. financial commitment to the tune of $400 million to alleviate, in part, the deplorable situation within Gaza, President Barak Obama’s pronouncements at the end of his one-hour session last Wednesday with Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas fell short of the high expectations. The Palestinians, as many others elsewhere, were hoping that in the wake of Israel’s recent massacre of nine pro-Palestinian activists, including an American citizen, aboard the aid-carrying flotilla of six Gaza-bound ships, the American leader would be assertive. As a matter of fact, the Palestinian leader had told an investment conference in the Israeli-occupied West Bank last week that his message to the American leader is that “we need bold decisions to change the face of the region.” However, after their meeting at the White House Obama only acknowledged that it was “important…more
Let the Palestinians Eat Potato Chips
Palestine Chronicle: 10 Jun 2010 – By Ahmad Amr At first glance, I thought I was reading a parody mocking the absurd list of the products that are banned from reaching Gaza. The Associated Press just published an article titled “Israel Eases Gaza Blockade on Some Banned Foods.” That seemed like a promising headline. It now appears that the Israelis will permit the Gazans to import soda, juice, jam, spices, shaving cream, potato chips, cookies and candy. That’s it. No steel – no cement – nothing that can be used for rebuilding the thousands of homes, hospitals, schools, sewage plants and mosques that were reduced to rubble in last year’s carpet bombing of Gaza. What the AP failed to report is the long list of food products that still remain on the black list. Another thing that didn’t make past the AP censors is the fact that the Israelis continue to enforce the ban on textiles,…more
Gaza Burning — A Poem
Palestine Chronicle: 10 Jun 2010 – By Jehan Bseiso No matter flag. No matter medicine. No matter civilian. No matter international community. No matter your international waters. No matter your sanctions, no matter your rhetoric and foreign policy. Only 62 years status quo, Everyday Nakba, Subsidized settlements, Even more walls- Matter. Children on the ICRC bus, visiting their Baba’s in your prisons- Matter. Food and medicine rotting at every border- Matter From the shadows, the silent majority watch water go on fire. – Jehan Bseiso contributed this poem to PalestineChronicle.com.more
More material available from Vermonters for a Just Peace in Palestine/Israel – www.vtjp.org
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The New Dark Age 
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