4 August, 2010 — VTJP
News
International Middle East Media Center
Customs Department Officers Close Nablus TV Channel and Attack Staff Members
IMEMC – 4 Aug 2010 – Wednesday August 04, 2010 – 22:44, The Palestinian Centre for Human Rights (PCHR) condemns the recent raid on a Nablus TV channel, which included the beating of three journalists working for the channel and the confiscation of filmed material by officers from the Palestinian Customs Department, who also closed the channel.
Israeli group spotlights sham of Israeli construction freeze
IMEMC – 4 Aug 2010 – Wednesday August 04, 2010 – 15:59, An Israeli NGO has documented widespread disregard for the construction freeze that was supposed to be enforced in the West Bank settlements.
Lebanon appears at fault in yesterday’s confrontation
IMEMC – 4 Aug 2010 – Wednesday August 04, 2010 – 15:17, A Lebanese commander admits their soldiers initiated gunfire and UNIFIL says the tree was on the Israeli side of the border.
Israelis Demolish Bedouin Village Again
IMEMC – 4 Aug 2010 – Wednesday August 04, 2010 – 14:49, Wednesday morning Israel’s Land Administration razed the rebuilt village with the protection of Israeli security forces.
1 Dead in Air Raid on Khan Younis
IMEMC – 4 Aug 2010 – Wednesday August 04, 2010 – 13:01, The Israeli military has killed one member of the population of Gaza, on Wednesday, and injured another in the third attack on the region in as many days.
16 Arrested in al-Walaja
IMEMC – 4 Aug 2010 – Wednesday August 04, 2010 – 12:01, 16 persons of conscious, including the village’s mayor, have been arrested in the West Bank village of al-Walaja, on Wednesday, protesting the construction of the annexation wall.
Israeli police raze rebuilt Bedouin village
8/4/2010 – AL-ARAQIB, Israel (Ma’an) — Hundreds of Israeli police stormed an unrecognized Bedouin village Wednesday, less than one week after it was razed to make way for Jewish National Fund forest, witnesses said. Residents, who remained in the Negev-area village to rebuild, said clashes erupted with police, sent to clear the Bedouin who had not left the…. Related: PFLP condemns razing of Bedouin village
Foundation: Israel bulldozes 15 graves in Jerusalem cemetery
8/4/2010 – JERUSALEM (Ma’an) — The Al-Aqsa Foundation for Waqf and Heritage said Israeli bulldozers began razing 15 graves in the Muslim Mamillah cemetery in West Jerusalem on Wednesday. The foundation, which is undertaking the graveyard’s maintenance and restoration, condemned the destruction caused by Israeli workers who started overturning the cemetery in the morning….
Israeli police use force against Bethlehem protest
8/4/2010 – BETHLEHEM (Ma’an) — Israeli forces used physical force and tear gas against what participants called a peaceful rally near the West Bank city of Bethlehem on Wednesday, demonstrators said. Ten people were reported injured including one child, and 15 others were detained in Al-Walaja village, where Palestinian, Israeli, and international demonstrators attempted to halt the path….
Media center: Serious deterioration in press freedom
8/4/2010 – BETHLEHEM (Ma’an) — The Palestinian Center for Development and Media Freedoms reported a “serious deterioration” in press freedom across the occupied Palestinian territories in July, a recent report said. The violations cataloged by the center were perpetrated by Israeli, Palestinian Authority and Gaza forces, a statement read. MADA also noted an increase in attacks against journalists….
Bil’in popular committee official barred from travel
8/4/2010 – RAMALLAH (Ma’an) — A Palestinian Popular Committee member from Bil’in was turned away from the Allenby Bridge by Israeli forces on Wednesday, his colleagues said. A statement from the Popular Organizing Committee said Bil’in community organizer Mohammed Khatib was by Israeli forces at the border crossing between the West Bank and Jordan that he was not…. Related: Mohammed Khatib of Bil’in’s Popular Committee prevented from going abroad despite an OK from court
PA minister apologizes for closing TV stations
8/4/2010 – BETHLEHEM (Ma’an) — The Palestinian Authority Minister of Telecommunications apologized Wednesday for a series of raids and closures of several TV and radio stations in the northern West Bank city of Nablus. Mashhur Abu Daqqa told Ma’an radio that an investigation committee would be formed to follow up on the raids, which were undertaken by PA….
Israeli army confirms firing at Gaza border
8/4/2010 – BETHLEHEM (Ma’an) — The Israeli army confirmed Wednesday that an Israeli aircraft opened fire east of Beit Hanoun a day earlier, a spokeswoman said. An Israeli force “identified a number of suspects approaching the security fence and an aircraft fired towards them and identified a hit.” On Tuesday, Gaza medical services coordinator Adham Abu Salmiyeh identified….
`Sinai rocket launch had Egyptian help`
8/4/2010 – Al-ARISH, Egypt (Ma’an) — Monday’s deadly rocket attack on Jordan and Israel was launched by a Palestinian faction with the help of Egyptian operatives, security officials in the Sinai believe. An Egyptian security source told Ma’an that the faction launched seven Grad-grade rockets toward the Red Sea resort cities of Eilat and Aqaba. Government officials said….
Egypt: Palestinian factions behind Sinai rockets
8/4/2010 – BETHLEHEM (Ma’an) — Palestinian operatives from Gaza were behind Tuesday’s rocket attacks on the Israeli and Jordanian coasts, Egyptian officials told local news media Wednesday. The apparent admission contradicts Cairo’s initial denials to Ma’an and other news outlets in the hours following the deadly attack, which left a Jordanian citizen dead and three others injured….
Hamas officials decry Egypt rocket accusations
8/4/2010 – GAZA CITY (Ma’an) — Egypt’s accusations that Hamas was involved in Monday’s rocket attack are “unprofessional and absolutely untrue,” Hamas spokesman Sami Abu Zuhri said Wednesday. Speaking with Ma’an radio, Abu Zuhri said Egyptian officials were not credible, pointing out their immediate denials that Monday’s attack had been launched from within Egyptian territory.”They changed their….
Jailed Fatah leader: Talks harm Palestinians
8/4/2010 – BETHLEHEM (Ma’an) — Talks with Israel have reached an impasse and their continuation harms Palestinian national interests, jailed Fatah leader Marwan Barghouthi said Wednesday. Speaking with lawyer Elias Sabbagh at the Hadarim detention center where Barghouthi is serving several life terms, the Fatah leader slammed what he described as a trend which suggests talks are the….
Rights group calls for probe into Gaza blast
8/4/2010 – GAZA CITY (Ma’an) — A Palestinian rights group has called for an investigation into a blast in central Gaza that injured several civilians,saying it was likely caused by an internal explosion. In a statement, the Palestinian Centre for Human Rights called upon the Hamas-led government in Gaza to launch an inquiry into the explosion in….
Gaza: 2 crossings partially open
8/4/2010 – GAZA CITY (Ma’an) — Israeli authorities will partially open two crossings into Gaza for the transfer of aid, a Palestinian official said. Raed Fattouh, who coordinates the transfer of goods into Gaza, said approximately 240 truckloads of aid would be delivered to the Strip through the Kerem Shalom crossing to the south. Additionally, limited quantities of….
2 detained in West Bank raids
8/4/2010 – BETHLEHEM (Ma’an) — Israeli forces detained two people and issued a summons to a third man across the West Bank on Wednesday morning, Palestinian police reported. The detentions came amid a series of home and village raids, in which families described forces searching for unidentified individuals. An Israeli military spokeswoman said three men wanted by Israel….
PFLP condemns razing of Bedouin village
8/4/2010 – BETHLEHEM (Ma’an) — The Popular Front for the Liberation of Palestine denounced on Wednesday the razing of a Bedouin village in Israel for the second time in over a week. PFLP politburo member Muhamad As-Sweidy said in a statement that the demolitions “prove that the Israeli occupation authority is moving forward with its plan to empty…. Related: Israeli police raze rebuilt Bedouin village
UNHRC concludes review of Israel’s rights record
8/4/2010 – BETHLEHEM (Ma’an) — The UN Human Rights Committee, which monitors the implementation of the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights, issued its concluding observations on Israel on Thursday. The committee found a number of violations of Israel’s obligations under international law, the Al-Mezan Centre for Human Rightssaid in a statement. It voiced concerns….
2009 settlement report says population up 40 fold
8/4/2010 – BETHLEHEM (Ma’an) — The number of Israelis living in illegal West Bank settlements increased more than 40 times between 1972 and 2009, according to a report issued Tuesday by the Palestinian Central Bureau of Statistics. By comparison, the number of Israelis living in Israel and the occupied Syrian Golan has doubled during the same period, PCBS….
Israeli soldiers redeploy along Lebanon border
8/4/2010 – BETHLEHEM (Ma’an) — Tension prevailed on both sides of the border after Israeli forces resumed routine activity in the area where deadly clashes took place Tuesday between Israeli and Lebanese soldiers. The Israeli forces managed to cut down the tree which ignited the skirmishes, Israel’s Army Radio reported. The army said it had the right to….
Refugee children explore Al-Quds math museum
8/4/2010 – JERUSALEM (Ma’an) — Palestinian refugee children from the West Bank and Gaza Strip on Tuesday explored interactive exhibits at the Math Museum in Al-Quds University in occupied East Jerusalem. The tour was part of Camp Discovery — a 13-day program focusing on English language learning which is funded by the US Consulate in East Jerusalem in….
Egypt releases 3 Islamic Jihad detainees
8/4/2010 – GAZA CITY (Ma’an) — Egyptian authorities released three Islamic Jihad affiliates in custody on Tuesday night, a source told Ma’an. The detainees were held in custody for three months and were identified as Ahmad Abu Jame’a, Eid Ash-Shukry, and Mahmud Al-Mazeny, the source said. All Islamic Jihad detainees imprisoned by Egypt have now been….
Jordanian officials say baptism site water safe
8/4/2010 – AMMAN – Jordanian officials rejected as baseless on Tuesday, claims by environmentalists that pilgrims who immerse themselves in the Jordan River risk catching serious disease due to high pollution levels in the biblical river. Officials from the Baptism Site Commission moved quickly to quell fears that the waters cause skin diseases, insisting that hundreds of thousands….
Lebanon MP: Army ’always prepared’ to face Israel
8/4/2010 – BETHLEHEM (Ma’an) — A Lebanese MPsaid Wednesday that his country’s army was “always prepared” to oppose Israel and defend its lands, following a deadly border skirmish a day before. Antoine Zahra, who also serves in the Lebanese armed forces, told Ma’an radio that Israel tended to search for war “in order to escape peace, negotiations, and….
American delegation of Christian and Jewish leaders visits Bethlehem
8/4/2010 – Bethlehem – Ma’an – Twenty men from the US representing Christian and Jewish groups, on Wednesday visited Bethlehem, where officials explained the situation of residents in the city. Mayor Victor Batarseh and two municipal officials received the delegation, explaining the economic, psychological, and physical barrier that the wall around the city imposed.” We are a nation that….
Haniyeh receives grandson Erdogan in Gaza
8/4/2010 – GAZA CITY (Ma’an) – Gaza government Prime Minister Ismail Haniyeh received his 15th grandchild in his Gaza City home on Wednesday, welcoming the child, Erdogan, into the family. Haniyeh’s second eldest daughter gave birth to the baby boy one week earlier in a Gaza hospital, and named him Erdogan after Turkish Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan….
Palestinian rights group wraps up European tour
8/4/2010 – BETHLEHEM (Ma’an) — The Palestinian human rights group Badil has concluded a three-month speaking tour through eight European countries, the Bethlehem-based group said in a statement Wednesday. The tour included lectures at universities and other venues, meetings with civil society and Palestinian activists, participation in conferences and seminars, and interviews with news media, Badil said….
PA police: Civil Administration impounds tractors
8/4/2010 – BETHLEHEM (Ma’an)— Palestinian Authority police said Tuesday that Israel’s Civil Administration impounded a tractor and bulldozer in Hebron and Tubas, respectively. The report said Israeli inspectors accompanied by border guards impounded Ghaleb Yousef Atwan’s tractor in the southern West Bank village of Kharas. In Tubas, police said inspectors confiscated Mahmoud Taleb Sawafta’s bulldozer, and that….
PA releases 23 Hizb Ut-Tahrir detainees
8/4/2010 – QALQILIYA (Ma’an) — The Palestinian Authority released 23 Hizb Ut-Tahrir (Islamic Liberation Party) affiliates on Tuesday evening in Qalqiliya, after they were detained for marking the fall of the Caliphate, a party statement read. The men were released on bail following 10 days of detention for participating in the event on 23 July, when PA police….
Barghouthi: Unity talks ongoing
8/4/2010 – GAZA CITY (Ma’an) — Talks remain ongoing to secure a unity deal between the rival Fatah and Hamas movements, Palestinian National Initiative leader Mustafa Barghouthi said Wednesday. Barghouthi, a member an independent delegation approved by President Mahmoud Abbas to mediate between the factions, said a new round of talks have not been held because an official….
In photos: Marriage in the Nativity Church
8/4/2010 – MaanImages / Luay Sababa – A Palestinian couple, Greek Orthodox Christians Charlie and Laila, are married on 1 August 2010 in the West Bank city of Bethlehem’s Church of the Nativity, where Christian tradition says the Virgin Mary gave birth to Jesus. The second holiest site in Christendom, the church is visited by almost a million pilgrims….
Report: Peace would grow Palestinian economy 20%
Palestine Note 4 Aug 2010 – Washington — The Palestinian economy could grow by nearly 20% if a peace deal were struck with Israel, according to PA President Mahmoud Abbas’ senior economic advisor, Bloomberg reported Wednesday. “If people see serious negotiations, we…
The Palestinian hamburglar?
Palestine Note 4 Aug 2010 – Washington — A Palestinian man from Nazareth was detained Wednesday after being caught smuggling over 1,300 pounds of mutton into Israel, Ynet News reported . A young girl marvels at a butcher shop. [Credit: Anam Raheem] The…
UN asked Israel to delay Lebanon border tree-cutting
Palestine Note 4 Aug 2010 – By Jared Malsin New York – The head of United Nations peacekeeping operations, Alain Le Roy , said Wednesday that the UN had asked Israel to delay a controversial tree-cutting operation that led to Tuesday’s deadly skirmish…
Cinema returns to Jenin for first time since 1987 Intifada
Palestine Note 4 Aug 2010 – Washington — After a 23-year hiatus, Jenin’s largest movie theatre is reopening with a grand Hollywood-style ceremony and three-day film festival, Haaretz reported Wednesday. Cinema Jenin last heard the buzz of film projectors in 1987, when…
Israel to retaliate for Eilat rockets
Palestine Note 4 Aug 2010 – Netanyahu: We hold Hamas responsible New York – Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said Wednesday that he holds Hamas responsible for rockets that landed in the Israeli Red Sea resort town of Eilat on Monday, and…
PA apologizes for raids, closures of WB news offices
Palestine Note 4 Aug 2010 – Washington — The Palestinian Authority Minister of Telecommunications issued a statement Wednesday apologizing for recent raids that closed news stations in the West Bank city of Nablus, Ma’an reported . Mashhur Abu Daqqa made the apology while…
Former Knesset speaker to create new Arab-Jewish party
Palestine Note 4 Aug 2010 – Washington — A former MK is hoping to return to the Knesset this fall, running on the ticket of a newly formed joint Arab-Jewish Israeli party, the Jerusalem Post reported Wednesday. Former Knesset speaker Avraham Burg…
UN agencies: Rebuilding Gaza quickly is ‘impossible’
Palestine Note 4 Aug 2010 – Gaza City – IRIN – UN agencies have calculated that the Gaza Strip needs about 86,000 new housing units, mostly because of population growth but also to replace the thousands of homes destroyed or damaged as…
WATCH: Children injured, several detained at Walaja wall protest
Palestine Note 4 Aug 2010 – Washington – Israeli forces injured ten people, including a child, with tear gas canisters and rubber-coated bullets at a peaceful protest against the construction of the Israeli separation wall through the village of Al-Walaja near Bethlehem,…
Barak tells PM deportation of children ‘not Jewish or humane’
Palestine Note 4 Aug 2010 – Washington — Israel’s Defense Minister Ehud Barak has called on Prime Minister Benyamin Netanyahu to reverse the decision to deport 400 children of undocumented foreign workers, Ynet news reported Wednesday. Demonstrators gathered in 2009 to protest…
UN: Israeli troops ‘on own side’ before Lebanon clash
Palestine Note 4 Aug 2010 – New York – UN peacekeepers in southern Lebanon said Wednesday that Israeli soldiers cutting trees were positioned south of the internationally-recognized ceasefire line before a deadly confrontation that left five people dead on Tuesday. A UNIFIL…
Israel cuts down tree at center of Lebanon border clash
Palestine Note 4 Aug 2010 – Washington — The tree over which Tuesday’s deadly border clash between Israeli and Lebanese forces began has now been cut down, The Telegraph reported Wednesday. The trimming came from Israeli forces, a day after fire broke…
Russia to oust Israeli security agents from airports
Palestine Note 4 Aug 2010 – Washington — Israel has threatened to freeze all flights to and from Russia, following a decision by Russian authorities to bar Israeli security personnel from Russian airports starting later this month, Ma’an News Agency reported Wednesday….
Egypt blames Palestinians for Sinai rockets
Palestine Note 4 Aug 2010 – Washington – Egypt pointed to “Palestinian factions” Wednesday for a series of rockets launched from Sinai Peninsula Monday that hit Aqaba, Jordan and Eilat, Israel, killing a Jordanian man. Exploded shell [Flyk3r – Flickr] AFP news…
Israel razes bedouin town, again
Palestine Note 4 Aug 2010 – MK warns of ‘Negev intifada’ New York – Israeli forces have bulldozed the Bedouin community of Al-Araqib, in the Negev desert, for the second time in eight days. Israeli police, with the help of teenage volunteers ,…
Iran: Presidential convoy attack was a firecracker
Palestine Note 4 Aug 2010 – Washington – Reuters and Al-Arabiya news agencies reported Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad was the subject of an attempted attack on his motorcade in Hamadan Wednesday. Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad [Daniella Zalcman – Flickr] Reuters cited a…
Night Beat: The great tank top debate
Palestine Note 3 Aug 2010 – Washington – Protesters hoping to lend their support to Palestinians in the East Jerusalem neighborhood of Sheikh Jarrah have been asked to leave their shorts and tank tops at home at the request of the more…
UN: Israel did not cross border
AlJazeera 4 Aug 2010 – Head of UN peacekeeping says Israeli troops did not cross Blue Line during border skirmish.
Rocket strike blamed on Gaza groups
AlJazeera 4 Aug 2010 – Egypt says Palestinian factions behind rocket attack on Israeli and Jordanian towns.
Lebanon detains Israel spy suspect
AlJazeera 4 Aug 2010 – Senior member of Free Patriotic Movement detained on suspicion of spying for Israel.
Israel air raid on southern Gaza
AlJazeera 4 Aug 2010 – At least one Palestinian dead and another wounded near Khan Younis.
Egypt Blames Gaza For Monday’s Rockets
PNN – Bethlehem-PNN-Egyptian security forces blamed Palestinians for Monday’s rocket attack. Hamas calls the claim unfounded. Egypt claims that armed Palestinians are responsible for the attack on Israeli and Jordanian Red Sea ports which…
Bedouins Rebuild; Israelis Demolish Again
PNN – PNN-Bethlehem-Israel Land Administration workers stopped Bedouin efforts to rebuild their demolished village in the Negev on Wednesday. Bedouin villagers claim violence was used and report injuries. Bedouin in the village of Al-Arakib…
One Killed, Two Injured, During Israeli Shelling Targeting Palestinian Fighters In Gaza
PNN – Gaza —PNN – One Palestinian fighter were killed, two others injured, late on Tuesday night, when Israeli tanks attacked a group of fighters in southern Gaza Strip. Hamas sources said that Israeli…
Palestinian Youth Learn To Tell Their Stories
PNN – PNN-Bethlehem-Two New York film makers have traveled to the West Bank and brought their video equipment with them. Joanna Cyprys and Joshua Wolff are are conducting an eight day workshop for refugee…
Tensions Stay High Between Israel And Lebanon
PNN – PNN-Bethlehem-Lebanese leaders pledge violence if Israel violates border again; Israeli blames U.S., France for supplying Lebanon with weapons. After Tuesday’s border clash left four dead, Lebanon takes hard-line and Israel scolds Lebanon’s…
Palestinian Center for Human Rights
Weekly Report On Israeli Human Rights Violations in the Occupied Palestinian Territory (22-28 July 2010)
Palestinian Center for Human Rights
‘Turkish gov’t’s J’lem Old City wall is legal’
Jeruslalem Post 5 Aug 2010 – Three-meter-high retaining wall built around Islamic cemetery.
Analysis: Would Ahmadinejad’s assassination help Israel?
Jeruslalem Post 4 Aug 2010 – While the Iranian leader is one of our fiercest enemies, it’s not a given his successor would be any better.
‘Always first to volunteer’
Jeruslalem Post 4 Aug 2010 – IDF Lt.-Col.(res.) Dov Harari was laid to rest in Netanya funeral.
Congress may pull Lebanon military aid
Jeruslalem Post 4 Aug 2010 – Rep. Klein: Border shooting will “certainly come up in conversations.”
PM issues stern warnings to Lebanon, Hamas over attacks
Jeruslalem Post 4 Aug 2010 – UNIFIL confirms IDF soldiers remained on Israeli side of border; US says Lebanese fire was ‚Äòwholly unjustified and unwarranted.’
‘Hamas, Lebanon responsible for attacks’
Jeruslalem Post 4 Aug 2010 – In video broadcasted Wednesday, PM pins blame for recent events.
Barak: Expulsion of children anti-Jewish
Jeruslalem Post 4 Aug 2010 – Defense minister to PM: Reconsider decision to expel immigrant kids.
Race is on for next chief of staff
Jeruslalem Post 4 Aug 2010 – Barak to start interviewing candidates to replace Ashkenazi.
Why is Lebanon So Tense?
Jeruslalem Post 4 Aug 2010 – The war that may be brewing is not with Israel.
Analysis: Keep Ahmadinejad alive
Jeruslalem Post 4 Aug 2010 – Israel would not assassinate Iran’s president.
Egypt: Eilat, Aqaba attack Hamas’ work
Jeruslalem Post 4 Aug 2010 – Hamas rejects Cairo’s claims that it wanted to frame Egyptian groups.
Barak: Border attack was unplanned
Jeruslalem Post 4 Aug 2010 – IDF response to incident was ‘measured, correct and immediate.’
UNIFIL: Incident was on Israeli side
Jeruslalem Post 4 Aug 2010 – Investigation shows IDF did not violate the Blue Line.
Report: Iran obtains 4 S-300 missiles
Jeruslalem Post 4 Aug 2010 – After sanctions nix deal with Russians, weapons received elsewhere.
Mofaz: Incident was terror attack
Jeruslalem Post 4 Aug 2010 – LAF alleged to have used UNIFIL requested delay to play ambush.
Gaza man killed in Israeli airstrike
Jeruslalem Post 4 Aug 2010 – IDF fires on suspects approaching fence near Khan Younis.
UNIFIL confirms IDF claims
Jeruslalem Post 4 Aug 2010 – Official:Army informed us of maintenance beforehand; Lebanese knew.
International Solidarity Movement
Mohammed Khatib of Bil’in’s Popular Committee prevented from going abroad despite an OK from court
8/4/2010 – International Solidarity Movement – Popular Struggle – The Shin Bet prevented Mohammed Khatib of the Bil’in Popular Committee to cross the Allenby Bridge on his way to Spain today. Khatib was band despite having a permit to leave the country from the Military court. Mohammed Khatib, a prominent member of the Bil’in Popular Committee, arrived at the Israeli-controlled Allenby Bridge…. Related: Bil’in popular committee official barred from travel
Al-Walaja village resists construction of the Apartheid Wall
8/4/2010 – International Solidarity Movement – This morning in Al-Walaja local Palestinian residents supported by Israeli and international solidarity activists nonviolently resisted the construction of the Apartheid Wall by blocking the work of a bulldozer. Of the sixty protestors, fourteen people were arrested – six Palestinians and eight internationals. Three were also injured as Israeli police forcefully and violently removed protestors from….
Dozens mark first anniversary of double Sheikh Jarrah evictions
8/4/2010 – International Solidarity Movement – Dozens marched to the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestinian Refugees (UNRWA) headquarters in Jerusalem on Monday, August 2nd, to mark the first anniversary of the eviction of two Palestinian families from their homes in the EastJerusalem neighbourhood of Sheikh Jarrah. Representatives of the al-Ghawi and Hanoun families, whose homes have been occupied….
Shin Bet: Suspected Jewish terrorist Pearlman didn’t work alone
Ha’aretz – Security officials believe Chaim Pearlman had accomplices in the alleged murders of 4 Palestinians.
Barak appeals to PM: Don’t deport migrant workers’ children
Ha’aretz – Defense minister suggests that cabinet decision to deport children be deferred, and that deportations only be applied in future cases.
Doctors: Hospitals need 800 additional beds immediately
Ha’aretz – Hospital ward managers warn of irregular overloads reaching crisis levels. Health Ministry estimates the need for 800 additional beds in order to meet demand.
Police clash with Bedouin attempting to rebuild razed village
Ha’aretz – A number of injuries have been reported, among them MK Talab El-Sana, who apparently fainted while entrenched in a tent constructed to protest the village’s demolition.
Court postpones jail term for Arab convicted of rape by posing as Jew
Ha’aretz – High Court delays imposing 18-month term on Sabbar Kashur, accused of rape by deception after a woman he had sex with found out he was not Jewish.
U.S.: Lebanese fire on Israeli troops was totally unjustified
Ha’aretz – U.S. State Department assigns blame for clash that left one Israeli officer and two Lebanese soldiers and a journalist dead, after Israeli disappointment with ‘neutral’ U.S. response the previous day.
Lebanon arrests high-ranking officer accused of Israel espionage
Ha’aretz – Lebanon has already charged two employees working for state-owned mobile telecoms firm Alfa with spying for Israel, a charge that carries the death penalty.
Netanyahu: Hamas responsible for rockets on Eilat; we will retaliate
Ha’aretz – PM also blames Lebanese government for violence at border, days after Grad rocket salvo killed Jordanian man in attack from Sinai.
Iran official: We have obtained the S-300 missile system
Ha’aretz – Fars news agency says Tehran signs deal with Belarus after Russia reportedly refused to provide Iran with the surface-to-air system over recent UN sanctions.
Lebanon: We fired first at IDF unit near Israel border
Ha’aretz – Israel submits official UN complaint over fatal border clash; UNIFIL official says IDF soldiers did not cross Lebanon border.
Palestinian officials: IDF shellfire kills Gaza militant, wounds another
Ha’aretz – IDF shelling follows week of upsurge in violence along Israeli borders with Gaza, Egypt and Lebanon.
Israeli officer killed in clash on Israel-Lebanon border
Ha’aretz – 3 Lebanese soldiers, one journalist killed as Israeli and Lebanese soldiers exchange fire at border; second Israeli officer seriously wounded.
Al Araqeeb village demolished for 3rd time, constant suffering
4 Aug 2010 – West Bank, August 4, (Pal Telegraph) Hundreds of Israeli police and special units broke into Al Araqeeb village in the Negev, to demolish and erase the village because the people built tents in it after it was demolished by Israeli forces last week. According to reports from villagers that the violent clashes broke out between the villagers and Israeli police…
IOF demolishes 7 graves in Jerusalem
4 Aug 2010 – Jerusalem, August 4, (Pal Telegraph) Bulldozers of the Israeli municipality of Jerusalem demolished today morning seven graves in the cemetery of “Ma’man allah”. According to eyewitnesses, that the Israeli bulldozers started demolishing the graves under police protection and under the pretext of not obtaining a license by The Islamic Movement to restore them. The Islamic movement started in the restoration…
IOF arrests 4 Palestinian workers in Hebron
4 Aug 2010 – Hebron, August 4, (Pal Telegraph) Israeli occupation forces arrested today morning four Palestinians while trying to enter their place of work in the occupied Palestinian territories of 1948. Local sources said that Israeli troops from the so-called border guards have arrested four workers while trying to pass the barrier to reach their place of work. Same sources reported that those…
IOF raids Hebron, no detentions reported
4 Aug 2010 – Hebron, August 4 , 2010 (Pal Telegraph) — Israeli occupation forces raided Wednesday different areas in the city of Hebron in the occupied West Bank, no detentions were reported. Security sources said that the occupation forces raided number of houses in Dorah and other areas in the city of Heron. The occupation forces roamed the streets of the city at the…
Israeli shelling kills Palestinian, injures 2
4 Aug 2010 – Gaza, August 4, 2010 (Pal Telegraph) – Israeli shellfire killed Wednesday at least one Palestinian fighter and wounded other two on southern Gaza Strip. Israeli troops targeteda group of Palestinians fighters belonging to Fateh movement in east of Khan Younis, southern Gaza Strip, local sources reported. Medical sources reported that Sharef Bdeer, 24, was killed, adding that one of the…
Why is Obama moving to fund Israel’s Iron Dome project?
Uruknet August 4, 2010 – On 16 July 2010, US Assistant Secretary of State for Political-Military Affairs Andrew Shapiro laid out the Obama Administration’s policy on strategic cooperation between the US and Israel in a speech at the Brookings Institution’s Saban Center for Middle East Policy in Washington. Shapiro, referring to the “rocket threats from Hizballah and Hamas” that represent…
UPDATED: Scores injured in explosions, Israeli attacks on Gaza
Uruknet August 3, 2010 – Israeli airstikes killed a Palestinian resistance activist and wounded another early Wednesday morning 4 August, east of Khan Younis in the occupied Gaza Strip, reports Reuters, citing Palestinian medical sources. This latest attack comes on the heels of five days of Israeli missile strikes, Palestinian rocket fire and other explosions that have injured dozens and…
Jailed Fatah leader: Talks harm Palestinians
Uruknet August 4, 2010 – Talks with Israel have reached an impasse and their continuation harms Palestinian national interests, jailed Fatah leader Marwan Barghouthi said Wednesday. Speaking with lawyer Elias Sabbagh at the Hadarim detention center where Barghouthi is serving several life terms, the Fatah leader slammed what he described as a trend which suggests talks are the alternative to “…
Medics: Airstrike kills 1 in south Gaza
Uruknet August 4, 2010 – An Israeli airstrike killed a Palestinian operative in the southern Gaza Strip early Wednesday, medical officials said. Sharif Abdel Hadi Abbey, 22, died and two others were lightly to moderately injured by the strike on Khuza’a, east of Khan Younis, Palestinian medical and security sources said. An Israeli military spokeswoman said the army had no…
Israelis Demolish Bedouin Village Again
Uruknet August 4, 2010 – Wednesday morning Israel’s Land Administration razed the rebuilt village with the protection of Israeli security forces. The Bedouin village of al-Arakib was destroyed by Israel’s Land Administration last week as the government of Israel does not recognize it and deems it illegal for being on state land. Since the previous destruction last week, residents of…
UN: Israel did not cross border
Uruknet August 4, 2010 – The United Nations peacekeeping force in southern Lebanon has confirmed that Israeli troops did not cross into Lebanon during Tuesday’s deadly border skirmish. The clash started after an Israeli army unit tried to cut down trees near the Blue Line, the UN-administered border between Israel and Lebanon. Both countries said the trees were on their…
Army vandalism in Hebron: soldiers destroy family’s well in Wad Lerus
Uruknet August 3, 2010 – Yesterday morning (2 August 2010) a group of Israeli soldiers, reportedly drunk, used two bulldozers to destroy a well that belonged to a family living in Wad Lerus, Hebron. Several ISM activists went out to talk to members of the Al Jaabel family in Wad Lerus, close to the Kyriat Arba settlement in Hebron, yesterday…
Case of 14-year-old Palestinian boy used as a human shield submitted to the UN for investigation
Uruknet August 3, 2010 – On 3 August 2010, DCI-Palestine submitted a case involving the use of a child as a human shield to the UN Special Rapporteur on Torture for further investigation. DCI-Palestine has received credible evidence that on 16 April 2010, a 14-year-old boy was used as a human shield by units of the Israeli army whilst conducting…
Israeli soldiers return to border clash point
The National 4 Aug 2010 – A day after the battle with Lebanese troops, Israel provokes its neighbour again by trying to remove another tree in disputed zone.
Explosion near presidential motorcade dismissed by Tehran
The National 4 Aug 2010 – Smoke and a blast near Mahmoud Ahmadinejad’s vehicle fuel speculation of assassination plot, but state-run media dismisses it.
Rocket attack launched from Egyptian soil
The National 4 Aug 2010 – Palestinian Hamas is blamed for strike on Jordan Red Sea port that killed one person. A spokesman for the militant group denies the accusation.
Israel Destroys Bedouin Village For Second Time
Alternative Information Center – Israeli authorities again razed the Bedouin village of el Araqib on Wednesday, destroying the Negev community for the second time in a little more than a week.
UN Panel to Investigate Gaza Flotilla Attack
Alternative Information Center – After months of international pressure, Israel has decided to accept a United Nations investigation into its 31 May 31 attacks on the Gaza-bound Freedom Flotilla, attacks that killed 9 Turkish activists, wounded dozens and ended in…
Israel Destroys 15 More Mamilla Graves
Alternative Information Center – Bulldozers from the Jerusalem Municipality destroyed 15 additional graves in the historic Mamilla Cemetery Wednesday (4 August). According to eyewitness accounts, the bulldozers were under police protection. (Photographs, Alternative Information Center, 4 August 2010)
Clashes on Israeli-Lebanese Border
Alternative Information Center – Israeli and Lebanese forces exchanged fire at Israel ’s northern border on Tuesday. Three Lebanese soldiers and a photographer are reported killed and an Israeli battalion commander was killed and a platoon commander was critically wounded…
Jerusalem Profile: Fawzia Sutki Umm Kaamil al-Kurd
Alternative Information Center – Background Fawzia al-Kurd is a 58 year old resident of the East Jerusalem neighborhood of Sheikh Jarrah. She is a mother of five. Mrs. al-Kurd was born and raised in the Old City of Jerusalem, very…
Ashton Supports Ki-Moon’s Announcement on Flotilla Inquiry
WAFA – BRUSSELS, August 4, 2010 (WAFA)- Catherine Ashton, High Representative of the European Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, announced Tuesday the EU support to the announcement by U.N.
Japanese Representative Office Celebrates Two Projects in WB
WAFA – QALQILYA, TULKAREM, August 4, 2010 (WAFA)- The Japanese Representative Office to the PNA celebrated, the completion ceremonies of two projects held in the West Bank villages of Immatain and
APN Calls on American Leadership to Urge for Peace
WAFA – WASHINGTON, August 4, 2010 (WAFA)- “Without strong American leadership events like the fighting that broke out yesterday morning across the Israel-Lebanon border could spiral out of control,”
PLO: Israel Continues Violations of Road Map Obligations
WAFA – RAMALLAH, August 4, 2010 (WAFA)- The PLO NEGOTIATIONS AFFAIRS DEPARTMENT said, today, that during the
Tree that sparked deadly border clash on Israeli side, says UN
The Guardian 4 Aug 2010 – Lebanese army admits firing on Israeli soldiers while UN force investigates confrontation that led to five deaths The tree that sparked a deadly confrontation between Israeli and Lebanese troops along the tense border between the two…
British Muslims urged to boycott Israeli dates during Ramadan
The Guardian 4 Aug 2010 – New protest at occupation of Palestinian territories, as Israeli ambassador counters with ‘two-date solution’ pun British Muslims are being urged to boycott Israeli dates when breaking their fast during Ramadan in protest at the continued occupation…
Saudi Arabia donates 15 tonnes of dates to refugees in Lebanon for Ramadan
Relief Web 4 Aug 2010 – Source: UN Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East
DESIGNING & MANAGING INTERVENTIONS TO ACCOMMODATE COUNTERFACTUAL IMPACT EVALUATION: A CASE STUDY IN THE GAZA STRIP
Relief Web 4 Aug 2010 – Source: Food and Agriculture Organization
In Brief: “Impossible” to rebuild Gaza quickly, says top UN official
Relief Web 4 Aug 2010 – Source: Integrated Regional Information Networks
A Repeat Performance: Hamas, Israel, and the Political Process – INSS Insight No. 195
Relief Web 4 Aug 2010 – Source: Institute for National Security Studies
Barak to PM: Decision to deport foreign kids not Jewish
YNet News – Defense minister calls to reverse cabinet decision to expel 400 children of….
Lebanon: Retired commander suspected of spying for Israel
YNet News – Authorities detain high-ranking army officer, a Christian party member and a….
Iran denies attempt on Ahmadinejad’s life
YNet News – Al Arabiya television says bomb thrown at Iranian president’s convoy in Hamadan,….
Egypt: Palestinians behind rocket attack on Eilat
YNet News – Police say rockets fired from Sinai fell on city’s salt pools area, not in sea….
Iran claims to have S-300 surface-to-air missiles
YNet News – Fars news agency says acquisition of missiles ‘changes Iran’s geo-political….
IDF resumes routine ops on northern border
YNet News – Following Tuesday’s clash, IDF forces to re-enter scene of skirmish in order to….
Lebanese army confirms: We fired first
YNet News – Lebanese army admits its troops opened fire at Israeli forces Tuesday; IDF….
IDF: Journalists were tipped off
YNet News – Presence of cameramen, journalists at site of deadly clash proves it was planned….
US: Lebanese fire unjustified, unwarranted
YNet News – The Lebanese army’s fire on IDF troops working on Israel’s northern border was “wholly unjustified and unwarranted,” US State Department Spokesman Philip Crowley said …….
Jordan mediating between Israel, Lebanon
YNet News – Jordan has contacted Lebanon and Israel to avoid escalating tensions between the two states following a serious border incident in which an IDF lieutenant-colonel was …….
Ex-Israeli warns another flotilla in works
YNet News – The organizers of the Freedom Flotilla to the Gaza Strip in May announced Wednesday after a meeting in Stockholm that they intend to send another flotilla to the Strip by …….
Smuggler caught with meat from aid package
YNet News – Smuggling donations. Six hundred kilograms of lamb meat, donated by Australia to the Palestinian Authority, were seized Wednesday on a truck in Wadi Ara. The meat, …….
Hundreds attend funeral of Lt. Col. killed at northern border
YNet News – Eight lieutenant-colonels on Wednesday carried the coffin of Lt. Col. Dov (Berry) Harari, who was killed on Tuesday during an exchange of fire between an IDF force and …….
Palestinian Information Center
MWL calls for protection of the Aqsa Mosque
PIC 4 Aug 2010 – The MWL has strongly condemned on Wednesday the Israeli excavations under the Aqsa Mosque, and accused the IOA of planning to build a synagogue on parts of it.
Legal institutions urge Abbas militia to release 6 kidnapped Najah professors
PIC 4 Aug 2010 – The Palestinian center for human rights has condemned the arbitrary detention and the political arrest campaign at the hands of PA security forces in the West Bank against Hamas supporters.
Bardawil: Egypt’s allegations on Eilat rockets are contradictory
PIC 4 Aug 2010 – MP Dr. Salah Al-Bardawil has described Wednesday the Egyptian claims accusing Palestinian factions of being behind the rocket attack on the seaports of Al-Aqaba and Eilat as contradictory.
Turkey summons U.S. diplomat to protest interference in UN investigation
PIC 4 Aug 2010 – Turkish authorities summoned a senior U.S. diplomat to challenge what it felt was an attempt to limit the authority of the UN investigation into the Israeli massacre against the Freedom Flotilla.
Israel wipes out once again Araqib village, displaces its inhabitants
PIC 4 Aug 2010 – Israeli bulldozers escorted by a large number of Israeli policemen and troops stormed Wednesday morning the village of Araqib in the Negev region and re-demolished the homes of the villagers.
Israeli occupation police round up 7 inhabitants of devastated village
PIC 4 Aug 2010 – Israeli occupation policemen arrested seven inhabitants of the Araqib village that was wiped off the map in the Negev for the second time on Wednesday.
Palestinian media forum slams Abbas’s militias for kidnapping journalist
PIC 4 Aug 2010 – The Palestinian media forum strongly denounced Mahmoud Abbas’s security militias in Nablus for kidnapping journalist Ahmed Al-Beitawi without legal grounds.
Turkey concerned over Israeli military escalation in south Lebanon
PIC 4 Aug 2010 – Turkish Foreign Minister Ahmet Davutoglu said he is concerned about Israel’s military escalation in south Lebanon, referring to the recent clashes.
IOF soldiers quell protest march beat up, detain Palestinians
PIC 4 Aug 2010 – Israeli occupation forces (IOF) detained nine Palestinians in the Walaja village, west of Bethlehem, on Wednesday.
Jordanian trade unions arrange aerial aid convoy to Gaza
PIC 4 Aug 2010 – The trade unions council in Jordan is arranging to send an airborne aid convoy dubbed “Ansar 1” to the Gaza Strip by way of the El-Arish airport in Egypt by mid-August.
Israel Exports Shift from West to East
The Media Line 4 Aug 2010 – A new report shows that China and India are overtaking Europe in importance for Israeli export. Israeli exports eastwards have increased more than 100 percent at the expense of European markets, according to a new report….
Hamas Blamed for Contested Gaza Explosion
The Media Line 3 Aug 2010 – Local human rights group accuses Hamas of storing arms in residential areas. [Gaza] A mysterious explosion which obliterated eight Gazan homes, damaged another 30 and injured over 50 people on Monday originated in a house used…
Tree Trimming Turns Deadly; Tension Soars After Lethal Skirmish between Israeli, Lebanese Troops
The Media Line 3 Aug 2010 – A senior Israeli officer was killed and another seriously wounded by what the Israeli army called a sniper unit of the Lebanese army on Tuesday. A combat engineer unit that was trimming trees along Israel’s side…
Explosion near Ahmadinejad dismissed as firecracker, but rumors fly
LA Times 5 Aug 2010 – The Iranian government denies any assassination attempt after a device thrown toward the president’s motorcade explodes. The story goes viral on the Internet. It was first reported as a grenade, then a bomb and finally a harmless firecracker. But whatever was tossed toward Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad’s motorcade Wednesday, news of the incident went viral across the Internet as his government quickly denied an assassination attempt.
U.N. Supports Israeli Account of Border Clash
New York Times 4 Aug 2010 – The United Nations largely vindicated Israel’s account of how the fighting with Lebanon started on Wednesday.
Kalia Journal: Dead Sea Feeds Promises of an Economic Bloom
New York Times 4 Aug 2010 – The Dead Sea may be shrinking, but the governments of Israel, Jordan, and the Palestinian Authority see opportunities for cooperation and growth there.
Beneath Simmering Relations, Turkey and Israel Do a Brisk Business
New York Times 4 Aug 2010 – Despite their strained politics, business between Turkey and Israel continues apace, albeit discreetly.
Olbermann won’t mention…
Mondoweiss – On Countdown last night , Keith Olbermann would not mention the scandal of Israeli racism—or, rather, what would be a scandal if people like him dared to talk about it. First Maria Teresa Kumar (of VotoLatino.org) and then Jonathan Turley both attacked the Republican plan to deprive…
Al-Walaja villagers stop construction of the Wall while soldiers attack protesters, including children
Mondoweiss – The village of al-Walaja continued its unarmed resistance to the creation of the Separation Wall on its lands today. Villagers along with Israeli and international supporters non-violently stopped construction of the wall for one and a half hours today. Israeli armed forces responded by arresting 12…
Peace Now: 492 Israeli violations of the partial settlement freeze
Mondoweiss – And other news from Today in Palestine: Land and Property Theft and Destruction/Ethnic Cleansing Police clash with Bedouin attempting to rebuild razed village A number of injuries have been reported, among them MK Talab El-Sana, who apparently fainted while entrenched in a tent constructed to protest…
The Birthright equation: Jewishness + Community = I *heart* Israel
Mondoweiss – Last month, activist Rachel Marcuse spent 10 days in Israel as part of the Taglit-Birthright program — a fully sponsored trip for young North American Jews to learn more about the country. She went to bear witness and ask questions about the Israeli state’s treatment of…
Why I support the Olympia Co-op boycott
Mondoweiss – Dear friends, The Olympia Food Co-op boycott of Israeli products (except for fair trade olive oil) has generated much controversy and emotion. I do pray for healing and understanding among those who support and those who oppose such a boycott in the community of Olympia, Washington…
Islamic Jihad: We Will Resume Martyrdom Operation
Al-Manar 4 Aug 2010 – Islamic Jihad said on Sunday that it had decided to resume martyrdom operations against the Zionist entity from the occupied West Bank. The threat came in response to attacks launched by IAF planes on the Gaza Strip in the past few days. Islamic Jihad…
Israeli Soldiers Hit Children With Their Rifles in al-Walaja
Joseph Dana 4 Aug 2010 – The village of al-Walaja continued its unarmed resistance to the creation of the Separation Wall on its lands today. Villagers along with Israeli and international supporters non-violently stopped construction of the wall for one hour and half today. Israeli armed forced responded by arresting 12 protesters…
Bel?©n Fern?†ndez — Terror attack by Lebanese army thwarts Israeli landscaping effort
Palestine Think Tank 4 Aug 2010 – In the latest Israeli inversion of cause and effect relationships, the clash near the Lebanese border village of Adaisseh yesterday between Israeli and Lebanese soldiers—which resulted in the deaths of one of the former nationality and three of the latter—was characterized by Israeli Defense Minister Ehud…
Mohammed Khatib denied exit despite valid Israeli-issued permission
Palestine Think Tank 4 Aug 2010 – Coordinator of the Popular Struggle Committee denied exit at King Hussein’s Bridge WRITTEN BY IYAD BURNAT On August 4, 2010 about 1 PM, Mohammed Khatib from Bil’in was denied exit to Jordan via King Hussein Bridge. Khatib was on his way to Spain via Amman when…
Petition to Mahmoud Abbas: We reject compromise on Palestinian Rights
Palestine Think Tank 4 Aug 2010 – WRITTEN BY ANTOINE RAFFOUL Israel does not need security. It needs democracy. It has the 4th largest army on the planet supported by the largest and most powerful nation on earth. All of this power poised against an occupied people. It is the Palestinians who yearn…
Iran denies attack on president
BBC 4 Aug 2010 – Iran denies President Ahmadinejad was targeted in an assassination attempt, after initial reports of a grenade attack on his convoy.
Clashes on Israeli side, UN says
BBC 4 Aug 2010 – The UN peacekeeping force says Israeli soldiers were operating on their own side of the border when fighting broke out with Lebanese troops on Tuesday.
A Warning to the President
Antiwar.com 4 Aug 2010 – MEMORANDUM FOR: The President FROM: Veteran Intelligence Professionals for Sanity (VIPS) SUBJECT: War With Iran We write to alert you to the likelihood that Israel will attack Iran as early as this month. This would likely lead to a wider war. Israel’s leaders would calculate that…
Articles
Shooting Back
Don Duncan, CounterPunch8/3/2010
Young Palestinians With Cameras
Every Friday, the slingshot-wielding boys, or shabab, of the West Bank village of Ni’lin protest at Israel’s separation wall, which has deprived the village of 750 acres of farmland. But among the shabab are other youngsters with a different weapon — video cameras.
For the past three years, Btselem, the Israeli human rights NGO, has provided cameras and training to young Palestinians as part of its camera distribution project, to collect video evidence of abuses and misconduct by the Israel Defence Forces (IDF) and Israeli settlers in the West Bank. There are 150 such cameras all over the West Bank and Gaza, and most of the footage captured — 1,500 hours so far — ends on the floor-to-ceiling archive shelves of the Jerusalem office of Yoav Gross, who directs the NGO’s video project.
Footage captured by Btselem’s volunteers has been key evidence in Israeli court rulings in favor of Palestinian plaintiffs. The presence of cameras, now on both Palestinian and Israeli sides, has deterred violence and abuse. But three years after launching the project, Btselem has seen another, unintended consequence. “People started to take this tool, the video camera, and use it as a way to express themselves, to tell stories,” said Gross. “We didn’t train them to do that. We trained them to document human rights violations. But pretty soon we got the sense that this can be a powerful tool for them to empower themselves.”
What has emerged is a generation of young Palestinian filmmakers, at ease with the camera and fluent in editing and the language of visual storytelling…. more.. e-mail
Petition to Mahmoud Abbas: We reject compromise on Palestinian Rights
Antoine Raffoul, Palestine Think Tank8/4/2010
It was reported recently that the S Daniel Abraham Centre for Middle East Peace hosted the Palestinian Authority (PA) President Mahmoud Abbas for dinner in Washington DC, on June 9 2010. The head of this Centre is Robert Wexler, a former Florida Congressman and a staunch supporter of Israeli government policies. He was a leading defender of the 2008 Israeli invasion of Gaza and of the recent Israeli assault on the ’Free Gaza’ Flotilla carrying humanitarian aid to Gaza.
In attendance at this dinner were some of the most powerful Jewish leaders in the United States who work feverishly for the Zionist Agenda which promotes and preserves Israel as a Jewish State thus condoning the illegal occupation of Historic Palestine.
Guests at this dinner included the Chairman of the Conference of Presidents of Major American Jewish Organizations; the Executive Director and the President of the American Israel Public Affairs Committee (AIPAC); the National Chairman of the Anti-Defamation League (ADL); the CEO & Executive Vice President of UJA Federation (United Jewish Appeal); the President of the Israel Policy Forum; and other American Jewish community leaders and foreign policy scholars.
Mahmoud Abbas, whose mandate as President of the PA expired in July 2009, was invited to answer unscripted questions ’on the record’ put to him by his hosts and their guests to which he responded ’on the record’ on behalf of all Palestinians: those who elected him and those who did not. Those who were killed by the Israeli military machine and those who await that fate.
Whilst we support dialogue and debate between friend and foe, we reject compromise on Palestinian rights. Dialogue is a two-way street and not a dead end road at the end of which you are simply answering questions thrown at you as if in an interrogation zone. more.. e-mail
Israel to deport 400 children of migrant workers
Mya Guarnieri, Ma’an News Agency8/4/2010
After a year-long battle over the fate of 1,200 children of undocumented migrant workers, the Israeli cabinet has finalized plans that will lead to the deportation of at least 400 minors along with their parents.
The government also approved criteria that would make approximately 800 of the children eligible for naturalization. Children must have studied in the state school system the past academic year and be registered for first grade or higher, they must have been in Israel for at least five consecutive years, they must have been born here or arrived before the age of 13, they must speak fluent Hebrew, and their parents must have arrived on a valid work visa.
Families who are eligible to stay in Israel have 21 days to file their paperwork. Critics say that this window is too narrow and is likely to lead to the deportation of hundreds of children who are eligible for naturalization but fall through the bureaucratic cracks.
Critics have also pointed out that the strict criteria might lead to the deportation of minors who meet all conditions except for one — such as a child who is repeating kindergarten and is not registered for first grade; the children of parents who worked for embassies; or families who left the country for a short period in the last five years. Also of concern are the now-adult children of migrant workers. A generation born and raised in Israel, this group is ineligible for naturalization simply because they are over the age of 18.
Israel’s Interior Minister Eli Yishai, who has been a vociferous proponent of the deportation, will examine the borderline cases.
The struggle began last July, when Israel announced its intention to expel all 1,200 children of undocumented migrant workers….. more.. e-mail
Hamas “morality” campaign restricts civil liberties in Gaza
Electronic Intifada: 4 Aug 2010 – RAMALLAH, occupied West Bank (IPS) – Gazans are caught between a rock and a hard place. While Israel continues to apply a crippling siege on the coastal territory, Gaza’s Hamas government is cracking down on civil and political liberties in what appears to be a campaign to slowly Islamicize Gaza.more
Why is Obama moving to fund Israel’s Iron Dome project?
Electronic Intifada: 4 Aug 2010 – On 16 July 2010, US Assistant Secretary of State for Political-Military Affairs Andrew Shapiro laid out the Obama Administration’s policy on strategic cooperation, noting that earlier this year, President Obama “asked Congress to authorize $205 million to support the production of an Israeli-developed short range rocket defense system called Iron Dome.” If approved, these funds would be “above and beyond the $3 billion in Foreign Military Financing that the Administration requested for Israel” for 2011. Jimmy Johnson comments for The Electronic Intifada.more
UPDATED: Scores injured in explosions, Israeli attacks on Gaza
Electronic Intifada: 3 Aug 2010 – Israeli airstikes killed a Palestinian resistance activist and wounded another early Wednesday morning 4 August, east of Khan Younis in the occupied Gaza Strip, reports Reuters, citing Palestinian medical sources. This latest attack comes on the heels of five days of Israeli missile strikes, Palestinian rocket fire and other explosions that have injured dozens and killed one leader of the armed wing of Hamas.more
More material available from Vermonters for a Just Peace in Palestine/Israel – www.vtjp.org
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