16 August, 2010 — VTJP
International Middle East Media Center
Harvard University divests from Israel
IMEMC – 16 Aug 2010 – Monday August 16, 2010 – 23:27, In the latest declared victory for the Boycott-Divestment-Sanctions movement worldwide, Harvard University, one of the most prestigious and oldest universities in the United States, has sold off all of its shares in Israeli companies.
Erekat: “Too Early To Set Time For Direct Talks”
IMEMC – 16 Aug 2010 – Monday August 16, 2010 – 19:38, Head of the negotiations department at the Palestinian Liberation Organization (PLO) denounced Israel’s stance in rejecting the statement of the Quartet Committee before it is even announced, and stated that it is still too early to talk about direct talks with Israel.
Settlers Uproot 250 Olive Trees Near Nablus
IMEMC – 16 Aug 2010 – Monday August 16, 2010 – 17:18, A number of armed Jewish settlers uprooted on Monday morning more than 200 olive trees near the village of Qasra, south of the northern West Bank city of Nablus.
Israeli forces move section of Annexation Wall near Gilo settlement in Bethlehem
IMEMC – 16 Aug 2010 – Monday August 16, 2010 – 14:47, Media reports in Israel and the US over the weekend applauded the removal of a section of Wall near Bethlehem, but failed to mention that just meters away, another section of Wall is under construction to surround and isolate the Palestinian village of Al-Walaja.
Child Hospitalized After Being Attacked By Settlers In Hebron
IMEMC – 16 Aug 2010 – Monday August 16, 2010 – 14:28, Enas Mazin Qa’qour, 10, was admitted on Sunday at night to the Hebron Governmental Hospital suffering from various bruises and concisions after being attacked by a number of Jewish settlers in Tal Romeida neighborhood in the city.
Israeli troops demolish 5 shops located on Qalqilia-Nablus Road
IMEMC – 16 Aug 2010 – Monday August 16, 2010 – 13:06, Five Palestinian-owned shops, located on a major West Bank highway that Israel is attempting to take over for use by settlers only, were destroyed by Israeli forces Friday.
Jordan Valley campaign says water cut
8/16/2010 – TUBAS (Ma’an) — The Save the Jordan Valley campaign on Monday accused Israeli authorities of deliberately cutting off the water supply to Bardala village agricultural land. The representative said shutting down the water supply would destroy newly planted crops and result in substantial losses for Palestinian farmers, adding that it was the second time…. Related: Campaign official: Israel cuts off water to Jordan Valley village
Palestinian shot dead on Gaza border
8/17/2010 – BETHLEHEM (Ma’an) — A Palestinian man was shot dead by Israeli soldiers in clashes on the Gaza border Monday evening. Soldiers opened fire on a group of Palestinians east of Khan Younis in southern Gaza, killing one Palestinian, who locals identified as Bassem Barham Al-Dagna. An Israeli army spokesman said the group was planting….
Report: Israel to build elevator to Western Wall
8/16/2010 – JERUSALEM (Ma’an) — Israel is planning to construct an elevator leading to the Western Wall in Jerusalem’s Old City, Israeli media reported Monday. The project will be proposed to planning committees that will make a final decision on the 56-meter structure, the Israeli daily Ma’ariv reported Tuesday. The elevator…. Related: Israeli man ‘tried to enter Al-Aqsa compound’
Official: Settlers uproot 200 olive trees south of Nablus
8/16/2010 – NABLUS (Ma’an) — Israeli residents living on an illegal West Bank outpost uprooted over 200 olive trees near the Qusra village in the Nablus district Monday, a Palestinian Authority official said. PA settlement affairs officer in the northern West Bank Ghassan Doughlas said residents of the nearby Svhut Rachel outpost ascended upon the village….
Ex-soldier posts pictures of detained Palestinians
8/17/2010 – TEL AVIV, Israel (Ma’an) — A former Israeli soldier has posted pictures on Facebookposing with cuffed and blindfolded Palestinians who she detained while in the army. The Israeli news site Ynet reported that the soldier, identified only as Eden, was recently discharged from the army and had taken the pictures in 2008, which were…. Related: AlJazeera: Storm over Israeli ‘abuse’ photos
Palestinian businessman and activist killed in Texas
8/16/2010 – HOUSTON, Texas (Ma’an) — Police in the United States say a Palestinian-American businessman and organizer was killed Friday in an attempted robbery at a Texas convenience store. Police officials in Houston told Ma’an on Monday that Abu Obeida Omran, 42, from the Burin village near the northern West Bank city of Nablus…. Related: PFLP mourns murdered Palestinian community leader
Court finds Israel responsible for child’s death
8/17/2010 – JERUSALEM (Ma’an) — An Israeli court ruled Monday that the state was responsible for the fatal 2007 shooting of a 10-year-old Palestinian girl in a village near Jerusalem. The court ruled that an Israeli border guard shot Abir Aramin in the head with a rubber bullet in Anata village north of Jerusalem, the….
Campaign official: Israel cuts off water to Jordan Valley village
8/16/2010 – TUBAS (Ma’an) — The Save the Jordan Valley campaign has accused Israel of deliberately cutting off water to vast areas of agricultural land in the Bardala village. A campaign representative said Palestinian farmers would sustain substantial losses and that it was the second time water to agricultural fields had been cut off in 2010…. Related: Jordan Valley campaign says water cut
Father says denied permit to visit wife and newborns
8/16/2010 – RAMALLAH (Ma’an) — A Palestinian father says Israel has denied him a permit to visit his wife and newborn triplets in a Jerusalem hospital. Safi Abdul Hamid Al-Tamimi said his wife gave birth five days ago in Al-Makassed Hospital, where she was transferred from Ramallah due to complications during labor. Israeli soldiers stopped Al-Tamimi….
Israeli man ‘tried to enter Al-Aqsa compound’
8/17/2010 – JERUSALEM (Ma’an) — A Palestinian man stopped an Israeli activist attempting to enter the Al-Aqsa Mosque compound in occupied East Jerusalem on Monday, witnesses said. Old City resident Ala Az-Zerba said his brother Ammar, who lives near a gate leading to the mosque, stopped a man impersonating a Muslim worshiper and held him until…. Related: Report: Israel to build elevator to Western Wall
Israel partially opens 1 Gaza terminal
8/16/2010 – GAZA CITY (Ma’an) — Authorities will partially open the Karni crossing between Israel and the Gaza Strip on Monday for the transfer of food and fuel, while Karni crossing will remain closed, a Palestinian liaison official said. Raed Fattouh said Palestinian coordinators were told to expect the entry of 195 truckloads of aid and….
Israel releases Gaza prisoner after 6-year term
8/16/2010 – GAZA CITY (Ma’an) — Israeli authorities released a Palestinian prisoner on Sunday evening after he completed a 6-year sentence. Salem Naseer Shawi from the Al-Maghazi refugee camp in central Gaza was received at the Erez crossing on the northern Israel-Gaza border by several Hamas leaders and residents before being escorted to his home….
PFLP mourns murdered Palestinian community leader
8/16/2010 – BETHLEHEM (Ma’an) — The Popular Front for the Liberation of Palestine on Monday mourned the death of Abu Obeida Omran, a Palestinian community leader and businessman in the United States. US police said Abu Obeida Omran, 42, a naturalized citizen who was born in the Burin village in the northern West Bank, was run…. Related: Palestinian businessman and activist killed in Texas
Organizers: Israeli forces disperse Bil’in rally
8/16/2010 – BETHLEHEM (Ma’an) — Organizers of the weekly anti-wall rally in the Ramallah district village of Bil’in said Israeli forces dispersed Friday’s rally by use of rubber bullets, tear gas and sound bombs, a statement read. The statement added that the demonstration was also in protest of detention campaigns by Israeli….
2 detained in overnight raids
8/16/2010 – HEBRON (Ma’an) — The Israeli army detained two Palestinians during raids in the Hebron district Sunday night. Israeli soldiers detained Tamer Abdullah Amro, 14, from Fawar refugee camp, and Osama Ibrahim An-Najar, 40, from Al-Thaherya town. An Israeli military spokesman did not immediately respond to a request for comment….
Child found hanged near home
8/16/2010 – BETHLEHEM (Ma’an) — Palestinian Authority police have launched an investigation into the death of a 12-year-old boy who was found hanged on a tree near his family home east of Bethlehem on Monday. The body of Yasser Abed Salahat, from the As-Salahat village, was transferred to Beit Jala Hospital and will be returned….
PA blasts ex-soldier’s photos with Palestinian prisoners
8/17/2010 – BETHLEHEM (Ma’an) — A former Israeli soldier has posted photos of herself on Facebook posing with blindfolded Palestinian detainees, prompting a harsh reaction from the Palestinian Authority.”This shows the mentality of the occupier, to be proud of humiliating Palestinians. There is nothing in the world that can justify [this] humiliation that is part…. Related: AlJazeera: Storm over Israeli ‘abuse’ photos
Erekat condemns settlement expansion
8/16/2010 – BETHLEHEM (Ma’an) — Chief PLO negotiator Saeb Erekat denounced Sunday evening the installation of several mobile homes in eight West Bank settlement, as the Ramallah-based leadership mulls reentering into direct talks with Israel. Condemning settlement activity, Erekat said “While huge efforts are been made internationally, especially by the US, to lay the grounds for….
Israeli TV screens joint drill with US marines
8/16/2010 – BETHLEHEM (Ma’an) — Israel’s Channel 2 TV aired previously unseen footage Sunday of a joint military drill by US marines and Israeli forces at a base in the Negev a day earlier. The drill simulated the occupation of a village in the region. The participating marines were reportedly preparing for deployment in….
Abbas consults with US on resuming talks
8/16/2010 – RAMALLAH (Ma’an) — President Mahmoud Abbas will continue consulting with the US administration over resuming direct talks with Israel, a presidential spokesman said after the leader met with US official David Hale in Ramallah on Sunday. Nabil Abu Rudaineh said some progress has been made, but the Palestinian Authority would only announce its stance….
Barghouthi: Latest expansions show lack of credibility
8/16/2010 – RAMALLAH (Ma’an) — The head of the Palestinian National Initiative said Monday that Israel’s decision to construct 23 buildings in eight settlements across the West Bank “confirms it is a settler government that does not want peace.” PNI chief Mustafa Barghouthi said the expansions would be undertaken in Ofra, Eli, Talmon, Immanuel….
PA allocates more funding for university fees
8/17/2010 – RAMALLAH (Ma’an) — The Palestinian Authority Cabinet has allocated $1 million to cover university fees for students enrolling this year. The cabinet agreed to the Education Ministry’s proposal in its weekly meeting in Ramallah. The announcement came after a union of university students threatened protests at the ministry if scholarships and loans….
Hamas: PA security summons former minister
8/16/2010 – BETHLEHEM (Ma’an) — Hamas said Monday that Palestinian Authority Preventative Security Services in Bethlehem summoned a party-affiliated former minister. The Islamist movement said in a statement that Amal Siyam, the former minister of women’s affairs in the dismissed unity government, was summoned for the second time in one week. The former minister….
Civil defense control fires in the north
8/16/2010 – RAMALLAH (Ma’an) — Palestinian civil defense crews controlled a house fire and a blaze in two olive fields in the northern Tulkarem and Qalqiliya districts on Monday morning. A civil defense report said a fire broke out in the living room of a residential home in the Wadi Shahin area in Qalqiliya. In Tulkarem….
Hamas sheikh banned from delivering sermons
8/16/2010 – NABLUS (Ma’an) — A Hamas-affiliated lawmaker and Muslim religious leader says the Palestinian Authority has banned him from delivering Friday sermons in the West Bank. Hamid Al-Beitwa, who has delivered sermons at the Al-Aqsa Mosque in East Jerusalem, told Ma’an the decision came from the Ministry of Endowments and Religious Affairs. Sheikh….
Unemployment highest in Gaza, among women
8/16/2010 – BETHLEHEM (Ma’an) — Unemployment rates were highest in the Tulkarem district in the West Bank and the Deir Al-Balah district in Gaza between April and June 2010, a report issued Monday by the Palestinian Central Bureau of Statistics read. The second quarter figures show that the Gaza district with the highest unemployment rate was….
Abraaj Capital announces Ramallah office
Palestine Note 16 Aug 2010 – Washington — The Middle East’s largest private equity group, Abraaj Capital, has announced it will open its first office in Palestine, based out Ramallah, Al Bawaba News reported Sunday. Abraaj capital manages the $50 million Palestine…
Politics prevails at Iran-Israel Olympic match
Palestine Note 16 Aug 2010 – Washington — Politics seem to have trumped sportsmanship Sunday when the Iranian competitor in the inaugural Youth Olympics taekwondo championship withdrew from the final match against Israel, Associated Press reported . The Iranian delegation told the games’…
Universal Jurisdiction to hold Israel accountable
Palestine Note 16 Aug 2010 – The well-established universal jurisdiction principle (UJ) holds that certain crimes are too grave to ignore, including genocide, crimes of war and against humanity. Thus, under UJ, nations may investigate and prosecute foreign nationals when their country…
Neocons, not Mullahs, would blow up the Middle East
Palestine Note 16 Aug 2010 – irst on the “Ground Zero mosque” controversy which I prefer not to devote a whole column to: There simply is no issue there. The people screaming about the mosque/Islamic center are, almost without exception, the same…
Checkpoint etiquette: Soldiers trading ‘stop’ for ‘good morning’
Palestine Note 16 Aug 2010 – Washington — A group of Israeli soldiers has decided to adopt a new strategy at its West Bank checkpoint, announcing it will make efforts to improve its Arabic etiquette, Haaretz reported Monday. The Armored Corps reservists…
J’lem court: Army responsible for Palestinian girl’s death
Palestine Note 16 Aug 2010 – Washington — A Jerusalem court Monday ruled the state responsible by way of “negligence” for the death of 10-year-old Palestinian Abir Aramin in 2007 when she was hit by a rubber bullet fired by an Israeli…
Israel aligns with Christian Zionists in college PR campaign
Palestine Note 16 Aug 2010 – Washington – A bi-partisan group of Israeli lawmakers has partnered with Eagles’ Wings, a Christian Zionist organization, to shape Israeli PR on US college campuses, Israeli news blog Coteret reported, citing a repot in the Hebrew…
Harvard ‘not changing policy’ on Israel investment
Palestine Note 16 Aug 2010 – New York – Harvard University said on Monday that its investment managers sold holdings in Israeli companies as a part of a “routine” change, and not as a part of a shift in policy. Harvard Square,…
Knesset to vote on oversight bill for Israeli rights groups
Palestine Note 16 Aug 2010 – Washington — The Knesset approved Monday the first draft of a bill aimed at supervising the foreign funding of human rights NGOs in Israel, settler news agency Israel National News reported . The bill was originally proposed…
Land, sea convoys to head for Gaza in September
Palestine Note 16 Aug 2010 – Washington – Pro-Palestinian activist group Viva Palestina has announced an overland aid convoy will take off for the blockaded Gaza Strip Sept. 18 in coordination with other international seabound aid convoys. According to the Viva Palestina…
White House denies Turkey ultimatum
Palestine Note 16 Aug 2010 – WH spokesman: ‘There’s no ultimatum’ Washington — In response to an earlier Financial Times report that President Obama warned Turkey to back US policy toward Israel and Iran or face the cancellation of a key arms…
Palestinian-American activist ‘murdered’ in Texas
Palestine Note 16 Aug 2010 – New York – Prominent Palestinian-American businessman and activist Abu Obeida Omran was killed during an attempted robbery at a Chevron station he owned in Houston, TX on Friday, local media reported. Abu Obaida Omran [Handout photo]…
Israeli soldier poses with Palestinian detainee in Facebook picture
Palestine Note 16 Aug 2010 – Washington – A former Israeli soldier has posted pictures on social networking site Facebook of her posing with bound and blindfolded Palestinian detainees, Ynet news reported Monday. The offending Facebook picture. [Photo: Ynet] The recently discharged…
Arabs urge nuclear inspection of Israel
Palestine Note 16 Aug 2010 – New York – The Arab League has asked Washington and other nuclear powers demand inspections of Israel’s clandestine nuclear weapons program. Flag of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA). According to Al Jazeera , in a letter…
Lebanon ‘accepting donations’ to fund armed forces
Palestine Note 16 Aug 2010 – New York – Lebanon’s defense minister has opened a bank account in order to receive donations after US officials blocked funding to the country’s armed forces. Lebanese Army, Beirut, Lebanon 1982 [Photo: Wikimedia Commons] Members of…
PA seizes control of West Bank mosques
Palestine Note 16 Aug 2010 – New York – Hidden at the bottom of an Associated Press report on Sunday was the news that the Palestinian Authority (PA) led by President Mahmoud Abbas, has taken control of all mosques in the West…
Storm over Israeli ‘abuse’ photos
AlJazeera 16 Aug 2010 – Pictures show soldier posing provocatively with blindfolded Palestinian prisoners.
Timescale set for Iran atomic plant
AlJazeera 16 Aug 2010 – Official says construction of new uranium facility will start early next year.
Palestinian groups reject talks
AlJazeera 16 Aug 2010 – Syria-based Palestinian factions say direct peace talks are to bury Palestinians’ rights.
Israel Buy 20 New Super Fighter Jets
PNN – Jerusalem — PNN – The Israeli Defense Minister Ehud Barak approved on Sunday a deal to buy 20 F-35 super fighter jets for the Israeli air forces. The Lockheed Martin F-35 Lightning…
Netanyahu Approves Buildings in W. B. Settlements; Refuses Conditions For Direct Talks
PNN – Tall Aviv — PNN – The Israeli Prime Minister, Benjamin Netanyahu, approved on Sunday 23 news classrooms to build in different West Bank settlement. Netanyahu’s approval of the new construction comes in…
Palestinian Center for Human Rights
Weekly Report On Israeli Human Rights Violations in the Occupied Palestinian Territory (05 -11 August 2010)
Palestinian Center for Human Rights
State: Migrants have enough time to prove right to stay
Jeruslalem Post 17 Aug 2010 – The state requests High Court reject petition by human rights groups to extend the deadline from 21 to 90 days for children and their families living in Israel illegally to prove right to stay.
Israeli cruise ship to sail for Egypt
Jeruslalem Post 16 Aug 2010 – First Israeli foray into market will dock in Alexandria and Port Said.
Report: Galant document deemed fake
Jeruslalem Post 16 Aug 2010 – IDF General Staff meets for first time since probe began.
US denies Obama gave Erodgan ultimatum
Jeruslalem Post 16 Aug 2010 – Reports that president demanded Turkey change Israel policy dismissed.
PM: Direct talks coming soon
Jeruslalem Post 16 Aug 2010 – Israel, Greece to establish c’tee to communicate with Palestinians.
Gaza: IDF clashes with terrorists
Jeruslalem Post 16 Aug 2010 – Fighting leaves IDF soldier lightly wounded and Palestinian dead.
‘Compensate murdered Palestinian’s family’
Jeruslalem Post 16 Aug 2010 – Court says state is responsible for death of 10-year-old girl.
Turkish forensics teams search the Mamara
Jeruslalem Post 16 Aug 2010 – Report: Turkish forensic teams look for clues in case against IDF.
Ramallah: Largest ME private equity group to open office
Jeruslalem Post 16 Aug 2010 – Abraaj Capital sets up $50m fund for investment in Palestinian economy.
Facebook photos of IDF ‘shameless’
Jeruslalem Post 16 Aug 2010 – Former soldier posts shots of herself with detained Palestinians.
Lebanon fears losing Arabic to English
Jeruslalem Post 16 Aug 2010 – “All that’s important is phones, Facebook, movies.”
”Viva Palestina’ Gaza flotilla to sail’
Jeruslalem Post 16 Aug 2010 – Anti-Israel activist Galloway says 3 ships to leave Sept. 18.
‘Iran to build third plant’
Jeruslalem Post 16 Aug 2010 – Nuke chief Salehi: New uranium enrichment site to open next year.
‘Iran is trying to evade sanctions’
Jeruslalem Post 16 Aug 2010 – US official says Iran using front companies to ship dangerous cargo.
International Solidarity Movement
Army violently attack Hebron demo again — yet only an innocent British peace activist is charged with assault
8/16/2010 – International Solidarity Movement – On Saturday Palestinians were joined by internationals and Israelis in their weekly demonstration, asking for the opening of Shuhada Street and responding to the closure of three shops in the old city earlier in the week. The Israeli army, represented by soldiers and border police, entered from the gate leading to Shuhada Street, and pushed…. Related: 8.11.2010: Israeli army close down shops opposite Shuhada street in Hebron
Storm over Israeli ‘abuse’ photos
8/16/2010 – International Solidarity Movement – Al Jazeera – A former Israeli soldier has sparked controversy after posting pictures of herself posing with bound and blindfolded Palestinian prisoners on the internet. Eden Abergil uploaded photographs into a folder entitled “Army- the best time of my life” on Facebook. They show her posing provocatively with the men, prompting lurid comments from other users…. Related: Source: AlJazeera
Court indicts Israeli man suspected of killing his three children
Ha’aretz – Itai Ben Dror allegedly premeditated the murders of his three children for over 2 weeks, including buying murder weapons, scotch tape, anti-anxiety pills, alcohol.
Netanyahu approves building new classrooms in settlements
Ha’aretz – Despite settlement construction freeze and Defense Ministry opposition, 23 new structures to be erected in violation of law to meet settlers’ educational needs.
Court holds state responsible for shooting of Palestinian girl
Ha’aretz – In civil suit, judge orders government to pay damages to family of Abir Aramin, a 10-year-old Palestinian girl killed by a rubber bullet in the West Bank in 2007.
Israeli troops kill Gaza militant in border clash
Ha’aretz – Palestinian dead and IDF tank commander lightly wounded as army opens fire on militants apparently attempting to plant explosives; two Qassam rockets strike western Negev.
White House denies giving Turkey ultimatum over Israel ties
Ha’aretz – Obama administration rejects claims it threatened to scrap arms deal unless Ankara moved to soothe tensions.
German government denies influencing bail of suspected Mossad agent
Ha’aretz – Decision to release Uri Brodsky, extradited from Poland on charges of forging passport used in the assassination of a Hamas chief, was ‘purely judicial’., In historic first visit by Israeli…
‘Settlement freeze biggest obstacle to direct talks’
Ha’aretz – Senior cabinet ministers hold first discussion on extending freeze; Abbas has conditioned direct talks with Israel on a continued construction freeze.
U.S. warns Turkey that strained Israel ties could hinder arms deal
Ha’aretz – Obama tells Turkish prime minister that Ankara’s position on Israel and Iran could lower its chances of obtaining U.S. weapons, the Financial Times reports.
IDF razes wall dividing Jewish and Arab areas east of Jerusalem
Ha’aretz – Work starts to remove concrete barrier at Gilo built in 2002, later becoming one of the enduring symbols of the Second Intifada.
A Statement to the Palestinian PeopleIn the interest of resisting external pressure aimed at imposing direct negotiations under Israeli conditions
Uruknet August 16, 2010 – To our Palestinian People: We have followed with great concern the increasing external pressure, especially from the U.S. and Israel, on the PLO leadership to shift from indirect negotiations (which have not resulted in any progress) to direct negotiations without clear and binding terms of reference regarding a complete halt of all settlement activities in…
Palestinian factions reject US/Zionist pressure for direct negotiations
Uruknet August 16, 2010 – The Popular Front for the Liberation of Palestine joined with Hamas, Islamic Jihad, the DFLP and 7 other Palestinian factions to issue a joint statement in Damascus in opposition to the resumption of negotiations, direct or indirect, with Israel on August 15, 2010. The joint statement, read at a press conference by Comrade Dr. Maher…
In praise of … Mordechai Vanunu
Uruknet August 16, 2010 – When the nuclear whistleblower, Mordechai Vanunu, was released from prison in 2004 after serving 18 years, 12 of them in solitary confinement, he said he was ready to start a new life. The authorities in Israel were not. He was charged with breaking the terms of his parole which forbade him from speaking to foreigners,…
Child Hospitalized After Being Attacked By Settlers In Hebron
Uruknet August 16, 2010 – Enas Mazin Qa’qour, 10, was admitted on Sunday at night to the Hebron Governmental Hospital suffering from various bruises and concisions after being attacked by a number of Jewish settlers in Tal Romeida neighborhood in the city. The child was playing in the neighborhood when a group of extremist settlers violently attacked her without any…
Another Palestinian village faces total demolition order
Uruknet August 16, 2010 – For the third time in less than a month, Israeli occupation forces have handed house demolition orders to all the inhabitants of the village of Farseya in occupied Palestine. The head of the municipal council of Al Maleh and Madareb Bedouin area, Aref Daraghma, said that the notices were given to all of the village’s…
IDF soldier posts images of blindfold Palestinians on Facebook, from ‘best time of my life’
Uruknet August 16, 2010 – A former Israel Defense Forces soldier has raised a storm on the internet after posting photographs of herself posing next to blindfold Palestinian prisoners on Facebook. Photographs uploaded by Eden from Ashdod and labeled “IDF — the best time of my life” show her smiling next to Palestinian prisoners with their hands bound and their…
The Scott Sisters: Victimized by American Injustice
Uruknet August 16, 2010 – Their story is shocking, disturbing, yet common – African Americans indicted, prosecuted, convicted and imprisoned despite their innocence. Nearly always society’s most vulnerable are affected, including Muslims by the “war on terror” and people of color – Jamie and Gladys Scott’s experience explained below. Residents of Forest, Mississippi, they were arrested on December 24, 1993,…
The girl who became the only fisherwoman in Gaza
Uruknet August 16, 2010 – …Madeleine, 16, is Gaza’s only fisherwoman. In an Islamist society where conservative values are closely upheld, she is defying tradition in more ways than one. She has little choice. Her father is suffering from a form of palsy that has ended his fishing days. Her mother earns a meagre wage from textile work leaving the…
On the Occasion of the Visit of the UN Committee of Experts to Gaza PCHR Release ‚ÄòGenuinely Unwilling: An Update’
Uruknet August 15, 2010 – Today, 15 August 2010, the Palestinian Centre for Human Rights (PCHR) received at its office in Gaza City the UN Committee of Experts, who are mandated to analyse the effectiveness of investigations conducted at the domestic level into alleged crimes, as reported by the UN Fact Finding Mission on the Gaza Conflict (the Goldstone Report)….
Israel To Demolish More Homes In The Jordan Valley
Uruknet August 15, 2010 – Israeli soldiers invaded on Sunday morning the Al Farsiyya area in the northern plains area of the Jordan Valley, and handed orders informing the residents that the army intends to demolish homes and structures. The Al Farsiyya is inhibited by some 240 Palestinian shepherds and Bedouins. Less than a month ago, the army demolished a…
Harvard Divests From Israel
Uruknet August 15, 2010 – Harvard Management Company, which manages the university’s endowment, has divested the fund from all investments it had in Israel companies, during the second quarter of this year. The divested stocks include TEVA, a generic drug manufacturer, that has greatly benefited from Israel’s strangulation of several Palestinian pharmaceutical companies, Checkpoint Securities, which provided many of the…
Nuclear inspection of Israel sought
Uruknet August 15, 2010 – Arab nations have urged Washington and several other nuclear powers to push for inspections of Israel’s nuclear programme, diplomats have told the Associated Press news agency. In a letter sent ahead of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) meeting scheduled for September, the Arab League also sought support for a resolution that calls on Israel…
Israeli soldier in callous’ photo row
The National 16 Aug 2010 – A former Israeli soldier has posted photos of herself on Facebook smiling next to handcuffed and blindfolded Palestinian prisoners.
Analysts see Iranian nuclear dispute continuing despite sanctions
The National 16 Aug 2010 – The new wave of international sanctions against Iran will hurt its economy — already suffering from mismanagement and corruption — but not enough to change Tehran’s nuclear policy, many analysts say.
Iran set to build third uranium enrichment plant next year
The National 16 Aug 2010 – Iran will begin building its third uranium enrichment plant in early 2011 defying world powers despite new sanctions on Tehran for pursuing the sensitive nuclear work.
Israel Cuts off “Aid” to Planned Palestinian City
Alternative Information Center – In his campaign to become prime minister, Benjamin Netanyahu explained that he believes “economic peace” should come before final agreements are signed between Israel and the Palestinians. He promoted a vision of economic growth in the…
Israeli Soldier Posts Images of Blindfold Palestinians on Facebook
WAFA – TEL AVIV, August 16, 2010 (WAFA)- A former Israeli female soldier has raised a storm on the internet after posting photographs of herself posing next to blindfold Palestinian prisoners on
Unemployment the Highest in Tulkarm, Deir Albalah, PCBS Says
WAFA – RAMALLAH, August 16, 2010 (WAFA)-“Unemployment rate was the highest in Tulkarm governorate among the West Bank Governorates, while Deir AlBalah Governorate was the highest among Gaza Strip
Haaretz: Israel Will Reject any Quartet Preconditions for Direct Talks
WAFA – TEL AVIV, August 16, 2010 (WAFA) -Israel will reject any preconditions set forth by the Quartet of Middle East peace negotiators in regard to scheduled resumption of direct talks between Israel and
Israel rejects ‘preconditions’ for direct peace talks
Daily Star 16 Aug 2010
Iran details plans for 10 new mountain nuclear sites
Daily Star 16 Aug 2010
Jordan trying for release of abducted officers in Darfur
Daily Star 16 Aug 2010
Gaza schools, clinics face closure due to UN budget crisis
Daily Star 16 Aug 2010
Obama warns Erdogan over stance on Israel, Iran – report
Daily Star 16 Aug 2010
Army troops kill Fatah al-Islam leader, deputy
Daily Star 16 Aug 2010
UNIFIL chief insists stability has returned to south Lebanon
Daily Star 16 Aug 2010
Anger over ex-Israeli soldier’s Facebook photos of Palestinian prisoners
The Guardian 16 Aug 2010 – Young woman condemned for posting images of herself posing next to handcuffed and blindfolded detainees A former Israeli soldier’s Facebook page has provoked outrage after she posted pictures of herself on duty posing next to handcuffed,…
Weekly Report On Israeli Human Rights Violations in the Occupied Palestinian Territory No. 32/2010, 05 — 11 Aug 2010
Relief Web 16 Aug 2010 – Source: Palestinian Centre for Human Rights
New Report: People versus Oppression
Stop The Wall – One year ago, Stop the Wall and Addameer released a report entitled “Repression Allowed, Resistance Denied”, which detailed the repression of Palestinian human rights defenders active against the Wall since 2002.Today, in the 6th anniversary of the ICJ ruling against the Wall, The campaign publish this new document covering the ongoing repression between March – June 2010. [
Bethlehem district: villagers stand in solidarity with Jerusalem
Stop The Wall – Israeli occupation forces repress the weekly protests in the villages of al-Ma’sara and al-Walajeh. Militay attacked and beat the demonstrators with batons and rifle butts and firing tear gas and sound bombs in their direction. [
Turks return to Marmara, seek evidence
YNet News – (VIDEO) Al-Jazeera presents images from ship raided by IDF, reports that….
Hamas: NYC mosque must be built
YNet News – Palestinian terror group strongman Mahmoud al-Zahar says Muslims ‘have to build….
Technion 38th among world’s top technology universities
YNet News – Israel Institute of Technology moves up two slots from last year, is ahead of….
Ex-soldier presents cuffed Palestinian friends
YNet News – Young woman posts pictures on Facebook taken during her IDF service in which she….
Soldier: Lifting fruit left me disabled
YNet News – Former soldier demanding IDF recognize him as disabled claiming physical tasks….
US urges vigilance in sanctions on Iran shipping
YNet News – Treasury Undersecretary Stuart Levey describes shipping sector as ‘critical….
Obama warns Turkish PM over Israel
YNet News – Financial Times reports US president tells Erdogan Ankara’s position on Israel,….
White House denies giving Turkey ultimatum over Israel, Iran
YNet News – The White House on Monday denied press reports that President Barack Obama warned Turkey it could lose its chance to obtain US-made weapons over its position on Israel …….
Rockets fired after IDF kills Jihad operative in Gaza
YNet News – After a month of relative calm along Israel’s border with Gaza, IDF soldiers opened fire Monday evening on two Palestinians who planted an explosive device in the area. …….
Iran concerned about improved Syrian-Saudi ties
YNet News – Iran is concerned about the improving relations between Syria and Saudi Arabia, the London-based Arabic language newspaper Al Hayat reported Monday. According to the …….
Court: State responsible for Palestinian girl’s death
YNet News – The State is responsible for the death of 10-year-old Palestinian girl Abir Aramin in 2007 and will compensate her family, the Jerusalem District Court ruled Monday. …….
Palestinian Information Center
IOA plans to build new tunnels under J’lem
PIC 16 Aug 2010 – The IOA intends to build new tunnels beneath Jerusalem connecting the Judaized Sharaf neighborhood (formerly Arab area) in the Old City with Al-Buraq plaza and the Aqsa Mosque.
Israel-U.S. training against “guerilla warfare”
PIC 16 Aug 2010 – The Israeli army held joint military exercises with the U.S. Marines in a forest setting supposed to resemble southern Lebanon as part of a military strategy.
American rabbi pays visit to Jerusalem MPs’ sit-in tent
PIC 16 Aug 2010 – The American rabbi Yami’el Jarememen stopped on Sunday at the sit-in tent of the Jerusalem MPs and former Jerusalem minister threatened to be exiled at the Red Cross headquarters.
Israeli government rejects any ‘preconditions’ to start direct talks
PIC 16 Aug 2010 – The Israeli government will reject what it described as preconditions in launching face-to-face negotiations with the Palestinians, an Israeli official said Monday.
Two children injured in attacks by Israeli settlers in Al-Khalil
PIC 16 Aug 2010 – A Palestinian girl was severely beaten during a series of attacks by Israeli settlers on Palestinian homes in Al-Khalil.
IOF rounds up 4 West Bankers, 300 Jerusalemite children
PIC 16 Aug 2010 – The Israeli occupation forces (IOF) rounded up at dawn Monday four Palestinians in various West Bank areas as a Palestinian society revealed that the IOF detained 300 Jerusalemite children recently.
Prisoner society: Prisoners in Etzion jail living in incredibly bad conditions
PIC 16 Aug 2010 – The Palestinian prisoner society said that the conditions inside Etzion jail are extremely terrible and its administration humiliates and maltreats the prisoners more excessively than other prisons.
IOA violates settlement freeze
PIC 16 Aug 2010 – The Israeli occupation authority (IOA) approved the erection of 23 mobile classrooms in eight Israeli settlements in the West Bank to cater for 600 students in the area.
IOA decides to raze 30 Palestinian buildings in Jerusalem village
PIC 16 Aug 2010 – The Israeli occupation authority (IOA) decided to demolish 30 Palestinian buildings in Kufr Aqab village located between occupied Jerusalem and Ramallah.
Palestinian factions reject Abbas’s direct, indirect talks with Israelis
PIC 16 Aug 2010 – Palestinian resistance factions rejected the Palestinian Authority’s direct and indirect talks with Israel and warned of the dire consequences of making concessions and waiving the Palestinian rights.
Largest Mideast Private Equity Group to Open Office in Ramallah
The Media Line 15 Aug 2010 – Abraaj Capital sets up $50m fund for investment in Palestinian economy. The Dubai-based private equity group Abraaj Capital has announced plans to open an office in the West Bank city of Ramallah that will handle the…
Harvard Sells Off Its Investments in Israel
The Media Line 15 Aug 2010 – Industry analysts deny the prestigious university’s move has any connection to the Boycott, Divestment & Sanctions (BDS) movement. Harvard University sold all its shares in Israeli companies during the second quarter of 2010, the investment group…
Wall Between Jerusalem Neighborhood and Palestinian Village Comes Down
The Media Line 15 Aug 2010 – A 10 foot high concrete wall set in place in 2002 during the height of the violence of the second Intifada in order to protect residents of the Gilo neighborhood of Jerusalem was dismantled by the…
Damascus-Based Terrorist Organizations Oppose Direct Talks
The Media Line 15 Aug 2010 – As expectations build for a return to direct Israeli-Palestinian talks, the ten Palestinian terrorist organizations living under Syrian President Bashar Al-Asad’s largesse in Damascus have called the talks a capitulation to American and Israeli demands. Among…
Israel Warns Quartet Against Preconditions for Direct Talks
The Media Line 15 Aug 2010 – Israel’s cabinet has reacted angrily to word that the Quartet — the international sponsors of the Road Map peace process including the United States, United Nations, European Union and Russia — will issue a statement supporting…
Direct Mideast talks set to resume
LA Times 16 Aug 2010 – U.S. officials are said to have persuaded Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas to return to the negotiating table with Israel, possibly within days. After months of quiet U.S. diplomacy, Israeli and Palestinian leaders appear poised to announce a resumption of direct peace talks, perhaps as early as this week.
Ex-Israeli Soldier’s Photos Condemned
New York Times 16 Aug 2010 – A woman who was discharged from the Israeli military posted photos on Facebook of herself smiling beside bound, blindfolded Palestinian prisoners.
World Briefing | Middle East: Gaza: Fatal Cross-Border Clash
New York Times 16 Aug 2010 – A Palestinian militant was killed and an Israeli soldier was lightly wounded Monday in cross-border clashes in the southeast Gaza Strip, the Israeli military said.
A Statement to the Palestinian People
Palestine Monitor – To our Palestinian People: We have followed with great concern the increasing external pressure, especially from the U.S. and Israel, on the PLO leadership to shift from indirect negotiations (which have not resulted in any progress) to direct negotiations without clear and binding terms of reference…
Eden Abergil, the product of a blindfolded society
Mondoweiss – A photo taken in June of a Palestinian man being detained near the Ibrahimi Mosque in Hebron. Shortly after taking this photo Israeli soldiers ordered me to stop shooting. (Photo: Max Blumenthal) Is there anything shocking about the Facebook photos showing the Israeli female soldier Eden…
Netanyahu’s agenda
Mondoweiss – A second Will column from Israel, today in the Washington Post, “Netanyahu’s warning,” and his second preemptive apology for Israel’s bombing of Iran. An act of necessity, he says, and you may expect it “probably within two years.” NB this amazing sentence: “Any Israeli self-defense anywhere…
Israeli soldier mocks Palestinian prisoners in Facebook photos
Mondoweiss – Two photos from Eden Abergil’s Facebook profile. (Photo credit: Dimi’s Notes ) Highlighting the cold indifference and cruelty that has come to characterize the Israeli occupation, a recently discharged soldier has posted photos of herself smiling as she sits besides blindfolded Palestinian prisoners. Eden, the young Israeli…
Hamas supports the right of Muslims to pray in mosques — even in New York
Mondoweiss – Hamas has leaped into the New York mosque controversy — well, actually, not so much leaped as diffidently tiptoed when pressed to express an opinion on the issue. In an interview on New York’s WABC radio (audio can be heard here ), Mahmoud al-Zahar, a co-founder of…
A kinder, gentler Occupation
Mondoweiss – For those of you worried that the tone of the so-called Occupation is a bit too confrontational and unpleasant, I have some optimistic news. As reported in Haaretz , a company of reservists is introducing politeness into the everyday checkpoint encounters between Palestinian civilians and the Israeli…
Abbas, US’s Hale to Mull Quartet “Direct Talks” Proposal
Al-Manar 16 Aug 2010 – Palestinian president Mahmud Abbas was on Sunday to meet a senior US official to mull over a Middle East Quartet proposal for launching direct talks with Israel, a Palestinian official said. David Hale, the assistant US Middle East envoy, was to meet Abbas at his…
Goldstone Follow-up Panel Visits Gaza
Al-Manar 15 Aug 2010 – Sixteen members of a committee created by the UN Human Rights Council to report on Palestinian and Israeli follow-up after the Goldstone report arrived in Gaza late Saturday, AFP reported. The members are expected to spend three days in Gaza to evaluate judicial actions undertaken…
Israel ‘to blame’ for child death
BBC 16 Aug 2010 – The state of Israel is responsible for the death of a Palestinian girl hit by a rubber bullet in 2007 and must pay compensation to her family, a Jerusalem court rules.
Anger at Israel Facebook photos
BBC 16 Aug 2010 – A former Israeli soldier is criticised for posting images of herself on Facebook posing with bound Palestinian prisoners.
Iran sets date for nuclear plant
BBC 16 Aug 2010 – Iran will start building a new uranium enrichment site by early next year, the country’s top nuclear official says.
Israel demolishes barrier at Gilo
BBC 16 Aug 2010 – Israel begins to tear down a concrete wall erected nine years ago to protect the Jewish settlement of Gilo on the southern outskirts of Jerusalem.
One-State, Two-State and the American Task Force on Palestine — By Antoine Raffoul
Sabbah report 16 Aug 2010 – By Antoine Raffoul* | Sabbah Report | www.sabbah.biz Until recently, we had never heard of the American Task Force on Palestine (ATFP). After some research on the subject of the One-State vs the Two-State solution, we discovered a long Study published by the ATFP in 2009…
(en) Palestine-Israel, The joint struggle is no more “news” and the number of locals of it expand
A-infos 16 Aug 2010 – Seven years of persistent and expanding joint struggle of Palestinian grass root community activists and the Israeli anarchists against the wall initiative in the Israeli, Palestinian, and international media changed it from a curious Phenomena to an obvious one. The too mild involvement of the Israeli…
Articles
Gaza’s Poisoned Water
Stephen Lendman, Dissident Voice8/14/2010
This article follows an August 6 one discussing Palestinians Denied Access to Water. It explained how Israel exploits Palestinian water resources, using most of it, forcing them to find ways to get by. Water, of course, is essential to life, rights to it natural and usufructuary. Belonging to everyone as part of the commons, it must be used, not owned or abused, an essential truth Israel corrupts.
On August 5, the Palestinian Centre for Human Rights (PCHR) published the latest in its “Narratives Under Siege” series, titled “There’s Something in the Water: The Poisoning of Life in the Gaza Strip.”
“THIS BEACH IS POLLUTED” signs dot Gaza City beaches, posing serious health hazards because of daily raw sewage dumped into the Mediterranean Sea through 16 discharge sites along the coast. Yet thousands fill them despite the dangers, including children, taking advantage of one of their few sources of respite — available, convenient, and free, but not safe.
For Gazans, the sea is part of their lives — to fish, gather with family, swim, and for children, play in the sun on hot days, a joy this writer recalls growing up on America’s Atlantic coast. Summers were always the best time. The memories remain.
“Without the sea there is no Gaza,” explains Abdel Haleem Abu Samra, Public Relations Officer of the Palestinian Centre for Human Rights’ Khan Younis Branch. Being unsafe is especially unsettling — its state in some form since 1991, but especially under siege, prohibiting equipment, construction materials, and spare parts to build new wastewater treatment facilities and repair existing ones.
In addition, conditions are exacerbated by an acute fuel and electricity shortage, vital to run waste treatment cycles properly…. — See also: Palestinians Denied Access to Water and PCHR: There’s Something in the Water…. more.. e-mail
Uribe Appointment Undermines U.N. Flotilla Investigation
Carmen Andrea Rivera and Nico Udu-gama, Mondoweiss, Upside Down World8/12/2010
It was announced yesterday, August 2nd, that outgoing Colombian president ?Ålvaro Uribe V?©lez will be the Vice Chairman of the U.N.¬ís four-member international committee tasked with investigating the Israeli commando attack on the Gaza Freedom Flotilla. On May 31st, Israeli forces attacked the MV Mavi Marmara, a Turkish ship manned by international activists delivering aid supplies to the besieged Gaza Strip. The ensuing confrontation left nine activists dead and dozens wounded and sparked international criticism of Israel.
Prior international investigations and condemnation have done little to change Israel’s colonial policies in occupied Palestinian territories. Appointing Uribe to this latest investigation preemptively undermines its credibility.
It’s difficult to catalogue and summarize the various political scandals that have plagued Uribe’s 8-year presidency. Three days before the announcement of Uribe’s appointment to the U.N. committee, the Colombian press reported the outgoing president’s verbal attack against Colombian Supreme Court Magistrate Yesid Ramirez, after Ramirez asked the nation’s prosecutor general to open an investigation into allegations that the president’s son, Tom?°s Uribe, bribed congressmen to ensure his father’s re-election in 2006. The recent scandal is only the latest in one of many of Uribe’s public displays of contempt for the Colombian judiciary, the most famous of which was his outrage at the Court’s nixing of a referendum that would have allowed Uribe to run for a third presidential term.
More significant than political tumult or charges of corruption is Uribe’s contempt for international law, demonstrated by his government’s illegal use of the International Red Cross emblem in a hostage rescue mission in July 2008…. more.. e-mail
The US Arms Bonanza in the Middle East
Jonathan Cook, CounterPunch8/11/2010
Israel and Saudi Arabia to Buy Advanced War Planes
Two of the United States’ closest allies in the Middle East, Israel and Saudi Arabia, are on the brink of signing large arms deals with the US in a move designed to ratchet up the pressure on Iran, according to defence analysts.
America has agreed to sell Saudi Arabia 84 of the latest model of the F-15 jet and dozens of Black Hawk helicopters. The deal also includes refurbishing many of the kingdom’s older F-15s, the Wall Street Journal reported on Monday.
Israel is believed to have opposed the $30 billion deal. However, in a concession to Israel, the new F-15s, made by the Boeing Company, will not be equipped with the latest weapons and avionics systems available to the US military.
The last such major arms sale by the US to Saudi Arabia was in 1992, when the kingdom received 72 F-15s. On that occasion, Israel tried to block the $9bn deal by lobbying the US Congress, straining relations with the White House of George H W Bush.
Meanwhile, the US is preparing to provide Israel’s air force with the F-35, the latest jet fighter made by Lockheed Martin, the Israeli daily Haaretz reported last week.
The F-35’s stealth technology, which allows it to evade radar detection and anti-aircraft missiles, comes with a hefty price tag of up to $150 million a plane — a cost that Israel had been balking at.
But, according to the reports, the US has offered Israeli firms defence contracts worth $4bn to supply parts for the F-35 — a deal some Israeli analysts believe is designed to buy Israel’s silence over the Saudi deal and ensure it gets through the US Congress.more.. e-mail
Palestinian roots of Western civilization: an interview with Basem Ra’ad
Electronic Intifada: 16 Aug 2010 – Basem Ra’ad is a professor at Al-Quds University in occupied East Jerusalem. For the past two decades, he has been researching the ancient past of Palestine, much of which concerns the Western and Israeli appropriation of ancient languages and cultures, from the Canaanite alphabet to the Canaanite pantheon of gods and goddesses. Jonathan Scott spoke with Ra’ad for The Electronic Intifada.more
Gaza’s record-breaking children
Electronic Intifada: 16 Aug 2010 – Gaza’s kids truly are record-breakers. They survived Israel’s 2008-2009 winter invasion and every day they put up with a state of war during a so-called ceasefire. Smeared in blood, they’ve crawled through the rubble of shelled buildings, taking care of younger siblings, and tending to languishing parents, often emerging from under the remains of their own beds. Vittorio Arrigoni writes from the Gaza Strip.more
A Statement to the Palestinian People
Palestine Monitor: 16 Aug 2010 – To our Palestinian People: We have followed with great concern the increasing external pressure, especially from the U.S. and Israel, on the PLO leadership to shift from indirect negotiations (which have not resulted in any progress) to direct negotiations without clear and binding terms of reference regarding a complete halt of all settlement activities in the occupied Palestinian territory – including in Jerusalem. The terms of reference should be based on international law and UN resolutions and to include a predetermined timetable to reach a final status agreement. The agreement will necessarily include ending the Israeli occupation of all territories occupied in 1967 and enabling the Palestinians to exercise the Right of Return, right to self-determination, and the right to an independent and sovereign state in the territory occupied in 1967 – with Jerusalem as its capital. We, the signatories of this statement, proceed through our belief that a just…more
Christian Zionism: The Root of All Evil?
Palestine Chronicle: 16 Aug 2010 – By Tammy Obeidallah It is common knowledge that many so-called Christians throw unconditional, unyielding support behind the Jewish state. Known as Christian Zionists, or more recently “Israel-firsters”—indicating their degree of loyalty over and above the interests of their own country—it is estimated they are over 50 million strong in the United States alone. By stripping biblical passages out of their proper context and ignoring historical perspective, Christian Zionist leaders have convinced the masses that Jesus Christ will return when all Jews are gathered in Palestine, even if it means the systemic destruction of the Palestinian people. Questions remain how such a blatantly un-biblical doctrine hijacked an entire segment of the Christian community; moreover, how the doctrine came to be so widely accepted not only in churches but in the halls of political power. It has been argued that Christian Zionism originated as a spin-off of secular Zionism; that Christians were…more
The Significance of the Afghan War Diary
Palestine Chronicle: 16 Aug 2010 – By Deepak Tripathi The Afghanistan War Diary, released by Wikileaks, has exposed as never before a culture of lies, deceit, violence and manipulation of information in the current United States-led war in that country. The volume, more than 90,000 secret records of actions taken by the American military from January 2004 to December 2009, and the depth of the culture they depict, are staggering. Their significance is immense. Their release is of interest to me not least because in my book, Overcoming the Bush Legacy in Iraq and Afghanistan, published in March 2010, I have systematically identified and analyzed the Bush administration’s na?Øve calculations, strategic and operational blunders, disregard for history and other cultures, even downright prejudices that have brought so much harm to so many. The Afghan War Diary makes a major contribution to that debate. In historical terms, the significance of these documents is comparable to that of…more
About Cordoba
Palestine Chronicle: 16 Aug 2010 – (An open letter to a dear friend in the US) By Samah Sabawi I am not an American but I can tell you in a way I know how you feel and I understand those sensitivities you speak of. I am a Palestinian Muslim Woman from Gaza. I know too well the sting of the pain of losing pieces of one’s homeland, watching buildings blow up; landmarks demolished farmlands scorched and people uprooted. My heart is filled with pain over loved ones lost over the years to senseless human violence. But if there is anything I’ve learned in my life it is that wars and terror can take everything you have but only you can actually surrender your principles and your values. Even though Israel holds my people under siege, even though our loved ones are killed with Israeli fire, even though Israel has committed these acts in the name…more
The Next Terror Capital
Palestine Chronicle: 16 Aug 2010 – By Belen Fernandez Shortly after the termination of the July War four years ago, I visited the south Lebanese town of Bint Jbeil—largely destroyed by Israel—and was invited into the home of a family that had only recently returned to south Lebanon after residing in the United States for a number of years. The family’s 13-year-old daughter Maryam summarized their wartime experience, which had involved spending approximately 10 days in a basement with dozens of relatives and neighbors and attempting to reconcile themselves to the idea of impending liquidation by Israeli surgical precision. The group eventually escaped north in a caravan of vehicles, only the last of which was liquidated; Maryam nonetheless expressed her sincere hope that the U.S. media had not portrayed the full reality of the war, as she was concerned it would have been unnecessarily painful for the American public. There is abundant evidence that Lebanese teenagers…more
Netanyahu Running with Nowhere to Hide
Palestine Chronicle: 16 Aug 2010 – By James Gundun, Washington D.C. Last week the US government and media lauded Israel’s decision to cooperate with a UN investigation into the Freedom Flotilla raid. Although Israeli opinion was more critical of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s decision, the general consensus realized he had no choice. Stonewall here and Israel would have absolutely nothing to stand on going into the pivotal month of September, when Israel’s settlement “freeze” in the West Bank expires and the UN will debate Palestinian statehood. “We thank both governments (Israeli and Turkish) for the constructive and cooperative spirit they have shown and the Secretary General for his leadership and determination,” said Susan Rice, US Ambassador to the UN. Seven days later and no one is praising Ban Ki-moon anymore. Only hours after Netanyahu testified to the UN that Turkish decision-making was ultimately to blame, the UN Secretary-General “quashed what he called a rumor” that Israeli…more
Imbalance of Power, the Middle East Problem
Palestine Chronicle: 16 Aug 2010 – By Hasan Afif El-Hasan Let us be realistic, the hypothetical creation of a just social contract by the international community that would liberate the Palestinians from their subjection and inequality has failed. Lack of progress in reaching a just solution to the Palestinian/Syrian/Lebanese conflicts with Israel is due to the imbalance of military power in favor of Israel vs. the Arab states combined. As long as the imbalance exists, the Israeli wars will continue to reign uncontrolled and there will be little hope that justice will prevail. Balance of power is essential strategy of world politics. The efficacy of a balanced power in the Middle East can mitigate the international tyranny and the systemic hegemony of Israel. Balance of power means fewer wars and more incentive to resolve issues peacefully. The equally effect of nuclear deterrence between the US and the Soviet Union explains four decades of Cold War relative…more
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The New Dark Age 
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