23 November, 2010 — VTJP
News
International Middle East Media Center
Internal Revenue Service Asked to Revoke AIPAC’s Tax Exemption
IMEMC – 24 Nov 2010 – Tuesday November 23, 2010 – 17:40, An 1,389 page filing, demanding that the American Israel Public Affairs Committee’s (AIPAC’s) tax exempt status be revoked, was received by the Internal Revenue Service, on Tuesday, the Middle Eastern Policy Institute for Research in Washington told The Middle East Monitor.
Palestinian Family Forced From Their Home, Acquired by Jewish Settlers in East Jerusalem
IMEMC – 24 Nov 2010 – Tuesday November 23, 2010 – 17:25, Israeli settlers have been moved into, on Tuesday, houses in the al-Farouq neighborhood of Jabel Mukaber in occupied East Jerusalem, resulting in the expulsion of twenty eight Palestinians.
Arms Detonated at Checkpoint Near Tulkarem
IMEMC – 24 Nov 2010 – Tuesday November 23, 2010 – 16:31, Israeli forces, at the Jubarah checkpoint south of Tulkarem, detonated on Tuesday three bags carrying live grenades, an Israeli security source told Ma’an News.
16 Year Old Child Detained During Night Raid in Bi’lin
IMEMC – 24 Nov 2010 – Tuesday November 23, 2010 – 13:49, The Israeli military raided the West Bank village of Bi’lin, on Tuesday, and detained a 16 year old boy, Mohammed Abu Rahme.
Reporters Without Borders Calls for Press Freedom for Palestinian Journalists
IMEMC – 24 Nov 2010 – Tuesday November 23, 2010 – 12:07, On Monday, the international press freedom organization, Reporters Without Borders (RSF), denounced that, in the enmity between Hamas and Fatah, Palestinian journalists are victims of “collateral damage in the years-long conflict “, AFP reported.
UNICEF: Israel Violates the Convention on the Rights of the Child
IMEMC – 24 Nov 2010 – Tuesday November 23, 2010 – 11:27, A statement by the UNICEF, issued on the 21st anniversary of the Geneva Convention to protect children’s rights, accused Israel of failing to uphold international law and live up to its obligation to protect children, Quds Press reported on Monday.
Roman Baths Rather Than a Modern Mikbe
IMEMC – 24 Nov 2010 – Tuesday November 23, 2010 – 11:09, A group of archaeologist, who were excavating near the Jewish neighborhood in old Jerusalem to leave space for the construction of a modern Mikbe (Jewish ritual bath), have found a jewel of Roman architecture, a bath house dating back at least 1,800 years.
Israeli Knesset Passes Referendum Bill
IMEMC – 24 Nov 2010 – Tuesday November 23, 2010 – 10:51, With a majority of 65 votes in favor and 33 opposing, the Israeli Knesset passed the Referendum Bill in the second and third readings, thus requiring a public majority referendum vote and the votes of 60 members of Knesset (MK’s) in order to approve any withdrawal from occupied Jerusalem and the occupied Golan Heights.
E.U. Slams Israel’s Ongoing Siege on Gaza
IMEMC – 24 Nov 2010 – Tuesday November 23, 2010 – 10:42, European Union Foreign Policy Chief, Catherine Ashton, lashed out at Israel for failing to ease the blockade on the Gaza Strip.
Report: Israeli Army Still Using Children As Human Shields In 2010
IMEMC – 24 Nov 2010 – Tuesday November 23, 2010 – 08:24, One day after an Israeli military court imposed a suspended sentence on two Givati Brigade soldiers for using a nine-year-old boy as a human shield in Gaza, DCI-Palestine has just obtained an affidavit from a 13-year-old boy who reports being used as a human shield on 19 August, 2010. This brings the number of human shield cases documented by DCI-Palestine to three in 2010.
Settlers take over Palestinian home in East Jerusalem
11/23/2010 – JERUSALEM (AFP) — Israeli settlers and police evicted a Palestinian family from their home in occupied East Jerusalem on Tuesday, after the house was sold to the settlers, activists and the family said. The eviction began early in the day when police removed about 15 members of the Kara’in family from their home in….
Israeli forces enter Gaza, uproot trees
11/23/2010 – GAZA CITY (Ma’an) – Israeli military vehicles entered the Gaza Strip on Tuesday morning, passing through the border area east of the Jabaliya refugee camp, where they uprooted trees, witnesses said. Onlookers said seven military vehicles were involved in the destruction….
Security source: Arms destroyed at checkpoint
11/23/2010 – TULKAREM (Ma’an) – Israeli forces stationed at the Jubarah checkpoint south of Tulkarem detonated Tuesday three bags allegedly carrying live grenades, belonging to three young men waiting to pass the military crossing. An Israeli security source told Ma’an that three young men from Nablus had the weapons in their bags.” They appeared….
Single Gaza crossing operates
11/23/2010 – GAZA CITY (Ma’an) — Israeli authorities partly opened the Kerem Shalom crossing on Tuesday, keeping all other goods transport terminals sealed, officials said. Palestinian liaison officer at the crossings Raed Fattouh said he was told to expect entry of 190 to 200 truckloads of goods and humanitarian aid for the day. He said Israeli….
Ramallah villages protest toxic factory
11/24/2010 – RAMALLAH (Ma’an) — Residents of three villages near Ramallah held a protest Wednesday against a plastic factory built close to their homes and schools. The residents of Beit Ora At-Tehta, Saffa and Beit Sira told Ma’an radio that the factory emitted toxic gases. Deputy Governor of Ramallah Hamdan Barghouthi said it was….
Knesset passes referendum bill
11/23/2010 – JERUSALEM (AFP) – Israel’s parliament on Monday passed a law calling for a national referendum ahead of any withdrawal from occupied East Jerusalem or the Golan Heights, a move that could derail future peace deals. The law, which had the backing of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, passed with 65 lawmakers in favour and…. Related: Palestinians slam Israeli referendum law
Palestinians slam Israeli referendum law
11/23/2010 – JERUSALEM (Ma’an) — Palestinian leaders in Israel and the West Bank slammed Monday, the passing of a Knesset bill mandating a national referendum ahead of any pullout from zones occupied by Israel, including the West Bank, East Jerusalem and the Golan Heights. Palestinian citizen of Israel and member of the KnessetJamal Zahalqa called the…. Related: Knesset passes referendum bill
Syria ‘totally’ rejects Israeli referendum law on Golan
11/23/2010 – DAMASCUS (AFP) — The Syrian Foreign Ministry on Tuesday rejected a new Israeli law mandating a referendum ahead of any pullout from the Golan, saying the status of the territory seized from Syria was not negotiable. The Israeli parliament passed the law which which also applies to occupied East Jerusalem on Monday night.” Syria totally rejects….
Farmers say giant cucumbers defy occupation
11/23/2010 – TUBAS (Ma’an) — White cucumbers, known locally as fuqus, more than a meter long were harvested from farms in the Jordan Valley on Monday, astonished agricultural workers reported. Farm owner Awad Fuqaha said that despite Israeli prohibitions on fertilizer and new irrigation systems, the vegetables grew to unprecedented lengths, adding that he believed a….
American roots artist makes his Palestine debut
11/23/2010 – BETHLEHEM (Ma’an) — Grammy-nominated American roots musician Bill Kirchen made his Palestine debut Monday, in a special performance highlighting his week-long tour through the occupied West Bank. The guitarist, singer, and songwriter, who has performed for audiences in the US and around the world for more than 40 years, was in Bethlehem for a…. Related: Bill Kirchen
Teen detained in Bil’in home overnight
11/23/2010 – RAMALLAH (Ma’an) — A 16-year-old boy was detained from his family home in the central West Bank village of Bil’in overnight, Israeli military officials confirmed. Officials from the village popular committee said armored military jeeps and personnel carriers entered the area at approximately 2:30 a. m. , stormed the home of….
Nablus governor speaks about assassination plot
11/23/2010 – NABLUS (Ma’an) — Nablus Governor Major General Jibrin Al-Bakri spoke out Monday for the first time about a plot revealed by PA security forces which aimed at assassinating the official. Delivering a public address in the municipality building to a visiting delegation of peace activists, joined by local officials and religious figures, Al-Bakri confirmed….
Hezbollah accuses Israel of infiltrating its mobile network
11/24/2010 – BEIRUT (AFP) — Israel bugged the mobile phones of members of Lebanon’s Hezbollah, allowing it to send false text messages and to track the phones’ movements, a senior Hezbollah MP and a government expert said on Tuesday.” The enemy [Israel] has succeeded in planting secret lines. . . in the mobile phones of some members….
Italian minister says Mideast peace will curb Iran’s influence
11/24/2010 – RAMALLAH (DPA) — Italian Foreign Minister Franco Frattini said Tuesday that peace in the Middle East would help curb Iran’s influence in the region. Iran had gained a presence through its Lebanese and Palestinian allies Hezbollah and Hamas, and the only way to contain this is to have a comprehensive peace, he said. Frattini….
Israeli police question Jordanian embassy staff over ID
11/24/2010 – JERUSALEM (AFP) — Israeli police on Tuesday questioned two Jordanian embassy staff when officers carrying out a routine spot check found their diplomatic identification papers suspicious, a spokesman said.” They were questioned for a short period of time in the area where police were on patrol,” police spokesman Micky Rosenfeld told AFP.” Their IDs and passports….
Lebanon PM to visit Iran amid political crisis
11/23/2010 – BEIRUT (AFP) – Lebanese Prime Minister Saad Hariri will make his first official visit to Iran on Saturday when he will meet with President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad and other officials, a government official said Tuesday. The weekend visit comes amid a tense political standoff between Hariri’s pro-Western camp and the Iranian-backed militant group Hezbollah over….
Egypt’s Mubarak begins Gulf tour
11/23/2010 – CAIRO (DPA) — Egyptian President Hosni Mubarak left for the United Arab Emirates on Tuesday, on his first leg of a Gulf tour for political and trade talks. Mubarak, who heads a ministerial delegation, will also head to Qatar and Bahrain during the two-day visit. His meetings with the leaders of the three countries will focus….
Hariri: Media leaks about tribunal do not serve justice
11/23/2010 – BEIRUT (DPA) — Lebanese Premier Saad Hariri said Wednesday that media leaks about the UN tribunal probing his father’s assassination do not serve the course of Justice. He was commenting on a documentary broadcast Monday by the Canadian Broadcasting Corporation about the investigation of the 2005 assassination of former premier Rafik Hariri. The CBC….
Abbas: PLO will reopen Jerusalem office
11/23/2010 – RAMALLAH (Ma’an) — President Mahmoud Abbas opened the new headquarters of the Palestine Liberation Organization in Ramallah on Tuesday, but said it was temporary and would be moved to Jerusalem. The president recalled visiting the PLO headquarters in Jerusalem in 1964, and said the body would return to the city “one day.”The PLO….
PA police arrest drug dealer in Abu Dis
11/23/2010 – JERUSALEM (Ma’an) – An unidentified man was arrested on Monday night in the Jerusalem-area town of Abu Dis, police said, when he was caught selling ecstasy tablets to Palestinian teenagers. A spokesman for the police department said that the man was immediately arrested and taken in for further questioning….
Hamas abusing Fatah flexibility, spokesman says
11/23/2010 – RAMALLAH (Ma’an) — Hamas delegations are taking advantage of Fatah’s flexibility and seek to change the nature of the Egyptian reconciliation document, Fatah spokesman Ahmad Assaf said Tuesday. In a statement, the official said Fatah was determined to solve the unity issue, adding that as long as division remained in the Palestinian….
Hamas: PA detained 8 supporters overnight
11/23/2010 – BETHLEHEM (Ma’an) — Hamas accused Palestinian Authority security services of detaining eight party members across the West Bank overnight on Monday. The Islamist movement said the detentions took place in Nablus, Tulkarem and Qalqiliya in the northern West Bank and in Hebron in the south, in a statement issued Tuesday. Hamas also said that….
Hamad: Fatah officials prevented from leaving Gaza
11/23/2010 – GAZA CITY (Ma’an) — Fatah Revolutionary Council member Amal Hamad said Gaza security forces prevented seven council members from leaving the Strip on Tuesday to attend a meeting in Ramallah. Hamad said the Fatah officials waited at Erez crossing for over an hour, before being turned away by security officers from the Hamas-led government….
Report: Netanyahu close to naming Mossad chief
11/23/2010 – TEL AVIV, Israel (Ma’an) — The Office of the Prime Minister in Israel will name a replacement for chief of the country’s spy agency Mossad in the coming days, Israeli media reported. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has been under fire for stalling over the appointment of who will replace Meir Dagan, the….
Israel army using Facebook to rumble draft-dodgers
11/23/2010 – JERUSALEM (AFP) — Around 1,000 Israeli women who tried to avoid military service by pretending to be religious have been caught out through their Facebook accounts, an army spokesman said on Tuesday. By using the popular social networking site, the Israeli military has managed to track down hundreds of women who lied about being religiously observant….
Nablus governorate: Abu Sa’ud was not tortured
11/23/2010 – NABLUS (Ma’an) — A spokesman for the Nablus governate denied Tuesday that Palestinian Authority security forces tortured detained Hamas supporter Tamam Abu As-Sa’ud. Abu As-Sa’ud was one of several Hamas affiliates detained Wednesday in the West Bank city of Nablus over an alleged plot to kill Nablus governor Jibrin Al-Bakri….
Palestinian scouts document 100-year history
11/23/2010 – BETHLEHEM (Ma’an) — Palestinian scouts have launched a campaign to document their history as the movement prepares for its centennial anniversary. Celebrations will begin in 2011 and last for one year until the movement’s 100th anniversary in 2012. The catastrophes and conflict which have plagued Palestine over the last century have also….
Israeli referendum law: Death knell for the 2-state solution
Palestine Note 23 Nov 2010 – Remember the date. November 22, 2010, the day Israel finally killed the two-state solution . I know that for me, I will continue to hope that there is some way to still pull two states out of…
Israeli TV show spoofs Angry Birds and peace process
Palestine Note 23 Nov 2010 – Washington – The Israeli sketch comedy television show Eretz Nehederet is gaining wide internet attention for its satirical take on the Israeli-Palestinian peace process and the popular mobile phone game, Angry Birds. (Please visit the site…
Knesset passes bill requiring two-thirds majority or national referendum on territorial withdrawal plans
Palestine Note 23 Nov 2010 – Critics warn the bill is an attempt to thwart government peace deals Washington – The Israeli Knesset passed a bill on Monday requiring a two-thirds majority approval before any land-for-peace deals that would withdraw Israelis from…
Israel begins barrier construction on border with Egypt
Palestine Note 22 Nov 2010 – The $370 million project is meant to stem flow of illegal migrants and militants Washington – The Israeli government has begun construction of a barrier, including an electric fence and surveillance equipment, along a 155-mile stretch…
Iran ‘briefly halted enrichment’
AlJazeera 23 Nov 2010 – Low-level uranium enrichment at Natanz facility was shutdown due to apparent technical problem, UN report says.
Hariri tribunal slams CBC report
AlJazeera 23 Nov 2010 – Prosecutor says Canadian report linking Hezbollah to the killing of Lebanon’s former PM could jeopardise lives.
Palestinian Center for Human Rights
Weekly Report On Israeli Human Rights Violations in the Occupied Palestinian Territory (04. – 10 November 2010)
Palestinian Center for Human Rights
Israel denies any role in death of German politician
Jeruslalem Post 24 Nov 2010 – Berlin paper blames Mossad for assassinating Uwe Barschel in 1987 because of his supposed knowledge of Israeli-Iranian arms deals.
Israel to PA: Reject ‘findings’ on claims to Kotel
Jeruslalem Post 23 Nov 2010 – Israeli peace activist calls Palestinian Authority’s denial of Jewish ties to site a “stain” and a “serious mistake.”
Abbas slams referendum law, calling it ‘obstacle to peace’
Jeruslalem Post 23 Nov 2010 – PA president inaugurates PLO headquarters in Ramallah which will be “moved to J’lem in future”; Syria: referendum makes mockery of int’l law.
Settlers buoyed by referendum legislation
Jeruslalem Post 23 Nov 2010 – “This is very good news, because we know that an overwhelming majority of Israelis oppose a Palestinian state,” says Naftali Bennet.
Analysis: Korean clash could happen with nuclear Iran
Jeruslalem Post 23 Nov 2010 – N. Korean attack on Yeonpyeong Island is example of what Israel has been warning will happen if Iran continues developing nuclear program.
US letter on freeze deal has been completed, ‘Post’ learns
Jeruslalem Post 23 Nov 2010 – Middle East expert says Netanyahu made verbal commitment to Clinton to make progress on territory during renewed settlement freeze as part of agreement.
Egypt’s gov’t and opposition vie for favor of women
Jeruslalem Post 23 Nov 2010 – Feminism is the new buzz word in Egypt’s political campaign just days before the parliamentary elections.
PA endorses ‘study’ claiming Jews have no claim to Kotel
Jeruslalem Post 23 Nov 2010 – PM spokesman calls on Palestinian leadership to publicly distance itself, says “this not sort of statement expected from peace partner.”
Abbas: Israel’s Referendum Law is aimed at derailing peace
Jeruslalem Post 23 Nov 2010 – PA President inaugurates PLO headquarters in Ramallah which will be “moved to Jerusalem in the future;” Syria says referendum legislation makes mockery of int’l law;
Ayalon asks Hollywood execs to make movies in Israel
Jeruslalem Post 23 Nov 2010 – Deputy foreign minister meets with delegation, including Michael Rotenberg, in attempt to show democratic, open society.
IAEA confirms Iran temporarily stopped enriching uranium
Jeruslalem Post 23 Nov 2010 – UN nuclear monitor offers no reason for Nov. 16 stoppage witnessed by agency staff; length of shutdown also unconfirmed.
Iran says woman sentenced to stoning may be spared
Jeruslalem Post 23 Nov 2010 – Press TV reports that following international outcry, the life of Sakineh Mohammadi Ashtiani “could be saved.”
Hariri: Media leaks do not serve the course of justice
Jeruslalem Post 23 Nov 2010 – Lebanese prime minister reacts to Canadian Broadcasting Corporation report which claimed there was evidence linking Hizbullah to his father’s 2005 murder.
Syria: Referendum legislation makes mockery of int’l law
Jeruslalem Post 23 Nov 2010 – “International community considers east J’lem, Golan Heights to be occupied territories,” Syrian Foreign Ministry says; Erekat: Ending occupation cannot be dependent on referendum.
IDF uses Facebook to catch 1,000 draft-dodging women
Jeruslalem Post 23 Nov 2010 – Women claiming to be religious posted photos in immodest dress and status updates on Shabbat; IDF opens new options for religious women.
Erekat on referendum: Israel making a mockery of int’l law
Jeruslalem Post 23 Nov 2010 – Netanyahu: I trust public will support peace agreement that answers national security needs of state; law requires Knesset super-majority or referendum to hand over annexed territories.
PM, Shas leader at odds over status of freeze talks with US
Jeruslalem Post 23 Nov 2010 – Netanyahu thanks Italians for helping with Ghajar issue; vows to establish regime in Lebanon border town that will not leave vacuum for Hizbullah.
International Solidarity Movement
VIDEO – Israeli forces arrest son of jailed Bil’in activist in night raid
11/23/2010 – International Solidarity Movement – Popular Struggle Coordination Committee – At 2:30 AM this morning Israeli forces entered the village of Bil’in in armored military jeeps and by foot, and proceeded to surround the home of jailed organizer, Adeeb Abu Rahmah. A group of masked soldiers forcefully entered the house without showing a warrant, and arrested Adeeb’….
Israelis and Palestinians join together to pray for rain
Ha’aretz – Forecasters are predicting a dry winter and expect precipitation to fall below the 30-year average.
Followers of Israeli ‘rabbi’ accused of child abuse sentenced for complicity
Ha’aretz – The four were convicted of severely abusing eight children under Chen’s orders two years ago; one of the children remains unconscious to this day.
U.S. couple suspected of drugging daughter to force her to leave Israel
Ha’aretz – Young woman had fled her parents and come to stay with relatives in Bnei Brak, claiming abuse.
Police chief: Bar-Lev investigation has no bearing on search for my replacement
Ha’aretz – Police chief: Media must not connect police chief appointment, investigation against Bar Lev over sexual harassment claims.
Peres making state visit to Ukraine, but not flying El Al
Ha’aretz – Symbolic visit will include memorial ceremony at Babi Yar, the ravine in Kiev where more than 100,000 Jews were shot dead by Nazis during World War II.
Knesset passes bill conditioning land concessions with popular referendums
Ha’aretz – Bill architect Likud MK Levin says bill is of the utmost national importance for retaining the unity of the people.
Detention of Palestinian anti-separation fence activist extended
Ha’aretz – Abdullah Abu-Rahmeh, who led weekly demonstrations against fence in village of Bil’in, was incarcerated for incitement.
Lieberman: How will the world stop Iran if it can’t stop N. Korea?
Ha’aretz – Korean Peninsula on war footing as South fires shells in response to artillery barrage from North.
Netanyahu to name new Mossad chief ‘in next few days’
Ha’aretz – PM to appoint replacement for veteran spymaster Meir Dagan, due to step down at the end of the year.
Barak: Israel’s enemies will use referendum law against us
Ha’aretz – Defense Minister suggests moving past obstacle of settlement freeze and on to core issues, says law will harm Israel’s image.
Palestinians evicted from East Jerusalem home claimed by Israelis
Ha’aretz – Right-wing Elad association claims family sold the home and left voluntarily., Avi Sivan, one of the founders of the elite Duvdevan unit, had served as a security advisor to the…
Former Obama aide: Palestinians receptive to gradual peace deal
Ha’aretz – Former National Security Advisor James L. Jones says it is unclear whether Netanyahu would be willing to give up land given his right-leaning cabinet.
IDF uses Facebook to catch women lying their way out of the army
Ha’aretz – Military official says investigators used the popular social networking site to uncover 1,000 women who told IDF enlisters they were religious to avoid mandatory service.
EU’s Ashton: Israel failed to ease Gaza blockade
Ha’aretz – Ashton says not enough goods flowing in to meet the humanitarian and reconstruction needs of Gaza, contrary to Israel’s commitment.
Netanyahu: Israel will not let Hezbollah take over Ghajar
Ha’aretz – Prime Minister’s remark during meeting with Italian FM comes less than a week after Israel’s cabinet approved the IDF pullout from the disputed border town’s northern side.
Lebanon PM to visit Iran amid tensions over UN Hariri report
Ha’aretz – Canadian media says UN tribunal investigating the killing of former PM, and current premier’s father, has implicated Iran-backed Hezbollah in the assassination.
Report: Evidence links Hezbollah to murder of former Lebanese PM
Ha’aretz – According to an investigation by the Canadian Broadcasting Corp, previously unpublished Lebanese phone records connect Hezbollah to the 2005 murder of Rafik Hariri.
Abbas eyes UN appeal for independent state as peace talks stall
Ha’aretz – With little progress in U.S. attempts to broker a new settlement freeze, the Palestinians could seek world recognition for an independent state.
Israeli soldiers detain 5 Palestinian boys in Hebron
23 Nov 2010 – Hebron, November 23, (Pal Telegraph – ISM) Claiming that the children were throwing stones, Israeli soldiers detained five Palestinian schoolboys. Since the beginning of 2005, the children from the village of Tuba wait every morning for an Israeli army escort to accompany them to the school in At-Tuwani, along the shortest road that goes through the Israeli settlement of Ma’on…
Israel First, America’s National Security Second
Uruknet November 23, 2010 – In one of the United States Congress’ most recent displays of “Israel First” policy, 39 Representatives, all democrats, have requested that President Obama pardon Jonathan Pollard, an American convicted of spying for the State of Israel in 1987. Pollard is currently serving a life sentence for his crimes…In the letter sent to President Obama, the…
Jewish settlers move into house after Israeli police evict Palestinian family
Uruknet November 23, 2010 – Jewish settlers today moved into a house in East Jerusalem after Israeli police evicted a Palestinian family of 14 and removed all their possessions. The move will dismay US officials who are striving to discourage settler activity in East Jerusalem in an attempt to restart the stalled peace talks between Israel and the Palestinians. Armed…
Is Anti-Semitism More Acceptable Than Criticizing Israel?
Uruknet November 23, 2010 – Glenn Beck would appear to be the template for the anti-Semitic Zionist. After Beck odiously displayed a puppet show, with Hungarian Holocaust survivor George Soros as the stringer-puller-in-chief. Soros is, of course, ostensibly directing and manipulating the country and politicians on both sides of the “political divide” ‚Äî presumably toward an end of his creation….
Palestine Memorial Week to be held across UK”Ongoing Nakba”
Uruknet November 23, 2010 – The Palestinian Return Centre (PRC) continues its preparations for the second Palestine Memorial week in the United Kingdom and Europe. The annual event will be held from the 15th to the 22nd January 2011. The event commemorates the memory of Palestinian victims of the Nakba since 1948 until now. It also coincides with the 3rd…
Checkpoint: Backscatter Fears and Naked Aggression
Uruknet November 23, 2010 – “Don’t touch my junk” has a corollary: don’t zap my gonads with radiation, either. Americans on the go are increasingly upset about the intrusiveness of pre-boarding security checks at their airports, whether by full-body scanner or an enhanced pat-down. Perhaps lessons can be learned by examining the health effects on Palestinians who have for years…
More than a bribe: Obama surrenders Palestinian rights
Uruknet November 23, 2010 – THE Middle East policies of US President Barack Obama may well prove the most detrimental in history so far, surpassing even the right-wing policies of President George W. Bush. Even those who warned against the overt optimism which accompanied Obama’s arrival to the White House must now be stunned to see how low the US…
WATCH: The Battle for Al-Walaja
Uruknet November 23, 2010 – In a small Palestinian village between the ancient cities of Bethlehem and Jerusalem, lies the village of Al Walaja. In early 2010, the Israeli military entered the village to oversee the confiscation of Palestinian land for the construction of Israel’s separation barrier, in defiance of international law. In the months that followed, the people of…
Journalist Beaten While Filming Youth Arrest in Bil’in
Uruknet November 23, 2010 – Haitham Al-Khatib is a journalist and resident of the Palestinian village of Bil’in, a village divided by the Separation Wall and home to the famous weekly non-violent protests. At 2 a.m this morning he was woken by the screams of his neighbour’s young girls. Along with friend and fellow journalist Hamde Abu Rahmah he came…
Voices from the Occupation : ‘I Was A Human Shield’
Uruknet November 23, 2010 – Nazzal, 13, from Nablus, claimed that on August 19, soldiers surrounded his uncle’s house, firing tear gas and sound bombs. The account says Nazzal’s uncle was ordered from the house and arrested, while being told he would be “shot in the head”. Nazzal was “slapped across the face and hit hard on the back”, before…
Report: Israeli Army Still Using Children As Human Shields In 2010
Uruknet November 23, 2010 ‚Äì One day after an Israeli military court imposed a suspended sentence on two Givati Brigade soldiers for using a nine-year-old boy as a human shield in Gaza, DCI-Palestine has just obtained an affidavit from a 13-year-old boy who reports being used as a human shield on 19 August 2010. This brings to three, the number…
Gaza boy used as human shield: I’ll always remember
Uruknet November 23, 2010 – Majid Rabah, 11, says he will always remember the “black day” that Israeli soldiers ordered him to open bags they thought were rigged with explosives. “Every moment I remember what happened,” he said in his home in Gaza City’s Tel Al-Hawwa neighborhood Tuesday. An Israeli military court gave a suspended sentence and a demotion Sunday…
A Jewish Boat: The Story of Irene
Uruknet November 22, 2010 – I want to give you a small sense of the political climate that hovered over us when we attempted to sail to Gaza. The bottom line truth of my experience on the little Jewish boat, Irene is that I became a witness to what I can only call insanity. I am completely indebted to this…
Israel passes land-for-peace law
Uruknet November 22, 2010 – Israel’s parliament, backed by Prime Minister Binyamin Netanyahu, has approved a law that requires a two-thirds Knesset majority or a referendum on any potential land-for-peace deal concluded with Arab neighbours. The law, which was passed by a vote of 65 to 33 on Monday, calls for putting any treaty involving a withdrawal from Israeli-annexed land…
Campaign to Publish Book of British Journalist Killed by Israel
Alternative Information Center – Trolley are launching a crowdfunding campaign for our book ‘The Only House Left Standing – the Middle East Journals of Tom Hurndall.’ Tom Hurndall, a young British photojournalist and peace worker, was shot in the head…
“An Affront to Truth and Justice”: A Response to Rabbi Warren Goldstein
Alternative Information Center – As a Palestinian living in the so-called West Bank, I cannot go to Tel Aviv at all, let alone to the Tel Aviv Opera House. But I know what is on the program for tonight: Porgy…
Israeli Soldiers Detain 5 Palestinian Schoolboys in South Hebron Hills
Alternative Information Center – At-Tuwani – Claiming that the children were throwing stones, Israeli soldiers detained five Palestinian schoolboys.
Israeli Settlers Take Over Palestinian Homes in East Jerusalem
Alternative Information Center – As some of you may have heard Israeli police and settlers this morning (23 November) forcibly evicted 3 Palestinian families from their home in Al Farouq neighbourhood of Jabal al Mukabber in East Jerusalem .
Invitation: Information Meeting on East Jerusalem’s Issawiya
Alternative Information Center – The Popular Committee of Issawiya (East Jerusalem), in cooperation with the Alternative Information Center (AIC), cordially invite you to an information meeting on Israel’s recent campaign against Issawiya, on Wednesday 24 November 2010, at 11am.
Israeli Knesset to Mandate Referendums on Land for Peace Agreements
Alternative Information Center – The Israeli Knesset is poised to pass legislation on Monday (22 November) that would require a public referendum run by the Central Elections Committee should Israel decide to or enter diplomatic talks on withdrawing from East…
Tell FTV: No Magic in Israeli Occupation
Alternative Information Center – Israel’s Ministry of Tourism is launching a NIS 3 million shekel public relations campaign today (23 November) on Fashion TV. Under the heading “Israel, it’s like magic,” public relations clips featuring tourism and entertainment centres in…
BDS Success: Tindersticks Cancel Tel Aviv Shows
Alternative Information Center – It is with sadness that Tindersticks announce the cancellation of their forthcoming concerts in Tel Aviv.
Concluding Statement of Russell Tribunal on Palestine
Alternative Information Center – Public Statement of the Russell Tribunal on Palestine following the conclusion of the London Session on corporate complicity in Israeli violations of international law.
SPF Deivers Tonfa Training to 37 Recruits
WAFA – RAMALLAH, October 20, 2010 (WAFA)- The Palestinian Special Police Force (SPF) has successfully delivered a Tonfa training course to 37 new SPF recruits, according to a press release by EUPOL-COPPS,
Abu Rdeineh: All Settlement Forms are Illegal, Rejected
WAFA – RAMALLAH, October 19 (WAFA)- The Presidency spokesperson , Nabil Abu Rdeineh confirmed today that all the forms of settlement (outposts and non-random) in Palestinian lands are illegal. Commenting
Netanyahu Declines Demolishing Settlements’ Random Units
WAFA – TEL AVIV, October 19 (WAFA) ‚Äì Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu decided that he wouldn’t demolish the unregulated construction in a various settlements although the government has issued
The Elders Urge Comprehensive Approach to Arab-Israeli Peace
WAFA – DAMASCUS, October 19, 2010 (WAFA)- The Elders have called for a more comprehensive approach to the Israeli-Palestinian peace talks following discussions with officials, civil society, business and
France Provides €4 million for Gaza Wastewater Treatment Plant
WAFA – JERUSALEM, October 19, 2010 (WAFA)- On Sunday 17 of October 2010, at Ministry of Planning, Mr Dov Zerah, CEO of the French Development Agency (AFD), Dr Ali Jarbawi, Minister of Planning and
IOF deploys Ariel Settlement
WAFA – SALFIT, October 19 (WAFA)- The Israeli Occupation Forces (IOF) deployed, today, the Ariel Settlement that is established by force on the lands of the Salfit, Iskaka, Yasuf and Burkin
Dr. Erakat: Israel Seeks De Facto Recognition of Illegal Practices
WAFA – RAMALLAH, October 19, 2010 (WAFA)- Chairman of the Palestine Liberation Organization Negotiations Affairs Department Dr. Saeb Erakat said, yesterday, “By hosting the OECD conference in Jerusalem,
Observer: Israeli Government on Division Verge, Netanyahu Negotiates Kadima
WAFA – LONDON, October 17, 2010(WAFA) – The British Newspaper ‘Observer’ wrote that the Israeli government is facing the division risk because of the deadlock in the negotiations with the Palestinians
Jewish settlers move into house after Israeli police evict Palestinian family
The Guardian 23 Nov 2010 – Family of 14 driven out of house in Jabel Mukaber, an Arab neighbourhood targeted by ideologically motivated settler activists Jewish settlers today moved into a house in East Jerusalem after Israeli police evicted a Palestinian family…
Israel must hold poll on any peace plan withdrawal after Knesset vote
The Guardian 23 Nov 2010 – Legislation will make it more difficult for Israeli parliament to approve any exit from occupied territories Any peace deal involving withdrawal by Israel from annexed territory in East Jerusalem or the Golan Heights will need to…
Jerusalem Western Wall development plan opposed by Palestinians as ‘illegal’
The Guardian 22 Nov 2010 – Israel approves controversial ¬£15m scheme to improve area around major tourist site in occupied East Jerusalem Israel has approved a ¬£15m five-year plan to develop the area around the Western Wall, Judaism’s holiest site and the…
Palestinian Rights Committee Elects New Chairman, Approves Work Programme for Upcoming United Nations International Meeting
Relief Web 23 Nov 2010 – Source: UN General Assembly
OPT: Italian Foreign Minister Opens a Multipurpose Hall in Jericho Implemented by UNDP
Relief Web 23 Nov 2010 – Source: UN Development Programme
Present ‘Delicate Period’ Will Determine Fate of Resumption of Israeli-Palestinian Talks, Chief United Nations Political Affairs Official Tells Security Council
Relief Web 23 Nov 2010 – Source: UN Security Council
Psycho-social support for the children of Gaza
Relief Web 23 Nov 2010 – Source: Agency for Technical Cooperation and Development
Egypt Rejects “Interference” in Elections
IPS Egypt’s authoritarian government ramped up its crackdown on journalists and opposition politicians ahead of the Nov. 28 parliamentary elections and rebuffed a U.S. call for international observers to monitor “free and fair” balloting.
Report: Troubles stop Iran enrichment
YNet News – Diplomats say Islamic Republic’s nuclear program has suffered recent setback,….
‘Anti-fence activist still in jail after completing sentence’
YNet News – Palestinian sources say military court preventing release of leader of Bilin….
Jews move into another east Jerusalem home
YNet News – Jewish residents took possession of another east Jerusalem home Tuesday, after its Palestinian occupants were removed in line with a court order. Eyewitnesses at the …….
UN report confirms: Iran halted nuke work in November
YNet News – Iran temporarily halted lower-level uranium enrichment work earlier this month, a UN nuclear watchdog report said, after Western diplomats said Tehran’s nuclear program …….
Syria slams referendum law
YNet News – Syria said Tuesday the Knesset decision to approve a bill that would require a referendum before any Israeli withdrawal from the Golan Heights or east Jerusalem …….
PM: New Mossad chief to be named in days
YNet News – Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said Tuesday that he intends to name Israel’s new Mossad director in the next few days. Netanyahu consulted with defense …….
Palestinian Information Center
Zionism must go
PIC 23 Nov 2010 – Day after day, Israel is proving to all and sundry that it is more of a malignant tumor whose ultimate goal is to kill, replace, destroy and liquidate than of a normal human entity.
Syria calls Israeli referendum decision disregard of international law
PIC 23 Nov 2010 – Syrian official said law Israeli Knesset passed Tuesday requiring a referendum for military pullouts in Syrian Golan Heights and Jerusalem proves Israel’s disregard of international law.
Nunu: Fatah responsible for blocking travel of its members
PIC 23 Nov 2010 – The Palestinian government in Gaza has held the Fatah faction responsible for blocking the travel from Gaza to the West Bank of its revolutionary council members to attend its meeting in Ramallah.
Witnesses: Israeli navy abused, abducted two fishermen along Gaza Strip coast
PIC 23 Nov 2010 – Israeli naval troops abused and arrested Tuesday two Palestinian fisherman off the northern coast of the Gaza Strip, eyewitnesses said.
Haneyya: Palestinian reconciliation requires participation, right environment
PIC 23 Nov 2010 – Palestinian Prime Minister Ismail Haneyya said before council of ministers Tuesday that Palestinian reconciliation requires real participation and a created environment.
Israeli court adjourns hearing into MP Abu Tir case
PIC 23 Nov 2010 – The Israeli Magistrate court decided in its Monday night hearing to delay the case of Jerusalemite MP Mohammed Abu Tir until 8th December to wait for the Israeli interior minister’s response.
Settlers seize Palestinian building in Silwan area, displace Qara’ein family
PIC 23 Nov 2010 – Extremist Jewish settlers seized Tuesday morning under military protection a Palestinian building in Al-Farouq neighborhood in Al-Makhbar Mount overlooking Silwan district.
Detainees’ families to sue European states for supporting police regime of Abbas
PIC 23 Nov 2010 – Families of Palestinian prisoners in West Bank jails said they are mulling over filing a lawsuit against a number of European countries for supporting the police regime of Mahmoud Abbas.
Family of paralyzed prisoner appeals for releasing him from Israeli jails
PIC 23 Nov 2010 – The family of prisoner Nazer Maslama appealed to human rights organizations and the Red Cross to intervene to get their son released from Israeli jails.
Gov’t in Gaza: World silence over Israeli hits this month disturbing
PIC 23 Nov 2010 – The Palestinian government in Gaza called worldwide silence over Israel’s assassination of three Army of Islam cadres this month “dangerous and disturbing.”
Egypt’s Government and Opposition Vie for the Favor of Women
The Media Line 22 Nov 2010 – Feminism is the new buzz word in Egypt’s political campaign Feminism is the latest card being played by both government and opposition in Egypt, just days before the parliamentary elections set for November 28. Egyptian-born Sunni…
Delay Over American Assurances to Israel Continues
The Media Line 22 Nov 2010 – salem to iron out details of a package of incentives Israel will receive if it extends the freeze on building in areas acquired in the 1967 war are continuing. Israeli Prime Minister Binyamin Netanyahu won’t be…
Hamas Accuses Fatah of Sabotaging Reconciliation Efforts
The Media Line 22 Nov 2010 – statement issued in Damascus , Hamas blasted Fatah for arresting its members in the West Bank , saying in part that, “The arrests carried out by the security services of Mahmoud ‘Abbas and <=”” span=””>
Law that would require public vote to surrender land stirs ire in Israel
LA Times 24 Nov 2010 – Critics say the new law approved by the Knesset could block any future peace deal with Palestinians or Syrians by making it harder to return land. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu backs it. A new measure potentially requiring Israel to receive public approval before surrendering land in any Middle East peace deal came under fire Tuesday for setting a legal precedent that could undermine the government and further complicate negotiations.
Iran ramps up uranium enrichment despite shutdown
LA Times 24 Nov 2010 – Production was interrupted at least briefly, but despite sanctions and a reported virus, Iran increased output and apparently built up the number of centrifuges producing nuclear fuel, the IAEA says. A steady expansion of Iran’s nuclear program was interrupted at least briefly this month by the complete shutdown of its uranium enrichment production, according to an analysis of a report Tuesday by the United Nations’ nuclear watchdog.
Report Suggests Problems With Iran’s Nuclear Effort
New York Times 23 Nov 2010 – Inspectors reported that Iran stopped feeding uranium into centrifuges at an enrichment plant, and experts suggested that a computer worm caused the machines to break down.
Eviction of Palestinian Family, After a Legal Battle, Underlines Tensions Over Jerusalem
New York Times 23 Nov 2010 – Israeli police officers evicted the family, who had disputed the sale of their property by a now-dead relative, and Jewish settlers moved in on the same day.
AL-KHALIL (HEBRON): Shepherd made homeless, livelihood threatened, son in prison
Christian Peacemaker Teams – Palestine –
Journalist Beaten While Filming Youth Arrest in Bil’in
Palestine Monitor – Haitham Al-Khatib is a journalist and resident of the Palestinian village of Bil’in, a village divided by the Separation Wall and home to the famous weekly non-violent protests. At 2 a.m this morning he was woken by the screams of his neighbour’s young girls. Along with…
WATCH: The Battle for Al-Walaja
Palestine Monitor – In a small Palestinian village between the ancient cities of Bethlehem and Jerusalem, lies the village of Al Walaja. In early 2010, the Israeli military entered the village to oversee the confiscation of Palestinian land for the construction of Israel’s separation barrier, in defiance of international…
The establishment sees the (day)light
Mondoweiss – Two scholars at top think tanks on either side of the Atlantic Ocean just came out with a new book: The Sixth Crisis: Iran, Israel, America, and the Rumors of War. I haven’t read the book yet, but I did see the two…
Congressional request for Pollard pardon just another example of putting Israel’s interests first
Mondoweiss – In one of the United States Congress’ most recent displays of “Israel First” policy, 39 Representatives, all Democrats, have requested that President Obama pardon Jonathan Pollard, an American convicted of spying for the State of Israel in 1987. Pollard is currently serving a life sentence for…
Do liberal zionists think that international law should be ignored because Israel will never adhere to it?
Mondoweiss – Much discussion has already taken place here on Mondoweiss regarding the recent panel discussion entitled “Jewish Perspectives on the Boycott/Divestment/Sanctions Movement” which was held at the Church of Gethsemane in Park Slope, Brooklyn a couple weeks ago. I attended the event and think some of the…
If you wear the ‘neoconservative burqa,’ you will never see the ‘root cause of Muslim antagonism to the U.S.’
Mondoweiss – Prince Turki Al-Faisal of Saudi Arabia spoke to the National Council on U.S.-Arab Relations in Washington last month . The speech was reprinted in the latest Washington Report for Middle East Affairs (I subscribe; this issue’s not online yet). Some staggering excerpts, emphases mine: Saudi Arabia has…
Ging should have sidestepped the BDS question
Mondoweiss – On Sunday November 14th, John Ging, Director of UNRWA (United Nations Relief and Works Agency) programs in the Gaza Strip, spoke at Columbia University . This speech was one in a recent series of campus speeches by Mr. Ging that was sponsored bytheleft leaning pro-Israel advocacy…
Hamas: Abbas Forces Work with Israel
Al-Manar 23 Nov 2010 – Hamas has accused its rival Fatah party of souring the atmosphere, saying the forces enlisted with the Ramallah-based party collaborate with Israel. The so-called security forces functioning under Fatah’s leader, Mahmoud Abbas, are working “in close coordination with those of the Israeli occupation” in the…
Judge orders non-violent Palestinian Organizer to remain in jail after he has finished serving his sentence in full
Joseph Dana 22 Nov 2010 – Abdallah Abu Rahmah was scheduled to be released from prison last Thursday, after having served the one-year prison term he was sentenced to. He remains in jail after the Military Court of Appeals ordered today to keep him behind bars regardless, pending a decision in the…
Tehran pollution causes shutdown
BBC 23 Nov 2010 – Iranian officials say schools, offices and factories will be closed in the capital, Tehran, on Wednesday because of high air-pollution levels.
Iran enrichment ‘briefly halted’
BBC 23 Nov 2010 – Iran temporarily stopped enriching uranium earlier this month, according to the UN nuclear watchdog.
UN Remains Deadlocked on Defining Terrorism
Antiwar.com 24 Nov 2010 – UNITED NATIONS ‚Äì When Israeli commandos killed nine mostly Turkish activists during a raid on a flotilla of ships carrying humanitarian aid to Palestinians last May, Turkish Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan described the attack as a prime example of “state terrorism.” “Even tyrants, bandits, and…
US Intelligence Thwarted Attack on Iran
Antiwar.com 23 Nov 2010 – Why should George W. Bush have been “angry” to learn in late 2007 of the “high-confidence” unanimous judgment of all 16 U.S. intelligence agencies that Iran had stopped working on a nuclear weapon four years earlier? Seems to me he might have said “Hot Dog!” rather…
Obama Plays the Fox
Sabbah report 22 Nov 2010 – In this scenario President Obama is motivated by an obsessive drive to be the man who settles the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. Of course, if accomplished, it will be a very messy sort of settlement considering that Hamas is out of the loop and Abbas really does not…
Exposed: 200 Israeli army offices suspected of war crimes in Gaza
Sabbah report 22 Nov 2010 – The exposed information (website closed now) triggered Israeli high officials and high-ranking officers from all Israeli security departments to go after the websites that published the information. So far, the original websites were removed completely and other documents’ publishing websites decided to remove the material and…
Articles
Police state in-the-making
Samah Jabr, Ma’an News Agency11/23/2010
Although United States-sponsored security coordination with the Palestinian Authority started in the nineties, the scale and nature of US intervention in Palestinian affairs intensified through the program headed by Lt. Gen. Keith Dayton that was launched by the Bush administration in 2005.
When Hamas ousted Fateh from the Gaza Strip in June 2007, the atmosphere then became ripe to escalate the growth of this political mutation that transformed former “national heroes” into “terrorists”. While Hamas security forces in Gaza are considered illegal, governments in Europe and North America provide generous financial support to the PA and its security forces.
In an address at the Washington Institute for Near East Policy, Dayton said (as if this were a compliment) that his program had created a “new kind of Palestinian man.” Three battalions of 500 men each have graduated from the program, and more are currently in training to engage in a series of offensives against members of the resistance groups in the West Bank.
Senior Israeli commanders were so impressed with the Palestinian troops, said Dayton, they asked him, “How many more of these new Palestinians can you generate, and how quickly?” Dayton promised to invest around 1.3 billion dollars in the Palestinian security establishment; to graduate 4,700 personnel; provide training, equipment and basic capacity building for another 15,000 troops; and restore the organizational structure of the PA’s security institutions.
The United States does not invest this money in the well-being of the Palestinian population—to build schools and hospitals that support the steadfastness of the Palestinian people, for example—but rather uses this money to bribe some Palestinians with power, money and privileges that reinforce internal Palestinian conflict and disunity…. more.. e-mail
Gaza boy used as human shield: I’ll always remember
Jared Malsin, Ma’an News Agency11/23/2010
GAZA CITY — Majid Rabah, 11, says he will always remember the “black day” that Israeli soldiers ordered him to open bags they thought were rigged with explosives.
“Every moment I remember what happened,” he said in his home in Gaza City’s Tel Al-Hawwa neighborhood Tuesday.
An Israeli military court gave a suspended sentence and a demotion Sunday to the two soldiers who used Majid as a human shield, in a ruling he and his family said did not do justice to the trauma.
“When will the child forget what happened? This cannot be compared to three month’s [suspended] sentence,” said Majid’s mother, Fatima Rabah, 49. She added that she didn’t expect justice from the Israeli court system, and would prefer that an international court take up the matter.
“This will give Israeli soldiers a license to do whatever they like to Palestinian children. Many Palestinian children have died from Israeli guns and no one punished them,” she said. Majid himself said he was neither surprised nor satisfied by the Israeli court’s ruling.
Human rights advocates also said Sunday’s ruling sent the message that Israeli soldiers could violate Palestinian’s rights without consequences.
“This ruling implies that it is allowed for Israeli soldiers to use Palestinians, including children, as human shields, without being punished,” said Ayed Abu Eqtash of the organization Defense for Children International. more.. e-mail
Let Israel keep its freeze
Lamis Andoni, Ma’an News Agency11/23/2010
At the beginning of his term, Barack Obama became the first US president to call for a halt in Jewish settlement construction in the Israeli occupied Palestinian territories as a prerequisite for the resumption of Israeli-Palestinian negotiations.
But if a deal that stipulates a partial 90-day freeze of settlement building in return for US military and political incentives is reached, he will become the first US president to legitimize the colonies.
Palestinian negotiators have so far said that they will reject the deal – and so they should. A partial freeze would allow for the continuation of construction in occupied East Jerusalem, while the very concept of a temporary freeze is designed to give talks just enough time for an agreement allowing Israeli annexation of the biggest settlement blocs to be reached.
Taken at face value, a period for the Israelis and Palestinians to reach an agreement on territorial borders is logical – as the status of the settlements would automatically be resolved as part of this. Or at least this would be the case if there were any signs that Israel and the US would respect international law – under which all settlements are illegal as the appropriation of land by force or the transfer of a population into that land is categorically banned.
But the US push for a freeze has nothing to do with international law and everything to do with paving the way for an agreement that would keep most of the settlements under Israeli control.
It is the facts on the ground – imposed by Israeli force – that will be allowed to determine the shape of any agreement. And any slowdown in construction would therefore only affect the rough contours and not the substance of the deal for which Israel and the US are setting the stage. more.. e-mail
Film review: Palestine as Hollywood fantasy in “Miral”
Electronic Intifada: 23 Nov 2010 – Any major film addressing the Israel-Palestine conflict can expect to court a measure of controversy, but American artist and filmmaker Julian Schnabel’s intervention is unlikely to cause much consternation among a mainstream cinema audience. Omar El-Khairy reviews Schnabel’s film Miral for The Electronic Intifada.more
Journalist Beaten While Filming Youth Arrest in Bil’in
Palestine Monitor: 23 Nov 2010 – Haitham Al-Khatib is a journalist and resident of the Palestinian village of Bil’in, a village divided by the Separation Wall and home to the famous weekly non-violent protests. At 2 a.m this morning he was woken by the screams of his neighbour’s young girls. Along with friend and fellow journalist Hamde Abu Rahmah he came running out of his home to investigate. Written by Clive Granger. Mohammed, 16, being arrested this morning. Photo by Haitham Al Khatib Israeli soldiers had entered Bil’in late last night, intending to arrest Mohammed Abu Rahmah, son of Adeeb, one of the prominent organisers of demonstrations against the Wall. Adeeb has served the past 17 months in prison on charges of ‘incitement’. Mohammed, 15, lives with his mother and six sisters, the youngest aged four. All had been asleep when the soldiers barged in. On resisting arrest Mohammed was beaten and dragged off by soldiers….more
WATCH: The Battle for Al-Walaja
Palestine Monitor: 23 Nov 2010 – In a small Palestinian village between the ancient cities of Bethlehem and Jerusalem, lies the village of Al Walaja. In early 2010, the Israeli military entered the village to oversee the confiscation of Palestinian land for the construction of Israel’s separation barrier, in defiance of international law. In the months that followed, the people of Al Walaja, with support from Israeli and international activists, began a spirited campaign of non-violent resistance to put a stop to the theft of their land. Written, directed and produced by Aaron Fernandes. Featuring in depth interviews with the people at the front of the struggle,”Against the Wall: the Battle for Al Walaja” offers a rare insight into the proud struggle of a small community against near impossible odds. If Israel pushes ahead with the current plans for the wall’s construction, the village will be surrounded on all sides by concrete and barbed wire, forming…more
Inspirational Stories of Palestine
Palestine Chronicle: 23 Nov 2010 – By Rama Chakaki There is no shortage of inspiration in Palestine. There is a shortage of platforms and media venues featuring inspiring people in and outside Palestine on a local, regional and global scale. When you mention Palestine and Media, visions of a people torn apart by conflict comes to mind. Refugees, school children standing across from tanks and demolished homes. Google the words Palestine and Media, 5 million photos depicting conflict come up. TEDxRamallah is the beginning of a movement to change that. In recent years, the non-profit, TED.com devoted to Ideas Worth Spreading has featured riveting talks by remarkable people from around the globe. The power of the talks, coupled with the viral nature of the Web, and the open licensing of the Creative Commons, spread to influence millions of people around the world in a positive manner. So powerful were the talks, the TED conference organizers spun…more
Friends of Israel: Enemies Inside the Gates
Dissident Voice: 22 Nov 2010 – Recently, political pressure has been brought to bear against a trades unionist for attempting to express his views about the events of 9/11, on Australia’s publicly funded broadcaster, the ABC. This video redresses the balance, and makes it clear that Australia’s prime minister is either ignorant beyond belief, or she is putting the interests of nuclear Apartheid Israel ahead of Australia’s.more
“War Criminals” Leak Strikes at Heart of Israeli Society
Dissident Voice: 22 Nov 2010 – When unknown elements in Israel leaked the name, rank, identification number and other information about two hundred Israeli military personnel who reportedly participated in the 2008-2009 invasion of Gaza, the effect was sudden and profound, according to sources in Israel. Although the first site on which it appeared was taken down by the host, it has continued to circulate via email, and has appeared on at least one other site . The Israeli military and other Israeli agencies are reportedly doing all they can to shut down every site on which it appears, and to prevent it from “going viral.” At least one popular blog that links to the site has received a record number of death threats. What is so special about the list? As several critics have pointed out, it doesn’t even state the crimes that the listed individuals are alleged to have committed. The root of the problem,…more
More material available from Vermonters for a Just Peace in Palestine/Israel – www.vtjp.org
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