13 December, 2010 — VTJP
News
International Middle East Media Center
Netanyahu: ‚”Israel Does Not Intend To Compensate Families Of Flotilla Victims”
IMEMC – 13 Dec 2010 – Tuesday December 14, 2010 – 00:50, Israeli Prime Minister, Benjamin Netanyahu, denied reports stating that Israel intends to pay compensation to the families of the nine Turkish peace activists who were killed when the Israeli army attacked the Turkish Mavi Marmara solidarity ship that was heading to Gaza to deliver humanitarian supplies.
Police Demolishes Seven Homes In Lod
IMEMC – 13 Dec 2010 – Monday December 13, 2010 – 23:28, The Israeli Police demolished on Tuesday seven Palestinian homes in Lod city after forcing the residents out. The police claimed the structures were built without obtaining the needed construction permits.
Bodies Of Two Fighters, Killed Saturday, Retrieved
IMEMC – 13 Dec 2010 – Monday December 13, 2010 – 22:54, Medical sources in the Gaza Strip reported Tuesday that the bodies of two resistance fighters, who were killed during clashes with Israeli soldiers on Saturday at night, were located and retrieved on Monday.
Knesset Approves New Law Preventing Detainees From Meeting Lawyers For Six Months
IMEMC – 13 Dec 2010 – Monday December 13, 2010 – 12:51, The Legal Committee of the Israeli Knesset decided on Monday to approve a new draft submitted by the Israeli Interior Minister, Yitzhak Aharanovitch, in which he demanded that Palestinian detainees, imprisoned on nationalistic/political grounds, should not be allowed to meet their lawyers up to six months after their arrest, the Maan News Agency reported.
EU Ready to Discuss the Recognition of Palestine
IMEMC – 13 Dec 2010 – Monday December 13, 2010 – 12:31, According to sources at the Palestinian Foreign Ministry, representatives of the European Union will discus the possibility of recognizing a Palestinian state along the 1967 borders, if no agreement is reached with Israel within a year.
Report on Police And Army Brutality Against Palestinian Children In Jerusalem
IMEMC – 13 Dec 2010 – Monday December 13, 2010 – 11:15, Caution: Children Ahead – The Illegal Behavior of the Police toward Minors in Silwan Suspected of Stone Throwing… This is a report by the Israeli Information Center for Human Rights in the Occupied Territories (B’Tselem).
Jewish Congress Leaders Demand Pope To Combat the “Delegitimization” of Israel
IMEMC – 13 Dec 2010 – Monday December 13, 2010 – 11:15, On Friday, a delegation of the World Jewish Congress leaders met with Pope Benedict XVI at the Vatican, and urged the pontiff to combat what they called as a “new form of anti-Semitism”, referring to criticism of Israel and its violations against the Palestinians.
Peace Activist Released From Israeli Prison
IMEMC – 13 Dec 2010 – Monday December 13, 2010 – 11:01, The Israeli Authorities released Adeeb Abu Rahma, 40, one of the leaders of the nonviolent movement against the Annexation Wall and settlements in Bil’in village near the central West Bank city of Ramallah.
Rights group counts steep increase in arrest of minors
12/13/2010 – JERUSALEM (Ma’an) — An investigation by an Israeli rights group found a sharp increase in number of minors arrested in Silwan, a neighborhood of East Jerusalem, a report released Monday said. B’Tselem collected police reports and testimony from November 2009 to October 2010 and found that during the 12-month period, at….
Medics: 2 injured in Israeli shelling north of Gaza
12/13/2010 – GAZA CITY (Ma’an) — Two Palestinians were injured Monday by Israeli shelling west of Beit Lahiya in the northern Gaza Strip, medics said. Gaza medical services spokesman Adham Abu Salmiya said the injured were transferred to the Kamal Odwan Hospital with moderate injuries. An Israeli military spokesman said he would look into the report….
Israel releases non-violent protest leader
12/13/2010 – RAMALLAH (Ma’an) — Israeli authorities on Sunday released anti-wall activist Adeeb Abu Rahmah after detaining him for 18 months. Adeeb was convicted of “incitement” for his role in organizing non-violent weekly protests against the separation wall in Bil’in, which annexes 60 percent of the village’s land. The International Court of….
Center: Detained former minister in critical condition
12/13/2010 – JENIN (Ma’an) — A former minister detained by Israel on Friday is in a critical condition, the Ahrar prisoners’ center said Sunday. Former Detainees’ Affairs Minister Wasfi Qabha was detained at Bart’a checkpoint in Jenin as he tried to enter his family’s village. His wife said he suffered….
In photos: Bethlehem village protests wall
12/13/2010 – MaanImages / Luay Sababa – Israeli forces fire tear gas grenades to shut down an anti-wall demonstration in the West Bank village of Al-Ma’sara near Bethlehem on Dec. 10 2010. Protesters held Palestinian, Brazilian, Argentinian and Uruguayan flags in appreciation of the South American countries’ recent recognitions of Palestine….
Stormy weather adds to plight of Gaza’s refugees
12/13/2010 – GAZA (Ma’an) – Homes of Palestinian refugees living in camps in Gaza have suffered serious damage from the stormy weather which hit the region over the past two days, civil defense officials said. Heavy rain cracked the densely populated homes built of bricks and asbestos by UNRWA after the expulsion of 1948. The storm….
Family of Israeli patient insults Palestinian paramedic on duty
12/13/2010 – JERUSALEM (Ma’an) – A Palestinian paramedic said he was verbally abused by relatives of an Israeli patient from Beit Fagan, a neighborhood of west Jerusalem. Fadi Badarna, who holds an Israeli ID card, works for the Red Star of David ambulance service and in the intensive care unit of Hadassah Hospital in Jerusalem. He….
Migrant shot near Egypt-Israel border
12/13/2010 – GAZA CITY (Ma’an) — Egyptian forces shot and injured a Georgian migrant trying to enter Israel, security sources said. Soldiers patrolling the border region were said to have seen the man proceeding toward the border, eight kilometers south of Israel near the Kerem Shalom crossing into Gaza. Forces opened fire when he refused to….
Center: Strong winds destroy tent in Negev prison
12/13/2010 – GAZA CITY (Ma’an) — Palestinian detainees held in Israel’s Negev desert prison said strong winds had ripped apart a tent in the facility, a prisoners’ center said. In addition to buildings, there are nine tent compounds in the prison, and the center warned that if the stormy weather continues further tents….
Coalition for Integrity recognizes Palestinian achievements
12/13/2010 – RAMALLAH (Ma’an) — AMAN, the Palestinian Coalition for Integrity and Accountability awarded top spots to organizations, media members and civil servants on Wednesday, in an event celebrating those who persevere in the fight against corruption. The ceremony, held in Ramallah, was chaired by PLO member Hanan Ashrawi, who opened the evening with a speech….
Journalists union angered over closure of 12 radio, tv stations
12/13/2010 – NABLUS (Ma’an) — Palestinian Attorney General Ahmad Al-Mughni announced Monday the closure of 12 local radio and television stations in the West Bank, citing failure to adhere to a new permit system after several months of grace time and a re-negotiation of fees. The decision to close the station was made by a technical….
WikiLeaks: Australia fears Israeli military strike on Iran
12/13/2010 – SYDNEY (AFP) – Australian intelligence agencies fear Israel may launch a military strike on Iran to knock out its nuclear facilities, which they said could lead to nuclear war, leaked US diplomatic cables showed Monday. Secret cables from the US embassy in Canberra, provided exclusively to The Sydney Morning Herald by whistleblowing website WikiLeaks, reveal that….
US envoy in region to push indirect talks
12/13/2010 – JERUSALEM (AFP) — Washington’s Middle East envoy George Mitchell was to arrive in the region on Monday for talks with both sides as the Obama administration attempted to keep alive the battered peace process. The visit, Mitchell’s first in nearly three months, comes after the United States admitted it had failed to….
Elders: Mideast peace, not process
12/13/2010 – BETHLEHEM (Ma’an) — “For nearly two decades, there have been peace processes in the Middle East but no peace,” a statement from a group of preeminent leaders and former politicians said Monday, urging a focus on issues of a final agreement rather than on mechanisms to get sides to the table.”There is now….
Amid revived talks, Fatah to stick with settlements demand
12/13/2010 – RAMALLAH (Ma’an) — Sources close to the meetings said that Fatah Central Council members headed by President Mahmoud Abbas decided to maintain the Palestinian position on no talks without a settlement construction freeze, even as US officials rally to save the latest peace process effort from collapse. With US mediator George Mitchell in Israel….
EU: Peace process before state recognition
12/13/2010 – BRUSSELS (Ma’an) —The EU Foreign Affairs Council refused Monday to recognize a Palestinian state following the failed US efforts to broker a deal bringing Israeli and Palestinian negotiators back to the table, a statement from the body said. The statement did not refuse the recognition outright, but gave priority to the US-lead effort….
Hamas leader: Next meeting with Fatah in December
12/13/2010 – BETHLEHEM (Ma’an) — The next round of reconciliation talks between Hamas and Fatah will start by the end of December, Hamas leader in exile Mousa Abu Marzouq said Sunday.” Head of Fatah negotiating team Azzam Al-Ahmad contacted us and we agreed to hold a meeting by the end of the month, and discussions will….
Court finds postponing local elections illegal
12/13/2010 – RAMALLAH (Ma’an) — The Palestinian Supreme Court in Ramallah on Monday annulled a June decision by the Palestinian Authority cabinet to postpone municipal elections. Seven days ahead of a scheduled 17 July municipal vote, the PA indefinitely postponed the proceedings in a closed-door cabinet meeting, a move condemned by Palestinian factions and civil society….
Storm threatens historic Roman-era Israeli port
12/13/2010 – JERUSALEM (AFP) — A massive storm that battered the eastern Mediterranean destroyed the breakers protecting the Roman-era port of Caesarea threatening to wash away the historic site, Israeli officials said Monday.” In this big storm, the wave breakers that protect the Caesarea shore totally collapsed,” Zeev Margalit, the head of development and preservation at the Israel….
Israel’s war on Jerusalem children
Palestine Note 13 Dec 2010 – Israeli police have been criticised over their treatment of hundreds of Palestinian children, some as young as seven, arrested and interrogated on suspicion of stone-throwing in East Jerusalem. In the past year, criminal investigations have been…
EU keeps up pressure for Israeli settlement freeze
Palestine Note 13 Dec 2010 – Alert Net – The European Union pressed the Israeli government on Monday to freeze settlement building, offered the Hamas-ruled Gaza Strip more aid and urged Israel to open Gaza’s border crossings more fully to increase trade….
In bid to raise popularity, Hamas politicians sweeping streets, distributing candy
Palestine Note 13 Dec 2010 – Haaretz – Gaza’s ruling Hamas movement has politicians sweeping streets to show community spirit, activists distributing chocolates and cards signed from Hamas with love and police officers visiting homes and schools to soften the often harsh…
Erakat urges EU to recognize Palestinian state
Palestine Note 13 Dec 2010 – Al Arabiya – Chief Palestinian negotiator Saeb Erakat on Monday urged the European Union to recognize an independent Palestinian state, in a letter to the bloc’s foreign ministers. His demands were laid out in a letter…
Two Hebronite clans test security in West Bank city
Palestine Note 13 Dec 2010 – The National – For about four years, two Hebronite clans – the Rajabis and the Ajlounis – have been gunning one another down in public places or torching each other’s businesses in mob attacks. Amid the…
Rain, gales, and snow in Damscus
Palestine Note 13 Dec 2010 – The National – At least three people died as heavy rain, high winds and snow lashed Lebanon, Syria, Jordan and Turkey, causing havoc after months of drought. About 15km off the coast of Israel, a Moldovan…
Hamas leader: Next meeting with Fatah in December
Palestine Note 13 Dec 2010 – Maan – The next round of reconciliation talks between Hamas and Fatah will start by the end of December, Hamas leader in exile Mousa Abu Marzouq said Sunday. “Head of Fatah negotiating team Azzam Al-Ahmad contacted…
Israel releases non-violent protest leader
Palestine Note 13 Dec 2010 – Maan – Israeli authorities on Sunday released anti-wall activist Adeeb Abu Rahmah after detaining him for 18 months. Adeeb was convicted of “incitement” for his role in organizing non-violent weekly protests against the separation wall in…
Obama’s dose of reality may be a cure for the Palestinians
Palestine Note 13 Dec 2010 – Tony Karon, The National – The Obama administration’s announcement that it had capitulated before Israeli recalcitrance on a settlement freeze should be read as a cry for help. Mr Obama has, in fact, taken a bold…
Obama Buckles on Settlements Freeze, But Israel Heading for Greater Isolation
Palestine Note 13 Dec 2010 – Peter Beinart, The Daily Beast – Yasher Koach, Bibi, it looks like the White House has finally given up. For close to two years now, they’ve been hectoring you about a Palestinian state. First, they tried…
Reality Check
Palestine Note 13 Dec 2010 – Thomas Friedman, New York Times – The failed attempt by the U.S. to bribe Israel with a $3 billion security assistance package, diplomatic cover and advanced F-35 fighter aircraft ‚Äî if Prime Minister Bibi Netanyahu would…
Clinton Addresses Israeli Leaders in DC
Palestine Note 13 Dec 2010 – No Consequences For Settlements, but US Still Wants Palestinian State Washington – Secretary of State Hillary Clinton delivered a speech about the collapsed direct negotiations between Palestinians and Israelis, and reasserted the US position that a…
Mr. President: Prove you weren’t bluffing on Middle East peace
Palestine Note 13 Dec 2010 – By snubbing the Obama administration’s latest peace gambit, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has done more than simply renege on an agreement with Secretary of State Hillary Clinton. Netanyahu has called President Obama’s bluff. Netanyahu is telling…
WikiLeaks indicts and vindicates U.S. dplomats
Palestine Note 13 Dec 2010 – The WikiLeaks vs. the US government saga started in July, when 77,000 secret US documents directly relating to Afghanistan were made available to major media organizations. Many of us shook our heads with a mixture of…
EU shelves recognition of Palestine
AlJazeera 13 Dec 2010 – Foreign ministers from European Union say they will recognise a Palestinian state “when appropriate”.
Iran foreign minister fired
AlJazeera 13 Dec 2010 – Manouchehr Mottaki has been sacked by president Mahmoud Ahmadinejad, the Iranian state news agency has reported.
Netanyahu Welcomes Mitchell, PLO Demands Clear Call for 1967 Borders
PNN – Jerusalem — PNN – On the day of US Special Envoy George Mitchell’s arrival in Israel and nearly a week after American negotiators dropped their demand for a settlement freeze, Israeli Prime…
The Up Side Down of Democracy
PNN – By: Mitri I. Musleh – Democracy is a political form of government in which, the governing power is derived from the people, by the people, to serve the people. The principles of…
Despite Storms, Swimmers in Gaza Continue to Train
PNN – Gaza City — PNN – The al-Najba School for Aquatics in Gaza City will continue to train swimmers in its Olympic-size pool despite the fierce storms sweeping the region. ‚”Al-Najba School was…
Palestinian Jerusalemites Fear Israeli Digging will Collapse al-Aqsa and Surroundings
PNN – Jerusalem — PNN – Representatives of Palestinian communities in East Jerusalem such as Wadi al-Helwa and Silwan said on Monday that they feared continued Israeli digging would lead to structural collapses on…
EU Discusses Recognizing Palestine in One Year
PNN – Strasbourg — PNN- Representatives of the European Union will dicuss on Monday the possibility of recognizing a Palestinian state along the 1967 borders, should a peace agreement fail to materialize within a…
Palestinian Center for Human Rights
Weekly Report On Israeli Human Rights Violations in the Occupied Palestinian Territory (02 — 08 December. 2010)
Palestinian Center for Human Rights
Likud: Livni ‚Äòganged up’ on PM with PA’s Fayyad
Jeruslalem Post 13 Dec 2010 – Elkin slams opposition leader for criticizing Netanyahu’s policies in joint interview with PA prime minister on US television.
Abbas: Israel puts settlements above peace
Jeruslalem Post 13 Dec 2010 – PA requests an urgent meeting of the Quartet members to discuss the future of the Middle East peace process.
Barak confident talks can be restarted after meetings in US
Jeruslalem Post 13 Dec 2010 – ‚”We will have serious discussions in the coming month on security, borders, Jerusalem, refugees,” defense minister says in Washington following meetings with Gates, Panetta, Ross and Biden.
US pushes indirect talks amid dispute over issues
Jeruslalem Post 13 Dec 2010 – Israel wants focus to be on refugees, recognition and security, while Palestinians prefer borders and J’lem.
J’lem following reports Jordan wants to improve Iran ties
Jeruslalem Post 13 Dec 2010 – In meeting with Ahmadinejad’s bureau chief, Abdullah says he wants to change tense relations with Islamic Republic; receives invite to Teheran.
New bill could keep terror suspects from lawyer for year
Jeruslalem Post 13 Dec 2010 – Aharonovitch’s proposal aimed at keeping suspects from organized terrorism activities; ACRI: “Clear contradiction of constitutional principles.”
‘Erekat calls on EU to recognize a Palestinian state’
Jeruslalem Post 13 Dec 2010 – Ahead of EU foreign ministers meeting, top Palestinian negotiator quoted as saying such a move would “provide protection for the principle of two states as well as for the peace process.”
The Hillary Clinton Factor
Jeruslalem Post 13 Dec 2010 – What role will Clinton play in the future of the peace process? Our panel shows her great favor, but will it last?
Photos: Heavy rains, strong winds batter Middle East
Jeruslalem Post 13 Dec 2010 – Woman crushed by tree in Lebanon; sandstorms in Jordan, Egypt; streets of Damascus blanketed in snow; heavy rains flood Beirut, flights delayed.
Egypt protesters say new parliament is ‘void’
Jeruslalem Post 13 Dec 2010 – Hundreds of opposition activists demonstrate against “rigged elections,” call for results to be annulled; Mubarak hails “milestone” for democracy.
International Solidarity Movement
Adeeb Abu Rahma’s release celebrated in Bil’in
12/13/2010 – International Solidarity Movement – Yesterday, the 12th of December, Adeeb Abu Rahma was released after 18 months of incarceration in Ofer Military prison. Adeeb Abu Rahma, 40 years old, is a leading activist in the struggle of Bil’in. For six years, the village has been holding a weekly demonstration against the Israeli occupation, the illegal settlement of….
Israel sends some 150 refugees back to their native Sudan
Ha’aretz – An Israeli official said that each of the migrants flying back to Africa through a third-party state on Monday night had agreed to do so voluntarily, and said the move…
Rainbow after the storm: Mount Hermon ski site to open as winter finally hits Israel
Ha’aretz – Nearly every major town in Israel went off the grid for several hours on Sunday night as wind knocks over trees and other objects.
Knesset panel okays bill forcing ISPs to name online commenters accused of libel
Ha’aretz – MK behind bill says legislation aims to protect freedom of speech from abuse by those hiding behind cloak of anonymity.
Family of Carmel fire victim: Netanyahu and his ministers should face criminal probe
Ha’aretz – Two bereaved relatives point to state comptroller report as evidence that everyone from the prime minister to finance minister should be investigated.
Winter storms: Snow in Jerusalem and a boon for the Kinneret
Ha’aretz – Dozens injured as heavy winds and rains are felt throughout the country; Mount Hermon ski site to open this week.
Rights group: Police making illegal arrests of Palestinian children
Ha’aretz – B’Tselem report accuses police of arresting Palestinian minors as young as five in East Jerusalem and dealing with them in ways that violate the law.
IDF chief: Hesder yeshivas important to Israel’s defense
Ha’aretz – Chief of Staff Ashkenazi praises religious seminary students who serve in the Israeli army.
EU to wait until ‘appropriate’ to recognize Palestinian state
Ha’aretz – Foreign ministers meeting in Brussels worry early declaration as per Palestinian request will harm efforts to resume peace process.
Barak tells Gates: Hezbollah and Syria must not gain weapons supremacy over Israel
Ha’aretz – Defense Minister meets U.S. counterpart at the Pentagon to discuss Washington’s continuing support of Israel’s defense efforts.
Netanyahu to Mitchell: I’m ready to discuss all essential Mideast issues
Ha’aretz – Ahead of his meeting with Obama’s visiting envoy, Netanyahu hailed the U.S. decision to drop efforts to achieve a construction freeze on Israeli settlements and focus on resolving core issues…
Deputy FM: Iran-Venezuela ties threaten U.S., entire world
Ha’aretz – Reports of financial and military ties between Venezuela and Iran have raised U.S. concern, who is closely monitoring Iran’s activities in Latin America., WikiLeaks cables provided to The Age show…
Italy PM said ‘not even Obama can stop Israeli attack on Iran’, WikiLeaks cable reveals
Ha’aretz – In a meeting with U.S. Defense Secretary Robert Gates in February, Italian PM Silvio Berlusconi expressed concern that Israel might use nuclear weapons in a preemptive strike on Iran.
Two Palestinians killed, IDF soldier seriously wounded in exchange of fire on Gaza border
Ha’aretz – Exchange of fire was prompted by an infiltration attempt from the Gaza Strip; in the past week there has been an increase in incidents on Israel-Gaza border.
At rally in Gaza, PFLP calls for Palestinian unity
Ha’aretz – Left-wing Popular Front for the Liberation of Palestinian marks its 43rd anniversary with rally attended by thousands in the Gaza Strip.
The Palestinian Journalist Block declares solidarity with the captain of Italian journalists
13 Dec 2010 – Gaza,December 13, (Pal Telegraph) – The captain of Italian journalists, Anzo Ekibno, was attacked by media and pressure by the Zionist lobby and its supporters in Italy as he intended to host a press conference of ‚”Freedom flotilla 2″ as it will declare its latest preparations about its expected sailing to the Gaza Strip in spring of the next year….
Israeli army detains Palestinian woman in Hebron
13 Dec 2010 – Hebron, December 13, (Pal Telegraph) — Israeli occupation forces (IOF) detained Palestinian woman and erected Monday military checkpoints in Hebron city, in the West Bank. Local sources said that Israeli detained the Palestinian woman Maysaa Al-Junidy after summon in police station of Ma’ale Adumim settlement, in east of Juresalem. In addition to, IOF raided Al-Fawar camp in the same city,…
B’Tselem blasts arrests of Palestinian minors
13 Dec 2010 – Jerusalem, December 13, (Pal Telegraph – AP) – An Israeli human rights group is accusing the police of arresting Palestinian minors as young as five in east Jerusalem and dealing with them in ways that violate the law. In a report released Monday, B’Tselem says Israeli police arrested at least 81 Palestinian minors between November 2009 and October 2010 on…
Israel Reduces Wheat Supply to the Gaza Strip: Food Security in Gaza at Greater Risk as Israeli Siege Continues
Uruknet December 13, 2010 – The Israeli authorities have reduced the amounts of wheat allowed into the Gaza Strip. According to the United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA), lower quantities of wheat grain and animal feed have been allowed to enter Gaza during the past few months. Between January and May 2010 the 64,237 tons were…
In the Mideast, The US is a Helpless Giant
Uruknet December 13, 2010 – In 1956, Britain, France and Israel colluded to invade Egypt to overthrow its hugely popular nationalist leader, Gamal Abdel Nasser.
Racist Rabbis: What is the News?
Uruknet December 13, 2010 – …Thousands of Israelis protest in the streets of Tel Aviv as the words “human rights” are on their lips, but a majority of them are using these words pointlessly. One who supported or was quiet during Israel’s slaughter in Gaza and demonstrates on human rights day expresses a morality that is not morality. It distinguishes…
Funding illegal Israeli settlements? Priceless
Uruknet December 13, 2010 – Visa, Mastercard and PayPal all enable donations to be made to US-registered groups funding illegal Israeli settlements in the West Bank in defiance of international law. It appears at least one of the major credit cards also enables donations to an extremist Jewish group that has placed a bounty on the lives of Palestinians. All…
Israel increases restrictions and house demolitions in the Jordan Valley
Uruknet December 13, 2010 – Israel increases restrictions and house demolitions in the Jordan ValleyA report issued by the Arab League says that the Israeli occupation forces have increased the restrictions placed on Palestinians in the Jordan Valley. The Palestine and Arab Territories Section claim that Israel’s aim is to expel the residents in preparation for its annexation of the…
Israeli Police Demolishes Seven Homes In Lod
Uruknet December 13, 2010 – The Israeli Police demolished on Tuesday seven Palestinian homes in Lod city after forcing the residents out. The police claimed the structures were built without obtaining the needed construction permits. Seventy residents were rendered homeless and are currently living in tents. The demolished homes belong to members of Abu Eid family. The furniture and belongings…
Gaza Health Ministry: 137 of required medicines out of stock
Uruknet December 13, 2010 – The ministry of health in Gaza warned Monday that 137 types of medicine and 150 of essential medical supplies are out of stock in Gaza, among those supplies are drugs used to treat cancer and kidney patients. The ministry’s pharmaceutical director is calling on the ministry’s counterpart in Ramallah to release to the Gaza Strip…
PRC: Universal Jurisdiction change promotes further crimes
Uruknet December 13, 2010 – Palestinian Return Centre (PRC) expresses its concerns over the intended amendment on commons vote this Monday on Universal Jurisdiction. PRC points out that if the Police Reform Bill is passed on Monday, will make it increasingly difficult to obtain an arrest warrant for anyone accused of war crimes and crimes against humanity. The new changes…
Rescuing Zionism at Palestinian expense
Uruknet December 13, 2010 – ….For the discredited Palestinian Authority “leadership” which rushed to Washington as soon as Clinton beckoned, the secretary of state had these instructions: “To demonstrate their commitment to peace, Israeli and Palestinian leaders should stop trying to assign blame for the next failure, and focus instead on what they need to do to make these efforts…
Netanyahu rules out Jerusalem split
Uruknet December 13, 2010 – Binyamin Netanyahu, the Israeli prime minister, has made clear that comments by the country’s defence minister, in favour of dividing Jerusalem between Israelis and Arabs were not the policy of the Israeli government. “Ehud Barak’s comments were not co-ordinated with the prime minister,” an official in Netanyahu’s office said on Sunday, speaking on condition of…
Medics: 2 injured in Israeli shelling north of Gaza
Uruknet December 13, 2010 — Two Palestinians were injured Monday by Israeli shelling west of Beit Lahiya in the northern Gaza Strip, medics said. Gaza medical services spokesman Adham Abu Salmiya said the injured were transferred to the Kamal Odwan Hospital with moderate injuries.
Iran foreign minister fired
Uruknet December 13, 2010 – Mahmoud Ahmadinejad, the Iranian president, has fired Manouchehr Mottaki, his foreign minister, the official IRNA news agency has reported. The announcement came on Monday, but no reasons were given for Mottaki’s dismissal, which comes as Iran is engaged in talks with world powers over its sensitive nuclear programme. Ahmadinejad appointed the head of Iran’s Atomic…
Hillary Clinton’s Empty Words Inspire Pessimism
Uruknet December 12, 2010 – Yesterday found Hillary Clinton clutching at straws in her talk on the Israeli/Palestinian peace process at the Brooking Institute, Washington D.C. Following the US’s failure to secure a settlement freeze Clinton’s superficial positivity about the peace process demonstrated a lack of understanding and sincerity…
Caution: Children Ahead- The Illegal Behavior of Israeli Police toward Minors in Silwan Suspected of Stone Throwing
Uruknet December 12, 2010 – An investigation conducted by B’Tselem shows that, during the past year (November 2009 to October 2010), at least 81 minors from Silwan have been arrested or detained for questioning, the vast majority on suspicion of stone throwing. The arrests and detentions followed confrontations between Palestinians and settlers in the neighborhood, where there is great tension…
Palestinian Non-Violent Leader Released From Israeli Prision
Uruknet December 13, 2010 – Before he had even reached the gate of Ofer military compound, Adeeb Abu Rahmah had his hands in the air in celebration. Abu Rahmah crossed the iron gate of the compound and walked into freedom after eighteen months in military prison. Despite the frigid mountain air, the warmth of Adeeb’s presence could be felt strongly…
British parliament debates Palestinian children prisoners
Uruknet December 12, 2010 –
Former EU Leaders Call for Sanctions on Israel
Uruknet December 12, 2010 – A large group of former EU leaders and commissioners, including Catherine Ashton’s predecessor Javier Solana, has urged the Union to take sanctions against Israel on settlements. But Ms Ashton’s reply indicates the plea will go unheard. The group in a letter to EU capitals and the leaders of the EU institutions on 6 December, seen…
Video: Beyond Words
Uruknet December 12, 2010 – On the occasion of the Human Rights Day, which also marks the 62nd Anniversary of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, Al-Haq is pleased to launch its short documentary film entitled “Beyond Words: Palestinian Voices in Search of Justice”. Through this documentary, Al-Haq is giving voice to Palestinians living under Israeli occupation. Their stories are…
Iran not a rogue state: Australia
Uruknet December 12, 2010 – Australia is at odds with its major security ally the United States over Iran, saying it is not a “rogue state” and its nuclear weapons program is for deterrence, not attack, according to U.S. cables released by WikiLeaks. The documents, published in the Sydney Morning Herald on Monday, also reveal that Australia’s top security organization…
Islamic Movement Leader Salah Released from Israeli Prison
Alternative Information Center – Sheikh Raed Salah, leader of the Islamic Movement in Israel, was released from the Ayalon Prison in Ramla Monday (12 December).
Gazans Demonstrate for Palestinian Political Reconciliation, Progressive Values
Alternative Information Center – The Popular Front for the Liberation of Palestine (PFLP) celebrated its 43rd anniversary on Saturday (11 December), with thousands gathering in Gaza to support the group’s call for Palestinian political reconciliation.
Message from Bil’in’s Abu Rahmah on Human Rights Day
Alternative Information Center – On the 11th of October of this year I was sentenced to 12 months in prison, plus 6 months suspended sentence for 3 years, and a fine.
Israeli Settler Leaders Push for Increased Construction in West Bank
Alternative Information Center – Benny Kashriel, Mayor of the West Bank settlement Ma’aleh Adumim, sent a letter to Prime Minister Binyamin Netanyahu Sunday (12 December), asking him to authorize new settlement construction. He also sent a copy of the letter…
Palestine Campaigners Claim BDS Success as Edinburgh Council Rejects Veolia
Alternative Information Center – A pro-Palestinian pressure group claimed success last week after Edinburgh Council rejected an attempt by a controversial firm to take over a range of public services in the city.
After setback, US resumes Mideast peace push
Daily Star 13 Dec 2010 DUBAI: An internet posting Monday attributed to a senior Al-Qaeda leader in Iraq warned that last weekend’s deadly bombings in Stockholm were “only the beginning,” and threatened attacks against NATO and Europe.
Al-Qaeda threatens further attacks against NATO and Europe
Daily Star 13 Dec 2010 DUBAI: An internet posting Monday attributed to a senior Al-Qaeda leader in Iraq warned that last weekend’s deadly bombings in Stockholm were “only the beginning,” and threatened attacks against NATO and Europe.
Mottaki abruptly fired by Ahmadinejad while abroad
Daily Star 13 Dec 2010 TEHRAN: Iran’s president abruptly fired his foreign minister Monday and named the nuclear chief as acting top diplomat, the latest sign of a rift at the top levels of the Islamic Republic. President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad gave…
US contractor gets suspended sentence in UAE
Daily Star 13 Dec 2010 ABU DHABI: A state security court in the United Arab Emirates Monday sentenced an American security contractor in Iraq to a suspended fine and suspended jail sentence for possession of weapons accessories.
Former Egypt MPs announce ‘alternative parliament’
Daily Star 13 Dec 2010 CAIRO: Egypt’s new Parliament convened for the first time Monday, as about 20 opposition lawmakers defeated in disputed legislative polls announced the formation of their own rogue legislature. The new Parliament re-elected Fathi Srur as speaker…
Israel’s child arrests break law, human rights group says
Daily Star 13 Dec 2010 OCCUPIED JERUSALEM: Police in Jerusalem are systematically breaking the law by arresting stone-throwing children at night and interrogating them without their parents being present, an Israeli rights group said Monday.
Tehran summons UK envoy over rights criticism
Daily Star 13 Dec 2010 TEHRAN: Iran’s Foreign Ministry summoned the British ambassador Monday over his criticisms of the country’s human-rights record and lawmakers called on the government to downgrade ties with London, media reported.
What Britain can do for Israeli-Palestinian peace | Lorna Fitzsimons
The Guardian 13 Dec 2010 – The UK should play the role of honest broker in creating an environment for the two sides to reach agreement Good people look at a bad situation and want to help. In the context of the…
Gaza: Alternative Repair Strategies Report
Relief Web 13 Dec 2010 – Source: American Friends Service Committee
GENERAL ASSEMBLY ADOPTS 10 RESOLUTIONS AIMED AT SHORING UP SHARED RESPONSE OF UNITED NATIONS, REGIONAL ORGANIZATIONS TO COMPLEX GLOBAL CHALLENGES
Relief Web 13 Dec 2010 – Source: UN General Assembly
Gaza: UN envoy on sport voices concern over ban of youth organization
Relief Web 13 Dec 2010 – Source: UN News Service
Statement by Maxwell Gaylard on the closure of Sharek Youth Forum in the Gaza Strip
Relief Web 13 Dec 2010 – Source: UN Resident and Humanitarian Coordinator for the oPt
‘Europe will recognize Palestinian state when appropriate’
YNet News – Erekat asks for recognition of Palestinian state, but ministers convening in….
Iran’s president fires foreign minister
YNet News – Ahmadinejad thanks Mottaki for five years of service; names nuclear chief as top….
Bill: Terror suspects won’t see lawyers for 6 months
YNet News – Minister explains many prisoners use meetings with attorneys to coordinate….
Netanyahu welcomes US focus on core issues
YNet News – Prime minister tells economic forum that Clinton’s announcement of intention to….
Storms hit Israel, Hermon gets snow
YNet News – Largest storm in 20 years pours two meters of snow on mountain’s peaks, Sea of….
B’Tselem: Police ignoring minors’ rights
YNet News – Israeli human rights group says police take Palestinian minors from east….
Israel flying Sudanese infiltrators back to Africa
YNet News – The migrants have agreed to the relocation, and the UN is cooperating with Israel on the initiative. Israel does not have diplomatic relations with Sudan. The …….
US editorial says Israel similar to North Korea
YNet News – WASHINGTON – “Israel is a democracy, and Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is in no way similar to (North Korean) dictator Kim Jong Il, but there is a similarity in the …….
EU keeps up pressure for Israeli settlement freeze
YNet News – The European Union pressed the Israeli government on Monday to freeze settlement building, offered the Hamas-ruled Gaza Strip more aid and urged Israel to open Gaza’s …….
Hamas reaches out, tries to shore up popularity
YNet News – Gaza’s ruling Hamas movement has politicians sweeping streets to show community spirit, activists distributing chocolates and cards signed “from Hamas with love” and …….
Report: Police breach law when arresting children
B’tselem 12 Dec 2010 – A new B’Tselem report, Caution: Children Ahead, shows that, over the past year, at least 81 Palestinian minors from Silwan, East Jerusalem, have been arrested or detained for questioning on suspicion of stone throwing. Many were arrested at night, some wegram FilesQuickTimeQTSystem
Palestinian Information Center
Doha to host 2011 Jerusalem defense conference
PIC 13 Dec 2010 – The 2011 international Jerusalem defense conference will be held in Doha, the conference’s appointed coordinator general Mohammed Subaih told media in Cairo Monday.
Israel passes law denying prisoners lawyer visits for one year after arrest
PIC 13 Dec 2010 – Israel’s legislative commission approved Monday a new draft law that would deny Palestinian prisoners the right to lawyer visits for one year upon arrest.
Two Palestinians wounded in IOF artillery shelling
PIC 13 Dec 2010 – Two Palestinian citizens were wounded west of Beit Lahia, in northern Gaza Strip, on Monday afternoon after Israeli occupation forces (IOF) fired tank shells at the area, medical sources said.
Israel transfers key Hamas leader to Ramon prison solitary confinement
PIC 13 Dec 2010 – After spending his last six years in solitary confinement, the Israeli prison authority transferred Monday leading Hamas figure Jamal Abul Haija from the facility in Ramle to the Ramon prison.
Israeli authorities demolish Palestinian homes in Lod
PIC 13 Dec 2010 – Israeli municipality teams escorted by large numbers of policemen razed seven Palestinian homes in Lod in central Palestine occupied in 1948 on Monday at the pretext of building without permit.
Gaza Health Ministry: 137 of required medicines out of stock
PIC 13 Dec 2010 – The ministry of health in Gaza warned Monday that 137 types of medicine and 150 of essential medical supplies are out of stock in Gaza, among those supplies are drugs used to treat cancer.
Abbas’s militia rounds up 7 Hamas supporters
PIC 13 Dec 2010 – Security militias loyal to de facto president Mahmoud Abbas rounded up seven supporters of Hamas in the districts of Al-Khalil, Nablus, Jenin, Salfit, and Qalqilia over the past 24 hours.
Haaretz: Active illegal construction in all settlements since freeze ended
PIC 13 Dec 2010 – Haaretz newspaper said that since the end of the alleged settlement freeze in the occupied Palestinian territories, there has been active illegal construction in all settlements.
PIC hailed as pioneer in covering developments in Palestinian arena
PIC 13 Dec 2010 – The PIC was hailed today as a “pioneer in the delivery of the Palestinian message” to the whole world during a visit paid by a delegation from the aid convoy Asia to the PIC branch office in Tehran.
Abu Marzouk: A new meeting this month between Hamas, Fatah in Damascus
PIC 13 Dec 2010 – Deputy head of Hamas’s political bureau Moussa Abu Marzouk said that a new meeting between his Movement and Fatah faction will be held at the end of this month in Damascus.
Iran fires Foreign Minister Manouchehr Mottaki
LA Times 14 Dec 2010 – No reason was given for the dismissal of the relative moderate, but the career diplomat had long clashed with Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad. President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad on Monday announced the firing of Iran’s foreign minister as the longtime diplomat was abroad on assignment, pro-government news agencies reported.
Iran’s president fires foreign minister, names nuclear chief to serve as acting top diplomat
LA Times 13 Dec 2010 – TEHRAN, Iran (AP) ‚Äî Iran’s president abruptly fired his foreign minister Monday and named the nuclear chief as acting top diplomat, the latest sign of a rift at the top levels of the Islamic theocracy as the country faces intense pressure from the West over its nuclear program.
Ein Hod Journal: Arabs and Israelis, United by Flames
New York Times 13 Dec 2010 – For Ein Hod, an artist’s colony in northern Israel, and Ayn Hawd, the neighboring Israeli Arab village, the flames did not distinguish between Arab and Jew.
Supreme Court’s decision as a democratic victory
Palestine Monitor – The Palestinian National Initiative praised the decision of the Supreme Court judge who declared that the government’s decision to postpone local elections was invalid. The main priority is to now determine a new date for local elections and that is to take place not only in…
Palestinians in Israel would prefer one secular democratic state (but who’s asking them?)
Mondoweiss – Normal 0 false false false MicrosoftInternetExplorer4 /* Style Definitions */ table.MsoNormalTable {mso-style-name:”Table Normal”; mso-tstyle-rowband-size:0; mso-tstyle-colband-size:0; mso-style-noshow:yes; mso-style-parent:””; mso-padding-alt:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; mso-para-margin:0in; mso-para-margin-bottom:.0001pt; mso-pagination:widow-orphan; font-size:10.0pt; font-family:”Times New Roman”; mso-ansi-language:#0400; mso-fareast-language:#0400; mso-bidi-language:#0400;} I have been living in Haifa for almost six months now, working at a Palestinian NGO and…
Clinton: Occupation robs Palestinians of dignity and self-determination and is radicalizing the Middle East
Mondoweiss – Mark Wauck tells me I am missing the forest for the trees. There has been great progress in the American discourse, and Tom Friedman’s latest and Hillary Clinton’s speech to the Saban Center at Brookings last week reflect it. “Most will come away from Friedman’s column…
UXOs: Did Israel deliberately arm Hamas?
Mondoweiss – Israel’s war against Palestine is a graveyard of questions that died begging to be asked. The media report Israel’s actions accompanied by explanations that Israel itself supplies. The Palestinian family was thrown out of their home because they are not legal residents of East Jerusalem. The…
Peretz: secret meeting of Kissinger and Harvard heavyweights pulled Israel’s chestnuts from fire in ‚Äò73
Mondoweiss – Yesterday we reported on Sec’y of State Kissinger’s scabrous statement to Nixon in ’73 that if the Soviet Union set up gas chambers for Jews, it wasn’t an American concern. Marty Peretz rushes to Kissinger’s defense , and offers an insight into how power works. By the…
More on the Washington Post’s new blogger’s ‚Äòbarbarous dialect’
Mondoweiss – Jennifer Rubin’s call in the Washington Post for murdering Iranian scientists has elicited outrage. Justin Elliott at Salon : Rubin wants the United States to make human rights a central theme in its Iran policy — and to indiscriminately assassinate civilian scientists. …even the U.S. State Department…
British Parliament debates Israeli military tribunals
Joseph Dana 13 Dec 2010 – The British Labour party is now debating what the Israeli labor party refuses to acknowledge, the horrific treatment of Palestinians in Israeli military courts. I have covered the military court system extensively on this website in relation to the repression of the Palestinian popular unarmed struggle….
Palestinian Non-Violent Leader Released From Israeli Prision
Joseph Dana 13 Dec 2010 – Adeeb Abu Rahmah Moments After Being Released from Israeli Prison. Photo: Oren Ziv/Activestills.org Before he had even reached the gate of Ofer military compound, Adeeb Abu Rahmah had his hands in the air in celebration. Abu Rahmah crossed the iron gate of the compound and walked…
Non-Violent Bil’in Protest Leader Freed from Israeli Military Prison
Joseph Dana 12 Dec 2010 – A Palestinian Gandhi is free from Israeli jail! Bil’in’s Adeeb Abu Rahmah , a non-violent protest leader sentenced to over 18 months in Israeli military prison, is a free man. Detailed report on his release and welcome ceremony in Bil’in will be posted tomorrow. Adeeb Abu Rahmah…
Iran’s foreign minister is sacked
BBC 13 Dec 2010 – Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad fires Foreign Minister Manouchehr Mottaki, in part of a perceived power struggle in Tehran.
EU delays recognising Palestine
BBC 13 Dec 2010 – EU foreign ministers say they will recognise a Palestinian state “when appropriate”, following a call from Palestinian leader Mahmoud Abbas.
Storms kill at least 18 in Egypt
BBC 13 Dec 2010 – At least 18 people die in accidents caused by storms in Egypt, as fierce winds and heavy rain lash the eastern Mediterranean and Middle East.
Articles
Palestinians Reject a ‘Compromise’ That Means Surrender
Rachelle Marshall, Washington Report on Middle East Affairs12/1/2010
“Today we return to build in all of the land of Israel.”‚ÄîDanny Danon, settler leader and member of the Likud party, at a ceremony celebrating the end of Israel’s “settlement freeze,”New York Times, Sept. 27, 2010.
“Palestinians want to see their president stand up and say, ‘Enough is enough.'”‚ÄîDr. Mustafa Barghouti, physician and peace activist, New York Times, Oct. 1, 2010.
Words and catch phrases often have flexible meanings when Israeli leaders use them. Nonviolent protest against land theft is “unlawful incitement”; torture, mass arrests, and collective punishment are “security measures”; and during the 10-month “settlement freeze,” construction of more than 2,500 homes for Jewish colonists continued, and plans were laid for thousands more. These figures do not include the numerous trailer camps set up on Palestinian land during the slow-down that are certain to be provided by a friendly government with electricity, water, and roads.
As the partial freeze expired on Sept. 26, the four-week old peace talks initiated by the Obama administration threatened to expire with it. Prime Minister Binyamin Netanyahu refused to prolong the freeze. President Mahmoud Abbas declared he would walk away from the negotiations unless Israel stopped all new settlement construction. At that point the peace process stalled.
Washington’s solution was to propose “a compromise.” If Israel resumed the settlement freeze for 60 days, during which the two sides would continue to negotiate, the U.S. would substantially increase the $4 billion-plus worth of advanced military hardware it gives Israel every year, veto all “anti-Israel” resolutions at the U.N. Security Council, and help forge a regional security arrangement to protect Israel from Iran. more.. e-mail
Hamas, Islam and women
Ahmad Yousef, Ma’an News Agency12/12/2010
Since the creation of Hamas in 1987, its election through the Change and Reform bloc in 2006, and the failed Fatah-led coup attempt in 2007 that left it and its coalition partners governing the Gaza Strip, the topic of women and their role in Islam has been a popular subject for coverage in the western media outlets and by political opponents.
It is also one of the least understood in Western societies, especially among those with very limited knowledge of Islam in particular and Arab and Muslim society more generally. It is not uncommon to find many in the west who define all Arabs and Muslims as oppressive, repressive and backward.
Do oppression, repression and backwardness exist in Arab and Muslim societies? Yes, of course, but it is not characteristic of or limited to all Arab and Muslim people or society.
“Erroneous application [of Islam] and behavior that results from backwardness,” according to the head of the Hamas political bureau Khaled Mash’al, “does not come from the text and spirit of the Shari’a. Errors come from many customs, traditions and concepts which emanate from certain situations and specific environments.”
Palestinian society is one of plurality, and openness to all religions, civilizations and cultures.
Recent claims circling the western media, articles, blogs and facebook regarding the Hamas government in Gaza include the following: Hamas seeks to force itself on the people; the movement engages in a campaign of intimidation and “terror,” forcing many to sit at home and do nothing; women are deprived of their basic rights such as strolling on the beach or smoking hooka in public, forced to wear the hijab, and prevented from going to male hair dressers; and, finally, women are not permitted to take an active part in politics. more.. e-mail
The City of Bethlehem
Khalil Shokeh, This Week in Palestine11/29/2010
The first historical reference to the city of Bethlehem appears in Tel Amarneh manuscripts discovered in the small village of Tel Amarneh between Thebes and Memphis in Egypt. The origin of the name of the city is Aramaic, meaning House of Bread. Its Biblical name is Ephrath which means ‚”fertile.”
Bethlehem district stands on two plateaux at the elevation of 775 metres above sea level. The first plateau runs from east to west, and the second, which intersects with the first plateau, runs from north to south. The new city of Bethlehem stands on the second plateau. The district is 10 kilometres to the south of Jerusalem, and it consists of the cities of Beit Sahour, Beit Jala, the towns of Doha and Al-Khader, and the villages of Artas, in addition to the three refugee camps of Dheisheh, Aida, and Al-Azza.
The city of Bethlehem is a major holy site in the Holy Land, and it is visited by millions of Christian tourists from around the world. It houses the birthplace of Jesus Christ known as the Nativity Church, which was constructed by Emperor Constantine and his mother Helena in 340 AD. Tourism is Bethlehem’s primary industry and it accounts for approximately 65 percent of the city’s economy.
However, the charm and lustre of the city of Bethlehem began to vanish due to Israeli policies and practices, including the blockade imposed on the city. For the past few decades, the spiritual, economic, and cultural life of Bethlehem was closely linked with the city of Jerusalem, but the Israeli military authorities have isolated both cities entirely, which has a drastic effect on the economic, social, and cultural life of Bethlehem.
Nine Jewish settlements surround Bethlehem, and it is completely encircled by the apartheid Wall…. more.. e-mail
Book review: “Spy Trade” details history of Israel lobby in the US
Electronic Intifada: 13 Dec 2010 – In his new book Spy Trade , Grant F. Smith offers a richly detailed narrative discussing the how and who of lobby activities in the United States from 1948-2009, uncovered through insistent Freedom of Information Act requests.more
Rescuing Zionism at Palestinian expense
Electronic Intifada: 13 Dec 2010 – After almost two years of attempting to bribe Israel into “restraining” the expansion of its Jewish-only colonies on occupied, stolen land, and its violent Judaization of Jerusalem, the Obama administration concluded that it could do nothing. Of course one thing the administration never tried was real pressure using as leverage the billions in annual no-strings aid the fiscally-bankrupt United States provides to Israel.more
Supreme Court’s decision as a democratic victory
Palestine Monitor: 13 Dec 2010 – The Palestinian National Initiative praised the decision of the Supreme Court judge who declared that the government’s decision to postpone local elections was invalid. The main priority is to now determine a new date for local elections and that is to take place not only in the West Bank, but also in the Gaza Strip. Dr. Barghouthi, the Secretary General of the Palestinian National Initiative stated that this marks an important day in Palestine and for the restoration of democratic life.more
Out of Failure, a Chance for Justice
Palestine Chronicle: 13 Dec 2010 – By William A. Cook Philip Crowley, speaking for the State Department, seemed to imply a new beginning for the US as it halted the peace negotiations it had started last May, when he noted there “may well be a change in tactics.” Perhaps Netanyahu’s bribery of billions of US dollars for 20 F-35 fighter planes at a time when Obama’s administration is trying to get Congress to extend unemployment benefits for 3 million Americans rankled the President; perhaps a forced written guarantee that the US would not interfere with future settlement construction while it continued its ‚”unconditional support” for Israel as it confiscated more Palestinian land by using its veto in the Security Council pricked the President’s conscience as he realized that he was no longer in charge in his own administration; perhaps the President finally understood that America cannot be the broker for peace in Palestine because it is…more
Felicia Langer’s Ongoing Fight for Justice
Palestine Chronicle: 13 Dec 2010 – By Ludwig Watzal – Bonn Last week, the German-Israeli human rights lawyer, Felicia Langer celebrated her 80th birthday in the German town of Tuebingen. Ms Langer was born in Poland. When Nazi-Germany attacked Poland in September 1939, she and her family fled to the Soviet Union, where they stayed until the end of World War II. Her latter husband’s family was not so ‘lucky’. All, except Mieciu, were exterminated by the Nazi regime. He survived several concentration camps. After they got married they immigrated to Israel in 1950. After the birth of their son Michael, Ms. Langer studied law at the Hebrew University in Jerusalem. In 1965, she began working as a lawyer. After the occupation of Palestinian territories in the 1967 war, she was for over a decade the only Israeli lawyer who defended Palestinians before Israeli military tribunals (read: kangaroo courts). Her understanding of Israeli and international law…more
Hamas Does Not Oppress Women
Palestine Chronicle: 13 Dec 2010 – By Dr. Ahmed Yousef — Gaza Since the creation of Hamas in 1987, its election through the Change and Reform bloc in 2006, and the failed Fatah-led coup attempt in 2007 that left it and its coalition partners governing the Gaza Strip, the topic of women and their role in Islam has been a popular subject for coverage in the western media outlets and by political opponents. It is also one of the least understood in Western societies, especially among those with very limited knowledge of Islam in particular and Arab and Muslim society more generally. It is not uncommon to find many in the west who define all Arabs and Muslims as oppressive, repressive and backward. Do oppression, repression and backwardness exist in Arab and Muslim societies? Yes, of course, but it is not characteristic of or limited to all Arab and Muslim people or society. ‚”Erroneous application [of…more
Dissolve the Palestinian Authority
Palestine Chronicle: 13 Dec 2010 – By Hasan Afif El-Hasan On September 9, 1993, Yasser Arafat, the PLO chief, signed a letter addressed to Yitzhak Rabin accepting UN Security Council resolutions 242 and 338 and recognizing the right of Israel to exist in peace and security. It promised to assume responsibility over all PLO elements and personnel in order to assure their compliance with Oslo agreement, prevent violations and discipline violators and declared inoperative all the articles in the Palestinian Covenant which denied Israel’s right to exist. UN Council resolution 242 that was drafted by the British ambassador to the UN was intended to have the Arab states recognize Israel and had nothing to do with the Palestinians. It ignored the U.N. General Assembly passed Resolution 181 on November 29, 1947 to divide Palestine and Resolution 194 of December 11, 1948 that called for the return of the refugees to their homes in what is now…more
We Need Peace, Not Just Process
Palestine Chronicle: 13 Dec 2010 – By The Elders For nearly two decades, there have been peace processes in the Middle East but no peace. In our recent visits to four countries across the region and the occupied Palestinian territory, we heard a consistent message: people want peace, but are sceptical about the process and have little faith in the international community to deliver. There is now an opportunity to reassess the entire approach to the negotiations. The flawed U.S. effort to secure from Israel another partial freeze on settlement-building, in exchange for generous inducements, as a way of resuming direct talks between Israeli and Palestinian leaders has failed. We now urge a renewed effort, firmly based on international law and respect for human rights, aimed at defining boundaries between Israel and a new Palestinian state and addressing security issues, without neglecting the other issues at the core of the conflict. Without such focus, we may…more
And What Will Santa Bring the Kiddies of Gaza?
Palestine Chronicle: 13 Dec 2010 – By Stuart Littlewood — London Rarely do I enter a church unless it’s to admire the medieval architecture, a soaring testament to man’s faith in a more dangerous and uncertain age. One reason being that church leaders, by and large, ignore the fate of the Holy Land, which, of course, underpins the whole structure of their faith. The performance of our bishops, who have a voice in the House of Lords but never use it, is beyond pathetic. However, every year at this time I make a point of visiting the parish church in the small market town of Fakenham, in Norfolk, to enjoy their dazzling Christmas Tree Festival. The event has been going for 10 years and this year raised money for 78 local and national charities. Each charity decorates a tree supplied by one of the festival’s sponsors, a local garden centre, and under each tree is a…more
Canada Attempts to Undermine Democracy in Venezuela
Dissident Voice: 13 Dec 2010 – While many on the left know that Washington has spent tens of millions of dollars funding groups that oppose Venezuelan President Hugo Chavez, less well known is Ottawa’s role, especially that of the Canadian government’s ‚”arms-length” human rights organization, Rights & Democracy (R&D). Montreal-based R&D recently gave its 2010 John Humphrey Award to the Venezuelan non-governmental organization PROVEA (El Programa Venezolano de Educacion-Accion en Derechos Humanos). According to R&D’s website, ‚”The Award consists of a grant of $30,000 and a [just completed] speaking tour of Canadian cities to help increase awareness of the recipient’s human rights work.” PROVEA is highly critical of Venezuela’s elected government. In December 2008 Venezuela’s interior and justice minister called PROVEA ‚”liars” who were ‚”paid in [US] dollars.” During a September visit ‚”to meet with representatives of PROVEA and other [Venezuelan] organizations devoted to human rights and democratic development” R&D President, G?©rard Latulippe, blogged about his…more
Sex, Lies, Iran, Israel and WikiLeaks
Dissident Voice: 13 Dec 2010 – WikiLeaks has given the mainstream media yet another opportunity to vilify Iran. A typical headline, from the New York Times was: “Around the world distress over Iran.” And, ironically, it is true, but not in the way the headline writer meant. Around the world there is distress over Iran, distress at the way it is being cast in the role of the Evil Doer, when all but the most ignorant observers realise that it is nuclear-armed Apartheid Israel that is the real threat to world peace, not Iran.more
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The New Dark Age 