4 January, 2011 — VTJP
News
International Middle East Media Center
Israeli Detainees Released After Protest Against Jawaher’s Death
IMEMC – 4 Jan 2011 – Tuesday January 04, 2011 – 19:59, The Israeli group “Anarchists Against the Wall” announced on Tuesday evening that Israeli activists, who were detained late on Saturday evening for protesting outside the US Ambassador’s home, were finally released.
Mohammed Khatib, Prominent Anti-Wall Activist Acquitted by Military Court
IMEMC – 4 Jan 2011 – Tuesday January 04, 2011 – 17:26, On Monday, Mohammed Khatib, the coordinator of the Popular Struggle Coordination Committee, was acquitted of all charges for lack of sufficient evidence.
PLO Report Documents Palestinian Deaths, Home Demolitions and Settlement Expansion in 2010
IMEMC – 4 Jan 2011 – Tuesday January 04, 2011 – 17:17, The Palestine Liberation organization (PLO) issued a report this week documenting Israeli human rights violations against Palestinians during 2010.
Israeli Army Excludes Responsibility for Jawaher’s Death
IMEMC – 4 Jan 2011 – Tuesday January 04, 2011 – 13:37, Israeli daily Haaretz said the Israeli military issued a report stating that they “find inconsistencies in medical report over the death of Jawaher Abu Ramah.”
Rabbi Bans Jewish Women from Driving
IMEMC – 4 Jan 2011 – Tuesday January 04, 2011 – 12:55, Ahram Online reported that a chief Jewish rabbi issued an order banning Jewish women from driving unless absolutely necessary.
Israeli Army Enter Jenin University Dormitory
IMEMC – 4 Jan 2011 – Tuesday January 04, 2011 – 12:35, Israeli military raided, on Monday, a university dormitory in Jenin, officially in search of wanted Palestinians. One man was briefly detained during the raid.
Army Kidnaps Eight Palestinians In Nablus
IMEMC – 4 Jan 2011 – Tuesday January 04, 2011 – 10:52, Israeli soldiers kidnapped, on Tuesday at dawn, eight Palestinians, including a security officer, in the northern West Bank district of Nablus, local sources reported.
Palestinian Home Demolished In Jerusalem
IMEMC – 4 Jan 2011 – Tuesday January 04, 2011 – 10:38, Israeli bulldozers demolished on Tuesday at dawn a Palestinian home in Beit Hanina, north of occupied East Jerusalem, the Maan News Agency reported.
Group: Rise in East Jerusalem home demolitions
1/4/2011 – JERUSALEM (AFP) – The final months of 2010 saw a sharp rise in the number of Israeli demolitions of Palestinian homes in East Jerusalem, an Israeli civil rights group said on Tuesday. Ir Amim (City of Peoples), an organization that lobbies for the “viable and equitable” sharing of Jerusalem between Israelis and Palestinians, said the rise….
Center: Israeli forces issue 16 evacuation orders
1/4/2011 – TUBAS (Ma’an) — Israel’s civil administration handed 16 evacuation orders to Palestinians in a community northeast of the West Bank city of Tubas, a local center said. Israeli forces declared Khirbet Ibziq a closed military zone, and residents were told to leave the area within 72 hours, the Land Research Center said….
Israeli authorities demolish Beit Hanina home
1/4/2011 – JERUSALEM (Ma’an) — Israeli officials in Jerusalem carried out the area’s second demolition in as many days early on Tuesday morning, in the Beit Hanina neighborhood, north of the Old City. Witnesses said that bulldozers arrived in the residential area at 4:30 a. m. and demolished a 125-square-meter house, which….
Overnight clashes reported at Sinjil village
1/4/2011 – RAMALLAH (Ma’an) —Israeli military jeeps entering the village of Sinjil northwest Ramallah on Tuesday morning sparked clashes with local residents, witnesses said. According to one bystander, troops were stoned by Palestinian teens and a military jeep broke down near the village, prompting calls for backup and repair crews. The stationed jeeps became targets….
Gaza fishermen detained from local waters
1/4/2011 – GAZA CITY (Ma’an) — An unknown number of Gaza fishermen were detained Tuesday morning after being apprehended by Israeli warships off the coast of Gaza City. Gaza’s Ministry of Agriculture said in a statement that fellow fishermen reported the detention, after seeing the boat of the men approached by Israeli vessels maintaining….
PFLP founder dies at 86
1/4/2011 – BETHLEHEM (Ma’an) — Popular Front for the Liberation of Palestine founder Ahmad Al—Yamani died in Beirut on Tuesday at the age of 86, PFLP politburo member Jamil Majdalawi said. Speaking on Ma’an Radio, Majdalawi said Al-Yamani, known as Abu Maher, was a great Palestinian activist and a national leader. The funeral….
Siilwan center: Police detained director
1/4/2011 – JERUSALEM (Ma’an) — Israeli police on Tuesday detained the director of an East Jerusalem community center, a statement from the group said. The Wadi Hilwa Information Center said it was informed that Jawad Siyam had been detained by his lawyer. The lawyer told the center Siyam was accused of an attack, but that police….
Netanyahu asks Obama to pardon spy
1/4/2011 – JERUSALEM (AFP) – Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has asked US President Barack Obama to pardon an American who spied for Israel, and the White House said Tuesday it was reviewing the request.” Two weeks ago I received a letter from the prison, from Jonathan (Pollard), which asked me to request openly — I emphasise openly — as…. Related: Bibi snubs Obama but wants to free spy and Spies and lies, especially against your allies
Lebanon urges UN to curb Israel offshore drilling
1/4/2011 – BEIRUT (AFP) – Lebanon’s foreign minister on Tuesday asked the United Nations to curb Israel’s offshore drilling plans, days after a US firm announced the discovery of a large field off the Israeli coastline.” We request you do everything possible to ensure Israel does not exploit Lebanon’s hydrocarbon resources, which…. Related: Natural gas reserve discovered in Israel
Israeli investigation doubts death by tear gas
1/4/2011 – JERUSALEM (AFP) — Israel’s military sought to cast doubt Monday on reports that tear gas fired by its troops caused the death of a Palestinian protester, prompting fierce rebuttals from activists. Jawaher Abu Rahma died overnight Friday after inhaling massive amounts of tear gas at a demonstration against Israel’s separation barrier, according…. Related: PA: Israel trying to cover up killings
Israel arrests staff from British consulate
1/4/2011 – LONDON (AFP) — Israeli authorities have arrested two locally hired workers at the British consulate general in Jerusalem who were reportedly linked to a plot to attack a stadium, the Foreign Office in London said.” I can confirm that two members of the local staff at the consulate general in Jerusalem have been arrested by Israeli….
Haniyeh greets Asia 1 activists
1/4/2011 – GAZA CITY (Ma’an) — Gaza government Prime Minister Ismail Haniyeh on Tuesday welcomed the Asia 1 convoy to Gaza. The aid convoy, backed by nations in Southeast Asia, drove from India to Syria and sailed for Egypt bringing hundreds of tons of food and medical aid to the besieged coastal enclave. Haniyeh said the….
PA prepares 2011-13 statebuilding plan
1/4/2011 – RAMALLAH (Ma’an) — The appointed West Bank government cabinet discussed the formation of a National Plan for 2011-2013, which would continue the statebuilding process initiated in 2009 by Prime Minister Salam Fayyad. The new plan, expected to be ratified in the cabinet meeting on 11 January, focuses on the launch of ministerial projects….
Free treatment for cleft palate kills child, father says
1/4/2011 – BETHLEHEM (Ma’an) — Failures in the Palestinian medical system, and oversights by an NGO mean culpability in the death of a 10-month old infant will not likely be determined, leaving a family devastated.”He can’t blame us,” said a spokeswoman for the Palestine’s Children Relief Fund, the international NGO….
US Jewish leader met Syria’s Assad
1/4/2011 – WASHINGTON (AFP) — American Jewish leader Malcolm Hoenlein visited Damascus for talks last month with Syrian President Bashar Al-Assad about humanitarian issues, reports said Monday. Hoenlein, the executive vice chairman of the Conference of Presidents of American Jewish Organizations, told the news organization Politico that he went to Damascus on a humanitarian mission about 10 days….
Israel releases 2 detainees
1/4/2011 – RAMALLAH (Ma’an) — Israeli authorities on Sunday released two detainees to their West Bank homes, a detainees’ center said. Nihad Natour, 24, was released after spending nearly eight years in Israeli custody. The Nablus resident was 17 years old when he was detained in April 2003. Muhammad Attah, 38, from Deir Abu Mash….
Israeli forces detain 8 in Nablus village raid
1/4/2011 – NABLUS (Ma’an) — Israeli forces on Tuesday detained eight Palestinians in a dawn raid on a Nablus village, locals said. Israeli soldiers arrived in Madama village at 2 a. m. and remained in the area until morning, raiding many homes, residents said. An officer with the Palestinian national security services Hussam Nassar was among….
Detainee enters 29th year in Israeli jail
1/4/2011 – GAZA CITY (Ma’an) — An 80-year-old Palestinian on Tuesday entered his 29th year in Israeli detention, the Gaza government Detainees’ Ministry said. Sami Younis is considered a Sheikh among detainees due in part to his age, the ministry said. The father-of-five was detained in 1983 and sentenced to life imprisonment….
Al-Maliki: Lieberman takes defense to int’l stage
1/4/2011 – AMMAN, Jordan (Ma’an) — Israeli foreign ministry officials are working defense on the international stage, PA Foreign Minister Riyad Al-Maliki told Ma’an, saying his Israeli counterpart had taken to visiting the same nations he visits and working to undo advances in Palestinian foreign relations. Traveling with President Mahmoud Abbas on his recent….
Israel official: Negotiations in national interest
1/4/2011 – Israeli spokesman thoroughly re-engineers recent history – Ed. ] BETHLEHEM (Ma’an) — It is in Israel’s greater interest to resume negotiations with Palestinians, Israel’s Foreign Ministry spokesman Ofir Gendelman said Tuesday. In an interview with Ma’an Radio, Gendelman said the Palestinian leadership should seize the opportunity to return to talks….
Report: Netanyahu offers condolences to Abbas over brother’s death
1/4/2011 – TEL AVIV (Ma’an) — The Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu telephoned President Mahmoud Abbas to offer his condolences on the death of his brother, the Israeli press reported.” My condolences, I sympathize with your deep pain and hope that you will never experience such grief in the future,” Netanyahu said, the Israeli news site….
PA: Israel trying to cover up killings
1/4/2011 – RAMALLAH (Ma’an) — The Palestinian Authority on Tuesday said Israel was trying to cover-up the recent killings of a Palestinian anti-wall protester and a man shot by soldiers at a checkpoint. Jawaher Abu Rahmah was hospitalized after inhaling tear-gas fired by Israeli forces at a protest in Bil’in on Friday. Medics said…. Related: Israeli investigation doubts death by tear gas
Ariel Sharon marks 5 years in coma
1/4/2011 – JERUSALEM (AFP) — With little fanfare, Israel on Tuesday marked five years since former prime minister and tough army general Ariel Sharon fell into a coma, ending a controversial political and military career. The long-time leader of the right-wing nationalist camp in Israeli politics suffered a massive stroke on January 4, 2006, slipping into a coma….
PA to finance work projects for ex-detainees
1/4/2011 – RAMALLAH (Ma’an) — In an effort to rehabilitate the hundreds of Palestinians every year who are released from Israeli prison after years in detention, the Palestinian Authority announced a job creation program focusing on providing finances for agricultural projects. The effort, a government statement said, comes as part of an initiative to “assimilate ex-detainees….
PA closes institute for disabled in Bethlehem
1/4/2011 – BETHLEHEM (Ma’an) — The Palestinian Authority’s general prosecution on Tuesday shut down an unlicensed institute for the disabled near Bethlehem due to its conditions. Ma’an’s correspondent joined police in an inspection of the Right Way institute in Battir village west of Bethlehem, and said conditions in the facility….
Israel’s coalition: rocked, but still afloat
1/4/2011 – JERUSALEM (AFP) – Labor ministers threaten to jump ship, the foreign minister charts his own course and a media chorus predicts an imminent wreck, but Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s coalition government sails on. Inaugurated in the spring of 2009, it commands a solid majority in parliament and can boast sound economic growth despite….
PCBS: More workers in Israel in 2010
1/4/2011 – RAMALLAH (Ma’an) — Of every 100 Palestinian workers, 11 work in Israel and the settlements compared to 10 in 2009, a new survey from the Palestinian Central Bureau of Statistics found. The increase helped push up the Palestinian GDP per capita, in what was counted as a year of growth across the region. Palestine….
Coptic pope urges calm after Egypt church blast
1/4/2011 – CAIRO (AFP) – Egypt’s Coptic Pope Shenouda III appealed for calm as Christian protesters clashed with police for a third day in a row after a New Year’s Day bombing killed 21 churchgoers. The spiritual head of the Middle East’s largest Christian minority also called on the government to address….
Bil’in protestor’s mother ‘not seeking revenge
Palestine Note 4 Jan 2011 – Ynet – Less than two years have passed since Sulhia Abu Rahma buried her son, Bassem, who was killed by an Israel Defense Forces gas grenade in a clash between protestors and soldiers in the West…
Netanyahu expresses condolences to Abbas over death of his brother
Palestine Note 4 Jan 2011 – Haaretz – Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu called Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas on Tuesday to express condolences over his brother’s death, adding that he hoped to resume the peace process as soon as possible. The two leaders…
Now its Palestine’s turn to create facts on the ground
Palestine Note 4 Jan 2011 – Simon Tisdall, The Guardian – As unfulfilled hopes of peace in the Middle East in 2010 fade from memory, the spectre of war in 2011 looms large. The collapse of Barack Obama’s attempt to broker direct…
Millions needed to upgrade East Jerusalem
Palestine Note 4 Jan 2011 – Arabiya – More than $500 million are needed to upgrade infrastructure in Arab neighborhoods of annexed east Jerusalem, the results of an official Israeli study published on Friday showed, according to AFP. Read Full Article Photo: […
Hopes of Gaza cast in lead
Palestine Note 4 Jan 2011 – Richard Falk, Al Jazeera – It is dismaying that during this dark anniversary period two years after the launch of the deadly attacks on the people of Gaza – code-named Operation Cast Lead by the Israelis…
Netanyahu makes official request for U.S. to free convicted spy Jonathan Pollard
Palestine Note 4 Jan 2011 – Haaretz – The Prime Minister’s Office on Tuesday sent a letter to U.S. President Barack Obama requesting the release of convicted spy Jonathan Pollard for humanitarian reasons. Pollard was sentenced to life in prison in 1987…
IDF on Bil’in: spins, half truths, lies
Palestine Note 4 Jan 2011 – Noam Sheizaf, +972 Magazine – Jawaher Abu-Rahmah of Bil’in was rushed to Ramallah hospital last Friday during an unarmed protest against the fence in her village. She passed away Saturday morning . Following the relatively wide publicity…
Israeli authorities demolish Beit Hanina home
Palestine Note 4 Jan 2011 – Maan – Israeli officials in Jerusalem carried out the area’s second demolition in as many days early on Tuesday morning, in the Beit Hanina neighborhood, north of the Old City. Read Full Article Photo: [Marcel Masferrer…
PA prepares 2011-13 statebuilding plan
Palestine Note 4 Jan 2011 – Maan – The appointed West Bank government cabinet discussed the formation of a National Plan for 2011-2013, which would continue the statebuilding process initiated in 2009 by Prime Minister Salam Fayyad. Read Full Article Photo: [ Œ†œÅœâŒ?œÖœÄŒøœÖœÅŒ?œåœÇ…
Israeli PM asks US to pardon spy
AlJazeera 4 Jan 2011 – Netanyahu sends letter to Obama regarding American man given life sentence in 1987 for spying on US for Israel.
Report: 107 Palestinians Killed by Israel; 16,479 Settlers Homes Approved During 2010
PNN – Ramallah – PNN – The international relations unit at the Palestine Liberation organization issued a report this week documenting the Israeli violations against Palestinians during 2010. According to the report 107 Palestinians…
Israeli Troops Demolish a Home in Jerusalem, Arrest One civilian and Search Homes in Hebron
PNN – Jerusalem – PNN – Israeli army bulldozers leveled on Tuesday at dawn a Palestinian owned house at the town of Beit Hanina in East Jerusalem. c Nayif Iskafee the owner of the…
Army Says Bil?¢‚Ǩ‚Ñ¢in Protester did not Die From Tear Gas
PNN – Ghassan Bannoura – PNN – the Israeli army issued a report on Tuesday saying that Jawaher Abu Rahma , 35 years old, from the central West Bank village of Bil’in, did not die…
Palestinian Center for Human Rights
Weekly Report On Israeli Human Rights Violations in the Occupied Palestinian Territory (23 – 29 December. 2010)
Palestinian Center for Human Rights
State attorney to investigate Att.-Gen. over illegal worker
Jeruslalem Post 5 Jan 2011 – On the surface at least, Weinstein’s circumstances appear to be identical to those of Defense Minister Ehud Barak’s wife, Nili Priel.
Pro-Israel activists: New congress will remain Israel ally
Jeruslalem Post 4 Jan 2011 – New congress loses 4 Jews; Majority Leader Cantor to be highest ranking Jewish member ever; AIPAC: will be most pro-Israel congress ever.
IAF strikes Gaza Strip in response to Kassam fire
Jeruslalem Post 4 Jan 2011 – Air Force bombs terror base in central Gaza, smuggling tunnel in southern strip after Kassam rocket explodes near Ashkelon-area kibbutz.
YouTube will pay royalties for videos viewed in Israel
Jeruslalem Post 4 Jan 2011 – Under agreement, if an Israeli views music video by Israeli or foreign artist, artist will now be paid royalties; “3 mil. Israelis visit YouTube each month.”
Barak: Islamic regime in Iran won’t last forever
Jeruslalem Post 4 Jan 2011 – Ex-IDF general: Israel can technically attack Iran’s nuclear facilities, says current round of sanctions will not stop regime.
Dahlan denies coup to overthrow Abbas
Jeruslalem Post 4 Jan 2011 – Fatah strongman returns to W. Bank for inquiry into allegations; says questions focused on if he had bad-mouthed Abbas’ sons; “There’s no case against me.”
Analysis: Going down with a fight?
Jeruslalem Post 4 Jan 2011 – Every mishap and botched operation will be used as ammo by the PA against Israel – this time, Israel is not giving up without a fight.
PM, Blair meet as peace process returns to int’l agenda
Jeruslalem Post 4 Jan 2011 – After holiday lull, Catherine Ashton expected to hold meetings with Israeli, Palestinian leaders; Netanyahu set to meet with Hosni Mubarak in Sharm e-Sheikh.
Netanyahu sends Obama letter urging Pollard’s release
Jeruslalem Post 4 Jan 2011 – PM accepts request received from Israeli agent; reads letter during Knesset plenum: “The people of Israel would be eternally grateful.”
Arab theorists claim WikiLeaks is an Israeli conspiracy
Jeruslalem Post 4 Jan 2011 – Some Arab media says website’s founder Julian Assange struck deal with Israel to withhold documents that might embarrass Jewish state.
Livni: Syrians must do more than just say they want peace
Jeruslalem Post 4 Jan 2011 – Opposition leader skeptical about Damascus’s overtures to the West; slams Iran for blaming Israeli-Palestinian conflict for ME extremism.
Egypt’s Pope says state must address Coptic woes
Jeruslalem Post 4 Jan 2011 – Amidst violent protests surrounding New Year’s eve bombing of Egyptian Christian church, Coptic Pope requests “calm and communication.”
International Solidarity Movement
Combined Systems Inc., stop providing equipment that Israel misuses to kill and maim unarmed protesters
1/4/2011 – International Solidarity Movement – 3 January 2010: Open letter to Combined Systems Inc written by Palestine solidarity groups – From: Adalah-NY, CodePink, Jewish Voice for Peace, The US Campaign to End the Israeli Occupation – Dear Combined Systems Inc. , As US groups committed to justice and peace, we are writing to ask that Combined Systems Inc. cease providing CSI equipment to….
Substantial evidence contradicts the army’s version of the events surrounding the death of Jawaher Abu Rahmah
1/4/2011 – International Solidarity Movement – Popular Struggle Coordination Committee – The evidence surrounding the events leading to the death of Bil’in resident Jawaher Abu Rahmah disproves completely the army spokesperson’s version, to the point of putting the army in a ridiculous light. The army’s version is based on claims made anonymously, without any supporting evidence…. Related: Popular Struggle Coordination Committee
Man killed in grenade blast in central Afula
Ha’aretz – Explosion occurred near central post office branch in Afula; police suspect attack was criminally-motivated.
Employers believe disabled people least hirable, report finds
Ha’aretz – Report published by Kiryat Ono Academic College finds most employers think that people with disabilities will struggle to adapt; Arabs have lowest self-image.
Israel wins ESL world title at debate tournament in Botswana
Ha’aretz – Debaters Michael Shapira and Meir Yarom, of the University of Haifa, named top English as a Second Language team after 12 rounds of debate.
Israeli teen dies of seasonal flu complications
Ha’aretz – The 15-year-old is not known to have been suffering from a prior illness, but his condition continued to deteriorate after he was diagnosed with pneumonia.
After conquering high-tech, Israel sets its sights on a green revolution
Ha’aretz – Israel is driving to become a world leader in alternative energy, with the government throwing its support to encourage cutting-edge technologies.
Israelis enjoy the spectacle of a partial solar eclipse
Ha’aretz – In central Israel, the eclipse was at its fullest at 10:41 A.M., when the moon covered 46 percent of the face of the sun.
Katsav’s lawyers: Chances of appealing rape verdict are good
Ha’aretz – Avigdor Feldman, who is representing the former president, says the ‘court gave the public what it wanted’ by convicting his client of rape, indecent assault, and sexual harassment.
Israel to hold migrants in closed detention center, despite pledging otherwise
Ha’aretz – New Prisons Service facility in the south will be more spacious than a regular jail, but the government had resolved to look into making an open compound.
Sexual harassment cases in Israel’s civil service rose 40% in 2010
Ha’aretz – Over the year, 125 sexual harassment files were opened compared with 90 the year before. As recently as three years ago, the annual figure was 65.
Strife in Labor as minister gives Barak peace talks ultimatum
Ha’aretz – Labor chairman criticizes Avishay Braverman for demanding that he tell the PM that Labor would leave government unless peace process moves forward.
Netanyahu makes official request to Obama: Free Pollard
Ha’aretz – PM sends letter to Obama calling for convicted spy Jonathan Pollard’s release on humanitarian reasons; U.S. State Department: White House will review the letter.
More than 100 Muslim activists enter Gaza after docking aid ship in Egypt
Ha’aretz – Most of the activists flew in from Damascus and were not permitted to bring the aid with them into Gaza; seven Iranian activists forbidden entry.
Netanyahu expresses condolences to Abbas over death of his brother
Ha’aretz – PM tells Palestinian president he hopes the two can resume peace negotiations in near future.
Barak: 2010 was Israel’s quietest year in many, but IDF is prepared
Ha’aretz – Defense Minister says Israel’s top priority for 2011 is moving the peace process forward, adding that it is imperative to maintain close ties with U.S. and fight delegitimization campaign., Dahlan…
IDF: No proof Palestinian woman died from tear gas at protest
Ha’aretz – Defense sources find inconsistencies in medical report over the death of Jawaher Abu Ramah, who reportedly died after inhaling tear gas at demonstration against West Bank fence.
Russian president’s visit to Israel cancelled due to Foreign Ministry strike
Ha’aretz – Foreign Ministry workers threatened to cause problems upon Dmitry Medvedev’s arrival, so the planned visit was cancelled to avoid an embarrassing diplomatic incident.
Netanyahu: Israel agreed to new settlement freeze, but U.S. retracted offer
Ha’aretz – PM blames Palestinians for deadlock in peace talks, says U.S. officials due to arrive in Israel to push forward talks on core issues.
Israeli bulldozers demolish 2 houses in WB
4 Jan 2011 – West Bank , (Pal Telegraph) – Israeli occupation bulldozers demolished Tuesday morning a house in Bait Hanina and another in Umm El-Fahem town, in the occupied West Bank. According to local sources, Israeli forces demolished today a house owned by the citizen Na?Øf Eshaq Aweida in Wadi El-Dam neighborhood, in Bait Hanina town .
Israeli Occupation Navy capture Innocent Gaza Fishermen
4 Jan 2011 – Gaza, (Pal Telegraph) – Israeli occupational naval forces attacked and fired at Palestinian fishermen off Gaza shores. A number of Palestinian fishing boats were attacked this morning leaving some damage in these boats and capturing of a number of unknown fishermen.
8 Palestinians detained by Israeli army in Nablus
4 Jan 2011 – Nablus,(Pal Telegraph) -Israeli occupation forces(IOF) detained Tuesday eight Palestinians ,including an officer in the Palestinian national security forces after raiding his house in Madma village ,in the south of Nablus .
International activists visit Gaza War exhibition
4 Jan 2011 – Gaza, (Pal Telegraph) – A delegation from Europe, including Italian singer Joseph Valese, paid a visit to the Gaza Strip Sunday to attend an exhibition staged by Hamas’s Tuffah district media committee.
The return of the Mavi Marmara
Uruknet January 4, 2011 – The Mavi Marmara returned to a hero’s welcome at Istanbul’s Sarayburnu port late last month. Docking at its port of departure for the first time since its fateful voyage began seven months ago, it is perhaps the most celebrated of humanitarian relief vessels that set sail to carry foodstuffs, medicine, school materials and other household…
Hopes of Gaza cast in lead
Uruknet January 4, 2011 – It is dismaying that during this dark anniversary period two years after the launch of the deadly attacks on the people of Gaza – code-named Operation Cast Lead by the Israelis – that there should be warnings of a new massive attack on the beleaguered people of Gaza. The influential Israeli journalist, Ron Ren-Yishai, writes…
Message from the Gaza Youth Breaks Out TeamDon’t distort our speech!
Uruknet January 4, 2011 – Many activists reject our movement and consider us as some Zionist machinery because in the manifesto, we’ve been denouncing Hamas – among others. It’s always amazing to see the shortcuts people’s minds can take and how good they are at condemning without even trying to understand. We’d like to remind all our goal: yes we…
Eyewitnesses Describe Death of Palestinian Woman in Israeli Tear Gas Attack
Uruknet January 4, 2011 – A Palestinian woman died Friday after Israeli forces shot her with tear gas during a peaceful protest against the West Bank separation wall in the village of Bil’in. Israeli and Palestinian eyewitnesses, as well as staff at a hospital in Ramallah, say that Jawaher Abu Rahma died after inhaling massive amounts of tear gas fired…
Video: Our Story By Dr. Mustafa Barghouti
Uruknet January 4, 2011 – The story of the Palestinian people; the history, the present, the future. By Dr. Mustafa barghouti who was born in Jerusalem in 1954, Dr Barghouti is a leader of the Palestinian National Initiative founded in 2002 and a member of Palestinian Legislative Council as well as a former Minister of Information in the unity government…
Israel’s Barbaric Solitary Confinement
Uruknet January 4, 2011 – …On December 27, Haaretz writer Tomer Zarchin headlined, “Groundbreaking report details Israel’s inhumane conditions for isolated prisoners,” saying: “A classified report by the Israeli Bar Association (IBA) obtained by Haaretz provides a glimpse into the harrowing conditions prisoners separated from the main jail population must endure.” Ayalon and Shikma prison isolation wings aren’t fit for…
Open letter to Combined Systems Inc, Maker of Israeli Tear GasCombined Systems Inc., Stop Providing Equipment that Israel Misuses to Kill and Maim Unarmed Protesters
Uruknet January 4, 2011 – Dear Combined Systems Inc., Tear gas canister from Bilin, December 31, 2010 with letters CTS embossed on it. As US groups committed to justice and peace, we are writing to ask that Combined Systems Inc. cease providing CSI equipment to the Israeli government in response to the Israeli military’s ongoing and foreseeable misuse of CSI…
Report: During 2010, Israel significantly stepped up its Judaisation policies
Uruknet January 4, 2011 – Palestinian Liberation OrganisationAn official report issued by the Palestinian Liberation Organisation (PLO) has stated that in 2010, the Israeli authorities stepped up measures aimed at the judaisation of the Occupied Palestinian territories, particularly Jerusalem. It also states that Israel has increased the rate at which it issues decisions and implements policies toward that end. The…
Official report: 90% of Gaza water polluted
Uruknet January 4, 2011 – The water quality control authority in the Gaza Strip said that more than 90% of the Strip’s potable water was contaminated, warning of a serious threat to lives of the Strip’s inhabitants. The report published on Monday said that the Palestinian citizens were increasingly using home desalination and purification systems especially with the high concentration…
Bill being Drafted to Bar International Peace Activists from Entering Israel
Alternative Information Center – Knesset Member Yariv Levin, of the right-wing Likud party, together with the pro-settlement group The Legal Forum for the Land of Israel,are currently working on an “anti-subversive” bill aimed at anarchists and supporters of the Palestinian…
Kairos Palestine: One Year Anniversary
Alternative Information Center – 16 December 2010 was the one year anniversary of the launch of the Kairos Palestine Document.
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) – 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
Paris urges E.U. response to attacks on Mideast Christians
Daily Star 4 Jan 2011 WASHINGTON: The youngest son of the late shah of Iran has committed suicide in his home in the United States, his family said Tuesday.”It is with immense grief that we would like to inform our compatriots…
Son of Iran shah commits suicide
Daily Star 4 Jan 2011 WASHINGTON: The youngest son of the late shah of Iran has committed suicide in his home in the United States, his family said Tuesday.”It is with immense grief that we would like to inform our compatriots…
Iran invites select states to view nuclear plants
Daily Star 4 Jan 2011 TEHRAN/VIENNA: Iran invited Russia, China, the European Union and others Tuesday to visit key nuclear plants, but left out Britain, France, Germany and the United States – the countries most opposed to its nuclear program.
Fatah announces Dahlan’s suspension
Daily Star 4 Jan 2011 RAMALLAH, Occupied Palestinian Territories: Mohammad Dahlan, a former leader, once considered a possible successor to President Mahmoud Abbas, was suspended from Fatah’s leadership, the movement said Tuesday.
Gambia, Senegal ties sound after Iran arms saga
Daily Star 4 Jan 2011 DAKAR: Gambia and Senegal said Tuesday there was no cloud hanging over their relationship after a diplomatic spat over a shipment of Iranian weapons intercepted in Nigeria and believed bound for Gambia. In November 2010, Nigeria…
American Jewish leader met with Assad in Damascus
Daily Star 4 Jan 2011 WASHINGTON: American Jewish leader Malcolm Hoenlein visited Damascus for talks last month with Syrian President Bashar Assad about humanitarian issues, reports have said.Hoenlein, the executive vice chairman of the Conference of Presidents of American Jewish Organizations,…
Palestinian psychiatrist Eyad al-Sarraj wins 2010 Olof Palme Prize
Daily Star 4 Jan 2011 STOCKHOLM: Palestinian psychiatrist Eyad al-Sarraj won Tuesday the 2010 Olof Palme Prize for his “self-sacrificing and indefatigable struggle for common sense, reconciliation and peace” in the Middle East, the Swedish jury said.Sarraj, who in 1977 became…
End-2010 saw rise in East Jerusalem demolitions
Daily Star 4 Jan 2011 OCCUPIED JERUSALEM: The final months of 2010 saw a sharp rise in the number of Israeli demolitions of Palestinian homes in East Jerusalem, an Israeli civil rights group said Tuesday.Ir Amim (City of Peoples), an organization…
Netanyahu asks Obama to pardon American spying for Israel
Daily Star 4 Jan 2011 OCCUPIED JERUSALEM: Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has officially asked U.S. President Barack Obama to pardon an American who spied for the Jewish state, and the White House said Tuesday it was reviewing the request.Netanyahu’s request…
Dutch Muslims offer to guard churches
Daily Star 4 Jan 2011 THE HAGUE: Dutch Muslims offered Tuesday to guard three Coptic churches in the Netherlands which have been threatened on an Al-Qaeda-linked Web site after a New Year’s Day bombing killed 21 Coptic Christians in Egypt.
Spanish court opens probe into killings in Iraq on grounds of crimes against humanity
Daily Star 4 Jan 2011 MADRID: A Spanish judge has opened a probe into a melee in which Iraqi security forces are accused of killing 11 members of an Iranian exile group in a camp in Iraq in 2009, according to…
Iran warns Germany over jailed reporters
Daily Star 4 Jan 2011 TEHRAN: Iran warned Germany Tuesday against trying to pressure the Islamic state into freeing two German reporters detained while interviewing the son of a woman sentenced to be stoned to death for adultery.Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesman…
No Mideast peace for ‘at least a decade:’ Lieberman
Relief Web 4 Jan 2011 – Source: Agence France-Presse
An insider’s reflections on Israeli-Palestinian dialogue
Relief Web 4 Jan 2011 – Source: Common Ground News Service
Protestors call Barak ‘child murderer’
YNet News – Defense minister speaks in Tel Aviv University conference on Iran, repeatedly….
Iran confirms nuclear tour invitation
YNet News – Foreign Ministry spokesman says invitation to visit reactors in Natanz, Arak….
Barak: No progress on Syrian track, focus on Palestinians
YNet News – During visit to Tze’elim army base, defense minister says government must make….
Hoenlein: I visited Syria to promote humanitarian agenda
YNet News – Jewish American leader says during Damascus meeting with Assad he requested….
Egypt’s pope: State must address Copts woes
YNet News – Following News Year’s bomb attack on church, Shenouda III says state has ‘duty’….
Initiative: Probe funding of extreme Left in Israel
YNet News – Yisrael Beiteinu says has majority to establish parliamentary inquiry commission….
Report: Men involved in terror plot worked for British Consulate
YNet News – Telegraph says two Palestinian suspects in plot to fire missile during Israeli….
Qassam hits Israel; IDF attacks Gaza targets
YNet News – The Air Force attacked two targets in the Gaza Strip Tuesday in response to the firing of Qassam rockets at Israel earlier in the day. The Palestinians did not report any …….
Medvedev to visit PA despite canceled Israel tour
YNet News – Russian President Dmitri Medvedev will not visit Israel due to disruptions imposed by the Foreign Ministry’s workers union but is nonetheless planning to travel to Jordan …….
Officers criticize IDF analysis of Bilin protestor’s death
YNet News – Assessments made by IDF officials Monday determining that Jawaher Abu Rahma not only did not choke to death by tear gas but did not even attend the Bilin anti-fence …….
War of stones – the settlers’ version
YNet News – VIDEO- Settlers from Itzhar on Tuesday distributed a video showing Palestinians from the village of Burin, south of Nablus, throwing stones at settlers during Sunday’s …….
Palestinian Information Center
Israeli troops arrest European activists at Hamra checkpoint
PIC 4 Jan 2011 – Israeli troops intercepted Tuesday five volunteers from a European pro-Palestinian movement when crossing the Hamra military checkpoint en route to the West Bank provinces of Tubas and Jenin.
Haneyya: Aid convoys play key role in exposing Israel
PIC 4 Jan 2011 – Ismail Haneyya said Tuesday during a ceremony honoring the Asia 1 convoy that relief missions to the Gaza Strip play a key role in exposing Israel’s racially motivated economic blockade.
Bardawil: Abbas in political coma
PIC 4 Jan 2011 – Hamas MP Dr. Salah Al-Bardawil has described de facto president and Fatah leader Mahmoud Abbas’s denial of having political detainees in the West Bank as a kind of deception.
IOF soldiers detain head of charity committee
PIC 4 Jan 2011 – Israeli occupation forces (IOF) broke into and ransacked the home of Sheikh Ahmed Salatna, the director of the Zakat (Alms) committee in Jenin district, before taking him away.
Asia Convoy 1: Shame on US, Israel for Gaza blockade
PIC 4 Jan 2011 – Asia Convoy 1 head Feroz Mesberola said the convoy’s naval vessel carrying 20 tons of humanitarian aid valued at one million dollars docked at Port El Arish, Egypt Tuesday morning.
Islamic Jihad concerned over its cadres detained in PA jails
PIC 4 Jan 2011 – The Islamic Jihad movement has expressed concern over the condition of its cadres held in the West Bank jails of de facto president Mahmoud Abbas and his security apparatuses.
Gaza police: Israel dropped over 3,000 tons of explosives on Gaza population
PIC 4 Jan 2011 – Major Tahseen Saad, director of the police explosives engineering department, said that Israel used over 3,000 tons of bombs and projectiles during its war on the Gaza Strip.
Israeli navy kidnaps Palestinian fishermen off Gaza port
PIC 4 Jan 2011 – Israeli navy gunboats kidnapped a yet unspecified number of Palestinian fishermen who were fishing off the Gaza port on Tuesday morning, the Palestinian agriculture ministry said.
Prisoners refuse to break hunger strike without Beitar
PIC 4 Jan 2011 – The four PA prisoners who were transferred to Al-Khalil prison ahead of their full release said they will not end their hunger strike unless the fifth striker Wael al-Beitar joins them.
Israel razes Palestinian home, displaces family east Jerusalem
PIC 4 Jan 2011 – Israeli bulldozers escorted by troops and policemen have demolished Tuesday morning the home of Jerusalemite citizen Nayef Aweidah in Beit Hanina neighborhood, east of the holy city.
Human Rights Group Calls on Gaza to Abolish Capital Punishment
The Media Line 11 Dec 2010 – Call came amid increase in death sentences by military court A military court in the Hamas-run Gaza Strip has sentenced at least four men to death, prompting a Palestinian human rights organization to level harsh criticism…
Storm shuts down eastern Mediterranean
The Media Line 11 Dec 2010 – Ports and Suez Canal closed, ship sink in storm following severe Mideast drought Mother Nature was wreaking havoc in the eastern Mediterranean, sending a surging storm across the region Sunday which sank a ship, shut ports…
Gas Companies Take Offensive Against Israeli Tax Plan
The Media Line 11 Dec 2010 – Recommended increase of government’s take to 60% reflects third world thinking TEL AVIV – Israel’s decision to reconsider its tax and royalty regime for energy is creating an atmosphere of uncertainty and risks future exploration, the…
Palestinians Killed, Israeli Soldier Wounded in Gaza Clash
The Media Line 11 Dec 2010 – aching the security fence separating Israel and the Gaza Strip Saturday night killing two. A short time later, when soldiers began a search of the scene of the incident, they were targeted by automatic rifle fire…
Palestinians Honor Firefighters Who Fought Israeli Blaze
The Media Line 11 Dec 2010 – ast week’s massive wildfire in Israel were honored on Saturday at a ceremony presided over by Palestinian Authority head Mahmoud ‘Abbas. ‘Abbas drew a historical parallel, explaining that, ” Palestinian history shows we have never hesitated to…
Netanyahu Tries to Straddle Religious-Secular Divide as Parliament Considers Conversion Bill
The Media Line 11 Dec 2010 – bill that will approve religious conversions conducted by Israel ‘s military is set for its first of three readings in the parliament, but its passage presents political difficulties for Prime Minister Netanyahu. Strongly opposed by the…
Proposed bigger government cut of gas field revenue roils Israel
LA Times 4 Jan 2011 – A panel reviewing Israel’s policy on oil and gas resources has recommended more than doubling the government’s take of profits. But Israeli and U.S. firms behind recent discoveries are fighting back. Big natural gas fields found recently off Israel’s coast could be a game-changer for the small country, pumping billions of dollars into the economy. But the prospect of huge profits is igniting a battle to divide the spoils, long before drilling gets underway.
Debate Surrounds Death of Palestinian Woman
New York Times 4 Jan 2011 – The Israeli military is casting doubt on Palestinian accounts that a woman died from tear gas.
Substantial evidence contradicts the army’s version of the events surrounding the death of Jawaher Abu Rahmah
Popular Struggle Coordination Committee – The evidence surrounding the events leading to the death of Bil’in resident Jawaher Abu Rahmah disproves completely the army spokesperson’s version, to the point of putting the army in a ridiculous light. The army’s version is based on claims made anonymously, without any supporting evidence -…
Israeli soldiers kill second member of Palestinian family
Palestine Monitor – Jawahur Abu Rahmah died on the first day of 2011 after suffering intense teargas inhalation at the end of year anti-wall protest in Bil’in. Her death leaves a hole in her family that will be hard to fill. The Abu Rahmahs have suffered much under the…
Substantial evidence contradicts the army’s version of the events surrounding the death of Jawaher Abu Rahmah
Palestine Monitor – Since yesterday, the army has been promoting in the Israeli media a mendacious version regarding the events that led to the death of Jawaher Abu Rahmah of Bil’in on Friday, 31 December 2010. According to the army’s version, Jawaher was not injured by tear gas and…
Media Occupation
Palestine Monitor – A journalist is supposed to collect, verify, disseminate and analyze the events happening worldwide. To ensure independence from any power or control, journalists must establish transparency, objectivity and credibility with the audience. Unfortunately, we can obviously monitor this in not the case in many stories. Here…
Stunner: Protesters in Tel Aviv call Barak ‘child murderer’ of Gaza!
Mondoweiss – Unbelievable.This fills my eyes with tears. Jews are coming home. Two years after Gaza, Goldstone is resonating and the blood can’t be washed away. A beautiful moment in the moral arc of the universe. Gaza can’t be forgotten. Israel will be changed by this, so will…
GQ story on Dubai job suggests Zionism is dumbing Jews down
Mondoweiss – Ronen Bergman, an Israeli, has a big piece in GQ on the Dubai Job, and how Israel hurt itself with the hotel-room assassination of Mahmoud Al-Mabhouh last year. A glance at the piece tells me that it is written too much Inside the Israeli narrative (how…
Good guys actually won this shootout at the Hasbara Corral
Mondoweiss – I hear that NPR had a very good report on Israel cracking down on dissent; you can see the Jawaher Abu Rahma Killed-by-Israel poster at the link. And the IDF already seems to be abandoning the claim that Abu Rahma wasn’t even at the protest in…
‘Charlie Rose’ transcript saves Hoenlein from on-air allegation he served as Netanyahu’s emissary
Mondoweiss – Watch this Charlie Rose episode from last night to hear Rashid Khalidi soberly explain reality: Palestinians were promised a state 63 years ago and the check is still in the mail; and meantime, there is only one sovereign political entity between the river and the sea…
If you can make it here-
Mondoweiss – These folks from Existence is Resistance were carrying Palestinian flags through Times Square in remembrance of Jawaher Abu Rahma when they got on to TV, the Jumbotron, with love. Sweet moment. Watch the whole video. Thanks to Max B .
Israel Demolishes First Palestinian Home in 2011
Al-Manar 4 Jan 2011 – The Israeli bulldozers on Monday demolished a house owned by a Palestinian north of Shaikh Jarrah area in the occupied East Jerusalem, the latest in the nonstop wave of Israeli demolitions in the illegally annexed city. The bulldozers arrived at the scene escorted by huge…
Dahlan Denies Coup to Overthrow Abbas
Al-Manar 1 Apr 2011 – Former Fatah security strongman Muhammad Dahlan on Tuesday again rejected claims of an attempted military coup against Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas, calling them fantastical. Dahlan stated that the investigation conducted last Sunday confirmed his negative statements concerning Mahmoud Abbas’s sons, but did not reveal…
Substantial evidence contradicts the IDF’s version of the events surrounding the death of Jawaher Abu Rahmah
Joseph Dana 4 Jan 2011 – The evidence surrounding the events leading to the death of Bil’in resident Jawaher Abu Rahmah disproves completely the army spokesperson’s version, to the point of putting the army in a ridiculous light. The army’s version is based on claims made anonymously, without any supporting evidence -…
Judge releases activists connected with the US ambassador protest; US State Department unaware of protest
Joseph Dana 4 Jan 2011 – The twelve Israeli activists arrested in connection to the protest at US ambassador’s home on Saturday night have been released from jail on no bail. The charges included illegal weapons possession and distributing public order were not dropped but the judge argued that there was no…
Military Court Acquits Prominent Anti-Wall Activist
Joseph Dana 4 Jan 2011 – Mohammed Khatib, the coordinator of the Popular Struggle Coordination Committee, was acquitted of all charges today at the Ofer Military Court for lack of sufficient evidence. Mohammed Khatib during a speaking his speaking tour in Canada Mohammed Khatib was acquitted today at the Ofer Military Court…
Open letter to Combined Systems Inc, Maker of Israeli Tear Gas
Joseph Dana 4 Jan 2011 – Letter sent on behalf of Palestinian nonviolentresistancegroups to the US marker of Israeli tear gas that killed Jawaher Abu Rahmah of Bil’in on 31 December 2010. Dear Combined Systems Inc., As US groups committed to justice and peace, we are writing to ask that Combined Systems…
Israeli navy kidnaps Palestinian fishermen off Gaza port
Sabr 4 Jan 2011 – [ 04/01/2011 – 07:17 PM ] GAZA, ( PIC )— Israeli navy gunboats kidnapped a yet unspecified number of Palestinian fishermen who were fishing off the Gaza port on Tuesday morning, the Palestinian agriculture ministry said. The ministry’s fisheries department said in a press release that the gunboats…
Comrade Taghreed Abu Ghoulmeh released from Israeli prison after 6 months
Sabr 4 Jan 2011 – PFLP website Comrade Taghreed Abu Ghoulmeh, sister of imprisoned comrades Linan and Ahed Abu Ghoulmeh, was released after 6 months “administrative detention” in Israeli prison on January 2, 2011. She had been arrested six months ago at her home in Beit Furik along with her sister…
Iran offers nuclear sites visit
BBC 4 Jan 2011 – Iran has invited diplomats from Russia, China, the EU and other states to tour its nuclear facilities, in a letter sent to ambassadors.
Coptic pope urges calm in Egypt
BBC 4 Jan 2011 – The head of Egypt’s Coptic church appeals for calm as protesters clash with police for a third day, over the New Year blast that killed 23 churchgoers.
Shah’s younger son kills himself
BBC 4 Jan 2011 – The younger son of the Shah of Iran, Alireza Pahlavi, has killed himself in the US after a long battle with depression, his brother says.
Fatah figure denies Abbas ‘coup’
BBC 4 Jan 2011 – Former security chief Mohammed Dahlan is suspended from Fatah’s central committee amid claims he plotted to remove Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas.
Articles
VIDEO – One Family in Gaza
Jen Marlowe, International Solidarity Movement1/4/2011
Just months after the Israeli assault that killed 1,390 Palestinians, I visited Gaza. Among dozens of painful stories I heard, one family stood out. I spent several days with Kamal and Wafaa Awajah, playing with their children, sleeping in the tent they were living in, and filming their story.
Wafaa described the execution of their son, Ibrahim. As she spoke, her children played on the rubble of their destroyed home. Kamal talked about struggling to help his kids heal from trauma.
What compelled me to tell the Awajah family’s story? I was moved not only by their tragedy but by the love for their children in Wafaa and Kamal’s every word.
Palestinians in Gaza are depicted either as violent terrorists or as helpless victims. The Awajah family challenges both portrayals. Through one family’s story, the larger tragedy of Gaza is exposed, and the courage and resilience of its people shines through. — See also: Video: One Family in Gaza and Donkeysaddle more.. e-mail
Is Israel Using Lethal Tear Gas to Disperse Demonstrations?
Tania Kepler, Alternative Information Center1/3/2011
Anyone familiar with Palestinian anti-Wall demonstrations knows that Israel’s use of tear gas is a regular occurrence. The Israeli military uses both long and short range powder and gas tear gas canisters as a means of crowd dispersal.
On the morning of 1 January, Bil’in village resident Jawaher Abu Rahmah became the first victim of Israel’s liberal tear gas usage, after she inhaled large amounts of the gas that was sprayed at Bil’in village demonstrators by the Israeli military on Friday, 31 December.
The 36 year old, whose brother Bassem Abu Rahmah was killed by a tear gas projectile fired at his chest by Israeli soldiers in April 2009, was taken to the hospital following the protest but did not respond to treatment.
Some of the tear gas canisters used by the Israeli military are manufactured by the American company Combined Systems Inc., which is based in Jamestown, Pennsylvania. The company manufactures a variety of grenades, aerosols, impact munitions, and arms launchers.
While Combined Systems Inc. and the Israeli military maintain that the canisters being used are non-lethal, on its product notes Combined Systems recommends the use of a full face respirator with organic filter cartridge, or self contained breathing apparatus (SCBA) for those deploying the canisters. A SCBA is a device worn by rescue workers, firefighters, and others to provide breathable air in an Immediate Danger to Life and Health Atmosphere. Combined Systems further recommends ventilation, local exhaust, protective gloves, eye protection, protective clothing to prevent skin contact, and washing thoroughly after handling. more.. e-mail
Bibi snubs Obama but wants to free spy
UPI12/28/2010
TEL AVIV, Israel (UPI) — Israel may have refused U.S. President Barack Obama’s request to freeze settlements construction in the occupied West Bank but it is still pushing him to free Jonathan Jay Pollard, Israel’s most notorious spy.
Pollard, a U.S. Navy analyst, is serving a life sentence in a North Carolina prison for plundering key U.S. military secrets in the 1980s as an agent of Israel’s intelligence establishment.
Israeli Prime Minister Binyamin Netanyahu is expected to officially and publicly appeal to Obama soon to release Pollard, 56, whose spying caused a severe rift between Israel and the United States, following his arrest Nov. 22, 1985. He was convicted in 1987.
Netanyahu has long championed the Israeli effort to secure Pollard’s freedom, which has been a source of constant friction between Israel and its strategic ally.
For years, Israeli governments denied Pollard, an American Jew and U.S. citizen, was one of their agents. But in 1995 he was given Israeli citizenship and Netanyahu has said that freeing him would help secure support for concessions in peace talks with the Palestinians.
But U.S. officials say that even with Netanyahu’s imprimatur on the Pollard case, it is highly unlikely the spy will be released, in part because of continued Israeli espionage in the United States.
Pollard, who had top-secret clearance in the Navy, caused immense damage to the United States. He provided Israel’s Bureau of Scientific Relations, known by the Hebrew acronym Lakam, with some 800,000 pages of classified intelligence material over 18 months in 1984-85….. more.. e-mail
The return of the Mavi Marmara
Electronic Intifada: 4 Jan 2011 – Faiz Ahmed witnessed the Mavi Marmara’s return to a hero’s welcome at Istanbul’s Sarayburnu port late last month.more
Facts contradict Israel’s assertions in Bilin death
Electronic Intifada: 4 Jan 2011 – The facts of the circumstances of Jawaher Abu Rahmah’s death — which are supported by the testimony of eyewitnesses, as well as by the ambulance driver who evacuated her to the hospital — contradict completely the Israeli army’s versionmore
Israeli soldiers kill second member of Palestinian family
Palestine Monitor: 4 Jan 2011 – Jawahur Abu Rahmah died on the first day of 2011 after suffering intense teargas inhalation at the end of year anti-wall protest in Bil’in. Her death leaves a hole in her family that will be hard to fill. The Abu Rahmahs have suffered much under the occupation. They were drawn into the fight permanently when in 2004 their land was annexed by Israel following the construction of the apartheid wall. They were cut off from their olive trees and left without a source of income. Since then, their objections to this injustice have been met with terrifying force. In 2008, brother Ashraf was arrested, blindfolded and shot in the leg. The attack was captured on film and uploaded to the internet. Brother Bassem Ibrahim Abu Rahmah was killed in 2009 when IDF soldiers shot him in the chest with a teargas canister. A week later, Ashraf climbed a crane to…more
Substantial evidence contradicts the army’s version of the events surrounding the death of Jawaher Abu Rahmah
Palestine Monitor: 4 Jan 2011 – Since yesterday, the army has been promoting in the Israeli media a mendacious version regarding the events that led to the death of Jawaher Abu Rahmah of Bil’in on Friday, 31 December 2010. According to the army’s version, Jawaher was not injured by tear gas and was possibly not even present at the demonstration. The army spokesperson did not see fit to publish an official statement on the matter, instead passing the information to the media in the name of anonymous “army sources.” The facts of the matter, which are supported by the testimony of eyewitness who were present at the demonstration, as well as by the ambulance driver who evacuated her to the hospital, contradict completely the army’s version: Soubhiya Abu Rahmah, mother of Jawaher: “I was standing beside Jawaher on the hill that is near the place where the demonstration took place, when we were injured by a…more
Media Occupation
Palestine Monitor: 4 Jan 2011 – A journalist is supposed to collect, verify, disseminate and analyze the events happening worldwide. To ensure independence from any power or control, journalists must establish transparency, objectivity and credibility with the audience. Unfortunately, we can obviously monitor this in not the case in many stories. Here we are in front of a concrete example that took place on Sunday 26th of December in Palestine. Around one hundred Palestinian and international activists participated in a non-violent demonstration in Ramallah, organized by the Popular Resistance committee within the framework of the French NGO “Euro Palestine” observation mission. While the rally was reaching Qalandiya checkpoint located in the north of East al-Quds/Jerusalem, chanting slogans against the occupation of Palestine and the Apartheid wall, Israeli forces tried to close the gates of the checkpoint to prevent the demonstrators from entering. But a number of the protesters managed to pass. The soldiers then brutally pounced…more
Global Thinkers vs. Non: A Chat with Gideon Levy
Palestine Chronicle: 4 Jan 2011 – By Bel?©n Fern?°ndez Two years have passed since Operation Cast Lead, Israel’s 22-day war on Gaza that began on 27 December 2008 and resulted in over 1400 Palestinian deaths. At the time, Haaretz journalist Gideon Levy noted the ironic application of the term ‘war’—defined by the Even-Shoshan dictionary as “an armed clash between armies, a conflict between state bodies (nations, states) in battle operations with the use of weapons and by force of arms”—to a situation in which only one of the sides possesses a state, an army, and a senior military officer who describes the conflict as “a superb call-up and training exercise”. Reviewing the various advantages of invoking the lexicon of war, Levy wrote: “War makes it possible to mobilize, call to the flag and unite the ranks of the [Israeli] people, which most of the time are more interested in the seacoast of [the Turkish resort city…more
Israel’s Solitary Confinement
Palestine Chronicle: 4 Jan 2011 – By Stephen Lendman Social psychologist Hans Toch coined the term ‘isolation panic’ to describe symptoms he observed in men he interviewed, including panic, rage, a sense of total loss of control, emotional breakdown, regressive behavior, and self-mutilation. He distinguished between difficult but tolerable incarceration and intolerable long-term isolation, how America and Israel treat thousands, subjecting them to barbaric torture. If sustained long enough, it destroys the human spirit, psyche, mind and body. Over time, it causes: — severe anxiety; — panic attacks; — lethargy; — insomnia; — nightmares; — dizziness; — irrational anger, at time uncontrollable; — confusion; — social withdrawal; — memory and appetite loss; — delusions and hallucinations; — mutilations; — profound despair and hopelessness; — suicidal thoughts; — paranoia; and — for many, a totally dysfunctional state and inability ever to live normally outside of confinement. Prisoner anecdotes describe the experience, saying: — “People come here with…more
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