4 May, 2011 — VTJP
News
International Middle East Media Center
Soldiers Attack Nabi Saleh Procession Celebrating Unity
IMEMC – Thursday May 05, 2011 – 03:44, Israeli soldiers attacked on Wednesday a nonviolent procession in Nabi Saleh village, near the central West Bank city of Nablus, as dozens of residents marched in the streets celebrating the signing of the Palestinian unity agreement.
Settlers Attack Shepherd Palestinian Near Nablus
IMEMC – Wednesday May 04, 2011 – 18:15, Palestinian news sources report that Israeli settlers assaulted, on Wednesday a Palestinian shepherd in Qusra village, near Nablus, and killed one of his sheep.
Fayyad Demands Israel To Release Withheld Revenue
IMEMC – Wednesday May 04, 2011 – 11:25, Palestinian Prime Minister, Dr. Salaam Fayyad, demanded Israel to release all tax and revenue money it decided to withhold following the signing of the Palestinian unity deal in Cairo.
Army Kidnaps Four Palestinians, Including A Former Minister, In Hebron
IMEMC – Wednesday May 04, 2011 – 11:03, Israeli troops kidnapped on Wednesday at dawn four Palestinian residents including a former minister, in the southern West Bank city of Hebron, and the nearby village of Doura.
Palestinian Source: “Hamas And Fateh Agree Fayyad Won’t Be Heading New Interim Government”
IMEMC – Wednesday May 04, 2011 – 10:27, A senior Palestinian source reported that the Hamas and Fateh movements agreed that the current Prime Minister in the West Bank, Dr. Salaam Fayyad, will not be heading the new interim unity government that would be formed after the unity deal is officially signed.
Gaza Interior Ministry Announces Execution Of Convicted Collaborator
IMEMC – Wednesday May 04, 2011 – 10:07, The Ministry of Interior in the Gaza Strip announced on Wednesday morning that a resident convicted of collaborating with the Israeli occupation was executed..
Palestinian Factions Sign Reconciliation Deal
IMEMC – Wednesday May 04, 2011 – 03:30, Cairo – PNN – Palestinian Sources announced on Tuesday afternoon that Palestinian factions have signed the national reconciliation deal in Cairo.
Unity deal signed in Cairo
5/4/2011 – CAIRO (Ma’an) — In a recorded broadcast which aired one hour after a unity announcement was made in Cairo, leaders of Fatah and Hamas welcomed a reconciliation deal they said would pave the way to statehood. An initial delay was said to be on account of Hamas leader-in-exile Khalid Mash’al’s….
Settlers attack Palestinian shepherd in Nablus
5/4/2011 – NABLUS (Ma’an) — Israeli settlers assaulted a Palestinian shepherd in the Nablus village of Qusra on Wednesday, killing one of his sheep, Palestinian officials said. Three settlers from the illegal settlement of Shilo attacked Abdul Rahman Moussa Abdul Rahim Abu Reyada, 44, in the village to the south of the northern West Bank city….
Rafah: 3 children injured in explosion
5/4/2011 – GAZA CITY (Ma’an) — Three children were injured Tuesday when what investigators calls a “suspicious object” they believe to be the remains of an unexploded shell detonated in the Tel As-Sultan area of Rafah, in the southern Gaza Strip. Medical sources said the injured were transferred to the Abu Yousef An-Najjar Hospital for treatment…. Related: Israeli ordnance injures 3 Gaza children
Palestinian writer under administrative detention
5/4/2011 – RAMALLAH (Ma’an) — An Israeli military court sentenced Palestinian writer Ahmad Qatamish to six months of administrative detention late Tuesday, in an order that appeared to have been tampered with, Palestinian human rights group Addameer said Wednesday. Israeli judicial authorities had indicated that Qatamish was to be released Tuesday, following 13 days of detention….
Second Hamas leader detained in 48 hours
5/4/2011 – HEBRON (Ma’an) — Israeli forces detained Palestinian legislator Issa Khairy Aj-Ja’bari from his home in the Namra neighborhood of Hebron overnight. The detention of the Hamas leader, elected in 2006, marks the second such detention in two days, after PLC member Ali Romanin was taken from his home in Al-Ouja village north….
Factional tensions cause unity ink delay
5/4/2011 – GAZA CITY (Ma’an) — Hamas leader in exile Khalid Mash’al’s insistence on delivering a speech at the signing ceremony of unity documents in Cairo on Wednesday delayed the start of the historic event by more than an hour, sources told Ma’an. Sources said President, PLO leader and Fatah….
Faction urges agreement on new gov’t members
5/4/2011 – CAIRO (Ma’an) — The Palestine Democratic Union [Fida], one of 13 factions behind the new unity agreement signed Tuesday in Cairo, called on Egypt to take an active role overseeing the implementation of the agreement. Egypt must be “more than a sponsor,” the party, which split from the Democratic Front for the Liberation of….
Unity ushers in swift change in media freedoms
5/4/2011 – GAZA CITY (Ma’an) — Anchors from Fatah and Hamas-aligned media stations were for the first time since the 2007 divide permitted to broadcast live from Gaza City and Ramallah on Wednesday, as party leaders signed an accord in Cairo. Hamas spokesman Ismail Radwan appeared on Palestinian Authority-sponsored satellite channel Palestine TV, interviewed by correspondent….
Gaza government executes convicted collaborator
5/4/2011 – GAZA CITY (Ma’an) — Gaza’s Ministry of the Interior announced the death Wednesday of a man convicted of collaboration, identified only as A. S. , and said to have been found guilty of spying. It is the sixth execution that has been carried out by the Gaza government, in contradiction to a Palestinian….
Israel to lobby Europe on Palestinian unity
5/4/2011 – JERUSALEM (AFP) — When Israel’s Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu visits Britain and France this week, he will point to a Hamas-Fatah reconciliation deal as part of his fight to head off UN recognition of a Palestinian state. Hours before arriving in Britain, Netanyahu called on President Mahmoud Abbas to “completely cancel” the agreement which….
Israeli minister doubts change after unity
5/4/2011 – JERUSALEM (AFP) — A reconciliation deal which rival Palestinian movements Fatah and Hamas finalized on Wednesday is a “smokescreen,” Israel’s home front defense minister Matan Vilnai said.” Nothing will change after this accord, because all this is is a smokescreen,” Vilnai told Israeli public radio.” Hamas and Fatah don’t agree on anything….
Haniyeh gets 1st magnetic driving license issued in Gaza
5/4/2011 – GAZA CITY (Ma’an) — The first electronic driving license to be issued in Gaza was presented to the strip’s Prime Minister Ismail Haniyeh on Tuesday by Gaza’s Ministry of Transportation. A delegation from the ministry, led by transportation minister Osama Al-Isawy, introduced Haniyeh to the new style of license and….
Candidates for the next Palestinian PM
5/4/2011 – GAZA CITY (Ma’an) — With the Palestinian unity agreement signed and set to be sealed on Wednesday noon in Cairo, four candidates have emerged as the top contenders for the post of prime minister. The candidates have been identified as follows: Munib Al-Masri – Billionaire philanthropist and unity activist from Nablus, who spearheaded a unity….
Fayyad says unity deal must be implemented swiftly
5/4/2011 – RAMALLAH (AFP) — Caretaker West Bank Prime Minister Salam Fayyad on Wednesday welcomed a surprise unity accord between Fatah and Hamas but stressed the deal must be implemented on the ground immediately. His words were echoed by fellow Third Way party member and PLO leader Hanan Ashrawi, who said the move “reinforces today’s pursuit….
Ashrawi welcomes unity deal
5/4/2011 – BETHLEHEM (Ma’an) — Lawmaker Hanan Ashrawi on Wednesday welcomed the reconciliation agreement signed between Fatah and Hamas, and endorsed by all other Palestinian political factions.” Palestinian reconciliation reinforces today’s pursuit of democracy in the Middle East, and marks an important step towards Palestinian statehood and lasting peace,” she said in a statement….
Celebrations in Ramallah and Jenin after unity deal
5/4/2011 – RAMALLAH (Ma’an) — Palestinians launched balloons Wednesday in the West Bank, celebrating the national unity agreement. Many distributed sweets to people in the road and congratulated and crowds congratulated one another. People Held Palestinian flags and chanted slogans that encourage unity. Mu’taz Qar’oush, a reveler holding flags and celebrating, said….
Amnesty: Bahrain should drop emergency law
5/4/2011 – BETHLEHEM (Ma’an) — The Bahraini government must end its crackdown on human rights, Amnesty International said Wednesday after the country’s parliament voted to extend a state of emergency.” The Bahraini authorities must stop detaining anyone who opposes them and release protesters who have been locked up for peacefully demanding reform,” said Philip….
Unity could improve freedom of expression
Palestine Note 4 May 2011 – Ma’an- Reconciliation between rival political parties Hamas and Fatah “brings hopes for improved freedom of expression in the Palestine territories,” the Palestinian Center for Development and Media Freedoms said Sunday. Center director Mousa Rimawi said media freedom had deteriorated under…
Iran and Egypt discuss ties, Palestinians
Palestine Note 4 May 2011 – Al Masry Al Youm -Iranian Foreign Minister Ali Akbar Salehi has discussed “bilateral ties” and the Palestinian issue with his Egyptian counterpart, Iran’s English-language Press TV reported on Tuesday. Salehi and Nabil al-Araby discussed “latest developments in bilateral ties” during…
Marking World Press Freedom Day in Palestine
Palestine Note 4 May 2011 – Ma’an – Palestinian journalists were oppressed during the past year, the Palestinian Journalists Syndicate said marking the annual World Press Freedom Day. According to the syndicate, there were 280 violations of journalists’ rights during the past year 179 of which…
France hints at recognition of Palestinian state ahead of Netanyahu visit
Palestine Note 4 May 2011 – Haaretz – French President Nicolas Sarkozy hinted in an interview that France may recognize an independent Palestinian state this year, if peace talks with Israel were not back on track by September. “If the peace process is still dead in…
Syrian security forces take city of Banias
Palestine Note 4 May 2011 – Guardian – Syrian security forces swept into the coastal city of Banias on Tuesday, a protest leader said, taking control of another urban centre from demonstrators challenging the authoritarian rule of President Bashar al-Assad. “They moved into the main market…
Taking Off the Blinders: Changing Our Perspective on MidEast Events
Palestine Note 4 May 2011 – Kianpars, Aslan Media – This week on April 27th, an agreement was reached between Fatah and Hamas, two important leadership groups in the Palestinian Territories who are typically at odds with one another, to form a unity government is preparation…
CUNY Gives Award To Bigot, Not To Jewish Opponent of Occupation
Palestine Note 4 May 2011 – [NOTE: My thanks to Cecilie Surasky, Deputy Director of Jewish Voice for Peace and editor of the blog Muzzlewatch for alerting me to this story] Here are some words from a man who is getting an honorary degree from the…
Hamas, Fatah Hold Unity Accord Ceremony in Cairo
Palestine Note 4 May 2011 – Reconciliation reported to have ushered in new media freedoms Washington Pos t – Fatah and Hamas formalized their agreement to halt a four-year rift at a ceremony in Cairo on Wednesday, raising hopes of an end to a split that…
Italy to host Libya coalition talks
AlJazeera 4 May 2011 – Libyan Contact Group meeting will seek a way to give financial support to rebel Transitional National Council.
Netanyahu rejects Palestinian unity deal
AlJazeera 4 May 2011 – Israeli prime minister calls reconciliation pact between Hamas and Fatah “a tremendous blow to peace”.
Obama rejects releasing bin Laden death photo
AlJazeera 4 May 2011 – US president decides against releasing images of al-Qaeda leader’s body as some raise concerns over legality of raid.
Deadly attack follows Erdogan rally
AlJazeera 4 May 2011 – Policeman killed in northern city of Kastamonu after campaign visit earlier in the day by Turkish prime minister.
‘Hundreds jailed’ over Syria protests
AlJazeera 4 May 2011 – Rights group says many pro-democracy protestors given three-year prison sentences as government seeks to quell uprising.
Shara?¢‚Ǩ‚Ñ¢a Simsim Launches Early Childhood Website
PNN – Nablus New York – To PNN – With a click of a keyboard and a scroll of a mouse, Palestinian children and adults can now have access to an exciting virtual world…
PLO Member Dr. Hanan Ashrawi Welcomes the Cairo Unity Deal
PNN – Ramallah – PNN – Palestine Liberation Organization (PLO) Executive Committee member and MP, Dr. Hanan Ashrawi, today welcomed the reconciliation agreement signed between Fatah and Hamas, and endorsed by all other Palestinian…
President Carter: US Support of Unity can Help Palestinian Democracy and Establish a Unified State
PNN – Washington – PNN – Ex-Us president Jimmy Carter called for international support to the Palestinian national unity and reconciliation deal signed today in Cairo by Palestinian groups. This is a decisive moment….
Celebrations In Gaza and The West Bank Marking National Unity
PNN – RamallahGaza – Munjed Jadou PNN Exclusive- Hundreds flocked to Streets of Ramallah, central West Bank, and Gaza City on Wednesday celebrating the announcements of the unity deal signed by Palestinian factions in…
Palestinian Center for Human Rights
PCHR Congratulates the Palestinian People for the National Reconciliation Agreement
Palestinian Center for Human Rights Wednesday, 04 May 2011
PCHR Condemns Implementation of Death Penalty against Palestinian in Gaza
Palestinian Center for Human Rights Wednesday, 04 May 2011
International Solidarity Movement
Palestinian prisoners on hunger strike
5/4/2011 – International Solidarity Movement – 04 May, PressTV – Palestinian political prisoners in Israel’s Nafha jail have gone on a hunger strike to protest the inhumane treatment of detainees by the Israeli prison administration. Hundreds of Palestinian inmates held in the Israeli military detention center in northern West Bank took part in the one-day event on Tuesday, said Rafat….
Israeli ordnance injures 3 Gaza children
5/4/2011 – International Solidarity Movement – 04 May 2011, PressTV – At least three Palestinian children have been injured by a piece of unexploded Israeli ordnance that has gone off in the besieged Gaza Strip. The blast occurred late on Tuesday, a Press TV correspondent reported. One of the victims has reportedly lost two of his fingers and is in serious condition…. Related: Rafah: 3 children injured in explosion
Palestinian women smuggled into Israel for 6th time
5/4/2011 – International Solidarity Movement – 04 May 2011, Palestinian Solidarity Project – Earlier this week, a group of 12 Israeli women smuggled 8 Palestinian women and 4 children into Israel, in defiance of Israeli law. The trip was an act of civil disobedience intended to spark debate about Israel’s system of segregation that denies Palestinians access to most of….
Gaza Strip land crossings weekly status report – 24-30 April 2011
Relief Web 4 May 2011 – Source: Government of Israel Country: occupied Palestinian territory This week 847 truckloads of goods were unloaded at the crossings, as well as 684 tons of cooking gas Communicated by Coordinator of Government Activities in the Territories (COGAT) General – Overall,…
Ban calls on Palestinian parties to commit to principles for two-state solution
Relief Web 4 May 2011 – Source: UN News Service Country: occupied Palestinian territory Ahead of the signing today in Cairo of a unity agreement between rivals Hamas and Fatah, Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon strongly appealed to all Palestinian parties to commit to the principles of the…
2011 Yearbook on Peace Processes
Relief Web 4 May 2011 – Source: School for a Culture of Peace Country: Afghanistan , Angola , Armenia , Azerbaijan , Central African Republic (the) , Chad , China , Colombia , Cyprus , Democratic Republic of the Congo (the) , Ethiopia , India , Israel , Mali , Moldova , Myanmar , Niger (the) , Nigeria , occupied Palestinian territory , Pakistan , Philippines (…
UNRWA launches mobile cinema project for Bedouin communities in Area C
Relief Web 4 May 2011 – Source: UN Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East Country: occupied Palestinian territory East Jerusalem UNRWA has launched a mobile cinema project for Bedouin communities living in Area C, the 60 per cent of the West…
UNICEF supports a widespread immunization campaign in Occupied Palestinian Territory
Relief Web 3 May 2011 – Source: UN Children’s Fund Country: occupied Palestinian territory By Monica Awad EIN AL BEIDAH, Occupied Palestinian Territory, 3 May 2011 – The Ein Al Beidah government clinic in northern West Bank was overcrowded as mothers rushed to get their children…
UN expert highlights “disproportionate effect on children of the prolonged Israeli occupation”
Relief Web 3 May 2011 – Source: UN Human Rights Council Country: occupied Palestinian territory Amman – UN Special Rapporteur Richard Falk has warned the international community about the dire human rights situation of Palestinian children. At the end of an eight-day visit to Cairo and…
The Fatah-Hamas Reconciliation Agreement
Relief Web 3 May 2011 – Source: Institute for National Security Studies Country: occupied Palestinian territory Brom, Shlomo The Egyptian announcement of April 27 that Fatah and Hamas reached an agreement on reconciliation took many people by surprise, including Fatah leader Mahmoud Abbas, who himself did…
Israeli soldiers uproot olive saplings in Jeruasalm
4 May 2011 – West Bank, (Pal Telegraph)-Israeli army uprooted dozens of olive saplings in the village of Al-Nabi Samuel in the north-west of Jerusalem.
Israeli tanks attack southern Gaza Strip, no causalities
4 May 2011 – Gaza Strip, (Pal Telegraph)- A number of Israeli military vehicles invaded Wednesday at morning the town of Al-Fakhari in the east of Khan Younis city, southern Gaza Strip.
Israeli forces invade Jenin, erect checkpoints
4 May 2011 – West Bank, (Pal Telegraph)- Israeli occupation forces stormed Wednesday several sites in the east of Jenin conducting searching operations without detentions reported.
Palestinian child sentenced to 14 months in Israeli prisons
4 May 2011 – West Bank, (Pal Telegraph)- Israel occupation authorities on Tuesday sentenced a Palestinian child known as Yaza Jamal Dandan, 14, to 14 months inside Israeli jails. The child was accused of participating in resistance actions against Israeli soldiers.
Settlers prevent Qaryuot farmers from plowing their lands
4 May 2011 – West Bank, (Pal Telegraph)- Jewish settlers from the illegal settlement of Eli constructed on the territories of the Palestinian village of Qaryuot prevented farmers from plowing their lands.
Israel expresses alarm at possible crisis in links with Egypt
The National 4 May 2011 – Israeli PM Benjamin Netanyahu has repeatedly complained to visiting European ambassadors and US politicians about what he regards as a new, more hostile climate in Egypt.
Fatah and Hamas end four-year feud and plan election in a year
The National 4 May 2011 – Reconciliation deal signed in Cairo yesterday is aimed at ending the split that has divided Palestinians between rival governments.
Syria’s Palestinians try to stay neutral amid turmoil
The National 4 May 2011 – The half a million Palestinian refugees who live in Syria try not to get actively involved in the battles between the Assad regime and its opponents, seeing it as a family argument to which they are outsiders.
Tunisia’s flood of illegal migrants becomes a trickle
The National 4 May 2011 – Post-revolution Tunisia reasserts its control over illegal emigration as coastguard boats begin again to turn back migrant boats.
Israeli leadership divided on Palestinian reconciliation pact
The National 4 May 2011 – Israeli foreign ministry reported to say deal between Hamas and Fatah should be regarded in positive light, while Benjamin Netanyahu insists it represents a blow to the already suspended peace process.
Fayyad, driver of Palestinian statehood reforms, may miss party
The National 3 May 2011 – Officials from both Hamas and Fatah have strongly suggested that as part of their recently struck rapprochement, Salam Fayyad will be asked to step aside.
World pressuring Israel not to block Palestinian tax funds
Ha’aretz – Tony Blair says the U.S. has laws that would not allow the transfer of funds to the Palestinian Authority if the new government fails to abide by the Quartet’s conditions.
Issacharoff & Harel / Hamas and Fatah may have reunited, but their work is just beginning
Ha’aretz – It is also not yet clear whether the unity government, if finally established, will adopt the Quartet’s demands that it recognize Israel and honor the agreements already signed with it.
Israeli Arab MKs assailed for attending Hamas-Fatah reconciliation
Ha’aretz – Four Israeli delegates were in Cairo to take part in academic panels organized by an association for the commemoration of former PA Chairman Yasser Arafat.
Why does Israel have links to a breakaway state supported by Hamas?
Ha’aretz – Georgia can’t understand how retired IDF generals at Global Group are willing to maintain contact with a breakaway state.
First photos of attack on Bin Laden compound released to public
Ha’aretz – Images show three dead mean lying in pool of blood, as well as wreckage of the helicopter the United States abandoned.
Israeli doctors’ strike spreads to hospitals in Tel Aviv and south
Ha’aretz – Hospital operating rooms are expected to suffer disruptions on Sunday due to a pathology conference, while on Thursday, outpatient clinics in hospitals from the center of the country northward will be on strike.
U.S. to Palestinians: Unity deal must advance prospect of peace with Israel
Ha’aretz –
Israel’s Islamic Movement reunites after rift over role in Knesset
Ha’aretz – The northern and southern branches of the Islamic movement pledge to begin working together, after months of attempts to unify.
Human rights groups petition High Court to overthrow ‘Nakba Law’
Ha’aretz – The Nakba Law bars public funding of entities that ‘undermine the foundations of the state’, and will allow the finance minister to fine anyone who marks Israeli Independence Day as a day of mourning.
Ex-Labor chief Amram Mitzna announces new run for party leadership
Ha’aretz – The former Labor party chair and ex-IDF general said he is certain of his ability to renew the public’s faith in the party, which lost seats in the last election.
Al Jazeera wins top prize for coverage of Mideast unrest
Ha’aretz – Columbia University’s School of Journalism honors Qatar-based satellite news channel for the ‘great service’ it has performed through its English-language coverage of regional turmoil.
Obama decides not to release photos of bin Laden’s body
Ha’aretz – U.S. justifies killing bin Laden as ‘act of self-defense’; Attorney General Holder says bin Laden was a legitimate military target and made no attempt to surrender.
ICC seeks three arrest warrants for Gadhafi and aides
Ha’aretz – Prosecutor Moreno-Ocampo says aligned state should prepare for arrests, as he investigates Libya leader for crimes against humanity in crackdown on protesters.
Playing chicken with the law
Ha’aretz – The Animal Welfare Law was passed 17 years ago, but the Agriculture Ministry, which also represents farmers, has done little to enforce it. Now the environment minister is petitioning to take over protecting friends both furry and flavorful.
Generic drug firms cry foul as Israel returns to U.S. blacklist
Ha’aretz – Israel is on Washington’s list of trading partners whose protections for intellectual property rights it considers inadequate largely because of Israel’s failure to comply with benchmarks it agreed to in February 2010.
Bench Marker / Why is Uncle Sam mad at us?
Ha’aretz – Washington issues a report on intellectual property violations the same week it announces taking out bin Laden; Israel still working on enforcement of patents deal with U.S.
Netanyahu: Israel won’t negotiate with Palestinian version of al-Qaida
Ha’aretz – Israeli premier attempting to lobby European leaders against Hamas-Fatah reconciliation; ‘To Abbas I say – leave the podium and come back to path of peace. To Hamas I don’t say anything’, declares Netanyahu.
Hamas says prepared to give peace with Israel ‘another chance’
Ha’aretz – At reconciliation ceremony with Fatah, Hamas leader Meshaal says Israel does not seem ready for peace, urges world to ‘stand with us’.
Outgoing Shin Bet chief apologizes for failing to secure Shalit’s release
Ha’aretz – Father of abducted soldier: Acceptance of responsibility is ‘too little, too late’. Hamas leader Meshaal says he hopes to see prisoner swap advance as soon as possible.
Hamas and Fatah plan to begin implementing unity pact next week
Ha’aretz – Leaders of Islamist movement to meet Abbas to kick-start procedures for reconciliation, after signing deal in Cairo to mend four-year rift.
Outgoing Shin Bet chief calls fear of Hamas-Fatah deal ‘out of proportion’
Ha’aretz – Diskin calls Hamas acceptance of deal ‘a tactical move’ made in the context of wider unrest in the Middle East region.
Netanyahu: Hamas-Fatah unity pact is a victory for terrorism
Ha’aretz – Premier calls reconciliation of rival Palestinian faction a ‘mortal blow to peace’; outgoing Shin Bet chief Diskin: Fear of unity deal is blown out of proportion.
Hamas chief at reconciliation ceremony: Palestinians’ only battle is against Israel
Ha’aretz – Deal brokered by Egypt officials was threatened by last-minute row over foreign policy of new Palestinian unity government.
Carter urges West to support Hamas-Fatah unity deal
Ha’aretz – The former U.S. President writes in an op-ed in the Washington Post that if the international community undermines the Palestinian unity deal, the situation could deteriorate into renewed violence against Israel.
On brink of unity deal, Palestinian official says Hamas needn’t recognize Israel
Ha’aretz – Nabil Shaath tells Israel Radio that Quartet preconditions calling on Hamas to recognize Israel are ‘unworkable and do not make sense’, adding all Quartet must know is Hamas would refrain from violence.
Arab MKs arrive in Cairo for Hamas-Fatah unity deal
Ha’aretz – Egypt invites MKs Ahmed Tibi, Taleb El-Sana and Mohammed Barakeh to take part in deal as tribute to their efforts to bring about reconciliation between Hamas and Fatah; it remains unclear if the MKs will take an active role in the signing.
Carmel fire hearing postponed until completion of probe
Jeruslalem Post 5 May 2011 – Top court disagrees with victims’ families that Yishai be fired.
Moscow asks SPNI to vacate capital’s Russian Compound
Jeruslalem Post 5 May 2011 – Request violates contract, must be handled through governments, says nature group.
New fines aim for quieter Israel
Jeruslalem Post 5 May 2011 – Noisy neighbors to pay between NIS 350-1,800 for lighting firecrackers, operating loud gardening tools.
Analysis: For Hamas, unity is just a tactic to survive
Jeruslalem Post 4 May 2011 – Mashaal made a calculated tactical decision to try and ensure his political survival by approving the reconciliation deal.
Cameron: Britain’s support for Israel ‚Äòunshakable’
Jeruslalem Post 4 May 2011 – UK prime minister optimistic about peace process in meeting with Netanyahu; US official: Washington expects to receive document detailing Fatah-Hamas unity deal, thinks Palestinians will stick to principles of peace.
MKs: Put sanctions on Arab MKs who went to unity event
Jeruslalem Post 4 May 2011 – National Union MK says “throw out the traitors and the collaborators with those who want to destroy the very Knesset in which they serve.”
UN chief speaks to Assad, urges end to Syrian violence
Jeruslalem Post 4 May 2011 – Phone call comes as Syrian tanks deploy in town of Rastan; arrests, roadblocks intensify; detained prisoners say they were beaten, starved.
Schalits to turn to court if gov’t does not pressure PA
Jeruslalem Post 4 May 2011 – Parents of kidnapped soldier hold post-treaty PA responsible, threaten to petition High Court unless gov’t ceases transferring tax revenues to PA.
White House declines to release photo of dead bin Laden
Jeruslalem Post 4 May 2011 – Obama cites security reasons for withholding pictures: “We are certain that this was him, you will not see bin Laden walking on this earth again.”
Egypt’s military regime faces off with public on Facebook
Jeruslalem Post 4 May 2011 – But newfound liberties aren’t distributed equally to all Egyptians after blogger gets 3 years in jail for allegedly defaming army.
‘If Israel halts tax money, PA will push for state earlier’
Jeruslalem Post 4 May 2011 – Abbas warns if Israel doesn’t cancel plans to stop transfer millions in tax revenue, PA will request statehood from UN before September.
Analysis: Assad retrenches into Alawite power base
Jeruslalem Post 4 May 2011 – In saying protesters are conspiring to spread sectarian strife, Assad uses language his father used to counter dissent, gain Alawite support.
Syrian tanks deploy in town of Rastan; hundreds detained
Jeruslalem Post 4 May 2011 – Arrests, roadblocks intensify before Friday prayers; detained prisoners tell many rights groups they were beaten with cables and starved.
Hamas executes Palestinian for Israeli collaboration
Jeruslalem Post 4 May 2011 – Man executed by firing squad after being sentenced to death for helping “Israeli occupation”; killing defies Palestinian gov’t decree.
‘Israel told US: Don’t sell arms to certain Arab states’
Jeruslalem Post 4 May 2011 – WikiLeaks cable reveals Israel presented list of weapons US should not sell to Egypt, Jordan, Saudi Arabia in order to keep its “military edge.”
Netanyahu: Fatah-Hamas unity a blow to peace process
Jeruslalem Post 4 May 2011 – “3 days ago, terrorism was dealt a resounding defeat with the elimination of bin Laden. Today, in Cairo, it had a victory,’ says PM.
Palestinians celebrate unity deal on streets of Gaza
Jeruslalem Post 4 May 2011 – Photo gallery: Men, women and children take to the streets of Gaza as Hamas, Fatah leaders sign reconciliation plan in Cairo.
City Bites: The taste of true love
Jeruslalem Post 4 May 2011 – No one does comfort food as well as the Dolce Waffle Bar in Jerusalem; many disappointed girls seek solace in the arms of a super-rich dessert.
Mashaal: Palestinians’ common enemy is Israel
Jeruslalem Post 4 May 2011 – Palestinian factions sign unity accord in Cairo; Abbas says Israel used Fatah-Hamas division as an excuse to avoid peace.
Obama, Osama, and Israel’s drama
Jeruslalem Post 4 May 2011 – The legal ambivalence surrounding Sunday’s attack did not prevent Obama from authorizing Osama bin Laden’s extrajudicial execution. This move highlights America’s moral predilection to unequivocally distinguish between good and evil, regardless of international law. But when Israel adopts the same moral compass in determining its actions, the world is up in arms.
Syria charges hundreds with ‘degrading the state’
Jeruslalem Post 4 May 2011 – Rights group estimates almost 8,000 arrested, 560 civilians killed in anti-government protests against Assad’s 11-year autocratic rule.
Abbas: Israel used Fatah-Hamas division to ‘evade peace’
Jeruslalem Post 4 May 2011 – Dispute over Mashaal’s seat delays signing of document calling for elections in one year, cooperation with PLO, and non-political security committee; three Arab MKs attend signing ceremony.
Fatah and Hamas gather in Cairo to sign unity agreement
Jeruslalem Post 4 May 2011 – Historic document calls for elections in one year, cooperation with PLO, and non-political security committee; three Arab MKs attend signing ceremony.
Filmmakers back pro-democracy protesters in Syria
Jeruslalem Post 4 May 2011 – Petition calling for solidarity with the Syrian people is signed by writers, actors and directors from around the world.
Zahar: Hamas will never recognize Israel
Jeruslalem Post 4 May 2011 – Hamas official says Palestinians will not recognize the rule of “Poles and Ethiopians,” Shaath: Quartet conditions are irrelevant.
Healthy Eating: The low down on carbs, part 2
Jeruslalem Post 4 May 2011 – From bread, to rice to potatoes, find out which of our favorite starches are better than they seem, and which are worse than we could have ever dreamed.
Arab MKs to attend Hamas-Fatah unity agreement signing
Jeruslalem Post 4 May 2011 – Abbas and Fatah arrive in Cairo for formal signing as Palestinian groups reach agreement in principle; Egyptian intelligence chief meets with top Palestinian Islamist.
Shaath: Stop asking Hamas to recognize Israel
Jeruslalem Post 4 May 2011 – Hours before unity agreement ceremony, Fatah official says Quartet conditions irrelevant; Hamas official says “occupation the problem.”
Fatah-Hamas accord: All eyes on Cairo | Editorial
The Guardian 4 May 2011 – It is easy to miss the one event with the capacity to change the scenery in a way more profound than Osama bin Laden’s death Mayhem has become a daily ritual. Rocket launchers pound one town…
David Cameron to Israel: join talks or I may support independence declaration
The Guardian 4 May 2011 – Israel warned that Britain may support unilateral declaration of independence by Palestinians if it refuses to join peace talks Britain tends to tread carefully when it comes to making declarations about the Middle East. The Balfour…
Hamas and Fatah sign reconciliation pact – video
The Guardian 4 May 2011 – President Mahmoud Abbas says Palestinians are turning a ‘black page of division’ at a ceremony in Egypt to heal a four-year rift between his Fatah movement and Hamas
Palestinian rivals Hamas and Fatah sign reconciliation deal
The Guardian 4 May 2011 – President Mahmoud Abbas and Hamas leader Khaled Meshaal announce end to four years of division in pact brokered by Egypt The rival Palestinian factions Fatah and Hamas have signed a landmark reconciliation pact aimed at ending…
Syrian security forces take city of Banias
The Guardian 3 May 2011 – Syrian troops claim coastal city from demonstrators challenging rule of President Bashar al-Assad Syrian security forces swept into the coastal city of Banias on Tuesday, a protest leader said, taking control of another urban centre from…
World reacts to Osama bin Laden’s death – video
The Guardian 4 May 2011 – Citizens of key US and Middle East cities give their reactions to the death of the leader of the al-Qaida terrorist network
Palestinian joy as rivals Fatah and Hamas sign reconciliation pact
The Guardian 4 May 2011 – Mahmoud Abbas says deal turns ‘black page of division’ after signing deal with Hamas leader Khaled Meshaal in Egypt Rival Palestinian groups have hailed the signing of a reconciliation agreement that could change the parameters of…
ICC Poised to Issue Warrants on Libya
IPS The International Criminal Court (ICC) appears poised to issue arrest warrants for three yet unnamed high-level members of the Libyan government for committing alleged crimes against humanity during the past two months of political turmoil that has taken thousands of lives.
Libyan Rebels Feel the Heat of NATO’s Swan Song
IPS A week after U.N. Security Council Resolution 1973 sanctioned air strikes against the regime of Colonel Muammar el-Gaddafi in Libya, U.S. President Barack Obama made clear that it would not be U.S. planes maintaining the No-Fly Zone (NFZ). Rather, the effort to safeguard Libyan civilians would be led primarily by…
MIDEAST: Egypt Plays Best Man at Hamas-Fatah Union
IPS Rival Palestinian factions Hamas and Fatah signed a reconciliation agreement in Cairo on Wednesday, paving the way for the formation of a Palestinian national unity government. The move, say local analysts, reflects the changing political equation in the Middle East amid the ongoing wave of Arab popular uprisings.
[uruknet.info] An independent homeland or bantustan in disguise?
Uruknet May 4, 2011 – The induced euphoria that characterizes discussions within the mainstream media around the upcoming declaration of an independent Palestinian state in September, ignores the stark realities on the ground and the warnings of critical commentators. Depicting such a declaration as a “breakthrough,” and a “challenge” to the defunct “peace process” and the right-wing government of…
[uruknet.info] NDP’s deputy leader doubts existence of bin Laden photos
Uruknet May 4, 2011 – Thomas Mulcair is not a wide-eyed new member of Parliament gawking at the Peace Tower for the first time. He is the deputy leader of the New Democratic Party and an obvious candidate to replace Jack Layton as leader if and when the time comes. So Ottawa-watchers were especially surprised when he said Wednesday…
[uruknet.info] Palestinian youth: New movement, new borders
Uruknet May 4, 2011 – Reconciliation between Hamas and Fatah may present the first victory of a nascent Palestinian youth movement, which earned its moniker, the March 15th movement, from the first day of its mass protests in the Occupied Palestinian Territories. Only one day after the launch of their movement demanding an end to the four-year internecine conflict…
[uruknet.info] Day of the Dead: The Hit Man as Hero
Uruknet May 4, 2011 – Already the story is starting to unravel, mutate, transmogrify. Government statements that were presented as gospel truths in every media outlet in the world, and which served as the basis for ten thousand earnest, serious commentaries, turn out, one day later, to have been false. We had been told – by the president’s top “…
[uruknet.info] New Israeli Discriminatory Laws
Uruknet May 4, 2011 – In April, the Adalah Legal Center for Arab Minority Rights in Israel discussed six new laws passed during the Knesset’s 2011 winter term “that directly or indirectly target the rights of Palestinian Arab citizens of Israel.” Overall, they’re treated like a fifth column, denied equal rights as Jews in a country just as much…
[uruknet.info] Obama decides not to release Osama bin Laden photos
Uruknet May 4, 2011 – President Barack Obama said on Wednesday he had decided not to release photographs of Osama bin Laden’s body because they could have incited violence and been used as an al Qaeda propaganda tool. Attorney General Eric Holder, seeking to head off suggestions that killing the al Qaeda leader was illegal, said the U.S. commandos…
[uruknet.info] Bringing the world’s solidarity to Gaza
Uruknet May 4, 2011 – A SECOND, larger aid flotilla is due to sail towards Gaza at the end of May, around the anniversary of Israel’s murderous attack on the Mavi Marmara on May 31 last year, in which Israeli commandoes shot dead nine Turkish activists. Freedom Flotilla 2 is set to be more than twice the size of…
[uruknet.info] COMMUNIQUE DE PRESSE : ALJAZEERA CITATION DIRECTE DEVANT LE TRIBUNAL CORRECTIONNEL A PARIS
Uruknet 3 Mai , 2011 – Les propos suivants, ¬´ Je promulgue une fatwa….Les officiers et soldats qui peuvent tuer Mouammar Kadhafi, celui parmi eux qui peut tirer un coup de feu sur lui, qu’il le fasse …. ¬ª, e’manant d’une autorite’ religieuse compe’tente, et diffuse’s par la cha?Æne de te’le’vision Al Jazeera capte’e dans le monde entier et notamment en…
[uruknet.info] Rome meeting to consider further military action against Libya
Uruknet May 4, 2011 – US Secretary of State Hillary Clinton arrives in Rome Wednesday for a two-day meeting of the Libya Contact Group. Clinton will set out the next phase of the NATO-led military action. The bombing campaign, which began March 19, has become increasingly savage, but has failed to oust the Libyan leader Muammar Gaddafi. The US…
[uruknet.info] Bahrain refers 47 medics to military court
Uruknet May 4, 2011 – Bahraini authorities have referred 47 medics to a military court after accusing them of abusing their posts to take part in anti-regime protests that were crushed in March. The defendants include 24 doctors and 23 nurses, the kingdom’s Information Affairs Authority (IAA) said in a statement late Tuesday, adding that the military prosecution has…
[uruknet.info] Unity announced in Cairo
Uruknet May 4, 2011 – In a recorded broadcast which aired one hour after a unity announcement was made in Cairo, leaders of Fatah and Hamas both welcomed a Palestinian reconciliation deal they said would pave the way to statehood. An initial delay in the presentation was said to be on account of Hamas leader-in-exile Khalid Mash’al’s insistence on…
[uruknet.info] Hezbollah backed Lebanon PM-designate: Hezbollah is ‘tumor’ Wikileaks reveals Mikati said Lebanon could not survive with Hezbollah mini-state.
Uruknet May 3, 2011 – Lebanon’s prime minister-designate Najib Mikati describes the powerful Hezbollah, whose backing was key to his nomination, as a “tumour,” in a 2008 US diplomatic cable revealed by a Lebanese daily on Tuesday. The billionaire businessman, who was appointed premier in January, is quoted as telling US officials that the Iranian- and Syrian-backed militant party…
[uruknet.info] Military Resistance 9E 4: “OK, He’s Dead”
Uruknet We are living in a time of revolution.The face of the Middle East is changing daily, and the force of people’s demandsfor justice and freedom have overwhelmed the dictators that have been holdingthe hopes and dreams of their citizens hostage. For Palestinians, this changing world has yet to become their reality. 63 Years after Al-Nakba, Palestinians across the…
[uruknet.info] Hamas, Islamic Jihad pledge to honor truce with Israel under unity government
Uruknet May 3, 2011 – Hamas officials said Monday that the Islamist militant group would honor an unofficial truce with Israel after forming a new unity government with Palestinian rivals from the West Bank. Hamas, which rules the Gaza Strip, is set to sign a reconciliation agreement with Fatah on Wednesday with Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas’ Fatah faction to…
[uruknet.info] Osama bin Laden death ‘justifies’ torture of suspects, former Bush aides claim
Uruknet May 3, 2011 – …Some conservatives and members of the administration of former president George Bush have used the death of the terror chief to justify the use of waterboarding and other so-called “harsh interrogation” practices from 2002 to 2006. But critics and current officials have said there is little evidence they produced any single vital breakthrough that…
[uruknet.info] Obama Got Bin Laden, Now What About Bush
Uruknet May 3, 2011 – In his book, “The Prosecution of George W. Bush For Murder”(Vanguard), former Los Angeles County Deputy District Attorney Vincent Bugliosi holds that Mr. Bush intentionally misled Congress into invading Iraq to overthrow Saddam Hussein. In a summary of that book, Wikipedia wrote, the strongest evidence against Bush was his own Oct. 7, 2002, speech…
[uruknet.info] Setting The Record Straight On BDS
Uruknet May 2, 2011 – As Marrickville Council’s BDS resolution was thrashed out in the media, misinformation about it abounded, writes Omar Barghouti, one of the founders of the global BDS movement. The Palestinian civil society campaign for boycott, divestment and sanctions (BDS) against Israel came under attack in recent weeks from Murdoch media outlets, politicians and various interest…
[uruknet.info] Red Cross urges Syria to grant access to injured, detained
Uruknet May 3, 2011 – The Red Cross called on Syria on Tuesday to allow health workers safe access to people injured in bloody protests, especially in the southern city of Deraa, and let it visit those who have been arrested. The independent humanitarian agency said Syrian authorities were close to letting it and the Syrian Red Crescent into…
[uruknet.info] Video – Leon Panetta: Obama gave orders to kill Osama bin Laden
Uruknet May 3, 2011 – “The authorities we have on Bin Laden are to kill him. And that was made clear. But it was also, as part of their rules of engagement, if he suddenly put up his hands and offered to be captured, then— they would have the opportunity, obviously, to capture him. But that opportunity never developed,”…
[uruknet.info] US, NATO defend air strike that murdered Gaddafi family members
Uruknet May 3, 2011 – US and NATO officials have brushed aside charges by the Libyan government that the air strike Saturday night that killed the youngest son and three grandchildren of Libyan leader Muammar Gaddafi was a targeted assassination intended to murder Gaddafi. Gaddafi and his wife were present when the strike virtually demolished the building, but reportedly…
Baroud: unlicensed billboards will be removed
Daily Star 4 May 2011 Starting Thursday morning, all unlicensed billboards nationwide will be removed as part of the Interior Ministry’s plan to stop infringement on public property, caretaker Ziyad Baroud said Wednesday.
Syria moves to curb forex flight amid protests
Daily Star 4 May 2011 Syria launched Wednesday a string of measures to curb the flight of foreign currency triggered by anti-regime protests by permitting for the first time savings in dollars and euros.
Lebanese woman repatriated from Israel: ICRC
Daily Star 4 May 2011 A 22-year-old Lebanese woman has been repatriated from Israel to Lebanon, the International Committee of the Red Cross said in a statement.
U.N. voices concern over Lebanon’s Cabinet delay
Daily Star 4 May 2011 U.N. Special Coordinator for Lebanon Michael Williams voiced concerns over the delay in the formation of Lebanon’s cabinet formation and illegal housing during a meeting Wednesday with Prime Minister-designate Najib Mikati.
Fatah, Hamas proclaim landmark reconciliation pact
Daily Star 4 May 2011 Rival Palestinian factions Fatah and Hamas have proclaimed a landmark, Egyptian-mediated reconciliation pact aimed at ending their bitter four-year rift.
Police shot at during crackdown in south Lebanon
Daily Star 4 May 2011 Gun shots were fired at policemen in the southern town of Sarafand Wednesday while security forces were supervising the demolition of illegal constructions on public property in the area.
Aoun: Lebanon is in a bad shape
Daily Star 4 May 2011 Free Patriotic Movement leader Michel Aoun painted a gloomy picture of the Cabinet formation Wednesday, a day after his March 8 ally Parliament Speaker Nabih Berri sounded downbeat on the governmat formation process.
Al-Qaeda revenge is coming: Lebanese militant
Daily Star 4 May 2011 Lebanese militant Muslim preacher Omar Bakri warned Wednesday of massive retaliation by Al-Qaeda in response to the killing of its leader, Osama bin Laden.
Marketer: Social media good for business
Daily Star 4 May 2011 Even though companies appear to be increasingly using social media to reach customers, this still hasn’t become a mainstream marketing tool in the Middle East.
France urges citizens to leave Syria: Foreign Ministry
Daily Star 4 May 2011 While foreign citizens are not so far directly threatened, the French authorities renew their advice to delay all plans to travel to Syria, the ministry said in advice to travelers on its website.
Lebanese police officer accidentally shoots himself
Daily Star 4 May 2011 A police officer suffered minor wounds Wednesday after he accidentally shot himself outside the police headquarters in Beirut Wednesday, a security source told The Daily Star online.
Taxi crashes into parked cars in Beirut, injures three
Daily Star 4 May 2011 A speeding taxi van ran into a number of cars parked on the side of a road in Beirut’s Furn El-Shubbak district Wednesday, injuring three people, security sources said.
Yemeni Jews rally in support of Saleh
Daily Star 4 May 2011 Dozens of Yemeni Jews rallied in the capital Sanaa in support of embattled President Ali Abdullah Saleh Tuesday, witnesses said.
Syrian tanks deploy in town; hundreds detained
Daily Star 3 May 2011 Residents said the military vehicles had been taking up positions at the northern edge of Rastan, 20 km (12 miles) north of the industrial city of Homs, and 15 km away from its southern entrance since…
Berri downbeat over Cabinet formation
Daily Star 3 May 2011 Parliament Speaker Nabih Berri, known for his endemic optimism even at the peak of the Lebanese crisis, sounded downbeat for the first time Tuesday about the formation of a new government.
Berri: Modern media have great responsibility
Daily Star 3 May 2011 Speaker Nabih Berri has said that the media has a great responsibility because, in a play on the old adage, the pen is more dangerous than the gun, the National News Agency reported.
Mikati says WikiLeaks reports inaccurate
Daily Star 3 May 2011 Prime Minister-designate Najib Mikati’s media office said Tuesday that WikiLeaks reports of meetings between U.S. officials and Mikati are either fabricated or inaccurate.
Extreme rightist, Police settle civil rights case
YNet News, 4 May 2011 – Noam Federman sues Israel Police after Court rules May 2010 arrest of illegal…..
‘Abbas and Mashaal fought over speech’
YNet News, 4 May 2011 – Reconciliation between Palestinian factions did not go over smoothly, reports….
Pakistani owner of bin Laden’s hideaway aided him
YNet News, 4 May 2011 – Neighbors describe owner of compound where al-Qaeda chief was hiding as “modest,….
Diskin: Chances for true Palestinian unity slim
YNet News, 4 May 2011 – Outgoing Shin Bet chief says it’s too early to tell where opportunities lie and….
Assad: Operation in Daraa to end soon
YNet News, 4 May 2011 – Syrian president says events similar to those in his country can happen anywhere….
Israel to issue ‘world’s most secure passport’
YNet News, 4 May 2011 – Biometric passports to be issued in coming months include computer chip with….
Mitzna: I’ll restore glory to Labor
YNet News, 4 May 2011 – Former Labor chief announces he will run for seat again, vows to win party….
Iranian MP: Bin Laden was Zionist puppet
YNet News, 4 May 2011 – Iranian official says arch-terrorist used ‘to present violent image of Islam….
Carter wants world to back Palestinian unity
YNet News, 4 May 2011 – Former US president warns lack of support for historic deal to be signed….
CIA: Bin Laden photo to be released
YNet News, 4 May 2011 – Some critics say publication of ‘gruesome’ photo of terrorist shot in head could….
Palestinian Information Center
IOF seize Palestinian agricultural lands in Al-Fawwar camp and Dura village
PIC – The land research center said the Israeli occupation forces notified six Palestinian farmers of their intents to confiscate their agricultural lands in Al-Fawwar refugee camp and Dura village.
Palestinian reconciliation ceremony today in Cairo
PIC – The signing ceremony launching the Palestinian unity deal between Hamas and Fatah factions is expected to take place at noon Wednesday at Egypt’s intelligence headquarters.
Netanyahu on European tour to incite against unity between Hamas and Fatah
PIC – Benjamin Netanyahu met on Wednesday a number of top British officials in London as part of a European tour aimed at mobilizing opposition to the reconciliation deal between Hamas and Fatah factions.
Israeli court extend isolation of Saadat for 6 months
PIC – The Israeli court in Beer Sheba prison decided to extend the isolation of Ahmed Saadat, the secretary general of the popular front for the liberation of Palestine, for six more months.
Saudi Arabia calls on Quartet to support Palestine unity deal
PIC – Saudi Arabia has called on the powerful Quartet to encourage and support the signed Hamas-Fatah unity deal, and not only to recognize it.
Dweik: PLC will grant confidence to the “unity” government
PIC – Speaker of the Palestinian legislative council (PLC) Dr. Aziz Dweik has described the reconciliation agreement between Hamas and Fatah, which was signed by all factions, as a “historic” event.
Haneyya congratulates Mishaal, Abbas and Shallah after signing ceremony
PIC – Palestinian premier in Gaza Ismail Haneyya congratulated leaders of Hamas, Fatah, and Islamic Jihad Khaled Mishaal, Mahmoud Abbas, and Ramadan Shallah after signing the unity agreement in Cairo.
Hamas, Fatah bury four-year split in Cairo„ÄÄ
PIC – After four years of division ruling parties Hamas and Fatah successfully established a phase of reconciliation and buried the split.
Resheq: Abbas, Mishaal agree on accelerating government formation
PIC – Hamas leader Khaled Mishaal and Fatah leader and de facto president Mahmoud Abbas agreed in their closed door meeting on accelerating formation of the new unity government..
Mishaal: The Palestinian split is behind us
PIC – Hamas politburo chairman Khalid Mishaal has said that “the page of the black Palestinian split has been turned and is now behind us,” stressing that the only battle was with Israel.
Palestinian factions sign unity deal in Cairo
PIC – 03/05/2011 – 06:24 PM
For Israel : Hamas is merely a red herring to avoid peace
PIC – 03/05/2011 – 10:55 PM
Hamas leaders confer with Egyptian foreign minister
PIC – 04/05/2011 – 08:21 AM
Bahar: Romanin arrest proves Israel in crisis
PIC – 04/05/2011 – 08:40 AM
Shihab calls for stopping political arrests, security cooperation in W. Bank
PIC – 04/05/2011 – 09:25 AM
IOF soldiers detain 4 citizens including former minister
PIC – 04/05/2011 – 09:29 AM
A third of Palestinian prisoners go on hunger strike
PIC – 04/05/2011 – 09:32 AM
Jewish settler attempts to stab Palestinian farmer south of Nablus
PIC – 04/05/2011 – 09:36 AM
IOF troops raid southern Gaza
PIC – 04/05/2011 – 09:57 AM
MP Ramadan warns ongoing West Bank arrests could ‘detonate’ unity deal
PIC – 04/05/2011 – 12:16 PM
Palestinians in Ramallah Celebrate Agreement
WAFA
Israeli Police Disperses Celebration of Reconciliation in Jerusalem
WAFA
The Elders Applaud Reconciliation Agreement
WAFA
Abbas, Misha’al Announce End to Division at Reconciliation Ceremonies
WAFA
Fayyad says it is Important to have Unity Government Soon
WAFA
International Activists Released from Israeli Prison
WAFA
Rights Groups Petition Israeli High Court against Nakba law
WAFA
Israel Uproots Dozens of Trees in Nabi Samuel
WAFA
Survey: Majority of Palestinians Believe Israel not Partner for Peace
WAFA
Industrial Production Index up in March
WAFA
Abbas: Future Government Will Follow PLO Policies
WAFA
Newspapers Review: Cairo End of Division Ceremony Dominates Headlines
WAFA
PHOTOS FROM THE BIN LADEN COMPOUND
Intifada-Palestine: 4 May 2011 – WARNING: GRAPHIC PHOTOGRAPHS OF DEATH AND INJURY BELOW Photographs acquired by Reuters and taken about an hour after the U.S. assault on Osama bin Laden’s compound in Abbottabad in Pakistan show three dead men lying in pools of blood, but no… more
Dr. Cornel West endorses BDS, supports Ethnic Studies at University of Arizona
Intifada-Palestine: 4 May 2011 – Dr. Cornel West Following the recent direct action on the University of Arizona (UA) campus — in which an enormous mock wall was constructed to bring attention to Israel’s wall in the West Bank and the wall at the US-Mexico border… more
HOLOCAUST SURVIVOR HEDY EPSTEIN: AIPAC DOES NOT SPEAK FOR ME
Intifada-Palestine: 4 May 2011 – Hedy Epstein (holding sign) taking part in the Gaza Freedom March in the winter of 2009-2010. (Free Gaza) by: Hedy Epstein / The Electronic Intifada In 2004, the end of one of my first journeys to the Israeli-occupied West Bank, I endured… more
Palestinian unity pact still faces big hurdles
LA Times 4 May 2011 – A squabble over seating before a ceremony illustrates the internal tensions that persist between Fatah and Hamas as they celebrate the signing of a reconciliation pact they hope will mark progress toward an independent state. Rival Palestinian factions celebrated the signing of a reconciliation pact…
Libya rebels seek ways to keep their economy afloat
LA Times 3 May 2011 – Libya rebels based in Benghazi are about to run out of money and hope to use frozen Libyan accounts as collateral for a line of credit. The money’s running out, the fuel stocks are depleted, the oil has largely stopped flowing and most other financial…
In Bin Laden’s Compound, Seals’ All-Star Team
New York Times 4 May 2011 – Members of Team 6, a secretive unit of men who survived years of brutal preparation, are the elite of the elite.
For Obama, Big Rise in Poll Numbers After Bin Laden Raid
New York Times 4 May 2011 – A majority now approves of the president’s overall job performance, as well as his handling of foreign policy, according to the latest New York Times/CBS News poll.
Unrest Around the Arab World Endangers Turkey’s Newfound Influence
New York Times 4 May 2011 – Turkish political and economic influence, which has grown in the Middle East in recent years, is jeopardized by regional turmoil, especially in Syria.
Middle East: Syria’s Unrest Seeps Into Lebanon
New York Times 4 May 2011 – As the violence persists, refugees head toward a reluctant neighbor.
Palestinian Factions Sign Accord to End Rift
New York Times 4 May 2011 – Fatah and Hamas signed a reconciliation accord in Egypt on Wednesday vowing common cause against Israeli occupation.
A Sliver of Hope Unites West Bank and Gaza
New York Times 4 May 2011 – Many Palestinians expressed hope that the two parties would end their rivalry following the signing of an agreement in Cairo Wednesday. But many also worried that their differences ran too deep.
Middle East: Turkey Cultivates Sites of Its Christian Heritage
New York Times 4 May 2011 – The Culture Ministry is using Anatolia’s Christian heritage as a way of drawing visitors.
World Briefing | AFRICA: Tunisia: Ousted Leader Faces New Charges in Protesters’ Deaths
New York Times 4 May 2011 – Tunisian authorities have filed new charges against the ousted leader, Zine el-Abidine Ben Ali, and his wife over the killing of protesters during the revolt against his rule.
Yemen president torpedoes agreement to leave office
WSWS – By Patrick Martin, May 4, 2011, President Ali Abdullah Saleh reneged on an agreement to step down after 32 years in power.
Rome meeting to consider further military action against Libya
WSWS – US Secretary of State Hillary Clinton arrives in Rome today for a two-day meeting of the Libya Contact Group.
At the White House: ‚Äòwithout solving Palestine issue, terrorist activities will not disappear in that region’
Mondoweiss – Today’s briefing by the presidential press secretary . The questioner, a woman, is unidentified: Q Regarding a historical agreement between Hamas and Fatah today, and Egypt today, Prime Minister Netanyahu called this a blow — a blow to peace and great victory for terrorism. What’s the President’s…
Tail dangles job to dog
Mondoweiss – Today Chas Freeman Jr. (whom the Israel lobby forced out when Obama sought to appoint him as head of the National Intelligence Council two years ago), gave the annual Sharabi lecture at the Palestine Center , on the topic, “Israel – Palestine: The Consequences of the Conflict.”…
Celebrations of Palestinian unity
Mondoweiss – and other news from Today in Palestine: Unity VIDEO Unity celebration in Gaza Another celebratory video from Gaza http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GEyYk9b1Y9I&feature=youtu.be Photo: Fatah, Hamas, Palestinian flags together in Gaza http://twitpic.com/4tcdx5 Unity announced in Cairo CAIRO (Ma‚Äòan) 4 May — In a recorded broadcast which aired one hour after…
CUNY trustees dishonor academic freedom in Tony Kushner snub
Muzzlewatch – Fresh off a failed attempt to fire a Brooklyn college professor for not properly toeing the line on Israel , CUNY Board of Trustees member Jeffrey S. Wiesenfeld chose a much higher-profile target: Pulitzer Prize-winning playwright Tony Kushner. Wiesenfeld, who is a repeat abuser of his power…
A little comedy from the AP
Neged Neshek – The Associated Press reported the following a few days ago: Brazil’s first unmanned anti-drug surveillance plane has sat on the ground since it arrived from Israel more than a month ago because of a lack of fuel. Federal police say no company has bid to supply…
Tony Kushner denied CUNY honorary degree over views on Israel
Mondoweiss – The City University of New York has rejected a honorary degree for playwright Tony Kushner after a member of its board of trustees, Jeffrey S. Wiesenfeld , objected to Kushner’s criticism of Israel. The Jewish Week reports on the board of trustees meeting this week where the…
Boycott Israel movement creates ‚Äòsea change’: an interview with Palestinian human rights activist Omar Barghouti
Mondoweiss – Modeled on the international campaign of economic and political pressure that helped bring an end to South African apartheid nearly two decades ago, the growing boycott, divestment and sanctions (BDS) movement targeting Israel’s occupation of Palestinian territories has notched notable victories of late. Achievements include the…
The Elders welcome Palestinian reconciliation
Palestine Monitor – The Elders applaud today’s signing of an agreement between the rival Palestinian factions, Fatah and Hamas. The agreement, brokered by Egypt, unites the Palestinian leadership after a split of four years and paves the way for the formation of a national unity government and full elections…
“Stolen Children, Stolen Lives”
Palestine Monitor – “It didn’t matter who the prisoner was, or what he did, or what the intelligence we had on him was. They treated everyone the same.” -Avner Gevarvahu, Ex-Israeli Soldier, Breaking the Silence. The following is the first of a two-part documentary by Gerry O’Sullivan on the…
When Israeli soldiers came to arrest my father
Palestine Monitor – Last week, on 21 April, Israeli soldiers invaded my home in Ramallah, held hostage all those present, and forced me at gunpoint to call my father, a writer and human rights advocate, in order to demand his surrender. This is common operating procedure for Israeli occupation…
Israel’s Campaign Against Palestine
Tikun Olam – Israel is attempting to ratchet up pressure against tomorrow’s historic signing of a reconciliation pact between Hamas and Fatah in Cairo. It has announced it will begin withholding $90-million per month in taxes which it collects on behalf of the PA, which is in violation of…
IAI seeking drone sales in Angola, Kenya
Neged Neshek – South Africa’s DefenceWeb is noting that Israel Aerospace Industries is seeking drone sales in Angola and Kenya. The article notes that the Heron drone marketed is a medium-altitude, long-endurance air vehicle designed to perform strategic reconnaissance and surveillance operations. Capable of automatic take-off and landing, it…
Israeli arms in Libya
Neged Neshek – Yaakov Katz in The Jerusalem Post noted on Sunday that Sweden and the UK are using Rafael Advanced Defense Systems’ Litening targeting pod in bombing operations over Libya. Here is a fuller, though still incomplete, picture of which Israel arms are being used in the fighting…
The Immoralist, Asa Kasher in the Jerusalem Post
Neged Neshek – Jerusalem Post editor-in-chief David Horowitz recently published an interview with Tel Aviv University Professor of Philosophy Asa Kasher about the IDF’s operational ethics. Kasher has taught ethics at IDF colleges since the late 1970s and co-authored the IDF’s Code of Ethics ( The Spirit of the IDF )….
Global CST and Wikileaks
Neged Neshek – Petach Tikva-based military firm Global Comprehensive Security Transformation (Global CST) has been mentioned or discussed in several U.S. diplomatic cables released by Wikileaks.org. Some important regional topics are covered as are some bilateral relations between Israel and other nations. Below are links to and synopses of…
Palestinian Women Smuggled into Israel for 6th Time
Palestine Solidarity Project 4 May 2011 – Earlier this week, a group of 12 Israeli women smuggled 8 Palestinian women and 4 children into Israel, in defiance of Israeli law. The trip was an act of civil disobedience intended to spark debate about Israel’s system of segregation that denies Palestinians access to most…
Osama Bin Laden as the Wicked Witch of the West
The Magnes Zionist 3 May 2011 – ADDeRabbi, an orthodox rabbi who is an occasional commenter on this blog, gave links to several posts in which Proverbs 24:17-20 was cited in reference to the death of Bin Laden.(See his comments on the post below.) I took the trouble to look at the links;…
AIPAC, a Not-So-Benign Night Flower
Middle East Monitor 4 May 2011 – One could be forgiven for thinking that the last three letters of AIPAC stand for “political action committee.” But since the American Israel Public Affairs Committee does not itself make campaign contributions to political candidates, technically it is not a PAC. Curiously, however, the 30-odd “unaffiliated”…
UN official: Israeli occupation killed 1,300 Palestinian children since 2000
Middle East Monitor 4 May 2011 – A UN official has confirmed that Israel’s occupation forces have killed more than 1,300 Palestinian children during the last decade. According to Prof. Richard Falk, the UN Special Rapporteur for Human Rights in the occupied Palestinian territories, Israeli forces killed 1,335 children in direct military operations…
Israel accused of trying to use Bin Laden’s killing to block recognition Palestinian state
Middle East Monitor 4 May 2011 – Fatah has accused Israel of trying to capitalise on the killing of Osama Bin Laden by suggesting that the Palestinian struggle against the occupation is linked to al-Qaeda. The accusation was made by Dimitri Dilyani, a member of Fatah’s Revolutionary Council who added that “Israel’s aim…
Is Hamas ready to recognize the legitimacy of PA president Abbas?
Joseph Dana 4 May 2011 – An unofficial copy of the Hamas-Fatah unity agreement is now on the internet. It looks close to the official text but there is no confirmation. The language of the agreement is vague making it difficult to extrapolate hard details about how this agreement is going to…
Syrian tanks ‘deploy around city’
BBC 4 May 2011 – Tanks deploy around the Syrian town of Rastan, north of Damascus, witnesses say, as the UN urges President Assad to end a six-week crackdown.
Palestinian factions agree pact
BBC 4 May 2011 – The leaders of the main Palestinian factions, Fatah and Hamas, sign a reconciliation pact in Cairo aimed at ending their four-year rift.
US woman refuses Iran spy trial
BBC 4 May 2011 – US woman Sarah Shourd, who was released by Iran after being detained with two fellow US hikers in 2009, says she will not return to stand trial for spying.
Clashes at Tehran football match
BBC 4 May 2011 – Iranian police clash with football fans chanting anti-Saudi slogans during an Asia Champions League match in Tehran.
Osama the Symbol Not So Easy to Vanquish
Antiwar.com 4 May 2011 – Far from concluding the war on terror, both Western and Muslim-majority countries—many emerging or still embroiled in months of popular protests—will continue to face a threat from extremist ideology after the United States’ decade-long campaign to capture or kill Osama bin Laden has come to an…
Articles
Good news for peace
Ghassan Khatib, Bitterlemons5/2/2011
Ramifications of the Palestinian reconciliation agreement: A Palestinian View
The reconciliation agreement that was initialed between Fateh and Hamas and will be signed by them in Cairo, next Wednesday, is good news for both the Palestinian people and the peace process. A united Palestinian people is more conducive to a successful peace process than Palestinians splintered and in conflict. This is especially true if they are united on a political basis compatible to the fundamental requirements of the peace process and international legality.
For years now, Israel has been questioning the readiness of Palestinians for peace on the basis of their disunity. Now, ironically, Israel is questioning the readiness of Palestinians on the basis of their reconciliation. This negative Israeli attitude is consistent with its isolated position on many other issues pertaining to the conflict. Indeed, Israel was the only country to react in a hostile way to the agreement.
The United Nations, through its secretary general, welcomed the efforts for reconciliation and proffered hope that they would enhance peacemaking efforts. The European Union, through its foreign policy chief Catherine Ashton, also welcomed the reconciliation efforts and encouraged the parties to pursue peace. Even the United States didn’t come out in opposition to the pact, instead reminding everyone of the Quartet conditions as applied to any future Palestinian government.
This agreement should not come as a surprise to anybody. The creative proposal by Prime Minister Salam Fayyad a few months ago opened the door to a new approach to the reconciliation dialogue. He suggested that the political and ideological reconciliation between factions be separated from the formation of a unified government able to take care of all aspects of Palestinian life except security…. more.. e-mail
Egypt reasserts role in Palestinian reconciliation
Khaled Amayreh in occupied Ramallah, Al-Ahram Weekly4/28/2011
Rapid progress on reconciliation, mediated by Egypt, is being made ahead of Palestinian moves to request recognition of statehood from the UN in September.
Despite preoccupation with its internal affairs following the Egyptian revolution that toppled long-time dictator Hosni Mubarak, Egypt is reasserting its central role in Palestinian reconciliation efforts.
The interim Egyptian leadership has been meeting with Palestinian leaders representing the Palestinian Authority (PA), Hamas and other major factions.
Egyptian Ambassador to the PA Ahmed Othman this week dismissed reports that Egypt was too busy putting its house to get involved in the daunting task of restoring Palestinian national unity. “Egypt has been speaking to all Palestinian factions and intends to redouble its efforts to convince these factions to put an end to the division once and for all,” he said.
Othman added that the outcome of Egyptian efforts ultimately rested on the will of Palestinians to end existing rifts and restore national unity. “What we really need is concerted efforts to achieve the desired outcome,” he said.
According to sources in the Gaza Strip, preparations are underway for a visit to Cairo by Ismail Haniyeh, prime minister of the Hamas- run government in Gaza. Sources pointed out that the issue was not if but when the visit will take place.
“The taboos that prevented such a visit by Haniyeh to Cairo in Mubarak’s time no longer exist. Cairo doesn’t object to the visit as a matter of principle, as was the case when Mubarak was in power. Mubarak feared strong Israeli reactions and didn’t want to upset the Americans….” more.. e-mail
Taking Off the Blinders: Changing Our Perspective on MidEast Events
Editor, Palestine Note5/4/2011
Kianpars, Aslan Media – This week on April 27th, an agreement was reached between Fatah and Hamas, two important leadership groups in the Palestinian Territories who are typically at odds with one another, to form a unity government is preparation for what many believe will be a UN vote to recognize a Palestinian State in September. Across the board, media coverage of the agreement has centered on what effect it will have on US interests in the region, which, ironically, has done more harm than good to those very interests.
Holy Land Co-ordination Bishops with Palestinian Authority Prime Minister Dr Salam Fayyad
After years of verbal jousting, Fatah and Hamas negotiated a deal to re-unite and hold parliamentary and presidential elections in the upcoming year. The peace treaty, brokered by Egypt’s new leadership, brought a splintered government back together. A new temporary government, which will include members of both Hamas and Fatah, will lead a transition period until elections are held.
Over the past several years, it has been generally understood that without the support of Hamas, the Palestinian Authority, under the leadership of Fatah, would be unable to negotiate a real peace deal with Israel. Hamas has control of the Gaza Strip, while Fatah governs the West Bank. Protesters in the Occupied Territories have long called for a unification of the two parties. In mid-March, protesters in both the Gaza Strip and the West Bank headed out to the streets to call on the feuding parties to come back together. As Israeli air attacks continue to pound the Gaza Strip and the Israeli presence in the West Bank becomes increasingly untenable for Palestinians, the Palestinian people were justifiably upset at the lack of a unified opposition to Israeli actions. more.. e-mail
Breaking down stereotypes: Randa Abdel-Fattah interviewed
Electronic Intifada: 4 May 2011 – Sarah Irving The Electronic Intifada The Electronic Intifada contributor Sarah Irving interviews Randa Abdel-Fattah, the author of five novels for young adults and children, about her writing and activism.more
An independent homeland or bantustan in disguise?
Electronic Intifada: 3 May 2011 – Haidar Eid The Electronic Intifada The induced euphoria that characterizes discussions within the mainstream media around the upcoming declaration of an independent Palestinian state in September, ignores the stark realities on the ground and the warnings of critical commentators.more
The Elders welcome Palestinian reconciliation
Palestine Monitor: 4 May 2011 – The Elders applaud today’s signing of an agreement between the rival Palestinian factions, Fatah and Hamas. The agreement, brokered by Egypt, unites the Palestinian leadership after a split of four years and paves the way for the formation of a national unity government and full elections in 2012. The Elders believe that Palestinian political and geographical unity is an essential step on the path to statehood and lasting peace with Israel – and urge regional neighbours and the international community, especially the United States, Israel and the European Union, to give the unity government, once it is formed, their full support. Archbishop Desmond Tutu, chair of The Elders said: “We encourage everyone to accept this development in a positive spirit. “Much hard work remains to be done to translate the agreement into reality on the ground and I urge the leaders of both Fatah and Hamas to work cooperatively to…more
“Stolen Children, Stolen Lives”
Palestine Monitor: 4 May 2011 – “It didn’t matter who the prisoner was, or what he did, or what the intelligence we had on him was. They treated everyone the same.” -Avner Gevarvahu, Ex-Israeli Soldier, Breaking the Silence. The following is the first of a two-part documentary by Gerry O’Sullivan on the arrests and abuses of Palestinian Children in the West Bank. In “Stolen Children, Stolen Lives,” director O’Sullivan and editor Cara Holmes explore the devastating effects of Israel’s violent and traumatic arrests, detentions and interrogations of children. Read our factsheet on the treatment and status of children in Palestinmore
When Israeli soldiers came to arrest my father
Palestine Monitor: 4 May 2011 – Last week, on 21 April, Israeli soldiers invaded my home in Ramallah, held hostage all those present, and forced me at gunpoint to call my father, a writer and human rights advocate, in order to demand his surrender. This is common operating procedure for Israeli occupation forces. This time, however, they had taken hostage an American citizen willing to speak out. And I will not be silent. I was born in New York, but raised mainly in Ramallah in the occupied West Bank. I currently study in Cairo, but returned to Ramallah to spend my Easter break with my family. My joy soon gave way to heartbreak. Last Wednesday night, just past midnight, my mother and I were chatting when we suddenly heard pounding on the door and someone shouting in chillingly familiar broken Arabic, “iftakh bab!” (open the door). We looked carefully from behind the slit-open curtain to realize…more
Text of the Agreement between Fatah and Hamas
Palestine Chronicle: 4 May 2011 – (Translated by Al Mubadara, the Palestinian National Initiative, this document is currently in the process of being signed by all of Palestine’s factions and parties.) Under the auspices of Egypt, delegations from the Fatah and Hamas movements met in Cairo on April 27, 2011 to discuss the issues concerning ending the political division and the achievement of national unity. On top of the issues were some reservations related to the Palestinian National Unity Accord made in 2009. Both political parties mutually agreed that the basis of understanding made during the meeting are committing to both parties in the implementation of the Palestinian National Reconciliation Agreement. The basis of understanding agreed upon by Fatah and Hamas are as follows: 1. Elections A. Election Committee: Both Fatah and Hamas agree to identify the names of the members of the Central Election Commission in agreement with the Palestinian factions. This list will then…more
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The New Dark Age 