29 May, 2011 — VTJP
News
International Middle East Media Center
Gaza Journalism Forum Slams Israeli Police For Attacking Journalists in Jerusalem
IMEMC – Sunday May 29, 2011 – 10:21, The Palestinian Journalists Forum in Gaza issued a statement denouncing the Israeli police for attacking Palestinian journalists reporting on clashes that took place in Ras Al Amoud neighborhood, in occupied East Jerusalem.
Palestinian Forced To Demolish His Own Home In Jerusalem
IMEMC – Sunday May 29, 2011 – 10:02, Israeli authorities forced Mahmoud Aramin to demolish his house in East Jerusalem Sunday, or risk having it destroyed by an Israeli bulldozer, which would have resulted in an exorbitant fine.
Soldiers Detain Palestinians, Abduct International Peace activist Near Hebron
IMEMC – Sunday May 29, 2011 – 09:40, Israeli soldiers detained on Saturday evening five several Palestinians, including women and children, and kidnapped an international peace activist near Safa village, north of the southern West Bank city of Hebron.
Israeli Pressure Leads To Zionist Support Statement By G8 Ministers
IMEMC – Sunday May 29, 2011 – 09:11, After a call from Israeli Prime Minister Binyamin Netanyahu, Canadian Premier Stephen Harper agreed to draft a statement for all G8 ministers to sign that expressed support for Zionist aspirations by removing any reference to the 1967 borders.
Palestinian Wounded By Army Fire In Gaza
IMEMC – Sunday May 29, 2011 – 08:54, Palestinian medical sources in the Gaza Strip reported that Israeli soldiers shot and injured a Palestinian man, on Sunday at dawn, east of Al Zeitoun neighborhood in Gaza City.
Arab Follow-Up Committee Supports Palestinian State, To Ask UN For Recognition
IMEMC – Sunday May 29, 2011 – 08:22, At the end of its Saturday meeting in Doha – Qatar, the Arab Follow-up Committee, decided on Saturday to head to the United Nations to ask for recognizing a Palestinian State in the 1967 border, with East Jerusalem as its capital, and to grant Palestine full UN membership. Palestinian President, Mahmoud Abbas, attended the meeting.
Israel Prevents University Lecturer From Traveling To Jordan
IMEMC – Sunday May 29, 2011 – 07:25, On Friday, Israeli soldiers prevented university lecturer, Dr. Farid Abu Dheir, from traveling to Jordan as he was trying to cross the Allenby bridge to be with his son who has surgery scheduled at a Jordanian hospital. Abu Dheir teaches at the Al Najah University in the northern West Bank city of Nablus.
European Campaign Slams Ki-moon Statements
IMEMC – Sunday May 29, 2011 – 06:43, The European Campaign to end the Siege on Gaza denounced recent statements made by UN Secretary-General, Ban Ki-moon, in which he called for preventing the Freedom Flotilla 2 from heading to Gaza to deliver humanitarian supplies.
Settlers Uproot 20 Olive Trees Near Hebron
IMEMC – Sunday May 29, 2011 – 05:25, A group of extremist Israeli settlers, living at the Beit Ayin illegal settlement built on Palestinian lands the belong to Beit Ummar village, north of the southern West Bank city of Hebron, attacked on Saturday Palestinian orchards, and uprooted twenty Olive trees.
Three International Activists, One Palestinian, Detained During Nonviolent Protest Near Nablus
IMEMC – Sunday May 29, 2011 – 04:10, Israeli soldiers detained on Saturday evening three international peace activists, and one Palestinian citizen, as the army attacked the weekly nonviolent protest in Iraq-Burin village, south of the northern West Bank city of Nablus. Soldiers fire gas bombs and rubber-coated bullets at the protestors leading to several injuries.
CPT: Settlers torch Palestinian olive grove
5/29/2011 – HEBRON (Ma’an) — Israeli settlers set fire to an olive grove belonging to a Palestinian family near Hebron on Friday, an international monitoring group reported. The fire damaged 16 trees belonging to the Abu Haikel family in Tel Rumeida, Christian Peacemaker Teams said, adding that some of the trees affected were over 1,000 years….
Israeli forces shoot man near Gaza City, medics say
5/29/2011 – GAZA CITY (Ma’an) — Israeli forces shot and injured a Palestinian man east of Gaza City early Sunday morning, medics said. Medical services spokesman Adham Abu Salmiya said the man was shot in his right leg in the Zaytoun neighborhood. He was taken to the Ash-Shifa Hospital in Gaza City. An Israeli military spokeswoman….
Medics: Palestinian beaten by Israeli soldiers at checkpoint
5/29/2011 – HEBRON (Ma’an) — Israeli soldiers brutally attacked a Palestinian man at an army checkpoint near Hebron on Saturday evening, medics said. Israeli soldiers stopped Mahmoud Al-Battat, 19, at around 7 p. m. at a checkpoint near Ad-Dhahiriya in the southern West Bank as he returned from work in Israel, medical officials told Ma’….
Egypt reopens Rafah border crossing with Gaza
5/29/2011 – GAZA CITY (Ma’an) — Egypt reopened its Rafah border crossing with Gaza permanently on Saturday morning, easing Israel’s four-year blockade on the Gaza Strip. Egyptian officials said the terminal would operate daily between 10 a. m. and 6 p. m. except Fridays and public holidays, giving Gazans a gateway to the world….
Israel summons Palestinians for interrogation
5/29/2011 – TULKAREM (Ma’an) — Israeli soldiers and intelligence officers deployed in the northern West Bank on Saturday, delivering summonses telling Palestinians to appear for questioning. The incident caused traffic jams on the Tulkarem-Qalqiliya road as soldiers and intelligence officers stopped vehicles passing through the area and searched cars and people. Near Nablus, meanwhile, soldiers delivered….
3 peace activists arrested in West Bank
5/29/2011 – NABLUS (Ma’an) — Israel’s army arrested three international peace activists and a Palestinian protester Saturday at a demonstration near Nablus in the occupied West Bank, officials said. Three internationals and one Palestinian were seized amid clashes when soldiers dispersed a weekly rally in the village of Iraq Burin, said Yousef Qadan, a….
Flotilla crew ‘welcomes’ UN concern, will still sail
5/29/2011 – BETHLEHEM (Ma’an) — A statement from The Free Gaza movement welcomed Sunday a call from UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon urging Israel to end its blockade on Gaza, but responded to his call on world nations to stop aid ships by insisting the mission would go ahead as planned.”We are not engaged in illegal….
Israeli prisons charge Palestinian detainees for medical treatment
5/28/2011 – JENIN (Ma’an) — Israel’s prison administrations charge Palestinian detainees for medical treatment, a prisoners’ center said Friday. Ahmad Asfour was charged 700 shekels (around $200) for surgery on his hand and has to pay 1,500 shekels each month for medicine, the center said, adding that the detainee needed further surgery on….
Israel: PA fire on settlers at Joseph’s Tomb ‘unwarranted’
5/29/2011 – TEL AVIV, Israel (Ma’an) — An Israeli military investigation in the the death of a settler found by Palestinian Authority police sneaking into a local shrine was labeled “unwarranted” on Sunday, Israeli military chief of staff Lieutenant General Benny Gantz said in a statement. The settler, along with nearly 30 others had illegally entered….
Report: Abbas, Peres held secret talks
5/29/2011 – TEL AVIV, Israel (Ma’an) — President Mahmoud Abbas held secret talks with his Israeli counterpart Shimon Peres in April, Israeli media reported Friday. Abbas and Peres met in London to try and revive the stalled peace process, the Hebrew-language daily Ma’ariv reported. Since the meeting, the two have spoken on the telephone….
Family plead for Australian accused of Hamas ties
5/29/2011 – SYDNEY, Australia (AFP) — The family of an Australian man detained in Israel over alleged links to the Palestinian political party Hamas has called the charges “preposterous” and urged diplomatic intervention. The Palestinian-born Eyad Abuarga, an information technology expert, was arrested in March as he tried to enter Israel through the Ben Gurion airport and was….
Israel slams Rafah reopening
5/29/2011 – JERUSALEM (AFP) — Israeli ministers on Sunday slammed Egypt’s decision to reopen its Rafah border crossing with Gaza, warning that terrorist groups would be able to move weapons and people freely through the crossing. Israel has warned that reopening the crossing, which Egypt closed to almost all traffic in 2007, would boost Hamas, the….
Israel to mark Jerusalem ‘reunification’ with cash
5/29/2011 – JERUSALEM (AFP) — Israel’s Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Sunday reaffirmed his intent to keep Jerusalem the country’s “undivided capital,” in a speech announcing a $100-million investment package for the occupied holy city. Speaking at a special meeting of his cabinet held inside the Old City walls, Netanyahu repeatedly vowed that….
New govt to be announced 6 June
5/29/2011 – GAZA CITY (Ma’an) — The composition of the new Palestinian Authority’s technocrat government will be announced on 6 June by delegates from formerly rival parties Fatah and Hamas as a major step to the implementation of a unity agreement, an official said Sunday. Member of the Fatah Central Committee Nabil Sha’….
5 Palestinians, Israeli officer injured in Nablus crash
5/29/2011 – NABLUS (Ma’an) — Five Palestinians and an Israeli border police officer were injured Sunday morning in a traffic accident near Nablus, medics and an army official said. An Israeli police jeep crashed into a private car on the main road between Nablus and the village of Huwwara in the northern West Bank, Palestinian Red….
Israel’s military releases Itamar probe findings
5/29/2011 – TEL AVIV (Ma’an) — Israeli forces operating to protect the Itamar settlement in the northern West Bank failed to “fully implement the defensible means available,” despite assessments that “recognized the existing threats,” the results of an investigation showed. The internal Israeli military probe looked into the circumstances around the murder of five settlers, three….
Army: Rocket fired from Gaza into Israel
5/29/2011 – JERUSALEM (AFP) — A rocket was fired from the Gaza Strip into southern Israel overnight without causing casualties, Israel’s army said Saturday.” A rocket fired from Gaza landed last night in the Eshkol region and caused no injuries or damage,” a military spokesman told AFP. It was the first rocket to have been fired….
Abbas: No hope for peace talks
5/29/2011 – LONDON (Ma’an) — President Mahmoud Abbas said Saturday there were “no shared foundations” for talks with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, Reuters reported. Addressing an Arab League meeting in Doha, Abbas expressed concern that seeking UN recognition of statehood could result in financial sanctions and urged Arab states to fill any gap.” We see….
Gaza businessmen applaud Rafah opening
5/29/2011 – GAZA CITY (Ma’an) — The federation of businessmen in Gaza applauded on Saturday Egypt’s decision to permanently open its Rafah border with the coastal enclave. Head of the federation’s board of directors Ali Al-Hayik told Ma’an he telephoned Egypt’s ambassador to the Palestinian Authority Yasser Othman….
Turkey latest site of Hamas-Fatah meetings
5/29/2011 – GAZA CITY (Ma’an) — Just as meetings continue in Cairo and Gaza City, Fatah and Hamas officials met in Turkey’s capital on Saturday, for discussions on establishing an on-the-ground unity in a simultaneous process to the political reunification of the rival parties. Fatah lawmaker Majed Abu Shammaleh spoke with Ma’an….
Man hospitalized in Hamas police custody, relatives say
5/29/2011 – BETHLEHEM (Ma’an) — A man detained by Hamas internal security forces has been hospitalized in Gaza City, relatives said Saturday. Anwar Isma’il Abu Ghanim, 46, has been in the custody of Hamas forces for 50 days, his nephew Tamir said. The detainee informed his family by telephone that he was taken to….
Soldiers deliver summonses in northern West Bank
5/29/2011 – NABLUS (Ma’an) — Israeli soldiers on Saturday delivered summonses to three Palestinians during a raid on a village in the northern West Bank, local officials and the army said. Forces entered Madama village, near Nablus, and ordered Hesham Ziada, Mujahed Qut, and Yasar Nassar to appear before intelligence services, village councilor Hasen Ziada said….
Israel allows limited goods to enter Gaza
5/29/2011 – GAZA CITY (Ma’an) — Israel will open the sole operating goods crossing into Gaza on Sunday, officials said. Palestinian liaison official Raed Fattouh said Israeli authorities agreed to allow 270 – 280 trucks to bring goods and aid into the besieged Gaza Strip through the Kerem Shalom terminal. The delivery will include cement, iron bars….
Police: Man shot dead in Jericho
5/29/2011 – JERICHO (Ma’an) — A 52-year-old man was shot dead Saturday evening in Jericho in the eastern West Bank, police said. Jericho police chief Mahmoud Salah Ad-Din identified the victim as Ramadan Omar Salhab. Unidentified gunmen shot Salhab three times in the chest, head and abdomen, Salah Ad-Din said. Salhab’s body was….
2 injured by settler in car accident
5/29/2011 – BETHLEHEM (Ma’an) — A father and son were moderately injured Sunday, medics said, after they were hit by an Israeli settler driving to a Jewish-only settlement in the southern West Bank. The father accused the settler of purposefully running him down just outside of Bethlehem. Medical sources in the Al-Yamama Hospital in Bethlehem identified….
Fatah, Hamas hold talks in Gaza City
5/29/2011 – GAZA CITY (Ma’an) —Hamas and Fatah officials met in Gaza City on Friday to discuss the implementation of the recently-signed reconciliation agreement. Party representatives addressed the formation of a new government, political detainees, the issuance of passports, freedom of the press and the operation of the Palestinian Central Bureau of Statistics in Gaza….
Leader of Palestinian independents announces resignation
5/29/2011 – GAZA CITY (Ma’an) — Head of the independent political figures in Gaza announced Sunday that he would resign from his post upon the implementation of the unity agreement. Abed Al-Aziz Ash-Sheqaqi issued a statement as Fatah and Hamas officials met in Gaza City, paving the way for the activation of a unity deal signed….
Palestinian ‘first Arab woman’ to scale Everest
5/29/2011 – DUBAI (AFP) — Suzanne Al-Houby, a Palestinian who lives in the United Arab Emirates, has become the first Arab woman to scale Mount Everest, the world’s tallest mountain, she said in a statement on Saturday.” Becoming the first Arab woman to reach the top of the world was an enormous thrill and a great….
Mubarak, ministers fined $90 million for telecom shutdown
5/29/2011 – CAIRO (AFP) — A Cairo court on Saturday fined ousted President Hosni Mubarak and two ex-ministers $90 million dollars for “damaging the economy” with a telephone and Internet shutdown during Egypt’s uprising. Mubarak, his former prime minister Ahmed Nazif and interior minister Habib Al-Adly were jointly “ordered to pay the state 540 million Egyptian….
Lebanon rally demands govt free detained Syrians
5/29/2011 – BEIRUT (AFP) — Hundreds of protesters gathered in north Lebanon on Saturday to demand their country’s caretaker government release Syrian refugees who are reportedly being held by the Lebanese army. Some 500 people gathered in the Bab Al-Tebbaneh neighbourhood of Tripoli, a mainly Sunni Muslim city along Lebanon’s northern coast, to voice….
Syria activists protest as boy ‘killed in custody’
5/29/2011 – NICOSIA (AFP) — Pro-democracy activists in Syria called for fresh protests on Saturday after the alleged torture and killing of a 13-year-old boy by security forces in the flashpoint region of Daraa. The body of Hamza al-Khatib was returned to his family on Wednesday, following his disappearance after a demonstration on April 29, activists said….
‘Several hurt’ as Syria tanks encircle towns
5/29/2011 – NICOSIA, Cyprus (AFP) — Several people were wounded on Sunday when Syria’s security forces unleashed “intense gunfire” in the central towns of Rastan and Talbisa, which were encircled by tanks at dawn, a human rights activist said.” Dozens of tanks at dawn encircled the towns of Rastan and Talbisa, as well as the village….
Report: Egypt arrests Iran diplomat on spy charges
5/29/2011 – CAIRO (AFP) — Egyptian authorities have arrested an Iranian diplomat on charges of spying on the North African country for Tehran’s intelligence services, state media reported on Sunday. A judicial source confirmed his arrest, which was denied however by the Iranian interests section in Cairo.” The state security prosecution today began an inquiry into….
Washington, DC. rolling thunders
Palestine Note 29 May 2011 – Every May, there are two rolling thundering groups that descend on Washington Dc, the nation capital. There is the Rolling Thunder, the Veterans group, loyal Americans honoring their comrades in arms and reminding the nation of its son and daughters…
Deaths reported in southern Yemeni city
AlJazeera 29 May 2011 – Six protesters said to be killed in shooting by security forces in Taiz amid heightened political tensions.
Egypt to expel Iranian envoy in spy probe
AlJazeera 29 May 2011 – Diplomat to be deported within 48 hours following brief detention on allegations of espionage and setting up spy rings.
Syrian tanks attack three central towns
AlJazeera 29 May 2011 – At least five deaths reported as security forces attack anti-government protesters in Talbiseh, Rastan and Homs.
Egypt opens Rafah border with Gaza
AlJazeera 28 May 2011 – Palestinians welcome easing of four-year blockade on coastal enclave – a move ushered in by Egypt’s new leaders.
Mubarak fined for cutting internet and phones
AlJazeera 28 May 2011 – Former president and two other former officials fined by Egyptian court for cutting communications.
Israeli Universities to Award Academic Credit for Military Reserve Duty
PNN – Jerusalem — AIC/PNN – Israel’s Council for Higher Education plans to approve for the coming academic year the provision of two academic credits for those who serve in military reserve duty. According…
Rafah Crossing Opens; Egypt Refuse Israeli Interference
PNN – Gaza — PNN — Hudnreds of Palestinian moved in and out of the Gaza Strip on Saturday as the Egyptian Authorities reopened the Rafah crossing with the Gaza Strip after four years…
UNRWA’s Mobile Cinema Project Ends in Rashydeh
PNN – Hebron – UNRWA Media to PNN — On Friday marked the last day of a groundbreaking mobile cinema project organized by UNRWA as part of the Agency’s protection work with vulnerable West…
International Solidarity Movement
My speech for Vik’s memorial in Faraheen
5/29/2011 – International Solidarity Movement – Nathan Stuckey, International Solidarity Movement — Gaza – Many of you here have known Victor longer than I. I will not tell you about what a great person Victor was, you already know that. I will instead offer you a Victor you might not have known, a Victor that fate never allowed. Victor was a writer….
Random arrests and assaults during and after Nakba day in Hebron
5/29/2011 – International Solidarity Movement – International Solidarity Movement – Several teenage boys were arrested after the 15 May Nakba Day demonstration in Hebron. On May 24 the International Solidarity Movement met one 16 year old boy and his father to hear his story. The boy had been on his way home from work at around 6 pm on May 15 when….
Three members of ISM arrested during peaceful demonstration in Iraq Burin
5/28/2011 – International Solidarity Movement – 28 May 2011 – International Solidarity Movement – This afternoon three members of the International Solidarity Movement were arrested during a peaceful demonstration in Iraq Burin. The activists from the UK, Denmark and Iceland had joined the villagers in protesting the loss of their land to the illegal Israeli settlement of Bracha, however the demonstration had barely….
Alternative Information Center
Israeli Army Sets Fires: Report on Weekend Anti-Occupation Protests
Alternative Information Center – Tear gas grenades shot by the army at demonstrators against the Israeli occupation set fires in the West Bank villages of Bil’in, Na’alin and Nabi Saleh. A demonstration against a new settlement in the East Jerusalem…
Winds of Hope in the Occupied Syrian Golan
Alternative Information Center – Residents of the Israeli-occupied Syrian Golan city of Majdal Shams were those who restored calm after the Israeli military assassination of four Palestinians during the Nakba, on 15 May. Occupied Golan residents applaud the courage of…
Freedom Theatre without Juliano
Alternative Information Center – Several weeks after the murder of actor and political activist Juliano Mer-Khamis , members of the Jenin refugee camp theatre were convinced the project will survive on the path blazed by Mer-Khamis and expand the importance of…
European Forum against Agrexco/Carmel: BDS Europe, a Major Struggle
Alternative Information Center – The Annual General Meeting of the Coalition against Agrexco has initiated this forum while Operation “Gaza Strawberries”, conducted by Agrexco, the CRIF and the Israeli Embassy in France, is in full swing.
Palestinian government deal by June 6: Shaath
Relief Web 29 May 2011 – Source: Agence France-Presse Country: occupied Palestinian territory GAZA CITY, Palestinian Territories ‚Äî Rival Palestinian groups Fatah and Hamas expect to agree the make-up of a transitional government of independents by June 6, senior Fatah official Nabil Shaath said on Sunday….
Save the Children’s response to Egypt’s easing of the Rafah border with Gaza
Relief Web 28 May 2011 – Source: Save the Children Country: Egypt , occupied Palestinian territory Salam Kanaan, Save the Children’s country director for Occupied Palestinian Territories, said: “The easing of Egypt’s border with Gaza will have significant impact on the lives of children who have been…
Speeches Followed by more Settlements [May 22 – May 28]
Relief Web 28 May 2011 – Source: MIFTAH Country: Israel , occupied Palestinian territory As Palestinians and Israelis continue to mull over the speeches of US President Barack Obama and the subsequent speeches of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu before AIPAC and then the US Congress, Israeli…
Israel prevents Palestinian girl from seeing her imprisoned father
29 May 2011 – West Bank, (Pal Telegraph)-The Israeli civil administration of Nafha prison prevented Saturday a Palestinian girl from visiting her father without legal justification, after she passed long distances under intolerable conditions seeking to see her lovely father.
Israeli army invades Bil’in village
29 May 2011 – West Bank, (Pal Telegraph)-Israeli occupation forces invaded Sunday the village of Bil’in in the west of Ramallah amid massive gunfire .
Israel arrests 5 Palestinian farmers near Hebron
29 May 2011 – West Bank, (Pal Telegraph)-Israeli occupation forces detained yesterday evening five Palestinian farmers from their fields in the town of Bait Ummer in the north of Hebron.
Israeli forces shoot Palestinian in Gaza
29 May 2011 – Gaza Strip, (Pal Telegraph)- A Palestinian citizens was injured Sunday as Israeli military forces opened fire at him in the east of al-Zeitoun neighborhood in Gaza city.
Egypt reopens Rafah crossing permanently
28 May 2011 – Gaza Strip, (Pal Telegraph)-Egypt opened today Rafah border crossing in both directions to facilitate the movement of Palestinian citizens from Gaza to the Egyptian territories.
Israeli forces impose closure on Burin village
28 May 2011 – West Bank, (Pal Telegraph)-Israeli occupation forces stormed Saturday Burin village in the south-west of Nablus city declaring the area as a “military closed zone”, according to Gassan Doglus, in charge of settlements file at the Palestinian Authority in the northern part of the West.
Killings destroy Bashar al Assad’s image as different from his brutal father
The National 29 May 2011 – When the Syrian president came to power in 2000 he sought to project an image of a young, hip and open-minded reformer who has little in common with his late father, a brutal dictator who ruled the country with an iron first for 30 years. Now many in Syria would admit to the son being the more brutal of the two.
Oman city’s property prices fall victim to street protests
The National 29 May 2011 – After four months of protests, commercial premises in the industrial city of Sohar are on the market at a third of the price they were in December.
Yemeni tribal leaders and dissident army groups call on nation to join anti-Saleh fight
The National 29 May 2011 – Pressure grows on embattled Ali Abdullah Saleh from Yemen¬øs tribes and dissident military units to step down after nearly a week of violence sparked by his refusal on May 22 to sign a transition deal brokered by the GCC.
Yemen rebel generals say Saleh let ‘terrorists’ take Abyan
The National 29 May 2011 – Opposition coalition blames Yemeni president Ali Abdullah Saleh for situation, saying he had ‘delivered Zinjibar to groups that he has formed and armed, to continue to utilise the spectre of al Qa’eda to frighten regional and international parties’.
Jailed Saudi female driver Manal al Sharif appeals to King Abdullah for release
The National 29 May 2011 – Facebook page backing female drivers gathers 24,000 supporters, while rival page urges men to use their agals to beat Saudi women who drive their cars in a planned protest on June 17 against the kingdom’s ban on women taking the wheel.
Israel marks Jerusalem ‘reunification day’ with $100m investment package
The National 29 May 2011 – Israeli PM Netanyahu vows he will not divide the city, despite international pressure for Israel and the Palestinians to share Jerusalem. and announces funding for the city to boost tourism, grants for students and incentives for bio-technology companies.
Iran’s supreme leader Khamenei ends row with President Ahmadinejad
The National 29 May 2011 – Ayatollah Khamenei, whose priority is domestic stability, was becoming worried about severe damage spat with his president was causing and wanted to put an end to it, says analyst.
Idea of 17 hidden pyramids is ‘wrong’
The National 28 May 2011 – Egypt’s chief archaeologist says a BBC documentary claiming 17 pyramids have been discovered buried in the Nile Delta using infra-red technology is not correct.
Gazans cross a border as Rafah opens
The National 28 May 2011 – Samah Ahmed was one of about 450 Gazans attempting to travel to Egypt yesterday under relaxed border restrictions introduced by the country’s interim military rulers.
IDF source: Israel bracing for clashes along its borders ahead of planned protests
Ha’aretz – Facebook-organized activists have called for demonstrations in Lebanon, Syria, and Jordan to mark the upcoming anniversary of the 1967 Six-Day War.
Syria willing to ‘fully cooperate’ with nuclear watchdog, UN report says
Ha’aretz – Confidential letter from top Syrian nuclear official sent to IAEA says Syria willing to assist probe of site reportedly bombed by Israel in 2007, and which the U.S. estimates was a nuclear reactor.
Police detain 7-year-old Palestinian boy and accost relatives, family members say
Ha’aretz – According to relatives’ account, the boy was arrested by border policemen in East Jerusalem village of Silwan; police: We acted in accordance with the law.
IDF: Palestinian police intentionally targeted worshipers at Joseph’s Tomb
Ha’aretz – Army conclusions counter claims by PA officials, who indicated the incident, which resulted in the death of Ben-Joseph Livnat, 25, was a mistake.
Palestinians sue Israel for NIS 18m over daughter’s border crossing injury
Ha’aretz – Lawsuit comes after couple’s 4 year old daughter was seriously hurt as a result of being trapped in Allenby border crossing’s baggage claims carousel.
Israeli Culture Minister storms out of film, calls it too pro-Palestinian
Ha’aretz – At festival near Sderot, Minister Limor Livnat claims Shlomi Elkabetz’s movie ‘Testimony’ is one-sided and ignores Israeli suffering; audience responds with boos.
Iconic musician Bob Geldof: Israel mustn’t isolate itself from the rest of the world
Ha’aretz – Irish anti-poverty activist, in Israel to receive honorary PhD from Ben Gurion University, urged Israel to spurn cultural isolation, forge better ties with African nations.
Police: Recognition of Palestinian state could ignite violent protests
Ha’aretz – Incoming commissioner Yohanan Danino says anti-Israel campaigns published on the internet, Facebook are changing the ways in which Israel must defend its sovereignty.
Gaza border crossing will remain free of European observers, Hamas official says
Ha’aretz – Speaking to the group’s al-Aqsa Radio, senior official says Hamas, in control of the coastal enclave since 2007, has proved it can manage Gaza’s Rafah crossing.
Peres to UN official: Israel supports creation of Palestinian state through negotiations
Ha’aretz – In meet with UN Deputy Secretary-General Asha-Rose Migiro, president said UN must not create false hope for Palestinians that a unilateral declaration will bring about establishment of a state.
‘Unification of Jerusalem is a foundation of nation of Israel’
Ha’aretz – Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu tells his cabinet that the government is obligated to build in Jerusalem, as it is ‘the heart of the nation.’
Netanyahu, officials launch highly anticipated education system reform
Ha’aretz – New program, coming after years of deliberations, would see teachers’ pay increase by 51% in exchange for additional working hours.
Israel moves toward smoking bans in public venues
Ha’aretz – About a quarter of Israelis smoke, according to recent Health Ministry report; new legislation would see ban at transportation platforms and limited smoking areas in other public spaces.
Police go in search of marijuana, and find swingers
Ha’aretz – A raid at a moshav in central Israel led to an unexpected find for volunteers from the Border Police.
Egypt releases Iran diplomat following arrest over espionage claims
Ha’aretz – Egyptian state security agency says suspect collected ‘sensitive information’ in order to ‘harm the interest of Egypt.’
Masked female ‘superhero’ hands out cash to poor in Hong Kong
Ha’aretz – Woman calling herself the ‘Bauhinia Heroine’ has given out hundreds of U.S. dollars worth of cash and food in inner-city areas.
Lockheed Martin says thwarted ‘tenacious’ cyber attack
Ha’aretz – World’s biggest aerospace company reports attack on information systems network; Israel has ordered F-35 fighter jets manufactured by Lockheed Martin, but delivery may be delayed or even canceled due to budgetary issues.
Mubarak faces $33m fine over telecom blackout
Ha’aretz – Internet and mobile phone services were cut for days when hundreds of thousands took to the streets in January to demand the president’s ouster.
Newest cell company already at risk after missing payment
Ha’aretz – Marathon Mobile, missed Friday’s deadline for getting a NIS 710 million bank guarantee to the Communications Ministry, in order to comply with the terms of its license.
Israel public transportation companies under fire for not making buses blind-friendly
Ha’aretz – A criminal indictment has been issued against ‘Egged’ and ‘Kavim’ bus companies for failing to use announcement systems on buses notifying passengers what bus number it is and where it stops.
13 ships owned by Israel’s Ofer Brothers have docked in Iran over past decade
Ha’aretz – Equasis, a major shipping information database, reveals the ships docked in the Iranian port city Bandar Abbas and Kharg Island; Iran and Ofer Brothers Group deny the allegations.
Israeli artist Uri Lifschitz dies at age 75
Ha’aretz – Lifschitz, one of the most prominent figures on the Israeli art scene during the 60’s and 70’s, passed away following a battle with cancer.
Driver in suspected Nakba Day terror attack in Tel Aviv reenacts incident for police
Ha’aretz – Truck driver Issa Islam Ibrahim, 22, claims that May 15 incident was not a terrorist attack but rather a series of accidents caused by a flat tire.
Young man found stabbed in south Tel Aviv
Ha’aretz – 22-year-old man dies en route to hospital after stabbing in scuffle, motive for incident unknown.
Free software campaigner Richard Stallman cancels Israel lectures due to Palestinian pressure
Ha’aretz – The Palestinian Authority, which offered funding for GNU Project founder Richard Stallman’s trip, was unhappy to learn that he had scheduled lectures at Israeli universities.
Arab League to seek full UN membership for Palestinian state
Ha’aretz – At General Assembly meeting in New York in September, Arab League will request that UN recognize a Palestinian state in the West Bank and Gaza Strip, with East Jerusalem as its capital.
Abbas: No hope for peace talks, only option is UN recognition of statehood
Ha’aretz – At Arab League meeting in Doha, Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas says that there are ‘no shared foundations’ for negotiations with Israeli government.
Travelers sought as Gaza terminal empties quickly
Ha’aretz – 450 passengers cross into the Egyptian side of the Rafah terminal within the first four hours of it opening for business on Saturday.
Arab League chief backs UN route for Palestinian state
Ha’aretz – Amr Moussa calls Palestinian plans to seek UN recognition for a future state in September ‘the sound path’ to statehood in light of ‘futile’ negotiations with Israel.
Fatah official hails ‘brave’ Egyptian decision to open Rafah crossing
Ha’aretz – Deputy Hamas FM says opening of Egypt-Gaza border crossing ‘a unique and positive development’; crossing had been closed since 2007.
Kadima: Opening of Gaza border is ‘national failure’ for Netanyahu
Ha’aretz – Israel opposition party Kadima issues statement after Egypt decision to permanently open Rafah crossing to Gaza, saying this is breach of deal brokered by Kadima with international assistance.
Egypt permanently opens Rafah crossing with Gaza
Ha’aretz – Israel fears opening of crossing will make it easier for militants to enter and exit the strip, highlighting those fears, IDF officials say Gaza militants fired a mortar shell into southern Israel overnight.
C’tee submits recommendation on ‘summer time’ to Yishai
Jeruslalem Post 29 May 2011 – Supporters of daylight saving extension say clock should change in mid-October, and not Yom Kippur as has been the law since 2005.
Two Shuafat men sentenced for killing US citizen in 2006
Jeruslalem Post 29 May 2011 – The men confessed in a plea bargain to killing US Consulate employee, 54, in the process of stealing his car.
Analysis: Al-Qaida exploiting failed states for sovereignty
Jeruslalem Post 29 May 2011 – Takeover of Yemen’s Zinjibar shows opportunity unstable regions provide to global jihadist movements seeking pan-Islamic radical state.
J’lem unsure Obama moved EU against Palestinian state bid
Jeruslalem Post 29 May 2011 – White House officials say one reason Obama made mention of 1967-lines was to convince Europeans there is no need to support Palestinian state bid at the UN; J’lem says comments were made too early.
‘Abbas’s comment about a state without Jews was racist’
Jeruslalem Post 29 May 2011 – Steinitz: I remind everyone that Abbas denied the Holocaust in his doctoral thesis, and these things need to raise questions about this man.
The Russian wave
Jeruslalem Post 29 May 2011 – The thorough secularism of Israel’s population from the former Soviet Union, coupled with the thrust of its politics, severely tests the notion of the Jewish state as the forge of a national Jewish identity.
Where fear and blindness dominate
Jeruslalem Post 29 May 2011 – Egypt is well on its way to becoming the next Iran.
The limits of rhetoric
Jeruslalem Post 29 May 2011 – Netanyahu’s stirring phrases may have boosted his standing in the opinion polls, but opinion polls do not change reality.
Appreciation: Arthur Goldreich
Jeruslalem Post 29 May 2011 – Anti-apartheid icon, Machal volunteer, and abstract painter.
Referendum — a vital component of peace
Jeruslalem Post 29 May 2011 – The willingness of both Israeli and Palestinian leaders to make concessions will increase if they know that these concessions will be brought before the public prior to ratification.
Say ‘no’ to smoking
Jeruslalem Post 29 May 2011 – The strictest of restrictions, or even a total ban, will never completely eradicate smoking as long as it is considered “cool” or respectable.
Jerusalem takes center stage on Channel 1 this week
Jeruslalem Post 29 May 2011 – Yigal Ravid utilizes Israel Film Archives to bring viewers rare footage of Jerusalem from the end of the 19th century.
Ten years on, pain of Dolphinarium bombing still strong
Jeruslalem Post 29 May 2011 – Lilya Zhukovsky still has a clear memory of the last time she saw her daughter alive: It still feels like “it happened yesterday.”
Mubarak’s wealth no more than $1 m., lawyer says
Jeruslalem Post 29 May 2011 – In CNN interview, attorney says toppled leader’s fortune is about 6 m. Egyptian pounds with no other assets in Egypt or abroad.
‘Syria agrees to fully cooperate with IAEA’
Jeruslalem Post 29 May 2011 – Damascus reportedly gives in to western threats of UN Security Council action for continued failure to heed atomic watchdog.
New school reform to increase hours, wages for teachers
Jeruslalem Post 29 May 2011 – Teachers across Israel will receive a 53% salary increase; changes to go into effect beginning next school year.
Police preparing for wide-scale rioting in September
Jeruslalem Post 29 May 2011 – Danino says forces readying for possibility of civil struggle as Palestinians expected to unilaterally declare statehood.
We’ll sail all the way to Gaza, flotilla organizers vow
Jeruslalem Post 29 May 2011 – Activists undettered by Ban’s call to stay away; ships should be allowed through, some IDF officers say
‘Probe Israeli companies doing business with Iran’
Jeruslalem Post 29 May 2011 – Gov’t watchdog calls for comprehensive investigation into Israeli business ties with Tehran in wake of Ofer brothers allegations.
Court to rule if hate crime suspect to be extradited to US
Jeruslalem Post 29 May 2011 – Suspect allegedly beat 2 African Americans in Brooklyn in 2008 and then escaped to Israel where he is also a citizen.
Drainage plan for polluted Kishon River okayed
Jeruslalem Post 29 May 2011 – 700,000 tons of contaminated sludge to be treated; Park planned near Haifa.
‘Egypt frees Iranian diplomat after spy probe’
Jeruslalem Post 29 May 2011 – Egyptian news agency says Iranian working at diplomatic mission in Cairo had operated in a way that breached diplomatic protocol.
At least 8 killed as Syrian protesters defy gov’t crackdown
Jeruslalem Post 29 May 2011 – Latest demonstrations galvanized by revelations that authorities apparently tortured, murdered a 13-year-old boy last month near Deraa.
Geldof says Israeli aid to Africa is ‘noble’
Jeruslalem Post 29 May 2011 – At IsraAid conference in Herzliya, visiting rockstar-activist lauds fact that ‘country born in misery and suffering aspires to assist Africa.’
‘PA police purposely fired on Joseph’s Tomb worshipers’
Jeruslalem Post 29 May 2011 – Gantz accepts IDF probe findings concluding gunfire that killed Ben Yosef Livnat was intentional, aimed at killing group of Jews who infiltrated site.
As Iran’s woes multiply, leaders wrestle for power
Jeruslalem Post 29 May 2011 – Ahmadinejad and Khamenei battle over cabinet posts, prestige and power as country faces massive political and economic problems.
Syrian troops kill 2 protesters in besieged town
Jeruslalem Post 29 May 2011 – Water, electricity and Internet cut in Rastan, says resident; clinics unable to cope with wounded after Assad’s forces fire on civilians.
Sugar and spice and all things Shavuot
Jeruslalem Post 29 May 2011 – Instead of just sticking to the safe cheesecake option try these Mexican influenced dishes which will spice up the festivities.
Egypt detains Iranian ‘diplomat’ from mission in Cairo
Jeruslalem Post 29 May 2011 – Move puts a snag in improved relations between the two countries; diplomatic status of detained man not clear.
Peer support at work can help men live longer
Jeruslalem Post 28 May 2011 – Hebrew U scientists learn why DNA breaks down in cancer cells; American Cacner Society invites Israeli site to global fellowship.
Going back to Lifta: a Palestinian exile returns – video
The Guardian 29 May 2011 – Yacoub Odeh, a Palestinian who fled from Lifta, west Jerusalem in 1948, shows film-maker Mat Heywood around his deserted home village, now under threat from Israeli plans to build a luxury resort Mat Heywood
The ruined village Palestinians will never forget
The Guardian 29 May 2011 – The ruins of Lifta are the final remains of the Palestinian hamlets that fringed Jerusalem until 1948. Now plans to bulldoze them are causing outrage In the soft golden light of a late spring evening, as…
Barack Obama, you used to say that we had a special relationship
The Guardian 29 May 2011 – Now that the American-British bond is ‘essential’, imagine how the US president would descibe other nations So, Barack Obama is two-timing us Brits again. Only last Wednesday he was shamelessly flattering us as if we were…
David Cameron resigns as patron of the Jewish National Fund
The Guardian 29 May 2011 – Pro-Palestinian campaigners claim their lobbying forced the prime minister to withdraw support David Cameron has stepped down as a patron of the Jewish National Fund (JNF) in a move pro-Palestinian campaigners claim is a result of…
Bereaved author David Grossman writes novel about loss of a child
The Guardian 29 May 2011 – Celebrated Israeli writer lost 20-year-old son in war with Lebanon five years ago but new book is not autobiographical Celebrated Israeli author David Grossman has written a new novel about coming to terms with the death…
Hundreds of Palestinians cross reopened Gaza-Egypt border
The Guardian 28 May 2011 – Post-revolution move is hailed as ‘first step towards breaking the siege’, but Israel voices concerns Egypt has opened its border with Gaza, letting Palestinians leave the blockaded territory, in a move seen as indicating a more…
Egypt opens the border with Gaza — in pictures
The Guardian 28 May 2011 – Palestinians are taking advantage of the first free passage out of the blockaded territory in almost four years
Peacemakers Swim Against the Tide
IPS Although politicians seem to have put the peace process on ice, there are many different groups in Israel and the Palestinian territories that still believe in reconciliation. They call on the world not to believe in stereotypes. “The minute you choose sides, you become part of the conflict.”
MIDEAST: Settlers See New Support from Obama
IPS The leader of Israel’s most right-wing government since the establishment of the Jewish state 63 years ago, has returned to Israel with his popularity surging since talks with U.S. President Barack Obama in Washington.
[uruknet.info] Army, Muslim Brotherhood Vs. Tahrir Square
Uruknet May 29, 2011 -Things don’t look good in Egypt. The emerging alliance between the Egyptian army and the right-wing Muslim Brotherhood seems to be in control, and it’s likely that the elections for parliament will produce an assembly dominated by the Brotherhood and the (military-linked) National Democratic Party, the remade party that controlled the country during the Mubarak…
[uruknet.info] Video: Iraqi refugees leave Syria for home
Uruknet May 29, 2011 – For more than a million Iraqis who escaped the violence in their country after the 2003 US invasion, Syria was a safe destination. But now, as the security situation in that country worsens, many are going back to Iraq to face an uncertain future. Al Jazeera’s Omar Al Saleh has the story of one…
[uruknet.info] Seven Year-Old Palestinian Boy Violently Arrested in Silwan
Uruknet May 29, 2011 – Special police forces raided the house of 7 year-old Ali Siyam this afternoon and illegaly arrested him, causing injury requiring hospitalization to both his aunt and father. At 3 PM this afternoon, Israeli police forces raided the Alabasya neighborhood of Silwan in East Jerusalem to arrest 7 years-old Ali Siyam from inside his parents’…
[uruknet.info] Iraq’s multi-faceted corruption
Uruknet May 29, 2011 – … How can we be so na?Øve to believe statements by our politicians and leaders claiming that their aim is to turn Iraq into an “oasis of democracy.” These leaders have destroyed a whole generation through their corruption. They have used their political corruption as a cover for money-laundering, smuggling and theft. Their ultimate aim…
[uruknet.info] Libya: Britain prepares ‘bunker buster’ bombs for assaults
Uruknet May 29, 2011 – Britain has ratcheted up the pressure on Colonel Muammar Gaddafi by preparing to load heavy “bunker buster” bombs on RAF jets ready to attack his compounds in and around Tripoli. Paveway bombs, weighing 2,000lbs, the largest in the RAF’s arsenal, have been dispatched to Gioia del Colle in southern Italy where RAF Tornado and…
[uruknet.info] Special from Gaza: Skepticism and resentment mark Rafah opening
Uruknet May 29, 2011 – Islamist Hamas rulers and the European Union on Saturday welcomed the Egyptian decision to permanently open the Rafah border crossing between Egypt and the Gaza Strip. Hamas spokesman Fawzi Barhoum called the move “a courageous and reasonable decision that meets the needs of both the Palestinian and the Egyptian people.”… Hundreds of Gazans successfully…
[uruknet.info] Egypt to expel Iranian envoy in spy probe
Uruknet May 29, 2011 – Egypt is expelling an Iranian diplomat who was briefly detained and questioned on charges of illegally gathering intelligence for Tehran, security officials said. Qassem al Husseini, the diplomat, was arrested on Saturday in his Cairo home, after the Egyptian intelligence tracked his movements, Al Jazeera’s Ayman Mohyeldin reported. Husseini was charged with attempting to…
[uruknet.info] Syrian forces kill 8 during attacks on towns
Uruknet May 29, 2011- Syrian forces attacked several towns Sunday, killing at least eight people as protests continued against the embattled regime of President Bashar Assad, activists said. Syrian troops and security forces stormed the central town of Rastan, using tanks and armored vehicles and shooting randomly, the activists said. At least four people were killed in the town…
[uruknet.info] Report: Abbas, Peres held secret talks
Uruknet May 29, 2011 – – President Mahmoud Abbas held secret talks with his Israeli counterpart Shimon Peres in April, Israeli media reported Friday. Abbas and Peres met in London to try and revive the stalled peace process, the Hebrew-language daily Ma’ariv reported. Since the meeting, the two have spoken on the telephone on secure lines, the report added….
[uruknet.info] Vermont Enacts Conditional Universal Healthcare Coverage
Uruknet May 29, 2011 – Numerous previous articles discussed Obamacare, described accurately as a rationing scheme to enrich insurers, drug companies and large hospital chains in lieu of universal single payer coverage. Obama hailed its March 2010 passage as answering “the call of history.” In fact, Ralph Nader was right calling it a “pay-or-die system that is the disgrace…
[uruknet.info] Palestinian Forced To Demolish His Own Home In Jerusalem
Uruknet May 29, 2011 – Israeli authorities forced Mahmoud Aramin to demolish his house in East Jerusalem Sunday, or risk having it destroyed by an Israeli bulldozer, which would have resulted in an exorbitant fine. Aramin had already paid thousands of dollars in fines to the Jerusalem municipality in monthly installments, for having built an ‘unlicensed’ house in East…
[uruknet.info] Egypt: Brotherhood withdraws representatives from youth coalition
Uruknet May 29, 2011 – The Muslim Brotherhood announced on Saturday that the group no longer has any official representatives in the 25 January Revolution Youth Coalition. Mohamed al-Qassas, a young Brotherhood coalition member, said the decision came in response to disagreements leading up to the second Friday of Anger which took place last Friday. The Brotherhood leadership rejected…
[uruknet.info] Israeli forces shoot man near Gaza City, medics say
Uruknet May 29, 2011 — Israeli forces shot and injured a Palestinian man east of Gaza City early Sunday morning, medics said. Medical services spokesman Adham Abu Salmiya said the man was shot in his right leg in the Zaytoun neighborhood. He was taken to the Ash-Shifa Hospital in Gaza City. An Israeli military spokeswoman said the army was…
[uruknet.info] European campaign slams Ban Ki-moon calls curtailing Gaza aid flotilla
Uruknet May 28, 2011 – The European campaign to end the Gaza siege has criticized calls by UN secretary-general Ban Ki-moon to thwart a Gaza aid flotilla, dubbed Freedom Flotilla 2, set to deliver humanitarian aid late this June in defiance of Israel’s illegal siege on the Gaza Strip. It is the fifth straight year that Israel has tightened…
[uruknet.info] Three members of ISM arrested during peaceful demonstration in Iraq Burin
Uruknet May 28, 2011 – This afternoon three members of the International Solidarity Movement were arrested during a peaceful demonstration in Iraq Burin. The activists from the UK, Denmark and Iceland had joined the villagers in protesting the loss of their land to the illegal Israeli settlement of Bracha, however the demonstration had barely began when the army began…
[uruknet.info] We are all Hamza Alkhateeb
Uruknet May 28, 2011 – Hamzah Ali Alkhateeb, a boy of only 13 years, went with his family from Aljeezah in the march to break the siege in Deraa. Hamza’s cousin had been previously murdered by security forces in the Syrian regime so he decided that he wanted to go out and participate in the protests. He was arrested…
[uruknet.info] Wisconsin Judge Strikes Down Anti-Union Law
Uruknet May 28, 2011 – Since taking office on January 3, Republican Governor Scott Walker waged war on public workers and their unions, aiming to restrict collective bargaining rights to wage negotiations before ending them altogether. He also demanded draconian health insurance and pension contribution increases, doubling them for state employees during hard times when they’re already strapped to…
[uruknet.info] UN chief discourages a new Gaza aid flotilla
Uruknet May 28, 2011 – UN chief Ban Ki-moon called Friday “on all governments” in the region to use to their influence to push against a new flotilla of ships expected to try to break the blockade on Gaza. The secretary general was said to be “following with concern media reports of potential flotillas to Gaza,” said his spokesman…
[uruknet.info] Anatomy of a Murder: How NATO Killed Qaddafi Family Members
Uruknet May 28, 2011 – How many times must a parent bury a child? Well, in the case of Muammar Qaddafi it’s not only twice: once for his daughter, murdered by the United States bombing on his home in 1986, and again on 30 April 2011 when his youngest son, Saif al Arab, but yet again for three young…
[uruknet.info] Lebanon rally demands govt free detained Syrian refugees
Uruknet May 28, 2011 — Hundreds of protesters gathered in north Lebanon on Saturday to demand their country’s caretaker government release Syrian refugees who are reportedly being held by the Lebanese army. Some 500 people gathered in the Bab Al-Tebbaneh neighbourhood of Tripoli, a mainly Sunni Muslim city along Lebanon’s northern coast, to voice support for anti-government protesters in…
[uruknet.info] Group of 12 Israeli settlers severely beat elderly Palestinian shepherd
Uruknet May 28, 2011 – An elderly Palestinian shepherd, Hamad al-Kett, 67, was admitted to the hospital on Friday with a fractured skull, internal bleeding, and bruising throughout his body, after he was attacked and beaten by a group of 12 Israeli settlers south of Nablus. The incident took place in Madama village, near the city of Nablus in…
[uruknet.info] Iraq snapshot – May 27, 2011
Uruknet May 27, 2011. Chaos and violence continue, Memorial Day leads an outlet to hop a high horse (a high horse that maybe needs to be shot), Bradley Manning is back in the news, protests take place in Baghdad, the canonization of Ali al-Lami continues, and more…Ali al-Lami’s destructive decisions cannot be taken away or wiped away. They helped…
[uruknet.info] Mass protests demand “second revolution” in Egypt
Uruknet May 28, 2011 – Hundreds of thousands of Egyptians turned out for demonstrations in Tahrir Square in Cairo and in cities throughout the country, demanding an end to military rule and the trial and punishment of officials of the dictatorship of former president Hosni Mubarak. Protest groups, mainly comprised of young people, labeled Friday’s protests the “second day…
[uruknet.info] Egypt reopens Rafah border crossing with Gaza
Uruknet May 28, 2011 – Egypt reopened its Rafah border crossing with Gaza permanently on Saturday morning, easing Israel’s four-year blockade on the Gaza Strip. Egyptian officials said the terminal would operate daily between 10 a.m. and 6 p.m. except Fridays and public holidays, giving Gazans a gateway to the world as Rafah is the only crossing which does…
Breakaway army units add to pressure on Yemen’s president
Daily Star 29 May 2011 A breakaway military group called Sunday for other army units to join them in the fight to bring down Yemen’s President Ali Abdullah Saleh, piling pressure on him to end his three-decade rule over the destitute…
Seven shot dead, as tanks encircle Syria towns hit by protests
Daily Star 29 May 2011 Syrian security forces shot dead seven people and wounded more than 100 in and around Talbiseh and Rastan Sunday after tanks encircled the towns near the central city of Homs, an activist said.
Electoral reform youth project draws to a close
Daily Star 29 May 2011 The Lebanese Association for Democratic Elections celebrated the conclusion of its project Electoral reform advocacy for sustainable democracy in Lebanon over the weekend.
Couple in hospital in Jbeil after domestic shooting
Daily Star 29 May 2011 A couple was hospitalized after being found severely injured at their apartment in the coastal city of Jbeil Sunday, the state-run National News Agency reported.
Tripoli protest demands release of Syrian refugees
Daily Star 29 May 2011 Hundreds of residents of the impoverished neighborhood of Bab al-Tabbaneh in the north Lebanon coastal city of Tripoli staged a demonstration over the weekend to demand the release of Syrian refugees who are reportedly being held…
March 8 candidates sweep Beirut doctors by-election
Daily Star 29 May 2011 March 8 candidates beat members of March 14 running in the by-election that took place at the Beirut Order of Physicians Sunday.
Lebanon getting squeezed by pressure of Arab uprisings
Daily Star 29 May 2011 As the political dispute in Syria has reached new heights, it has also paved the way for security tensions and potential instability.
Algeria is immune to unrest but not to reform, ambassador says
Daily Star 29 May 2011 Algeria is immune to the waves of unrest currently sweeping the Arab world and will engage in reforms to further consolidate freedom in the country, according to Algeria’s ambassador to Lebanon.
Rai: Christians always victims in Middle East
Daily Star 29 May 2011 Maronite Patriarch Beshara Rai said Sunday that Christians in the Middle East were at all times the victims of conflicts and disputes which others provoke.
Protesters come out against gender violence
Daily Star 29 May 2011 Pressure mounted on Lebanese authorities to adopt laws banning gender-based violence Sunday as several hundred demonstrators took to the streets of Beirut.
Celebrating U.N. peacekeepers on global day of thanks
Daily Star 29 May 2011 The world celebrates the International Day of United Nations Peacekeepers, or the Blue Helmets, each year on May 29.
Kahwagi visits Chouf hometown, holds talks with Jumblatt
Daily Star 29 May 2011 Lebanese Army Commander Jean Kahwagi said Sunday Lebanon should be wary of negative repercussions ensuing from recent regional developments.
Hezbollah denies role in delaying formation of government as deadlock drags on
Daily Star 29 May 2011 Hezbollah rejected accusations Sunday that it was delaying the formation of a new government, saying it strongly supported a solution for the Cabinet crisis, which has entered its fifth month with no end in sight.
Bombing will not affect troop numbers in the south: UNIFIL
Daily Star 29 May 2011 The United Nations vowed Sunday to maintain full troop deployment in south Lebanon following a bomb blast wounding six Italian soldiers, as Rome confirmed hundreds of its soldiers would soon leave the peacekeeping mission.
Just the beginning for attacks against UNIFIL?
Daily Star 29 May 2011 UNIFIL has been bracing itself for some time in expectation of an attack against the peacekeeping force, given the political deadlock in Lebanon and the violence in neighboring Syria.
Storm brews over telecoms controversy
Daily Star 29 May 2011 Internal Security Forces (ISF) chief Major General Ashraf Rifi sounded defiant Sunday in the face of threats of prosecution for failing to comply with caretaker Interior Minister Ziyad Baroud’s order to evacuate members of the ISF’s…
Fatah, Hamas near deal to swap political prisoners: Shaath
Daily Star 29 May 2011 Hamas and Fatah are close to resolving their differences on the issue of political prisoners from the two rival movements, a senior Fatah envoy visiting Gaza said Sunday.
Egypt to expel Iran diplomat spy suspect: security officials
Daily Star 29 May 2011 Egypt will expel an Iranian diplomat who was detained on suspicion of spying on the North African country for Tehran’s intelligence services, security officials said Sunday.
U.K. bombs will ‘bust bunkers’ in Libya
Daily Star 29 May 2011 Britain is to add bunker-busting bombs to the arsenal its warplanes are using over Libya, a weapon it said Sunday would send a loud message to Moammar Gadhafi that it is time to quit.
Khamenei backs Ahmadinejad’s government, wants end to crisis: TV
Daily Star 29 May 2011 Iran’s supreme leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei Sunday backed President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad’s government and called for an end to the crisis within the ruling conservative camp, state television said.
Hundreds report rapes by Gadhafi forces
Daily Star 29 May 2011 At first, the responses to the questionnaire about the trauma of the war in Libya were predictable, if tragic: 10,000 people suffering post-traumatic stress disorder, 4,000 children with psychological problems.
Freed Bahraini female doctors recount horrors of detention
Daily Star 29 May 2011 Out of prison but in fear of being rearrested, Bahraini Shiite women doctors have spoken of abuse and torture by police after being accused of backing pro-democracy protests in the Sunni-ruled monarchy.
Jailed Saudi woman driver hopeful appeal to king will secure her release
Daily Star 29 May 2011 A young Saudi woman detained for more than a week for breaking the ultra-conservative kingdom’s ban on women driving has appealed to King Abdullah for her release, her lawyer said Sunday.
Bomb kills Iraqi soldier, firefighter near Baghdad
Daily Star 29 May 2011 A roadside bomb planted outside a suburban liquor shop west of Baghdad killed an Iraqi soldier and a firefighter Sunday as security forces tried to extinguish a blaze from an explosion minutes earlier.
Khartoum commits war crimes: NGO
Daily Star 29 May 2011 An advocacy group said Sunday that new satellite images provide evidence that Northern Sudanese troops have committed war crimes, including ethnic cleansing, in the contested border town of Abyei where the forces took over more than…
Protesters urge Lebanon House pass bill on domestic violence
Daily Star 29 May 2011 Hundreds of demonstrators marched through the streets of Beirut Sunday demanding that Parliament pass a draft law to protect women against domestic violence.
Fatah-Hamas near deal on prisoners: Shaath
Daily Star 29 May 2011 Hamas and Fatah are close to resolving their differences on the issue of political prisoners from the two rival movements, a senior Fatah envoy visiting Gaza said on Sunday.
Jailed Saudi female driver appeals to king: lawyer
Daily Star 29 May 2011 A young Saudi woman detained for more than a week for breaking the ultra-conservative kingdom’s ban on women driving has appealed to King Abdullah for her release, her lawyer said Sunday.
For Israelis, “defensible” border means more land
Daily Star 29 May 2011 “Any border the political echelon sets as the State of Israel’s border is a border that the Israel Defence Forces would be capable of defending,” said Dan Halutz, a former military chief.
Sleiman urges Italy maintain U.N. mission in Lebanon
Daily Star 29 May 2011 President Michel Sleiman urged Rome over the weekend to carry on with its mission as part of the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon, a day after Italian members of UNIFIL were struck by a roadside…
Hundreds of women report rapes by Gadhafi forces
Daily Star 29 May 2011 “First they tied my husband up,” the woman wrote. “Then they raped me in front of my husband and my husband’s brother. Then they killed my husband.”
Afghans say NATO air strikes kill 52
Daily Star 29 May 2011 Afghan authorities said Sunday NATO had killed 52 people, mostly civilians, in air strikes against insurgents as violence picked up in recent weeks with the start of the fighting season.
5 killed, tanks circle Syria towns: activist
Daily Star 29 May 2011 Syrian security forces shot dead five people and wounded more than 100 others in Talbisa and Rastan Sunday after tanks encircled the towns near the central city of Homs, an activist said.
Egypt police arrest Iranian diplomat for spying
Daily Star 29 May 2011 An Egyptian security official says police have arrested an Iranian diplomat suspected of espionage in the wake of the uprising that toppled former President Hosni Mubarak.
Iran denies buying ship from Israeli firm: report
Daily Star 29 May 2011 Iran’s top trade official has denied that a public company in Iran, which does not recognise the Jewish state, has bought a ship from an Israeli firm as claimed by Washington, local media said Sunday.
Yemen rebel generals say Saleh let ‘terrorists’ take Abyan
Daily Star 29 May 2011 Dissident Yemeni generals on Sunday accused the embattled president of surrendering Abyan province to “terrorists” after suspected Al-Qaeda militants took its capital, and called for others to defect.
Probe into attack on U.N. convoy to be launched: Hariri
Daily Star 28 May 2011 Caretaker Prime Minister Saad Hariri told U.N. chief Ban Ki-moon over the weekend that Lebanon was ready to launch all the necessary probes to apprehend those behind Friday’s attack on U.N. peacekeepers in the south of…
Hezbollah denies wanting Cabinet delay
Daily Star 28 May 2011 MP Nawaf Mousawi says no one should doubt Hezbollah’s intentions after Walid Jumblatt claimed party does not wish government to be formed, and says Western pressures are holding back its formation.
Lebanon rally demands govt free detained Syrians
Daily Star 28 May 2011 Hundreds of protesters gathered in north Lebanon Saturday to demand their country’s caretaker government release Syrian refugees who are reportedly being held by the Lebanese army.
Report: Syrian soldiers shot by fellow comrades
YNet News, 29 May 2011 – Al-Jazeera TV airs video showing Syrian soldiers bleeding after reportedly….
Son: Mladic had nothing to do with Srebrenica
YNet News, 29 May 2011 – Former commander of Serb forces did not instigate massacre of 8,000 people in….
Joseph’s Tomb shooting wasn’t planned in advance
YNet News, 29 May 2011 – IDF chief Gantz avoids labeling incident which left Ben Yosef Livnat dead….
Witness: Syrian troops kill 2 in besieged town
YNet News, 29 May 2011 – Troops, tanks encircle Rastan, fire heavily in continuing crackdown on protests,….
Peres to UN: Don’t mislead Palestinians
YNet News, 29 May 2011 – President tells deputy UN chief Palestinians should know statehood possible only….
PM promotes Jerusalem development plan
YNet News, 29 May 2011 – Netanyahu reiterates $115M plan to boost capital’s economy, Tourism Ministry to….
Warden jailed for giving terrorists phones
YNet News, 29 May 2011 – Ketziot Prison warden received $6,000 for handing cell phone to al-Aqsa Martyrs’….
Cabinet mulls new smoking crackdown
YNet News, 29 May 2011 – Gov’t approves establishment of Health Ministry unit against smoking. Will also….
Egged, Kavim ‘blind’ to special needs
YNet News, 29 May 2011 – Indictments filed against two prominent bus companies for neglecting to install….
Wife: Australian nabbed for Hamas ties ‘as revenge for Mabhouh’
YNet News, 29 May 2011 – Family of man detained in Israel calls charges of involvement with terror group….
Report: 7 of Ofer’s tankers docked in Iran
YNet News, 29 May 2011 – Calcalist reveals additional trade with Iran by Sammy Ofer, already object of US….
Lockheed Martin hit by cyber attack
YNet News, 29 May 2011 – Contractor holding top secret info on US defense projects says unsuccessful….
Palestinian Information Center
Israeli settlers plan provocative march in O. Jerusalem
PIC – 28/05/2011 – 09:14 AM
MP Foqaha urges fast implementation of reconciliation agreement
PIC – 28/05/2011 – 09:36 AM
PA preventive apparatus say they have no orders to change dealing with Hamas
PIC – 28/05/2011 – 10:45 AM
Israeli soldiers suppress West Bank protests injuring many
PIC – 28/05/2011 – 10:58 AM
NGO declares ‘commercial disaster’ in Jerusalem’s Old City
PIC – 28/05/2011 – 11:16 AM
Lebanese NGO welcomes president’s statements on right of return
PIC – 28/05/2011 – 11:24 AM
Hamas, Fatah discuss enhancing reconciliation during Gaza meeting
PIC – 28/05/2011 – 11:32 AM
Protests in Jordan demand closure of Israeli embassy
PIC – 28/05/2011 – 11:44 AM
MP Ramadan denies rumors that Hamas supports Fayyad as future PM
PIC – 28/05/2011 – 05:22 PM
Prisoners freeze hunger strike as negotiations begin
PIC – 28/05/2011 – 05:44 PM
IOF declares Iraq Burin closed military zone
PIC – The Israel occupation forces (IOF) has declared Iraq Burin village south of Nablus city in the West Bank a closed military zone in a bid to block media and activists from entering the village..
European campaign slams Ban Ki-moon calls curtailing Gaza aid flotilla
PIC – The European campaign to end the Gaza siege has criticized calls by UN secretary-general Ban Ki-moon to thwart a Gaza aid flotilla, dubbed Freedom Flotilla 2.
Palestinian captive suffers loss of memory after 10 years in occupation jails
PIC – Wadi’ Tamman (30), a Palestinian captive from the southern Gaza Strip city of Khan Younis, who suffers from epilepsy has lost his memory completely..
A Palestinian man forced to demolish his home in Jerusalem
PIC – Mahmoud Aramin, a Palestinian resident of Jerusalem, was forced to demolish his home on Saturday to avoid it being demolished by the municipality and get charged extortionist rates.
FPJS condemns IOF assault of journalists in occupied Jerusalem
PIC – The Forum of Palestinian Journalists condemned the assault on Friday evening of a group of journalists by IOF soldiers while the journalists were covering the events at the Ras al-Amoud in Jerusalem.
The 15th May youth in Jordan call for marching to Israeli embassy in Amman
PIC – The 15th May youth in Jordan announced, in a statement on Saturday, their intention to march to the Israeli embassy in Amman next Friday to mark the 1967 Israeli aggression.
IOF places tight grip on village near Nablus
PIC – The Israeli occupation forces (IOF) has tightened procedures at the gates of the separation wall in the Azzun Atma village near Qalqilya, locals have reported.
Resheq: The opening of Rafah crossing an achievement of the Egyptian revolution
PIC – Ezzat al-Resheq, member of the Hamas Political Bureau, expressed appreciation for the Egyptian government’s decision to permanently open the Rafah border crossing with the Gaza Strip.
Gaza committee says Ki-moon responsible for danger ahead of flotilla
PIC – The International Committee to Break the Gaza Siege has held UN secretary-general Ban Ki-moon responsible for the danger ahead of Freedom Flotilla 2 set to deliver aid to Gaza in late June.
Zionist plan to change the demography of occupied Jerusalem within five years
PIC – The Israeli occupation government has revealed a plan to further Judaize occupied Jerusalem and change demographic realities under the pretext of propping up the economy of the city.
Israeli Soldiers Demolish Water Wells, Arrest Palestinians in Jenin
WAFA
Fatah: Israel’s Approval to Judaizing Jerusalem’s Budget, is Refusal of Peace
WAFA
47 Years Since PLO’s Establishment
WAFA
Netanyahu’s Government Wants Peace that ‘Fits its Size’
WAFA
Arab Peace Initiative Committee to Seek UN Recognition of Palestinian State
WAFA
WAFA Monitors Racism and Incitement in Israeli Media
WAFA
Israeli Army Raids and Terrorizes Bilin
WAFA
Settlers Drown Palestinians’ Land with Wastewater in Bethlehem
WAFA
Newspapers Review: Arab Peace Initiative to Seek UN Recognition Main Focus of Dailies
WAFA
Israeli soldiers Injure Palestinian in Gaza
WAFA
New Palestinian Stamp on International Passports
WAFA
PAUL BALLES: Dissent and Compromise
Intifada-Palestine: 28 May 2011 – Prof. Paul Balles by Paul Balles President Barak Obama is the great compromiser. For Obama, barter is so essential that he’s willing to sacrifice his integrity for compromise. Obama is guided by beliefs like those of Israeli professor/writer Amos Oz: “If… more
Every President and Congress Are Complicit in Israel’s “War Crimes”
Intifada-Palestine: 28 May 2011 – Jewish American,Rae Abileah, disrupted Netanyahu speech at a joint session of Congress ,shouting “STOP ISRAELI WAR CRIMES!” Mohamed Khodr “He (Netanyahu) thinks he is the superpower and we are here to do whatever he requires. Who’s the (expletive) superpower here”?” –President… more
Egypt permanently opens Gaza border crossing
LA Times 28 May 2011 – The Egyptian move will allow thousands of Gazans to move freely in and out of the area — heightening Israeli fears that militants and weapons could easily reach its doorstep. Egypt lifted a 4-year-old blockade of the Gaza Strip on Saturday, greatly easing travel restrictions…
Islamists Seize a Yemeni City, Stoking Fears
New York Times 29 May 2011 – The fall of Zinjibar fed into Western fears that militants sympathetic to Al Qaeda could exploit the breakdown of authority to take control of territory.
Egypt Lifts Blockade, Along With the Gazans’ Hopes
New York Times 29 May 2011 – Hundreds of Gaza Strip residents arrived to make the crossing, taking the first tangible steps out of Israeli occupation after years of deadlocked peace talks.
Obama Cites Poland as Model for Arab Shift
New York Times 29 May 2011 – Visiting Warsaw, the president said Poland’s peaceful overthrow of Communism provided lessons for countries struggling with the chaotic aftermath of popular revolts.
Security Forces Restrained as Syrian Protests Spread
New York Times 28 May 2011 – In a possible bid to keep down a rising death toll, security forces appeared to show restraint by not firing on demonstrations in some areas of the country.
Mass protests demand “second revolution” in Egypt
WSWS – Demonstrations Friday brought huge crowds back to Tahrir Square in Cairo and in dozens of other cities throughout Egypt.
In NY harbor, Ahmet Dogan tells the wrenching story of the murder of his son, freedom rider Furkan Dogan
Mondoweiss – Wednesday evening, May 25 was the perfect evening for a boat trip….calm waters, a slight breeze, a star-filled sky, the twinkling lights of New York, excellent food, Jamaican music… Jamaican music? That’s hardly Middle Eastern, especially when your boat trip is sponsoring THE boat trip…The US…
Land swaps? Israel doesn’t have enough land to give the Palestinians
Mondoweiss – Brilliant reporting by Nathan Jeffay in the Forward , on the question of land swaps. Is there even enough land to swap, per the Obama idea? And what would swapping mean? There are several issues: There isn’t enough Israeli land to give the Palestinians to make a…
Open border, 1000-year-old olive trees, new Israeli stun guns
Mondoweiss – and other news from Today in Palestine: Gaza Travelers sought as Gaza terminal empties quickly Reuters 28 May — “Is there anyone who wants to travel?” asked a black-uniformed Hamas policeman at a cafe near the border terminal gate. Under the new regulations implemented by Egypt…
Republican drumbeat begins: Obama will bring about ‘destruction’ of Israel
Mondoweiss – Here’s a petition from the out-of-control Minnesota congresswoman (thanks to Max Blumenthal). And the other night Michelle Bachmann was on CNN saying that Obama is sticking the knife into Israel. She is plainly doing this to raise money. Well that’s OK: There are more and more…
David Rovics– What are your borders, Israel, drawn in black and white?
Mondoweiss – Ordinary people just want to know, where are your borders, Israel? From Rovics’s youtube page: Listening to Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu’s speech to the US Congress the other day, I wrote this musical response. For a long time now, every time I hear an Israeli patriot…
Israeli Rape Victim, P., Appeals Gag Order Protecting Alleged Rapist
Tikun Olam – ‘Urgent request’ for dismissal of gag order protecting Yoav Even’s identity The Israeli rape victim, P., has been joined by the Association of Rape Crisis Centers in Israel in appealing the gag order (the appeal is displayed here with P’s identity excised) protecting alleged rapist and…
Al Arabiya: Parallel protest by Jews for Israel, but with a difference
Jewish Voice for Peace –
TAKE ACTION: No Applause for Netanyahu
Jewish Voice for Peace – I was stunned to see that our entire US Congress gave Israeli Prime Minister Bibi Netanyahu 29 standing ovations on Tuesday. Twenty-nine. Unbelievable, given what his speech contained.
Huffington Post: JVP Executive Director
Jewish Voice for Peace –
CommonDreams.org: Desmond Tutu, Israel, and Me
Jewish Voice for Peace –
Egypt Re-Opens Gaza Border, Partially Dismantling Siege
Tikun Olam – Palestinian man waits for Rafah border crossing to open (Eyad Baba/AP) A cornerstone of U.S.-Israel policy over the past five years has just partially dissolved with Egypt’s reopening today of the Rafah border crossing . This will allow passenger traffic (but not goods) to cross every day…
Israeli Soldiers Detain Farmers in Safa, Arrest International Activist
Palestine Solidarity Project 29 May 2011 – In the evening hours of Saturday, May 28, Israeli soldiers stopped a group of farmers in the Safa region of Beit Ommar from proceeding to their lands to harvest grape leaves. Four members of the Israeli army detained about twenty Beit Ommar farmers for half an…
The Syrian regime must go…now
Middle East Monitor 29 May 2011 – The gruesome images and horrifying accounts that keep coming from Syria defy linguistic description. They go beyond the pale of human decency. A few weeks ago, Hamza al Khatib, a vivacious and charming boy from Dira’a was abducted from his home by the regime’s Shabbiha thugs…
A Palestinian Revolt in the Making?
Joseph Dana 29 May 2011 – Published on The Nation with Jesse Rosenfeld on May 26, 2011 At 10:30 on May 15, two battalions of Israeli combat soldiers opened fire with tear gas and rubber bullets on hundreds of unarmed Palestinian demonstrators at the Qalandia checkpoint dividing Ramallah from Jerusalem, sending people…
AHMAD QATAMISH
Sabr 29 May 2011 – Addameer ” I hugged him then like I was meeting him for the first time and asked him to promise not to be gone for so long again. Being impeccably honest, he said: ‘I wish I could. They must first get out of our lives before…
Lord Dubs raises concerns for Palestinian child detainees in UK Parliament
Sabr 29 May 2011 – May 11, 2011 DCI-Palestine [11 May 2011] — Following a visit to the Occupied Palestinian Territory in April 2011, Lord Dubs raised the issue of Palestinian child detainees in the UK Parliament on 4 May. Lord Dubs: ‘ My Lords, I recently visited the West Bank;…
Non-aligned states urge release of Palestinians
Sabr 29 May 2011 – Ma’an NUSA DUA, Indonesia (AFP) — The 118-nation Non-Aligned Movement on Friday demanded Israel release a “substantial number” of Palestinian political prisoners as a “positive step” toward peace. At the end of a ministerial meeting in Indonesia, the movement reiterated its support for the creation of…
Addameer Dismayed at Confirmation of Ahmad Qatamish’s Administrative Detention
Sabr 29 May 2011 – Addameer Ramallah, 19 May 2011 On 19 May 2011, almost a month after his arrest on 21 April 2011, the Israeli authorities have confirmed the administrative detention order against Ahmad Qatamish, the renowned Palestinian writer and political scientist. The duration of his administrative detention has been…
Syria towns ‘surrounded’ by tanks
BBC 29 May 2011 – Security troops using tanks attack the towns of Rastan and Talbisa, north of the capital Damascus, killing five people and wounding many more, reports say.
Egypt eases Gaza border blockade
BBC 28 May 2011 – Egypt relaxes Gaza border restrictions, allowing many Palestinians to cross for the first time since ousted President Hosni Mubarak shut the crossing.
Arab boost for Palestine UN call
BBC 28 May 2011 – The Arab League says it will support full UN membership for a Palestinian state with East Jerusalem as its capital.
VIDEO: Helping Egypt’s entrepreneurs
BBC 29 May 2011 – There is concern in Egypt that the push to punish the old regime could spook the country’s entrepreneurs.
(en) Spain, Barcelona, CGT* denounces the “clean-up” of Placa de Catalunya and calls for peaceful resistance & mobilization (ct)
A-infos 29 May 2011 – CGT-Catalunya – Confederaci?? General del Treball de Catalunya denounces the violent “clean-up” of Placa de Catalunya in Barcelona and calls for peaceful, non-violent resistance and participation in solidarity demonstrations. —- The Catalonian CGT strongly condemns the actions of the police this morning, Friday 27 May, against…
(en) Ireland, Belfast, The Leveller #6 P. 1 – FIGHT THE CUTS NOT THE ELECTIONS!
A-infos 28 May 2011 – INSIDE: —- Capitalism, Cuts and Taxes: Ya Cannae Fix It Hiy 2 —- No Going Back! 2 —- Housing Benefit Cuts: Homelessness or Resistance? 2 — We Will March… And Then What? 3 — Dissent Against Dissidents 4 — Staking a Claim 4 —- 1916-1922: Ireland?¢s…
Articles
Welcome to Gaza
Ramzy Baroud, CounterPunch5/27/2011
Revolution and Change at the Rafah Border
The Palestinian security officer at the Rafah border was overly polite. He wore a black uniform and walked around self-assuredly, as he instructed weary travelers on their next moves before being allowed back into Gaza. On the other side of the border, in Egypt, there was much anxiety, fear and anticipation.
‘Things will get better,’ said a Palestinian engineer from Gaza, who once studied and now works in a Swedish town south of Stockholm. What he meant was that things will get better at the border crossing, in terms of the relationship between Gaza and Egypt. Without a decisive Egyptian decision to reopen the crossing — completely — Gaza will continue to reel under the Israeli siege. Others agree, but Gazans have learned not to become too confident about political statements promising positive changes.
However, the Egypt of today belongs to an entirely different political category to the Egypt of Hosni Mubarak’s leadership. Palestinians, especially those trapped behind the shut borders in Gaza, are well aware of this. Still they are cautious. ‘Inshallah’ — God willing, they say, ‘May Allah bring good things.’
For now, things remain difficult at the border. When Egyptian border officials collect passports for examination, and return a few hours later to read aloud the names of those allowed in, a large crowd gathers around them. Tensions soon escalate to yelling, and occasional tears. more.. e-mail
Donor bread and congressional circuses: US Congress mesmerized by Netanyahu’s ‘lies and illusions’
Lawrence Davidson, Redress5/30/2011
The Zionist capacity to trigger a panic attack among Democrat campaign staffs cannot, except in a few select neighbourhoods, possibly be about votes.
The money
According to a 19 May report by the Wall Street Journal, the American Zionists are starting to turn the screws on President Barack Obama and the Democratic Party. “Jewish donors and fundraisers are warning the Obama re-election campaign that the president is at risk of losing financial support because of concerns about his handling of Israel.”
If you doubt that this tactic can work just watch the video of Israeli Prime Minister Binyamin Netanyahu’s address to Congress. Those 20-plus “sustained standing ovations” did not come from mere true believers. They came from the throughly bought and bullied. The Zionists have a strikingly successful and very longstanding vote-buying operation and they are, of course, applying it to the president and his re-election campaigners.
Thus the Wall Street Journal article goes on to say that Obama will “court Jewish donors at a June fundraiser”. There is every indication that the Obama campaign plans to be “extremely proactive” in letting the “Jewish community” know that the president does not want to be “too critical of Israel”.
All of this is very odd. In 2008 Obama took 77 per cent of the Jewish vote. According to reliable pollsters, there is no indication that it will be much different in 2012. Most Jewish voters don’t vote primarily on Israel or foreign policy issues. Like other Americans they vote on domestic, and particularly economic issues. According to pollster John Zogby, “the lines are drawn fairly well, and I think it is hard for it [the Jewish vote] to not be a 75 to 25 per cent split for Obama and the Democrats”…. more.. e-mail
VIDEO – Wild Card Part XII — U.S. headed for major embarrassment in September
Ami Kaufman, +972 Magazine5/29/2011
1. What a talent
Benjamin Netanyahu’s speech in Congress should be entered into the Guinness Book of World Records. It’s obviously the longest time any human being has taken (45 minutes) to say only one word: “NO”.
And if they don’t accept him, then he should at least be nominated for a Tony, or even better — a guest appearance on Glee. I mean, let’s face it: the acting talent, the drama, the way he paused for effect, the comic timing — he’s got the whole package. In fact, I wouldn’t be surprised if he got an “A” in improv after the way he handled that heckler who cut him off. So smooth, so natural. It almost looked like he was prepared for it…
I won’t go into every aspect of the speech and where he was fundamentally wrong. It’s already been ripped apart by so many. And I also won’t go into all the 19,000 conditions he put down for a Palestinian state (apparently, condition #19,001 was “Palestinian state — when Venus and Mars collide” — but I saw he crossed that out at the last minute). Once again, he gave Obama nothing. Didn’t budge an inch.
But what do you expect from a guy who pretty much said the exact same things over 30 years ago? If you’ve never seen this clip of 28 year old Ben (Bibi) Nitay — you must now:
(On a side note: Notice how at the end of this discussion, when the American “attorney” asks Bibi to sum up, he does so politely. But when the Arab asks the same thing — Bibi reprimands him for not listening. Oh, and there’s also that disconcerting fact that nothing has changed in over three decades.) more.. e-mail
Time to tear down the fences
Electronic Intifada: 28 May 2011 – Rahela Mizrahi The Electronic Intifada Tel Aviv Last week, behind the fence of my childhood, Palestinian refugees gathered to demand return. They protesters looked and sounded exactly like the revolutionaries of Cairo’s Tahrir square.more
Another Zionist Attack on Academic Freedom
Dissident Voice: 28 May 2011 – This is an attempt, admittedly futile, to remove some of the slime thrown at me in a letter addressed to President Gearan and circulated to over 250 people on October 3, 2009. It was written by Jim McKinster and five other faculty members and allegedly signed by 32 people in all. I heard about it by happenstance soon after it was circulated, but neither the President nor any of the six who circulated it was willing to provide me with a copy. That is a typical cowardly response employed by those who use this smear method to accuse, try, and censure someone who dares to speak truth to power. (I finally got a copy last week, hence the 20-month delay in my response.) Their letter and with a copy of the op-ed I wrote in the Finger Lakes Times are attached. Allow me to refute the lies and innuendos that…more
Hypocrite of Day Award Goes to
Dissident Voice: 28 May 2011 – When it comes to hypocrisy, few can keep pace with Newt Gingrich, ace “fiscal conservative.” He maintains a $500,000 Tiffany account for his pompadour-styled third wife, whom he married after a secret six-year affair when he was married and she was a Congressional underling. The Tiffany revelation includes $500,000 owed on all his past wives wedding rings. Plus the 23-year-older man had to shower the younger women with diamonds to get her attention. In this Republican-midgets-for-President season, Gingrich may become an also ran, brought down by his high living, expanding waistband and oversized ego. Others suffered similar falls: “hockey mom” Sara Palin was caught spending $150,000 on a wardrobe paid for by the Republican Party, and Democratic working class hopeful John Edwards was cut low after revelations about his $400 haircuts. An anachronism trying to make a comeback, Gingrich authored “Contract on America,” a mafia-style hit list capitalizing on middle-class…more
Where Are the Israeli Poets?
Dissident Voice: 28 May 2011 – Where are the Israeli poets? Those who would search their dreams For memories lost or Denied Those who would look inward To see the archetypes of shadows Fleeing In the night Or who would search the rocky landscape of the mind To see those whom they have chased away Where are those who would survey the scrubgrass And the pale horse And the winter moon And the olive trees Planted a thousand new suns ago By those who are no longer But whose sweat lingers in the soil Are there no Israeli poets? Are they afraid? Of looking inward If only in a dream On a barren moonlit landscape While wandering the winding paths Stepping on the rubble on ancient villages Which are no longer But villages whose souls still weep For the familiar voices They may sometime hear In the distance When the wind is rightmore
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