14 July , 2011 — VTJP
News
International Middle East Media Center
Israeli Army Airstrikes Gaza; Four Residents, Including Two Children, Wounded
IMEMC – Friday July 15, 2011 – 04:42, The Israeli Air Force carried out a series of airstrikes targeting several areas in the Gaza Strip leading to damages and four injuries among the civilian population, two of the wounded are children.
PCHR Weekly Report: Civilian killed, woman, child wounded by Israeli forces
IMEMC – Friday July 15, 2011 – 04:17, In its Weekly Report On Israeli Human Rights Violations in the Occupied Palestinian Territory for the week of 07— 13 July 2011, the Palestinian Center for Human Rights found that a Palestinian civilian was killed by Israeli forces in the north of the West Bank.
Israeli peace groups to file petition challenging anti-boycott law
IMEMC – Friday July 15, 2011 – 03:34, A coalition of Israeli peace groups have announced that they plan to file a petition with Israel’s High Court challenging the legality of a law passed earlier this week that makes boycott of Israeli products — even those produced in settlement colonies — illegal.
Arab League To Ask For Full Palestinian Membership At the United Nations
IMEMC – Thursday July 14, 2011 – 16:46, The Arab League decided Thursday that it would be filing, on behalf of the Palestinian Authority, for a full Palestinian membership at the United Nations, and the Security Council, and to demand member countries to recognize an independent Palestinian State.
Protesters Take To The Streets Again In Egypt
IMEMC – Thursday July 14, 2011 – 16:14, Mass protests have again broken out in Egypt over delays in the prosecution of security personal who shot dead protesters during the Egyptian uprising that swept Hosni Mubarak out of power in February. Protesters are demanding the speedy trail of those suspected of responsibility for the death of the some 846 people killed during the demonstrations that rocked the Arab world and the removal of the military from power.
Navy Attacks “Olivia” Boat In Palestinian Waters in Gaza
IMEMC – Thursday July 14, 2011 – 15:55, The Palestinian Society for Fishing and Water Sports reported that the international boat, Olivia, run by human rights activists to monitor Israeli violations against Palestinian fishermen, was located in front of the Gaza Shore after losing all communications for one hour as the Israeli Navy attacked it.
Ghassan Shaka: Local Elections For October
IMEMC – Thursday July 14, 2011 – 15:35, According to Maan news agency the PA will call municipal elections in the West Bank and Gaza strip for October. The move is a means of deepening the recent unity agreement between Fatah and Hamas and giving it reality on the ground, according to PA official Ghassan Shaka.
Israeli Kindergarten Teachers To Raise Flag And Sing Anthem Every Week
IMEMC – Thursday July 14, 2011 – 11:58, The Israeli Education Ministry has published new guidelines to Israeli kindergarten school teachers to raise the Israeli flag and sing the Israeli anthem every week with their students. The directive is part of new guidelines for Israeli kindergarten teachers published last week, according to Haaretz.
Israel To Expand Itamar Illegal Settlement Near Nablus
IMEMC – Thursday July 14, 2011 – 11:24, Israeli sources reported on Wednesday evening that the Israeli government decided to approve a plan aiming at the expansion of the Itamar illegal settlement, near the northern West Bank city of Nablus.
Fundamentalist Israeli Minister Seeks Additional 6 Months Ban on Family Unification
IMEMC – Thursday July 14, 2011 – 09:56, Israeli Interior Minister, member of the extremist Shas ultra-orthodox Jewish party, Eli Yishai, is demanding the Israeli cabinet to extend the ban on family unification for Arabs and Palestinians for additional six months.
Israeli air strike injures 5 at Rafah border
7/15/2011 – RAFAH (Ma’an) — Five Gazans were injured Thursday and a sixth is reported missing after an Israeli warplane attacked a tunnel at the Egyptian-Palestinian border near Rafah in the southern Gaza Strip. The attack took place at dawn, local witness said. The Civil defense reported that five Gaza residents were transferred to the Abu…. Related: Airstrikes across Gaza Strip
Israel navy attacks international boat in Gaza
7/14/2011 – BETHLEHEM (Ma’an) — Israeli naval forces attacked an international third party monitor on Wednesday in Gazan territorial waters. Civil Peace Service Gaza works as part of a non-violent initiative to monitor human rights abuses in Gaza. Israeli forces fired at the CPS Gaza monitoring boat, the Oliva, with water cannons on Wednesday at 12…. Related: CPS: Israeli ship attacks international solidarity boat crew off Gaza coast
Airstrikes across Gaza Strip
7/15/2011 – GAZA CITY (Ma’an) — Israeli warplanes raided south and central Gaza late Thursday, targeting sites belonging to Hamas, witnesses said. There were no immediate reports of injury. Airstrikes targeted a projectile launch site in southern Gaza, causing no injuries, and two bases belonging to Hamas’ Al-Qassam Brigades near Khan Younis and in Gaza…. Related: Israeli air strike injures 5 at Rafah border
UNRWA facing shortages due to Israel blockade
7/14/2011 – BETHLEHEM (Ma’an) — Figures released by UNRWA on Thursday reveal that the organization is facing severe shortages in construction materials needed for ongoing projects in the Gaza Strip.” We been allowed to take in to Gaza a tiny fraction of the construction materials needed,” UNRWA spokesman Chris Gunness said. Around 3,291 trucks have been….
Unknown military faction fires projectile at Sderot
7/14/2011 – GAZA (Ma’an) — A previously unknown armed faction announced Thursday that it had fired a homemade projectile at the Israeli city of Sderot from the Gaza Strip. The faction calls itself “Sarayah Palestine”,a statement received by Ma’an said. It launched the projectile at 7. 00 a. m Thursday. The attack was….
PLO official: Local elections to take place in October
7/15/2011 – RAMALLAH (Ma’an) — The Palestinian government in Ramallah is set to approve plans to hold municipal elections in the West Bank and Gaza Strip in October 2011. PLO executive committee member Ghassan Shaka told Ma’an Thursday that consultations about the elections were held during a recent PLO Committee meeting and October 22….
Palestinian BDS committee slams Israeli anti-boycott law
7/14/2011 – BETHLEHEM (Ma’an) — The Palestinian BDS National Committee released a statement Tuesday slamming an Israeli law which criminalizes the boycott of Israel or illegal Israeli settlements.” Israel is once again taking draconian measures to criminalize civil resistance to its system of apartheid, colonialism and occupation over the Palestinian people.”But so long as Israel….
Arab League to submit UN Palestinian statehood bid
7/15/2011 – DOHA (AFP) — The Arab League will submit to the United Nations a request for recognition of a Palestinian state, Secretary General Nabil Al-Arabi said on Thursday in Doha. The Arab peace initiative committee “has decided to submit a call to the member states of the United Nations to recognize a Palestinian state,” Arabi told a….
Fatah: Israel extorts European countries for UN bid
7/14/2011 – BETHLEHEM (Ma’an) — Palestinian movement Fatah accused Israel Thursday of exploiting economic conditions in some European countries in order to persuade them to vote against the Palestinian UN bid for statehood in September. Fatah spokesman Dr. Fayez Abu Eitah told Ma’an that the decision by Netanyahu to provide preferential treatment to Romanian….
Events organized for children of Palestinian detainees
7/14/2011 – RAMALLAH (Ma’an) —The Palestinian detainees center in Qalqiliya said Wednesday that they had organized an evening of entertainment for the children of Palestinian prisoners who live in the city. The event was sponsored in cooperation with the Palestinian Woman’s Center, a Christian youth organization and the prisoners’ mothers committee. Head….
EU launches mapping study of NGO’s in Palestine
7/14/2011 – RAMALLAH (Ma’an) — The European Union released a study on Wednesday which maps civil society organizations in the occupied Palestinian territories. The report aims to provide a comprehensive overview of civil society organizations working in Palestine, including their capacity building needs and recommendations for possible interventions, a statement said Thursday. The launch in Ramallah….
PFLP leader returns to Gaza after 42 years
7/14/2011 – GAZA CITY (Ma’an) — A senior leader of the Popular Front for the Liberation of Palestine, Salah Mohammad, returned to Gaza on Thursday after 42 years of forced absence. Senior leaders of the PFLP received Salah at the Rafah crossing and he is set to receive guests at his home in the Ash-Shate refugee….
Economy minister criticizes allegations of corruption
7/14/2011 – RAMALLAH (Ma’an) — Palestinian Authority minister of economy Hassan Abu Libdeh has criticized reports linking names from his ministry with allegations of corruption. Abu Libdeh told Ma’an Thursday that he is ready to appear before an anti-corruption committee and answer any questions put forward regarding corruption charges, vowing to defend the work….
Israeli left condemns controversial ‘boycott ban’ law
7/14/2011 – JERUSALEM (AFP) — The passage of Israel’s controversial “boycott ban” law is the latest attempt by a right-wing government to impose its views on the country, activists and opposition lawmakers charge. The ban, which makes calling for boycotts of Israel and its settlements a civil offense, passed the in Knesset despite widespread criticism and….
PLO committee calls on world to support UN bid
7/14/2011 – RAMALLAH (Ma’an) — The PLO executive committee called upon the international community on Tuesday to support the Palestinian UN bid for statehood. The inability of the Mideast Quartet to move forward, and the rejection of a Palestinian state by Israeli PM Netanyahu, have made the UN bid the most favorable option to proceed with….
PA recognizes South Sudan
7/14/2011 – BETHLEHEM (Ma’an) — Palestinian Authority minister of Foreign Affairs Riyad Al-Maliki said Thursday that the PA has recognized the new state of South Sudan. An official letter has been sent to the minister of foreign affairs in South Sudan. The Palestinian ministry is following up on all diplomatic and legal procedures as a result….
Hundreds to receive entrepreneurship training
7/14/2011 – RAMALLAH (Ma’an) — Three Palestinian organizations will provide entrepreneurship and employment skills training to more than 1,000 Palestinian youths this summer, thanks to a new US-NGO partnership. The Youth Entrepreneurship Development Program is providing grants to the Sharek Youth Forum, INJAZ-Palestine and Bethlehem University, according to details of the initiative announced Wednesday. Implemented through….
Gadhafi says NATO killed over 1,100 civilians
7/14/2011 – NEAR ASABAH, Libya (AFP)— Moamer Gadhafi’s regime accused NATO of killing more than 1,100 civilians as rebels repulsed an attack by forces loyal to the strongman on a key gateway to the Libyan capital. Russia’s special envoy to Libya, Mikhail Margelov, said in a newspaper report meanwhile that he believes Gadhafi….
Analysis: Saudi seeking arms amid growing regional fears
7/14/2011 – RIYADH (AFP) — Saudi Arabia’s hunger for weapons, initially aimed at staving off the threat of Iran, has grown with the upcoming US withdrawal from Iraq and instability in Yemen and Bahrain, analysts say.” Saudi Arabia and the Gulf countries in general realize that they must rely on themselves to defend themselves during this….
Medvedev: ‘Arab Spring’ like fall of Berlin Wall
7/14/2011 – MOSCOW (AFP) — Russian President Dmitry Medvedev on Thursday compared the likely consequences of the Arab Spring to those of the fall of the Berlin Wall as he underlined the necessity of timely reforms to avoid unrest. Revolts in the Middle East and North Africa “are of a historic character and can pave the way for….
Report: Mubarak denies all charges against him
7/14/2011 – CAIRO (AFP) — Ousted Egyptian president Hosni Mubarak has denied all charges of murder and corruption for which he will go on trial in August, according to the transcript of his investigation published on Thursday. Mubarak, who was toppled by an uprising in February, is currently in custody in a hospital in the Red Sea resort….
Israel bombs Gaza after rocket fire
AlJazeera 14 Jul 2011 – Four Palestinians, including two children, wounded in raids say officials from the territory.
Egypt speaker ‘plotted battle of the camel’
AlJazeera 14 Jul 2011 – Safwat al-Sharif and 24 others to be tried for murder over the deadly mounted charge at Tahrir Square in February.
Ambush in Turkey leaves troops dead
AlJazeera 14 Jul 2011 – Military says Kurdish fighters killed 13 soldiers and lost seven of their own in clash in country’s southeast.
Bahrain puts freed poet under house arrest
AlJazeera 14 Jul 2011 – Ayat al-Qurmozi’s unexpected release comes against a backdrop of halting government-opposition talks in the Gulf state.
Sudan signs pact with Darfur group
AlJazeera 14 Jul 2011 – Main rebel groups like JEM stay away from signing ceremony amid questions on whether the agreement will last.
Security crackdown continues across Syria
AlJazeera 14 Jul 2011 – Activists report deaths in several provinces as Sarkozy calls for tougher sanctions against the Assad government.
Kidnapped Estonians freed in Lebanon
AlJazeera 14 Jul 2011 – Seven men, said to be in good health, were abducted while cycling through Bekaa Valley in March.
Brigade Commander Denies Responsibility for Rachel?¢‚Ǩ‚Ñ¢s Killing in the last Corrie Trial Hearing
PNN – Tal Aviv – PNN – Former Gaza Division’s Southern Brigade Commander, Colonel Pinhas (“Pinky”) Zuaretz, testified last Sunday in Haifa as the final witness in Corrie Trial. His declaration brings hearings to…
The Arab League Backs Palestinian Statehood Bid at the UN
PNN – Doha — PNN — the Follow-up Committee of the Arab League decided on Thursday to go to the United Nations to demand recognition of Palestinian state and full membership, as announced by…
Israeli Pilots Visit US to Assess Aircraft
PNN – Tel Aviv — PNN – Israeli aircraft pilots have visited the United States for the second time in two months to test new military V-22 Osprey aircraft. The visits took place at…
Land Research Center Reports on Israeli Violations of Human Rights in Jerusalem
PNN – Jerusalem – PNN – The non-governmental Palestinian organization the Land Research Center (LRC), in cooperation with the Civic Coalition for Defending the Palestinians’ Rights in Jerusalem, has published a report detailing Israeli…
Issawiya of East Jerusalem Resist Home Demolition
PNN – Jerusalem/PNN Exclusive/By SWK – White plumes of smoke streak across the sky saturating the air with tear gas, a common sight in the East Jerusalem town of Issawiya that has become notorious…
MADA Report: Journalist Attacked, Attempted Firebombing of Gaza News Office
PNN – PNN – Ramallah – The Palestinian Center for Development and Media Freedoms said this week that there had been several attacks on journalists this week in the West Bank and Gaza. MADA…
Palestinian Center for Human Rights
PCHR Condemns Israeli Navy’s Attacks on Palestinian Fishing Boats and an International Boat in Gaza
Palestinian Center for Human Rights Thursday, 14 July 2011
International Solidarity Movement
CPS: Israeli ship attacks international solidarity boat crew off Gaza coast
7/14/2011 – International Solidarity Movement – Hama Waqum, Civil Peace Service Gaza – I am writing this exactly twelve hours after I was attacked by an Israeli warship, off the Gaza coast. As a member of the Civil Peace Service, I board the Oliva boat around twice a week to monitor Gazan fishermen’s human rights. But today, it wasn’…. Related: Civil Peace Service Gaza and Israel navy attacks international boat in Gaza
Songs tear down fences in Izbat Tabib
7/14/2011 – International Solidarity Movement – 13 July 2011, International Solidarity Movement, West Bank – On July 13th villagers in the small town of Izbat Tabib wanted to protest against the illegalIsraeli construction of barbed wire fences outside the village, preventingfarmers from tending their lands and olive trees. In the beginning of the afternoon, villagers and international activistsgathered at the mayor’….
Attempts to tend to farmland result in arrests
7/14/2011 – International Solidarity Movement – 13 July 2011, International Solidarity Movement, West Bank – On the 12th of July 2011, 4 ISM members with a group of international activists, including Israeli, French, Belgian,Portugueseand a 5 Palestinians attempted to enter the illegally, occupied farmland of a Palestinian landowner in Beit Ommar. The initial plan was to try to farm and clean….
Alternative Information Center
AIC Video: Culture is Resistance!
Alternative Information Center – From July 5-9, the Alternative Information Center held its first ever Culture is Resistance! Week, which explored the interconnections between culture, resistance and oppression.
In West Bank, settler violence seen on the rise
Relief Web 14 Jul 2011 – Source: Reuters – AlertNet Country: occupied Palestinian territory 14 Jul 2011 13:23 Source: Reuters // Reuters By Tom Perry HUWARA, West Bank, July 14 (Reuters) – Scorched hillsides and charred olive groves near Nablus pinpoint the latest acts of arson by…
A goal for Gaza: At 2011 Summer Games, 2,011 children set football world record
Relief Web 14 Jul 2011 – Source: UN Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East Country: occupied Palestinian territory The children of Gaza today set their second Guinness World Record in as many weeks, for the largest number of footballs dribbled simultaneously….
PCP and EUPOL COPPS conclude pilot Human Rights Training Program
Relief Web 14 Jul 2011 – Source: European Union Country: occupied Palestinian territory The Palestinian Civil Police (PCP) and EUPOL COPPS concluded today, 14 July, a six-day pilot Human Rights Training Program for 23 police officers, which was held in Jericho. Throughout the program, a strong…
Flotillas and the Gaza blockade
Relief Web 14 Jul 2011 – Source: Diakonia Sweden Country: occupied Palestinian territory LEGAL BRIEF The Gaza Strip is currently under a continued naval and land blockade. New flotillas are trying to reach Gaza to provide assistance to the people of the Strip. In light of…
Feature – In West Bank, settler violence seen on the rise
Relief Web 14 Jul 2011 – Source: Reuters – AlertNet Country: occupied Palestinian territory 14 Jul 2011 13:23 Palestinians injured by settlers on the increase-UN At least some violence retaliatory, mutual Concerns violence could trigger wider trouble By Tom Perry HUWARA, West Bank, July 14 (Reuters)…
Referral of Patients from Gaza: Data and Commentary 2010
Relief Web 14 Jul 2011 – Source: World Health Organization Country: occupied Palestinian territory Patients from Gaza Face Obstacles In Accessing Right to Health The World Health Organization in the occupied Palestinian territories today published a 32-page report entitled Referral of Patients from Gaza about access…
EU launches mapping study on Civil Society Organizations in the occupied Palestinian territory
Relief Web 14 Jul 2011 – Source: European Union Country: occupied Palestinian territory Yesterday in the Red Crescent Society Halls in Ramallah, the EU released its study on Civil Society Organisations (CSO) in the occupied Palestinian territory (oPt). The report aims to provide a comprehensive overview…
Israeli army raids Hebron
14 Jul 2011 – West Bank, (Pal Telegraph)-A number Israeli troops raided Thursday different districts in the south West Bank city of Hebron.
5 Palestinians injured, 2 missing as Israel attacks southern Gaza
14 Jul 2011 – Gaza Strip, (Pal Telegraph)-Five Palestinians were injured and two remained missing as Israeli air forces bombarded Thursday a smuggling tunnel beneath Gaza-Egypt borders, according to local sources.
Obama disappoints Arabs from Morocco to UAE, poll finds
The National 14 Jul 2011 – Overwhelming majority of more than 4,000 surveyed in Egypt, Jordan, Lebanon, Morocco, Saudi Arabia and the UAE said they felt US president had not met expectations he laid out in his speech in Cairo in June 2009.
Kidnapped Estonian cyclists freed in Lebanon after being held for months
The National 14 Jul 2011 – Seven Estonians in their 30s who were kidnapped on March 23 while on a cycling holiday in Lebanon’s Bekaa Valley have been freed in the town of Arsal.
Storm over new Kuwaiti port that Iraq says will block its own shipping
The National 14 Jul 2011 – Iraqis say the Mubarak al Kabeer port being built by Kuwait on Boubyan Island will strangle their own shipping industry by blocking access to the sea through the narrow Khawr Abdullah waterway.
Arab League backs Palestinian UN statehood plan
The National 14 Jul 2011 – Arab League foreign ministers, meeting yesterday in Doha said they would support the Palestinian bid to seek full membership at the United Nations this autumn, setting up a probable confrontation with the United States in the UN Security Council.
Opposition raises stakes in Syria with ‘government-in-waiting’
The National 14 Jul 2011 – Gathering of ‘National Salvation Council’ will take place in Qaboun, a neighbourhood that has played a leading part in pro-democracy demonstrations and will include the underground Local Coordination Committees protest group among the delegates.
Syria’s dissidents test the boundaries
The National 14 Jul 2011 – After decades of tight control by the ruling Baath party of Bashar Al Assad in which criticism was out of bounds, four months of protests have given the Syrian opposition a newfound confidence.
Arabic Graffiti: Dances with walls
The National 14 Jul 2011 – Tracing the evolution of Middle Eastern street art from its earliest manifestations to the global creative movement it has now become, Pascal Zoghbi and Don Karl’s cohesive book strikes a happy balance between foundational instruction and conceptual analysis.
Democracy in steep decline around the world
The National 14 Jul 2011 – The Arab Spring may be a great source of inspiration for popular movements around the world. However, a study assessing social, political and economic freedoms points to a steady, global shift towards authoritarianism.
Israeli experts: Demise of Syria regime is only a matter of time
Ha’aretz – Despite using considerable force, killing 1,500 civilians, demonstrations intensify; Alawite minority’s days in power numbered, say analysts.
Yisrael Beiteinu vows ‘revenge’ on Netanyahu for opposition to investigating NGOs
Ha’aretz – Cracks appear in the governing coalition after the prime minister announces he will not enforce party discipline when voting on investigative committees bill.
In Nablus, Palestinians play down possibility of September Intifada
Ha’aretz – Ex-militants say they won’t take to streets in September, but wish Israel would disappear.
Anshel Pfeffer / Singing ‘Hatikva’ every morning is not the way to strengthen Israeli patriotism
Ha’aretz – National symbols rarely make sense and too often tend to be fetishized. When we research their history, we come up with embarrassing details. ‘Hatikva’ does not bear scrutiny.
Haaretz investigation reveals: Israel preventing access to hospital beds despite severe shortage
Ha’aretz – Israel currently has 900 geriatric rehabilitation beds, which is 1,200 less than the ministry’s lowest estimate for what is needed.
Israelis and Arabs to march in Jerusalem in support of Palestinian independence
Ha’aretz – Organizers say thousands expected to take part in Friday’s ‘March for Independence,’ the first such Jewish-Arab event in 20 years.
From Baltimore to Lod, ‘Wire’ actor sees urban decay as universal problem
Ha’aretz – The grim TV series shocked viewers with its depiction of inner-city life. Star Gbenga Akinnagbe had seen Lod before.
Bomb exploded during funeral for Afghan president’s brother
Ha’aretz – Explosives hiddern in a man’s turban were detonated inside the mosque funeral service of Hamid Karzai’s half brother, Ahmed Wali.
Report: Russian envoy says Gadhafi has ‘suicide plan’ for Tripoli
Ha’aretz – Russian envoy says, ‘The Libyan premier told me: If the rebels take over the city, we will cover it with missiles and blow it up.’
Egypt detains former PM Obeid for illegal land deal
Ha’aretz – Former PM and deputy PM allegedly sold land listed as protected nature reserve to businessman Hussein Salem for 200 million pounds below market value.
Libya rebels find landmines after Gadhafi troops flee
Ha’aretz – Human Rights Watch arms director says landmines in Western Mountains region ‘pose a huge threat to civilians.’
Syria VP says no country has right to call for Assad to resign
Ha’aretz – Syrian Vice President Farouk Shara rebukes U.S. for saying that Bashar Assad had ‘lost legitimacy’ to remain in power.
UN nuclear agency brings Syria to Security Council over base Israel bombed
Ha’aretz – Divided council ultimately takes no immediate action concerning Dair Alzour complex, suspected of having been a nuclear reactor.
Netanyahu opposes parliamentary investigations of Israeli human rights organizations
Ha’aretz – After supporting the controversial boycott law, PM announces he will vote against the initiative for a parliamentary inquiry into funding sources of Israeli human rights organizations.
Arab League to request full Palestinian membership at UN
Ha’aretz – Security Council set to hold open debate on Middle East on July 26, but Israel has made it clear that it opposes any unilateral Palestinian declaration of statehood.
Tel Aviv and Jerusalem residents to camp out in protest of high rent
Ha’aretz – Young residents prepareto sleep in Habima and Zion Squares, in demand of government reforms on housingprices.
Meretz party marks settlement goods at Israeli supermarkets
Ha’aretz – Faction initiates sticker-placing campaign in response to boycott law.
Dueling companies hash out accord on Benjamin prospect
Ha’aretz – Teddy Sagi, Larry Mizel can be registered as rights holders.
Nana10 in merger talks with Maariv site NRG
Ha’aretz – Hebrew language-portal of Channel 10 TV Nana10 and counterpart for Maariv daily NRG in merger talks; Signs of a breakup between Channel 10 and Nana10 have been apparent for some time.
Benchmarker / Ben-Dov skewers Tao bondholders
Ha’aretz – The term ‘debt-arrangement’ has become synonymous with clever deals where the owner succeeds in giving investors a haircut, clipping a coupon at the public’s expense, even if their pockets are deep enough to cover the debt.
Hezbollah: Lebanon will not let Israel seize its natural gas
Ha’aretz – Deputy secretary general of Hezbollah says Lebanon will protect its rights in face of Israeli threats as Israel-Lebanon conflict on their maritime economic border escalates.
Israel Air Force pilots head to U.S. to test-fly new military aircraft
Ha’aretz – Israeli pilots visit Marine Corp base in North Carolina; IAF will have to replace outdated aircraft models toward the end of the decade.
IAF target Gaza tunnels in response to rocket attacks
Ha’aretz – Israel Air Force aircraft strike smuggling tunnels and tunnel used for terrorist activity in northern and southern Gaza Strip; strike in response to rockets fired at southern Israel the previous day.
PA welcomes Arab League support for UN statehood bid
Jerusalem Post 14 Jul 2011 – Abbas spokesman calls Arab League decision to request recognition for Palestinian state at UN a fundamental “diplomatic offensive.”
Vanunu to High Court: I no longer want Israeli citizenship
Jerusalem Post 14 Jul 2011 – Convicted leaker of nuclear secrets says he’s “hounded” by press and public, wants to seek citizenship in a European country.
Fires break out in Golan, northern Galilee
Jerusalem Post 14 Jul 2011 – Three hikers treated for smoke inhalation as separate fires burn in north on Golan nature reserve and Mount Meron.
Live life by your values
Jerusalem Post 14 Jul 2011 – It is our actions — not words — that speak the loudest.
Arab League to seek full UN membership for Palestinians
Jerusalem Post 14 Jul 2011 – Move is in addition to seeking recognition of Palestinian state with e. Jerusalem as its capital, draft statement says; no timeline for approaching UN indicated after Arab League meeting.
2 die at Syria protest; Sarkozy wants more sanctions
Jerusalem Post 14 Jul 2011 – French president calls to increase pressure on Syria as Assad sends army to attack pro-democracy rally near Iraq border.
Hezbollah warns Israel against maritime border ‘threats’
Jerusalem Post 14 Jul 2011 – Nasrallah’s deputy says of sea border spat in area of gas fields: Lebanon “will remain vigilant in order to regain its full rights.”
Free circumcision makes good politics in Turkey
Jerusalem Post 14 Jul 2011 – “Circumcision is an important tradition in Islam,” says Istanbul Mayor Ibrahim Kavuncu at citywide circumcision ceremony.
Livni: PM’s actions will cause further boycotting of Israel
Jerusalem Post 14 Jul 2011 – Opposition leader says “anti-democratic” Boycott Law will lead to boycotts of products from within Green Line: “The prime minister does not know how to distinguish between Yitzhar and Beersheba.”
Thousands attend funeral of slain haredi boy in Brooklyn
Jerusalem Post 14 Jul 2011 – Leibby Kletzky, 8, laid to rest after body was found brutally dismembered; “Here lies my child, purity of heart,” says father.
Indian police search for clues in Mumbai attacks
Jerusalem Post 14 Jul 2011 – 18 killed in three simultaneous bombings in India’s financial capital; homegrown Indian and Pakistani Islamist terrorists suspected.
IAF strikes Gazan tunnels in response to Kassam fire
Jerusalem Post 14 Jul 2011 – IDF confirms airstrikes on smuggling tunnels in Gaza were in response to Kassam fire; additional rocket falls on western Negev after strike.
IDF to probe death of Palestinian in Nablus raid
Jerusalem Post 13 Jul 2011 – Death occurred during arrest raid in West Bank; IDF sources stress investigation does not mean shooting of Palestinian was breach.
Boycott Law lets Israel defend itself
Jerusalem Post 13 Jul 2011 – Facing ongoing attacks from the global BDS movement, Israel cannot be expected to support those who work toward its economic destruction.
Arab League backs Palestinian bid for UN membership
The Guardian 14 Jul 2011 – Arab ministers pledge to ‘take all necessary measures’ to secure recognition of Palestinian state via appeal to security council The Arab League has endorsed a Palestinian plan to seek full membership at the United Nations, in…
Israel’s boycott ban draws fire from law professors
The Guardian 14 Jul 2011 – Prime minister Binyamin Netanyahu defends controversial measure but legal experts, including some rightwingers, say it damages freedom of expression Israel’s new law effectively banning political boycotts is unconstitutional and does grievous harm to freedom of expression…
Q&A: The Full Impact of Wikileaks Will Be Felt a Few Years Down the Road
IPS Even before he was hired as spokesman for the Wikileaks whistleblower web site in July 2010, 49-year-old investigative journalist Kristinn Hrafnsson realised that the new initiative would have the power to bring about transformations simply by informing society, starting in his own country, Iceland.
What Is Sadr’s Game on Future U.S. Troop Presence?
IPS The big question looming over U.S.-Iraqi negotiations on a U.S. military presence after 2011 is what game Shi’a leader Moqtada al-Sadr is playing on the issue.
Libyan rebel ethnic cleansing and lynching of black people
Uruknet July 14, 2011 – Further specific evidence has emerged that there is a strong racist element within the rebel forces, including at command level, and it is the stated intention of these forces to ethnically cleanse areas they capture of their dark-skinned inhabitants…. Other evidence of the massacres of black people, which include the lynchings and murder of…
Just Journalism or just Zionism?
Uruknet July 14, 2011 – In the time since his shocking arrest in London on 28th June, Sheikh Raed Salah’s name has been the focus of vicious and potentially libellous headlines in the British media. Moreover, some people in Britain actually began a concerted process of character assassination of the Sheikh long before he even set foot on British…
SYRIA: More killings reported; artists and intellectuals arrested
Uruknet July 14, 2011 – Syrian government troops don’t appear to be anywhere near halting the crackdown on pro-democracy demonstrators. Only days after a government-sponsored “national dialogue” meeting on reform in Damascus, Syrian security forces killed at least eight people over the course of 24 hours on Wednesday and Thursday and arrested scores, including artists, actors and writers, according…
How Greece abandoned Palestine
Uruknet July 14, 2011 – When Andreas Papandreou died in 1996, The New York Times noted that he often left Western governments “befuddled or exasperated” as he took positions “diametrically opposed to theirs.” Citing examples of his “maverick” behavior, the paper’s obituary referred to how the Greek prime minister granted diplomatic status to the Palestine Liberation Organization in 1981,…
Opinion/Editorial How Greece abandoned Palestine
Uruknet July 14, 2011 – When Andreas Papandreou died in 1996, The New York Times noted that he often left Western governments “befuddled or exasperated” as he took positions “diametrically opposed to theirs.” Citing examples of his “maverick” behavior, the paper’s obituary referred to how the Greek prime minister granted diplomatic status to the Palestine Liberation Organization in 1981,…
Nato and Rebel Atrocities in Libya
Uruknet July 14, 2011 – Previous articles discussed:— NATO’s illegal Libya aggression; — American and Western media in the lead cheerleading it; some reporters, in fact, complicit with NATO forces by supplying target coordinates;— planning it many months (perhaps years) before fighting began last winter;— waging it to conquer, colonize, loot, and balkanize Libya, masquerading as humanitarian intervention;— covertly…
Gaza: Israeli air strike injures 5 at Rafah border
Uruknet July 14, 2011 — Five Gazans were injured Thursday and a sixth is reported missing after an Israeli warplane attacked a tunnel at the Egyptian-Palestinian border near Rafah in the southern Gaza Strip. The attack took place at dawn, local witness said. The Civil defense reported that five Gaza residents were transferred to the Abu Yousef Al-Najjar hospital…
U.S. Standing Plunges Across Arab World
Uruknet July 14, 2011 – The United States’ popularity in the Arab world has plummeted to levels lower than the last year of the George W. Bush administration, according to a new survey of public opinion in six Arab countries released here Wednesday. The “Arab Attitudes” survey found that favourable ratings of the United States have fallen by nine…
US defense secretary visits Iraq to extract new troop agreement
Uruknet July 14, 2011 – The Obama administration’s recently installed defense secretary, Leon Panetta, flew unannounced into Iraq on Monday to pressure the Iraqi government to finalise a formal treaty to sanction the continued occupation of the country by American forces. Panetta, the former head of the CIA, met with Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki, President Jalal Talabani and the…
Rights group says draft law on demonstrations would erode the rights of Iraqi citizens
Uruknet July 13, 2011 – Human Rights Watch called on the Iraqi government Wednesday to revise a draft law it said contained provisions that violate international law. The New York-based watchdog said it had obtained a copy of the draft law, saying it curtailed freedom of assembly and expression and contravened Iraq s own constitution. “The draft law would…
Confused Strategy: How the PA Sold Out Palestinian Unity
Uruknet July 13, 2011 – If you happen to be a Palestinian government employee, chances are you will receive only half your usual salary this month. The other half will only be available when international donors find it in their hearts to make up for the huge shortage of funds currently facing the Palestinian Authority (PA). With a deficit…
Idlib: Syrian Army Kills Seven People
Uruknet July 13, 2011 – Idlib: Jabal Zaweh: on a random shelling that happened between Marian and Deir Sunbol villages 3 people were killed, Jamal Marof, Nedal Hassan, and Ali Bakran who used to report the news to Aljazerah using the name “Abu Mo’ayad”. The army didn’t only kill them they also kidnaped their dead bodies….All means of communication…
Children of War American arms pacified Fallujah-and poisoned a generation
Uruknet July 13, 2011 – According to studies and eyewitness accounts over the past few years, Fallujah – an Iraqi city that was practically obliterated by U.S. heavy artillery in two major offensives in 2004 – is experiencing a staggering rate of birth defects. The situation echoes similar reports from Basra that began to circulate after the first Gulf…
From Dishwasher to Drug Kingpin The Killing of Ahmad Wali Karzai
Uruknet July 13, 2011 – …Resentment against the king of Kandahar was long ready to explode, and his murder was welcomed by Kandaharans and Taliban alike. Though he unwittingly recruited even more Taliban than he helped kill, Taliban spokesman Qari Yousef Ahmadi was happy to take responsibility for sending him on his way: “Today in Kandahar city, Hamid Karzai’s…
Press Release 6 “Welcome to Palestine” – Court Challenges of the Deportation Orders Today and Tomorrow
Uruknet July 13, 2011 – Court dates have been set for noon today and tomorrow at 9 am for the court challenges of “Welcome to Palestine” participants against the deportation orders of the Israeli government that they and their attorneys consider illegal. The hearings will take place at the Central District Courthouse in Petah Tikva. The hearing at noon…
Leadership of Palestinian boycott campaign responds to new law
Uruknet July 13, 2011 – The Israeli parliament (Knesset) last night passed a new law criminalizing support for the Palestinian civil society campaign of boycott, divestment and sanctions (BDS) against Israel, penalizing Israeli persons and organizations active in the campaign, or indeed in any other partial boycott of Israel or any of its institutions. The repressive legislation also bars…
Iraq snapshot – July 13, 2011
Uruknet July 13, 2011. Chaos and violence continue, Barack betrays another promise (this time on Iraqi refugees), Nouri continues his war on peaceful protesters, extending the US military presence in Iraq continues to be pushed, and more…Nouri’s assault on Iraqi citizens continue. AFP notes, “Human Rights Watch called on the Iraqi government Wednesday to revise a draft law it…
Tolerance Museum” Given Go Ahead By Israeli Interior Ministry
Uruknet July 13, 2011 – Associated Foreign Press has reported that Israel has given the go ahead to build a planned “tolerance museum” on top of a Muslim burial site. The plans were the subject of a lengthy legal battle brought by Palestinians, some of whom have family buried under the proposed site. The Israeli Interior Ministry has given…
Syrian military kills four in renewed assaults
Uruknet July 13, 2011 – Syrian forces killed four villagers on Wednesday in a northwestern region near Turkey, rights campaigners said, in an expansion of a military campaign to crush dissent against President Bashar al-Assad. The four were killed in tank-backed assaults on at least four villages in the Jabal al-Zawya region in Idlib province near the border with…
Four killed in Syria as West pushes for action
Daily Star 14 Jul 2011 Security forces killed four people in Syria Thursday and used heavy machine-guns against protesters…
U.N. should declare 70 km radius offshore neutral zone
Daily Star 14 Jul 2011 The acrimony over offshore energy reserves in the Eastern Mediterranean Basin is worsening by the day…
Salameh retains Central Bank helm
Daily Star 14 Jul 2011 Prime Minister Najib Mikati’s Cabinet renewed Riad Salameh’s term as the country’s Central Bank governor during its first session Thursday at Baabda Palace.
Bishop urges Christians against selling their land
Daily Star 14 Jul 2011 Bishop Basilios Mansour, the head of Greek Orthodox Parish and its affiliated branches in Akkar, called Thursday on the region’s Christian residents not to sell their lands.
Parliamentary committee wants Information Branch out of Roumieh
Daily Star 14 Jul 2011 Parliament’s Human Rights Committee called on the authorities to speed up reforms at Roumieh prison Thursday, putting forth several recommendations to accelerate the process.
Pope praises Sfeir’s 50 years of service
Daily Star 14 Jul 2011 Pope Benedict XVI has sent a letter to former Maronite Patriarch Cardinal Nasrallah Sfeir, marking 50 years since his ordination as a priest and praising his service.
Mufti slams green light for Israeli museum
Daily Star 14 Jul 2011 Lebanon’s mufti slammed Thursday a decision by Israel to allow the construction of a controversial museum on the site of an old Muslim cemetery in Jerusalem.
Hezbollah calls on U.N. to help protect maritime borders
Daily Star 14 Jul 2011 Hezbollah’s official for international relations called on the U.N. Thursday to protect Lebanon’s maritime borders, after meeting the U.N. Special Coordinator for Lebanon Michael Williams.
Rai sets Holy Valley rehabilitation as priority
Daily Star 14 Jul 2011 Maronite Patriarch Beshara Rai said Thursday the revival of spiritual life in the Holy Valley of north Lebanon is a priority aimed at embodying the lively and contemporary testimony of the Maronite Church.
Tripoli neighborhoods get much-needed help
Daily Star 14 Jul 2011 Two of the most disadvantaged neighborhoods in north Lebanon are getting much-needed help to implement a UNDP health-care plan to boost vaccinations for the residents of Bab al-Tabbaneh and Jabal Mohsen.
Region’s Arabic learners take refuge in Lebanon
Daily Star 14 Jul 2011 Each year droves of students travel to the Middle East armed with dictionaries and determination to learn Arabic.
Sidon electricity and water in short supply
Daily Star 14 Jul 2011 Residents of Sidon and surrounding areas are facing severe electricity and water cuts, brought on by the summer heat and humidity, which are only harder to bear without power or water.
Mubarak denies responsibility for deaths of 900 protesters
Daily Star 14 Jul 2011 Ousted President Hosni Mubarak has denied any responsibility for his security forces killing nearly 900 protesters during Egypt’s uprising, according to a transcript of his interrogation published Thursday.
Rebels eye Tripoli offensive but capability in doubt
Daily Star 14 Jul 2011 Libyan rebel fighters prepared for a new offensive south of Tripoli Thursday but tactical errors raised new questions about whether they will be able to march on the capital.
Saleh’s vow to return fragments already-chaotic Yemen
Daily Star 14 Jul 2011 Bandages cover the extensive burns on President Ali Abdullah Saleh’s body, but he insists he will return Yemen — a move threatening to further fragment a country convulsed by chaos.
Seven militants killed in south Yemen airstrikes
Daily Star 14 Jul 2011 Airstrikes in south Yemen killed at least seven Islamist militants, a security official said Thursday, while armed tribesmen entered the city of Zinjibar to try and wrest it from militant control.
Kurdish rebels kill 13 Turkish troops, wound 7 in ambush attack
Daily Star 14 Jul 2011 Kurdish militants killed 13 soldiers and wounded seven others in an ambush that marked the worst attack since the Kurdistan Workers Party (PKK) ended a ceasefire in February, military and provincial officials said.
Cyprus leader promises probe into deadly munitions blast
Daily Star 14 Jul 2011 Trying to quell public anger, Cyprus’ president promised that two investigations into an explosion that killed 13 people at a naval base would determine responsibility from the lowest to the highest level.
Arab League boosts Palestinian drive for U.N. statehood
Daily Star 14 Jul 2011 The Arab League Thursday endorsed a Palestinian plan to seek full membership at the United Nations this fall, setting up a likely confrontation with the United States in the powerful U.N. Security Council.
Settler violence against Palestinians up 57 percent in the West Bank
Daily Star 14 Jul 2011 Scorched hillsides and charred olive groves near Nablus pinpoint the latest acts of arson by hard-line Jewish settlers against Palestinians who say they are ever more the victims of such attacks in the West Bank.
Israeli jets strike 3 Gaza sites after rocket fire from enclave
Daily Star 14 Jul 2011 Israeli jets bombed three sites in Gaza overnight after rockets were fired from the coastal strip, Palestinian officials and the Israeli military said Thursday.
Mass graves in Sudan? American group releases fresh images
Daily Star 14 Jul 2011 A U.S. satellite monitoring group released images Thursday that it fears show a mass grave in Sudan, saying witnesses also have described 100 or more bodies being thrown into a pit in the same area.
A foot on the front line of oil security in Iraq
Daily Star 14 Jul 2011 An AK-47 slung over his shoulder, a member of the oil police walks beside a pipeline stretched like a silver thread across the vast, burning desert of southern Iraq…
Sudan signs Darfur deal with splinter rebel group
Daily Star 14 Jul 2011 Sudan Thursday signed a peace accord with a small Darfur rebel group, but analysts and diplomats expect no end to an almost decade-long conflict in the western region as larger groups continue to oppose Khartoum.
Lebanon extends Salameh’s term, appoints new army chief of staff
Daily Star 14 Jul 2011 Prime Minister Najib Mikati’s Cabinet renewed Riad Salameh’s term as the country’s Central Bank governor during its first session Thursday at Baabda Palace.
Arabs to seek full Palestinian upgrade at U.N.:draft
Daily Star 14 Jul 2011 The Arab League will ask the United Nations to upgrade the Palestinians to full member status, a draft statement from a league meeting in Qatar said on Thursday.
Lebanon mufti slams Israel over controversial museum
Daily Star 14 Jul 2011 Lebanon’s mufti slammed Thursday a decision by Israel to allow the construction of a controversial museum on the site of an old Muslim cemetery in Jerusalem.
Latest developments in Arab world’s unrest
Daily Star 14 Jul 2011 The following is a list of the latest developments in Arab world’s unrest.
Iran’s Baghdad ambassador hurt in accident
Daily Star 14 Jul 2011 Iran’s ambassador to Iraq was slightly injured in an accident at a checkpoint outside Baghdad’s heavily fortified Green Zone, a security official said on Thursday.
Hezbollah weapons to stay until Israel disarms: Mousawi
Daily Star 14 Jul 2011 Hezbollah will keep its arms so long as Israel holds on to nuclear weapons and weapons of mass destruction, Hezbollah MP Hussein Mousawi was quoted as saying Thursday.
Libyan rebels dig in to hold front line village
Daily Star 14 Jul 2011 Libyan rebel fighters were digging in to this village south of Tripoli on Thursday after losing it then taking it back in a see-saw battle that exposed the military frailties of rebel forces.
Israel deports all but two ‘flytilla’ activists
Daily Star 14 Jul 2011 Israel said Thursday it had deported all but two pro-Palestinian activists who flew into the country last week, but activists said dozens remained in jail, with several challenging deportation orders.
Bomber kills 4 at memorial for Afghan president’s brother
Daily Star 14 Jul 2011 A suicide attack Thursday struck memorial prayers for the assassinated brother of the Afghan president, killing four people including a senior cleric in a mosque, officials said.
Damascus escalates its iron fist policy
Daily Star 13 Jul 2011 Syrian forces killed four villagers Wednesday in an expansion of a military campaign to crush dissent, as the West continued to sharpen its rhetoric against President Bashar Assad.
Netanyahu against probe of leftists
YNet News, 14 Jul 2011 – Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu announced Thursday that he will vote against a proposal to establish a parliamentary commission of inquiry to look into leftist … ….
IDF ‘super-reservist’ honored
YNet News, 14 Jul 2011 – Great honor: After serving in the IDF for 58 years, both as a regular soldier and as a reservist, Brigadier Genreal Motti Katz has been honored by the army for his … ….
6 rockets hit Israel; IDF strikes Gaza
YNet News, 14 Jul 2011 – Two Qassam rockets fired from the northern Gaza Strip Thursday evening exploded in open areas in southern Israel within minutes of each other. Receive Ynetnews … ….
Arabs, Jews to march for Palestine
YNet News, 14 Jul 2011 – The Sheikh Jarrah Solidarity Movement is set to lead a rally across Jerusalem on Friday in support of the Palestinian bid for statehood. Israelis and Palestinians … ….
Tel Aviv tent protest: Hundreds slam housing costs
YNet News, 14 Jul 2011 – Hundreds of people gathered at Tel Aviv’s Habima Square on Thursday, pitching their tents for the night in protest against skyrockeing housing prices. Dozens … ….
Did Israeli hacker abuse 100 US girls?
YNet News, 14 Jul 2011 – A central Israel resident in his 20s was detained on suspicion of hacking the computers of US girls and threatening to circulate their intimate photos, unless they … ….
Source: NY suspect said he suffocated boy
YNet News, 14 Jul 2011 – The suspect in the killing of a Brooklyn 8-year-old told investigators that he suffocated the child before a massive search led to the discovery of his dismembered … ….
12% of Labor’s new members disqualified
YNet News, 14 Jul 2011 – Of 70,000 who register as Labor voters, 9,880 do so improperly; 4,200 already….
Barak considers emergency laws against rightists
YNet News, 14 Jul 2011 – Defense Minister looks into emergency regulations in wake of assault on IDF….
Vanunu wants to relinquish citizenship
YNet News, 14 Jul 2011 – Convicted nuclear spy state he ‘cannot find his place in Israeli society’; asks….
Assad doctors swearing-in photo?
YNet News, 14 Jul 2011 – UK’s Guardian says Damascus authorities digitally merge picture of new Hama….
Arabs League to seek PA upgrade at UN
YNet News, 14 Jul 2011 – Pan-Arab body announces it will ask United Nations to recognize Palestine as….
Knesset speaker files complaint against MK Zoabi
YNet News, 14 Jul 2011 – Balad MK’s latest outburst during Knesset plenum irks Speaker, Knesset employee….
Public Security Ministry develops fire forecast system
YNet News, 14 Jul 2011 – Unique system to allow for real-time fire progression predictions according to….
Hezbollah: We won’t let Israel take our gas
YNet News, 14 Jul 2011 – Top official in Shiite organization says ‘Israeli threats don’t frighten….
Report: Iran moving nuclear program to bunker
YNet News, 14 Jul 2011 – Telegraph reports Fowdrow facility, located inside mountain near Qom, can….
Thousands attend funeral of Brooklyn Hassidic boy
YNet News, 14 Jul 2011 – Brooklyn Hassidic community distraught by brutal murder of Leiby Kletzky….
Right wary of PM’s ‘cold feet’ on bills
YNet News, 14 Jul 2011 – Public, political uproar over series of rightist bills has Right worried that….
Palestinian Information Center
One missing, five wounded in Israeli air raids
PIC – Five Palestinian citizens were wounded and one went missing after an Israeli raid at a tunnel in Rafah near the Salahuddin border gate at dawn Thursday in the third such raid since last night.
UNESCO criticized after declaring Jerusalem as Israeli capital
PIC – The United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) has received strong criticism after naming Jerusalem the capital of Israel.
Senior prisoner returned to isolation after prison fake-out
PIC – Longtime Palestinian prisoner Nael al-Bargouthi, 54, was returned to isolation in the Ramon prison on Tuesday for the second time in a two week timespan.
IOA imposes $900000 fine on Jerusalemite children in past 10 months
PIC – The Israeli occupation authority has imposed 900000 dollars in fines on Jerusalemite children in Silwan for throwing stones at Israelis vehicles and settlers over the past ten months.
Israel to approve expansion of illegal Itamar settlement
PIC – Israeli security sources say the Israeli government will push for a construction plan in the illegal Itamar settlement, south of the West Bank city of Nablus.
Administrative detention extended against two Palestinian prisoners on Thursday
PIC – Israeli occupation authorities have extended the administrative detention of Palestinian prisoner Zawadi Sha’ban Shalalideh from Saeer in Al-Khalil province, for an additional four months on Thursday.
Arab League to table request for recognition of Palestine at UN
PIC – The Arab League follow up committee decided to table request at the UN asking for recognition of Palestine as a full-fledged state with full membership at the international organization.
British court looks into Sheikh Raed Salah’s bail appeal Friday
PIC – Sheikh Raed Salah’s bail appeal will be heard at the High Court tomorrow morning Friday 15 July at 10.30am.
Israeli Strikes Injures Two Palestinian Children in Gaza
WAFA
Weather Forecast: Relatively Hot Weather Today
WAFA
Belgian Senate Calls For Recognition of Palestinian State
WAFA
Palestinians and Israelis to March Together in Jerusalem for First Time Since 20 Years
WAFA
PCP and EUPOL COPPS Conclude Pilot Human Rights Training
WAFA
US Consulate General Holds Video Conference on Economic journalism in Ramallah
WAFA
Al-Quds Index Closes Week at Loss
WAFA
Arab League Decides to Seek UN Recognition of Palestinian State
WAFA
OIC Continues Efforts to Release Salah
WAFA
EU Launches Mapping Study on Civil Society Organizations in OPT
WAFA
Five Palestinians Injured, Two Missing in Israeli Strike on Rafah
WAFA
Will the U.S. Really Leave Iraq? — An Analysis by Dr. Lawrence Davidson
Intifada-Palestine: 14 Jul 2011 – “Although the Iraq invasion was launched under false pretenses, U.S. troops stationed there are “defending our country.” Defending it from who?” by Dr. Lawrence Davidson Part I — Second Thoughts The time for U.S. withdrawal from Iraq is coming closer. In… more
LIBYA CAMPAIGN WAS STAGED TO RESHAPE AFRICA [VIDEO]
Intifada-Palestine: 14 Jul 2011 – Thierry Meyssan What is called public uprising of the free-loving people are actually coup attempts staged by the Western nations, Meyssan says. RT Interviews Thierry Meyssan RT . 7.12.11 The NATO-led intervention in Libya and the unrest in Syria are both steps… more
A Murdoch Produced Scandal
Intifada-Palestine: 14 Jul 2011 – by Kourosh Ziabari The scandalous closure of the “News of the World” tabloid after 168 years of publication once again demonstrated the Western media’s lack of adherence to codes of ethics and morality in journalism and showed to the international community… more
Elite units under an office of Maliki’s linked to jail where detainees are tortured, Iraq officials say
LA Times 14 Jul 2011 – Iraqi legislators and security officials have been joined by the Red Cross in expressing concern about the Green Zone facility, called Camp Honor, where torture to extract confessions is alleged. Elite units controlled by Prime Minister Nouri Maliki’s military office are ignoring members of parliament…
News Analysis: In Shadow of Death, Iraq and U.S. Tiptoe Around a Deadline
New York Times 14 Jul 2011 – Iraq and the United States privately agree that American soldiers should stay beyond 2011; the trouble is in selling it to the citizens of both nations.
7 Estonian Hostages Set Free in Lebanon
New York Times 14 Jul 2011 – The group was released Thursday morning after being held hostage for nearly four months since they were kidnapped in March while cycling in Lebanon’s eastern Bekaa Valley.
U.S. Strikes in Yemen Said to Kill 8 Militants
New York Times 14 Jul 2011 – American missiles struck a police station in Yemen on Thursday that had been overrun by Islamic militants, killing at least six people, according to a Yemeni security official.
4 Charged in Smuggling Egyptian Antiquities
New York Times 14 Jul 2011 – Federal authorities said they had broken up an international ring that had been smuggling Egyptian antiquities into the United States.
Canada’s military to establish base in Kuwait in push for global presence
WSWS – The Canadian Armed Forces is seeking to establish a worldwide network of bases to allow for the rapid deployment of military force in pursuit of Canada’s imperialist interests.
US Defense Secretary visits Iraq to extract new troop agreement
WSWS – The key issue discussed was the December 31 expiry of the Status of Forces Agreement signed between the Bush administration and Maliki’s government in late 2008.
Emboldened by success of anti-BDS bill, right-wing parties push ‘political inquisition’
Mondoweiss – Flush with victory from the passage of the anti-BDS bill by the Knesset on Monday, the nationalist Yisrael Beitenu party and Netanyahu’s Likud party are pushing two controversial legislative bills, both designed to further limit dissent and debate within Israel. The first, and frankly scarier,…
Israel is unable to cope with non-violent Palestinian activism
Mondoweiss – This week, Israeli Knesset passed the anti-boycott bill, which outlaws the non-violent action of economic, academic and cultural boycott. Last week, it attacked another non-violent action, the fly-in campaign, and week before that, it was the flotilla. Every Friday, it oppresses non-violent demonstration in Bil’in, Nabi…
Contradictions be damned: Colonel Pinky’s last stand in the case of Rachel Corrie
Mondoweiss – The last session of the Rachel Corrie court case in Haifa had been repeatedly postponed on account of the weightiness of the witness. Colonel Pinhas Zuaretz, better known by his nickname, Pinky, was the commanding officer of the Gaza Division’s Southern Brigade at the time the…
9 in 10 Egyptians, Lebanese and Jordanians say Obama has failed to meet their expectations of 2009 Cairo speech
Mondoweiss – The other day I mentioned the Arab American Institute ‘s poll on public opinion in the Arab world. Here’s the poll, released yesterday . Based on polls in six countries, UAE, Lebanon, Egypt, Jordan, Saudi Arabia, and Morocco. Some results: Despite initial optimism, most Arabs believe that…
Yahoo comments on boycott law suggest American backlash against Israel has begun
Mondoweiss – For a long time, I’ve wondered if the American people would ever rise up against the pernicious and destructive pro-Israel lobby. Maybe the boycott law is causing that to happen? Check out the comments on the Yahoo News report , for instance: Arab world goes democratic and…
Israeli Education Minister, Gideon Sa’ar, Rumored in Sex Scandal
Tikun Olam – Gideon Sa’ar, ’empowering women’ through his own empathic ‘powers’ Word is just beginning to break inside Israel about a possible sex scandal involving a “senior Israeli political figure.” Several days ago, the political affairs correspondent for a major Israeli newspaper was interviewed on Channel 10 (just…
Palestine Popular Resistance Conference this weekend!
Palestine Solidarity Project 14 Jul 2011 – The popular committees, along with Palestinian civil society groups and organizations, have organized a planning conference from July 16-18 to be held in three sponsoring villages: Beit Ommar, Nil’in, and Budros. The conference begins on Saturday at 10 am in Beit Ommar, and will last until…
Weekly Focus: Israeli House Demolitions as a Threat to Development and Family Life 6 July — 12 July
Al-Haq 13 Jul 2011 – (2011-07-14)
Press Release: Sheikh Raed Salah’s bail appeal
Middle East Monitor 14 Jul 2011 – FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Sheikh Raed Salah’s bail appeal will be heard at the High Court tomorrow morning Friday 15 July at 10.30am. A protest will be held outside the Royal Courts of Justice, the Strand, London WC2A 2LL at 10am. The protest is calling for the…
Haaretz: Russia’s refusal to refer to Israel as a “Jewish state” leads to failure of Quartet meeting
Middle East Monitor 14 Jul 2011 – The Russian representative at the recent Middle East Quartet meeting objected to calling Israel a “Jewish state”; a demand the Israeli side insists on for the resumption of the negotiations and the recognition of any future Palestinian state. According to the online version of the…
Israeli minister urges government to resume policy of targeted assassination of Hamas leaders
Middle East Monitor 14 Jul 2011 – The Israeli Minister of Infrastructure, Uzi Landau, has urged his government to activate the policy of “targeted killings” and assassinations against the leaders of Palestinian Resistance factions in the Gaza Strip. Landau urged Benyamin Netanyahu’s government to work toward making radical changes in its strategy…
Israel hires thousands of Romanian and Bulgarian workers in return for state pledges to oppose the recognition of a Palestinian state
Middle East Monitor 14 Jul 2011 – The Israeli government has announced that it will hire foreign labour to work in the settlement construction industry and to cope with an expected increase in settlement expansion projects in the West Bank. A press release issued by the Prime Minister’s office last night stated…
Challenge to Israeli boycott ban
BBC 14 Jul 2011 – Israeli civil rights groups plan to challenge a new law designed to stop boycotts of products from West Bank settlements.
Estonian hostages free in Lebanon
BBC 14 Jul 2011 – Seven kidnapped Estonians are released in Lebanon after four months in captivity.
Video: Soldiers stand by as settlers attack ‘Asira al-Qibliya
B’tselem 13 Jul 2011 – On 3 July ’11, at midday, settlers attacked the village of ‘Asira al-Qibliya, claiming villagers had started a fire near the Yitzhar settlement. The attackers threw stones towards the village and broke some twenty olive trees. The Palestinians report that, as in previous incidents, the forces…
Yovel outpost: Israel retroactively approves theft of private land
B’tselem 13 Jul 2011 – On 26 June 2011, the Civil Administration said it would declare as state land 189 dunams, some privately owned, of the Palestinian village Qaryut, for the Yovel outpost. This is the first time Israel has openly taken private Palestinian land for an outpost. The unlawful declaration…
Articles
CPS: Israeli ship attacks international solidarity boat crew off Gaza coast
Hama Waqum, Civil Peace Service Gaza7/14/2011
I am writing this exactly twelve hours after I was attacked by an Israeli warship, off I am writing this exactly twelve hours after I was attacked by an Israeli warship, off the Gaza coast.
As a member of the Civil Peace Service, I board the Oliva boat around twice a week to monitor Gazan fishermen’s human rights. But today, it wasn’t just the fishermen who were targeted.
We approached a cluster of hasaka fishing boats that were being attacked with water cannons at midday on July 13. As we got closer all I could focus on was the officer manning the machine gun, covered from head to toe with black, which struck me as very medieval, if you know what I mean.
Our boat, along with the fishing vessels, was around two miles out to sea, well within the three-mile fishing limit imposed by Israel. We saw marines congregate on deck to watch as the water cannon was angled slowly but deliberately towards us. To my delight they struggled against the wind initially, but eventually managed to angle round us as we fumbled with the water-logged engine. I took one look at the jet being generated vertically and knew what was coming. Sure enough, pellets of water began to rain down on us with stinging force. Then I, camera in one hand, felt the jet stream slap my face directly, staying there for several seconds, before the boat was yanked away by the fishermen around us. I was flung backwards and words I never utter escaped my lips. Struggling to stay up, I forced myself to take it on the chin. Literally. As the assault continued, they repeatedly aimed at my face and each time my nose, eyes and mouth filled with seawater. At one point I even saw a naval officer indicate to the marine controlling the cannon to aim for me. He gleefully obliged. — See also: Civil Peace Service Gaza more.. e-mail
Co-Resistance vs. Co-Existence
Maath Musleh, Ma’an News Agency7/14/2011
For decades, many powers worked on portraying the Palestinian-Israeli conflict as a problem of co-existence. Millions have been pumped into co-existence projects, projects that have just reinforced relations between the oppressor and the oppressed.
If any had had a little time to read history, they would know that Palestine was actually the land of co-existence for hundreds of years.
It’s the land that hosted the Armenians when they were massacred by the Turks. It’s the land that embraced the Jews who were oppressed in Europe. And the co-resistance that takes place daily here is a clear example that there isn’t any co-existence problem. The real problem is Zionism.
Zionism is not only the enemy of the Palestinians and Arabs, but also, the enemy of the Jews worldwide.
A lot of Jews who were born with Israeli citizenship have realized that Zionism and the Israeli regime is their enemy. It’s our common enemy. Thus, the trend of co-resistance has been evolving for years in Palestine. Jews carrying Israeli citizenship have been part of the popular resistance taking place in Palestine. Co-resistance is a danger to the state of Israel.
Even the mainstream media has been avoiding recognizing those activists as Israelis. The Israeli media refers to them as just “Anarchists”.
Co-resisting with Israeli citizens has been also a sensitive topic in the Palestinian community. A lot of activists fear to fall in the trap of normalization. The basis to this fear is true. The PA and its supporters tried on several occasions to counter Palestinian activists that diverted from the PA’s political path with rumors… more.. e-mail
Israeli legislators eye crackdown on High Court of Justice
Neve Gordon, Redress7/15/2011
Political change is slow. One doesn’t go to sleep in a democracy and wake up in a fascist regime. The citizens of Egypt and Tunisia can attest to the fact that the opposite is also true: dictatorship does not become democracy overnight.
Any political change of such magnitude is the result of a lot of hard work and is always incremental, indicating that there really is no single historical event that one can claim as the moment of conversion.
There are, however, significant events that serve as historical milestones.
The suicide of Mohamed Bouazizi, who doused himself in petrol and set himself on fire when police confiscated his produce because he did not have the necessary permits, will be remembered as the spark that ignited the Tunisian revolution, and perhaps even the regional social uprisings now called the Arab Awakening. Similarly, the massive gatherings in Cairo’s Tahrir Square will probably be seen as the straw that broke the camel’s back, setting in motion a slow process of Egyptian democratization.
In Israel, it might very well be that the Boycott Bill, which the Knesset approved by a vote of 47 to 38, will also be remembered as a historic landmark.
Ironically, the bill itself is likely to be inconsequential. It stipulates that any person who initiates, promotes or publishes material that might serve as grounds for imposing a boycott on Israel or the Jewish settlements in the occupied West Bank and East Jerusalem is committing an offence. If found “guilty” of such an offence, that person may be ordered to compensate parties economically affected by the boycott, including reparations of 30,000 Israeli shekels (8,700 US dollars) without an obligation on the part of the plaintiffs to prove damages. more.. e-mail
Israeli propaganda festival finds few fans in Milan
Electronic Intifada: 13 Jul 2011 – Stephanie Westbrook The Electronic Intifada Milan Palestine solidarity activists in Milan held vibrant protests against an Israeli propaganda festival in the city center last month, highlighting Italian complicity with the Israeli occupation.more
Gaza blockade keeps Saleh away from sea
Electronic Intifada: 13 Jul 2011 – Rami Almeghari The Electronic Intifada Gaza Strip Abu Ayman Kabaja and his family have worked in Gaza’s fishing industry for many years but now their fishing boat stays on dry land.more
lucky to have water
In Gaza: 14 Jul 2011 – Wet clothes are actually a blessing, for me at least in Gaza. I only wear them indoors, or sometimes underneath outer layers, and they do what non-existent air-con or fans-wanting-electricity can’t: cool me down for a bit. our washing machine helps. Gaza-made (support the boycott on israeli products ), it must have worked at one point. but i guess it’s suffering from the heat, the siege, depression… it’s manually filled with water, and (in theory) churns when plugged in. in reality, it used to vibrate a little but now just buzzes and gives off shocks when i try to turn it on or off. so it’s hand-washing for me, which i usually do using buckets and at the same time i bathe, giving me more time to keep cool. i usually walk everywhere but this absurd heat has me rationing my walks to morning and after sunset, the afternoon hours inside…more
Israel’s Crackdown Grows with Boycott Bill
Palestine Chronicle: 14 Jul 2011 – By Neve Gordon Political change is slow. One doesn’t go to sleep in a democracy and wake up in a fascist regime. The citizens of Egypt and Tunisia can attest to the fact that the opposite is also true: dictatorship does not become democracy overnight. Any political change of such magnitude is the result of a lot of hard work and is always incremental, indicating that there really is no single historical event that one can claim as the moment of conversion. There are, however, significant events that serve as historical milestones. The suicide of Mohamed Bouazizi, who doused himself in gasoline and set himself on fire when police confiscated his produce because he did not have the necessary permits, will be remembered as the spark that ignited the Tunisian revolution, and perhaps even the regional social uprisings now called the Arab Awakening. Similarly, the massive gatherings in Tahrir Square…more
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