24 October 2011 — VTJP
News
International Middle East Media Center
Lieberman: “Abbas Is An Obstacle To Peace”
IMEMC – Israeli Foreign Minister of the Yisrael Beiteinu far-right fundamentalist party, Avigdor Lieberman, stated that Palestinian President, Mahmoud Abbas, is the immediate obstacle to peace, and that Abbas’ “his threats to resign are not threats but blessings”.
Israeli military covers up evidence showing Eilat attack was not carried out by Palestinians
IMEMC – After a shooting attack on an Israeli bus and truck two months ago which killed five civilians and three soldiers, Israeli military officials immediately claimed that a Palestinian resistance group was responsible. But an Israeli military investigation revealing that the attack was carried out by Egyptians, not Palestinians, has been ’embargoed’ by the military. …
Israeli, US, Egyptian leaders discuss Israel-Egypt spy swap deal
IMEMC – Negotiations are currently underway regarding a deal between Israel, the US and Egypt to exchange the Israeli spy Ilan Gerabil, who is a US passport holder, accused of spying for Israel and burning Egyptian governmental facilities, for 25 Egyptians currently imprisoned by Israeli, the Egyptian News Agency reported late on Monday. …
Israel Concerned About New Offices For Hamas In Jordan, Egypt
IMEMC – Senior Israeli security sources said that Tel Aviv is concerned about Egyptian and Jordanian intentions to allow Hamas to open offices in Amman and Cairo, and considered the move as “granting legitimacy to terror”. …
Israeli Leaders Said To be “At Odds Over Punishing Abbas”
IMEMC – Israeli military seeks to put a set of steps that contribute in reducing the gains that Hamas obtained throughout the Prisoner-Swap deal that secured the release of over a thousand Palestinian detainees in exchange for the release of Israeli Soldier, Gilad Shalit, the Maan News Agency reported. …
Bahar: “Israeli Groups Plan To Assassinate Freed Detainees”
IMEMC – Deputy head of the Palestinian Legislative Council (PLC), Dr. Ahmad Bahar, warned that Israel and a number of “Zionist” groups are “allocating money to fund the assassination of detainees released under the prisoner-swap deal”. …
Rabbi to Students: “Marrying Non-Jews Serves the Nazis”
IMEMC – Israeli Ynet News has reported that students of the Ohel Shem High School, in Ramat Gan, claim that Rabbi Yisrael Meir Lau, who recently spoke at their school, preached that “Marrying gentiles plays in the hands of the Nazis.” …
Israeli Troops Fire Into Palestinian Funeral, Injuring Four
IMEMC – On Saturday, a funeral procession in the Palestinian village of Dhaher al-Malih received a violent response from Israeli soldiers stationed at a gate in the Annexation Wall. Several soldiers fired toward the mourners, injuring four- including three sons of the deceased. …
Owner: Israel to confiscate Beit Jala land for wall
10/24/2011 – BETHLEHEM (Ma’an) — Israeli forces issued a military order on Sunday to confiscate 37,000 square meters of private land from near the Cremisan Monastery in Beit Jala. One of the landowners told Ma’an that Israeli forces handed confiscation warrants to him and other farmers on Sunday evening. The land slated for confiscation….
Egypt, Israel agree to swap alleged spy for prisoners
10/24/2011 – CAIRO (AFP) — Egypt and Israel said Monday they have finalized arrangements to exchange an alleged Israeli spy for 25 Egyptians held in Israeli jails, on the heels of a Hamas-Israel prisoner swap.” A final agreement has been reached to release Israeli spy Ilan Grapel for 25 Egyptian prisoners, including three children,” Egypt’s state….
Palestinian delegation prepares for UNESCO vote
10/24/2011 – CAIRO (Ma’an) — Palestinian officials are preparing for an intense diplomatic battle as UNESCO opens its General Conference on Tuesday. UNESCO’s board decided on Oct. 5 to let 193 member states vote on a Palestinian application to upgrade from observer status to full membership of the cultural body. The vote is expected….
Israeli forces make multiple arrests across the West Bank
10/25/2011 – NABLUS (Ma’an) — Israeli forces made multiple arrests overnight Sunday and Monday morning in several districts across the West Bank, the Israeli army and Palestinian police said. An Israeli army spokeswoman said six men were detained in Hebron, two southeast of Qalqiliya and two southwest of Bethlehem in the village of Umm Salamuna. Palestinian….
Report: Israeli army demotes soldier in Qusra killing
10/25/2011 – TEL AVIV, Israel (Ma’an) — The Israeli army fired the commander of forces who shot dead a 33-year-old man in the northern West Bank in September, Israeli media reported Sunday. The officer will stay in the army but is taken off combat duties after a string of misdemeanors, the Israeli news site Ynet….
Egyptian authorities prevent journalist from leaving Gaza
10/24/2011 – GAZA CITY (Ma’an) — Egyptian authorities prevented Gazan journalist and author Mustafa al-Sawwaf from leaving the Strip on Monday to participate in a media meeting in Iran. The Hamas-affiliated journalist was on route to Tehran to participate in a meeting about the formation of a union for Islamic media, a Ma’an correspondent….
PA: Israeli inaction encourages settler violence
10/24/2011 – RAMALLAH (Ma’an) — The Palestinian Authority on Monday said the Israeli government was “implicitly encouraging settlers to continue on their rampage” by failing to hold them to account for violent crimes.” Israeli violations against Palestinians and their property and livelihood continue to increase with little or no action by the Israeli authorities to hold….
UN official : Lieberman remarks ‘deeply troubling’
10/24/2011 – BETHLEHEM (Ma’an) — Israeli Foreign Minister Avigdor Lieberman’s remarks Monday calling for President Mahmoud Abbas’ resignation were “deeply troubling,” said UN spokesman Richard Miron. Miron, spokesman for UN special envoy for the peace process Robert Serry, told Ma’an that Lieberman’s statement “appears to be an attempt to….
Police hold workshop with human rights commission
10/24/2011 – RAMALLAH (Ma’an) — Police participated in a workshop Monday in Ramallah with the Palestinian Independent Commission for Human Rights to agree on future cooperation. The workshop was hosted by EUPOL COPPS, an EU mission to improve law and order in the West Bank. Police have been working with the ICHR to increase accountability and….
Erekat: Quartet must say which side harms peace process
10/24/2011 – RAMALLAH (Ma’an) — PLO official Saeb Erekat said on Monday that Israel is impeding the peace process and the Middle East Quartet should publicly recognize Israeli intransigence. The former chief negotiator said on Voice of Palestine radio that the Palestinian side remains committed to all international guidelines and terms of the Quartet’s….
Gaza interior minister attends Fatah celebration for prisoner
10/24/2011 – GAZA CITY (Ma’an) — Interior Minister of the Gaza government Fathi Hammad on Sunday evening attended a Fatah-organized celebration in the Gaza Strip to honor a prisoner released in the recent exchange deal between Hamas and Israel. Fatah-affiliated detainee Ayman al-Far was freed after spending 21 years in Israeli jails. Hammad, along with other….
Gazans sign up for jobs in post-Gadhafi Libya
10/24/2011 – GAZA CITY (Reuters) — Some 5,000 unemployed Palestinians have registered over the past week at a Gaza trade union office for jobs they hope will materialize in post-Gadhafi Libya, local labor officials said on Monday. UN figures put unemployment in the Gaza Strip, a coastal area of 1. 6 million Palestinians blockaded by Israel, at 45….
Ireland grants 1.5 million euros to PA
10/24/2011 – RAMALLAH (Ma’an) — Ireland agreed to donate 1. 5 million euros ($2 million) to the Palestinian Authority through a European fund, a statement from PA Prime Minister Salam Fayyad’s office said Monday. Fayyad and Head of Ireland’s Representative Office to the PA James Carroll, signed the deal on Monday in….
World Bank agency insures Palestinian investors
10/24/2011 – BETHLEHEM (Ma’an) — A World Bank fund announced on Monday it will give investment guarantees to a Palestinian consortium to help inject $15 million into date palm farms in Jericho. The Multilateral Investment Guarantee Agency — established 14 years ago to attract investment into the West Bank and Gaza — will provide $4. 8 million in….
Death of Saudi royal successor announced
10/24/2011 – RIYADH (AFP) — Saudi Crown Prince Sultan bin Abdul Aziz has died, a palace announcement on state television said on Saturday, throwing his brother Prince Nayef into line to succeed King Abdullah as leader of the key oil producer amid turmoil in the Arab world. The crown prince, aged around 86, who had served as the….
McCain raises prospect of military option in Syria
10/24/2011 – DEAD SEA, Jordan (AFP) — US Senator John McCain raised the prospect Sunday of possible armed intervention to protect civilians in Syria where a crackdown on pro-democracy protests has killed more than 3,000 people.” Now that military operations in Libya are ending, there will be renewed focus on what practical military operations might be considered to….
Turkey quake death toll exceeds 260, set to rise
10/24/2011 – ERCIS, Turkey (Reuters) — Rescuers clawed through rubble on Monday to free people trapped by a powerful earthquake that killed at least 264 people and wounded more than 1,000 in mainly Kurdish southeast Turkey. Earthmoving machines and soldiers joined the frantic search through mounds of smashed concrete after Sunday’s 7. 2 magnitude quake struck….
Diplomats: US pulls out ambassador from Syria
10/24/2011 – AMMAN (Reuters) — The United States has pulled its ambassador out of Syria over security concerns after his contact with protesters led to attacks on his embassy and residence by backers of President Bashar Assad, diplomats said on Monday. Robert Ford left Syria over the weekend, the Western diplomats told Reuters, following a series of incidents….
Economic forum urges reform to meet Arab aspirations
10/24/2011 – DEAD SEA, Jordan (Reuters) — Arab rulers have responded to popular uprisings with handouts and subsidies, but time is running out for the fundamental reform needed to meet the aspirations of millions of young people for economic security and political freedom. That was the theme articulated by many of the businessmen and politicians at the World….
Yemen’s Saleh welcomes UN resolution on power shift
10/24/2011 – SANAA (Reuters) — Yemeni President Ali Abdullah Saleh, facing an increasingly entrenched uprising against his rule, on Monday welcomed a UN Security Council resolution urging him to adopt a Gulf-mediated plan for him to transfer power, the state news agency reported. It was Saleh’s first response to the United Nations council measure last week….
Islamists claim lead in landmark Tunisia vote
10/24/2011 – TUNIS (AFP) — Tunisia’s main Islamist party predicted it would secure 40 percent of the country’s first ever free polls, as the birth place of the Arab Spring basked in the world’s praise for its democratic revolution. Official results were only due on Tuesday but provisional results released by some….
Jordan swears in new govt, vows reform
10/24/2011 – AMMAN (Reuters) — Jordan’s US-backed King Abdullah swore in a reform-minded government on Monday to speed up political liberalization in the country after protests inspired by popular uprisings in the Arab world. The new prime minister has vowed to review Jordan’s electoral system, which is seen as discriminatory towards Jordan’s….
Including Children with Disabilities in Palestine
Palestine Note 24 Oct 2011 – Ali’s ear-to-ear grin illuminates the room he’s in and energizes everyone that it lands on. He is not aggressive, plays well with his peers, waits for attention, and brings joy to his classroom. He responds to his name, can identify…
US envoy leaves Syria over ‘security fears’
AlJazeera 24 Oct 2011 – King Abdullah will appoint a new Crown Prince and successor after his brother Prince Sultan dies from colon cancer.
Attacks on Yemen protests continue in Sanaa
AlJazeera 24 Oct 2011 – Twenty medical staff convicted of incitement and taking over a hospital during protests appear before “retrial”.
Bahrain court hears medics’ appeal
AlJazeera 24 Oct 2011 – Within hours of Robert Ford’s departure, Damascus recalled its ambassador to Washington.
Holy Land Trust Director to Speak at American Middle East Policy Conference
PNN – PNNSami Awad, founder and executive director of the Bethlehem nonviolence organization Holy Land Trust, will feature as “Visionary of the Year” at the Euphrates Summit in St. Louis, a meeting of Middle…
Erekat to PNN: Netanyahu Must Think Seriously about One-State Solution
PNN – PNNIn a short interview with PNN Arabic on Monday morning, PLO chief negotiator Saeb Erekat accused Israel of obstructing the peace process through settlements and said if negotiations fail, it was incumbent…
Israeli Supreme Court Rebuffs Interior Minister, Says Palestinian Councilors Can Live in Jerusalem
PNN – PNNOn Monday, the Israeli Supreme Court gave Israeli Minister of Internal Affairs Eli Yishai 90 days to give “convincing justification” of his cancellation of Palestinian Legislative Council members’ residency rights in Jerusalem….
Ahead of UNESCO Meeting, Archaeologists Demand Protection for Mamilla Cemetery
PNN – PNN Days before the beginning of the 36th session of UNESCO—the body expected to approve Palestinian membership and grant protection to Palestinian heritage sites—a group of 84 international archaeologists signed a petition…
Israeli Troops Arrest Jerusalem Development Worker, Raid Home
PNN – PNNOn Sunday evening Israeli soldiers raided the offices of the Jerusalem Organization for Development, arrested the director of the social department Kifah Sarhan, and tampered with files. The raid lasted more than…
Palestinian Center for Human Rights
IOF Continue Bulldozing Works to Construct the Annexation Wall and Isolate al-Walaja Village, Northwest of Bethlehem
Palestinian Center for Human Rights Monday, 24 October 2011
International Solidarity Movement
Gaza Ministry welcomes West Bank ex-detainees
10/25/2011 – International Solidarity Movement – International Solidarity Movement, Gaza – On Monday 24 October, Gaza’s Ministry of Detainees welcomed 163 prisoners from the West Bank who were freed in the exchange between the government of Israel and Hamas. The Ministry promised to have permanent housing for each ex-detainee within one month, as well as offering them free education in….
Despite swap, Gaza remains imprisoned
10/24/2011 – International Solidarity Movement – Al Jazeera English,Raji Sourani and Eyad Sarraj – While 1,000 Palestinian prisoners will be released, 1. 8 million people living in Gaza are still not free. The prisoner exchange agreement concluded between Israel and Hamas has brought relief to thousands of families eager to see their loved ones return home. In the midst of Israel…. Related: Source
Fishing in Gaza – no day at the beach
10/24/2011 – International Solidarity Movement – Notes from Behind the Blockade – I saw an Israeli naval warship for the first time yesterday, a concrete monster the color of ash, guzzling up the Mediterranean and spurting it out in its wake. I rose early to go out with the Oliva, a small white boat used by Civil Peace Service (CPS) Gaza to…. Related: Source
IOF Continue Bulldozing Works to Construct the Annexation Wall and Isolate al-Walaja Village, Northwest of Bethlehem
Relief Web 24 Oct 2011 – Source: Palestinian Centre for Human Rights Country: occupied Palestinian territory , Israel For the fourth consecutive week, the Israeli Occupation Forces (IOF) have continued bulldozing activities and uprooting dozens of fruitful trees in al-Walaja village, northwest of Bethlehem to construct a…
Our Prisoners Also Have a Story Worth Telling
Relief Web 24 Oct 2011 – Source: MIFTAH Country: occupied Palestinian territory , Israel Date posted: 24/10/2011 By: Joharah Baker for MIFTAH It has been just under a week since the historic deal between Hamas and Israel saw the release of captured Israeli soldier Gilad Shalit for…
More than 160 Palestinian children remain in Israeli jails
24 Oct 2011 – London, (Pal Telegraph) – While there have been emotional scenes after the release of 477 Palestinian prisoners held in Israeli jails, concerns are being raised about the plight of 164 Palestinian children from the West Bank in Israeli custody.
Archeologists angry over Israeli Museum built on a Muslim cemetery
24 Oct 2011 – Palestine, (Pal Telegraph) – A total of 84 international archeologists signed a petition demanding Israel to halt construction on Mamilla historical cemetery in East Jerusalem, Monday reported Haaretz newspaper.
Israeli forces arrest 10 Palestinians in WB
24 Oct 2011 – West Bank, (Pal Telegraph)-Israeli occupation forces on Monday arrested ten Palestinian citizens after raiding several areas in the occupied West Bank.
Israel to confiscate 37 dunums of Beit Jala
24 Oct 2011 – West Bank, (Pal Telegraph)-Israeli authorities yesterday decided to confiscate 37 dunums of Palestinian land in Beit Jala city, central West Bank.
Jordan’s new PM vows to push reforms, fight corruption
The National 24 Oct 2011 – Jordan’s King Abdullah II swears in a new government headed by jurist Awn Khasawneh, who has vowed to boost political reforms and fight corruption.
Critics fear speech signals ‘Islamic Republic of Libya’
The National 24 Oct 2011 – In his liberation speech Sunday, Libya¬øs transitional government Chairman Mustafa Abdel Jalil gave special weight to the country¬øs Islamist tint.
After Qaddafi, Tripoli is a violent city of armed fiefdoms
The National 24 Oct 2011 – Tripoli has become a patchwork of armed fiefdoms, as wannabe power brokers backed by hometown militias battle with each other and with natives of Tripoli for the spoils of war, a slice of the country’s wealth and a share of political power .
PA: Israel must release Palestinian prisoners following Olmert’s 2008 pledge
Ha’aretz – Olmert confirms he had in fact made such a pledge.
ANALYSIS / Israeli identity theft highlights crisis of information in digital age
Ha’aretz – Digital information is gradually becoming information that can be copied perfectly with almost unbearable ease.
Palestinian, Israeli videos offer conflicting views of East Jerusalem assault
Ha’aretz – Palestinian video shows a man subduing a boy throwing rocks, while Jewish video shows boy and other children vandalizing a house with rocks and iron rods.
Israeli rights group reverses verdict, brings about indictment of abusive policeman
Ha’aretz – According to the indictment, Sahar Tannous allegedly pulled a handcuffed Palestinian by the shirt, threw him to the floor, hit him in the legs with a club and cursed him.
Haaretz special report: Turks frustrated by government’s earthquake response
Ha’aretz – Comments come after Prime Minister Recip Tayyep Erdogan visited the earthquake-damaged area of Van on Monday, stating that his country would be able to contend with the disaster by itself.
Only 2 percent of Jewish Israelis consider emigration ‘reasonable,’ new survey shows
Ha’aretz – According to survey conducted by the Ministry of Public Diplomacy and Diaspora Affairs, 44 percent of Jewish Israelis have never considered emigrating.
Tel Aviv gets its style on as Fashion Week makes roaring return
Ha’aretz – Event features collections by Sasson Kedem, Dorit Bar-Or, Yaniv Parsi, Alon Livne, Alembika, Galit Levi, Doreen Frankfurt, Tovaleh, Yosef, Mira Zwillinger and Gottex.
Tal Becker: Debate and Decision in the Jewish State
Ha’aretz – How we make decisions will shape society
Hezbollah chief accuses U.S. of ‘exploiting’ Arab Spring uprisings
Ha’aretz – Nasrallah says Americans will try to ‘stir sedition’ when it realizes its allies in the Arab world will no longer ‘be in its service.’
Hundreds still trapped under rubble, as Turkey fears earthquake aftershocks
Ha’aretz – Haaretz writer sends special report from site of 7.2 quake in Turkey’s east, as the death toll from the country’s latest natural disaster reaches 270.
Thousands of Palestinians seek work in post-Gadhafi Libya
Ha’aretz – Hundreds of Palestinians who worked in Libya returned to the Palestinian territories after the uprising against Muammar Gadhafi’s 42 years of one-man rule erupted in February.
It’s ridiculous to think Ilan Grapel is an Israeli spy, father tells Haaretz
Ha’aretz – Daniel Grapel says yet to receive official confirmation on a swap deal with Egypt to secure his son’s release, saying he was able to talk to his son on the phone every other week.
Netanyahu offers condolences, earthquake relief in phone call with Erdogan
Ha’aretz – Conversation represents the first time two leaders have talked in 10 months; Turkish PM thanks Netanyahu for offering aid to the quake-stricken country.
Israel, Egypt reach swap deal to release suspected Israeli spy Ilan Grapel
Ha’aretz – Deal set to release 25 Egyptian prisoners, none of which were convicted of security-related offences; cabinet to give final seal of approval on Tuesday.
Hundreds of Israeli medical interns protest government health policies in Tel Aviv
Ha’aretz – Protesters wave signs and calle for Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, who acts as health minister, to solve current crisis in wake of stalled negotiations between interns and the government.
Authorities find source that leaked every Israeli’s personal information online
Ha’aretz – Former Welfare Ministry employee who had access to the Population Registry stole the details in 2006 and passed them on to a business client, after which it made rounds until it was finally uploaded onto the internet.
Shalit tells Peres: I am recovering slowly and happy to be home
Ha’aretz – Peres makes first official visit to Shalit at home, lauds him on behalf of the whole nation of Israel for his ‘bravery’ during five-and-a-half years in Hamas captivity.
Electricity prices still set to rise: Egyptian gas supplies resume after 100 days
Ha’aretz – The gas pipeline from Egypt to Israel was bombed five times so far this year, the latest attack coming on September 27 – only a few days after the repairs of the damage from a blast in July were completed.
Danish study finds:No mobile phone cancer connection
Ha’aretz – At the end of May, the World Health Organization’s International Agency for Research on Cancer decided cellphone use should be classified as ‘possibly carcinogenic to humans,’ putting then in the same category as lead, chloroform and coffee.
IDF soldier suspected of leaking military actions to West Bank settlers
Ha’aretz – Arrest of member of the Samaria Brigade’s rabbinate comes as tensions between extremist settlers, military rises following the September demolition of illegal structures in the Migron outpost.
Israel to UN Security Council: Support for Palestinian statehood will only lead to Mideast violence
Ha’aretz – Speaking before the UNSC, Israeli envoy Ron Prosor calls PA bid for recognition ‘march of folly,’ adding that peace must be achieved through direct negotiations.
Jordan’s Abdullah: I’m pessimistic about chances of ending Mideast conflict
Ha’aretz – Speaking with CNN, Jordanian King says has yet to see a sign that Israel was serious about the two-state solution, warns of possible war if status quo between Israel, Palestinians remains.
Israel Police calls off raised terror alert in Jerusalem
Ha’aretz – Security officials step down hours after receiving warning of a possible attack; alert comes 2 days after the stabbing of 17-year-old Jerusalem resident.
Israeli occupation, settlements are impeding Mideast peace, Erekat says
Ha’aretz – Top Palestinian official rejects comments by Quartet envoy Tony Blair, according to which the Arab Spring was complicating the peace process, saying that it is Israel’s policies that hinder talks’ resumption.
Lieberman urges Abbas to resign, calls him ‘greatest obstacle’ to peace process
Ha’aretz – FM voices vehement opposition to proposal to free Fatah prisoners as gesture to Palestinian President, adding that anyone who succeeds Abbas would be better for Israel.
Israel Police on alert in Jerusalem, fearing terror attack
Ha’aretz – Warning comes two days after a 17-year-old resident of the Ramot neighborhood was stabbed by a young Arab man while sitting on the curb near his home.
Turkey confirms more than 200 dead after 7.2-magnitude quake
Ha’aretz – Turkey turns down offer of assistance from Israel; aftershocks continue to strike Van province, official scramble to provide shelter for homeless.
Capitalism is in crisis, but why?
Jerusalem Post 25 Oct 2011 – Aversion toward the rich has had strong roots in Zionism since its early leaders embraced Marxist practices.
Hit-and-run crimes
Jerusalem Post 25 Oct 2011 – If judges refuse to heed the call for harsh punishment against hit-and-run criminals, lawmakers are right to step in and force them to do so.
Turkey: Death toll rises, tens of thousands sleep outdoors
Jerusalem Post 24 Oct 2011 – 279 confirmed dead in earthquake, but hundreds more still missing; rescue teams concentrate efforts in town of Ercis, worst hit by 7.2 magnitude tremor; Red Crescent suffers shortage of tents as temperatures drop.
‘Animal import bill won’t halt medical research’
Jerusalem Post 24 Oct 2011 – MK Amnon Cohen allays fears of scientists concerned that new bill will prevent them from conducting necessary experiments on animals.
Right-wing activist convicted of wiretapping
Jerusalem Post 24 Oct 2011 – Avigdor Eskin hired private eyes to spy on Russian-Israeli businessman Michael Cherney.
Agriculture Ministry slammed for promoting horse breeding
Jerusalem Post 24 Oct 2011 – Animal rights group Hakol Chai: Horses will be used for racing – which is cruel and will bypass anti-gambling legislation.
Elite police unit officer indicted for stealing IDF arms
Jerusalem Post 24 Oct 2011 – Three others accused of theft of weapons, conspiracy to commit a crime and illegal weapons possession.
‘Better to kill a terrorist than call the police’
Jerusalem Post 24 Oct 2011 – ‘Torat Hamelech’ co-author Rabbi Yossi Elitzur writes halachic ruling advocating taking law into own hands in aftermath of Schalit deal.
Man convicted of 2009 murder of teen
Jerusalem Post 24 Oct 2011 – Nir Haziza shot innocent bystander dead during assassination attempt.
ICA marks half a century of activism
Jerusalem Post 24 Oct 2011 – Cancer association has seen chances to recover rise 30 percent.
Analysis: Tunisian balloting – A double-edged sword
Jerusalem Post 24 Oct 2011 – Observers have praised the elections’ transparency and high turnout, but success of Islamist movement Ennahda leaves questions.
Alternatively Speaking: Open wide
Jerusalem Post 24 Oct 2011 – Alternative medicine enthusiast Natalie Marx answers your questions: Any tips for treating mouth ulcers? Are there any alternative tips for sore throat.
Islamists claim win in Tunisia’s Arab Spring vote
Jerusalem Post 24 Oct 2011 – Official results not yet announced; leading secularist party concedes defeat; protesters in capital allege voting irregularities.
Justice Ministry cracks case of massive information theft
Jerusalem Post 24 Oct 2011 – Government employee sells identification numbers, addresses and other details of 9 million Israelis.
Olmert: ‘I am happy that Schalit is home’
Jerusalem Post 24 Oct 2011 – Former PM who was in role when IDF soldier was kidnapped says he’s not familiar with full details of prisoner exchange deal.
Nasrallah: Schalit deal ‘a big achievement’ for Hamas
Jerusalem Post 24 Oct 2011 – In televised speech, Hezbollah leader praises Hamas’s decision to hold IDF soldier alive and well in Gaza for so long.
Palestinian prisoners warned against returning to terror
Jerusalem Post 24 Oct 2011 – Security prisoners freed as part of Schalit deal “were told of consequences” of returning to terrorism, ‘Post’ learns.
US urges Syria to end campaign against envoy Ford
Jerusalem Post 24 Oct 2011 – Damascus decides to bring home its envoy amid spat over anti-government protests in Syria; Robert Ford brought home.
Comment: Who’s minding the store?
Jerusalem Post 24 Oct 2011 – Another personal data leak is in the cards unless state undergoes a complete review of its approach to security.
Egypt to release Ilan Grapel in exchange for 25 prisoners
Jerusalem Post 24 Oct 2011 – Jailed Egyptians included in deal to free American-Israeli charged with spying will not be security prisoners, will include 3 minors.
Over 1,000 medical residents, students protest in TA
Jerusalem Post 24 Oct 2011 – Demonstration ahead of High Court discussion on mass resignation by residents; protesters call for Netanyahu to solve current crisis.
‘Seinfeld’ star talks peace at Knesset Caucus
Jerusalem Post 24 Oct 2011 – Jason Alexander is “best-known face” of One Voice mission; “I’m happy to be their face, but listen to their voice,” he says.
Fearing bankruptcy, Greek Jews ask brethren for help
Jerusalem Post 24 Oct 2011 – Potential overseas donors insist on transparency and cutbacks, mirroring the relationship between Greece’s government and int’l institutions.
Biometric registry slammed in light of personal info theft
Jerusalem Post 24 Oct 2011 – Minister Eitan calls for biometric program to be halted; ACRI calls theft a warning: Don’t give your fingerprints to those who can’t guard info.
The Numbers Crunch: Schalit coverage unifies Israelis
Jerusalem Post 24 Oct 2011 – Across the Internet – on traditional news sources and social media alike – the homecoming of “Everyone’s son” kept us all glued to the news.
Gazans sign up for jobs in post-Gaddafi Libya
Jerusalem Post 24 Oct 2011 – Hundreds of Palestinians working in Libya returned to Gaza when the uprising against Gaddafi began; now looking to help build new Libya.
Peres emotionally moved by meeting with Gilad Schalit
Jerusalem Post 24 Oct 2011 – President praises Gilad’s strength of character, ability to withstand all he endured; “he passed a test which many others would have failed.”
Jordan swears in a new government
Jerusalem Post 24 Oct 2011 – Move comes as protesters are dissatisfied with slow pace of reforms; attempts made to bring Muslim Brotherhood into coalition.
‘Contract worker stole all Israelis’ personal information’
Jerusalem Post 24 Oct 2011 – Information was used to create searchable database; computer technician put the database on Internet for anyone worldwide to access.
Peres in Mitzpe Hila praises Gilad Schalit’s perseverance
Jerusalem Post 24 Oct 2011 – President says he appreciates that he withstood a difficult time: “many hours, days and years in a state of solitude and uncertainty.”
Egypt to free US-Israeli suspected spy in exchange for 25 Egyptian prisoners
The Guardian 24 Oct 2011 – Ilan Grapel, a citizen of both Israel and the US, has been held in Cairo since June over claims he spied during Egypt’s uprising Egypt is to release a US-Israeli citizen held since June on suspicion…
Israeli officer loses command, a month after death of protester
The Guardian 24 Oct 2011 – Action against officer in charge of army unit that killed Palestinian in Qusra was taken due to ‘a number of incidents’ The commander of an Israeli army unit whose soldiers shot dead a Palestinian protester just…
Plot Allegations Stir Complex Nationalist Feelings in Iran
IPS The news of Iran’s participation in an alleged plot to assassinate the Saudi Arabian ambassador in Washington and subsequent harsh rhetoric by senior officials in both Washington and Riyadh have generated deep and complex nationalist feelings on the part of the public here.
LIBYA: Hatred Divides Libya After Gaddafi
IPS The long-time dictator who ruled Libya for nearly four decades with an iron fist may be gone, but racial hatred surfaces increasingly now by the day.
Bedouins get mobilized as Israel pushes them off their land (Part I)
Uruknet October 24, 2011 – On 6 October 2011, Sheikh Saiah addressed an audience of thousands of Bedouins, who had descended upon Beersheva to protest against government approval of the Praver Plan. This controversial plan,which aims to solve land ownership claims in the Negev, would see the forced relocation of 30,000 Bedouins from unrecognized villages into the state-planned townships…
Rebels arrest medical staff in Zawiya ‚Äé
Uruknet October 24, 2011 – Rebels in the newly liberated Libya have arrested around 70 doctors and nurses in Zawiya, who they believe had ties or allegiances with Colonel Muammar Gaddafi’s regime, Channel 4 News understands. The medical staff have been detained in jail for an indefinite period and do not know if or when they will be given…
Imperial Massacres
Uruknet October 24, 2011 – … Qaddafi, even in his latterday accomodationist phase, was always a bitter affront to Empire – a “devil” figure in a tradition stretching back to the Mahdi, whose men killed General Gordon in the Sudan in 1885. I remember fondly the leftists and Republicans who trekked to Tripoli in the 1960s to appeal to Qaddafi…
“This is My Will”: “Continue the Resistance, Fight any Foreign Aggressor against Libya,…” Complete Text of Testament
Uruknet October 24, 2011 – “This is my will. I, Muammar bin Mohammad bin Abdussalam bin Humayd bin Abu Manyar bin Humayd bin Nayil al Fuhsi Gaddafi, do swear that there is no other God but Allah and that Mohammad is God’s Prophet, peace be upon him. I pledge that I will die as Muslim. Should I be killed,…
HRW works for NATO and endeavours to cover up its Crimes Against Humanity in Libya (and all over the world)
Uruknet October 24, 2011 – … HRW assumes that this execution was carried out by “anti Gaddafi fighters from Misrata” and calls “on Libya’s National Transitional Council (NTC) to conduct an immediate and transparent investigation into the apparent mass execution and to bring those responsible to justice”. 1. Well, this simple extract is enough for HRW to wipe away NTC’s…
U.S. oil companies, security contractors look to Libya
Uruknet October 24, 2011 – With Col. Muammar Gaddafi dead and the future of Libya’s government uncertain, U.S. businesses are looking to the oil-rich North African nation for opportunity. Among the companies expected to expand operations in post-Gaddafi Libya is the Oasis Group, a partnership of three U.S.-based oil companies: ConocoPhillips and Marathon Oil of Houston and New York…
Harvesting olives as a statement of resistance
Uruknet Palestinian villages across the West Bank are undertaking their annual olive harvest this October, amid fears of harassment and violence from Israeli settlers and soldiers. While the Palestinian olive harvest is a tradition that stretches back countless generations, the phenomenon of settler violence during the olive harvest is only as old as the illegal Israeli settlements themselves. Every…
The Rule of Law and the Extrajudicial Killing of Muammar Gaddafi
Uruknet October 24, 2011 – The willful killing or summary execution of a prisoner of war who is no longer participating in an armed conflict is a grave breach of the Third Geneva Convention on Prisoners of War of 1949, to which both France and the US are parties. It makes no difference how much one dislikes the particular…
The conditional freedom of Palestinian prisoners deported to Gaza
Uruknet October 24, 2011 – The first stage of Shalit’s swap deal has already happened. As agreed, 477 detainees were set free before Gilaad Shalit was delivered by the resistance to the Red Cross to be enjoying the full range of his freedom in the meantime. The Gaza Strip has opened the gate to welcome with several thousands of…
Islamists claim lead in landmark Tunisia vote
Uruknet October 24, 2011 — Tunisia’s main Islamist party predicted it would secure 40 percent of the country’s first ever free polls, as the birth place of the Arab Spring basked in the world’s praise for its democratic revolution. Official results were only due on Tuesday but provisional results released by some media outlets appeared to confirm Ennahda’s prediction…
Our Prisoners Also Have a Story Worth Telling
Uruknet October 24, 2011 – It has been just under a week since the historic deal between Hamas and Israel saw the release of captured Israeli soldier Gilad Shalit for 1,027 Palestinian political prisoners. It has been an emotional week on both sides of the divide. In Palestine, huge celebrations welcomed the prisoners home, most of whom had served…
The Return of Barbarism How imperialism corrupts the soul of America
Uruknet October 24, 2011 – “We came, we saw, he died,” babbled our notoriously bloodthirsty Secretary of State as news of Moammar Gadhafi’s grisly murder hit the headlines. Throwing her arms up in a gesture of mock-triumph, she averred – perhaps sarcastically – that she was “sure” her recent visit to Tripoli had something to do with the Libyan…
The US and Gaddafi: The murderer calls for an investigation of the crime
Uruknet October 24, 2011 – US Secretary of State Hillary Clinton solemnly announced Sunday that Washington “strongly supports” an independent investigation into the barbaric murder of Libya’s deposed head of state Muammar Gaddafi. What exactly is it that Ms. Clinton wants investigated that she doesn’t already know? Gaddafi was captured Thursday while fleeing his hometown of Sirte. Over the…
Libya: Apparent Execution of 53 Gaddafi Supporters Bodies Found at Sirte Hotel Used by Anti-Gaddafi Fighters
Uruknet October 24, 2011 – Fifty-three people, apparent Gaddafi supporters, seem to have been executed at a hotel in Sirte last week, Human Rights Watch said today. The hotel is in an area of the city that was under the control of anti-Gaddafi fighters from Misrata before the killings took place…. “We found 53 decomposing bodies, apparently Gaddafi supporters,…
Musa Kusa traced to Qatar resort
Uruknet October 23, 2011 – Libya’s former foreign minister has been traced to a luxury resort in Qatar, according to reports. Musa Kusa is believed to have been an intelligence officer at the time of the 1988 Lockerbie bomb atrocity in which 270 people were killed. He made a high-profile defection to Britain in March and was interviewed by…
As settlers disrupt olive harvest, Israeli officer declares: “I am the law, I am God.”
Uruknet October 23, 2011 – Intimidation of Palestinians in the Israeli-controlled H2 section of Hebron continued today as the Israeli military and settlers harassed Palestinians and international observers as they attempted to pick olives on their land in Tel Rumeida. Around 40 students from different Palestinian universities marched onto the land at 11AM Saturday morning and began to pick…
Libya’s “liberation”: interim ruler unveils more radical than expected plans for Islamic law.
Uruknet October 23, 2011 – Mustafa Abdul-Jalil, the chairman of the National Transitional Council and de fact president, had already declared that Libyan laws in future would have Sharia, the Islamic code, as its “basic source”. But that formulation can be interpreted in many ways – it was also the basis of Egypt’s largely secular constitution under President Hosni…
Syria News – October 23, 2011 (Warning: Graphic Videos)
Uruknet October 23, 2011 – Number of martyrs on Sunday in Syria reached 22: 11 martyrs in Homs among them is a woman, 4 martyrs in Hama Suburbs,3 martyrs in Daraa “Jezah and Kafar Shams” 2 martyrs in Damascus Suburbs “Douma and Daraya” , 2 martyrs Idlib “Falyoun and Saraqeb” Martyrdom of the young man Jamal Abdullah while trying to…
UN Torture Expert Calls for an End to Solitary Confinement, Discusses Bradley Manning
Uruknet October 23, 2011 – On Tuesday, Professor Juan Me’ndez, the UN Special Rapporteur on Torture and Other Cruel, Inhuman or Degrading Treatment or Punishment, “called on all countries to ban the solitary confinement of prisoners except in very exceptional circumstances and for as short a time as possible, with an absolute prohibition in the case of juveniles and…
The Destruction of Libya and the Murder of Muammar Gaddafi
Uruknet October 23, 2011 – Muammar Gaddafi came from an Arab tribe living in Libya. He belonged to a culture completely different from American and European culture. He therefore did not-and never pretended to-champion Western values of so-called “democracy” and “freedom”. This, however, did not prevent him from being a force for good for his people and for some…
Free Mumia Abu-Jamal Now: 30 Unconstitutional Years on Death Row are Enough!
Uruknet October 23, 2011 – With Mumia Abu-Jamal’s sentence of death now formally vacated, thanks to the Supreme Court’s decision last week not to consider an appeal by the Philadelphia District Attorney of a Third Circuit Court panel’s ruling that that sentence had been unconstitutional thanks to flawed jury instructions from the trial judge and a flawed jury ballot…
Global Economic Crisis Deepens
Uruknet October 23, 2011 – Global Depression grips world economies. Destructive polices fueled today’s crisis. Conditions are fast coming to a head. Throwing good money after bad delays decision day at the price of far greater trouble on arrival. D-Day will shake world economies. It may, in fact, be months away, perhaps in 2012.No one knows for sure, but…
UN Report on Human Rights Situation in Occupied Palestine, UN Doc. A/66/358
Uruknet October 23, 2011 – The Special Rapporteur has continued to be unable to obtain cooperation from Israel in the discharge of his obligations under the mandate. He continues to believe that Israel is not fulfilling its duties as a United Nations Member State in this regard. The Special Rapporteur recalls that when he made an attempt to enter…
Humiliation and Death as a Tool of National Policy
Uruknet October 23, 2011 – …Obama pairs lifting the “dark shadow of tyranny” with the death of Gaddafi and then lectures the Libyan people about inclusivity and tolerance. What an odd world view this is. Libyan cities are in ruin, thousands are dead, many more injured, and the city where the dark shadow was lifted is devastated. Is it…
Tunisia Islamists claim election win ahead of official results
Daily Star 24 Oct 2011 Moderate Islamists claimed victory Monday in Tunisia’s first democratic election, sending a message to other states in the region…
U.S. pulls ambassador out of Syria citing threats to his safety
Daily Star 24 Oct 2011 The United States has pulled its ambassador out of Syria because of what it said were credible threats to his safety after his public support for protesters led…
Sleiman: Lebanon needs electoral reform to stay in step with region
Daily Star 24 Oct 2011 President Michel Sleiman called Monday for political reform in Lebanon, stressing the need for the country to be part of the region’s movement toward greater democracy.
Nasrallah rules out funding STL
Daily Star 24 Oct 2011 Hezbollah leader Sayyed Hasan Nasrallah said Monday his party is against the financing of a U.N.-backed court…
Jumblatt: Saudi king seeks wide reforms
Daily Star 24 Oct 2011 Progressive Socialist Party leader Walid Jumblatt says Saudi King Abdullah bin Abdul Aziz is trying to bring about wide reforms in the kingdom as a result of the major political changes currently sweeping the Arab world.
Rai calls for declaring Lebanon a neutral country
Daily Star 24 Oct 2011 Maronite Patriarch Beshara Rai warned Monday of the Arab Spring turning into an autumn of civil wars in the Arab world and called for declaring Lebanon a neutral country in regional conflicts.
In meeting with Aoun, U.S. Ambassador Connelly warns Lebanon over STL funding
Daily Star 24 Oct 2011 The U.S warned Lebanon it could face serious consequences should it fail to fund the U.N.-backed probe into the assassination of statesman Rafik Hariri…
Iranian foreign minister cancels trip to Lebanon, reasons unclear
Daily Star 24 Oct 2011 Conflicting accounts emerged Tuesday over the postponement of a visit by the Iranian foreign minister to Beirut.
Future, Hezbollah lawmakers quarrel
Daily Star 24 Oct 2011 A heated quarrel broke out between Hezbollah and Future Movement lawmakers during a parliamentary committee meeting to discuss a detailed report implicating Syria in the kidnapping of Syrian dissidents in Lebanon.
UNIFIL honors longtime Lebanese staffers on U.N. Day
Daily Star 24 Oct 2011 The United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon honored eight Lebanese staffers Monday who have served for 30 years with the organization as the force observed U.N. Day at its Naqoura headquarters.
Grenade blast in Ain al-Hilweh wounds at least 5 people
Daily Star 24 Oct 2011 At least five people were injured Monday evening when a grenade exploded in a vegetable market in the Ain al-Hilweh refugee camp, Palestinian sources told The Daily Star.
Eco-education caravan ready to hit roads of Mount Lebanon
Daily Star 24 Oct 2011 A new environmental education caravan, launched Monday, will travel around the country to teach young people and small companies about the importance of developing green practices.
Council to organize online media
Daily Star 24 Oct 2011 The National Audiovisual Media Council announced Monday that it will start receiving notification applications for new websites in an effort to organize the country’s online media.
Fatah to replace its police force in Lebanon
Daily Star 24 Oct 2011 The Palestinian Authority in the occupied West Bank had laid down its final strategy to dissolve Fatah Movement’s Armed Struggle which is charged with preserving security in Palestinian refugee camps across Lebanon…
United States Embassy warns Lebanese of Internet visa scams
Daily Star 24 Oct 2011 If you get a message saying you’ve won the Green Card Lottery, you can be sure it’s a scam, warned the U.S. Embassy in Lebanon Monday.
Murr: Mikati to adhere to all international resolutions
Daily Star 24 Oct 2011 Former Defense Minister Elias Murr said Monday that Prime Minister Najib Mikati will adhere to all international resolutions, including that of funding the Special Tribunal for Lebanon, a statement carried by the state-run National News Agency…
MP: disputes in Cabinet do not threaten its unity
Daily Star 24 Oct 2011 Change and Reform bloc MP Alain Aoun said Monday that disputes in the Cabinet do not threaten its unity, adding that there were no reasons to believe that the government could fall, the Central News Agency…
Senegal minister calls for cooperation with Lebanon
Daily Star 24 Oct 2011 Senegal’s Foreign Minister Madicke Niang, after holding talks with Prime Minister Najib Mikati Monday, called for the signing of new cooperation agreements between the two countries.
March 14 raps Cabinet over Hezbollah’s telecoms network
Daily Star 24 Oct 2011 The March 8-led government is drawing criticism from members of the March 14 coalition following the alleged attempt by Hezbollah to install a private telecoms network in the Baabda town of Tarshish.
Saleh: U.N. resolution on power shift welcome
Daily Star 24 Oct 2011 Yemeni President Ali Abdullah Saleh, facing an increasingly entrenched uprising against his rule, Monday welcomed a U.N. Security Council resolution urging him to sign a Gulf-mediated power transfer plan, the state news agency reported.
Egypt, Israel reach deal on 25-for-1 prisoner swap
Daily Star 24 Oct 2011 Israel and Egypt have reached a deal to swap 25 Egyptian prisoners in Israeli custody for U.S.-Israeli dual national Ilan Grapel, held by Egypt since June, a statement from Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s office said Monday.
Accused pleads not guilty to U.S. Saudi envoy murder plot
Daily Star 24 Oct 2011 The Iranian-American accused of plotting with senior Iranian officials to hire Mexican gangsters to assassinate the Saudi ambassador to Washington pleaded not guilty Monday in a New York court.
Nayef tipped as next Saudi crown prince
Daily Star 24 Oct 2011 The recent death of Saudi Arabia’s Crown Prince Sultan sets the stage for an eventual generational shift in the ageing leadership of the world’s top oil exporter, even if King Abdullah selects 77-year-old Prince Nayef to…
Libya aims for new government in 2 weeks
Daily Star 24 Oct 2011 Libya’s interim leader Mustafa Abdel Jalil set a two-week target Monday for the country to have a new government and said a commission of inquiry will probe Moammar Gadhafi’s killing.
Jordan’s king swears in Cabinet tasked with accelerating reform
Daily Star 24 Oct 2011 Jordan’s King Abdullah swore in Monday a reform-minded government to speed up political liberalization after protests inspired by popular uprisings in the Arab world.
Bombers, gunmen kill 5 in attacks on Baghdad traffic police
Daily Star 24 Oct 2011 Bombers and gunmen targeting Iraqi traffic police across Baghdad killed at least five people, including two policemen, and wounded around 30 people Monday, police said.
Tunisia shows Islamists can win in democracy
Daily Star 24 Oct 2011 Tunisia gave birth to the Arab Spring and now it is again showing the way in the Middle East by demonstrating that moderate Islamists can win an election without causing a crisis.
Turkish army chases Kurdish militants in Iraq
Daily Star 24 Oct 2011 Turkish tanks and armored vehicles crossed into northern Iraq headed in the direction of a Kurdish militant camp, Turkish security sources said Monday.
Turkey quake death toll rises to 279, hundreds still missing
Daily Star 24 Oct 2011 Rescuers pulled survivors from beneath mounds of collapsed buildings and searched for the missing Monday after a major earthquake killed at least 279 people and wounded more than 1,000 in mainly Kurdish southeast Turkey.
Bomb wounds 6 in Lebanon Palestinian refugee camp
Daily Star 24 Oct 2011 Palestinian and Lebanese security officials say a bomb has exploded in a refugee camp in south Lebanon, wounding at least six people.
Syria recalls envoy to U.S. for consultation: reports
Daily Star 24 Oct 2011 Damascus has recalled its envoy to the United States Imad Moustapha, media reports said Monday.
U.S. embassy warns Lebanese of visa scams
Daily Star 24 Oct 2011 If you get a message saying you’ve won the Green Card Lottery, you can be sure it’s a scam, warned the U.S. Embassy in Lebanon Monday.
U.S. warns Lebanon could face serious consequences over failure to fund STL
Daily Star 24 Oct 2011 The U.S warned Lebanon it could face serious consequences should it fail to fund the STL, during a meeting between the U.S. envoy to Lebanon and Free Patriotic Movement leader MP Michel Aoun Monday.
Saudi envoy murder plot suspect pleads not guilty
Daily Star 24 Oct 2011 An Iranian-American man who U.S. officials say has links to Iran’s security forces pleaded not guilty in federal court on Monday to plotting to kill the Saudi Arabian ambassador to Washington in a bomb attack.
Planned strike by EDL workers still on
Daily Star 24 Oct 2011 Mount Lebanon Electricite Du Liban employees will carry out their planned open-ended strike starting Tuesday in accordance with the decision taken by EDL, reported the National News Agency Monday.
Arab movements can face down extremism: Zahra
Daily Star 24 Oct 2011 Any extremist groups that gain power as a result of regional uprisings would meet opposition from within their country, Lebanese Forces MP Antoine Zahra told CNN in an interview broadcast Sunday night.
Yemen’s Saleh welcomes U.N. resolution on power shift
Daily Star 24 Oct 2011 Yemeni president, facing an increasingly entrenched uprising against his rule, welcomes a U.N. Security Council resolution urging him to adopt a Gulf-mediated plan for him to transfer power.
Jordan swears in new government
Daily Star 24 Oct 2011 King Abdullah swears in a reform-minded government charged with speeding up political liberalisation in response to domestic pressure for change after protests inspired by sweeping Arab uprisings.
Nasrallah to address hot issues in new TV appearance
Daily Star 24 Oct 2011 Hezbollah leader Sayyed Hasan Nasrallah will address divisive issues, including the Special Tribunal for Lebanon, in Monday’s television appearance.
FM, Hezbollah MPs quarrel at discussion over Syrian dissident kidnappings
Daily Star 24 Oct 2011 Heated quarrel breaks out between Hezbollah and Future Movement lawmakers during a parliamentary committee meeting to discuss a detailed report implicating Syria in the kidnapping of Syrian dissidents in Lebanon.
Libya readies for Gaddafi’s funeral
YNet News, 24 Oct 2011 – A Libyan government officials said Monday that the remains Muammar Gaddafi would no longer be kept on public view and guards shut the gates at the cold storage container … ….
‘George Costanza’ speaks out for peace
YNet News, 24 Oct 2011 – The Knesset may be on recess until next week, but for one guest the doors were wide open on Monday. Jason Alexander, most known for his role as George Costanza on … ….
Pessimism ahead of Quartet visit
YNet News, 24 Oct 2011 – Western diplomats said on Monday that nothing short of a political miracle was needed to see the stalemate plaguing the Israeli-Palestinian peace process dissipating. The … ….
China, Russia push IAEA to ease up on Iran
YNet News, 24 Oct 2011 – Russia and China are urging the chief UN nuclear inspector to scrap or delay US-backed plans to reveal intelligence on Iran’s alleged nuclear arms experiments, in a … ….
Soldier suspected of tipping off rightists
YNet News, 24 Oct 2011 – An IDF soldier stationed with the Hebron Spatial Brigade is suspected of leaking sensitive intelligence information to right-wing activists, Ynet learned on Monday. … ….
Syria recalls its envoy to US
YNet News, 24 Oct 2011 – Tensions between Damascus and Washington are on the rise: Syria’s ambassador to the United States has been recalled to Damascus, a spokesman for the Syrian embassy said … ….
Cabinet to vote on Grapel swap
YNet News, 24 Oct 2011 – The Prime Minister’s Office announced on Monday that the cabinet is set to vote on the Grapel prisoner exchange, which will see 27-year-old Ilan Grapel returned to Israel … ….
‘Israel no longer interested in two-state solution’
YNet News, 24 Oct 2011 – Jordan’s king desponded over stalled peace process; frustrated over situation in….
Population Registry scandal suspects say authorities ‘exaggerating’
YNet News, 24 Oct 2011 – All suspects implicated in illegal possession of sensitive details say database….
Prosor: PA bid – a march of folly
YNet News, 24 Oct 2011 – Israel’s ambassador to UN tells Security Council ‘road to peace can only be….
FM: Anyone would be better than Abbas
YNet News, 24 Oct 2011 – Foreign Minister Avigdor Lieberman claims Palestinian president poses most….
Terror warning in Jerusalem lifted
YNet News, 24 Oct 2011 – Heightened security alert called in capital following intelligence indicating….
Agron 2006 Population Registry data theft exposed
YNet News, 24 Oct 2011 – In 2006 the Agron program with personal information of millions of Israelis was….
New Jerusalem neighborhood beyond Green Line set to win approval
YNet News, 24 Oct 2011 – Netanyahu’s government expected to push forward plans to build 1,400 housing….
Early sign in Tunisia of strong Islamist vote
YNet News, 24 Oct 2011 – Early results from polling stations show a commanding lead for Ennahda,….
US withdraws ambassador from Syria
YNet News, 24 Oct 2011 – US State Department says it pulled its ambassador to Syria, Robert Ford, out of….
At least 239 killed in Turkey quake
YNet News, 24 Oct 2011 – Survivor of the 7.2-magnitude quake in eastern Turkey pulled from rubble with….
Former crime boss Rosenstein submits request for pardon
YNet News, 24 Oct 2011 – Rosenstein cites his medical condition as grounds for a pardon as he suffers….
Rabbi Yosef urges Netanyahu to push for Pollard’s release
YNet News, 24 Oct 2011 – PM meets Shas’ spiritual leader, says he is making utmost efforts to help free….
Palestinian Information Center
IOF soldiers round up ten Palestinian in West Bank
PIC – The Israeli occupation forces (IOF) rounded up ten Palestinian citizens in the West Bank at dawn Monday including six in Al-Khalil, local sources reported.
IOF troops raid Tulkarem and Silwan, arrest Jerusalem man
PIC – IOF troops raided on Sunday afternoon the Ras neighbourhood of the suburb of Silwan in occupied Jerusalem and searched a number of homes and the offices of a number of local organisations.
Disgraceful behavior
PIC – At a time when the clouds of tyranny and despotism are being dissipated throughout the Arab world, the little PA continues to behave characteristically toward the forces of patriotism in Palestine
Secret document reveals .. Abbas discussed the overthrow of Arafat with Preres
PIC – Hebrew media revealed on Sunday a secret document in the shape of minutes of a secret meeting between the then Foreign Minister, Shimon Peres and Mahmoud Abbas, who was the PA PM at the time.
PA Security arrest 7 Hamas supporters
PIC – PA security forces arrested 7 Hamas supporters in Nablus and al-Khalil, five of them after being freed from Junaid jail in Nablus.
Bahr warns Israel of intended violence against ex-prisoners
PIC – First deputy speaker of the PLC, Ahmed Bahr warned the Israeli government and its settlers that they would pay dearly if any hostile acts were carried out against the Palestinian ex-detainees.
Egypt bars noted Palestinian writer from traveling through Rafah crossing
PIC – The Egyptian authorities banned Palestinian writer and journalist Mustafa Assawaf from leaving the Gaza Strip through Rafah border crossing for Iran in order to participate in a conference.
Palestinian gov’t offers condolences over death of Sultan
PIC – 23/10/2011 – 09:29 AM
Palestine Calls on Security Council to Approve Its Application to UN
WAFA
Sanchez: US Committed to Strengthen Commercial Relations with PA
WAFA
Israeli Artillery Shells Hit Arafat International Airport in Rafah
WAFA
Rights Center says Construction of Wall in Walaja Destroys Land
WAFA
Ireland to Grant PA €1.5m in Budget Support
WAFA
Israel to Blame for Stalled Peace Process, says Erekat
WAFA
Lawmakers Welcome Israeli Court Decision to Revoke Expulsion
WAFA
Newspapers Review: Free Libya Dominates the Dailies
WAFA
Israeli Forces Arrest 10 Palestinians in the West Bank
WAFA
Archeologists Call to Halt Construction on Mamilla Cemetery
WAFA
Weather Forecast: Clear Weather, Stable Temperature
WAFA
Released Prisoners to Gaza Spent 2161 Years in Jail
WAFA
Philip Giraldi: How to Kill an Ambassador
Intifada-Palestine: 24 Oct 2011 – By Philip Giraldi / Antiwar.com An increasing number of former intel officers that I network with are convinced that the alleged plot to kill the Saudi Arabian ambassador in Washington is not only completely implausible as described by the Justice Department and… more
Plumbing the Depths of Deception: Nancy Scola Ignores the H2Occupation of Palestine
Intifada-Palestine: 23 Oct 2011 – Nima Shirazi | Wide Asleep in America “[It is] of vital importance not only to secure all water resources already feeding the country, but also to control them at their source.” – Chaim Weizmann, President of the World Zionist Organization and the… more
Just Two Prisoner Stories and the Olive Harvest
Intifada-Palestine: 23 Oct 2011 – Courtesy: Salem-News.com by Mazin Qumsiyeh / Intifada Palestine Latest roundup of stories from Palestine (Bethleham) Western media try to make Palestinian political prisoners mere numbers while personalizing one Israeli soldier. So let me just give you the names and brief story of… more
East Jerusalem school textbooks are a war of words
LA Times 24 Oct 2011 – Palestinian Authority-issued books are vying with Israeli-edited versions in classrooms. Israel says some passages incite violence. Parents and teachers are incensed. When East Jerusalem teachers ask students to open their history books these days, pupils are wondering: Which one?
U.S. pulls its ambassador from Syria
LA Times 24 Oct 2011 – Robert Ford returns to Washington for now amid safety concerns prompted by what U.S. officials call a campaign of “malicious and deceitful propaganda” in Syria’s state-run news media.
American Israeli to be freed in Israel-Egypt prisoner swap
LA Times 24 Oct 2011 – Ilan Grapel, 27, arrested in Cairo in June on suspicion of spying and inciting unrest, will be released in exchange for 25 Egyptian prisoners, Israel says. Israel and Egypt announced a prisoner swap Monday that will free American Israeli citizen Ilan Grapel, who was arrested…
Tunisia votes in first elections since uprising
LA Times 23 Oct 2011 – Up to 90% of eligible voters are estimated to have cast ballots for a constituent assembly. But many are more worried about paying their bills than drafting a new constitution. As Mondher Kouki waited to vote in the first free elections since political uprisings began…
Clinton defends troop withdrawal from Iraq
LA Times 24 Oct 2011 – The secretary of State warns Iran against taking advantage of the pullout, slated for the end of the year, and emphasizes the U.S. commitment to Iraq. Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton said Sunday that the U.S. will maintain a strong military interest in Iraq…
Islamist Party, Ennahda, Heads Toward Victory in Tunisia
New York Times 24 Oct 2011 – Ennahda began talks to form a unity government with a coalition of liberals in a rare alliance that party leaders hailed as a model for other Arab countries.
In Libya, Massacre Site Is Cleaned Up, Not Investigated
New York Times 24 Oct 2011 – Throughout the conflict, the country’s interim leaders have shown themselves to be unwilling or incapable of looking into accusations of atrocities by their fighters, including an apparent recent massacre.
Ambassador Robert Ford Leaves Syria Amid Threats
New York Times 24 Oct 2011 – Robert S. Ford left the country after receiving “credible threats against his personal safety,” embassy officials said.
Israel Reaches Deal With Egypt for Release of Ilan Grapel
New York Times 24 Oct 2011 – Israel reached an agreement with Egypt for the release of Ilan Grapel of Queens, who also holds Israeli citizenship.
In Plot to Kill Saudi Ambassador to U.S., Suspect Pleads Not Guilty
New York Times 24 Oct 2011 – Prosecutors have said that Mansour J. Arbabsiar, an American citizen, was part of an Iranian-directed plot to hire Mexican criminals to kill the Saudi ambassador.
Abdel-Jalil Promises a Role for Islam in a New Libya
New York Times 24 Oct 2011 – The leader of Libya’s transitional government declared to thousands of revelers that Libya’s revolution had ended, setting the country on the path to elections.
Israel Censors Details of Eilat Terror Attack Implicating Iran
Tikun Olam – Headline for Alex Fishman’s expose on Eilat terror attack (‘Error in Identifying Enemy’) I reported here several days ago that Alex Fishman, Yediot’s military correspondent, was the first journalist to reveal the contents of the secret IDF report on its failings during the Eilat terror attack….
‘J Street’ urges Israel lobby group to sever ties with Elliott Abrams’s wife Rachel for ‘unhinged hate speech’ against Palestinians
Mondoweiss – That hateful Rachel Abrams rant against Palestinians continues to resonate, in large part because she’s the wife of Elliott Abrams. You know that the neocons are on the run because J Street, which usually avoids hot topics, has issued a sharp condemnation of the remarks, saying…
Off the coast of Gaza
Mondoweiss – (All photos:Radhika Sainath) I saw an Israeli naval warship for the first time yesterday, a concrete monster the color of ash, guzzling up the Mediterranean and spurting it out in its wake. I rose early to go out with the Oliva, a small white boat used…
World condemns Israel’s Jerusalem landgrab, while US says it is ‘within the frame of our policy concern’
Mondoweiss – Israel is pressing ahead with its plans to colonize more of the land between Jerusalem and Bethlehem, a settlement that cordons off Jerusalem from the Palestinians. The Givat Hamatos project destroys the two-state solution —even in the eyes of ardent supporters. Turkey has “strongly condemned” the…
‘NYT’ features Amy Goodman and her antiwar record
Mondoweiss – Yet another sign of the seachange in the political culture. The New York Times runs a favorable profile of Amy Goodman ‘s show Democracy Now!, by Brian Stelter: “What drove us was telling stories we felt were being ignored, misreported or underreported by corporate media outlets,”…
The Global War on Halloween (fake head not included)
Mondoweiss – From Buycostumes.com : Ready to take down some terrorists? You’ll look like a part of a proud moment in America’s history in the Navy Seal Adult Costume which includes: A camoflage bodysuit with attached knee pad details, black hood and a faux armor vest with American flag…
Anatot Pogrom: State Says Police to Investigate Itself
Tikun Olam – Anatot resident and Israeli senior police investigator, Yossi Ben Arush assaulting Assaf Sharon, which led to breaking his nose In the bloody aftermath of the Anatot pogrom, in which women were violently sexually abused , limbs were broken, and one attacker attempted to stab a protester to…
The possibilities of a Middle East war, between the threats and the facts
Voltaire Network 24 Oct 2011 – International affairs Editorial: The possibilities of regional war, between the threats and the facts The Israeli papers spoke about the readiness of Netanyahu’s government to address a military strike to Iran while many analysts linked the fabricated American accusations made by Obama’s administration to the Islamic…
Egypt: Cabinet Approved Exchange of Spy Grapel for Local Prisoners in Israeli Jails
allAfrica.com 24 Oct 2011 – The Cabinet entrusted the Foreign Ministry with maintaining coordination with the security bodies concerned to take all measures necessary to bring home the Egyptian prisoners held in Israeli jails.
Egypt: Foreign Ministry Considers File of Locals Held in Israel
allAfrica.com 24 Oct 2011 – The Foreign Ministry is considering closely the file of Egyptians held in Israel, a spokesman told MENA on Friday 21/10/2011.
Shipping lane between Turkey and Egypt to open in December
Middle East Monitor 24 Oct 2011 – Turkey has announced that shipping services between Turkey’s Mersin port and Egypt’s Alexandria port will begin on December 1st. The initiative will form part of efforts to increase the volume of trade between the two countries. Turkish media reported that Turkish-Egyptian political and economic relations have…
Islamic University in Gaza holds ceremony in honor of released Palestinian prisoners
Middle East Monitor 24 Oct 2011 – EXCLUSIVE PICTURES The Islamic University of Gaza has organized a ceremony in honor of the Palestinian prisoners recently released by Israel. The ceremony, held at the University conference building, was attended by eminent Palestinian personalities including the Prime Minister of the government in Gaza, Ismail Haniyah….
Egypt and Israel close to agreement on prisoner swap deal
Middle East Monitor 24 Oct 2011 – High-level Israeli sources have revealed that a prisoner swap deal between Egypt and Israel just needs some fine tuning before it gets approval this week. According to Israel’s ambassador in Cairo, Yitzhak Levanon, negotiations between the two countries have reached the “final stages”. A report by…
Conditional peace negotiations “aim for failure”
Middle East Monitor 24 Oct 2011 – An Israeli minister has said that the conditions put forward by the Palestinian Authority for the resumption of peace negotiations are “aimed at causing the failure of the negotiation process altogether”. Minister of Science Daniel Hershkowitz made his claim at the weekly session of the Ministerial…
Syrians ‘tortured’ in hospitals
BBC 24 Oct 2011 – Patients in state-run hospitals in Syria are subjected to torture and mistreatment, a report by Amnesty International says, amid continuing unrest.
Egypt to free alleged Israeli spy
BBC 24 Oct 2011 – Israel says it has reached a deal for Egypt to swap a US-Israeli citizen held on suspicion of spying for 25 Egyptian prisoners.
Saudi envoy ‘plotter’ in US court
BBC 24 Oct 2011 – An Iranian-American charged over a plot to assassinate the Saudi ambassador to the US appears in a New York court and pleads not guilty to terror charges.
Ireland, wsm*.ie As Gaddafi falls – Lessons from Libya – imperialism, anti-imperialism & democratic revolution by Andrew Flood
A-infos 24 Oct 2011 – With Al Jazerra reporting that Gaddafi has been killed during or after the closing phase of the battle of Sitre Andrew look’s back at the rebellion in Libya and the decade of co-operation with imperialism that preceeded it. —— The sudden end of the Gaddafi regime…
Articles
Despite swap, Gaza remains imprisoned
Raji Sourani and Eyad Sarraj, Al Jazeera10/24/2011
While 1,000 Palestinian prisoners will be released, 1.8 million people living in Gaza are still not free.
The prisoner exchange agreement concluded between Israel and Hamas has brought relief to thousands of families eager to see their loved ones return home. In the midst of Israel’s prolonged belligerent occupation, we are witnessing a rare moment of unified Israeli and Palestinian celebration. However, this event, and the resultant media fanfare, must not distract attention from the underlying tragic reality.
The real issues demanding attention centre upon Israel’s 63-year belligerent occupation, and the routine violations of international law perpetrated by the occupation forces. The most glaring example of this is the absolute closure imposed by Israel on the Gaza Strip.
Israel first initiated its closure policy with respect to the Gaza Strip in 1991. In recent years, it has been progressively tightened, following the election of President Abbas, the detention of Gilad Shalit, and the Hamas takeover of the Gaza Strip. Today, the closure is absolute.
As many as 1.8 million Palestinians in Gaza are cut off from the rest of Palestine, and the outside world. This economic and psychological suffocation has decimated the Gazan economy, driving unemployment, poverty and aid dependence to record levels. An entire generation has been isolated and denied access to the outside world.
Civilians have been placed in the eye of the storm. Repeated incursions, attacks, and the 2008-2009 Israeli offensive in the Gaza Strip have targeted civilians: their homes, their property, and their means of economic subsistence. Thousands of houses and tens of thousands of dunums of agricultural land have been systematically razed. Today, 35 per cent of Gaza’s agricultural land is off-limits to farmers, isolated in an illegal Israeli-imposed “buffer zone.” more.. e-mail
Zionist ‘negotiating strategy’ sham
Moshé Machover, Weekly Worker, Israeli Occupation Archive10/21/2011
29 Sept 2011
What does Mahmoud Abbas expect to achieve at the UN? Moshe Machover analyses the Palestinian bid for statehood.
On September 23, Mahmoud (Abu Mazen) Abbas, ‘president’ of the Palestinian ‘Authority’, appeared before the United Nations general assembly and, to the great acclaim of the majority of delegates, made a bid for the admission of the ‘state’ of Palestine as a member of that organisation.
I have put three words above in quote marks, for good reason. First, although Abu Mazen is often addressed politely as ‘president Abbas’, his official title is ‘chairman of the Palestinian National Authority’ (in Arabic there is some ambiguity, as the word ra’is can mean both ‘chairman’ and ‘president’). In any case, even his entitlement to this title is dubious: he was elected as chairman in January 2005 for a term of four years, which expired in January 2009; but he has remained super-glued to his seat.
Second, the so-called Palestinian Authority (PA), of which he is (or was) chairman, is devoid of any real authority. Its main role is to keep the Palestinian people under control on behalf of Israel, and to engage with the latter in desultory negotiations in an endless ‘peace process’ (of which more anon).
Third, the so-called state for which he was demanding UN membership is non-existent: much less than a state, it is not even a Bantustan, but more like a series of disconnected Indian reservations, and likely to remain so for the foreseeable future. — See also:Source more.. e-mail
Everybody’s Son
Uri Avnery, Antiwar.com10/24/2011
The most sensible — I almost wrote “the only sensible” — sentence uttered this week sprang from the lips of a 5-year-old boy.
After the prisoner swap, one of those smart-aleck TV reporters asked him: “Why did we release 1,027 Arabs for one Israeli soldier?” He expected, of course, the usual answer: because one Israeli is worth a thousand Arabs.
The little boy replied: “Because we caught many of them and they caught only one.”
For more than a week, the whole of Israel was in a state of intoxication. Gilad Shalit indeed ruled the country (Shalit means “ruler”). His pictures were plastered all over the place like those of Comrade Kim in North Korea.
It was one of those rare moments when Israelis could be proud of themselves. Few countries, if any, would have been prepared to exchange 1,027 prisoners for one. In most places, including the USA, it would have been politically impossible for a leader to make such a decision.
In a way, it is a continuation of the Jewish ghetto tradition. The “Redemption of Prisoners” is a sacred religious duty, born of the circumstances of a persecuted and scattered community. If a Jew from Marseilles was captured by Muslim corsairs to be sold on the market of Alexandria, it was the duty of Jews in Cairo to pay the ransom and “redeem” him.
As the ancient saying goes: “All Israel are guarantors for each other.”
Israelis could (and did) look in the mirror and say “Aren’t we wonderful?” more.. e-mail
Harvesting olives as a statement of resistance
Electronic Intifada: 24 Oct 2011 – Ben Lorber The Electronic Intifada Nablus Palestinian olive farmers face violence from both the settlers and the Israeli military during the harvest season.more
I Wish to Tell You about Gaza
Palestine Chronicle: 24 Oct 2011 – ‘To those who were martyred for the land of sad oranges.’ By Lillian Rosengarten Gaza life exists in a cage, an open air prison that has been kept mostly isolated from the world. Its citrus trees have been uprooted. Flowers are no longer exported. Nor are vegetables, fruit or olives, formerly a thriving export business. Since 2000, the Israeli army destroyed 114,000 olive trees. The rest were destroyed during the 2008-9 war, much of it uprooted from white phosphorous and other chemicals. Farming is now difficult and in some areas impossible. Much of Gaza looks like a war zone, bullets holes visible on the sides of buildings. Gaza is without proper sewage pumps, bombed as they are rebuilt. Mediterranean waters are infested with raw sewage, while a 3 mile limit, closely watched by the Israeli navy collectively destroys a once flourishing fishing industry, the waters now stagnant from sewage and…more
Pro-Israel Lobby Courts African Americans
Palestine Chronicle: 24 Oct 2011 – By Ira Glunts Hasbara is the Hebrew word for a particular type of pernicious propaganda first employed by early Zionists leaders to explain the unexplainable actions of the Jewish administration in Palestine. In recent years, hasbara has been disseminated by certain Christian fundamentalists who believe supporting Israel brings them closer to God, and also by many members of the United States Congress who have been co-opted by the powerful pro-Israel lobby. Now the lobby has its sights set on a new group of potential collaborators: African Americans. A group of 18 African American local and state politicians, including the presidents of the City Councils of Atlanta and Detroit, recently enjoyed a tour of Israel courtesy of the American-Israel Educational Foundation (AIEF). AIEF was also the sponsor of the infamous 2011 US Congressional summer trip to Israel, during which 81 American lawmakers diverted their attention from the budget debate and the…more
Prisoner Deal Major Victory for Palestinians
Palestine Chronicle: 24 Oct 2011 – By Mohammed AlNadi – Gaza On Tuesday October 18, 2011 a prisoner exchange deal was successfully carried out between Hamas and Israel for the first time. Since the capture of Gilad Shalit, Israel had been intractably headstrong on negotiating any deal with Hamas, and therefore, many attempts and mediations to broker an agreement failed. On the one hand, however, the Israeli government was clearly caught in a dilemma, being under heavy pressure from the Israeli public, including Shalit’s family, demanding his release, and, at the same time, from those Israelis who rejected any deal, which, according to them, would secure the release of “terrorists” who had “blood on their hands.” On the other hand, Hamas always seemed unflinching and couldn’t lose but win, since it had nothing to lose. For more than five years, the Palestinian people have suffered from countless Israeli incursions and military operations, which Israel constantly claimed…more
Fresh Analysis Needed on Gaddafi, Libya and the TNC
Palestine Chronicle: 24 Oct 2011 – By Iqbal Jassat – Pretoria Until Sunday – three days after the killing of Libya’s Muammar Gaddafi – it appeared that South African media was lacking in coverage of this momentous event. While there has been saturated coverage largely focused on gruesome images of Gaddafi’s final moments and the equally grotesque scenes of his dead body in a make-shift morgue, media failure to provide context and substance was glaring indeed! That is until Sunday when columnist Lihle Z Mtshali shattered South African media’s lily-white approach to all things American, with her brilliant analysis. Incidentally, Mtshali is based in New York and her clinical prognosis of who the ultimate profiteers are of Gaddafi’s removal, is brave, bold and in the face! Her analysis – albeit brief, is a refreshing reminder to all media practitioners and political commentators of the courageous choice many journalists had made during the apartheid era to speak…more
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The New Dark Age 