19 October 2012 — VTJP
News
International Middle East Media Center
As Ship Approaches Gaza Shore, Israel To Attack Estelle Ship
IMEMC – The Canadian Boat To Gaza reported that they received a message from the Finnish Foreign Department informing that Israel informed them that its soldiers will board Estelle solidarity ship currently around 120 Nautical Miles away from the Gaza shore. …
Several Injuries Reported As Army Attacks Weekly Protests Against the Wall
IMEMC – At least two Palestinians were wounded by rubber-coated bullets fired by the army against the weekly nonviolent protests against the Annexation Wall and Settlements in different parts of the West Bank; dozens of protesters received treatment for the effects of tear gas inhalation. …
Israeli Troop Carrier Vehicle Targeted In Southern Gaza
IMEMC – Media sources in the Gaza Strip reported that an Israeli armored troop carrier vehicle was hit by an explosion near Al-Qarara town, east of Khan Younis, in the southern part of the Gaza Strip; damage was reported, no injuries. …
Army Opens Fire At Fishermen In Gaza
IMEMC – Israeli soldiers attacked , Friday, several Palestinian fishing boats in As-Sudaniyy area and the coastal area west of Gaza City. …
Ahston Slams Israel’s Decision To Build 797 Units In Gilo Settlement
IMEMC – E.U. High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, Catherine Ashton, denounced the recent Israeli decision to construct additional 797 units for Jewish settlers in the Gilo settlement, and stated that Israel must stop all of its settlement activities. …
Army Bombs A Former Military Center In Gaza
IMEMC – The Israeli army, bombed late on Wednesday evening a former security base located south of Gaza City causing excessive damage. …
Negev Bedouin protest demolition orders for ‘recognized’ village
10/19/2012 – TEL AVIV, Israel (Ma’an) — Around 2,000 Bedouin citizens of Israel protested in the southern city of Beersheba on Thursday after their village received demolition orders from the authorities, Israeli press reported. The Palestinian residents of Bir Hajaj chanted “Yes to recognition! No to destruction!” outside the court and government offices, Haaretz newspaper said…. Related:In photos: Living unrecognized in the Bedouin Negev and Israeli forces demolish Negev Bedouin village
Couple assaulted by settlers in Nablus olive grove
10/19/2012 – NABLUS (Ma’an) — A Palestinian couple were moderately wounded on Friday morning after settlers assaulted them in an olive grove south of Nablus. Muhammad Rashed Ghazal, 47, told Ma’an he and his wife Hanan Eghbareh, 43, headed to their lands in Ein Makhna, near the Huwwara checkpoint, after prior coordination with Israeli….
Israeli forces demolish Negev Bedouin village
10/19/2012 – BETHLEHEM (Ma’an) — Israeli forces demolished the Bedouin village of al-Araqib in the Negev for the 43rd time on Thursday, residents told Ma’an. A large police force entered the village on Thursday afternoon and tore down 23 structures, Aziz Sayah al-Turi told Ma’an. Al-Turi said the village would begin re-building…. Related: In photos: Living unrecognized in the Bedouin Negev and Negev Bedouin protest demolition orders for ‘recognized’ village
Hebron youth given jail term, says fending off settlers
10/19/2012 – HEBRON (Ma’an) –A 22-year-old man was given a five month jail term by Israel’s Ofer military court on Friday, relatives told Ma’an. Thaer Nidal al-Owewi was detained four months ago when a group of settlers attacked his family home in Hebron’s Old City, his father Nidal….
Explosive device damages army vehicle on Gaza border
10/19/2012 – GAZA CITY (Ma’an) — An explosive device damaged an Israeli military vehicle near the border in the central Gaza Strip on Friday morning, witnesses and the army said. There was also damage to the border fence from the explosion, which took place east of Deir al-Balah, an Israeli military spokeswoman said. Israeli forces stationed….
In photos: Living unrecognized in the Bedouin Negev
10/19/2012 – MaanImages / Eva Pilipp – On Thursday, Israeli forces demolished the Bedouin village of Al-Araqib in the southern Negev for the 43rd time since 2010. Al-Araqib is among some 40 Negev villages Israeli authorities deem unrecognized, arguing that the 53,000 Palestinian Bedouins living there cannot prove land ownership. The Bedouin communities say the land is their ancestral…. Related: Negev Bedouin protest demolition orders for ‘recognized’ village and Israeli forces demolish Negev Bedouin village
Son of assassinated fighter says Israel blocked hajj trip
10/19/2012 – BETHLEHEM (Ma’an) — The son of one of the last fighters to be assassinated by Israel in the city of Bethlehem says he has been banned from leaving the West Bank in order to perform the Muslim pilgrimage, or hajj. Shehadeh Mohammad Shehadeh 23, said he was banned on Thursday from leaving the Israeli-controlled….
Report: 3 Palestinians, 2 soldiers injured in car crash
10/19/2012 – TEL AVIV, Israel (Ma’an) — Three Palestinians and two Israeli soldiers were wounded on Friday when their vehicles collided in the central West Bank, Israeli press reported. They were treated by army medics and taken to Shaarei Tzedek Hospital in Jerusalem, Israeli news site Ynet reported. The crash between the private car and military….
Report: Israel transfers PA tax revenue 2 weeks early
10/20/2012 – TEL AVIV, Israel (Ma’an) — Israel has transferred tax revenues to the Palestinian Authority two weeks ahead of schedule in consideration of the economic crisis, reports said Thursday. The Israel Broadcasting Authority reported that the transfer of 300 million shekels was also in deference to the Muslim holiday of Eid al-Adha, which begins next….
Gaza health minister in Cairo to address medical crisis
10/19/2012 – GAZA CITY (Ma’an) — Gaza’s minister of health said the blockaded coastal strip has run out of 63 percent of medicines, as he visited Egypt for talks with relief organizations on Thursday. Mufeed al-Mukhalalati told reporters in Cairo that 174 types of basic drugs have not been available in Gaza for three….
Rafah crossing to open throughout Eid al-Adha
10/19/2012 – GAZA CITY (Ma’an) — The Rafah crossing on Gaza’s border with Egypt will open throughout Eid al-Adha for the first time, the Interior Ministry in Gaza City said Friday. The terminal will open in both directions and travelers do not need to register in advance to cross during the Muslim holiday, which….
Syrian rebels ‘killed Palestinian leader’
10/19/2012 – BETHLEHEM (Ma’an) — Gunmen from the Free Syrian Army on Friday assassinated a Palestinian leader in Deraa refugee camp, the Palestinian Front for the Liberation of Palestine – General Command said. Free Syrian Army rebels shot dead PFLP-GC leader Adel Hasan in the southern Syrian city, PFLP-GC said in a statement. PFLP-GC added that Palestinians….
Noam Chomsky visits Gaza Strip for conference
10/19/2012 – GAZA CITY (Ma’an) — American linguist and philosopher Noam Chomsky arrived in the Gaza strip on Thursday to take part in a university conference. Chomsky heads a delegation of 10 international intellectuals who arrived through Egypt‘s Rafah crossing, and were welcomed by the president and chair of the board of Gaza’….
EU, Britain condemn plans to expand Gilo settlement
10/19/2012 – BETHLEHEM (Ma’an) — The EU foreign policy chief “deeply regrets” Israel’s plans to approve some 800 housing units in the illegal West Bank settlement of Gilo, a representative said Friday.”The High Representative deeply regrets the decision by the Israeli Ministry of Interior to approve the expansion of Gilo settlement by 797….
Push for Palestinian UN upgrade ‘likely to succeed’
10/19/2012 – UNITED NATIONS (Reuters) — The Palestinian push for upgraded status at the United Nations is likely to succeed, the president of the UN General Assembly said Friday, while warning the United States against cutting UN funding over the issue. Having failed last year to secure full UN membership due to US opposition, President Mahmoud Abbas said….
Rights group: 6 former PA security officers detained in Gaza
10/19/2012 – BETHLEHEM (Ma’an) — Hamas authorities in Gaza last week detained six former security officials of their rivals, the Fatah-led Palestinian Authority, a rights group said Thursday. Al-Mezan Center for Human Rights identified five of the detainees as Merwan Khalid Abu Tawahena, 35, Emad Jameel Abu Hassna, 32, Saeed Mohammed Salman Abu Rkab, 47, Ahmed….
Diplomacy inbox fills up as UN awaits US presidential vote
10/19/2012 – UNITED NATIONS (Reuters) — As the United States prepares for a presidential election next month, thorny diplomatic issues like an arms trade treaty, Palestine’s UN aspirations and talks on banning weapons of mass destruction in the Middle East have had to wait. For months, UN officials and diplomats have complained privately that discussions at….
Interior ministry: Bomb attack kills Bahraini policeman
10/19/2012 – ABU DHABI (Reuters) — A home-made bomb killed one Bahraini policeman and injured another on Thursday evening in Akr, south of the capital Manama, the Gulf Arab kingdom’s interior ministry said on Friday. Bahrain, home to the US Navy’s Fifth Fleet, has been volatile since its Shiite majority began protests last year….
Bomb blast in Beirut kills at least 8
10/19/2012 – BEIRUT (Reuters) — A huge car bomb exploded in central Beirut during rush hour on Friday, killing eight people, wounding about 80 and raising fears of renewed sectarian violence in a country still scarred from a long civil war. The explosion did not appear to target any political figure in Lebanon’s divided community but…. Related: Senior Lebanese intelligence official killed in Beirut blast
Suicide bomber kills 2 guards at south Iran mosque
10/19/2012 – DUBAI (Reuters) — A suicide bomber killed two guards as he blew himself up outside a mosque in a restive southern province of Iran on Friday after being prevented from reaching worshipers inside, Iranian media reported. The bomber set off his explosive belt a few hundred meters outside the Imam Hossein mosque in the city of….
Senior Lebanese intelligence official killed in Beirut blast
10/19/2012 – BEIRUT (Reuters) — Senior Lebanese intelligence official Wissam al-Hassan, who led the investigation that implicated Syria and Hezbollah in the killing of former prime minister Rafik al-Hariri, was killed in the Beirut explosion on Friday, a Lebanese official said.” I can just say that it is true, he is dead,” the official, who worked with al-Hassan…. Related: Bomb blast in Beirut kills at least 8
Beirut car bomb kills leading Syrian foe
10/19/2012 – BEIRUT (Reuters) — Senior Lebanese intelligence official Wissam al-Hassan, who led the investigation that implicated Syria and Hezbollah in the assassination of former prime minister Rafik al-Hariri, was killed by a huge car bomb in Beirut on Friday. Hassan was also the brains behind uncovering a bomb plot that led to the arrest and indictment in…. Related: Bomb blast in Beirut kills at least 8
Politician: Kuwait opposition to boycott election over ‘meddling’
10/19/2012 – DUBAI (Reuters) — A Kuwaiti politician on Friday criticized the emir’s decision to amend the election law as meddling in the constitution and said opposition leaders were meeting with the aim of taking a decision to boycott the next election.” We have announced our position that if there was any meddling, there will be….
Israeli Media: Israel to Transfer NIS 300 Million to PA
Palestine News Network
Palestinian Women’s Business Forum to participate in HCEF’s 3rd Business, Investments & ICT Conference
Palestine News Network
Morsi’s Office Recognises Morsi’s Letter to Peres
Palestine News Network
Palestinian Cities and Civic Culture
Palestine News Network
Palestinian Center for Human Rights
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Palestinian Center for Human Rights
Top award for Turkish director’s drama at Abu Dhabi Film Festival
The National 19 Oct 2012 – The Turkish director Yesim Ustaglu’s drama Araf / Somewhere In Between walked away with the main prize at the Black Pearl Awards ceremony of the sixth Abu Dhabi Film Festival.
Super calligraffiti display in Abu Dhabi makes children seem precocious
The National 19 Oct 2012 – ‘Calligraffiti’ was just one of the surprising art forms on display at the Art for All community week in Khalifa Park last night.
UAE rubbish toll from week of takeaways
The National 19 Oct 2012 – Just how much packaging waste can one accumulate during a week of lunchtime take-aways? Vesela Todorova finds out.
Romney’s foreign policy: Bush 2.0?
The National 19 Oct 2012 – Seventeen of Mitt Romney’s top 24 foreign policy advisers served in the Bush administration, which has promoted concern that the US might return to a more aggressive approach abroad if he wins the presidency.
Tunisian opposition leader accuses Ennahda of ‘assassination’
The National 19 Oct 2012 – The death of a secular activist highlights deepening political divides in Tunisia and pitches the embattled government into a struggle between some of its Islamist supporters, secularists and those seen as remnants of the Ben Ali regime.
Al Ain looks to solve traffic jams in 3km school stretch
The National 19 Oct 2012 – The Al Ain Traffic and Patrol Department has held a meeting with the Al Ain City Municipality in a bid to solve chronic traffic jams over a congested 3-kilometre stretch in the city.
Moves to cut down on food packaging in the UAE
The National 19 Oct 2012 – When buying a takeaway meal, snack or a sandwich, sometimes it can be difficult to see the food for all of the paper, plastic and polystyrene.
Dubai chef tries to jump off building after break up with girlfriend
The National 19 Oct 2012 – A 22-year-old cook tried to end his life after his girlfriend broke up with him and refused to return his gifts, court hears.
RAK mountain bikers hit the charity trail
The National 19 Oct 2012 – Cyclists raise Dh11,000 for breast cancer charity.
UAE prisons to be modernised
The National 19 Oct 2012 – Prisons will be modernised in line with the Interior Ministry’s comprehensive modernisation strategy for 2014-2016.
Palestinian push for UN status upgrade likely to succeed, says GA president
Ha’aretz – 19 Oct 2012
Masked men break into IDF base, tie up soldier and steal weapons
Ha’aretz – 19 Oct 2012
In Israeli party primaries, money talks
Ha’aretz – 19 Oct 2012
Netanyahu watches warily as Israel’s election map shifts
Ha’aretz – 18 Oct 2012
Two months after fatal basketball accident, most of Tel Aviv’s courts still closed
Ha’aretz – 18 Oct 2012
Israel to call in the troops to evacuate injured in case of earthquake
Ha’aretz – 18 Oct 2012
Numbers aren’t everything
Ha’aretz – 18 Oct 2012
Flawed evidence means less jail time for homeless man’s killers
Ha’aretz – 18 Oct 2012
Aryeh Deri’s return to Shas spells the downfall of Eli Yishai
Ha’aretz – 18 Oct 2012
Protests, gunfire in Lebanon after Beirut killing
Jerusalem Post 19 Oct 2012 – Sunni Muslims take to streets of Beirut, Sidon after bomb targeting senior Lebanese intelligence official al-Hassan kills 8, wounds 80.
France cut Merah spying months before rampage
Jerusalem Post 19 Oct 2012 – Documents by French agency show surveillance of gunman who killed 4 Jews was curtailed despite evidence of extremism.
Suicide bomber kills 2 guards at south Iran mosque
Jerusalem Post 19 Oct 2012 – Six others, including three children, injured at mosque near Pakistan border; same mosque was hit in 2010.
Car bomb kills at least eight in central Beirut
Jerusalem Post 19 Oct 2012 – Explosion hits street of anti-Assad office, apparently targeting, killing senior Lebanese intelligence official Wissam al-Hassan, wounding at least 78; last bombing in Beirut was in 2008.
That’s Lifestyle: Dancing all the way to Harlem
Jerusalem Post 19 Oct 2012 – Lifestyle Editor wraps up week: Haredim light up the big screen; Holon Fashion Week; Jerusalem offers fall events.
Masked infiltrators steal weapons from IDF base
Jerusalem Post 19 Oct 2012 – In separate incident, large explosion targets IDF along Gaza border, causes no injuries.
Syrian troops bomb town ahead of visit by UN envoy
Jerusalem Post 19 Oct 2012 – Warplanes kill at least 28 people; UN envoy Lakhdar Brahimi arrives in Syria to push cease-fire supported by Iran, Turkey.
US to ‘ratchet up’ sanctions pressure on Iran
Jerusalem Post 19 Oct 2012 – Top counterterrorism official says sanctions must show Iran “their only real choice” is to address nuclear concerns.
Obama, Romney resort to funny business
Jerusalem Post 19 Oct 2012 – Turning to comedy at charity, Obama cites “long nap” at first debate; Romney muses white tie is “what we wear around the house.”
Volunteer police kill man who threatened suicide
Jerusalem Post 19 Oct 2012 – Police say the 18 year old shot at, lightly wounded volunteer before officers returned fire and killed him.
$10m. given for cardiovascular health at Hadassah
Jerusalem Post 19 Oct 2012 – Donation made to establish cardiovascular wellness institute, launch partnership for healthy hearts, especially among women.
Moderate haredi party leaves Beit Shemesh coalition
Jerusalem Post 19 Oct 2012 – The party is reportedly unhappy with the failure to improve local educational facilities as well as the city’s image.
Peres, Druse students pray for Dagan recovery
Jerusalem Post 19 Oct 2012 – Peres, who is a personal friend of Dagan, said that together with the rest of Israel he prays for his quick recovery.
Vienna Jewish community denies losing case
Jerusalem Post 18 Oct 2012 – Head of Vienna group says the case will only be decided after November court date in Jerusalem.
PA to hold first local West Bank vote since 2005
Jerusalem Post 18 Oct 2012 – The elections, which Hamas is boycotting, will take place in 92 municipalities and local councils.
Report claims iVoteIsrael has ties to Netanyahu ally
Jerusalem Post 18 Oct 2012 – Get-out-the-vote organization rejects allegations it’s a Republican front despite apparent close ties to Ron Lauder Foundation.
IDF tank battalion practices racing to war
Jerusalem Post 18 Oct 2012 – In surprise call-up, IDF soldiers simulate the enemy, acting as terrorists with shoulder-fired anti-tank missiles.
‘At least 28,000 Syrians forcibly ‘disappeared”
Jerusalem Post 18 Oct 2012 – NGO releases testimony from families of those missing, calls on United Nations to investigate.
Center-Left mulls candidates for race against PM
Jerusalem Post 18 Oct 2012 – Olmert and Livni are coordinating decision whether to run in coming elections, are expected to decide within days.
Politics: An untimely departure
Jerusalem Post 18 Oct 2012 – For the PM, the timing of Kahlon’s announcement that he wouldn’t run for elections during the week when Deri returned to Shas and Itzik Shmuli joined Labor could not have been worse.
Behind The Lines: Nasrallah gambles on Assad
Jerusalem Post 18 Oct 2012 – Evidence grows of direct Hezbollah involvement in the Syrian civil war.
Into The Fray: If you are Jewish…
Jerusalem Post 18 Oct 2012 – Israel aside, the unquestioning, almost Pavlovian, support US Jews give Obama is inconsistent with their values and incompatible with their welfare.
Another Tack: Felicitations for banana-unbenders
Jerusalem Post 18 Oct 2012 – The Nobel Peace award has finally been equated in stature and gravitas with the Napoleon prize satirically contrived in the BBC sitcom ‘Yes, Minister’.
Column One: Libya, Jordan and Obama’s narratives
Jerusalem Post 18 Oct 2012 – The Islamic revolutionary wave sweeping across the Arab world has rent asunder the foundations of the US alliance system in the Middle East. But Obama’s administration cannot see what is happening.
Court rejects petition, leaves Civil Union Law intact
Jerusalem Post 18 Oct 2012 – Judges uphold law enabling Israelis with no officially defined religion to join in a civil union recognized by the state.
Think Again: Not again with never again
Jerusalem Post 18 Oct 2012 – All that is asked of American Jews to lessen the mortal danger in Israel is to pull a different lever on election day.
Eisenbud’s Odyssey: Psychic compost
Jerusalem Post 18 Oct 2012 – More than any life skill, it’s the ability to transform problems into solutions that distinguishes the best of the best – and has kept Jews heads and shoulders above hateful enemies for millennia.
Martin Luther revisited
Jerusalem Post 18 Oct 2012 – Some Protestants choose to highlight Luther’s earliest writings where he defends and affirms the Jews.
Beyond the Olympics
Jerusalem Post 18 Oct 2012 – Israeli athletes won medals only in the Paralympics, despite a budget of $5.6 million for training, travel and housing.
Psychology: Coping with panic disorder
Jerusalem Post 18 Oct 2012 – The condition affects around 3.5 percent of the population during their lifetimes. What treatments exist to prevent attacks?
What really matters
Jerusalem Post 18 Oct 2012 – Israelis should be concerned about one thing only: What is each candidate’s foreign policy position with regard to the Middle East?
Parshat Noah: The semi-symbolism of the rainbow
Jerusalem Post 18 Oct 2012 – “I have set My bow in the clouds, and it shall serve as a sign of the covenant between Me and the earth” (Genesis 9:13)
Saudi Insider Likely Key to Aramco Cyber-Attack
IPS Last weekend’s disclosure that Iranian cyber warriors had disabled some 30,000 computers owned by the Saudi oil giant Aramco is attracting considerable attention here, particularly in light of a warning last week by Pentagon chief Leon Panetta that Washington could face a “cyber-Pearl Harbor”. The alleged Iranian hand behind the…
Amnesty International Denounces Torture in California Prisons –An interview with Tessa Murphy
Uruknet
Morsi Letter to Peres True, Egypt Spokesman Confirms
Uruknet
Thousands of Israeli Bedouins protest against home demolitions
Uruknet
CIA Seeks White House Backing for More Drones
Uruknet
Poverty Sparks New Unrest in Egypt
Uruknet
Bani Walid is under attack in Libya by pro-government militias
Uruknet
Israel Calls UN to Prevent Estelle from Reaching the Gaza Strip
Uruknet
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Uruknet
Israel To “Legalize” Illegal Settlement Outposts
Uruknet
Olive season kicks off across Lebanon
Daily Star 19 Oct 2012 Issa Semaan is 80 years old and has undergone open-heart surgery, but that isn’t stopping him from climbing up trees to pick this season’s olives.
Riyadi clinch top seed with fourth straight win
Daily Star 19 Oct 2012 Defending champions Riyadi Beirut claimed the top seed of the preliminary round of the five-nations FIBA ASIA Championship Cup in Beirut after defeating Iran’s Mahram Friday 88-63.
Clashes for 3rd straight day in Libyan town
YNet News, 19 Oct 2012 – ….
Expert: Iran has significantly advanced cyber military capabilities
YNet News, 19 Oct 2012 – ….
Lebanese opposition bloc calls for PM to quit after bombing
YNet News, 19 Oct 2012 – ….
After lawsuit threat, Twitter to pull racist posts
YNet News, 19 Oct 2012 – ….
Russia ‘concerned’ by 800 homes planned in east Jerusalem
YNet News, 19 Oct 2012 – ….
We conquered a vacuum
YNet News, 19 Oct 2012 – Op-ed: Leftists ignore the fact that Israel did not conquer a country in 1967 war ….
Couple tries to commit suicide; teen killed by police
YNet News, 19 Oct 2012 – Young couple announces suicide pact; police tracks them down in an attempt to stop act. Teen fires at police; officers return fire, kill him. Girl suffers shock ….
Deri, Yishai said to be at odds over Shas campaign
YNet News, 19 Oct 2012 – Party sources report of first cracks in Shas’ new leadership, as Deri, Yishai each want election campaign to focus on different issues ….
Thieves breach IDF base in north; steal 4 rifles
YNet News, 19 Oct 2012 – Several masked men able to enter base, overpower soldier guarding arms depot and get away with several weapons. Military Police suspect they had inside help ….
Report: 70% of buildings may collapse during strong quake
YNet News, 19 Oct 2012 – Home Front Command predicts greater Gush Dan area unprepared for 7.0-magnitude earthquake or stronger; says as much as 95,000 structures could collapse, causing national catastrophe ….
Palestinian Information Center
Legitimizing outposts demonstrates the strength of pressure of right-wing
PIC – The serious intentions of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to legitimize settlement outposts showed the size of the pressure exerted by extremist rightist bodies..
Palestinian MPs Ramahi and Attoun meet Egyptian Ambassador in Ramallah
PIC – MP Dr. Mahmoud Ramahi, secretary of the Legislative Council, and the Jerusalemite MP deported to Ramallah, Ahmad Attoun, met on Thursday with the Egyptian Ambassador to the PA.
Naom Chomsky: My visit to Gaza contributes in ending the Israeli blockade
PIC – American scholar and activist Noam Chomsky expressed delight for finally being able to visit Gaza after many attempts to enter it by land and through Solidarity ships.
Mofaz launches blistering attack on Netanyahu
PIC – The Israeli opposition leader, Shaul Mofaz, launched a blistering attack against the Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, who intends to run again for prime minister for the second time.
Thieves break into IOF base in Galilee, steal 4 rifles
PIC – A serious security breach has taken place in an IOF base in the Lower Galilee in northern 1948-occupied Palestine, as several masked men were able to enter the base.
Egyptians demand revoking “Camp David” in response to any aggression on Gaza
PIC – Ahmad al-‘Asi, stated that the political changes in Egypt would qualify the new Egyptian leadership to adopt a more active role to prevent any possible Israeli military aggression on Gaza.
Israeli artillery shells north and south Gaza Strip
PIC – Israeli navy forces, on Friday morning, opened fire at Palestinian fishing boats northwest of Gaza, while Israeli tanks shelled al-Qarara village, east of Khan Younis in the southern Gaza Strip.
Disagreement between Jews and Protestants over US aid to Israel
PIC – American Jewish organizations said Wednesday they have cancelled talks with liberal Protestant leaders after the churches’ protest against U.S. military aid to Israel.
Israel approves 800 new settlement units in Jerusalem
PIC – The Israeli government of Prime Minister, Benjamin Netanyahu, granted Thursday its official approval for the construction of 800 units in the Gilo illegal settlement..
Haniyeh: Operation “Shattered Illusion†helped internationalize prisoners’ issue
PIC – The Palestinian Prime Minister Ismail Haniyeh said that Operation “Shattered Illusion†was an important event for the Palestinian people and the Arab and Islamic nations..
PEX Report: Al-Quds Index Up
WAFA – 17 Oct 2012
In Syria, more than 40 deaths reported in airstrike
LA Times 18 Oct 2012 – The city of Maarat Numan has been the site of clashes and government shelling. In Damascus, Syria’s capital, rebels claim responsibility for a car bomb. BEIRUT — More than 40 civilians, many of them women and children, were killed Thursday in an airstrike on the…
Leon Panetta and the Hypocrisy of U.S. Cyber-War Policy
Tikun Olam – Antiwar.com has just published my new piece discussing Leon Panetta’s first major adddress on U.S. cyber-war policy. In it, he warned Iran that we could not only take revenge for Iranian cyber-attacks on our web infrastructure, but that we would detect such attacks before they were…
It is dangerous for US and Israel to blame religion for actions taken by Muslims and Arabs — El-Asmar
Mondoweiss – This interview with the distinguished Palestinian author, activist and poet Fouzi El-Asmar. excerpted below, is a follow-up to one this author published in Arabisto in February 2012. There Dr. El-Asmar shared his thoughts about the Arab uprisings and the importance of culture to the Palestinian liberation…
Assassination by car bomb in Beirut follows warnings about Syrian ‘spillover’
Mondoweiss – A huge car bomb exploded in a street in central Beirut during rush hour October 19, 2012[REUTERS/Sharif Karim] A huge car bomb exploded during rush hour in the heart of Beirut’s Ashrafieh neighborhood killing at least 8 people and wounding 78. The implications of the blast…
Interfaith bullying, and a feckless letter from the Episcopal bishop
Mondoweiss – Bullying is not limited to schoolyards. It happens in political fights as well. It’s particularly shocking when it occurs between faith groups, but seems to be the norm whenever Israel is discussed in an open room. The bullies are doing their best to make sure that…
‘NBC’ likens Iran boycott to anti-apartheid struggle
Mondoweiss – You have to read this NBC News article (by Richard Engel and Robert Windrem) about the group United Against Nuclear Iran. It’s pretty informative about the group’s efforts, yet disturbing in that typical MSM way–hardly any challenge of UANI’s narrative, barely a word from opponents of…
Don’t conflate anti-Zionism and anti-Semitism, NYT arts critic asserts
Mondoweiss – Incredible. A harsh review in the New York Times by Nicole Herrington of a documentary called Unmasked Judeophobia, about “the escalation of threats against Jews worldwide,” makes the clear distinction between anti-Semitism and anti-Zionism. So anti-Zionism gains legitimacy even in the New York Times, as well…
Where’s the debate?
Mondoweiss – A friend sends along the graphic above, which asks a good question ( click on it to view it larger ). The presidential foreign policy debate is next week, in Florida. Maybe the issue will come up then? And the presidential candidates will battle one another to get…
Palestinian Push for UN Upgrade Likely To Succeed
The Foward Breaking News 19 Oct 2012 – The Palestinians’ push for upgraded status at the United Nations is likely to succeed, the president of the U.N. General Assembly said on Friday, while warning the United States against cutting U.N. funding over the issue. Click here for the rest of the article…
EU to Iran: Negotiate or Face More Sanctions
The Foward Breaking News 19 Oct 2012 – The European Union will further tighten economic sanctions if Iran does not curb its nuclear activities, EU leaders said on Friday, urging Tehran to engage in “meaningful” negotiations. Click here for the rest of the article…
Hamas Releases Gilad Shalit Film
The Foward Breaking News 19 Oct 2012 – On the one-year anniversary of the release of Israeli soldier Gilad Shalit, Hamas has released a film describing the Israeli soldier’s abduction in 2006. Click here for the rest of the article…
Noam Chomsky Makes First Gaza Visit
The Foward Breaking News 19 Oct 2012 – Noam Chomsky, the prominent American academic and critic of Israel, has made his first trip to the Gaza Strip. Click here for the rest of the article…
Beit Ommar Popular Committee and PSP Thanks Journalists for Their Cooperation
Palestine Solidarity Project 19 Oct 2012 – On Saturday October 13th, Beit Ommar Popular Committee and PSP invited journalists to recognize and honor them for the true patriot efforts to cover the non violent popular resistance activities. The event also expressed appreciation for their work to expose the Israeli occupation, ongoing crimes and…
Palestinian divide deepens with day of local elections
Joseph Dana 19 Oct 2012 – While the American presidential election dominates international news, Palestinians on the West Bank are caught in their own election fever. After years of stagnation and mismanagement, over half a million Palestinians will return to the polls on Saturday to vote for new local leadership. But the…
Katatni elected Egypt FJP leader
BBC 19 Oct 2012 – Former Egyptian parliamentary speaker Saad al-Katatni has been elected head of the Muslim Brotherhood’s political wing, the Freedom and Justice Party.
Bahrain policeman killed by blast
BBC 19 Oct 2012 – A Bahraini policeman has died of his injuries after a bombing at a protest south of Manama on Thursday night, the interior ministry announces.
Rebels blow up pipeline in Turkey
BBC 19 Oct 2012 – Kurdish rebels have blown up a gas pipeline in Turkey, disrupting the flow of gas from Iran
India bail in Israeli car bombing
BBC 19 Oct 2012 – India’s Supreme Court frees on bail a Delhi-based journalist arrested in March in connection with a bomb attack on the car of an Israeli diplomat’s wife.
Sham Israeli Knesset Elections
Sabbah report 19 Oct 2012 – On November 6, America ’s sham process occurs. On January 22, Israelis face the same Hobson’s choice. Real choice is excluded from both ballots. Democracy is hypocrisy in both countries. Congress recessed until post-election. Israel ’s Knesset just adjourned. On October 16, Haaretz headlined “As Knesset…
Zionist Embrace of the Muslim Brotherhood: It’s All About the Treaty
Al-Akhbar Blogs 19 Oct 2012 – To take Zionist statements at face value is to ignore the long history of Zionist duplicity, deception, and double talk. This is a movement (from the first Basel declaration in 1897 to the Balfour Declaration and their aftermath) that consistently masked its aim and camouflaged its…
Who Was Wissam Al-Hassan?
Al-Akhbar News 19 Oct 2012 – Brigadier general Wissam al-Hassan, killed Friday by a large explosion in Beirut’s Achrafieh district (photo: Haytham al-Moussawi) Brigadier general Wissam al-Hassan, killed Friday by a large explosion in Beirut’s Achrafieh district (photo: Haytham al-Moussawi) Brigadier general Wissam al-Hassan, killed Friday by a large explosion in Beirut’s…
Geagea: We Cannot Take Berri Anymore
Al-Akhbar News 19 Oct 2012 – But it seems that you also abandoned the demand to bring it down. (Photo: Haytham el Moussawi) But it seems that you also abandoned the demand to bring it down. (Photo: Haytham el Moussawi) Al-Akhbar’s Hiyam Kossayfi presses Lebanese Forces leader Samir Geagea on the proposed…
Achrafieh Bombing: Scene of Assassination
Al-Akhbar News 19 Oct 2012 – Photoblog by Marwan Bou Haidar A car bombing rocked a neighborhood near Beirut’s Sassine Square Friday afternoon killing eight people and injuring 78. Local residents told Al-Akhbar they heard a large explosion at 3 pm, followed by a smaller explosion roughly three minutes later. Damage was…
Achrafieh Bombing: Life Interrupted
Al-Akhbar News 19 Oct 2012 – Photoblog by Alia Haju The car bombing ripped through a resident neighborhood near Beirut’s Sassine Square on Friday afternoon, claiming at least eight lives and scores of wounded. The area surrounding the explosion was evacuated by rescue teams, but the aftermath of the disaster revealed an…
Top intelligence official killed in Beirut blast
Al-Akhbar News 19 Oct 2012 – A car burns at the site of an explosion in Ashrafieh, east Beirut, October 19, 2012. At least two people were killed and 15 wounded in a roadside bomb that exploded in central Beirut on Friday, a security source said. REUTERS/Hasan Shaaban Internal Security Forces brigadier…
Turkey fires at Syria
Al-Akhbar News 19 Oct 2012 – Turkey’s military fired back into Syria Friday after two shells launched from Syria landed in Turkish territory, Turkish state broadcaster TRT reported, without specifying where the incident occurred. Turkey has carried out a series of retaliatory strikes against President Bashar al-Assad’s forces, fighting rebels in border…
Post-Revolution Tunisia: Still Fighting for Rights
Al-Akhbar Politics 18 Oct 2012 – Supporters of the President of the High Political Committee of the Republican Party, Ahmed Najib Chebbi, wave banners and flags during a meeting organized by the party on 13 October 2012, in Tunis. (Photo: Fethi Belaid) Supporters of the President of the High Political Committee of…
Collaborators Don’t Want to Come Back
Al-Akhbar Politics 18 Oct 2012 – A small minority left Israel to stay with family in other countries, but many remain there. (Photo: Hassan Bahsoun) A small minority left Israel to stay with family in other countries, but many remain there. (Photo: Hassan Bahsoun) Eleven months have passed since parliament approved a…
Articles
The unreported tragedy of Palestine’s olive harvest
Dr. Daud Abdullah, Middle East Monitor (MEMO) 10/19/2012
The olive harvest has always been a time of heart-warming celebration in Palestine. It gives a sense of fulfilment to families and communities alike. In recent years, however, the occasion has been marked by bitter despoliation. Israeli settlers have waged a callous campaign against this economic lifeline of ordinary Palestinian farmers. Between January and October this year, more than 7,500 olive trees were damaged or destroyed by settlers in the occupied West Bank.
The right to private property is an inalienable right of all members of the human family. The Universal Declaration of Human Rights states: “Everyone has the right to own property alone as well as in association with others. No one shall be arbitrarily deprived of his property.” (Article 17)
According to UN estimates, almost half (48 per cent) of all agricultural land in the occupied territories is used to grow olive trees; most of these are in the West Bank. The local economy depends largely on the farming and marketing of olives, olive oil and other derivatives. In fact the olive oil industry supports around 80,000 families; the average size of a Palestinian family in the West Bank and Gaza Strip is 6 people. This year, officials in the West Bank expect the yield to be between 18,000-20,000 tons of oil.
In Gaza, about 33,790 dunums (one dunum is equal 1,000 sq metres) is now under olive cultivation. The Israeli military has levelled 7,300 dunums of land previously planted with olive trees along the border with the coastal strip. Even so, Israeli soldiers regularly open fire on farmers to prevent them from reaching their own land.
Faced with this annual onslaught by the Israeli army and settlers, the authorities in the West Bank have this year ordered farmers to begin the harvest early. So far, this measure has failed to avert the attacks. more.. e-mail
Protests and strikes as Israel raids Bedouin villages, threatens to destroy homes
Budour Youssef Hassan, Negev, Electronic Intifada 10/19/2012
Accompanied by representatives of the Jewish National Fund and a special police unit known as Yassam, Israeli interior ministry officials raided Bir Hadaj at 9.30am on Thursday 11 October. The officials then handed out demolition orders against four houses, according to eyewitnesses.
A Palestinian Bedouin village located in the north-western Naqab (Negev) desert, Bir Hadaj was “recognized” by the Israeli government in 2004 after a daunting legal and popular struggle.
Under the jurisdiction of the Abu Basma Regional Council, Bir Hadaj is the largest village in the Abu Basma district, with a population of over 5,000. Despite formal recognition, Bir Haddaj hasn’t been spared the home demolition woes which haunt hundreds of “unrecognized” Bedouin villages in the Naqab. School attacked
Angry at the most recent raid, some of the village’s youth burned tyres in protest soon after. Ayesh Abu Assa, an eyewitness, said that an extremely high number of police officers then invaded the village firing tear-gas, rubber bullets and some live ammunition.
The police also broke into the village’s elementary school, terrorizing children and firing tear-gas in the school’s vicinity. The police left the village at 12:30 pm after arresting three residents and injuring several others.
A spokesperson for the Israeli interior ministry said in a statement that the response of the police was proportional and blamed “political groups” for “inciting residents against the authorities and fomenting violence.” more.. e-mail
Twelve-year-old arrested 10 times by Israel in three years
Electronic Intifada: 19 Oct 2012 – Jillian Kestler-D’Amours Jerusalem 19 October 2012 Muslim Odeh has constant nightmares after the child’s experiences in Israeli jails.more
Protests and strikes as Israel raids Bedouin villages, threatens to destroy homes
Electronic Intifada: 19 Oct 2012 – Budour Youssef Hassan Negev 19 October 2012 Tear gas fired at school in Naqab village of Bir Hadaj as JNF threatens to demolish Palestinian homesmore
Carnage or Sanctions? Six Million Iranian Lives at Stake
Dissident Voice: 19 Oct 2012 – The US-led sanctions against the Islamic Republic of Iran which directly and painfully target the population have created an inconceivable situation for those whose very lives depend on the medicine adversely affected by these barbaric sanctions. The West is sharply aware of the devastating inhuman effects of the sanctions on the sick people. On September 4, the Washington Post published an article titled “In Iran, Sanctions Take Toll On The Sick,” which details how drug shortages are particularly affecting “cancer patients and those being treated for complex disorders such as hemophilia, multiple sclerosis and Thalassemia, as well as transplant and kidney dialysis patients.” Fatemeh Hashemi, Head of Iran’s Charity Institute for Special Diseases, has voiced grave concern for the six million patients suffering from special diseases and their families who are desperately wrestling with the problems originating therefrom. In fact, the US-led sanctions are exacting their deadly toll on the…more
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The New Dark Age 