10 December 2012 — VTJP
News
International Middle East Media Center
Soldiers Break Into School Near Bethlehem, Attack Students, Teachers
IMEMC – Palestinian sources in Taqoua’ village, east of the West Bank city of Bethlehem, reported that Israeli soldiers broke, Monday, into the village’s High School for Boys, attacked several teachers and students, and left the school later on. …
Soldiers Kidnap A Resident Near Jenin
IMEMC – Israeli soldiers kidnapped, on Monday at dawn, a Palestinian university student from the village of Ya’bod, south of the northern West Bank city of Jenin; the soldiers broke into and searched several homes in the village. …
Soldiers Occupy A Palestinian Home In Huwwara
IMEMC – For the second day in a row, Israeli soldiers continued to occupy a Palestinian home in Huwwara village, south of the northern West Bank city of Nablus, despite the fact that the home is owned and inhabited by a Palestinian family. …
PCHR launches campaign ‘ Palestine to the ICC’
IMEMC – On 10 December, 2012, on the occasion of Human Rights Day, PCHR is launching its ‘ Palestine to the ICC’ campaign. …
EU Countries Denounce Israeli E1 Plan
IMEMC – Foreign Ministers of the European Union issued a statement, after holding a meeting in Brussels Monday, denouncing the Israeli E1 illegal settlement project that will lead to the total isolation of the West Bank from occupied East Jerusalem. They said that the Israeli settlement project will also isolate the northern parts of the West Bank from the southern parts. …
Soldiers carried Out a Limited Invasion Into Khan Younis
IMEMC – Media sources in the Gaza Strip revealed that Israeli soldiers carried out, earlier on Monday at dawn, a limited invasion into Palestinian lands east of Khan Younis, in the southern part of the coastal region. …
Arab Countries To Grant P.A. $100 Million A Month
IMEMC – The Arab Follow-up Committee decided, during its meeting Sunday in Doha – Qatar, to immediately implement a decision that was made during the Baghdad Summit late in March this year, by immediately starting the transfer of $100.000.000 to the Palestinian Authority every month. …
Israeli soldiers ‘assault staff’ at Bethlehem school
12/10/2012 – BETHLEHEM (Ma’an) — Israeli forces on Monday assaulted a headmaster and two teachers at a secondary school near Bethlehem, a Ma’an correspondent said. Three Israeli military jeeps arrived at the school in Tuqu village at midday, and several soldiers assaulted headmaster Salim Abu Mufarrih and teachers Nabil al-Tamamri and Mahmoud Zawahra after….
Israeli forces detain 13 Palestinians across West Bank
12/10/2012 – NABLUS (Ma’an) — Israeli forces detained 13 Palestinians in the West Bank overnight Sunday, including five youths in a Nablus-area village. Soldiers raided several homes in Qaryut village, near Nablus, before detaining Ahmad Mashour Amer, 25, Aysar Muneer Ayish, 21, Adham Sidqi Mousa,22,Abdo Fahim Kassab, 23, Ahmad Badawi, 22, and 18-year-old….
Israeli authorities ‘to demolish West Bank road’
12/10/2012 – SALFIT (Ma’an) — Israeli authorities on Monday notified Palestinian farmers in a northern West Bank village that a road connecting them to their fields will be demolished, locals told Ma’an. Residents of Qarawat Bani Hassan, near Salfit, said Israeli planning officers told them the al-Hurriya (Freedom) road will be demolished in two….
Gaza war over, but emergency remains
12/10/2012 – DUBAI (IRIN) — Despite the end of an Israeli military operation in the Gaza Strip, the humanitarian situation there remains dire, says the representative of the World Food Program in the occupied Palestinian territory.” There is a misconception that because there is a period of calm, we can start thinking about a development process, which is….
Fatah: Israeli soldiers occupy Nablus home
12/10/2012 – NABLUS (Ma’an) — Israeli soldiers took over a home in Huwwara village in Nablus on Sunday, a Fatah spokesman said Monday. Awwad Najm told Ma’an that dozens of Israeli soldiers remained in the home of Ismail Khamis al-Fakhouri overnight and were still there on Monday evening. Al-Fakhouri and his family have remained….
Anti-corruption chief: Officials in Palestine aided Rashid fraud
12/10/2012 – BETHLEHEM (Ma’an) — The Palestinian anti-corruption commission is readying to institute legal proceedings against Palestinian officials on suspicion of embezzling millions of dollars, the chief of the commission says. Rafiq al-Natsheh told Ma’an Sunday evening that secret investigations were ongoing in an attempt to expose embezzlement amounting to hundreds of millions of….
Human rights: ‘Just enough’ not good enough
12/10/2012 – By Navi Pillay – Millions of people have gone on to the streets over the past few years, in countries all across the world, emboldened by what is happening elsewhere, some demanding civil and political rights, others demanding economic, social and cultural rights. This groundswell is not simply a question of people demanding freedom of expression….
On human rights day don’t point fingers – join hands
12/10/2012 – By Stavros Lambrinidis – The annual celebration of human rights on 10 December falls on the same day that the EU will receive the Nobel Peace Prize. The coincidence is serendipitous. The EU is being honored for promoting democracy, human rights, and reconciliation, and for spreading peace and stability across the continent. This is a great….
Leila Khaled: Palestinians united behind resistance
12/10/2012 – GAZA CITY (Ma’an) — The Palestinian people are united behind the resistance, which is legitimate as long as Israel occupies Palestinian land, national icon Leila Khaled said Monday.” Your people in the diaspora kiss the ground you walk on because it’s the land of Palestine,” Khaled told crowds during a visit to….
Egypt FM: Palestinian reconciliation is an emergency
12/10/2012 – BETHLEHEM (Ma’an) — Inter-Palestinian reconciliation is an emergency without which efforts to accomplish the Palestinian national project remain deficient, Egypt’s foreign minister said Sunday.”The Egyptian people and leadershipare adamant about achieving this reconciliation, and for this purpose a meeting will be held soon in Cairo,” Muhammad Kamil Amr wrote on his….
Abbas heads to Turkey
12/10/2012 – TURKEY (Ma’an) — President Mahmoud Abbas is scheduled to visit Turkey on Monday, the Palestinian embassy in the country said. Abbas will meet in Ankara with his Turkish counterpart Abdullah Gul, Turkish premier Recep Tayyip Erdogan, foreign minister Ahmed Davutoglu and speaker of the Grand National Assembly of Turkey Cemil Cicek. The Palestinian embassy….
EU mulling how to dissuade Israel’s settlement expansion
12/10/2012 – LONDON (Reuters) — The European Union will look at ways on Monday to press Israel to ditch a plan to build settlements in a highly sensitive area of the occupied West Bank, but hold off on tough action soon despite international outrage over the decision. Some officials say that options for robust steps against Israel are…. Related: EU dismayed at Israeli settlements, takes no action
Rights groups call for Palestine to join ICC
12/10/2012 – BETHLEHEM (Ma’an) — The recently UN-recognized state of Palestine must join the International Criminal Court, four Palestinian human rights groups urged on Monday. Marking international Human Rights Day, the Palestinian Center for Human Rights said it was launching an advocacy campaign for the court to gain jurisdiction over Palestine. After winning a UN status….
Abbas meets Qatari emir
12/10/2012 – RAMALLAH (Ma’an) — President Mahmoud Abbas on Monday met Qatar’s emir, Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa al-Thani, in Doha, Palestinian Authority media reported. Abbas was joined by his diplomatic adviser Majdi al-Khalidi, PLO negotiator Saeb Erekat, PA Foreign Minister Riyad al-Malki and Palestine’s ambassador in Qatar Munir Ghannam. The president discussed….
Malaysian delegation heads to Gaza
12/10/2012 – El-ARISH (Ma’an) — The son of Malaysia’s prime minister on Monday delivered medical aid to the Gaza Strip, a Egyptian security official said. The security officer said the Malaysian delegation brought 15 tons of medicine and medical supplies to Gaza through the Rafah crossing on Egypt’s border. [END]
Lebanese delegations visit Gaza
12/10/2012 – GAZA CITY (Ma’an) — Hamas representative in Lebanon Ali Baraka arrived in the Gaza Strip on Monday to meet with premier Ismail Haniyeh. Baraka will also meet senior Hamas official Ahmad Bahar, and families who lost relatives in Israel‘s recent assault on Gaza, a Ma’an reporter said. Another delegation from….
Israel: Iranian nuclear challenge must be tackled in 2013
12/10/2012 – JERUSALEM (Reuters) — Iran is getting ever closer to being able to build a nuclear bomb and the problem will have to be confronted in 2013, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said on Monday. Israeli officials would like the United States to take the lead in a military assault on Iran’s nuclear sites, but….
EU dismayed at Israeli settlements, takes no action
12/10/2012 – BRUSSELS (Reuters) – The European Union expressed dismay on Monday over Israel‘s plans to build settlements in a highly sensitive part of the West Bank, but spelled out no punitive measures in response. After meeting in Brussels, foreign ministers of the 27 EU states said the Israeli plan would seriously undermine the prospects of…. Related: EU mulling how to dissuade Israel’s settlement expansion
Fatah: Israeli deputy premier threats ‘racist’
12/10/2012 – RAMALLAH (Ma’an) — Fatah on Monday urged the international community to examine “racist” remarks made by Israel‘s deputy prime minister. At a news conference in Ramallah, Fatah spokesman Osama al-Qawasmeh said Eli Yishai’s remarks revealed dangerous intentions and aimed to terrorize the Palestinian people. During Israel‘s eight-day war….
Hospital employee’s car planted with explosives in Tulkarem
12/10/2012 – TULKAREM (Ma’an) — Unidentified assailants detonated a small explosive device under the private vehicle of a hospital employee in the northern West Bank on Monday morning. Khalid Amin Abu Khatir, a medical office manager at Thabit Thabit Hospital in Tulkarem, said he had been received threats via social media over his administrative decisions at….
PA to sanction Hamas anniversary event in West Bank
12/10/2012 – NABLUS (Ma’an) — The Palestinian Authority has officially agreed to allow a Hamas festival commemorating the movement’s 25th anniversary in the West Bank, an independent politician said Monday. Khalil Assaf, who heads a Palestinian forum of independent figures, said Hamas would organize a festival in Nablus on Thursday. Hamas leaders will deliver…. Related: Hamas to hold Nablus festival as Mashaal urges unity
Hamas releases jailed Salafi leader
12/10/2012 – GAZA CITY (Ma’an) — The Hamas government in the Gaza Strip on Sunday released the leader of a Salafi group who had been jailed for more than four months. Jaysh al-Ummar, or Army of the Nation, said their leader Abu Hafs al-Maqdisi was freed late Sunday by Hamas security services. Al-Maqdisi was detained by….
Hamas chief Mashaal concludes visit to Gaza
12/10/2012 – GAZA CITY (Ma’an) — Hamas chief Khaled Mashaal left the Gaza Strip for Egypt on Monday after an historic four-day visit to the coastal territory. The Hamas leader concluded his first ever visit to Gaza by visiting a family in Rafah who had lost several relatives in recent violence with Israel. Mashaal, and several….
Hamas to hold Nablus festival as Mashaal urges unity
12/10/2012 – BETHLEHEM (Ma’an) — The Palestinian Authority has authorized a Hamas festival to be held in Nablus in the northern West Bank, a PA security services spokesman said Monday. Adnan Dmeiri told Ma’an the two-day Hamas rally would begin Thursday. He said Hamas events were never banned in the West Bank but that…. Related: PA to sanction Hamas anniversary event in West Bank
Egypt army given right to make arrests over referendum
12/10/2012 – CAIRO (Reuters) — The Egyptian government has given the military the authority to arrest civilians to help safeguard a constitutional referendum planned for Saturday, the official gazette said. The order, which a presidential official and military source confirmed appeared in the gazette late on Sunday, said the military would support and coordinate with police to protect….
UK, Palestinian Child Prisoners in Israeli Jails
Palestine News Network
President Abbas to Launch 6-Month Initiative to Resume Talks with Israel
Palestine News Network
Israeli Bulldozers Storm Beit Liqia Village, Clashes Launch Between Palestinians and Israeli Soldiers
Palestine News Network
PA Allows Hamas to Hold an Anniversary Rally in the West Bank
Palestine News Network
The European Union Nobel Peace Prize: a Legacy to be Shared
Palestine News Network
IOF Troops Kidnap Palestinian Child Alja’bari, Appeals for His Release
Palestine News Network
Head of the Palestine Chapter of Middle East IR Society Received the “Outstanding Individual Contribution to IR” Reward
Palestine News Network
Israeli Army Deports Six Palestinian Families from Their Homes in the Jordan Valley
Palestine News Network
Israel Defies World on Settlements
Palestine News Network
Palestinian Center for Human Rights
PCHR launches campaign ‘Palestine to the ICC’
Palestinian Center for Human Rights
International Solidarity Movement
Bulldozers arrive in Hajja
12/10/2012 – International Solidarity Movement – 9th December 2012, International Solidarity Movement, Occupied Palestine – On Sunday 9th December at 4pm the bulldozers rolled into the small sleepy town of Hajja near Kufr Qaddoum, in the northern part of the West Bank. They rolled past the Illegal Israeli Settlements, where many Palestinians from the surrounding villages work, with less workers’ rights….
PCHR launches campaign ‘Palestine to the ICC’
12/10/2012 – International Solidarity Movement – 10 December 2012, Palestinian Centre for Human Rights – On 10 December 2012, on the occasion of Human Rights Day, PCHR is launching its ‘Palestine to the ICC‘ campaign. The campaign aims to encourage the relevant stakeholders, namely the State of Palestine, the Prosecutor of the International Criminal Court and the international community, to…. Related: Palestinian Centre for Human Rights and Palestine to the ICC campaign
VIDEO – Protest march and bike ride in South Hebron Hills firing zone
12/10/2012 – International Solidarity Movement – By Team Khalil, 8 December 2012, International Solidarity Movement, West Bank – Close to one hundred protesters marched and rode bicycles in a peaceful march through several villages in South Hebron Hills on Saturday 8 December. The purpose of the symbolic protest was to draw attention to and oppose the eviction orders issued to eight villages….
The Al Dalu family. Never forget.
12/10/2012 – International Solidarity Movement – By Rosa Schiano, 4 December 2012, il Blog di Olivia – On 18 November 2012, on the fifth day of the Israeli military offensive “Pillar of Defence” against Gaza, a war bulletin reported 72 people killed, including 19 children, 670 wounded, most of them women and children. That day, the Israeli air force bombed a three-storey…. Related: il Blog di Olivia
012: Palestine refugees and human rights
Relief Web 10 Dec 2012 – Source: UN Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East Country: Lebanon, occupied Palestinian territory, Syrian Arab Republic (the) Each year on 10 December, Human Rights Day marks the anniversary of the adoption of the Universal Declaration…
occupied Palestinian territory: Souktel and Global Communities Partnering to Help Families in Gaza
Relief Web 10 Dec 2012 – Source: CHF International Country: occupied Palestinian territory Souktel is a Palestinian organization that delivers mobile services to help communities when traditional forms of communication—such as landlines, internet, radio and TV signals—are disrupted. Souktel’s ‘AidLink’ mobile platform has been used in…
occupied Palestinian territory: A week after Operation Pillar of Defense, Israel allows agricultural export from Gaza abroad
Relief Web 10 Dec 2012 – Source: Gisha Country: occupied Palestinian territory December 3, 2012. Yesterday, Israel allowed transit of export from Gaza through its territory. Over the last two days, 9 trucks of strawberries (19 tons), one truck of cherry tomatoes (8.6 tons) and one…
occupied Palestinian territory: BMZ announces additional contribution of EUR 3.2 million to support UNRWA programmes in Gaza
Relief Web 10 Dec 2012 – Source: UN Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East Country: Germany, occupied Palestinian territory 10 December 2012 Gaza Federal Minister of Economic Cooperation and Development Dirk Niebel announced yesterday an additional contribution of EUR 3 million…
occupied Palestinian territory: Council conclusions on the Middle East Peace Process
Relief Web 10 Dec 2012 – Source: European Union Country: occupied Palestinian territory 3209th FOREIGN AFFAIRS Council meeting Brussels, 10 December 2012 The Council adopted the following conclusions: “1. In light of recent developments and taking into account previous Council Conclusions, the European Union firmly believes…
Emiratis call for action against unjust EU criticism
The National 10 Dec 2012 – Emiratis want the FNC to act swiftly in refuting ‘biased and prejudiced’ accusations from the European Parliament.
12/12/12: Special date and deliveries for UAE’s expectant mums
The National 10 Dec 2012 – Doctors at The City Hospital in Dubai usually deliver about four babies a day by caesarean section. Tomorrow they have at least seven booked. Why? Take a look at the calendar.
Egypt faces paralysis as forces muster for vote on constitution
The National 10 Dec 2012 – Egypt’s Islamist rulers are facing the worst economic and political crisis since Mohammed Morsi took office as president in June.
Dubai school offers hope for special needs independence
The National 10 Dec 2012 – Mirdif Private school gives autistic pupils a chance to learn skills that will help them live and work independently.
UAE libraries buck global trend
The National 10 Dec 2012 – The UAE has opened a number of public libraries despite the trend of libraries around the world being shut down.
UAE’s ship of mercy to sailors at sea faces choppy waters over finances
The National 10 Dec 2012 – The Flying Angel docks alongside moored vessels to give sailors stuck off the shores of the UAE a chance to unwind, but the vessel is becoming too expensive to run.
Syrian life during wartime, surreal and transient
The National 10 Dec 2012 – Even a visit to the greengrocers in Damascus causes tension and difficulties these days. Phil Sands reports from Syria
Germany expels four Syrian diplomats as fighting rages
The National 10 Dec 2012 – Germany expels diplomats in drive to further cut ties with the president, Bashar Al Assad, as gun battles erupt in Damascus and jets bomb city suburbs.
U.S. intel predicts: Palestinian state to exist by 2030, but not peace with Israel
Ha’aretz – 10 Dec 2012
High Court gives gov’t four months to defend Boycott Law
Ha’aretz – 10 Dec 2012
Israel may change master plan to expand construction in central ‘green lung’
Ha’aretz – 10 Dec 2012
Galilee police station reveals Mandate-era charms
Ha’aretz – 10 Dec 2012
After talks stalemate, striking nurses to walk off wards
Ha’aretz – 10 Dec 2012
Nine scientists join national academy – but nary a woman
Ha’aretz – 10 Dec 2012
Analysis / In Lieberman’s little Soviet Russia, Netanyahu should watch his back
Ha’aretz – 10 Dec 2012
Ancient agricultural farm uncovered beneath west Jerusalem street
Ha’aretz – 10 Dec 2012
Shas official: Israel’s civil service plan is a ‘terror attack’ against Haredi parties
Ha’aretz – 10 Dec 2012
Netanyahu wards off criticism: Israeli settlement plans won’t prevent Palestinian state
Ha’aretz – 10 Dec 2012
EU mulling ways to press Israel to ditch settlement expansion plan
Ha’aretz – 10 Dec 2012
Netanyahu: Iran nuclear program must be confronted in 2013
Ha’aretz – 10 Dec 2012
Israel’s High Court to state: Explain why Boycott Law should remain in effect
Ha’aretz – 10 Dec 2012
Israeli Arab sues real estate company for discrimination
Ha’aretz – 10 Dec 2012
U.S. officials hint at Obama’s new peace tactic: Stand back and let the world confront Netanyahu
Ha’aretz – 10 Dec 2012
Uruguay hints Israeli ambassador should be replaced
Ha’aretz – 10 Dec 2012
Israeli playwright Anat Gov succumbs to cancer at age 59
Ha’aretz – 10 Dec 2012
Israeli nurses mull walkout as negotiations with Treasury yield no results
Ha’aretz – 10 Dec 2012
Ministry ups special needs integration efforts
Jerusalem Post 11 Dec 2012 – Welfare and Social Services Ministry published first ever report on proper integration into society of people with special needs.
‘Unofficial steps will likely lead to ‘Palestine’ by 2030′
Jerusalem Post 10 Dec 2012 – New US intelligence report predicts that in less than two decades, a Palestinian state will exist, but key issues such as Jerusalem’s status are likely to remain unresolved; China’s economy to overtake US.
MKs hold ‘banish the darkness’ anti-migrant rally
Jerusalem Post 10 Dec 2012 – Ben-Ari, Eldad hold Hanukkah candle lighting ceremony in south Tel Aviv, issue call to expel all African migrants from Israel.
On My Mind: Palestine’s Turkish agent
Jerusalem Post 10 Dec 2012 – Turkey’s posturing on the Israeli-Palestinian conflict has become so ardent that ‘The New York Times,’ in a recent editorial mistakenly called Turkey an Arab country.
Report: Israel leaking Iranian nuclear information
Jerusalem Post 10 Dec 2012 – ‘Guardian’ cites Western diplomats accusing Israel of leaks to rally world on Iran strike; Netanyahu: Iran must be confronted in 2013.
UN vote: From ‘occupation’ to border dispute
Jerusalem Post 10 Dec 2012 – If Israel was what it is often made out to be – a brutal occupier imposing its rule on others – how is it that the Palestinians managed to establish all the institutions of a state?
Is abortion in Christianity a mistranslation of Bible?
Jerusalem Post 10 Dec 2012 – No Holds Barred: The Guttmacher Institute’s data that 85% of all abortions take place outside of marriage would have us address the subject not as a social wedge issue but by cultivating a culture that commits to marriage.
Why I became a politician
Jerusalem Post 10 Dec 2012 – I do not see being a politician as the goal, but as a means to an end – and that end goal is to contribute to our national effort and to improve this country for its citizens.
Abbas and Netanyahu in Wonderland
Jerusalem Post 10 Dec 2012 – Israel faces dire, historic decisions in the coming year. With his electoral victory virtually assured it is time for the premier to get his strategic priorities right. This is true for Abbas and the Palestinians as well, but then, they always prefer to live in Wonderland.
Ethiopian birth control?
Jerusalem Post 10 Dec 2012 – The right to make one’s own family-planning decisions is essential in a free society. All of those involved in Ethiopian aliya must now ensure that this right remains at the forefront of any administration of birth-control methods.
Court freezes Anti-Boycott Law after petitions
Jerusalem Post 10 Dec 2012 – High Court of Justice issues interim order to state asking for explanation of law that petitioners have called undemocratic.
US bill to urge EU to label Hezbollah terror group
Jerusalem Post 10 Dec 2012 – US Senator Lieberman expected to introduce resolution calling on European Union to designate Hezbollah a terror organization.
EU condemns Hamas rhetoric, Israeli settlement plans
Jerusalem Post 10 Dec 2012 – Europeans denounces as “unacceptable” recent statements by Hamas leaders “that deny Israel’s right to exist,” say Israeli plans to develop E1 corridor would “seriously undermine the prospects of a negotiated resolution.”
300 protest Tnuva, call for CEO’s resignation
Jerusalem Post 10 Dec 2012 – Animal rights activists gather in TA to protest alleged abuse in Tnuva’s Adom-Adom brand slaughterhouse in Beit She’an.
Treasury, nurses trade threats over stalled talks
Jerusalem Post 10 Dec 2012 – Ministry set to appeal to labor courts to ban nurses from continuing strike; nurses respond: We’re moving to emergency schedule.
Election committee to debate disqualifying Zoabi
Jerusalem Post 10 Dec 2012 – One-third of committee members signs petition to ban Balad MK; New Land seeks to disqualify Strong Israel‘s Kahane students.
Mashaal leaves Gaza with calls for Palestinian unity
Jerusalem Post 10 Dec 2012 – Wrapping up trip filled with anti-Israel rhetoric, Hamas leader departs Gaza with vow to forge ahead with Fatah reconciliation.
Google launches TA-based innovation workshop
Jerusalem Post 10 Dec 2012 – “Campus Tel Aviv” will grant Israel-based start-ups and entrepreneurs with access to Google experts and infrastructure.
Egypt’s Morsi imposes martial law for referendum
Jerusalem Post 10 Dec 2012 – Islamists and rivals plan street protests on Tuesday; opposition rejects referendum on “biased” constitution.
Video: Making Hanukka’s oily delights
Jerusalem Post 10 Dec 2012 – The ‘Post’ visits the Magdaniyat Pe’er bakery to witness the making of sufganiyot, Hanukka’s traditional donuts.
Fischer: Next gov’t must control budget deficit
Jerusalem Post 10 Dec 2012 – Israel must cut bureaucratic red tape to spur business growth, BoI governor says, calls for fiscal responsibility.
Russia opposes external ‘recipes’ for Syria
Jerusalem Post 10 Dec 2012 – Moscow rejects Western backing for opposition coalition, foreign pressure to oust Syrian President Assad.
Bar Refaeli (dressed as Santa) is coming to town
Jerusalem Post 10 Dec 2012 – Israeli model receives harsh criticism after posting a photo of herself on Instagram with caption “Good Morning Santa.”
‘PA grants Hamas permission to hold W. Bank rally’
Jerusalem Post 10 Dec 2012 – Gesture comes amid renewed signs of reconciliation efforts, Fatah participation in Gaza Hamas celebrations.
If you want peace, prepare for atomic war
Jerusalem Post 10 Dec 2012 – UN condemns Israel’s “violation” of Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty. Funny, because Israel isn’t a signatory on the 1968 pact.
E1 and the Leveson Report
Jerusalem Post 10 Dec 2012 – The media is favoring sensationalism in a blatant disregard for facts on the ground.
Time to reverse UN Palestine Resolution
Jerusalem Post 10 Dec 2012 – As per “Zionism = racism” resolution, the latest “observer status” resolution must be rescinded.
Yesh Atid petitions High Court on haredi exemption
Jerusalem Post 10 Dec 2012 – Lapid tries to block PM exempting 1,300 Haredim from IDF service: “Israel cannot distinguish between blood of Haredim and others.”
Oren: Israel will act if Hezbollah gets Syrian WMDs
Jerusalem Post 10 Dec 2012 – Ambassador to the US says Israel has “a very clear red line” on Syrian chemical weapons, but also supports Obama’s red line.
‘Camp Sucker’ protests haredi draft to civil service
Jerusalem Post 10 Dec 2012 – Movement leaders renew tents protest in Tel Aviv, accuse Netanyahu of favoring haredim interests over public interests.
Israel suspected over Iran nuclear programme inquiry leaks
The Guardian 10 Dec 2012 – Western officials believe Israel may have leaked information from IAEA investigation in bid to raise global pressure on Tehran Israel is suspected of carrying out a series of leaks implicating Iran in nuclear weapons experiments in…
Syria Rebels “Seize Key Aleppo Army Base”
IPS Syrian rebels have captured parts of a large army base in the country’s north, just west of the city of Aleppo, activists say. The Britain-based Syrian Observatory for Human Rights said the rebels entered the sprawling Sheikh Suleiman base on Sunday afternoon, after weeks of fighting. The development indicates the…
The Civilian Toll of Israel’s Bombs
IPS When Israeli bombs struck the Abu Khadra complex for civil administration, they also gutted the sixth floor of the Abu Shabaan complex, located ten metres across the road. According to the Palestinian Centre for Human Rights (PCHR), eight Israeli warplane-fired bombs levelled roughly half of the government compound in eastern…
Libyan Women Losing Rights
Uruknet
Unfree in Palestine: Registration, Documentation and Movement Restriction
Uruknet
Obama’s Murder Memos
Uruknet
Murder by Drone
Uruknet
Iraq: Halt Execution of Libyan Prisoner Adel Shalani Sentenced on Unknown Charges
Uruknet
To the Guardian : What is this crisis about
Uruknet
Palestinian Dies Of Serious Injuries Suffered During Latest War On Gaza
Uruknet
18 Seriously Sick Palestinian Detainees Facing Medical Neglect In Israeli Prisons
Uruknet
Drone Strike Killing Suspected al-Qaeda Operative Leaves Woman Dead, Child Wounded
Uruknet
The Senate Report on CIA Interrogations You May Never See
Uruknet
Palestinian leader warns of reaction to Israel settlement plans
Daily Star 10 Dec 2012 Palestinian president Mahmud Abbas on Monday vowed to respond if Israel moves ahead with plans to build 3,000 settler homes in east Jerusalem after the Palestinians won non-member observer status at the United Nations.
Cracks among Republicans on higher US tax rates
Daily Star 10 Dec 2012 President Barack Obama used yet another campaign-style trip Monday, speaking to workers at a diesel engine plant in Michigan, to drum up grass-roots support for his promise to raise taxes on wealthy Americans as part of…
EU moves closer to full recognition of Syria opposition
Daily Star 10 Dec 2012 The European Union edged closer Monday to the newly-formed Syrian opposition, welcoming its leader and deeming his group to be “legitimate representatives” of the Syrian people.
Ecuador: We would consider granting asylum for Assad
YNet News, 10 Dec 2012 – ….
Don’t call me crazy
YNet News, 10 Dec 2012 – Op-ed: Israeli living in NYC for past seven years explains why recent war made him decide to return home ….
Fatal shooting in NY’s midtown near Central Park
YNet News, 10 Dec 2012 – ….
Hungarian students block Danube bridges in anti-cuts protest
YNet News, 10 Dec 2012 – ….
Pot legalized in Colorado with gov’s proclamation
YNet News, 10 Dec 2012 – ….
Strauss-Kahn, hotel maid agree to settle lawsuit
YNet News, 10 Dec 2012 – ….
Only ourselves to blame
YNet News, 10 Dec 2012 – Op-ed: For years Israel has been encouraging the creation of a Palestinian state west of the Jordan River ….
EU foreign ministers meet on E1 plans
YNet News, 10 Dec 2012 – European Union heads discuss Israel‘s settlements construction plans; ‘urgent need’ to reignite regional peace process ….
‘Juvenile sex offenders are ticking time bomb’
YNet News, 10 Dec 2012 – National Council for the Child warns of legal, social systems’ failure to offer teen sex offenders rehabilitation; says untreated teens are ‘terror attack in the making’ ….
Assad era coming to an end?
YNet News, 10 Dec 2012 – NATO Chemical warfare, UN evacuation, rebel unification – all signs are pointing in direction of Syrian regime’s demise ….
Georgia, Russia ‘to hold first direct talks since war’
YNet News, 10 Dec 2012 – Moscow, Tbilisi diplomats to meet first time since 2008 war over separatist region of South Ossetia ….
EU receives Nobel Peace Prize
YNet News, 10 Dec 2012 – European Union leaders convene in Oslo; awarded top Nobel honor for ‘transforming Europe from a continent of war to a continent of peace‘ ….
No political drama
YNet News, 10 Dec 2012 – Op-ed: 2013 elections already decided; Bibi won’t make any real changes during third term as PM ….
Yesh Atid petitions court over haredi draft exemption
YNet News, 10 Dec 2012 – Yair Lapid files High Court of Justice motion to suspend government’s new draft guidelines for ultra-Orthodox youths; says party ‘won’t allow public, court to be ignored’ ….
Maj.-Gen. Eizenkot named deputy chief of staff
YNet News, 10 Dec 2012 – Defense Minister Barak decides GOC Northern Command will take over for Maj.-Gen. Yair Naveh as IDF Chief Gantz’ second in command ….
‘Passing WMDs to Hezbollah – a red line’
YNet News, 10 Dec 2012 – Israeli ambassador to US tell Fox News chemical weapons in hands of Shiite terror group would be a ‘game-changer’ for Israel ….
Haredim screened by IDF, but will they enlist?
YNet News, 9 Dec 2012 – Defense Ministry officials attempt to defend government decision to permit haredi exemption from IDF service: ‘Since the Tal Law expired, 1,500 haredi youths have been screened at IDF enlistment centers. Knesset will decide if they will serve’ ….
Egypt opposition urges more protests
YNet News, 9 Dec 2012 – Opposition pushes Morsi to cancel December 15 referendum on new constitution, saying they reject process entirely ….
25 years later: Hezbollah ex-hostage returns to Lebanon
YNet News, 9 Dec 2012 – Terry Waite returns to Lebanon to urge terrorist group to intervene on behalf of Christian Syrian refugees ….
Arabs offer Palestinians $100M a month
YNet News, 9 Dec 2012 – Arab states agree to provide Palestinian Authority with $100 million monthly ‘financial safety net’ after Israel freezes tax payments ….
Palestinian Information Center
In defense of President Mursi
PIC – The ongoing showdown between President Mursi and his supporters on the one hand and his secular, leftist and Coptic opponents on the other has exposed the serious fragility of democracy in Egypt.
Radwan warns against provoking Muslims by storming al-Aqsa
PIC – The Minister of Awqaf and Religious Affairs in Gaza, Ismail Radwan, denounced the storming of al-Aqsa mosque by a large number of Israeli settlers on Monday from the Mughrabi Gate..
The liberated prisoner Ashraf Abu Dhri’a goes into a coma
PIC – Head of the Palestinian Prisoners’ Society in al-Khalil, Amjad Najjar, confirmed that the liberated captive Ashraf Abu Dhri’a went into a coma in al-Ahli Hospital in al-Khalil.
PA security services arrest liberated prisoners
PIC – PA security services continued their arrests and summons against Hamas supporters and cadres in the various governorates of the West Bank, where they arrested two liberated prisoners..
299 thousand citizens have been detained since the first intifada
PIC – Human rights report revealed that more than 299 thousand Palestinian citizens have been detained in Israeli jails for years or days, or even hours since the outbreak of the first intifada.
Al-Farra: recent aggression targeted municipal facilities in Gaza
PIC – Minister of Local Government Mohammed al-Farra stated that the municipal staff and workers continued working during the recent aggression on the Gaza Strip despite the Israeli bombing..
Employees at UNRWA in West Bank protest at the dismissal decisions
PIC – The employees dismissed from their jobs at the UNRWA started on Monday a sit-in in front of the agency’s offices in the various governorates of the West Bank to protest dismissal.
Tunis: Executive Office for supporting the prisoners starts to operate soon
PIC – The Executive Office for supporting the Palestinian and Arab prisoners in the occupation jails is scheduled to start its activities in the next few days.
Hadarim prisoners on one-day hunger strike in solidarity with Sharawna and Isawi
PIC – Ahrar Center for the Studies of Prisoners and Human Rights said that the Palestinian captives in the Hadarim prison waged a one-day hunger strike, yesterday, in solidarity with Sharawna and Issawi.
Occupation raids the Bustan neighborhood in Silwan
PIC – Israeli occupation municipality officials broke into the Bustan neighborhood in Silwan town in Jerusalem on Monday morning and handed a number of residents demolition orders.
Abbas Arrives in Ankara
WAFA – 10 Dec 2012
Palestinians in Jerusalem Ordered to Leave Home for Jews
WAFA – 10 Dec 2012
Israel to Destroy “Freedom Road” Once Again
WAFA – 10 Dec 2012
Woman Injured Seriously by Settlers in Hebron
WAFA – 10 Dec 2012
Israeli Military Exercise Forces Families to Leave their Homes
WAFA – 10 Dec 2012
Abbas Meets Emir of Qatar, Discuss Recent Political Developments
WAFA – 10 Dec 2012
In Egypt, Tahrir Square awash again in revolutionary fervor
LA Times 10 Dec 2012 – A battle over a new constitution has mobilized Egyptian opposition to President Mohamed Morsi in Cairo. For the disparate groups, momentum and unity are key. CAIRO — Knots of men argue politics, barefoot boys grip stones, graffiti blooms, banners unfurl and wind whistles through the…
Russia stands by Syria President Bashar Assad
LA Times 9 Dec 2012 – Moscow says it will not seek the ouster of Assad, as international negotiators again fail to reach a breakthrough on the crisis in Syria. BEIRUT — Russia said Sunday that it has no intention of pushing for the ouster of President Bashar Assad, as international…
Egypt opposition groups reject Morsi’s overture
LA Times 9 Dec 2012 – Egypt braces for more protests and the military is given greater authority to arrest civilians in lead-up to the referendum on an Islamist-drafted constitution. CAIRO — Egypt’s main opposition groups rejected President Mohamed Morsi’s weekend move to ease political tensions as the country braced for…
Allies of Egypt’s Morsi Beat Protesters Outside Palace
New York Times 10 Dec 2012 – Revelations that Islamist supporters of Mohamed Morsi detained dozens of his political opponents last week threaten to undermine the Egyptian president’s credibility.
At War Blog: Navy SEAL Team Member Dies Saving Kidnapped Doctor
New York Times 10 Dec 2012 – Petty Officer First Class Nicolas D. Checque, who died during the rescue, was 28 and lived in Virginia Beach, Va.
Morsi Spokesman Tries to Clarify Military Order
New York Times 10 Dec 2012 – The directive to keep public order during Saturday’s constitutional referendum was not a blanket authorization for the Egyptian Army, Khaled Al-Qazzaz said.
U.S. Designates Syrian Al Nusra Front as Terrorist Group
New York Times 10 Dec 2012 – The move is aimed at building Western support for the rebellion by quelling fears that money and arms would end up in the hands of the Al Nusra Front, a jihadi group connected to Al Qaeda.
The Lede Blog: Cairo Filmmakers Screen Images of Revolt on the President’s Wall
New York Times 10 Dec 2012 – Activists filmmakers in Cairo set up a projector outside the presidential palace on Sunday night and showed video shot at the same location last week during deadly street battles.
The Lede Blog: Anger and an Arrest as a Leader of the Muslim Brotherhood Visits Brooklyn
New York Times 10 Dec 2012 – The tension that has gripped Egypt in recent weeks over a draft constitution written by Islamists briefly erupted on a New York street on Saturday night.
Tamar partners sign $400m gas supply agreement with Dor Alon
Globes Energy & Water – The agreement is for the supply of 1.68 BCM of natural gas over fifteen years.
Fischer: The next gov’t will have a big budget problem
Globes Main News – Governor of the Bank of Israel Stanley Fischer: The government will have to cut spending by NIS 15 billion, and may have to raise taxes.
Pelephone workers strike
Globes Main News – Two weeks after the precedent-setting labor dispute announcement, Pelephone employees today launched the first strike in the mobile industry.
Google launches Tel Aviv start-up incubator
Globes Main News – Campus Tel Aviv will help entrepreneurs with a two-week boot camp.
Mon: Energy exploration cos fail to lift TASE
Globes Main News – Israel Chemicals had the biggest loss among Tel Aviv 25 shares on the day’s biggest turnover.
Kamada confirms mulling Wall Street offering
Globes Main News – The drug development company says no decision has been made on the terms of a possible offering.
Delta Galil buys US children’s brand
Globes Main News – Delta Galil is considering selling LittleMissMatched products in Israel.
BoI: Pillar of Cloud hardly affected economy
Globes Macro Economics – The members of the Monetary Committee nevertheless estimated that economic activity declined in November.
Shlomo Eliahu: Housing is Israel’s number one problem
Globes Macro Economics – The “Globes” Person of the Year for 2012 says, “The people should demand that every child raised here who serves in the army should have a home.”
Steinitz: Yachimovich is a danger to the economy
Globes Macro Economics – The finance minister blasted Labor leader Shelly Yachimovich’s economic program as a plan for economic destruction.
Meshal’s Triumphal Welcome in Gaza
Tikun Olam – Khaled Meshal speaks before hundreds of thousands of Gazans (Ahmed Jadallah / Reuters) A few days ago, Khaled Meshal made a triumphal, first-ever visit to Gaza to celebrate the 25th anniversary of Hamas’ founding and the movement’s “triumph” in Operation Pillar of Cloud. Hundreds of thousands of…
How many before?
Mondoweiss – How many homes demolished, How many trees uprooted, How many walls to steal the sun, block the sky, hide the moon, How many segregated buses, How many taunted children, How many mothers cradle their wombs against the barrel of a gun, How many grieving grandmothers, How…
The right of return and the limits of the anti-Apartheid framework
Mondoweiss – Students for Justice in Palestine (SJP) held their annual conference on November 2-4 in Ann Arbor at the University of Michigan. Students from campuses throughout the U.S. and Canada participated in a tremendous weekend of organizing workshops, organizational development, political education and cultural expression. Student activists…
Two reporters are too coy about the ‘Israeli-American establishment’ Clinton is truckling to
Mondoweiss – Last week New Yorker editor David Remnick said that Hillary was running for president, based on her appearance at an Israel lobby group, the Saban Forum, in Washington. So on Saturday National Public Radio interviewed Remnick about his observation (and put particular emphasis on this disturbing…
Exile and the Prophetic: Clinton’s dinner with Elie Wiesel
Mondoweiss – This post is part of Marc H. Ellis’s “Exile and the Prophetic” feature for Mondoweiss. To read the entire series visit the archive page. The post-election 2016 Presidential sweepstakes has begun. A feature on Hillary Clinton in the New York Times yesterday told us so. Is…
UN call on Israel to open its nuclear program is opposed by US
Mondoweiss – Last month, four days after Iran announced that it planned to attend a high-profile meeting on the banning of WMD’s in the Middle East, the US backed out, saying that the “ time is not opportune .” But along with Russia and the UK, the U.S….
Happy Hanukkah? Thanks, but not for me
Mondoweiss – Soliders in the Israeli military celebrate Hanukkah. (Photo: IDF Spokesperson Facebook page ) Every year since I left Israel, at about this time of year, well-meaning, polite people wish me Happy Hanukkah . But I don’t celebrate Hanukkah because it is a festival that offends my values and…
EU Draft Resolution Slams Israeli Settlements
The Foward Breaking News 10 Dec 2012 – A draft of a European Union resolution said the EU was “deeply dismayed” by Israeli plans for new construction in settlements but did not mention sanctions. Click here for the rest of the article…
Hamas Chief Ends Gaza Visit With Call for Palestinian Unity
The Foward Breaking News 10 Dec 2012 – Hamas leader Khaled Meshaal ended his first visit to the Gaza Strip on Monday with a pledge his Islamist movement would strive to heal political rifts with Palestinian rivals who hold sway in the occupied West Bank. Click here for the rest of the article…
Abbas Will Negotiate if Israel Freezes Settlements
The Foward Breaking News 10 Dec 2012 – Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas reportedly said he wanted to negotiate with Israel it if freezes construction for six months in the West Bank and Jerusalem. Click here for the rest of the article…
Europe Seeks Plan To Block Jewish Settlements
The Foward Breaking News 10 Dec 2012 – The European Union will look at ways on Monday to press Israel to ditch a plan to build settlements in a highly sensitive area of the occupied West Bank, but hold off on tough action soon despite international outrage over the decision. Click here for the…
Women Still Lag Behind
The Forward New 10 Dec 2012 – In our fourth annual survey of Jewish not-for-profit organizations, find out what the top 75 leaders earn, why women still lag behind, and why it pays to be a Republican. Click here for the rest of the article…
Sudan: Fresh Visit By Iranian Warships to Sudan
allAfrica.com 9 Dec 2012 – [Sudan Tribune]Khartoum -Two Iranian warships have arrived at the coastal city of Port Sudan on Saturday, according to a military statement out of Iran.
South Africa: SA Condemns Israeli Settlement Plan
allAfrica.com 7 Dec 2012 – [SA Info]South Africa has condemned the Israeli government’s decision to build 3 000 new settlement homes in the so-called E1 area of the occupied West Bank.
Tunisia: Meshaal to Visit Gaza for First Time in 45 Years
allAfrica.com 7 Dec 2012 – [Tunis Afrique Presse]Gaza Strip -Officials from the Hamas militant group’s political wing says its exiled leader, Khaled Meshaal, will set foot on Gaza Strip soil for the first time in 45 years on Friday.
Egypt braced for rival protests
BBC 10 Dec 2012 – Egypt’s capital Cairo steels itself for for rival rallies ahead of a referendum on a new constitution ordered by President Mohamed Morsi.
Syria rebels overrun Aleppo base
BBC 10 Dec 2012 – Rebel fighters are reported to have captured large parts of a military base in northern Syria, the latest in a string of losses by government forces.
Bank hit by $300m in Iran fines
BBC 10 Dec 2012 – Standard Chartered will pay more than $300m (£187m) to settle charges it violated US sanctions on Iran, Burma, Libya and Sudan.
Iran launches web video channel
BBC 10 Dec 2012 – Iran, which has blocked access to YouTube for several years, has now set up an official video-sharing platform
Stephen Lendman: Netanyahu Mocks Legitimate Governance
Sabbah report 10 Dec 2012 – Netanyahu calls terrorism. His notion of peace is none at all. His idea of truth is avoid it. His governing style is hardline. His type security is naked aggression. Palestine’s liberation has miles to go. It’s well worth struggling for. Stephen Lendman: Netanyahu Mocks Legitimate Governance…
Dr. Elias Akleh: American Nuclear Hypocrisy
Sabbah report 10 Dec 2012 – When it comes to criminal Israel, American nuclear hypocrisy go as far as criminalizing themselves by violating their own American laws to protect and support Israel financially, militarily, and politically. Dr. Elias Akleh: American Nuclear Hypocrisy was published by Sabbah Report . Get Daily Newsletter , follow on…
William A. Cook: From the City of Destruction to the Promised Land
Sabbah report 10 Dec 2012 – The path to the Promised lands is the path that avoids wanton destruction of the kind the United States and Israel have wrought in the mid-east, where cooperation, compassion and concern for all is the peace all deserve. William A. Cook: From the City of Destruction…
A Bleak Future for Yemen’s Female Leaders
Al-Akhbar Opinion 10 Dec 2012 – Women attend a weekly rally for pro-democracy protesters in Sanaa 30 November 2012. (Photo: Reuters – Khaled Abdullah) Women attend a weekly rally for pro-democracy protesters in Sanaa 30 November 2012. (Photo: Reuters – Khaled Abdullah) The participation of Yemeni women in the country’s uprising fascinated…
Israeli Netanyahu acknowledges world has double standards
Al-Akhbar News 10 Dec 2012 – Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is accusing the international community of double standards – double standards that usually work in the Jewish state’s favor. Netanyahu complained that the world condemns Israeli settlements in the West Bank but not Palestinians’ refusal to renew peace talks or militant…
Germany expels Syrian diplomats
Al-Akhbar News 10 Dec 2012 – Germany on Monday expelled four employees of the Syrian embassy in Berlin in a move to curb ties to the Syrian government as EU foreign ministers Monday met the head of the newly formed Syrian opposition coalition. “We are sending a clear message with the expulsion…
Tripoli, the City that Can Neither Sleep nor Wake Up
Al-Akhbar News 10 Dec 2012 – Lebanese army soldiers stand on their military vehicles after being deployed following days of clashes between in the city of Tripoli, northern Lebanon 10 December 2012. (Photo: Reuters – Omar Ibrahim) Lebanese army soldiers stand on their military vehicles after being deployed following days of clashes…
The Remains of Baalbeck’s Palmyra Hotel
Al-Akhbar News 10 Dec 2012 – With windows overlooking the ancient Roman temple ruins of Heliopolis, the hotel has entertained famed and favored visitors to Baalbeck for many an era. With windows overlooking the ancient Roman temple ruins of Heliopolis, the hotel has entertained famed and favored visitors to Baalbeck for many…
Where to Find Lebanon’s Worst Seafront Violations
Al-Akhbar News 10 Dec 2012 – In simpler terms, influential figures will seize parcels of public seafront property and hastily put up structures, like a fence, to bar entry (Photo: Al-Akhbar) In simpler terms, influential figures will seize parcels of public seafront property and hastily put up structures, like a fence, to…
No Relief from Lebanon Burn Unit Bureaucracy
Al-Akhbar News 10 Dec 2012 – An opening date for the Turkish Hospital is not merely contingent on the health minister agreeing on one of the two proposals. (Photo: Haytham alMoussawi) An opening date for the Turkish Hospital is not merely contingent on the health minister agreeing on one of the two…
European Footballers for Palestine
Al-Akhbar Series and Features 9 Dec 2012 – SS Lazio’s fans display a banner that reads, “Free Palestine” during the Europa League soccer match against Tottenham at the Olympic stadium in Rome 22 November 2012. (Photo: Reuters – Tony Gentile) SS Lazio’s fans display a banner that reads, “Free Palestine” during the Europa League…
The Tehran-Hamas Arms Highway
Al-Akhbar Politics 9 Dec 2012 – Hamas chief Khaled Meshaal (in front) prays with senior leaders of Hamas and Fatah in Gaza City on 9 December 2012. (Photo: Reuters – Ahmed Jadallah) Hamas chief Khaled Meshaal (in front) prays with senior leaders of Hamas and Fatah in Gaza City on 9 December…
Egypt braced for rival protests
BBC 10 Dec 2012 – Egypt’s capital Cairo steels itself for for rival rallies ahead of a referendum on a new constitution ordered by President Mohamed Morsi.
Syria rebels overrun Aleppo base
BBC 10 Dec 2012 – Rebel fighters are reported to have captured large parts of a military base in northern Syria, the latest in a string of losses by government forces.
Court convicts Bahrain activist
BBC 10 Dec 2012 – A Bahraini court sentences pro-democracy activist Zainab al-Khawaja to one month in jail for entering the site of the former Pearl Roundabout.
Drone ‘killed al-Qaeda commander’
BBC 10 Dec 2012 – A Kuwaiti militant who was one of al-Qaeda’s top commanders, Khaled bin Abdul Rahman, was killed in a drone strike in Pakistan last week, sources say.
Bank hit by $300m in Iran fines
BBC 10 Dec 2012 – Standard Chartered will pay more than $300m (£187m) to settle charges it violated US sanctions on Iran, Burma, Libya and Sudan.
Iran launches web video channel
BBC 10 Dec 2012 – Iran, which has blocked access to YouTube for several years, has now set up an official video-sharing platform
Articles
Fact Sheet: 25th anniversary of the First Intifada
The Institute for Middle East Understanding, +972 Magazine 12/10/2012
Twenty-five years ago this past weekend, a large-scale popular uprising by Palestinians began against Israel’s then 20-year-old military occupation of the West Bank, East Jerusalem, and Gaza. Sparked by an incident in which four Palestinians were hit and killed by an Israeli driving in Gaza on December 8, 1987, Palestinian frustration at living under repressive Israeli military rule and Israel’s growing colonial settlement enterprise erupted, grabbing international headlines and drawing attention to the plight of Palestinians living in the occupied territories. On this 25th anniversary, the IMEU offers the following fact sheet on the First Intifada.
Facts and figures
During the First Intifada, Palestinians employ tactics such as unarmed demonstrations, including rock throwing against soldiers, commercial strikes, a refusal to pay taxes to Israeli authorities, and other acts of civil disobedience and nonviolent resistance. They are coordinated largely by grassroots ad hoc committees of Palestinians in the occupied territories rather than the PLO leadership abroad.
In response, Israeli soldiers use brutal force to repress the mostly unarmed popular rebellion. Then Defense Minister Yitzhak Rabin implements the infamous “broken bones” policy, ordering security forces to break the limbs [WARNING: Graphic video] of rock-throwing Palestinians and other demonstrators.
More than 1000 Palestinians are killed by Israeli forces during the First Intifada, including 237 children under the age of 17. Many tens of thousands more are injured.
According to an estimate by the Swedish branch of Save the Children, as many as 29,900 children require medical treatment for injuries caused by beatings from Israeli soldiers during the first two years of the Intifada alone…. more.. e-mail
Shattered Lives in Gaza
Eva Lewis and James Marc Leas, CounterPunch 12/10/2012
How the IDF Targeted Civilians
The father of the family, Jamal Mahmoud Yassin al-Dalu, was praying when the missile struck. It was the afternoon of November 18th, the fifth day of the Israeli attack against Gaza misnamed “Operation Pillar of Defense”.
Jamal’s wife, Tahani Hassan al-Dalu, 52 was at home preparing lunch. His grandchildren, ages 1, 4, 6, and 7 were playing with their toys, waiting to eat. Also in the house were Jamal’s 73 year old sister, his two daughters, 16 and 25, his son, 29 and his son’s wife, 25. All 10 were killed at once. Three generations of a family wiped out in a single event: five children, 4 women and the father of four of the children.
Two neighbors in an adjoining building, 75 year old Ameena Matar al-Mauzannar and 19 year old Abdullah Mohammed al-Muzannar, were also killed, crushed by collapsing walls.
Two weeks later, there was a vigil with neighbors, friends and family of the 12 victims of the attack. Children stood with candles on the ruins of the home remembering their loved ones who were killed.
Jamal did not speak much at the vigil. Silently he gestured to show how the missile had dropped. Then he waved his hands to indicate erasure. Nothing. Gone. He turned his back on the ruins of the house where so much of his family had been lost and crossed his arms, staring up at the sky.
His son Ahmed was there with him. Ahmed had flown in from Turkey, where he lives, as soon as the attack was over. With indescribable anger and pain he lamented, “My mother, gone. My sisters, gone. My brother, gone. My aunt, gone. My sister-in-law, gone. My nieces, nephews, all gone. Why did they do this? For what?” more.. e-mail
Human rights: ’Just enough’ not good enough
Navi Pillay, Ma’an News Agency 12/10/2012
Millions of people have gone on to the streets over the past few years, in countries all across the world, emboldened by what is happening elsewhere, some demanding civil and political rights, others demanding economic, social and cultural rights.
This groundswell is not simply a question of people demanding freedom of expression and freedom to say what they think and make clear what they want.
They are asking for much more than that. They are asking for an end to a situation where governments simply decide what is best for their populations without even consulting them. They are asking for their right to participate fully in the important decisions and policies affecting their daily lives, at the international, national and the local levels. Many people in many countries have been making it clear they are fed up with their leaders treating them with disdain and ignoring their needs, ambitions, fears and desires.
They have been, in effect, asking for what has been, for more than 60 years, under international law, rightfully theirs. They have been asking for the human rights laid down in the Universal Declaration of Human Rights – which is commemorated every year on Dec. 10 – and subsequently fleshed out in other binding international treaties.
Every citizen shall have the right and the opportunity to take part in the conduct of public affairs, directly or through freely chosen representatives. Every person shall have the right to vote and be elected, and to have access to public service, as well as to free expression, assembly and association. These are among the rights enshrined in the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights, to which 167 States are party. And they have been restated in many similar ways in other laws and documents.more.. e-mail
On human rights day don’t point fingers – join hands
Stavros Lambrinidis, Ma’an News Agency 12/10/2012
The annual celebration of human rights on 10 December falls on the same day that the EU will receive the Nobel Peace Prize. The coincidence is serendipitous. The EU is being honored for promoting democracy, human rights, and reconciliation, and for spreading peace and stability across the continent.
This is a great recognition of our past achievements. Yet it also focuses the spotlight on all of us — EU Institutions, Member States, and 500 million citizens — to work together and redouble our efforts to promote and protect human rights not just within our borders, but worldwide.
Indeed, this past July, the EU adopted a Human Rights Strategy and appointed the first EU Special Representative for human rights. Human rights are the silver thread that runs through the EU‘s external action: from trade to the environment, aid to security. It is recognition of the fact that in almost every human suffering and conflict in the world today, respect for human rights is a vital part of the solution.
But we can only advance human rights effectively, if we work together and share the responsibility of promoting and protecting them. Advancing rights demands that the EU forge broad alliances — with other governments, with international organizations, with the private sector, and, above all with civil society.
Today the EU works closely with partners around the globe, such as the UN, the OSCE, the Council of Europe and the African Union. We also aspire to a full partnership with hundreds of NGOs from all over the world to seek their advice and amplify the human rights message. more.. e-mail
Funding the Unified Front: The Syrian Rebels
Dissident Voice: 10 Dec 2012 – An old story — a vicious local conflict, fought within by those who are systematically unravelling a state; and the external backers who feel they have a stake in the outcome. The greatest pretense of civil wars and conflicts is that they are not “civil” in any sense of the term. They are particularly vicious, for one, marked by the familiarity that breeds contempt; in another sense, supporters can be also found from without. They are the pretenders who aspire to the role of puppeteers. The misplaced wisdom here is this: Manipulate the marionettes in revolt, and they will do your bidding. In the case of the Syrian conflict, the main ersatz puppeteers are Qatar and Saudi Arabia. These governments have made little secret of their objective: the overthrow of the Assad regime. More perplexing is the chaotic force they are backing. To wit, a directive has been issued by…more
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The New Dark Age 
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