8 February 2013 — VTJP
News
International Middle East Media Center
Egyptian Army Stops Five Weapons Shipments Heading To Gaza
IMEMC – Israeli Yedioth Aharonoth reported Friday that the Egyptian army has intensified its activities in Sinai, over the past few weeks, and thwarted five attempts to smuggle weapons to the Gaza Strip. …
Gaza welcomes home former hunger striker Akram Rikhawi
IMEMC – Akram Rikhawi finally tasted freedom today after Israel released him from nearly a decade of imprisonment. …
Palestinian Prisoner Dies At A Prison In Gaza
IMEMC – A Palestinian prisoner held at the detention center run by the Palestinian Police in the Gaza Strip died, on Friday morning after he was moved to the Intensive care unit at the Al-Shifa hospital in Gaza city. …
Netanyahu’s Office: “No Change On Settlements Policy”
IMEMC – The office of Israeli Prime Minister, Benjamin Netanyahu, stated Thursday that the new Israeli government, headed by Netanyahu, does not intend to change its policies regarding the construction and expansion of Jewish settlements. …
Syria Files Complaint Against Israel For Bombing Syrian Territory
IMEMC – Syrian Ambassador to the United Nations filed, on Thursday evening, an official complaint against Israel for bombarding a site in the country, and for violating Syrian airspace. …
Army Invades Ya’bod Near Jenin
IMEMC – Israeli soldiers invaded, on Thursday afternoon, the schools area in the village of Ya’bod, south of the northern West Bank city of Jenin, clashed with dozens of school students, and fired round of live ammunition, gas bombs and rubber-coated metal bullets. Injuries were reported. …
Soldiers Remove Solidarity Tent In Jerusalem
IMEMC – A large Israeli military force invaded, on Thursday evening, the Al-Esawiyya town, in occupied East Jerusalem, and used force to remove a solidarity tent installed in solidarity with hunger striking detainee, Samer Al-Eesawy, and other striking detainees, and removed posters of El-Eesawy. …
Fateh And Hamas To Meet In Cairo
IMEMC – Member of the Political Bureau of the Hamas movement, Izzat Al-Rishiq, stated Thursday that representatives of his movement and the Fateh movement of President Mahmoud Abbas, will be holding a meeting in Cairo this Sunday to discuss the formation of a unity government. …
Group: PA losing millions of dollars due to border inefficiency
2/8/2013 – RAMALLAH (Ma’an) — The Palestinian Authority is missing out on millions of dollars in border fees each year as it failed to demand Israel stick to revenue-sharing agreements and has not put in place the proper financial controls, according to a transparency watchdog. Between January 2008 and January 2012 the government lost 160 million….
Israeli forces detain Hebron teen
2/8/2013 – HEBRON (Ma’an) — Israeli forces detained a 17-year-old Palestinian in Hebron’s Old City on Thursday evening, a local activist said. Muneir Zahdeh was stopped by troops at the entrance to Shuhada Street, with two other Palestinian youths, Youth Against Settlements coordinator Badee Dweik said. The other youths were released, but Zahdeh….
Ministry: Man jailed in Gaza dies of meningitis
2/8/2013 – GAZA CITY (Ma’an) — A man jailed by the Hamas government in Gaza died of meningitis on Friday morning, the interior ministry said. Mahrous Fathi Nassar, 37, who was in police custody, was taken to the intensive car unity of al-Shifa hospital in Gaza City, where he died, ministry spokesman Ibrahim Salah said. Rights….
Jerusalem soccer club torched after protests against Muslim players
2/8/2013 – JERUSALEM (Reuters) – A suspected arson attack damaged the main club house of Israeli Premier League side Beitar Jerusalem on Friday, a day after four fans were charged in court in connection with racist incitement against the team’s recruitment of Muslim players, police said. Police spokesman Micky Rosenfeld said the fire, which caused no….
President to pardon Facebook joker
2/8/2013 – BETHLEHEM (Ma’an) — President Mahmoud Abbas will pardon a 26-year-old man sentenced to a year in jail for insulting the president on Facebook, Abbas’ legal adviser said Thursday.” When the case falls within the president’s jurisdiction, he will pardon the young man,” Hassan al-Ouri told Ma’an. Al-Ouri clarified….
Gaza: 2 injured during military training
2/8/2013 – GAZA CITY (Ma’an) –Two Palestinian militants sustained serious injuries Friday evening when an explosive device mistakenly exploded during training near Khan Younis in the southern Gaza Strip. Spokesman of the Gaza ministry of health Ashraf al-Qidra told Ma’an that two men in their 20s were evacuated to Nasser Hopsital in Khan….
Analysis: Bulldozers and more talks preserve the status quo
2/8/2013 – By Ramzy Baroud – Despite much saber-rattling by Israel and the US administration and hyped-up expectations by the Palestinian leadership, the recognition of Palestine as a non-member observer state late last year is on its way to becoming yet another footnote in protracted conflict that has endured for 65 years. Only hours after the announcement, Israel….
Iran denies involvement in Bulgaria bomb attack
2/8/2013 – SOFIA (Reuters) — Iran played no part in the bombing of a bus last year that killed Israeli tourists, its ambassador to Bulgaria said on Friday, rejecting Israeli charges that it was involved in the attack. Bulgaria has accused the Iranian-backed Hezbollah of carrying out the July attack, a charge the Lebanese group dismissed as part….
Russia to try and move forward Middle East peace talks
2/8/2013 – BETHLEHEM (Ma’an) – Russia will try to break through the stalledpeace negotiations between Israel and the Palestinians, the Russian foreign ministry said Friday. A cabinet meeting on Feb. 20 will be dedicated to discuss possible means break through the stalemate and resume negotiations, ministry spokesman Alexander Lukashevic said in a statement. The Arab League….
Abbas meets Jihad leader over national reconciliation
2/8/2013 – CAIRO (Ma’an) — President Mahmoud Abbas met the leader of Islamic Jihad on Thursday evening, as part of talks on national reconciliation taking place this week in Cairo. Abbas, the head of Fatah, sat down with general-secretary of Islamic Jihad, Ramadan Shalah and his deputy, Ziad al-Nkhaleh and discussed implementation of the stalled unity….
Jihad delegation heads to Cairo for reconciliation meeting
2/8/2013 – GAZA CITY (Ma’an) — Islamic Jihad officials in the Gaza Strip headed to Cairo on Friday to attend a PLO reform summit as part of a series of reconciliation meetings in the Egyptian capital. On Friday morning, an Islamic Jihad delegation headed through Rafah crossing to Cairo in order to discuss national reconciliation. Jihad….
Haniyeh to help ex-detainee with cancer
2/8/2013 – GAZA CITY (Ma’an) — Gaza Prime Minister Ismail Haniyeh on Friday offered assistance to a former prisoner of Israel who suffers from cancer, his office said. Haniyeh phoned Rania al-Saka and promised to help her get medical treatment in response to an appeal by the ex-detainee who lives in the West Bank, the Hamas….
Gaza could help West Bank financially, says deputy premier
2/8/2013 – BETHLEHEM (Ma’an) — The “partially self-sufficient” Gaza Strip is ready to rescue the West Bank economy which is facing a severe financial crisis, the deputy premier in Gaza said Friday. Speaking to Ma’an, Ziad al-Thatha highlighted that the Hamas government adopted a strong economic vision which helped reach self-sufficiency in many sectors….
Hamas official lays down conditions for unity govt
2/8/2013 – BETHLEHEM (Ma’an) — Hamas official Ismail Ashqar said Friday that consultations for establishing a national consensus government will be initially confined to Fatah and Hamas, and then presented to the rest of the factions. Fatah and Hamas are set to meet Sunday in Cairo in order to discuss formation of the new government. Ashqar….
Group: Palestinians killed in Syria
2/8/2013 – BETHLEHEM (Ma’an) — Two Palestinians died Friday after being shot by snipers in a Syrian refugee camp, and medics discovered the body of a young girl killed by shelling, activists said. A Palestinian monitoring group in Syria said the two young men from al-Hassineh refugee camp were found dead Friday. The camp has been….
Bethlehem girl dies in swing accident
2/8/2013 – BETHLEHEM (Ma’an) – An 11-year-old girl from the Bethlehem area in the southern West Bank died Friday while she was playing on a swing in her backyard, locals said. The girl died after becoming entangled in a rope holding up the swing, they said. She was taken to hospital in Bethlehem and pronounced….
Egyptian protesters clash with police after days of calm
2/8/2013 – CAIRO (Reuters) — Thousands of Egyptians marched and chanted against Islamist President Mohamed Mursi in cities across the country on Friday, burning tires and throwing petrol bombs in some areas. Fierce protests erupted late last month over what demonstrators saw as Mursi’s attempts to monopolize power as well as wider political and economic grievances….
Egypt PM in hot water over ‘unclean breasts’ remarks
2/8/2013 – CAIRO (Reuters) — Egypt‘s prime minister faces accusations of being out of touch with the country’s crisis after televised comments blaming rural infant sickness on mothers not washing their breasts. Hisham Kandil, a former irrigation minister widely seen as a stolid technocrat, was speaking at a meeting with journalists broadcast on state….
Palestinian Man Sentenced to One Year in Prison for “Insulting” Abbas on Facebook
Palestine News Network
March in Araba in Solidarity with Striking Prisoners
Palestine News Network
Netanyahu’s Office Denies He is Considering Settlement Freeze
Palestine News Network
IOF Arrests Palestinian from Hebron’s Village
Palestine News Network
Israeli Forces Demolish Home in Bethlehem
Palestine News Network
Final Statement of OIC Calls for Financial Support for Palestine
Palestine News Network
Israeli Settlers Assault Drivers in Jerusalem
Palestine News Network
EU Leaders to Discuss Hezbollah at Summit Meeting
Palestine News Network
Students For Justice in Palestine and Owls For Israel Raise Awareness For Children
Palestine News Network
Syrian Ambassador to the UN Files Complaint Against Israel’s Bombing of Syrian Territory
Palestine News Network
Brooklyn College Hosts BDS Event, Counter Protest
Palestine News Network
Analysis: Getting the PA Back to the Table
Palestine News Network
Watch: Young Palestinians Go ‘Gaza Style’
Palestine News Network
Israeli Forces Attack Prisoners in Nafha Prison
Palestine News Network
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Palestine News Network
Clashes Erupt in Jenin, Several Cases of Suffocation
Palestine News Network
Palestinian Center for Human Rights
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Palestinian Center for Human Rights
International Solidarity Movement
17 year old youth arrested in Tel Rumeida, Hebron
2/8/2013 – International Solidarity Movement – By Team Khalil, 7 January 2013, International Solidarity Movement, Hebron, Occupied Palestine – A 17 year old youth was arrested and 2 others, including a 13 year old boy, were detained at checkpoint 56 in Tel Rumeida, Hebron. At around 8 pm on 7th February Israeli occupation forces soldiers detained three men, accusing them of throwing….
Day of action in Zeitoun, Gaza City and Madama, Nablus – A call from Palestinian farmers and fishermen
2/8/2013 – International Solidarity Movement – 8 February 2013, BDS Movement – Gaza City Action: Meet 11 am in Zeitoun Neighbourhood, next to the Car Market “Souq Sayarat” and Al Handasya Company. The march will then begin from Malaka Cross towards the farmland near the Israeli frontier. West Bank Action: Meet 10 am in Madama village, next to the mosque the farmers…. Related: BDS Movement
Lebanon: European Union grants scholarships for Palestinian students in Lebanon
Relief Web 8 Feb 2013 – Source: UN Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East Country: Lebanon, occupied Palestinian territory 05 February Beirut, Lebanon The United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA) and the European…
Syrian Arab Republic: UNRWA once again draws attention to the extreme suffering the Syria conflict is inflicting on civilians, including Palestine refugees
Relief Web 8 Feb 2013 – Source: UN Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East Country: occupied Palestinian territory, Syrian Arab Republic 8 February 2013 Jerusalem Over recent weeks, a particularly grave humanitarian crisis has emerged in the Rif Damascus Governorate, where…
occupied Palestinian territory: UNRWA’s new person-centred health service “excellent”, say patients
Relief Web 8 Feb 2013 – Source: UN Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East Country: Jordan, Lebanon, occupied Palestinian territory “This new system is excellent. The time that nurses and doctors devote to me and my family is much more than…
occupied Palestinian territory: The Palestinian Industrial Estate and Free Zone Authority and the United Nations Development Programme sign an Exchange of Letters funded by the Government of Japan
Relief Web 7 Feb 2013 – Source: UN Development Programme Country: Japan, occupied Palestinian territory Ramallah – 07 February 2013 – The Palestinian Industrial Estate and Free Zone Authority (PIEFZA) and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), in the presence of the Representative Office of Japan…
Tunisians rally at assassinated leader’s funeral
The National 8 Feb 2013 – Prime minister Hamadi Jebali reiterated his intention to form a non-partisan technocratic cabinet following the killing of Chokri Belaid, despite objections from his own Islamist party.
Syrian troops push back in see-saw fight for city
The National 8 Feb 2013 – The ebb and flow of the conflict in and around Damascus, with rebels and government forces battling along porous front lines that are often in a state of uneasy calm, makes charting the struggle for the city difficult.
Drone strike kills nine in Pakistan a day after Brennan hearing
The National 8 Feb 2013 – In his defence of the US‘s use of drones, John Brennan, the man who is set to be the next CIA director, said that critics of drones “have a misunderstanding of what we do in government, the care taken, the agony we go through”.
The day that every dog has his day
The National 8 Feb 2013 – Participants and spectators alike came in their droves for the Dubai Pet Show, which celebrates its 25th year anniversary
1,000 athletes try their hand at Tri Yas
The National 8 Feb 2013 – The Tri Yas triathlon at Yas Marina Circuit was a happy affair for all, despite some tumbles and traffic delays.
Emirati mother-of-3 killed in UAE car crash
The National 8 Feb 2013 – The Ministry of Interior has urged families to use child car seats at all times after a fatal car crash near Saih Sheib.
Criticism of UAE’s rights record a ‘mistake’, says EU official
The National 8 Feb 2013 – An EU official has spoken out against a resolution adopted by the European Parliament last year that criticised the UAE’s human-rights record
School bus ‘safest mode of transport’ in Dubai
The National 8 Feb 2013 – More than 200,000 students across the country use Emirates Transport’s buses to get to school every day, but officials hope the numbers will increase.
Breaking Israel’s ultra-Orthodox taboo on discussing sexual abuse
Ha’aretz – 8 Feb 2013
Cyprus upgrades Palestinian diplomatic mission to embassy status
Ha’aretz – 8 Feb 2013
Iran denies involvement in Burgas bus bombing that killed five Israelis
Ha’aretz – 8 Feb 2013
Beitar Jerusalem’s offices torched, arson suspected
Ha’aretz – 8 Feb 2013
Argentine president defends accord with Iran over 1994 bombing
Ha’aretz – 8 Feb 2013
Far-right Likud MK declares he is no longer a homophobe
Ha’aretz – 7 Feb 2013
Tel Aviv Hepatitis A outbreak may stem from open-air markets
Ha’aretz – 7 Feb 2013
Three Israelis indicted for importing prostitutes from Ukraine
Ha’aretz – 7 Feb 2013
Military Police launches own probe into Harpaz affair
Ha’aretz – 7 Feb 2013
Israel indicts four Beitar Jerusalem soccer fans for racism
Ha’aretz – 7 Feb 2013
Hamas: We’ll send aid money to PA if necessary
Jerusalem Post 8 Feb 2013 – Hamas official says Gaza has achieved self-sufficient economy, would send emergency aid to PA “if West Bank policies changed.”
Egyptians clash with police after days of calm
Jerusalem Post 8 Feb 2013 – Thousands march against Islamist President Morsi; activists burn tires, hurl Molotov cocktails, police respond with tear gas.
Cyprus inaugurates ‘Embassy of the State of Palestine’
Jerusalem Post 8 Feb 2013 – During visit of PA Foreign Minister Riad Malki, Cyprus upgrades status of Palestinian diplomatic representation in Nicosia; PA hails “historic decision,” urges other EU members to follow suit.
French Jews come out for and against gay marriage
Jerusalem Post 8 Feb 2013 – Local Jewish community vocal on both sides of France’s ongoing debate on the potential legality of gay marriage.
Vandals desecrate Jewish graves in Tunisia
Jerusalem Post 8 Feb 2013 – For second time in month, unidentified individuals smash and overturn ten gravestones in Kef in Western Tunisia.
UK: Lib Dems summon MP over Jews, Israel remark
Jerusalem Post 8 Feb 2013 – Liberal Democrats say “further decisions” to be taken on Ward’s comments about “Israeli atrocities” during Holocaust book signing.
UN: Syrian exodus worsening, 5,000 flee each day
Jerusalem Post 8 Feb 2013 – Assad’s forces try to beat back rebels edging into Damascus; UNHCR says some 5,000 refugees escaping Syria everyday.
Iran denies involvement in Bulgaria bus bombing
Jerusalem Post 8 Feb 2013 – After Hezbollah’s denial of involvement in Burgas attack, Tehran says it is “against any form of terrorism.”
Iran: New US sanctions aimed at creating tension
Jerusalem Post 8 Feb 2013 – Iranian Foreign Ministry accuses US of trying to create gap between government, nation before presidential elections.
Flights cancelled as US faces ‘historic’ blizzard
Jerusalem Post 8 Feb 2013 – Blizzard warning issued to New Yorkers; winter storm causes cancellation of at 2,000 US flights; Boston expects 2 feet of snow.
PM slams ‘disgraceful’ arson attack on Betar HQ
Jerusalem Post 8 Feb 2013 – Incident seemingly connected to soccer club’s battle against violence, racism after fans protest signing of 2 Muslim players.
Vandals set fire to Betar Jerusalem’s offices
Jerusalem Post 8 Feb 2013 – Incident seemingly connected to soccer club’s battle against violence, racism after fans protest signing of 2 Muslim players.
Analysis: Getting the PA back to the table
Jerusalem Post 8 Feb 2013 – With Obama set to visit, the Israeli PM could be readying a curtailment of settlement construction of his own initiative.
Argentine leader defends Iran accord over bombing
Jerusalem Post 7 Feb 2013 – Fernandez calls pact with Iran to set up probe 1994 Buenos Aires bombing of Jewish center a “path to break the deadlock.”
Haredim join Zionist groups for Yad Vashem event
Jerusalem Post 7 Feb 2013 – Event marks the first time that the hasidic movement, 1 of the largest in Israel, sends representatives.
Hepatitis A outbreak reported TA, Bat Yam
Jerusalem Post 7 Feb 2013 – 69 reported cases of hepatitus A – almost 20 percent of them diagnosed in young drug-addicted and homeless men.
Brooklyn College hosts BDS event, counter protest
Jerusalem Post 7 Feb 2013 – Event goes ahead as planned despite uproar after college’s political science department sponsors anti-Israel conference.
Rabbis rule on shape of borekas
Jerusalem Post 7 Feb 2013 – Triangular pastries must be dairy, kashrut division demands.
Bright Tag to protest racism at Betar matches
Jerusalem Post 7 Feb 2013 – Director Gadi Gvaryahu: It’s an infectious disease; If you don’t stop it… it will enter your home.
Iranians support nuclear program despite sanctions
Jerusalem Post 7 Feb 2013 – Gallup survey calls into question effectiveness of sanctions regime as US urges renewed talks with Iran over its nuclear program.
INPA: Eilat rail route must respect nature
Jerusalem Post 7 Feb 2013 – Railway will be destructive to nature and landscapes that have thrived since the biblical era, says Parks Authority.
SPNI calls to save country’s rare salt marshes
Jerusalem Post 7 Feb 2013 – Society for the Protection of Nature in Israel calls protection of the country’s dwindling salt marshes.
Into the Fray: Egypt: A doomed nation?
Jerusalem Post 7 Feb 2013 – Tens of millions of Egyptians might consider the epithet “Gift of the Nile” singularly misplaced.
My Word: Obama’s trip
Jerusalem Post 7 Feb 2013 – Trying to force a peace solution on Israel and the Palestinians won’t solve the troubles of the world.
iENGAGE: The anxieties of American Jews
Jerusalem Post 7 Feb 2013 – A starting point of a healthy American Jewish conversation on Israel would be acknowledging the agony of our dilemma.
The Brooklyn College BDS debate and me: the critics’ real agenda | Alan Dershowitz
The Guardian 8 Feb 2013 – The reason I attract such vicious attacks for speaking up for Israel is to scare and silence other, more vulnerable advocates Whenever I speak in support of Israel or in criticism of its enemies, the dogs…
Beitar Jersusalem targeted by arsonists after fans charged with anti-Muslim chanting – video
The Guardian 8 Feb 2013 – Police pick through the charred remains of Beitar Jerusalem’s administrative offices after they were deliberately set on fire
Beitar club house torched in suspected protest over Muslim signings
The Guardian 8 Feb 2013 – • Beitar Jerusalem signed two Chechen Muslims in January • Four fans were recently charged with racist incitement A suspected arson attack damaged the main club house of the Israeli Premier League side Beitar Jerusalem on…
Occupation Bulldozers Demolish Ancient Islamic Facades in Jerusalem
Uruknet
11 Palestinians killed in Syria including 4 women
Uruknet
Hundreds of Afghan children killed in US attacks
Uruknet
The Anti-Empire Report #113 American Foreign Policy – Have our war lovers learned anything?
Uruknet
Hungry for Justice: Why Palestinian Hunger Strikers Matter
Uruknet
Palestinian Saga: The Battle for Freedom & Justice
Uruknet
Analyzing the Contradictions of Lawrence Wilkerson
Uruknet
Settlements Are Illegal, Settlers Must Leave
Uruknet
30,000 Iraqis languish in prison, more than half of them without trial
Uruknet
‘I like to write Beirut as it’s the city that gave us everything’
Daily Star 8 Feb 2013 Deciding that Lebanese people rarely pay attention to the lyrics of hip-hop songs, Yazan Halwani decided to use another medium to spread the message.
Cedars recover from slow start to beat Jordan
Daily Star 8 Feb 2013 Defending champions Lebanon rallied in the last quarter to beat rivals Jordan 98-89 in day two of the 13th WABA Championship in Tehran Friday.
Mali Islamists flee to Sudan’s Darfur region
YNet News, 8 Feb 2013 – ….
Britain condemns ‘criminal’ horsemeat scandal
YNet News, 8 Feb 2013 – ….
Kerry says Iran must be serious at nuclear talks
YNet News, 8 Feb 2013 – ….
Senegal tribunal to try ex-Chad dictator begins
YNet News, 8 Feb 2013 – ….
Lebanese Army: Israeli aircraft continue flyovers
YNet News, 8 Feb 2013 – ….
Twilight zone of peace
YNet News, 8 Feb 2013 – Op-ed: Realization of ‘two states for two peoples’ vision unlikely as long as Abbas is in power ….
Palestinian Information Center
Harsh sentences against Jerusalem youth who stand to settlers
PIC – The so-called Israeli District Court in Jerusalem issued harsh sentences against a number of young children who confronted settlers aggressions.
15 Israeli violations against Gaza’s fishermen in January
PIC – The Palestinian fishermen have been subjected during January to 15 Israeli violations in Gaza sea, the Palestinian Center for Human Rights revealed in a report published on Friday.
Al-Risheq: The next government will be a government of national technocrats
PIC – Member of the Political Bureau of Hamas, Izzat al-Risheq, stated that the Palestinian government to be formed will be a government of national technocrats.
Palestinian factions’ leaders meet in Cairo
PIC – Leaders of Palestinian factions held an expanded meeting, on Friday in the Egyptian capital Cairo, in order to discuss the activation of the PLO and the implementation of the reconciliation.
Clashes break out in Issawiya
PIC – Israeli occupation forces demolished a protest tent set up in solidarity with hunger striking captives in Israeli jails, in the village of Isawiya north of Jerusalem on Thursday evening.
Video depicting Israeli troops’ violations against Urif village
PIC – Israeli human rights organization Yesh Din published a videotape documenting Israeli soldiers violations against Palestinian citizens in the village of Urif, adjacent to Nablus (northern West Bank).
Occupation continues to falsify al-Aqsa’s history
PIC – Jewish groups have smuggled a model of the alleged temple into the courtyards of al-Aqsa Mosque on Thursday morning and displayed outside the Dome of the Rock.
Al-Rikhawi is free after 104 days on hunger strike
PIC – Israeli occupation authorities released on Thursday evening, prisoner Akram al-Rikhawi from Rafah town in the southern Gaza Strip, after 104 days on hunger strike.
Media forum condemns extension of detention of journalist Abu Arafa
PIC – GAZA, (PIC)– The Palestinian media forum condemned the extension of administrative detention of journalist Amer Abu Arfa, for the fourth time respectively, by the Israeli occupation authorities.
Palestinian prisoners: We want an end to the administrative detention
PIC – Palestinian administrative prisoners in Israeli jails confirmed that their last hunger strike was launched in protest at the policy of administrative detention pursued by the occupation authorities.
Syria exodus grows as fighting rages in Damascus
LA Times 8 Feb 2013 – The United Nations says about 5,000 people a day are now fleeing Syria, a 25% increase from the previous month. A spokesman calls it ‘a full-on’ refugee crisis. BEIRUT — Intense fighting between Syrian government forces and opposition fighters continued Friday around Damascus, the capital,…
Tunisia unrest persists as funeral is held for slain politician
LA Times 8 Feb 2013 – Mourners chant antigovernment slogans at the funeral procession in Tunis for slain opposition leader Chokri Belaid. Meanwhile, a general strike shuts businesses and protesters clash with police. TUNIS, Tunisia — The slain Tunisian opposition leader’s coffin was driven through rain-swept streets lined with soldiers and…
Iran urges young couples to have more babies
LA Times 7 Feb 2013 – The birthrate is down amid economic instability caused by sanctions, leaving leaders worried the welfare system will be burdened and productivity diminished. TEHRAN — Thirty-eight-year-old Reza Ali Mohammadi, a typist, and his wife, who stays at home, recently had their second son and wouldn’t mind…
Tunisia ruling party rejects prime minister’s call for new Cabinet
LA Times 7 Feb 2013 – The Nahda party rejects Premier Hamadi Jebali’s proposal after the killing of opposition figure Chokri Belaid spurred protests. A labor union calls for a general strike. TUNIS, Tunisia — Tunisia’s Islamist-led government Thursday rejected a proposal by its prime minister to form a new Cabinet…
Yemen Asks U.N. to Investigate Seized Arms Cargo
New York Times 8 Feb 2013 – The country has asked the United Nations Security Council to investigate a vessel the Yemeni authorities said was carrying Iranian-made missiles, rockets and other weapons.
Weapons Seizure in Yemen Raises Worries of Iran’s Influence
New York Times 8 Feb 2013 – These missiles, never before seen in the hands of militants, would threaten military and commercial aviation and mark an escalation in illegal arms trafficking in the Arabian Peninsula.
The Saturday Profile: Rabbi Dov Lipman Seeks to Bridge Israeli Divisions
New York Times 8 Feb 2013 – Dov Lipman is both an ultra-Orthodox rabbi and a newly elected member of Parliament who is hoping to help bridge the divisions between the secular and ultra-Orthodox in Israel.
Amid Uncertainty, Tunisians Bury Slain Opposition Leader
New York Times 8 Feb 2013 – The killing of Chokri Belaid, a harsh critic of the ruling Islamist-led party, has led to fears that polarization and growing political violence will imperil Tunisia’s transition.
U.N. Says 5,000 People a Day Are Now Fleeing War in Syria
New York Times 8 Feb 2013 – The surge brought the total number of registered refugees this week to 787,000, officials said, with many living in dire conditions without adequate humanitarian support.
The Lede: Social Media Images From Tunisia, as an Opposition Leader Is Buried
New York Times 8 Feb 2013 – Activists, bloggers and journalists in Tunisia posted a stream of images on social networks Friday, showing thousands of mourners packed into the largest cemetery in the capital, Tunis, for the funeral of Chokri Belaid.
Fire Destroys Offices of Israeli Soccer Team That Recruited Muslims
New York Times 8 Feb 2013 – The police suspect arson in the blaze at the offices of Beitar Jerusalem, and Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu condemned protests by soccer fans over the addition of the Muslim players.
Azerbaijan Is Rich. Now It Wants to Be Famous.
New York Times 8 Feb 2013 – Oil-rich, velvet-rope-poor Azerbaijan, a country about the size of South Carolina on the Caspian Sea, would very much like to be the world’s next party capital.
The Strange Case of Likud Superstar, Education Minister, Inveterate Womanizer, Gideon Saar
Tikun Olam – Current Israeli education minister, Gideon Saar, is a strange case in Israeli politics. He’s young, attractive, and popular with the Likud rank and file. As a reward for tallying the second highest vote totals in the Party primaries he was appointed election campaign chair. His performance…
Holy Moley Batman—Palestinian textbooks don’t demonize Jews!
Muzzlewatch – If you are quiet and can hear a loud cracking noise in the distance, that’s the sound of the Hasbaraniks losing one of their favorite stock charges against the “big, scary, bad” Palestinians. To quote Hillary Clinton when she was held captive to local interests and…
‘Tablet’ gets it wrong: Student Israel activists passed out anti-BDS flyers during Brooklyn College event (updated)
Mondoweiss – A screenshot of the inaccurate Tablet magazine article on student Israel activists getting “ousted” from the event. Tablet magazine published a story today that claims that “four students affiliated with Hillel were ousted” from last night’s Brooklyn College talk on the boycott, divestment and sanctions (BDS)…
What J Street is up to
Mondoweiss – (Image: Joy from WA ) (Image: J Street U ) Glad to see they’re keeping busy. More (if you dare) at Memes for Middle East Peace .
You could become ‘another Goldstone’ — friendly warning to Yale prof whose study cleared Palestinian textbooks of demonization charge
Mondoweiss – An important new study funded by the State Department that exonerates Palestinian textbooks of demonizing Jews has been rejected by Israel, because it contradicts a central propaganda point. And now the State Department and the Reform Jewish leadership seem to be walking away from the study!…
Forget the Palestinian Mandela, where is the Israeli Branch Rickey?
Mondoweiss – Jodi Rudoren continues to follow the story of the racism surrounding Beitar Jerusalem’s decision to sign two Muslim soccer players. Be sure to watch the video that accompanies the story. The latest twist is that Beitar offices have been attacked by arsonists: In anticipation of the…
What Peter Beinart gets wrong about South African support for Palestinian liberation
Mondoweiss – Graffiti in Johannesburg, South Africa (Photo via BDS South Africa Facebook) The Daily Beast ‘s Peter Beinart traveled recently to Cape Town, South Africa and scribed a piece that tries to get to grips with the avid support among South Africans in general for Palestinian liberation…
Anti-Arab Fans Torch Jerusalem Soccer Offices
The Foward Breaking News 8 Feb 2013 – The offices of the Israeli soccer team Beitar Jerusalem was set on fire on Friday as an act of protest against the team’s two new Muslim players from Chechnya. While one player is injured, the other is slated to play his first game with the team…
Iran and Argentina To Form Commission on 1994 Bombing
The Foward Breaking News 8 Feb 2013 – Argentinean President Cristina Fernandez de Kirchner defended her decision to cooperate with Iran in investigating the 1994 bombing of a Jewish community center. Click here for the rest of the article…
Google Ordered To Name Defamers of Scrutinized London Rabbi
The Foward Breaking News 8 Feb 2013 – A British judge reportedly ordered Google to help identify people who may have defamed a London rabbi accused of inappropriate conduct toward women. Click here for the rest of the article…
Controversial BDS Panel Draws Crowds at Brooklyn College
The Foward Breaking News 8 Feb 2013 – Amid political controversy, 300 people attended Brooklyn College’s BDS panel last night, with another 150 gathering outside in the cold to protest the event. Click here for the rest of the article…
In Victory for ‘Chained’ Wives, Court Upholds Orthodox Prenuptial Agreement
The Forward New 8 Feb 2013 – For the first time, a court has upheld an Orthodox prenuptial agreement. The decision is considered a victory for Jewish women whose husbands refuse to grant them a religious divorce. Click here for the rest of the article…
Egypt: Mursi Discusses Economic, Trade Cooperation With Turkey’s Gul
allAfrica.com 8 Feb 2013 – [Aswat Masriya]Egypt‘s President Mohamed Mursi on Thursday discussed with his Turkish counterpart Abdullah Gul ways to strengthen relations between the two countries in economy, trade, and investment.
Morocco: King Mohammed VI Calls for Resolute, Coherent International Effort in Mali, Syria
allAfrica.com 8 Feb 2013 – [Moroccan American Center for Policy]Condemning “extremism, terrorism and separatism” in a speech to the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) summit in Cairo, King Mohammed VI reminded the audience that Morocco had “warned the international community, years ago, of the perils looming over the Sahel and Sahara…
Jerusalem football club torched
BBC 8 Feb 2013 – The offices of Israeli football club Beitar Jerusalem are set on fire in a suspected arson attack that is thought to be linked to opposition to its signing of Muslim players.
Yemen blames Iran after weapons haul
BBC 8 Feb 2013 – Yemen‘s president calls on Iran to stop backing armed groups in his country after coastguards seized a ship carrying missiles and rockets.
Panetta backs Syria rebels arms plan
BBC 7 Feb 2013 – The US defence secretary says for the first time that he supports arming Syrian rebels, a proposal reportedly over-ruled by President Barack Obama.
Lebanese woman killed by brother was carrying his child: sources
Al-Akhbar News 8 Feb 2013 – A man accused of killing his sister in South Lebanon, in what was previously thought to be an “honor crime,” was found to have impregnated her, security sources told Al-Akhbar Friday. Baghdad, an 18-year-old woman, was seven months pregnant when her brother, J. al-Issa, stabbed her…
Lebanon: Mikati Blocks Wage Increases
Al-Akhbar News 8 Feb 2013 – Lebanon’s Prime Minister Najib Mikati attends the annual meeting of the World Economic Forum (WEF) in Davos on 25 January 2013. (Photo: Denis Balibouse – Reuters) Lebanon’s Prime Minister Najib Mikati attends the annual meeting of the World Economic Forum (WEF) in Davos on 25 January…
Egypt Cleric Advocates Death for Dissidents
Al-Akhbar News 8 Feb 2013 – An Egyptian anti-government protester walks past a banner readind “Resist” during a demonstration outside the Egyptian high court in the Egyptian capital Cairo to protest against the death of protesters during last week’s demonstrations against Morsi and his Muslim Brotherhood on 7 February 2013. (Photo: AFP…
Damascus “Open” to Khatib’s Dialogue Initiative
Al-Akhbar News 8 Feb 2013 – A Free Syrian Army fighter prepares to fire a B-10 recoilless gun in the Harasta neighborhood of Damascus on 7 February 2013. (Photo: Mohammed Abdullah – Reuters) A Free Syrian Army fighter prepares to fire a B-10 recoilless gun in the Harasta neighborhood of Damascus on…
Cyprus formally recognizes State of Palestine
Al-Akhbar News 8 Feb 2013 – A Palestinian activist fixes a flag near an encampment set up to protest against Israel‘s intention to confiscate land on 20 January 2013 in the West Bank village of Beit Iksa. (Photo: AFP – Ahmad Gharabli) Cyprus said on Friday it has upgraded its relations with…
Egypt: Sexual Harassment as a Political Weapon
Al-Akhbar News 8 Feb 2013 – Egyptians opposing President Mohamed Mursi hold an effigy mocking him in Tahrir square in Cairo 8 February 2013. (Photo: Reuters – Mohamed Abd El Ghany) Egyptians opposing President Mohamed Mursi hold an effigy mocking him in Tahrir square in Cairo 8 February 2013. (Photo: Reuters -…
Syria: Damascus Repels Another Rebel Attack
Al-Akhbar Politics 7 Feb 2013 – A Syrian rebel takes position with a heavy machine gun on the Jabal al-Turkman mountain in Syrian’s northern Latakia province on 5 February 2013. (Photo: AFP – Aamir Qureshi) A Syrian rebel takes position with a heavy machine gun on the Jabal al-Turkman mountain in Syrian’s…
No Revolution for Lebanon’s Muslim Brotherhood
Al-Akhbar Politics 7 Feb 2013 – It was only natural that the rise of the Islamist group in the Arab world has drawn attention to their Lebanon chapter (Photo: Haytham Al-Moussawi) It was only natural that the rise of the Islamist group in the Arab world has drawn attention to their Lebanon…
Belaid Assassination: Targeting the Tunisian Left
Al-Akhbar Politics 7 Feb 2013 – Tunisian protestors chant slogans behind barbed wire outside the Interior Ministry in Tunis, on 7 February 2013 during a demonstration against the killing of opposition figure and human rights lawyer Chokri Belaid. (Photo: AFP – Khalil) Tunisian protestors chant slogans behind barbed wire outside the Interior…
Tunisia mourns murdered politician
BBC 8 Feb 2013 – Assassinated Tunisian politician Chokri Belaid is buried after a funeral attended by thousands, amid nationwide protests and tension.
Dozens killed in Iraq bomb attacks
BBC 8 Feb 2013 – At least 33 people are killed and about 100 injured in a spate of car bombings in mainly Shia areas of Iraq, local officials say.
Jerusalem football club torched
BBC 8 Feb 2013 – The offices of Israeli football club Beitar Jerusalem are set on fire in a suspected arson attack that is thought to be linked to opposition to its signing of Muslim players.
Yemen blames Iran after weapons haul
BBC 8 Feb 2013 – Yemen‘s president calls on Iran to stop backing armed groups in his country after coastguards seized a ship carrying missiles and rockets.
Panetta backs Syria rebels arms plan
BBC 7 Feb 2013 – The US defence secretary says for the first time that he supports arming Syrian rebels, a proposal reportedly over-ruled by President Barack Obama.
Articles
Kairos Palestine: lifting the banner of resistance
Nassar Ibrahim, OPGAI, Alternative Information Center 2/7/2013
When Kairos Palestine was launched in December 2009, I wrote at the time that “A Moment of Truth”, and that particular moment, was not a coincidence, or an emotional outburst of religious and social Palestinian figures reacting to the difficult reality of the Palestinian people under Israeli occupation. Rather, it expressed a logical milestone when put in the proper cultural, political and historical contexts.
With this understanding, the document and its various objectives are the expression of an accumulated process from within the depths of the Christian cultural field. Accordingly, it was charged with complex and sensitive responses which, in their totality, aim to raise awareness against the misleading relation between Christianity and Zionism, and the political projects formed by most of the governmental organizations in western Christian societies and the supporting cradle of such projects. No wonder this led to a growing concern about the use of Christian theology to justify and cover up Israeli colonial and offensive measures that tend to imply an acceptance that this is the practical and ethical translation of the divine will and promise in the Holy Book, that overrides many other Christian principles and beliefs and hits hard at the complex and sensitive Christian nerve.
Three years after the launch of such an outstanding and effective document, and in light of the outcome presented by the Kairos Palestine General Coordinator, Rifat Kassis, and printed under the title: “Three years after the Palestinian Christian Initiative-Kairos Palestine, A Moment of Truth”, it is clear that this initiative challenges and threatens the Zionist media and propaganda that considered themselves in control of Western Christian general opinion. The constructive idea articulated in the Kairos document, however, became a snowball and responses started moving in different directions, stirring still waters on several levels. One of the most successful outcomes spurred a dynamic growing dialogue in church circles and Christian theology, a sign of positive cultural thinking translated into specific positions and political demands defining the differences between the original Christian vision that refuses and stubbornly opposes oppression and occupation, and the distorted use of religion that tries to justify, cover up and protect the policies of the Israeli occupation and its measures against the Palestinian people. — See also: Kairos Palestine more.. e-mail
Oscar-nominated films prove Israel is an apartheid state
Eli Ungar-Sargon, Los Angeles, Electronic Intifada 2/7/2013
Award season is in full swing in Los Angeles, and, for the first time in the history of the Academy Awards, two films about the Israeli-Palestinian conflict are in competition for best documentary feature. For those of us invested in a just resolution to the conflict, a closer reading of these films can help decipher the meaning of this extraordinary attention.
The Gatekeepers is a classical talking-heads documentary. What sets it apart from other films in this genre is the identity of the heads doing the talking: six men who have led Israel’s Shin Bet, or Internal Security Service, from the early days of the state until the present. The film is deftly structured and moves effortlessly from history, which is served up with archival footage, to strategic analysis, which is provided against the backdrop of slick computer-generated listening rooms. The heart of the film comes through in the difficult ethical questions that Israeli director Dror Moreh occasionally interjects from behind the camera. Narrow focus
The concept of The Gatekeepers, which Moreh continues to hammer home in his many public statements, is that these six men, who have been charged with keeping Israel safe throughout the decades, all agree that the occupation of the West Bank and Gaza Strip must end.
From an Israeli perspective, this is a rhetorical gambit from a member of the decimated left: “listen to these people,” Moreh seems to be pleading with his compatriots. These political nuances will be lost on the American public, but The Gatekeepers fits nicely into the bizarre cultural regression we are currently experiencing in the United States with shows like Homeland and films like Zero Dark Thirty. The aesthetic of The Gatekeepers plays to our fetishization of counterterrorism and its voyeuristic technologies. more.. e-mail
Bulldozers and more talks preserve the status quo
Ramzy Baroud, Ma’an News Agency 2/8/2013
Despite much saber-rattling by Israel and the US administration and hyped-up expectations by the Palestinian leadership, the recognition of Palestine as a non-member observer state late last year is on its way to becoming yet another footnote in protracted conflict that has endured for 65 years.
Only hours after the announcement, Israel had its own announcement to make: the building of a new illegal settlement (according to international law, all of Israeli settlements in the occupied territories are illegal) in Palestinian land. The area is called the E-1 zone by Israel.
A couple of European countries responded with greater exasperation than usual, but soon moved on to other seemingly more pressing issues. The US called Israel’s spiteful move “counterproductive”, but soon neglected the matter. Palestinian activists who tried to counter Israel’s illegal activities by pitching tents in areas marked by Israel for construction were violently removed.
Mahmoud Abbas’ PA is at a standstill in the same pitiful possession. It continues to serve as a buffer between occupied, ethnically cleansed and rightfully angry Palestinians. Its existence would not have been possible without Israel’s consent.
Fiery speeches, press releases and conferences aside, the PA has effectively sub-contracted part of the Israeli occupation – as in maintaining Israel’s security for example –in exchange for perks for those affiliated with the PA. Examples of these privileges include easier access to business contracts or jobs.
It is this symbiosis that constantly averts any serious confrontation between Israel and the PA. Both parties would lose if the status quo were seriously hampered. more.. e-mail
Despite controversy, Brooklyn College BDS panel is a non-event
Lisa Goldman, +972 Magazine 2/8/2013
NEW YORK — After more than a week of controversy, including an editorial in the New York Times and a statement from Mayor Bloomberg, Brooklyn College hosted a discussion of BDS with Judith Butler and Omar Barghouti and nothing happened. That fact alone seems worthy of a story these days.
In a post for +972, Mairav Zonszein wrote eloquently about the outrageous attempts to intimidate the college into canceling the event. Alan Dershowitz started the whole controversy, but New York City public officials were quick to follow, with several threatening to cut the college’s funding. The New York Times published an editorial of quiet dismay, noting that “critics have used heated language to denigrate the speakers,” adding, “The sad truth is that there is more honest discussion about American-Israeli policy in Israel than in this country. Too often in the United States, supporting Israel has come to mean meeting narrow ideological litmus tests.”
Mayor Bloomberg expressed himself a bit more bluntly. “If you want to go to a university where the government decides what kind of subjects are fit for discussion,” he said, “I suggest you apply to a school in North Korea.”
And after all that, the event turned out to be a non-event. An audience of about 300 people sat quietly and listened to Judith Butler and Omar Barghouti speak, which they did — without interruption. People lined up quietly to ask questions at the microphone during the Q&A. As always, there were a few eccentrics who made statements, usually of the UFO variety, instead of asking questions. There was some post-panel schmoozing in another room, with books for sale laid out on a table and Omar Barghouti sitting behind another table to sign his tome on BDS. more.. e-mail
Gaza farmers launch call to boycott Israeli produce
Electronic Intifada: 8 Feb 2013 – Joe Catron Gaza City 8 February 2013 An international day of action against Israeli food exporters takes place this weekend.more
Hungry–Palestinian Political Prisoners in Israeli Jails Protest
In Gaza: 8 Feb 2013 – ‘HUNGRY’ –dedicated to Samer Issawi and the other Palestinian hunger strikers in Israeli incarceration. By Doc Jazz His website reads : “ Thanks to supporters from around the world, the song ‘HUNGRY’ which is dedicated to Samer Issawi and the other Palestinian hunger strikers in Israeli incarceration has been rising in the HipHop Charts on Soundclick. “ LYRICS : You’d think you’d read about me in the New York Times Almost two hundred days without any bite While I’m withering away in my prison cell All you read about is the game of buy and sell in Wall Street – they don’t know the way I resist If they knew, they’d be shocked at the way I insist Freedom and human rights are on my list I want to live, breath, move – hell, I wanna exist If I had an army I’d set it up to defend Our villages our towns…more
Egypt: No Short Cuts in Democracy
Palestine Chronicle: 8 Feb 2013 – By Jamal Kanj Egypt’s is an experimental democracy in progress, but when the evolution of this process turns bloody it begs the question: is it worth it? An Egyptian tourist guide who has lost his job, or a businessman affected by ongoing street violence, would probably respond with a resounding no. This should be a wake-up call for current and aspiring political leaders. It has been established that Mohamed Mursi became Egypt’s first democratically elected president following a public uprising, with 13.23 million votes (51.73 per cent). While Mursi was the Muslim Brotherhood’s (MB) nominee, votes from across the political spectrum were crucial in defeating the old regime’s candidate. In fact, Mursi’s victory was only possible thanks to votes cast by the same people protesting in the streets of Cairo today. His victory belonged to those who toiled and labored to end the dictatorship of former president Hosni Mubarak. It…more
Iraq Ten Years On: What You Don’t Hear!
Palestine Chronicle: 8 Feb 2013 – By Hussein Al-alak As 2013 marks the tenth anniversary of the Iraq invasion, I feel there are some points of focus which the media and campaigners need to address, if they wish to provide substance, to any area of serious discussion. Children, like many other civilians, are the silent victims of violence in war-torn Iraq, with the Ministry of Labor and Social Affairs estimating that around 4,5 million children are now orphans, with a shocking 70 percent of them having lost their parents since the 2003 invasion and the ensuing violence. From that total number, around 600,000 children are living on the streets, without either shelter or food to survive. An estimated 700 children are also believed to be living in the few state run orphanages existing in the country, and are currently lacking in their most essential needs. Throughout the US/UK occupation, the Association of Psychologists of Iraq repeatedly…more
Globalizing Torture – Book Review
Palestine Chronicle: 8 Feb 2013 – Reviewed by Ludwig Watzal (Globalizing Torture. CIA Secret Detention and Extraordinary Rendition, Open Society Justice Initiative, New York 2013, pp 212.) “Today, more than a decade after September 11, there is no doubt that high-ranking Bush administration officials bear responsibility for authorizing human rights violations associated with secret detention and extraordinary rendition, and the impunity that they have enjoyed to date remains a matter of significant concern. But responsibility for these violations does not end with the United States. Secret detention and extraordinary rendition operations, designed to be conducted outside the United States under cover of secrecy, could not have been implemented without the active participation of foreign governments. These governments too must be held accountable.” This report provides for the first time the number of known victims of secret detention and extraordinary rendition operations and the number of governments that were complicit. 136 individuals were subjected to maltreatment and…more
Can Two Walk Together?
Palestine Chronicle: 8 Feb 2013 – By Uri Avnery ‘Compared to the Knesset it could have been, this is a very good Knesset!’ I heard this, in so many words, from at least ten former Knesset members and others, as we were drinking orange juice in the Knesset foyer. I could have said it myself (and probably did). It was the opening session of the new Knesset, and former members were invited to a reception with the new ones. Then we were seated in the plenum hall. I did not attend the last few times, but this time I was curious to see the new members – 49 out [“of”] 120, an unprecedented number – some of whom I had never even heard of before. It was really a good sight. Some of the new people were leaders of the social protest movement of summer 2011, some investigative reporters from the media, some social workers. Some…more
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The New Dark Age 