18 February 2013 — VTJP
News
International Middle East Media Center
Israel Admits Using Private Palestinian Lands In Kibbutz Meirav
IMEMC – The so-called “Israel’s Lands Administration” acknowledged that privately-owned Palestinian lands in the West Bank’s Northern Plains have been used for the expansion of the Kibbutz Meirav, located within the Green Line. …
Palestinians block entrance to UN office in Ramallah to call for action on hunger-striking prisoners
IMEMC – Palestinian demonstrators today blocked the entrance of the UN headquarters in Ramallah in protest against its silence on the issue of the hunger-strikers in the Israeli jails.The protesters tried to prevent workers from entering the UN premises, but were prevented by the Palestinian Authority police. …
Youth Injured After Being Rammed By Settler’s Vehicle In Bethlehem
IMEMC – Monday evening February 18; In another hit and run incident, a Palestinian youth was injured after being rammed by a settler’s vehicle in Wad Fookin, west of the West Bank city of Bethlehem. …
209 days On Hunger Strike; Letter from Palestinian Prisoner Samer al-Eesawi
IMEMC – “There is no going back because I’m the owner of Right” Letter from prisoner Samer Al-Eesawi; as it came from the Ministry of prisoners: I turn with admiration to the masses of our heroic Palestinian people, to our Palestinian leadership, to all forces, parties and national institutions. I salute them for standing by our fight to defend our right to freedom and dignity. …
Several Injured As Army Attacks Solidarity Protest In Al-Khader
IMEMC – Morning February 18; Palestinian Medical sources in Bethlehem reported that Israeli soldiers fired gas bombs, rubber-coated metal bullets and concussion grenades at a group of Palestinians who marched at the southern entrance of the Al-Khader town, near Bethlehem. …
Soldiers Order To Bethlehem Villagers To Evict Their Lands
IMEMC – Monday Feb 18; Israeli soldiers handed two Palestinians from Nahhalin village, west of Bethlehem, military warrants ordering them to leave their own lands as the Israeli army intends to take the lands away under the claim of “military considerations”. …
Israel Fortifies Military Bases, Settlements, Close To Gaza Border
IMEMC – Last Wednesday February 13, the Israeli army started work meant to secure and fortify military bases, and settlements, located on the eastern part of the Gaza Strip. …
Sharawna Moved To Soroka Hospital
IMEMC – Palestinian Minister of Detainees, Issa Qaraqe’, reported Sunday that hunger striking detainee, Ayman Sharawna, was moved to the Soroka Israel hospital in Be’er As-Sabe’ (Beersheba), due to a serious deterioration in his health condition. …
Israeli forces occupy home in Jenin village
2/18/2013 – JENIN (Ma’an) — Israeli forces seized a Palestinian apartment building in Jenin village Yabad on Friday, the third such incident of its kind in the last month, the home-owner told Ma’an.” At around eleven in the evening on Friday, three Israeli military vehicles arrived and the soldiers moved their military gear to….
Egyptian flooding washes away Gaza tunnel business
2/18/2013 – GAZA (Reuters) — Egypt‘s campaign to shut down smuggling tunnels running under its border into the Gaza Strip threatens to throw thousands of people out of work in the Hamas-run coastal territory. The network of tunnels has been a vital lifeline for Gaza, bringing in an estimated 30 percent of all goods that reach….
Israeli forces arrest 10 in West Bank
2/18/2013 – BETHLEHEM (Ma’an) — Israeli forces arrested 10 people in the West Bank overnight, Israel’s army and locals said. Israeli military vehicles entered the Salfit village of Yasuf and arrested Thaer Naim Said, 25, locals told Ma’an. Soldiers also raided the Nablus village of Bizzariyya in Nablus and detained two young….
Protesters rally in solidarity with hunger strikers
2/18/2013 – BETHLEHEM/HEBRON (Ma’an) — Protesters rallied in Bethlehem, Hebron and Ramallah on Monday in support of hunger striking prisoners in Israeli jails, as the PA minister of prisoner affairs warned of a popular uprising in the West Bank. In Al-Khader near Bethlehem, dozens of people, including the families of prisoners and representatives from human…. Related: Protesters condemn UN for ignoring hunger strikers
Protesters condemn UN for ignoring hunger strikers
2/18/2013 – RAMALLAH (Ma’an) — Protesters in Ramallah demonstrated outside UNRWA offices on Monday, accusing the UN agency of ignoring the plight of hunger striking prisoners in Israeli jails. Protesters had tried to enter the UN offices but were prevented from doing so by PA police forces. Informed sources told Ma’an that UNRWA decided…. Related: Protesters rally in solidarity with hunger strikers
Official: Israel continues to withhold PA tax revenues
2/18/2013 – BETHLEHEM (Ma’an) — Israel continues to withhold tax revenues from the Palestinian Authority, an official said Monday, as unions in the West Bank organize strike action this week over unpaid salaries. Ahmad al-Hilou, director of customs taxes and VAT, told Ma’an that Israel was supposed to transfer December tax revenues to the….
Official: Egyptian security delegation to visit Israel
2/18/2013 – CAIRO (Ma’an) — An Egyptian delegation will visit Israel for talks on the ceasefire with Hamas and border restrictions, a security official said Monday. The delegation will demand Israel allows commercial goods to enter Gaza via the Rafah crossing on Egypt‘s border, the Egyptian official told Ma’an. Egyptian President Mohammad….
Report: Australian may have leaked Mossad secrets
2/18/2013 – CANBERRA (Reuters) — A suspected Mossad agent who died in an Israeli jail in 2010 was arrested by his spymasters who believed he may have told Australian intelligence about his work with the Israeli spy agency, Australian media reported on Monday. The Australian Broadcasting Corp said dual Australian-Israeli citizen Ben Zygier, 34, had met officers from….
For Netanyahu, N. Korea nuclear test offers lesson on Iran
2/18/2013 – JERUSALEM (Reuters) — Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu pointed on Monday to North Korea’s latest nuclear test as proof the world must keep up pressure on Iran to prevent it acquiring atomic weapons. In a speech to a gathering of international Jewish leaders, Netanyahu said sanctions alone could not stop Iran developing a nuclear….
Bulgaria presses EU to toughen stance on Hezbollah
2/18/2013 – BRUSSELS (Reuters) — Bulgaria urged other European governments on Monday to take a harder stance towards Hezbollah after blaming the Islamist movement for a bus bombing that killed five Israelis at a Bulgarian Black Sea resort last year. Bulgaria’s implication of Hezbollah in the attack in the city of Burgas has reignited a debate….
Netanyahu thanks pope for deepening Christian-Jewish ties
2/18/2013 – JERUSALEM (Reuters) — Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu thanked outgoing Pope Benedict on Monday for his efforts to shore up often troubled relations between the Roman Catholic Church and Jews, including with his 2009 visit to the Holy Land. That trip, in which the German-born Benedict paid respects at Israel’s main Holocaust memorial, was….
Nablus doctors sentenced in absentia for medical negligence
2/18/2013 – NABLUS (Ma’an) — A Nablus court on Monday sentenced two doctors to one year prison terms after finding them guilty of negligence. The unidentified doctors were sentenced in absentia after an incident from 2003 was brought to the court. The court heard that on Feb. 11, 2003, a Palestinian Authority police officer was admitted….
Election body: 258,000 voters registered in Gaza
2/18/2013 – GAZA CITY (Ma’an) — The Central Elections Commission said Monday that 258,000 people have registered to vote in the Gaza Strip. The roll has not been updated in Gaza since Jan. 2005 and the operation of the CEC in Gaza is seen as a boost to reconciliation efforts between Fatah and Hamas. Jamil al-Khalidi….
UN says has list of Syrian war crimes suspects
2/18/2013 – GENEVA (Reuters) — Syrians in “leadership positions” who may be responsible for war crimes have been identified, along with units accused of perpetrating them, United Nations investigators said on Monday. Both government forces and armed rebels are committing war crimes, including killings and torture, spreading terror among civilians in a nearly two-year-old conflict, they said. The….
EU extends sanctions against Syria
2/18/2013 – BRUSSELS (Reuters) — European Union governments agreed on Monday to extend sanctions against Syria for three months but said they would amend an arms embargo to provide more non-lethal support and technical assistance to protect civilians. The decision, taken at an EU foreign ministers’ meeting, was a compromise after weeks of disagreement between Britain, which….
Sniper IOF Soldier Captures an Instagram Photo of a Palestinian Boy in Crosshairs of his Rifle
Palestine News Network
Fourteen Palestinians Released in Shalit Deal, Back in Israeli Jails
Palestine News Network
Voter Registration is Now Extended by Two Days
Palestine News Network
No Free Media with Military Censorship
Palestine News Network
Anonymous Activists Hack into 600,000 Israeli Email Accounts
Palestine News Network
Gangnam Style Finds a Tragic Touch in Gaza
Palestine News Network
Arab League Calls on International Community to Support Striking Prisoners
Palestine News Network
Israeli Army Forces Raid Salfit, Arrest Palestinian
Palestine News Network
Israeli Forces Arrest Youngster from Aida Refugee Camp, Bethlehem
Palestine News Network
Police Discover Rare Artifacts at a Jericho Store
Palestine News Network
Abbas: PA Committed to Peace, Two-State Solution
Palestine News Network
Palestinian Youth Groups Call for Rebuilding the PLO, Refuse Division of Institutions by the Factions
Palestine News Network
Palestinian Center for Human Rights
2 Fishermen Injured and Fishing Boat Damaged; PCHR Condemns the Israeli Forces’ Assaults on Palestinian Fishermen in Gaz…
Palestinian Center for Human Rights
International Solidarity Movement
Clashes erupt in Hebron after peaceful demonstration in support of Palestinian political prisoners
2/18/2013 – International Solidarity Movement – By Team Khalil, 15 February 2013, International Solidarity Movement, Hebron, Occupied Palestine – A peaceful demonstration in support of Palestinian hunger strikers in Israeli jails took place today in Hebron with roughly 2000 in attendance. The demonstration was supported by all Palestinian political factions. Soon after the end of the rally clashes erupted in central Hebron….
Clashes in Huwarra after demonstration against Israeli administrative detention
2/18/2013 – International Solidarity Movement – By Team Nablus, 18 February 2013, International Solidarity Movement, Huwarra, Occupied Palestine – Four people , including one eleven year old boy, were arrested today during clashes between Israeli Soldiers and Palestinian Youth (Shebab). At least one person was taken away from the scene in an ambulance. The Israeli Army used tear gas and sound bombs against….
Six solidarity hunger strikers in Hebron
2/18/2013 – International Solidarity Movement – By Team Khalil, 18 February 2013, International Solidarity Movement, Hebron, Occupied Palestine – Six people in Hebron go on hunger strike in support of Ayman Ismail Sharawna who has been on hunger strike in prison for 235 days. These include Ayman’s mother, Zohra, and three brothers, Jihad, Abed al Rahman and Ismail Shawarna. Joining….
Alternative Information Center
In photos: Gaza farmers rally for Israeli boycott
Alternative Information Center – Hundreds of Palestinian farmers marched to the Gaza Strip’s Israel-imposed “buffer zone” on Saturday morning, where they rallied and planted olive trees. The demonstration, organized by the Union of Agricultural Work Committees (UAWC), was part of…
Israel continues pressure on East Jerusalem
Alternative Information Center – Israel continues to apply pressure on the residents of the East Jerusalem village of Issawiya, detaining Wednesday Mohammad Abu Humus, member of the Issawiya Follow-Up Committee. Israeli police issued an order removing Abu Humus from his…
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Relief Web 18 Feb 2013 – Source: UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs Country: Egypt, Iraq, Jordan, Lebanon, occupied Palestinian territory, Syrian Arab Republic, Turkey Highlights UN and partners step up assistance across conflict lines. Over 850,000 Syrian refugees flee violence to neighbouring countries…
Lebanon: “Greet Syria for us” Syrian Palestine Refugees receive UNRWA support in Lebanon but more is needed
Relief Web 18 Feb 2013 – Source: UN Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East Country: Lebanon, occupied Palestinian territory, Syrian Arab Republic UNRWA Education delegation visits Syrian Palestine refugee students at UNRWA schools in Lebanon in light of upcoming Regional Education…
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Relief Web 18 Feb 2013 – Source: Assessment Capacities Project Country: Afghanistan, Algeria, Angola, Bangladesh, Burkina Faso, Central African Republic, Chad, Democratic People’s Republic of Korea, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Djibouti, Egypt, Eritrea, Ethiopia, Guatemala, Haiti, Iraq, Jordan, Kenya, Lebanon, Malawi, Mali, Mauritania, Mozambique, Myanmar,…
Syrian Arab Republic: Report of the independent international commission of inquiry on the Syrian Arab Republic (A/HRC/22/59)
Relief Web 18 Feb 2013 – Source: UN Human Rights Council Country: Egypt, Jordan, Lebanon, occupied Palestinian territory, Syrian Arab Republic, Turkey Human Rights Council Twenty-second session Agenda item 4 Human rights situations that require the Council’s attention Summary The depth of the Syrian tragedy is…
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Relief Web 18 Feb 2013 – Source: Government of Israel Country: occupied Palestinian territory A total of 5,219 Palestinians crossed to Israel through to Erez Termina 4,991 trucks carrying 143,277 tons of goods entered Gaza. 138 truckloads of goods were exported from Gaza.
UAE’s residents among the world’s happiest, study finds
The National 18 Feb 2013 – Only people living in Bhutan were less likely to think negatively about where they lived.
French pledge on horse meat
The National 18 Feb 2013 – French meat at the region’s biggest food industry event next week will be subjected to stringent checks to ensure it is not contaminated with horse meat.
Tank supplier seeks new deal on UAE troop carriers
The National 18 Feb 2013 – Idex 2013: The Armed Forces’ main battle tanks supplier Nexter Systems are looking to supply 700 combat armoured infantry carriers (VBCIs) to the military.
Indian politician Amar Singh admitted to Dubai hospital
The National 18 Feb 2013 – Indian politician Amar Singh, who was on a private visit to Dubai, was admitted to the Welcare Hospital yesterday afternoon.
Advanced fighter jets to have UAE parts
The National 18 Feb 2013 – Idex 2013: The multi-purpose Typhoons, developed by a European consortium, will be supplied with high-tolerance frames used near the engines.
Tunisian president says talks to form government collapse
The National 18 Feb 2013 – Hamadi Jebali was seeking to forge a consensus on his proposal to form a non-partisan administration.
Students learn skills at Abu Dhabi defence exhibition
The National 18 Feb 2013 – Idex 2013: This was the students’ first exposure to an exhibition such as Idex and they were asked to show to visitors parts built by Tawazun.
Yemen fund soars while skydivers plummet
The National 18 Feb 2013 – Seventy voluntary parachutists take the leap over Skydive Dubai and collect enough money to feed 28,000 Yemeni families for a day.
Netanyahu, Steinitz at odds over keeping Knesset panel in dark over Prisoner X
Ha’aretz – 18 Feb 2013
Palestinians to ask that Obama personally kickstart peace process
Ha’aretz – 18 Feb 2013
Public security minister admits police follow activists on Facebook
Ha’aretz – 18 Feb 2013
In Australia, anti-Israel rhetoric drowns out speculation over Zygier affair
Ha’aretz – 18 Feb 2013
Shas minister hid conflict of interest in grant submission
Ha’aretz – 18 Feb 2013
‘Tel Aviv’s development plans undermine city’s promise to protect environment’
Ha’aretz – 18 Feb 2013
Violence flares in West Bank on anniversary of Cave of the Patriarchs massacre
Ha’aretz – 18 Feb 2013
Ben Zygier affair a matter for the Knesset, Israel’s state comptroller says
Ha’aretz – 18 Feb 2013
U.S. National Security Adviser: EU must include Hezbollah in terrorist list
Ha’aretz – 18 Feb 2013
Israel’s AG: Probe letter claiming Education Minister Gideon Sa’ar acted ‘inappropriately’
Ha’aretz – 18 Feb 2013
Bulgaria tells EU: Hezbollah must face consequences to stop future terror attacks
Ha’aretz – 18 Feb 2013
The Israel Postal Company’s stamp of disapproval
Ha’aretz – 18 Feb 2013
Netanyahu to Jewish leaders: North Korea nuclear test shows sanctions alone won’t stop Iran
Ha’aretz – 18 Feb 2013
Israel supplies Turkey with military equipment for first time since Gaza flotilla
Ha’aretz – 18 Feb 2013
Netanyahu overspent budget for Jerusalem residence by 50% in 2012
Ha’aretz – 18 Feb 2013
Israel arrested Ben Zygier fearing he exposed Mossad plans in Italy, ABC reports
Ha’aretz – 18 Feb 2013
First Hebrew kindergarten from pre-state Israel saved from wrecking ball
Ha’aretz – 18 Feb 2013
Riots continue in Hebron over hunger strikers
Jerusalem Post 18 Feb 2013 – Palestinians gather in force across the region to protest treatment of prisoners in Israeli jails; one hurt by rubber bullets.
Panel postpones new hotels on Eilat’s Almog Beach
Jerusalem Post 18 Feb 2013 – Partner in one firm involved in plans for complex confident of project’s success – despite his offer to sell land.
Bennett pays a visit to prestigious haredi yeshivot
Jerusalem Post 18 Feb 2013 – In attempt to allay fears, Bayit Yehudi chairman tells Jerusalem yeshivot that national service and Torah study can be combined.
Rabbinate refute high civil marriage statistics
Jerusalem Post 18 Feb 2013 – Religious Services Ministry says Jewish couples marrying abroad marry in Jewish, rather than civil, ceremonies.
Is Qatari cash keeping the calm in Gaza?
Jerusalem Post 18 Feb 2013 – Security source tells ‘Post’ money is “flowing into Gaza,” as Qatari funds are being used to pay for construction, infrastructure.
Netanyahu: Unarmed Palestinian state critical to peace
Jerusalem Post 18 Feb 2013 – Amidst a renewed international push to restart the peace process, PM tells Jewish Agency governors that Palestinian acceptance of a demilitarized state and recognition of Israel as a Jewish homeland are both critical for peace.
Peres to honor Obama with Medal of Distinction
Jerusalem Post 18 Feb 2013 – President to award his US counterpart with Israel’s highest civilian award, just like US leader gave one to him last year.
PM: Sharansky should get another term as chairman
Jerusalem Post 18 Feb 2013 – ‘I look forward to working to help secure the Jewish people with Natan at the helm,’ Netanyahu tells JAFI Board of Governors.
Prescription drugs seized at Ramat Aviv health store
Jerusalem Post 18 Feb 2013 – TA Health Ministry discovers a health food store illegally selling prescription drugs in Ramat Aviv.
Keep Purim a happy holiday, free from accidents
Jerusalem Post 18 Feb 2013 – Medical Centers across Israel have issued advisories on how to keep Purim a safe and happy holiday.
C’tee may transform Palmahim shoreline into park
Jerusalem Post 18 Feb 2013 – Nine-year-old battle rages over proposal to develop resort complex on site north of Ashdod.
Lapid in tears over Israeli agent Jonathan Pollard
Jerusalem Post 18 Feb 2013 – Yesh Atid leader speaks to the Israeli agent on the phone after meeting with his wife, promises to promote his release.
Rules of interrogation
Jerusalem Post 18 Feb 2013 – Shin Bet commanders have traditionally opposed videotaping interrogations since tapes might fall into the wrong hands.
On My Mind: Tackling Israeli-Arab education
Jerusalem Post 18 Feb 2013 – Israeli Arabs currently account for only 12 percent of students pursuing undergraduate degrees in Israel.
Danino’s car runs red light, hits motorcyclist
Jerusalem Post 18 Feb 2013 – Police chief suspends personal driver after video showed him run a red light and hit a motorcycle rider.
Borderline views: The Ariel own goal
Jerusalem Post 18 Feb 2013 – At its annual meeting in Jerusalem, The Jewish Agency discusses the growing problem of anti-Israel delegitimization throughout the world.
Husbands who extinguish their wives’ libidos
Jerusalem Post 18 Feb 2013 – No Holds Barred: Does man realize that by failing to compliment his wife he teaches her to think.
Is territorial discontinuity a real obstacle?
Jerusalem Post 18 Feb 2013 – Territorial division between Gaza and the West Bank is not an obstacle to the creation of a Palestinian state.
Fundamentally Freund: The case for Judea and Samaria
Jerusalem Post 18 Feb 2013 – The UN issued a harsh report against Israel aimed at undermining the legitimacy of Israel’s presence in Judea and Samaria.
Aharonovitch: Zygier got legal, psychological care
Jerusalem Post 18 Feb 2013 – Knesset panel may have begun probe of “Prisoner X” incident; legal adviser says MKs who broke censorship could be put on trial.
Aharonovitch: Zygier got full legal, psychological care
Jerusalem Post 18 Feb 2013 – Knesset panel may have begun probe of “Prisoner X” incident; legal adviser says MKs who broke censorship could be put on trial; Zygier may have told Australian intelligence about his alleged work for Mossad.
Organs and statistics
Jerusalem Post 18 Feb 2013 – With more than 1,100 Israelis waiting for organs, the most important statistic is the number of organ donations.
PM thanks pope for bolstering Christian-Jewish ties
Jerusalem Post 18 Feb 2013 – In letter to outgoing pope, Netanyahu thanks Pope Benedict for 2009 Israel visit and for defending values of Judaism, Christianity.
Israeli musical pioneer Shmulik Kraus laid to rest
Jerusalem Post 18 Feb 2013 – Israeli musician who “changed the face of music” passes away from Swine Flu at the age of 77.
Syrian minister says ready to talk with opposition
Jerusalem Post 18 Feb 2013 – National reconciliation minister says “door is open” for direct negotiations with armed rebel groups.
Alternatively Speaking: Happy hangover
Jerusalem Post 18 Feb 2013 – Alternative medicine expert Natalie Marx answers your questions: Which vitamins can help cure a post-Purim hangover?
A-G to probe claims Sa’ar had affair with employee
Jerusalem Post 18 Feb 2013 – Former Education Ministry employee accuses Sa’ar of having an affair with her, and having relations with intoxicated minor.
Israel sells electronic warfare systems to Turkey
Jerusalem Post 18 Feb 2013 – J’lem complete $200 million deal with Turkish air force, after it was frozen following the 2010 Mavi Marmara incident.
Iran dismisses West offer to ease sanctions
Jerusalem Post 18 Feb 2013 – Iranian Foreign Ministry rejects offer of eased sanctions in exchange for closure of underground nuclear bunker.
A case study in why even good policy needs good PR
Jerusalem Post 18 Feb 2013 – Israel didn’t “disappear” Ben Zygier, yet its bungling response lent credence to claims that it did.
Barack Obama to receive Israel’s presidential medal of distinction
The Guardian 18 Feb 2013 – President who is often criticised over Israel policy set to be honoured during March visit to the Middle East Barack Obama will receive one of Israel’s most prestigious honours during his upcoming visit to the Middle…
Israeli soldier posts Instagram image of Palestinian child in crosshairs of rifle
The Guardian 18 Feb 2013 – Military investigates Mor Ostrovski, 20, as row grows over spate of offensive images posted online by Israeli soldiers An Israeli soldier has sparked outrage by posting a photograph appearing to show the back of a Palestinian…
UN official: ‘time has come’ to refer Syrian war crimes to ICC – as it happened
The Guardian 18 Feb 2013 – • UN report identifies Syrians in ‘leadership positions’ • War crimes ‘perpetrated by both sides’ • Fighting continues in Damascus • Egypt: protests in Port Said • Read the latest summary Paul Owen
Gangnam Style Finds a Tragic Touch in Gaza
IPS “We wanted to do something to bring focus to the plight of Palestinian political prisoners, of which there are around 5,000 in Israeli jails, including hunger strikers, children, women,” says Mohannad Barakat, 30, one of seven Palestinians who have made a Palestinian version of the Gangnam style. The Gangnam Gaza…
Profiting From Human Misery
Uruknet
Addameer calls on civil society to unite against Military Order 1651
Uruknet
The premises and purposes of American exceptionalism
Uruknet
Corruption in the Iraqi Oil Sector
Uruknet
Collaboration between IDF, settlers reaching point of no return
Uruknet
Gangnam Gaza Style: on the siege, Palestinian Prisoners, Palestinian Pride
Uruknet
Can the Government Use Armed Drones in US Airspace?
Uruknet
US/NATO occupation of Afghanistan unravelling
Uruknet
013 (Warning: Graphic Videos)
Uruknet
Egypt, U.S. to maintain strategic ties based on common interests
Uruknet
Suspected missionaries in Libya accused of spying
Daily Star 18 Feb 2013 A top Libyan security official says four foreigners currently under arrest have been accused of espionage in addition to proselytizing Christianity.
Kurdish refugees have mixed feelings about Syria
Daily Star 18 Feb 2013 Syrian Kurds who fled their country’s civil war have mixed feelings about a future without Bashar Assad: They hope to win a measure of autonomy after the fall of the regime, but fear chaos and the…
Tunisia PM fails to get new cabinet to stem unrest
Daily Star 18 Feb 2013 Tunisia’s main political parties failed to agree on forming a non-partisan cabinet to tackle turmoil triggered by the assassination of an opposition leader, Prime Minister Hamadi Jebali said on Monday.
Pakistan Shiites demand protection from militants
Daily Star 18 Feb 2013 Thousands of Pakistani Shi’ites furious over a sectarian bombing that killed 89 people protested on Monday, demanding that security forces protect them from hardline Sunni groups.
Egypt court rejects election law, may delay poll
Daily Star 18 Feb 2013 Egypt‘s constitutional court rejected five articles of a draft election law on Monday and sent the text back to the country’s temporary legislature for redrafting in a ruling that may delay a parliamentary poll due in…
Iran taps North Korean-educated man for top post
Daily Star 18 Feb 2013 President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad has nominated a North Korean-educated former Iranian military official for a key post in his government.
Assad says confident of winning Syria war
Daily Star 18 Feb 2013 President Bashar al-Assad said he is confident his troops will win the conflict ravaging Syria, as new calls were made on Monday for the International Criminal Court to launch a probe into war crimes.
Islamist adviser to Egypt’s president quits
Daily Star 18 Feb 2013 An ultraconservative Islamist adviser to Egypt‘s president resigned Monday in solidarity with a fellow aide who was fired amid allegations of abuse of office.
Palestinians rally for prisoners held in Israel
Daily Star 18 Feb 2013 Palestinians blocked roads and held marches across the West Bank on Monday to protest the fate of thousands of their countrymen held in Israeli jails and demand the release of four detainees on hunger strike.
Syrian government ready to talk with armed groups -minister
Daily Star 18 Feb 2013 Syria is prepared to talk to armed opposition groups, the minister for national reconciliation said on Monday, the first time the government has offered to hold direct negotiations with rebel forces it long dismissed as terrorists.
Gulf countries contest Aoun’s Bahrain remarks
Daily Star 18 Feb 2013 Gulf States protest what they describe as MP Michel Aoun’s “irresponsible remarks” on events in Bahrain.
Ailing Chavez returns to Venezuela from Cuba
YNet News, 18 Feb 2013 – ….
Russian lawmaker’s body found cemented in barrel
YNet News, 18 Feb 2013 – ….
Spanish woman sets herself on fire in bank
YNet News, 18 Feb 2013 – ….
UN panel says Syria war crimes should go to trial
YNet News, 18 Feb 2013 – ….
Iran: We’ll not cave to pressure, France should adopt realistic approach
YNet News, 18 Feb 2013 – ….
Purim at the Wall
YNet News, 18 Feb 2013 – Op-ed: Women of the Wall member describes struggle to pray at sacred Jewish site in a manner traditionally preserved for men ….
Free Marwan Barghouti
YNet News, 18 Feb 2013 – Op-ed: Releasing idolized Palestinian leader will pave the way for a two-state solution that will save us from ruin ….
Palestinian Information Center
Gov’t: Re-arresting freed captives blatant violation of the agreement
PIC – The Palestinian government in Gaza lashed out at the Israeli occupation authorities (IOA) for re-arresting Palestinian ex-prisoners who were freed in the prisoners’ exchange deal.
Report: IOF nabbed 128 Palestinians last week
PIC – A report by Hamas movement in the West Bank on Monday said that Israeli occupation forces (IOF) rounded up 128 Palestinian citizens in the past week.
IOF destroys house in Beit Hanina, confiscates land in Bethlehem
PIC – Israeli occupation bulldozers demolished on Monday morning Tantash family’s house in Beit Hanina, north of Jerusalem, under the pretext of being built without permit.
Kiryat Arba settlers inaugurate new settler road
PIC – Settlers of Kiryat Arba settlement and Givat Kharsina outpost in al-Khalil have inaugurated a settlement road linking the outpost and the neighboring mountain.
Clashes erupt between citizens and Israeli soldiers in al-Khalil
PIC – A Palestinian boy was wounded today afternoon while another was arrested in clashes that erupted between citizens and occupation forces after a mass rally in al-Khalil.
Islamic Jihad: political detention hampers achieving reconciliation
PIC – Islamic Jihad movement said that force from the PA‘s intelligence service arrested on Sunday night one of the movement leaders Engineer Ayman Tabich, 32, and his brother.
Deported ex-captive launches a hunger strike in solidarity with prisoners
PIC – Akram Anteer, a liberated prisoner deported to Germany, announced on Monday entering an open-ended hunger strike in solidarity with the hunger striking prisoners in Israeli jails, despite his illness
Protesters trying to close the UN building in Ramallah
PIC – Young activists and university students tried on Monday morning to close the United Nations headquarters in Ramallah, in protest at the international silence regarding hunger striking prisoners..
Confrontations erupt in Arroub camp on Sunday and Monday
PIC – Violent clashes erupted between Palestinian youths and Israeli soldiers on Sunday evening, in Arroub refugee camp north of the city of al-Khalil in the southern West Bank..
Abbas to Meet Yemen President, Discuss Relations
WAFA – 18 Feb 2013
Israeli Soldiers Injure 20 during Confrontations in Hebron
WAFA – 18 Feb 2013
Elections Commission Extends Voter Registration for another 2 Days
WAFA – 18 Feb 2013
Erekat Urges EU’s Ashton to Take Immediate Action to Free Prisoners
WAFA – 18 Feb 2013
Lawyers to Challenge an Israeli Military Order on Prisoners
WAFA – 18 Feb 2013
Israel Demolishes House in a Jerusalem Neighborhood
WAFA – 18 Feb 2013
Newspapers Review: Abbas in Pakistan Focus of Dailies
WAFA – 18 Feb 2013
Rivals’ pact in Israel blocks Netanyahu from forming coalition
LA Times 17 Feb 2013 – The surprise alliance between Yair Lapid and Naftali Bennett puts a twist in talks on forming Israel’s next government. JERUSALEM — A new odd couple in Israeli politics has become the biggest obstacle to Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s effort to form the next government.
Obama, in Addressing Syria, May Revisit Arms Policy
New York Times 18 Feb 2013 – With President Obama apparently running out of ways to speed President Bashar al-Assad’s exit, American officials may revive a debate on giving weapons to his opponents.
Stung by ‘Argo,’ Iran Backs Conference Decrying ‘Hollywoodism’
New York Times 18 Feb 2013 – Tehran invited more than a hundred foreign guests to discuss what was described as the hidden agenda behind major American movies to make Iranians look bad.
Benjamin Netanyahu’s Ice Cream Budget Causes Political Stir
New York Times 18 Feb 2013 – A $2,700 allowance for a year’s worth of premium desserts for Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu of Israel has angered a public facing economic struggles.
Incumbent Is Likely Victor in Vote for Armenian Leader
New York Times 18 Feb 2013 – Armenians went to the polls on Monday in a presidential election that seemed certain to return President Serzh Sargsyan to office for a second five-year term.
U.N. Rights Officials Urge Syria War Crimes Charges
New York Times 18 Feb 2013 – Carla del Ponte, a United Nations human rights investigator, said that those responsible for war crimes in Syria should be held to account at the International Criminal Court in The Hague.
Jordan reportedly in talks on buying Israeli gas
Globes Energy & Water – Noble Energy has led talks on the subject for several weeks.
Tshuva asks €800m for Delek Europe
Globes Energy & Water – Delek Group has hired Bank of America to find buyers.
Chiasma teams with Roche
Globes Main News – The strategic development deal includes a $65 million down payment, $530 million in milestone payments, and double-digit royalties.
Zvi Eckstein: Subsidized cos should pay more tax
Globes Main News – Former Bank of Israel deputy governor: The new Capital Investment Law benefits big companies too much.
Defense officials confirm Turkish AWACS delivery
Globes Main News – Defense officials: Boeing’s efforts softened the Ministry of Defense’s position, and it allowed IAI-Elta to fulfill its contractual obligation to Boeing.
Mon: Telcos drag down TASE
Globes Main News – Bezeq and the mobile carriers fell, while Babylon rose strongly on the day’s biggest turnover.
Troubled Elbit Imaging’s share price up 70% this month
Globes Main News – The company’s shares will probably lose their value if its proposed debt arrangement goes ahead.
Purchasing Managers Index nears expansion level
Globes Macro Economics – The Israel Purchasing Managers Index rose to 49.3 points in January.
Krugman doubts Fischer’s Fed chances
Globes Macro Economics – Nobel Prize laureate Paul Krugman writes that Republicans would torpedo a nomination of Stanley Fischer for Fed chairman.
Israel supplying AWACS equipment to Turkey – report
Globes Aerospace & Defense – The advanced electronics equipment is part of a 2002 Israel Aerospace Industries contract with Boeing for AWACS planes.
Israeli Attorney General Announces Inquiry into Saar Sex Allegations, Jilted Lover’s Letter Published
Tikun Olam – Maya Katz’ letter to Prime Minister Netanyahu about Gideon Saar Today, News1 reports that the Israeli attorney general, Yehudah Weinstein, has agreed to open a preliminary investigation into charges that education minister, Gideon Saar, had sexual liaisons with young girls and women who he either supervised…
Shin Bet Kept Zygier’s Wife Under Surveillance Long After His Death
Tikun Olam – One of Ben Zygier’s multiple Australian identities Walla reports (Hebrew) that Israel’s security service devised an elaborate cover story for Ben Zygier’s widow to explain his absence to her neighbors after he was arrested. She told them that he’d contracted cancer and had flown back to…
Israel’s Education Minister Accused of Demanding Sex for Government Jobs
Tikun Olam – Gideon Saar, known for his adulterous dalliances with a number of women, has now been accused in a new report by News1 (Hebrew) of at least 4-5 affairs with women who were either his subordinates or who sought his help in getting government positions. It appears,…
Gay porn mogul unveils pinkwashing documentary
Mondoweiss – The decision last week by the New York LGBT center to lift a ban on all Israel-related events, clearing the way for Sarah Schulman to present her book that is highly critical of the Jewish state, ends a two-year period in which the center deferred to…
‘How does that work?’ Bob Simon badgers Ehud Barak over building settlements while taking US aid
Mondoweiss – Yesterday I did an anticipatory post damning as hasbara the “60 Minutes” report last night on “Iron Dome,” the missile defense system that lessened Israeli casualties during the Gaza conflict of last November. I’d only seen the trailer at that point. The actual report last night…
Couldn’t– or wouldn’t?
Mondoweiss – In the Washington Post, Dana Milbank praises South Carolina Senator Lindsey Graham for badgering Chuck Hagel for his criticism of the Israel lobby for intimidating legislators: And Graham delivered a memorable hectoring of Hagel for the nominee’s prior claim that lawmakers are “intimidated” by the Israel…
‘NYT’ says Irish ethnic solidarity is problematic
Mondoweiss – NYT today has an article saying that ethnic solidarity across nations is problematic. The piece is about Ireland’s support for the Breezy Point neighborhood of Queens, which is heavily Irish-American and was socked by Sandy. But that’s not altogether a good thing: But complicating the current…
Israel’s image takes another hit with the ‘Prisoner X’ scandal
Mondoweiss – (Image via NPR ) This post originally appeared in newmatilda.com . The case of Australian and Israeli citizen Ben Zygier and his alleged suicide in an Israeli jail in December 2010 provides an instructive window into the secretive relationship between Canberra and Tel Aviv as well as the…
Argentina’s Jewish Foreign Minister Defends Iran Terror Probe Deal
The Foward Breaking News 18 Feb 2013 – Argentina’s foreign minister, Hector Timerman, defended himself against accusations that he betrayed his Judaism by signing an agreement with Iran. Click here for the rest of the article…
Israeli Soldier Posts Photo on Instagram of Palestinian Boy in Gun’s Crosshairs
The Foward Breaking News 18 Feb 2013 – An Israel Defense Forces soldier has posted an Instagram photo of what appears to be a Palestinian boy in the crosshairs of a sniper’s rifle, prompting angry criticism after it was picked up by The Electronic Intifada and other news sites around the world over the…
Netanyahu Thanks Pope Benedict for Improving Ties With Jews and Israel
The Foward Breaking News 18 Feb 2013 – Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu thanked outgoing Pope Benedict on Monday for his efforts to shore up often troubled relations between the Roman Catholic Church and Jews, including with his 2009 visit to the Holy Land. Click here for the rest of the article…
Israel’s Prisoner X Suspected of Passing Mossad Spy Secrets to Australia
The Foward Breaking News 18 Feb 2013 – A suspected Mossad agent who died in an Israeli jail in 2010 was arrested by his spymasters who believed he may have told Australian intelligence about his work with the Israeli spy agency, Australian media reported on Monday. Click here for the rest of the article……
Egypt: Egypt‘s UN Envoy: Israeli Forces Systematically Control Palestinian Water Resources
allAfrica.com 18 Feb 2013 – [Egypt Online]Addressing the UN Security Council meeting on Friday 15/2/2013, Egypt‘s permanent envoy to the UN Ambassador Moataz Ahmadein Khalil warned of illegal practices of the Israeli occupation forces controlling water resources in Palestinian territories.
PSP Statement Regarding Samer Issawi and Palestinian Prisoners
Palestine Solidarity Project 18 Feb 2013 – For years, we have been trying to raise the world’s awareness about the barbaric and unjust fate of the Palestinian political prisoners. The latter, that Israel attempts to destroy by means of torture and imprisonment under horrible conditions, have been resisting for decades. Not less than…
Liberal Zionists Should Support BDS
The Magnes Zionist 17 Feb 2013 – Readers, this post appeared last week in Open Zion here and was answered by Peter Beinart here. I plan to respond to his response later. Liberal Zionists want to end Israeli control of the West Bank and Gaza, abolish institutional discrimination between the Jewish and non-Jewish…
How the JCRC inspired New York officials to fight BDS
Global BDS 18 Feb 2013 – When New York public officials criticized Brooklyn College for hosting a BDS event with Judith Butler and Omar Barghouti, their claimed interest in the matter was that the college was a public, taxpayer-funded institution and that, at best, the event was “one-sided” and needed “balance.” Yet…
BNC submission to the International FFM on Israeli settlements in the OPT
Global BDS 15 Feb 2013 – In March 2012, the UN Human Rights Council adopted a resolution establishing a Fact-Finding Mission (FFM) with the mandate to examine and issue a report on how the illegal Israeli settlements impact on the human rights (all civil, political, social, economic and cultural rights, including the…
Hezbollah ‘attacked Syrian villages’
BBC 18 Feb 2013 – Syrian rebels and opposition leaders have accused the Lebanese militant Shia group Hezbollah of attacking three villages in a big operation inside Syria.
Israel’s Prisoner X ‘leaked secrets’
BBC 18 Feb 2013 – An Australian report says Israel secretly jailed an Australian man who worked for its Mossad spy agency because it believed he had leaked secrets.
Protests for Palestinian prisoners
BBC 18 Feb 2013 – Protests are held in the West Bank in solidarity with Palestinian hunger strikers in Israeli jails, following warnings about the state of their health.
Crowdsourcing the Story of a Boy’s Murder
Al-Akhbar Blogs 18 Feb 2013 – Cairo – It started with a mobile photo of a dead body at Mounira Hospital and a small piece of news about the accidental killing of a sweet potato vendor by the police. It was a small army of diligent volunteers that connected the two and…
Lebanon: The Rentier Lobby is Not a Fantasy
Al-Akhbar Opinion 18 Feb 2013 – No one stands in the way of Lebanon‘s Rentier lobby. (Photo: Marwan Tahtah) No one stands in the way of Lebanon‘s Rentier lobby. (Photo: Marwan Tahtah) For some time now, Lebanon’s “ rentier lobby ” has been engaged in an all-out offensive. The lobby seeks to…
Libya: Unemployment and Insecurity Mar Revolution’s Anniversary
Al-Akhbar News 18 Feb 2013 – Libyan National Congress President Mohammed Magarief speaks at a ceremony to mark the second anniversary of the country’s revolution in Benghazi on 17 February 2013. (Photo: Esam al-Fetori – Reuters) Libyan National Congress President Mohammed Magarief speaks at a ceremony to mark the second anniversary of…
Lebanon: Syria Diesel Trade Means Big Money
Al-Akhbar News 18 Feb 2013 – A Free Syrian Army fighters sits in a pickup with anti-aircraft artillery near the Menagh military airport, in Aleppo’s countryside on 17 February 2013. (Photo: Mahmoud Hassano – Reuters) A Free Syrian Army fighters sits in a pickup with anti-aircraft artillery near the Menagh military airport,…
EU renews sanctions on Syria, debates lifting arms embargo
Al-Akhbar News 18 Feb 2013 – A Syrian rebel fighter walks through the Sit al-Ruba shopping street, ravaged and unused due to weeks of shelling, in the eastern city of Deir Ezzor, on 16 February 2013. (Photo: AFP – Zac Baillie) European Union governments agreed on Monday to renew sanctions against Syria…
Bulgaria links Lebanese to bombing, printer and telecom evidence
Al-Akhbar News 18 Feb 2013 – Israel’s Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu addresses a meeting of the Jewish Agency’s Board of Governors in Jerusalem. (Photo: Reuters/Baz Ranter) Israel’s Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu addresses a meeting of the Jewish Agency’s Board of Governors in Jerusalem. Hezbollah’s Naim Kassem, the group’s number two, slammed the “…
Lebanon: Last Minute Maneuvers to Avoid Strike Fail
Al-Akhbar News 18 Feb 2013 – Lebanese public sector workers are set to go on strike on Tuesday. (Photo: Bilal Jawish) Lebanese public sector workers are set to go on strike on Tuesday. (Photo: Bilal Jawish) The Lebanese cabinet headed by Prime Minister Najib Mikati was scheduled to meet on Monday, 18…
Egypt protesters shut down government offices in Port Said
Al-Akhbar News 18 Feb 2013 – Thousands of Egyptians rally on 17 February 2013, closing down government offices and factories in the Suez Canal city of Port Said, as they demand justice for dozens of people killed in clashes with police in late January after a court sentenced 21 soccer fans from…
The Arab Spring and Lèse-Majesté
Al-Akhbar Politics 17 Feb 2013 – Kuwaiti opposition leader and former MP Mussallam al-Barrak (C), gestures as he leaves the Palace of Justice in Kuwait City on 11 February 2013. (Photo: AFP – Yasser Al-Zayyat) Kuwaiti opposition leader and former MP Mussallam al-Barrak (C), gestures as he leaves the Palace of Justice…
Hezbollah ‘attacked Syrian villages’
BBC 18 Feb 2013 – Syrian rebels and opposition leaders have accused the Lebanese militant Shia group Hezbollah of attacking three villages in a big operation inside Syria.
Israel’s Prisoner X ‘leaked secrets’
BBC 18 Feb 2013 – An Australian report says Israel secretly jailed an Australian man who worked for its Mossad spy agency because it believed he had leaked secrets.
Protests for Palestinian prisoners
BBC 18 Feb 2013 – Protests are held in the West Bank in solidarity with Palestinian hunger strikers in Israeli jails, following warnings about the state of their health.
Articles
Financing humanitarian and human rights abuses
Ramona Wadi, Middle East Monitor (MEMO) 2/15/2013
The popular dissemination that UNRWA provides ‘assistance and protection’ to Palestinian refugees helping them ‘to achieve their full potential in human development, pending a just solution to their plight’ cannot be isolated from three important factors: Israel’s illegal occupation of Palestine, UN responses to Israeli atrocities and the mechanisms of relief and funding on an international level which depict a link between humanitarian aid and human rights violations. Taking into consideration the whole scenario, the rhetoric of potential exhibits a misguided approach which might serve as the key to further alienation of the international community and isolation of Palestinians in their solitary struggle against atrocities.
While the relief provided by the organisation aids Palestinians to construct a semblance of dignity, it also serves as an incentive for the international community to soothe their ephemeral conscience having failed to adhere to international human rights law with regard to decades of displacement and atrocities.
UNRWA operates under UN Resolution 302(IV), which has been consistently renewed and extended until 2014. Israel’s opposition to the Palestinian Right of Return, its forced displacement, settler colonies and apartheid practices have all contributed to a rising number of refugees totalling approximately five million across Gaza, the West Bank, Syria, Jordan and Lebanon. The international community’s complacency has been instrumental in ensuring the expansion of Israel’s oppression and consolidation of human rights violations sanctioned by Israeli law and financed by Israeli allies, notably the US.
The State of Israel has built itself upon Zionist policies which advocate the elimination of the Palestinian population – a view embraced and acted upon within an oppressive legal framework which the international community is loath to confront. International human rights law; an emblem of justice and heralded by the West, is deftly shunned in relation to Israel. Thus, Israel’s allies remain willingly shackled to complicity in colonial and apartheid practices, finding solace in the perfunctory role of the United Nations and its miserable efforts to construct the foundations of a relevant discourse based upon the validity of human rights. more..e-mail
Arch-Zionist gets top BBC strategy job
Nureddin Sabir, Redress 2/16/2013
The incoming director-general of the BBC, Tony Hall, has put a notorious Zionist apologist, James Purnell, in charge of strategy at the corporation.
Mr Hall is due to take up his job as BBC boss on 2 April. He replaces George Entwistle, who resigned last November following the controversy over a report broadcast on BBC television’s “Newsnight” programme which falsely implicated Tory financier Lord McAlpine in the North Wales child abuse scandal.
James Purnell, currently a senior producer at programme makers Rare Day and adviser to business consultants BCG, served as secretary of state for culture in Gordon Brown’s Labour government.
In his new post at the BBC, he will be in charge of the corporation’s policy, strategy, digital services, public affairs, communications, marketing and audience research – in other words, pretty much everything that matters in the BBC.
That is why anyone who cares about fair and objective reporting of the Palestinian-Israeli conflict should be gravely concerned, for Mr Purnell has a rock-solid record as a stooge of Israel. Israel lobby background
From 2002 to 2004 James Purnell served as chairman of Labour Friends of Israel – heading a Zionist lobby group, it would seem, is a prerequisite for high office in Britain. more.. e-mail
Palestinian civil society welcomes the findings and recommendations of the UN Fact Finding Mission on Israeli settlements
Palestinian Boycott, Divestment and Sanctions National Committee (BNC, Alternative Information Center 2/18/2013
The Palestinian Boycott, Divestment and Sanctions National Committee (BNC), a broad coalition of the largest Palestinian civil society organizations, trade unions and NGO networks, supports the outcomes of the UN Fact Finding Mission on Israeli Settlements[1] that calls for boycotts and sanctions as measures required to end the illegal Israeli settlement enterprise. The BNC calls upon states, members of the Human Rights Council, to adopt the report, and on all governments and business enterprises to implement its recommendations. The BNC also calls upon conscientious citizens and civic organizations worldwide to use this report as a tool to intensity the global civil society BDS Campaign and put pressure on governments to implement its recommendations.
The UN Fact Finding Mission on the Israeli Settlement in the Occupied Palestinian Territory including East Jerusalem (OPT) released the official edited version of the report on 14 February 2013, and States Members of the UN Human Rights Council are expected to discuss and vote on the report in March. The Mission was established by the UN Human Rights Council in March 2012, composed of independent experts, and mandated to investigate the implications of the Israeli settlements on the civil, political, economic, social and cultural rights of Palestinians in the OPT, including East Jerusalem (OPT). Prevented from entering the OPT by Israel, the Mission operated from Geneva and Amman and analyzed dozens of reports, as well as testimonies presented by Palestinian victims, witnesses and experts. In recognition of the experience and expertise of Palestinian civil society’s BDS Campaign, the BNC was invited to explain the role of private settler and business entities, and to suggest accountability measures which can be pursued by the Human Rights Council.[2]
The BNC appreciates the Mission’s analysis ‘which is based on the International Court of Justice advisory opinion of 2004 and concludes that the right of self-determination of the Palestinian people is violated by the Israeli policies of “creeping annexation” and the massive transfer of Israeli citizens into the OPT (forced population transfer), and that these are serious violations of international humanitarian and human rights law. more.. e-mail
Inside the Hezbollah Bombing ‘Hypothesis’ of an Israeli Tour Bus
Gareth Porter, CounterPunch 2/18/2013
Bulgarian Revelations Explode
When European Union foreign ministers discuss a proposal to designate Hezbollah as a terrorist organisation, Bulgaria’s Foreign Minister Nikolay Mladenov will present his government’s case for linking two suspects in the Jul. 18, 2012 bombing of an Israeli tourist bus to Hezbollah.
But European ministers who demand hard evidence of Hezbollah involvement are not likely to find it in the Bulgarian report on the investigation, which has produced no more than an “assumption” or “hypothesis” of Hezbollah complicity.
Major revelations about the investigation by the former head of the probe and by a top Bulgarian journalist have further damaged the credibility of the Bulgarian claim to have found links between the suspects and Hezbollah.
The chief prosecutor in charge of the Bulgarian investigation revealed in an interview published in early January that the evidence available was too scarce to name any party as responsible, and that investigators had found a key piece of evidence that appeared to contradict it.
An article in a Bulgarian weekly in mid-January confirmed that the investigation had turned up no information on a Hezbollah role, and further reported that one of the suspects had been linked by a friendly intelligence service to Al-Qaeda.
The statement made Feb. 5 by Interior Minister Tsvetan Tsvetanov referred to what he called a “reasonable assumption” or as a “well-founded assumption”, depending on the translation, that two suspects in the case belonged to Hezbollah’s “military formation”. more.. e-mail
“Gangnam Style” parody puts spotlight on Gaza siege
Electronic Intifada: 18 Feb 2013 – Eva Bartlett Gaza City 18 February 2013 A version of the chart-topping song highlights unemployment among Palestinian youth.more
Palestinians fleeing Syria bombed by Israel in Gaza
Electronic Intifada: 18 Feb 2013 – Gaza City 18 February 2013 Palestinians who fled violence in Syria were among those bombed by Israel for eight consecutive days in November.more
Gangnam Gaza Style: on the siege, Palestinian Prisoners, Palestinian Pride
In Gaza: 18 Feb 2013 – First published at Inter Press Services [ blog version longer than published version] – By Eva Bartlett “We wanted to do something to bring focus to the plight of Palestinian political prisoners, of which there are around 5,000 in Israeli jails, including hunger strikers, children, women,” says Mohannad Barakat, 30, one of seven Palestinians who made ‘ Gangnam Gaza Style .’ Parodying the South Korean video, ‘ Gangnam Style ,’ which topped charts in mid- 2012, soon after breaking records for most-watched Youtube video, Gaza’s version injects the sordid realities of Palestinians’ lives under Israeli military occupation and the years-long choking siege of the Strip. “We wanted to tell the outside world about the impossible circumstances under which we live: that our airport has been destroyed, our fishers are prevented from accessing their sea, that half our population is out of work, that we use tunnels instead of border crossings and…more
Why the Iran Sanctions?
Palestine Chronicle: 18 Feb 2013 – By William James Martin The efforts of Israel and its US supporters and the Obama administration to institute crippling sanctions on Iran may have less to do with a potential nuclear capability than with the effort by Israel to manage the configuration and distribution of power in its sphere of influence. The takedown of Saddam Hussein by the US in 2003 and the dismantlement of its military left Iran unopposed by a comparable military adversary, and, ultimately resulted in a neighboring state whose officials enjoyed close ties to Iran and whose government was dominated by Shiite Muslims. In addition, it opened a corridor through which armaments could pass to Syria and through Syria to Hezbollah in Lebanon. Israel’s only significant military challenge in the region is Hezbollah which was formed under the auspices of the Iranian theocracy and which is dependent on Iran for it armaments. Hezbollah is understood, by…more
In the Name of Oppression: Two Babies at Checkpoint
Palestine Chronicle: 18 Feb 2013 – Two back-to-back procedures at the same time and at the same place. It was cold. The air was polluted. But the harmful and cruel regulations were more polluted. The victims: two babies. Two babies with no connection to each other apart for their health condition that required them to be hospitalized in East Jerusalem, and for the fact that they were part of the Palestinian people and as such were declined their basic rights even before coming into the world. It was impossible to see the babies’ faces. Like tiny bundles each covered in wholly and colorful blankets that reached over their heads, they lied quietly. Not a cry was heard, no movement was made. It was as though they knew their lives or deaths were on the line. Only a bunch of black intractable hair peeped out from one of the blankets. In less than five minutes two ambulances…more
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International Middle East Media Center
Israel Admits Using Private Palestinian Lands In Kibbutz Meirav
IMEMC – The so-called “Israel’s Lands Administration” acknowledged that privately-owned Palestinian lands in the West Bank’s Northern Plains have been used for the expansion of the Kibbutz Meirav, located within the Green Line. …
Palestinians block entrance to UN office in Ramallah to call for action on hunger-striking prisoners
IMEMC – Palestinian demonstrators today blocked the entrance of the UN headquarters in Ramallah in protest against its silence on the issue of the hunger-strikers in the Israeli jails.The protesters tried to prevent workers from entering the UN premises, but were prevented by the Palestinian Authority police. …
Youth Injured After Being Rammed By Settler’s Vehicle In Bethlehem
IMEMC – Monday evening February 18; In another hit and run incident, a Palestinian youth was injured after being rammed by a settler’s vehicle in Wad Fookin, west of the West Bank city of Bethlehem. …
209 days On Hunger Strike; Letter from Palestinian Prisoner Samer al-Eesawi
IMEMC – “There is no going back because I’m the owner of Right” Letter from prisoner Samer Al-Eesawi; as it came from the Ministry of prisoners: I turn with admiration to the masses of our heroic Palestinian people, to our Palestinian leadership, to all forces, parties and national institutions. I salute them for standing by our fight to defend our right to freedom and dignity. …
Several Injured As Army Attacks Solidarity Protest In Al-Khader
IMEMC – Morning February 18; Palestinian Medical sources in Bethlehem reported that Israeli soldiers fired gas bombs, rubber-coated metal bullets and concussion grenades at a group of Palestinians who marched at the southern entrance of the Al-Khader town, near Bethlehem. …
Soldiers Order To Bethlehem Villagers To Evict Their Lands
IMEMC – Monday Feb 18; Israeli soldiers handed two Palestinians from Nahhalin village, west of Bethlehem, military warrants ordering them to leave their own lands as the Israeli army intends to take the lands away under the claim of “military considerations”. …
Israel Fortifies Military Bases, Settlements, Close To Gaza Border
IMEMC – Last Wednesday February 13, the Israeli army started work meant to secure and fortify military bases, and settlements, located on the eastern part of the Gaza Strip. …
Sharawna Moved To Soroka Hospital
IMEMC – Palestinian Minister of Detainees, Issa Qaraqe’, reported Sunday that hunger striking detainee, Ayman Sharawna, was moved to the Soroka Israel hospital in Be’er As-Sabe’ (Beersheba), due to a serious deterioration in his health condition. …
Israeli forces occupy home in Jenin village
2/18/2013 – JENIN (Ma’an) — Israeli forces seized a Palestinian apartment building in Jenin village Yabad on Friday, the third such incident of its kind in the last month, the home-owner told Ma’an.” At around eleven in the evening on Friday, three Israeli military vehicles arrived and the soldiers moved their military gear to….
Egyptian flooding washes away Gaza tunnel business
2/18/2013 – GAZA (Reuters) — Egypt‘s campaign to shut down smuggling tunnels running under its border into the Gaza Strip threatens to throw thousands of people out of work in the Hamas-run coastal territory. The network of tunnels has been a vital lifeline for Gaza, bringing in an estimated 30 percent of all goods that reach….
Israeli forces arrest 10 in West Bank
2/18/2013 – BETHLEHEM (Ma’an) — Israeli forces arrested 10 people in the West Bank overnight, Israel’s army and locals said. Israeli military vehicles entered the Salfit village of Yasuf and arrested Thaer Naim Said, 25, locals told Ma’an. Soldiers also raided the Nablus village of Bizzariyya in Nablus and detained two young….
Protesters rally in solidarity with hunger strikers
2/18/2013 – BETHLEHEM/HEBRON (Ma’an) — Protesters rallied in Bethlehem, Hebron and Ramallah on Monday in support of hunger striking prisoners in Israeli jails, as the PA minister of prisoner affairs warned of a popular uprising in the West Bank. In Al-Khader near Bethlehem, dozens of people, including the families of prisoners and representatives from human…. Related: Protesters condemn UN for ignoring hunger strikers
Protesters condemn UN for ignoring hunger strikers
2/18/2013 – RAMALLAH (Ma’an) — Protesters in Ramallah demonstrated outside UNRWA offices on Monday, accusing the UN agency of ignoring the plight of hunger striking prisoners in Israeli jails. Protesters had tried to enter the UN offices but were prevented from doing so by PA police forces. Informed sources told Ma’an that UNRWA decided…. Related: Protesters rally in solidarity with hunger strikers
Official: Israel continues to withhold PA tax revenues
2/18/2013 – BETHLEHEM (Ma’an) — Israel continues to withhold tax revenues from the Palestinian Authority, an official said Monday, as unions in the West Bank organize strike action this week over unpaid salaries. Ahmad al-Hilou, director of customs taxes and VAT, told Ma’an that Israel was supposed to transfer December tax revenues to the….
Official: Egyptian security delegation to visit Israel
2/18/2013 – CAIRO (Ma’an) — An Egyptian delegation will visit Israel for talks on the ceasefire with Hamas and border restrictions, a security official said Monday. The delegation will demand Israel allows commercial goods to enter Gaza via the Rafah crossing on Egypt‘s border, the Egyptian official told Ma’an. Egyptian President Mohammad….
Report: Australian may have leaked Mossad secrets
2/18/2013 – CANBERRA (Reuters) — A suspected Mossad agent who died in an Israeli jail in 2010 was arrested by his spymasters who believed he may have told Australian intelligence about his work with the Israeli spy agency, Australian media reported on Monday. The Australian Broadcasting Corp said dual Australian-Israeli citizen Ben Zygier, 34, had met officers from….
For Netanyahu, N. Korea nuclear test offers lesson on Iran
2/18/2013 – JERUSALEM (Reuters) — Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu pointed on Monday to North Korea’s latest nuclear test as proof the world must keep up pressure on Iran to prevent it acquiring atomic weapons. In a speech to a gathering of international Jewish leaders, Netanyahu said sanctions alone could not stop Iran developing a nuclear….
Bulgaria presses EU to toughen stance on Hezbollah
2/18/2013 – BRUSSELS (Reuters) — Bulgaria urged other European governments on Monday to take a harder stance towards Hezbollah after blaming the Islamist movement for a bus bombing that killed five Israelis at a Bulgarian Black Sea resort last year. Bulgaria’s implication of Hezbollah in the attack in the city of Burgas has reignited a debate….
Netanyahu thanks pope for deepening Christian-Jewish ties
2/18/2013 – JERUSALEM (Reuters) — Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu thanked outgoing Pope Benedict on Monday for his efforts to shore up often troubled relations between the Roman Catholic Church and Jews, including with his 2009 visit to the Holy Land. That trip, in which the German-born Benedict paid respects at Israel’s main Holocaust memorial, was….
Nablus doctors sentenced in absentia for medical negligence
2/18/2013 – NABLUS (Ma’an) — A Nablus court on Monday sentenced two doctors to one year prison terms after finding them guilty of negligence. The unidentified doctors were sentenced in absentia after an incident from 2003 was brought to the court. The court heard that on Feb. 11, 2003, a Palestinian Authority police officer was admitted….
Election body: 258,000 voters registered in Gaza
2/18/2013 – GAZA CITY (Ma’an) — The Central Elections Commission said Monday that 258,000 people have registered to vote in the Gaza Strip. The roll has not been updated in Gaza since Jan. 2005 and the operation of the CEC in Gaza is seen as a boost to reconciliation efforts between Fatah and Hamas. Jamil al-Khalidi….
UN says has list of Syrian war crimes suspects
2/18/2013 – GENEVA (Reuters) — Syrians in “leadership positions” who may be responsible for war crimes have been identified, along with units accused of perpetrating them, United Nations investigators said on Monday. Both government forces and armed rebels are committing war crimes, including killings and torture, spreading terror among civilians in a nearly two-year-old conflict, they said. The….
EU extends sanctions against Syria
2/18/2013 – BRUSSELS (Reuters) — European Union governments agreed on Monday to extend sanctions against Syria for three months but said they would amend an arms embargo to provide more non-lethal support and technical assistance to protect civilians. The decision, taken at an EU foreign ministers’ meeting, was a compromise after weeks of disagreement between Britain, which….
Sniper IOF Soldier Captures an Instagram Photo of a Palestinian Boy in Crosshairs of his Rifle
Palestine News Network
Fourteen Palestinians Released in Shalit Deal, Back in Israeli Jails
Palestine News Network
Voter Registration is Now Extended by Two Days
Palestine News Network
No Free Media with Military Censorship
Palestine News Network
Anonymous Activists Hack into 600,000 Israeli Email Accounts
Palestine News Network
Gangnam Style Finds a Tragic Touch in Gaza
Palestine News Network
Arab League Calls on International Community to Support Striking Prisoners
Palestine News Network
Israeli Army Forces Raid Salfit, Arrest Palestinian
Palestine News Network
Israeli Forces Arrest Youngster from Aida Refugee Camp, Bethlehem
Palestine News Network
Police Discover Rare Artifacts at a Jericho Store
Palestine News Network
Abbas: PA Committed to Peace, Two-State Solution
Palestine News Network
Palestinian Youth Groups Call for Rebuilding the PLO, Refuse Division of Institutions by the Factions
Palestine News Network
Palestinian Center for Human Rights
2 Fishermen Injured and Fishing Boat Damaged; PCHR Condemns the Israeli Forces’ Assaults on Palestinian Fishermen in Gaz…
Palestinian Center for Human Rights
International Solidarity Movement
Clashes erupt in Hebron after peaceful demonstration in support of Palestinian political prisoners
2/18/2013 – International Solidarity Movement – By Team Khalil, 15 February 2013, International Solidarity Movement, Hebron, Occupied Palestine – A peaceful demonstration in support of Palestinian hunger strikers in Israeli jails took place today in Hebron with roughly 2000 in attendance. The demonstration was supported by all Palestinian political factions. Soon after the end of the rally clashes erupted in central Hebron….
Clashes in Huwarra after demonstration against Israeli administrative detention
2/18/2013 – International Solidarity Movement – By Team Nablus, 18 February 2013, International Solidarity Movement, Huwarra, Occupied Palestine – Four people , including one eleven year old boy, were arrested today during clashes between Israeli Soldiers and Palestinian Youth (Shebab). At least one person was taken away from the scene in an ambulance. The Israeli Army used tear gas and sound bombs against….
Six solidarity hunger strikers in Hebron
2/18/2013 – International Solidarity Movement – By Team Khalil, 18 February 2013, International Solidarity Movement, Hebron, Occupied Palestine – Six people in Hebron go on hunger strike in support of Ayman Ismail Sharawna who has been on hunger strike in prison for 235 days. These include Ayman’s mother, Zohra, and three brothers, Jihad, Abed al Rahman and Ismail Shawarna. Joining….
Alternative Information Center
In photos: Gaza farmers rally for Israeli boycott
Alternative Information Center – Hundreds of Palestinian farmers marched to the Gaza Strip’s Israel-imposed “buffer zone” on Saturday morning, where they rallied and planted olive trees. The demonstration, organized by the Union of Agricultural Work Committees (UAWC), was part of…
Israel continues pressure on East Jerusalem
Alternative Information Center – Israel continues to apply pressure on the residents of the East Jerusalem village of Issawiya, detaining Wednesday Mohammad Abu Humus, member of the Issawiya Follow-Up Committee. Israeli police issued an order removing Abu Humus from his…
013
Relief Web 18 Feb 2013 – Source: UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs Country: Egypt, Iraq, Jordan, Lebanon, occupied Palestinian territory, Syrian Arab Republic, Turkey Highlights UN and partners step up assistance across conflict lines. Over 850,000 Syrian refugees flee violence to neighbouring countries…
Lebanon: “Greet Syria for us” Syrian Palestine Refugees receive UNRWA support in Lebanon but more is needed
Relief Web 18 Feb 2013 – Source: UN Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East Country: Lebanon, occupied Palestinian territory, Syrian Arab Republic UNRWA Education delegation visits Syrian Palestine refugee students at UNRWA schools in Lebanon in light of upcoming Regional Education…
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Relief Web 18 Feb 2013 – Source: Assessment Capacities Project Country: Afghanistan, Algeria, Angola, Bangladesh, Burkina Faso, Central African Republic, Chad, Democratic People’s Republic of Korea, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Djibouti, Egypt, Eritrea, Ethiopia, Guatemala, Haiti, Iraq, Jordan, Kenya, Lebanon, Malawi, Mali, Mauritania, Mozambique, Myanmar,…
Syrian Arab Republic: Report of the independent international commission of inquiry on the Syrian Arab Republic (A/HRC/22/59)
Relief Web 18 Feb 2013 – Source: UN Human Rights Council Country: Egypt, Jordan, Lebanon, occupied Palestinian territory, Syrian Arab Republic, Turkey Human Rights Council Twenty-second session Agenda item 4 Human rights situations that require the Council’s attention Summary The depth of the Syrian tragedy is…
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Relief Web 18 Feb 2013 – Source: Government of Israel Country: occupied Palestinian territory A total of 5,219 Palestinians crossed to Israel through to Erez Termina 4,991 trucks carrying 143,277 tons of goods entered Gaza. 138 truckloads of goods were exported from Gaza.
UAE’s residents among the world’s happiest, study finds
The National 18 Feb 2013 – Only people living in Bhutan were less likely to think negatively about where they lived.
French pledge on horse meat
The National 18 Feb 2013 – French meat at the region’s biggest food industry event next week will be subjected to stringent checks to ensure it is not contaminated with horse meat.
Tank supplier seeks new deal on UAE troop carriers
The National 18 Feb 2013 – Idex 2013: The Armed Forces’ main battle tanks supplier Nexter Systems are looking to supply 700 combat armoured infantry carriers (VBCIs) to the military.
Indian politician Amar Singh admitted to Dubai hospital
The National 18 Feb 2013 – Indian politician Amar Singh, who was on a private visit to Dubai, was admitted to the Welcare Hospital yesterday afternoon.
Advanced fighter jets to have UAE parts
The National 18 Feb 2013 – Idex 2013: The multi-purpose Typhoons, developed by a European consortium, will be supplied with high-tolerance frames used near the engines.
Tunisian president says talks to form government collapse
The National 18 Feb 2013 – Hamadi Jebali was seeking to forge a consensus on his proposal to form a non-partisan administration.
Students learn skills at Abu Dhabi defence exhibition
The National 18 Feb 2013 – Idex 2013: This was the students’ first exposure to an exhibition such as Idex and they were asked to show to visitors parts built by Tawazun.
Yemen fund soars while skydivers plummet
The National 18 Feb 2013 – Seventy voluntary parachutists take the leap over Skydive Dubai and collect enough money to feed 28,000 Yemeni families for a day.
Netanyahu, Steinitz at odds over keeping Knesset panel in dark over Prisoner X
Ha’aretz – 18 Feb 2013
Palestinians to ask that Obama personally kickstart peace process
Ha’aretz – 18 Feb 2013
Public security minister admits police follow activists on Facebook
Ha’aretz – 18 Feb 2013
In Australia, anti-Israel rhetoric drowns out speculation over Zygier affair
Ha’aretz – 18 Feb 2013
Shas minister hid conflict of interest in grant submission
Ha’aretz – 18 Feb 2013
‘Tel Aviv’s development plans undermine city’s promise to protect environment’
Ha’aretz – 18 Feb 2013
Violence flares in West Bank on anniversary of Cave of the Patriarchs massacre
Ha’aretz – 18 Feb 2013
Ben Zygier affair a matter for the Knesset, Israel’s state comptroller says
Ha’aretz – 18 Feb 2013
U.S. National Security Adviser: EU must include Hezbollah in terrorist list
Ha’aretz – 18 Feb 2013
Israel’s AG: Probe letter claiming Education Minister Gideon Sa’ar acted ‘inappropriately’
Ha’aretz – 18 Feb 2013
Bulgaria tells EU: Hezbollah must face consequences to stop future terror attacks
Ha’aretz – 18 Feb 2013
The Israel Postal Company’s stamp of disapproval
Ha’aretz – 18 Feb 2013
Netanyahu to Jewish leaders: North Korea nuclear test shows sanctions alone won’t stop Iran
Ha’aretz – 18 Feb 2013
Israel supplies Turkey with military equipment for first time since Gaza flotilla
Ha’aretz – 18 Feb 2013
Netanyahu overspent budget for Jerusalem residence by 50% in 2012
Ha’aretz – 18 Feb 2013
Israel arrested Ben Zygier fearing he exposed Mossad plans in Italy, ABC reports
Ha’aretz – 18 Feb 2013
First Hebrew kindergarten from pre-state Israel saved from wrecking ball
Ha’aretz – 18 Feb 2013
Riots continue in Hebron over hunger strikers
Jerusalem Post 18 Feb 2013 – Palestinians gather in force across the region to protest treatment of prisoners in Israeli jails; one hurt by rubber bullets.
Panel postpones new hotels on Eilat’s Almog Beach
Jerusalem Post 18 Feb 2013 – Partner in one firm involved in plans for complex confident of project’s success – despite his offer to sell land.
Bennett pays a visit to prestigious haredi yeshivot
Jerusalem Post 18 Feb 2013 – In attempt to allay fears, Bayit Yehudi chairman tells Jerusalem yeshivot that national service and Torah study can be combined.
Rabbinate refute high civil marriage statistics
Jerusalem Post 18 Feb 2013 – Religious Services Ministry says Jewish couples marrying abroad marry in Jewish, rather than civil, ceremonies.
Is Qatari cash keeping the calm in Gaza?
Jerusalem Post 18 Feb 2013 – Security source tells ‘Post’ money is “flowing into Gaza,” as Qatari funds are being used to pay for construction, infrastructure.
Netanyahu: Unarmed Palestinian state critical to peace
Jerusalem Post 18 Feb 2013 – Amidst a renewed international push to restart the peace process, PM tells Jewish Agency governors that Palestinian acceptance of a demilitarized state and recognition of Israel as a Jewish homeland are both critical for peace.
Peres to honor Obama with Medal of Distinction
Jerusalem Post 18 Feb 2013 – President to award his US counterpart with Israel’s highest civilian award, just like US leader gave one to him last year.
PM: Sharansky should get another term as chairman
Jerusalem Post 18 Feb 2013 – ‘I look forward to working to help secure the Jewish people with Natan at the helm,’ Netanyahu tells JAFI Board of Governors.
Prescription drugs seized at Ramat Aviv health store
Jerusalem Post 18 Feb 2013 – TA Health Ministry discovers a health food store illegally selling prescription drugs in Ramat Aviv.
Keep Purim a happy holiday, free from accidents
Jerusalem Post 18 Feb 2013 – Medical Centers across Israel have issued advisories on how to keep Purim a safe and happy holiday.
C’tee may transform Palmahim shoreline into park
Jerusalem Post 18 Feb 2013 – Nine-year-old battle rages over proposal to develop resort complex on site north of Ashdod.
Lapid in tears over Israeli agent Jonathan Pollard
Jerusalem Post 18 Feb 2013 – Yesh Atid leader speaks to the Israeli agent on the phone after meeting with his wife, promises to promote his release.
Rules of interrogation
Jerusalem Post 18 Feb 2013 – Shin Bet commanders have traditionally opposed videotaping interrogations since tapes might fall into the wrong hands.
On My Mind: Tackling Israeli-Arab education
Jerusalem Post 18 Feb 2013 – Israeli Arabs currently account for only 12 percent of students pursuing undergraduate degrees in Israel.
Danino’s car runs red light, hits motorcyclist
Jerusalem Post 18 Feb 2013 – Police chief suspends personal driver after video showed him run a red light and hit a motorcycle rider.
Borderline views: The Ariel own goal
Jerusalem Post 18 Feb 2013 – At its annual meeting in Jerusalem, The Jewish Agency discusses the growing problem of anti-Israel delegitimization throughout the world.
Husbands who extinguish their wives’ libidos
Jerusalem Post 18 Feb 2013 – No Holds Barred: Does man realize that by failing to compliment his wife he teaches her to think.
Is territorial discontinuity a real obstacle?
Jerusalem Post 18 Feb 2013 – Territorial division between Gaza and the West Bank is not an obstacle to the creation of a Palestinian state.
Fundamentally Freund: The case for Judea and Samaria
Jerusalem Post 18 Feb 2013 – The UN issued a harsh report against Israel aimed at undermining the legitimacy of Israel’s presence in Judea and Samaria.
Aharonovitch: Zygier got legal, psychological care
Jerusalem Post 18 Feb 2013 – Knesset panel may have begun probe of “Prisoner X” incident; legal adviser says MKs who broke censorship could be put on trial.
Aharonovitch: Zygier got full legal, psychological care
Jerusalem Post 18 Feb 2013 – Knesset panel may have begun probe of “Prisoner X” incident; legal adviser says MKs who broke censorship could be put on trial; Zygier may have told Australian intelligence about his alleged work for Mossad.
Organs and statistics
Jerusalem Post 18 Feb 2013 – With more than 1,100 Israelis waiting for organs, the most important statistic is the number of organ donations.
PM thanks pope for bolstering Christian-Jewish ties
Jerusalem Post 18 Feb 2013 – In letter to outgoing pope, Netanyahu thanks Pope Benedict for 2009 Israel visit and for defending values of Judaism, Christianity.
Israeli musical pioneer Shmulik Kraus laid to rest
Jerusalem Post 18 Feb 2013 – Israeli musician who “changed the face of music” passes away from Swine Flu at the age of 77.
Syrian minister says ready to talk with opposition
Jerusalem Post 18 Feb 2013 – National reconciliation minister says “door is open” for direct negotiations with armed rebel groups.
Alternatively Speaking: Happy hangover
Jerusalem Post 18 Feb 2013 – Alternative medicine expert Natalie Marx answers your questions: Which vitamins can help cure a post-Purim hangover?
A-G to probe claims Sa’ar had affair with employee
Jerusalem Post 18 Feb 2013 – Former Education Ministry employee accuses Sa’ar of having an affair with her, and having relations with intoxicated minor.
Israel sells electronic warfare systems to Turkey
Jerusalem Post 18 Feb 2013 – J’lem complete $200 million deal with Turkish air force, after it was frozen following the 2010 Mavi Marmara incident.
Iran dismisses West offer to ease sanctions
Jerusalem Post 18 Feb 2013 – Iranian Foreign Ministry rejects offer of eased sanctions in exchange for closure of underground nuclear bunker.
A case study in why even good policy needs good PR
Jerusalem Post 18 Feb 2013 – Israel didn’t “disappear” Ben Zygier, yet its bungling response lent credence to claims that it did.
Barack Obama to receive Israel’s presidential medal of distinction
The Guardian 18 Feb 2013 – President who is often criticised over Israel policy set to be honoured during March visit to the Middle East Barack Obama will receive one of Israel’s most prestigious honours during his upcoming visit to the Middle…
Israeli soldier posts Instagram image of Palestinian child in crosshairs of rifle
The Guardian 18 Feb 2013 – Military investigates Mor Ostrovski, 20, as row grows over spate of offensive images posted online by Israeli soldiers An Israeli soldier has sparked outrage by posting a photograph appearing to show the back of a Palestinian…
UN official: ‘time has come’ to refer Syrian war crimes to ICC – as it happened
The Guardian 18 Feb 2013 – • UN report identifies Syrians in ‘leadership positions’ • War crimes ‘perpetrated by both sides’ • Fighting continues in Damascus • Egypt: protests in Port Said • Read the latest summary Paul Owen
Gangnam Style Finds a Tragic Touch in Gaza
IPS “We wanted to do something to bring focus to the plight of Palestinian political prisoners, of which there are around 5,000 in Israeli jails, including hunger strikers, children, women,” says Mohannad Barakat, 30, one of seven Palestinians who have made a Palestinian version of the Gangnam style. The Gangnam Gaza…
Profiting From Human Misery
Uruknet
Addameer calls on civil society to unite against Military Order 1651
Uruknet
The premises and purposes of American exceptionalism
Uruknet
Corruption in the Iraqi Oil Sector
Uruknet
Collaboration between IDF, settlers reaching point of no return
Uruknet
Gangnam Gaza Style: on the siege, Palestinian Prisoners, Palestinian Pride
Uruknet
Can the Government Use Armed Drones in US Airspace?
Uruknet
US/NATO occupation of Afghanistan unravelling
Uruknet
013 (Warning: Graphic Videos)
Uruknet
Egypt, U.S. to maintain strategic ties based on common interests
Uruknet
Suspected missionaries in Libya accused of spying
Daily Star 18 Feb 2013 A top Libyan security official says four foreigners currently under arrest have been accused of espionage in addition to proselytizing Christianity.
Kurdish refugees have mixed feelings about Syria
Daily Star 18 Feb 2013 Syrian Kurds who fled their country’s civil war have mixed feelings about a future without Bashar Assad: They hope to win a measure of autonomy after the fall of the regime, but fear chaos and the…
Tunisia PM fails to get new cabinet to stem unrest
Daily Star 18 Feb 2013 Tunisia’s main political parties failed to agree on forming a non-partisan cabinet to tackle turmoil triggered by the assassination of an opposition leader, Prime Minister Hamadi Jebali said on Monday.
Pakistan Shiites demand protection from militants
Daily Star 18 Feb 2013 Thousands of Pakistani Shi’ites furious over a sectarian bombing that killed 89 people protested on Monday, demanding that security forces protect them from hardline Sunni groups.
Egypt court rejects election law, may delay poll
Daily Star 18 Feb 2013 Egypt‘s constitutional court rejected five articles of a draft election law on Monday and sent the text back to the country’s temporary legislature for redrafting in a ruling that may delay a parliamentary poll due in…
Iran taps North Korean-educated man for top post
Daily Star 18 Feb 2013 President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad has nominated a North Korean-educated former Iranian military official for a key post in his government.
Assad says confident of winning Syria war
Daily Star 18 Feb 2013 President Bashar al-Assad said he is confident his troops will win the conflict ravaging Syria, as new calls were made on Monday for the International Criminal Court to launch a probe into war crimes.
Islamist adviser to Egypt’s president quits
Daily Star 18 Feb 2013 An ultraconservative Islamist adviser to Egypt‘s president resigned Monday in solidarity with a fellow aide who was fired amid allegations of abuse of office.
Palestinians rally for prisoners held in Israel
Daily Star 18 Feb 2013 Palestinians blocked roads and held marches across the West Bank on Monday to protest the fate of thousands of their countrymen held in Israeli jails and demand the release of four detainees on hunger strike.
Syrian government ready to talk with armed groups -minister
Daily Star 18 Feb 2013 Syria is prepared to talk to armed opposition groups, the minister for national reconciliation said on Monday, the first time the government has offered to hold direct negotiations with rebel forces it long dismissed as terrorists.
Gulf countries contest Aoun’s Bahrain remarks
Daily Star 18 Feb 2013 Gulf States protest what they describe as MP Michel Aoun’s “irresponsible remarks” on events in Bahrain.
Ailing Chavez returns to Venezuela from Cuba
YNet News, 18 Feb 2013 – ….
Russian lawmaker’s body found cemented in barrel
YNet News, 18 Feb 2013 – ….
Spanish woman sets herself on fire in bank
YNet News, 18 Feb 2013 – ….
UN panel says Syria war crimes should go to trial
YNet News, 18 Feb 2013 – ….
Iran: We’ll not cave to pressure, France should adopt realistic approach
YNet News, 18 Feb 2013 – ….
Purim at the Wall
YNet News, 18 Feb 2013 – Op-ed: Women of the Wall member describes struggle to pray at sacred Jewish site in a manner traditionally preserved for men ….
Free Marwan Barghouti
YNet News, 18 Feb 2013 – Op-ed: Releasing idolized Palestinian leader will pave the way for a two-state solution that will save us from ruin ….
Palestinian Information Center
Gov’t: Re-arresting freed captives blatant violation of the agreement
PIC – The Palestinian government in Gaza lashed out at the Israeli occupation authorities (IOA) for re-arresting Palestinian ex-prisoners who were freed in the prisoners’ exchange deal.
Report: IOF nabbed 128 Palestinians last week
PIC – A report by Hamas movement in the West Bank on Monday said that Israeli occupation forces (IOF) rounded up 128 Palestinian citizens in the past week.
IOF destroys house in Beit Hanina, confiscates land in Bethlehem
PIC – Israeli occupation bulldozers demolished on Monday morning Tantash family’s house in Beit Hanina, north of Jerusalem, under the pretext of being built without permit.
Kiryat Arba settlers inaugurate new settler road
PIC – Settlers of Kiryat Arba settlement and Givat Kharsina outpost in al-Khalil have inaugurated a settlement road linking the outpost and the neighboring mountain.
Clashes erupt between citizens and Israeli soldiers in al-Khalil
PIC – A Palestinian boy was wounded today afternoon while another was arrested in clashes that erupted between citizens and occupation forces after a mass rally in al-Khalil.
Islamic Jihad: political detention hampers achieving reconciliation
PIC – Islamic Jihad movement said that force from the PA‘s intelligence service arrested on Sunday night one of the movement leaders Engineer Ayman Tabich, 32, and his brother.
Deported ex-captive launches a hunger strike in solidarity with prisoners
PIC – Akram Anteer, a liberated prisoner deported to Germany, announced on Monday entering an open-ended hunger strike in solidarity with the hunger striking prisoners in Israeli jails, despite his illness
Protesters trying to close the UN building in Ramallah
PIC – Young activists and university students tried on Monday morning to close the United Nations headquarters in Ramallah, in protest at the international silence regarding hunger striking prisoners..
Confrontations erupt in Arroub camp on Sunday and Monday
PIC – Violent clashes erupted between Palestinian youths and Israeli soldiers on Sunday evening, in Arroub refugee camp north of the city of al-Khalil in the southern West Bank..
Abbas to Meet Yemen President, Discuss Relations
WAFA – 18 Feb 2013
Israeli Soldiers Injure 20 during Confrontations in Hebron
WAFA – 18 Feb 2013
Elections Commission Extends Voter Registration for another 2 Days
WAFA – 18 Feb 2013
Erekat Urges EU’s Ashton to Take Immediate Action to Free Prisoners
WAFA – 18 Feb 2013
Lawyers to Challenge an Israeli Military Order on Prisoners
WAFA – 18 Feb 2013
Israel Demolishes House in a Jerusalem Neighborhood
WAFA – 18 Feb 2013
Newspapers Review: Abbas in Pakistan Focus of Dailies
WAFA – 18 Feb 2013
Rivals’ pact in Israel blocks Netanyahu from forming coalition
LA Times 17 Feb 2013 – The surprise alliance between Yair Lapid and Naftali Bennett puts a twist in talks on forming Israel’s next government. JERUSALEM — A new odd couple in Israeli politics has become the biggest obstacle to Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s effort to form the next government.
Obama, in Addressing Syria, May Revisit Arms Policy
New York Times 18 Feb 2013 – With President Obama apparently running out of ways to speed President Bashar al-Assad’s exit, American officials may revive a debate on giving weapons to his opponents.
Stung by ‘Argo,’ Iran Backs Conference Decrying ‘Hollywoodism’
New York Times 18 Feb 2013 – Tehran invited more than a hundred foreign guests to discuss what was described as the hidden agenda behind major American movies to make Iranians look bad.
Benjamin Netanyahu’s Ice Cream Budget Causes Political Stir
New York Times 18 Feb 2013 – A $2,700 allowance for a year’s worth of premium desserts for Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu of Israel has angered a public facing economic struggles.
Incumbent Is Likely Victor in Vote for Armenian Leader
New York Times 18 Feb 2013 – Armenians went to the polls on Monday in a presidential election that seemed certain to return President Serzh Sargsyan to office for a second five-year term.
U.N. Rights Officials Urge Syria War Crimes Charges
New York Times 18 Feb 2013 – Carla del Ponte, a United Nations human rights investigator, said that those responsible for war crimes in Syria should be held to account at the International Criminal Court in The Hague.
Jordan reportedly in talks on buying Israeli gas
Globes Energy & Water – Noble Energy has led talks on the subject for several weeks.
Tshuva asks €800m for Delek Europe
Globes Energy & Water – Delek Group has hired Bank of America to find buyers.
Chiasma teams with Roche
Globes Main News – The strategic development deal includes a $65 million down payment, $530 million in milestone payments, and double-digit royalties.
Zvi Eckstein: Subsidized cos should pay more tax
Globes Main News – Former Bank of Israel deputy governor: The new Capital Investment Law benefits big companies too much.
Defense officials confirm Turkish AWACS delivery
Globes Main News – Defense officials: Boeing’s efforts softened the Ministry of Defense’s position, and it allowed IAI-Elta to fulfill its contractual obligation to Boeing.
Mon: Telcos drag down TASE
Globes Main News – Bezeq and the mobile carriers fell, while Babylon rose strongly on the day’s biggest turnover.
Troubled Elbit Imaging’s share price up 70% this month
Globes Main News – The company’s shares will probably lose their value if its proposed debt arrangement goes ahead.
Purchasing Managers Index nears expansion level
Globes Macro Economics – The Israel Purchasing Managers Index rose to 49.3 points in January.
Krugman doubts Fischer’s Fed chances
Globes Macro Economics – Nobel Prize laureate Paul Krugman writes that Republicans would torpedo a nomination of Stanley Fischer for Fed chairman.
Israel supplying AWACS equipment to Turkey – report
Globes Aerospace & Defense – The advanced electronics equipment is part of a 2002 Israel Aerospace Industries contract with Boeing for AWACS planes.
Israeli Attorney General Announces Inquiry into Saar Sex Allegations, Jilted Lover’s Letter Published
Tikun Olam – Maya Katz’ letter to Prime Minister Netanyahu about Gideon Saar Today, News1 reports that the Israeli attorney general, Yehudah Weinstein, has agreed to open a preliminary investigation into charges that education minister, Gideon Saar, had sexual liaisons with young girls and women who he either supervised…
Shin Bet Kept Zygier’s Wife Under Surveillance Long After His Death
Tikun Olam – One of Ben Zygier’s multiple Australian identities Walla reports (Hebrew) that Israel’s security service devised an elaborate cover story for Ben Zygier’s widow to explain his absence to her neighbors after he was arrested. She told them that he’d contracted cancer and had flown back to…
Israel’s Education Minister Accused of Demanding Sex for Government Jobs
Tikun Olam – Gideon Saar, known for his adulterous dalliances with a number of women, has now been accused in a new report by News1 (Hebrew) of at least 4-5 affairs with women who were either his subordinates or who sought his help in getting government positions. It appears,…
Gay porn mogul unveils pinkwashing documentary
Mondoweiss – The decision last week by the New York LGBT center to lift a ban on all Israel-related events, clearing the way for Sarah Schulman to present her book that is highly critical of the Jewish state, ends a two-year period in which the center deferred to…
‘How does that work?’ Bob Simon badgers Ehud Barak over building settlements while taking US aid
Mondoweiss – Yesterday I did an anticipatory post damning as hasbara the “60 Minutes” report last night on “Iron Dome,” the missile defense system that lessened Israeli casualties during the Gaza conflict of last November. I’d only seen the trailer at that point. The actual report last night…
Couldn’t– or wouldn’t?
Mondoweiss – In the Washington Post, Dana Milbank praises South Carolina Senator Lindsey Graham for badgering Chuck Hagel for his criticism of the Israel lobby for intimidating legislators: And Graham delivered a memorable hectoring of Hagel for the nominee’s prior claim that lawmakers are “intimidated” by the Israel…
‘NYT’ says Irish ethnic solidarity is problematic
Mondoweiss – NYT today has an article saying that ethnic solidarity across nations is problematic. The piece is about Ireland’s support for the Breezy Point neighborhood of Queens, which is heavily Irish-American and was socked by Sandy. But that’s not altogether a good thing: But complicating the current…
Israel’s image takes another hit with the ‘Prisoner X’ scandal
Mondoweiss – (Image via NPR ) This post originally appeared in newmatilda.com . The case of Australian and Israeli citizen Ben Zygier and his alleged suicide in an Israeli jail in December 2010 provides an instructive window into the secretive relationship between Canberra and Tel Aviv as well as the…
Argentina’s Jewish Foreign Minister Defends Iran Terror Probe Deal
The Foward Breaking News 18 Feb 2013 – Argentina’s foreign minister, Hector Timerman, defended himself against accusations that he betrayed his Judaism by signing an agreement with Iran. Click here for the rest of the article…
Israeli Soldier Posts Photo on Instagram of Palestinian Boy in Gun’s Crosshairs
The Foward Breaking News 18 Feb 2013 – An Israel Defense Forces soldier has posted an Instagram photo of what appears to be a Palestinian boy in the crosshairs of a sniper’s rifle, prompting angry criticism after it was picked up by The Electronic Intifada and other news sites around the world over the…
Netanyahu Thanks Pope Benedict for Improving Ties With Jews and Israel
The Foward Breaking News 18 Feb 2013 – Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu thanked outgoing Pope Benedict on Monday for his efforts to shore up often troubled relations between the Roman Catholic Church and Jews, including with his 2009 visit to the Holy Land. Click here for the rest of the article…
Israel’s Prisoner X Suspected of Passing Mossad Spy Secrets to Australia
The Foward Breaking News 18 Feb 2013 – A suspected Mossad agent who died in an Israeli jail in 2010 was arrested by his spymasters who believed he may have told Australian intelligence about his work with the Israeli spy agency, Australian media reported on Monday. Click here for the rest of the article……
Egypt: Egypt‘s UN Envoy: Israeli Forces Systematically Control Palestinian Water Resources
allAfrica.com 18 Feb 2013 – [Egypt Online]Addressing the UN Security Council meeting on Friday 15/2/2013, Egypt‘s permanent envoy to the UN Ambassador Moataz Ahmadein Khalil warned of illegal practices of the Israeli occupation forces controlling water resources in Palestinian territories.
PSP Statement Regarding Samer Issawi and Palestinian Prisoners
Palestine Solidarity Project 18 Feb 2013 – For years, we have been trying to raise the world’s awareness about the barbaric and unjust fate of the Palestinian political prisoners. The latter, that Israel attempts to destroy by means of torture and imprisonment under horrible conditions, have been resisting for decades. Not less than…
Liberal Zionists Should Support BDS
The Magnes Zionist 17 Feb 2013 – Readers, this post appeared last week in Open Zion here and was answered by Peter Beinart here. I plan to respond to his response later. Liberal Zionists want to end Israeli control of the West Bank and Gaza, abolish institutional discrimination between the Jewish and non-Jewish…
How the JCRC inspired New York officials to fight BDS
Global BDS 18 Feb 2013 – When New York public officials criticized Brooklyn College for hosting a BDS event with Judith Butler and Omar Barghouti, their claimed interest in the matter was that the college was a public, taxpayer-funded institution and that, at best, the event was “one-sided” and needed “balance.” Yet…
BNC submission to the International FFM on Israeli settlements in the OPT
Global BDS 15 Feb 2013 – In March 2012, the UN Human Rights Council adopted a resolution establishing a Fact-Finding Mission (FFM) with the mandate to examine and issue a report on how the illegal Israeli settlements impact on the human rights (all civil, political, social, economic and cultural rights, including the…
Hezbollah ‘attacked Syrian villages’
BBC 18 Feb 2013 – Syrian rebels and opposition leaders have accused the Lebanese militant Shia group Hezbollah of attacking three villages in a big operation inside Syria.
Israel’s Prisoner X ‘leaked secrets’
BBC 18 Feb 2013 – An Australian report says Israel secretly jailed an Australian man who worked for its Mossad spy agency because it believed he had leaked secrets.
Protests for Palestinian prisoners
BBC 18 Feb 2013 – Protests are held in the West Bank in solidarity with Palestinian hunger strikers in Israeli jails, following warnings about the state of their health.
Crowdsourcing the Story of a Boy’s Murder
Al-Akhbar Blogs 18 Feb 2013 – Cairo – It started with a mobile photo of a dead body at Mounira Hospital and a small piece of news about the accidental killing of a sweet potato vendor by the police. It was a small army of diligent volunteers that connected the two and…
Lebanon: The Rentier Lobby is Not a Fantasy
Al-Akhbar Opinion 18 Feb 2013 – No one stands in the way of Lebanon‘s Rentier lobby. (Photo: Marwan Tahtah) No one stands in the way of Lebanon‘s Rentier lobby. (Photo: Marwan Tahtah) For some time now, Lebanon’s “ rentier lobby ” has been engaged in an all-out offensive. The lobby seeks to…
Libya: Unemployment and Insecurity Mar Revolution’s Anniversary
Al-Akhbar News 18 Feb 2013 – Libyan National Congress President Mohammed Magarief speaks at a ceremony to mark the second anniversary of the country’s revolution in Benghazi on 17 February 2013. (Photo: Esam al-Fetori – Reuters) Libyan National Congress President Mohammed Magarief speaks at a ceremony to mark the second anniversary of…
Lebanon: Syria Diesel Trade Means Big Money
Al-Akhbar News 18 Feb 2013 – A Free Syrian Army fighters sits in a pickup with anti-aircraft artillery near the Menagh military airport, in Aleppo’s countryside on 17 February 2013. (Photo: Mahmoud Hassano – Reuters) A Free Syrian Army fighters sits in a pickup with anti-aircraft artillery near the Menagh military airport,…
EU renews sanctions on Syria, debates lifting arms embargo
Al-Akhbar News 18 Feb 2013 – A Syrian rebel fighter walks through the Sit al-Ruba shopping street, ravaged and unused due to weeks of shelling, in the eastern city of Deir Ezzor, on 16 February 2013. (Photo: AFP – Zac Baillie) European Union governments agreed on Monday to renew sanctions against Syria…
Bulgaria links Lebanese to bombing, printer and telecom evidence
Al-Akhbar News 18 Feb 2013 – Israel’s Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu addresses a meeting of the Jewish Agency’s Board of Governors in Jerusalem. (Photo: Reuters/Baz Ranter) Israel’s Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu addresses a meeting of the Jewish Agency’s Board of Governors in Jerusalem. Hezbollah’s Naim Kassem, the group’s number two, slammed the “…
Lebanon: Last Minute Maneuvers to Avoid Strike Fail
Al-Akhbar News 18 Feb 2013 – Lebanese public sector workers are set to go on strike on Tuesday. (Photo: Bilal Jawish) Lebanese public sector workers are set to go on strike on Tuesday. (Photo: Bilal Jawish) The Lebanese cabinet headed by Prime Minister Najib Mikati was scheduled to meet on Monday, 18…
Egypt protesters shut down government offices in Port Said
Al-Akhbar News 18 Feb 2013 – Thousands of Egyptians rally on 17 February 2013, closing down government offices and factories in the Suez Canal city of Port Said, as they demand justice for dozens of people killed in clashes with police in late January after a court sentenced 21 soccer fans from…
The Arab Spring and Lèse-Majesté
Al-Akhbar Politics 17 Feb 2013 – Kuwaiti opposition leader and former MP Mussallam al-Barrak (C), gestures as he leaves the Palace of Justice in Kuwait City on 11 February 2013. (Photo: AFP – Yasser Al-Zayyat) Kuwaiti opposition leader and former MP Mussallam al-Barrak (C), gestures as he leaves the Palace of Justice…
Hezbollah ‘attacked Syrian villages’
BBC 18 Feb 2013 – Syrian rebels and opposition leaders have accused the Lebanese militant Shia group Hezbollah of attacking three villages in a big operation inside Syria.
Israel’s Prisoner X ‘leaked secrets’
BBC 18 Feb 2013 – An Australian report says Israel secretly jailed an Australian man who worked for its Mossad spy agency because it believed he had leaked secrets.
Protests for Palestinian prisoners
BBC 18 Feb 2013 – Protests are held in the West Bank in solidarity with Palestinian hunger strikers in Israeli jails, following warnings about the state of their health.
Articles
Financing humanitarian and human rights abuses
Ramona Wadi, Middle East Monitor (MEMO) 2/15/2013
The popular dissemination that UNRWA provides ‘assistance and protection’ to Palestinian refugees helping them ‘to achieve their full potential in human development, pending a just solution to their plight’ cannot be isolated from three important factors: Israel’s illegal occupation of Palestine, UN responses to Israeli atrocities and the mechanisms of relief and funding on an international level which depict a link between humanitarian aid and human rights violations. Taking into consideration the whole scenario, the rhetoric of potential exhibits a misguided approach which might serve as the key to further alienation of the international community and isolation of Palestinians in their solitary struggle against atrocities.
While the relief provided by the organisation aids Palestinians to construct a semblance of dignity, it also serves as an incentive for the international community to soothe their ephemeral conscience having failed to adhere to international human rights law with regard to decades of displacement and atrocities.
UNRWA operates under UN Resolution 302(IV), which has been consistently renewed and extended until 2014. Israel’s opposition to the Palestinian Right of Return, its forced displacement, settler colonies and apartheid practices have all contributed to a rising number of refugees totalling approximately five million across Gaza, the West Bank, Syria, Jordan and Lebanon. The international community’s complacency has been instrumental in ensuring the expansion of Israel’s oppression and consolidation of human rights violations sanctioned by Israeli law and financed by Israeli allies, notably the US.
The State of Israel has built itself upon Zionist policies which advocate the elimination of the Palestinian population – a view embraced and acted upon within an oppressive legal framework which the international community is loath to confront. International human rights law; an emblem of justice and heralded by the West, is deftly shunned in relation to Israel. Thus, Israel’s allies remain willingly shackled to complicity in colonial and apartheid practices, finding solace in the perfunctory role of the United Nations and its miserable efforts to construct the foundations of a relevant discourse based upon the validity of human rights. more..e-mail
Arch-Zionist gets top BBC strategy job
Nureddin Sabir, Redress 2/16/2013
The incoming director-general of the BBC, Tony Hall, has put a notorious Zionist apologist, James Purnell, in charge of strategy at the corporation.
Mr Hall is due to take up his job as BBC boss on 2 April. He replaces George Entwistle, who resigned last November following the controversy over a report broadcast on BBC television’s “Newsnight” programme which falsely implicated Tory financier Lord McAlpine in the North Wales child abuse scandal.
James Purnell, currently a senior producer at programme makers Rare Day and adviser to business consultants BCG, served as secretary of state for culture in Gordon Brown’s Labour government.
In his new post at the BBC, he will be in charge of the corporation’s policy, strategy, digital services, public affairs, communications, marketing and audience research – in other words, pretty much everything that matters in the BBC.
That is why anyone who cares about fair and objective reporting of the Palestinian-Israeli conflict should be gravely concerned, for Mr Purnell has a rock-solid record as a stooge of Israel. Israel lobby background
From 2002 to 2004 James Purnell served as chairman of Labour Friends of Israel – heading a Zionist lobby group, it would seem, is a prerequisite for high office in Britain. more.. e-mail
Palestinian civil society welcomes the findings and recommendations of the UN Fact Finding Mission on Israeli settlements
Palestinian Boycott, Divestment and Sanctions National Committee (BNC, Alternative Information Center 2/18/2013
The Palestinian Boycott, Divestment and Sanctions National Committee (BNC), a broad coalition of the largest Palestinian civil society organizations, trade unions and NGO networks, supports the outcomes of the UN Fact Finding Mission on Israeli Settlements[1] that calls for boycotts and sanctions as measures required to end the illegal Israeli settlement enterprise. The BNC calls upon states, members of the Human Rights Council, to adopt the report, and on all governments and business enterprises to implement its recommendations. The BNC also calls upon conscientious citizens and civic organizations worldwide to use this report as a tool to intensity the global civil society BDS Campaign and put pressure on governments to implement its recommendations.
The UN Fact Finding Mission on the Israeli Settlement in the Occupied Palestinian Territory including East Jerusalem (OPT) released the official edited version of the report on 14 February 2013, and States Members of the UN Human Rights Council are expected to discuss and vote on the report in March. The Mission was established by the UN Human Rights Council in March 2012, composed of independent experts, and mandated to investigate the implications of the Israeli settlements on the civil, political, economic, social and cultural rights of Palestinians in the OPT, including East Jerusalem (OPT). Prevented from entering the OPT by Israel, the Mission operated from Geneva and Amman and analyzed dozens of reports, as well as testimonies presented by Palestinian victims, witnesses and experts. In recognition of the experience and expertise of Palestinian civil society’s BDS Campaign, the BNC was invited to explain the role of private settler and business entities, and to suggest accountability measures which can be pursued by the Human Rights Council.[2]
The BNC appreciates the Mission’s analysis ‘which is based on the International Court of Justice advisory opinion of 2004 and concludes that the right of self-determination of the Palestinian people is violated by the Israeli policies of “creeping annexation” and the massive transfer of Israeli citizens into the OPT (forced population transfer), and that these are serious violations of international humanitarian and human rights law. more.. e-mail
Inside the Hezbollah Bombing ‘Hypothesis’ of an Israeli Tour Bus
Gareth Porter, CounterPunch 2/18/2013
Bulgarian Revelations Explode
When European Union foreign ministers discuss a proposal to designate Hezbollah as a terrorist organisation, Bulgaria’s Foreign Minister Nikolay Mladenov will present his government’s case for linking two suspects in the Jul. 18, 2012 bombing of an Israeli tourist bus to Hezbollah.
But European ministers who demand hard evidence of Hezbollah involvement are not likely to find it in the Bulgarian report on the investigation, which has produced no more than an “assumption” or “hypothesis” of Hezbollah complicity.
Major revelations about the investigation by the former head of the probe and by a top Bulgarian journalist have further damaged the credibility of the Bulgarian claim to have found links between the suspects and Hezbollah.
The chief prosecutor in charge of the Bulgarian investigation revealed in an interview published in early January that the evidence available was too scarce to name any party as responsible, and that investigators had found a key piece of evidence that appeared to contradict it.
An article in a Bulgarian weekly in mid-January confirmed that the investigation had turned up no information on a Hezbollah role, and further reported that one of the suspects had been linked by a friendly intelligence service to Al-Qaeda.
The statement made Feb. 5 by Interior Minister Tsvetan Tsvetanov referred to what he called a “reasonable assumption” or as a “well-founded assumption”, depending on the translation, that two suspects in the case belonged to Hezbollah’s “military formation”. more.. e-mail
“Gangnam Style” parody puts spotlight on Gaza siege
Electronic Intifada: 18 Feb 2013 – Eva Bartlett Gaza City 18 February 2013 A version of the chart-topping song highlights unemployment among Palestinian youth.more
Palestinians fleeing Syria bombed by Israel in Gaza
Electronic Intifada: 18 Feb 2013 – Gaza City 18 February 2013 Palestinians who fled violence in Syria were among those bombed by Israel for eight consecutive days in November.more
Gangnam Gaza Style: on the siege, Palestinian Prisoners, Palestinian Pride
In Gaza: 18 Feb 2013 – First published at Inter Press Services [ blog version longer than published version] – By Eva Bartlett “We wanted to do something to bring focus to the plight of Palestinian political prisoners, of which there are around 5,000 in Israeli jails, including hunger strikers, children, women,” says Mohannad Barakat, 30, one of seven Palestinians who made ‘ Gangnam Gaza Style .’ Parodying the South Korean video, ‘ Gangnam Style ,’ which topped charts in mid- 2012, soon after breaking records for most-watched Youtube video, Gaza’s version injects the sordid realities of Palestinians’ lives under Israeli military occupation and the years-long choking siege of the Strip. “We wanted to tell the outside world about the impossible circumstances under which we live: that our airport has been destroyed, our fishers are prevented from accessing their sea, that half our population is out of work, that we use tunnels instead of border crossings and…more
Why the Iran Sanctions?
Palestine Chronicle: 18 Feb 2013 – By William James Martin The efforts of Israel and its US supporters and the Obama administration to institute crippling sanctions on Iran may have less to do with a potential nuclear capability than with the effort by Israel to manage the configuration and distribution of power in its sphere of influence. The takedown of Saddam Hussein by the US in 2003 and the dismantlement of its military left Iran unopposed by a comparable military adversary, and, ultimately resulted in a neighboring state whose officials enjoyed close ties to Iran and whose government was dominated by Shiite Muslims. In addition, it opened a corridor through which armaments could pass to Syria and through Syria to Hezbollah in Lebanon. Israel’s only significant military challenge in the region is Hezbollah which was formed under the auspices of the Iranian theocracy and which is dependent on Iran for it armaments. Hezbollah is understood, by…more
In the Name of Oppression: Two Babies at Checkpoint
Palestine Chronicle: 18 Feb 2013 – Two back-to-back procedures at the same time and at the same place. It was cold. The air was polluted. But the harmful and cruel regulations were more polluted. The victims: two babies. Two babies with no connection to each other apart for their health condition that required them to be hospitalized in East Jerusalem, and for the fact that they were part of the Palestinian people and as such were declined their basic rights even before coming into the world. It was impossible to see the babies’ faces. Like tiny bundles each covered in wholly and colorful blankets that reached over their heads, they lied quietly. Not a cry was heard, no movement was made. It was as though they knew their lives or deaths were on the line. Only a bunch of black intractable hair peeped out from one of the blankets. In less than five minutes two ambulances…more
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The New Dark Age 