22 February 2013 — VTJP
News
International Middle East Media Center
Child Injured In Bil’in Weekly Protests, Dozens Treated For Effects Of Teargas Inhalation
IMEMC – Friday January 22 2013; Israeli soldiers attacked the weekly nonviolent protest against the Wall and settlement, and shot one child in the head, while dozens of protesters have been treated for the effects of teargas inhalation. …
Army Attacks Worshipers In Al-Aqsa Mosque, After Holding Protest In Support Of Detainees
IMEMC – Friday February 22, 2013; Hundreds of Palestinian worshipers held a protest, following the Friday noon prayers at the Al-Aqsa Mosque in occupied East Jerusalem, in support of the Palestinian political prisoners held by Israel, and were violently attacked by Israeli soldiers who invaded the mosque compound. …
3 hunger strikers hospitalized
2/22/2013 – BETHLEHEM (Ma’an) — Israeli authorities have hospitalized three Palestinians on hunger strike, a prison services spokeswoman said Friday. Ayman Sharawna, Jaafar Azzidine and Tareq Qaadan were transferred from Ramle prison to hospitals in Israel for medical tests, Sivan Weizman told Ma’an. Azzidine and Qaadan, who were taken to the Assaf Harofeh Medical…. Related:Mother of Sharawna: No one listens
Protesters demand Israel reopens Shuhada street
2/22/2013 – HEBRON (Ma’an) — Israeli forces clashed with protesters in Hebron on Friday at a rally to demand Israel reopen Shuhada street. Activists gathered at Bab al-Zawyeh in central Hebron to call on Israel to reopen Shuhada street, which was once a main thoroughfare in the city. Israeli soldiers fired tear gas at the rally….
Hebron boy hit by live gunshot in clashes with Israeli soldiers
2/22/2013 – HEBRON (Ma’an) – A young Palestinian man was shot and injured by Israeli troops Friday evening during clashes in Bab al-Zawiya neighborhood in the center of Hebron in the southern West Bank. Palestinian medical sources confirmed that a Palestinian ambulance evacuated a 16-year-old boy to Hebron’s public hospital. They said the….
Father of Gaza woman who burned to death suspects murder
2/22/2013 – GAZA CITY (Ma’an) — The father of a 19-year-old woman who died with severe burns in a refugee camp in northern Gaza wants an autopsy into the cause of her death. Abu Taleb Kassab, from Jabalia camp, told Ma’an he did not believe his daughter set fire to herself. Early Tuesday….
Report: Israeli police prepare for Jerusalem protests
2/22/2013 – TEL AVIV, Israel (Ma’an) — Israeli police are increasing manpower in East Jerusalem ahead of anticipated protests in support of Palestinian hunger strikers, Israeli media reported Friday. The Israeli news site Ynet said police would deploy at Al-Aqsa Mosque and the Old City amid growing protests in solidarity with Samer Issawi, a resident of….
2 Fatah members enter 11th year in Israeli jail
2/22/2013 – RAMALLAH (Ma’an) — Two Palestinians from Beit Rima near Ramallah entered their 11th year in Israeli jail on Thursday. Fatah members Muhammad al-Barghouthi and Ismael al-Barghouthi, both 35, were detained on the same day in 2003. [END]
Mother of Sharawna: No one listens
2/22/2013 – HEBRON (Ma’an) — The mother of jailed hunger striker Ayman Sharawna on Friday said she started her own hunger strike after her appeals to governments and organizations failed.”What can I say when my son has been on hunger strike for eight months? No one listens and no one sees. What they are waiting…. Related: 3 hunger strikers hospitalized
Gaza crossing closed until Monday
2/22/2013 – GAZA CITY (Ma’an) — Israeli authorities on Friday closed the Kerem Shalom crossing on Gaza’s border until Monday, a crossings official said. Israel usually closes the border on Fridays and Saturdays for the weekend, but it will remain shut for an extra day for the Jewish holiday of Purim, Palestinian Authority official Raed Fattouh told Ma’an. [END]
Jerusalem archbishop condemns ‘terrorism’ in Syria
2/22/2013 – JERUSALEM (Ma’an) — Archbishop Theodosius Atallah Hanna on Thursday condemned the “organized terrorism” in Damascus after a car bomb shook the Syrian capital, killing 53 people.” This criminal act is added to the series of other criminal acts targeting the Syrian state,” the Jerusalem archbishop said in a statement, adding that the perpetrators sought….
Barca wants ‘peace match’ against Israeli-Palestinian team
2/22/2013 – JERUSALEM (Reuters) — Barcelona plans to play a friendly soccer match against a joint Israeli-Palestinian team in Tel Aviv at the end of July in the hope of promoting Middle East peace, the Catalonian club’s president said on Thursday.” Barcelona modestly wishes to make themselves available in order to contribute to the effort to….
Haniyeh: Interference in Palestinian affairs impedes unity
2/22/2013 – GAZA CITY (Ma’an) — Gaza Prime Minister Ismail Haniyeh on Friday blamed external intervention in Palestinian affairs for hindering national reconciliation.” We started to see a new wave of external interventions in the Palestinian decision-making process aimed at impeding the ongoing reconciliation efforts,” Haniyeh said after Friday prayers at Khan Younis mosque in southern….
Man who set self on fire sought help from Gaza govt
2/22/2013 – GAZA CITY (Ma’an) — A man who set himself on fire at a government office in the northern Gaza Strip on Thursday, wounding himself and four others, was identified Friday as an out-of-work taxi driver. Muhammad Namrouti, 43, had been applying for financial aid from the government for two years but never received a….
Tortuous coalition talks may force Israelis back to polls
2/22/2013 – JERUSALEM (Reuters) — The slow pace of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s coalition building, held up by disputes over state benefits for ultra-Orthodox Jews, has raised speculation Israel may be forced into a new election. Netanyahu’s rightwing Likud-Beitenu tic
ket won 31 seats in an election on Jan. 22, more than any other party….
Egypt detains Palestinian woman on drugs charge
2/22/2013 – CAIRO (Ma’an) — Egyptian authorities on Friday detained a Palestinian woman carrying illegal drugs in Sheikh Zweid city, security officials told Ma’an. The woman was accused of carrying 850 strips of the banned Tramadol drug. The suspect was transferred to interrogation in el-Arish, officials said. She was not identified and it was….
Jordanian Islamists protest against new parliament
2/22/2013 – AMMAN, Jordan (Reuters) — Hundreds of Islamists demonstrated in Jordan on Friday to demand faster political reform after an election last month that produced a mostly pro-government parliament. Supporters of the main opposition Muslim Brotherhood marched from the main Husseini mosque to downtown Amman in the first such protest since the Jan. 23 ballot, which the….
Source: Syria’s opposition to choose provisional PM in Istanbul
2/22/2013 – CAIRO (Reuters) — Syria‘s National Coalition will meet in Istanbul on March 2 to chose a prime minister to head a provisional government to operate in rebel-held areas of the country, a coalition source said Friday. The date was set after a compromise was reached between a bloc in the coalition that includes the….
Thousands rally for Palestinian prisoners
AlJazeera 22 Feb 2013 – Clashes with riot police erupt during demonstrations across West Bank in support of hunger strikers in Israeli custody.
IFJ Supports Call for Release of Palestinian Journalists in Israeli Detention
Palestine News Network
British MP Storms out of Debate with Israeli Student
Palestine News Network
Messi to Promote Peace Between Israel, Palestinians
Palestine News Network
First Palestinian Conference about Quality Teachers for Quality Education
Palestine News Network
The European Union Renews its Support to Improve Mental Health Services in Gaza
Palestine News Network
PCBS Publishes the Results of the Victimization Survey of 2012
Palestine News Network
Fatah Official Dismisses Appointment of Livni in Israeli Coalition
Palestine News Network
Israeli Occupation Summons Palestinian from Jenin for Interrogation
Palestine News Network
Israeli Police Raise Alert Level in West Bank, Jerusalem on Friday, Saturday
Palestine News Network
Fayyad Condemns Israeli Attacks on Property Near Nablus
Palestine News Network
Palestinians Disqualify U.S. as Peace Broker
Palestine News Network
Palestinian Center for Human Rights
PCHR, ILAC and AOHR Conclude the Second Training Course in the Field of Human Rights in Benghazi, Libya
Palestinian Center for Human Rights
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Palestinian Center for Human Rights
International Solidarity Movement
Al-Manatir three, have been released
2/22/2013 – International Solidarity Movement – 14 February 2013| International Solidarity Movement, Burin, Occupied Palestine – Waheeb, Ashraf and Diaa were released on the 14th of February 2013 after spending 12 days in an Israeli prison following the al-Manatir protest village in Burin. During the al-Manatir action, the 3 Palestinian activists were detained by the Israeli military and then arrested by the….
Violent confrontations during open Shuhada Street demonstrations
2/22/2013 – International Solidarity Movement – 22 February 2013, International Solidarity Movement, Hebron, Occupied Palestine – Today was the 4th annual Open Shuhada Street demonstration where activists and organizations from all over the world in solidarity with the Palestinian residents of Hebron/ Al Khalil , demand the opening of Shuhada Street to Palestinians and an End to the Israeli Occupation. Shuhada Street used….
No peace without justice; protesters return to Ofer for the fourth day in a row
2/22/2013 – International Solidarity Movement – 22 February 2013, International Solidarity Movement, Occupied West Bank, Palestine – Hundreds of protestors again returned to Ofer prison today despite heavy repression. This week’s protests are in solidarity with Palestinian hunger strikers and political prisoners including Samer Issawi who has now refused food for over 210 days. The protest began with prayers in….
Protests spread to every city for hunger striking prisoners
2/22/2013 – International Solidarity Movement – 22 February 2013, International Solidarity Movement, Occupied West Bank, Palestine – Palestinians demanding the release of all political prisoners and especially hunger-striking prisoners confront the Israeli army through out the West Bank and east Jerusalem on Friday. The Huwwara checkpoint near Nablus saw around 300 people protesting, in solidarity with the hunger strikers. There were many….
‘We are not terrorists, we are only resisting
the occupation’
2/22/2013 – International Solidarity Movement – Nine on hunger strike in solidarity with prisoners – 22 February 2013, International Solidarity Movement, Hebron, Occupied Palestine – Nine Palestinians from Hebron, mostly family members of hunger-striking prisoners, are continuing their hunger strike to express support for, and raise awareness of, the plight of Palestinian political prisoners. They began their strike last Saturday, and gained much….
occupied Palestinian territory: Norway disburses budget support to Palestine
Relief Web 22 Feb 2013 – Source: Government of Norway Country: Norway, occupied Palestinian territory “Norway is disbursing the whole amount of its budget support to Palestine for 2013 now because Palestinian public sector employees urgently need to be paid again,” said Minister of Foreign Affairs…
occupied Palestinian territory: Almost 100 wounded in Palestinian hunger strike clashes
Relief Web 22 Feb 2013 – Source: Agence France-Presse Country: occupied Palestinian territory 02/22/2013 18:39 GMT by Tariq Kayal JERUSALEM, Feb 22, 2013 (AFP) – Nearly 100 Palestinians were wounded in clashes with Israeli security forces during demonstrations in the West Bank on Friday to demand…
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Relief Web 22 Feb 2013 – Source: NATO Civil-Military Fusion Centre Country: Algeria, Egypt, Eritrea, Ethiopia, Kenya, Libya, Morocco, occupied Palestinian territory, Somalia, Sudan, Tunisia, South Sudan (Republic of) This document provides an overview of developments in the Mediterranean Basin and other regions of interest from…
occupied Palestinian territory: West Bank Access Restrictions December 2012
Relief Web 22 Feb 2013 – Source: UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs Country: occupied Palestinian territory
occupied Palestinian territory: Gaza Strip Access and Closure December 2012
Relief Web 22 Feb 2013 – Source: UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs Country: occupied Palestinian territory
‘Unmoved’ Blade Runner out on bail
The National 22 Feb 2013 – Defence said Pistorius’s worldwide fame made it impossible for him to flee and the money to secure his release was paid within an hour.
Ali Larayedh to head Tunisia’s new government
The National 22 Feb 2013 – Controversial interior minister faces task of easing public and opposition anger
Falling from 50 metres – for a bit of fun
The National 22 Feb 2013 – Thrill-seekers have been queuing up to make the 50 metre plunge at Gravity Zone, Dubai’s first permanent bungee jump.
Stranded sailors in battle for salaries
The National 22 Feb 2013 – Men were stranded in UAE port from 2009 until 2011.
Pipeline system will pump recycled water to growth areas
The National 22 Feb 2013 – A Dh 1 billion project that aims to save one of Abu Dhabi’s most precious resources is expected to be up-and-running next month.
Seeking a vroom with a view?
The National 22 Feb 2013 – A popular sight in the US, American recriation vehicles, better know as RV’s, are starting to gain popularity in the UAE.
Construction boom hints at revival of the industry
The National 22 Feb 2013 – The number of permits for new buildings issued last year in Dubai signals a revival of the construction industry.
Test gives heart to new parents
The National 22 Feb 2013 – Saeed is a happy and healthy baby boy one year on from the screening that detected his congenital artery imbalance.
Israel’s top diplomat in L.A.: Two Oscar-nominated films prove Israel’s diversity of opinion
Ha’aretz – 22 Feb 2013
Report: Israel mulling apology for ‘operational errors’ on Turkish flotilla
Ha’aretz – 22 Feb 2013
Palestinians clash with Israel Police at Jerusalem’s Temple Mount
Ha’aretz – 22 Feb 2013
Polls: Yair Lapid would secure 24-30 seats if election was held today
Ha’aretz – 22 Feb 2013
Avoid rush hour and get paid by the state
Ha’aretz – 22 Feb 2013
Hezbollah agent in Cyprus admits gathered information on Israeli airline
Ha’aretz – 22 Feb 2013
MK Michaeli: Take marital affairs out of rabbis’ hands
Ha’aretz – 22 Feb 2013
Iran denies organizing spy cell targeting Israeli, U.S. targets in Nigeria
Ha’aretz – 22 Feb 2013
Archives shed light on the collapse of the Begin government
Ha’aretz – 22 Feb 2013
Argentine Senate approves deal with Iran to probe 1994 Jewish center bombing
Ha’aretz – 21 Feb 2013
MKs splurged on GPS gadgets and language study last year – but stayed on budget
Ha’aretz – 21 Feb 2013
Revealing herbal remedies in the land of Israel
Ha’aretz – 21 Feb 2013
Report: Israel informed Australia of Zygier arrest
Jerusalem Post 22 Feb 2013 – Australian media outlet quotes source familiar with case as saying that Israel told Australian officials about the 2010 arrest.
Syria opposition spurns US, Russia in protest
Jerusalem Post 22 Feb 2013 – Invitations to negotiate regime change turned down in protest of “international silence” after killing and destruction in Aleppo.
‘Spanish police nab three suspected of spying for Iran’
Jerusalem Post 22 Feb 2013 – According to media outlets in Spain, police suspect three of infiltrating an NGO that helps asylum seekers and sending information to Iranian secret services regarding identities of dissidents of the Islamic Republic’s regime.
Polish Jewish cemetery, Russian center vandalized
Jerusalem Post 22 Feb 2013 – “Kalisz without Jews” spray-painted on Jewish cemetery in Kalisz, according to news site; Holocaust memorial in Russia smashed.
‘J’lem mulls partial apology over Turkish flotilla’
Jerusalem Post 22 Feb 2013 – Israel may apologize for “operational errors” during fatal raid of Mavi Marmara ship, according to Turkish paper ‘Radikal.’
Dror Moreh: I’m not representing PM at Oscars
Jerusalem Post 22 Feb 2013 – ‘The Gatekeepers’ director: Netanyahu’s comments that he won’t watch the documentary “says more about him than about film.”
Russia accuses US of double standards over Syria
Jerusalem Post 22 Feb 2013 – Moscow criticizes US over response to Syria car bomb, backs Assad while Washington blames him over conflict.
Syria rebels seize nuclear research center
Jerusalem Post 22 Feb 2013 – Opposition Local Coordination C’tees: rebels seize control of center reportedly bombed by Israelis in 2007, plan transitional gov’t.
Live fire hurts 2 Palestinians in W. Bank clashes
Jerusalem Post 22 Feb 2013 – IDF source says 2 rioters hurt by Israeli live fire; activists gather throughout West Bank in solidarity with hunger-strikers.
‘Iran may be advancing new way to produce nukes’
Jerusalem Post 22 Feb 2013 – Ahead of renewed nuclear talks, UN report says Iran will complete installation of research reactor in 2014.
Palestinians clash with security forces in J’lem
Jerusalem Post 22 Feb 2013 – Activists gather throughout West Bank in solidarity with hunger-strikers; security forces employ riot dispersal methods.
Syria sees bloodiest day yet after Damascus bombing
Jerusalem Post 22 Feb 2013 – Syrian Observatory for Human Rights say some 90 people killed after a car bomb blast in Damascus, bombings in Barzeh.
Israel approves drilling for oil in Golan Heights
Jerusalem Post 22 Feb 2013 – First license to drill for oil awarded to New Jersey-based company, covering half the area of the Golan.
WATCH: Purim in 1930s Tel Aviv
Jerusalem Post 22 Feb 2013 – The traditional Purim balls sees Mayor Meir Dizengoff elect Queen Esther, as people and camels crowd Allenby Street for the parade.
Australian A-G: Zygier was not in contact with ASIO
Jerusalem Post 22 Feb 2013 – Mark Dreyfus denies report that arrest of ‘Prisoner X’ connected to his dealings with the internal Australian intel agency.
20 yrs later, woman says she found missing daughter
Jerusalem Post 22 Feb 2013 – Woman tells police she saw her daughter who disappeared in 1994 at wedding; woman denies she is missing girl, DNA to be checked.
Ministry: Younger women should take folic acid daily
Jerusalem Post 22 Feb 2013 – Taking pills prior to, and at beginning of pregnancy reduces the prevalence of spina bifida and anencephaly in newborns.
Digital eavesdroppers beware of new BGU device
Jerusalem Post 21 Feb 2013 – Engineers have developed an encryption technique that enables stealthy transmission of any optical communications signal.
Steinhardt Judaica to auction off 400 rare objects
Jerusalem Post 21 Feb 2013 – Most significant collection of Judaica in 50 years up for grabs; Sotheby’s “Treasured Legacy” sale set for April.
ElBaradei: Egypt elections are a recipe for disaster
Jerusalem Post 21 Feb 2013 – Opposition party leader slams Morsi’s decision to elect new parliament, intended to help stabilize Egypt.
Into the Fray: Bennett’s buddy. Or blunder?
Jerusalem Post 21 Feb 2013 – In the interests of full disclosure, I voted for Naftali Bennett’s party in the recent election. But I am beginning to wonder…
Uncertain world
Jerusalem Post 21 Feb 2013 – This Purim, the capriciousness of life should teach us humility.
iENGAGE: Reimagining the Jewish in ‘Jewish’ state
Jerusalem Post 21 Feb 2013 – The empowerment of an engaged and pluralistic Jewish public sphere carries the possibility of enriching the life, culture and public discourse in Israeli society and across the Jewish world.
I support Naftali Bennett!
Jerusalem Post 21 Feb 2013 – The writer is a Bayit Yehudi Central Committee member.
Which side should Bennett choose?
Jerusalem Post 21 Feb 2013 – Naftali Bennett is approaching the moment of truth. Very soon, the drizzle will turn into a flood, and Bennett will have to make a final decision.
International Relations: The panda in the room
Jerusalem Post 21 Feb 2013 – Aside from buying chemicals like potash, used in fertilizer, and bromine, used in manufacturing, from Israel, China also buys huge amounts of electric equipment high-tech supply.
George Galloway’s refusal to debate with Israelis is bad politics | Rachel Shabi
The Guardian 22 Feb 2013 – Galloway is entitled not to recognise the state of Israel – or even speak to Israelis – but it doesn’t help the anti-occupation cause On Wednesday, George Galloway walked out of a meeting because it turned…
Israeli Licence to Cheney-Linke Energy Firm on Golan Heights Raises Eyebrows
IPS In a potential new source of contention between President Barack Obama and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, Israel has reportedly granted a U.S. energy firm with heavyweight political connections to explore for oil and gas in the occupied Golan Heights. The company is a local subsidiary of New Jersey-based Genie…
Argentina Strikes Deal with Iran to Probe AMIA Bombing Suspects
IPS An agreement between Argentina and Iran to dig deeper into a 1994 bomb attack on a Jewish community centre in this city will test the solidity of the evidence garnered by a judicial investigation that has ground to a halt because of lack of cooperation from Tehran. A memorandum of…
Egypt Tilts Against Assad
IPS Egypt has recently stepped up its support for Syria’s armed insurgency, with President Mohamed Morsi urging disparate anti-Assad factions to “coordinate” with a leading Syrian opposition coalition that has taken Cairo as its headquarters. “Egypt has recently begun translating words into deeds in terms of its stated support for the…
New Order Drags Back Released Prisoners
IPS The release of over 1,000 Palestinian prisoners in late 2011 set off scenes of jubilation throughout the West Bank, Gaza Strip and Jerusalem, as families joyously welcomed their loved ones homes after months and years apart. But for many of these same families, an Israeli military order – that allows…
Judicial Post Mortem: Zygier Tranquilized Before Death, Body Bruised
Uruknet
Military Resistance 11B15: One Hundred Million
Uruknet
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Uruknet
Targeting Jeremy Hammond
Uruknet
Back to Torture , Back to how #Jan25 actually started !!
Uruknet
After victorious hunger strike, Palestinian football star returns to Gaza for life of activism
Uruknet
Israeli Arab Couple Denied Medical Care
Uruknet
Did Lindsey Graham Accidentally Divulge Secret Drone Casualty Estimates?
Uruknet
Jim Crow in Palestine: parallels between US and Israeli racism
Uruknet
Beirut pops the cork on wine bars as local vintners expand
Daily Star 22 Feb 2013 Like a flawless word-association experiment, in Beirut these days the phrase wine bar is immediately met with the word trendy.
‘The Lebanese audience likes stupidity and national slogans’
Daily Star 22 Feb 2013 Raymond Gebara is one of the country’s most distinguished playwrights, an observer and critic of Lebanon – a country, he says, full of thieves and liars – which has been his main source of inspiration.
Provoking a yearning for the Beirut that was
Daily Star 22 Feb 2013 Nostalgia, the bittersweet emotions provoked by recollecting cherished past events or places that can never be revisited, is a facet of adulthood.
More than 200 kidnapped Syrian villagers released
Daily Star 22 Feb 2013 Gunmen from rival Sunni and Shiite Muslim villages in northern Syria have freed more than 200 people snatched in tit-for-tat kidnappings this month, easing tensions that threatened to touch off more sectarian violence
Pentagon suspends all F-35 flights due to crack in engine blade
YNet News, 22 Feb 2013 – ….
Rockets hit Aleppo, killing at least 29
YNet News, 22 Feb 2013 – ….
Report: Syrian rebels take over Al-Kibar nuclear facility
YNet News, 22 Feb 2013 – ….
Spain arrests 3 men for allegedly spying for Iran
YNet News, 22 Feb 2013 – ….
Syria’s opposition to choose provisional PM in Istanbul
YNet News, 22 Feb 2013 – ….
Palestinian Information Center
Occupation forces announce state of alert
PIC – Israeli military and police forces raised the alert status among their ranks in West Bank and occupied Jerusalem, in light of the possibility of the outbreak of clashes..
Risheq: al-Ahmad’s attack on Dr. Dweik strains atmosphere of reconciliation
PIC – Ezzat Risheq, member of the Political Bureau of Hamas, criticized Azam al-Ahmad’s statements, in which he has attacked the head of the Palestinian Legislative Council, Dr. Aziz Dweik.
Israeli Amendment denies Palestinians the right to judicial remedy, compensation
PIC – Palestinian human rights activists have launched a judicial battle against the Israeli state, to stop its evasion of compensating the families of Palestinian victims killed by its soldiers.
Calls for strategic plan to reinforce the steadfastness of Jerusalem
PIC – International Jerusalem Foundation has organized on Thursday a seminar entitled: “Jerusalem’s future in light of the Israeli occupation.”
IOF storms the west of Jenin and summons a citizen
PIC – The Israeli occupation forces stormed at dawn Friday Yamoun village in the west of Jenin and summoned a citizen to Salem camp.
Prisoner Youssef Shaaban released after two months on hunger strike
PIC – Occupation authorities released on Thursday the prisoner Youssef Shaaban, 33, from Jenin after spending 3 months in administrative detention during which he went on hunger strike for 60 days.
PLC receives Malaysian solidarity delegation
PIC – Members of Palestinian Legislative Council (PLC), headed by Dr. Ahmed Bahar, First Deputy President of the Council, have received on Thursday a solidarity delegation from the Malaysia.
IOA releases the prisoner Iman Bani Odeh
PIC – The Israeli Occupation Authorities (IOA) released on Thursday afternoon the female prisoner Iman Bani Odeh, 20, from the town of Tamoun in Tubas, after ending her sentence of 3 months.
Dweik denounces al-Ahmad’s statements
PIC – The PLC Speaker Dr. Aziz Dweik has criticized al-Ahmad’s statements, concerning his refusal to stop political arrests, re-opening Islamic institutions and his opposition to resistance.
United Arab Emirates set to buy U.S. Predator drones
LA Times 22 Feb 2013 – General Atomics of San Diego County plans to sell unarmed drones to the Persian Gulf nation, in what would be the first such sale to a non-NATO country. The United Arab Emirates is close to purchasing Predator drones from a San Diego County defense contractor,…
Kerry’s divergence from Obama on foreign crises raises questions
LA Times 22 Feb 2013 – The new secretary of State is eager for a diplomatic success in the Middle East, but Obama’s main goal overseas is ending America’s wars. WASHINGTON — John Kerry opened his diplomatic mission to Syria in 2009 with a decidedly undiplomatic question for President Bashar Assad:…
At War Blog: A Modern Medal Is Met with Modern Protest
New York Times 22 Feb 2013 – The new Distinguished Warfare medal — immediately dubbed the Drone Medal — has spawned memes and an online petition.
The Lede: Egypt’s President Could Win Trip to Space, Whether He Wants One or Not
New York Times 22 Feb 2013 – Egyptian activists disappointed by the performance of President Mohamed Morsi have hatched a scheme to send him into space.
Syrian Activists Report Scud Attacks in Aleppo
New York Times 22 Feb 2013 – The reported attack, which left at least 12 civilians dead, was the second time this week that the Syrian opposition has accused the military of using Scuds on Aleppo’s rebel-held areas.
Palestinians Threaten to Boycott Sponsors of Jerusalem Marathon
New York Times 22 Feb 2013 – New Balance, a sneaker company, and a hotel chain are urged to withdraw sponsorship of the Jerusalem Marathon, which runs through territory considered occupied by Palestinians and much of the world.
The Lede: Video Game Inspired by Clashes in Egypt and Italy Allows Gamers to Fight the Police
New York Times 22 Feb 2013 – After watching Egyptian protesters battle the police, and taking part in a demonstration in Italy, an Italian animator created Riot, a new video game.
Alvarion sells carrier licensed division to Telrad
Globes Main News – Telrad Networks will pay $6.1 million and up to a further $6 million in performance-based milestone payments.
Socialist Worker: Samer Issawi must be freed
Jewish Voice for Peace – A network of Palestine solidarity organizations is spearheading an urgent campaign to save Palestinian political prisoner Samer Issawi. Samer Issawi must be freed , Eric Ruder, SocialistWorker.org, February 21, 2013. AN ISRAELI military court has refused to grant the release of Palestinian hunger striker Samer Issawi despite…
Threatened lawsuit at Brooklyn College and Abuse of Title VI
Muzzlewatch – By Cecilie Surasky, @CecilieSurasky on Twitter A few weeks ago, Brooklyn College stood up against a tsunami of whacked out, only-in-NY extremist -Israel politics and refused to either cancel or sever ties with a planned campus talk on the nonviolent Palestinian-led human rights movement known as…
British Mandate mini-series The Promise not showing in Ontario
Muzzlewatch – I haven’t watched The Promise yet, the acclaimed UK mini-series about the origins of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict under the British Mandate, but only because I just haven’t had a chance–though now I will. (At least American viewers) can watch it on Hulu . But apparently viewers of…
Documents reveal how US let Israel off the hook over ‘execution’ of American Furkan Dogan
Mondoweiss – American citizen Furkan Dogan was killed by Israeli forces as they raided the Mavi Marmara ship on May 31, 2010. (Photo via Associated Press) In May 2010, 18-year-old American citizen Furkan Dogan was shot at point-blank range by Israeli naval commandos as he was standing on…
Emad Burnat is flavor of the moment in Hollywood!
Mondoweiss – Great video of a photographer apologizing to Emad Burnat, co-director of “5 Broken Cameras,” for his detention at LAX as he and his wife and son and Michael Moore drive off in a KIA, apparently from a Vanity Fair Oscars party. “We’re glad you’re here,” folks…
Former Israeli Amb to Obama on his visit: ‘You cannot come to an area that exhibits signs of apartheid and ignore them’
Mondoweiss – In the wake of recently resurfaced comments allegedly made by Chuck Hagel during a 2010 speech at Rutgers University regarding the risk Israel runs of “becoming an apartheid state if it didn’t allow the Palestinians to form a state,” The Times of Israel has reported even more damning…
For Samer Issawi: Tribute to a Jerusalem son
Mondoweiss – Apartheid’s outlaw Has crooked white teeth An Adam’s Apple and an angled jaw A beautiful face With a knowing smile, gentle eyes And masculine grace O’ Native son, my brother Your eyes have sunk in darkness’ pain Sleepless nights crawl on your skin And daylight climbs…
Hagel news: Abrams says lobby is mostly Christian, JVP wants Americans to say ‘apartheid’
Mondoweiss – Chuck Hagel’s bid to become Defense Secretary has been endorsed by Republican Alabama Senator Richard Shelby , meaning that Hagel will be confirmed after the Congressional recess, in the view of several media outlets. Other news on the Hagel front: The Israel lobby is now being openly…
Israel Informed Australia When Prisoner X Was Arrested
The Foward Breaking News 22 Feb 2013 – Israeli intelligence services notified Australian officials of Ben Zygier’s arrest immediately after he was detained, an Australian news agency reported. Click here for the rest of the article…
Tortuous Coalition Talks May Force Israelis Back To Polls
The Foward Breaking News 22 Feb 2013 – The slow pace of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s coalition building, held up by disputes over state benefits for ultra-Orthodox Jews, has raised speculation Israel may be forced into a new election. Click here for the rest of the article…
Polish City To Ban Soccer Team Over Fans’ Anti-Semitic Game
The Foward Breaking News 22 Feb 2013 – The municipality of Lodz said it would boycott a Polish soccer club due to “the anti-Semitic and offensive behavior” of its fans. Click here for the rest of the article…
Kibbutzniks Plough a Portrait of Peres Into Field
The Foward Breaking News 22 Feb 2013 – Kibbutz Tel Yosef ploughed a portrait of Israeli President Shimon Peres into a field of wheat in honor of his 90th birthday. Yom Huledet Sameach, prez. Click here for the rest of the article…
Israeli Consul Claims Two Critical Oscar Nominees Prove Diversity of Opinion
The Forward New 22 Feb 2013 – Israel’s consul general tried to put the best face on its two Oscar-nominated documentaries. He said the films, which both harshly criticize Israel, showcase the country’s open debate. Click here for the rest of the article…
Olympia, WA remembers Rachel- Events planned for March
Rachel Corrie Foundation 22 Feb 2013 – On Saturday, March 16th, Olympia will mark the 10th anniversary of Rachel’s stand in Gaza. It has been an extraordinary and challenging journey for the Rachel Corrie Foundation, for the Corrie family, and for those in our community and beyond w
ho have worked tirelessly for justice…
Clashes over Palestinian prisoners
BBC 22 Feb 2013 – Hundreds of Palestinians clash with Israeli forces across the West Bank and East Jerusalem, amid further protests over hunger-striking prisoners.
Hagel In The Dock: The Aipac Dog Bites A Man – by Dr. Alan Sabrosky
Sabbah report 22 Feb 2013 – There may not be a magic bullet to end the Zionist domination of the American political process, but in Chuck Hagel, we got a dud. I do not regret supporting him at the beginning, but I wish he had shown more fortitude as the process degenerated…
Israel’s Coming “Civil War”: Haredim Jews Confront the Militarized Secular Zionist State – by Prof. James Petras
Sabbah report 22 Feb 2013 – The Haredim share a common plight with Israel’s Arab population: Both communities face increasing police harassment, discrimination, religious persecution and rising levels of poverty. A Haredim-Arab alliance would unite 30% of the population against a common secular militarist and plutocratic enemy. A study in 2006 claimed…
Stuart Littlewood: Britain’s UKIP – another Zionist lobby tool
Sabbah report 22 Feb 2013 – Stuart Littlewood considers the latest Israeli stooge on Britain’s political scene, the UK Independence Party (UKIP), whose allegiance to Israel completes a circle of allies that has some of Europe’s most odious parties. Read More: Stuart Littlewood: Britain’s UKIP – another Zionist lobby tool . Sign up…
Alan Hart: What do Obama and Abbas have in common?
Sabbah report 22 Feb 2013 – Alan Hart examines what it would take for Obama and Abbas to stop being grovellers to Israel and the Zionist lobby, and wonders if they’d both be assassinated if they ceased grovelling. Read More: Alan Hart: What do Obama and Abbas have in common? . Sign up…
Young Bahraini protester dies after clash with police
Al-Akhbar News 22 Feb 2013 – Anti-government protesters throw Molotov cocktails at riot police during clashes in the village of Sanabis, west of Manama, on 22 February 2013. (Photo: Reuters – Hamad I Mohammed) A young protester died of wounds after he was shot during clashes with Bahraini police on the second…
Thousands rally for hunger strikers across Palestine
Al-Akhbar News 22 Feb 2013 – Israeli border police detain a Palestinian demonstrators during a protest in solidarity with hunger-striking Palestinian prisoners in the city of Nablus on February 22, 2013. Palestinians demanding the release of hunger-striking prisoners clashed with Israelis in the West Bank and east Jerusalem, as three fasting inmates…
Hyping Hezbollah’s Role in Syria
Al-Akhbar News 22 Feb 2013 – Tanks of the Lebanese airborne division drive in the east Lebanon village of Arsal, near the Syrian border on 4 February 2013. (Photo: AFP – STR) Tanks of the Lebanese airborne division drive in the east Lebanon village of Arsal, near the Syrian border on 4…
Hussam Nuwais: In the Service of the Resistance
Al-Akhbar News 22 Feb 2013 – Nuwais had little free time, but when he did, he spent it watching or playing football and reading novels. (Photo: Wael ladki) Nuwais had little free time, but when he did, he spent it watching or playing football and reading novels. (Photo: Wael ladki) When Hussam…
An Israeli Dairy Farm in Iraqi Kurdistan?
Al-Akhbar News 22 Feb 2013 – Orthodox Jews walk along al-Shuhada street, past shuttered Palestinian owned shops daubed with the Jewish Star of David on 21 February 2013 as this road is only used by Israeli settlers. (Photo: AFP – Hazem Bader) Orthodox Jews walk along al-Shuhada street, past shuttered Palestinian owned…
Lebanese Forces: Democracy Without Change
Al-Akhbar News 22 Feb 2013 – The LF has no intention of seeking Muslim members as it remains a Christian party with a deeply sectarian orientation. (Photo: Marwan Bou Haidar) The LF has no intention of seeking Muslim members as it remains a Christian party with a deeply sectarian orientation. (Photo: Marwan…
Israel Presses EU to Place Hezbollah on Terror List
Al-Akhbar Politics 21 Feb 2013 – Palestinian children inspects a burnt car in the West Bank village of Qusra near Nablus on 21 February 2013. Israeli settlers torched seven cars in the northern West bank village of Qusra, (Photo: AFP – Jaafar Ashtiyeh) Palestinian children inspects a burnt car in the West…
Lebanon’s Electoral Infidelity Law
Al-Akhbar Politics 21 Feb 2013 – The majority of MPs defended the Orthodox Gathering proposal on the grounds that it provides the best way of achieving proper representation for Lebanon’s Christians. (Photo: Marwan Tahtah) The majority of MPs defended the Orthodox Gathering proposal on the grounds that it provides the best way…
‘Civilians killed’ by Aleppo rockets
BBC 22 Feb 2013 – At least 12 civilians are killed by rockets in Aleppo, activists say, as opposition groups agree to form a rebel government.
Third death in Bahrain protests
BBC 22 Feb 2013 – A protester struck by a tear gas canister fired by police in Bahrain last week has died, opposition officials say, the third death in a week of unrest.
Gulf conference abruptly cancelled
BBC 22 Feb 2013 – LSE pulls out of conference on change in the Middle East alleging political interference which “threatened academic freedom”.
Shard firm oversees Saudi skyscraper
BBC 21 Feb 2013 – The team that built London’s Shard skyscraper is chosen to manage the construction of the world’s tallest building – a 1km tower – in Saudi Arabia.
Clashes over Palestinian prisoners
BBC 22 Feb 2013 – Hundreds of Palestinians clash with Israeli forces across the West Bank and East Jerusalem, amid further protests over hunger-striking prisoners.
Articles
Israel’s Wall of Madness
Andre Vltchek And Lynda Burnstein Brayer, CounterPunch 2/22/2013
A Landscape of Wires
Golan Heights.
If someone would say: “Israel, Palestine and Golan Heights! And you have only two seconds to describe what first comes to your mind.”
Then I would immediately put into words two images that would enter my mind: “Mental asylum, and enormous bag full of the intertwined professional wires.”
Mental asylum, because how else to describe those long decades of lies, half-truths, and deceptions? How else to describe the state of things when the language loses its meaning, words turn to fragmented squeaks and shouts and people just don’t seem to get through to each other.
The wires would come to mind, because I am not only a writer, but also a filmmaker and photographer. Not by choice, but simply because sometimes, actually quite often, I also feel that the words do not suffice in describing reality. While working, I have to use wires, many of them. And I hate wires: all those chargers and fire-wires, the USB wires and other stuff. You put them to one bag and they tangle; you can never separate them, straighten them, and find two ends.
And that’s what this ancient part of the world became: an enormous web of wires, coated with insanity.
Let’s not talk politics, for a while. Let’s address the most practical issues – how to move from point A to point B. more.. e-mail
As Palestinian hunger strikes come to a head, world begins to take notice
Michael Omer-Man, +972 Magazine 2/18/2013
Four Palestinian prisoners are on hunger strikes to protest their administrative detention and the conditions in which they are being held. While the EU calls on Israel to respect its obligations toward Palestinian prisoners’ human rights, an Israeli NGO reports they are being treated unethically in hospital.
All anyone in Israel has spoken about for the past week is ‘Prisoner X,’ the Jewish-Israeli-Australian Mossad agent held secretly by his own country, who supposedly took his own life in prison two years ago. But only a few miles from Israeli newsrooms in Jerusalem and Tel Aviv, outrage over a different type of prisoner in Israeli jails has been mounting for months and is coming to a head.
Four Palestinian men in Israeli prisons are currently in the late stages of prolonged hunger strikes protesting the legal basis of their imprisonment: administrative detention and military committee sentencing decisions based on secret evidence. Both amount to imprisonment without knowledge of what they are accused and without the right to a trial.
In recent days, at least one of the prisoners reportedly intensified his hunger strike, refusing all medical treatment, including vitamins and minerals. Their health is said to be deteriorating.
Thousands of Palestinians have taken to the streets throughout the West Bank in recent weeks, leading to violent clashes with the IDF and including protests that shut down the Ramallah offices of the Red Cross and UN.
Hundreds of Palestinian citizens of Israel have also protested in solidarity with the hunger strikers on the other side of the Green Line. more.. e-mail
Palestinians Disqualify U.S. as Peace Broker
Nicola Nasser, Arabic Media Internet Network (AMIN) 2/22/2013
The “unbreakable alliance,” which will be confirmed by the upcoming visit of President Barak Obama to Israel, will disqualify the United States as an honest broker of peace in the Arab – Israeli conflict in Palestine, a Palestinian veteran peace negotiator says.
This “unbreakable alliance” will doom whatever hopes remain during Obama’s visit for the revival of the U.S. – sponsored deadlocked “peace process,” on the resumption of which depends the very survival of Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas’ leadership, and explains as well the Palestinian frustration, low expectations, unenthusiastic welcome and the absence of celebrations for their most cherished among world celebrities, in a stark contrast to the euphoria that is sweeping Israel in waiting for what the U.S. and Israeli officials are describing as an “historic” visit.
On February 19, the Israeli Prime Minister’s Office released the official blue, red and white logo that will be on all documents and signs during Obama’s visit late in March. The logo shows the words “Unbreakable Alliance” written in English and Hebrew under a combined Israeli and U.S. flags.
During his visit, Obama will become the first ever serving U.S. president to receive Israel’s presidential medal to honor the fact that he has “established the closest working military and intelligence relationship with Israel in the country’s history: Joint exercises and training, increased security assistance every year, unprecedented advanced technology transfers, doubling of funding for Israel’s missile defense system, and assistance in funding for the Iron Dome system,” according to Steven L. Spiegel in Huffington Post late last year. more.. e-mail
The Riddle of the Israel Lobby
Uri Avnery, CounterPunch 2/22/2013
Peace and Water
melons
One of the most interesting and prolonged private debates I have had in my life was with the brilliant Dr. Nahum Goldmann. The subject: American peace initiatives.
It was an unequal debate, of course. Goldmann was my elder by 28 years. While I was a mere editor of an Israeli news magazine, he was an international figure, President of the World Zionist Organization and the World Jewish Congress.
In the mid ’50s, when I was looking for a personality who could possibly contest David Ben-Gurion’s stranglehold on the prime minister’s office, I thought of Goldmann. He had the necessary stature and was liked by moderate Zionists. No less important, he had a clear set of opinions. From the first day of the State of Israel, he had proposed that Israel become a “Middle Eastern Switzerland”, neutral between the US and the Soviet Union. For him, peace with the Arabs was absolutely essential for the future of Israel.
I visited him in a luxury suite in Jerusalem’s classy Kind David hotel. He was wearing a silken dressing gown, and when I made my offer, he responded: “Look, Uri, I like the good life. Luxury hotels, good food and beautiful women. If I challenged Ben-Gurion, all these would disappear. His people would vilify me as they do you. Why would I risk all that?”
We also started a discussion that ended only with his death, some 27 years later. He was convinced that the US wanted peace between us and the Arabs, and that a major American peace effort was just around the corner. This was not simply an abstract hope…. more.. e-mail
Palestinian students “surrounded by guns” at Israeli universities
Electronic Intifada: 22 Feb 2013 – Sawsan Khalife’ 22 February 2013 Militarization has become part of the “academic landscape” in Israel, according to a Palestinian rights activist.more
Palestinians Disqualify U.S. as Peace Broker
Palestine Chronicle: 22 Feb 2013 – By Nicola Nasser The “unbreakable alliance,” which will be confirmed by the upcoming visit of President Barak Obama to Israel, will disqualify the United States as an honest broker of peace in the Arab – Israeli conflict in Palestine, a Palestinian veteran peace negotiator says. This “unbreakable alliance” will doom whatever hopes remain during Obama’s visit for the revival of the U.S. – sponsored deadlocked “peace process,” on the resumption of which depends the very survival of Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas’ leadership, and explains as well the Palestinian frustration, low expectations, unenthusiastic welcome and the absence of celebrations for their most cherished among world celebrities, in a stark contrast to the euphoria that is sweeping Israel in waiting for what the U.S. and Israeli officials are describing as an “historic” visit. On February 19, the Israeli Prime Minister’s Office released the official blue, red and white logo that will be…more
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