26 March 2013 — VTJP
News
International Middle East Media Center
Journalists detained in Hebron, two civilians abducted by Israeli troops
IMEMC – On the afternoon of the 24th March, two Palestinian Al Jazeera journalists arrived into Hebron to interview a Palestinian family living near the illegal Israeli settlement in the area of Tel Rumeida. When they arrived, settlers called the Israeli military and police, who arrived and confiscated the journalists’ ID cards, despite having seen their press credentials. …
Israeli police uproot trees; right-wing settlers attempt to infiltrate Al Aqsa mosque
IMEMC – In two separate incidents over the weekend, the third holiest site in Islam, the Al Aqsa mosque in Jerusalem, came under siege from Israelis – once, on Thursday, when Israeli police entered the mosque compound and began uprooting trees, and a second time on Saturday when a group of right-wing Jewish Israeli settlers sneaked into the mosque via rooftop. …
3 workers injured in Gaza tunnel explosion
3/26/2013 – GAZA CITY (Ma’an) — Three workers were injured Tuesday when a gas canister exploded in a smuggling tunnel under the Gaza-Egypt border, a Gaza official said. Civil defense spokesman Muhammad al-Mathana told Ma’an that a fire broke out after a gas canister being transferred to Gaza exploded. Three workers suffered serious burns….
UNRWA to implement job creation program in Gaza
3/26/2013 – GAZA CITY (Ma’an) — Over 10,000 of the poorest refugees in Gaza will benefit from a job placement program set to be initiated in April, the UN agency for Palestinian refugees said this week.” Through this new system, an average six-member family will have the opportunity to nearly double their income over two years….
Imam released after 2 months in Israeli detention
3/26/2013 – GAZA CITY (Ma’an) — Israeli forces released a Palestinian Imam from prison on Monday after two months in administrative detention, a prisoners group said. The center for detainee studies said in a statement that Sheikh Riyad Walwil, 58, was released on short notice to prevent relatives form organizing celebrations. Walwil worked as an Imam….
Teenager released after 4 days in custody
3/26/2013 – HEBRON (Ma’an) — Naser al-Shawaheen, 14, was released after four days in Ofer interrogation center, the Palestinian military liaisons office said Tuesday. The teenager was detained near Yatta on Saturday. [END]
Group: Far right MK calls for Jewish prayers at Al-Aqsa compound
3/26/2013 – JERUSALEM (Ma’an) — A far-right Israeli Knesset member has called on Jewish worshipers to pray at the Al-Aqsa compound on Wednesday for the Passover holiday, according to a local group. The Al-Aqsa Foundation for Waqf and Heritage said Tuesday that Likud’s Moshe Feiglin posted a call on his Facebook page for Israelis….
Israeli patrol claims to be shot at from Gaza
3/26/2013 – BETHLEHEM (Ma’an) — An Israeli patrol has filed a report claiming it was fired at by Palestinians from north of the Gaza Strip, a spokesman in the Israeli army said. The spokesman added that the report is being studied, and that there was no damage or injuries. [END]
Arab League summit begins in Doha
3/26/2013 – DOHA, United Arab Emirates (Ma’an) — The Arab League’s 24th Summit kicked off in Doha on Tuesday, with presidents, kings and emirs of member states set to discuss regional matters, a Ma’an correspondent said. Qatari emir Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa al-Thani gave an opening address to the summit, urging the…. Related: Qatar emir calls for $1 billion Jerusalem fund at Arab summit and Opposition takes up Syria seat at Arab summit
Qatar emir calls for $1 billion Jerusalem fund at Arab summit
3/26/2013 – BETHLEHEM (Ma’an) — Qatari emir Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa al-Thani called for a $1 billion fund for Palestinians in Jerusalem during the opening session of the Arab Summit on Tuesday, which was dominated by events in Syria. The Qatari emir made the proposal during his opening speech and offered to contribute $250 million to…. Related: Arab League summit begins in Doha
Australia pressing Israel for details on ‘Prisoner X’
3/26/2013 – SYDNEY (AFP) — The Australian government said Tuesday it was continuing to push Israel for a fuller explanation into the arrest, detention and suicide of Australian-Israeli Mossad agent Ben Zygier. Zygier, known as “Prisoner X”, was found hanged in a supposedly suicide-proof cell at a Tel Aviv jail in 2010 with reports this week saying he….
Abbas: Palestinians seek to implement UN decision
3/26/2013 – DOHA (Ma’an) — President Mahmoud Abbas said in his speech at the 24th Arab summit in Dohathat the Palestinian Authority seeks to implement a United Nations decision admitting a Palestinian state. Abbas warned about Israeli actions in Jerusalem that attempt to make the city Jewish and damage its Islamic and Christian sites. He also….
Mursi says Palestinian reconciliation essential
3/26/2013 – GAZA CITY (Ma’an) — Egyptian President Mohammed Mursi, speaking at the 24th Arab Summit in Doha on Tuesday, said Palestinian reconciliation was essential in uniting Palestinians. The president stressed that the Palestinian cause will not more forward “without reaching a resolution and freeing the land that remains under occupation”. Mursi stressed the importance of….
PA security forces arrest 2 Hamas members
3/26/2013 – BETHLEHEM (Ma’an) — Palestinian Authority security forces arrested two Hamas affiliates in the West Bank on Tuesday, the Islamist group said in a statement. The two unidentified members were arrested in Tubas and Salfit, Hamas added, without providing further details. [END]
PA says it needs $1.4 billion to meet budget
3/26/2013 – RAMALLAH (AFP) — The Palestinian Authority was on Tuesday debating a draft budget amounting to $3. 9 billion, of which it said $1. 4 billion would have to come from foreign financing. PA Prime minister Salam Fayyad lamented a lack of payment of foreign aid as he presented the 2013 draft budget to politicians and economists….
Official: PA rethinking tax rise on imports
3/26/2013 – RAMALLAH (Ma’an) — The Palestinian Authority is backing away from its decision to raise taxes on imports from China to 35 percent, Fatah leader Abbas Zaki said Tuesday. Zaki, a member of Fatah’s central committee, said that the decision did not target China specifically, and the government is studying raising taxes on….
WWI cemetery in crowded Gaza serves as park for locals
3/26/2013 – GAZA CITY (Ma’an) — A cemetery by definition is a tract of land specifically designated as a burial ground, where bodies are interred and identified by tombstones so relatives can visit their loved ones. Not so in the crowded Gaza Strip, where some cemeteries serve a completely different purpose. Gaza City, one of the….
2 children injured in Bethlehem car accident
3/26/2013 – BETHLEHEM (Ma’an) — Two children were injured in a car accident east of Bethlehem on Tuesday, police said. Qais Nasser Rabaia, 8, and Jamil Hassasneh, 7, were wounded after being hit by a car in al-Ubeidiya village. Medics said they were transferred to Beit Jala hospital in a critical condition. [END]
Egypt TV presenter Fouda hurt in car accident
3/26/2013 – CAIRO (Ma’an) — Egyptian TV anchor Yosri Fouda was injured Sunday in a car accident on the coast of the Red Sea, news reports said. Egypt‘s al-Ahram newspaper reported that Fouda suffered a fractured neck in the accident in Hughada but was expected to recover. He was admitted to al-Gouna hospital in….
MENA: 2 tourists abducted in Egypt’s Sinai set free
3/26/2013 – CAIRO (AFP) — An Israeli man and a Norwegian woman kidnapped by armed Bedouin tribesmen in Egypt‘s Sinai peninsula four days ago were set free on Tuesday, state news agency MENA said. The pair had been traveling between the resort of Taba and coastal town of Dahab when they were abducted Friday. They were….
Child killed as mortar hits Damascus
3/26/2013 – BEIRUT (AFP) — At least one child was killed and several others were wounded on Tuesday in a mortar attack on a compound housing several schools in central Damascus, a monitoring group and state news agency SANA said.” A young girl was killed and several other students were injured when mortars fired by terrorists hit a….
Opposition takes up Syria seat at Arab summit
3/26/2013 – DOHA (AFP) — Syria‘s main opposition group swept into a summit of the Arab League in Doha to thunderous applause Tuesday as its leader took up Syria‘s seat for the first time, angering Damascus which denounced it as “theft”. Launching into a fiery speech, the head of the Syrian National Coalition Ahmed…. Related: Arab League summit begins in Doha
Qatar urges $1bn Arab fund for East Jerusalem
AlJazeera 26 Mar 2013 – Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani, Qatar’s emir, offers to contribute $250m to fund to protect “Arabness of Jerusalem”.
Qatar Proposes $1 Billion Fund to Support Jerusalem
Palestine News Network
Israeli Soldiers Open Fire toward Palestinian Houses, East of Khan Younes
Palestine News Network
Palestinian Women Demand Protection Under Law
Palestine News Network
PLO Thanks UNHRC Member States for their Vote
Palestine News Network
Weather Forecast: Significant Rise in Temperature
Palestine News Network
Rachel Corrie Foundation Launches Pro-Palestine Bus Ads
Palestine News Network
Israel, Turkey Discuss Compensation over Mavi Marmara Raid
Palestine News Network
Palestinian, Norwegian Kidnapped in Sinai Released
Palestine News Network
Exiled Prisoner Given Hero’s Welcome
Palestine News Network
Israeli Army Forces Arrest Palestinian, Set Military Checkpoints in Hebron
Palestine News Network
MK Moshe Feiglin Renews his Call to Storm Al-Aqsa Mosque Tomorrow
Palestine News Network
Israel Announces Transfer of PA Money Regularly
Palestine News Network
Palestinian Society and Oslo Agreements, AIC
Palestine News Network
occupied Palestinian territory: UN resolution on settlements: another missed opportunity to advance the rights of the Palestinian people
Relief Web 26 Mar 2013 – Source: Al Mezan Center for Human Rights Country: occupied Palestinian territory On Friday 22 March, the United Nations (UN) Human Rights Council (the Council) adopted a resolution, tabled by the State of Palestine, the Organisation of Islamic Conference and the…
occupied Palestinian territory: Qatar proposes $1 bln fund for Jerusalem, offers $250 mln
Relief Web 26 Mar 2013 – Source: Reuters – AlertNet Country: occupied Palestinian territory, Qatar DOHA, March 26 (Reuters) – Qatar called on Tuesday for the immediate establishment of a $1 billion fund to help Palestinians in Arab East Jerusalem, and offered to contribute $250 million…
Lebanon: UNRWA combats anemia in Lebanon
Relief Web 26 Mar 2013 – Source: UN Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East Country: Lebanon, occupied Palestinian territory 26 March 2013 Lebanon In response to the high prevalence of iron deficiency anemia – the lack of red blood cells to…
occupied Palestinian territory: Middle East Visit by United States President Offers Opening for Serious Political Initiative to Negotiate Two-State Solution, Top UN Envoy Tells Security Council
Relief Web 25 Mar 2013 – Source: UN Security Council Country: Lebanon, occupied Palestinian territory, Syrian Arab Republic SC/10957 Security Council 6940th Meeting (AM) Special Coordinator Robert Serry Briefs; Says Much Work Ahead, International Community Must Work in Concert to Help Palestinians, Israelis Bridge Differences Following…
Emirati dies in Germany from Sars-like virus infection
The National 26 Mar 2013 – The disease that the 73-year-old contracted was a new form of a virus similar to Sars.
Rebel leader Al Khatib takes Syria’s seat at the Arab League
The National 26 Mar 2013 – Al Khatib demands place at United Nations and urges Nato to deploy Patriot missile systems to defend the rebel-held north. Elizabeth Dickinson reports from Doha summit
Making more sense of UAE agriculture
The National 26 Mar 2013 – Contributing only to one per cent of the UAE economy, farming is sucking up 60 per cent of country’s water.
Jobs forum helps give UAE students’ careers a lift-off
The National 26 Mar 2013 – More than 500 people and 46 companies are at the Paris-Sorbonne event which helps students find jobs and internships.
Debate rages on how to increase lifespan of Abu Dhabi’s water
The National 26 Mar 2013 – Panellists discuss how ground water should be managed and protected for future generations.
Cyprus businesses hurt as banks stay shut
The National 26 Mar 2013 – Cypriot businesses are under increasing strain to keep running after financial authorities close banks for second week amid fears of a run on deposits.
Critics shoot holes in Israel’s Iron Dome
The National 26 Mar 2013 – Experts have calculated the vaunted missile shield intercepted fewer than 10 per cent of the rockets fired at Israel during its recent hostilities with Hamas. Vita Bekker reports from Tel Aviv
Egypt’s Dh35bn tax ‘black hole’ and Morsi’s dilemma
The National 26 Mar 2013 – A crippled economy could force the Islamist leader from power – but so could the unpopular measures needed to repair it. Bradley Hope reports from Cairo
Egyptian kidnappers release Israeli, Norwegian tourists abducted in Sinai
Ha’aretz – 26 Mar 2013
Palestinians: We reserve right to turn to The Hague if peace talks with Israel fail
Ha’aretz – 26 Mar 2013
Leader of 2011 social protest considering running for mayor of Tel Aviv
Ha’aretz – 26 Mar 2013
Israel to pay Turkey tens of millions over Gaza flotilla deaths, sources say
Ha’aretz – 26 Mar 2013
We are f***ing powerless: Jon Stewart takes aim at Obama’s Israel visit
Ha’aretz – 26 Mar 2013
Australian FM: We want ‘comprehensive’ answers from Israel on Zygier case
Ha’aretz – 26 Mar 2013
Brig. General Yitzhak Yaakov dies at 87
Ha’aretz – 25 Mar 2013
Activists detained for attempted animal sacrifice
Jerusalem Post 26 Mar 2013 – Hard-right political and religious activists with lamb detained for trying to perform sacrifice on Temple Mount.
Man allegedly kills girlfriend in front of daughter
Jerusalem Post 26 Mar 2013 – Suspect tells police he shot his girlfriend to death in front of the couple’s daughter in Petah Tivka.
Danger in Sinai
Jerusalem Post 26 Mar 2013 – It is probably no more than coincidence that the latest foreign abductee in Sinai happened to be an Israeli.
What does Seder night offer the autistic child?
Jerusalem Post 26 Mar 2013 – The 1,000-year-old educational philosophy at the heart of the Hagadda is recognized as the most effective tool for autism.
Freeing ourselves at Passover from harmful eating
Jerusalem Post 26 Mar 2013 – Many Jews spend weeks cleaning their houses, cars and other possessions to make sure that not even a crumb of hametz remains.
WATCH: The Passover story, kids style
Jerusalem Post 26 Mar 2013 – The story of Moses, Pharaoh and the ten plagues, told in a way that only children can do.
Terra Incognita: Preaching to Israel’s converted
Jerusalem Post 26 Mar 2013 – When a heckler interrupted Obama’s speech many people assumed it was a “free Pollard” protester.
Obama meets Einstein in Jerusalem
Jerusalem Post 26 Mar 2013 – Like Obama, Einstein shared the liberal desire to perfect the world – what Jews refer to as “tikkun olam” – literally, “fixing the world.”
A view from the hills: Praying for Adele
Jerusalem Post 26 Mar 2013 – Only receiving limited media coverage, two-year-old Adele Biton from Yakir, remains fighting for life.
Abbas accuses Israel of ‘destructive’ plan in Jerusalem
Jerusalem Post 26 Mar 2013 – During a speech at the Arab summit in Qatar, PA president says “The Israeli occupation is systematically and continuously working toward Judaizing east Jerusalem,” urges Arab, Islamic countries to help thwart the scheme.
PA, Hamas welcome call from Qatar to end dispute
Jerusalem Post 26 Mar 2013 – At Arab League meeting in Doha, Qatar’s emir calls for mini-Arab summit to be held in Cairo involving two Palestinian parties.
Tent protest founder may run in TA mayoral race
Jerusalem Post 26 Mar 2013 – Daphni Leef, the 28-year-old Tel Aviv woman who started the social justice protests of the summer of 2011, could be TA‘s next mayor.
Swedish scientist to head UN Syria WMDs probe
Jerusalem Post 26 Mar 2013 – Moscow says Russian, Chinese experts should be part of investigation into allegations chemical weapons used in Syria.
Egypt court delays ruling on Brotherhood legality
Jerusalem Post 26 Mar 2013 – Court delays ruling by a month at Muslim Brotherhood’s request; case could stir up rancor against the Islamists.
‘Russia MP quits over charge he is Israeli citizen’
Jerusalem Post 26 Mar 2013 – Russian law does not recognize dual citizenship; Vitaly Malkin denies having foreign passport, Russian media reports.
Syrian rebel leader urges respect for human rights
Jerusalem Post 26 Mar 2013 – At Arab Summit, opposition leader Alkhatib urges leaders to break Syrian “link of repression” and reinforce “fairness and justice.”
‘Erdogan rejected past reconciliation efforts’
Jerusalem Post 26 Mar 2013 – Turkish PM tells Turkish news outlet conditions for reconciliation with Israel included using word “apology,” end to Gaza embargo.
NATO: No intention to intervene militarily in Syria
Jerusalem Post 26 Mar 2013 – Syrian opposition asks for US forces to help defend civilians in rebel-controlled areas in north Syria with Patriots.
Syrian rebels ask US to counter Assad’s airpower
Jerusalem Post 26 Mar 2013 – Opposition ask American forces to help defend rebel-controlled areas in northern Syria with Patriot missiles.
Qatar proposes fund for Palestinians in e. J’lem
Jerusalem Post 26 Mar 2013 – Emir Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al-Thani calls to establish a $1 billion fund and offered to contributed $250 million to it.
Obama celebrates fifth Seder at the White House
Jerusalem Post 26 Mar 2013 – US president, family, friends celebrate Passover dinner with Seder plate given to the First Lady by Sara Netanyahu.
Israeli Arab, Norwegian kidnapped in Sinai released
Jerusalem Post 26 Mar 2013 – Amir Hassan and Ingvild Selvik Ask were kidnapped four days ago on their way to Taba; say kidnappers treated them well.
‘Israel hasn’t given us full Zygier info yet’
Jerusalem Post 26 Mar 2013 – Australian FM says Israel hasn’t given a comprehensive account of alleged Mossad agent’s arrest, detention, or suicide.
Iran’s Nuclear Activities Go On Despite Sanctions
IPS While the U.S.-led sanctions regime on Iran has produced substantial economic hardship, analysts here are increasingly pointing out that Tehran’s controversial nuclear activities have continued unabated. According to a study released Tuesday by the National Iranian American Council (NIAC), “there is a clear disconnect between the stated goals of the…
Only a Few Reporters Have Bothered to Truly Confront Secrecy in Bradley Manning’s Court Martial
Uruknet
Hunger Striking Prisoner at Risk of Death Due to Significant Drop in his Heart Beat
Uruknet
FSA Commander Riad al-Asaad Wounded In Bomb Blast (Videos )
Uruknet
Israeli racism affects Christian Palestinians this Palm Sunday
Uruknet
Left-wing Palestinian leader blames Abbas and Hamas for reconciliation delay
Uruknet
The racism that fuels the ‘war on terror’
Uruknet
Bearing the Cross of Colonization: The Via Dolorosa Today
Uruknet
Three Hospitalized as Gitmo Hunger Strike Continues to Worsen
Uruknet
Graphic new visualisation for CIA’s drone war in Pakistan
Uruknet
PHOTOS: Israeli forces demolish Palestinian camp built to protest Obama visit
Uruknet
Syria activists slam regional interference, Brotherhood
Daily Star 26 Mar 2013 A group of prominent Syrian opposition members on Tuesday criticised the role of the Muslim Brotherhood in the Syrian National Coalition and accused regional governments of “hegemony” over the body.
Obama gives Secret Service its 1st female director
Daily Star 26 Mar 2013 President Barack Obama named the first female director of the Secret Service, signaling his desire to change the culture at the male-dominated agency, which has been marred by a recent prostitution scandal.
White House: no Patriot missiles in Syria
Daily Star 26 Mar 2013 The White House said Tuesday that NATO would not provide Patriot missile batteries to protect rebel strongholds in Syria, following a request from opposition chief Ahmed Moaz al-Khatib.
Arab leaders set up $1 billion Arab fund for Jerusalem
Daily Star 26 Mar 2013 The Arab League on Tuesday approved a Qatari proposal to set up a $1 billion fund for Arab East Jerusalem, which Palestinians want as the capital of an independent state under any peace deal with Israel.
Kerry in Paris to talk Syria with French
Daily Star 26 Mar 2013 U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry is in Paris for talks with French officials about aid to the Syrian opposition and the situation in Mali.
Jordan stun Japan, Australia held by Oman
Daily Star 26 Mar 2013 Jordan again showed their appetite for an upset to put Japan’s World Cup party on hold and Australian anxiety increased after a home draw with Oman on a dramatic qualifying night in Asia on Tuesday.
Lebanon disassociates on Syria at Arab League summit
Daily Star 26 Mar 2013 Lebanon employs its policy of disassociation toward the crisis in neighboring Syria during an Arab League summit in Qatar and urges members of the top regional organization to shoulder responsibility in ensuring Lebanon’s stability.
In snub to Assad, opposition takes Syria’s Arab summit seat
Daily Star 26 Mar 2013 To applause from Arab heads of state, a foe of Bashar al-Assad took Syria‘s vacant seat at an Arab summit on Tuesday, deepening the president’s diplomatic isolation and diverting attention from rifts among his opponents.
Swedish expert to lead weapons probe in Syria
Daily Star 26 Mar 2013 Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon on Tuesday appointed a Swedish professor who was a U.N. chemical weapons inspector in Iraq and now works at a research institute that deals with chemical incidents to head the U.N. fact-finding mission…
Italy foreign minister quits over India case
YNet News, 26 Mar 2013 – ….
West Bank closure lifted
YNet News, 26 Mar 2013 – ….
Soccer: Israel beats Northern Ireland 0-2 in World Cup qualifier
YNet News, 26 Mar 2013 – ….
Israeli kidnapped in Sinai returns: They threatened our lives
YNet News, 26 Mar 2013 – ….
Foreign Ministry thanks Egypt for abductees’ release
YNet News, 26 Mar 2013 – ….
Righteousness of our cause
YNet News, 26 Mar 2013 – Op-ed: MK Lieberman explains why he objected to Israeli apology for Turkish deaths during Gaza flotilla raid ….
Israeli settlers organize marches around Al-Aqsa Mosque
PIC – Hundreds of settlers have marched since the morning hours around the gates of Al-Aqsa Mosque, on the occasion of the Jewish Feast of Passover.
Extremist Israelis attack a Jerusalemite boy
PIC – The Information Center of Wadi Hilweh in Silwan warned of the escalated settlers’ attacks on the residents of the city of Jerusalem, amid the inaction of the Israeli police.
Khudari: 2000 truck-loads are held in Israeli ports
PIC – MP Jamal al-Khudari, the head of the Popular Committee against the Siege, said that more than two thousand truck-loads are held in Israeli stores and ports and at Karm Abu Salem crossing.
3 workers injured in tunnel explosion in Rafah
PIC – Three Palestinians were injured on Tuesday when a gas canister exploded in one of the tunnels south of Rafah in the southern Gaza Strip, spokesman for the Ministry of Health Ashraf al-Qidra said.
Epileptic prisoner in serious condition
PIC – The ministry of prisoners and ex-prisoners in Ramallah has warned that the health condition of a detained Jerusalemite youth was seriously deteriorating.
Hamas welcomes mini Arab summit to conclude reconciliation
PIC – Hamas movement welcomed on Tuesday the call by Emir of Qatar Sheikh Hamad Bin Khalifa Al-Thani to hold a mini Arab summit in Cairo to conclude Palestinian reconciliation.
Sheikh Hamad: The Palestinian cause is the number one Arab issue
PIC – Sheikh Hamad Al-Thani, the chairman of the current Arab summit, stated that the Palestinian cause is the number one Arab issue and its solution is the key to peace and stability in the middle east.
Prisoner Hroub continues his hunger strike for the 36th day in a row
PIC – The prisoner Yunis Hroub continues his hunger strike for the 36th day in a row protesting at his administrative detention since last July, PPS confirmed..
Ahrar Center calls for the release of journalist Walid Khaled
PIC – Ahrar Center for Prisoners’ Studies called on national and international human rights organizations to intervene immediately to check on the health and detention conditions of Walid Khaled.
World Bank Study: Digital Economy Brings Job Opportunities to Palestinians
WAFA – 26 Mar 2013
Abbas Welcomes Summit on Reconciliation, Jerusalem Fund
WAFA – 26 Mar 2013
Cabinet Welcomes Adoption of Resolutions on Palestinian Rights
WAFA – 26 Mar 2013
Welfare Association to Lay Corner Stone of Palestinian Museum
WAFA – 26 Mar 2013
Women Demand Protection Under Law
WAFA – 26 Mar 2013
PLO Thanks UNHRC Member States for their Vote
WAFA – 26 Mar 2013
Qatar Proposes $1 Billion Fund to Support Jerusalem
WAFA – 26 Mar 2013
Rachel Corrie Foundation Launches Pro-Palestine Bus Ads
WAFA – 26 Mar 2013
Army Arrests Minor near Ramallah
WAFA – 25 Mar 2013
Syria’s Shiites offer different picture of war
LA Times 26 Mar 2013 – Shiite Muslims who fled Syria for Lebanon tell of an ‘ethnic cleansing’ campaign by rebels intent on creating
a Sunni-run Islamic state. AL QASR, Lebanon — Each evening, Ali Jamal and other men in this border town grab their Kalashnikov assault rifles, jump on their…
Arrest of Anti-Islamist Figures Ordered in Egypt
New York Times 26 Mar 2013 – The five are accused of using social media to incite attacks against President Mohamed Morsi’s allies in the Muslim Brotherhood that took place last Friday.
Europeans Planted Seeds of Crisis in Cyprus
New York Times 26 Mar 2013 – The path that led to Cyprus’s crisis leads back to a decision in late October 2011 to help rescue Greece at its hour of financial need.
At War Blog: War on the Heels of a Wedding
New York Times 26 Mar 2013 – Rebekah Sanderlin, an Army wife, recounts the start of the war in Iraq as a new bride.
Syrian Opposition Group Takes Seat at Arab League
New York Times 26 Mar 2013 – The Arab League’s decision to give Syria’s membership to the opposition coalition was considered a symbolic but important moment in the two-year-old Syrian conflict.
Qatar Proposes $1 Billion Jerusalem Heritage Fund
New York Times 26 Mar 2013 – The emir of Qatar said he would contribute $250 million toward the fund, aimed at protecting Jerusalem’s Arab and Islamic legacy.
Syrian Opposition Takes Seat at Arab Summit
New York Times 26 Mar 2013 – Opposition leaders took Syria’s seat at an Arab League summit for the first time, giving a badly needed boost to an armed uprising.
In Egypt, Arrest of 5 Anti-Islamist Figures Sought
New York Times 25 Mar 2013 – Five activists in Egypt are accused of inciting violence against the Muslim Brotherhood, but the opposition fears that President Mohamed Morsi is on a vendetta.
Egyptian Women Blamed for Sexual Assaults
New York Times 25 Mar 2013 – Women have begun turning to the news media to tell their stories as conservative lawmakers use their political platforms to criticize victims of rape.
Israeli Passover Out of Africa
Tikun Olam – Contemporary Sudanese Moses in the bulrushes (Amir Schiby) “You shall not oppress the stranger [immigrant] because you know the soul of the stranger, for you yourselves were immigrants in the land of Egypt” Exodus 23:9 Tonight is the first night of Passover. On that theme: yesterday,…
Debating BDS in midair
Mondoweiss – When getting unto a long flight like my flight from the U.S. back home to Tel Aviv, there is always some tension before meeting the person sitting next to me, the person I am about to spend a day and a night with in a cramped…
‘Talk is cheap’ — Jon Stewart weighs in on Obama trip
Mondoweiss – The Daily Show with Jon Stewart Get More: Daily Show Full Episodes , Indecision Political Humor , The Daily Show on Facebook Jon Stewart was really funny last night, and then he wasn’t. On the first night of Passover, after giving Obama some matzoh advice, he lambasted him,…
Two readings for Passover
Mondoweiss – Many Jews who come to this site are struggling with how to reconcile the majestic liberation story of Passover with Jewish sovereignty in Israel and Palestine and its blind consecration by American Jewish organizations. As someone who has strived, in my own little way, to reconcile…
Freed but not free: Gaza welcomes detainee and former hunger striker Ayman Sharawna
Mondoweiss – GAZA, PALESTINE, March 25 – Hundreds rallied outside the International Committee of the Red Cross’ Gaza Strip headquarters this morning to welcome former Palestinian detainee and long-term hunger striker Ayman Sharawna. (Photo: Joe Catron) Hundreds rallied outside the International Committee of the Red Cross’ Gaza Strip…
Apartheid, Bantustans and Obama’s empty words (Walt and Miller agree)
Mondoweiss – Obama’s visit has produced harmonic convergence in Aaron David Miller and Steve Walt. “Been There, Done That,” i s Miller’s headline . “Empty Words” by Steve Walt, who says rhetoric doesn’t move leaders, power politics does, and Obama will never use the tools at his disposal to…
Israel Rejects Proposed $1B Arab Fund for Jerusalem
The Foward Breaking News 26 Mar 2013 – Qatar proposed on Tuesday the creation of a $1 billion Arab fund for East Jerusalem, which Palestinians say should be the capital of an independent state under any peace deal with Israel. Click here for the rest of the article…
Israel To Pay Turkey Millions in Compensation for Botched Gaza Flotilla Raid
The Foward Breaking News 26 Mar 2013 – In the wake of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s apology Friday to Turkish Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan over the deaths of nine Turkish activists aboard the 2010 Gaza flotilla, the two countries have set the wheels in motion to pay compensation over the deaths, with Israel…
Australia Demands Answers on Prisoner X Mossad Spy Case From Israel
The Foward Breaking News 26 Mar 2013 – Australia’s Foreign Minister Bob Carr on Monday called for a full explanation from Israel on the circumstances leading up to the death of Australian-born alleged Mossad agent Ben Zygier, known as Prisoner X, in an Israeli prison in 2010. Click here for the rest of the…
South Africa: Take Concrete Steps to Help Syria’s People – Call for Open Borders, End to Indiscriminate Attacks On Civilians
allAfrica.com 26 Mar 2013 – [HRW]Johannesburg -The BRICS countries should call for an end to indiscriminate attacks on civilians and civilian-populated areas in Syria, and insist that cluster munitions and incendiary weapons should not be used. Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa are meeting in Durban for the annual BRICS…
Egypt: Egypt President Heads to Qatar for Arab Summit
allAfrica.com 26 Mar 2013 – [Aswat Masriya]Egyptian President Mohamed Mursi arrived to Doha on Tuesday morning to attend the 24th session of the Arab summit which begins today and ends on Wednesday.
Egypt: FM – Arabs Consider Sending Delegation to UNSC to Boost Middle East Peace
allAfrica.com 26 Mar 2013 – [Egypt Online]Egyptian Foreign Minister Mohamed Kamel Amr said on Monday that the Arab countries are now considering the formation of an Arab ministerial delegation to be led by Qatar to visit New York and Washington to hold talks with the United Nations Security Council member-states and…
Egypt: One Million Iranian Tourists to Visit Egypt in 6 Months
allAfrica.com 26 Mar 2013 – [Egypt Online]The first Egyptian-Iranian Cooperation Council Conference on investment opportunities between Egypt and Iran will be held today.
Soldiers Search Beit Ommar in the Night
Palestine Solidarity Project 26 Mar 2013 – On March 24th at two o’clock in the morning a large force of approximately 40 soldiers and Israeli occupation intelligence officers stormed the village of Beit Ommar. In the centre of town close to the member of the popular committee Ahmed Abu Hashem’s family home, seven…
Vermonters Call on Ben & Jerry’s To End Complicity with Israel’s Occupation and Settlements
Global BDS 26 Mar 2013 – Most everybody knows that Ben & Jerry’s makes premium ice cream and champions “Peace” and “Love.” What they don’t know is that this socially responsible business and strong supporter of Occupy Wall Street is making ice cream in Israel and selling it in illegal settlements in Occupied…
Opposition takes Syria summit seat
BBC 26 Mar 2013 – Syria‘s opposition National Coalition takes the official seat of the country at the start of a two-day Arab League summit in Qatar.
Qatar proposes $1bn Jerusalem fund
BBC 26 Mar 2013 – The emir of Qatar has called for the establishment of a $1bn (£660m) fund to help Palestinians in East Jerusalem, and offered to contribute $250m.
Tourists released in Egypt’s Sinai
BBC 26 Mar 2013 – Two tourists, an Israeli man and a Norwegian woman, are released by kidnappers in the Sinai peninsula in Egypt, the state news agency has said.
Israel to pay Turkey “tens of million of dollars” for flotilla killings: report
Al-Akhbar News 26 Mar 2013 – File picture shows an undated handout image taken from the Free Gaza Movement website on 28 May 2010 of people sending off the Turkish ship Mavi Marmara heading towards the Gaza Strip. (Photo: AFP / Free Gaza Movement) Israel will pay Turkey “tens of millions of dollars”…
Bombings continue in Damascus as army seizes Baba Amr
Al-Akhbar News 26 Mar 2013 – A handout picture released by the Syrian Arab News Agency (SANA) shows a Syrian firefighter dousing a car that SANA said caught fire after a mortar attack hit the Baramkeh district of Damascus on 26 March 2013. (Photo: AFP /HO/SANA) Mortar rounds struck several areas of…
Egypt campus security attack student sit-in
Al-Akhbar News 26 Mar 2013 – Dozens of students were injured in Egypt Tuesday when campus security attempted to dismantle a sit-in at a university just outside Cairo, local media reported. Students at the Misr International University (MIU) had been staging a two-week-long sit-in on campus before being attacked by university forces…
Lebanon: Outcomes of the Wage Increase Plan
Al-Akhbar News 26 Mar 2013 – The cabinet approved a 15 percent tax on the relinquishing of property by natural and legal persons. (Photo: Haytham Moussawi) The cabinet approved a 15 percent
tax on the relinquishing of property by natural and legal persons. (Photo: Haytham Moussawi) The participants in the session of…
Iraq After Saddam
Al-Akhbar News 26 Mar 2013 – U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry (2nd R) walks across the tarmac of Baghdad International Airport with traveling staff as he prepares to board an aircraft out of the Iraqi capital on 24 March 2013. (Photo: AFP – Jason Reed) U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry (…
Syria opposition leader demands Patriot missiles, UN seat
Al-Akhbar News 26 Mar 2013 – Moaz al-Khatib, head of the Syrian opposition delegation, appears on a screen as he addresses the opening of the Arab League summit in the Qatari capital Doha on 26 March 2013. (Photo: AFP – Karim Sahib) Syria’s opposition leader Moaz al-Khatib, taking Syria‘s seat at an…
Turkey and Israel Reconcile Amid PKK Peace Promise
Al-Akhbar Politics 25 Mar 2013 – Palestinians walk past a statue erected as a memorial for the victims of the Turkish flotilla Mavi Marmara in the port of Gaza City on 23 March 2013. (Photo: AFP – Mahmud Hams) Palestinians walk past a statue erected as a memorial for the victims of…
Opposition takes Syria summit seat
BBC 26 Mar 2013 – Syria‘s opposition National Coalition takes the official seat of the country at the start of a two-day Arab League summit in Qatar.
UAE trial of 94 slammed as ‘unfair’
BBC 26 Mar 2013 – A coalition of international human rights organisations releases a report calling the trial of 94 activists in the United Arab Emirates “flagrantly unfair”.
Qantas and Emirates deal approved
BBC 26 Mar 2013 – Qantas Airways gets final approval from Australia’s competition authority for its alliance with Dubai-based Emirates.
Accused Egyptian blogger questioned
BBC 26 Mar 2013 – Egyptian blogger Alaa Abdel-Fattah hands himself in to the authorities a day after being accused with four others of inciting violence.
Qatar proposes $1bn Jerusalem fund
BBC 26 Mar 2013 – The emir of Qatar has called for the establishment of a $1bn (£660m) fund to help Palestinians in East Jerusalem, and offered to contribute $250m.
Articles
Time to Freeze Ben & Jerry’s Ice Cream Profits in Israel
Mark Hage, CounterPunch 3/26/2013
Peace, Love & Occupation
Most people know that Ben & Jerry’s, headquartered in South Burlington, Vermont, makes premium ice cream and champions “Peace” and “Love.” What they don’t know is that this iconic leader of the socially responsible business community and supporter of Occupy Wall Street is commercially complicit in Israel’s occupation of Palestine.
Progressive Except for Palestine
Ben & Jerry’s Social Mission commits it to
“…meet human needs and eliminate injustices in our local, national and international communities by integrating these concerns into our day-to-day business activities.
“…seek and support nonviolent ways to achieve peace and justice.
“…show a deep respect for human beings inside and outside our company and for the communities in which they live.”
Sadly, that Social Mission does not apply to Occupied Palestine at present. Based on an investigation in 2011, Vermonters for a Just Peace in Palestine Israel learned that the company is making ice cream in Israel and selling it in Jewish-only settlements in the West Bank and East Jerusalem, and is planning to increase the number of scoop shops in Israel. The company and its Israeli licensee also run an ice cream factory near Kiryat Malachi—like virtually all Israeli towns and cities, it’s built on the former lands of a Palestinian village forcibly de-populated in the War of 1948, which culminated with the ethnic cleansing of 750,000 Palestinians. This horrific crime is what Palestinians refer to as the Nakba, the “Catastrophe.” more.. e-mail
The lie of ’state lands’: Whitewashing the confiscation of Palestinian land
Yesh Din, written by Yossi Gurvitz, +972 Magazine 3/26/2013
The outpost of Derekh Avot, sitting on stolen Palestinian land, will soon be whitewashed and its lands will magically turn into “state lands” which will be delivered to the settlers.
A letter from the Officer of the Legal Advisor of the Commander, Judea and Samaria Area – the name the IDF attached to the West Bank – arrived recently at Yesh Din’s offices. The letter said that soon, the Custodian of Government Property intends to announce the lands on which the outpost of Derekh Avot is located as Public Lands (commonly known as “state land”). It further said – feel free to snicker – that prior to making the decision, the Custodian will hold a hearing, in which our clients, the owners of the land, may make their claims to it.
Derekh Avot, notes Peace Now (Hebrew), is one of 16 outposts built partly on stolen Palestinian land (this is a good place to give a shout out to Hagit Ofran, who excels at the Sisyphean and thankless job of documenting the creeping annexation of the West Bank). A report commissioned by the government in 2010, written by Malka Ophri, the chief of the Photo-Analysis Department in the Israeli Mapping Center, found that 60% of the lands controlled by the outpost are lands which were previously tilled by Palestinians, which makes them, according to the laws operative in the West Bank, private lands.
Among the residents of the outpost you may note settler legend and convicted felon Ze’ev Hever (under his original name, Ze’ev Friedman, he was convicted of planting a bomb under the car of a Palestinian leader). The settlers used to quote Zvi Yehuda Kook, the rabbi of the movement, who said that settlers had no problems with “the individual Muhammad,” just with the Palestinians as a group, and hence they have no intention of stealing private Palestinian property. more.. e-mail
Palestine left with despair
Ramzy Baroud, Asia Times 3/26/2013
At the precise moment US President Barack Obama’s Air Force One touched down at Ben Gurion Airport on March 20, persistent illusions quickly began to shatter. And as he walked on the red carpet, showered with accolades and warm embraces of top Israeli government and military officials, a new/old reality began to sink in: Obama was no different than his predecessors. He never had been.
On the day of Obama’s arrival, Israeli rights group B’Tselem released a disturbing video. It was of Israeli soldiers carrying out a ”mass arrest” of nearly 30 Palestinian children on their way to school in the Palestinian city of al-Khalil (Hebron). The children plead and cried to no avail. Their terrified shrieks echoed throughout the Palestinian neighborhood as they tried to summon the help of passersby.
”Amo” – Uncle – one begged, ”for God sake don’t let them take me.”
Nonetheless, several military vehicles were filled with crying children and their school bags. But what made the release of the video truly apt is the fact that it was released on the day President Obama was meeting Israeli children at a welcoming ceremony at the home of Israeli President Shimon Peres.
”Their dreams are much the same as children everywhere,” Obama said, referring to Israeli children, of course. ”In another sense though their lives reflect the difficult reality that Israelis face every single day. They want to be safe, they want to be free from rockets that hit their homes or their schools.” more.. e-mail
Obama’s ‘Listening’ Trip to the Middle East
Dr. Elias Akleh, Arabic Media Internet Network (AMIN) 3/25/2013
President Obama ha
s just concluded his visit to the Middle East that included Israel, occupied Ramallah, and Jordan. The declared purpose of the visit was to listen to the concerns of the heads of states in an attempt to devise some means to revive the peace process. The real undeclared purpose of the visit is to re-instate Israel’s international status that had suffered increased isolation and criticism.
United Nations Children Fund issued its investigating report of Israeli army abuses of young Palestinian children and accusing it of grave violations of international humanitarian laws. Fourteen members of the UN Security Council had condemned, last December, Israel for advancing the construction of the illegal settlements (colonies) in occupied West Bank and Palestinian East Jerusalem stating that such plans undermine their faith in Israel’s willingness to negotiate with Palestinians. A General Assembly resolution was issued on January 14th 2013 calling on Israel to end its settlement (colonies) expansions declaring such activity as illegal. Many Israeli diplomats and pro-Zionist American politicians had expressed their concern about the increasing worldwide criticism of Israel, even among its supporters, for its settlement (colonies) expansion plans in the West Bank.
Statements of the members of the new Israeli government had shown that this government is the most extremist since the illegal establishment of the state. The new Israeli government had declared its major goal of enlarging the illegal settlements (colonies) and achieving a million Jew on occupied West Bank. Besides expansionism its members have no vision of any possible peace with Palestinians or even negotiating with them. Danny Danon, for example, the new Israeli deputy defense minister vowed to expand settlements (colonies) stating that US and the rest of the world will have to get used to see increased settlement construction. He also sees that there is no Palestinian peace partner to talk to. Avigdor Leiberman, leader of Yisrael Beitenu, stated that “anyone who thinks peace can be reached with the Palestinians is delusional.”…. more.. e-mail
Resistance burns bright in hunger striker’s village
Electronic Intifada: 26 Mar 2013 – Maath Musleh Jerusalem 26 March 2013 More than 150 residents of Issawiyeh — home to Samer Issawi — have been arrested in the past few months.more
Dheisheh camp “university” questions what it means to be a refugee
Electronic Intifada: 26 Mar 2013 – Daryl Meador Dheisheh refugee camp 26 March 2013 Campus on Campus participant believes refugee camps should be seen as “homelands.”more
The Somaliazation of Syria
Palestine Chronicle: 26 Mar 2013 – By Giorgio Cafiero As Syria’s civil war enters its third year, the country’s humanitarian crisis worsens each day and the Levant grows increasingly vulnerable to the conflict’s spillover. In mid-February, the United Nations reported a death toll “nearing 70,000.” Today, one in four Syrians is internally displaced or living abroad as a refugee. No dialogue between the Assad regime and rebels has begun, as the gulf between the two sides’ conditions for talks has proven too wide to bridge. If no political settlement is reached, it is possible to imagine that the Syrian state itself will disintegrate, as neither the regime nor any rebel faction is likely to gain control of the entire country. Although the regime maintains its military superiority, the Free Syrian Army (FSA) and other rebels have achieved major victories within Syria and on the international stage. Today, rebels control all roads leading into Syria’s largest city (…more
Obama’s Peace Antics in Israel – Four More Years of This?
Palestine Chronicle: 26 Mar 2013 – By Ramzy Baroud At the precise moment US President Barack Obama’s Air Force One touched down at Ben Gurion Airport on March 20, persisting illusions quickly began to shatter. And as he walked on the red carpet, showered with accolades and warm embraces of top Israeli government and military officials, a new/old reality began to sink in: Obama was no different than his predecessors. He never had been. On the day of Obama’s arrival, Israeli rights group B’Tselem, released a disturbing video. It was of Israeli soldiers carrying out a ‘mass arrest’ of nearly 30 Palestinian children on their way to school in the Palestinian city of al-Khalil (Hebron). The children plead and cried to no avail. Their terrified shrieks echoed throughout the Palestinian neighborhood as they tried to summon the help of passersby. “‘Amo’ – Uncle,” one begged, “for God sake don’t let them take me.” Nonetheless, several military…more
Fighting Nukes In Israel is an Uphill Battle
Palestine Chronicle: 26 Mar 2013 – By Sharon Dolev Around the world, when it comes to nuclear weapons, it is a well know “secret” that Israel is a Nuclear Armed State. Just like India and Pakistan, Israel has developed a nuclear arsenal, but unlike the two, Israel’s arsenal remains a secret. Israel doesn’t talk about its arsenal and usually, doesn’t take part in any international or regional discourse about it. The Israeli ambiguity, or opacity affects mostly the Israeli society. Not just the civil society but also most parliamentarians and even some ministers. As a society, we learned not to talk or even think about the Israeli bomb. Keeping the secret by not thinking about it became some sort of a patriotic act. As a society we keep Israel safe by not thinking of an Israeli nuke, asking about it, or campaigning against it. The words ‘Nuclear Bomb’ are on the news daily, but only in…more
Language, Culture Can Have Dire Political Consequences for the King of Jordan
Palestine Chronicle: 26 Mar 2013 – By Ali Younes When the April issue of the Atlantic published an article by its national correspondent Jeffrey Goldberg about his interview and impressions of King Abdullah of Jordan, Jordan was swept in a political storm that has yet to quiet down. The problem isn’t with what the king actually said in the interview, rather with the perception it created for him at home. In fact, and at least from the perspective of an American reader, he did not say anything wrong or even controversial. Conversely, however, the king appeared to be more of a modernizing force with progressive views about transforming Jordan into a democracy with constitutional monarchy as a unifying symbol of all Jordanians. But, at the heart of the controversy is the word “dinosaurs” the king used to describe the old guard Jordanian politicians. Another one is, as trivial as it may sound, a facial impression of…more
Apartheid Roads, Financed by Donor Countries and World Bank
Palestine Chronicle: 25 Mar 2013 – By Hasan Afif El-Hasan Since achieving military hegemony over its neighboring states and forging a strategic –indeed paramount- relationship with the US, the world’s sole military superpower, Israel as a settler-colonial state felt free to colonize the occupied Arab lands. The Israelis changed the name of the West Bank to the Biblical names of Judea and Samaria, annexed East Jerusalem and launched Jewish-only settlement programs to expand the borders of their state. All Israel’s secular, religious and conservative parties carried out and supported vigorous settlement activities. The seculars’ concept of colonization has been to create new defensible borders avoiding densely populated areas; the religious and the so called conservatives have been committed to the ideology of creating ‘Greater Israel’ by giving the Jews the right to settle everywhere in the West Bank. The 1967 Minister of Labor government, Yigal Allon, presented the first plan for Israel’s future borders that would…more
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The New Dark Age 
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