21 April 2013 — VTJP
News
Lawyer: Sick prisoner stops taking medication
4/21/2013 – RAMALLAH (Ma’an) — A sick prisoner on Sunday stopped taking medication in protest against Israeli medical negligence, according to a lawyer from the Palestinian ministry of prisoners’ affairs. Ahmad Saed al-Damouni, 43, from the Gaza Strip, has been held in Ashkelon jail since 1994. He is sentenced to a life term. On Sunday….
Israel military court to hold ‘urgent’ hearing for Issawi
4/21/2013 – RAMALLAH (Ma’an) — Israel’s Ofer military court will hold an “urgent” hearing for Samer Issawi on Monday after he decided to stop taking vitamin supplements, his lawyer said Sunday. Palestinian Prisoner Society lawyer Jawad Boulos told Ma’an that Issawi stopped taking supplements on Thursday to protest dissatisfaction with ongoing negotiations…. Related: Minister: Issawi close to finalizing deal with Israel
Minister: Issawi close to finalizing deal with Israel
4/21/2013 – BETHLEHEM (Ma’an) — Long term hunger striker Samer Issawi is close to agreeing a deal with Israel to end his hunger strike, a Palestinian Authority minister said Sunday. Minister for prisoners Issa Qaraqe told Ma’an that “Issawi accepted an offer presented by Israel, on the condition that a written agreement is signed…. Related:Israel military court to hold ‘urgent’ hearing for Issawi
Israel media: Rocket launched from Gaza
4/21/2013 – TEL AVIV, Israel (Ma’an) — A rocket fired from the Gaza Strip landed in the Eshkol Regional Council on Saturday night, causing no injuries or damage, Israeli media reported. Israel’s Ynet news site said a “color red” siren sounded in the area shortly before the hit. Calls to the Israeli military seeking…. Related: Israel to ‘exact price’ for Eilat rocket attack
Egypt ‘uncovers Sinai spy network’
4/21/2013 – CAIRO (Ma’an) — Egypt has uncovered a network of spies working with Israel, security forces said Sunday. A senior Egyptian official told Ma’an that intelligence services in Sinai arrested an Egyptian citizen thought to be the main suspect in a network of eight members passing information to Israel. Egyptian forces had been….
Israel to ‘exact price’ for Eilat rocket attack
4/21/2013 – JERUSALEM (AFP) — Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Sunday vowed Israel would “exact a price” from the Gaza militants who recently fired missiles from Sinai at the southern resort city of Eilat.” Last week missiles were fired from Sinai at Eilat,” Netanyahu said at the start of his weekly cabinet meeting shortly before the arrival…. Related: Israel media: Rocket launched from Gaza
Israel detains Hamas members in Nablus
4/21/2013 – NABLUS (Ma’an) — Israeli forces early Sunday detained a number of Hamas affiliates at al-Najah National University, locals said. Israeli patrols raided Nablus and detained Hussam al-Bastami from Nablus, Raed Abu Rmaileh from a suburb area in Nablus, Alaa Samih al-Araj from Anabta village east of Qalqiliya, Mohammad Radi Abu Sada from Jayyus village….
Israeli forces detain 3 in Hebron
4/21/2013 – HEBRON (Ma’an) — Israeli forces detained three people in Hebron on Sunday, locals said. Witnesses told Ma’an that Israeli forces raided several houses in Hebron and detained Hassan Bader, Bilal al-Salaymeh, and Ibrahim al-Zghayer. An Israeli army spokeswoman said four people were detained in Nablus, four in Hebron, two in Tulkarem, and….
Jordanians jailed in Israel to launch hunger strike in May
4/21/2013 – GAZA CITY (Ma’an) — Jordanian prisoners being held in Israeli jails will go on hunger strike on May 1 to pressure Israeli authorities to release them, Fatah officials in Gaza said Sunday. Fatah’s commission for prisoners said it received a letter from the Jordanian detainees confirming that 20 prisoners will launch strike….
Pentagon chief heads to Israel
4/21/2013 – WASHINGTON (AFP) — US Defense Secretary Chuck Hagel headed to Israel on Sunday in a weeklong trip to the Middle East that will be dominated by worries over Iran’s nuclear program and Syria’s raging civil war. In his first trip to the region since taking over as Pentagon chief nearly two months…. Related: Hagel: US-Israel arms deal sends ‘clear signal’ to Iran
Official: Hamas to focus on removing name from terrorism list
4/21/2013 – BETHLEHEM (Ma’an) – The Hamas movement has been holding a series of closed-door meetings in the Qatari capital of Doha to distribute positions on the new members of its politburo, says senior leader Ahmed Yousif. Yousif told Ma’an Sunday that the task would be completed this week. He highlighted that Hamas’….
Hagel: US-Israel arms deal sends ‘clear signal’ to Iran
4/21/2013 – TEL AVIV (AFP) — A major US arms deal with Israel sends a “very clear signal” to Tehran that military action remains an option to stop it from going nuclear, US Defense Secretary Chuck Hagel told reporters Sunday. Asked if a multi-billion dollar arms package with Israel was designed to convey a message that a military…. Related:Pentagon chief heads to Israel
Qatar donates $11 million to build Gaza law courts
4/21/2013 – GAZA CITY (Ma’an) — Qatar announced Sunday that it will donate $11 million to Hamas to build new law courts in the Gaza Strip. Crown Prince of Qatar, Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad bin Khalifa Al-Thani, made the announcement during a meeting with Gaza premier Ismail Haniyeh in Doha. The two leaders discussed several issues….
Kerry urges Turkey PM to delay Gaza visit
4/21/2013 – ISTANBUL (AFP) — US Secretary of State John Kerry said Sunday he had asked Turkish Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan to delay a visit to the Gaza Strip planned for next month, as he pushes for improved Israeli-Turkish ties.” We have expressed to the prime minister that it would be better to delay,” Kerry told reporters…. Related: Hamas denounces Kerry call to delay Erdogan visit and PA official: No progress in Abbas, Kerry meeting
Hamas denounces Kerry call to delay Erdogan visit
4/21/2013 – GAZA CITY (AFP) — The Hamas rulers of Gaza on Sunday slammed US Secretary of State John Kerry for urging the Turkish prime minister to delay a visit to the coastal territory. Hamas spokesman Sami Abu Zuhri accused Kerry and president Mahmoud Abbas — who met in Istanbul earlier in the day — of “collusion in a bid…. Related: Kerry urges Turkey PM to delay Gaza visit and PA official: No progress in Abbas, Kerry meeting
PA official: No progress in Abbas, Kerry meeting
4/21/2013 – BETHLEHEM (Ma’an) — A meeting on Sunday between president Abbas and US Secretary of State John Kerry failed to make any progress on Palestinian conditions to restart talks with Israel, the PA ambassador to Turkey said. Nabil Maarouf told Ma’an that the Istanbul meeting did not address Palestinian concerns about a halt…. Related: Kerry urges Turkey PM to delay Gaza visit and Hamas denounces Kerry call to delay Erdogan visit
Hundreds defy cold, rain to run in first Bethlehem marathon
4/21/2013 – BETHLEHEM (Ma’an) – Hundreds of Palestinian and international runners defied cold temperatures and rain on Sunday to take part in Bethlehem’s first international marathon. The race, which began at the Nativity Church, is the first event of its kind in the West Bank with more than 400 people registered to run, half…. Related:Jericho man wins Bethlehem marathon and In photos: Runners brave rain at Bethlehem marathon
Jericho man wins Bethlehem marathon
4/21/2013 – BETHLEHEM (AFP) — Hundreds of athletes on Sunday braved freezing rain to take part in Bethlehem’s first-ever marathon which was won by a Palestinian runner from the West Bank town of Jericho. Some 500 runners, half Palestinians and half foreigners, took part in the different legs of the race, organizers said, which began at…. Related: Hundreds defy cold, rain to run in first Bethlehem marathon and In photos: Runners brave rain at Bethlehem marathon
In photos: Runners brave rain at Bethlehem marathon
4/21/2013 – MaanImages / Haitham Othman and Ahmad Mizhir – Competitors run the first-ever marathon in the West Bank town of Bethlehem on April 21, 2013. Some 500 runners, half Palestinians and half foreigners, took part in the different legs of the race, organizers said, which started at the Nativity Church and ran through refugee camps. The winner was…. Related: Jericho man wins Bethlehem marathon and Hundreds defy cold, rain to run in first Bethlehem marathon
US to double aid to Syria opposition, expand military assistance
4/21/2013 – ISTANBUL (AFP) — The United States said Sunday it would double its aid to Syria’s opposition, including with new non-lethal military equipment, but paid no heed to calls for arms supplies or a direct intervention. In a statement after talks among the pro-opposition “Friends of Syria” group in Istanbul, Secretary of State John Kerry….
Witnesses: Man dies after falling from Gaza building
4/21/2013 – GAZA CITY (Ma’an) — A 28-year-old man died on Sunday after falling from a building in Gaza City, locals said. Witnesses told Ma’an that the unidentified man fell from his third-story apartment, and was taken to a nearby hospital where he died from his injuries. [END]
Egyptian policeman wounded in clashes at el-Arish
4/21/2013 – EL-ARISH (Ma’an) — Egyptian police launched a security campaign on Saturday at el-Arish city after a policeman was shot in a clash with suspected drug dealers. Egyptian police clashed with drug dealers, a Ma’an reporter said. He said a policeman, Gharib Mohammad Awad, 22, was shot in the pelvis during clashes with….
Egypt balloon flights resume after deadly crash
4/21/2013 – CAIRO (AFP) – Hot air balloon flights resumed in the city of Luxor on Sunday, nearly two months after a deadly accident killed 19 tourists, Egyptian officials told AFP. Four flights took off from the ancient temple city, with around 70 tourists on board, said Ahmed Abboud who heads the Balloon Flights union.” Egyptian authorities have….
US to finalise Middle East weapons deal
AlJazeera 21 Apr 2013 – Chuck Hagel, US defence secretary, says arms deal with Israel, UAE and Saudi Arabia sends “clear signal” to Iran.
Israel airlines strike over ‘open-skies’ plan
AlJazeera 21 Apr 2013 – Hundreds of workers burn tyres outside PM’s office in protest against approval of reform to liberalise air travel.
Israel Proposes Six Months Imprisonment for Issawi to End his Hunger Strike
Palestine News Network
International Solidarity Movement
Twelve-year-old arrested and blindfolded in Hebron
4/21/2013 – International Solidarity Movement – 20th April 2013, International Solidarity Movement, Hebron, Occupied Palestine, By Team Khalil – Ahmed Ibn Bilal Abu Rumeileh, a 12-year-old boy from Hebron, was today arrested in the Old City and detained for over an hour before being released. Ahmed was riding his bike through Bab Al-Baladia when six Israeli soldiers stopped him and arrested….
Arrest and abuse of ill 16-year old in Urif
4/21/2013 – International Solidarity Movement – 21st April 2013, International Solidarity Movement, Urif, Occupied Palestine, By Team Nablus – An innocent 16-year-old boy was abused and arrested on Tuesday April 16th in Urif, despite his grandfather and uncle rushing to show documents that he is seeking medical attention for a possible cancer diagnosis. He was wrongfully accused of stone-throwing as he….
Child arrests continue in Hebron
4/21/2013 – International Solidarity Movement – 20th April 2013, International Solidarity Movement, Hebron, Occupied Palestine – UPDATE: Child arrests in Hebron continue today as a 15 year old Palestinian boy , Az Dweik , was arrested in the morning. He was allegedly carrying a knife around the Ibrahimi mosque and taken to the Kiryat Arba police station. In the afternoon Muhammad Almayele , 9 years….
Settlers harass Palestinian residents of Hebron as soldiers watch on
4/21/2013 – International Solidarity Movement – 20th April 2013, International Solidarity Movement, Hebron, Occupied Palestine, By Team Khalil – Hashem Al-Azzeh, activist and resident of Tel Rumeida (a neighbourhood in Israeli-controlled H2 Hebron) was today attacked by Israeli settlers who broke into his brother’s house and attempted to force their way through his garden. Hashem caught the settlers leaving the….
Syria’s opposition leader Moaz Al Khatib quits again
The National 21 Apr 2013 – A frustrated Moaz Al Khatib quits as president of the Syrian National Coalition at a summit in Istanbul – for the second time in a month – and refuses food during the dinner meeting as he ‘could see only the blood of Syrians’. Phil Sands reports from Istanbul
Queen Elizabeth plans warm welcome for UAE President
The National 21 Apr 2013 – The monarch has been actively involved in preparing the itinerary and comfort of the Sheikh Khalifa during his two-day visit this month.
Wallabies on the loose in Austria – yes, Austria
The National 21 Apr 2013 – Those Vienna souvenir shops selling T-shirts with the slogan ‘No kangaroos in Austria’ might have to start a recall campaign.
International experts gather in Dubai to improve school-bus safety
The National 21 Apr 2013 – The conference aims to improve standards of safety on buses and prevent bullying.
Boston Marathon bombings suspect ‘wanted to stay in Russia reading the Quran’
The National 21 Apr 2013 – Tamerlan Tsarnaev, 26, a US resident from Russia’s mainly Muslim North Caucasus region, started getting seriously into Islam a couple of years ago, aunt says.
Think Science: An innovative competition
The National 21 Apr 2013 – Students have been asked to design, develop and build innovations and to apply science skills in solving practical problem.
Abu Dhabi Reads: Words of wisdom from Sheikh Abdullah
The National 21 Apr 2013 – Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed encourages youngsters to read during the Abu Dhabi Reads campaign.
Scalpel-free beauty boosts at Dubai hotel spa
The National 21 Apr 2013 – The Atlantis salon is the first to offer non-invasive treatments such as botox and fillers to tourists and residents.
Knesset to revisit daylight savings, again
Ha’aretz – 21 Apr 2013
Israel and Turkey to begin reconciliation talks in Ankara
Ha’aretz – 21 Apr 2013
Report: Egypt uncovered spy cell working for Israel in Sinai
Ha’aretz – 21 Apr 2013
Sympathy strike to shut down Ben-Gurion Airport on Tuesday
Ha’aretz – 21 Apr 2013
The Boston marathon bombing, Israel and the Jews
Ha’aretz – 21 Apr 2013
Ex-IDF top rabbi: Publishing discriminatory Jewish ruling was blunder
Ha’aretz – 21 Apr 2013
Hagel arrives in Israel for first stop on Mideast tour
Ha’aretz – 21 Apr 2013
Why is the Open Skies agreement creating such turbulence?
Ha’aretz – 21 Apr 2013
Israeli Arab youth fatally shot by police officers
Ha’aretz – 21 Apr 2013
Israeli airlines begin strike to protest expected cabinet approval of Open Skies agreement
Ha’aretz – 20 Apr 2013
Activists say Assad’s forces kill 85 near Damascus
Jerusalem Post 21 Apr 2013 – Clashes worst in area since start of war; rebels threaten to involve Hezbollah; 85 executed, including 28 shot in makeshift hospital.
Report: Nasrallah makes secret visit to Iran
Jerusalem Post 21 Apr 2013 – Tehran to put all weight into Syrian war; Iran counting on advances within next two months ahead of meeting dealing with Syria.
Haredi leaders fight Israeli core curriculum
Jerusalem Post 21 Apr 2013 – Haredi leaders to meet Monday to discuss threats by gov’t that haredi schools teach the state core curriculum.
Hungarians protest anti-Semitism ahead of WJC
Jerusalem Post 21 Apr 2013 – Tens of thousands rally against said growing anti-Semitism in Hungary; ministry bans far-right protest planned for same day.
18 globes to decorate J’lem for green awareness
Jerusalem Post 21 Apr 2013 – The globes are an initiative of the Chicago-based nonprofit Cool Globes, which aims to heighten climate change awareness.
Peretz elected to WHO environment board
Jerusalem Post 21 Apr 2013 – Environmental Protection Minister elected to the European Environment and Health Ministerial Board of WHO.
Open the skies
Jerusalem Post 21 Apr 2013 – While airliner workers’ opposition to Open Skies is understandable, the gov’t rightly gave more weight to greater good to society.
The 10th annual Green Globe awards
Jerusalem Post 21 Apr 2013 – Life and Environment, umbrella group for 130 Israeli ecological organizations, to fete country’s top green achievers.
Social media can help the Egyptian economy recover
Jerusalem Post 21 Apr 2013 – “Two years ago, social media achieved the impossible and brought an end to the 30-year-old Mubarak regime.”
The Region: The prophet Micaiah teaches me my job
Jerusalem Post 21 Apr 2013 – Micaiah (not to be confused with Micah) could be the patron saint of political analysts, so to speak.
Think About It: Celebrating Independence Day
Jerusalem Post 21 Apr 2013 – “Independence Day itself was this year, as in previous years, a rather ambivalent experience”.
Israel’s new politics tests the waters
Jerusalem Post 21 Apr 2013 – Reality Check: Knesset summer session begins; will see if new politics promised by Lapid, Bennett comes to fruition.
Have Syria’s Kurds had a change of heart?
Jerusalem Post 21 Apr 2013 – In recent weeks, once dormant player awakens from slumber; may provide Syria’s rebels with boost to break deadlock with the Assad regime.
Report: Egypt smashes Israeli spy ring in Sinai
Jerusalem Post 21 Apr 2013 – Arrested Egyptian confesses to passing military information to the Mossad in scheme that included Egyptians and Palestinians.
Knesset to reconvene after month break
Jerusalem Post 21 Apr 2013 – New Knesset to return to session for first time since Passover break.
PM vows fight against legal kiosk drugs
Jerusalem Post 21 Apr 2013 – Netanyahu calls on police, health ministry to launch task force to fight cheap legal drugs sold at kiosks across country.
Open Skies strike threatens to stop air traffic
Jerusalem Post 21 Apr 2013 – Airport Authority workers to ground all flights in and out of Israel in expected solidarity strike Tuesday with airline employees.
World Health Organization chief in Israel
Jerusalem Post 21 Apr 2013 – Secretary General of WHO is in Israel for first visit ever visit by leader of organization; meets with Peres, health officials
Kerry: US asked Erdogan to delay Gaza trip
Jerusalem Post 21 Apr 2013 – PA president Abbas also meets with Kerry while in Istanbul to discuss Palestinian-Israeli peace process.
Swedish man completes 5,000 km pilgrimage to Israel
Jerusalem Post 21 Apr 2013 – Nilsson Jorgen arrives in Jerusalem through the Yaffo gate after walking 6 months from Sweden to promote world peace.
‘Hamas to ask EU to remove it from terrorism list’
Jerusalem Post 21 Apr 2013 – Senior Hamas member Ahmed Yousif claims movement has not carried out any attacks inside Israel since 2004.
Jordan Valley troops prepare for W. Bank violence
Jerusalem Post 21 Apr 2013 – The IDF’s Jordan Valley Brigade trains hard to prep soldiers for a possible escalation of violence in the West Bank.
VIDEO: How Boston police tracked bomb suspect
Jerusalem Post 21 Apr 2013 – Aerial infrared images showing Dzhokar Tsarnaev in the boat were released by the Massachusetts State Police on Friday.
Amid strike, gov’t approves Open Skies Agreement
Jerusalem Post 21 Apr 2013 – Finance Minister Lapid says agreement “will lead to lower prices, increased competition,” won’t harm employment.
Hagel: Israel has right to decide on Iran strike
Jerusalem Post 21 Apr 2013 – US secretary of defense arrives in Israel, says arms deal with Israel is “another very clear signal to Iran”.
PM: Eilat rockets likely fired by Gazan terrorists
Jerusalem Post 21 Apr 2013 – Netanyahu says the rockets were fired by a terrorist cell originating from Gaza and operating in Sinai.
Syrian army fighters search for alternative option
Jerusalem Post 21 Apr 2013 – Battered by war, the Syrian army seeks to create its own replacement. Fighters prefer to join local paramilitary groups.
London, NYC increase security presence before races
Jerusalem Post 21 Apr 2013 – Following last week’s Boston Marathon bombing, London and NYC have implemented security measures to reassure the public.
Report: Israel eyes use of Turkish airbase
Jerusalem Post 21 Apr 2013 – ‘Sunday Times’ reports J’lem will offer Ankara advanced defense systems in return for use of Akinci airbase for IAF training.
China quake toll rises; rescue squads face setbacks
Jerusalem Post 21 Apr 2013 – Number of dead tops 200, 11,000 injured in China’s deadly quake; rescuers are frustrated they cannot reach the quake zone.
Chuck Hagel: arms deal sending ‘clear signal’ to Iran over nuclear programme
The Guardian 21 Apr 2013 – US defence secretary visits Israel as Pentagon finalises weapons deal to strengthen militaries of Iran’s key rivals US defence secretary Chuck Hagel said on Sunday a $10bn arms deal under discussion with Washington’s Arab and Israeli…
First Bethlehem marathon staged in howling wind and rain
The Guardian 21 Apr 2013 – More than 500 runners started the race, but Israeli authorities barred 26 Palestinian athletes from entering the West Bank If Bethlehem’s vertiginous hills weren’t enough of a challenge, hundreds of athletes braved sheets of rain and…
Reports detail CIA war crimes in Pakistan
Uruknet
Syria News – April 19, 2013 (Warning: Graphic Videos)
Uruknet
Military Resistance 11D9: Afghanistan Marathon
Uruknet
Iraq snapshot – April 19, 2013
Uruknet
“Don’t serve in Israel’s military,” refusenik urges compatriots
Uruknet
Israeli forces demolish store belonging to Bedouin orphans
Uruknet
Boston Marathon bombings unleash a new wave of Islamophobia
Uruknet
Syria Protests April 19, 2013 : A Video Roundup
Uruknet
Nearly half of Guantánamo prisoners now on hunger strike
Uruknet
Bulldozers flatten Bedouin village 49 times
Uruknet
IAEA top official in Iran talks stands down
Daily Star 21 Apr 2013 IAEA deputy director Rafael Grossi, one of the top officials in negotiations over Iran’s nuclear drive, has announced his resignation, the UN nuclear watchdog said Sunday.
Taliban threat could skew Pakistan election result
Daily Star 21 Apr 2013 Moderate politicians from some of Pakistan’s most violent areas are risking the threat of Taliban attack to run in upcoming nationwide elections, but they are increasingly being forced to rely on social media, phone calls and…
Top Gadhafi aide to face trial in Egypt
Daily Star 21 Apr 2013 A cousin and onetime top aid of former Libyan dictator Moammar Gadhafi will face trial in Egypt on charges of attempted murder.
Guinea detains official from Israeli miner in corruption probe
Daily Star 21 Apr 2013 Authorities in Guinea have detained a senior official with the local unit of Israeli mining firm BSG Resources (BSGR) and are questioning him over corruption allegations, an official familiar with the case said on Sunday.
Iran says election will not affect nuclear stance
Daily Star 21 Apr 2013 An Iranian nuclear negotiator is saying that Iran’s coming presidential election will not affect its stance in nuclear talks with world powers.
Morocco border issue could be resolved soon: Algeria
Daily Star 21 Apr 2013 The Algeria-Morocco border, closed for two decades amid deadlock over the Western Sahara, is a pressing issue that could be resolved soon, Algerian Foreign Minister Dahou Ould Kablia said on Sunday.
Hagel stresses Israel’s right to strike Iran
Daily Star 21 Apr 2013 Hagel held out hope Sunday for a nonmilitary way to ending the threat of a nuclear-armed Iran, but he also emphasized Washington’s willingness to let Israel decide whether and when it might strike Tehran in self-defense.
Egypt justice minister quits, cites Islamist protest
Daily Star 21 Apr 2013 Egypt’s Justice Minister Ahmed Mekky has resigned in protest at “an assault” on the judiciary by President Mohamed Mursi’s Islamist backers, a spokesman said on Sunday.
US asked Turkey PM to delay Gaza trip-Kerry
Daily Star 21 Apr 2013 The United States asked Turkey’s leader to delay a Gaza Strip visit so as not to upset U.S. efforts to revive Ankara’s ties with Israel and Middle East peace talks, Secretary of State John Kerry said…
The Occupied Territories commemorate the 39th Palestinian Prisoners’ Day
Stop The Wall – Palestinian Grassroots Anti-apartheid Wall Campaign يوم الأسير On the 17 th April Palestinians gathered in the occupied territories to commemorate the 39 th Palestinian Prisoners’ Day. This day was first commemorated by the Palestinian National Council, under the authority of the PLO, in 1974. On this date the Palestinian prisoner,…
Egypt to try cousin of Gaddafi
YNet News, 21 Apr 2013 – ….
Lebanon border area mired in Syrian conflict
YNet News, 21 Apr 2013 – ….
Newtown families: We’ll keep fighting for gun law
YNet News, 21 Apr 2013 – ….
Hungarians protest anti-Semitism in rally ahead of WJC
YNet News, 21 Apr 2013 – ….
El Al flight 001 from Tel Aviv to New York to take-off as scheduled
YNet News, 21 Apr 2013 – ….
A word to Roger Waters
YNet News, 21 Apr 2013 – Op-ed: British musician should try to understand true complexity of Israeli-Palestinian conflict ….
Hamas! Don’t drink the poisoned chalice
PIC – I hope Hamas will be sufficiently vigilant these days and not be duped into drinking the poisoned chalice being prepared for it under the misleading rubric of holding general elections..
Islamic bloc: Arrests boost our determination to challenge and contest elections
PIC – Head of the Islamic bloc in Gaza Hani Mukbel said that the wave of Israeli arrests in lines of the bloc in the West Bank targets influencing the results of the students’ elections in Najah university.
Khudari: Arab, Islamic promises to finance rehabilitation of Gaza harbor
PIC – Dr. Jamal Al-Khudari, the head of the anti-siege committee in Gaza, has said that Arab and Islamic parties had promised to finance the rehabilitation of Gaza sea harbor.
Abu Zuhri: Israel’s threats reflect its criminal nature
PIC – Dr. Sami Abu Zuhri, a Hamas spokesman in Gaza, said that Israel’s threats to invade the Gaza Strip reflected the criminal nature of its new coalition government.
Haniyeh meets with the Crown Prince of Qatar in Doha
PIC – The Palestinian Prime Minister Ismail Haniyeh met on Sunday with the Crown Prince of Qatar Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, in the Qatari capital Doha.
Jerusalemite bodies warn of Israeli calls for storming Al-Aqsa Mosque
PIC – The Supreme Muslim Council and the Council of Endowments and Islamic Affairs in Jerusalem warned of the aggressive irresponsible statements made by members of Knesset..
IOF storms Ashkelon prison and impose tough sanctions on prisoners
PIC – Israeli prisons administration imposed on Sunday extremely strict procedures on all prisoners in Ashkelon Prison; after captive Mahmoud Zahran assaulted an Israeli jailer in the prison.
Palestinians in the Netherlands commemorate the Palestinian Prisoners Day
PIC – Palestinians in the Netherlands commemorated on Saturday the thirty-ninth anniversary of the Palestinian Prisoners Day, and hosted during the events the liberated prisoner Mahmoud Sarsak.
Palestinian youth shot dead by Israeli policeman
PIC – A 20-year-old Palestinian young man from the town of Tayeba in the occupied territories died on Sunday from wounds he sustained after being shot by Israeli police last night.
Rizqa: Erdogan is determined to visit Gaza
PIC – Political advisor to the Palestinian premier Yousuf Rizqa said that Turkish premier Recep Erdogan is determined to visit the Gaza Strip and no one can dissuade him from his decision.
Settlers Destroy, Uproot Trees in Hebron
WAFA – 21 Apr 2013
Israeli Forces Arrest Two in Hebron
WAFA – 21 Apr 2013
Jerusalem Women Parliament II Conference Lauds Women Role in Society
WAFA – 21 Apr 2013
Israel Proposes Six Months Imprisonment for Issawi to End his Strike
WAFA – 21 Apr 2013
Abbas Meets with Kerry and Jordanian, Egyptian Ministers in Istanbul
WAFA – 21 Apr 2013
Israel Arrests 3 in Nablus, Summons Another near Bethlehem
WAFA – 21 Apr 2013
Syria rebel coalition slams backers for failing to stop attacks
LA Times 20 Apr 2013 – The Syrian National Coalition says Western and Middle Eastern backers are capable of detecting planned attacks and halting them before they occur. ISTANBUL, Turkey — Divisions between Syrian rebels and their foreign supporters came into focus Saturday as a leading opposition group demanded international military…
Syrian Troops Move on Rebel-Held Town Near Damascus
New York Times 21 Apr 2013 – Syrian opposition activists said Sunday that government forces had killed at least 80 people in Jdaidet al-Fadl and then carried out mass arrests as residents tried to bury the bodies.
Teaching the Limits of Media Freedom Is Tricky in the Gulf
New York Times 21 Apr 2013 – The principles of modern journalistic freedom often clash with governments that can deport or detain reporters.
Kerry Seeks Turkish Leader’s Patience on Gaza
New York Times 21 Apr 2013 – Secretary of State John Kerry expressed concern that a visit by Turkey’s leader could harm efforts to restart the Israeli-Palestinian peace process.
Hagel, in Israel, Presses U.S. Agenda on Iran
New York Times 21 Apr 2013 – Defense Secretary Chuck Hagel argued for patience in dealing with Iran but emphasized Israel’s right to self-defense.
Kerry Says U.S. Will Double Aid to Rebels in Syria
New York Times 20 Apr 2013 – Secretary of State John Kerry said the $123 million in new aid would be used to provide “nonlethal” supplies to the military wing of the Syrian opposition.
Judge approves NIS 11b class-action suit against IEC
Globes Energy & Water – The petitioner alleges that IEC used public money to finance pay hikes, bonuses, and illegal excess salaries to employees.
Histadrut to shut down Ben Gurion Airport
Globes Main News – There will be no arrivals or departures by any carrier on Tuesday morning for several hours. El Al has cancelled all flights until further notice.
Cabinet approves open skies as strike continues
Globes Main News – The cabinet today approved the open skies agreement with the EU, despite the ongoing strike by Israel’s three airlines.
Israel seeks use of Turkish base against Iran – report
Globes Main News – “The Sunday Times”: Israel will offer Turkey missiles in exchange for using the base.
Sun: Telcos, Israel Chemicals fail to lift market
Globes Main News – The market was flat today, despite strong gains by Cellcom, Partner, and Israel Chemicals.
Open Skies could shoot down FIMI-El Al deal
Globes Main News – The agreement, which the cabinet approved without the adjustments El Al demanded, may cause FIMI to pull its agreement to invest $75 million in the airline.
Consumer confidence index hits 9-month high
Globes Macro Economics – The Consumer Confidence Index rebounded in March, but still lacks a clear direction.
Cabinet approves concentration law
Globes Macro Economics – The concentration in the economy law is aimed at reducing concentration and increasing competition.
Kinneret rises 3cm
Globes Macro Economics – The water level is 209.91 meters below sea level, 1.11 meters below the upper red line which denotes that the lake is full.
US offers Israel new $3b air weapons systems deal
Globes Aerospace & Defense – The package, which includes F-35 stealth fighter bombers, V-22 Ospreys and KC-135 air refueling tankers, will enable Israel to strike longer range targets.
FBI Intelligence Failure in Vetting Tsarnaev
Tikun Olam – Today, the L.A. times reported chillingly that the FBI had received a report on Tamerlan Tsarnaev’s radical Islamist proclivities from the Russian intelligence service before his 2012 trip to that country’s restive Muslim republics, Dagestan and Chechnya. Yet after examining his background and interviewing him face…
Exile and the prophetic: An open appeal to Cardinal Sean
Mondoweiss – This post is part of Marc H. Ellis’s “Exile and the Prophetic” feature for Mondoweiss. To read the entire series visit the archive page . Was I too harsh on you yesterday , Cardinal O’Malley? Since I understand you like to be called by your first name, if…
Obama has done nothing to alleviate ‘explosive’ occupation — eminent Europeans
Mondoweiss – A group of 19 eminent Europeans has written to Catherine Ashton, the foreign minister of the European Union, to say that the peace process is dead, the occupation is so harsh it is “explosive,” and Obama did nothing on his recent trip to halt the destruction…
Like Geo Wallace, Upper Nazareth mayor calls for segregation ‘for ever and ever’
Mondoweiss – Last week we posted the declaration from the mayor of Upper Nazareth, a largely-Jewish city outside Nazareth, that he would resist Palestinians moving into the city– because the “innocent belief in the message of coexistence… posed a grave danger to the very existence of a Jewish…
Huge Hungary Rally Denounces Anti-Semitism
The Foward Breaking News 21 Apr 2013 – Tens of thousands of Hungarians rallied on Sunday to protest against what they said was growing anti-Semitism in the country which will host the plenary meeting of the World Jewish Congress next month. Click here for the rest of the article…
Netanyahu Aide: Boston Will Boost Israel Support
The Foward Breaking News 21 Apr 2013 – Ron Dermer, a diplomatic advisor to Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and candidate for the post of Israeli ambassador to Washington, told a closed meeting of U.S. Jewish leaders in New York last week that the Boston marathon bombings would increase American support for Israel – just…
Chuck Hagel Calls $10B Arms Deal a Warning To Iran
The Foward Breaking News 21 Apr 2013 – Defense Secretary Chuck Hagel said on Sunday a $10 billion arms deal under discussion with Washington’s Arab and Israeli allies sent a “very clear signal” to Tehran the military option remains on the table over its nuclear programme. Click here for the rest of the article……
Israeli Airline Workers Strike Over ‘Open Skies’
The Foward Breaking News 21 Apr 2013 – Workers at Israel’s three main airlines began an open-ended strike on Sunday in protest at the government’s plans to ratify an open skies deal with Europe they see as a threat to their jobs. Click here for the rest of the article…
Natan Sharansky’s Kotel Compromise Gives Him New Heft as Liaison to Diaspora
The Forward New 21 Apr 2013 – Fresh off his deal on egalitarian prayer at the Western Wall, Natan Sharansky may now have earned a new role as the key interlocutor between Israel and American Jews. Click here for the rest of the article…
Egypt: Zaazou – Iraqi Market Is Very Promising
allAfrica.com 21 Apr 2013 – [Egypt Online]Minister of Torusim Hisham Zaazou affirmed that the Iranian flights will be back to Egypt after holding a series of meetings with opponents, especially the salafists, for working out a number of restrictions and removing their fears.
Violent Clashes Between Palestinian Youth and IOF
Palestine Solidarity Project 21 Apr 2013 – On the afternoon of April 19th violent clashes erupted between Beit Ommar youth and the Israeli Occupation Forces. The clashes took place close to the central market and the cemetery in the village of Beit Ommar and lasted for several hours. The soldiers shot a lot…
Violent Settlers Attack a Man from Beit Ommar
Palestine Solidarity Project 21 Apr 2013 – On the 17th of April, settlers from the settlement of Kiryat Arba in Hebron city attacked the car of Ibrahim Khader Alama (36) at the entrance of Beit Ommar. The settlers started to destroy his car and threatened him with violence. The group was made up…
‘Dozens killed’ in Syria army attack
BBC 21 Apr 2013 – Syrian government troops seize a town near Damascus, killing at least 80 people, including women and children, opposition activists say.
Egypt’s justice minister resigns
BBC 21 Apr 2013 – Egyptian Justice Minister Ahmed Mekky resigns, following demands from Islamist supporters of President Morsi for the “cleansing” of the judiciary.
Syrians held over Jordan violence
BBC 21 Apr 2013 – Eight Syrians at the overcrowded Zaatari refugee camp in Jordan have been arrested on suspicion of inciting violence, say Jordanian officials.
Palestinian Couples Separated by Israel’s Racist Laws
Al-Akhbar News 21 Apr 2013 – An Israeli soldier checks Palestinians as they cross an Israeli checkpoint in the occupied West Bank city of Hebron to go to the Ibrahimi Mosque or the Tomb of the Patriarch on 25 March 2013. (Photo: AFP – Hazem Bader) An Israeli soldier checks Palestinians as…
Egypt’s controversial justice minister resigns
Al-Akhbar News 21 Apr 2013 – Egypt’s Justice Minister Ahmad Mekki resigned on Sunday ahead of a cabinet reshuffle in which he was expected to be replaced, state media reported. President Mohamed Mursi had said on Saturday he would order the reshuffle “soon,” after months of pressure by opposition groups that demand…
US to double aid to Syrian rebels
Al-Akhbar News 21 Apr 2013 – A young Syrian boys takes a rest after collecting plastic and metal items in a garbage dump in the northern Syrian city of Aleppo on 17 April 2013. (Photo: AFP – Dimitar Dilkoff) The United States will double its assistance to the Syrian opposition to $250…
On Grand Prix day, clashes continue in Bahrain
Al-Akhbar News 21 Apr 2013 – A Bahraini masked young protester poses during clashes with riot police following a protest against the Formula One Grand Prix on 19 April 2013 in the village of Sanabis, west of Manama. (Photo: AFP – Mohammed al-Shaikh) Bahraini pro-democracy activists reported sporadic clashes between police and…
US drone strike kills two alleged al-Qaeda members in Yemen
Al-Akhbar News 21 Apr 2013 – Two men suspected of being al-Qaeda members were killed on Sunday in a US drone strike on a site allegedly used for training members of the Islamist network in central Yemen, a security official and witnesses said. The raid targeted a house in Wadi Abida, in…
‘Dozens killed’ in Syria army attack
BBC 21 Apr 2013 – Syrian government troops seize a town near Damascus, killing at least 80 people, including women and children, opposition activists say.
Egypt’s justice minister resigns
BBC 21 Apr 2013 – Egyptian Justice Minister Ahmed Mekky resigns, following demands from Islamist supporters of President Morsi for the “cleansing” of the judiciary.
Bahrain protests over Grand Prix
BBC 21 Apr 2013 – Bahraini anti-government protesters clash with police and block roads into the capital in an attempt to disrupt the Formula 1 Grand Prix.
Syrians held over Jordan violence
BBC 21 Apr 2013 – Eight Syrians at the overcrowded Zaatari refugee camp in Jordan have been arrested on suspicion of inciting violence, say Jordanian officials.
Articles
When Israeli denial of Palestinian existence becomes genocidal
Ilan Pappe, Electronic Intifada 4/20/2013
Sixty-five years on, Israeli President Shimon Peres still denies the existence of the indigenous population of Palestine.
In a regal interview he gave the Israeli press on the eve of the state’s ” Independence Day,” Shimon Peres, the current president of Israel, said the following:
“I remember how it all began. The whole state of Israel is a millimeter of the whole Middle East. A statistical error, barren and disappointing land, swamps in the north, desert in the south, two lakes, one dead and an overrated river. No natural resource apart from malaria. There was nothing here. And we now have the best agriculture in the world? This is a miracle: a land built by people” (Maariv, 14 April 2013).
This fabricated narrative, voiced by Israel’s number one citizen and spokesman, highlights how much the historical narrative is part of the present reality. This presidential impunity sums up the reality on the eve of the 65th commemoration of the Nakba, the ethnic cleansing of historic Palestine. The disturbing fact of life, 65 years on, is not that the figurative head of the so-called Jewish state, and for that matter almost everyone in the newly-elected government and parliament, subscribe to such views. The worrying and challenging reality is the global immunity given to such impunity.
Peres’ denial of the native Palestinians and his reselling in 2013 of the landless people mythology exposes the cognitive dissonance in which he lives: he denies the existence of approximately twelve million people living in and near to the country to which they belong. History shows that the human consequences are horrific and catastrophic when powerful people, heading powerful outfits such as a modern state, denied the existence of a people who are very much present.
This denial was there at the beginning of Zionism and led to the ethnic cleansing in 1948. And it is there today, which may lead to similar disasters in the future — unless stopped immediately. more.. e-mail
New Knesset member visits a friend in Ramallah: ’This is not normal’
Noam Sheizaf, +972 Magazine 4/21/2013
Adi Koll, a relatively unknown Knesset member from Yair Lapid’s centrist Yesh Atid party, posted this picture along with an uncharacteristically long and emotional status on Facebook, the day after she paid a visit to the home of a Palestinian friend in Ramallah. (Translated in full below)
Warning! This post will be long, controversial and without color photos, even though I have plenty of photos. I made sure to take pictures throughout the day with the intention posting them to Facebook so I can show what we would all rather forget. But now it feels pointless. No picture can describe what I’ve been through, and even if it could, it wouldn’t achieve anything but to ease the conscience of the viewers. There, we saw it, now we know what they go through. We don’t really need to do anything with that.
Well, you have no clue!
Even if I post a picture of the dirty, frozen compound at Qalandia Checkpoint that I passed yesterday on my way back from Ramallah, you wouldn’t be able to see and surely you wouldn’t be able to feel the humiliation and insults, like the permit-holding Palestinians who have to pass through it day after day. You won’t be able to hear the soldier who was barking at us (“Knesset member? Which Knesset exactly?”) through the sealed glass, demanding that we go back and forth, again and again for no reason at all. And there is no picture and no film that could explain the absurdity, according to which Qalandia, which is part of the Jerusalem Municipality (and its residents pay municipal taxes) does not receive basic services from Israel because it lies beyond the checkpoint, nor from the Palestinian Authority, because it’s outside their jurisdiction. A whole neighborhood which is now a no-man’s land. more.. e-mail
UNICEF tones down report on child detainees in wake of Israeli pressure
Haggai Matar, +972 Magazine 4/20/2013
A story in The Australian newspaper offers a glimpse into the makings of a UN report on Palestinian children detained by Israel, including a look into how Israeli pressure muffled the report’s criticism.
The issue of Israel’s treatment of detained minors has been gaining more and more attention in recent weeks. Aside from ongoing parliamentary debates in the UK, Israel’s Channel 2 News aired a story on the nighttime arrests of child stone-throwers in the Al-Arub Refugee Camp (Hebrew), and we at +972 published Samar Hazboun’s beautiful and horrific photo essay of children’s testimonies from their detention.
Both of these were preceded by a UNICEF report published last month, which has gained much attention for its criticism of Israel’s policies towards minors in the occupied territories. Israel differentiates between Israeli and Palestinian minors by law, offering them different sets of rights, subjecting the Palestinian youths to a military court system, and often denying them basic rights in interrogations in an attempt to extort confessions. The UNICEF report concluded that “ill-treatment of Palestinian children in the Israeli military detention system appears to be widespread, systematic and institutionalized.” Harsh words indeed.
However, it now appears that even these words have been scrutinized and carefully picked, intentionally leaving out words such as “torture” due to Israeli pressure on the UN body. Research published this week by John Lyons, Middle East correspondent for The Australian, shows how attempts were made by UNICEF to blur the severe implications of its own findings. Lyons describes the press conference in which the report was released, and says how the room was surprisingly empty due to the agency’s intentional inviting of few journalists following what one UNICEF official called intense “pressure to cancel this event.” more.. e-mail
Thirty Years After the Bombing at the US Embassy in Lebanon
Franklin Lamb, CounterPunch 4/19/2013
When Will We Ever Learn?
This observer has no idea if the American Ambassador here in Beirut, Maury Connolly or Secretary of State Kerrey has ever listened to Marlene Dietrich’s classic October 1965 performance of Pete Seeger’s “Where Have All The Flowers Gone” still stunning, deeply moving and available on the Internet.
But on this 30th anniversary of the bombing of the US Embassy in Beirut I found myself near the old embassy site on the sea front for personal reasons, and stepped down the block below the American University of Beirut (AUB) to meet a friend at Starbucks. When I entered, maybe the 5th tme my life I have been to a SB, since I don’t drink coffee and for political reasons tend to avoid the chain, but I noticed that someone was playing Dietrich’s classic.
Reading the reports of the American Ambassador and Secretary of State’s political comments on the embassy events, three decades on, Marlene’s enchanting deep voiced, “When will they every learn?”, numbed me.
U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry slammed Hezbollah in the Lebanese media on the anniversary of the 1983 suicide bombing of the U.S. Embassy in Beirut that killed 52 people, saying “ On this 30th anniversary of the bombing of the U.S. Embassy in Beirut, Lebanon, the United States celebrates 30 years of close cooperation with the people of Lebanon that proves the enemies of democracy failed,” he said from Washington, especially at the people-to-people level – and this proves the terrorists’ goals were not achieved.” more.. e-mail
Gaza Palestine’s rising Arab Idol star
In Gaza: 21 Apr 2013 – Vanessa Beeley writes from Gaza on Mohamed Assad, a talented and inspiring Palestinian from Gaza: “Two days ago Mousheera Jammal and I went to Palestine University to talk to Lecturers and fellow students who know Palestine’s rising Arab Idol star…Mohamed Assaf. Mohamed has been setting the stage alight and bewitching the Arab Idol judges with his depth of soul and soaring vocals. Ragheb Allama described Mohamed as “a rocket that was heading for the stars, the Arab Idol is born”. Nanci Ajram ” you are incredible, my vote is already cast!”. Talking to those who know him at his University in Gaza, we understood why. Mohamed is described, without exception, as an unassuming, humble student who has endured great hardship in Gaza without complaint. His voice has been his escape from the day to day survival in Khan Younis refugee camp where his family would have experienced regular incursions and…more
More material available from Vermonters for a Just Peace in Palestine/Israel – www.vtjp.org
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The New Dark Age 