6 May 2013 — VTJP
News
International Middle East Media Center
Army Kidnaps 13 Palestinians In Bethlehem, 2 In Jenin
IMEMC – Monday at dawn, May 6 2013, Israeli soldiers invaded Beit Fajjar, Al-Khader and Beit Sahour, in the West Bank district of Bethlehem, and kidnapped 13 Palestinians. Army also invaded Jenin and kidnapped two residents. …
Israel approves plan to displace Negev Bedouins
5/6/2013 – BETHLEHEM (Ma’an) — Israel approved a draft law on Monday to implement a plan which will displace thousands of Bedouins in the Negev desert, an Israeli rights group said. The Ministerial Committee on Legislation approved a bill which outlines a framework for implementing the Prawer-Begin plan, the Association for Civil Rights in Israel said….
Clashes as Israelis visit Nablus holy site
5/6/2013 – NABLUS (Ma’an) — More than 1,000 Israeli rightists on Sunday night visited Joseph’s Tomb near Balata refugee camp east of Nablus guarded by Israeli forces, locals said. Clashes erupted between Israeli forces and Palestinians, onlookers said Monday. More than 30 buses carried hundreds of Israeli settlers to Nablus around 10 p. m….
Israel raids on Syria killed at least 42 soldiers
5/6/2013 – BEIRUT (AFP) – Israeli air raids on three military sites near Damascus killed at least 42 soldiers at the weekend, the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights said in an updated toll on Monday.” At least 42 soldiers were killed in the strikes, and another 100 who would usually be at the targeted sites remain unaccounted for…. Related: Lebanon says Israel weapons claim unfounded
Lebanon says Israel weapons claim unfounded
5/6/2013 – DAMASCUS (AFP) — Israeli raids early Sunday hit three military sites outside Damascus, the second such reported attack in 48 hours, prompting Syria’s government to warn that the regional situation was now “more dangerous.” The raids reportedly targeted weapons bound for Lebanese group Hezbollah and raised new concerns of a conflict spillover. The foreign…. Related: Israel raids on Syria killed at least 42 soldiers and General: Any arms Israel targeted in Syria not Iranian
Israel allows children to visit Gaza prisoners
5/6/2013 – GAZA CITY (Ma’an) — Israel allowed children from Gazato visit their relatives in Israeli prison for the first time in weeks, an International Committee for the Red Cross official said Monday. Nasser al-Najjar told Ma’an that 61 families from the Gaza Strip, including seven children headed to the Beit Hanoun pedestrian crossing….
Israel to release Fatah lawmaker arrested in 2007
5/6/2013 – NABLUS (Ma’an) — An Israeli military court at Ofer detention center on Monday ordered the release of a Fatah lawmaker detained in 2007, relatives of the official said. Jamal Tirawi, 47, was detained on May 29, 2007, in Nablus and sentenced to 30 years in an Israeli jail for being affiliated with the Al-Aqsa….
Abbas meets China’s Xi
5/6/2013 – BEIJING (AFP) — Chinese President Xi Jinping met with Palestinian leader Mahmud Abbas in Beijing on Monday, with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu due to follow him later this week. Abbas’s three-day trip — the first by a Middle Eastern leader since Xi took office in March — ends Tuesday, overlapping with a five-day visit to…. Related: China suggests 4-point proposal for peace talks
General: Any arms Israel targeted in Syria not Iranian
5/6/2013 – TEHRAN (AFP) — A top Iranian general said any arms Israel targeted in Syria did not come from Iran, in remarks published on the Revolutionary Guards website on Monday. Brig. -Gen. Masoud Jazayeri “denied Western and Israeli media reports that an Iranian weapons depot has been targeted in Syria,” the website reported.” The Syrian government does…. Related: Lebanon says Israel weapons claim unfounded and China criticizes Syria raid as Netanyahu, Abbas visit
China criticizes Syria raid as Netanyahu, Abbas visit
5/6/2013 – BEIJING (AFP) — China on Monday implicitly criticized Israel’s air strikes in Syria as Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and President Mahmoud Abbas both visited the country to meet top leaders. The raids on military sites outside Damascus a day earlier raised fears of Syria’s 26-month-long conflict spilling over into the region…. Related: Lebanon says Israel weapons claim unfoundedand General: Any arms Israel targeted in Syria not Iranian
Egypt uncovers 276 smuggling tunnels under Gaza border
5/6/2013 – CAIRO (Ma’an) — Egyptian forces uncovered 276 previously unknown smuggling tunnels under the border with Gaza on Monday. Egyptian security officials told Ma’an that 154 tunnels had been destroyed and 94 would be demolished soon. Security forces are struggling to destroy some 28 tunnels constructed under residential properties. All the tunnel openings….
China suggests 4-point proposal for peace talks
5/6/2013 – RAMALLAH (Ma’an) — The Chinese president Xi Jinping on Monday discussed with President Mahmoud Abbas in Beijing a four-point proposal to reach a compromise for the question of Palestine, the deputy Chinese ambassador to Palestine said. In a news conference at the Chinese embassy in Ramallah, the official said the Chinese proposal focused on…. Related: Abbas meets China’s Xiand China criticizes Syria raid as Netanyahu, Abbas visit
Israel army: Syria rockets land in Golan Heights
5/6/2013 – BETHLEHEM (Ma’an) — Two rockets fired from Syria landed in the occupied Golan Heights on Monday, Israel’s army said. An Israeli army spokeswoman told Ma’an that the rockets were a result of the “domestic situation in Syria,” and Israel’s army has informed UN forces stationed in the area….
Hospital under investigation after woman’s death
5/6/2013 – TULKAREM (Ma’an) — The Ministry of Health has ordered a Tulkarem hospital to close temporarily after a woman died following a procedure performed by a doctor lacking a Palestinian medical license. Ministry spokesman Omar Nasser told Ma’an that health authorities decided to close the private Palestine Red Crescent Society Hospital in Tulkarem….
Body of young woman found near East Jerusalem dump
5/6/2013 – JERUSALEM (Ma’an) — The body of a young woman was found near a dumping site in a Jerusalem-area village on Monday, security officials said. Passersby found the body of the unidentified woman, estimated to be in her 20s, near a dump in al-Sawahira al-Sharqiya, an area of East Jerusalem cut off by Israel’….
UN rights investigator: Syrian rebels ‘used sarin’
5/6/2013 – GENEVA (AFP) — Syrian rebels have used the deadly nerve agent sarin in their fight against President Bashar Assad’s regime, according to testimony from victims, UN human rights investigator Carla del Ponte said.” According to the testimonies we have gathered, the rebels have used chemical weapons, making use of sarin gas,” del Ponte, a….
Palestinians held on Egypt antiquity charges
5/6/2013 – CAIRO (Ma’an) — A court in Cairo on Monday extended the detention of two Palestinians from the Gaza Strip for another 15 days, after they were arrested on antiquity smuggling charges. The suspects, identified by their first names and last initials — Imad A. and Abdullah M. — were allegedly caught with hundreds of gold antiquities….
Libya adopts law barring Ghaddafi-era officials
5/6/2013 – TRIPOLI (AFP) — Libya’s General National Congress, under pressure from militiamen, on Sunday voted through a controversial law to exclude former regime officials from public posts in a move that could see the premier removed from office. Gunmen who had surrounded the foreign and justice ministries, to press for officials from dead dictator Moamer….
Gunmen kidnap 4 contractors in Sinai
5/6/2013 – EL-ARISH, Egypt (Ma’an) — Gunmen kidnapped four employees working for an Egyptian contracting company in Sinai on Monday, military sources said. Unidentified gunmen stopped a vehicle carrying employees from Arab Contractors, a state-owned company, and took them to an unknown destination, military sources told Ma’an. Egyptian security forces have launched a campaign….
One dead after gunfight involving Egypt PM guards
5/6/2013 – CAIRO (AFP) — A passerby who was wounded in a firefight between Egyptian Prime Minister Hisham Qandil’s bodyguards and a group of “thugs” died of his injuries on Monday, a security official said. The man, a street vendor, was shot in the neck on Sunday night when a group of people driving a pick….
Prisoners in Israeli Jail Complain of Harassment, Deliberate Medical Neglect
Palestine News Network
Prisoner’s Society Warns of Continued Deterioration of Prisoner’s Health Condition
Palestine News Network
Israeli Courts Order Demolition of Women’s Prayer Area in Ras Al Amoud Mosque, East Jerusalem
Palestine News Network
Israel Arrests Three Youngsters near Etzion Settlement Bloc
Palestine News Network
Israel Deputy Foreign Minister Asks Google to Change ‘Palestine’ Tagline
Palestine News Network
China Hosting Palestinian, Israeli Leaders
Palestine News Network
Cooperation Agreements Signed Between Palestine, China
Palestine News Network
Israel Arrests Two Youngsters, Raids Prisoner’s House in Jenin
Palestine News Network
World: Global emergency overview snapshot 29 April – 06 May 2013
Relief Web 6 May 2013 – Source: Assessment Capacities Project Country: Afghanistan, Angola, Bangladesh, Bolivia, Burkina Faso, Cameroon, Central African Republic, Chad, Democratic People’s Republic of Korea, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Djibouti, Eritrea, Ethiopia, Gambia, Haiti, Iraq, Jordan, Kenya, Kyrgyzstan, Lesotho, Malawi, Mali, Mauritania, Mozambique,…
occupied Palestinian territory: New position paper by Gisha: Creeping Punishment
Relief Web 5 May 2013 – Source: Gisha Country: occupied Palestinian territory A new position paper by Gisha looks at what might be a new policy of closing Kerem Shalom Crossing and further restricting travel through Erez Crossing following rocket fire from the Gaza Strip. The…
Sheikh Abdullah condemns Tanzania church attack
The National 6 May 2013 – The UAE Foreign Minister Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed has condemned a terrorist attack on a church in Tanzania on Monday.
Trial of alleged neo-Nazi over ‘Doner Killings’ starts in Germany
The National 6 May 2013 – Beate Zschaepe, 38, is accused by prosecutors of murder for alleged complicity in the killing of eight Turks, a Greek and a policewoman between 2000 and 2007.
Israel plays down speculation Syria strikes may spur a regional war
The National 6 May 2013 – Syria’s Assad gives go-ahead to missile batteries for quick response should another attack occur, as demand for gas masks in Israel soars. Vita Bekker reports from Tel Aviv
UAE Cabinet backs new revenue bylaw
The National 6 May 2013 – The bylaws, passed by the Ministerial Council for Services yesterday, will require all fiscal revenues be collected, monitored and kept with the federal government.
Arab Spring will lead to teacher shortage for UAE private schools
The National 6 May 2013 – Turmoil in the region will lead to a shortage of teachers for private schools next year, the head of the Sharjah Education Zone has warned.
Libya braced for fallout over law banning Qaddafi officials
The National 6 May 2013 – With government buildings surrounded by heavily-armed militias and a country divided on the direction of its young democracy, Libya is braced for the consequences of its new legislation. Alice Fordham reports
Ban on corporal punishment makes it difficult to maintain discipline, say UAE teachers
The National 6 May 2013 – A ban on corporal punishment in schools has made it all but impossible to maintain discipline in the classroom, teachers complained to the Federal National Council this week.
Google’s Palestine decision praised
The National 6 May 2013 – Internet giant stands by decision to use ‘Palestine” on its home page for the Palestinian territories, amid criticism from Israel. Hugh Naylor reports from Ramallah
Israeli ministers endorse controversial plan to relocate Bedouin
Ha’aretz – 6 May 2013
Israel and Turkey near final deal on compensation for Gaza flotilla victims
Ha’aretz – 6 May 2013
Hollywood hearthtrob and Kabbalah devotee Ashton Kutcher coming to Israel
Ha’aretz – 6 May 2013
Minister Shalom visits Hungary, urges increased efforts against anti-Semitism
Ha’aretz – 6 May 2013
Israeli ministers back law calling libel against IDF a criminal offense
Ha’aretz – 6 May 2013
LIVE BLOG: Aftermath of weekend air strikes in Syria
Ha’aretz – 6 May 2013
Lebanon urges UN to condemn Israel for violating its airspace during Syria raids
Ha’aretz – 6 May 2013
Israeli ministries no longer have to hire secretaries through tenders
Ha’aretz – 6 May 2013
Israeli green group faces closure due to funding woes
Ha’aretz – 6 May 2013
Diet of an Israeli prime minister: Ben-Gurion’s breakfast of champions
Ha’aretz – 6 May 2013
IDF allows Israeli settlers to renovate abandoned base in Gush Etzion
Ha’aretz – 6 May 2013
Israeli ministers back bill to stymie no-confidence motions
Ha’aretz – 6 May 2013
Dissent in Habayit Hayehudi over candidate for Ashkenazi chief rabbi
Ha’aretz – 6 May 2013
China urges restraint in Syria after alleged Israel strikes
Ha’aretz – 6 May 2013
Mandatory IDF service to be shortened; combat units to be paid for part of their service
Ha’aretz – 6 May 2013
U.S. received no early warning on alleged Israeli strikes in Syria, American official says
Ha’aretz – 6 May 2013
Draft law passed to regulate Beduin settlement
Jerusalem Post 6 May 2013 – Proposed map would clearly demarcate Negev land, provide for new Jewish community near Arad.
US, allies to stage large naval exercise in Gulf
Jerusalem Post 6 May 2013 – Forty-one countries taking part in two-week naval exercise.
Budapest meeting
Jerusalem Post 6 May 2013 – With hatred of those perceived to be different so entrenched in Hungarian society, the future is not encouraging for Jews and other “minorities” who call Hungary home.
Modified Arab League stance offers peace chance
Jerusalem Post 6 May 2013 – Israel now has to take the Arab countries seriously due to their endorsement of essentially a mirror image of America’s framework for negotiations.
Privatize the Chief Rabbinate
Jerusalem Post 6 May 2013 – The activities of the Chief Rabbinate are on their face quite important, but it is clear they could be accomplished far better by private initiative.
Yesh Atid tables support for referendum on treaty
Jerusalem Post 6 May 2013 – Without the support of Yesh Atid, there is no majority for the Bayit Yehudi bill, requiring a referendum on peace treaties.
Borderline Views: Investing in the humanities
Jerusalem Post 6 May 2013 – One only has to look at the lack of focus on the humanities and social sciences at the many board of governors’ meetings of Israeli universities, which start this week, to see how critical this problem is.
The lies we tell ourselves about modern Islam
Jerusalem Post 6 May 2013 – Fundamentally Freund: President Barack Obama and much of the Western press seem to have difficulty saying in close proximity to one another: ‘Islamic’ and ‘terror.’
Reversing the corrosive message of commencements
Jerusalem Post 6 May 2013 – No holds barred: Misguided messages are what have led to the contradiction in US life where we are the richest society in the world but also the most depressed.
Police to hold official probe of Emmanuel Rosen
Jerusalem Post 6 May 2013 – Sexual harassment allegations against media personality have been the subject of a media storm in Israel.
Who does the Western Wall belong to?
Jerusalem Post 6 May 2013 – The time has come to state the truth, simple and unadorned: The Western Wall doesn’t belong to the Women of the Wall.
Children under 12 cannot be arrested
Jerusalem Post 6 May 2013 – All who call for the violation of the rights of Palestinian child suspects must first consider whether they would consent to a similar violation of an Israeli child’s rights.
Arab Peace Initiative demands Israeli response
Jerusalem Post 6 May 2013 – It behooves Israel to, at the very least, respond to an offer that has been gathering dust on the table for more than a decade.
Israel, Turkey reach draft agreement to end diplomatic rift
Jerusalem Post 6 May 2013 – Officials hold a productive meeting in Jerusalem; Prime Minister’s Office says Turkey, Israel expect to come to an agreement in the near future, after three-year crisis over Turkish activists killed on ‘Mavi Marmara.’
German police nab alleged former Auschwitz guard
Jerusalem Post 6 May 2013 – Prosecutors say the man worked at the extermination camp during World War Two, from 1941 until its liberation in 1945.
Olmert’s brother goes ‘hostile’ in Holyland case
Jerusalem Post 6 May 2013 – Former PM’s brother surprises state by denying his prior statement to police about receiving checks from Duchner.
Eli Yishai leaning against J’lem mayoral run
Jerusalem Post 6 May 2013 – Source close to former Shas chairman says haredi MK knows he would have trouble obtaining support from any of the religious factions.
Meretz MK Horowitz joins Tel Aviv mayor race
Jerusalem Post 6 May 2013 – Horowitz will take on 15-year incumbent Ron Huldai when the city goes to the ballot boxes in October.
Say cheese
Jerusalem Post 6 May 2013 – Save the heavy cheese dishes for dessert; this Shavuot incorporate your favorite cheese as part of a light salad.
‘Iran staying clear of Israel’s red line’
Jerusalem Post 6 May 2013 – Diplomat says Iran conversion of uranium gas for non-military purposes is Iranian move to ease concern of int’l community.
Lebanon urges UN to condemn violation by Israel
Jerusalem Post 6 May 2013 – Beirut calls on UNSC to “compel Israel to halt violations.”
Ministerial c’tee backs law to ban IDF defamation
Jerusalem Post 6 May 2013 – Livni votes against, says law will weaken IDF; supporters say will put end to open season on the good names of fighters.
Beijing urges restraint in Syria as PM visits China
Jerusalem Post 6 May 2013 – As Netanyahu begins visit, Chinese foreign minister issues veiled criticism of Israel following alleged strikes in Syria.
Bennett to business owners: I’d move to Syria
Jerusalem Post 6 May 2013 – Economic leaders vow to clear red tape for small businesses that suffer from regulatory requirements; competition with tycoons.
German FM: We won’t accept Iranian nuclear arms
Jerusalem Post 6 May 2013 – Westerwelle endorses talks with Iran over nuclear program, but says Israel has legitimate right to defend itself.
C’tee approves Yisrael Beytenu electoral reform
Jerusalem Post 6 May 2013 – Legislation committee approves bill seeking to raise election threshold, limit no-confidence motions.
Syria accuses Israel of aligning with rebels
Jerusalem Post 6 May 2013 – Syrian ministry requests UN counter “Israeli aggressions.”
Bayit Yehudi: No deal with Shas on chief rabbinate
Jerusalem Post 6 May 2013 – Party spokesman denies deal has been agreed on with Shas to cooperate on election of two new chief rabbis.
Report: Syria will strike Israel if attacked again
Jerusalem Post 6 May 2013 – Assad threatens to retaliate without warning.
PM avoids mention of Syria on first day in China
Jerusalem Post 6 May 2013 – Chinese criticize alleged Israeli action.
US casts doubt on claim Syrian rebels may have used sarin gas
The Guardian 6 May 2013 – Kerry to meet Putin to discuss growing crisis as UN investigators row back on panellist’s comments The US and United Nations have cast doubt on claims by Carla del Ponte that Syrian rebel forces might have…
Israel says Google ‘Palestine’ page damages prospects for peace
The Guardian 6 May 2013 – Deputy foreign minister tells Army Radio Google’s change of home-page name ‘is very, very problematic’ Israeli officials have reacted sternly to Google’s decision last week to change the label on its home page in the occupied…
Israel: Air strikes were ‘against Hezbollah and not the Syrian regime’
The Guardian 6 May 2013 – Israel stresses that military aimed “to keep advanced weapons from Hezbollah as soon as intentions are exposed, and refrain from tension with Syria”. Israel sought to avoid a direct confrontation with the Syrian regime on Monday…
Syria accuses Israel of declaring war after further air strikes
The Guardian 6 May 2013 – Israel’s night raid on ‘missiles destined for Hezbollah’ deepens fears of conflict spreading beyond Syrian border across region The Syrian government said that Israeli air strikes against military targets around Damascus amounted to a “declaration of…
Syria: China calls for restraint following Israeli air strikes – video
The Guardian 6 May 2013 – China’s foreign ministry issues a statement calling for restraint following Israeli air strikes in Syria on Sunday
Settlers Cut Olive Trees Near Ramallah
Uruknet
Iraqi Shia fighters warm up to fight in Syria
Uruknet
Iraqi demonstrators call for continuing resistance
Uruknet
Military Resistance: 11E2 Library of Lies
Uruknet
BOOK: “A Month by the Sea – Encounters in Gaza” by Dervla Murphy
Uruknet
Egypt and Iran seek Syria political exit
Uruknet
Swedish activist falsely accused of violence by Israeli media “Ynetnews”
Uruknet
The FBI’s Political Decision to Put Assata Shakur on Its List of ‘Most Wanted Terrorists’
Uruknet
Iraq : IHEC hacked, 8 children killed when Al-Maliki’s forces slaughtered the sit-in in Hawija
Uruknet
The Man Too Handsome for Saudi Arabia Who Wasn’t
Uruknet
Turkey, Israel make ‘progress’ in compensation talks
Daily Star 6 May 2013 Turkish and Israeli officials make “progress” in talks in Jerusalem on compensation for the Jewish state’s deadly 2010 raid on a Gaza-bound flotilla, Israeli television reports.
White House: Assad likely behind chemical arms use
Daily Star 6 May 2013 The White House says it is highly likely that Syrian President Bashar Assad’s regime, not the rebel opposition, is behind any chemical weapons use in Syria.
Syria opposition condemns any use of chemical weapons
Daily Star 6 May 2013 The Syrian opposition National Coalition condemns any use of chemical weapons in the country’s conflict and said only the regime had such capabilities.
FBI says ‘terror attack’ thwarted in rural Minnesota
Daily Star 6 May 2013 The FBI says it has thwarted a terror attack in a small town in Minnesota after discovering home-made bombs and guns in the home of a local man.
Mortar shells land in Golan Heights
Daily Star 6 May 2013 The Israeli military says a stray mortar shell fired from Syria has landed in the Israeli-controlled Golan Heights.
Lebanon urges U.N. to condemn violation by Israel
Daily Star 6 May 2013 Lebanon has called on the U.N. Security Council to condemn violations of its airspace by Israel, which carried out raids in Syria to target what it said were Iranian missiles bound for Hezbollah.
Lebanon gets kidnappers’ list, readies for Syria talks
Daily Star 6 May 2013 Lebanon is set to launch negotiations with Syrian authorities to secure the release of the remaining nine Lebanese being held hostage by rebels, a statement from Charbel’s office says.
Egypt to reshuffle 11 ministers, including oil
Daily Star 6 May 2013 The Egyptian prime minister says that 11 ministers will be changed in a cabinet reshuffle that is expected to include the ministry of petroleum but will fall short of opposition demands for a complete overhaul.
Four Saudis held over Tanzania church bombing
Daily Star 6 May 2013 Tanzania has arrested four men from Saudi Arabia and four Tanzanians in connection with the bombing of church on Sunday that killed two people, an attack that has heightened sectarian tensions in the east African nation.
UN panel backs away from Syria nerve gas claim
Daily Star 6 May 2013 A U.N. panel looking into war crimes in Syria said Monday it has not found conclusive evidence of chemical weapons use, backing away from a member’s claims that there are indications rebel forces used the nerve…
Israeli attacks further complicate Syria crisis: Jumblatt
Daily Star 6 May 2013 Progressive Socialist Party leader MP Walid Jumblatt denounces the Israeli attacks against Syria and says they further complicate the conflict in the war-torn country.
Court: California cities can ban pot shops
YNet News, 6 May 2013 – ….
Boston bombing suspect’s friend to be released
YNet News, 6 May 2013 – ….
FBI: US raid disrupts ‘localized terror attack’
YNet News, 6 May 2013 – ….
Kerry to ‘make another stab’ at Syria deal with Russia
YNet News, 6 May 2013 – ….
US Senator offers bill to arms Syrian rebels
YNet News, 6 May 2013 – ….
Falling into Assad’s trap
YNet News, 6 May 2013 – Op-ed: Israel’s military activities in Syria could easily turn into match that will ignite next war ….
Specter of Islamist terror
YNet News, 6 May 2013 – Op-ed: Terror network in US protected by American reluctance to question loyalty of immigrants ….
Former Sudanese president visits Gaza
PIC – Former Sudanese president Abdulrahman Suwareddahab is to visit Gaza Strip by mid-May, Abdulsalam Siyam, the secretary of the Palestinian government in Gaza, said on Monday.
Jewish settlers toss firebombs at Palestinian village homes
PIC – Dozens of Jewish settlers attacked Jalloud village, south of Nablus, on Sunday night and tossed Molotov cocktails at citizens’ homes.
Bahraini parliament speaker arrives in Gaza on Wednesday
PIC – Bahraini parliament speaker Sheikh Khalifa Al-Dahrani arrives in the Gaza Strip on Wednesday at the head of a parliamentary delegation on a three-day visit to the Strip.
Settlers’ attacks continue in al-Khalil
PIC – Israeli settlers have damaged on Monday vineyards belonging to Palestinian residents in Beit Ummar north of al-Khalil.
Israeli settlers establish new settlement outpost
PIC – The IOF allowed Israeli settlers to renovate an Israeli military abandoned base in Gush Etzion built on Palestinian lands in Bethlehem as a prelude to establish a new outpost.
Odwan meets with UNRWA director in Gaza
PIC – Dr. Essam Adwan, Head of the Hamas Department of Refugee Affairs, met with UNRWA’s Director of Operations in Gaza, Robert Turner, at the agency’s headquarters on Sunday.
The Journalist detainee Mohammed Awad declares hunger strike
PIC – The journalist detainee Mohammed Awad has declared an open hunger strike since Saturday protesting his continued arrest by the PA preventive service despite a court ruling ordering his release.
IOF arrests 100 Jerusalemites during April
PIC – Wadi Hilweh Information Center has issued its monthly report documenting the Israeli violations against Jerusalemites and their properties during April.
Bardawil: Reconciliation and negotiations do not meet
PIC – Dr. Salah Bardawil, a Hamas leader, said on Monday that there were no real efforts on the ground to achieve national reconciliation.
Hamas warns IOA against storming the Aqsa
PIC – Hamas movement has warned the Israeli occupation authorities (IOA) and Zionist fanatics against storming the Aqsa mosque.
Art Academy Hosts ‘Stories We Tell’ Photo Exhibition
WAFA – 6 May 2013
Israel Razes Land, Demolishes Wells west of Hebron
WAFA – 6 May 2013
China Reiterates Support for Palestinian State
WAFA – 6 May 2013
Palestinians Protest Israeli Strike on Syria
WAFA – 6 May 2013
PEX Report: High Trading, Yet a Drop in Index
WAFA – 6 May 2013
New Road another Violation of International Law, says PLO
WAFA – 6 May 2013
EU Contributes €20M to PA April Salaries
WAFA – 6 May 2013
Army Arrests 10 from Bethlehem Area
WAFA – 6 May 2013
Newspapers Review: Airstrike on Syria Focus of Dailies
WAFA – 6 May 2013
Israel says strikes in Syria target arms for Hezbollah
LA Times 6 May 2013 – Israeli officials say the airstrikes’ goal is not to weaken Syrian President Bashar Assad, but to prevent the transfer of weapons to the Lebanese militants. JERUSALEM — With three airstrikes against Syria since January, Israel has inserted itself forcefully into the “Arab Spring’s” most intractable…
Israel and Turkey Talk Compensation in Flotilla Raid
New York Times 6 May 2013 – Israel negotiated with Turkey over compensation for a deadly commando raid on a Gaza-bound flotilla in 2010, but few involved expected a full reconciliation between the former allies.
Latitude: What Does Zionism Mean To Israeli Children Today?
New York Times 6 May 2013 – While I mourn the death of a children books’ writer who taught me Zionism, my children worship Harry Potter and TV celebrities.
Syrian Rebels Say They Downed Helicopter
New York Times 6 May 2013 – The claims came as Syria’s civil war threatened anew to spread beyond its borders following an Israeli airstrike near Damascus.
Syrian Rebels May Have Used Sarin
New York Times 5 May 2013 – United Nations human rights investigators have gathered testimony from casualties of Syria’s civil war and medical workers indicating that rebel forces have used the nerve agent.
Egypt Premier Qandil’s Motorcade Comes Under Fire
New York Times 5 May 2013 – A man fired birdshot pellets at a motorcade escorting Prime Minister Hisham Qandi, and officials called it an accidental episode of road rage.
Syria Condemns Israel for Air Assault Near Damascus
New York Times 5 May 2013 – Israel would not confirm that it had carried out the airstrikes, but the four explosions near the Syrian capital demonstrated a firepower more potent than any seen before in the country’s civil war.
Libyans Pass Law Excluding Qaddafi-Era Officials
New York Times 5 May 2013 – Bowing to pressure from armed Islamists and other militiamen, the congress passed a law to exclude former officials of the Qaddafi era from public office.
Water Authority warns of severe drought in coming years
Globes Energy & Water – Water Authority studies indicate that, from 2015, Israel can expect drought that could last for 20 years.
Lapid to scrap plan to reduce companies tax
Globes Main News – Finance Minister Yair Lapid won’t reduce companies tax within the Law for the Encouragement of Capital Investment.
BoI again in foreign exchange market
Globes Main News – The Bank of Israel has bought $50 million, but the shekel continues to strengthen against the dollar.
Teva rival develops delayed release Copaxone version
Globes Main News – Mapi Pharma today announced that it plans to develop a longer-acting version of Copaxone, which can be taken once a month.
Mon: Israel Chemicals correction boosts market
Globes Main News – Israel Chemicals and parent company Israel Corp. had the biggest gains on the Tel Aviv 25 Index, as Delek Group and Azrieli fell.
Ben-Dov auctions Tapuz
Globes Main News – Suny is auctioning 9.8 million Tapuz shares for a minimum of NIS 10 million.
Former Treasury chief: Corporate giants must share tax burden
Globes Macro Economics – Avi Ben-Bassat: The tax breaks seriously discriminate between companies, as well as greatly exacerbating inequality between individuals in the economy.
Defense funds conditioned on shorter military service
Globes Macro Economics – Military service for men will be shortened to two years and four months under the final 2013 Economic Arrangements bill.
Arab League slights boycott of Israel by backing ‘land swaps’
Mondoweiss – Yitzhar settlement, near Nablus. (Photo: Gili Yaari / Flash 90) Until last week the Arab world’s position on Israeli borders was firm. Then Secretary of State John Kerry visited the Middle East and the Arab League reversed its stance on settlements , backing “land swaps” between Israel and…
Oberlin College Student Senate votes to support divestment from companies profiting from Israeli occupation
Mondoweiss – Oberlin College’s Students for a Free Palestine sent out the following press release today: Oberlin Students Vote for Divestment Victory in Students for a Free Palestine’s Divestment Campaign Oberlin, OH: In a historic moment on Sunday May 5th, Oberlin College Student Senate voted to divest from…
Exile and the Prophetic: Vultures over Syria
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 . Is there a tipping point that will make Palestine reappear? I doubt the turmoil in Syria is helping. With Israel striking targets…
Israeli minister: Google decision to recognize Palestine ‘pushes peace further away’
Mondoweiss – The Israeli government has responded to Google’s decision to recognize Palestine . From Reuters : Following the U.N. lead, Google’s Palestinian homepage and other products previously labelled “Palestinian Territories” were changed on May 1 to read “Palestine”. “I think that the Google decision from the last few days…
In photos: Palestinian Christians welcome Easter’s ‘Holy Fire’ to Gaza
Mondoweiss – Easter fireworks display at Gaza’s Church of Saint Porphyrius, Palestine May 5, 2013 (Photo: Joe Catron) Greek Orthodox Christians marked the beginning of Easter Sunday with a four-hour midnight service in Gaza’s 1,606-year-old Church of Saint Porphyrius . (Photo: Joe Catron) On Friday, Israeli occupation authorities…
Syria’s Failure To Respond Signals Israel Can Strike Without Worries
The Foward Breaking News 6 May 2013 – Twice in three days, Israeli warplanes entered Syrian airspace and fired on suspected weapons caches bound for Hezbollah – and nothing has happened in response. Click here for the rest of the article…
Israel Tells Syria’s Assad It’s Not Taking Sides in Civil War
The Foward Breaking News 6 May 2013 – Israel sought to persuade Syrian President Bashar al-Assad on Monday that its recent air strikes around Damascus did not aim to weaken him in the face of a more than two-year-old rebellion. Click here for the rest of the article…
Fierce Dissent Erupts Over Israel Chief Rabbi Post
The Foward Breaking News 6 May 2013 – Members of the right wing Jewish Home party are split over who to support in the race for Chief Rabbinate, with party leader Naftali Bennett strongly in favor of Rabbi David Stav, a founder of the religious Zionist organization, Tzohar. Click here for the rest of…
Israel Hits Back at Google Over ‘Palestine’ Search Engine Tag
The Foward Breaking News 5 May 2013 – A senior Israeli official accused Google on Monday of setting back Middle East peace hopes by putting the name “Palestine” under the banner of its search page for the Palestinian territories. (www.google.ps) Click here for the rest of the article…
Tunisia: Presidency of Republic Firmly Condemns “Coward Zionist Attack” Against Syria
allAfrica.com 6 May 2013 – [Tunis Afrique Presse]Carthage -The Presidency of the Republic firmly condemns “the coward Zionist attack” against Syria, considering that “the Israeli inclination to take advantage of the unstable situation in Syria confirms once more, Israel’s attempts to satisfy their territorial claims in the Arab region and destroy…
Tunisia: Ben Jaafer Condemns Israeli Raids Against Syria
allAfrica.com 6 May 2013 – [Tunis Afrique Presse]Tunis -President of the National Constituent Assembly (NCA) Mustapha Ben Jaafar condemned, on Sunday, any attack that targets the territorial integrity and sovereignty of Syria whatever its pretext”.
Algeria: Algerian Communication Minister Expresses Solidarity With Saharawi and Palestinian Journalists
allAfrica.com 6 May 2013 – [SPS]Algiers -The Algerian Communication Minister Mr. Mohamed Said has expressed Algeria media family’s solidarity with the struggle of journalists across the world for the defense of peoples’ freedom, especially in Western Sahara and Palestine.
Egypt: Govt Condemns Israeli Strike On Syria
allAfrica.com 6 May 2013 – [Aswat Masriya]Egypt condemned the Israeli attack on Syria, saying it a violation of international laws, said a statement by the Egyptian presidency on Sunday.
Syria rebel sarin claim downplayed
BBC 6 May 2013 – A UN inquiry seeks to distance itself from comments made by a member that there is evidence of the nerve gas sarin being used by Syrian rebels.
China hosts Netanyahu and Abbas
BBC 6 May 2013 – Palestinian leader Mahmoud Abbas and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu visit China for separate talks with top officials.
Hariri’s Posse: Taking Care of Business and Politics
Al-Akhbar News 6 May 2013 – Hariri lost a major security advisor when intelligence chief Wissam al-Hassan was assassinated in October 2012. (Photo: Marwan Tahtah) Hariri lost a major security advisor when intelligence chief Wissam al-Hassan was assassinated in October 2012. (Photo: Marwan Tahtah) Saad Hariri is hard-pressed to make a decision…
Israel demolishes structures, arrests 11 in West Bank raids
Al-Akhbar News 6 May 2013 – Israeli forces raided two areas in the village of Beit Ula west of Hebron early Monday, damaging agricultural land and destroying an electrical network and two water wells, local news reported. The soldiers also used four bulldozers to uproot around 2,000 olive, grape and almond trees…
Saudi Arabia beheads Syrian for smuggling narcotics
Al-Akhbar News 6 May 2013 – Saudi authorities beheaded a Syrian man on Monday after he was convicted of drug trafficking, the interior ministry said. Mohammed Khalaf was arrested “as he was smuggling a large amount of narcotic pills into the kingdom,” the ministry said in a statement published by the official…
Israel: Google’s recognition of Palestine “very problematic”
Al-Akhbar News 6 May 2013 – A boy opens the Palestinian homepage of Google’s search engine reading “Palestine” at an internet cafe in East Jerusalem on 3 May 2013. (Photo: AFP – Ahmad Gharabli) A senior Israeli official accused Google on Monday of setting back Middle East peace hopes by putting the…
Libya gunmen continue ministry sieges despite anti-Gaddafi law
Al-Akhbar News 6 May 2013 – Libyan protesters hold placards and banners during a demonstration in support of the “political isolation law” in Libya’s landmark Martyrs Square on 5 May 2013 in Tripoli, Libya. (Photo: AFP – Mahmud Turkia) Updated 12:36 pm: Gunmen on Monday demanded the Libyan government’s resignation as they…
Qatar condemns deadly convoy attack in Somalia
Al-Akhbar News 6 May 2013 – Security surround the area following a suicide attack on a government convoy in Mogadishu on 5 May 2013. (Photo: AFP) Updated 12:27 pm: Qatar has strongly condemned an al-Qaeda-linked suicide attack that targeted its officials in Somalia’s capital, in a statement on the official QNA news…
Syria rebel sarin claim downplayed
BBC 6 May 2013 – A UN inquiry seeks to distance itself from comments made by a member that there is evidence of the nerve gas sarin being used by Syrian rebels.
Iranians jailed for life in Kenya
BBC 6 May 2013 – Two Iranians are sentenced to life in prison by a Kenyan court following their conviction on terrorism-related charges.
Fan tackles Bieber during Dubai show
BBC 6 May 2013 – A member of the audience at Justin Bieber’s show in Dubai tackles the singer from behind while he is performing at a grand piano.
Saudis held over Tanzania attack
BBC 6 May 2013 – Eight people – including four Saudi nationals – are arrested over an explosion that killed two people at a church in the northern Tanzanian city of Arusha on Sunday, police say.
China hosts Netanyahu and Abbas
BBC 6 May 2013 – Palestinian leader Mahmoud Abbas and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu visit China for separate talks with top officials.
Articles
Librarians and Palestine
Ron Jacobs, CounterPunch 5/6/2013
An Interview with Vati Natarajan
This June, a delegation of librarians, archivists, and other library workers will travel to Palestine. They will connect with colleagues in library- and archive-related projects and institutions there, traveling as truth seekers and information skeptics, applying their experience in the form of skillshares and other types of joint work. Their hope is to shed light on Palestinian voices, refure various myths common in the West about Palestine, and bear witness to the destruction and appropriation of information. Furthermore, they will support efforts to preserve cultural heritage and archival materials (of all kinds) in Palestine. Upon their return, this delegation hopes to share the information and experience theywere able to appropriate on their trip.
In all their travels, they have stated that they will repsect the Palestinian civil society call for Boycott, Divestment, and Sanctions (BDS) against Israel and will not partner with any organization that violates this call.
Upon hearing of this venture, I emailed the organization with a few questions. What follows is my exchange with the group.
Ron Jacobs: What compelled/inspired you all to undertake this journey? Was there a specific report regarding the destruction of historical materials?
Librarians and Archivists for Palestine: We’re all librarians or archivists who have been involved with issues of knowledge production, circulation, access, and preservation across contexts and for many years. We’re also very much committed to the idea and practice of librarians and archivists as active members of justice movements, including Palestine…. more.. e-mail
No, We Can’t!
Uri Avnery, Arabic Media Internet Network (AMIN) 5/3/2013
AN AMBASSADOR is an honest man sent abroad to lie for the good of his country, a British statesman famously wrote some 400 years ago. That is true, of course, for all diplomats.
The question is whether the diplomat lies only to others, or also to himself.
I am asking this these days when I follow the arduous efforts of John Kerry, the new American foreign secretary, to jump-start the Israeli-Arab “peace process”.
Kerry seems to be an honest man. A serious man. A patient man. But does he really believe that his endeavors will lead anywhere?
TRUE, THIS week Kerry did achieve a remarkable success.
A delegation of Arab foreign ministers, including the Palestinian, met with him in Washington. They were led by the Qatari prime minister – a relative of the Emir, of course – whose country is assuming a more and more prominent role in the Arab world.
At the meeting, the ministers emphasized that the Arab Peace Initiative is still valid.
This initiative, forged 10 years ago by the then Saudi Crown Prince (and present King) Abdullah, was endorsed by the entire Arab League in the March 2002 Summit Conference in Beirut. Yasser Arafat could not attend, because Prime Minister Ariel Sharon announced that if he left the country, he would not be allowed to return. But Arafat officially accepted the initiative. more.. e-mail
Leaders-less Jerusalemites looking to Fayyad
Daoud Kuttab, Arabic Media Internet Network (AMIN) 5/2/2013
Palestinian residents of Jerusalem have been frustrated for years as they are caught between Israel’s unilateral decision to annex East Jerusalem and the inability of the Ramallah-based Palestinian leadership to help them.
Positive homegrown leadership in Jerusalem has not found a way forward due in part to the absence of any mechanism for electoral politics. Ever since the passing away of Faisal Husseini, no leader or leadership structure has emerged for the city Palestinians say will become their eventual capital. The leadership vacuum has not gone unnoticed by many, often by individuals seeking personal gain. While no single person or entity has emerged, scores of de facto groups and gatherings have emerged often around social groups or neighborhoods Some of these groups have done positive acts to advance their local communities, but others have made personal fortunes. The absence of the rule of law and a culture of voluntary national cooperation has played into the hands of these groups that have at times terrorised the population.
Decades old entities have not done much better as the absence of leadership has resulted in the creation of fiefdoms run by autocratic individuals who often seek Arab and international funding and rule their organisations on the basis of their ability to raise funds and pay salaries. Institutional corruption has skyrocketed because of the contradiction that exists in Jerusalem. On the one hand, Israel, which effectively rules the areas of East Jerusalem, is ambivalent about the state of Palestinians in the city; the Palestinian leadership in Ramallah and Gaza might be more caring, but is unable to implement any policy because of the Israeli repression against any activities stemming from the Palestinian leadership. The same contradiction also exists in terms of simple rule of law issues. If a Jerusalemite is wronged by another Jerusalemite or by a Palestinian institution he or she has little recourse. The prevailing atmosphere makes it politically incorrect to sue a fellow Palestinian or a Jerusalem institute at Israeli courts. Thus they are left with trying to plead their case with the Ramallah leadership. In Ramallah, there is a sense of apathy and exhaustion because of the many unresolved cases that come to them. Even if the Palestinian leadership rules in favour of a particular person, they are unable to execute that decision as they have been barred from having physical presence in the city. more.. e-mail
BBC accused of bias over Israel-Palestine
Samira Shackle, Middle East Monitor (MEMO) 4/30/2013
The BBC is well-used to accusations of bias from many quarters, not least on its coverage of the Israel-Palestine issue, where it appears unable to please anyone. More than 10,000 people have signed a change.org petition demanding that a public inquiry be held into the BBC’s pro-Israel bias. Four out of five Jews in Britain, an online poll reveals, believe that the national broadcaster is biased in favour of the Palestinians.
The argument over pro-Israel bias at the BBC has been reignited after a documentary due to be broadcast on Thursday 25th April was pulled suddenly from the schedules. “Jerusalem: An Archaeological Mystery Story” argued that there was no evidence for the claim of mass Jewish flight and exile from Jerusalem in 70AD. Several newspaper previews of the programme are available although the show was not broadcast. The Guardian, for example, said it was “likely to ruffle some feathers”. The Radio Times explained: “The exile of the Jewish people has played a central role in Christian and Jewish theology for nearly 2,000 years, even being mentioned in Israel’s national anthem and its declaration of independence. But what if the exile never actually happened?” The review continues that the documentary would have “severe ramifications for relations in the region”.
So why was the documentary pulled at such short notice? The BBC’s official line is weak, to say the least: “We originally acquired ‘Jerusalem: An Archaeological Mystery Story’ to supplement BBC Four’s season exploring the history of archaeology. However, we have decided that it doesn’t fit editorially and are no longer planning to show it as part of the season.”
The film’s Israeli-born director, Ilan Ziv, certainly disputes this account…. more.. e-mail
Graphic novels tell stories of Palestinian youths arrested on spurious grounds
Electronic Intifada: 6 May 2013 – One participant in Palestine Through Graphics was interrogated for 12 hours; her “crime” involved dropping a piece of paper in an Israeli-owned store.more
Syria: a Toast to Israeli State Terrorism
Palestine Chronicle: 6 May 2013 – By Julie Webb-Pullman While the United States peddled the threat of chemical weapon use to justify its arming of the ‘opposition’ in Syria, Israel destroyed a chemical research facility near Damascus which was allegedly developing such weapons – thus unleashing every single potentially-poisonous particle on the Syrian public. Thus guaranteeing that regardless of whether there actually were chemical weapons being developed or manufactured, regardless of whether the Assad regime actually was intending to use them against the Syrian people, the Syrian people now HAVE been exposed – and in a totally uncontrolled fashion – to not only the known toxic effects of whatever was in the facility, but also to the unknown effects of the random mixing of such chemicals under conditions of extreme heat, and their dissemination who knows how far, causing who knows what extent of environmental and health damage. Assad mustn’t be permitted to do it –…more
Truth-tellers and Justice-seekers, Don’t Forgive up!
Palestine Chronicle: 6 May 2013 – By Stuart Littlewood William Cook in his masterly way tells us not to give up even if “overwhelmed by darkness of the times”. And he reminds us that “sixty-five years ago this May 14, the world body admitted to its membership the state of Israel even as that self-declared state was in the process of invading, destroying and leveling 418 towns and villages owned by the people of Palestine who suffered death or expulsion out of their homeland to live without human rights anywhere in the world.” His eloquence is designed to stiffen the sinews. But some weary truth-tellers and justice-seekers simply don’t want their sinew stiffened any more. For years they’ve given the Palestine thing their best shot, their family life has suffered… and for what? With the 14th of May comes the realization that the crimes of the US-backed Israelis continue with impunity, encouraged and rewarded by those…more
More material available from Vermonters for a Just Peace in Palestine/Israel – www.vtjp.org
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The New Dark Age 
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