4 July 2013 — VTJP
News
International Middle East Media Center
Israel Denies Al-Eesawy Urgently Needed Medical Attention
IMEMC – The Hurryyat Legal Center has reported that the Israeli Prison Authority is denying Palestinian detainee, Samer Al-Eesawy, access to urgently needed medical attention and medications, and refuses to grant him medical checkups. …
Israel Claims Palestinian Group Responsible For Attack On Navy Ship
IMEMC – Israel TV, Channel 2, has reported that Palestinian fighters were behind the attack against an Israeli Navy ship, patrolling the Gaza shore on Wednesday at night. …
Soldiers Kidnap 19 Palestinians In West Bank
IMEMC – Dozens of Israeli soldiers invaded various districts in the occupied West Bank, and kidnapped 19 Palestinians, clashes have been reported. …
Israel: “Navy Ship Targeted Near Gaza”
IMEMC – The Israeli Radio has reported Thursday [July 4 2013] that several rounds of live ammunition have been fired, late on Wednesday at night, at an Israeli gunship near the Gaza Coast. …
340 Palestinians Kidnapped in June
IMEMC – The Palestinian Detainees Center for Studies issued its monthly report documenting Israeli violations in June, revealing that the army carried out more than 247 invasions into Palestinian communities in the West Bank, East Jerusalem and the Gaza Strip, and kidnapped more than 340 Palestinians. …
Israel detains 24 Palestinians across West Bank
7/5/2013 – BETHLEHEM (Ma’an) — The Israeli army said Thursday it had detained 24 Palestinians across the occupied West Bank in overnight raids. An army representative said three Palestinians were arrested in Yabad. Locals said an army force raided the village and detained Mohammad Abu Baker, Ezz al-Din Hirzallah, and Majde Ghazi Hirzallah. Israeli forces closed the entrance of the village, and raided several houses there….
Fatah: Israel targeting affiliates after 2 detained in Nablus
7/4/2013 – Nablus ( Ma’an) — Israeli forces detained two Palestinians from two villages in the northern West Bank district of Nablus on Thursday, during a military operation that Fatah says was aimed at it’s affiliates. Several homes were raided in the Talfit and Awarta villages in the presence of a large military force, a Fatah spokesman in Talfit told Ma’an. Fatah members….
Egypt unrest slows down Gaza construction
7/4/2013 – GAZA CITY (Ma’an) — Unrest in Egypt has slowed down construction in the Gaza Strip, which relies on building materials smuggled in through cross-border tunnels, a union official said Thursday. Israel only allows construction material into Gaza through its border for internationally-funded and approved projects, and this is the only building material available in Gaza since the tunnel trade slowed down, said Nabil Abu….
Prisoner’s medical condition deteriorates
7/4/2013 – RAMALLAH (Ma’an) — A Palestinian prisoner’s health is seriously deteriorating and Israel has transferred from hospital to a prison clinic, a lawyer said Wednesday. Motasem Radad was moved from Meir Hospital to Ramle prison clinic, Palestinian Prisoner Society lawyer Jawad Boulos said. Radad suffers several symptoms including hypertension and a weak immune system. Boulos blamed Radad’s deteriorating condition on the….
RSF urges Israel to release Palestinian photographer
7/4/2013 – BETHLEHEM (Ma’an) — Reporters Without Borders called Wednesday for the “immediate and unconditional” release of Mohamed al-Azza, a Palestinian photographer held without charge for three days. Soldiers detained Azza, 23, in a raid on Bethlehem’s Aida refugee camp on June 30. In April, Israeli forces shot al-Azza in the face with a rubber-coated steel bullet as he covered clashes between Israeli forces….
Israel to open Hebron road after 12-year closure
7/4/2013 – HEBRON (Ma’an) — Israel on Wednesday said it would reopen the Sadit al-Harayiq road in the southern West Bank district of Hebron after a 12-year closure, a Palestinian Authority liaison official said. Imad al-Natsheh said Israel would reopen the road on the first day of Ramadan, the holy Muslim month of fasting, which is due to begin on 9 July. The road, which….
Deported West Bank prisoner arrives in Gaza
7/4/2013 – GAZA CITY (Ma’an) – A Palestinian prisoner from the Bethlehem area arrived Thursday in Gaza City via the Erez crossing, after agreeing to a deportation deal with Israel. Iyad Abu Fanoun, 30, from Battir village near Bethlehem, was freed in a deal to release Israeli soldier Gilad Shalit, but Israel detained him again afterwards. He could have faced 20 years of his original sentence….
Abbas congratulates Adly Mansour on Egyptian presidency
7/4/2013 – RAMALLAH (Ma’an) — President Mahmoud Abbas on Thursday congratulated Adly Mansour on taking office as Egypt’s interim president following the overthrow of Mohammad Mursi.”By the name of the Palestinian people, and its leadership I congratulate the Egyptian leadership in this transitional phase of its history,” Abbas said, the official PA news site Wafa reported.”We ask God to help you to….
Abbas: Egypt events will not affect reconciliation
7/4/2013 – BEIRUT (Ma’an) – President Mahmoud Abbas said Thursday that the situation in Egypt would have little impact on efforts to reconcile Hamas and Fatah. Egyptian leaders have mediated between the two sides for years in an effort to reunite the occupied West Bank and Gaza Strip, which have remained under rival governments since 2007. Speaking at a news conference in Beirut, Abbas added that….
Gaza police uncover forgery network
7/4/2013 – GAZA CITY (Ma’an) — Police on Wednesday arrested two men in the northern Gaza Strip suspected of involvement in a network forging Israeli currency. Inspector Talal Ali said a suspect was arrested in the Shujaiyya neighborhood of Gaza City in possession of 20-million-shekels ($5. 5 million) of counterfeit 100-shekel notes. The suspect said he received the bills from another man, who police….
Police destroy 40 cars in Bethlehem village
7/4/2013 – BETHLEHEM (Ma’an) — Palestinian Authority security forces destroyed dozens of unlicensed vehicles and made several arrests on Wednesday in a village near Bethlehem. Police raided Nahalin at 6 a. m. for the start of an operation that police official Luay Izreqat said would continue for several days. Police impounded and destroyed 40 cars with Israeli license plates and arrested several people wanted on various charges, he added. [END]
Man dies in motorbike accident in central Gaza
7/4/2013 – GAZA CITY (Ma’an) — A 26-year-old man was killed early Thursday in a motorbike accident in the central Gaza Strip, the health ministry said. Mohammad Rmaiyeh Salim Abu Zayed crashed his motorbike while riding at high speed in Deir al-Balah, ministry spokesman Ashraf al-Qidra said. Abu Zayed was declared dead shortly after he was taken to Shifa Hospital in Gaza City. [END]
Car crash in Wadi al-Nar, several injured
7/4/2013 – BETHLEHEM (Ma’an) – Several Palestinians sustained injuries and bruises Wednesday afternoon in a traffic accident on the zigzag route east of Bethlehem known as Wadi al-Nar road. Witnesses told Ma’an that a private car and a service van collided not far from a major West Bank Israeli “Container” military checkpoint. The van had seven passengers and the driver, while four family members….
Man, 55, dies in fall from building near Ramallah
7/4/2013 – RAMALLAH (Ma’an) — A 55-year-old construction worker died on Thursday after falling from the fourth floor of a building near Ramallah, rescue services said. Abed al-Muti Mousa Jawhar died instantly when he fell while working at a building under construction in Beituniya village, the civil defense force said in a statement. [END]
Egy
pt ‘seeks arrest of Brotherhood’s top leaders’
7/5/2013 – CAIRO (AFP) — The authorities in Egypt issued an arrest warrant on Thursday for the Muslim Brotherhood’s supreme leader Mohammed Badie and his first deputy Khairat El-Shater, a judicial source told AFP. The two are wanted on charges of inciting the killing Sunday of protesters in front of the Muslim Brotherhood’s headquarters in Cairo’s southern neighborhood of Mokattam, the source….
World urges return to democracy in Egypt
7/5/2013 – LONDON (AFP) — World powers called on Thursday for a return to democracy in Egypt after the military ousted president Mohamed Mursi, but many took a pragmatic stance and stopped short of condemning the overthrow of the Islamist leader. The West walked a tightrope between concern at the situation and the need to acknowledge the popular anger that led to huge protests against Mursi, while Syria….
Security: Egypt arrests Brotherhood supreme leader
7/5/2013 – CAIRO (AFP) — Egyptian military police on Thursday arrested Muslim Brotherhood supreme guide Mohammed Badie, a security official said, as authorities rounded up members of the influential group from which ousted President Mohamed Mursi hails. Badie “was arrested in (the western city of) Marsa Matrouh at the request of the prosecution for inciting the killing of protesters,” the official told AFP. A judicial source told AFP….
World hedges bets on fall of Egypt’s president
7/5/2013 – LONDON (AFP) — World powers hedged their bets Thursday after the Egyptian military ousted president Mohamed Mursi, with calls for a return to democracy offset by a lack of condemnation of the overthrow of the Islamist leader. The United States and European Union both indicated that aid to Egypt would not immediately be affected while Russia and China hinted that they viewed events there as a….
Egypt rounds up Mursi’s Brotherhood leadership
7/5/2013 – CAIRO (AFP) — Egypt’s army rounded up the leadership of ousted president Mohamed Mursi’s Muslim Brotherhood on Thursday as a top judge took office after an abrupt end to the Islamist’s first year in power. Mursi’s government unravelled late on Wednesday after the army gave him a 48-hour ultimatum in the wake of massive demonstrations since June….
State media: Egypt orders arrest of 300 Islamists
7/4/2013 – CAIRO (AFP) — The Egyptian police has orders to arrest 300 leaders and members of Mohamed Morsi’s Muslim Brotherhood after the army deposed the Islamist president on Wednesday, the website of the official Al-Ahram newspaper reported early Thursday. A senior interior ministry official confirmed to AFP that arrest warrants had been issued for “Muslim Brotherhood members”, but provided no further details. Morsi’s….
New Egypt leader: little-known judge enthroned by coup
7/4/2013 – CAIRO (AFP) — Egypt’s new caretaker president Adly Mansour had been head of the Supreme Constitutional Court for just two days when the army named him leader of the Arab world’s most populous state. He takes the helm of a nation riven by deep divisions over the army’s ouster of its first freely elected president Mohamed Morsi following days of….
West calls for elections after Egypt’s Mursi ousted
7/4/2013 – PARIS (AFP) — Western powers called for restraint and a swift return to democracy in Egypt after the army on Wednesday toppled Islamist president Mohamed Mursi, detaining him and his top aides. The military said it had responded to mass demonstrations calling on Mursi to go, but the West expressed unease that Egypt’s first democratically elected leader had been overthrown after only a year….
Adly Mansour sworn in as Egypt’s interim president
7/4/2013 – CAIRO (AFP) — Egypt’s chief justice Adly Mansour was sworn in as the country’s interim president on Thursday, a day after the military ousted and detained Mohamed Mursi following days of massive protests.”I swear to preserve the system of the republic, and respect the constitution and law, and guard the people’s interests,” Mansour said as he took the oath….
Egypt army detains Mursi, rounds up Brotherhood leaders
7/4/2013 – CAIRO (AFP) — Egypt’s army was Thursday holding the country’s first democratically elected president Mohamed Mursi in detention, hours after abruptly forcing him out of office following days of deadly protests against his turbulent rule. A senior military officer told AFP the army was “preventively” holding Mursi, whose government unraveled after the army gave him a 48-hour ultimatum in the wake….
Gunmen shoot Egyptian security officer in Sinai
7/4/2013 – EL-ARISH, Egypt (Ma’an) — Unknown assailants shot and critically injured an Egyptian security officer in Sinai’s El-Arish on Thursday, a security source said. Gunmen shot Ahmad Yahya Salameh twice in the back as he drove on El-Arish Airport Road, an Egyptian security official told Ma’an. Salameh, a member of Egypt’s Central Security Forces, is in a critical condition at El-Arish General Hospital. [END]
NGO: Syria army renews assault on central Homs
7/4/2013 – BEIRUT (AFP) — Syrian warplanes bombed the central city of Homs on Thursday, with insurgents and troops battling on the ground as regime forces pressed an assault on rebel-held neighborhoods, an NGO said.”Warplanes carried out two raids against the Khaldiyeh neighborhood of Homs, and both Khaldiyeh and the Old City were under heavy rocket fire producing the sound of explosions and plumes of smoke,” the….
Assad: West sends ‘terrorists’ to Syria to be rid of them
7/4/2013 – DAMASCUS (AFP) — Syria’s President Bashar Assad accused the West of sending “takfiri terrorist groups” to his country as a way to get rid of them, in an interview with a Syrian daily published on Thursday. Western countries believe that “these takfiri (extremist) terrorist groups that have been a security concern for decades will come to Syria and be killed and that way they….
Abbas Congratulates Egypt’s New Interim Adly Mansour
Palestine News Network
Jewish Leaders Discuss Their Plans Against Al-Aqsa Mosque
Palestine News Network
Confrontations Erupt Between Settlers and Palestinians near Nablus
Palestine News Network
Reporters Without Borders Calls for Immediate Release of Palestinian Photographer Al-Azzeh
Palestine News Network
Index of Quantity of Industrial Production in Palestine Up, says Statistics Bureau
Palestine News Network
ADWAR Completes Training Program of “Pioneers to Reduce the Women Killing Phenomeno” Project
Palestine News Network
“My Hope is That My Children Will One Day Be Allowed to Visit Their Father”
Palestine News Network
Arabs Need a US-Like First Amendment
Palestine News Network
“State Building”: Fayyadism, Liberalism and Globalisation
Palestine News Network
Report: While Israel is Talking About Peace
Palestine News Network
International Solidarity Movement
Arrested at Nabi Saleh, Rana Nazzal speaks out for Palestinian political prisoners
7/4/2013 – International Solidarity Movement – 4th July 2013, International Solidarity Movement, Ramallah Team, Ramallah, Occupied Palestine – On the 28th of June 2013 two Palestinian activists were arrested in the village of Nabi Saleh during the village’s Friday demonstration. Both are currently released on bail and awaiting further charges by prosecutors who are calling for harsh sentences for their participation in a nonviolent demonstration against the Israeli occupation. Nariman….
Jordan: UNRWA e-health to replace paper records
Relief Web 4 Jul 2013 – Source: UN Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East Country: Jordan, occupied Palestinian territory Amman A new E-health system is replacing paper medical records with electronic patient files, making life easier for both staff and patients….
Egypt: Inclusive dialogue key to overcoming crisis in Egypt – UN chief
Relief Web 4 Jul 2013 – Source: UN News Service Country: Afghanistan, Egypt, occupied Palestinian territory, Syrian Arab Republic 4 July 2013 – Appealing once again to the people of Egypt to exercise restraint and pursue inclusive dialogue, United Nations Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon today expressed serious…
occupied Palestinian territory: BADIL Newsletter April – June 2013
Relief Web 4 Jul 2013 – Source: BADIL Resource Center for Palestinian Residency and Refugee Rights Country: occupied Palestinian territory (extract) Youth Education and Activation Project (YEAP) Third Initiative-Campaign against Forced Population Transfer (FPT): The YEAP participants joined BADIL, the FPT Coalition and the marginalized populations…
occupied Palestinian territory: The EU, the Netherlands and Sweden contribute €18.9 million to the Palestinian Authority’s payment of June salaries and pensions
Relief Web 4 Jul 2013 – Source: European Union Country: occupied Palestinian territory Press Release PR/20/2013 Jerusalem Today the European Union has contributed approximately €18.9 million to the payment of the salaries and pensions for June of nearly 75,000 Palestinian civil servants and pensioners in the…
Accountant cashing in Dh500,000 attacked in pepper spray robbery, Dubai court hears
The National 6 Jul 2013 – An accountant taking more than half a million dirhams to the bank was stabbed and pepper sprayed by gang who made off with the money, court hears.
Egyptian military detains Morsi, arrests Muslim Brotherhood leaders
The National 4 Jul 2013 – Interim leader Adly Al Mansour says the dramatic removal of Egypt’s first freely elected president has ‘corrected the path of its glorious revolution’, as he vows to include all Egyptians, including the Brotherhood, in a national reconciliation initiative. Bradley Hope reports from Cairo
Jubilation over Morsi’s ouster may be short-lived
The National 4 Jul 2013 – Unilaterally removing Mr Morsi and arresting many of his allies in the Muslim Brotherhood threaten to stir up more animosity and violence. Analysis from Bradley Hope in Cairo
GCC sets up panels for Hizbollah sanctions
The National 4 Jul 2013 – GCC forms panels to oversee sanctions against Lebanese Shiite movement’s interests in the region, as a penalty for the group’s involvement in Syria. Elizabeth Dickinson reports
Ambitious plan to develop all aspects of Emirati art and culture launched
The National 4 Jul 2013 – Sheikh Nahyan bin Mubarak, Minister of Culture, Youth and Community Development, outlined his vision to support the country’s artists, writers and intellectuals by integrating them into the cultural development of the UAE.
Morsi’s removal raises eyebrows in Arab Spring countries
The National 4 Jul 2013 – All eyes have been glued on Tahrir Square from Arab Spring countries, where Morsi’s overthrow can be seen as a death sentence for a dream of regional democracy or the beginning of a second round of rebirths. Alice Fordham reports from Tunis
UAE cracks down on human trafficking
The National 4 Jul 2013 – At the launch yesterday of an awareness campaign aimed at all travellers, Dr Anwar Gargash, Minister of State for Foreign Affairs and head of the National Committee to Combat Human Trafficking, opened an anti-trafficking office at Terminal 3.
UAE plans to cut environmental toll of progress
The National 4 Jul 2013 – Progress UAE: From establishing clean energy targets to setting up protected areas, Government authorities are working hard to reduce the environmental toll of economic development.
Poll highlights Palestinians’ mistrust of Kerry, Netanyahu and even Abbas
Ha’aretz – 4 Jul 2013
Fireworks, flattery and fast food at U.S. envoy’s July 4 party
Ha’aretz – 4 Jul 2013
Israeli and U.S. scientists use electric shock to halt arterial bleeding
Ha’aretz – 4 Jul 2013
Tel Aviv hired private eyes to investigate 13,000 residents who owe it money
Ha’aretz – 4 Jul 2013
Supreme Court focuses on cash-filled envelopes in appeal against Olmert’s acquittal
Ha’aretz – 4 Jul 2013
Website removes alleged remarks by prospective Sephardi chief rabbi urging violent action against secular Jews
Ha’aretz – 4 Jul 2013
Israeli security strip-search Arab journalist at U.S. July 4 party
Ha’aretz – 4 Jul 2013
Strike at Israeli Foreign Ministry threatens to prevent athletes attending ‘Jewish Olympics’
Ha’aretz – 4 Jul 2013
Fresh doubt over ailing Israeli daily Maariv after cofunders decide to stop bankrolling newspaper
Ha’aretz – 4 Jul 2013
Former Israeli envoy in Cairo: Egypt’s problems are chronic disease
Ha’aretz – 4 Jul 2013
Palestinians: Kerry close to getting Israeli-PA peace talks back on track
Ha’aretz – 4 Jul 2013
Israel keeps low-profile on Egypt crisis, focuses on security concerns
Ha’aretz – 4 Jul 2013
Jerusalem bus companies decide to ban all ads featuring people – men or women
Ha’aretz – 4 Jul 2013
Israeli TV program sneaks 3-D printed pistol into Knesset without being detected
Ha’aretz – 4 Jul 2013
Confusion and uncertainty ahead of civics matriculation exams
Ha’aretz – 4 Jul 2013
Egyptian state TV: Islamist gunmen attack Sinai airport
Jerusalem Post 4 Jul 2013 – Attackers fire rocket-propelled grenades at Egyptian army checkpoints close to border with Gaza, Israel; unclear if attacks response to Morsi ouster; blasts heard in Eilat earlier, prompting fear of rocket attack.
Palestinian passports rejected by citizens
Jerusalem Post 4 Jul 2013 – Last year, the United Nations recognized “Palestine” as a non-member state, but many of its citizens say it doesn’t make traveling easier.
Fatah calls on Palestinians to overthrow Hamas in wake of Morsi’s fall
Jerusalem Post 4 Jul 2013 – Fatah expresses hope that the ouster of Morsi will aid efforts to end divisions among the Palestinians.
US universities representatives tour Israel’s higher education institutions
Jerusalem Post 4 Jul 2013 – Delegation visits Israel with goal of investigating opportunities for bilateral academic partnerships with Israeli institutions.
Coalition sets up internal religions and state forum
Jerusalem Post 4 Jul 2013 – The forum, proposed by Deputy Minister for Religious Services Eli Ben-Dahan, aims to solve government disputes.
Indictment nears in Bar Noar case, as police finish investigation
Jerusalem Post 4 Jul 2013 – Prosecutors on verge of issuing double murder charge against suspected trigger man Hagai Felician.
Mob boss Domrani arrested – for forging a traffic ticket
Jerusalem Post 4 Jul 2013 – Elusive police target Shalom Domrani will face charges of aggravated counterfeiting and fraud, among other charges.
In Arab World, Egypt upheaval elicits both praise and censure
Jerusalem Post 4 Jul 2013 – Gulf Arabs greet Egypt’s new leader, Turkey slams ‘coup.’
Egypt’s Brotherhood won’t work with ‘usurper’ gov’t
Jerusalem Post 4 Jul 2013 – Brotherhood calls on protesters to show “self restraint” after turbulent 24-hours in which Morsi overthrown, at least 14 killed.
Israeli ‘Madoff’ sentenced to 12 year in prison on NIS 57 m. fraud scheme
Jerusalem Post 4 Jul 2013 – Eran Mizrahi, convicted of a fraud involving millions, will also have pay half a million shekel in fines and to the victims.
White House calls for swift return to civilian rule in Egypt
Jerusalem Post 4 Jul 2013 – Islamists call for protests after Brotherhood officials arrested.
Peres meets a lady on the cusp of her 100th birthday
Jerusalem Post 4 Jul 2013 – Holocaust survivor Mira Shoval, turning 100 in September, receives the visit of a life time: President Shimon Peres.
ElBaradei favored to head transitional Egypt gov’t
Jerusalem Post 4 Jul 2013 – Source close to military high command says former IAEA chief favored due to his popularity, int’l prominence.
Former IDF chief: Morsi’s fall doesn’t pose immediate danger to Israel
Jerusalem Post 4 Jul 2013 – Ashkenazi says Egyptian army is too busy with domestic concerns to pose any threat to Israel, but warns situation in Egypt is still volatile; Hanegbi hopeful Morsi’s ouster could strengthen future diplomatic ties with Cairo.
Syria’s Assad says only foreign invasion can threaten him
Jerusalem Post 4 Jul 2013 – In interview with state newspaper, Syrian president says only factor that can undermine regime’s resilience is direct intervention.
UN human rights official urges end to Gaza blockade
Jerusalem Post 4 Jul 2013 – in UN report, James Rawley says that continuing embargo will seriously harm the “livelihoods of families in Gaza.”
WATCH: Jerusalem Mayor wishes JPost readers a happy 4th of July
Jerusalem Post 4 Jul 2013 – Nir Barkat thanks Americans and Canadians for their ‘unconditional support, friendship and love.’
Prosecution says Olmert’s conduct ‘blacker than black’
Jerusalem Post 4 Jul 2013 – Arguments in state’s appeal of former PM’s acquittals in J’lem corruption trial conclude; Defense: actions not pretty, but not criminal.
Kotel gunman asked other guards if they would pay him to shoot Ben-Shalush
Jerusalem Post 4 Jul 2013 – Suspect charged with murder after shooting man at Western Wall.
Mansour sworn in as Egyptian head of state; Morsi held by army; at least 14 killed in clashes
Jerusalem Post 4 Jul 2013 – Hundreds wounded as Morsi supporters and opponents clash across the country; Mansour says he plans to hold elections, does not say when; US to mull cutting off Egypt’s military aid; Muslim Brotherhood leader, deputy arrested.
Syria rebels meets to find leader, proves ready for arms
Jerusalem Post 4 Jul 2013 – Opposition leaders hold meeting to show stability to West, and prove that they can be trusted with advanced weapons.
Analysis: The spring that never came
Jerusalem Post 3 Jul 2013 – Two years ago the world was ecstatic over Mubarak’s fall, and now the same has happened Islamist leader Mohamed Morsi.
Top Judge Sworn in as Egypt Interim President
IPS Top judge Mansour has been sworn in as Egypt’s interim president, hours after Mohamed Morsi was overthrown in a military coup following huge protests against his one-year rule. Adly Mansour took the oath of interim president on Thursday, as his democratically elected predecessor, Morsi, was held in an unspecified military…
U.S. Walks Tightrope in Wake of Egypt Coup
IPS Protests have been building against Morsi in Cairo since last summer. Credit: Gigi Ibrahim/cc by 2.0 Wednesday’s coup d’etat against the elected government of Egyptian President Mohamed Morsi has placed the administration of President Barack Obama in an uncomfortable position on a number of fronts. Most immediately, it will be…
Egyptian Lawyer and Women’s Rights Advocate Wins RFK Award
IPS Ragia Omran. Credit: Lilian Wagdy/cc by 2.0 A prominent human rights organisation based here announced Tuesday that its annual award for 2013 would go to Ragia Omran, an Egyptian lawyer and women’s rights activist. “With dedication and courage, Ms. Omran is often the first to arrive on the scene at…
Meet Catherine Ashton, Tony Blair’s pro-Israel proxy in the EU
Uruknet
Whitewashing Apartheid: Israel’s Dirty Water
Uruknet
Whistleblower Russell Tice Tells More
Uruknet
Egyptian Intelligence Collaborated with Mossad in Sinai Kidnapping
Uruknet
Video :Abu Ghraib: A justice denied
Uruknet
Israeli Forces Brutally Assault, Arrest Palestinian Photographer Mohammed Al-Azzeh
Uruknet
A visit to Al-Araqib, the desert village that refuses to be erased
Uruknet
Americans Get Away with Murder and Torture in Iraq
Uruknet
Nelson Mandela: what Anwar al-Awlaki and Barack Obama have in common?
Uruknet
Blasts heard near Israel-Egypt border: police
Daily Star 4 Jul 2013 Several explosions were heard Thursday night in the Israeli Red Sea resort of Eilat near the Egyptian border, a police spokesman said, adding that the source of the blasts was not known.
Army intervention gives ElBaradei a second bite at the apple
Daily Star 4 Jul 2013 He has no army pedigree, lived in the West for decades and has criticized successive rulers of Egypt, from Hosni Mubarak and the generals who replaced him to the now-ousted Islamist president, Mohammad Mursi.
Hollande urges democratic process in Egypt
Daily Star 4 Jul 2013 French President Francois Hollande said on Thursday that everything must be done to restore the democratic process in Egypt, on a visit to Tunisia.
Egypt Islamists call for ‘Friday of rejection’ against coup
Daily Star 4 Jul 2013 An Islamist coalition led by the Muslim Brotherhood appealed to Egyptians on Thursday to demonstrate across the nation in a “Friday of Rejection” against a military coup that ousted elected President Mohamed Mursi.
Tunisian rulers bemoan ‘military intervention’ in Egypt
Daily Star 4 Jul 2013 Tunisia, birthplace of the Arab Spring pro-democracy uprisings, criticized Thursday the Egyptian army’s removal of elected president Mohammad Mursi as a coup against legitimacy.
Egypt arrests Brotherhood supreme leader: security
Daily Star 4 Jul 2013 Egyptian military police arrested Muslim Brotherhood supreme guide Mohammed Badie, a security official tells AFP, as authorities rounded up members of the influential group from which ousted president Mohamed Mursi hails.
National security team briefs Obama on Egypt
YNet News, 4 Jul 2013 – ….
Iceland lawmakers discuss citizenship for Snowden
YNet News, 4 Jul 2013 – ….
Eilat: Infant hit by car Wednesday succumbs to wounds
YNet News, 4 Jul 2013 – ….
African Union likely to suspend Egypt in wake of overthrow
YNet News, 4 Jul 2013 – ….
Rights groups decry Egypt media crackdown
YNet News, 4 Jul 2013 – ….
Israel in denial
YNet News, 4 Jul 2013 – Op-ed: New reality in Egypt supposedly justifies political idleness; in fact, opposite must be done ….
Palestinian Information Center
Military coup won’t solve Egypt’s problems
PIC – The latest coup is bad news for democracy, and bad news for Egypt. Egypt after the coup will be more dictatorial, less democratic, more unstable and much poorer than already is.
Occupation suppresses a peaceful march, south of Bethlehem
PIC – Israeli forces on Thursday afternoon suppressed a peaceful march in al-Khader village, in Bethlehem, organized in protest at the participation of opening a settlement road built on the town’s lands.
24 thousand newborns in Gaza during the first half of the year
PIC – Official sources in the Gaza Strip reported that the number of newborns for the first half of the current year amounted to more than 24 thousand, while the total number of cases deaths reached 2051.
Ministry of Interior: Rafah crossing open for humanitarian cases
PIC – Ministry of Interior in Gaza announced that the Rafah crossing is open on Thursday to humanitarian cases, patients, students and those holding residence permits abroad or foreign passports.
Prisoner Hadil Abu Turki released
PIC – The Israeli authorities have released the female prisoner Hadil Abu Turki, 18, from al-Khalil after spending a whole year in Hasharon prison.
Occupation claims one of its gunboats came under fire in Gaza waters
PIC – An Israeli occupation gunboat came under fire off Gaza coast on Thursday morning according to occupation sources.
Hamas: PA’s apparatuses kidnapped 77 citizens in June
PIC – According to a report issued by Hamas movement, the PA security apparatuses assassinated a citizen hours after kidnapping him, and arrested 77 Hamas affiliates in the West Bank over the past month.
The occupation sentences to jail 5 Jerusalemite youths
PIC – The Israeli Magistrate’s Court sentenced on Wednesday 5 Jerusalemite youths from the town of Silwan to jail.
Arab MKs Zoabi and Ghattas to be questioned
PIC – The Israeli government’s legal advisor has given the Israeli police the green light to interrogate Arab MKs Hanin Zoabi and Basil Ghattas under the pretext of incitement against Rev. Jubrail Nadaf.
Health deterioration of Motassem Radad
PIC – The health condition of the patient prisoner Motassem Radad has noticeably deteriorated after being transferred from Meir hospital to Ramle prison hospital to conduct medical tests, the PPS said.
India Grants PA $1M in Budget Support
WAFA – 4 Jul 2013
Statistics Bureau: Index of Industrial Production Quantity Up in May 2013
WAFA – 4 Jul 2013
Abbas Congratulates Egypt’s New Interim President Adly Mansour
WAFA – 4 Jul 2013
Israeli Soldiers Arrest 13 Palestinians, including Student, in West Bank
WAFA – 4 Jul 2013
Egypt military cracks down on Muslim Brotherhood
LA Times 4 Jul 2013 – A day after the coup that toppled Egyptian President Mohamed Morsi, Egypt’s army arrests key leaders of the Muslim Brotherhood. Anger among Islamists grows. CAIRO — Prosecutors arrested officials of the Muslim Brotherhood in a nationwide crackdown to weaken the world’s most influential Islamist organization,…
After Mohamed Morsi, future of Egypt’s Rebel movement is uncertain
LA Times 4 Jul 2013 – Ahmed Abdu, co-founder of Egypt’s Rebel youth movement, says the group isn’t eager to jump into politics after ousting Mohamed Morsi. CAIRO — Just a few weeks ago they were dismissed as “those kids from Rebel.” But after mobilizing mass demonstrations that toppled Egypt’s government,…
Coup in Egypt: Despair turns to anger among Morsi’s supporters
LA Times 4 Jul 2013 – CAIRO — Despair turned to rage Thursday among supporters of ousted Egyptian President Mohamed Morsi as they gathered at Cairo’s Rabaa al Adawiya mosque, speaking of dark conspiracies at play against the Muslim Brotherhood and chanting “Down with military rule.”
Israel: Cameraman Held at U.S. Party
New York Times 4 Jul 2013 – The Alhurra network said one of its cameramen was strip-searched by Israeli security while covering a Fourth of July party at the American ambassador’s residence.
Morsi Aides Arrested in Widening Sweep
New York Times 4 Jul 2013 – As prosecutors arrested dozens of top Muslim Brotherhood members, a senior Egyptian jurist was sworn in as acting head of state.
A Coup? Or Something Else? $1.5 Billion in U.S. Aid Is on the Line
New York Times 4 Jul 2013 – President Obama seems content to let a debate play out in hopes of using the possibility of an aid cutoff to influence the situation without actually pulling the trigger yet.
The Lede: Updates on Egypt’s Transition
New York Times 4 Jul 2013 – Videos, photos and updates from social media as Egyptians react to the ouster of President Mohamed Morsi.
Prominent Egyptian Liberal Says He Sought West’s Support for Uprising
New York Times 4 Jul 2013 – Mohamed ElBaradei, Egypt’s most prominent liberal, said he told Western leaders that the forced removal of President Mohamed Morsi was necessary.
Syrian Leader Is Jubilant At Morsi’s Fall
New York Times 4 Jul 2013 – The Syrian president, Bashar al-Assad, sees the ouster of Mohamed Morsi as a vindication of his government’s fight against the two-year Syrian uprising.
Ouster of Egyptian Leader Draws Divided Response
New York Times 4 Jul 2013 – The reactions of Egypt’s neighbors and partners largely reflected their own perceptions of the threats they face at home from either militant Islam or their armed forces.
Enlight, Noy Fund acquire 2 SunPower projects
Globes Energy & Water – The 10-megawatt photovoltaic energy projects are located at Mivtachim and Talme Bilu in the western Negev.
Israel fears US may suspend Egyptian aid
Globes Main News – Israel is concerned that cutting US aid to Egypt because of a military coup could jeopardize the peace treaty.
Fraudster Eran Mizrahi jailed for 12 years
Globes Main News – Mizrahi was also ordered to pay his victims NIS 258,000 each; he plans to appeal.
Teva’s insurer denies coverage for Pfizer suit
Globes Main News – Illinois Union Insurance claims that it does not have to cover the payout on the grounds that it was never properly notified of the suit.
Thu: Tel Aviv 25 Index up 0.5% on week
Globes Main News – Stocks ended the week on an upbeat, with Gazit-Globe, Teva, Israel Corporation and Bezeq leading the rise.
Dankner turned down $400m loan offer
Globes Main News – The offer, by US private equity firms KKR and Prudence Holdings, was at an interest rate of Libor plus 9.5%.
IAI chairman Baharav steps down early
Globes Aerospace & Defense – Dov Baharav is leaving two years into a three-year term, after failing to privatize Israel Aerospace Industries.
Egypt’s Coup
Tikun Olam – No sooner do you write something you think may be definitive in terms of expressing your views about a particular Middle Eastern country, than circumstances change radically and you must revise your thinking entirely. Egypt’s generals overthrow the country’s democratically-elected president A few days ago, I…
Never mind the coup: U.S. military aid will continue to flow to Egypt
Mondoweiss – Egyptians celebrated in the street after the military deposed Mohamed Morsi from power. (Photo via CBS News) After the Egyptian military deposed former President Mohamed Morsi from power, the conversation in the U.S. quickly turned to this question : would military aid be cut off to the…
A visit to the grave of mass-murderer Baruch Goldstein
Mondoweiss – Commenters on the conflict often speak of the grave of Baruch Goldstein, the Jewish extremist who gunned down 29 Muslims inside the Mosque of Ibrahim in Hebron in 1994. Jeff Klein recently visited the grave. This account appeared on his site, At a slight angle to…
Celebrating Morsi’s ouster is easy, naive and shortsighted
Mondoweiss – Marc H. Ellis – Mohamed Morsi is out. Egypt’s revolution is over. The army has returned. Did it ever leave? With Morsi deposed, the halcyon days of Hosni Mubarak’s ouster are long past – even if the time frame is short. The Arab Spring has devolved into coup d’états and civil wars….
David Brooks welcomes ‘Enrique Cohen-Chan’ diversity
Mondoweiss – Last week the conservative New York Times columnist David Brooks wrote a piece that documented America’s growing diversity, expressed some “anxiety” about it, but celebrated it in the end: Because high immigration is taking place at a time of unprecedentedly low ethnic hostility, we’re seeing high rates…
America’s increasing diversity is nurturing the BDS movement
Mondoweiss – Columbia student representatives from a wide array of organizations show their support for a divestment campaign (Photo courtesy of Columbia SJP) The current and future battle over the boycott, divestment and sanctions (BDS) movement will be decided by America’s changing demographic face. That much is clear…
Egyptian Female Wrestler Bites Israeli Opponent
The Foward Breaking News 4 Jul 2013 – An Egyptian wrestler who bit her Israeli opponent during competition was suspended by wrestling’s international body. Click here for the rest of the article…
Egypt Leader Adli Mansour Takes Power Amid Anti-Morsi Crackdown
The Foward Breaking News 4 Jul 2013 – Egypt’s prosecutor ordered the arrest of the Muslim Brotherhood’s leader on Thursday, widening a crackdown against the Islamist movement after the army ousted the country’s first democratically elected president. Click here for the rest of the article…
On Morning After Coup, Israel Plays Wait-and-See in Egypt
The Foward Breaking News 4 Jul 2013 – Israel’s government avoided any show of satisfaction on Thursday over the ouster of Egypt’s Mohamed Mursi, an Islamist president who alarmed many in the Jewish state but quickly made clear he would not renege on a peace treaty. Click here for the rest of the article……
Settlers and Palestinians Alike Spew Sewage in Fragile West Bank
The Forward New 4 Jul 2013 – Jewish settlers and the Palestinians profess their deep love for the land of the West Bank. But both groups ignore its fragile environment by spewing sewage — with no solution in sight. Click here for the rest of the article…
Egypt army allows ‘peaceful protest’
BBC 4 Jul 2013 – Egypt’s army says it will guarantee the right to peaceful protest amid calls for rallies by supporters of ousted President Mohammed Morsi.
Anti-Racism in Kuwaiti Elections
Al-Akhbar Blogs 4 Jul 2013 – When Kuwait’s constitutional court ruled in favor of the emir’s amendment of the voting law, supporting minorities were used as a reason. The debate over the validity and practicality of the one-vote law (instead of the older law that allows four votes for each citizen) is…
A Warning Against Exaggerated Hopes in Egypt
Al-Akhbar Opinion 4 Jul 2013 – An Egyptian man, bearing a toy tank on his head, holds a cross and a copy of the Koran, Islam’s holy book, as people gather in Cairo’s landmark Tahrir square after a night of celebrations following the toppling of ousted Egyptian president Mohamed Morsi on 4…
Shepherds kidnapped by Israel return to Lebanon
Al-Akhbar News 4 Jul 2013 – The United Nations Interim Forces in South Lebanon (UNIFIL) transferred two Lebanese shepherds back to their country on Wednesday, a day after they were kidnapped by Israeli forces, the Lebanese National News Agency reported. The two men, Youssef Mohammed Zahra and Youssef Hussein al-Rahil, were kidnapped…
Confessed Killer of Rafik Hariri Released From Prison
Al-Akhbar News 4 Jul 2013 – Both men have benefited from a recent decision to shorten the prison year in Lebanon from 12 to 9 months. (Photo: Marwan Tahtah) Both men have benefited from a recent decision to shorten the prison year in Lebanon from 12 to 9 months. (Photo: Marwan Tahtah)…
The Muslim Brotherhood’s Deadly Mistakes
Al-Akhbar News 4 Jul 2013 – Supporters of the Muslim Brotherhood and ousted Egyptian president Mohamed Morsi are prevented from gathering outside the Supreme Constitutional Court building by Egyptian police special forces after the swearing in ceremony of newly appointed interim president Adly Mansour on 4 July 2013 in Cairo. (Photo: AFP…
Lebanon military judge files charges against Assir and followers
Al-Akhbar News 4 Jul 2013 – A file picture taken on 27 July 2012, shows Lebanese Salafi sheikh Ahmed al-Assir, left, holding the hand of Lebanese singer Fadel Shaker during a small concert where he sang Muslim hymns in the southern city of Sidon. (Photo: AFP – Mahmoud Zayyat) Charges were filed…
UAE rearrests two civil society activists a day after acquittal
Al-Akhbar News 4 Jul 2013 – The United Arab Emirates’ secret services arrested and detained two activists Wednesday, a day after they were acquitted by an Emirati court, an NGO told Al-Akhbar . Ahmad al-Hammadi and Mohammed al-Shaami were part of the “UAE 94,” a diverse group of doctors, academics, lawyers, judges and…
Al-Nahda leader dismisses Tunisian Tamarod movement
Al-Akhbar News 4 Jul 2013 – Tunisians shout slogans against the ruling al-Nahda Party during a protest in front of the Constituent Assembly on 1 July 2013 in Tunis. (Photo: AFP – Fethi Belaid) The leader of Tunisia’s ruling al-Nahda party ruled out a scenario in his country similar to the recent…
Lebanon: Countdown to Tripoli Militants’ Retreat
Al-Akhbar Politics 3 Jul 2013 – The sources went on to say that the army’s actions in Saida and Tripoli would not ha
ve been possible either without international “counter-terrorism” cover. (Photo: Adel Karoum) The sources went on to say that the army’s actions in Saida and Tripoli would not have been possible…
Egypt’s “Edge of the Abyss” Scenario
Al-Akhbar Politics 3 Jul 2013 – Egyptian protesters calling for the ouster of President Mohamed Morsi gather in Cairo’s landmark Tahrir Square on 2 July 2013 as laser lights directed at the government building spell “18 hours” in Arabic in reference to the warning on 1 July by the armed forces. (Photo:…
Egypt army allows ‘peaceful protest’
BBC 4 Jul 2013 – Egypt’s army says it will guarantee the right to peaceful protest amid calls for rallies by supporters of ousted President Mohammed Morsi.
Articles
The ongoing humiliation of Palestinian prisoners
Ramona Wadi, Middle East Monitor (MEMO) 7/4/2013
While international outrage over the plight of Samer Issawi has abated considerably, after the agreement between Israeli and Palestinian officials which terminated his hunger strike, the deterioration of other Palestinian prisoners’ health has received scant attention in the mainstream media. A recent United Nations report highlights Israel’s human rights violations in this regard, prompting the organisation to voice repetitive and ineffective “concern” over its dehumanising practices.
The mild expression of “concern” escalating to “alarming” in reference to the detention of Palestinian prisoners, fails to hold Israel accountable for neglecting its obligations as the occupying power. Instead, the report focuses on the well known violations which have diverted attention away from the repercussions of such abuses, while attempting to portray obscene routine torture as a novelty.As administrative detention continues to pose a major issue for Palestinian prisoners, the hunger strikes and medical neglect have been relegated to the sidelines in the media. Human rights activists have continued to shed light upon the precarious health conditions and ongoing hunger strikes, but acknowledgement has failed to reach the epic proportions generated by Samer Issawi and Ayman Sharawna. Issawi has continued to feature in regular updates, the latest affirming Israel’s refusal to conduct appropriate medical tests; a sign of intentional medical negligence.
It is perhaps time to shift attention to other Palestinian political prisoners whose resistance tactics have caused severe retaliation by the Israelis. Hussam Matar, a life sentence prisoner on hunger strike, has been prohibited from receiving family visits. Fawaz Abdeen has been refused medication since 2003. Shadi Fouad al-Qar’an has been given painkillers for severe abdominal pain, most likely caused by a tumour. Ayham Kamamji, sentenced to life imprisonment in 2006, has been refused health tests despite a disorder which is causing his body to fade away. Nour Jabir, from Hebron, has also been refused medical treatment and given painkillers as an alternative, despite severe pain in his bowels and chest. Adel Shanyour is in need of eye surgery, which the prison administration continues to deny…. more.. e-mail
Deputy Mayor of Jerusalem opposes ’My Name is Rachel Corrie’ production at the Khan Theatre in Jerusalem
Amelia Smith, Middle East Monitor (MEMO) 7/1/2013
Over the past few weeks, Jerusalem’s deputy Mayor David Hadari has been busy writing letters. First he outlined a proposal to market 900 new housing units in an illegal settlement in East Jerusalem and sent it to the City Finance Committee. Then he wrote to the Hadari Appropriation Committee and asked them to pull the plug on thousands of dollars of annual funding usually reserved for the Khan Theatre in Jerusalem.
Hadari is not happy with the Playhouse’s decision to show ‘My Name is Rachel Corrie.’ The production commemorates the peace activist’s life, who was demonstrating against the demolition of a house in Gaza when she was killed by an Israeli armoured bulldozer in 2003. Corrie was wearing a florescent orange jacket, holding a megaphone, and was just 23 years old when she died.
The play recreates the story of her life, from the messy bedroom where she spent part of her childhood in Olympia, Washington, to a bullet marked set depicting Gaza in Palestine where she spent two months as a member of the International Solidarity Movement. Actual emails sent between her and her parents are recited, as is an eyewitness account of her death.
The original writing used for the play was edited by actor Alan Rickman and Guardian deputy editor Katharine Viner. The piece itself scooped up the Theatregoer’s Choice Awards for best director (also Rickman), Best New Play and Best Solo Performance which went to Megan Dodds who played Rachel in the early version. Rachel’s writing has been reproduced globally in Arabic, Hebrew, French, Spanish and Italian.
Despite the popular screenings and glowing reviews ‘My Name is Rachel Corrie’ has received across the world, predictably the incident with the Khan Theatre is not the first time the performance has been contested. In March 2006 it was set to be shown at the New York Theater Workshop, but was postponed ‘until further notice’ due to its political content. more.. e-mail
The Next Jerusalem: Potential Futures of the Urban Fabric
Francesco Chiodelli, Jerusalem Quarterly File 7/2/2013
Spring 2013
Introduction
Since the beginning of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, the city of Jerusalem has been the subject of a number of transformations that have radically changed its urban structure. Both the Israe
lis and the Palestinians have implemented different spatial measures in pursuit of their disparate political aims. However, it is the Israeli authorities who have played the key role in the process of the “political transformation” of the Holy City’s urban fabric, with the occupied territories of East Jerusalem, in particular, being the object of Israeli spatial action. Their aim has been the prevention of any possible attempt to re-divide the city.2 In fact, the military conquest in 1967 was not by itself sufficient to assure Israel that it had full and permanent control of the “unified” city – actually, the international community never recognized the 1967 Israeli annexation of the Palestinian territories, and the Palestinians never ceased claiming East Jerusalem as the capital of a future Palestinian state. So, since June 1967, after the overtly military phase of the conflict, Israeli authorities have implemented an “urban consolidation phase,” with the aim of making the military conquests irreversible precisely by modifying the urban space. Over the years, while there have been no substantial advances in terms of diplomatic agreements between the Israelis and the Palestinians about the status of Jerusalem, the spatial configuration of the city has changed constantly and quite unilaterally. The actions that have been taken over the space have established new “facts on the ground” that are providing a de facto “solution,” heavily biased in Israel’s favor, to the dispute over the city’s sovereignty.3 Through their occupation of the eastern part of the city with Jewish residential neighborhoods, infrastructure, services and industries, the Israeli authorities have secured increasing control over the whole city.4
However, despite the occupation and the intense colonization process, during the seventies, eighties and nineties of the past century, East Jerusalem remained the core of the whole West Bank – not only in symbolic and religious terms, but also in cultural, functional and economic terms…. more.. e-mail
The red lines over Syria have not been crossed
Alastair Crooke, The Guardian 6/16/2013
The country is already awash with weapons, which are at the limit of what can be safely given to the rebels.
On examining the US assessment of Syria’s alleged chemical weapons use, Vladimir Putin’s top foreign policy adviser, Yuri Ushakov, said: “What was presented to us by the Americans does not look convincing. It would be hard to even call them facts.”
Unwelcome as it may be to the French and British governments, who have been leading the push for this finding, he is right. The White House statement says that laboratory analyses of samples “reveal exposure to sarin” (which the NY Times reports amounts to two individuals, who have been shown to have traces of the agent sarin in their bodies), but then goes on to add the qualifier that “each positive result indicates that an individual was exposed to sarin, but it does not tell us how or where the individuals were exposed, or who was responsible for the dissemination”. Hardly a proverbial smoking gun. It is quite possibly, as Anthony Cordesman has noted, a “political ploy”. The finding rests, we are told, on “analysis” and “reporting”, but perhaps more candidly we should call it “supposition”.
In any event, these two governments have laboured mightily to get what they wanted – a peg, however flimsy, to validate arming the Syrian opposition. The Europeans’ rationale is that only by correcting the asymmetry of military power can President Assad be cajoled into serious negotiations with the opposition. But is this right? Will arming the opposition make the situation for the Syrian people better, or will it lead to more bloodshed?
Has the finding brought the crossing of a policy “red line” too? Well, no. The New York Times has detailed that the opposition has received, since the beginning of 2012, possibly as much as 3,500 tons of weapons, and lists the flights by which the materiel arrived, and from where they derived. This represents a huge air-bridge of munitions. Twenty odd years ago, I witnessed the arming of the mujahideen in Afghanistan in their battle against the Soviet forces. Then, a single cargo a month was thought substantial. At times, the Syrian opposition has been receiving one every other day. more.. e-mail
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The New Dark Age 