13 August 2013 — VTJP
News
International Middle East Media Center
Release Of 26 Detainees Initiated
IMEMC – Israeli sources have reported that Israel started the release of 26 Palestinian political prisoners as part of the efforts to resume direct peace talks with the Palestinians. The release started after the Israeli High Court rejected appeals filed against the release. …
Army Kidnaps Two Brothers In Qalqilia
IMEMC – 30 Palestinians Kidnapped In Two Days The Solidarity Foundation for Human Rights have reported dozens of Israeli soldiers invaded the northern West Bank city of Qalqilia, and kidnapped two brothers. It also stated that the army kidnapped 30 Palestinians in two days. …
WAFA: “Hamas Prohibits Celebrations Of Prisoners Release”
IMEMC – The Palestinian News & Info Agency (WAFA), run by the Palestinian Authority in the West Bank, has reported that the Hamas movement in the Gaza Strip issued orders preventing any celebrations for the release of Palestinian detainees, who will be freed from Israeli prisons later on Tuesday at night. …
Al-Khoffash: “What Is Needed Is The Release Of All Detainees”
IMEMC – Fuad Al-Khoffash, head of the Ahrar Center for Detainees Studies and Human Rights, demanded the Palestinian Authority (P.A) in the West Bank, to insist on the release of all detainees imprisoned by Israel, instead of abiding by a conditional time frame for the release of only 104 detainees within 9 months, including 26 on Tuesday at night. …
Kerry: “New Settlement Plan Will Not Harm Peace”
IMEMC – Commenting to the Israeli decision to build hundreds of units in illegal Israeli settlements in the occupied West Bank, U.S. Secretary of State, John Kerry, said Israel “only announced bids”, and that he does not believe this announcement would harm political talks between Israel and the Palestinians. …
Army Kidnaps A Journalist Near Ramallah
IMEMC – The International Solidarity Foundation for Human Rights have reported that Israeli soldiers kidnapped, on Tuesday at dawn, a Palestinian journalist identified as Mohammad Shokry Awad, from his home in Bodros village, west of the central West Bank city of Ramallah. …
Israel Intercepts Missile Over Eilat
IMEMC – [Tuesday August 13, 2013] Israeli military sources have reported that the “Iron Dome” missile interception system managed to successfully intercept a missile fired towards Eilat coastal city. The sources did not indicate the source of fire, and did not report any injuries or damages. …
Israeli troops abduct two organizers of ‘Youth Against Settlements’ in Hebron
IMEMC – A group of Israeli soldiers invaded the Palestinian city of Hebron Sunday and abducted two Palestinian university students, age 20 and 21, who are members of the non-violent organization ‘Youth Against Settlements’. …
Washington, EU, Denounce New Israeli Settlement Plan
IMEMC – The European Union and White House issued separate statements denouncing the new Israeli plan, declared Sunday, when Israel approved hundreds of units for Israeli settlers in occupied East Jerusalem, and the occupied West Bank. …
Israel Approves 890 Units In Gilo Settlement
IMEMC – [Monday Evening August 12, 2013] The Israeli government of Prime Minister, Benjamin Netanyahu, approved the construction of additional 890 units for Jewish settlers in the Gilo illegal settlement, southwest of occupied East Jerusalem. …
Israel approves another 942 settlement units
8/13/2013 – JERUSALEM (AFP) — Jerusalem’s municipality has approved 942 new settlement units for occupied East Jerusalem, a local official said Tuesday, on the eve of the scheduled resumption of peace talks with the Palestinians. The units are in addition to the more than 1,000 settlement homes approved by Israel on Sunday, in a move that has angered the Palestinians and drawn fire from the international…. Related: Kerry urges PA against settlements reactionand PLO official says talks could ‘collapse’ over settlements
Israeli forces arrest journalist from Budrus village
8/13/2013 – RAMALLAH (Ma’an) — Israeli forces arrested a Palestinian journalist in the village of Budrus early Tuesday, family members said. Soldiers detained Mohammad Awad after raiding his home and breaking down the door, his brother said. He was taken to an unknown location. Awad is a journalist at Ramsat media agency in Ramallah. He has been detained several times by Palestinian Authority security forces over….
PLO official says talks could ‘collapse’ over settlements
8/13/2013 – RAMALLAH (AFP) — Middle East peace talks could “collapse” due to continuing Israeli settlement expansion, a senior Palestinian official warned Tuesday, on the eve of the scheduled resumption of the fragile process.”Settlement expansion goes against the US administration’s pledges and threatens to cause the negotiations’ collapse,” Yasser Abed Rabbo told AFP. The comments came after Israeli authorities approved the construction of a…. Related: Israel approves another 942 settlement units
Nablus village prepares to welcome 2 veteran prisoners
8/13/2013 – NABLUS (Ma’an) — The village of Iraq al-Tayih, near Nablus, is preparing to welcome two prisoners set to be released from Israeli jails after 23 years. Muhammad and Husni Sawalha are among 26 veteran prisoners expected to be released within days as Israeli and Palestinian negotiators resume talks. The Fatah-affiliates were teenagers when they were arrested in 1990 for fatally shooting an Israeli soldier….
Radio: Israel intercepts Sinai rocket
8/13/2013 – JERUSALEM (AFP) — Israel intercepted and destroyed a rocket fired from Egyptian territory at the Red Sea town of Eilat overnight, Israeli public radio said Tuesday. A jihadist group had earlier said they fired a Grad rocket at Eilat in retaliation for an alleged Israeli air raid. An army spokeswoman confirmed the attempted rocket attack and its interception by an Iron Dome battery near Eilat to….
Prisoner list divides Palestinian officials
8/13/2013 – BETHLEHEM (Ma’an) — A list of 26 prisoners due to be released by Israel has divided opinion among Palestinian officials, with some lauding the move while others say the shortlist aims to undermine negotiations. The Palestinian Authority Minister of Detainees, Issa Qaraqe, on Monday said Israel’s decision to release the first group of Palestinian prisoners was an important step for promoting peace…. Related: Abbas to welcome released prisoners
Kerry urges PA against settlements reaction
8/13/2013 – BOGOTA, Distrito Capital de Bogota (AFP) — US Secretary of State John Kerry has urged Palestinians “not to react adversely” to Israel’s announcement of new settlement building, stressing the need to return to the negotiating table. With a fresh peace dialogue in its early stages after a three-year hiatus, the approval of almost 1,200 housing units in annexed east Jerusalem and elsewhere in the…. Related: Israel approves another 942 settlement units andPLO official says talks could ‘collapse’ over settlements
Hamas says peace talks ‘futile’
8/13/2013 – GAZA CITY (AFP) — Hamas on Monday said peace talks with Israel were “futile,” repeating its rejection of negotiations that are due to resume between Palestinians and Israelis this week.”We renew our rejection of these futile talks, and consider them purely a means for the occupation (Israel) to look good to the international community,” senior Hamas official Mahmoud al-Zahar told a news conference in Gaza….
Abbas to welcome released prisoners
8/13/2013 – RAMALLAH (Ma’an) — President Mahmoud Abbas has asked Palestinian leaders to gather at his headquarters in Ramallah on Tuesday night to welcome veteran prisoners expected to be released by Israel. Abbas and several leaders will receive the freed prisoners at midnight, the Minister of Civil Affairs Hussein al-Sheikh told Ma’an. Israel has agreed to release 104 prisoners detained since before the 1993…. Related: Prisoner list divides Palestinian officials
Kerry: Abbas committed to pursuing talks with Israel
8/13/2013 – BRASILIA (AFP) — President Mahmoud Abbas is committed to pursuing peace talks with Israel despite the unresolved issue of Israeli settlement building, US Secretary of State John Kerry said here Tuesday.”I’ll be talking to President Abbas today. . . and he is committed to continuing to come to the negotiation because he believes that negotiation is what will resolve this issue,” Kerry said in Brasilia…. Related: Kerry urges PA against settlements reaction
Abbas asks Hamdallah to form new government
8/13/2013 – NABLUS (Ma’an) — President Mahmoud Abbas on Tuesday asked caretaker Prime Minister Rami Hamdallah to form a new government, presidential spokesman Nabil Abu Rudeinah said. Abbas accepted the resignation of Hamdallah on June 23 after just over two weeks on the job, plunging his government into crisis. Hamdallah will have five weeks to form a new government, which is likely to comprise independent political….
Governor: Suspects arrested in killing of money changer
8/13/2013 – HEBRON (Ma’an) — Police have arrested suspects in the fatal shooting of a money changer in Hebron, the governor said Tuesday. The suspects will face trial for the killing of 60-year-old Jawad al-Qawasmi, Hebron governor Kamel Hameed told Ma’an. Hameed declined to say how many suspects had been arrested. Al-Qawasmi was shot dead on Wednesday on his way to work, in….
Russian company to invest $30 million in Bethlehem complex
8/13/2013 – RAMALLAH (Ma’an) — A Russian company is set to invest $30 million in a building complex in Bethlehem, the Palestinian Authority Minister of Economy said Tuesday. The complex will house a music school, gym, administrative offices, gardens and other marketing and commercial spaces, Jawad al-Naji said. It will be built alongside the Russian Center for Science and Culture, situated on Vladmir Putin street. The….
Police arrest fugitive in Bethlehem
8/13/2013 – BETHLEHEM (Ma’an) — Police on Tuesday arrested a man who had been wanted for six years, in a village west of Bethlehem. The man was convicted of murder and attempted murder in 2007 and sentenced to 20 years, but was on the run until police ambushed and arrested him on Tuesday. [END]
Group: Palestinian killed in Syria refugee camp
8/13/2013 – BETHLEHEM (Ma’an) — A local group in Syria on Tuesday announced the death of a Palestinian refugee in the country, after being wounded in clashes earlier this week. Sameer Mahmoud Nassar was seriously injured when Khan al-Sheikh refugee camp was hit by missiles fired by Syrian regime forces, the Taskforce for Palestinians in Syria said. Several people were injured in the incident, which caused….
Egypt police use tear gas to break up Cairo clashes
8/13/2013 – CAIRO (AFP) — Egyptian police fired tear gas to break up clashes between supporters of ousted president Mohamed Morsi and residents of a central Cairo neighborhood, AFP correspondents said. The clashes began when dozens of religious scholars affiliated with Morsi’s Muslim Brotherhood entered the ministry of endowments and were ordered out by police, a security official said. They then clashed with residents of the….
Jordan says no organized crime in Syrian refugee camp
8/13/2013 – AMMAN (AFP) — Jordan denied on Tuesday a UN report that organized crime networks operate in the country’s Zaatari camp, which hosts 130,000 Syrian refugees.”There is no such thing as organized crime in Zaatari; there are petty crimes and petty theft,” Brigadier Waddah Hmud, head of the Syrian refugee department, told AFP.”Organized crime needs planning in advance and this we did not….
Israel frees Palestinian inmates before talks
AlJazeera 13 Aug 2013 – Release of 26 prisoners is part of an agreement to restart Middle East peace negotiations after a five-year freeze.
Israel says it intercepted rocket over Eilat
AlJazeera 13 Aug 2013 – Israeli army confirms its Iron Dome defence system intercepts rocket, as armed group claims responsibility for attack.
Israel approves another 900 settler homes
AlJazeera 13 Aug 2013 – Palestinian officials say announcement “threatens” talks with Israel, yet US says expansion “is expected”.
European Union Releases Statement Reinforcing Position on Illegal Israeli Settlements
Palestine News Network
The Pocketing of a Political Pawn
Palestine News Network
Russia Calls New Israeli Settlement Plan “Counterproductive”
Palestine News Network
UK Encourages Israeli-Palestinian Parties to Focus on Resumption of Peace Talks
Palestine News Network
Rimawi, Youth President Emphasize on the Importance of Youth Role in Promoting Freedom of Expression
Palestine News Network
Israeli Settlers from Bracha Build Tents in Palestinian Land
Palestine News Network
Prisoners’ Release More Bitter Than Sweet
Palestine News Network
Prisoners Set to Be Released Put in One Israeli Jail
Palestine News Network
Israel Approves Construction of 900 New Settler Units in East Jerusalem
Palestine News Network
Israel Determines Cornerstone For Jerusalem Settlement
Palestine News Network
Kerry “Expected” New Settlements, Urges Resumption as Planned
Palestine News Network
Palestinian Center for Human Rights
ISS Launches Summon and Arrest Campaign against Members of Fatah Movement in the Gaza Strip
Palestinian Center for Human Rights
International Solidarity Movement
Jalud settler attack: ‘Imagine if we were not in our homes, they would have destroyed them’
8/13/2013 – International Solidarity Movement – 13th August 2013, International Solidarity Movement, Nablus Team, Jalud, Occupied Palestine – Yesterday morning, 12th August, settlers from the illegal settlements of Esh Kodesh and Ahiya attacked several houses in the village of Jalud and set land on fire, including ten olive trees. On the morning of the 12th of August at 11:30, four masked settlers from the two illegal settlements approached several houses located….
Syrian Arab Republic: Humanitarian Bulletin Syria Issue 31 | 30 July – 12 August 2013
Relief Web 13 Aug 2013 – Source: UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs Country: Egypt, Jordan, Lebanon, occupied Palestinian territory, Syrian Arab Republic, Turkey HIGHLIGHTS Civilians at greater risk as conflict escalates and moves to new areas. Access is challenging and fluid, requiring increased…
occupied Palestinian territory: Local EU statement on impending executions in Gaza
Relief Web 13 Aug 2013 – Source: European Union Country: occupied Palestinian territory “The EU Missions in Jerusalem and Ramallah are deeply concerned at the announcements by the de facto authorities of their intention once more to carry out a number of executions and to do…
occupied Palestinian territory: 942 new settlement units approved in E. Jerusalem: official
Relief Web 13 Aug 2013 – Source: Agence France-Presse Country: occupied Palestinian territory 08/13/2013 07:55 GMT JERUSALEM, August 13, 2013 (AFP) – Jerusalem’s municipality has approved 942 new settlement units for annexed east Jerusalem, a local official said Tuesday, on the eve of the scheduled resumption…
World: United Nations Peace Operations Year in Review 2012
Relief Web 13 Aug 2013 – Source: UN Department of Peacekeeping Operations Country: Afghanistan, Burundi, Central African Republic, Côte d’Ivoire, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Guinea-Bissau, Haiti, Iraq, Lebanon, Liberia, Libya, occupied Palestinian territory, Serbia, Sierra Leone, Somalia, Syrian Arab Republic, Timor-Leste, Western Sahara, World, South…
Boycott threat to Mideast peace talks
The National 13 Aug 2013 – Today’s renewed Palestinian peace talks in Jerusalem are in serious doubt amid escalating anger over illegal Israeli settlements on occupied land. Hugh Naylor reports from Ramallah
Syria peace talks unlikely before October ‘because of other events’, says Russia
The National 13 Aug 2013 – An international peace conference on Syria – first announced by the US and Russia in May – ‘will probably not happen in September because there will be other events,” says Russia’s deputy foreign minister.
Yemeni Nobel winner says Egypt coup deadly for Arab democracy
The National 13 Aug 2013 – Tawakul Karman, who shared a Nobel peace prize for her pro-democracy campaigning in Yemen, says she views the Egyptian army’s overthrow of the Islamist president Mohammed Morsi as a death knell for Arab democratic movements.
Fresh street violence in dangerously divided Egypt
The National 13 Aug 2013 – The violence erupts as Al Azhar, Egypt’s leading religious authority, attempts to bring together adversaries in the political crisis and as Egypt’s interim president swore in 20 new provincial governors.
UAE more popular than before among British expats
The National 13 Aug 2013 – The UAE is becoming more popular with British expats, according to a new study which ranks it behind only Australia and Canada.
Dilapidated building owners in Dubai warned to use it or lose it
The National 13 Aug 2013 – Photographs of the 16 affected buildings will feature in Dubai Municipality advertisements warning of the deadline, with owners being given two weeks to respond.
Emirati students take Tech Quest opportunities
The National 13 Aug 2013 – More than 120 Emirati students recently completed a two-week Advanced Technology Investment Company (Atic) Tech Quest programme in Abu Dhabi, Al Ain and the Western Region.
Anger over UK’s tough new line on immigration
The National 13 Aug 2013 – Strict targets on cuts in number of foreigners and a billboard campaign that warns ‘Go home or face arrest’ reveal hard times. Omar Karmi reports from London
Will prominent Arab Israeli lawmaker Haneen Zoabi be the next mayor of Nazareth?
Ha’aretz – 13 Aug 2013
East Jerusalem father charged with killing his daughter over ‘family honor’
Ha’aretz – 13 Aug 2013
El Al flight turns back to pick up young cancer patient who lost passport
Ha’aretz – 13 Aug 2013
Women of the Wall to hold first-ever Selichot service
Ha’aretz – 13 Aug 2013
Esther Brog, Zionist pioneer and mother of Ehud Barak, dies at 100
Ha’aretz – 13 Aug 2013
Prime Minister’s Office recruiting students to wage online hasbara battles
Ha’aretz – 12 Aug 2013
Small is precarious
Ha’aretz – 12 Aug 2013
Smart on economics, dumb on peace
Ha’aretz – 12 Aug 2013
Peace based on the ’67 borders is the only way
Ha’aretz – 12 Aug 2013
Knesset committee to discuss IDF suicide rates
Ha’aretz – 12 Aug 2013
Israeli social-justice protest leaders seek greener pastures abroad
Ha’aretz – 12 Aug 2013
Israel suspends standardized tests
Ha’aretz – 12 Aug 2013
Yesh Atid MKs visit camp for special needs youth
Jerusalem Post 13 Aug 2013 – Visit to the Shutaf summer day camp in Jerusalem highlights the importance of inclusion for special needs children, teens within Israeli society.
Latma ends pioneering online satirical newscast
Jerusalem Post 13 Aug 2013 – Hebrew-language satirical media criticism website is ending its weekly web-based satirical newscast, The Tribal Update, after 200 episodes.
Senior PA aide: Israel won’t spoil our celebration of prisoners release
Jerusalem Post 13 Aug 2013 – Abbas, PA officials to attend reception despite late hour.
Analysis: Why the High Court intervenes on settlements, war, but not prisoner releases
Jerusalem Post 13 Aug 2013 – HCJ veto would leave court responsible for halting peace process.
Abbas, Hamdallah settle dispute ahead of formation of new Palestinian government
Jerusalem Post 13 Aug 2013 – Senior Palestinian official says Hamdallah’s return indicates he was given more leeway to govern from Abbas.
Pro-Morsi protester shot dead as Egypt standoff intensifies
Jerusalem Post 13 Aug 2013 – Pro, anti-Morsi protesters battle as police fire tear gas; 3 bombs explode in Al-Arish as military continues Sinai operation.
Nasrallah to make two appearances this week marking 2006 Lebanon War ‘victory’
Jerusalem Post 13 Aug 2013 – Hezbollah leader may use opportunity to refocus group’s attention back to plight with Israel.
Analysis: Saudi feud too bitter for new Iranian president to fix
Jerusalem Post 13 Aug 2013 – It is almost impossible to overstate hatred between Saudi Arabia and Iran, but Rouhani has vowed to improve relationship with rival.
Ex-MI6 officer joins Guantánamo inmate in hunger strike
Uruknet
Why are Palestinians blamed for violence in Lebanon?
Uruknet
Obama’s press conference: The smiling face of a police state
Uruknet
IOF arrests a Palestinian child while playing with a plastic toy gun
Uruknet
Oh those peaceful settlers ‘tending trees’
Uruknet
With Egypt strike, Israel violates two borders in three days
Uruknet
Syria News – August 9, 2013 (Warning: Graphic Videos)
Uruknet
Israel starts Palestinian prisoner release
Daily Star 13 Aug 2013 Israel began an operation to free 26 Palestian prisoners on Tuesday hours before the two sides were to hold new direct peace talks amid a growing row over settlements.
Jordan: No organized crime in Zaatari camp
Daily Star 13 Aug 2013 Jordan denied Tuesday a U.N. report that organized crime is rife in the country’s Zaatari camp, which hosts 130,000 Syrian refugees.
Search on for smuggling network after major drug bust
Daily Star 13 Aug 2013 Authorities are tracking a drug smuggling network with branches in Lebanon and abroad after thwarting an attempt to smuggle 5 million Captagon pills through the Beirut port, Col. Ghassan Shemseddine, head of the Internal Security Forces’…
Bahrain on edge ahead of opposition-called protest
Daily Star 13 Aug 2013 Inspired by the movement behind Egypt’s military coup, anti-government activists seeking more influence in Bahrain are hoping to gain new momentum by calling for nationwide protests Wednesday.
Egypt restores ex-generals’ role in provinces
Daily Star 13 Aug 2013 Egypt’s interim president named at least 18 new provincial governors on Tuesday, half of them retired generals, in a shake-up that restored the influence of men from army and police backgrounds and flushed out Muslim Brotherhood…
U.N. says still negotiating with Syria on chemical weapons inquiry
Daily Star 13 Aug 2013 U.N. experts are ready to visit Syria to investigate claims of chemical weapons use during the country’s two-year civil war.
Kerry says had ‘frank and open’ talks with Netanyahu on settlements
Daily Star 13 Aug 2013 Kerry, trying to keep his Middle East peace initiative on track in the face of fresh controversy over Israeli settlements, says he had “frank and open” talks on the matter with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.
Hand grenade attacks kill two, wound 28 in Pakistan
Daily Star 13 Aug 2013 Twin hand grenade attacks killed at least two people and wounded 28 others belonging to a Shiite Muslim community in Pakistan’s port city of Karachi on Tuesday, officials said.
New Tunis protest as president urges national unity govt
Daily Star 13 Aug 2013 Supporters of Tunisia’s Islamist-led government rally to mark national women’s day ahead of an opposition protest, as the president proposes a national unity cabinet to end a protracted crisis.
Abbas to prisoners: You left darkness of prison to light of liberty
YNet News, 13 Aug 2013 – ….
15 Palestinian prisoners cross into Gaza
YNet News, 13 Aug 2013 – ….
11 Palestinian prisoners arrive in West Bank
YNet News, 13 Aug 2013 – ….
Morsi supporter shot to death during Cairo protest
YNet News, 13 Aug 2013 – ….
Ramallah: 1,000 Palestinians await prisoners at Mukataa
YNet News, 13 Aug 2013 – ….
Prisoner release immoral
YNet News, 13 Aug 2013 – Op-ed: Release of Palestinian murderers is just a political maneuver aimed at buying time from US ….
Mayor’s missed opportunity
YNet News, 13 Aug 2013 – Op-ed: Instead of education for coexistence, Nazareth Illit mayor chose racist election slogan ….
Palestinian Information Center
Hamas: Abbas does not have the right to relinquish any part of Palestine
PIC – Hamas movement renewed its rejection of the futile negotiations, saying they only serve the interests of the occupation.
Barhoum: Fatah provided Tunisian media with fabricated reports
PIC – Hamas spokesman Fawzi Barhoum revealed that Fatah’s Media Security Committee provided some Tunisian media with false reports and fabricated information targeting Hamas..
Arab MK attacks PA for ignoring prisoners from the 1948 territories
PIC – An Arab MK launched a scathing attack against PA leadership in Ramallah following the announcement of list of prisoners set for release as it does not include any prisoner from 1948 territories.
PFLP: Negotiations with Israel are “destructive and dangerous”
PIC – The PFLP considered that opposition to settlement construction, by U.S. administration and some European countries, represents nothing more than lip service.
Hamas vows to liberate Jordanian prisoners
PIC – Hamas movement praised the Jordanian prisoners’ hunger strike led by Abdullah al-Barghouthi which was suspended after achieving victory.
8 prisoners continue their hunger strike
PIC – Eight Palestinian prisoner in Israeli jails still continued their hunger strike protesting their administrative detention (without trial or charge), human rights sources said.
IOF detains former minister of prisoners’ affairs
PIC – The Israeli Occupation Forces have arrested former minister of prisoners’ affairs for several hours at Barta’a checkpoint north of Jenin while trying to visit his family during the Eid.
IOF arrests 17 Palestinians across West Bank
PIC – The Israeli Occupation Forces (IOF) waged Monday an arrest campaign across occupied West Bank where 17 Palestinians were arrested.
PA forces arrest an Islamic preacher and summon another
PIC – PA security forces have arrested an Islamic preacher in al-Khalil and continued the summon another preacher from Qalqilya. A political detainee was also arrested in Nablus.
Israel to Demolish Car Wash Shop near Jerusalem
WAFA – 13 Aug 2013
UK Expresses Concern over Settlements, Encourages Resumption of Peace Talks
WAFA – 13 Aug 2013
Abbas asks Hamdallah to form New Government
WAFA – 13 Aug 2013
Newspapers Review: Prisoners, Settlements Focus of Dailies
WAFA – 13 Aug 2013
At War Blog: Veterans Bare Their Souls in Literary Events
New York Times 13 Aug 2013 – These events allow veterans and civilians to engage in honest exchanges, providing a glimpse of what it means to have served in the military, writes Charlotte M. Brock, a Marine Corps veteran.
On Eve of Talks, More Israeli Housing Approved
New York Times 13 Aug 2013 – Islamic militants took credit for a missile fired from the Sinai Peninsula in Egypt, as Israel’s Iron Dome missile shield was used to defend Eilat for the first time.
Clashes Erupt in Cairo as Morsi Supporters March
New York Times 13 Aug 2013 – Local residents hurled stones and bottles at the marchers, who threw stones back. The police then fired tear gas at the demonstrators.
Regulator targets private power producers
Globes Energy & Water – The Public Utilities Authority is planning to end the bonanza anticipated by independent power producers and natural gas producers.
Ormat Industries swings to profit on higher revenue
Globes Energy & Water – Net profit was $16 million for the second quarter compared with a net loss of $1.6 million for the corresponding quarter.
Victor Medina joins race for BoI Governor
Globes Main News – A source close to the prime minister said, “Medina’s chances are no less than those of Blejer and Eckstein and perhaps greater.”
Babylon in merger talks with ironSource
Globes Main News – Sources say that a possible merger with app distributor ironSource is a major reason why Babylon is in no hurry to dual list on Nasdaq.
Tue: Elbit Systems leads market gains
Globes Main News – Elbit Systems was boosted by its second quarter financials, and Teva rose on the day’s biggest turnover.
Leumi foreclosing on Mordechay Zisser’s home
Globes Main News – Bank Leumi gave the Elbit Imaging controlling shareholder a mortgage on his house on an 8,000-square meter lot near Petah Tikva.
Elbit Systems reports growing orders backlog
Globes Main News – The defense systems manufacturer reported higher revenue and profits for the second quarter and $5.8 billion in orders.
High tech industry chief: Shekel strength does irreversible harm
Globes Macro Economics – Elisha Yanay has made an urgent plea to Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, to intervene immediately to stem the appreciation of the shekel.
Turkel C’ttee term extended 3 years
Globes Macro Economics – In a telephone vote, the cabinet today extended the Turkel Committee’s term by three years.
Moe Diab on peace talks ‘That’s either insanity or it’s intentional failure’
Mondoweiss – If covering oft-ignored salient point counts as a home run, human rights activist Moe Diab knocked one out of the ballpark in his interview with host Jaisal Noor on today’s episode of the RealNews . From Matt Lee’s grilling of State Dept spokesperson Jen Psaki on Martin…
First round of Palestinian prisoners released by Israel
Mondoweiss – Palestinian prisoners released to Gaza during the Shalit exchange, 2011. (Photo: AP/CNN) At 9:00 pm sealed Israeli vans with tinted windows began driving the first round of Palestinian prisoners to the West Bank and Gaza as part of a “goodwill gesture” before peace negotiations. The late…
The morning commute (through the checkpoint)
Mondoweiss – Bethlehem Bethlehem Bethlehem Bethlehem Bethlehem Bethlehem Bethlehem7 Bethlehem Bethlehem Bethlehem Recently a Finnish photographer who had worked in the region sent us these photographs that were posted at his/her blog Ubuntifada . They were taken in late June, at the Bethlehem checkpoint to enter Israel. They depict…
Shimon Gapso and the racism of Israeli life
Mondoweiss – Upper Nazareth Mayor Shimon Gapso (Photo: Tomer Appelbaum) Some five years ago I wrote disparagingly of Shimon Gapso’s open racism . At the time he tried to woo his constituency, the residents of the city of Upper Nazareth, on the occasion of the last mayoral elections by…
The Art Of (Ineffectual) Diplomacy: Kerry says all Israeli settlements are ‘illegitimate’ but shouldn’t hamper peace process
Mondoweiss – It’s really something watching Secretary of State John Kerry tie himself in knots condemning Israeli provocations while insisting they mean nothing. Above is video of Kerry from a press conference yesterday in Bogota, Colombia saying the U.S. views “all Israeli settlements as illegitimate.” In the next…
Rockets Fired From Gaza as Israel Starts Releasing First Palestinian Prisoners
The Foward Breaking News 13 Aug 2013 – Rockets were fired from Gaza at southern Israel as Palestinian prisoners being
released by Israel were being transported to the border. Click here for the rest of the article…
John Kerry Struggles To Contain Damage From Israeli Settlement Building
The Foward Breaking News 13 Aug 2013 – Secretary of State John Kerry sought on Tuesday to prevent the fracturing of his Middle East peace initiative, which faces its greatest threat to date from a series of Israeli announcements of new settlements in the West Bank and East Jerusalem. Click here for the rest…
Shul vs. Shul Battle Over $7.4M Torah Bells Heads to Court
The Foward Breaking News 13 Aug 2013 – Touro Synagogue and Congregation Shearith Israel are going forward with dueling lawsuits over a set of Torah scroll decorations. Click here for the rest of the article…
Israeli Family That Fought Ultra-Orthodox Radicals Forced To Leave Beit Shemesh
The Foward Breaking News 13 Aug 2013 – The Margolese family made headlines when 8-year-old Na’ama fought back against ultra-Orthodox thugs. Now, they have left the town of Beit Shemesh — but not for the reasons you might think. Click here for the rest of the article…
Zimbabwe: Zimbabwe, Iran and Uranium – a Story Made in Sanctions-Busting Heaven
allAfrica.com 13 Aug 2013 – [Daily Maverick]A recent report that Zimbabwe was in bed with Iran to supply the Islamic Republic with uranium (you know, the stuff used in nukes) has been furiously denied by Zimbabwe’s government. And yet, the story just makes so much sense that SIMON ALLISON can’t help…
Zimbabwe: The Times’ Zim Uranium Story Plain Stupid
allAfrica.com 13 Aug 2013 – [The Herald]The story that Zimbabwe is selling uranium to Iran is not just wrong, it is stupid and The Times of London did nothing to check the story or even work through the logic of the story.For a start, Zimbabwe does not mine uranium. Both the…
Sudan: Sudan Becomes the Newest Player in Syria’s Protracted Conflict – NYT
allAfrica.com 13 Aug 2013 – [Sudan Tribune]Washington -The Sudanese government has been selling Chinese and local-made weapons to the Arab Gulf state of Qatar which in turn has been shipping it to rebels in Syria who have staged an uprising against Bashar al-Assad’s rule since 2011, U.S. officials and rebels told…
Israel freeing Palestinian prisoners
BBC 13 Aug 2013 – Israel is releasing the first group of Palestinian prisoners freed as part of the deal that allowed direct peace talks to resume.
Egypt police break up Morsi march
BBC 13 Aug 2013 – Egyptian police fire tear gas at supporters of ex-leader Morsi who were protesting over the swearing-in of several generals as local governors.
Berbers storm Libyan parliament
BBC 13 Aug 2013 – Members of Libya’s minority Berber community storm the parliament building in Tripoli during a protest demanding recognition in the new constitution.
Lebanon: Information Branch Belongs to the Future Movement
Al-Akhbar Opinion 13 Aug 2013 – Today the Information Branch has settled any questions regarding its loyalties, pursuing crimes based on the identity of the perpetrators and not according to any standards. (Photo: Haitham Moussawi) Today the Information Branch has settled any questions regarding its loyalties, pursuing crimes based on the identity…
Tens of thousands demand Tunisia’s Islamist rulers step down
Al-Akhbar News 13 Aug 2013 – Tunisian demonstrators wave their national flag and shout slogans during a protest against the country’s Islamist-led government in front of the Constituent Assembly headquarters in Tunis on 13 August 2013. (Photo: AFP – Fethi Belaid) Tens of thousands of secularists rallied in Tunis on Tuesday to…
Clashes erupt in Cairo
Al-Akhbar News 13 Aug 2013 – Supporters and opponents of ousted Egyptian President Mohammed Mursi battled in downtown Cairo’s streets on Tuesday, hurling rocks at each other as police fired volleys of tear gas. The violence erupted as a proposal by al-Azhar, Egypt’s leading religious authority, to bring together adversaries in the…
Libyan Berbers storm parliament
Al-Akhbar News 13 Aug 2013 – Members of Libya’s ethnic Berber minority forced their way into the parliament building in Tripoli on Tuesday, smashing windows and destroying furniture, in a demonstration to push for cultural rights, an assembly spokesman said. The protest occurred during a break in a regular session at the…
Lebanon: Population Ages as Youth Depart for Gulf
Al-Akhbar News 13 Aug 2013 – Young people from Lebanon emigrate and are replaced by workers from poorer countries. (Photo: Bilal Jawich) Young people from Lebanon emigrate and are replaced by workers from poorer countries. (Photo: Bilal Jawich) In Lebanon, generation after generation, people are leaving. Fifty-two percent of those between 35…
Bahrain cages in villages with barbed wire ahead of rally
Al-Akhbar News 13 Aug 2013 – Bahrainis sign a banner, set up in a street during a rally in central Manama early on 30 July 2013, to collect signatures to support the Tamarod movement’s call for a mass demonstration on August 14. (Photo: AFP – Mohammed al-Shaikh) Bahraini forces on Tuesday used…
What’s Behind Israel’s Failed Operation in South Lebanon
Al-Akhbar News 13 Aug 2013 – A picture taken from the Lebanese village of Wazzani on 1 August 2013 shows Israeli troops on the border between Lebanon and Israel one day before al-Quds day. (Photo: AFP – Mahmoud Zayyat) A picture taken from the Lebanese village of Wazzani on 1 August 2013…
Lebanese Eid Madness: Ersal Mayor Survives Ambush
Al-Akhbar Politics 12
Aug 2013 – Members of the Lebanese armed forces search for evidence on 28 June 2013 following a road side bombing attack on trucks that were linked to Hezbollah early in the morning in the central city of Zahle in the Lebanese Bekaa Valley. (Photo: AFP – STR) Members…
Israel freeing Palestinian prisoners
BBC 13 Aug 2013 – Israel is releasing the first group of Palestinian prisoners freed as part of the deal that allowed direct peace talks to resume.
Egypt police break up Morsi march
BBC 13 Aug 2013 – Egyptian police fire tear gas at supporters of ex-leader Morsi who were protesting over the swearing-in of several generals as local governors.
Berbers storm Libyan parliament
BBC 13 Aug 2013 – Members of Libya’s minority Berber community storm the parliament building in Tripoli during a protest demanding recognition in the new constitution.
VIDEO: Egypt protesters await military move
BBC 12 Aug 2013 – In Egypt, thousands of protesters calling for the reinstatement of ousted President Mohammed Morsi appear to be preparing for the military to begin clearing their camps.
The economy of a refugee camp
BBC 11 Aug 2013 – Explore Zaatari, the refugee camp with its own Champs Elysees
Articles
Israeli racism and American Jewish hypocrisy
+972 Magazine 8/13/2013
On the U.S. Jewish establishment’s double standard regarding what gentiles can say about Jews and what Israeli Jews can say about Arabs and blacks.
The Anti-Defamation League and the rest of the American Jewish establishment owe Jesse Jackson an apology. They put the man through the wringer, they made him apologize in every possible forum for his “Hymie” and “Hymietown” remarks back in 1984. Yet look at the kinds of things Israeli leaders – senior government ministers, chief rabbis – get away with without ever having to apologize, without ever being punished in the slightest.
A couple of weeks ago the economy minister, Naftali Bennett, the fresh new face of right-wing Orthodox Judaism, was saying in a cabinet meeting how he didn’t like these releases of Palestinian prisoners. “If you catch terrorists, you simply have to kill them,” he was quoted in Yedioth Ahronoth as saying. The head of the National Security Council, Yaakov Amidor, told Bennett, “Listen, that’s not legal.” Bennett replied: “I have killed lots of Arabs in my life – and there is no problem with that.”
The media, the left and the Arabs made a big deal out of it, nobody else. Bennett defended what he said, and so did countless talkbackers and Facebookers.
Two days later the newly-elected Ashkenazi chief rabbi of Israel, David Lau, was seen on a video telling an audience of yeshiva boys that they shouldn’t watch Euroleague basketball games in public; it was bad for their image. “What difference does it make,” Lau said, “if the kushim who get paid in Tel Aviv beat the kushim who get paid in Greece?” Kushim, especially when used in a dismissive context like Lau did, is a well-understood derogatory term for blacks.more.. e-mail
Israelis ’concerned’ about Palestinian livelihood
Ramona Wadi, Middle East Monitor (MEMO) 8/13/2013
While Israel continues to defy international law by further settlement approval and a lack of cooperation with the European Union about the recently publish guidelines restricting projects in areas beyond the Green Line, the occupying power is now allegedly expressing ‘concern’ about the livelihood of Palestinians whose quality of life, according to well-rehearsed colonial discourse, depends upon Israeli enterprises in the areas.
An article published in Haaretz quotes the head of the Shomron Regional Council, Gershon Mesika, as stating “The European Union’s direction has no effect on us at all”. While the guidelines are primarily targeting research grants and government projects, fears of the EU issuing directives urging member states to boycott settlement produce remains a tangible fear for the Israeli government, which has already suffered setbacks as companies targeted by the Boycott, Divestment and Sanctions Movement (BDS), such as Unilever, Veolia and Dexia Bank moved from Israel in an attempt to salvage profits.
However, while in 2011 Ehud Barak acknowledged the possibility of eradicating the apartheid state through boycotts, defiance has mingled with artificial concern over ‘harm’ to the peace process and how Palestinians working in Israeli settlements would be affected. Amidst allegations that Palestinian families would suffer and people would lack the opportunity to work together to promote ‘peace’, supporters of the boycott are described as detached and having no idea of the ramifications which would befall Palestinians, should such a scenario transcend the confines of principles. “People in Europe do not understand the ramifications of their declaration ‘We won’t buy products from the settlements'”.
The interpretation of Israel’s rhetoric lies in its disassociation from the illegality of settlement enterprise. By reinforcing colonial discourse, Palestinians, observers and activists are expected to conform to the processes rendering the occupation of Palestine irreversible…. more.. e-mail
Green shoots of Palestinian Spring?
Nureddin Sabir, Redress 8/13/2013
While Israel and the Palestinian Authority (PA) gear up for another round of American-sponsored talks, and with the international media fixated on Israel’s miserly release of just 26 Palestinian prisoners, another peace process lies forgotten.
That is the peace process between the Fatah-dominated PA, which has been empowered by the Israelis to kill mosquitos, collect refuse and arrest Palestinians it doesn’t like in the occupied West Bank, and Hamas, the Palestinian wing of the Muslim Brotherhood, which runs the Israeli-besieged Gaza Strip.
As we have said previously, we have no doubt that the current Palestinian-Israeli talks, which began in Washington on 29 July after a three-year break and are due to resume in occupied Jerusalem on 14 August, are simply a smokescreen for consolidating the Israeli occupation.
To underline the point, on 13 August, the very eve of the resumption of talks, the occupation authorities approved the construction of 942 ne
w Jewish squatter homes on stolen Palestinian land in East Jerusalem, just two days after they had given the green light to build 1,200 new Jewish squats in East Jerusalem and other West Bank colonies.Elusive reconciliation
In the meantime, that other peace process, reconciliation between Fatah and Hamas, without which the Palestinians are doomed, has come to a complete halt. As UK-based Palestinian journalist Abdallah Khader says in a recent article in Foreign Policy.
“Three agreements have been signed by both sides under Saudi, Qatari and Egyptian patronage. Dozens of reconciliatory meetings have taken place. And yet Gaza remains politically separated from the West Bank.…” more.. e-mail
Lebanon Offers Palestinians Syria Ramadan Greetings
Franklin Lamb, CounterPunch 8/13/2013
“Eid Mubarak, Dear brothers and sisters! Yalla! Go back where you came from!”
The Syria/Lebanon border crossing at Masnaa
On 8/5/13 this observer decided, quite on the spur of the moment, to take a three day break from Damascus the next morning and make a quick trip to Beirut to do some errands because offices would be closed starting at dawn for Eid al Fitr celebrations (a day later for Shia Muslims). The annual Eid al-Fitr, being the festival of the breaking of the month long Ramadan fast, which observance is regarded as one of the Five Pillars of Islam. And by the way, this year has been undertaken, approximately 16 hours each day in inordinately hot weather in the Middle East.
I did not anticipate the delay into which I was about to run. In fact, I felt that with a little bit of luck—and by leaving Damascus by no later than six in the morning—I might even break my record of 205 minutes total from Sameriyeh bus station to my apartment in Dahiyeh, south Beirut.
Alas, it was not to happen. In fact, I ended up setting a record for my longest trip ever—a bit over eight hours for the usually much-quicker 88 km (55 mile) journey. It had not occurred to me that I would arrive at the new Lebanese border crossing building at Masnaa only to find not only was it swamped, but that it had been a scene of bedlam for the past 20 or more hours. There were Syrian and Palestinian refugees fleeing to Lebanon, plus hundreds of people traveling there for this year’s Eid el Fitra holiday.
I wasn’t the only one who miscalculated…. more.. e-mail
The Un-Revolution: Yemen’s Mediocre Transition
Palestine Chronicle: 13 Aug 2013 – By Ramzy Baroud Considering the off-putting reality, one fails to imagine a future scenario in which Yemen could avoid a full-fledged conflict or a civil war. It is true that much could be done to fend off against this bleak scenario such as sincere efforts towards reconciliation and bold steps to achieve transparent democracy. There should be an unbending challenge to the ongoing undeclared US war in the impoverished nation. Alas, none of the parties in Yemen’s prevailing political order has the sway, desire or the moral authority to lead the vital transition necessary. It is surely not the one proposed by the Gulf Co-operation Council (GCC), but rather a homegrown political evolution that responds to Yemen’s own political, security and economic priorities, and not to the strategic interests of ‘Friends of Yemen’ being led by the United States. Although it is much less discussed if it is to be…more
For My Faith: A Difficult Ramadan at Qalandiya
Palestine Chronicle: 13 Aug 2013 – By Tamar Fleishman – Qalandiya, Occupied West Bank On each one of the four Fridays of the Ramadan month, thousands of Palestinians throughout the West Bank left their homes at the break of dawn to participate in the prayers at Al Aqsa at noon. Most likely, none of them was under the illusion that the road leading to their destination would be open, as is required by international law and as has been alleged by the representatives of the Israeli government in regards to the freedom of religion. Years of experience have taught them that neither the law nor statements would determine and give out the verdict as to who would pass and who would not. They knew that criterion alone will fulfill or crush their hopes to pray before their God. They knew that at Qalandiya checkpoint there would be a screening process and meticulous inspections of IDs and…more
Israel Lobby Threatens Freedom of Speech in Germany
Palestine Chronicle: 13 Aug 2013 – By Dr. Ludwig Watzal – Bonn Due to the pressure from the “Israel lobby”, events and exhibitions about Palestine can hardly take place in Germany anymore. The pro- Zionist “Israel lobby” is well organized. When an event is announced publicly, perfectly organized machinery is set in motion, which exercises massive pressure on those who provide the premises for a Palestinian event. Consequently, it has become almost impossible to have an open debate about Israel’s policy towards the Palestinian people and the Zionist colonization i
n Palestine. The latest “success” of this lobby was garnered in Berlin. The cultural department of the Iranian Embassy in Berlin wanted to organize a conference entitled “Palestine – Peace based on justice” on Friday, August 16, 2013 at the educational institution “Urania”. All formalities were cleared. Speakers were committed among them the journalist Petra Wild who just published a book entitled “Apartheid and ethnic cleansing of…more
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The New Dark Age 