9 February 2014 — VTJP
News
International Middle East Media Center
Report: Several Detainees Face Life-threatening Conditions due to Lack of Medical Care
IMEMC – A reported published by the Palestinian Ministry of Detainees in Ramallah, on February 8, revealed that several ailing detainees currently imprisoned by Israel, including cancer patients, are suffering serious deterioration in their health conditions, due to the lack of adequate and specialized treatment and care. …
Video: Settlers Assault Israeli Peace Activist Accompanying Palestinian Shepherds
IMEMC – A number of right-wing Israeli settlers were caught on tape, Saturday, attacking an Israeli peace activist accompanying Palestinian shepherds and farmers through Palestinian lands at Shweika village, south of the Hebron Mountains area, in the southern part of the occupied West Bank. …
Israel Rejects NATO Placement in Jordan Valley
IMEMC – Israel has rejected a proposal by the Palestinian Authority to place a NATO force in the Jordan Valley. …
Four Arrested in West Bank, Jerusalem
IMEMC – Israeli forces arrested two West Bank Palestinians, Sunday, including an elderly, in addition to two others from the Jerusalem area, according to local sources. …
Israeli Airstrike Injures 2 Men in Central Gaza
IMEMC – Israeli warplanes targeted a motorcycle in the central Gaza Strip, early Sunday, injuring two young Palestinian men, according to a medical official. …
Settlers Uproot 800 Olive Tree in Singel
IMEMC – Israeli settlers uprooted at dawn, today [Sunday, February 9, 2013], 800 olive seedlings in Singel village, north of Ramallah. …
80% of Gaza Factories Now Dysfunctional
IMEMC – MP Jamal al-Khudari has stated that 80% of the factories in Gaza were fully or partially closed due to the continued siege. …
Soldiers Take Pictures Of Themselves Abusing Wounded Child
IMEMC – Jerusalem – A video, captured by Rami Alarya of the Alqods Independent Media Center, showed a number of Israeli soldiers assaulting a Palestinian child, on Friday evening [February 4 2014], after shooting him with a rubber-coated metal bullet in the leg, and photographing themselves abusing him. …
Israeli airstrike on motorcycle injures 2 men in central Gaza Strip
2/9/2014 – GAZA CITY (Ma’an) — Israeli warplanes targeted a motorcycle in the central Gaza Strip early Sunday, injuring two young Palestinian men, a medical official said. Ashraf al-Qidra, spokesman for Gaza’s Ministry of Health, told Ma’an that two Palestinian men were taken to the al-Aqsa Martyrs Hospital after an Israeli military aircraft fired a missile at their motorcycle in Deir al-Balah….
In video: Settlers beat Israeli activist protecting Palestinians
2/9/2014 – BETHLEHEM (Ma’an) — Footage released by a rights group on Saturday appears to show Jewish settlers beating an Israeli activist as he tries to defend Palestinian farmers while Israeli soldiers look on. The videos released by joint Israeli-Palestinian human rights group Ta’ayush show an Israeli activist who has accompanied Palestinians to their farm lands in the village of Khirbet Shuweika in the….
Settlers uproot trees in Ramallah village for second time in 3 weeks
2/9/2014 – RAMALLAH (Ma’an) — Israeli settlers early Sunday raided private Palestinian land near Ramallah and uprooted hundreds of newly planted olive trees, locals told Ma’an. Locals said that dozens of settlers raided fields in the village of Sinjil north of Ramallah and uprooted and stole 800 olive saplings. The saplings had been planted days earlier after settlers uprooted olive trees in the same….
Palestinian prisoner in Israel evacuated to hospital
2/9/2014 – RAMALLAH (Ma’an) — A Palestinian prisoner in Israeli custody was transferred to a hospital in Beersheba early Saturday after falling suddenly ill, the Palestinian Prisoner’s Society said. The statement quoted Mamdouh al-Bitar as saying that his 33-year-old brother Ibrahim was admitted to Soroka Hospital. He said his brother underwent a stomach surgery about 20 days ago, and had been suffering from….
Analysis: US BDS activism reaches the third rail
2/9/2014 – Heike Schotten is Associate Professor of Political Science at the University of Massachusetts Boston, where she teaches political theory, feminist theory, and queer theory (her work is available here). She has been active in the Palestine solidarity movement since 2006. – Trains typically run on tracks consisting of two rails, but when they are powered by electricity, they run on a third rail that supplies the….
Fatah delegation in Gaza to address internal issues
2/9/2014 – GAZA CITY (Ma’an) — The Fatah delegation in Gaza is looking for ways to develop the faction’s activities in the Strip, a Fatah official said Sunday. Nabil Shaath, who is heading a delegation representing the Fatah Central Committee in Gaza, told Ma’an that the delegation is attempting to make Fatah “capable of saving Gaza and achieving national unity.” The delegation….
Group says PA arrested dozens of its members over Abbas criticism
2/9/2014 – RAMALLAH (Ma’an) — A political organization in the West Bank said on Saturday that Palestinian Authority security forces arrested dozens of its members in the West Bank after the group criticized President Mahmoud Abbas. The media office of the pan-Islamist party Hizb al-Tahrir said the PA made the arrests in reaction to an earlier statement that criticized Abbas’ suggestion that NATO troops be….
Fatah, Hamas to hold more unity talks
2/9/2014 – GAZA CITY (Ma’an) — Hamas and Fatah will hold meetings to discuss the implementation of a national reconciliation agreement on Sunday evening and Monday morning, members of both movements told Ma’an. Fatah official Nabil Shaath and Hamas official Khalil al-Hayya said they considered reconciliation a top priority, and that an earlier meeting between a Fatah delegation and Gaza Prime Minister Ismail Haniyeh….
Palestinian killed, 3 injured in car accident near Jenin
2/9/2014 – JENIN (Ma’an) — A Palestinian man died and three others were injured late Saturday in a car accident on a main road between Nablus and Jenin in the northern West Bank, police said. A police statement said that a Hyundai Tucson collided with a Palestinian Red Crescent ambulance. As a result of the accident, ambulances rushed four people to hospitals. They said three others….
Christian rivals find unity in Nativity church restoration
2/9/2014 – BETHLEHEM (AFP) — When Pope Francis visits Bethlehem in May he will see scaffolding covering the roof of the Church of the Nativity. It may be an eyesore, but it symbolizes a rare show of unity among rival Christian sects that are working together to restore the ancient basilica. Built in the fourth century by the Roman Emperor Constantine and restored by Justinian after a fire….
Bahrain opposition draws up roadmap for national dialogue
2/9/2014 – DUBAI (AFP) — Bahrain’s opposition unveiled Saturday a roadmap for restarting national dialogue talks suspended last month, and renewed demands for a constitutional monarchy in the Sunni-ruled kingdom. The proposals were published on the eve of the third anniversary of protests against the government that erupted on Feb. 14, 2011, and which have left Bahrain politically deadlocked since. Crown Prince Salman bin Hamad al-Khalifa….
Egypt’s Sabbahi to stand in presidential election
2/9/2014 – CAIRO (AFP) — A popular Egyptian dissident leader under ousted president Mohamed Morsi said Saturday he will stand in upcoming elections, in a contest likely to pit him against army chief Abdel Fattah al-Sisi. Although the widely popular Sisi has yet to announce his candidacy, the field marshal is expected to contest and win presidential elections slated for mid-April. But the announcement on Saturday by socialist….
Governor: 420 civilians evacuated Sunday from besieged Homs
2/9/2014 – DAMASCUS (AFP) — A total of 420 people were evacuated on Sunday from army-besieged districts of the Syrian city of Homs, the province’s governor, Talal al-Barazi, was quoted by state television as saying.”Four hundred and twenty besieged people came out today from the Old City districts of Homs, and the operation is still under way,” Barazi said. [END]
TV: Syria regime team arrives in Geneva for peace talks
2/9/2014 – DAMASCUS (AFP) — Syria’s government delegation arrived in Geneva on Sunday for a fresh round of peace talks with opposition representatives, state television said.”The Syrian Arab Republic’s delegation, headed by (Foreign) Minister Walid Muallem, has arrived in Geneva to take part in a second round” of the talks starting on Monday, it said. [END]
International Solidarity Movement
Gaza rallies in support of critically ill prisoner
2/9/2014 – International Solidarity Movement – The Electronic Intifada, Joe Catron, Gaza City, Occupied Palestine – Sit-ins to support Palestinian prisoners – held every week since 1995 in the courtyard of the International Committee of the Red Cross Gaza office – have recently been followed by rallies outside for Ibrahim Bitar, a sick detainee in Israel’s Nafha prison.”We’ve garnered internal support for my brother, and created this popular campaign,” Ibrahim’s….
occupied Palestinian territory: Militant wounded as Israel strikes central Gaza
Relief Web 9 Feb 2014 – Source: Agence France-Presse Country: occupied Palestinian territory 02/09/2014 10:27 GMT GAZA CITY, February 9, 2014 (AFP) – A Palestinian militant was in critical condition after an Israeli air strike on central Gaza on Sunday that the army said targeted a “…
Saudi Arabia and Pakistan forge stronger strategic alliance
The National 9 Feb 2014 – Revamping of ties between historical allies aims to address mutual concerns as US takes a new tack in regional policy.
UAE residents welcome plans to grant Indian visas on arrival to 180 countries
The National 9 Feb 2014 – The UAE, UK and US are among the 180 countries that can apply online.
Key suspect in Tunisia killings held after firefight
The National 9 Feb 2014 – Tunisia’s interior ministry said it arrested a man suspected of involvement in the murder of leftist MP Mohamed Brahmiafter a fierce gun battle.
Big Heart Campaign appeals for donations to ‘feed the minds’ of 1.2m Syrian refugee children
The National 9 Feb 2014 – The event in Dubai will feature celebrity appearances to raise funds for the education of Syrian refugee children.
Hundreds of Syrian civilians evacuated from Homs
The National 9 Feb 2014 – Aid workers in Syria have evacuated more than 600 civilians from a besieged area of Homs and brought in limited amounts of food and medical supplies.
Flappy Bird creator says popular game will fly no more
The National 9 Feb 2014 – Nguyen Ha Dong, a Hanoi-based game developer, announced the grounding of the addictive game in a tweet in which he also apologised to Flappy Bird players.
Egypt breaks up Muslim Brotherhood “military wing”
The National 9 Feb 2014 – Egypt’s interior ministry says it uncovered a cell organised by a Muslim Brotherhood leader that killed five policemen in an attack last month.
Danish zoo kills young giraffe to stop inbreeding
The National 9 Feb 2014 – Zoo spokesman Tobias Stenbaek Bro says it put down the male giraffe, named Marius, on Sunday using a bolt pistol and will feed its meat to carnivores in the zoo.
Iran hardliners accuse Rouhani of halting missile test
The National 9 Feb 2014 – Despite the recent conciliatory overtures, the Iranian navy said on Saturday that a number of warships had been ordered to approach US maritime borders as a response to the stationing of US vessels in the Gulf, the semi-official Fars news agency reported.
At least 15 killed and 130 injured in Saudi Arabia hotel blaze
The National 9 Feb 2014 – A fire broke out Saturday at a hotel housing pilgrims in western Saudi Arabia, killing at least 15 people and injuring 130, according to authorities in the kingdom.
Financially-strapped Hadassah beset by strikes, court petition
Ha’aretz – 9 Feb 2014
Israel’s defense minister vows ‘zero tolerance’ on illegal West Bank buildings
Ha’aretz – 9 Feb 2014
The importance of cloning the tribe
Ha’aretz – 9 Feb 2014
It’s raining racism
Ha’aretz – 9 Feb 2014
The boycott is our Palestinian non-violent resistance
Ha’aretz – 9 Feb 2014
Rights group: Israeli army using phony excuse to keep checkpoint closed
Ha’aretz – 9 Feb 2014
Central Israeli city rolls out high-tech parking patrol
Ha’aretz – 9 Feb 2014
J Street campaign takes to the Jewish-American heartland to harness support for Kerry
Ha’aretz – 9 Feb 2014
Israel’s defense minister vow ‘zero tolerance’ on illegal West Bank buildings
Ha’aretz – 9 Feb 2014
Turkish FM: Israel and Turkey closer to deal than ever
Ha’aretz – 9 Feb 2014
Head of Israeli police corruption unit quits over bribery affair
Ha’aretz – 9 Feb 2014
The real goal of BDS: Delegitimizing Israel
Ha’aretz – 9 Feb 2014
Israel to host 6th Scrabble tournament in Tiberias
Ha’aretz – 9 Feb 2014
Iran agrees to address UN agency’s nuclear concerns
Ha’aretz – 9 Feb 2014
Blame Putin for Syria, the toilets in Sochi are just a sideshow
Ha’aretz – 9 Feb 2014
Iranian TV shows films simulating attack on Israeli, U.S. targets
Ha’aretz – 9 Feb 2014
Thousands of Jews eying Spanish citizenship – but Spain has yet to approve the move
Ha’aretz – 9 Feb 2014
Hungarian Jewish community threatens boycott of official Holocaust events
Ha’aretz – 9 Feb 2014
Netanyahu convenes ministers to discuss growing Israel economic boycott threats
Ha’aretz – 9 Feb 2014
Is Israel’s public life ‘infested’ with religious Zionists?
Ha’aretz – 9 Feb 2014
Israel Air Force major charged with trading vacation days for favors
Ha’aretz – 9 Feb 2014
Moshav guard twice accused of child molestation is still on job
Ha’aretz – 9 Feb 2014
Germany to extend pensions for Jewish workers of Nazi ghettos
Ha’aretz – 9 Feb 2014
Israeli doctors criticize plan to fix overcrowded emergency rooms
Ha’aretz – 9 Feb 2014
Government backs bill requiring schools to teach that Israel is the Jewish nation-state
Ha’aretz – 9 Feb 2014
Reform movement attacked again in Israel’s Knesset
Ha’aretz – 9 Feb 2014
Haredi demonstrations against military draft only help Yair Lapid
Ha’aretz – 9 Feb 2014
New Meretz MKs propose a third of new laws
Ha’aretz – 9 Feb 2014
Habayit Hayehudi officials strike back at Lieberman: He can’t decide whether he’s right or left
Ha’aretz – 9 Feb 2014
Israeli army hits Palestinian global jihadist in air strike on Gaza
Ha’aretz – 9 Feb 2014
Child prostitution cannot be ignored
Ha’aretz – 8 Feb 2014
Poverty is good for the Israeli army
Ha’aretz – 8 Feb 2014
Turkish FM Davutoglu: Turkey, Israel close to a deal
Jerusalem Post 9 Feb 2014 – Davutoglu tells Turkish TV there has been momentum, a new approach in compensation talks over the Mavi Marmara incident.
NGO: West Bank settlers beat Israeli activist
Jerusalem Post 9 Feb 2014 – Attack is caught on video; shows settlers beat an activist who came to accompany Palestinian shepherds.
Hamas and Fatah discuss Palestinian rapprochement in Gaza
Jerusalem Post 9 Feb 2014 – Hamas leader Haniyeh says he is opposed to Kerry’s proposals for a deal between the Israel and the Palestinian Authority.
Top cop at center of Rabbi Pinto scandal resigns from police
Jerusalem Post 9 Feb 2014 – Menashe Arbiv is embroiled in a scandal in which he and or people close to him took bribes from Rabbi Yoshiyahu Yosef Pinto.
Trouble at Hadassah
Jerusalem Post 9 Feb 2014 – On Friday, HMO, which runs the Hadassah-University Hospital in Jerusalem’s Ein Kerem and Hadassah Hospital on Mount Scopus, asked the Jerusalem District Court to freeze legal proceedings against its NIS 1.3 billion deficit.
Candidly speaking: With Jewish friends like these…
Jerusalem Post 9 Feb 2014 – In this era of post-modernism and abandonment of traditional moral values, our capacity to inflict harm on ourselves seems to be at an alltime high.
Secretary of State Kerry deserves respect and gratitude
Jerusalem Post 9 Feb 2014 – For while the US government, including Secretary Kerry, are on record firmly opposing BDS and other attempts to isolate Israel, there are also limits to its ability to prevent such activities.
Meeting Iran in California
Jerusalem Post 9 Feb 2014 – Mershad, another Iranian-born woman, presented a complex power-point on internal Israeli conflicts versus the need for unity in Jewish society.
Former CIA director accuses US of anti-Semitism on Pollard
Jerusalem Post 9 Feb 2014 – R. James Woolsey tells the ‘Post’: “People shouldn’t be hung up on him being Jewish or Israeli. Pretend he’s Greek and release him.”
56,000 happy mothers and healthy babies
Jerusalem Post 9 Feb 2014 – This isn’t about being pro-life or prochoice; it’s about feeling the pain of another person that wants to scream for help but doesn’t think anyone is listening. It is about enabling someone choose what they truly want.
The ketuba of Carcassone
Jerusalem Post 9 Feb 2014 – The Spanish Inquisition chased the “New Christians,” and among them the Marranos, whom they blamed of being faithful to Judaism.
Orthodox Jewish man stabbed twice by Arab outside Damascus Gate
Jerusalem Post 9 Feb 2014 – Police investigating incident as a terrorist attack; victim treated for non life-threatening wounds to his neck and shoulder.
Will Kerry’s framework honor Rabin’s legacy?
Jerusalem Post 9 Feb 2014 – As Israel and the Palestinians await US Secretary of State John Kerry’s framework proposals, it is highly relevant to recall President Barack Obama’s urging of Israel to follow in the footsteps of the revered late Yitzchak Rabin, and argument that it would be a breach of faith to disregard Rabin’s legacy.
Think about it: Is government ignoring the Knesset and judiciary?
Jerusalem Post 9 Feb 2014 – Edelstein writes official letter to Prime Minister Netanyahu in complaining that 50 out of 150 laws passed by the Knesset in the past decade haven’t been implemented.
Jordanian parliament against recognizing Israel as Jewish state, but Abbas may do so, Livni hints
Jerusalem Post 9 Feb 2014 – Statement of legislature follows debate over peace process; Livni reportedly says “there will be surprises” regarding recognition by Palestinians.
Until the next explosion
Jerusalem Post 9 Feb 2014 – With easy access to cheap and devastatingly effective explosives, its no wonder criminals have made bombs their go-to weapon over the past couple years.
Jordanian parliament opposed to recognizing Israel as a Jewish state
Jerusalem Post 9 Feb 2014 – Statement of legislature in Amman follows debate over peace process; states support for Palestinian state along 67 lines.
Zionist-Hesder yeshivas demand court reverse order on subsidies for IDF draft dodgers
Jerusalem Post 9 Feb 2014 – Eleven indicted Haredi protesters arrested during protests last week, released after state loses appeal
Spanish Jews: Reports of new Sephardic citizenship law, premature
Jerusalem Post 9 Feb 2014 – Spain’s Justice Minister Alberto Ruiz-Gallardon says Spain owes Sephardic community a debt for spreading the Spanish language and culture.
Fearing power vacuum, Fatah leaders pressure Abbas to appoint deputy
Jerusalem Post 9 Feb 2014 – Palestinian Authority president agrees to create committee of top Fatah officials to discuss the appointment.
Jobbik can hold rally wherever it wants, Hungarian gov’t says
Jerusalem Post 9 Feb 2014 – EJC: Jobbik rally in former synagogue ‘trampling on the graves of Holocaust victims.’
AG: Let protesters pitch their tents with special approval
Jerusalem Post 9 Feb 2014 – Weinstein’s concept is to permit protest groups with wide support and which implicate the public interest to apply for a general approval.
Analysis: Target of IDF strike is key link in Gaza-Sinai radical Salafi terror network
Jerusalem Post 9 Feb 2014 – The strike on Abdallah Kharti is a reminder that Gaza is base for Hamas and Islamic Jihad terrorism and growing al-Qaida affiliated presence as well.
WATCH: Israeli athletes killed by terrorists at 1972 Olympics remembered in Sochi
Jerusalem Post 9 Feb 2014 – Russian Jewish community, Israeli delegation to Winter Games honor Israelis killed by Palestinian gunmen in Munich.
Environment Ministry to allocate NIS 2m. to clean beaches
Jerusalem Post 9 Feb 2014 – Study of beach cleanliness for 2013 indicated half of country’s shores ranked between “medium” and “very dirty”
Ministerial Committee votes to keep its meetings secret
Jerusalem Post 9 Feb 2014 – According to MK Horowitz, lack of transparency in committee allows ministers not to take responsibility for way they vote.
Shaare Zedek director-general: Hadassah can expand and flourish if changes are made
Jerusalem Post 9 Feb 2014 – In interview with ‘Jerusalem Post,’ Prof. Jonathan Halevy stresses importance of Hadassah, says he hopes it will recover and thrive.
Report: Russia and Egypt complete $2 billion arms deal funded by Gulf states
Jerusalem Post 9 Feb 2014 – Egypt is moving to improve relations with Russia following the partial freeze of US aid.
Arab MK: FM Liberman should ‘go back to where he came from, join gang in Moldova’
Jerusalem Post 9 Feb 2014 – Earlier the foreign minister said Arab lawmakers in the Knesset collaborate with terrorists.
Uruknet Note: uruknet.info is currently down. Go to uruknet.de
Islamist fighters seize Alawite village in central Syria
Daily Star 9 Feb 2014 Islamist fighters battling Syrian President Bashar Assad’s forces seize control of an Alawite village in the central province of Hama, part of an offensive to try to cut off supply routes from Damascus to the north…
Syria nuns taken from Maaloula in new video: Al-Jazeera
Daily Star 9 Feb 2014 A group of nuns from the historic Christian-majority town of Maalula in Syria appear in a new video broadcast by the Qatar-based satellite news channel Al-Jazeera.
600 Syrians flee besieged Old Homs in aid convoy
Daily Star 9 Feb 2014 Six hundred people leave the besieged ruins of rebel-held central Homs, escaping more than a year of hunger and deprivation caused by one of the most protracted blockades of Syria’s devastating conflict.
U.S. easing immigration rule for terrorist support
Daily Star 9 Feb 2014 The Obama administration is easing the rules for would-be asylum-seekers, refugees and other immigrants who have given “limited” support to terrorists or terrorist groups.
Syria regime team arrives in Geneva for peace talks: TV
Daily Star 9 Feb 2014 Syria’s government delegation arrives in Geneva for a fresh round of peace talks with opposition representatives, state television says.
Hezbollah says to remain in Syria
Daily Star 9 Feb 2014 Hezbollah vows to carry on fighting in Syria alongside the Damascus regime while stressing that the party will work to limit the war’s repercussion on its supporters in Lebanon.
Saudi Arabia: Death toll from fire falls to 13
Daily Star 9 Feb 2014 Saudi officials says that the death toll from a hotel fire in the western city of Medina has fallen to 13.
Islamist leader: Egypt became ‘republic of fear’
Daily Star 9 Feb 2014 A leading Egyptian Islamist and a former presidential candidate says an ongoing crackdown by the military-backed interim government has turned the country into a “republic of fear.
Iran moves to cooperate in U.N. nuclear bomb probe
Daily Star 9 Feb 2014 The U.N. nuclear agency says that Iran has agreed to start addressing suspicions that it may have worked on designing an atomic weapon, a potential breakthrough in a long-stalled investigation into Tehran’s atomic activities.
Iran drawing up new contracts to attract oil majors
Daily Star 9 Feb 2014 Iran’s oil ministry says it is preparing a new type of contract that would be more attractive to major oil companies in case of the lifting of international sanctions.
Announcing 10th Annual Israeli Apartheid Week – Feb-March 2014
Stop The Wall – Palestinian Grassroots Anti-apartheid Wall Campaign This is apartheid *Announcing 10th Annual Israeli Apartheid Week – Feb-March 2014* “We can not fight for our rights and our history as well as future until we are armed with weapons of criticism and dedicated consciousness.” – Edward Said Tenth Annual Israeli Apartheid Week…
Planting “Freedom Seedlings” activities continues.
Stop The Wall – Palestinian Grassroots Anti-apartheid Wall Campaign Olive Planting 2 8 2 2014, Dozens of volunteers of Palestinians Farmers Union, Stop the Wall Campaign, Kafr al-Labad Association, and some farmers, planted olive seedlings in “Alhvasi” region, under the auspices of the Ministry of Agriculture, and the Palestinian and Arab Society for the…
Israeli forces detained STW activists near the Jordan Valley.
Stop The Wall – Palestinian Grassroots Anti-apartheid Wall Campaign ???? ???????- ????????? 48 8 2 2014, This morning, Occupation Forces detained four Popular Resistance activists on Tayaseer barrier, while they were heading to Al Hadedieh area in the northern Jordan Valley. The Israeli army detained Sohail Al Salman, the Committees coordinator of Stop the…
Settlers’ attacks Report for January of 2014. Uprooting more than 2,000 olive trees and almost daily attacks on citizens.
Stop The Wall – Palestinian Grassroots Anti-apartheid Wall Campaign ????? 1 January 2014 witnessed increase in the continues settlers’ crimes against Palestinians and their property, as well as the reveal of further settlement expansion plans that the Israeli government agreed on. The Israeli government has announced the construction of more than 1,600 housing units…
Mexico captures suspected drug lord wanted in United States
YNet News, 9 Feb 2014 – ….
The settlers most Israelis don’t know
YNet News, 9 Feb 2014 – Most Israelis have never visited Judea and Samaria, and think all Jewish settlers are a homogenous bunch. Well, says Eitan Haber, they’re not ….
Australian wildfires raze homes, hurt firefighter
YNet News, 9 Feb 2014 – ….
Islamist fighters seize Alawite village in central Syria
YNet News, 9 Feb 2014 – ….
Turkish FM: Very close to normalizing relations with Israel
YNet News, 9 Feb 2014 – ….
Pakistan: Gunmen kill 8 at religious gathering
YNet News, 9 Feb 2014 – ….
Torah lessons in Sochi amid fears of terror
YNet News, 9 Feb 2014 – Jewish community in city hosting Winter Olympics all prepared to greet some 20,000 Jewish visitors from Israel and around the world. ‘We will cater to all their needs,’ says local Chabad rabbi ….
Haredi MKs must give up immunity
YNet News, 9 Feb 2014 – Op-ed: Knesset member inciting against High Court judges should pay the price like any other criminal ….
Lieberman is the State Department’s new darling
YNet News, 9 Feb 2014 – Americans see Lieberman as a gold mine compared to childish and irresponsible behavior of Netanyahu and his Likud ministers ….
Religious feminism within rabbis’ home
YNet News, 9 Feb 2014 – Never has Orthodox Rabbinate felt so threatened. Feminism is pulling the rug out from under the rabbis’ authority and they are indistinctively rejecting anything which even slightly smells of freedom and human rights. Abandonment makes them irrational and irreligious ….
Leftist activist says settlers attacked him in West Bank
YNet News, 8 Feb 2014 – Israeli Ta’ayush organization activist says he was attacked with clubs by masked settlers in South Mount Hebron, while escorting goat herders in area belonging to Palestinians ….
Man killed in possible gangland car blast in south Tel Aviv
YNet News, 8 Feb 2014 – Large police forces, MDA teams arrive on the scene in south Tel Aviv after blast goes off in car. MDA paramedic: ‘We tried to evacuate the man from the vehicle, but the fire forced us to retreat’ ….
First photographs ever taken of Jerusalem
YNet News, 8 Feb 2014 – Series of photographs of Mediterranean region from 1841 to 1844 most likely to be first documentation in history of holy city. Images uncovered in home of French photographer ….
Ex CIA head: Anti-Semitism likely in Pollard case
YNet News, 8 Feb 2014 – Former CIA chief says anti-Semitism possibly playing part in American decline to free convicted spy Jonathan Pollard; as proof, says Americans who spied for foreign countries were released after completing short sentences ….
For modesty’s sake: Iran covers up Sochi ‘snow-maiden’
YNet News, 8 Feb 2014 – Like all national teams, Iranian delegation entered Olympic stadium escorted by a ‘snow-maiden’. But unlike the rest of the teams, Iran’s white-clad chaperone was dressed a bit more… well modest ….
Rocket fired from Gaza hits northern Negev; no injuries
YNet News, 8 Feb 2014 – In fourth incident this week, Gaza terrorist launch rocket on northern Negev; no injuries or damage reported, IDF claim ….
Iran moves navy fleet into Atlantic in ‘message’ to US
YNet News, 8 Feb 2014 – Hours after Iran’s Supreme Leader called the US ‘meddlesome and controlling,’ an Iranian admiral announces Islamic Republic moving fleet into Atlantic and ‘approaching the United States’ maritime borders,’ saying’ this move has a message’ ….
UN aid to enter Syria’s Homs after initial evacuations
YNet News, 8 Feb 2014 – Despite lack of progress during January peace talks, ‘humanitarian pause’ taken to aid suffering residents. Food, medicine to be delivered to besieged Old City after 18 months ….
Palestinian Information Center
Khudari calls for activating international boycott of Israel
PIC – Independent MP Jamal Al-Khudari has called on the world community to activate an international boycott of the Israeli occupation.
A video showing Israeli soldiers abusing wounded child
PIC – Palestinian activists published a video showing a number of Israeli soldiers assaulting a Palestinian child, on Friday evening, after shooting him by a rubber-coated metal bullet in the leg.
Health condition of captive patient Natsheh deteriorates
PIC – Palestinian Prisoners Center for Studies said that the health condition of captive patient Nabil Natsheh, aged 56 from al-Khalil, has seriously deteriorated in recent days.
Jewish settlers uproot 400 olive trees north of Ramallah
PIC – Jewish settlers uprooted 400 olive saplings in Sinjil village land, north of Ramallah, on Sunday morning.
IOF arrests child among others near the Ibrahimi Mosque in al-Khalil
PIC – The Israeli occupation forces (IOF) arrested on Sunday a Palestinian child near the Ibrahimi Mosque in al-Khalil and a liberated prisoner immediately after his release from the PA’s jails.
Bahar hails decision of the Danish Parliament Speaker to visit Gaza
PIC – Dr. Ahmed Bahar, First Deputy Speaker of the Palestinian Legislative Council, hailed the Danish Parliament Speaker Mogens Lykketoft’s planned visit to Ramallah and the Gaza Strip.
Dozens of Israeli violations of the freedom of the press registered in January
PIC – A Palestinian human rights center concerned with documenting Israeli violations of the freedom of the press and opinion registered dozens of violations in the past month of January.
Two citizens wounded in Israeli raid on central Gaza
PIC – Two Palestinian citizens were wounded, one of them seriously, on Sunday morning in an Israeli aerial raid on Deir Al-Balah city in central Gaza Strip.
Settler Attack Palestinian near Bethlehem
WAFA – 9 Feb 2014
Settler Uproot 400 Olive Seedlings near Ramallah
WAFA – 9 Feb 2014
Two Injured in Israeli Air Attack on Gaza
WAFA – 9 Feb 2014
Local Coca-Cola Partner Completes Energy Saving Challenge
WAFA – 9 Feb 2014
Group says US Legislation against Boycott of Israel Could Stifle Freedoms
WAFA – 9 Feb 2014
EU Urges Israel to Cancel new Settlement Homes
WAFA – 9 Feb 2014
Officials: Many Obstacles Hampering Tourism as Money-Making Business
WAFA – 9 Feb 2014
Israeli Forces Raid Towns, Clash with Residents
WAFA – 9 Feb 2014
Israeli Army Uses Force to Evict Palestinians from Ein Hijleh
WAFA – 9 Feb 2014
Israeli airstrike in Gaza targets militant
LA Times 9 Feb 2014 – JERUSALEM — Two Palestinians were wounded in an Israeli airstrike on the Gaza Strip early Sunday.
Kerry to Visit China, South Korea, Indonesia and Abu Dhabi
New York Times 9 Feb 2014 – U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry will begin a trip this week to China, South Korea, Indonesia and the United Arab Emirates, the State Department said on Sunday, at a time of high tensions in Asia over China’s increasingly assertive territorial claims.
Islamist Fighters Seize Alawite Village in Central Syria
New York Times 9 Feb 2014 – Islamist fighters battling Syrian President Bashar al-Assad’s forces seized control of an Alawite village in the central province of Hama on Sunday, part of an offensive to try to cut off supply routes from Damascus to the north of the country.
2 Are Wounded in Israeli Airstrike in Gaza
New York Times 9 Feb 2014 – The target of the strike by the Israeli military, a Palestinian militant accused of firing rockets into Israel, was critically wounded, along with a bystander.
Syrian Artist Shows Trauma of War in Charcoal Sketches
New York Times 9 Feb 2014 – A woman curls up in grief in a darkened room – an artist’s image as powerful as any of the thousands of photos and videos from Syria’s civil war flashing across the world’s computer and television screens.
Egypt Says Muslim Brotherhood Has Formed Military Wing
New York Times 9 Feb 2014 – Egypt has accused the Muslim Brotherhood of creating a military wing to attack security forces, a move likely to increase pressure on the group already facing a massive crackdown.
Iran, UN Agency Agree to Expand Nuke Probe
New York Times 9 Feb 2014 – Iran agreed Sunday to open its nuclear activities to greater purview for U.N. experts seeking to revive their probe into suspicions that Tehran might have worked on atomic weapons.
Egypt Detains Man Who Sent Pictures to Jazeera: Sources
New York Times 9 Feb 2014 – A Cairo prosecutor has ordered the detention of an Egyptian accused of altering photographs before sending them to the Qatar-based Al Jazeera news network and of belonging to a terrorist organization, judicial sources said on Sunday.
Syria Says 500 Civilians Evacuated From Central Homs
New York Times 9 Feb 2014 – Aid teams evacuated more than 500 civilians from the besieged rebel center of Homs on Sunday and delivered humanitarian aid to people who remain in the Syrian city, a local official said.
Iran to Give U.N. Nuclear Agency Detonator Information: IAEA
New York Times 9 Feb 2014 – Iran has agreed to give the U.N. nuclear agency information and explanations about so-called exploding bridge wire detonators, the IAEA said on Sunday, as part of its investigation into suspicions Tehran may have carried out atomic bomb research.
Germany Extends Pensions for Nazi Ghettos’ Jewish Workers
New York Times 9 Feb 2014 – Germany’s Labour Ministry is to bring in new legislation extending the pension rights of thousands of Jews forced to work in Nazi-era ghettos, Spiegel magazine reported on Sunday.
U.N., Red Crescent Resume Homs Aid Operation After Attack
New York Times 9 Feb 2014 – Aid workers resumed humanitarian operations in Homs on Sunday, a day after they came under mortar fire in the besieged rebel heart of the Syrian city, evacuating dozens of civilians and sending in supplies to 2,500 people trapped by civil war.
Former Presidential Hopeful Says Egypt Is Now ‘Republic of Fear’
New York Times 9 Feb 2014 – A moderate Islamist who came fourth in Egypt’s 2012 presidential election won by the Muslim Brotherhood’s Mohamed Mursi, accused the army-backed authorities on Sunday of creating a “republic of fear”.
Khamenei: US Would Overthrow Iranian Government if It Could-Media
New York Times 9 Feb 2014 – Iran’s Supreme Leader said on Saturday the United States would overthrow the Iranian government if it could, adding Washington had a “controlling and meddlesome” attitude towards the Islamic Republic, Iranian media reported.
Stanley Fischer discloses assets of up to $56.3m
Globes Main News – The disclosure is part of the nomination process for vice chairman of the US Fed.
IAI to launch cyber early warning R&D center
Globes Aerospace & Defense – IAI is also unveiling its advanced 3D Detect-Decide-Defeat defense solution.
Leviathan partners to contest tax on Woodside deal
Globes Main News – Tax expert: The Tax Authority will fight for every shekel.
BioBlast Pharma plans $37.5m Nasdaq IPO
Globes Main News – The rare genetic disease drug developer is owned by the people behind the Alcobra IPO.
Israel faces unprecedented drought
Globes Main News – Farmers Union: Unless the precipitation balance changes, water-intensive field crops will be thinned.
Goldman Sachs: Copaxone saved Teva in 2013
Globes Main News – Jami Rubin: We grow increasingly concerned about Teva’s dependence on Copaxone.
Israel must build energy services industry
Globes Main News – Israel can copy Norway in using gas revenues to develop an energy industry.
Ehud Barak buys 5 Tel Aviv apartments
Globes Main News – Barak will pay NIS 12 million for the apartments in the Icon Tel Aviv project in Ibn Gvirol Street.
Galmed files for $35m Nasdaq IPO
Globes Main News – The liver disease drug company hopes to hold the IPO at a company value of $100 million.
Coca-Cola invests in potential SodaStream rival
Globes Main News – Coca-Cola has bought 10% of Green Mountain Coffee Roasters to enter the homemade carbonated beverages market.
Surviving anti-Semitism smear, Walt and Mearsheimer seem to have influence in high places
Mondoweiss – Mearsheimer, photo by Varsha Sundar in the Chicago Maroon When Walt and Mearsheimer published their paper on the Israel lobby eight years ago, one of its openings was that two prestige scholars were willing to risk the anti-Semite smear. They surely knew the label might be…
Here’s how Sadeq can get married
Mondoweiss – Al Aqaba, Jordan Valley, Palestine. Sadeq’s house just needs doors, windows, paint, tile, and plumbing to finish (Photo:Rebuilding Alliance) Sadeq and his fiancé are ready to marry. He has a job — check. He can support a wife and family — check. As soon as their…
Free it or f— it, Palestine comes to Los Angeles
Mondoweiss – Photo of first graffiti, Workmen’s Circle building, LA, by Dennis Romero of LA Weekly Here’s a piece in the LA Weekly about a mural on the side of a liberal Zionist organization’s building being defaced, first with the graffiti, Free Palestine, later with the graffiti, Fuck…
IAI successfully tests tactical radar system
Globes Aerospace & Defense – ELM-2311 is a compact, mobile artillery weapon radar and weapon launch locator.
Most Israelis manage own investment portfolios
Globes Main News – The finding is in a survey of investment behavior for “Globes”.
NSA Maintains “Five Eyes” Satellite Facility in Israel
Tikun Olam – In the Midrash, Jerusalem is called the navel of the world. The Talmudic text says that Israel is the center of the world, Jerusalem is the center of Israel, and the Beyt Ha’Mikdash is the center of Jerusalem. It appears the NSA has made a similar…
Meet Zohar Zuarets: Israeli Facebook Fascist of the Week
Tikun Olam – Suaretz’s Facebook photo: “In every generation [anti-Semites] arise to destroy us, but the Holy One Blessed be He saves us from their hand.” Generally, I try to write about the big issues, major trends in Israeli national society and security. But occasionally I make exceptions when…
Rotem Offers Full Apology for ‘Reform Not Jewish’ Remark
The Foward Breaking News 9 Feb 2014 – Israeli lawmaker David Rotem offered a full apology for reportedly saying the Reform movement “is not Jewish.” Click here for the rest of the article…
‘Hundreds’ evacuated from Syria city
BBC 9 Feb 2014 – More than 600 civilians are reportedly evacuated from the rebel-held quarter of the Syrian city of Homs, despite mortar fire and shooting in the area.
British Lawmaker Apologizes For Comparing Gaza to Shoah
The Foward Breaking News 9 Feb 2014 – A British lawmaker apologized for remarks comparing Israel’s treatment of the Palestinians to Jewish suffering during the Holocaust. Click here for the rest of the article…
Israeli Breast Cancer Survivor Launches Prosthetic Nipple Company
The Forward New 9 Feb 2014 – After breast cancer forced one Israeli woman to have a mastectomy, she created her own prosthetic nipple. Now, she is helping other women battling cancer. Click here for the rest of the article…
Hadassah Hospital Workers Threaten Strike If Not Paid Full Salary
The Foward Breaking News 9 Feb 2014 – Staff members on Sunday threatened to go on a full strike the following day unless they receive the remaining half of their unpaid salaries by midnight, the Times of Israel reported. Click here for the rest of the article…
Hungary’s Jews Vote To Boycott Holocaust Memorials
The Foward Breaking News 9 Feb 2014 – Hungary’s main Jewish group voted on Sunday to boycott official Holocaust commemorations this year unless they more clearly show the role of local citizens in the Nazi deportation and killing of Hungarian Jews. Click here for the rest of the article…
Iran to reveal detonator information
BBC 9 Feb 2014 – The Iranian government promises to provide information on detonators as one of seven steps aimed at allaying fears over its nuclear programme.
The Jewish Settlers Who Would Stay in West Bank Under Palestinian Rule
The Forward New 9 Feb 2014 – Most West Bank settlers plan to leave — or fight — if Israel ends its occupation. But some relish the idea of staying — and say a Jewish minority could thrive under Palestinian rule. Click here for the rest of the article…
Egypt: Four Killed in Saudi Hotel Fire – Ambassador
allAfrica.com 9 Feb 2014 – [Aswat Masriya]Cairo -Four Egyptians were killed along with others in a fire at a hotel in Saudi Arabia on Saturday, said Afifi Abdel Wahab, Egypt’s ambassador to Saudi Arabia.
VIDEO: Family plea for journalist’s release
BBC 9 Feb 2014 – The family of an Australian journalist detained in Egypt for allegedly collaborating with terrorists have made an appeal for the international community to do more to secure his release.
Egypt: 15 Pilgrims Dead, 47 Injured in Hotel Fire in Saudi Arabia
allAfrica.com 9 Feb 2014 – [Aswat Masriya]Cairo -Egypt’s state television and other media reported that 15 Egyptian pilgrims were killed and 47 others were injured in a hotel fire in al-Madina al-Munawara in Saudi Arabia on Saturday.
Iran warships to sail ‘close to US’
BBC 8 Feb 2014 – Iranian warships are to sail close to US maritime borders in the Atlantic for the first time, an Iranian naval commander tells state media.
VIDEO: Desperate Syrians flee to UN vehicles
BBC 9 Feb 2014 – More than 600 civilians have been evacuated from the rebel-held Old Quarter of the central Syrian city of Homs, state media report.
PART I Former Syrian Prisoners: In Their Own Voices
Al-Akhbar News 9 Feb 2014 – Syrian detainees, who were arrested over participation in the protests against Syrian President Bashar al-Assad’s regime,are seen walking at the Damascus police leadership building to sign their release papers July 11, 2012 (Photo: REUTERS-Khaled al- Hariri) Syrian detainees, who were arrested over participation in the protests…
Bomb kills Yemeni colonel in Sanaa
Al-Akhbar News 9 Feb 2014 – A picture taken on February 9, 2014 in Sanaa shows the inside of Colonel Mohammed Fadhel Hussein’s vehicle that was damaged when an explosive device, planted under the driver’s seat, went off as the car passed near the oil ministry. (Photo: AFP) A bomb exploded inside…
Egypt’s elections: The meaning of Sabahi’s entry and Abul-Fotouh’s exit
Al-Monitor 9 Feb 2014 – Egypt’s presidential politics just got more interesting as Hamdeen Sabahi, the head of the Popular Current, announced his candidacy.
Israeli air strike injures two in Gaza Strip
Al-Akhbar News 9 Feb 2014 – Palestinians walk past the wreckage of a motorbike whose driver was injured in an Israeli air strike on February 9, 2014 in Deir al-Balah, in the center of the Gaza Strip. (Photo: AFP – Said Khatib) Two Palestinians were injured, one critically, after an Israeli air…
The beginnings of an Israel-Iran reset?
Al-Monitor 9 Feb 2014 – Israel may be reassessing the Iranian threat, as Iran shows its reach in Palestinian politics.
Iran nuclear talks broach topic of transparency
Al-Akhbar News 9 Feb 2014 – Updated at 3:25 pm: Iran agreed on Sunday seven more ‘practical steps’ with the UN nuclear watchdog in talks seeking further safeguards to enhance transparency on Tehran’s nuclear drive, a top official said. “Seven more practical steps in regards to cooperation with the (International Atomic Energy)…
Tunisia apprehends suspect in opposition MP murder case
Al-Akhbar News 9 Feb 2014 – Tunisian police killed an Islamist militant in a gunbattle in Tunis and captured three people, including one suspected of involvement in the assassination of an opposition leader last year, authorities said. Ahmed Malki, captured late on Saturday, is a main suspect in the killing of Mohammed…
Gulenists likely losers in Turkish power struggle
Al-Monitor 9 Feb 2014 – Standing strong against corruption accusations, the AKP appears poised to rule Turkey for another decade as the Gulenists are likely to lose their political clout soon and the opposition remains weak.
Erdogan takes on the Internet
Al-Monitor 9 Feb 2014 – Turkish Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan’s attempt to control the media and the Internet could be likened to the battles of Don Quixote.
Erdogan’s heavy hand in Turkish media
Al-Monitor 9 Feb 2014 – Turkish Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan’s personal call to a TV station to immediately stop a news scroll reveals the extent of the restrictions on press freedom in Turkey.
Turkish pragmatism at Sochi Olympics
Al-Monitor 9 Feb 2014 – Turkey puts aside Caucasus issue in relations with Russia in participating in the Sochi Winter Olympics.
Egypt’s one safe path: reach out to revolutionary forces
Al-Monitor 9 Feb 2014 – Egyptian Defense Minister Gen. Abdel Fattah al-Sisi should not run for president to safeguard the role of the military institution and keep the country on the path to democracy.
Neutrality, reform needed to rescue Lebanon’s economy
Al-Monitor 9 Feb 2014 – Lebanon’s economy is collapsing and the only thing that can save it is a new government that keeps Lebanon neutral in the Syrian war and implements economic and administrative reforms.
Morocco’s inheritance dilemma
Al-Monitor 9 Feb 2014 – Attempts at reforming the inheritance law in Morocco, which favors males over females, has been met with staunch opposition from Islamic scholars and many citizens.
Syrian town of Saidnaya battles armed groups
Al-Monitor 8 Feb 2014 – The town of Saidnaya, north of Damascus, which is home to an ancient monastery that is a pilgrimage site for Christians around the world, has been defending itself from repeated attacks by armed opposition groups.
Mauritanian activists issue charter to assist former slaves
Al-Monitor 8 Feb 2014 – Mauritanian civil activists have issued a charter calling for “positive discrimination” measures to help former slaves integrate into society.
The Arab Spring, Islam and oil wealth
Al-Monitor 8 Feb 2014 – The Muslim Brotherhood in Tunisia has learned from the mistakes of its counterpart in Egypt, but elsewhere in the Arab Spring countries, Islamist groups and oil wealth are trying to hijack the revolutions.
Metal band demands payment from Pentagon over use of music as torture device
Al-Akhbar News 8 Feb 2014 – Protestors wear orange detainee jumpsuits and black hoods as they hold a banner calling for the closing of the US detention center at Guantanamo naval base in Cuba in front of the White House in Washington on January 11, 2014 to mark the 12th anniversary of…
Articles
PHOTOS: Ein Hijleh protest village remains steadfast
Alternative Information Center 2/3/2014
Despite repeated harassment and attacks by Israeli forces, Palestinian activists remain encamped in the re-established village of Ein Hijleh. As part of its Melh Al-Ard (Salt of the Earth) campaign, the Palestinian Popular Struggle Coordination Committee began on Friday January 31 to restore and occupy abandoned homes there to protest the ongoing Israeli annexation of the Jordan Valley. The Ein Hijleh village consists of a few deserted homes and palm trees and is surrounded by lands taken and used by Israeli settlers. An Israeli military base separates the village from the Deir Hijleh monastery, which owns a property of about 1000 dunams, some of which were taken by Israeli forces. In spite of attempts by the army to restrict access to the site, activists have been successful in maintaining their presence, welcoming visitors, and stockpiling food and supplies in order to remain as long as possible.
The PSCC has established a schedule of events for coming days:
Wednesday: Day of solidarity and expanding popular activities in reviving and renovating the lands and houses of Ein Hijleh.
Thursday: Day for diplomatic participation and embassy representatives to inform them on the situation of Ein Hijleh including information about the siege on the village which bans the entry of food, water, medical supplies, and journalists by Israeli forces.
Friday: Friday prayer in the village followed by a volunteer program for planting trees and continuing the renovation of the homes in Ein Hijleh…. — See also: VIDEO: Israeli forces evict Ein Hijleh protest village more.. e-mail
US BDS activism reaches the third rail
Heike Schotten, Ma’an News Agency 2/9/2014
Heike Schotten is Associate Professor of Political Science at the University of Massachusetts Boston, where she teaches political theory, feminist theory, and queer theory (her work is available here). She has been active in the Palestine solidarity movement since 2006.
Trains typically run on tracks consisting of two rails, but when they are powered by electricity, they run on a third rail that supplies the train with electric power. Third rail systems are often used for mass transportation because they are so efficient. The third rail is nevertheless hazardous. If you touch it, you might die from electrocution.
Israel is often called the third rail of US politics. This means both that support for Israel powers US politics and also that anyone who dares to question it will pay the price.
It also means that Israel’s sacrosanct status is a particularly efficient means of keeping status quo US politics running, even as it effectively wards off interference with its invisible machinations.
Israel’s third rail status in US politics is the reason why the Boycott, Divestment, and Sanctions movement in the United States has lagged behind that of many European countries. It is not simply the clout of the Israel lobby or the shared US-Israeli imperial foreign policy agenda that protect Israel from scrutiny.
It is also the reflexive cries of “anti-Semitism!”; the ostracism and demonization of critics of Israel in families, workplaces, and communities; the threats, intimidation, demotion, and firing of public critics of Israel. Each of these functions effectively as the equivalent of a subway sign declaring: “Third Rail: Do Not Touch.” more.. e-mail
Deconstructing revolutionary struggle
Ramona Wadi, Middle East Monitor (MEMO) 2/9/2014
It’s alleged that Pope Francis intends to define himself as ‘the Che Guevara of Palestinians’
Israel National News published a news report concerning historically displaced rhetoric uttered by Argentinean rabbi and Member of Parliament Rabbi Sergio Bergman, who claimed that during his impending visit to Bethlehem and Israel, Pope
Francis intends to define himself as “the Che Guevara of Palestinians”. Israeli Deputy Foreign Minister Ze’ev Elkin promptly issued a statement countering Bergman’s comment, declaring that the foreign ministry is monitoring developments between the Vatican and the Palestinian Authority with regard to the visit.
According to Elkin, official visitors to Israel are expected to balance their diplomatic rhetoric: “Our role is to ensure that there won’t be an unusual gesture, and we have the tools to do so.” The deputy foreign minister also pointed to the Vatican’s vested interests in Israel, regarding disputes over the transfer of ownership of religious sites in Jerusalem, which would “prevent it from taking a blatantly anti-Israel stance”.
The marginalising of Palestinians from political discourse has been achieved through the deconstruction of revolutionary struggle, internationalism and Palestinian resistance. By denying the Palestinians’ historical struggle, the indigenous population has been portrayed as an entity dependent upon a symbolic revolutionary character whose struggle has also been subjected to imperialist narratives. Equating the ruler of the Vatican City State with Ernesto Che Guevara, an internationalist revolutionary who embraced and participated in armed struggle is preposterous. However there is evidence of the exploitation of history which, although attempting to project alleged support for Palestinians, is indicative of diplomatic manoeuvres intended to subjugate the Palestinians into another phase of oblivion. Diplomatic discourse has enhanced disassociation from history by deconstructing revolutionary struggle to suit the ambiguity of humanitarian diplomacy, thus rendering the Palestinians a passive caricature awaiting a personification of revolution, in this case substituting the example of Che for the pope. more.. e-mail
Lifting the Siege of Yarmouk
Franklin Lamb, Yarmouk Palestinian Camp, Damascus, CounterPunch 2/7/2014
One Food Parcel & One Polio Vaccination at a Time
As of 2/6/14 it’s been seven days since the first humanitarian aid, generally in the form of 56 lb. food parcels packed by UNWRA, the World Food Program, the ICRC or European aid organizations have been able to enter Yarmouk Palestinian refugee camp following half a dozen aborted attempts the past few months by various militia and political groups to achieve consensus to deliver aid. The aid parcels, including two kilos of rice, two kilos sugar, three kilos lentils, three kilos dry macaroni, plus flour, jam, tea, oil, and sweet Halawi spread are intended to feed a family of five to eight for ten days. The boxes have been trickling into the South side of the Yarmouk Palestinian camp and up along Rima Street where this observer has seen crowds this past week tensely waiting and hoping for food and clean water. For some camp residents the wait for relief began in June of 2013 when all entrances and exits to Yarmouk camp were cut.
Up to this morning, approximately 5,300 food parcels have been allowed into Yarmouk or an average of 800-1,000 food packages daily. Aid has been entering sporadically and sometimes chaotically, with perceptible but slight increases over the past week.
A large yellow flat-bed truck arrived on the morning of 2/5/14 and this observer watched as food parcels were off-loaded and neatly stacked into six white pick-up trucks that were then driven into Yarmouk under the watchful gaze of pro and anti-regime forces and security agents. According to one source from South Beirut who this observer had met earlier, Jabhat al Nusra, Jabhat Islam, Daash and Jund al Cham snipers could be observed on rooftops monitoring the distribution activity with their eyes pressed against their rifle scopes. One SARCS volunteer who this observer has known for two years advised that she feared there might be a shootout between these fighters and nearby Palestinian forces allied with the government (Ahmad Jibril’s PFLP-GC) suspected Hezbollah fighters with hand radio phones who were watching and seemingly discussing the events. Frankly, for this observer, it is increasingly difficult to distinguish which group is which around here given the proliferation of fighters with beards and essentially indistinguishable attire. more.. e-mail
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The New Dark Age 