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Our apologies for including a story from Haaretz yesterday without stating or indeed realizing that it was from 2004. Our source thought it was current, and Haaretz had not dated it – that should have given us a clue, since Haaretz now dates its stories, but we missed it. That story was 'Christians in Jerusalem want Jews to stop spitting on them." We have not seen 2007 reports of this sort of thing.
U.N.: West Bank fence severs Palestinians from fields
Only 18 percent of some 30,000 West Bank farmers who used to work the lands cut off by Israel 's separation fence now have Israeli permits to reach their fields, the United Nations said in a report on the lives of some 230,000 Palestinians in 67 communities close to the fence.
Palestinian village loses half its land for Israeli Wall construction
Toura al Gharbeyah is a West Bank village located southwest of the city of Jenin. According to Tareq Kabaha, head of the village council, the most fertile land has been annexed by the construction of the Wall.
Toxic treatment
Two young Palestinian girls die after bloodcurdling Israeli treatment – Sfard, the attorney for Yesh Din - Volunteers for Human Rights, says he hears about awful things that happen to Palestinians every day. "But when I heard this story, I could hardly believe it. It's bloodcurdling. After I started looking into it, I was just appalled. It seems that at Assuta there's a separate medical channel for Palestinians, and they are given inferior care. And that's only the tip of the iceberg. Someone's making money from this. And we're talking about cancer-stricken children here."
Trapped in Gaza by Israeli closure,
young cancer patient dies
21-year-old Sabri Al Kurdi became the most recent medical patient to die while waiting to leave the Gaza Strip for treatment this week. Israel's closure of the Gaza Strip's border crossings, only a tiny number of medical patients are permitted to be transferred out of the territory. At least six people have died as a direct result of this policy since June. Al-Khodri mentioned two other cases of patients dying as a result of the embargo, including a seven-month-old girl named Sana Al-Haj and a mother of seven named Ayda Abed Al-Al.
Save the Children report: Israeli soldiers,
settlers killed 38 Palestinian children in 2007
Israeli military forces and settlers also injured 209 children between January and September of 2007, according to a new report from the British charity Save the Children. By the end of September, 335 children were jailed in Israeli detention facilities, most of them from poor households in the northern West Bank. 29 children were killed in inter-factional fighting in the occupied territories. Save the Children also reported at least 11 incidents in which Israeli troops attacked Palestinian Authority and UNRWA-run schools. [more]
Rice rules out visit to region before Annapolis conference
White House Spokesman Sean McCormack said Rice will continue consulting with Prime Minister Ehud Olmert and Palestinian Authority Chairman Mahmoud Abbas over the phone. McCormack also confirmed U.S. President George W. Bush's attendance at the conference. Its exact date has not been officially announced. Sources in Jerusalem said took Rice's decision as a good sign, suggesting she won't visit because talks are progressing and the sides don't need pressuring.
Erekat: "Israel can define itself as it likes"
After being harangued by the world press for a statement that was somewhat unclear in its support for Israel, Saeb Erekat, the chief Palestinian negotiator, clarified his position on Friday in an interview with the Jerusalem Post. He stated that the Palestinian Authority, without question, recognized the state of Israel -- whether or not Israel were to define itself as a 'Jewish state'.
Israeli sabotage is a deliberate attempt to bring down Palestinian moderation
The Israeli attempts to cause the failure of the international peace conference before its presumed convening in 10 days' time in Annapolis poses a fundamental question, namely: if Israel truly doesn't want peace, what then? . . . The Knesset last week approved a draft law to prevent the Israeli government from changing the borders of east and west Jerusalem without the approval of two thirds (80) of Knesset members, instead of an absolute majority of 61, according to current law. The goal of this change is head off any chance of reaching an agreement about the status of East Jerusalem.
Making the first move
Given the utter imbalance between Israel as occupier and the Palestinians as occupied, peace between them must be initiated by Israel – After all, it's not as though [the Palestinians are] asking for the moon in desiring a state based on what little of their land remains to the east of the Green Line. If a two-state solution is ever to come to fruition, both sides will have to make enormous sacrifices in terms of scaling back their ideal demands of what they should be given in a final settlement.
Report: Israeli army kidnapped more than 350 Palestinians during October
As the Israeli government announces the possible release of 400 Palestinian detainees imprisoned in Israeli prison camps, the Israeli military has been abducting nearly that same number over the month of October. The ISM reported that among the Palestinians kidnapped in October were those on Israel's "wanted list", leaders and fighters with various Palestinian factions, as well as mayors and municipal members.
Palestinian prisoners announce hunger strike as Israeli cabinet votes on releasing 400
Palestinian prisoners in Israeli jails announced a one day hunger strike to begin Sunday to protest poor conditions in the detention facilities. The Israeli cabinet is scheduled to vote on Sunday on a proposal to release up to 400 Palestinian prisoners in an effort to strengthen Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas in advance of a US-backed peace conference. There are currently approximately 11,000 Palestinian prisoners in Israeli jails, including at least 40 members of the Palestinian Legislative Council.
Students at West Bank university throw chairs in clash over Mideast conference
Dozens of Palestinian university students from rival factions fought with chairs, stones and fists Saturday, after one group said Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas has made too many concessions to Israel and would have to make more in an upcoming U.S.-hosted Mideast conference. Ten students were hurt in the clash at Bir Zeit University which pitted supporters of Abbas' Fatah movement against followers of a small PLO faction, the Popular Front for the Liberation of Palestine. The incident began with a gathering of dozens of PFLP supporters on campus. Fatah activists, angered by PFLP speeches criticizing Abbas, broke up the meeting, throwing chairs and stones at the group, said participants. Fatah student leaders confirmed the account.
New Israeli documentary reveals the facts of occupation
"Would I smile?" features six Israeli female soldiers who aim at shaking the Israeli society by exposing them to the reality of the situation of their sons and daughters in the Israeli Army when operating in the occupied Palestinian lands. The six soldiers called for their community to bring an end to the atrocities of the Israeli occupation which distorts the image of Israel in the world.
Nine injured, including Japanese
journalist, at weekly Bil'in demonstration
A high-ranking French delegation including politicians and mayors from French cities also attended the demonstration, including the head of the European left wing party Francis Meriros and head of the French-Palestinian twinning programme, Ferno Tweil. Palestinian Legislative Council members Jihad Tumalie and Muheeb Awwad accompanied the French delegation.
Israeli troops bar international supporters from entering Jenin
The Israeli army barred on Friday more than twenty international peace activists from entering the northern West Bank city of Jenin as they were trying to reach some Palestinian villages in order to aid the residents in picking their olive trees in orchards that became isolated by the Annexation Wall. Cruise Turner, spokesperson of the International group of volunteers, stated that the residents are not allowed to pick their olive trees and are not even allowed even to enter their orchards. The army considers the orchards as 'closed military zones' as the Wall is constructed near them after the army uprooted hundreds of olive trees, and bulldozed farmlands in order to construct it.
Troops invade Al-Ein and Askar refugee campus, Nablus casbah
Israeli military forces carried a pre-dawn invasion in al-Ein Refugee camp, in the northern West Bank city of Nablus on Saturday morning, and enforced house arrest for several hours in the area. Eyewitnesses reported that scores of military vehicles stormed the area after surrounding it from several directions, and clashed with the Palestinian resistance fighters, a number of injuries were reported. Troops prevented medical crews from reaching the camp, local sources told IMEMC. Moreover, military vehicles invaded the old city of Nablus and opened random fire in several parts of Al Qarion neighborhood. The army also invaded the nearby Askar refugee camp, storming several homes and ransacking them, before they left the area.
Troops invade Tiqua village near
Bethlehem, injuring youth
Witnesses said that late Friday night, several Israeli army jeeps invaded the village and searched homes. On their way out of the village they stopped the youth and attacked him without giving a reason. On Friday afternoon, special Israeli forces entered Bethlehem and kidnapped four civilians on Manger street , near the Church of the Nativity
IDF to continue training in Arab
villages despite local complaints
Residents of Eilabun and Majd al-Krum have complained that in the past few weeks IDF soldiers have taken over their villages, usually conducting training exercises very late at night. Vilnai said that the training exercises in the Arab villages were part of a larger maneuver drill that included Jewish communities as well and that the IDF chose the areas according to their topography.
Vatican envoy: Ties with Israel in decline due to broken promises
Israel has failed to keep promises to ease travel restrictions on Catholic clerics and remove taxes on Church-owned property in the Holy Land, Monsignor Pietro Sambi said in an interview posted Friday on the Franciscan Order's terrasanta.net Web site.
Palestinians feel the pinch as Israel privatises crossings
Tulkarem, West Bank (AFP) – Ibrahim hops off the Israeli transit truck and runs to the new crossing with the West Bank. He stops in front of the swivel gate and anxiously waits for the green light to enter. "I swear to God, the soldiers were much better than this," he grumbles at the wait, slinging a plastic bag over his shoulder. Ever since Israel transferred control of the Shaar Efraim crossing with the West Bank to a private security company earlier this year, Palestinians say the unpleasant procedure has taken a turn for the worse.
ICAHD: Don't say we did not know #83
The village El-Nu'eman (Mazmuriyya) is in an odd situation. After the 1967 war, Israel annexed the village to Jerusalem . Its inhabitants were mistakenly registered as residents of Umm A-Tale which was not annexed to Jerusalem . Instead of correcting that bureaucratic mistake, the state is exploiting it to evict the inhabitants from their homes.
Twilight Zone / 'We saw death a thousand times'
– by Gideon Levy
Think of your elderly parents. Imagine them sitting on the sofa, cringing with fear, for a whole night, in their tiny apartment, unprotected. Outside a fierce firefight is raging. The night is a cacophony of gunfire and explosions. Dozens of soldiers are moving through the adjacent alley. Then an order is given to come out. Think of your father opening the door, frightened and helpless, in his pajamas, then calling to his wife to go back inside and bring their ID cards. One glance into the courtyard - and he is hit instantly
CPT Hebron: Obstacles to school, obstacles to peace
When one thinks of Israeli occupation, one probably does not think immediately of the ways in which it may affect the life of a little Palestinian boy in a wheelchair.
Palestinian politicians fear that
national cause is being lost due to infighting
Some have even called for a 'people's judgment' on the two main factions, Fateh and Hamas, in a bid to bring an end to the infighting. Dr. Mustafa al Barghouthi, secretary general of the national Palestinian initiative, stated that he doesn't have much optimism, in light of the latest escalation in internal fighting.
Haniyeh calls for enquiry into Gaza rally massacre
He called for the formation of a "transparent and impartial national committee" to investigate Monday's bloody events in Gaza City that left seven dead and scores injured following a rally to commemorate the death of Yasser Arafat.
Israel worried US may demand increase in Palestinian prisoner release from 400 to 2,000
as a goodwill gesture towards Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas, the Israeli daily newspaper Maariv reported. The newspaper quoted Israeli politicians as saying that they do not have a clear view of the issue. Maariv pointed out that the Israeli criteria of Palestinian prisoners 'with blood on their hands' must be changed if the Israelis accept the US demands.
Protests at Abbas' Gaza home against
Jewish extremist threats to al-Aqsa Mosque
Hamas organised rallies in the Gaza Strip on Friday for the second day in a row in protest at attempts by Israeli settlers and politicians to enter the grounds of the Al-Aqsa mosque in Jerusalem.
Palestinian security paradox
The Palestinians won't be ready to fulfill their obligation to provide security in the West Bank under the "road map to peace." The Palestinian Authority simply doesn't have the people, the training or the equipment to maintain order in the territories. Why is this so? The answer, in part, is that the Palestinians haven't built up their security forces because the Israelis haven't permitted them to do so.
Five cars destroyed in Qassam rocket attack on Sderot
Firefighters were called to the scene and managed to put out the fire, but the cars were completely destroyed. "We haven't before seen such damage caused by a Qassam," said Moshe Omer, spokesman for the Lachish region fire department.
Sufa Crossing to open for
Israeli products to enter Gaza Strip
Israeli defence ministry officials announced on Thursday that the Sufa crossing between Israel and the Gaza Strip will be open for the delivery of Israeli-produced agricultural goods into the
beseiged coastal region from Sunday
Report: Hamas arrests Jamal al-Dura
According to the Israeli newspaper Yediot Acharonot, Hamas has arrested Jamal al-Dura, the father of 12-year-old Mohammed al-Dura who was allegedly shot by Israeli soldiers in 2000. Hamas said Jamal al-Dura was suspected of involvement in a clan dispute, but al-Dura reportedly said the Hamas police have not informed him of any charges against him.
American Jewish Committee urges French court
to enforce order on Al-Dura tapes
The American Jewish Committee is urging a French appellate court to enforce its order compelling release of all original videotape recorded by a France 2 cameraman of reported violent Israeli-Palestinian clashes in a two-day period in Gaza seven years ago. The state-owned France 2 had reported at the time that a young Palestinian boy, Muhammad al-Dura, was killed in those clashes. However, despite the earlier court order, an apparently truncated videotape was presented as evidence yesterday in Paris.
JTA: Raw footage in 2000 al-Dura case '
shows boy may not be dead'
From 'The Global News Service of the Jewish People" – The release of never-before-seen footage in the shooting of Mohammed al-Dura at Gaza's Netzarim Junction in 2000 is raising new questions about the authenticity of an incident long used to vilify Israel. While the video has not been released to the public, many of those who saw it in court Wednesday said the footage showed that seconds after al-Dura was seen lying motionless and apparently dead in the arms of his father after supposedly being shot, the boy lifted his arm and peered through his fingers at the camera. "For me, the killing of al-Dura does not exist anymore," said Philippe Karsenty, the media watchdog who was the subject of France 2's defamation suit. [wonder where they're hiding him, if he's not dead]
My sons won't go to Gaza
Yael Mishali's sons to join IDF soon, but she won't let them take part in Gaza war - Yes, I know that we can no longer bear what's going on in Sderot. Yes, I know that life is intolerable in Gaza-vicinity communities. Yes, I know that soldiers in the army do not choose their missions, and I know this is the price of democracy. Nonetheless, I'm still not giving you my sons for a war that both you and I know there is no way we can win.
Israel helps fix faulty Gaza electricity
While the debate continues to rage over the proposal of cutting off Israeli-supplied electricity to the Gaza Strip as a punitive measure in wake of unceasing Palestinian rocket fire towards southern Israel, Israel is actually making sure the power is up and running smoothly along the coastal strip.
Ex-presidents Bush,. Clinton to head Israel's 60th
anniversary celebrations in the US
Former U.S. presidents George H.W. Bush and Bill Clinton will head the national committee marking the 60th anniversary of Israel's independence. Israel 's 60th Independence Day, which will be celebrated in May 2008, will be marked by a series of events across the United States.
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