May 31 2004

'Mass global movement will decide Palestine's future'
"Israel has reduced the Palestinians' daily life to unbearable forms of prison existence. They have no freedom of movement sometimes inside their own residential clusters," said Bidwai, winner of the Sean MacBride Prize of the International Peace Bureau.
http://www.keralanext.com/news/index.asp?id=37712


Declaration by South Africans on Apartheid Israel
We, South Africans who have lived through apartheid cannot be silent as another entire people are treated as non-human beings; people without rights or human dignity and facing daily humiliation. We cannot permit a ruthless state to use military jets, helicopter gun-ships and tanks on civilians.
http://stopthewall.org/worldwideactivism/560.shtml


Only the Ones Who are Loyal Can Stay
With separation, walls, and disengagement are being used in a framework of peace making in the Middle East, it is no wonder that "separation of nations" via forced transfer is presented as an alternative peace plan.
http://www.imemc.org/headlines/2004/May/week4/053104/loyal-ones.htm


IOF Arrests Civilian, Dynamites House, Seizes Houses in WB
Hamamra told WAFA that the Israeli soldiers, armed to teeth, broke into the village and dynamited the two-storey house of Khaled Hamamra which shelters 15 family members. They were not allowed to take any of their personal belongings.
http://english.wafa.ps/body.asp?field=tech_news&id=851


UNRWA LAUNCHES $15.8 MILLION CRISIS APPEAL FOR RAFAH
UNRWA needs the funds to provide emergency cash, food and housing assistance to the hundreds of families who have lost their homes, had a breadwinner killed or wounded, or who are in need of ongoing medical care.
http://www.un.org/unrwa/news/releases/pr-2004/hqg17-04.pdf


Rafah children march in solidarity with homeless
About 2,000 Palestinian children held amarch in the southern Gaza Strip town of Rafah on Monday to show solidarity with those who were rendered homeless by the latest Israeli military raid.
http://news.xinhuanet.com/english/2004-05/31/content_1500333.htm


IOF Wide Rampage in Salfeet, Razing Land in Bethlehem
In Bethlehem, IOF military bulldozers mowed down vast arable land in Janata town, the city mayor Said Askar said. Askar added that IOF troops, backed by a number of Israeli military bulldozers, razed vast areas of arable land in the town and hundreds of fruitful trees.
http://english.wafa.ps/body.asp?field=tech_news&id=853


IOF Wounds Two Citizens, Arrests Four as Settler Militias Attack Civilians
The Israeli occupying forces (IOF) shot and wounded two citizens in Hebron, while four others were arrested, three of them in a town near Jerusalem, at the same time as armed Israeli settler militias attacked a town in the Nablus province.
http://www.ipc.gov.ps/ipc_e/ipc_e-1/e_News/news2004/2004_05/200.html


Civilian Arrested in Jerusalem
Witnesses told WAFA that IOF soldiers arrested Ali al-Ammory 20, while he was at work in Jerusalem, shortly before taking him to Gilo Israeli military checkpoint in Bethlehem and leading him into an unknown spot.
http://english.wafa.ps/body.asp?field=tech_news&id=856


Israel still holds tight grip on Gaza
Abu Safeya told reporters that the army still imposes strict measures and bars the access of agricultural merchandise to the strip, refuting Israeli reports which said that the military siege had been lifted.
http://news.xinhuanet.com/english/2004-05/31/content_1500335.htm


OCHA Weekly Briefing Notes
Incidents involving ambulances and medical teams: Denial of access: 15 incidents (mainly in al Zaitoun area and Rafah)... Delay (up to 120 hours): 8 incidents... Shooting/Shelling/Damage to Ambulance: 5incidents...
http://www.reliefweb.int/hic-opt/docs/UN/OCHA/WBN54.pdf


Analysis / Humanitarian obligations
Yesterday's High Court ruling requires the IDF to observe humanitarian obligations under international and Israeli law. The detailed ruling differs from previous ones handed down recently that were satisfied by army declarations of "an immediate and decisive military necessity" to destroy houses in Rafah.
http://www.haaretz.com/hasen/spages/433219.html


Turkish PM: There Is Individual, Institutional And State Terrorism In Middle East
Turkish Prime Minister Erdogan said, ``Turkey has been in an effort to determine steps it can take for peace in the Middle East. But, unfortunately, Sharon didn`t help us. Recent developments are clear sign of this.``
http://www.turkishpress.com/turkishpress/news.asp?ID=20620


Two Palestinian diplomats released after one year in Abu Ghraib
They were detained in mid-May 2003 along with five other people working in the Palestinian mission, said National Palestine Committee vice president Anwar al-Sheikh. Iraqi-born Rahman told AFP that US forces had levelled no charges against them and repeatedly promised that they would be released.
http://story.news.yahoo.com/news?tmpl=story&cid=1515&ncid=1515&e=9&u=/afp/20040530/wl_mideast_afp/iraq_us_palestinians_040530210554


Israeli Court Rules on Jewish Identity
Israel's Supreme Court ruled Monday that foreigners who convert to Judaism in Israel could be eligible for citizenship, but sidestepped the key issue of whether the decision applies to conversions by non-Orthodox rabbis.
http://story.news.yahoo.com/news?tmpl=story&cid=540&ncid=540&e=10&u=/ap/20040531/ap_on_re_mi_ea/israel_jewish_identity


Sharon says Egypt backing him on Gaza pullout plan
Sharon's office said Mubarak expressed his backing for an Israeli withdrawal from the Gaza Strip and "readiness to help in the advancement" of the pullout plan during a telephone conversation between the two leaders on Monday.
http://www.alertnet.org/thenews/newsdesk/L31312142.htm


Sharon buys more time for troubled Gaza pullout plan
Public radio said that Sharon had asked the speaker of parliament, Reuven Rivlin, for the delay as he feared he lacked a majority in parliament in any vote on a new version of his disengagement plan, which was rejected in its original form by members of his right-wing Likud party
http://www.channelnewsasia.com/stories/afp_world/view/87791/1/.html


U.S. Urges Israel To Coordinate Pullout to Prevent Islamist From Taking Over
In a recent message to Israel, the American administration requested for Israel to start negotiations with “some Palestinians empowered to take responsibility” to prevent “Islamic fundamentalists from taking over evacuated areas; according to Israeli media sources.
http://www.imemc.org/headlines/2004/May/week4/053104/us-urges.htm


Middle East accepts new ceasefire plan
The Israelis and Palestinians have accepted an Egyptian plan for a ceasefire, a resumption of peace talks and a meeting between Israeli Prime Minister Ariel Sharon and his Palestinian counterpart Ahmed Korei, the Egyptian news agency Mena reported on Monday.
http://www.iol.co.za/index.php?click_id=123&art_id=iol1086011815373M342&set_id=1


Qorei says willing to meet Sharon but only if talks “bring results”
“We are in favour of any meeting which could bring an end to the suffering (of the Palestinians) and bring about the implementation of the roadmap,” Qorei said, referring to the moribund peace blueprint endorsed by Israel and the Palestinians last summer.
http://www.khaleejtimes.com/DisplayArticle.asp?xfile=data/middleeast/2004/May/middleeast_May874.xml&section=middleeast&col=


Netanyahu: Diplomatic process can proceed in current gov't
Meanwhile, Justice Minister Yosef Lapid met Monday with Netanyahu in an attempt to broker a compromise proposal that would bridge the gap between Netanyahu and Sharon over the latter's revised disengagement plan, and will enable the cabinet to approve the proposal.
http://www.haaretz.com/hasen/spages/433644.html


Egypt ready to help with any Israeli withdrawal: FM
The foreign minister noted that Egypt was prepared to help with training Palestinian police forces, with a view to rebuilding a part of the Palestinian infrastructure destroyed by Israel.
http://news.xinhuanet.com/english/2004-05/31/content_1498867.htm


Israel FM heads to Cairo as Egypt talks up deal to relaunch Mideast talks
The diplomatic activity came as Israeli Prime Minister Ariel Sharon ran into mounting difficulty overcoming opposition from hardliners in his own government to his US-backed plans for a pullout from the Gaza Strip.
http://www.channelnewsasia.com/stories/afp_world/view/87802/1/.html


East Jerusalem Commemorates the "Prince of Jerusalem"
The speakers agreed that the occupying authorities have desecrated the holy city of Jerusalem after the passing away of Mr. Al Husseini, as many Jerusalemite institutions were closed, mainly the New Orient House, which Al Husseini used to run, in addition to hastening the steps aiming to Judaize the city
http://www.ipc.gov.ps/ipc_e/ipc_e-1/e_News/news2004/2004_05/199.html


Rafah counts cost of Israeli onslaught
Besides the carcasses, the only indication that a zoo once occupied this empty field was a rusty welcome sign that had fallen to the ground. Everything else had been brutally ploughed over with military tanks and bulldozers.
http://english.aljazeera.net/NR/exeres/3FC0B866-BC06-43C7-856F-B6C6401EAB17.htm


Film review: Ford Transit
Filmmaker Hany Abu Asad interviews the young driver and his customers in Rajai's Ford truck taxi, showing viewers a variety of Palestinian opinions that don't often get represented in the international news media, while also illustrating the absurdity of the military checkpoints in the West Bank.
http://electronicintifada.net/v2/article2767.shtml


Israel-Palestine: two sides of the same coin
The suffering of the Palestinian people is assuming tremendous dimensions. Not only have they been denied a homeland for over half a century, forced to live in refugee camps, but now they are also facing a second expulsion.
http://www.marxist.com/MiddleEast/israel_2sides_samecoin0504.html


Return of the chairman
Although he has grown accustomed to the prolonged stay in the suite of rooms that remained after the demolishing of most of the buildings in the presidential complex, when he talks about political issues - it is his personal fate that interests him most. What will happen to him?
http://www.haaretz.com/hasen/spages/433246.html


South Africa Style Sanctions Against Israel? - by Noam Chomsky
In the current real-world circumstances, a call for sanctions, even if it were justified, would be greatly welcomed by the right wing extremists and hard-liners, because they could easily convert it into another "proof" that everyone wants to kill the Jews and so we must rise to the support of embattled Israel to prevent another Holocaust.
http://blog.zmag.org/ttt/archives/000492.html


Shin Bet: Vanunu violated limits
According to Shin Bet officials, Vanunu gave an interview to a foreign correspondent and he spoke of his employment at the nuclear reactor in Dimona. These are two conditions specifically set by the attorney general for Vanunu's release last month.
http://www.jpost.com/servlet/Satellite?pagename=JPost/JPArticle/ShowFull&cid=1085887716813&p=1006688055060


U.S. Marines See Falluja Brigade in New Iraq Army
A militia charged with keeping the peace in the flashpoint city of Falluja may become the nucleus of Iraq's new army after an interim Iraqi government takes over on June 30, U.S. military commanders said Sunday. the 2,000-strong Falluja Brigade is composed mainly of Baathists who served in Saddam Hussein's army...
http://www.reuters.com/newsArticle.jhtml?type=topNews&storyID=5295796


Bush given Saddam's gun as souvenir of capture
"He really liked showing it off," a White House visitor who had seen the gun was quoted as saying. "He was really proud of it." Mr Bush has told select visitors that the gun was not loaded when Saddam was captured, contrary to reports at the time.
http://news.independent.co.uk/world/middle_east/story.jsp?story=526649

May 30 2004

25 Homes Demolished in Rafah: 350 Palestinians Homeless
Last night, Israeli occupying forces (IOF) demolished 25 houses in Rafah refugee camp, leaving more than 350 homeless and injuring two Palestinians. According to PCHR’s preliminary investigations, at approximately 23:00 on Saturday...
http://www.pchrgaza.org/files/PressR/English/2004/76-2004.htm


Time to punish Israel
It entered Rafah to tell the world that they can criticize until their faces turn as blue as the U.N. flag: Israel can and will do what it wants to Palestinians. And what did the world do? A U.N. Security Council resolution was passed that, for once, the U.S. did not veto. Europeans complained. Arabs remonstrated. Even Israelis protested.
http://www.dailycamera.com/bdc/editorials/article/0,1713,BDC_2489_2922771,00.html


United Arab Emirates sponsors Rafah reconstruction
The president of the United Arab Emirates, Sheik Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, has started a regional campaign to pay for the reconstruction of more than 400 Palestinian homes destroyed in a recent Israeli incursion.
http://www.jpost.com/servlet/Satellite?pagename=JPost/JPArticle/ShowFull&cid=1085208931301


UAE Red Crescent collects more than $27m to rebuild Rafah houses
Abu Dhabi - The national fund-raising campaign in the United Arab Emirates to contribute to the reconstruction of Palestinian houses in Rafah has managed to collect more than 100 million Dirhams (27.222 million dollars).
http://www.palestine-info.co.uk/am/publish/article_5851.shtml


Bulldozers crush Gaza children's dreams and build its martyrs
Najla, 16, a white headscarf framing her round face, was studying hard, dreaming of becoming a lawyer 'so I can give justice to people'. Six of her young relatives had been killed during her life, as Israeli troops periodically swept through Rafah. 'They all died sad,' she said.
http://www.guardian.co.uk/israel/Story/0,2763,1227808,00.html


Israeli Troops Kidnap Wounded Palestinian from Hospital
Eyewitnesses said that a number of Israeli forces surrounded the hospital at pre-dawn before breaking into it and kidnapped Suleiman Fawaz'a 18, who was injured earlier by the Israeli bullets in the Refugee Camp of Tulkarem.
http://english.wafa.ps/body.asp?field=tech_news&id=844


Soldiers clash with Palestinians near Jenin
IDF soldiers and Palestinian residents are clashing in the Village of Salem, near Jenin. The Palestinians are throwing Molotov cocktails and stones at security forces, who are responding with rubber-coated bullets and gas grenades.
http://www.maarivintl.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=article&articleID=7979


8 Civilians Wounded in OPT
Officials at Nasser Hospital reported that one civilian moderately wounded when Israeli soldiers opened heavy machine gunfire at civilians' houses in the Gaza Strip city of Khanyounis...
http://english.wafa.ps/body.asp?field=tech_news&id=845


Israeli Colonizers Assault Peasant
A Palestinian peasant was critically wounded Sunday after having been brutally beaten up by Israeli colonizers in the West Bank city of Bethlehem, WAFA and witnesses said. three Israeli colonizers stopped khalil Mustaffa Rajjoub 55 and violently assaulted him.
http://english.wafa.ps/body.asp?field=tech_news&id=847


IOF Critically Wounds a Youth, Arrests 3 in WB
A youth was critically wounded early Sunday when Israeli Occupation Forces (IOF) opened fire at civilian houses in Tulkarem Refugee Camp of the city, Palestinian security sources said.
http://english.wafa.ps/body.asp?field=tech_news&id=840


Palestinian diplomats freed from U.S. jail in Iraq
The United States said at the time that all diplomats lost immunity after the fall of Saddam Hussein in April last year and Washington did not recognise the Palestine Liberation Organisation (PLO) as the representative of a sovereign state.
http://www.alertnet.org/thenews/newsdesk/GEO040895.htm


PNA courts sue Palestinian collaborators with Israel
They said the court had held the first session of the trials on May 24 against four Palestinians and the indictment included the charges of collaborating with foreign sides and undermining Palestinian spirits and morals.
http://news.xinhuanet.com/english/2004-05/30/content_1498451.htm


Hamas rocket scientist liquidated
The Hamas military wing in the Gaza Strip suffered a lethal blow Sunday after an IAF aircraft fired a missile at its leader and his operations officer, hitting them on a motorbike as it sped through Gaza City. A third, unidentified Palestinian bystander was also killed and seven people were reportedly slightly injured in the strike...
http://www.jpost.com/servlet/Satellite?pagename=JPost/JPArticle/ShowFull&cid=1085887715886


High Court: IDF must protect Palestinians' lives, honor
Supreme Court President Aharon Barak on Sunday issued a ruling that defines guidelines for the Israel Defense Forces' obligation to honor humanitarian international law during warfare.
http://www.haaretz.com/hasen/spages/433105.html


Occupation soldiers detain Palestinian medical team
Dr. Husam Khuraim, chairman of the society said that the soldiers at the Hawara roadblock intercepted the society’s ambulance vehicle that was returning from Kabalan village to Nablus. The car was carrying a doctor, a pharmacist and a number of nurses in addition to the driver, the chairman said, adding that the team was detained from 2 pm to 6 pm.
http://www.palestine-info.co.uk/am/publish/article_5855.shtml


Celebrating Life in Rafah
Israel’s murder of civilians is sanctioned as self-defense; Palestinians, once again are labeled “terrorists”. Israel can assassinate any Palestinian at the time of its choosing with a ready-to-serve verdict. It killed and wounded hundreds of civilians in those “targeted killing” sprees. Yet, Palestinians are condemned if they show the mere desire to respond.
http://www.unobserver.com/layout5.php?id=1702&blz=2


PNA condemns Israeli airstrike on Gaza
The Palestinian National Authority (PNA) on Sunday condemned an overnight Israeli airstrike on Gaza City which killed three Palestinians and wounded nine others. In another development, Israeli army arrested Sunday morning three members of Palestinian security apparatus in the West Bank city of Ramallah...
http://news.xinhuanet.com/english/2004-05/30/content_1498350.htm


Arafat proposes meeting Sharon to renew peace talks
"I hold my hand out to Sharon, the nation in Israel, the Knesset and the Israeli government," Arafat said in an interview to Channel 10 television that was aired Sunday night. "Why not?" said Arafat. "If there is a will for peace, it will overpower other things."
http://www.haaretz.com/hasen/spages/433176.html


Lieberman presents to Russia plan to expel 'disloyal' Arabs
Lieberman described the Plan for the Separation of Nations as an alternative to Prime Minister Ariel Sharon's disengagement plan, which calls for Israel to evacuate from the Gaza Strip and parts of the West Bank.
http://www.haaretz.com/hasen/spages/433141.html


Sharon threatens to sack ministers to push through Gaza plan
"I am warning anyone who wants to exploit moments of crisis for personal ends that I have decided to adopt this plan, even if I have to change the composition of my government," Sharon was quoted as saying by army radio.
http://www.channelnewsasia.com/stories/afp_world/view/87644/1/.html


Lapid working on compromise in bid to pass pullout plan
Justice Minister Yosef Lapid is working to bring about an agreement between Prime Minister Ariel Sharon and Finance Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on the revised disengagement plan in an attempt to get it passed in the cabinet.
http://www.haaretz.com/hasen/spages/432947.html


Shin Bet interrogates Anglican Bishop over Vanunu ties
Shin Bet security service interrogators conducted a body and property search of the Anglican Bishop of Jerusalem, the Right Reverend Riah Abu El-Assal, in connection with the controversies surrounding freed nuclear whistle-blower Mordechai Vanunu.
http://www.haaretz.com/hasen/pages/ShArt.jhtml?itemNo=432988&contrassID=1&subContrassID=1&sbSubContrassID=0&listSrc=Y


Israel attacks BBC 'tricks' in taping Vanunu
The Foreign Ministry is expected to seek a meeting with the BBC's Middle East bureau chief, Andrew Steele, to discuss the circumstances in which the tape of the interview was smuggled out of the country despite demands that all copies be handed over to the Israeli censor.
http://news.independent.co.uk/world/middle_east/story.jsp?story=526295


Arab Lawyers Union Calls on UN to Intervene in Palestine
The members of the permanent office of the Union of Arab Lawyers urged United Nations and the international organisations for the defence of Human Rights to immediately intervene to protect the Palestinian people from the "genocide perpetrated by Israel."
http://www.aps.dz/an/pageview.asp?ID=64159


European Parliamentarians Support Israeli Refuseniks
60 eminent parliamentarians from the European Parliament issued Sunday a statement to the Israeli public opinion, voicing out utmost support for the Israeli refuseniks in the Occupied Palestinian Territories (OPT) and calling for releasing all the refuseniks behind Israeli bars for refusing service.
http://english.wafa.ps/body.asp?field=tech_news&id=843


Analysis / Sharon presents: Another episode of Survival
On Friday morning Prime Minister Ariel Sharon instructed cabinet secretary Yisrael Maimon to stop trying to reach an agreement with Finance Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and put the disengagement plan before today's cabinet session.
http://www.haaretz.com/hasen/spages/432833.html


Syria says refuses dictates, WMD stance unchanged
EU states agreed last week to demand stronger Syrian commitment to fight weapons of mass destruction, in return for a long-planned political and economic cooperation pact. "Syria does not accept foreign dictates," the state news agency SANA quoted Defence Minister Hasan Turkmani as saying.
http://www.alertnet.org/thenews/newsdesk/L30383942.htm


Muslim-Christian seminar argues over inviting Jews
A Vatican-led conference on dialogue with Muslims ended in the Arab state of Qatar on Sunday after bickering over whether to allow Jews to participate in future meetings because of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.
http://www.alertnet.org/thenews/newsdesk/L30324198.htm


UN Security Council heads for new showdown on Iraq
China, France and Germany -- with Russia taking a quieter role -- are pushing for changes to the text to strengthen the commitment of full sovereignty for Iraqis once the US occupation has formally ended. But the US State Department has already made it clear that Washington would not accept calls to fix a date for US troops...
http://story.news.yahoo.com/news?tmpl=story&cid=1515&ncid=1515&e=10&u=/afp/20040530/wl_mideast_afp/un_iraq_transition_us_040530031137


Bush has Saddam's pistol: report
US President George W Bush has been given a pistol Saddam Hussein had with him when he was captured and now proudly shows it to selected guests, Time magazine reported today.
http://www.theaustralian.news.com.au/common/story_page/0,5744,9700151%255E1702,00.html


Iraqis 'will forgive jail abuse'
The people of Iraq will forgive US-led occupying forces for the Abu Ghraib prison scandal, according to a senior coalition spokesman. Brig Gen Mark Kimmitt told the BBC's Talking Point programme that the photos of abuse by US soldiers at the Baghdad jail were not representative.
http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/world/americas/3762217.stm


The handover that became a shambles: ten U-turns on the road to 'peace'
The more that is learnt, however, about the sudden emergence of Mr Allawi, a man close to the CIA and MI6, the more it appears the appointment of the new government has been hijacked by the ambitious politicians of the Iraqi Governing Council - the very body it was meant to replace.
http://news.independent.co.uk/world/middle_east/story.jsp?story=526332

May 29 2004

Army to confiscate lands from 7 villages northwest Jerusalem
statistics held by several human rights organizations revealed that the Wall will confiscate 7000 Dunams from Beit Sorik, Biddu, Beit Iksa, Beit Duqqu, Al-Qbeiba, and Beit Anan, all are northwest Jerusalem. It is worth mentioning that the village of Beit Sorik lost a huge part of its land for settlements constructed since 1967
http://www.imemc.org/headlines/2004/May/week4/052904/confiscate-land.htm


Letter From Budrus
It's a bucolic scene, violently interrupted by the razor-wire fence on the outer edges that threatens to tear through the middle of the groves. If construction here continues, the 1,200 residents of Budrus--the vast majority of whom depend on agriculture for work--will lose a large portion of their fields. An Israeli bulldozer has already carved a preliminary path...
http://www.thenation.com/doc.mhtml?i=20040614&s=sorkin


IOF Kills Four Citizens as Settlers Ravage Farmers' Crops
A fourth Palestinian citizen of the northern Gaza Strip city of Beit Hanoun, joined on Saturday morning the three others who were killed yesterday night by the Israeli occupying forces (IOF) in different parts of the Gaza Strip and West Bank, IPC correspondent reported.
http://www.ipc.gov.ps/ipc_e/ipc_e-1/e_News/news2004/2004_05/180.html


IDF officer killed in Balata camp; Al-Aqsa claims shooting
Captain Shahar Ben-Yishai, 25, was killed Saturday morning in an exchange of gunfire between Palestinians and paratroops under his command during an operation in the Balata refugee camp just outside the West Bank city of Nablus.
http://www.haaretz.com/hasen/spages/432682.html


4 Citizens Arrested in Hebron
Israeli Occupation Forces (IOF) arrested four Palestinian citizens in the West Bank city of Hebron and the Refugee Camp of al-Fawwar, Palestinian security sources and witnesses d told WAFA.
http://english.wafa.ps/body.asp?field=tech_news&id=838


Israel Denies UN Committee Access into OPT
Head of UN committee, on the investigation of the Israeli violations of Palestinian Human Rights Bernar Gunateleky reiterated Friday that the committee was denied entry permission by the Israeli authorities to visit the Occupied Palestinian Territories (OPT).
http://english.wafa.ps/body.asp?field=tech_news&id=835


Israeli Stabbed in Jerusalem's Old City
An Israeli man was stabbed in the back by a Palestinian on Saturday in Jerusalem's Old City, according to the police. The attack took place on a major street that runs through the Muslim Quarter of the walled Old City.
http://www.thestate.com/mld/thestate/news/world/8792472.htm


Incurring into Nablus, IOF Blocks all Entrances
the IOF troops incurred into the city after mid-night, amid intensive shooting on the civilians’ houses and blocked all entrances that leading to it. They prevented students and workers from reaching their universities and works.
http://english.wafa.ps/body.asp?field=tech_news&id=832


MOH’s Report; 120 Palestinians Killed, 808 Wounded within a Month
The death toll of the Palestinians from 28 April to 27 May 2004 were 92. They were killed by the Israeli occupying forces in Gaza strip compared to 74 were killed in the same period of 2003.
http://www.ipc.gov.ps/ipc_e/ipc_e-1/e_News/news2004/2004_05/182.html


UNICEF calls for the protection of children in Rafah
“Palestinian children have a right to be protected against all acts of violence in the midst of the current Israeli-Palestinian conflict,” said David S. Bassiouni, UNICEF Special Representative in Jerusalem. “They have a right to a safe shelter, safe access to their schools and to health services,” he said.
http://www.unicef.org/media/media_21030.html


On This Day 1972: Japanese kill 26 at Tel Aviv airport
The Popular Front for the Liberation of Palestine said they had recruited the gunmen from the Japanese Red Army and said they "came from thousands of miles away to join the Palestinian people in their struggle".
http://news.bbc.co.uk/onthisday/hi/dates/stories/may/29/newsid_2542000/2542263.stm


Inter-Palestinian dialogue to be renewed soon: lawmaker
"Talks will tackle previous disputes, such as leadership and decision-making mechanisms," Abu Amer said. He stressed the necessity of reaching a national agreement to cope with the Israeli occupation and reject any form of US interference in Palestinian domestic issues.
http://news.xinhuanet.com/english/2004-05/29/content_1497565.htm


Arafat's free access issue not to be bargained: PLO
A member of the Palestine Liberation Organization (PLO)'s executive committee stated Saturday that Palestinian leader Yasser Arafat's freedom of movement is not an issue that can be "bargained or traded."
http://news.xinhuanet.com/english/2004-05/29/content_1497656.htm


Dahlan: Pullout would end attacks on Israelis from Gaza Strip
The former Palestinian security chief for the Gaza Strip, Mohammad Dahlan, said Saturday that militants would stop attacking Israelis from the Gaza Strip if Israel withdrew completely from the area.
http://www.haaretz.com/hasen/pages/ShArt.jhtml?itemNo=432799&contrassID=1&subContrassID=5&sbSubContrassID=0&listSrc=Y


Netanyahu slams PM's accusation of Gaza plan manipulation
"The attempt by the prime minister's office to portray the main differences of opinion between himself and most of the Likud ministers and party leaders as a seemingly personal struggle with Minister Netanyahu is a distortion of the truth,"
http://www.haaretz.com/hasen/spages/432499.html


Mubarak wraps up Russia visit, calls for end of Iraq occupation
Both countries are seeking to resurrect the stalled Middle East peace plan, of which Russia is a co-sponsor, and Mubarak said he thought Moscow should play a "leading role" in the process, advocating an independent Palestinian state with Jerusalem as its capital...
http://story.news.yahoo.com/news?tmpl=story&cid=1515&ncid=1515&e=9&u=/afp/20040529/wl_mideast_afp/russia_egypt_040529144204


Sharon indicates he's set for Cabinet dust-up
Armed with popular support but bedeviled by dissent from within his government, Prime Minister Ariel Sharon on Friday signaled readiness for a showdown with Cabinet opponents over his plan to withdraw from the Gaza Strip.
http://story.news.yahoo.com/news?tmpl=story&cid=2027&ncid=2027&e=6&u=/chitribts/20040529/ts_chicagotrib/sharonindicateshessetforcabinetdustup


BBC to air interview with Mordechai Vanunu on Sunday
In the interview, Vanunu reiterates information he has already stated, claiming he turned to the international press in order to warn the world of Israel's nuclear program which could lead to another Holocaust.
http://www.haaretz.com/hasen/spages/432564.html


Egypt agrees to help maintain security in Gaza Strip after Israel pullout
The report said that Egyptian President Hosni Mubarak had told Sharon that Cairo was prepared to "send experts in all fields, notably security, to the Palestinian territories immediately to help the Palestinian Authority assume its responsibilities in the matter of security."
http://story.news.yahoo.com/news?tmpl=story&cid=1515&ncid=1515&e=8&u=/afp/20040529/wl_mideast_afp/mideast_egypt_israel_040529131704


Aqsa Radio again on the air
The Islamic Aqsa radio station returned on the air anew in the Gaza Strip after about one month stop when Zionist Apache army chopper fired a number of missiles at the building housing the radio.
http://www.palestine-info.co.uk/am/publish/article_5834.shtml


The stain is spreading
the suffering and the destruction as a matter of routine - what happened in Rafah was a mere "incident," of those that happened so often in the past and will continue in the future. This is because there will be no end to the war over the land until the Arabs accept Jewish ownership.
http://www.haaretz.com/hasen/spages/432494.html


Guest Viewpoint: Islam bashing too common in U.S. media
The world is not buying the idea that a suicide bomber giving up his life to free his country from invaders and occupiers is a terrorist, while those who traumatize an entire nation full of children and women with "shock and awe" demonstrations of its military might are liberators.
http://www.pressconnects.com/today/opinion/stories/op052904s93380.shtml


Al-Hurra television receives mixed reviews
"Can they expect the Arabs to watch them if they don't show Palestinians being killed, and don't portray Israelis as oppressors?" said Nabil Dajani, professor of communications at the American University of Beirut. "The US has a lost cause here in the Middle East unless they change their policy on Palestine. I think Al-Hurra is doomed."
http://www.dailystar.com.lb/article.asp?edition_id=1&categ_id=1&article_id=4648


Gantz warns Syria of 'heavy price' for new northern unrest
GOC Northern Command Major General Benny Gantz on Saturday warned Syria that it would pay a "heavy price" for any escalation in Hezbollah militant activity along the Israel-Lebanon border.
http://www.haaretzdaily.com/hasen/spages/432794.html


Bush to the Arabs: " Go Get Yourself Some Democracy!"
It was the United States that deposed Mossadeq and propped up the Shah, that backed fundamentalist Islamic factions against the Soviets in Afghanistan, and that aided Saddam Hussein's growth into the heavily armed monster it then so noisily deplored --- and all with an eye to its own interests rather than the building of viable civil societies.
http://www.counterpunch.com/weiher05292004.html


Gunmen kill Kurdish politician and family north of Iraq
Colonel Mohammed Hamid, the head of Kirkuk's fire department as well as a senior member of the Patriotic Union of Kurdistan party, was travelling with his wife, sister and another relative when his car came under attack.
http://news.xinhuanet.com/english/2004-05/29/content_1497648.htm


The silence of the healers at Abu Ghraib
William Kimbro is a U.S. Navy dog handler who worked at Abu Ghraib prison. When military intelligence officers pressured him to participate in the interrogation of Iraqi prisoners, Kimbro refused. The U.S. Army's Taguba report mentions two other soldiers who intervened or reported the incidents to the chain of command.
http://www.iht.com/bin/print.php?file=522323.html


EU, Latin American leaders condemn Iraqi prisoner abuse amid angry protests
European and Latin American leaders have condemned the abuse of Iraqi prisoners by US soldiers, as thousands of protesters vented their anger at what they saw as their governments' reluctance to tackle poverty and other social ills.
http://story.news.yahoo.com/news?tmpl=story&cid=1515&ncid=1515&e=5&u=/afp/20040529/wl_mideast_afp/latam_eu_summit_040529145821

May 28 2004

Nothing Can Come Between Me and My Land
Omar's story starts with the building of Zufin settlement North West Qalqiliya city. At that time Occupation forces confiscated 3 dunums of his land for the settlement bypass road. When the Apartheid Wall was built around Qalqiliya city, Omar's land became trapped between the bypass road and the Wall.
http://stopthewall.org/communityvoices/556.shtml


Land Confiscation for the Wall in Salfit
At noon today Occupation forces handed confiscation orders to both Salfit city and Masha village. In Masha, Occupation forces will confiscate 6 dunums from lands isolated behind the Wall, however the confiscation order does not provide reasons for the confiscation, claiming they are are classified.
http://stopthewall.org/latestnews/555.shtml


Palestinians protest against Israeli police in Prague's centre
The banners said Let us build bridges among people, no to racist apartheid wall. Protect our children against war criminals. Occupation and peace do not come together. There was also a small coffin covered by the Palestinian flag.
http://www.ceskenoviny.cz/news/index_view.php?id=69765


A Solution for Palestine ( This article originally appeared in the December 26, 1936, issue )
The Arabs are beginning to direct the nationalist flood into constructive channels. They are organizing small industries to shake off their economic bondage ta Europe; they are carrying on a fierce boycott campaign' against the Jews. The manager of the largest clothing store in Jerusalem told me a few days ago that he had lost more than half of his business. Other Jewish shopkeepers say the same thing.
http://www.thenation.com/doc.mhtml?i=19361226&s=19361226viton


The Starry Plough Article on the Apartheid Wall
The coordinator of European outreach for the Palestinian grassroots Anti-Apartheid Wall Campaign has been for a week touring Ireland in order to raise awareness about the horrific crime the Israeli government is committing by building the Apartheid Wall in Occupied Palestinian Territories reinforcing the occupation and its dire consequences on the Palestinian people.
http://stopthewall.org/worldwideactivism/557.shtml


Israel lays claim to Palestine's water
Under an agreement signed a decade ago as part of the Oslo accord, four-fifths of the West Bank's water is allocated to Israel, though the aquifers that supply it are largely replenished by water falling onto Palestinian territory.
http://www.newscientist.com/news/news.jsp?id=ns99995037


Israeli troops kill Palestinian farmer in Gaza
soldiers shot dead Tayesser Abu Haddaf, a 34-year-old farmer, as he worked at his farm near the (illegal) settlement. Another Palestinian woman was injured and admitted into the hospital after she had been shot in the same incident, the medics said, adding that the soldiers opened fire indiscriminately at the area.
http://news.xinhuanet.com/english/2004-05/28/content_1496494.htm


þThree Palestinians hit with shrapnel
Director of the Emergency Department þþat the Palestinian Health Ministry Dr. Muawya Hasanayn said that the three þþinjured persons were transported to the local Aqsa Martyrs Hospital in the þþcity of Deir Al-Balah after they sustained injury from gunfire launched by the þþIsraeli tanks
http://www.kuna.net.kw/English/Story.asp?DSNO=635650


Israeli convoy attacked in Gaza
The car reportedly stopped near a bus full of Israelis heading to work at the Rafah border crossing and a gunman got out and began firing at the bus. The car then exploded, killing the driver and injuring two soldiers.
http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/world/middle_east/3756335.stm


IDF forces operating in Rafah after morning attack
Contingents are searching the area and are exchanging fire with armed Palestinians. According to Palestinian sources, troops fired Lau missiles at the Tel-Zuarub neighborhood, and are encircling a house near the area of the attack.
http://www.maarivintl.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=article&articleID=7927


Zacharia Zubeidi: The marked man
Zacharia Zubeidi, head of the al-Aqsa Martyrs brigade in Jenin, has survived four assassination attempts by Israeli forces. But if the army comes looking for him, Zubeidi insists, "they will have difficulty getting out".
http://news.independent.co.uk/world/middle_east/story.jsp?story=525610


Briton says he was held in Israeli dungeon
Speaking outside the Jerusalem jail where he had been held, Hounam said Israel should be ashamed of itself for arresting him. He complained of being kept overnight in solitary confinement in a "dungeon with excrement on the walls" and limited to two hours' sleep.
http://www.guardian.co.uk/international/story/0,3604,1226496,00.html


OFFICE FOR THE COORDINATION OF HUMANITARIAN AFFAIRS
Update for oPt (19 – 25 May 2004) Construction of the Barrier is continuing in different sections from Khallet an Nu’man northwards near Har Hommah settlement, Ash Sheikh Sa’ad, Sur Baher, Sawahriya ash Sharqiya, Abu Dis and Al ‘Eizariya.
http://www.reliefweb.int/hic-opt/docs/UN/OCHA/WBN54.pdf


UNITED NATIONS RIGHTS EXPERTS APPEAL TO ISRAEL ON HOUSE DEMOLITIONS
urgently appeal to the Government of Israel to respect United Nations Security Council Resolution 1544 and bring a permanent halt to the massive military operation by Israeli occupying forces, including the systematic demolition of Palestinian homes, the destruction of water sources and livelihoods in the Rafah refugee camp of the Gaza Strip.
http://www.unhchr.ch/huricane/huricane.nsf/view01/034694578DC4290FC1256EA20050CE41?opendocument


AU Condemns Israeli incursion into refugee camps in Palestine
The African Union (AU) Friday condemned the recent incursion and aggression by the Israeli Defense Forces on Palestinian civilians at the Rafah refugee camp that led to the death of 50 Palestinians, the vast majority of whom were women and children.
http://news.xinhuanet.com/english/2004-05/28/content_1496301.htm


Stop the massacres of the Palestinian workers and people
WCL is profoundly indignant at this situation and at the lack of energetic reaction on the part of Europe, which has so far contented itself with pious condemnations. This attitude can only feed the despair of the Palestinians, who are left alone, without any protection against unpunished and repeated violations of international law.
http://www.cmt-wcl.org/4press/com-en/2004/press2004-13.htm


Ground Zero
Two years ago in April, when Israeli forces terrorised people and demolished their houses in Jenin, the United Arab Emirates Red Crescent Society donated $27 million for the rebuilding of the destroyed areas of the camp. So far, 80 per cent of the houses have been rebuilt...
http://www.axisoflogic.com/artman/publish/article_8215.shtml


Sharon won't put pullout plan to vote at cabinet meeting Sunday
Secretary of State Powell on Friday said the U.S. was looking forward to receiving the revised disengagement plan, Army Radio reported. "We'll examine the new version," Powell said, adding that "I cannot support or not support something I have yet to see."
http://www.haaretz.com/hasen/spages/432499.html


Sharon mulls firing Netanyahu over Gaza plan-report
Israeli Prime Minister Ariel Sharon is considering sacking Benjamin Netanyahu if the finance minister votes against his Gaza pullout plan in the cabinet, a newspaper Web site said, citing sources close to Sharon.
http://www.alertnet.org/thenews/newsdesk/L28612967.htm


Tape of Vanunu interview may already have left the country
Copies of a videotaped interview given by Mordechai Vanunu to a local journalist on Saturday may already have been smuggled out of Israel, the Shin Bet security service admitted Thursday, meaning that the agency may have failed in its task of preventing this.
http://www.haaretz.com/hasen/spages/432564.html


Meeting between Foreign Minister Barnier, Mr Beilin and Mr Rabbo
Michel Barnier met yesterday with Yossi Beilin and Yasser Abed Rabbo, and their aides. Mr. Beilin and Mr. Abed Rabbo conceived and are promoting the Geneva Initiative. They were also received at the National Assembly, the Senate, and by the City of Paris and in Lyons.
http://www.france.diplomatie.fr/actu/article.gb.asp?ART=42458


Analysis / The end of Sharon
From a position of leadership, Sharon yesterday became a prisoner of his ministers, who undermined his plan to withdraw from the Gaza Strip and the northern West Bank. President George Bush offered extensive promises in advance to Sharon, who is now unable to fulfill his part of the bargain.
http://www.haaretz.com/hasen/spages/432460.html


Between the Lines / Last tango for Peres?
The leak about Shimon Peres' and Haim Ramon's meeting with Uri Shani brought back the old battered image of Peres as a saboteur, once again plotting a dirty trick - just as Ariel Sharon can use Peres to warn the Likud ministers to obey Sharon's line. Peres, haven't you learned a thing?
http://www.haaretz.com/hasen/spages/432571.html


Analysis / Netanyahu in charge
The government of Israel is today being run de facto by Netanyahu, economically and politically. The finance minister's refusal to support the "government recognizing the overall revised disengagement plan" formula has left Sharon with no options.
http://www.haaretz.com/hasen/spages/432452.html


Analysis: comparing Sharon's old and new withdrawal plan
The final draft of the plan shows that Sharon has decided to evacuate Kfar Darom during the first stage, while Rafah Yam will wait for the third stage, when it will be removed along with the remainer of the settlements in Gaza.
http://www.haaretz.com/hasen/spages/432753.html


Cheeseburger in Palestine
We can drive through Gaza City and tell our grandchildren: “The brochure says that 15 people were killed by Israeli Defense Force machine-gun fire on that plot of land over there. Now it's a Burger King.”
http://daily.stanford.edu/tempo?page=content&id=14397&repository=0001_article


Allawi chosen as Iraqi prime minister
The 25 members of Iraq's US-appointed governing council today chose a former Ba'athist turned CIA supporter to serve as the country's interim prime minister after the June 30 handover. The appointed did little to cheer many Iraqis who dismissed him as an outsider lacking the political experience to lead the country out of post-war chaos.
http://www.guardian.co.uk/Iraq/Story/0,2763,1227160,00.html


Bush promises "full sovereignty" for Iraqi government
The president said the United States was "making progress" on the new UN resolution, amid concerns from war opponents China, France, Germany and Russia about how it will define the role of nearly 140,000 US soldiers in Iraq.
http://story.news.yahoo.com/news?tmpl=story&cid=1515&ncid=1515&e=4&u=/afp/20040528/wl_mideast_afp/us_iraq_denmark_040528182738


Report: Iran establishes unit to recruit 'suicide bombers'
According to the report, the secretary-general of the new unit began by drawing up a list of names of people who support suicide attacks in Iraq, Lebanon and the Palestinian territories.
http://www.haaretz.com/hasen/spages/432747.html

May 27 2004

'Rafah is our Falluja'
Rafah's 140,000 inhabitants are counting the cost of Israel's latest and most brutal blitz of murder, terror and house demolitions. Palestinians see the Israeli aggression as "ethnic cleansing" and "a holocaust". Human rights groups, including Amnesty International, name it "war crimes against humanity".
http://weekly.ahram.org.eg/2004/692/re2.htm


IDF destroys 3 homes in southern Gaza, 2 more in Nablus
Three Israel Defense Forces tanks and a bulldozer entered the Gaza town of Dir el-Balah early Thursday, destroying three Palestinian houses, witnesses and Palestinian security officials said.
http://www.haaretz.com/hasen/pages/ShArt.jhtml?itemNo=431958&contrassID=1&subContrassID=5&sbSubContrassID=0&listSrc=Y


Woman Arrested in Jenin
tanks and armoured vehicles stormed 'Arraba village, broke into several houses, vandalized property, shortly before arresting Huda 'Arda 30... 'Arda is an employee in the Municipality of 'Arraba and is a sister of three prisoners, of whom two are sentenced to lifetime imprisonment.
http://english.wafa.ps/body.asp?field=tech_news&id=823


Israel lays claim to Palestine's water
Israel, which wants the US to fund the project, would guarantee safe passage of the water across its territory in return for an agreement that Israel can continue to take the lion's share of the waters of the West Bank. These mainly comprise underground reserves such as the western aquifer, the region's largest, cleanest and most reliable water source.
http://www.newscientist.com/news/news.jsp?id=ns99995037


IOF Shells Civilian Houses in Khanyounis
Israeli Occupation Forces (IOF) shelled on Thursday the civilian houses in Khanyounis city of Gaza Strip, witnesses and Palestinian municipal sources said.
http://english.wafa.ps/body.asp?field=tech_news&id=825


Weekly report on human rights violations
19 Palestinians, 15 of whom are civilians, including 5 children, were killed by Israeli forces.  Israeli occupying forces continued their full-scale offensive on Rafah in the southern Gaza Strip.  Human rights violations perpetrated by Israeli occupying forces also included willful and extra-judicial killings, incursions into Palestinian areas, indiscriminate shelling and house demolitions.
http://electronicintifada.net/v2/article2761.shtml


IOF Onslaught Turns to Nablus
IPC correspondent reported that the IOF invasion began at 11:30 pm last night, when 70 Israeli military jeeps and ten armored personnel carriers invaded the city of Nablus and deployed troops in several parts of the city. The troops then occupied more houses and buildings in addition to those already occupied in the past couple of days.
http://www.ipc.gov.ps/ipc_e/ipc_e-1/e_News/news2004/2004_05/172.html


Freedom Summer Palestine 2004
against occupation, whereby Palestinians mobilizing with the participation and support of their international supporters, will draw the attention of the world to the true nature of the situation on the ground in the Occupied Palestinian Territories and leave no doubt in anyone's mind that the Palestinian struggle is a just struggle for dignity, human rights and freedom.
http://electronicintifada.net/v2/article2757.shtml


Israeli Soldiers Arrest Civilians, Deny Paramedics in Nablus
Israeli troops, positioned near the villages of Beit Dajan, Salem and Beit Foreek denied accessing of paramedics and detained them for several housr, the sources added.
http://english.wafa.ps/body.asp?field=tech_news&id=827


UAE telethon to raise funds to rebuild Palestinian homes razed by Israel
The eight-hour telethon, part of a drive ordered by President Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan al-Nahayan, will feature live broadcasts from major shopping malls. Red Crescent staff will be deployed at 80 spots throughout the country and outside mosques to collect donations, said Red Crescent chief Khalifa Nasser al-Swaidi.
http://story.news.yahoo.com/news?tmpl=story&cid=1515&ncid=1515&e=8&u=/afp/20040527/wl_mideast_afp/mideast_gaza_uae_040527185516


Israeli cabinet to vote on cut-down Gaza pullout
Bowing to hardline ministers opposed to his Gaza Strip pullout plan, Israeli Prime Minister Ariel Sharon agreed on Thursday to a cut-down version that starts by removing just three of 21 settlements, officials said.
http://www.alertnet.org/thenews/newsdesk/L27164154.htm


PNC Calls for Protection Palestinian Detainees
In a statement issued Thursday, the committee said that Israeli escalation against detainees, especially in Hadreem prison which is represented by solitary confinement, rejection to respond to detainee's demands and hunger strikes, only prove Israel's disrespect of humans.
http://english.wafa.ps/body.asp?field=tech_news&id=826


Sharon woos cabinet on Gaza plan
A leading Israeli newspaper, Haaretz, reports that Mr Sharon has the support of 11 out of 23 ministers. The three ministers that are said to be undecided are Mr Netanyahu, Foreign Minister Silvan Shalom and Education Minister Limor Livnat.
http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/world/middle_east/3752169.stm


Information Minister meets with Mustafa Barghouthi
Barghouthi, for his part, referred to "Syria's pan-Arab role and its support to the Palestinian people in order to restore their legitimate rights." He described the US sanctions on Syria as unfair, unjustified and baseless and that they come in the service of Israel.
http://www.arabicnews.com/ansub/Daily/Day/040527/2004052711.html


Diplomatic delegation tours Rafah after IDF operation
Fifty foreign and Arab diplomats who serve in the Palestinian Authority are currently conducting a tour at the Tel Sultan and Brazil districts of Rafah, sites of the recent IDF operation. The delegation is headed by Palestinian Foreign Minister Nabil Shaath.
http://www.maarivintl.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=article&articleID=7897


Israeli minister urges Arab-Jewish population swap
A far-right Israeli cabinet minister called on Thursday for a population swap involving minority Arabs living in the Jewish state and Jewish settlers living in occupied territories. (ie. swap between legal and illegal ownerships).
http://www.alertnet.org/thenews/newsdesk/L27222962.htm


Israeli envoy: Turkey undecided on recalling ambassador
Aviv's statement came on the heels of remarks by Turkish Foreign Minister Abdullah Gul, who said on Wednesday that Turkey was considering recalling its ambassador in Israel to Ankara for consultations, citing displeasure with the IDF's actions in the territories.
http://www.haaretz.com/hasen/pages/ShArt.jhtml?itemNo=431877&contrassID=1&subContrassID=1&sbSubContrassID=0&listSrc=Y


Israel frees UK journalist in nuke case
Simon McDonald, the British ambassador to Israel, had met Justice Minister Yosef Lapid earlier in the day to press for the release of the reporter, who interviewed Vanunu on behalf of Britain's Sunday Times in 1986, sources close to the talks said.
http://www.reuters.co.uk/newsPackageArticle.jhtml?type=topNews&storyID=518857&section=news


Sharon's right hand - By Azmi Bishara
While new flags are being designed elsewhere in the region, perhaps two blue lines with a bulldozer in the middle would make a fitting flag for a country that has, since its creation, placed itself in conflict with every roof under which a Palestinian lives. Sharon and Dayan are the uncontested pioneers of home demolition.
http://weekly.ahram.org.eg/2004/692/op2.htm


How Palestine is dying in Iraq
"The more aggressive the [Iraq] attack is, the more it will help Israel against the Palestinians. The understanding would be that what is good to do in Iraq, is also good for here."With the Iraq war, a fusion of US and Israeli interests, intended or not, has come about.
http://www.atimes.com/atimes/Middle_East/FE27Ak01.html


India to balance ties with Israel, Palestinians
India's new coalition government vowed on Thursday to give a new thrust to ties with Arab countries and renew support to the Palestinians, moving away from a strong pro-Israeli tilt of its predecessor.
http://www.khaleejtimes.com/DisplayArticle.asp?xfile=data/subcontinent/2004/May/subcontinent_May685.xml&section=subcontinent&col=


Washington must talk to Hamas, albeit conditionally
However, whatever the outcome of the November election, a new administration will most probably attempt to revive negotiations between Israelis and the Palestinians. In order to inject credibility into that process, Bush's proannexation policy must be reversed.
http://www.dailystar.com.lb/article.asp?edition_id=10&categ_id=5&article_id=4487


Sharon prepares for the day after
What do you think? asked Sharon. First of all, don't recant, his interlocutor advised. If you're destined to go, better to go as a hero than as a doormat. Secondly, don't be in a hurry to bring in the Labor Party - you can't count on them.
http://www.haaretz.com/hasen/spages/432045.html


The demographics point to a binational state
In 2003, 54 years and almost 3 million immigrants later, the Central Bureau of Statistics' official figures indicated a similar Jewish-Arab ratio (81 percent Jews, 19 percent Arabs), with the figure for Jews including non-Jewish immigrants.
http://www.haaretz.com/hasen/pages/ShArt.jhtml?itemNo=432222&contrassID=2&subContrassID=3&sbSubContrassID=0&listSrc=Y


PCBS: Israel Restricts Palestinian Incomes and Health Services
The PCBS concluded that 51.0% of the households have access problem to health Services due to the Israeli closure, 50.6% of households because of Israeli military checkpoints, 48.2% of households because of cost of medical treatment, and 10.8% of households because of the expansion and annexation wall.
http://english.wafa.ps/body.asp?field=tech_news&id=822


Amnesty: 'Bankrupt' war on terror is world's most damaging conflict in 50 years
The American government is charged with "sacrificing human rights in the name of security at home, turning a blind eye to abuses abroad, using pre-emptive military force where and when it chooses". This draconian approach, Amnesty says, has "damaged justice and freedom, and made the world a more dangerous place".
http://news.independent.co.uk/world/middle_east/story.jsp?story=525311


Jews can join Muslim-Christian forum, Qatar says
Qatari Prime Sheikh Abdullah bin Khalifa al-Thani set the stage for two days of inter-faith talks by drawing parallels between those who believe in the oneness of God. "Perhaps it is wise to widen the dialogue to a Muslim-Christian-Jewish dialogue," next year, he told the gathering of some 200 delegates from around the world.
http://story.news.yahoo.com/news?tmpl=story&cid=1515&ncid=1515&e=10&u=/afp/20040527/wl_mideast_afp/qatar_religion_040527162401


Rebel cleric cuts deal to end Najaf stand-off
The tentative deal, reached late on Wednesday night, falls far short of the demands of the US-led coalition, which is seeking Mr Sadr's unconditional surrender to face murder charges. It also will set the stage for the conflict with Mr Sadr to be finally resolved by Iraq's interim government which takes office on June 30.
http://news.ft.com/servlet/ContentServer?pagename=FT.com/StoryFT/FullStory&c=StoryFT&cid=1084907864322&p=1012571727172

May 26 2004

Selves and Others: A Portrait of Edward Said
Shortly before Edward Said's death, a French film crew spent several weeks with him and his family in New York. The result is Selves and Others , an intimate documentary that offers a glimpse at some of Said's final reflections on the themes that dominated his life's work.
http://www.americantaskforce.org/said.htm


Palestinians to resume activities against Israeli wall
Palestinian committee for campaigning against the Israeli separation wall announced Wednesday that it has organized a series of activities that will last for 56 days starting June 25. Coordinator of the committee, Suheil Salman, said the 56 days of the public activities symbolize the 56 years of Palestinians' nakbah (catastrophe) in the Palestinian territories.
http://news.xinhuanet.com/english/2004-05/26/content_1492165.htm


Through the heart
The graffiti artists have barely begun. There are a few slogans sprayed in red or black on the tall slabs of grey concrete - "Welcome to the Ghetto" and the like - but the elaborate murals and lurid colours of the Berlin wall or Belfast peace line are yet to appear. This wall is too new for that.
http://www.guardian.co.uk/israel/Story/0,2763,1224853,00.html


UNRWA COMPLETES ITS DEMOLITION ASSESSMENT OF OPERATION RAINBOW
From 18 May until 24 May a total of 167 buildings in the Tel Sultan, Brazil and Salam quarters of Rafah were destroyed or rendered uninhabitable. These buildings housed 379 families or 2,066 individuals. In total, from 1 May until 24 May, 277 buildings, housing 641 families, or 3,451 individuals have been demolished in Rafah.
http://www.un.org/unrwa/news/releases/pr-2004/hqg16-04.pdf


IOF Kills Three Citizens in Rafah, Wounds Others in West Bank
Mohammed Zo'rob, 42, was killed by bullets fired at him from Israeli soldiers stationed near the illegitimate Israeli settlement of "Atsmona". Zo'rob was shot in the chest and was left to bleed until he died of his wounds. Eyewitnesses affirmed that Zo'rob was searching through the rubble of his demolished home when the Israeli forces shot
http://www.ipc.gov.ps/ipc_e/ipc_e-1/e_News/news2004/2004_05/170.html


62 Palestinians killed in Rafah in seven days: medical sources
Director of Abu Yussef Al-Najjar hospital in Rafah Ali Mussa told reporters that 25 out of the 62 people killed by the Israeli army were aged below 18. Mussa added that 280 others were injured during the Israeli military operation codenamed " Rainbow " and that half of them were children.
http://news.xinhuanet.com/english/2004-05/26/content_1492279.htm


Tens of Students were Injured and Suffered Suffocation in Hebron
Several schoolchildren were Wednesday wounded and suffered suffocation when Israeli soldiers shot fire and lobbed tear gas at the school complex of Dora village of Hebron, medical sources and witnesses said.
http://english.wafa.ps/body.asp?field=tech_news&id=815


UNRWA DEMANDS APOLOGY AND RETRACTION FOR “BASELESS CHARGES” AGAINST UNRWA AMBULANCE DRIVERS
Peter Hansen... has today demanded an apology and retraction from the Israeli Government and Military for the damaging and baseless allegations they have made against UNRWA’s ambulance drivers in the Gaza Strip.
http://www.un.org/unrwa/news/releases/pr-2004/hqg15-04.pdf


Amnesty: 100 Palestinian children killed by IDF in 2003
Amnesty International's newly-released annual report charged Wednesday that the Israel Defense Forces killed some 600 Palestinians, including more than 100 children, between January and December 2003.
http://www.haaretz.com/hasen/spages/431892.html


Oxfam calls for protection of civilians
A new report by Oxfam International today calls for the protection of Israeli and Palestinian civilians to be put at the top of the international agenda. The report calls for the Government of Israel, the Palestinian National Authority and the international community, through the Quartet...
http://electronicintifada.net/v2/article2753.shtml


"Shatta" Prisoners Tortured and Ill-Treated Worse Than "Abu Ghraib"
The prisoners asserted, in a letter sent to the Prisoner Supporters Association today, that the abuse photos of Iraqi prisoners by the American occupying forces in "Abu Ghraib" prison were not different from what they suffer in the Israeli jails and concentration camps...
http://www.ipc.gov.ps/ipc_e/ipc_e-1/e_News/news2004/2004_05/168.html


Confident Sharon puts final touches on Gaza plan ahead of cabinet meet
Public radio reported that ministers were to receive written drafts of the proposal for their review on Thursday, three days before the crucial weekly cabinet meeting. The new plan calls for a phased military pullout as well as the evacuation of 21 Jewish settlements in the Gaza Strip and a few in the northern West Bank.
http://story.news.yahoo.com/news?tmpl=story&cid=1515&ncid=1515&e=2&u=/afp/20040526/wl_mideast_afp/mideast_israel_politics_040526194041


PNA to present security plan to Egypt in June
"For the first time, Sharon shows intention to hold negotiations with the PNA about his evacuation plan," said the official who participated in a meeting recently held between Palestinian leader Yasser Arafat and Egyptian intelligence chief Omar Suleiman.
http://news.xinhuanet.com/english/2004-05/26/content_1492309.htm


Palestinian policemen to deploy on border with Egypt
Meanwhile, witnesses reported earlier this week that a number of Jordanian officers were seen with Israeli military officers at the eastern hills of the West Bank, near the borderline with Jordan. They said the Jordanians and Israeli officers were discussing issues in the area, where the Israeli government intended to establish a separation wall.
http://news.xinhuanet.com/english/2004-05/26/content_1492281.htm


Israeli troops continue operations in Nablus
The Israel army troops continued Wednesday their military operation in the northern West Bank city of Nablus for the fourth consecutive day, Israeli military sources reported. They said the Israeli troops took over 30 Palestinian houses in the city while opening random fire against houses and pedestrians.
http://news.xinhuanet.com/english/2004-05/26/content_1492234.htm


Fatah holds first local elections in Palestinian territories
"The decision of holding the elections was made a month ago by the movement's central committee." The elections were held in response to a series of calls launched by Fatah members and cadres, who consistently called for electing the movement's new leaders and holding the conference as a first step toward reforms.
http://news.xinhuanet.com/english/2004-05/26/content_1492233.htm


Some 1,100 people are stranded in a makeshift site in the no man's land between Jordan and Iraq
Several thousand Palestinians were evicted from their homes in the Iraqi capital last April. UNHCR, the Red Crescent and the Iraqi Ministry of Displacement and Migration are currently sheltering 35 families at a Baghdad sports centre, while the refugee agency is providing a stipend to others who have found apartments where they feel more secure.
http://cgi.wn.com/?action=display&article=28461853&template=palestinelife/index.txt&index=recent


Turkey to Open Embassy in Palestine
Erdogan announced that there was already a consulate in Jerusalem and said they plan to open an embassy in Palestine. He also stated that he signed a decree for the appointment of former state minister, Vehbi Dincer, as Turkey's Special Envoy to Palestine.
http://www.zaman.org/?bl=international&alt=&trh=20040526&hn=8930


Report: Israel may purchase two submarines from Germany
According to the report, German law prohibits the government from selling arms to conflict regions. However, in the past decade Israel has purchased three submarines, all funded by the German government.
http://www.haaretz.com/hasen/spages/431966.html


Turkish PM Declines Invitation to Israel
Turkey's prime minister declined an invitation to visit Israel after criticizing Israel's week-long offensive in the Gaza Strip, and the foreign minister said Wednesday that Turkey's ambassador to Israel could be called home for consultations.
http://www.dailycomet.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20040526/API/405260889


Shin Bet arrests U.K. journalist who interviewed Vanunu
Hounam, who interviewed Vanunu on Israel's nuclear program some 20 years ago for the Sunday Times, was scheduled to meet in Ramat Gan with Yael Lotan, an activist in a committee that worked towards Vanunu's release and against Israel's nuclear program. When he failed to arrive at the meeting, Lotan found out that Hounam was under arrest.
http://www.haaretz.com/hasen/spages/432000.html


Egypt faces opposition criticism over reported Israeli gas deal
An Islamist MP has demanded explanations from the Egyptian government after an Israeli newspaper reported an agreement in principle to import gas from its Arab neighbour, the Muslim Brotherhood said. Mustafa warned the two officials that any such deal with Israel would be a "shock for the Egyptian and Arab street."
http://story.news.yahoo.com/news?tmpl=story&cid=1515&ncid=1515&e=11&u=/afp/20040526/wl_mideast_afp/egypt_israel_gas_040526192643


Intifada spurs Palestine internet boom
Nearly 80% of Palestinians in the Gaza Strip live under the poverty line, surviving on less than $2 a day, according to the United Nations. Nevertheless, the internet is booming like never before. “You're talking about a society with no food but great interest in the internet,” said Saidam.
http://english.aljazeera.net/NR/exeres/3707F879-1FB0-41BD-AC75-AF49B2F9F87A.htm


EGYPTIAN PRESIDENT ARRIVES IN MOSCOW
Vladimir Putin will meet with Hosni Mubarak before the G8 summit, with some Arab leaders invited. Egypt decided not to participate in this meeting as it does not agree with US proposals concerning reforms in the Middle East.
http://en.rian.ru/rian/index.cfm?prd_id=160&msg_id=4370304&startrow=1&date=2004-05-26&do_alert=0


EU agrees to seek Syria WMD pledge for trade pact
The deal among EU ambassadors broke a five-month deadlock on the stalled agreement, just two weeks after U.S. President George W. Bush imposed sanctions on Damascus, accusing it of backing terrorism, seeking WMD and letting militants into Iraq.
http://www.haaretz.com/hasen/spages/431974.html


Madonna projects her fears over the borderline, cancels Israeli concerts
Last week the Queen of Pop had to abruptly cancel an eagerly awaited series of concerts set for this September in Tel Aviv, Israel's largest city, which would have included a televised concert on September 11. It is reported that Madonna's "Re-Invented Tour" will include video footage of a Palestinian boy and an Israeli boy walking arm in arm.
http://electronicintifada.net/v2/article2755.shtml


Blair Denies Split with Bush Over Iraq
Tuesday, Blair surprised Washington by saying Iraqis would have a veto over operations like the recent attacks on Falluja, prompting Secretary of State Colin Powell to fire back that American forces would stay under U.S. charge.
http://www.reuters.com/newsArticle.jhtml?type=topNews&storyID=5264466


'Key aide' to rebel cleric arrested in Najaf
Qais al-Khazali said Riyad al-Noury, a relative of Sadr, was captured in a raid on his house in the holy city of Najaf. He said raids also targeted the houses of three other aides to Mr Sadr but failed to capture them.
http://news.ft.com/servlet/ContentServer?pagename=FT.com/StoryFT/FullStory&c=StoryFT&cid=1084907840810&p=1012571727172


The re-writing of Iraqi history is now going on at supersonic speed - By Robert Fisk
Last August, I was invited to Abu Ghraib - by my favourite US General Janis Karpinski, no less - to see the million-dollar US refurbishment of this vile place. Squeaky clean cells and toothpaste tubes and fresh pairs of pants for the "terrorist" inmates. But now, suddenly, the whole kit and caboodle is no longer an American torture centre. It's still an Iraqi torture centre, and thus worthy of demolition.
http://www.itszone.co.uk/zone0/viewtopic.php?t=15767

May 25 2004

Westerners Brave Tear Gas in Israel Barrier Battle
When they come to protest against Israel's West Bank barrier, foreign activists sometimes wear bandannas soaked in vinegar. Peter, a European activist who has already been hit twice with rubber bullets at pro-Palestinian demonstrations, swears it works better than a whiff of raw onion to ease the burn of tear gas fired by Israeli soldiers.
http://news.yahoo.com/news?tmpl=story&u=/nm/20040524/lf_nm/mideast_activists_dc_1


In Jenin: Landlessness Continues
In villages where lands have been isolated behind the Apartheid Wall, the people have not been able to access their fields for months now. In October the Occupation forces declared all lands behind the Wall as a 'closed military area,' whereby Palestinians (OWNERS) require permits to access them.
http://stopthewall.org/latestnews/550.shtml


Daraghma Stands Trial Under Worsening Pregnancy Conditions
In "Talmond" concentration camp, where Daraghma is being held, how will this Palestinian detained mother deliver her baby? will she give birth as hand-cuffed as Manal Ghanem and Mervat Taha? Or will she go through harder times?
http://www.ipc.gov.ps/ipc_e/ipc_e-1/e_News/news2004/2004_05/160.html


Israel/Occupied Territories: Killing of children must be investigated
All available information indicate that the bullets which killed the two children were fired from the top floor of a nearby house, the highest building in the area, which had been taken over by Israeli soldiers shortly before the two children where shot.
http://www.amnestyusa.org/news/document.do?id=80256DD400782B8480256E9F0048CE93


Israel Uses New Poisonous Weapon against Palestinians
Palestinian medical sources in Tulkarem said that Israeli Occupation Forces (IOF) have started using a poisonous weapon against the Palestinian People. Al-Hashem affirmed that Yassin's skin was easily peeling off, which inevitably proves that he was shot with a lethal weapon.
http://english.wafa.ps/body.asp?field=tech_news&id=807


Latest Israeli incursion left 575 more Palestinians homeless, UN reports
The latest Israeli military incursion in Rafah has left an additional 575 Palestinians homeless, bringing the total since the beginning of the month to nearly 2,000, the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees ( UNRWA ) reported today.
http://www.un.org/apps/news/story.asp?NewsID=10855&Cr=palestin&Cr1=


British Police to probe killings by Israeli troops
"Death in Gaza" was completed by Miller's colleagues after the award-winning documentary maker was shot in the neck while filming in Rafah, in the southern Gaza Strip. His widow Sophy Miller called on British Foreign Secretary Jack Straw on Tuesday to press Israel for a "full, thorough and transparent" inquiry into the death
http://story.news.yahoo.com/news?tmpl=story&cid=1515&ncid=1515&e=20&u=/afp/20040525/wl_mideast_afp/mideast_israel_britain_040525145217


Illegitimate Israeli Settlements in Tulkarem Being Expanded
The settlements that have been expanded by the IOF were "Avni Haifetz" and "Ennab", which are constructed on Palestinian-owned lands south of Tulkarem... the IOF would also build a new settlement block on the lands of the village, owned by the families of Hamdan, Abu Baker and Jbara.
http://www.ipc.gov.ps/ipc_e/ipc_e-1/e_News/news2004/2004_05/161.html


Rafah residents survey destruction after Israel ends raid
The army said in a statement that "approximately 56 structures" had been destroyed, but an AFP correspondent reported that more than 100 buildings had been either razed to the ground or were now too dangerous to live in.
http://www.channelnewsasia.com/stories/afp_world/view/86769/1/.html


Bulldozers threaten Gaza 'school of hope'
Each day, Darwish Abu Sharakh climbs to the top floor of Rafah's only school for the deaf, unfurls the Palestinian flag on the balcony and waves at the shadowy outline of an Israeli soldier in a gun tower across the wasteland that was once a sea of roofs.
http://www.guardian.co.uk/israel/Story/0,2763,1224056,00.html


Rafah still surrounded by Israeli army
The southern Gaza Strip town of Rafah was still surrounded by the Israeli army, Palestinian security sources said Tuesday. There were conflicting reports on whether the six-day-old " Operation Rainbow " was over or still going on.
http://news.xinhuanet.com/english/2004-05/25/content_1489906.htm


3 Palestinians wounded in Rafah
one boy was hurt by the explosion of a bomb left by the Israeli army in the southern Gaza Strip town of Rafah on Tuesday, local medics said. A Palestinian general security spokesman said that the Israeli soldiers opened fire at residential houses in al-Brazil neighborhood...
http://news.xinhuanet.com/english/2004-05/25/content_1489871.htm


Two soldiers lightly wounded in Kfar Darom
Two IDF soldiers were lightly wounded Tuesday morning when Palestinians fired an anti-tank missile at an IDF outpost in Kfar Darom, in the center of the Gaza Strip.
http://www.jpost.com/servlet/Satellite?pagename=JPost/JPArticle/ShowFull&cid=1085455476229&p=1078397702269


Israeli soldier wounded in Hebron
Palestinian witnesses said that the Israeli army had closed the whole area and opened a wide searching campaign
http://news.xinhuanet.com/english/2004-05/25/content_1490028.htm


Over two dozen Palestinians return to Iraq from UN camps in Jordan
While the remaining 350 or so Palestinians wanted to go to their homes in the West Bank and Gaza, and even to Israel, the agency could not get parties to accept the return of this group, nor are any other States so far willing to accept them.
http://www.un.org/apps/news/story.asp?NewsID=10866&Cr=iraq&Cr1=


IOF Turns 3 Houses into Military Barracks, Blocks School in WB
Israeli Occupation Forces (IOF) stormed early Tuesday different neighborhoods of Nablus and turned three civilian houses into military barracks, witnesses said. In Jenin, IOF troops blocked early Tuesday “Ezz al-Din al-Qassam” school in Ya'bad, town of the city for three day running.
http://english.wafa.ps/body.asp?field=tech_news&id=806


Turkish PM criticizes Israel's operation in Rafah
Israel is no different from terror organizations when it demolishes Palestinian houses and aggresses against innocent civilians, Turkish Prime Minister, Recep Tayyip Erdogan said on Tuesday.
http://www.jpost.com/servlet/Satellite?pagename=JPost/JPArticle/ShowFull&cid=1085455477279


Refuseniks' Families Slam Katsav for His Critical Remarks
The families said in a message that Katsav was dead silent concerning house demolitions in Rafah which left thousands of civilians homeless. He was also tight- lipped when the Israeli tanks fired shells against civilians in a peaceful demonstration, which only brings to mind the despotic regimes.
http://english.wafa.ps/body.asp?field=tech_news&id=808


Olmert: 12 ministers lined up to support PM's Gaza plan
Deputy Prime Minister Ehud Olmert told Army Radio on Tuesday morning that a majority of ministers are now ready to support Prime Minister Ariel Sharon's plan to disengage from the Gaza Strip.
http://www.haaretz.com/hasen/pages/ShArt.jhtml?itemNo=431792&contrassID=1&subContrassID=1&sbSubContrassID=0&listSrc=Y


Israeli AG inclined to close Greek island file against Sharon: paper
Israeli Attorney General Menachem Mazuz is tilting toward closing the file on the so-called "Greek island" affair, rather than going ahead with prosecuting Prime Minister Ariel Sharon for bribery, Israeli newspaper Ha'aretz reported Tuesday.
http://news.xinhuanet.com/english/2004-05/25/content_1489599.htm


U.K. group calls on Egypt to release 11 Palestinians
Egyptian Interior Ministry and prison officials have refused to comment on the issue. "They have already begun their hunger strike," Salfiti said Monday. He accused prison officials of "using violence" against the detainees, but he refused to give details.
http://www.haaretz.com/hasen/pages/ShArt.jhtml?itemNo=431541&contrassID=1&subContrassID=1&sbSubContrassID=0&listSrc=Y


Qurei denies reports about Egypt's efforts to move Arafat to Gaza
Palestinian Prime Minister Ahmed Qurei on Tuesday denied reports about Egypt's efforts to move leader Yasser Arafat from his headquarters in the West Bank town of Ramallah to Gaza.
http://news.xinhuanet.com/english/2004-05/25/content_1489880.htm


Report: 'Only 5.05% of 55.5 Thousand State Employees are Arabs"
Despite the adoption of a new law in 2000 requiring the government to raise the proportion of employing Arab citizens of Israel, only 193 out of 4531 new employees for the year 2003 were Arabs, according to a report issued Monday by the Civil Service Commission.
http://www.imemc.org/headlines/2004/May/week4/052504/state-employees.htm


On Israel - by Daniel Barenboim
I am asking today with deep sorrow: Can we, despite all our achievements, ignore the intolerable gap between what the Declaration of Independence promised and what was fulfilled, the gap between the idea and the realities of Israel? Does the condition of occupation and domination over another people fit the Declaration of Independence?
http://www.thenation.com/doc.mhtml?i=20040607&s=barenboim


Whiteout and the Madness of Truth
Since the creation of Israel in 1948 200,000 Palestinians have been killed 5,000,000 refugees have been created 21,000 square kilometres of land have been annexed 385 towns and villages have been destroyed 200,000 settlements have been built 300 billion military dollars have been spent 100+ WMDs have been manufactured 65 UN resolutions have been ignored
http://www.zmag.org/content/showarticle.cfm?SectionID=15&ItemID=5597


Lebanon marks anniversary of IDF withdrawal from southern Lebanon
Lebanon marked "Liberation Day" on Tuesday, the fourth year since Israel Defense Forces troops withdrew from southern Lebanon. Liberation Day is an official holiday in Lebanon; all public offices are closed and schools are not in session.
http://www.haaretz.com/hasen/pages/ShArt.jhtml?itemNo=431864&contrassID=1&subContrassID=8&sbSubContrassID=0&listSrc=Y


Former Mideast envoy Zinni: U.S. went to war in Iraq to help Israel
Former U.S. envoy to the Middle East retired Marine General Anthony Zinni told CBS's 60 Minutes yesterday that "the neo-conservatives" in the Pentagon saw the invasion of Iraq as a way to stabilize American interests in the region and strengthen the position of Israel.
http://web.israelinsider.com/bin/en.jsp?enPage=ArticlePage&enDisplay=view&enDispWhat=object&enDispWho=Article%5El3672&enZone=AntiSemi&enVersion=0&


Homeless and angry, Palestinians call for justice
As an Israeli bulldozer began to destroy his house in Rafah's Brazil neighbourhood, Ibrahim abu Hamad, 40, was still in it. He was talking on his mobile phone to his employer - the Israeli boss of a construction company in Tel Aviv.
http://news.independent.co.uk/world/middle_east/story.jsp?story=524642


þKuwait presents two million dollars to the Palestinians
A statement by the office of the Minister of Information, said Tuesday that the aim of the aid package is to "relieve the Palestinian people from the suffering that resulted from the Israeli aggression on the Palestinian towns where crimes were committed against the innocent people and houses were destroyed."
http://www.kuna.net.kw/English/Story.asp?DSNO=634979


Al-Yawer: Iraq U.N. Plan Falls Short
Iraq's U.S.-appointed leaders expressed disappointment Tuesday with the American blueprint for post-occupation Iraq, saying they must have greater control over their country's own security forces.
http://story.news.yahoo.com/news?tmpl=story&cid=540&ncid=540&e=8&u=/ap/20040525/ap_on_re_mi_ea/iraq_un_resolution


Arabs say U.S. offering Iraq sham sovereignty
Many also dismissed U.S. President George W. Bush's proposal to demolish Iraq's Abu Ghraib prison, saying razing the building would not erase the images of U.S. abuses. Some said the jail, also notorious for torture under Saddam Hussein, should be kept as a monument to those who suffered there.
http://www.alertnet.org/thenews/newsdesk/L25674520.htm


Iraqi officials dismiss Bush plan to knock down Abu Ghraib jail
"The most important thing is not to destroy Abu Ghraib, but to implement the Geneva Conventions, so what happened at Abu Ghraib does not happen at another prison," said Hamza al-Kafi from the Iraqi Association of Human Rights.
http://story.news.yahoo.com/news?tmpl=story&cid=1515&ncid=1515&e=3&u=/afp/20040525/wl_mideast_afp/iraq_us_prison_reax_040525173212

May 24 2004

10,000 Demonstrate Against the Apartheid Wall in Trafalgar Square
On May 15th, 10,000 people gathered in Trafalgar Square, which was transformed for one afternoon into a sea of banners, placards and posters demanding Freedom for Palestine and the fall of the Apartheid Wall.
http://stopthewall.org/photos/551.shtml


In Jenin: Landlessness Continues
In villages where lands have been isolated behind the Apartheid Wall, the people have not been able to access their fields for months now. In October the Occupation forces declared all lands behind the Wall as a 'closed military area,' whereby Palestinians require permits to access them.
http://stopthewall.org/latestnews/550.shtml


5 Palestinians killed in Nablus in less than 24 hours
At least five Palestinians were killed by Israeli army in the northern West Bank town of Nablus in less than 24 hours, Palestinian medics said Monday. The medical sources said that the Israeli soldiers shot dead on Monday morning a 17-year-old Palestinian young man during clashes with local residents.
http://news.xinhuanet.com/english/2004-05/24/content_1487827.htm


Two Children Killed in Nablus as More Citizens Wounded by IOF
Medical sources declared in Nablus that the Israeli occupying forces (IOF) have killed so far two children in the city, while three others were wounded, including two more children, in an aggression that came consequent with offensives across the West Bank.
http://www.ipc.gov.ps/ipc_e/ipc_e-1/e_News/news2004/2004_05/154.html


New Israeli "Chemical Bullets" Kill a Citizen in Qalqilya
Medical sources in the city of Qalqilya revealed to IPC correspondent that the Israeli occupying forces (IOF) have began using a new chemical weapon against the Palestinian people, and that the first victim of that weapon was Mazen Yassin, 45...
http://www.ipc.gov.ps/ipc_e/ipc_e-1/e_News/news2004/2004_05/153.html


Thousands of Palestinians bury 23 killed in Rafah
After siege was partly lifted in Rafah, thousands of residents of the two neighborhoods of Tal al Sultan and al Barazil rushed to the main hospital to take bodies of the dead. Palestinian medics said that some 14 bodies were kept in refrigerators at the houses of the Palestinians in Tal al Sultan, such as flower shops and grocery stores.
http://news.xinhuanet.com/english/2004-05/24/content_1487964.htm


National, Humanitarian Organizations in Jenin Condemn Israeli Assault on UNRWA Official
The national and humanitarian organizations in the Jenin province condemned the Israeli assault on one of the senior UNRWA officials in Jenin refugee camp, as well as breaking into the UNRWA offices in the camp and opening fire there.
http://www.ipc.gov.ps/ipc_e/ipc_e-1/e_News/news2004/2004_05/152.html


UNRWA offers 89 houses to homeless Palestinians in Rafah
The statement said that building these new housing units cost the agency 4.6 million US dollars, adding that such projects had been finished despite UNRWA's tight budget. The UNRWA also called for an urgent donation of 35 million dollars to house other homeless Palestinians.
http://news.xinhuanet.com/english/2004-05/24/content_1487846.htm


Israeli army arrests 8 Palestinians in West Bank
Israeli army forces backed by tanks and armored vehicles on Monday raided several towns and villages in the West Bank and detained at least eight Palestinian activists, residents said.
http://news.xinhuanet.com/english/2004-05/24/content_1487825.htm


Israeli Soldiers Storm Houses In Jerusalem
Witnesses added that IOF soldiers brutally broke into several houses and started a house-to-house search. They added that the soldiers destroyed the doors of the houses, vandalized their property and pitilessly assaulted women and children.
http://english.wafa.ps/body.asp?field=tech_news&id=799


Civilian Arrested in Jenin
Local sources in the city stated that Israeli soldiers backed by tanks thrust into Jalkamous village and launched a door-to-door search campaign into civilians' houses, causing a state of panic among inhabitants, mostly children and women.
http://english.wafa.ps/body.asp?field=tech_news&id=793


IOF Establishes New Detention Camp in Rafah
Israeli Occupation Forces (IOF) established a new detention camp on the so called 'Philadelphi Route' on the borders between the southern Gaza town of Rafah and Egypt, Palestinian prisoners’ affairs sources said Sunday.
http://english.wafa.ps/body.asp?field=tech_news&id=797


Arafat tells Suleiman that PA ready to take over in Gaza
In the West Bank meeting between Arafat and Suleiman, Palestinians asked for Egyptian help in rebuilding their security services, said Cabinet minister Saeb Erekat.
http://www.haaretz.com/hasen/spages/431326.html


Dahlan denies contacts with Israel
"These reports are totally untrue," said Dahlan, adding that such reports came in the frame of the repeated Israeli media attempts to hurt the Palestinian people and their leadership.
http://news.xinhuanet.com/english/2004-05/24/content_1487753.htm


Israeli official likens demolitions to Nazi actions
The comments by Justice Minister Yosef Lapid reflected a growing debate in Israel over the justification for a campaign that has left 41 Palestinians dead, turned dozens of homes to dust, drawn international condemnation and yielded just one arms-smuggling tunnel.
http://www.azdailysun.com/non_sec/nav_includes/story.cfm?storyID=87803


U.S. Congressman Lantos defends IDF raid on Rafah
The Israeli offensive has drawn stiff international criticism, including rare negative statements from the United States, because of the destruction of dozens of Palestinian homes and the deaths of 41 Palestinians.
http://www.haaretz.com/hasen/spages/431499.html


Palestinians won't be happy until summit decision implemented: Shaath
Palestinian Foreign Minister Nabil Shaath said Monday that the Palestinians will not be satisfied until the decisions taken by the Arab summit in Tunis at the weekend are implemented.
http://news.xinhuanet.com/english/2004-05/24/content_1487828.htm


PM meets ministers on his revised disengagement plan
Prime Minister Ariel Sharon launched a series of meetings with ministers Monday, to discuss a disengagement plan based on a phased pullout, ahead of bringing it to a cabinet vote next week.
http://www.haaretz.com/hasen/spages/431322.html


Pride and death in Gaza - By: Daoud Kuttab
The only way to explain this continued carnage is psychology. No credible military reason exists for continuing the occupation of Gaza. Both parties are interested in perception. How the withdrawal will be seen by the other.
http://www.amin.org/eng/daoud_kuttab/2004/may24.html


Jackson Diehl -- Why not Palestinian elections?
Loath to acknowledge the reality of Arafat's continuing authority, or offend Israel's Ariel Sharon, the White House brushes off the appeals of Palestinian Prime Minister Ahmed Qureia for new elections for a Palestinian parliament and president.
http://www.mercurynews.com/mld/mercurynews/news/opinion/8748557.htm?1c


Sulaiman''s visit supports peace process -- Arafat
Palestinian President Yasser Arafat said on Monday after meeting with Chief of Egypt's intelligence Amro Sulaiman that his visit was aimed at supporting the Mideast peace process and implementing the road map.
http://www.kuna.net.kw/English/Story.asp?DSNO=634595


Media attack Gaza siege as forces pull out
Israeli forces ended their six-day siege of two districts in the Rafah refugee camp on Monday as the country's media reflected on growing public doubt over the army's operations in the Gaza Strip.
http://news.ft.com/servlet/ContentServer?pagename=FT.com/StoryFT/FullStory&c=StoryFT&cid=1084907774264&p=1012571727172


Second-class status and a fear of a Fifth Column
Jabarin is referring to the court's glimmer of recognition of the rights of Israel's Arab minority that is reflected in the reinforcing of the collective rights intended to preserve its identity and character and religious and cultural differences.
http://www.haaretz.com/hasen/spages/431077.html


Vanunu appears at court in case against Yedioth Ahronoth
The suit filed for the amount of NIS 368,000 was submitted in September 2002 in the wake of an extensive article, which stated that during Vanunu's prison sentence he passed on information to the Hamas on how to manufacture explosive devices.
http://www.haaretz.com/hasen/pages/ShArt.jhtml?itemNo=431394&contrassID=1&subContrassID=5&sbSubContrassID=0&listSrc=Y


Sharon, Arafat and Bush must go
Abba Eban used to say that Israeli leaders make the right decisions only after they have exhausted all other possibilities. Henry Kissinger noted that Israel has no foreign policy, only domestic policy.
http://www.haaretz.com/hasen/spages/431064.html



UN Iraq draft gives no exit date for foreign force
A new U.S.-British drafted U.N. Security Council resolution endorsing sovereignty for an Iraqi caretaker government approves the presence of the U.S.-led force there but sets no date for the troops to leave.
http://news.ft.com/servlet/ContentServer?pagename=FT.com/StoryFT/FullStory&c=StoryFT&cid=1084907783416&p=1012571727172


US denies report that US commander in Iraq witnesses abuse
branded the report a "false" one by The Washington Post that suggested Sanchez was aware of the abuse. According to a report by the newspaper on Saturday, a military lawyer stated at an open hearing on April 2 that Capt. Donald J. Reese told him that Sanchez was "even present at the prison during some of these interrogations."
http://news.xinhuanet.com/english/2004-05/24/content_1486666.htm


US military kills 32 in Iraqi mosque
The US military said that at least 32 insurgents were killed Sunday in a mosque during the first American incursion into the holy city of Kufa since radical Shiitecleric Muqtada al-Sadr launched an uprising against the coalition forces last month.
http://news.xinhuanet.com/english/2004-05/24/content_1487182.htm

May 23 2004

IPSC Demands Cement Roadstone Holdings Answer Questions on Apartheid Wall
Recently members of the Ireland Palestine Solidarity Campaign handed out information flyers to shareholders of the Irish construction firm Cement Roadstone Holdings (CRH) on 5th May, at the companys Annual General Meeting. CRH own a 25% stake in the Mashav Group, an Israeli holding company for Nesher Cement, who is the sole producer of cement in Israel.
http://stopthewall.org/worldwideactivism/548.shtml


Palestinians Launch Donations Campaign for Rafah, World Bodies Condemn
Citizens of Gaza and Ramallah along with other cities, towns, villages and refugee camps, were coincidently donating money, food, clothes and furniture for the distressed civilians of Rafah who have been displaced and scattered homeless in streets after Israeli...
http://www.aljazeerah.info/24%20n/Palestinians%20Launch%20Donations%20Campaign%20for%20Rafah,%20World%20Bodies%20Condemn.htm


A story about generals
His family was sitting in the house (built from his father's earnings from work at Kibbutz Re'im). The father was praying. It was evening. Suddenly the family members heard a bang on the wall outside. They tried to open the door, but could not. They understood there must be a bulldozer outside.
http://www.haaretz.com/hasen/spages/431063.html


Israeli says offensive evokes WWII images
Causing an uproar, an Israeli Cabinet minister and Holocaust survivor said Sunday that Israel's offensive in a Gaza refugee camp -- including TV images of displaced Palestinians searching the rubble for their meager belongings -- brought back memories of his family's suffering.
http://www.chron.com/cs/CDA/ssistory.mpl/world/2588213


PM rebukes Israeli justice minister
The Israeli justice minister, a Holocaust survivor, sparked controversy yesterday when he appeared to compare the demolition of homes in the Gaza Strip to Nazi atrocities during the second world war.
http://news.ft.com/servlet/ContentServer?pagename=FT.com/StoryFT/FullStory&c=StoryFT&cid=1084907768615


Palestinian Family Faces Death in Rafah
(IOF) besieged a house in al-Brazil neighbourhood of Rafah and threatening to destroy it upon the heads of the dwellers, witnesses said. They added that 13 residents, including 7 children, are still inside the house of Yousef al-Namleh which is expected to be destroyed.
http://english.wafa.ps/body.asp?field=tech_news&id=790


UN urges Israelis to let Palestinians bury their dead
Israel was urged to let bereaved families in the besieged Tel Sultan district of Rafah to bury their dead as the country's cabinet was split by an angry row over the continuing demolition of homes in the town.
http://news.independent.co.uk/world/middle_east/story.jsp?story=524286


Israeli Apaches Target Ambulances
Israeli soldiers denied the ambulances access into Rafah City to evacuate a number of wounded in al-Barazil neighbourhood. He added that Israeli Apaches opened fire at ambulances, hindering their movement to reach the scene and evacuate the wounded.
http://english.wafa.ps/body.asp?field=tech_news&id=789


Israeli F16 strikes local car in Nablus
According to the witnesses, the F16 warplane flew over the townthat had been raided by Israeli army forces early Sunday, then suddenly one rocket was fired at a Mazda white car, which was driving in the neighborhood of Ras el Aein with two Palestinians init.
http://news.xinhuanet.com/english/2004-05/23/content_1485696.htm


3-year-old Palestinian killed by shot to head
A 3-year-old Palestinian girl was killed in this refugee camp yesterday, on the fifth day of Israeli searches and house demolitions a senior U.N. official condemned as "completely, completely unacceptable."
http://www.columbiatribune.com/2004/May/20040523News012.asp


UN agency protests Israeli detention of top official
The UN agency for Palestinian refugees protested on Sunday that Israeli soldiers had shot at and detained a top official during searches in a refugee camp in the West Bank town of Jenin last week.
http://www.abc.net.au/news/newsitems/s1114192.htm


3 Civilians Wounded by IOF
Two civilians were wounded when IOF opened fire at the civilian's houses eastern Gaza City... a civilian was wounded as IOF soldiers opened fire at him at the southern entrance of Tulkarem...
http://english.wafa.ps/body.asp?field=tech_news&id=786


Strict Siege on Bethlehem
Israeli Occupation Forces (IOF) imposed Sunday a strict siege on the governorate of Bethlehem preventing hundreds of Palestinian citizens from leaving or entering, Palestinian security sources and witnesses said.
http://english.wafa.ps/body.asp?field=tech_news&id=785


Palestinian Prisoners Continue Hanger Strike
Al-Dameer Society for Prisoners' Affairs said on Synday that the hanger strike which the prisoner started thirteen days ago is still ongoing. It added that the prisoners call on the world human organizations and the Arab members of Knesset (Israel's Parliament) to immediately intervene to put an end to their sufferings.
http://english.wafa.ps/body.asp?field=tech_news&id=791


IOF Occupies and Dynamites Houses in Gaza
Israeli Occupation Forces (IOF) stormed Sunday three houses in the mid Gaza Strip city of Deir al-Balah and blocked al-Matahen checkpoint, dividing Gaza into three parts, witnesses and Palestinian security sources said.
http://english.wafa.ps/body.asp?field=tech_news&id=781


Declaration of Solidarity with the Palestinian and Iraqi Peoples
The First International Conference of Trades Unions of Nations Without States declares its absolute solidarity with the people and the working classes of Palestine, who, over the last few weeks, are again suffering a series of brutal attacks from the State of Israel, with a balance of hundreds of victims and desolation.
http://stopthewall.org/worldwideactivism/547.shtml


Israel said holding secrets contacts with Dahlan
Israel has been holding secret contacts in recent weeks with senior Palestinian official Mohammed Dahlan over assuming security control of the Gaza Strip following a future withdrawal...
http://www.haaretz.com/hasen/spages/431323.html


Middle East Churches Council Condemns Rafah Massacres
The Council said, in a statement, that the IOF perpetrated critical violation for Human Rights in Palestine as they cut off the Occupied Palestinian Territories by placing military checkpoints, imposing total curfews, furthering the construction of the “Annexation and Expansion Wall” which swallows vast areas of arable land, setting up more colonies and Judizing Jerusalem as well as violating the international resolutions.
http://english.wafa.ps/body.asp?field=tech_news&id=782


As 55 Palestinians Killed in Rafah, 39 Babies Born
Ali Mussa, director of Abu Yussef Al-Najjar hospital in Rafah said "39 boys were born during the last three days where the Israeli Army has killed more than 55 in Rafah. " Mussa said that he considers the birth of these boys as "a compensation" from god for the big human losses inflicted by the Israeli Army during the pats few days in the city.
http://english.wafa.ps/body.asp?field=tech_news&id=780


Author jolts European Jewish forum
He called U.S. policy in the Middle East “useless” and chastised European countries for not having played a more active role in helping settle conflicts such as the Balkan wars of the 1990s. “Anti-Semitism will never disappear,” he said. “But the best antidote to anti-Semitism is a positive presence of Jews.”
http://www.jta.org/brknews.asp?id=108586


Arab summit condemns Israeli aggression on Palestinians: draft statement
The two-day Arab summit here condemns the Israeli aggression against the Palestinian people and underlines commitment to the Arab peace initiative as the Arab project to achieve just, comprehensive and lasting peace in the region.
http://news.xinhuanet.com/english/2004-05/23/content_1484919.htm


US denies report that US commander in Iraq witnesses abuse
The US military made the announcement through a statement, and branded the report a "false" one by The Washington Post that suggested Sanchez was aware of the abuse.
http://news.xinhuanet.com/english/2004-05/24/content_1486666.htm


Rumsfeld bans camera phones in Iraq
Quoting a Pentagon source, The Business newspaper said the US Defense Department believes that some of the damning photos of US soldiers abusing Iraqis at Abu Ghraib prison near Baghdad were taken with camera phones.
http://news.xinhuanet.com/english/2004-05/24/content_1486303.htm

May 22 2004

New Anti-Apartheid Wall Campaign Posters
These simple, but effective black and white posters use photographs from the Campaign archives and are sized for A2 paper. Please feel free to download them and use them for any events against the Apartheid Wall.
http://stopthewall.org/activistresources/544.shtml


UAE Pres Starts Fund To Reconstruct Palestinian Homes
The president of the United Arab Emirates, Sheik Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, has started a regional campaign to pay for the reconstruction of more than 400 Palestinian homes destroyed in a recent Israeli incursion.
http://framehosting.dowjonesnews.com/sample/samplestory.asp?StoryID=2004052215320000&Take=1


Report: 3-year-old girl killed by gunshot to the head in Rafah
"She took half a shekel from her father and left the house. As she left we heard heavy shooting and when we went out we found her on the ground, two bullets in her neck and head," said Abu-Zeid, noting Israelis snipers were positioned near the home.
http://www.haaretz.com/hasen/spages/430378.html


2 Civilians Die of Wounds in Gaza, Escalation Continue in Rafah
Two civilians died early Saturday of wounds they sustained earlier when Israeli Occupation Forces (IOF) raided al-Zaytoon neighbourhood of Gaza Strip and Rafah City, Palestinian medical sources said.
http://english.wafa.ps/body.asp?field=tech_news&id=770


2 Houses Demolished , Food Supply Prevented in Rafah
In the Gaza Strip city of Rafah, Israeli Occupation Forces (IOF) demolished on Saturday two houses and prevented food supply , WAFA and witnesses said.
http://english.wafa.ps/body.asp?field=tech_news&id=776


"Operation Rainbow" kills over 55 Palestinians
A Palestinian died on Saturday of wounds he sustained in Israeli military raids in the southern Gaza Strip town of Rafah last week, Palestinian sources said. The death of Ahmad Abu Syam brought the death toll of Palestinians killed since the beginning of the Israeli raid in Rafah, codenamed "Operation Rainbow" , to 55 so far.
http://news.xinhuanet.com/english/2004-05/22/content_1484748.htm


Palestinians: 55 killed, 39 born in Gaza
Palestinian sources said Saturday a total of 55 Palestinians were killed by Israeli forces in Gaza, but 39 babies were born since Tuesday. ..the new births took place at al-Najjar Hospital and in private homes, delivered by midwives.
http://www.washtimes.com/upi-breaking/20040522-102900-7555r.htm


IOF Arrests Civilian, Dynamites House in Qalqilya
IOF troops broke into the city and arrested the citizen Saber Thiab 55. He was led into an unknown place. Meanwhile, IOF dynamited parts of a civilian house owned by Mohammed Attiya who was arrested last Thursday. They stole several personal belongings.
http://english.wafa.ps/body.asp?field=tech_news&id=775


Army Claims One Tunnel Uncovered in Rafah
After 4 days of intensive military operations in Rafah in which around 50 residents were killed and around 80 buildings destroyed, army claimed to have uncovered on tunnel used for arms smuggling. Local source in Rafah denied army report, saying that if it was true, army would have invited reporters to see the uncovered tunnel.
http://www.imemc.org/headlines/2004/May/week4/052204/army%20claims%20one%20tunnel.htm


UN: Demolition of Gaza homes is violation of international law
Israel's demolition of Palestinian homes in the Gaza Strip is a violation of international law, United Nations Undersecretary General for Political Affairs Kiran Prendergast told members of the Security Council on Friday.
http://www.haaretz.com/hasen/spages/430472.html


Bulldozers keep up demolition in Rafah
Locals on the edge of the cleared zone said the Israeli Army had withdrawn some of its armour from inside Tel Sultan and placed it in the new bulldozed zone. Bulldozers were demolishing greenhouses on the edge of the zone and gouging a road used until now by ambulances.
http://www.smh.com.au/articles/2004/05/21/1085120121658.html


After the storm
“As we ran out of the house a large explosion echoed around us. Through clouds of dust I saw my home descend into a pile of rubble,” he said, tears running down his face. Not far from Ashour's building lie the remains of the Hejji family building
http://metimes.com/2K4/issue2004-21/reg/after_the_storm.htm


1 Civilian Wounded, another Arrested in Tulkarem
Witnesses told WAFA that Sameer Dreiban 18, was shot in the left leg as IOF soldiers showered civilians houses of the city Refugee Camp with hails of bullets.
http://english.wafa.ps/body.asp?field=tech_news&id=779


Hadarim Detainees Resume Their Hunger Strike
The Prisoner Supporters Society in Majd Al-koroum said that the detainees who started a hunger strike ten days ago faced hard procedures by the administration, which attempted to hide the Strike and ban it form being reported.
http://www.imemc.org/headlines/2004/May/week4/052204/hadarim-prison.htm


Palestinians to Egypt: release prisoners
Family members accused Egyptian prison guards of "torturing the Palestinian mujahedeen (fighters)" and preventing them from receiving medical care. They said the prisoners have started a hunger strike to protest their detention, adding they will continue the strike until they are released.
http://www.washtimes.com/upi-breaking/20040522-101352-6160r.htm


UN official urges Israel to end operation in Rafah
Hansen toured the afflicted Rafah area that witnessed the "Operation Rainbow" in the last four days, in which at least 45 Palestinians were killed by the Israeli army gunfire. Hansen, the only world official to visit Rafah under closure, told the residents that the UNRWA will do its utmost to help the stricken population.
http://news.xinhuanet.com/english/2004-05/22/content_1484764.htm


The day the tanks arrived at Rafah zoo
"People are more important than animals," said the zoo's co-owner Mohammed Ahmed Juma, whose house was also demolished. "But the zoo is the only place in Rafah that children could escape the tense atmosphere. There were slides and games for children. We had a small swimming pool. I know it's hard to believe, looking at it now, but it was beautiful. Why would they destroy that? Because they want to destroy everything about us."
http://www.guardian.co.uk/israel/Story/0,2763,1222307,00.html


Arabs pursue summit despite Kadhafi walkout
The rescheduled two-day summit, delayed for eight weeks after Tunisia abruptly cancelled it amid a row over reform proposals, opened amid popular Arab rage over US military actions in Iraq and deadly Israeli military raids in the Gaza Strip.
http://story.news.yahoo.com/news?tmpl=story&cid=1515&ncid=1515&e=3&u=/afp/20040522/wl_mideast_afp/arab_summit_040522183239


Hamas calls on Arab summit to support Palestinians' resistance
Hamas senior representative Mahmoud Zahar said in a statement to the press that the Palestinians want the summit to support their resistance and to distinguish it from the Israeli state terrorism perpetrated in the territories.
http://news.xinhuanet.com/english/2004-05/22/content_1484792.htm


Arafat: Talks based on road map will lead to peace with Israel
Addressing the Arab summit in Tunisia on Saturday, via video phone from the West Bank city of Ramallah, Palestinian Authority Chairman Yasser Arafat accused Israel of waging a "war of annihilation" against the Palestinian people but reiterated that the Palestinians were committed to "the peace of the brave"
http://www.haaretz.com/hasen/spages/430499.html


Turmoil in Iraq and Middle East must not hamper Arab League's progress – Annan
“The United Nations remains strongly committed to working with you as you continue your quest for development, justice and peace,” he said in a message to the summit meeting in Tunis of the League of Arab States, delivered by Mohamed Sahnoun, his Special Adviser on Africa.
http://www.un.org/apps/news/story.asp?NewsID=10835&Cr=Iraq&Cr1=Palestin


Turks question alliance with Israel after Gaza carnage
Leading the army of critics, Turkish Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan Thursday condemned as "state terror" the killings of civilians in the Rafah refugee camp, while Foreign Minister Abdullah Gul warned Israel that relations would suffer.
http://metimes.com/2K4/issue2004-21/reg/turks_question_alliance.htm


US voices "strong" support for Israel
The United States on Friday voiced its strong support for Israel even though it abstained a United Nations Security Council resolution that condemned recent military actions in Gaza by the Jewish state.
http://news.xinhuanet.com/english/2004-05/22/content_1484050.htm


After Rafah, Europe, Arabs have no excuse for inaction
The European Union should suspend its Association Agreement with Israel. This agreement is explictly contingent on Israel's observing basic human rights laws, yet these clauses have never been invoked. The EU should also announce an immediate arms embargo.
http://electronicintifada.net/v2/article2734.shtml


So near, and yet so far
Brothers Nasser (28), Bajer (24) and Jihad (21) Baker Faiez have been detained at Ma'asiyahu Prison since January 26. The Israeli authorities want to deport them to Venezuela. Why Venezuela? That is where they were born, they explain. The fact that their parents (and ancestors) are Palestinians from the village of Marda in the West Bank doesn't count.
http://www.haaretz.com/hasen/spages/430199.html


An old refrain that stabs the heart
The tragedy of Rafah takes me back to the grim events of 1948... The sights of Rafah are too difficult to bear - trails of refugees alongside carts laden with bedding and the meagre contents of their homes; children dragging suitcases larger than themselves; women, draped in black, kneeling in mourning on piles of rubble.
http://www.guardian.co.uk/israel/comment/0,10551,1222404,00.html


The Rape of Rafah - By Uri Avnery
So, what were the real reasons for this brutal invasion of a pitiful little town? The first reason is the simplest: thirst for revenge. Add to this the argument of morale. Some senior officers were open about this: an impressive operation that underlines the superiority of the Israeli army in order to raise the morale of the soldiers who are still smarting after the failures.
http://www.amin.org/eng/uri_avnery/2004/may22.html


Palestinian-American poet pushes back against the views of her adopted country
"I wrote that poem," said Khatib sadly, "after I tried to find my father's home in Haifa and couldn't. They had changed the street names from Arabic to Jewish ones. They didn't even have them in Arabic. It's these little things that the world doesn't notice that matter so much."
http://www.dailystar.com.lb/article.asp?edition_id=10&categ_id=4&article_id=4132


On This Day 2000: Hezbollah makes gains in Lebanon
Southern Lebanon has seen emotional scenes in recent days, as Lebanese civilians pour into villages abandoned by the SLA after more than 22 years. Members of families divided by the occupation have been re-united - some meeting for the first time.
http://news.bbc.co.uk/onthisday/hi/dates/stories/may/22/newsid_2504000/2504681.stm


Abu Ghraib: inmates raped, ridden like animals, and forced to eat pork
The abuse scandal at Abu Ghraib prison continued yesterday with the publication of fresh pictures and sworn statements that detailed a teenage boy being raped, prisoners being ridden like animals and other Iraqis being forced to eat pork and drink alcohol in contravention of their religion.
http://news.independent.co.uk/world/middle_east/story.jsp?story=523724


New images surface of Iraqi prisoner abuse
Defense Secretary Donald Rumsfeld told a senate committee earlier this month: "If these are released to the public, obviously it's going to make matters worse."But the Washington Post said the documents shed no light on whether the abuse was directed from higher up.
http://www.dailystar.com.lb/article.asp?edition_id=10&categ_id=2&article_id=4170

May 21 2004

Amnesty International Calls for Independent Investigation into Rafah Killings
While Amnesty International cannot confirm or deny the presence of armed Palestinians among the demonstrators, the organization's delegates did not see any armed men when they passed the demonstration prior to the attack. In addition, they did not hear any Palestinian fire prior to or following the Israeli army shelling.
http://www.amnestyusa.org/news/document.do?id=2A8F23AE5F654B7785256E9B004F33B9


Moral Failure of the "Free World" in Gaza
"Yes, they suffered the holocaust, and yes, they are the victims of anti-Semitism. But no, they cannot use those facts to continue, or initiate, the dispossession of another people that bears no responsibility for either of those prior facts"
http://www.counterpunch.com/hassan05212004.html


B'Tselem: IDF understating houses destroyed
Human rights group B'Tselem charged Friday that the IDF is understating the number of houses it has destroyed during Operation Rainbow in Rafah, which started five days ago, Israel Radio reported. According to the group, at least 62 homes have been destroyed in the Brazil and a-Salam areas of Rafah over the last 48 hours.
http://www.jpost.com/servlet/Satellite?pagename=JPost/JPArticle/ShowFull&cid=1085117308443


Palestinian health crisis warning
Dr David Nabarro, the WHO's director for health in crisis situations, has just returned from a fact-finding trip to the Palestinian territories. Malnutrition was rising and vaccination levels were falling, he said. People with diseases such as diabetes were not getting the treatment they require, he added.
http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/world/europe/3737081.stm


Civilian Died of Wounds in Rafah
Officials at Al Najjar Hospital affirmed that Ahmad Abu Syam 45, died of wounds he has suffered earlier this week, during Israeli shelling of civilians' houses in Block (O) of Rafah refugee camp.
http://english.wafa.ps/body.asp?field=tech_news&id=766


Bulldozers crush hope in Rafah camp
But yesterday Mrs Hassan, who is crippled by diabetes, had to be hauled through a hole in the wall shortly before the building was brought crashing down. "We heard the Israeli bulldozers starting to demolish the house over us," she said. "We only escaped because the men knocked a hole in the wall and carried me between the buildings.
http://www.guardian.co.uk/israel/Story/0,2763,1221394,00.html


Syrian urgent Aids to Rafah plagued camp in Gaza
A Syrian Popular group backing the Palestinian Intifada on Thursday sent 60,000 US$ to the United Nations Relief and Work Agency UNRWA to support Palestinians whom their houses were demolished by Israel's forces of occupation at Rafah refugee camp.
http://www.arabicnews.com/ansub/Daily/Day/040521/2004052102.html


Who really smuggled weapons to Rafah?
Israel not only uses arms transferred from the U.S., despite restrictive policies on arms exports to states that violate human rights, Israel also uses arms being transferred and exported from the EU.
http://electronicintifada.net/v2/article2721.shtml


Israel moves forces out of Gaza refugee camp
As the main invasion group withdrew, leaving behind torn-up roads and toppled power lines, hundreds of residents in Rafah's Brazil neighbourhood returned to find some 25 homes had been destroyed while they had taken refuge away from the violence.
http://news.ft.com/servlet/ContentServer?pagename=FT.com/StoryFT/FullStory&c=StoryFT&cid=1084907731597&p=1012571727172


Bulldozers keep up demolition in Rafah
Bulldozers were demolishing greenhouses on the edge of the zone and gouging a road used until now by ambulances. While the local and foreign media reported that Israel had ended Operation Rainbow in the Clouds an Israeli Defence Force (IDF) spokesman would say only that its forces in Rafah were being redeployed.
http://www.smh.com.au/articles/2004/05/21/1085120121658.html


Lies about crimes
Two acts of carnage, one in Iraq and one in Gaza, competed for the world's horrified attention yesterday: more than 40 people were killed by American fire in a village close to the Syrian border in western Iraq, and at least eight Palestinians had died as a result of Israeli gunfire during a peaceful demonstration at Rafah.
http://www.guardian.co.uk/Iraq/Story/0,2763,1221511,00.html


Report: Peres holds secret meeting with Likud official
Labor Party Chairman Shimon Peres hosted a secret meeting late Thursday night during which participants discussed the conditions necessary for Labor to join Prime Minister Ariel Sharon's government...
http://www.haaretz.com/hasen/pages/ShArt.jhtml?itemNo=430477&contrassID=1&subContrassID=7&sbSubContrassID=0&listSrc=Y


IDF says it is not preventing medical aid entering Gaza
The announcement came at an urgent hearing to discuss a petition by four human rights groups seeking to provide medical assistance to Palestinians in the Rafah refugee camp and elsewhere in the Gaza Strip.
http://www.haaretz.com/hasen/spages/430399.html


Israeli Troops Raid Zoo in Gaza
A headless ostrich, dead chickens and a peacock littered the ground at a zoo Friday after Israeli troops raided a Gaza neighborhood. The zoo's owner said soldiers demolished cages and pens, killing some animals and setting dozens more free. "Animals have been shot and cages destroyed. This was intentional."
http://story.news.yahoo.com/news?tmpl=story&cid=540&ncid=540&e=7&u=/ap/20040521/ap_on_re_mi_ea/palestinians_demolished_zoo


Israel to shut trade unit in its South Africa embassy
Israel plans to shut the trade office of its embassy in South Africa, Israeli officials said on Friday, but they denied the move was a reaction to Pretoria's strong condemnation of its policy in the Middle East.
http://www.haaretz.com/hasen/pages/ShArt.jhtml?itemNo=430475&contrassID=1&subContrassID=1&sbSubContrassID=0&listSrc=Y


UN rights chief deeply disturbed by recent Israeli actions in Gaza
The Acting High Commissioner for Human Rights, Bertrand Ramcharan, today called on Israel to respect international law and end its use of disproportionate force in the Gaza Strip, saying that even under security-related matters there was no "license to kill."
http://www.un.org/apps/news/story.asp?NewsID=10820&Cr=middle&Cr1=east


Peace activists march on Kissufim crossing
Hundreds of people marched on the Kissufim crossing between the Gaza Strip and Israel on Friday to protest the Israel Defense Forces operation in Rafah, in which 40 Palestinians have been killed...
http://www.haaretz.com/hasen/spages/430445.html


One step ahead of the bulldozer
Palestinian families who live close to the Egyptian border learned the lesson years ago: They keep small bags filled with important documents, some cash and a few sentimental items always ready. Whenever bulldozers plowed toward them, or whenever tank shells crashed nearby
http://www.haaretz.com/hasen/spages/430213.html


Darkness at noon
They hardly dare an occasional peep to look at what is happening right beneath their windows. There are reports that snipers have situated themselves in the taller buildings to shoot at "anything that moves."
http://www.haaretz.com/hasen/spages/430190.html


Arab leaders arrive for long-delayed summit
Arab leaders began arriving for a delayed summit... The two-day summit is due to open Saturday amid growing Arab rage over US military actions in Iraq and Israel's onslaught in the Gaza Strip, which has cost the lives of dozens of Palestinians, many of them civilians.
http://story.news.yahoo.com/news?tmpl=story&cid=1515&ncid=1515&e=3&u=/afp/20040521/wl_mideast_afp/arab_summit_040521164724


Call for inquiry as Israel insists 'peaceful' protesters were armed
Whatever the detailed facts - and perhaps only a truly independent enquiry can establish them with any credibility - the importance of what happened was underlined by the speed with which the Israelis put out their own version of the catastrophe.
http://news.independent.co.uk/world/middle_east/story.jsp?story=523322


Time is up for the PA
Oslo era is over and negotiations with Israel have failed? Meshal answered in the affirmative, adding that such a move on Arafat's part would have historic significance in his eyes. And yet Arafat and his partners from what remains of the Palestinian Authority are still hanging on to their shaky seats.
http://www.haaretz.com/hasen/spages/430225.html


Making a difference - By James Zogby
But neither of the two major party candidates were given strong ratings on either Iraq or Israel-Palestine. As a result, almost 30 per cent of Arab American voters in these key four states indicate that, at present, they either support Ralph Nader or are undecided as to how they will cast their vote.
http://weekly.ahram.org.eg/2004/691/op64.htm


Palestinian leadership's mistrust is worrisome
What further angered the Palestinian leadership was the absence of tangible results from the Qureia-Rice meetings in Berlin. Despite Qureia's press statement after the meeting that it was positive, sources at the PNA headquarters insist that nothing of substance was delivered to the Palestinians.
http://www.amin.org/eng/daoud_kuttab/2004/may21.html


Demonstrators condemn fighting in holy Iraqi cities, Palestinian territories
Police fired tear gas to disperse thousands of demonstrators in Bahrain on Friday, but the angry crowd broke through the police blockade and continued its march to protest fighting between U.S. forces and Iraqis...
http://cnews.canoe.ca/CNEWS/World/Iraq/2004/05/21/468286-ap.html


Lebanese Shiites in mass rally vow to defend Iraqi holy sites
Hundreds of thousands of Lebanese Shiite Muslims vowed in a street demonstration to help protect holy sites in Iraq, where a radical young cleric is engaged in a bloody insurgency against US-led forces.
http://story.news.yahoo.com/news?tmpl=story&cid=1515&ncid=1515&e=8&u=/afp/20040521/wl_mideast_afp/iraq_lebanon_hezbollah_040521181834


One incident. Forty dead. Two stories. What really happened?
Another blanket is opened; inside are the bodies of a mother and child. The child, six or seven years old, is lying against his or her mother, as if seeking comfort. But the child has no head. These are the images that American forces in Iraq had no answer to yesterday. They come from video footage of the burials of 41 men, women and children.
http://news.independent.co.uk/world/middle_east/story.jsp?story=523356


New Iraq prison abuse images show 'savage beatings'
US military guards rode Iraqi prisoners like animals and forced them to scrape their food from toilets, according to testimony reported with the release of the first video images and more pictures of detainees being beaten and humiliated.
http://story.news.yahoo.com/news?tmpl=story&cid=1515&ncid=1515&e=1&u=/afp/20040521/wl_mideast_afp/us_iraq_prisoners_040521181121


Aljazeera crew member killed in Iraq
There was a power cut followed by a heavy exchange of fire as US vehicles rumbled by, he said. "We could not confirm the source of the fire but it was directly pointed at us," said Muhammad. Another nine civilians were killed in the fighting.
http://english.aljazeera.net/NR/exeres/B826A0B2-9FC4-42E3-AD05-76E84744A630.htm

May 20 2004

4 Houses Brought Down upon the Heads of Citizens
Israeli bulldozers destroyed these inhabited houses, they didn't allow the households to leave, several citizens were wounded," witness from the under-siege Tal- al-Sultan neighbourhood, said.
http://english.wafa.ps/body.asp?field=tech_news&id=763


Palestinian trauma over demolitions
According to our research, the worst kind of trauma children can receive is losing the father or losing the home, because both represent security for children and a feeling of stability in their own environment.
http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/world/middle_east/3731681.stm


Israeli court convicts resistance leader
He reportedly told the judges "this trial is as illegal and immoral as your occupation of my country is illegal and immoral. Instead of trying me, you should try your soldiers and officers who slaughtered scores of innocent children and women in Rafah yesterday".
http://english.aljazeera.net/NR/exeres/E78DBEAF-8B16-481F-A257-70461D7EEB0E.htm


Key facts about Marwan Barghouthi
He earned a master's degree in international relations from Bir Zeit University in the West Bank and was elected to the Palestinian parliament. -- He was imprisoned by Israel several times for nationalist activism before the latest uprising. Arguing his case in Hebrew, he insisted he is a political leader with no involvement in violence.
http://www.alertnet.org/thenews/newsdesk/L20554353.htm


Palestinian teen killed by Israeli troops near Hebron
Israeli troops shot dead a Palestinian teenager in clashes near the southern West Bank city of Hebron, Palestinian medical sources said. Islam Mohammed Husniyeh, 13, was killed by a bullet in the chest in the Fawar refugee camp, they said.
http://story.news.yahoo.com/news?tmpl=story&cid=1514&ncid=1312&e=11&u=/afp/20040520/wl_mideast_afp/mideast_unrest_hebron_040520092549


9 more die in Rafah offensive
Troops killed at least nine Palestinians in Rafah on Thursday, as the Israeli army widened its offensive on the southern Gaza Strip town to two new neighbourhoods, defying fierce international criticism.
http://www.news24.com/News24/World/News/0,,2-10-1462_1530179,00.html


Citizen Killed in Tulkarem, 30 Arrested in Jenin
Israeli Occupation Forces (IOF) shot dead Thursday one Palestinian citizen in the West Bank city of Tulkarem and arrested 30 citizens in the city of Jenin, Palestinian security sources and witnesses said.
http://english.wafa.ps/body.asp?field=tech_news&id=748


Israelis round up refugee camp's men
One by one, dozens of Palestinian men with their arms raised were searched by Israeli soldiers and handcuffed today, as part of Israel’s military offensive in Gaza’s Rafah refugee camp. The detainees were ordered to sit under an awning, ringed by barbed wire, to await questioning.
http://212.2.162.45/news/story.asp?j=104877712&p=yx48784y8&n=104878472


Besieged Palestinian Camp in Crisis
Food and water are running low, there's no milk for the nine babies and toddlers, and the older children are terrified. For Khalil Shagfa's extended family of 55, as for thousands of others in this besieged refugee camp, the Israeli incursion has brought fear and deprivation.
http://story.news.yahoo.com/news?tmpl=story&cid=540&ncid=1312&e=1&u=/ap/20040520/ap_on_re_mi_ea/palestinians_trapped_in_gaza_2


Palestinian doctors despair at rising toll of children shot dead by army snipers
Asma's body lies in the hospital mortuary unburied, like all the other dead from Tel al-Sultan, because their relatives are trapped in their homes by a curfew. Her 13-year-old brother's corpse is a short drive away in the cold-storage room of an Israeli-owned flower-growing company.
http://www.guardian.co.uk/israel/Story/0,2763,1220635,00.html


Prisoners in “Benjamin” Prison Start Hunger- Strike
She added that prisoners, who have been suffering from over- crowding in the camp, suffer also the worst health conditions for a long time. PPS appealed to the international human rights organizations to immediately pressurize Israel to treat the ill prisoners.
http://english.wafa.ps/body.asp?field=tech_news&id=760


Four Israeli Organizations Call for Investigation into Demonstrators Killing in Rafah
The Association for Civil Rights (ACRI), together with Physicians for Human Rights, HaMoked – Center for the Defense of the Individual and B ’Tselem demanded the Supreme Court to open an immediate investigation into the shelling of demonstrators in the Gaza Strip city of Rafah.
http://english.wafa.ps/body.asp?field=tech_news&id=758


US falls short of condemning killings
The United States looked away and deferred judgement rather than delivering a forthright condemnation of Israel for the attack on Palestinian demonstrators that left so many children dead.
http://news.independent.co.uk/world/americas/story.jsp?story=523024


UN human rights expert voices 'horror' at Israeli action in Gaza
John Dugard issued a statement yesterday calling the Israeli actions "a violation of international humanitarian law" and constituted war crimes under the Geneva Convention relative to the protection of civilians in times of war.
http://www.un.org/apps/news/story.asp?NewsID=10807&Cr=middle&Cr1=east


Israel: End Unlawful Use of Force Against Civilians in Gaza
The Israeli military’s use of tanks and helicopters yesterday to fire on non-violent demonstrators in the southern Gaza Strip constituted an unlawful and unnecessary use of force, Human Rights Watch said today.
http://hrw.org/english/docs/2004/05/19/isrlpa8601.htm


Security Council calls on Israel to stop demolition of Palestinian homes
The Council voted 14 in favour, with the United States abstaining, to adopt a resolution expressing its grave concern regarding the humanitarian situation of Palestinians made homeless in the Rafah area, and calling for the provision of emergency assistance.
http://www.un.org/apps/news/story.asp?NewsID=10801&Cr=middle&Cr1=east


Israel Continues Offensive Despite Outcry
The U.N. Security Council passed a resolution condemning the loss of life and Israel's demolition of homes. The United States abstained, the first time in nearly two years it did not exercise its veto on a resolution sharply critical of Israel.
http://www.guardian.co.uk/worldlatest/story/0,1280,-4112312,00.html


Israel "sickened" by Irish FM's comments after Rafah raid
Cowen had said on Wednesday Israel's use of tanks and helicopters to disperse a protest in the southern Gaza Strip town of Rafah, leading to the killing of 10 Palestinians, "was completely disproportionate to any threat faced by the Israeli military and that Israeli forces showed a reckless disregard for human life."
http://story.news.yahoo.com/news?tmpl=story&cid=1514&ncid=1312&e=9&u=/afp/20040520/wl_mideast_afp/mideast_israel_eu_040520164513


Qureia calls on Quartet to step up pressure on Israel
"I want to ask the Quartet to say exactly what is going on, they who see the images of the spilled blood on television," Qureia said, referring to the United States, Russia, the United Nations and the European Union.
http://www.haaretz.com/hasen/spages/430115.html


World Bank to coordinate Palestinian aid package with Israel
Minister in the Finance Ministry, Meir Sheetrit, said on Thursday that the World Bank will coordinate its aid package for the Palestinians with Israel, after Prime Minister Ariel Sharon announced his new disengagement plan.
http://www.haaretz.com/hasen/spages/430145.html


Rabbi supports killings in Rafah
Rabbi Dov Lior, Chairman of the Jewish Rabbinical Council, was quoted as saying "during warfare, killing non-Jewish civilians is permitted if it saves Jewish lives".
http://english.aljazeera.net/NR/exeres/94812266-7218-4544-9DB2-A8E4D61FFB0E.htm


Russia against Arafat being barred from peace process
Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov said on Thursday that the role of Palestinian leader Yassir Arafat "cannot be ignored" when looking for "a way out of the Israeli- Palestinian impasse."
http://www.interfax.ru/e/B/0/28.html?id_issue=9702718


US advises Israel to clean up reputation, with an eye on its own: analysts
The United States abstained from the Security Council vote, while in the past few years it has used its veto to keep resolutions condemning Israel from being adopted. But this change in tone was more motivated by a desire to boost the United States' image, which has suffered severe blows in the Middle East recently...
http://story.news.yahoo.com/news?tmpl=story&cid=1514&ncid=1312&e=1&u=/afp/20040520/wl_mideast_afp/us_mideast_analysis_040520181713


Pointless destruction
the houses in the Rafah refugee camp were only a few meters from the border. But since October 2000, the IDF began tearing down the houses closest to the border because of exchanges of fire, and now houses standing at a distance of up to 300 meters from the border have been marked for demolition.
http://www.haaretz.com/hasen/spages/429723.html


'We have faced many similar situations but today was the worst'
Distraught relatives besieged the main hospital in Rafah last night in search of children and other family members injured when Israeli forces fired on a demonstration, killing at least 10 people, in the southern Gaza Strip yesterday.
http://news.independent.co.uk/world/middle_east/story.jsp?story=523027


Rafah and history
Many of the Rafah’s inhabitants are descended from the refugees of Jaffa, a city that was left with a few thousand of its inhabitants after weeks of bombardment by Zionist paramilitaries—the precursors of the IDF—led the majority of its residents to flee in early May 1948.
http://www.zmag.org/content/showarticle.cfm?SectionID=15&ItemID=5559


Washington lacks the moral authority to speak of human rights in the Middle East
Human rights activists across the region said American bias toward Israel, the occupation of Iraq and the recent abuses by coalition forces at Abu Ghraib Prison make US analysis of human rights in the region, and their promotion of their human rights work in the region, hollow.
http://www.dailystar.com.lb/article.asp?edition_id=10&categ_id=2&article_id=3980


Ostrich roams besieged Gaza camp from broken zoo
"Rafah's zoo was the only place of entertainment for kids here. It's a shame they destroyed it, but no surprise. Those who killed the children can also kill their fun," said Ahmed Hussein, a taxi driver who used to take families to the zoo.
http://www.alertnet.org/thenews/newsdesk/B249593.htm


Coalition under fire over wedding strike, rift deepens with US ally Chalabi
Iraqi Governing Council member Ahmed Chalabi, once the darling of the Pentagon, said his relations with the Coalition Provisional Authority (CPA) were "non-existent" after Iraqi police and US troops stormed through his house, confiscating files and computers.
http://story.news.yahoo.com/news?tmpl=story&cid=1515&ncid=1515&e=1&u=/afp/20040520/wl_mideast_afp/iraq_worldwrap_040520175351

May 19 2004

Voice of the oppressed
EDWARD SAID was a refugee from Palestine and a citizen of the U.S., both not by his own volition. In an age where we do not hesitate to talk of the "End of the civilisation", Said's is a valiant voice that pleads against the course of collision and argues for an inter-civilisational discourse.
http://www.hindu.com/br/2004/05/18/stories/2004051800301402.htm


Barghuti family braced for heavy sentence for Palestinians' favourite son
"Israel is ruled by a military junta and I am expecting a very heavy sentence, because Israel has been seeking to put the intifada on trial and Marwan is one of its symbols," said 37-year-old Sufian Mughrubi, who himself spent 15 years in an Israeli prison.
http://story.news.yahoo.com/news?tmpl=story&cid=1515&ncid=1515&e=11&u=/afp/20040519/wl_mideast_afp/mideast_barghuti_040519143134


Demonstration in Solidarity with Rafah in Biddu
Tomorrow, Thursday, May 20, 2004, the community of Biddu and international activists will gather at 11am at the Biddu Municipal Council to show solidarity with the residents of Rafah and to protest the construction of the wall in their farmlands...
http://www.palsolidarity.org/pressreleases/PR_19May04_09_46_05JerusalemISMMediaOffice.htm


Ten dead, 40 wounded as Israeli helicopter targets Rafah protest
Four other Palestinians were also killed earlier Wednesday Tal Al-Sultan after being ordered by Israeli troops to surrender, Palestinian sources said. One was a 13-year-old boy, while a man was killed by an Israeli tank shell while carrying a white flag, the sources said...
http://story.news.yahoo.com/news?tmpl=story&cid=1512&ncid=1312&e=2&u=/afp/20040519/wl_afp/mideast_040519133406


Army fired missiles at a civilian demonstration in Rafah
Israeli army helicopter gunships and tanks opened fire on a nonviolent civilian demonstration in Rafah early this afternoon. 13 Palestinian are repored killed, including 2 children, and 60 injured.
http://www.palsolidarity.org/pressreleases/PR_19May04_08_42_48GazaISMMediaOffice.htm


Israeli Colonizers Shower Boiling Water on Children in Hebron
Witnesses said that Sharif 5, and IbrahimAbu Eisha 6, sustained burns as Israel Colonizers of "Ramat Yeshai" colony showered on them boiling water while they were going home.
http://english.wafa.ps/body.asp?field=tech_news&id=744


Palestinian Doctor Operates on a Wounded without Anesthetic in Rafah
The sources confirmed that Ashraf Abu Mar’ai was shot with a live bullet but the IOF intensive shooting denied any ambulance’s access into the neighbourhood of Tal al-Sultan. Thus a doctor had to operate Mar’ai without using anesthetic.
http://english.wafa.ps/body.asp?field=tech_news&id=734


Israel seeks mass Gaza surrender
Israeli troops on a raid in southern Gaza have called for a mass surrender of male residents in part of the Rafah refugee camp. Reports say army loudspeakers told males aged 16 or over in the Tel Sultan area to gather at a local school or risk demolition of their family homes.
http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/world/middle_east/3728495.stm


Israel Refuses Palestinian Prisoner's Demands
Head of the Palestinian prisoners' club Issa Qaraqea said on Wednesday that the Israeli jails' administration still refuses to abide by the prisoners' demands despite their 9 day-old hunger-strike.
http://english.wafa.ps/body.asp?field=tech_news&id=741


Medical teams in Rafah prevented from access to dead and injured Palestinians
Despite international condemnation of their attacks, the occupation forces have also defied International Law yet again, by denying civilians the right to medical care. The hospital in Rafah is overflowing with the casualties that ambulances were able to reach...
http://electronicintifada.net/v2/article2699.shtml


UN chief condemns killing of Palestinian demonstrators
"The killing of peaceful demonstrators, many of them women and children, has distressed the Secretary-General, who sends his deepest condolences and sympathies to the families of the victims," it said.
http://news.xinhuanet.com/english/2004-05/20/content_1479590.htm


Bush Declines to Condemn Israeli Attack
President Bush on Wednesday declined to condemn the deadly attack on Palestinian demonstrators by Israeli military forces, saying he wanted to get ``clarification'' of the incident from Israeli officials.
http://www.guardian.co.uk/worldlatest/story/0,1280,-4108857,00.html


U.N. envoy calls Israeli Gaza raids a war crime
The envoy, who has often strongly criticised Israeli actions, said that the U.N. Security Council should consider imposing an arms embargo against the Jewish state just as it had against the apartheid regime in South Africa in 1977.
http://www.alertnet.org/thenews/newsdesk/L1987677.htm


Forum to discuss implications of widening Philadelphi route
Thursday's meeting will focus on the need to demolish houses in the Rafah area in order to widen the road and the "possible" implications on human rights.
http://www.haaretz.com/hasen/spages/429538.html


6 Civilians Injured, Hose Demolished in Hebron
Officials at Nasser Hospital reported that six citizens, including children, were seriously wounded when Israeli soldiers wantonly opened heavy machine gunfire at them while protesting against Israeli violations in Yatta village, south of Hebron city.
http://english.wafa.ps/body.asp?field=tech_news&id=735


Security Council presented with 3 resolutions on Rafah raid
The U.S. draft would call on Israel to respect its obligations under international law, "including its obligation not to undertake demolition of homes as a punitive measure." It would also call on the Palestinian Authority to take "immediate action" against terrorist groups... (skipping State having : WMD, illegal settlements, Apartheid Wall...)
http://www.haaretz.com/hasen/pages/ShArt.jhtml?itemNo=429424&contrassID=1&subContrassID=1&sbSubContrassID=0&listSrc=Y


Israeli and Palestinian human rights groups urge action
Five Palestinian and four Israeli human rights groups have published identical advisertisements, today in the Israeli daily newspaper Ha'aretz and tomorrow in the Palestinian daily Al-Quds, stating: "Revenge cannot be policy, violence will not bring peace".
http://electronicintifada.net/v2/article2702.shtml


Amnesty: Israel guilty of war crimes in Rafah home demolitions
The human rights group Amnesty International charged Tuesday that Israel is guilty of war crimes and grave breaches of the Geneva Convention in its destruction of large numbers of Palestinian homes in the West Bank and Gaza Strip in the course of the Palestinian uprising.
http://www.haaretz.com/hasen/pages/ShArt.jhtml?itemNo=428918&contrassID=1&subContrassID=1&sbSubContrassID=0&listSrc=Y


'140,000 people, 40 beds and a war'
"One hundred and forty thousand people, 40 beds and a war. It makes you laugh," said the anaesthetist at Rafah's only hospital. Except it is not a hospital. The tiny building was designed for primary healthcare and minor emergencies, before anyone imagined that Rafah would become the frontline in Israel's war on the Palestinians.
http://www.guardian.co.uk/israel/Story/0,2763,1219817,00.html


UNICEF calls for the protection of children in Rafah
“Palestinian children have a right to be protected against all acts of violence in the midst of the current Israeli-Palestinian conflict,” said David S. Bassiouni, UNICEF Special Representative in Jerusalem. “They have a right to a safe shelter, safe access to their schools and to health services,” he said.
http://www.unicef.org/media/media_21030.html


Israel to carry on Rafah operation despite killing of protestors
The Palestinian premier called for an immediate halt to Israel's "Operation Rainbow" in the poverty-striken Rafah region -- the largest ever such raid in the Gaza -- after the death of the protestors pushed the overall toll to 34.
http://story.news.yahoo.com/news?tmpl=story&cid=1515&ncid=1515&e=15&u=/afp/20040519/wl_mideast_afp/mideast_unrest_rafah_040519160011


Bulldozing to a pullout
Most of the local residents, it says, will be able to return home once the military operation is over. But, based on previous experience, the Palestinians don't believe a word of this, and it would appear that the international community isn't convinced either.
http://www.rnw.nl/hotspots/html/isr040518.html


A tour of the Palestinian refugee camps
Thanks to a growing population - now over 4 million - and the fact that voluntary donations from the international community have failed to keep up with needs, the gains of the past have been eroded. In order to try to stop the rot, Unrwa and the government of Switzerland have invited more than 70 countries to take part in a major conference in Geneva this June
http://www.iht.com/articles/520498.html


Washington's covert 'Quartet' should come clean on the 'road map'
The US State Department, as if caught by surprise, has asked Israel for more information. Meanwhile, US-made Caterpillar bulldozers continue the heart-breaking toil of oppression that has made some 18,000 Palestinians homeless over the last three and a half years.
http://www.dailystar.com.lb/article.asp?edition_id=10&article_id=3925&categ_id=17


Two magic phrases
"armed men" and "smuggling tunnels." The sound of those two threatening phrases overcomes the sounds of gunfire by the air force and armored corps, the humming of the unmanned aircraft overhead, the whistle of the missiles, the long bursts of machine gun fire, the bombs and the shelling.
http://www.haaretz.com/hasen/spages/429176.html


Israel source: Claim Hezbollah has Arad's body taken seriously
An Israeli security source said Wednesday that Israel is taking seriously reports by Beirut-based sources that the militant group Hezbollah has the body of missing Israel Air Force navigator Ron Arad.
http://www.haaretz.com/hasen/spages/429550.html


For Rafah residents, the worries are all too familiar
The sounds are first. People wake up to the sound of bullets and explosions, trying to figure out where they are coming from - whether from the air or from the ground - and where to hide.
http://www.haaretz.com/hasen/spages/429157.html


Spain's Amnesty International Urges the Government to "Stop Selling Weapons to Israel"
report entitled "Israel and the Occupied Territories," which the Spanish media published some extracts, Beltran affirmed that the new government was to put an end to the sales of weapons and equipment to Israel...
http://www.aps.dz/an/pageview.asp?ID=63318


US fire 'kills 40 Iraqi wedding guests'
Lt Col Ziyad al-Jbouri, deputy police chief of Ramad, west of Baghdad, said between 42 and 45 people were killed in the attack, which took place in the early hours in a remote desert area near the border with Syria and Jordan. He said the dead included 15 children and 10 women.
http://www.guardian.co.uk/Iraq/Story/0,2763,1220440,00.html

May 18 2004

Settlements and Isolation: Expulsion in East Nablus Villages
Last week the Occupation forces started digging a 3 meter deep, 7 meter wide trench that will isolate the villages of Salem and Dier Al Hatab from the settler road. This trench will also separate the people from 3000 dunums of their land, as well as from the other villages to the east and from Nablus city.
http://stopthewall.org/latestnews/531.shtml


Palestinian film festival planned
The first major film festival to be held in the Palestinian territories has been launched in Cannes. The Ramallah International Film Festival (RIFF) will showcase 40 global films, opening with a film about Che Guevara, The Motorcycle Diaries.
http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/entertainment/film/3724239.stm


Israel State of Terror Commits Ethnic Cleansing in Rafah
Firas added that the US-made Israeli Apache fired a number of missiles against the mosque while the prayers were on their way out, killing several and wounding dozens, some critically.
http://english.wafa.ps/body.asp?field=tech_news&id=714


Death toll in Rafah hits to 20 Palestinians
among the 20 killed, there are three children, two of them are brother and his sister, two others are a father and his son. 20th Palestinian was shot dead in Rafah town by Israeli troops gunfire, adding that since last midnight up to date, every one hour, one Palestinian is shot dead by the Israeli soldiers.
http://news.xinhuanet.com/english/2004-05/19/content_1477149.htm


High Court rejects petition against Rafah home demolitions
"The homes of the petitioners, refugees and fathers of large families, are used for living purposes only and provide the only roofs for the thousands of individuals, men, women, children and elderly, who live in them," the petition read.
http://www.haaretz.com/hasen/spages/429102.html


Israeli Undercover Unit Assassinates A Palestinian, Wound Another And Kidnap Him
body of the killed was evacuated by the ambulance while the wounded was kidnapped by the undercover Israeli commando... Meanwhile, the Israeli occupying forces razed today wide areas of the Palestinian lands in Wadi Ayad and Al Aqbat neighborhoods in the Al Ram town, north of occupied Jerusalem in a prelude to build the second segment of the Apartheid Wall.
http://www.ipc.gov.ps/ipc_e/ipc_e-1/e_News/news2004/2004_05/107.html


Israeli Helicopters Target Clinic in Rafah
Three Palestinian citizens were wounded as US-made Israeli Apache helicopters fired a missile at a crowed of Palestinian citizens near a clinic in al-Sultan neighbourhood of Rafah city on Tuesday, Palestinian medics and witnesses said.
http://english.wafa.ps/body.asp?field=tech_news&id=717


Medical Rights Being Violated in Gaza Strip
The road from Rafah to Khan Younis has been closed by the Israeli army. Therefore, as of now, 12wounded persons cannot be evacuated to the European Hospital- an advanced medical center. This leaves Yousef Al Najar Hospital - which does not have an intensive care unit and is lacking needed equipment - to deal alone...
http://www.amin.org/eng/uncat/2004/may/may172.html


Palestinian medics forced to flee for their safety
Two Israeli Army tanks coming towards it cornered one of the ambulances. Unable to leave the area, the medics in the ambulance were forced to flee for their safety. The medics are presently held up in one of the nearby homes and are unable to get back to base due to the intensity of gunfire.
http://electronicintifada.net/v2/article2693.shtml


China appeals for Israel to stop military action targeting Palestinian civilians
China voiced its deep sympathy to the Palestinians and has decided to offer humanitarian assistance to the Palestinian side along with the international community, the spokesman said at a regular press conference.
http://news.xinhuanet.com/english/2004-05/18/content_1477024.htm


Arab states call for war crime trials for Israelis
In a statement after an Arab League meeting in Cairo, the Arab governments also called on the United States and the U.N. Security Council to stop Israel going ahead with plans to destroy hundreds more homes in Rafah, on Egypt's border.
http://www.alertnet.org/thenews/newsdesk/L1826946.htm


Palestinians strike in WB to protest Rafah operation
strike in Palestinian cities in the West Bank is underway to protest against the IDF operation in Rafah. Earlier, PA Chairman Yasser Arafat said the military activities in Rafah constitute a "massacre".
http://www.maarivintl.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=article&articleID=7516


UN council to hold emergency meeting on house demolition in Gaza
In a letter to Pakistani Ambassador Munir Akram, current president of the Security Council, Alsaidi urged the council to "consider the grave and ongoing Israeli violations and breaches of international law, in particular the widespread demolition of Palestinian homes in the Rafah area, and to take the necessary measures in this regard."
http://news.xinhuanet.com/english/2004-05/19/content_1477139.htm


Israel and the Occupied Territories: Evictions and demolitions must stop
Amnesty International is also pressing for other States, particularly the US, to stop the sale or transfer of weaponry and equipment that are used to commit unlawful destruction of homes and other human rights violations.. "The grounds invoked by Israel to justify the destruction are overly broad and based on discriminatory policies and practices."
http://news.amnesty.org/mav/index/ENGMDE150502004


Annan calls on Israel to halt destruction of Palestinian homes in Gaza
According to UN relief teams, 2,197 people have lost their homes following the demolition of 191 homes throughout Gaza in the first 15 days of May, with Rafah the worst-affected area.
http://www.un.org/apps/news/story.asp?NewsID=10759&Cr=palestin&Cr1=


MOH Appeals to the WHO to Stop Israel's Massacres
Palestinian ministry of health (MOH) called Tuesday on the World Health Organization (WHO) to immediately intervene to stop Israel's massacres against the Palestinian people in Rafah.
http://english.wafa.ps/body.asp?field=tech_news&id=724


Report: Jordan's king urges Arafat to weigh stepping aside
Palestinian Authority Chairman Yasser Arafat should take "a long look in the mirror" and decide whether to step aside in the interest of his people, Jordan's king said in an interview published Tuesday... Israel and the United States often have pushed for Arafat to step aside...
http://www.haaretz.com/hasen/spages/428983.html


Report: Lebanon foils Israeli plot to kill Nasrallah
The woman, who holds a Tunisian passport, had recently made several trips from Beirut to Tunisia where she met with Mossad Israeli intelligence agents who work for Israel's trade bureau in Tunisia, the report said.
http://www.haaretz.com/hasen/pages/ShArt.jhtml?itemNo=428975&contrassID=1&subContrassID=5&sbSubContrassID=0&listSrc=Y


Bush courts pro-Israel lobbying group
Cheered with chants of "four more years," President Bush told a Jewish audience Tuesday that Israel "has every right to defend itself from terror" and that Palestinians must renounce violence and reject failed leaders. Bush made only a passing reference to violence in the Gaza Strip...
http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?f=/news/archive/2004/05/18/politics0309EDT0433.DTL


Cautiously optimistic
Hence, Palestinian optimism is based on the analysis that the renewal of discussions reflects a US revision of its approach to the conflict, which until now has been to neglect and openly boycott the Palestinian leadership and--lest it be forgotten--the Palestinian people in general.
http://www.bitterlemons.org/issue/pal1.php


Israel steps up Gaza demolitions
"My family is staying in a school near the mosque," says Anzeh, a former agricultural worker in Israel who lives in a one-story concrete structure adorned with framed verses from the Koran. "I don't know what we will do. We have no money to rent another house. Certainly they will destroy the house, but crying will not help. I am crying inside."
http://www.csmonitor.com/2004/0517/p06s01-wome.html


Stay or flee? Gaza refugees ask under fire
Emerging into nearly deserted streets during a break in the fighting, Abu Jazzar gave thanks that her daughter and grandchildren had escaped unscathed, seeking refuge at a local school. But she cursed the Israelis for killing her nephew.
http://www.alertnet.org/thenews/newsdesk/L18149628.htm


While `rumors kill Rafah'
Lengthy bursts of machine gun fire wake up the neighborhood. There are explosions from the border area. Y. explains that it's routine, almost every night. IDF patrols shoot at the abandoned houses on the border.
http://www.haaretz.com/hasen/spages/428637.html


War crimes in the Middle East
Hundreds of Palestinian homes are bring demolished at Rafah, in the Gaza Strip. We call upon all Jewish citizens of the UK to demand that the Israeli government immediately stop this destruction.
http://www.guardian.co.uk/israel/Story/0,2763,1219016,00.html


Israeli Arab Bnei Sakhnin wins State Cup final
There were widespread celebrations and fireworks in the village of Galilee village of Sakhnin. Sakhnin owner Mazen Ghnaim said "many Jews and Arabs from the Galilee came to cheer us on. Sakhnin is a great example of coexistence."
http://www.haaretz.com/hasen/pages/ShArt.jhtml?itemNo=429122&contrassID=1&subContrassID=7&sbSubContrassID=0&listSrc=Y


Israelis Trained US Troops in Jenin-style Urban Warfare
But they held out for 11 days, and managed to kill 23 Israeli soldiers, 13 of them in a single ambush. When the Palestinians ran out of ammunition, they kept fighting and started throwing stones at the Israeli soldiers. If the much better-equipped Iraqi forces take the same attitude
http://www.commondreams.org/headlines03/0329-07.htm


U.S. Presidential Rejection of Coercive Interrogations Needed
Beyond repudiating the sex abuse at Iraq’s Abu Ghraib prison, presidential action is needed to end government-authorized mistreatment of detainees, Human Rights Watch said today. In June 2003, U.S. President George W. Bush affirmed that the United States would respect international prohibitions on torture and degrading treatment, but the policy has not been implemented.
http://www.hrw.org/english/docs/2004/05/17/usint8592.htm


Britain to boost Iraq force with 3,000 extra troops
British Prime Minister Tony Blair will argue that the reinforcements are part of an exit strategy, which focuses on accelerating the training of Iraqi military to take over on June 30, The Times reported Tuesday.
http://story.news.yahoo.com/news?tmpl=story&cid=1515&ncid=1515&e=16&u=/afp/20040518/wl_mideast_afp/iraq_britain_troops_040518105943

May 17 2004

History prolongs Palestinian family's grief
It was the residence occupied by former Israeli Prime Minister Golda Meir - author of the famous quip that "the Palestinian people did not exist" - when she was Israel's labor minister. It was also the family home built in 1926 by my grandfather, Hanna Ibrahim Bisharat, "Papa" to all of us.
http://www.azcentral.com/arizonarepublic/viewpoints/articles/0516bisharat0516.html


The Boil on the Face of Mona Lisa
Two weeks ago, 176 dunums of land (176,000 square meters) were stolen from the beautiful hilltop village of Beit Jalla... And in Beit Jalla today only the villagers can be heard crying out in despair. No other voices are raised in support -- not even the Christian church, whose birthplace is just one kilometre away.
http://www.dissidentvoice.org/May2004/Pretzlik0513.htm


Palestinian Women's Struggle for their Land Continue in Biddu
Tomorrow, Tuesday, May 18, 2004, Palestinian women from the villages located northwest of Jerusalem will held their third nonviolent anti-wall protest over the last month. They will meet at 11am at the Biddu Municipal Council.
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/palmedialert/message/183


Israeli court to sentence Fatah leader Barghouti on Thursday
Barghouti had repeatedly said during the trials that he does notacknowledge the legality of the Israeli court, saying that it is a court that represents the Israeli occupation. The Israeli Army had also arrested his 19-year-old son, Qassam, in December 2003 as he was on his way back home in Ramallah from Egypt, where he studies.
http://news.xinhuanet.com/english/2004-05/17/content_1474518.htm


Palestinian shot dead by Israeli forces in West Bank
Mohammed Hamed died after being shot in the head during an army incursion in the village of Silwad, sources with the Palestinian ambulance service said. Israeli troops had opened fire after coming under attack from a group of stone-throwing Palestinians, witnesses said.
http://www.yourmailinglistprovider.com/pubarchive_show_message.php?iapinfo+2544


'I have lost everything'
The house off Salahudeen Street was home to S'ham Abu Libdeh. She lived in it for nearly 40 years, and she raised her seven children there. Mrs Abu Libdeh said there was no warning that the bulldozers were coming. "The Israelis gave us no time," she said. "They were shooting. We ran with nothing."
http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/world/middle_east/3718229.stm


Israeli forces raid east-north Rafah in Gaza
The forces, backed by Apache attack helicopters, fired intensivehelling at the area as bulldozers razed a wide area of cultivated area belonging to Palestinian farmers.
http://news.xinhuanet.com/english/2004-05/17/content_1474433.htm


Gazans pile up their belongings and flee
One of the petitioners, a big man, burst into tears unashamedly in public on hearing the High Court order. But yesterday morning, after the High Court hastily rejected the petitions, the petitioners understood that they had better try to at least save the contents of their homes.
http://www.haaretz.com/hasen/spages/428156.html


UNRWA Alarmed at Planned Demolitions in Rafah
In a press release issued Sunday in Gaza, UNRWA called on the Israeli military to halt its demolition operations in Rafah in the Gaza Strip where 12,600 people are now homeless.
http://english.wafa.ps/body.asp?field=tech_news&id=708


IDF demolishes three houses in A-Ramadin village near Hebron
The IDF demolished three houses in the A-Ramadin village south of Hebron, close to the settlement of Eshkolot, Monday. Palestinian sources say the IDF intends to demolish more houses in the area.
http://www.maarivintl.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=article&articleID=7452


More Palestinian homes hit
Israeli helicopter gunships renewed their attacks on Palestinian targets in the Gaza Strip early on Monday after the army was given the green light to step up its widely criticised policy of demolishing Palestinian homes in the area.
http://www.news24.com/News24/World/News/0,,2-10-1462_1528042,00.html


MOH: Israeli Troops Kill 55 Palestinians in May
Palestinian Ministry of Health (MOH) revealed Monday that the total number of Palestinian civilians killed by Israeli Occupation Forces (IOF) from the beginning of May is 55, while the number of the wounded is 437.
http://english.wafa.ps/body.asp?field=tech_news&id=712


Israeli gas attacks take health toll on West Bank villagers
Shareef Omar reports that pregnant women in the village are suffering miscarriages as a likely result of the gas. Animals are suffering unprecedented spontaneous abortions at a greater rate, with reports that 30 sheep recently aborted because of a gas canister dropped on a farmer's barn.
http://electronicintifada.net/v2/article2683.shtml


Israel bars international pro-Palestinian activists
The Israeli authorities denied on Monday access of tens of international pro-Palestinian activists into the Palestinian territories and detained them for several hours at Israel airports and passages.
http://news.xinhuanet.com/english/2004-05/17/content_1474639.htm


EU condemns Gaza demolitions, urges Israel to stop: draft
The ministers "condemned the large scale demolition of Palestinian houses in the Rafah district of Gaza as disproportionate and in conflict with international law and also with Israel's obligations under the roadmap," said the draft statement.
http://www.eubusiness.com/afp/040517132220.jcedcii8


U.S. urged to stop Israeli Gaza assault
Qurie, a moderate, hoped to push Washington to back off from assurances that Israel could keep parts of the West Bank it captured in a 1967 war and to lean on Israeli counterpart Ariel Sharon to resume peacemaking with the Palestinian leadership.
http://www.reuters.co.uk/newsPackageArticle.jhtml?type=worldNews&storyID=512041§ion=news


Senior Arafat security aide calls for Palestinian reforms
"Building civil and security institutions, ensuring transparency, imposing the rule of law and ending the state of security chaos would facilitate the engagement of international parties, and the United States in the peace process," Rajoub told Reuters in an interview.
http://www.imemc.org/headlines/2004/May/week3/051704/rajoub.htm


Palestinian charity to sue Israel for bombing office
The Palestinian charity association Anssar said on Monday that it will file a suit against the Israeli government to seek reimbursement for the damage to its office in Gaza by Israeli bombings.
http://news.xinhuanet.com/english/2004-05/17/content_1474503.htm


Congressmen to AIPAC: We'll legislate Bush's promises
In the letter, Bush rejected the Palestinians' claim of a right of return of refugees to Israel and said it was unrealistic to expect a full Israeli withdrawal from the West Bank.
http://www.haaretz.com/hasen/spages/428593.html


Israel Failed to Submit List of Unauthorized Settlers’ Outposts to U.S.
During Washington talks between Israeli Prime Minister Ariel and U.S. President George Bush Israel promised to submit the list and timetable by Friday May 15, 2004.
http://www.imemc.org/headlines/2004/May/week3/051704/list-outposts.htm


Collaborators tremble since Hamas killings
The price, when he went to apply for a permit at an Israeli-controlled Gaza border crossing, was collaboration, he said. "The Israeli intelligence officer there asked me to search border areas for explosive devices (planted by militants) in anticipation of army incursions," said Sami, not his real name.
http://news.xinhuanet.com/english/2004-05/17/content_1474292.htm


Hamas Leader Rejects Proposed Cease-Fire
"It is not reasonable that the victim volunteers to talk about a cease-fire while Israeli crime continues, and there is no sign of a change in the Israeli and American positions," he said.
http://www.dailycomet.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20040517/API/405170831


News blackout in Gaza
"Israel is trying to cover up its crimes in Gaza," he told AFP. "By preventing the newspapers from being delivered to Gaza, they are showing up the big lie of Israeli democracy," he added.
http://www.news24.com/News24/World/News/0,,2-10-1462_1528311,00.html


No sign of fatigue
Lines such as, "It began in Jaffa - and continues in Rafah" widely appeared in the Palestinian press, and the newspapers ran photos of residents of Rafah and Gaza's Zeitoun neighborhood pulling their possessions out of the ruins of homes and carrying them on their backs, side by side with similar photographs from 1948.
http://www.haaretz.com/hasen/spages/428180.html


Palestine: Legitimate Armed Resistance vs. Terrorism
Israeli soldiers were killed in two separate attacks on armored personnel carriers. With very few exceptions in the Israeli and pro-Israeli media these operations have been deliberately misrepresented as some sort of "terrorist" attacks, a cynical propaganda ploy designed to discredit the Palestinian legal right to resist occupation.
http://electronicintifada.net/v2/article2684.shtml


Palestine: the end of their dreams
"The Palestinians understand that this plan is to a large extent the end of their dreams, a very heavy blow to them... In the unilateral plan, there is no Palestinian state." These words, uttered by Prime Minister Ariel Sharon just a week before obtaining Washington's backing...
http://electronicintifada.net/v2/article2686.shtml


Saturday, June 5 - March on the Pentagon
While Bush imposes a murderous occupation in Iraq, the administration has given its full backing to the Sharon government in Israel which continues to carry out routine assassinations and land expropriation, placing an entire population within the confines of a prison wall.
http://www.answercoalition.org/campaigns/j5/index.html


List of Products from Settlements in the Occupied Territories
Please print this list and distribute it to your friends and relatives. Hang it on billboards next to your homes, in supermarkets and in your place of work. More importantly, browse the list when you are buying a product or looking for a service.
http://gush-shalom.org/Boycott/boyceng.htm


Killing of Iraqi leader deals new blow to Bush
The head of the interim Iraqi Governing Council was killed by a car bomb in a new blow to a US government reeling from charges that it gave top-level approval for the abuse of prisoners and an admission that it was misled over Iraq's weapons of mass destruction
http://story.news.yahoo.com/news?tmpl=story&cid=1515&ncid=1515&e=14&u=/afp/20040517/wl_mideast_afp/iraq_worldwrap_040517165525

May 16 2004

10,000 Strong Rally in London Against the Apartheid Wall
"We call upon you to support us to Tear Down the Apartheid Wall! to Stop the Occupation! and to Stop the ethnic cleansing! Boycott Israel and pose sanctions on the Israeli Apartheid Regime!"
http://stopthewall.org/worldwideactivism/524.shtml


Israeli court to deliver Barghuti verdict on Thursday
Earlier this month, Israeli troops briefly detained Barghuti's wife, Fadwa, at a hearing for her son who is also in Israeli prison. Family members and lawyers claimed that the arrest and remand of Barghuti's 19-year-old son Qassam was part of a psychological campaign waged by Israel to put pressure on him.
http://story.news.yahoo.com/news?tmpl=story&cid=1515&ncid=1515&e=7&u=/afp/20040516/wl_mideast_afp/mideast_israel_barghuti_040516145220


Court Approves Demolition of Gaza Homes
Israel’s Supreme Court today rejected a petition calling for the army to stop demolishing Palestinian homes along the Gaza-Egypt border. UN Secretary-General Kofi Annan has condemned action as a violation of international law. EU and US officials have also criticised the practice.
http://news.scotsman.com/latest.cfm?id=2932954


Israel threatens to destroy hundreds of homes
Israel's top general is threatening to destroy hundreds of Palestinian refugee homes after the Supreme Court cleared the way for demolitions in a flashpoint Israeli-held corridor on the Gaza-Egypt border.
http://www.reuters.co.uk/newsPackageArticle.jhtml?type=worldNews&storyID=511678§ion=news


Dozens of Palestinians leave Rafah homes fearing demolitions (Israeli Justice)
fearing that their homes would be destroyed by Israel Defense Forces, following a High Court of Justice decision rejecting a petition on behalf of 13 Rafah residents requesting a ban on further IDF demolitions of homes.
http://www.haaretz.com/hasen/spages/428017.html


Israeli troops kill 3 Palestinians in eastern Gaza
Four Palestinians were trying to approach the eastern border between Gaza and Israel, the radio said, adding that the soldiers stationed there noticed them and immediately shot at them.
http://news.xinhuanet.com/english/2004-05/17/content_1472643.htm


IDF operating in Ramallah, imposes curfew on parts of city
According to the reports, the army has set up around the house of Kamal Ra’anam, a senior Fatah al-Aqsa Brigades’ operative who has been wanted by Israeli authorities for a long period of time. The IDF has instructed the inhabitants to leave the house as it plans to demolish it.
http://www.maarivintl.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=article&articleID=7432


Israeli helicopters strike Fatah target in Gaza
Israeli Apache helicopters fired missiles at buildings used by the Fatah movement in Gaza City early Sunday, injuring a 3-year-old boy and three other Palestinians,witnesses and medics said.
http://news.xinhuanet.com/english/2004-05/16/content_1471814.htm


Israeli Helicopters Attack Fatah Office in Gaza-Witnesses
Israeli helicopters fired six missiles early on Monday at an office of Palestinian President Yasser Arafat's Fatah Movement in Gaza City, witnesses said.
http://www.reuters.com/newsArticle.jhtml?type=topNews&storyID=5156731


Palestinians launch 2 attacks in Gaza – no casualties
Palestinians detonated a large explosive device at the fence near Beit Hanoun in the Gaza Strip, at the same time Palestinians fired shots at an IDF convoy. No casualties or damage to property were reported.
http://www.maarivintl.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=article&articleID=7418


The Death Toll of Al-Zaytoon Massacre Climbs to 17
Palestinian citizen died of wounds he sustained recently after being shot and wounded during Israeli Occupation Forces (IOF) incursion into al-Zaytoon in Gaza, Palestinian medical sources said.
http://english.wafa.ps/body.asp?field=tech_news&id=696


SIS Statement Calls for Immediate Protection of Journalists and Media Institutions
The statement also referred to the injury of six journalists in less than one week by the Israeli occupying forces in different parts of Gaza Strip, particularly in the Al-Zaytoun neighborhood...
http://www.ipc.gov.ps/ipc_e/ipc_e-1/e_News/news2004/2004_05/088.html


Police question Jerusalem Islamic religious leader
he was questioned for two hours about saying in his Friday sermon that Israeli police were "meddling" in the mosque's affairs by restricting access to worshippers, and by preventing the mosque from bringing in building materials for maintenance work. He was warned "not to speak against these issues" again and then released, Ben-Ruby said.
http://www.alertnet.org/thenews/newsdesk/L16109086.htm


Palestinian Blood Is Not Cheap! Report from Gaza
After the APC was blown up, Gaza city came under the lights of the media because of the six soldiers who were killed inside the APC. Before that no one mentioned anything about what was going on in Gaza except for the local media.
http://www.palsolidarity.org/reports/writings/15May04_14_43_18GazaAdwan.htm


Walaja: The Continuing Nakba
Since the late 80sThe Occupation forces have been using various policies against the people to force them to leave what is left from the village, including house demolitions and repeated arrests against the 3000 people living now in the village, using the pretext that “they have West Bank identification cards and are living in Jerusalem”.
http://stopthewall.org/communityvoices/525.shtml


Israel, Jordan sign free trade agreement
The deal, which was sealed at the World Economic Forum, went through despite Jordan's displeasure at Israeli policies toward Palestinians. In the interview, King Abdullah said there was a connection between the Israeli-Palestinian conflict and the situation in Iraq.
http://www.haaretz.com/hasen/pages/ShArt.jhtml?itemNo=428110&contrassID=1&subContrassID=1&sbSubContrassID=0&listSrc=Y


Rice wants "movement" from Qurie to revive road map
Condoleezza Rice, who meets Qurie in the German capital on Monday, said Washington was ready to help the Palestinians build democratic institutions to facilitate the implementation of the stalled "road map" peace plan.
http://www.alertnet.org/thenews/newsdesk/L16104234.htm


Palestinian Refugees Reiterate Commitment to The Right of Return
The Palestinian Committee for Refugee Affairs voiced Sunday rejection to any proposals or initiatives intended at denying the refugees’ right to return to their homeland in Palestine.
http://www.ipc.gov.ps/ipc_e/ipc_e-1/e_News/news2004/2004_05/087.html


Court okays evacuation of Mitzpeh Yitzhar outpost
The outpost, located south of Nablus, has been dismantled several times before, only to be set up anew. The petitioners, four Mitzpeh Yitzhar residents and the Organization for the Land of Israel...
http://www.haaretz.com/hasen/spages/428091.html


Powell urges Palestinians to seize opportunity of Sharon's disengagement plan
Later, at the World Economic Forum held at the Dead Sea resort of Southern Shuneh, Powell said that United States keeps itscommitment about the roadmap peace plan to solve the Palestinian-Israeli conflict.
http://news.xinhuanet.com/english/2004-05/16/content_1471794.htm


The Arab League Hails the Palestinian People's Resistance
According to a statement issued on the occasion of the commemoration of the 56th anniversary of the Arab "Nakba" (disaster), the League underscored that Israel is attempting vainly "to undermine the Palestinian people's determination and to impose its conditions on them."
http://www.aps.dz/an/pageview.asp?ID=63068


Powell seeks to placate Arabs over prisoners
In the first trip to the Middle East by a senior US official since images of Iraqi prisoners abuse were published, Mr Powell also used his private meetings with Arab officials and two public appearances to reassure the region that a controversial US initiative on reform will be a partnership with the region, not an attempt to impose change.
http://news.ft.com/servlet/ContentServer?pagename=FT.com/StoryFT/FullStory&c=StoryFT&cid=1083180537092&p=1012571727172


Abbas wishes return of Palestinian-Kuwaiti relations
Former Palestinian Prime Minister Dr. Mahmood Abbas expressed hoped here Sunday for the return of the normal Palestinian-Kuwaiti relations, during his speech delivered at the concluding session of the "Region and Future" Conference.
http://www.kuna.net.kw/English/Story.asp?DSNO=631907


Mideast Officials Argue Over Stalled Talks
"Stop blaming it all on the Palestinians," Shaath said. "Stop saying that the occupied people have first to demonstrate their sanity before the occupier pulls out from their homeland."
http://story.news.yahoo.com/news?tmpl=story&cid=540&ncid=540&e=3&u=/ap/20040516/ap_on_re_mi_ea/world_forum


Analysis / No mood for mending broken ties
Abu Ala (Qureia) is interested in these meetings because he was appointed on the expectation of renewing the diplomatic process. The Americans agreed to the meetings to try to quieten the anger in the Arab world over events in Iraq.
http://www.haaretz.com/hasen/spages/427764.html


White House 'tried to ban film'
The film examines the Iraq war and alleges connections between the Bush family and Osama Bin Laden. Fahrenheit 9/11 is to get its world premiere in Cannes on Monday. "It is certainly something the Bush administration does not want people to see," said Moore.
http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/entertainment/film/3719261.stm


Israel urged to attack Iran nuke plant
A report submitted to Israeli Prime Minister Ariel Sharon calls for the Jewish state to plan pre-emptive strikes against Iran’s nuclear plant and nuclear second-strike capability as a deterrent against its hostile neighbors in the Middle East.
http://www.worldnetdaily.com/news/article.asp?ARTICLE_ID=38516


Rumsfeld's secret OK led to Abu Ghraib interrogations: report
Rumsfeld had approved "a highly secret operation" last year, which "encouraged physical coercion and the sexual humiliation of Iraqi prisoners in an effort to generate more intelligence about the growing insurgency in Iraq," New Yorker magazine investigative reporter Seymour Hersh wrote, citing current and former intelligence officials.
http://story.news.yahoo.com/news?tmpl=story&cid=1515&ncid=1515&e=19&u=/afp/20040515/wl_mideast_afp/iraq_us_prisoners_040515225737


Army plans to double troops in Iraq as ambushed British kill 20 in Basra
British defence chiefs have been drawing up plans to double the number of British troops on the ground in Iraq. It marks the first, more intensively soldiered phase of an exit strategy which would bring almost all British forces out of the country by early next year.
http://news.independent.co.uk/world/middle_east/story.jsp?story=521757

May 15 2004

Court bars IDF from demolishing additional Rafah homes
High Court Justice Eliahu Mazza on Friday issued an interim order barring the Israel Defense Forces from demolishing homes in Rafah in the southern Gaza Strip. The injunction bars the IDF from demolishing homes outside of regular combat activity.
http://www.haaretz.com/hasen/spages/427462.html


Israel Drives 1064 Palestinians Homeless In Rafah – U.N.
On entering the camp this morning, we found 88 buildings demolished which had housed 206 families. It affects 1,064 people," said U.N. Relief and Works Agency (UNRWA) spokesman Paul McCann.
http://www.islamonline.net/English/News/2004-05/15/article05.shtml


Over 150 Houses Destroyed, Threats for More
The result of the Israeli military operation in Rafah area, south of Gaza Strip is devastating for its residents. Reports show that 15 were killed and over 150 houses have been demolished in the past three days and the Israeli bulldozers threaten to destroy more.
http://www.imemc.org/headlines/2004/May/week3/051504/rafah-houses.htm


Al-Nakba: 1948-2004
When the state of Israel was created in 1948, 531 Palestinian villages were destroyed as their Palestinian inhabitants were driven out against their will. The UN’s recognition of the Jewish state was directly tied with the full implementation of UN resolution 194 granting all Palestinian refugees the right of return to their homes inside what is today known as Israel.
http://www.ipc.gov.ps/ipc_e/ipc_e-1/e_News/news2004/2004_05/078.html


SECRETARY-GENERAL ‘STRONGLY CONDEMNS’ ISRAEL’S ONGOING, WIDESPREAD DESTRUCTION OF PALESTINIAN HOMES IN GAZA
Reports cite the demolition of scores of buildings over the last two days, in addition to 130 residential buildings already destroyed this month. The Secretary-General has repeatedly called on the Government of Israel to address its security needs within the boundaries of international law.
http://www.un.org/News/Press/docs/2004/sgsm9307.doc.htm


Palestinian People, Commemorating the 1948 NAKBA
Rallies have poured into the main streets of the various cities, refugee camps, towns and villages, repeating the National Anthem and slogans calling for the implementation of the Right to Return approved by the International community. They also chanted against the daily terror of the Israeli occupation state.
http://english.wafa.ps/body.asp?field=tech_news&id=695


Abu Sabri Thuqan hands the Key Over to His Grandchild
In a very emotional and enthusiastic look, as his tears were dripping on his rough face, 76 year old Mahmoud Thuqan gives his 6 year old granddaughter Safa' a key saying, "it is your turn now, we had many promises that our misery will end, but I guess no body can do it for us, we have to do it ourselves".
http://www.imemc.org/headlines/2004/May/week3/051504/the-key.htm


Palestinians recall their expulsion, but prepare for a common future
When the United Nations voted in 1947 to partition Palestine into a Jewish and an Arab state, it did so against the wishes of the indigenous Palestinian Arab people, who then made up more than two-thirds of the population. That led to the first Arab-Israeli war and the eviction of up to 800,000 Arabs from Palestine. Over 500 Palestinian villages were razed to the ground...
http://www.guardian.co.uk/israel/comment/0,10551,1217440,00.html


Israeli helicopters launch attack on Gaza city
In the early hours of Saturday morning, 15 May 2004, Israeli occupying helicopter gunships fired missiles at 2 civilian facilities in densely populated areas in Gaza City. The two facilities and a number of neighboring buildings were severely damaged and 10 Palestinian civilians, including a paramedic, were injured.
http://electronicintifada.net/v2/article2660.shtml


Gaza leader escapes Israeli missile strike
Shaikh Khalil, who heads up its al-Quds Brigades military wing in the southern Gaza Strip, escaped unharmed. The strike came just hours after Israeli helicopter gunships pounded targets in Gaza City in a failed attempt to eradicate the Islamic Jihad's top leader, Muhammad al-Hindi...
http://english.aljazeera.net/NR/exeres/70F0FD75-61F5-4B57-946E-7AEEA9921292.htm


The IOF Seals off Gaza Strip
The Israeli occupying forces turned the Gaza Strip into a “big prison” after having closed its crossings for six consecutive days as well as launched a large-scale ground, sea, and air offensive.
http://www.ipc.gov.ps/ipc_e/ipc_e-1/e_News/news2004/2004_05/080.html


Abu Rudeineh: Expanding Philadelphi Axis Proves pullout a Lie
"This plan reveals that the talk about the pullout from Gaza Strip is a lie." He added, "The real intention behind this plan is destruction not withdrawal" He called upon the UN Security Council to stop the daily crimes Israel is committing against the Palestinians...
http://www.imemc.org/headlines/2004/May/week3/051504/abu-rudeineh.htm


Arafat calls on Palestinians to 'terrorize your enemy'
"Acts of sacrifice, determination and revolution have sent a message to the world that Palestine is the homeland of the Palestinian nation and it has no other, and it will not accept an alternative to its homeland," said Arafat.
http://www.haaretz.com/hasen/spages/427699.html


Over 150,000 attend rally calling for Gaza withdrawal
Ahead of the demonstration, the organizers rejected calls from politicians on the right to postpone the rally in the wake of the recent events in the Gaza Strip. Likud MK Ehud Yatom argued that the protest would demoralize soldiers serving in the Gaza Strip...
http://www.haaretz.com/hasen/spages/427546.html


Palestinian prime minister to visit Berlin next week
Kureia will meet with Chancellor Gerhard Schroeder, President Johannes Rau and Foreign Minister Joschka Fischer, the German Chancellery announced. On Monday, Kureia will also hold talks with US National Security Advisor Condoleezza Rice, who is coming to Berlin on Sunday.
http://news.xinhuanet.com/english/2004-05/15/content_1471221.htm


Powell meets Palestinian premier, says US ready to take "risks" for peace
US Secretary of State Colin Powell moved to reassure skeptical Arab nations that Washington remains committed to the creation of a Palestinian state, saying the United States is prepared to "take risks" and "endure controversy" to end the Middle East conflict.
http://news.yahoo.com/news?tmpl=story&u=/afp/20040515/wl_afp/jordan_wef_qorei_powell_040515171853


PCHR: 470 Attacks on Journalists by IOF since Intifada
The Palestinian Center for Human Rights (PCHR) reiterated Saturday that the total attacks and violations committed by the Israeli Occupation Forces (IOF) against the Palestinian journalists working in the Occupied Palestinian Territories (OPT) since the eruption of the Intifada mounted to 470 event.
http://english.wafa.ps/body.asp?field=tech_news&id=691


Bereaved Families Bid Farwell their Dearly Sons, Others Inspect the Havoc by Israeli troops
Israeli occupying forces pulled out of the battered Al Zytoun neighborhood , south of Gaza city after Tuesday midnight , as 17 citizens were slain and more than 185 wounded... The water and drainage networks were bulldozed...
http://www.ipc.gov.ps/ipc_e/ipc_e-1/e_News/news2004/2004_05/081.html


Stop the massive demolition of Palestinian homes in Gaza
The demolitions are being carried out as part of a campaign of collective punishment visited on the Palestinian population of Gaza after two army troop carriers were destroyed in the wake of the Israeli invasion. The demolitions are part of an ongoing war against Palestinian civilians that goes far beyond terrorist attacks.
http://www.amin.org/eng/jeff_halper/2004/may15.html


Shopping center a success story in spite of political difficulties
The opening of the Plaza has created over 110 jobs, which means 110 families were being served, ten million dollars mobilized when the Palestinian economy needed it most, and most important, it has created a project to serve the Palestinian consumer and to see the children playing in Jawwal Land playground.
http://www.jerusalem-times.net/article/news/details/detail.asp?id=52&edition=529


Busharon: The Countdown - By: Uri Avnery
George Bush lost his world with the publication of these photos. He could have fired the whole chain of command, from the Secretary of Defense down to the prison commander. He didn't, of course. The animal's rear end – Ariel Sharon – is also in great trouble.
http://www.amin.org/eng/uri_avnery/2004/may15.html


The Kings of Pain: United Kingdom, United States and Israel
The United States and Israel have brutally refined British practices adding cultural torture. For prisoners in Iraq, Afghanistan, Guantanimo Bay and Israel's many detention centers housing Palestinian captives, that means assaulting the integrity of one's culture and religion while physically pushing the prisoners to the brink of death.
http://www.counterpunch.com/stanton05152004.html


Israel dismisses report that Turkey will freeze contracts
According to the new decision, contracts which have been signed and those that are in the implementation process, will not be expanded. The deal for purchasing water from Turkey is not expected to be implemented, according to the report.
http://www.haaretz.com/hasen/spages/427712.html


Iraqi newspaper attacks Rumsfeld, demands his resignation
."Rumsfeld, known for his past links with Saddam (Hussein),should have announced his resignation in Baghdad to satisfy thepoor Iraqi people," it claimed. The newspaper also criticized the members of the Iraqi GoverningCouncil (IGC).
http://news.xinhuanet.com/english/2004-05/15/content_1471757.htm


Iraqi In Custody Tortured To Death
Iraqi forensic pathologist who took the body over from the US armed forces confirmed to Spiegel TV in Baghdad that he diagnosed definite torture marks on the body of the deceased... photos of the deceased confirm that contrary to the US documentation, an autopsy had been performed on the man. The scars on the torso indicate that Western doctors did the autopsy.
http://www.informationclearinghouse.info/article6188.htm


US risks fury of Shia as Imam Ali's shrine is hit
Shia religious leaders expressed concern for the safety of Grand Ayatollah Ali Sistani, the spiritual head of Iraq's Shia, who was inside his compound, close to the fighting. Four large holes were visible in the golden dome of the Imam Ali Shrine yesterday...
http://news.independent.co.uk/world/middle_east/story.jsp?story=521446


82 percent of Iraqis oppose U.S. occupation (democracy?)
In the poll, 80 percent of Iraqis surveyed reported a lack of confidence in the Coalition Provisional Authority, and 82 percent said they disapprove of the United States and allied militaries in Iraq.
http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/html/nationworld/2001927572_iraqpoll13.html


Hezbollah's Passion Play
In its version, as the music reaches its crescendo, the words "The Passion of the Christ" are replaced by "The Passion of the Iraqis". Then one of the images of alleged American abuse of Iraqi prisoners that shocked the world flashes up on screen.
http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/world/middle_east/3716115.stm

May 14 2004

On the 56th Commemoration of the Nakba: No to the Wall! No to the New Expulsion!
The Apartheid Wall, the "first phase" of which has already been completed in the North, with the second phase under construction now, commemorates the Nakba with all that it embodies. Destruction of lands and villages, expulsions, the suffocation of refugee camps...
http://stopthewall.org/latestnews/520.shtml


Palestinians: IDF razing homes in Gaza refugee camp
Witnesses said armored bulldozers had demolished 20 houses and were threatening many more in the camp. Panic-stricken residents grabbed whatever belongings they could carry and fled, some waving white flags at approaching Israeli forces, the witnesses said.
http://www.haaretzdaily.com/hasen/spages/427462.html


Israeli tanks shell civilian car in Gaza
a local car carrying a pregnant woman and her relatives was on the way to a hospital when it was hit by a tank shell. Medical sources at Gaza Shiffa Hospital said the pregnant woman and other two civilians were injured by the fragments of the tank shell.
http://news.xinhuanet.com/english/2004-05/15/content_1470919.htm


2 Israeli soldiers killed, 2 wounded in Gaza
Two Israeli soldiers were killed and two others wounded Friday after Palestinian militants fired an anti-tank missile at an Israeli army jeep in the Rafah refugee campin southern Gaza Strip, Palestinian sources.
http://news.xinhuanet.com/english/2004-05/14/content_1470848.htm


Palestinian killed, 9 wounded in Israeli airstrike in Rafah
At least one Palestinian was killed andnine were injured Friday after Israeli Apache helicopters fired tworockets at Rafah refugee camp on the border between the southern Gaza Strip and Egypt, medics said.
http://news.xinhuanet.com/english/2004-05/14/content_1470895.htm


Civilian Killed, 4 Wounded in Rafah
Mahmoud Jum'a 22, was shot with several gunshots all over his body when Israeli soldiers of Rafeh Yam Isreali colony deliberately opened fire at him. Witnesses affirmed that Jum'a was heading home...
http://english.wafa.ps/body.asp?field=tech_news&id=685


Two Palestinians Attack a Soldier, Snatch His Gun
Analysts refer to these attacks as a change in the Palestinian method of military resistance that was internationally criticized for targeting civilians... Snatching a soldier's gun near one of Jerusalem settlements that are heavily guarded by Israeli soldiers and police...
http://www.imemc.org/headlines/2004/May/week2/051404/snatch-weapons.htm


Israel to bulldoze hundreds of homes in Rafah
The Israeli army has been authorised to demolish hundreds of houses in the southern Gaza Strip city of Rafah... The army was given the green light by Israeli Prime Minister Ariel Sharon to destroy "hundreds of houses"...
http://www.iol.co.za/index.php?click_id=3&art_id=qw1084530420740B253&set_id=1


4 Civilians Arrested, house Dynamited in WB
Security sources told WAFA that IOF stormed Um al-Sharayet village, broke into Ahmed al-Sho'ani's 2-storey house, blew it up and arrested al-Sho'ani together with two other family members, leading them to an unknown place.
http://english.wafa.ps/body.asp?field=tech_news&id=684


Israel must 'immediately' stop demolition of Palestinian homes: EU
"The Minister for Foreign Affairs of Ireland, Brian Cowen, called on the Israeli government to halt its demolition of Palestinian homes in the town of Rafah in the Gaza Strip immediately," it said in a communique.
http://www.eubusiness.com/afp/040514175811.minr7e9y


Rafah a "humanitarian catastrophe" says UN refugee agency
The United Nations agency in charge of Palestinian refugees described the situation in Rafah as a "humanitarian catastrophe," after Israel announced that hundreds more homes would be destroyed in the southern Gaza Strip town.
http://story.news.yahoo.com/news?tmpl=story&cid=1503&ncid=1503&e=14&u=/afp/20040514/ts_afp/mideast_unrest_gaza_040514082712


PNA contacts US over Israeli action in Rafah: Erekat
Israel plans to raze hundreds of Palestinian-owned homes in Rafah in the southern Gaza Strip. Erekat told reporters that the PNA had sent letters to US administration as well as the Quartet representatives, urging them to hurry up in preventing Israel from destroying Palestinians' homes.
http://news.xinhuanet.com/english/2004-05/15/content_1470914.htm


UNRWA denies its ambulances convey Israeli soldiers' remains
The spokesman said such allegations are part of the continuous war against the Palestinian people and an attempt to prevent UNRWA from continuing its humanitarian aids to the Palestinians. Israeli Defense Minister Shaul Mofaz earlier claimed...
http://news.xinhuanet.com/english/2004-05/15/content_1470915.htm


Jihad calls for forming a unified front of militants
"Unity of all Palestinian militants is needed today more than any time else in order to intensify the strikes on the confused enemy," said Mohamed al-Hindi, a senior Islamic Jihad leader in Gaza.
http://news.xinhuanet.com/english/2004-05/15/content_1470917.htm


Qorei to visit Jordan for talks with King Abdullah
Palestinian prime minister Ahmad Qorei will visit Jordan Saturday for talks with King Abdullah II and possibly US Secretary of State Colin Powell on the sidelines of the World Economic Forum, a Palestinian diplomat told AFP...
http://story.news.yahoo.com/news?tmpl=story&cid=1514&ncid=1312&e=10&u=/afp/20040514/wl_mideast_afp/mideast_jordan_wef_qorei_040514094057


World Bank to evaluate Gaza economy
The World Bank is discreetly preparing a report that at once evaluates the Palestinian economy in the Gaza Strip and assesses the potential contribution of evacuated settlements and their infrastructure to the future well being of the local population.
http://www.haaretz.com/hasen/spages/427422.html


Searching for meaning - By Azmi Bishara
Marx wrote that the Jews of Europe would be liberated when Europe freed itself of its Jewish complex. In like vein, the Palestinians will be liberated when the Arab world rids itself of its Palestinian complex, ie when it frees its will from the chains that bind it, from colonialist dependency on ignorance, myth and superstition.
http://weekly.ahram.org.eg/2004/690/sc4.htm


Right of Return
As Palestinians mark the 56th anniversary of the Nakba, or Palestinian catastrophe, they are surrounded, almost besieged, by checkpoints, travel and movement restrictions in addition to a colossal "Separation Wall" which has left them imprisoned in cantons and Bantustans.
http://weekly.ahram.org.eg/2004/690/profile.htm


Report: 'Let Them Suffocate'
The Arab Association for Human Rights (HRA) based in Nazareth recognizes that house demolitions inside the state of Israel are a government policy directed almost entirely against the country's Palestinian Arab citizens, who are both deprived of land on which to build homes and face grossly unfair obstacles to gaining permits to build on land they do own.
http://electronicintifada.net/v2/article2656.shtml


The Israeli Torture Template; Rape, Feces and Urine-Dipped Cloth Sacks
With mounting evidence that a shadowy group of former Israeli Defense Force and General Security Service (Shin Bet) Arabic-speaking interrogators were hired by the Pentagon under a classified "carve out" sub-contract to brutally interrogate Iraqi prisoners at Baghdad's Abu Ghraib prison, one only needs to examine the record of abuse of Palestinian...
http://www.unobserver.com/layout5.php?id=1661&blz=1


Sharon's nightmare - By: Dr. Mustafa Barghouti
Bush may publicly state his desire for a Palestinian state that is "viable, contiguous, sovereign and independent", but the president has already demonstrated that he will never intervene against Sharon's deliberate destruction of that state.
http://www.amin.org/eng/mustafa_barghouthi/2004/may13.html


The Meaningful Resistance, the Meaningless War
On the other side, and since the assassination of Sheikh Ahmed Yassin, resistance groups refrained or were not able to launch the repeatedly vowed revenge attacks. Army appeared to have triumphed and turned even more offensive. The past three days flipped the situation upside down.
http://www.imemc.org/headlines/2004/May/week2/051404/the%20meaningful.htm


Israel takes bloody revenge in Gaza for killing of soldiers
Four hundred metres of dual carriageway had been systematically blown up. All the street furniture - lamp posts, electricity poles, telephone booths, trees and water tanks - had been knocked down. The street was lined with burned out cars, walls had been punched out with explosives...
http://www.guardian.co.uk/israel/Story/0,2763,1216300,00.html


The road to Palestine
In addition, ANSWER, whose representatives were present at the convention, announced its plans to organise a march for the implementation of the right of return for Palestinian refugees and against the occupation of Iraq and Palestine, in front of the Pentagon on 5 June.
http://weekly.ahram.org.eg/2004/690/sc3.htm


Egypt says Israel doomed to fail in Gaza
"When a people is resisting occupation and the other side does not wish to abide by the rules of international law, then such conduct will not intimidate or frighten them," Foreign Minister Ahmed Maher told reporters.
http://www.alertnet.org/thenews/newsdesk/L14644617.htm


NYC plays hardball with Rachel Corrie protest defendants
"For our nonviolent protest, we are being punished more severely than the police officers who murdered Amadou Diallo," said defendant Lysander Puccio. "Meanwhile, President Bush is under investigation for the lies and manipulations used to launch the war on Iraq, the war we were protesting."
http://electronicintifada.net/v2/article2658.shtml


Bremer knew - The former Iraqi minister of human rights
The most painful case of human rights violations Turki informed Bremer of was that of a house raid in Mosul, northern Iraq. "The occupation forces attacked a house. An American soldier threw a grenade in a room then he closed the door. A mother and her four children were killed...
http://weekly.ahram.org.eg/2004/690/re3.htm


Italian troops will stay on only with Iraqi consent: Frattini
Italian Foreign Minister Franco Frattini said that without Iraq's permission, his country's troops would leave the US-led occupation after the June 30 transfer of power in Baghdad.
http://story.news.yahoo.com/news?tmpl=story&cid=1515&ncid=1515&e=7&u=/afp/20040514/wl_mideast_afp/us_italy_iraq_un_g8_040514191654


The humiliation bomb
Seymour Hersh, the journalist who broke the My Lai story more than 30 years ago and has been on the cutting edge of breaking the Abu Ghraib story, says that although My Lai killed more people, what happened in Vietnam was a tactical mistake. Abu Ghraib indicates a strategic mistake.
http://www.boston.com/news/globe/editorial_opinion/oped/articles/2004/05/14/the_humiliation_bomb/

May 13 2004

"If this wall is built, East Jerusalem is lost"
It says custodian, but this is just PR. They go to Gaza and kill dozens of people and they say that it's "proportionality." They know how to use words. Custodian sounds much better than saying confiscation. It's like the wall. It sounds better to say you are seizing land than confiscating it.
http://www.palestinereport.org/article.php?article=156


Caterkillar refuses to accept Housewrecker of the Year award
CATERPILLAR D9 bulldozers are used to demolish homes in acts of collective punishment breaching article four of the Geneva Convention. They are also used in the building of Israel’s apartheid wall, splitting Palestine into a series of ghettos separating hundreds of thousands of farmers from their lands.
http://www.indymedia.org.uk/en/2004/05/291298.html


Settlers step up activities in Jerusalem
In just over a month, settlers – always under Israeli police and army protection – took over two apartments in Abu Dis and a 70-dunam piece of land in the same area – in addition to the two Silwan buildings. They also set their sights on the Cliff Hotel, claiming the owners, under Israel’s absentee property law, were absentee landlords and the property therefore up for grabs.
http://www.palestinereport.org/article.php?article=362


Israeli Bulldozers Demolish Houses in Rafah
IOF destroyed Thursday several Palestinian houses in the refugee camp of Rafah... 131 houses were demolished in the Gaza Strip and 1100 citizens became homeless in the last ten days.
http://english.wafa.ps/body.asp?field=tech_news&id=674


15 killed, 185 wounded in al-Zaytoon Israeli Massacre
Palestinian official sources said on Thursday that 15 civilians were killed and 185 wounded, including 10 children, in the latest Israeli atrocious massacre in al-Zaytoon neighborhood of Gaza.
http://english.wafa.ps/body.asp?field=tech_news&id=676


Palestinian death toll rises to 12 in Israeli raids on Rafah
Medical sources said that in the first strike that was launched as the Israeli army were storming Rafah, where seven people were killed, while another five Palestinians were killed in the continuous air and ground strikes against Rafah.
http://news.xinhuanet.com/english/2004-05/13/content_1468239.htm


Family Says Soldiers Buried Wounded Son Alive; Death Toll Rises to 29
A Palestinian family has charged that Israeli Occupation Forces (IOF) buried their wounded son alive as US-made Israeli helicopter gunships bombed densely-populated refugee camps early Thursday...
http://www.palestinechronicle.com/story.php?sid=20040513110503115


Palestinian workers trapped inside their factory
Israeli occupation forces surrounded the Star Soda factory located on Salah Al-Din Street near the old car market. They trapped ten workers inside the factory and prohibited them to return to their homes. At the time this press release was written, the workers were still inside the factory, without food, electricity, bedding or a place to sleep.
http://electronicintifada.net/v2/article2646.shtml


Israeli Soldiers Prevent Palestinian Schoolboys from Reaching Schools
Ministry of Education told WAFA that Israeli soldiers opened fire and tear-gas canisters at students heading to schools, forcing them back home. The soldiers stormed the "al-Khader Secondary School" and smashed equipment and furniture.
http://english.wafa.ps/body.asp?field=tech_news&id=678


IOF Arrests 40 Civilians, Wounds Others in Hebron
Several civilians were wounded and 40 others arrested in Beit 'Awwa Village of Hebron City when Israeli Occupation Forces (IOF) stormed the village Thursday morning, Palestinian officials said.
http://english.wafa.ps/body.asp?field=tech_news&id=682


373 Palestinian Teens Abused in Israeli Jails
Two prominent international rights groups affirmed in reports released on Monday that at least 300 Palestinian teens are now routinely subjected to physical and psychological abuse in the jails of the Israeli Occupation Forces (IOF).
http://www.palestinechronicle.com/story.php?sid=2004051310535146


Scapegoat for Iraq
The proof of this "cabal" is the famous memorandum from 1996 written by several of the neo-conservatives after Benjamin Netanyahu became prime minister, in which they recommended attacking Iraq and stopping the Oslo process.
http://www.haaretz.com/hasen/spages/426884.html


Arafat calls on world to stop "Israeli crimes" following Gaza violence
"We call on the entire world to take immediate action, condemn and put an end to these Israeli crimes perpetrated against our people, children, women, institutions, our infrastructure and holy sites," Arafat was quoted as saying by the official WAFA news agency.
http://news.yahoo.com/news?tmpl=story&u=/afp/20040513/wl_mideast_afp/mideast_unrest_gaza_040513150723


EU sends aid to Palestinians as violence escalates
With almost half of Palestinians without proper access to food and water, the European Commission decided on Thursday to send 28 million euros ($33 million) in humanitarian aid due to escalating violence.
http://www.alertnet.org/thenews/newsdesk/L13641382.htm


NAM urges UN to send peacekeepers to prevent Mideast war
The United Nations should deploy peacekeepers to prevent the Israeli-Palestinian conflict sliding into fully-fledged war, the chairman of the 117-nation Non-Aligned Movement (NAM) warned.
http://story.news.yahoo.com/news?tmpl=story&cid=1514&ncid=1312&e=12&u=/afp/20040513/wl_mideast_afp/malaysia_mideast_nam_040513095931


Gazans trudge along beach to bypass Israeli closure
Hundreds of Palestinians trudged wearily along a beach to reach workplaces and schools in Gaza City on Thursday, dodging an Israeli military closure that cut the territory into three parts. "Even if they shoot, I have to go,"...
http://www.alertnet.org/thenews/newsdesk/L13661152.htm


Palestine delivers six Israeli soldiers' remains
According to the statement, the deal had been conditional on anIsraeli troop withdrawal from Gaza City's Zeitoun district which took place about an hour before the statement was issued.
http://news.xinhuanet.com/english/2004-05/13/content_1466489.htm


Abushbak: Handing Over Israeli Soldiers' Remains Came for Moral and Human Reasons
The Director of the Preventive Security in Gaza Strip, Colonel Rashid Abushbak, said that the handing over the remains of the Israeli soldiers who were killed in the Al Zaytoun neighborhood invasion on Tuesday were made possible with the help of Egyptian mediators and for moral reasons.
http://www.ipc.gov.ps/ipc_e/ipc_e-1/e_News/news2004/2004_05/073.html


From Unilateralism to Multilateralism: Suggestions to Rescue Middle East Peace - By: Dr. Hanan Ashrawi
By lending legitimacy to the Israeli occupation’s lawlessness and violations of international law, the US has ultimately negated UN resolutions, including 194, 242, 338, 1397, international humanitarian law, and all other legal foundations on which a viable and just peace must be based.
http://www.amin.org/eng/hanan_ashrawi/2004/may12.html


ANALYSIS: Militants' adoption of guerilla warfare
The success of three attacks in the last 10 days and their effect on the public will probably mean they will be expanded and possibly also copied in the West Bank. The system strengthens the image of Hamas and Islamic Jihad since they are perceived as fighting against a regular army rather than civilians.
http://news.haaretz.co.il/hasen/pages/ShArt.jhtml?itemNo=426841&contrassID=1&subContrassID=5&sbSubContrassID=0&listSrc=Y


Settlements And Master Plans
Ron Nachman is the mayor of this settlement, if it can be called that. It is actually a city, complete with housing, stores, banks, schools and a college -- the College of Judea and Samaria. About 18,000 people live here, and the place, like a Starbucks, is totally wired in a wireless fashion.
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/articles/A22621-2004May12.html


3rd annual Chicago Palestine Film Festival, June 4-20
The third annual Chicago Palestine Film Festival begins Friday, June 4, at the Gene Siskel Film Center. The festival moves to the Southwest Youth Collaborative on June 18. The selections this year include 20 films by Palestinian, Israeli, American and European filmmakers.
http://electronicintifada.net/v2/article2652.shtml


Syria dismisses effect of any U.S. sanctions
"But we feel that the pressure being applied by the United States smacks of injustice and double standards being applied" in the Middle East, Safar said. He said Washington was "carrying out Israeli policy in the region."
http://www.iht.com/articles/519640.html


Syrian leader rejects US demand
Mr Assad said "no leaders" of Hamas and Islamic Jihad were in Syria, but only the groups' political spokesmen, expelled from Israel. "If you ask them to go, where could they go?" he told US editors in Damascus, the AP news agency reported.
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/middle_east/3710757.stm


Shiite faction urges Najaf residents to demonstrate against Sadr followers
One of Iraq's main Shiite Muslimfactions urged residents of the holy city of Najaf Thursday to joina demonstration against the presence of radical cleric Moqtada al-Sadr's militiamen in the city.
http://news.xinhuanet.com/english/2004-05/14/content_1468296.htm


Rise in birth deformities blamed on Allies' deadly weaponry
The number of babies born deformed and children suffering leukaemia have soared because of the "deadly legacy" of depleted uranium shells used by British and American forces in Iraq, human rights campaigners claimed yesterday.
http://news.independent.co.uk/world/middle_east/story.jsp?story=520733


Moscow and Paris get tough on Iraq handover
France and Russia have raised the stakes on a new United Nations resolution on Iraq, warning they will only back a proposal that gives Iraqis genuine control over their political future. With seven weeks to go before the handover...
http://news.ft.com/servlet/ContentServer?pagename=FT.com/StoryFT/FullStory&c=StoryFT&cid=1083180464511&p=1012571727172


UNICEF 'disturbed' over child abuse claims
“Any mistreatment, sexual abuse, exploitation or torture of children in detention is a violation of international law,” UNICEF spokesman Damien Personnaz said. “UNICEF is profoundly disturbed by news reports alleging that children may have been among those abused.”
http://breakingnews.iol.ie/news/story.asp?j=44410006&p=444yx3x8

May 12 2004

Israeli Bulldozers Destroy Palestinian Houses in Jerusalem
Israeli Occupation Forces (IOF) destroyed Wednesday a residential building in Beit Hanina neighbourhood of Jerusalem, and handed demolition notifications to more than twenty-house owners, witnesses and Palestinian municipal sources said.
http://english.wafa.ps/body.asp?field=tech_news&id=670


Day of Action , Mass Mobilization in Trafalgar Square
On May 15th, Palestinian Nakba Day, the Palestine Solidarity Campaign in Britain is holding it's annual rally in Trafalgar Square. The event, which is expected to be the years largest mass mobilization in the UK in solidarity with Palestine, will focuss entirely on the Apartheid Wall.
http://stopthewall.org/worldwideactivism/514.shtml


Greek athlete asks to represent Palestine in 2004 Olympics
Greek javelin champion Sofia Sakorafa has submitted a request to the IOC Executive Committee asking to represent Palestine at the 2004 Athens Games in August, local media reported Monday. IOC is expected to respond by May 18 after its scheduled meeting.
http://news.xinhuanet.com/english/2004-05/11/content_1462146.htm


Gaza Siege: Delivery on Phone, Curfew and Intensive Fire
a pregnant woman from the tightly besieged neighbourhood of al-Zaytoon in Gaza, was forced to give birth at home as Israeli soldiers opened fire at the ambulance which tried to evacuate her to hospital, Palestinian medical sources told WAFA.
http://english.wafa.ps/body.asp?field=tech_news&id=666


Gaza blast kills 6 Israeli soldiers, wounds 5 -TV
"Six Israelis were killed and five wounded...some of the Israeli soldiers' remains were scattered 400 to 500 metres (yards) in this camp (Rafah)," correspondent Saifeddin Shaheen said. The militant group Islamic Jihad claimed responsibility for the explosion, which came one day after miltants killed six Israeli soliders...
http://www.alertnet.org/thenews/newsdesk/L12123127.htm


Four Palestinians killed in IAF raid in Gaza City
The missile, the second in the same immediate vicinity in less than two hours, killed four Palestinians and wounded 13 others, including a woman and two girls, witnesses said.
http://www.haaretz.com/hasen/spages/426308.html


Gaza Massacre: the Death Toll Rises to 9
a 12-year-old child, Ahmad 'Obeid and Mohammed Doghmosh 23, were killed Tuesday night by Israeli Occupation Forces (IOF) in Gaza. Earlier on Tuesday, seven others were killed during the Israeli running invasion...
http://english.wafa.ps/bodym.asp?field=tech_news&id=586


Islamic Jihad reaches deal with Red Cross to hand over Israeli remains
Khader Habib said that in return for the handover, the Israeliarmy would pull out from Gaza City and return the remains ofPalestinian militants. He declined to talk about when and where the remains would behanded over to Israel.
http://news.xinhuanet.com/english/2004-05/13/content_1465952.htm


IOF Wounds 6 Civilians in Nablus
the Israeli military vehicles, broke into the refugee camp, opened random fire and tear-gas canisters at the civilians, wounding six. One of the wounded was arrested by Israeli soldiers while being taken to hospital by ambulance...
http://english.wafa.ps/body.asp?field=tech_news&id=668


IOF Arrests 22 Civilians in WB
They said that four students were arrested Wednesday morning in the village of 'Anabta, east of Tulkarem, while sixteen others were arrested Tuesday overnight in the village of 'Azoun, near Qalqilya.
http://english.wafa.ps/body.asp?field=tech_news&id=665


Israeli Navy Said Firing Into Gaza City
An Israeli gunboat fired a shell into a sparsely populated Gaza City neighborhood near Palestinian leader Yasser Arafat's abandoned local headquarters Wednesday, Palestinian witnesses said, causing neither injuries nor damage.
http://www.myantiwar.org/view/18756.html


Qureia to discuss Rice meeting with Mubarak and Powell
Qureia will travel to Cairo on Friday for a meeting with the Egyptian president, Hosni Mubarak, where they will discuss the framework for negotiations between the prime minister and Rice, the highest ranking member of the U.S. Administration to meet with a Palestinian official in recent months.
http://www.haaretz.com/hasen/pages/ShArt.jhtml?itemNo=426749&contrassID=1&subContrassID=1&sbSubContrassID=0&listSrc=Y


Israel must withdraw from all occupied Arab lands: UN envoy
Larsen reiterated the UN stand on the Mideast peace process, calling for the implement of the resolutions of the UN Security Council to realize just and comprehensive peace in the region. The UN resolutions are the "only solution" to the Mideast problems, he said.
http://news.xinhuanet.com/english/2004-05/12/content_1463957.htm


High alert in Muqata in Ramallah
The Muqata in Ramallah, where PA chairman Yasser Arafat resides, has gone on high alert in the wake of the two attacks in Gaza in the last two days. Palestinian sources in the Muqata say they fear PA chairman Arafat could be harmed in retaliation for the attacks.
http://www.maarivintl.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=article&articleID=7284


Christian groups say ties with Israel 'worst' ever
Christian organizations in the Holy Land say ties with the Israeli government are the worst ever and have accused the Jewish state of denying visas to some clergy - making them unwelcome in the place of Jesus' birth.
http://www.haaretz.com/hasen/pages/ShArt.jhtml?itemNo=426759&contrassID=1&subContrassID=1&sbSubContrassID=0&listSrc=Y


Israel Appeals Press Pass Court Order
The Foreign Press Association, which represents international news organizations in Israel, the West Bank and Gaza, said it was "deeply disappointed" by the appeal. In a statement, it said the appeal "is a retrograde step for press freedom."
http://story.news.yahoo.com/news?tmpl=story&cid=540&ncid=540&e=2&u=/ap/20040512/ap_on_re_mi_ea/israel_press_challenge


Analysis / Gaza may be model for the West Bank
This type of action ostensibly legitimizes these organizations in the eyes of the Palestinians and the Arab public in general, as the attacks do not exceed what they perceive to be the framework of opposition to the occupation.
http://www.haaretz.com/hasen/spages/426334.html


Analysis / Reminders of Lebanon
Following this incident, supporters of a withdrawal from Lebanon outnumbered opponents for the first time. Yesterday's attack could provide a similar catalyst for public opposition to remaining in Gaza - and since Sharon is attentive to his constituents, it is likely to accelerate the disengagement.
http://www.haaretz.com/hasen/spages/426324.html


Analysis / Israel's main goal: Damage control
Sharon and Defense Minister Shaul Mofaz tried to isolate yesterday's incident in Zeitoun, describing it as a tragedy but not as an event of strategic significance. These types of mishaps occur in every war, was the message.
http://www.haaretz.com/hasen/spages/426319.html


Israeli parliament rejects bill barring Rabin's assassin from marrying
The coalition decided to oppose the bill, saying that it would damage the rights of the spouse, the report said. The bill, which was defeated in a 60 to 14 vote, states that "a prisoner convicted of murder and sentenced to life in prison will not be eligible to be married as long as his sentence has not been commuted."
http://news.xinhuanet.com/english/2004-05/12/content_1465933.htm


Terrorists, seven times
On May 2, policemen from the Nachshon unit of the Prison Services severely beat six Palestinian detainees who were brought from the Russian Compound to the military courtroom at Ofer for the commencement of their trial. The policemen beat the men in front of their families, lawyers and a few officers of the court.
http://www.haaretz.com/hasen/spages/426342.html


Arab League says Israel behind US sanctions on Syria
The head of the Arab League said that U.S. sanctions on Syria were inspired by Israel and would further hurt U.S.-Arab ties, already strained over Iraq and the Palestinian-Israeli conflict. He said Washington imposed the sanctions under Israeli influence.
http://www.deepikaglobal.com/ENG4_sub.asp?ccode=ENG4&newscode=52927


Syria criticizes sanctions, seeks dialogue with U.S.
The Syrian and Lebanese governments have criticized the U.S. imposition of sanctions on Syria as wrong and unfair, but Syria said it still seeks dialogue with U.S. President George W. Bush's administration.
http://www.haaretz.com/hasen/spages/426791.html


Look to Gaza to escape from the embarrassment in Iraq
Palestine and Iraq may be two very different issues for Washington, but Arabs - and most of the rest of the world, I think - see these as two sides of the single problem of American policy in the Middle East.
http://www.dailystar.com.lb/article.asp?edition_id=10&categ_id=5&article_id=3459


Defiant Sadr to fight on, not disband militia without religious authority
"We are ready for any US escalation and don't expect otherwise from the American occupation," he said at a press conference in this city's shrine to Imam Ali, the holiest place in Shiite Islam. "My desire is to die a martyr in this country."
http://story.news.yahoo.com/news?tmpl=story&cid=1515&ncid=1515&e=3&u=/afp/20040512/wl_mideast_afp/iraq_us_sadr


Italian opposition demands Iraq troops recall
"[Prime Minister Silvio] Berlusconi must come before parliament before he goes to the United States next Thursday and say that he is no longer acting as a vassal," Francesco Rutelli, leader of the Olive Tree coalition said.
http://www.abc.net.au/news/newsitems/s1106271.htm


So, Who's to Blame?
Rumsfeld has apologized. Or rather, he read a statement full of apology, now dutifully quoted in the media. Nothing in the rest of his testimony or his bearing, however, indicated the slightest remorse. Instead, with his usual nasal petulance, he lashed out against any suggestion that he had neglected to take proper action...
http://www.counterpunch.com/tilley05122004.html


Noam Chomsky: Transfer real sovereignty
With a decision, however reluctant, to transfer authentic sovereignty to Iraqis - not just the traditional facade for Great Power domination - there will be no justification for the huge diplomatic mission, apparently the world's largest, announced by the occupiers.
http://blog.zmag.org/ttt/archives/000379.html


FT says Bush should fire Rumsfeld over Iraqi prisoner scandal
"He (Bush) is not up to the job. This is not a moral judgment, but a practical one. The world is too complex and dangerous for the pious simplicities and arrogant unilateralism of George W. Bush," the FT said in a separate article.
http://story.news.yahoo.com/news?tmpl=story&cid=1515&ncid=1515&e=19&u=/afp/20040512/wl_mideast_afp/iraq_prisoners_us_britain_media_040512103334

May 11 2004

Greek javelin thrower wants to compete under Palestinian flag
Greek javelin thrower Sofia Sakorafa said Tuesday she has petitioned the International Olympic Committee to compete under the Palestinian flag at the Athens Games. Sakorafa, 47, who broke women's javelin record in 1982, claims she has become a Palestinian citizen...
http://www.haaretz.com/hasen/pages/ShArt.jhtml?itemNo=426209&contrassID=1&subContrassID=8&sbSubContrassID=0&listSrc=Y


Women's anti-barrier protest underway in Bidu
A women's demonstration against the 'security' barrier is underway in the village of Bidu. About 100 women are taking part in the protest.
http://www.maarivintl.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=article&articleID=7195


High Court will stop separation fence, defense officials fear
Senior officials in the defense establishment are worried about the future of the separation fence, following Supreme Court President Aharon Barak's announcement that the court's ruling on petitions against the fence's route north of Jerusalem is due only at the end of the year.
http://www.haaretz.com/hasen/spages/425921.html


O Jailed Town of Bethlehem
A network of trenches, barbed-wire fences, walls, and military checkpoints is closing off the holy city of Bethlehem. The siege is becoming harsher every day. "It is choking the Christian community," says the Rev. Alex Awad, dean of students at Bethlehem Bible College. "There is utter depression here."
http://www.christianitytoday.com/ct/2004/005/12.54.html


3 Houses Demolished, Gaza Divided
Witnesses said that Israeli bulldozers, backed by tanks, swept into the neighbourhood of Zo'rob, east of Rafah and destroyed two houses. The three-story Zo'rob house and the two-story Breika's were reduced into rubble in minutes.
http://english.wafa.ps/body.asp?field=tech_news&id=659


Palestinian child killed in Israeli helicopter raid on Gaza
A 12-year-old Palestinian was killed and five other people wounded when an Israeli helicopter fired a missile near a market in Gaza City, Palestinian medical sources said.
http://story.news.yahoo.com/news?tmpl=story&cid=1514&ncid=1312&e=7&u=/afp/20040511/wl_mideast_afp/mideast_unrest_toll_040511123823


8 Civilians Killed, 110 Wounded in al-Zaytoon Massacre
The number of Palestinians who were killed Tuesday in al-Zaytoon massacre in southern Gaza City by Israeli Occupation Forces (IOF) gunfire and Apache helicopters missiles mounted to eight and 110 others wounded, including 40 children, Palestinian medical sources reported.
http://english.wafa.ps/body.asp?field=tech_news&id=663


6 soldiers killed in Gaza; troops pour in as Strip cut in 3
Six Israel Defense Forces soldiers from the Givati Brigade's engineering company were killed in the Gaza Strip on Tuesday morning... IDF sources said the vehicle had been carrying explosives for demolishing workshops...
http://www.haaretz.com/hasen/spages/426159.html


Protesting against the deterioration of their human Conditions, Qadomeem Palestinian Detainees start an Open Hunger Strike
Palestinian detainees in Qadomeem Concentration Camp started an open hunger strike- since 8 May 2004- and it is still lasting till now. This was reported by Mohannad Ek Kharraz – lawyer of the Palestinian Detainee Club- after visiting the camp and meeting a number of those detainees.
http://www.ipc.gov.ps/ipc_e/ipc_e-1/e_News/news2004/2004_05/058.html


Militants set demands to return Israeli remains
"We possess the remains of your bodies that were thrown into the streets of Gaza. We have our demands to hand them over to the Zionist occupier," said a joint statement by Islamic Jihad and the al Aqsa Martyrs Brigades.
http://www.alertnet.org/thenews/newsdesk/L11347709.htm


Palestinian Girl Arrested in Tulkarem
The sources said that IOF troops stormed Wadi Shahin neighbourhood, broke into several houses, severely searched them, and arrested Nida' Jebril, leading her to an unknown location. Witnesses added that IOF turned al-Safa building in the city into a military post.
http://english.wafa.ps/body.asp?field=tech_news&id=661


1,100 Palestinians made homeless in Gaza in 10 days of destruction
In one of the most intense periods of destruction since the start of the intifada, the Israeli military has demolished, or damaged beyond repair, 131 residential buildings in the Gaza Strip in the last ten days. The demolitions have made 1,100 people newly homeless...
http://electronicintifada.net/v2/article2644.shtml


UN says Israel fired smoke bombs at its border post
"UNIFIL strongly protested to the Israel Defence Forces' intentional firing of three smoke rounds that directly hit a UNIFIL position during the exchange of fire with Hizbollah in the Shebaa Farms area on Friday morning," a U.N. official, who declined to be identified, said.
http://www.alertnet.org/thenews/newsdesk/L11284746.htm


Rajoub: Qureia to present Rice with plan for Palestinian state
Palestinian Prime Minister Ahmed Qureia will next week present U.S. National Security Advisor Condoleezza Rice with a plan for a new Palestinian state, based on the internationally-brokered road map to Middle East peace...
http://www.haaretz.com/hasen/spages/426194.html


How to perpetuate poverty
The Central Bureau of Statistics report on socioeconomic differences between the Arab and Jewish populations of Israel, released a few days ago, should come as no surprise. This partial data corroborate claims of discrimination and neglect by the state toward the Arab minority
http://www.haaretz.com/hasen/spages/425947.html


Bush Assures Palestinians on State in Letter
The comments were made in a letter to Palestinian Prime Minister Ahmed Qurie, the official said. Palestinians have been furious since Bush said last month that Israel could expect to keep parts of the West Bank under any final peace deal and ruled out chances that Palestinian refugees could return to former homes.
http://story.news.yahoo.com/news?tmpl=story&cid=564&ncid=564&e=18&u=/nm/20040511/ts_nm/mideast_usa_dc_3


Bush Urges Palestinians to Back Gaza Pullout
The letter came amid signs of renewed contacts between Washington and the Palestinians, who are furious at unprecedented assurances given by Bush to Israel last month in a bid to support the Gaza Strip pullout plan.
http://www.reuters.com/newsArticle.jhtml?type=topNews&storyID=5109440


Israeli confessed 'under duress' to killing peace activist
In a conflict that has seen thousands of deaths but only a handful of soldiers arrested, the trial of Sgt Idier Wahid Taysir for manslaughter was described as an historic one, a result of a campaign for justice by Mr Hurndall's family.
http://news.independent.co.uk/world/middle_east/story.jsp?story=520097


Annan 'disturbed' by latest cycle of deadly violence in Gaza
United Nations Secretary-General Kofi Annan is deeply disturbed by the alarming violence in Gaza City that started today, which left several Palestinians, including civilians and children, and at least six Israeli soldiers dead, his spokesman said.
http://www.un.org/apps/news/story.asp?NewsID=10697&Cr=middle&Cr1=east


Qurei says Palestinians to go for general election
Palestinian Prime Minister Ahmed Qurei announced on Monday that he would refer to the Quartet Committee asking for setting up a proper date for holding presidential and parliamentarian election in the Palestinian territories.
http://news.xinhuanet.com/english/2004-05/11/content_1461574.htm


Syria says US sanctions "unjust, unjustified"
Sanctions imposed on Syria by the United States are "unjust and unjustified," Prime Minister Mohammed Naji Otri said... But he added that "these sanctions will not have any affect on Suria," while calling on Washington "reverse its decision and not provoke problems between the two countries."
http://story.news.yahoo.com/news?tmpl=story&cid=1515&ncid=1515&e=5&u=/afp/20040511/wl_mideast_afp/us_syria_sanctions_reax_040511205020


Iran: We retaliate if israel hits our nuclear facilities
Iran's top nuclear negotiator warned Israel on Tuesday that his country would certainly retaliate if the Jewish state were to attack Iranian nuclear facilities.
http://www.haaretz.com/hasen/spages/426245.html


Conditions for Israel's Legitimacy as "the Jewish State in Palestine" have yet to be met!
Despite many reservations the UN eventually bought into the argument in 1949 with the understanding that there were certain conditions that Israel had to meet along with recognizing Palestine's right to self-government. Today most Zionists like to point out that Resolution 181 was non-binding, perhaps because they don't want to go back to the 55-45% borders proposed by the plan.
http://www.amin.org/eng/uncat/2004/may/may112.html


IS ISRAEL OBLIGED TO IMPLEMENT INTERNATIONAL HUMANITARIAN LAW?
There are two UNGA resolutions that interest us here: Resolution ES-10/13, adopted on 21 October 2003 , which requests Israel to stop the building of the wall in occupied Palestinian territory; and Resolution ES-10/14, adopted on 8 December 2003 in the 23rd meeting of the UNGA’s 10th Emergency Special Session.
http://www.imemc.org/opinion/2004/may/israel-intl-law-oped.htm


Bush and Sharon Pursue a Common Goal: Dominance Over the Middle East
Sharon aims to crush Palestinian resistance and maintain Israel’s continued dominance over the West Bank, Gaza, and the Golan Heights. Bush’s “Greater Middle East Initiative” aims at turning Arab governments into pro-Western, free-market states that will establish normal relations with Israel and encourage the Palestinians to make peace on Israel’s terms.
http://www.wrmea.com/archives/May_2004/0405006.html


A war cry from Israel highlights American double standards
Is it any wonder the United States' stock is at its lowest ebb on the Arab street, that it is seen as anything but an honest and impartial broker in the "road map" process to an Israeli-Palestinian settlement, that it is seen as the brutal, deceiving and hypocritical occupier of Iraq?
http://www.dailystar.com.lb/article.asp?edition_id=10&article_id=3417&categ_id=17


Israeli link possible in US torture techniques
The head of the American defense contracting firm implicated in the torture of Iraqis at Abu Ghraib prison has close ties to Israel and visited an Israeli "anti-terror" training camp in the occupied West Bank earlier this year.
http://electronicintifada.net/v2/article2641.shtml


Amnesty report lists 37 'disputed' killings by UK forces
Hanan Matrud, an eight-year-old girl shot dead by British troops in Basra. She is one of 37 Iraqi civilians killed in disputed circumstances by UK soldiers. Hanan Matrud was playing with three friends when a British Army Warrior armoured vehicle pulled up near her home in a village in southern Iraq.
http://news.independent.co.uk/world/middle_east/story.jsp?story=520103

May 10 2004

South Africa, Israel-Palestine, and the Contours of the Contemporary World Order
the Deputy Minister for Foreign Affairs and leader of the South African delegation, argued before the Court that "the separation wall is not a security wall, it is a wall to enforce occupation, a wall that has separated hundreds of thousands of Palestinians from their families, homes, lands, and religious sites."
http://www.zmag.org/content/showarticle.cfm?SectionID=22&ItemID=5489


Sami Hadawi, 100, struggled for a return
There was never to be a homecoming for a man who spent more than 50 years pursuing the dream of repatriation for his people. Sami Hadawi, a Canadian Palestinian scholar regarded as the most important Arab authority on the question of land ownership in the Holy Land, died in Toronto last month at age 100.
http://www.thestar.ca/NASApp/cs/ContentServer?pagename=thestar/Layout/Article_Type1&c=Article&cid=1084140608080&call_pageid=968350130169&col=969483202845


WOMEN'S DEMONSTRATION AGAINST THE WALL IN BIDDU TOMORROW
May 11, 2004 at 11:00 am Palestinian, Israeli and International women will gather at the Municipal council of Biddu and march to the worksite of the Israeli separation barrier to protest the continued construction of the barrier and the destruction of their land.
http://finance.groups.yahoo.com/group/palmedialert/message/181


Continued Expulsion and Land Confiscation in the North
With the completion of the Apartheid Wall in Qalqiliya district, Occupation forces have been using many different policies towards confiscating lands which have been isolated behind the Wall. One of the main strategies has been the establishment of the gates and permit system, and declaring the lands behind the Wall as a closed military areas...
http://stopthewall.org/latestnews/513.shtml


1,100 PALESTINIANS MADE HOMELESS IN GAZA IN 10 DAYS OF DESTRUCTION
In one of the most intense periods of destruction since the start of the intifada, the Israeli military has demolished, or damaged beyond repair, 131 residential buildings in the Gaza Strip in the last 10 days. The demolitions have made 1,100 people newly homeless...
http://www.un.org/News/Press/docs/2004/pal1979.doc.htm


Israeli tried for killing UK man
Mr Hurndall's mother, Jocelyn, sat just a few metres away from the accused soldier in the courtroom at a military base in southern Israel. She said she still found it difficult to believe that justice would be done.
http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/world/middle_east/3701157.stm


19 year-old Palestinian youth shot dead in Abu Dis
Faadi and his friends tried to run away but the soldiers fired on them. Faadi was shot in the head and killed. Witnesses say it took an ambulance over half an hour to reach Faadi’s body due to the wall, which has now isolated the village.
http://www.palestinemonitor.org/updates/19%20year-old%20Palestinian%20youth%20shot%20dead.htm


Israeli soldiers kill Palestinian northeast of Khan Younis
soldiers backed by tanks and armored vehicles thrust into the town and opened heavy machine gunfire at civilian houses, causing panic among residents, especially children. They said that Israeli soldiers shot Abu Haddaf and barred ambulances from rescue. The man was left bleeding to death.
http://www.ymlp.com/pubarchive_show_message.php?iapinfo+2509


Peace Now: Existing outposts strengthened in 2004
Five access roads leading to outposts have been paved this year and three roads have been paved inside outposts, the report found. Peace Now said 26 permanent buildings have been built and 25 are in the process of being built in six outposts.
http://www.haaretz.com/hasen/pages/ShArt.jhtml?itemNo=425783&contrassID=1&subContrassID=5&sbSubContrassID=0&listSrc=Y


Rights groups: Israel imprisons, abuses Palestinian youths
The groups charged that the treatment of Palestinian child prisoners by Israeli authorities amounts to a pattern of violence that has gone unchecked for years. "The children are physically and mentally abused, and they are deprived of their family and an education," said Tov Myhrman, a program adviser based in Jerusalem for Save the Children-Sweden.
http://www.haaretz.com/hasen/spages/425849.html


The Israeli Torture Template
According to a political appointee within the Bush administration and U.S. intelligence sources, the interrogators at Abu Ghraib included a number of Arabic-speaking Israelis who also helped U.S. interrogators develop the "R2I" (Resistance to Interrogation) techniques.
http://www.counterpunch.org/madsen05102004.html


Jewish settlers set up new Gaza Strip neighbourhood
An AFP correspondent says three bulldozers have been levelling ground about 100 metres from the Katif settlement, in preparation for the construction of the neighbourhood.
http://www.abc.net.au/news/newsitems/s1105365.htm


5 Civilians Including Woman Arrested in Nablus
Israeli Occupation Forces (IOF) swept Monday into the two refugee camps of Balata and 'Askar, near Nablus, and arrested five Palestinian citizens, including a woman, witnesses and Palestinian security sources said.
http://english.wafa.ps/body.asp?field=tech_news&id=653


Palestinian militants fire rocket at Israeli army base
They both said that the anti-tank rocket hit the Israeli army base on the border between the town and Egypt. A huge explosion was heard, but no injuries among the soldiers were reported, they added.
http://news.xinhuanet.com/english/2004-05/10/content_1461514.htm


Cliff Hotel Confiscated by Occupation Forces in Abu Dis
The hotel was under repair when the Occupation forces declared it empty and abandoned and should therefore fall under the custody of the so called "guardian of absentees property." This then allowed the Occupation forces to take over...
http://stopthewall.org/latestnews/512.shtml


Barenboim's attack on Israel angers Katsav, Livnat
"Is there logic to the independence of one people if the cost is a blow to the fundamental rights of another people? Can the Jewish people, whose history is full of suffering and persecution, allow itself to be apathetic about the rights and suffering of a neighboring people?
http://www.haaretz.com/hasen/pages/ShArt.jhtml?itemNo=425411&contrassID=1&subContrassID=7&sbSubContrassID=0&listSrc=Y


Report: Qureia to press Rice on Gaza pullout, W. Bank fence
Palestinian Prime Minister Ahmed Qureia will ask U.S. National Security Adviser Condoleezza Rice for clarifications and assurances on a number of Israeli policies during their upcoming meeting...
http://www.haaretz.com/hasen/pages/ShArt.jhtml?itemNo=425696&contrassID=1&subContrassID=1&sbSubContrassID=0&listSrc=Y


Palestine wants NAM nations to suspend ties with Israel
International Movement of a Just World president Dr Chandra Muzaffar had also urged the Arab League to recall their envoys from Washington as a way of registering a diplomatic protest against US injustices in the Middle East.
http://www.emedia.com.my/Current_News/NST/Monday/National/20040510091030/Article/indexb_html


Arab foreign ministers optimistic they can avoid new summit fiasco
Arab officials expressed confidence there would be no repetition of the disastrous wrangling that aborted the Arab League's annual summit in March as they wrapped up three days of preparatory talks for a new meeting.
http://story.news.yahoo.com/news?tmpl=story&cid=1515&ncid=1515&e=5&u=/afp/20040510/wl_mideast_afp/arab_meeting_040510195733


Palestinian Cabinet to Hold Local Vote
The Palestinian Authority decided Monday to hold its first-ever municipal elections and appealed for international help in setting a date for general elections, in an attempt to restore the legitimacy of Palestinian leaders.
http://abcnews.go.com/wire/World/ap20040510_613.html


Evacuating Sharon - a choice for peace
In its eagerness to support the Sharon plan, the Labor Party abandoned the two principles of the Oslo agreement: First of all, Oslo's objective is not the evacuation of the settlements, but a peace deal.
http://www.haaretz.com/hasen/spages/425452.html


Rabbis Criticize Evangelicals in Israel
Troubling to Israelis is the fact that one influential group of evangelicals believes in a final, apocalyptic battle between good and evil in which Jesus returns and Jews either accept him or perish — a vision that causes obvious discomfort among Jews.
http://story.news.yahoo.com/news?tmpl=story&cid=540&ncid=540&e=5&u=/ap/20040510/ap_on_re_mi_ea/israel_evangelicals


Abu Ghraib photos left on vandalised Gaza graves
Vandals damaged 30 gravestones at the Commonwealth war cemetery near Gaza City and plastered others with photographs of coalition soldiers in Iraq abusing detainees in Abu Ghraib prison.
http://news.ft.com/servlet/ContentServer?pagename=FT.com/StoryFT/FullStory&c=StoryFT&cid=1083180395412&p=1012571727172


Number of poor families rises by 5 percent
Following four years of stability, the number of poor families in Israel apparently grew last year by more than five percent and stood at 18.5 percent of the families in the country.
http://www.haaretz.com/hasen/spages/425860.html


Silence in the court
The policeman sat him down forcibly, pushed him down onto the bench. After he pushed him, the detainee stood up again. The other detainees stood up to tell him to let him talk to his family and then about 10 policemen came in. They attacked the people and a whole mess broke out.
http://www.haaretz.com/hasen/spages/424702.html


U.S. to impose sanctions on Syria this week
"We've asked them to do some things and they haven't responded," Bush said. "And Congress passed a law saying that if Syria will not join - for example, booting out a Hezbollah office out of Damascus - that the president has the right to put sanctions on."
http://www.haaretz.com/hasen/spages/425866.html


Iraqi girl frustrated after suffering from US military actions
"Mariam was very active, she was just like an adult woman standing with me to offer help in everything, until the bombs of the Americans tried to take her away from me," said the mother.
http://english.eastday.com/epublish/gb/paper1/1263/class000100006/hwz193747.htm


Draft Arab resolution on Iraq urges UN to help end US-led occupation
The draft welcomes all relevant UN Security Council resolutions,particularly those calling for a timetable to transfer power to theIraqi people, the report said. The document also stresses the "importance of preserving Iraq'sterritorial integrity, respect for Iraq's sovereignty and unity andcommitment not to interfere in its internal affairs."
http://news.xinhuanet.com/english/2004-05/10/content_1459433.htm


New pictures and further allegations deepen the mire for Bush and Rumsfeld
Shocking new pictures of US soldiers using dogs against naked Iraqi prisoners emerged yesterday - along with compelling fresh evidence that the mistreatment and abuse were a widespread practice, extending beyond the jail of Abu Ghraib.
http://news.independent.co.uk/world/middle_east/story.jsp?story=519724

May 08 2004

If foxes could talk
If bats and flowers could talk, and if foxes, hyenas and butterflies also had the gift of speech, they would almost certainly ask: "Why are they silent? Why don't they help us? Wouldn't they be appalled and send up a hue and cry if a fence were installed in their home?"
http://www.haaretz.com/hasen/spages/425092.html


IOF Sets Ablaze a Palestinian Home in Khan Younis
WAFA News Agency reported today evening that the IOF shelled and fired tanks missiles at Palestinian-owned homes in Khan Younis, as a result the said home was destroyed by fire.
http://www.ipc.gov.ps/ipc_e/ipc_e-1/e_News/news2004/2004_05/045.html


IPC Conference on the Second Anniversary of the Palestinian Expelled Day
Marking the second anniversary of the expulsion of 39 citizens from the Nativity Church in Bethlehem to Gaza Strip and several European countries, the Palestinian expelled citizens demanded the international community to work on solving their problem and return them to their hometown.
http://www.ipc.gov.ps/ipc_e/ipc_e-1/e_News/news2004/2004_05/043.html


Key to the Past
At her home in the Ala Mari refugee camp in Ramallah, the West Bank, 68-year-old Naiemeh al-Sarraj shows her family pieces of their history — a rusted key and tattered deeds from the British Mandate government that ruled Palestine in the 1940s.
http://abcnews.go.com/sections/WNT/World/right_of_return_040509-1.html


House Demolished, 2 Citizens Wounded in Gaza
Witnesses told WAFA that Israeli tanks and bulldozers incurred, early on Sunday, into the village of al- Qarara and destroyed the house of Suleiman Abu Hajjaj, and damaged the infrastructure in the area.
http://english.wafa.ps/body.asp?field=tech_news&id=643


Israeli forces fire rocket at Palestinian car
They said the Israeli military boat approached the northern Gazastrip's shores and fired a rocket towards the car, whose passengers were slightly injured when the rocket missed its target and exploded nearby.
http://news.xinhuanet.com/english/2004-05/09/content_1459231.htm


3 Children Wounded, 2 Arrested in West Bank
children were shot and wounded by Israeli soldiers in the refugee camp of al-Jalazoun, near Ramallah... Medical sources said the three children received first aid at the clinic of the camp and were transferred to Ramallah governmental hospital.
http://english.wafa.ps/body.asp?field=tech_news&id=645


IOF Shoots to Death Two Palestinians in Gaza
Israeli sources said that a citizen was shot dead near the Nitzarim junction in the heart of Gaza Strip. In southern Gaza Strip, another citizen was also killed by the IOF near the Sofa crossing...
http://www.ipc.gov.ps/ipc_e/ipc_e-1/e_News/news2004/2004_05/038.html


Israeli court postpones trial of PFLP leader
"I am under the detention of an occupying power, therefore, my arrest is illegal because I fight for the Palestinian cause and I am a member in a Palestinian political institution and it is my duty to work on ending the occupation," he said.
http://news.xinhuanet.com/english/2004-05/09/content_1459242.htm


Silence in the court
I saw a heap of policeman, maybe eight or 10 of them, flailing and flailing, and I could see some heads, legs, arms of the beaten detainees, maybe three of them, or four, who were lying on the floor. The lawyers shouted `Why? Why? Why?' and the police officer in charge shouted, `Guys, guys, get all the lawyers out of here,'
http://www.haaretz.com/hasen/spages/424687.html


Children War Games are Real in East Jerusalem
An Israeli soldier carrying an (M-16) automatic rifle is shooting at a group of kids throwing stones at him. One of the stone throwing kids falls on the ground while the rest of them throw more stones to distract the soldier so they can carry their friend and take him to the hospital.
http://www.imemc.org/headlines/2004/May/week2/050904/children%20war.htm


Sharon promises new version of Gaza pullback plan, cancels US trip
Israeli Prime Minister Ariel Sharon vowed to reformulate a Gaza pullback plan rejected by his own party last week and announced he was cancelling a trip to Washington to give him time to present the new version to ministers by the end of the month.
http://www.channelnewsasia.com/stories/afp_world/view/84018/1/.html


Mofaz urges preparation of alternative to pullout plan
Finance Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, in a private meeting with Prime Minister Ariel Sharon on Sunday, also urged the prime minister to come up with an alternative to his disengagement plan.
http://www.haaretz.com/hasen/spages/425104.html


Hamas says to amnesty collaborators if they regret
"If you reveal information to us, we pledge not to harm you or reveal your identities and protect yours lives and will never inform your families about your past collaborations." Hamas said ina communique issued on Sunday.
http://news.xinhuanet.com/english/2004-05/09/content_1459190.htm


Non-Aligned Countries’ Ministerial Committee Discusses Situation in oPt
The President of the Non-aligned counties in the United Nations, Malaysia, declared yesterday that a ministerial committee linked to the non-aligned countries was scheduled to meet in the Malaysian city of Putrajaya, on May 13, to discuss the situation in the occupied Palestinian territories (oPt).
http://www.ipc.gov.ps/ipc_e/ipc_e-1/e_News/news2004/2004_05/040.html


Arab FMs keep lid on talks on thorny issue of political reform
Arab foreign ministers turned their focus to the thorny issue of political reform, on the second day of closed-door talks aimed at preventing a repetition of the embarrassing collapse of an annual summit in March.
http://story.news.yahoo.com/news?tmpl=story&cid=1515&ncid=1515&e=10&u=/afp/20040509/wl_mideast_afp/arab_meeting_040509124439


Striking Similarities in Torturing Techniques
Tens of thousands of Palestinians who have served time in Israeli prisons see striking similarities between their case and that of Iraqis. Thousands of files prepared by human rights organizations show that torturing techniques used in Abu Ghuraib are almost identical to those used against Palestinian prisoners.
http://www.imemc.org/headlines/2004/May/week2/050904/striking%20similarities.htm


Israel to Reveal Nuclear Weapons to UN: Jerusalem Post
Gabriella Guffney, Israel’s permanent ambassador to the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) said Tel Aviv is going to sign the nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT) under the condition that it will be recognized as the only nuclear power in the region.
http://www.tehrantimes.com/Description.asp?Da=5/9/2004&Cat=4&Num=001


US: Israel may strike Iranian nuclear plants
Israel may be preparing to attack Iranian nuclear facilities within the year, according to US administration assessments reported on Army Radio Saturday morning. The UPI news service says President George Bush and Prime Minster Ariel Sharon recently discussed the subject at their most recent meeting.
http://www.jpost.com/servlet/Satellite?pagename=JPost/JPArticle/Printer&cid=1083998346048&p=1078027574121


ILA agrees to allow Israeli Arab family to build in Jewish town
The Ka'adans filed a petition with the High Court, through the Association for Civil Rights in Israel, about six months ago claiming that the ILA and the Katzir Cooperative Association had failed to meet a High Court decision from 2000 to allow the family to settle in the northern town.
http://www.haaretz.com/hasen/spages/425397.html


And the walls came tumbling down
Dahar and Sukenik say the situation in the old city has deteriorated since budgets for social services were cut. The cuts hurt the weak, says Sukenik, "especially those living in the old city, who are all Arabs." "Here every blow is double," adds Dahar.
http://www.haaretz.com/hasen/spages/425102.html


Analysis / No withdrawal from the withdrawal
Something interesting happened to the disengagement plan after its rejection by the Likud membership a week ago: From an initiative of Prime Minister Ariel Sharon, it suddenly became an international plan led by the U.S.
http://www.haaretz.com/hasen/spages/425081.html


Analysis / An important month for Hezbollah
One of them is the fact that this is May, the month that in Lebanon is considered the victory of Hezbollah over the IDF. The group is planning a number of ceremonies to celebrate the fourth anniversary of the IDF withdrawal...
http://www.haaretz.com/hasen/spages/425065.html


Barenboim on the West Bank
As the disciplined musician he is, Mr. Barenboim explained how he and his late friend, Dr. Said, created the Barenboim-Said Foundation in order to promote "music in education" and "educational music" ­ two distinct goals as stated by Mr. Barenboim.
http://www.counterpunch.com/bahour05082004.html


Mass Demonstration - 15.5.04 - Kikar Rabin
A small minority of settlers has taken over the government and country - The disengagement plan has failed - and the government of Sharon and Lapid are not offering any alternative options for an end to the conflict! Now the majority is saying - ENOUGH!
http://www.peacenow.org.il/English.asp?Redirect=5&ActivityID=556


US military confirms existence of horrific pictures and video
The Bush administration was bracing itself last night for the release of new pictures and video footage from Abu Ghraib which show US soldiers having sex with an Iraqi woman prisoner, troops almost beating a prisoner to death, and the rape of young boys by Iraqi guards at the jail.
http://news.independent.co.uk/world/americas/story.jsp?story=519448


U.K. Knew of Iraqi Abuse Claims in Feb.
Britain was told in February of Red Cross allegations that British and American troops had abused Iraqi prisoners, Prime Minister Tony Blair's office said Saturday. The spokesman, speaking on condition of anonymity, would not say if any action was taken.
http://story.news.yahoo.com/news?tmpl=story&cid=540&ncid=540&e=12&u=/ap/20040509/ap_on_re_mi_ea/britain_iraq_prisoner_abuse


How the Bush Gang Exploited 9/11
In the days that followed September 11, 2001, the US rulers immediately recognised that those awful acts of mass murder had provided them with a golden opportunity to achieve the US capitalist ruling class' long-held objective of unchallenged world domination...
http://www.counterpunch.com/dixon05082004.html


Saddam was badly wounded in 1991 Gulf war, doctor reveals
"He was injured in the jaw which had a major deep wound in a semi-circle right to the bone. He had also been cut on his left cheek and over his eyebrow. The little finger on his right hand had been cut and was hanging off.
http://story.news.yahoo.com/news?tmpl=story&cid=1515&ncid=1515&e=8&u=/afp/20040509/wl_mideast_afp/iraq_saddam_wounded_040509122648

May 07 2004

Wall Construction Begins at Qalandiya
On May 5th and 6th Occupation forces began construction of the Apartheid Wall in the lands adjacent to the Qalandiya checkpoint, alongside the nearby airport. In only 24 hours the work crews installed more than 60 blocks, with many more laying on the ground, ready to be lifted into place.
http://stopthewall.org/photos/510.shtml


More than 350 Palestinian Patients Denied Treatment Abroad by IOF
The Palestinian Health Ministry (PHM) asserted on Friday that the Israeli occupying forces (IOF) have denied travel of more than 350 sick people from Gaza strip to abroad for treatment, pointing out the shortage of Babies powder milk, vaccinations and medicines.
http://www.ipc.gov.ps/ipc_e/ipc_e-1/e_News/news2004/2004_05/031.html


And then there was one
On the way back from Jenin we heard about the killing of the mother and four daughters of the Hatuel family, from Gush Katif. Athidel and Mazan Azuka have lost two sons, and their killings are not considered criminal acts of murder. Mazan, a grocer, and his wife, Athidel, had three sons, and now only one is left.
http://www.haaretz.com/hasen/spages/424120.html


IOF Kills Civilian in Nablus, Demolishes 5 Houses in Khanyounis
IOF troops opened random fire at the civilians’ houses in the village and instantly killed a civilian. They also imposed a tight curfew on the city. Meanwhile in Gaza, IOF bulldozers demolished Friday evening five civilian houses in Khanyounis City area of al-Satar al-Gharbi
http://english.wafa.ps/body.asp?field=tech_news&id=640


2 Civilians Arrested in Jenin, Incursion into Nablus
Israeli soldiers backed by tanks and armoured vehicles swept into Qabatia village, south of Jenin, and launched a door-to-door search campaign, arresting two civilians. Israeli soldiers and tanks opened heavy machine gunfire at civilians' houses, causing a state of panic among women and children.
http://english.wafa.ps/body.asp?field=tech_news&id=642


6 Palestinians hurt in E. J'lem blast caused by gas leak
Six Palestinians were hurt, three of them seriously, in an explosion caused by a gas leak in a store near the central bus station in East Jerusalem, close to the Old City's Damascus Gate.
http://www.haaretz.com/hasen/spages/425057.html


IOF Closes Al-Haram Al-Ibrahimi Mosque, Arrests Civilians
Israeli occupying forces (IOF) closed Saturday the Al-Haram Al-Ibrahimi mosque in the West Bank City of Hebron, a mosque that is viewed by Muslim Palestinians as not less holy than the Jerusalem-based Al-Aqsa Mosque.
http://www.ipc.gov.ps/ipc_e/ipc_e-1/e_News/news2004/2004_05/035.html


IDF prevents Palestinian women from attending peace convention
The kick-off convention of Israeli and Palestinian women who support the Geneva Accord scheduled for tomorrow has been canceled, after the IDF refused to permit most Palestinian participants to enter Jerusalem.
http://www.maarivintl.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=article&articleID=7068


Not Only Jews Refuse Military Service in the IOF
The newspaper quoted Nafa’a as saying that the Israeli military authorities arrested last month 40 Arab youth of the Muslim Druze, for refusing military service in the Israeli forces in the occupied Palestinian territories.
http://www.ipc.gov.ps/ipc_e/ipc_e-1/e_News/news2004/2004_05/034.html


Qureia: Plenty of time to reach peace treaty by end of 2005
Qureia was reacting to a statement by U.S. President George Bush according to which the 2005 target date for a Palestinian state may be unrealistic, "I hope that this is not final," Qureia said, adding that the remarks were "a contradiction to what President Bush declared."
http://www.haaretz.com/hasen/spages/424987.html


Bush pleases Israel, riles Palestinians
But Israel gleefully seized on Bush's open questioning of the timetable set out in an international peace road map. Israel welcomed the comments but went further, ruling out any possibility of Palestinian statehood next year.
http://www.theage.com.au/articles/2004/05/08/1083911459682.html


Arafat: State on 2005 more realistic
Arafat said "according to the agreements we signed at the White House, Wye River, Camp David, Sharm El-Sheikh, Taba and the Mitchell agreement we were supposed to announce the establishment of the Palestinian state by the years 1998 and 1999."
http://news.xinhuanet.com/english/2004-05/08/content_1457400.htm


Palestinian Court in Gaza to Look in 43 Cases of Informers
Zaqut affirmed that the judicial system is dealing with this issue as cases of spying for the enemy in accordance with the International Law, in terms of providing guarantees for the suspects. He also assured that the punishment will be based on the international law.
http://www.imemc.org/headlines/2004/May/week2/050804/informers-cases.htm


Arafat contacts Syria's Assad
The official Syrian News Agency, SANA, said Assad met with Palestinian Culture Minister Yahya Yakhluf in the presidential palace in Damascus, during which the latter delivered a letter from Arafat on developments in the Palestinian territories.
http://www.washtimes.com/upi-breaking/20040508-031635-4893r.htm


Powell, Rice to Meet With Mideast Leaders
In parallel moves, Secretary of State Colin Powell will meet with Palestinian and Arab leaders attending an economic conference in Jordan next weekend. And Bush's national security adviser, Condoleezza Rice, will confer in Berlin on May 17 with Ahmed Qureia...
http://www.guardian.co.uk/uslatest/story/0,1282,-4065710,00.html


May 15th Proclaimed Day of Anger out of Solidarity with the Palestinian People
The conference of Arab parties, which proceedings wound up Thursday in Amman, proclaimed May 15th of every year a day of anger out of solidarity with the Palestinian people and support to its rights for freedom and independence.
http://www.aps.dz/an/pageview.asp?ID=62477


Lieberman Calls Again for Transferring Arab residents
Israeli Minister of Transportation, leader of the right wing "Haihud Ha Leumi" the National Union Party, Avigdor Lieberman reiterated his call for transferring the Arabs from Israel in order to establish a Jewish state without any Arab resident.
http://www.imemc.org/headlines/2004/May/week2/050804/lieberman.htm


Israel proposes land swap with Egypt to enlarge Gaza
National Security Council chief Major General Giora Eiland's plan calls on Egypt to give 600 square kilometers in the Sinai Peninsula to Palestinians. In return, Israel would hand over 200 square kilometers of land in the southern Negev desert to Egypt, including a tunnel linking it to Jordan.
http://www.dailystar.com.lb/article.asp?edition_id=10&categ_id=2&article_id=3381


Labor appeals to Anglos to get active
With the launching of a new English language lecture series later this month, Labor activists are hoping to appeal to a community that they say has traditionally steered clear of left-wing party politics, despite the fact that many of its members do vote for left wing parties.
http://www.haaretz.com/hasen/spages/424756.html


A Guiding Light Falls on Ramallah
Mr. Barenboim reiterated the need for “all sides” to look beyond the borders issue and economic issues, and so forth, but to realize that without the presence of social justice peace will not come to the region.
http://electronicintifada.net/v2/article2638.shtml


Tulkarem Refugee Camp; A Story of an Endless Suffering
currently more than 120 most of them are between 14 – 20 years old sit in Israeli jails, all arrested during the different military offensive at the camp. Meanwhile, more than 30 homes have been demolished by the army and more than 800 partially damaged.
http://www.imemc.org/features/2004/may/tulkarem.htm


Not for the faint-hearted
"I used to publish a lot of articles in Israel, but since the intifada started, more and more of the articles I submitted were rejected," he says. "I stopped writing for Maariv about a year ago when I felt that they were using me as a fig leaf."
http://www.haaretz.com/hasen/spages/424123.html


Benny Begin - my kind of guy
Moreover, in the battle of forces - and our commentators mainly like politics of force - Begin this time wiped the floor with Sharon and Olmert. The power of ideology has not yet vanished completely, and that's probably the only positive thing in the whole fiasco of the referendum and its results.
http://www.haaretz.com/hasen/spages/424697.html


Good will hunting
`Shimrit' from the Mossad and `Abdullah' from the Palestinian security service make a secret peace agreement - in a production presented in the U.S. in recent weeks by two Israelis: a Jewish actress and an Arab actor.
http://www.haaretz.com/hasen/spages/424685.html


Suicide bombers driven more by politics than religious fundamentalism
This use of life as a weapon - now exercised mainly by Islamic youths - is frequently presented as the manifestation of Islamic fanaticism. But studies by serious scholars and recent surveys show that the spate of suicide attacks in the Middle East is linked more to politics than to religion.
http://electronicintifada.net/v2/article2637.shtml


Due to Hardships, Arab Summit Delayed Once Again
It seems that Arab foreign ministers, who are meeting in Cairo to prepare for the Arab summit, are leaning to delay it once more from May 22 to May 29. Arab foreign ministers started their meetings on Saturday morning in the Arab League headquarters in the Egyptian Capital.
http://www.imemc.org/headlines/2004/May/week2/050804/arab%20summit.htm


Iraqi Girl Aged 12 was stripped and beaten by military personnel
He said: "They brought a 12-year-old girl into our cellblock late at night. Her brother was a prisoner in the other cells. "She was naked and screaming and calling out to him as they beat her. Her brother was helpless and could only hear her cries. This affected all of us because she was just a child.
http://www.informationclearinghouse.info/article6163.htm


If We See Our Enemies As Inhuman, Then We Ourselves End Up As Savages - by Robert Fisk
Our enemies are savages. So are we. First we learn to hate our enemies and bestialise them - and then we bellow our wrath and take our revenge when our enemies oblige us by behaving in exactly the way we expect them to. And then we torture them and humiliate them.
http://www.zmag.org/content/showarticle.cfm?SectionID=15&ItemID=5478

May 06 2004

Endless Confiscation and Displacement in Qattana
Six houses are currently threatened with demolition and almost 50 people are facing displacement in Qattana, North West Jerusalem. The six houses are located to the south of the village. The owners of the houses all acquired proper building licenses from the Occupation administration in 1978.
http://stopthewall.org/latestnews/509.shtml


Solidarity and struggle continue in Biddu
Today the people of the West Bank village of Biddu continued their protests against the Apartheid Wall that the Israel government is building through their land. Over the past two months, five people have been killed by the Israeli military during non-violent protests against the Wall in Biddu and over 400 wounded.
http://www.palsolidarity.org/reports/writings/6May04_12_05_33JerusalemISMBiddu.htm


A West Bank town tries to protest the wall nonviolently
Israeli participant Molly Malekar says that she and Palestinian and foreign organizers ruled out male participation to ensure that Israeli security forces would not feel threatened. "The security forces have crossed the red lines." Police say the women were engaged in a riot.
http://www.csmonitor.com/2004/0506/p05s01-wome.htm


West Bank barrier is catastrophic, says Barenboim
"I cannot bring down the wall even if I bring here 300 musicians" he said. "But I will do everything I can to make cultural penetration in any way possible," he added. Barenboim, along with the late Colombia University Professor of Palestinian origin Edward Said, established the Barenboim-Said Foundation in 1999.
http://www.expatica.com/source/site_article.asp?subchannel_id=52&story_id=7317


Israel Commences Construction of an Apartheid Wall in Gaza Strip
Shaol Mofaz, declared yesterday during an interview with the Israeli radio station, that Israel has been deliberating on building a "barrier" to ensure the protection for the illegitimate settlements in southern Gaza Strip as well as the roads leading to these settlements.
http://www.ipc.gov.ps/ipc_e/ipc_e-1/e_News/news2004/2004_05/025.html


Israel 'Rewards' a Soldier for Killing a Child in Jenin by 'Public Service'
The family of Mohammed Zaid, 16, expressed their extreme resentment over the Israeli martial court's decision of two months in actual prison for the Israeli soldier who killed their son Mohammed in a village near Jenin.
http://www.ipc.gov.ps/ipc_e/ipc_e-1/e_News/news2004/2004_05/026.html


IOF Intimidates School Pupils in Nablus and Salfeet
"To protect the pupils' lives we allowed them to go home in groups, yet the Israeli soldiers impeded their way home," he added. Eyewitnesses reported that the IOF intentionally opened fire and fired stun grenades to terrify the pupils while getting out of their schools.
http://www.ipc.gov.ps/ipc_e/ipc_e-1/e_News/news2004/2004_05/027.html


Weekly Report: On Israeli Human Rights Violations in the Occupied Palestinian Territories
This week, 15 Palestinians, mostly civilians, including 5 children, were killed by Israeli occupying forces. One of the children was killed by the explosion of a suspicious object of the remainders of Israeli occupying forces.
http://www.pchrgaza.org/files/W_report/English/2004/06-05-2004.htm


IOF Executes Two Palestinians
Witnesses mentioned that the Israeli soldiers opened fire directly towards Al Golani without any reason. Also, The Israeli occupying forces (IOF) extra-judicially executed a citizen inside his house in Nablus.
http://www.ipc.gov.ps/ipc_e/ipc_e-1/e_News/news2004/2004_05/022.html


2 Houses Dynamited, 7 Others Demolished in Rahfah
Eyewitnesses said that around twenty-six armoured vehicles and tanks backed by Apache helicopters rolled into al-Brazil neigbourhood, south of Rafah city, and opened heavy machinegun fire at civilians' houses.
http://english.wafa.ps/body.asp?field=tech_news&id=631


IOF Arrests Hebron University Students
They told WAFA that the IOF troops incurred at pre-dawn into the city under intensive fire at civilians. They launched a heavy search campaign and brutally arrested 15 university students.
http://english.wafa.ps/body.asp?field=tech_news&id=636


UN approves resolution saying Palestinians have 'right to sovereignty'
The United Nations General Assembly on Thursday voted 140-6 to approve a resolution that says the Palestinians "have the right to self-determination and to sovereignty over their territory." Israel, the United States and four Pacific islands were among the nations that voted against the resolution...
http://www.haaretz.com/hasen/spages/424641.html


Israel warns EU not to back Palestinians
"The Presidency [of the EU] started with some principles," an EU official said, refering to the international road map for peace. "That provoked an extravagant response from Shalom: 'If you take the side of the Palestinians, fine with us but then you can no longer mediate.'"
http://www.haaretz.com/hasen/spages/424646.html


Arafat braces for Israeli attack
Arafat told visitors he would not go down without a fight, but his aides acknowledged that the obstacles placed around the compound, meant to slow tanks, would not hold back Israel's powerful military for long.
http://www.thestar.com/NASApp/cs/ContentServer?pagename=thestar/Layout/Article_Type1&c=Article&cid=1083839227214&call_pageid=968332188774&col=968705899037


Syria: We caught Israeli assassins
The agents reportedly used fake passports to enter Syria, which is officially at war with Israel. "The cell was discovered and its members arrested by Syrian security forces who prevented them from carrying out the mission assigned to them by Israeli intelligence."
http://english.aljazeera.net/NR/exeres/D15D272C-1B53-4A5F-9E6C-ACF9C1CEE01B.htm


3 Israeli Arabs charged with murdering soldier request bail
But Nujeidat later claimed that he had confessed to the crime under pressure from the police and Shin Bet during nearly two months in confinement since he was arrested.
http://www.haaretz.com/hasen/spages/424627.html


Bush to send letter to Qureia
Bush said he would shortly send a personal letter to Qureia "that will explain my views, and we will expand dialogue between the United States and Palestinians."
http://www.haaretz.com/hasen/pages/ShArt.jhtml?itemNo=424451&contrassID=1&subContrassID=1&sbSubContrassID=0&listSrc=Y


Palestinian FM slams 'extremist' Israelis after talks in Dublin
This was put to Shalom, Shaath said. "But he rejected everything, using typical Israeli slanders," the Palestinian minister said. "It was not a positive show," Shaath said of Wednesday's dinner. "But we still have to keep trying."
http://story.news.yahoo.com/news?tmpl=story&cid=1514&ncid=1312&e=7&u=/afp/20040506/wl_mideast_afp/mideast_eu_euromed_040506123150


International quartet could police Gaza Strip
European diplomats said the plan would involve deploying an international police force that would protect the water and electricity infrastructure as well as prevent looting of the Jewish settlements.
http://news.ft.com/servlet/ContentServer?pagename=FT.com/StoryFT/FullStory&c=StoryFT&cid=1083180296328&p=1012571727172


Arabs Say Bush Interviews Are Too Little Too Late
Some said that Bush was more worried about looking good to Americans in advance of presidential elections in November than in improving relations with the Arab world, which would require painful changes in U.S. policy toward Iraq and Israel.
http://www.reuters.com/newsArticle.jhtml?type=worldNews&storyID=5063524§ion=news


Blank Crushing Arab Nationalism Is the Real reason for War against Iraq
This attempt to crush Arab nationalism is certainly not new. In the1956 Britain, France and Israel conspired against the hero of Arab nationalism Egypt’s Jamal Abdel Nasser in the Sinai offensive. Many see the support for Israel since within this context.
http://www.amin.org/eng/daoud_kuttab/2004/may06.html


Biddu: The struggle against the Wall
For this reason, Israel is imprisoning the villagers inside a wall, and is grabbing their land. Biddu, and the ten villages around it, are allowed only one option - to sit quietly and watch as the fruit orchards that they have nourished from one generation to another, turn into the real-estate reserves of the Jerusalem corridor.
http://electronicintifada.net/v2/article2628.shtml


Bush must allay concerns to cement Jordan's support
The king has concerns about the Israeli-Palestinian conflict that the United States needs to address in order to help stabilize the situation in Iraq, reduce anti-American fury in the Middle East and protect our ally, Israel. Yet the critical importance of Jordan to American interests is often overlooked.
http://www.baltimoresun.com/news/opinion/oped/bal-op.mideast06may06,0,6325090.story?coll=bal-oped-headlines


Aipac Shelves Major Lobbying Effort After Likud Voters Nix Sharon's Plan
Sources inside the American Israel Public Action Committee say the organization is postponing plans to seek congressional codification of the far-reaching assurances Sharon received from President Bush last month on Jewish settlements and Palestinian refugees.
http://www.forward.com/main/article.php?ref=nir200405051132


The Prayer of Bus 19
Third and most ominously, Bus 19 will help us "focus on Biblical solutions rather than political, military, and economic stopgaps." Translated from Christian Zionism, this means Israel must be allowed to seize all of Palestine (at least) in order to bring on Armageddon and the Christian Rapture.
http://www.dissidentvoice.org/May2004/Brooks0506.htm


Bush asks for $25bn for war costs
Earlier, the US said it had dropped plans to reduce troop numbers in Iraq. It had said it would cut forces to 115,000 this month, but it now says it plans to keep 135,000 troops in Iraq until 2006.
http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/world/americas/3688449.stm


U.S. Assassinates Two Shiite Clerics Organizing Nonviolent Resistance
The gun battle in Karbala came hours after rival Shiite political leaders called on Sadr to disarm in favor of a political solution. U.S. forces have vowed to capture or kill Sadr... In Najaf, two top ShIite clerics were assassinated this week...
http://www.democracynow.org/article.pl?sid=04/05/05/1357225


ICRC 'knew of Iraqi prison abuse'
"Definitely we were aware of what was going on in Abu Ghraib." The ICRC, which traditionally does not speak publicly about its prisoner visits, will not say exactly what problems were found at Abu Ghraib.
http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/world/americas/3690413.stm


"Smoke Him" Video Shows Wounded Iraqis Being Shot by US Helicopters - By Robert Fisk
British and most European television stations censored the tape off the air last night on the grounds that the pictures were too terrible to show. But deliberately shooting a wounded man is a war crime under the Geneva Conventions and this extraordinary film of US air crews in action over Iraq is likely to create yet another international outcry.
http://www.counterpunch.com/fisk05062004.html

May 05 2004

An Abu Dis hotel has become a new battleground for the Jerusalem separation fence
About 100 meters of the fence are planned for the hotel area and the hotel's original owners, from the Ayad family, have been waging a legal battle to stop construction of the stretch of the fence. The hotel, located within a few dozen meters of the parliament building...
http://www.haaretz.com/hasen/spages/423629.html


2 Houses Demolished in Jerusalem
Israeli Occupation Forces (IOF) demolished two houses in Beit Hanina locality of Jerusalem, witnesses said. This policy of demolishing and seizing houses in Jerusalem aim at annexing more land to Jewish colonizers who seek to judaize the old city of Jerusalem.
http://english.wafa.ps/body.asp?field=tech_news&id=628


Israel to Seize Land in Hebron
Israeli Occupation Forces (IOF) issued Wednesday a military order of seizing vast areas of land in and around the vicinity of al-Ibrahimi Mosque in Hebron, official said.
http://english.wafa.ps/body.asp?field=tech_news&id=625


212 European NGOs Demand EU Action Against Israel’s Apartheid Wall
212 European non-governmental organizations (NGOs) have submitted a petition yesterday to the current European Union rotating President, Ireland, demanding the EU to take concrete actions against the Apartheid Wall Israel is constructing in and through the occupied West Bank.
http://www.ipc.gov.ps/ipc_e/ipc_e-1/e_News/news2004/2004_05/017.html


Israel gave settlers illegal $7m
A spokesman for anti-settlements group Peace Now said the auditor's report proved illegal settlement-building was not the work of settlers alone, but was "government policy". Comptroller Eliezer Goldberg said the Housing Ministry had funded settlements on land whose ownership was in dispute.
http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/world/middle_east/3686999.stm


In less than 24 hours, IOF destroys 45 Palestinian Houses in Khanyounis
Israeli Occupation Forces (IOF) destroyed Wednesday 15 Palestinian houses in the southern part of the refugee camp of Khanyounis, south of the Gaza Strip, witnesses and Palestinian security sources said.
http://english.wafa.ps/body.asp?field=tech_news&id=622


UN to support Palestinian sovereignty over E. J'lem
The United Nations General Assembly is expected on Thursday to approve a resolution put forth by Nasser Al-Kidwa, the Palestinian observer to the UN, according to which the Palestinian nation has the right to self-determination and sole sovereignty over the West Bank and Gaza Strip, including East Jerusalem.
http://www.haaretz.com/hasen/pages/ShArt.jhtml?itemNo=424137&contrassID=1&subContrassID=0&sbSubContrassID=0


Barghouti's wife released after detained by Israel for hours
The Israeli Authorities released late on Tuesday Fadwa Barghouti, wife of detained Palestinian Legislative Council (PLC) member Marwan Barghouti, after detaining her for several hours, Fadwa told the local press Wednesday.
http://news.xinhuanet.com/english/2004-05/05/content_1453948.htm


Israeli army kills Gaza protester
The 35-year-old security guard was killed when the soldiers opened fire on stone-throwing Palestinians near the town of Deir al-Balah in central Gaza. At least seven other people were hurt, including children from a local school and a press photographer.
http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/world/middle_east/3685501.stm


Israeli troops wound 6 Palestinians in northern Gaza
Six Palestinians were injured on Wednesday during an Israeli military raid carried out in the northern Gaza Strip town of Beit Lahia, Palestinian security sources reported.
http://news.xinhuanet.com/english/2004-05/05/content_1453947.htm


Last April: IOF Arrests 300 Citizens Including 7 Females, 40 Minors and Demolishes 5 Prisoners’ Houses
Meanwhile, the collective punishment also applied on the prisoners’ families has resulted in the demolition of five prisoner families' houses by the occupying forces. The wide-scale arrest campaign last April has been featured by abrupt storm-ins and arbitrary collective arrests.
http://www.ipc.gov.ps/ipc_e/ipc_e-1/e_News/news2004/2004_05/018.html


IOF Heightens Military Offensive on West Bank
Israeli occupying forces (IOF) heightened Wednesday military offensive against different parts of the West Bank, mainly in the cities of Jenin, Nablus, Tulkarem and Ramallah.
http://www.ipc.gov.ps/ipc_e/ipc_e-1/e_News/news2004/2004_05/015.html


Trade unionists shocked by Palestinian labour situation in Israel
A group of 14 trade unionists from seven European countries visited the region last week in order to investigate the labor situation of the Palestinians, both those in Israel and those from the Occupied Territories.
http://www.labournet.net/world/0405/ispadel1.html


Palestinian Photographers Shot While Covering Gaza Clash
Palestinian photographers were shot by Israeli troops while covering violence in a central Gaza town Wednesday, witnesses and hospital officials said.
http://framehosting.dowjonesnews.com/sample/samplestory.asp?StoryID=2004050509520002&Take=2


Witnesses: Israel Releases Senior Hamas Man
Taha, who had been arrested with three of his sons, had helped found Hamas near the outset of the first Palestinian uprising against Israel in 1987. At the time of his capture, one of his sons told Reuters that soldiers "crept into our house" and beat Taha before taking him into custody.
http://story.news.yahoo.com/news?tmpl=story&cid=574&ncid=574&e=2&u=/nm/20040505/wl_nm/mideast_hamas_dc_2


UNICEF West Bank, Gaza camps to steer clear of politics
"The whole idea of the summer camp is not only to help the kids continue with their education, but also to lead as normal and fun a life as kids elsewhere in the world do," UNICEF official Michael Bociurkiw told the radio.
http://www.haaretz.com/hasen/pages/ShArt.jhtml?itemNo=423933&contrassID=1&subContrassID=1&sbSubContrassID=0&listSrc=Y


Kofi Annan's pro-Israel policy discredits the UN
Rather, he has aligned himself with the logic that Palestinians, uniquely, must earn from their oppressors the basic human rights that for all other people are inherent. It is equally unacceptable that Annan chastises the Palestinians for failing to protect the occupier from the occupied people...
http://electronicintifada.net/v2/article2622.shtml


Israeli, Palestinian FMs set to meet up at Dublin talks
The Israeli and Palestinian foreign ministers were set to meet face to face at a crucial time for their region's peace process, as they joined a string of fellow ministers from Europe and the Middle East for two days of talks in Dublin.
http://story.news.yahoo.com/news?tmpl=story&cid=1515&ncid=1515&e=4&u=/afp/20040505/wl_mideast_afp/mideast_eu_euromed_040505172746


White House,Jordan Talking On Palestinian Compensation-WP
According to the Associated Press, Abdullah left for the U.S. on Wednesday after abruptly postponing White House talks scheduled for April 21 amid Arab anger at Bush for endorsing an Israeli proposal to withdraw from the Gaza Strip but from only parts of the West Bank.
http://news.nasdaq.com/news/newsStory.aspx?&cpath=20040505\ACQDJON200405051500DOWJONESDJONLINE000952.htm


Sharon Sets New U.S. Talks After Gaza Plan Rejected
Israeli Prime Minister Ariel Sharon will have talks in Washington next week about how to save his U.S.-backed plan to withdraw from Gaza blocked by rightists in his own Likud party, aides said Wednesday.
http://www.reuters.com/newsArticle.jhtml?type=worldNews&storyID=5046357§ion=news


Israeli settlers establish anti-Palestinians armed organization
Eilin Kaffe, a rabbi from the settlement, said the Jewish settlers formed the militia "because the Israel Army is no longer able to protect them and the only choice before them is self-defense."
http://news.xinhuanet.com/english/2004-05/05/content_1453945.htm


The End of Their Dreams
"The Palestinians understand that this plan is to a large extent the end of their dreams, a very heavy blow to them... In the unilateral plan, there is no Palestinian state." These words, uttered by Prime Minister Ariel Sharon just a week before obtaining Washington's backing...
http://www.zmag.org/content/showarticle.cfm?SectionID=15&ItemID=5461


A choice between work or family
Dr. Ibrahim Ashur, a native of Haifa, is an anesthesiologist who works in Be'er Sheva. His wife, a native of Gaza, lives in Gaza with their children. Their request for "family reunification" has yet to receive final approval, even though their children are registered on his Israel identity card.
http://www.haaretz.com/hasen/spages/423660.html


By Sharon's standards
For Sharon is the latest victim of the Israeli far right. That sounds funny, I know: for decades, Sharon has been the spiritual leader of the Israeli far right. But those years of dedicated service counted for nought on Sunday
http://www.guardian.co.uk/israel/comment/0,10551,1209697,00.html


Reporters Without Borders - Crossing perspectives on the Israel-Palestine conflict: two journalists from the Middle East speak out
RWB will be hosting conferences in Ottawa, Toronto, and Montreal, featuring Nael Shyoukhi, a Palestinian cameraman for Reuters in the West Bank, and Miki Kratsman, a photographer for the Israeli daily Ha'aretz.
http://www.newswire.ca/en/releases/archive/May2004/05/c9403.html


Minister Ezra: Germany conducting secret talks on Ron Arad
"The government of Germany, headed by Chancellor Gerhard Schroeder, has responded to a request from Prime Minister Ariel Sharon and is conducting secret talks on the matter of [IAF navigator] Ron Arad,"...
http://www.haaretz.com/hasen/spages/423921.html


Fighting flares in Najaf as troops take Sadr's office
Tensions have risen since Spanish troops pulled out of their positions around Najaf last week and US forces moved in, taking a more aggressive posture toward Sadr's followers. Some 25 people have died since Monday in a new upsurge of violence in the area south of Baghdad.
http://www.dailystar.com.lb/article.asp?edition_id=10&categ_id=2&article_id=3287


Jailed Iraqis hidden from Red Cross, says US army
US military policemen moved unregistered Iraqi prisoners, known as "ghost detainees", around an army-run jail at Abu Ghraib, in order to hide them from the Red Cross, according to a confidential military report.
http://www.guardian.co.uk/Iraq/Story/0,2763,1209681,00.html


Troops 'have been abusing Iraqis for a year'
At least four Iraqi detainees have died in British custody in the past year, one as a result of torture, says the human rights group Amnesty International, while the CIA admits it is investigating the death of a prisoner under interrogation.
http://www.smh.com.au/articles/2004/05/04/1083635134533.html


Report: Disney Blocking Anti-Bush Documentary
Oscar-winning filmmaker Michael Moore's documentary linking President Bush with powerful Saudi families, including that of Osama bin Laden, is stirring up controversy even before its release. That's if it even gets released.
http://story.news.yahoo.com/news?tmpl=story&cid=564&ncid=564&e=1&u=/nm/20040505/ts_nm/leisure_disney_dc

May 04 2004

Jayyous Village Appeals to the World
We are suffering day and night, they burse into the village everyday bombing their poisonous gas, even our animals are not being safe from this deadly gas. Just to remind, Jayyous has lost more than 90% of its land as a result of constructing the Apartheid Wall. Please do something for us to stop this tragedy"
http://www.imemc.org/headlines/2004/May/week1/050404/jayyous.htm


Manchester Forum for Palestine Rallies Against the Wall
Following the success of a similar event held on March 28th, Manchester Forum for Palestine has planned an action for May 8th in Piccadilly Gardens, Manchester. The event will include speeches, poetry, a 'die-in' and other activities.
http://stopthewall.org/worldwideactivism/503.shtml


Al Bandak Stone Factory
Occupation forces and Wall guards continually harass the workers as they come and go from their jobs. Al Bandak says that most of his workers live in Bethlehem, and on their way to the factory they risk being held for hours by the Occupation soldiers, who in several instances have confiscated money from the workers, in addition to humiliating the men...
http://stopthewall.org/communityvoices/507.shtml


Israeli army destroys 30 houses in Khan Younis
The helicopters fired rockets at residential houses in Khan Younis, while bulldozers were razing houses. The security sources estimated that 20 houses were totally destroyed, while 10 other houses were badly damaged during the operation that lasted for about six hours.
http://news.xinhuanet.com/english/2004-05/04/content_1452995.htm


Israeli troops' bullets kill child's dream
"Goodbye Mona, see you in heaven," said Ghadir to her best friend Mona Abu Tabaq, an 11-year-old girl who was killed during a 72-hour Israeli military operation carried out at Beit Lahia town north of the Gaza Strip.
http://news.xinhuanet.com/english/2004-05/04/content_1453232.htm


Wife of Palestinian revolt leader held - officials
The Israeli army detained the wife of jailed Palestinian uprising leader Marwan Barghouthi on Tuesday, Palestinian officials said. The officials said that Fadwa Barghouthi was picked up when she went to visit her son Qassam, who is being held at an Israeli prison...
http://www.alertnet.org/thenews/newsdesk/L0467484.htm


"Jenin" filmmaker rejects deal to lift Israel ban
An Israeli Arab whose film on Israel's assault on the Jenin refugee camp is banned in the Jewish state said on Tuesday he had rejected an offer to allow the documentary to air if some sensitive scenes were removed.
http://www.alertnet.org/thenews/newsdesk/L04671388.htm


Child Killed, Two Others Wounded as IOF-owned Object Explodes
Baha’ Abu Zaytoun, 9, was killed and Mahmoud Badwan,12, and Ahmad Abu Zaytoun, 11, were wounded very critically after the mysterious object went off suddenly while they were checking it, medics and eyewitnesses said.
http://www.ipc.gov.ps/ipc_e/ipc_e-1/e_News/news2004/2004_05/011.html


Israeli troops wound 2 Palestinian children in northern Gaza
They said the two 15-year-old boys were shot in their legs by the Israeli soldiers who were stationed north of the neighborhood of Al Nadda in the outskirts of the village of Beit Lahia.
http://news.xinhuanet.com/english/2004-05/04/content_1453237.htm


Israeli troops raid Gaza, killing a Palestinian boy
Israeli troops in a column of tanks raided the Gaza town of Khan Younis early on Tuesday, killing a Palestinian boy and a gunman.
http://news.xinhuanet.com/english/2004-05/04/content_1452821.htm


12 Palestinians wounded in Israeli missile strike in Gaza
An Israeli attack helicopter fired a missile early Tuesday at a group of Palestinians in the Khan Younis refugee camp, wounding at least 12, three critically, witnesses said.
http://news.xinhuanet.com/english/2004-05/04/content_1452900.htm


Palestine Operates the First “Local” Eye Cornea Transplanting
Transplanting eye corneas in Palestine achieved Monday a unique turning point as al-Nour Center for Eye Surgery in the Arab Specialized hospital of Nablus conducted the first operation of a“ local volunteer” eye corneas transplanting.
http://english.wafa.ps/body.asp?field=tech_news&id=620


Israeli F-16 warplane fires rocket on Nablus
An Israeli military F-16 airplane fired a rocket early Tuesday against a Palestinian medical centre in the northern West bank city of Nablus, Palestinian sources reported.
http://news.xinhuanet.com/english/2004-05/04/content_1453233.htm


Palestinians: IDF entered police station near Nablus and arrested officers
Palestinian sources reported this afternoon that an IDF force consisting of ten jeeps entered a Palestinian police station in the village of Tubas near Nablus and detained all the officers present.
http://www.maarivintl.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=article&articleID=6899


Israeli forces surround Arafat's compound
They said Israeli military vehicles surrounded the complex and soldiers took over buildings across from the compound. Three entrances to the complex were sealed off by Israeli military jeeps.
http://news.xinhuanet.com/english/2004-05/04/content_1453018.htm


Activists Demand Israel to Ban Use of Human Shields
"What we are asking for is something broader," said Marwan Dalal, the Adalah lawyer, who submitted the request last week. "I hope the court will be receptive... Unfortunately, the military is continuing to use civilians as human shields."
http://www.bgnewsnet.com/story.php?lang=en&sid=4838


Quartet calls for full Israeli withdrawal from Gaza Strip
officials also said most sensitive issues must be negotiated by the two sides, an implicit rebuke to U.S. President George W. Bush's assurances that Israel could not be expected to give up all its West Bank settlements or to accept the return of Palestinian refugees.
http://www.haaretz.com/hasen/spages/423447.html


Jordan's Call For U.S. Policy On West Bank Is Rebuffed
The White House has decided not to provide Jordan's King Abdullah with a letter acknowledging possible Palestinian territorial claims if Israel retains settlements in the West Bank, U.S. officials said yesterday. The king, who is due to meet with President Bush on Thursday, had sought written assurances...
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/articles/A64143-2004May3.html


Sharon cancels visit to US after referendum defeat
Israeli Prime Minister Ariel Sharonon Tuesday cancelled a May 17 trip to the United States for talks with President George W. Bush after an overwhelming defeat of his unilateral disengagement plan in a referendum of Likud members on Sunday.
http://news.xinhuanet.com/english/2004-05/04/content_1453247.htm


Palestinians: Gaza withdrawal plan devious
"This is a new manoeuvre to extract more concessions from the Americans and taking this course will mean expanding settlements in Gaza Strip," said Yasir Abid Rabbo, a senior Palestinian official.
http://english.aljazeera.net/NR/exeres/2C9254E7-8E13-432E-B268-544C5095655F.htm


New constraints squeeze churches in Holy Land
past three years as the Israeli government has failed to renew visas or residence permits for hundreds of religious workers, and has begun sending tax bills to charitable groups that have long had tax-exempt status, some since the Ottoman Empire. At the same time, the separation wall being built in Jerusalem...
http://www.csmonitor.com/2004/0504/p01s04-wome.html


Israel wants land, not peace: Saudi
Saudi Arabia said yesterday the rejection by Israel's ruling Likud party of a plan to pull out of Gaza showed the Jewish state was only interested in grabbing more Palestinian land rather than peace.
http://www.theage.com.au/articles/2004/05/05/1083635143068.html


AG cancels freeze on funds earmarked for settlements
The supervisory system will be set up by the Ministry of Housing and Construction, and funds will begin flowing to the settlements once the system is put into operation in the near future.
http://www.haaretz.com/hasen/spages/423555.html


Sharon moves to amend Gaza plan
A senior Israeli official said Sharon would try to push through his proposal, which called for the evacuation of all Jewish settlements in the Gaza Strip and four of 120 in the West Bank, with as few changes as possible.
http://www.reuters.co.uk/newsPackageArticle.jhtml?type=worldNews&storyID=504384§ion=news


Former diplomats attack Bush
Fifty-three former US diplomats today accuse the White House of sacrificing America's credibility in the Arab world - and the safety of its diplomats and soldiers - because of the Bush administration's support for the Israeli prime minister, Ariel Sharon.
http://www.guardian.co.uk/israel/Story/0,2763,1208914,00.html


Legal officials: Court handling of Gilad Sharon case 'puzzling'
Petah Tikva Magistrate's Court Judge Lia Lev-On on Tuesday again decided to delay by three weeks to May 24 its ruling on whether Gilad Sharon, the son of Prime Minister Ariel Sharon, has met his legal obligations to hand over materials to police regarding the Greek Island affair.
http://www.haaretz.com/hasen/spages/423439.html


Sharon Lacks Ability, Not a Partner
With the assassination of late Prime Minister Issac Rabin by a young Right Wing hardliner, settlers gained a power of intimidation; a tremendous power that can silence or lower the tone of their opponents.
http://www.imemc.org/headlines/2004/May/week1/050404/lacks-ability.htm


Cultural Life Defies Israeli Occupation
Al-'Aidi pointed out that the centre gives more importance to the Palestinian children, as they need amusement and entertainment to take them out of the horrible occupation nightmare which they are experiencing.
http://english.wafa.ps/body.asp?field=tech_news&id=621


Iraqi Human Rights Minister Resigns
Iraq's U.S.-appointed human rights minister said Tuesday he had resigned to protest abuses of Iraqi detainees by American guards, and the interior minister demanded that Iraqi officials be allowed to participate in the running of prisons.
http://story.news.yahoo.com/news?tmpl=story&cid=540&ncid=540&e=9&u=/ap/20040504/ap_on_re_mi_ea/iraq_prisoner_abuse_minister


Pentagon to Keep 135,000 Troops in Iraq
Rumsfeld told a news conference that he approved the 20,000 extra troops at the request of Gen. John Abizaid, top commander of U.S. forces in the Middle East. In addition, the Army announced that about 37,000 National Guard and Reserve troops are being called to active duty to support three National Guard combat brigades that will be sent to Iraq...
http://www.sunherald.com/mld/sunherald/news/politics/8586267.htm

May 03 2004

High Court holds final debate on anti-fence petition
The petition the court will hear today is the most important of several filed against various sections of the separation barrier. It pertains to 45 kilometers of the separation barrier’s route, stretching from the Ofer camp to Beit Horon.
http://www.maarivintl.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=article&articleID=6765


Israel’s Wall: for security or settlements?
The majority of villagers are farmers and earn a living from working the surrounding land, most of it olive groves. This land is now being torn up in preparation for the next stages of the Israeli Apartheid Wall which is continuing on its path of destruction through the West Bank in the name of Israeli security.
http://www.palestinemonitor.org/updates/security_wall_israel.htm


House Demolition in oPt: Occupational Trend
Since early today, 20 houses have been completely demolished by the Israeli occupying forces, while more houses are threatened of being demolished, all at the expense of the helpless families that did not even have the chance of taking some of their furniture or personal belongings while fleeing their homes.
http://www.ipc.gov.ps/ipc_e/ipc_e-1/e_News/news2004/2004_05/004.html


Report: Syria nabs Mossad men planning to kill Hamas leader
The five men are currently being held by the Syrian security forces, according to the report, but have still not been identified. They said during questioning that entered Syria through Jordan and were sent by the Mossad to kill the Hamas officials.
http://www.haaretz.com/hasen/pages/ShArt.jhtml?itemNo=423003&contrassID=1&subContrassID=5&sbSubContrassID=0&listSrc=Y


IDF captain jailed for death by negligence of Palestinian teen
Koratski was sentenced to six months in prison and a further six months on probation. the jeep was some 10 meters from his home. "The soldier pointed his weapon at us, but did not say anything to us," he said. "Mohammed and I turned away, and suddenly I heard a shot fired very close to me. Mohammed took a step or two, and fell to the ground."
http://www.haaretz.com/hasen/spages/423115.html


Israeli Bullets Rip Apart A Little Girl’s Dreams
"I will never forget her begging eyes; they were crying for help. Her head and body slumped and eyes slowly shut. I tried to carry her but my hand slipped into her waist. I was shocked to see her navy pullover shredded and socked with blood.
http://english.wafa.ps/cphotonews.asp?num=473


Palestinian journalists protest attacks
"We are very concerned because now lives of reporters are in danger," said Nabil Khatib, a spokesman for the protesters. He called on authorities to bring attackers to justice and publicize their names.
http://www.jpost.com/servlet/Satellite?pagename=JPost/JPArticle/ShowFull&cid=1083561526451


Palestinian teenager dies of wounds in Gaza
Bahjat Abu Ilba, 16, had been in critical condition since he was shot in the head by Israeli troops during an incursion into the northern Gaza Strip town of Beit Lahia on Saturday.
http://story.news.yahoo.com/news?tmpl=story&cid=1514&ncid=1312&e=10&u=/afp/20040503/wl_mideast_afp/mideast_unrest_gaza_toll_040503093148


IDF to bolster activity in southern Gaza
The IDF sources said the upcoming military activity would deal with "defensive infrastructure," meaning the demolition of houses and vegetation as well as the onset of offensive operations.
http://www.haaretz.com/hasen/pages/ShArt.jhtml?itemNo=423029&contrassID=1&subContrassID=5&sbSubContrassID=0&listSrc=Y


IOF Arrests 12 Civilians in Jenin
Twelve civilians were arrested early Monday as Israeli Occupation Forces (IOF) stormed different areas of Jenin City. The medics in the city reported that Farraj Najjar 12, was shot in the leg while he was inside his house.
http://english.wafa.ps/body.asp?field=tech_news&id=614


Settlers building new neighborhood in Neve Dekalim
Israeli settlers began work on a new neighborhood in the Gaza Strip on Monday, a day after members of the ruling Likud Party rejected Prime Minister Ariel Sharon's proposal to pull out of Gaza.
http://www.jpost.com/servlet/Satellite?pagename=JPost/JPArticle/ShowFull&cid=1083561528592


IOF Tightens Military Closure on Nablus
They also denied the Palestinian ambulances’ access from into the city. In another incident, the IOF troops, stationed at Rojeeb checkpoint, denied trucks loaded with food supplies access into the city, witnesses said.
http://english.wafa.ps/body.asp?field=tech_news&id=617


US hopes Israel will pull back despite Likud vote: White House
"Our own view has not changed: The president welcomed Prime Minister Sharon's plan to withdraw settlements from Gaza and a part of the West Bank as a cou