January 29, 2005

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|  Today in Palestine! 29 - Jan - 2005  |
|           www.TheHeadlines.Org             |
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Dear Readers,
My daily media compilation will not to be available for the next four days, that is till 3rd of February 2005. I advise accessing http://www.imemc.org for those interested in daily updates.
Yours,
 Shadi


3 Citizens Wounded in Peaceful Rally against Apartheid Wall in Salfeet
Israeli soldiers opened heavy machineguns against the rally and hurled several canisters, wounding three citizens. Hundred of citizens and foreigners activists participated in the rally, protesting the construction of the Wall built by Israel over the citizens' land in the city.
http://english.wafa.ps/body.asp?field=tech_news&id=2073


Protest against the Wall south of Hebron
The residents arrived to the fields where the military bulldozers were uprooting the trees and plants, and conducted Friday prayers in the lands; army withdrew for a distance of 400 meters and monitored the area for a distance.
http://www.imemc.org/headlines/2005/Jan/Week4/012905/s-Hebron.htm


In the West Bank, many Israelis balk at uprooting
Thousands of Jews slogged through the late-winter mud of the occupied territories this week to plant seedlings in observance of Tu Bishvat, an arbor day observed in Judaism for more than 2,000 years.
http://www.boston.com/news/world/middleeast/articles/2005/01/28/in_the_west_bank_many_israelis_balk_at_uprooting/


20 hurt as Fatah, Hamas activists clash in Gaza
A political rally by the militant Palestinian group Hamas turned violent Saturday, as supporters of the rival Fatah faction opened fire, sparking a melee that left more than 20 people wounded, a Palestinian official said. The incident in the M'ghazi refugee camp in central Gaza was the first instance of violence between rival Palestinian factions
http://www.haaretz.com/hasen/spages/533106.html


Mentally handicapped man killed in Gaza; third handicapped victim this week
Witnesses said al-Shawas was near the Israeli border fence constructed between the town and the illegal Israeli settlement of Gush Katif when shots rang out from the Israeli settlement, and al-Shawas fell to the ground with a bullet in his head.
http://www.imemc.org/headlines/2005/Jan/Week4/012905/handicapped.htm


Palestinian farmer killed by Israeli gunfire in southern Gaza
The sources said Ibrahim al-Shawaf was killed in his farm in the Khozaa area east of Khan Yunis when Israeli troops stationed at the border between eastern Khan Yunis and Israel opened intensive fire at houses of local residents.
http://news.xinhuanet.com/english/2005-01/29/content_2524374.htm


Citizen Dies of Wounds, 6 Arrested
Palestinian medics reported early Saturday that a citizen died of wounds he sustained earlier by Israeli Occupation Forces (IOF) in Khanyounis city neighbourhood of al-Amal.
http://english.wafa.ps/body.asp?field=tech_news&id=2074


UN: Israel will remain "the occupying power"
In his annual report to the UN Commission on Human Rights, Durard also condemned Israel's merciless incursions into the Palestinian territories and the demolitions of civilians' house, saying that Israel this amounted to war crimes.
http://www.aljazeera.com/cgi-bin/news_service/middle_east_full_story.asp?service_id=6778


Gaza pullout could worsen health crisis
Israel's current position is that it is not responsible for the fate of patients in Gaza, and is willing, at best, "to take into account humanitarian considerations" and "exceptional cases", without explaining what these may constitute, says the medical rights group.
http://electronicintifada.net/v2/article3575.shtml


One land two systems announces winners architecture competition
On 6th February, 2005, One Land Two Systems is presenting the results of its international architecture competition for an alternative to the Israeli government masterplan devised for the ‘unrecognised' Palestinian village of Ein Hud in Israel.
http://electronicintifada.net/v2/article3571.shtml


'Palestinian corpse used for IDF anatomy lesson'
The Breaking the Silence organization has collected new testimony from Israel Defense Forces soldiers on harsh actions carried out during the course of the fighting in the territories. Two of the testimonies pertain to a military doctor who gave medics lessons in anatomy using the bodies of Palestinians killed by Israeli forces.
http://www.haaretz.com/hasen/pages/ShArt.jhtml?itemNo=533018&contrassID=1&subContrassID=5&sbSubContrassID=0&listSrc=Y


Israeli, Palestinians meet to discuss region's future
After several years of avoiding public discussions, members of Israel's government and the Palestinian Authority agreed to hold a joint public debate on the future of the relations between the two people.
http://www.haaretz.com/hasen/spages/533456.html


Abbas-Sharon summit to be held on Feb. 8
The sources said after the summit, Abbas will head to the Gaza Strip for talks with militant groups on finalizing a formal ceasefire if Israel agrees on demands by the Palestinian side that Israel stop targeted killings and incursions and release Palestinian prisoners.
http://news.xinhuanet.com/english/2005-01/29/content_2524359.htm


Shaath: Israel must formally accept cease-fire
"I think we are very close to a national agreement," he said. However, Israel must formally accept the cease-fire, withdrawal its troops from West Bank cities and release Palestinian prisoners for the Palestinian groups to move forward with the accord, he added.
http://www.jpost.com/servlet/Satellite?pagename=JPost/JPArticle/ShowFull&cid=1106969220708


‘Israel is ready to make significant concessions to Palestinians'
Israeli security officials are ready to make significant concessions to the new Palestinian leadership to promote efforts to end more than four years of fighting, a top Defense Ministry official said Saturday.
http://www.khaleejtimes.com/DisplayArticle.asp?xfile=data/middleeast/2005/January/middleeast_January812.xml&section=middleeast


PA's Abed Rabbo: We can't be Israel's sub-contractors
"We cannot be sub-contractors for unilateral Israeli moves," said senior Palestinian official Yasser Abed Rabbo, addressing a special session of the World Economic Forum in Davos... "We need a comprehensive solution that will close all the gaps," said Abed Rabbo.
http://www.haaretz.com/hasen/pages/ShArt.jhtml?itemNo=533268&contrassID=1&subContrassID=1&sbSubContrassID=0&listSrc=Y


New Palestinian cabinet to be presented before parliament in two weeks
Palestinian Cabinet Secretary Hassan Abu Lebda told reporters that discussions on the new cabinet between Palestinian leader Mahmoud Abbas and Prime Minister Ahmed Qurei are likely to end soon.
http://news.xinhuanet.com/english/2005-01/29/content_2524344.htm


Egyptian Training for Palestinian Police to Start
Some 40 Palestinian police officers will come to Egypt for training next week as part of Egypt's contribution to the new security arrangements in Gaza, Palestinian Foreign Minister Nabil Shaath said on Saturday.
http://story.news.yahoo.com/news?tmpl=story&cid=574&ncid=1312&e=5&u=/nm/20050129/wl_nm/mideast_egypt_dc_1


Hamas wins Gaza Strip council vote
The Islamist party Hamas has won control of seven out of 10 councils in the Gaza Strip, dealing a crushing blow to the Fatah party of the Palestinian leader, Mahmoud Abbas. Voters rejected Fatah's corrupt image and endorsed Hamas for its opposition to Israel and for providing welfare, schools and nurseries to the impoverished residents of the territory.
http://www.guardian.co.uk/israel/Story/0,2763,1401295,00.html


Peres urges EU to build Palestinian economy
“It will be very wise if the EU ... helps build industrial centres in the West Bank and Gaza,” Peres told reporters at the World Economic Forum. If each of the 25 EU states sponsored one of its companies to build a factory or set up a business in the Palestinian territories, it would change the face of the region and give hope to Palestinians he said were on the verge of starvation.
http://www.thepeninsulaqatar.com/Display_news.asp?section=World_News&subsection=Gulf%2C+Middle+East+%26+Africa&month=January2005&file=World_News2005013024543.xml


Egypt Court Dismisses Warcrimes Case Against Sharon
An Egyptian court on Saturday dismissed a case demanding compensation from Israeli Prime Minister Ariel Sharon over accusations Israeli forces tortured and killed Egyptian prisoners of war during the Middle East war of 1967.
http://story.news.yahoo.com/news?tmpl=story&cid=574&ncid=1312&e=2&u=/nm/20050129/wl_nm/mideast_egypt_sharon_dc_1


Israel works to get Hezbollah on EU's list of terror groups
the election of Mahmoud Abbas as chairman of the Palestinian Authority, has led Israel to alter its line of argument. Instead of complaining about Hezbollah activities along the northern border, and about the rockets threatening the Galilee, Israeli representatives are highlighting the threat Hezbollah poses to the fledgling Palestinian leader.
http://www.haaretz.com/hasen/pages/ShArt.jhtml?itemNo=533249&contrassID=1&subContrassID=1&sbSubContrassID=0&listSrc=Y


Hezbollah threatens to kidnap IDF troops
Hezbollah Secretary General Sheikh Hassan Nasrallah said Saturday that his group will do all it takes to win the release of Lebanese prisoners held in Israeli jails, including kidnapping Israel Defense Forces soldiers.
http://www.haaretz.com/hasen/spages/533446.html


UN rebukes Lebanon over Har Dov
The United Nations Security Council on Friday rebuked Beirut by declaring that the disputed Har Div or Shaba Farms area was not part of Lebanon in a resolution that also extended the mandate of UN peacekeepers for six months. The document, drafted by France and co-sponsored by the United States, Britain, Denmark and Greece
http://www.haaretz.com/hasen/pages/ShArt.jhtml?itemNo=533433&contrassID=1&subContrassID=1&sbSubContrassID=0&listSrc=Y


Baghdad Feels Like a City Preparing for War
In the hours before tomorrow's election, Baghdad feels like a city preparing for war. American helicopters roar noisily overhead just above the roof- tops, setting off car alarms. Iraqi police nervously finger their assault rifles. Most people are taking no risks and stay at home, so streets are eerily empty.
http://www.counterpunch.org/patrick01292005.html


US embassy hit by deadly strike on eve of Iraq election
A rocket attack hit the US embassy, hours before the start of Iraq's historic election, killing two Americans with a dramatic breach of the draconian security intended to persuade the population to vote. A US embassy statement identified the dead as a member of the US military and a civilian. Five Americans were wounded.
http://story.news.yahoo.com/news?tmpl=story&cid=1515&ncid=1515&e=1&u=/afp/20050129/wl_mideast_afp/iraq_050129202022


Helicopter crash in western Baghdad kills 2 US soldiers
Two US soldiers were killed as their helicopter went down in western Baghdad on Friday night, theUS military said in a statement on Saturday. The pilot and the copilot of the OH-58 Kiowa helicopter were confirmed dead
http://news.xinhuanet.com/english/2005-01/29/content_2523089.htm

January 28, 2005

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|  Today in Palestine! 28 - Jan - 2005  |
|           www.TheHeadlines.Org             |
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Peres, Fayad agree on need to upgrade fence crossings
Between three and five large and modernized terminals will be built along the fence, equipped with new technologies for inspecting persons and goods, allowing a larger volume of goods to pass through and a speedier processing time than at present. ( Palestinian Authority OK with presence of Apartheid Wall? )
http://www.haaretzdaily.com/hasen/spages/533401.html


JNF, treasury seek formula for continued Jews-only land sales
The Jewish National Fund and the Finance Ministry are currently trying to draft a new agreement that would separate the JNF from the state, thereby allowing it to continue selling land to Jews only.
http://www.haaretzdaily.com/hasen/spages/533250.html


Israeli Sources: Settlers bought land in Gaza Strip
Apparently a Palestinian mediator bought the land from its original owners and in turn sold it to the settler, who paid the money from a fund used earlier to buy around 20 thousand Dunams of land, (5000 Acres) land in the West Bank. The families, the original owners of the land, did not know that they are eventually selling their land to the settlers.
http://www.imemc.org/headlines/2005/Jan/week4/012805/buying-land.htm


Israel's Continued Land Confiscation in Jerusalem: The Application of Israel's Absentee Property Law
The enforcement of the Absentee Property Law is also in clear breach of the Road Map which states that the Government of Israel will not confiscate the property and houses of Palestinians.
http://www.amin.org/eng/uncat/2005/jan/jan28.html


A property theft that must not be allowed
The government's decision from July 2004 to confiscate lands and infrastructures in East Jerusalem that belong to Palestinians who live in the West Bank is odd, to say the least. The owners of the assets that have been confiscated are living, for various reasons, not far from East Jerusalem, in the West Bank, and not in Arab countries.
http://www.haaretz.com/hasen/spages/533055.html


'Palestinian corpse used for IDF anatomy lesson'
The soldier said that the Palestinian's body had been riddled with bullets and that some of his internal organs had spilled out. The doctor pronounced the man dead and then "took out a knife and began to cut off parts of the body," the soldier said.
http://www.haaretz.com/hasen/spages/533018.html


Weekly Report: On Israeli Human Rights Violations in the Occupied Palestinian Territories
During the period covered by this report, 20 Palestinians, 14 of whom were civilians, including 5 children and one woman, were killed by IOF. Two of the children were killed on the first day of the Eid .  Human rights violations perpetrated by IOF included incursions into Palestinian areas, willful and extra-judicial killing, indiscriminate shelling, land leveling...
http://pchrgaza.org/files/W_report/English/2005/27-01-2005.htm


Sharon to meet Abbas in days: Peres
Israeli Vice Prime Minister Shimon Peres said Thursday he expected Prime Minister Ariel Sharon would renew talks with Palestinian National Authority Chairman Mahmoud Abbas in "days, not weeks," Israeli newspaper Haaretz reported.
http://news.xinhuanet.com/english/2005-01/28/content_2517388.htm


Abbas stresses need for swift ceasefire
Mahmoud Abbas, the Palestinian president, has appealed to Israel to agree swiftly to a joint ceasefire that would halt more than four years of bloodshed, warning that delay could undermine its chances of success.
http://www.guardian.co.uk/israel/Story/0,2763,1400376,00.html


Palestinians deploy police in southern Gaza with orders to end attacks
The troops took up their position at bases and checkpoints from the town of Deir el-Balah in the centre of the territory down to the flashpoint Rafah border crossing into Egypt, officials said. "We have finished our deployment which took place without incident,"
http://story.news.yahoo.com/news?tmpl=story&cid=1503&ncid=1503&e=16&u=/afp/20050128/ts_afp/mideastpalestiniansgazasecurity_050128082818


PA leaders call for resumption of negotiations
"We cannot be sub-contractors for unilateral Israeli moves," senior Palestinian official Yasser Abed Rabbo, addressing a special session of the World Economic Forum on the political process between Israel and the Palestinians.
http://www.haaretz.com/hasen/spages/533268.html


Daniel Barenboim at Columbia University New York
Having come full circle on Wagner, he returned to Said and his legacy. "You cannot have equality without freedom and you cannot have freedom without brotherhood. And this is what Edward and I tried to do, in a completely non-violent way," he said. "There is a great deal left to be done."
http://news.ft.com/cms/s/9ff9233a-7009-11d9-850d-00000e2511c8.html


Hamas Wins Local Palestinian Elections in Gaza
Hamas has won an overwhelming victory in Palestinian local elections held Thursday in the Gaza Strip, winning nearly two-thirds of the local council seats in 10 districts. The results reflect the widespread support Hamas has in Gaza, and are also seen as a potential turning point for the Islamic group.
http://www.voanews.com/english/2005-01-28-voa18.cfm


Special Rapporteur: Israel will remain occupier after disengagement
In his report (E/CN.4/2005/29) to the Commission, Dugard said that Israel does not plan to relinquish its grasp on the Gaza Strip. "It plans to retain ultimate control over Gaza by controlling its borders, territorial sea and airspace. Consequently, it will in law remain an Occupying Power still subject to obligations under the Fourth Geneva Convention.
http://electronicintifada.net/v2/article3569.shtml


Abbas to visit Egypt on Mideast peace process
Palestinian leader Mahmoud Abbas is due to arrive here Friday as part of a foreign tour to seek international help to restart the long-stalled Mideast peace process, a Palestinian official said Thursday.
http://news.xinhuanet.com/english/2005-01/28/content_2517390.htm


Sharon says Israel to implement roadmap if attacks stop
"If the Palestinians act forcefully to disband terror groups andput an end to violence and incitement, we could move forward in our contacts to implement the roadmap." Sharon told a convention of the Contractors' Association in Tel Aviv.
http://news.xinhuanet.com/english/2005-01/28/content_2517389.htm


SANCTIONS AGAINST THE ISRAELI OCCUPATION: IT'S TIME
You can't condemn the victims of Occupation for employing terrorism while, by opposing divestment, thereby sheltering the Occupying Power that employs State Terror. You can't end the isolation and suffering of people living under Occupation while permitting the Occupying Power to carry on its life among the nations unencumbered and normally, by withholding a boycott of its economic and cultural products.
http://www.icahd.org/eng/news.asp?menu=5&submenu=1&item=218


An assembly for the world's Jews
The content of the Zionist Congresses and the Zionists Organization of America directorate is of no interest to the Jewish community around the world and, for the most part, the work remains in the hands of "professional Zionists," for whom such forums are a kind of old people's club, which has provided an income or employment for them for decades.
http://www.haaretz.com/hasen/spages/533054.html


Israel frees Al-Aqsa member at request of Palestinians: report
Jihad Massimi, a senior Nablus-based member of the armed offshoot of the mainstream Fatah organisation, was arrested by Israeli troops at the start of the week, the report added.
http://www.khaleejtimes.com/DisplayArticle.asp?xfile=data/middleeast/2005/January/middleeast_January794.xml&section=middleeast&col=


Palestinian official: Israel agrees to release 900 prisoners
The security official said that Israel agreed to stop its targeted killing and pursuing militants, but said militants should be careful, "because we should wait for an official Israeli announcement."
http://news.xinhuanet.com/english/2005-01/28/content_2517172.htm


Egyptians, police clash over Taba bomb detentions
Egyptian police clashed with some 750 protesters who demonstrated on Friday against the detention of their relatives over bombings in the Sinai Peninsula late last year, witnesses said. Witnesses said at least three demonstrators and one police officer were wounded in the clashes on Friday.
http://www.alertnet.org/thenews/newsdesk/L28570229.htm



Arab world, Iran show little interest in Mossad Web site
Internet-users in Arab countries and Iran have shown little interest in the official Web site of the Mossad, according to statistics made public by the Government Press Office, which administers the site.
http://www.haaretz.com/hasen/spages/533395.html


Five American Soldiers Killed in Baghdad
Five American soldiers were killed Friday by roadside bombs and a shooting attack in Baghdad, the U.S. military said. Three soldiers were killed when a roadside bomb hit their patrol at about 4:30 p.m. in western Baghdad. Another soldier was slightly wounded in the attack, the military said.


U.S. Army Helicopter Crashes in Baghdad
An Army helicopter crashed in southwest Baghdad on Friday night, and the fate of the crew was not immediately known, a U.S. military official said. U.S. military officials do not believe the helicopter was hit by hostile fire, Lt. Col. James Hutton said.
http://story.news.yahoo.com/news?tmpl=story&cid=540&ncid=540&e=6&u=/ap/20050128/ap_on_re_mi_ea/iraq_helicopter_crash


Turkey warns Kurds over Kirkuk
Erdogan was speaking before departing for Davos, Switzerland, to attend the World Economic Forum. Ankara strongly opposes Kurdish control of Kirkuk, the oil city which many Kurds want to incorporate into their enclave in northern Iraq.
http://news.xinhuanet.com/english/2005-01/28/content_2518318.htm


Examiner pulls offensive ad, apologizes
"It has been brought to our attention that a recent advertisement published in Media Week promoting The Examiner has caused concern and offence to readers. On behalf of Clarity Media Group and The Examiner in Washington and San Francisco, we sincerely apologise.
http://electronicintifada.net/v2/article3572.shtml


Watchdog blasts al-Jazeera bans
The Reporters Without Borders group has criticised the US, Canada and five other countries for their "harassment" of Arabic station al-Jazeera. "We regret some governments have no hesitation in censoring al-Jazeera... to protect their political and diplomatic interests," the group said.
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/europe/4215199.stm

January 27, 2005

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|  Today in Palestine! 27 - Jan - 2005  |
|           www.TheHeadlines.Org             |
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Rightist MK: Fire AG for letting non-Jews buy JNF land
National Union MK Aryeh Eldad called Thursday for the dismissal of Menachem Mazuz after the attorney general decided that all land managed by the Israel Lands Administration, including land owned by the Jewish National Fund, must be marketed without discrimination or limits
http://www.haaretzdaily.com/hasen/spages/532493.html


Palestinian official says Israel agrees to release 900 prisoners
The official, who spoke on condition of anonymity, said that during a meeting held in Jerusalem on Wednesday, Israel accepted most of Palestinian demands, including operating Gaza Airport and constructing a sea port in Gaza.
http://news.xinhuanet.com/english/2005-01/28/content_2517172.htm


Villagers of Huwwara Complain of Continuous Settlers Attacks
Palestine News Network (PNN) reported on Thursday that dozens of villagers from Huwwara, south of Nablus , complain of the continuous settlers attacks against them and their family farmlands.
http://www.imemc.org/headlines/2005/Jan/Week4/012705/HuwwaraV.htm


The landgrab continues
When I toured Green Line villages to observe the Palestinian presidential election on Jan. 9, I saw Israeli cranes and bulldozers poised to carry on with construction on other sections of the wall in the Ariel neighbourhood. It was clear that Israel is determined to go ahead with this project.
http://jordantimes.com/thu/opinion/opinion2.htm


Prisoner Burns to Death in Israeli Prison
They added that they got up in panic as they smell of the burning tent. Prisoners had to extinguish the fire with hands, using cooking pots and gallons, for Israeli prison guard did not respond to the burning of the tent.
http://english.wafa.ps/body.asp?field=tech_news&id=2067


Municipal elections kicks off in Gaza
Sources at the Palestinian Central Elections Committee (CEC) said that 90,000 Palestinians aged above 18 in Gaza have the right to vote. A total of 414 candidates, among them 68 women, are vying for 118 municipal council seats.
http://news.xinhuanet.com/english/2005-01/27/content_2516127.htm


Child dies of wounds sustained earlier in Ramallah
The source stated that Marwan Ghaleb Abu Alawi, 13, died of his wounds, while Saleh Daoud Abu Alawi, 11, who was also injured in the blast, remained in critical condition suffering of deep burns and serious injuries.
http://www.imemc.org/headlines/2005/Jan/Week4/012705/child-Ramallah.htm


Israel can't leave anyone to die in the sick bed
In the meantime, what will happen to the cancer patient from Gaza who needs his daily radiation treatment at Hadassah University Hospital in Jerusalem? He will stand all day in line at the Philadelphi crossing point on his way to the nearest hospital. In Cairo.
http://www.haaretz.com/hasen/spages/532488.html


UN envoy: Israel will still be occupier after pullout
Israel's planned pullout from the Gaza Strip will not change its status as an occupying power in the territory, according to the Geneva convention, the UN special human rights envoy for the occupied territories said in a report publicized Thursday.
http://www.haaretz.com/hasen/spages/532868.html


IDF troops kill Palestinian in Gaza
They said that a 14-year-old boy who stood nearby was also wounded by the gunfire. An Israel Defense Forces source confirmed the raid and said troops shot a militant who fled in a vehicle to avoid arrest. (This will have no influence in future failure of cease-fire!)
http://www.haaretz.com/hasen/spages/532311.html


Israeli army continue attacks on Palestinians
Israeli army troops continued to attack and arrest Palestinians despite a de facto ceasefire by the Palestinian militant group to allow the negotiation of a truce dealwith Israel.
http://news.xinhuanet.com/english/2005-01/27/content_2515869.htm


Hamas vows anti-corruption drive as Gaza tastes local democracy
The radical Islamist movement Hamas will make its first major foray into the Palestinian political process today when it takes part in local elections in its Gaza stronghold on an anti-corruption ticket.
http://story.news.yahoo.com/news?tmpl=story&cid=1515&ncid=1515&e=16&u=/afp/20050127/wl_mideast_afp/mideastpalestinianvotemunicipalgaza_050127081937


Sharon, Abbas Summit in Two Weeks
Sharon's aides said that the prime minister has reservations about declarations over a mutual cease-fire, preferring practical agreements instead. Israeli sources said that Palestinian delegates made no demands such as freeing Marwan Barghouti or halting construction of the separation fence (Apartheid Wall)
http://www.imemc.org/headlines/2005/Jan/week4/012705/sharon-abbas.htm


Palestinians ban citizens from carrying weapons in new step to rein in violence
In the next step to impose order, the Palestinian security forces were preparing to move into the volatile southern Gaza Strip to prevent rocket and other attacks into Israel, extending their control from the northern part of Gaza, where they deployed earlier.
http://www.cbc.ca/cp/world/050127/w012726.html


PA begins southern Gaza deployment
According to the report, hundreds of armed security personnel began deploying between the central Gaza refugee camps and the southern Gaza districts of Khan Yunis, Rafah and the Philadelphi route.
http://www.jpost.com/servlet/Satellite?pagename=JPost/JPArticle/ShowFull&cid=1106796049396


Sharon 'pleased' with moves by Palestinian leader to end violence
"There's no doubt that Abu Mazen (Abbas) has begun to work," he told the Yediot Aharonot daily. "I am very pleased with what I hear about what is going on the Palestinian side, and I very much want to work with him to make progress."
http://www.channelnewsasia.com/stories/afp_world/view/129425/1/.html


US encouraged by steps taken by Abbas: envoy
US Assistant Secretary of State for Near Eastern Affairs William Burns said here on Thursday the United States is encouraged by the steps taken by newly-elected Palestinian leader Mahmoud Abbas. ( Both "Occupier & VETOer" sattisfied?!? )
http://news.xinhuanet.com/english/2005-01/27/content_2516540.htm


Rice expected to visit Mideast in early February
"The new secretary of state, Dr. Rice, whom the president has just announced will be traveling to the region (at) the beginning of February, is committed to doing what she can" to promote Middle East peace, Deputy Assistant Secretary of State David Satterfield told a conference.
http://www.alertnet.org/thenews/newsdesk/N27665948.htm


Security officials: PA police deploying in south Gaza
The Palestinian Authority began deploying its forces on Thursday afternoon in Khan Yunis, in the southern Gaza Strip. The deployment was set for Thursday morning but was delayed for technical reasons. An additional deployment is planned to take place across from Rafah.
http://www.haaretz.com/hasen/spages/532982.html


Israel Agrees 'In Principle' to W.Bank Pullback -Dahlan
Dahlan said there was no final deal made on the Israeli pullback from Palestinian cities in the territory captured in the 1967 Middle East war, but that the details would likely be decided in a meeting next week.
http://olympics.reuters.com/newsArticle.jhtml?type=topNews&storyID=7455206


Abbas: 'The ball is in Israel's court'
"On our side we have decided to calm down things, and we informed the Israelis of our decision in order to have a reciprocal move, but if Israel continues its practices against Palestinians the lull will not last long," Abbas told Beirut's daily newspaper An-Nahar in an interview published Thursday.
http://washingtontimes.com/upi-breaking/20050127-053541-1105r.htm


"Zionism today is the real enemy of the Jews"
On the eve of the 60th anniversary of the liberation of the former Nazi concentration and extermination camp, Auschwitz-Birkenau, 355 people cast a majority vote in favour of a motion that "Zionism today is the real enemy of the Jews" at a debate that took place on Tuesday 25 January at the Royal Geographical Society in London
http://electronicintifada.net/v2/article3563.shtml


It is time to make the most of 'a promising moment' for peace
It is "a very promising moment" in the history of the Middle East peace process. These are the words of the U.S. assistant secretary of state for Near Eastern affairs, William Burns, who met with Egyptian President Hosni Mubarak on Tuesday and with top Israeli and Palestinian officials on Wednesday.
http://www.dailystar.com.lb/article.asp?edition_id=10&article_id=12109&categ_id=17


Israel refuses to rule out attack on Iran
At a meeting with journalists in London, Shaul Mofaz did little to dispel the sense of unease caused by comments last week by the US Vice-President, Dick Cheney, who suggested Israel might "decide to act first" to end Iran's nuclear threat.
http://news.independent.co.uk/world/middle_east/story.jsp?story=604945


UN report survives US objections
The nature of the dispute centred on differences between the US view that the Arab world's problems are mainly internal and the Arab consensus that external factors such as US foreign policy and Israel's treatment of the Palestinians have contributed significantly to oppression and poor governance in the region.
http://english.aljazeera.net/NR/exeres/3900FCF8-AD2C-4123-89B9-DAC884A932D6.htm


Iraq war planner Feith to leave Pentagon job
Douglas Feith, the U.S. Defense Department's top policy officer and an architect of the U.S.-led invasion of Iraq, announced on Wednesday he would leave his job this summer for personal and family reasons. Defense Secretary Donald Rumsfeld praised the outgoing undersecretary of defense for policy as having contributed to U.S. security and said he would be missed.
http://www.haaretz.com/hasen/pages/ShArt.jhtml?itemNo=532495&contrassID=1&subContrassID=8&sbSubContrassID=0&listSrc=Y


Insurgents destroy two voting centers near Fallujah
"US troops opened two voting centers in Ameriyat al-Fallujah, some 7 km southwest of Fallujah. The two centers were nothing but two shops which were detonated 12 hours after being opened," the witnesses told Xinhua.
http://news.xinhuanet.com/english/2005-01/27/content_2515768.htm


Soldier: Britons Made Fun of Detainees
British troops laughed and joked as they made two Iraqi men simulate sex acts after detaining them for looting, a soldier testified Thursday at the court-martial of three comrades accused of mistreating civilians.
http://story.news.yahoo.com/news?tmpl=story&cid=540&ncid=540&e=5&u=/ap/20050127/ap_on_re_mi_ea/britain_iraq_abuse

January 26, 2005

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Rachel Corrie Rebuilding Campaign in Gaza nominated in GlobalGiving.com competition
The Rachel Corrie Rebuilding Campaign in Gaza has been nominated for a GlobalGiving.com competition. Through January 27th, at www.globalgiving.com/cb/gpf/pr/1000/proj929a.html , people throughout the world can vote online and rate the entries they deem best.
http://electronicintifada.net/v2/article3558.shtml


IDF asks AG to okay wider Philadelphi route
The Israel Defense Forces have asked Attorney General Menachem Mazuz for permission to clear completely a 300-meter-wide strip along the Gazan-Egyptian border. This would require the demolition of hundreds of Palestinian houses in Rafah.
http://www.haaretz.com/hasen/pages/ShArt.jhtml?itemNo=531978&contrassID=1&subContrassID=5&sbSubContrassID=0&listSrc=Y


Israel plans to raze more Gaza homes
The demolitions could leave between 3000 and 10,000 Palestinians homeless and exacerbate the environmental disaster already wrought by more than four years of Israeli bulldozing and demolition. The Israeli army says the demolitions are necessary to protect soldiers patrolling the Gaza-Egypt border.
http://english.aljazeera.net/NR/exeres/0B8E1585-9035-4BEC-A38F-4B58568EF966.htm


Israeli troops kill Palestinian girl
Israeli occupation soldiers have shot and killed a three-year-old girl inside her home in central Gaza, eyewitnesses and medical sources said. Rahma Ibrahim Abu Shamas was reportedly inside her home in Dair al-Balah in central Gaza on Wednesday when a bullet struck her in the head, killing her instantly.
http://english.aljazeera.net/NR/exeres/A5EBA628-E4D7-4EE4-9198-F235227A7C7E.htm


Hamas man killed in W. Bank; Al-Aqsa threatens to end truce
Following the raid, the Al-Aqsa Brigades threatened to scrap the de facto cease-fire if the Israeli military did not halt raids against their members within 24 hours. The incident came hours after Israeli officials hinted at a change in assassination policy
http://www.haaretz.com/hasen/spages/532311.html


Settlers attack Palestinian officials
Jewish settlers attacked a car carrying a Palestinian security delegation which had just met with their Israeli counterparts at the Tufah crossing on Wednesday. Palestinian officials were forced to return from the talks in military vehicles and others returned on foot as their vehicle had been damaged during the meeting.
http://english.aljazeera.net/NR/exeres/DFBF31E1-B3C8-469F-9B51-D3AC1266E3A0.htm


Israel to curb movement of Jerusalem Palestinians
Israel plans to restrict the movement of Palestinians living in Jerusalem, a move it says is for their own safety but that Palestinians say could strengthen Israel's hold on the holy city and hinder peacemaking.
http://www.alertnet.org/thenews/newsdesk/L25270421.htm


Israeli psychological warfare unit set up
The Israeli army is set to activate a special psychological warfare unit (PWU) whose main role is to "disseminate disinformation" and "carefully manipulated information" about Iran and other countries in the Middle East deemed to be "hostile".
http://www.aljazeera.com/me.asp?service_ID=6900


Israel to hand security control to PA in four major WB cities in two weeks
The Palestinian cabinet Minister Sa'eb Ereikat met with the chief of the Israeli Prime Minister Ariel Sharon's bureau Dov Weisglass met on Wednesday in Jerusalem to discuss the transfer of control to the PA.
http://www.imemc.org/headlines/2005/Jan/week4/012605/control-handover.htm


Researchers find rare exchange of letters from 5th century Gaza Strip
Swiss researchers have uncovered a rare exchange of letters written in ancient Greek during the fifth century in what is now the Gaza Strip, the University of Fribourg said on Monday."They have helped us to learn about people that we knew nothing about until now,"
http://www.dailystar.com.lb/article.asp?edition_id=10&categ_id=4&Article_id=12069


Examiner ad demonizes Palestinian children
The Electronic Intifada calls on its readers to protest an advertisement for the San Francisco Examiner and Washington Examiner newspapers demonizing Palestinian children. The advertisment appeared in the 24 January 2005 of Media Week , a trade publication.
http://electronicintifada.net/v2/article3559.shtml


PA, Hamas Agree to Reform PLO
All Palestinian factions including Hamas and Islamic Jihad, who are not represented in the PLO, will be represented in the newly proposed leadership council. PA sources also reported that Hamas has agreed to run candidates in the PA's parliamentary elections in July
http://www.imemc.org/headlines/2005/Jan/week4/012605/pa-hamas.htm


Israel and Palestinians Near Peace Summit Deal
Israel agreed to suspend targeted killings of Palestinian militants yet, in the West Bank, Israeli troops shot and killed a militant and seriously wounded two others in an arrest raid in the town of Qalqiliya.
http://news.scotsman.com/latest.cfm?id=4051514


Israel to restart contact with Abbas "quickly"
Israeli Prime Minister Ariel Sharon has decided to resume political contact "very quickly" with the Palestinian leadership, Israel's Public Radio reported Wednesday.
http://news.xinhuanet.com/english/2005-01/26/content_2511065.htm


PNA slams UN decision not to renew relief chief's term
In a communique, the PNA demanded UN Secretary General Kofi Annan to retreat his decision that came under pressures of the United States and Israel.
http://news.xinhuanet.com/english/2005-01/26/content_2511982.htm


Albright: Palestinians can't expect more than in 2000
Former U.S. Secretary of State Madeleine Albright, a key figure in talks that came close to an Israeli-Palestinian peace settlement, on Wednesday said Palestinians could not expect more from a deal than was offered in 2000.
http://www.alertnet.org/thenews/newsdesk/L26359618.htm


Sharon boosts Abbas ceasefire bid by moving on militants' key demands
But the factions have said they will not announce a halt to their campaign of attacks until Israel reciprocates by ending its military operations in the occupied territories, halting targeted killings of militants and starting to release the 8,000 Palestinian prisoners in Israeli jails.
http://www.turkishpress.com/news.asp?ID=36449


The rise of Israel's pious
Inside a stone citadel atop a panoramic hilltop, prospective Israeli soldiers at the Beit Yatir religious military prep school consult the Talmud on whether they should follow orders to evacuate settlements in the Gaza Strip and the West Bank.
http://www.csmonitor.com/2005/0126/p06s01-wome.html?s=hns


PA: Sharon-Abbas summit to be held within two weeks
Breaking a freeze in diplomatic contacts, Prime Minister Ariel Sharon's senior advisor Dov Weisglass met Wednesday with Palestinian Authority Cabinet Minister Saeb Erekat to discuss the transfer of four West Bank cities to Palestinian security control.
http://www.haaretz.com/hasen/spages/531967.html


U.S. wants Syria to back Palestinian-Israeli moves
Burns said he and U.S. Deputy Secretary of State Richard Armitage had encouraged Syria during a visit there this month to support what Burns said was the most promising opportunity for progress in the Palestinian and Israeli peace process for years.
http://www.alertnet.org/thenews/newsdesk/L26194910.htm


US will do all to exploit 'most promising' Mideast peace chance: envoy
"The US is determined to do everthing we can to contribute to the opportunity of progress between the Palestinians and Israel," William Burns said following talks with Egyptian President Hosni Mubarak. "We agreed that we have the most promising opportunity for progress for several years," he added.
http://news.yahoo.com/news?tmpl=story&u=/afp/20050126/wl_mideast_afp/mideastusegypt_050126155848


Promoting an alternative image of the Arab world
Last December, the renowned poet Darwish was given the Principal Prince Claus Award worth 100,000 euros in the Netherlands for his powerful and world-famous poetry that depicts his life as an exile and his desire for his native country.
http://www.dailystar.com.lb/article.asp?edition_id=10&categ_id=4&article_id=12068


An Iron Wall of Colonization
Israel has made it clear that the first thing it expects of the new Palestinian leader is for him to bring the Palestinian population under control: a mission that, in order to demonstrate his good behavior, he has already zealously taken up by deploying his security forces in order to protect Israel from attack by Palestinians (rather than the other way around).
http://www.counterpunch.org/makdisi01262005.html


Israel ready to expel BBC reporter
The government says no new visa will be issued until Wilson agrees to sign a letter acknowledging that he deliberately defied Israeli law, apologising and promising that it will not happen again. BBC sources say that the corporation is unwilling to agree to such a move, in which case Wilson will be barred from Israel indefinitely.
http://www.guardian.co.uk/israel/Story/0,2763,1398641,00.html


EU looks to boost its image in Israel
The European Union's new ambassador to Israel, Ramiro Cibrian-Uzal, said he plans to make a concerted effort to improve the EU's image here. An Israeli-Palestinian peace agreement is a "strategic priority" for the EU right now, he continued, but the union believes that its desire for peace complements its friendship with Israel.
http://www.haaretz.com/hasen/pages/ShArt.jhtml?itemNo=531968&contrassID=1&subContrassID=1&sbSubContrassID=0&listSrc=Y


Ticking intelligence bomb
Mr. Benjamin Netanyahu: I, for example, brought three children into the world, out of a strategic decision reached together with my wife, according to which the struggle with people like you has to be based on quality, not quantity.
http://www.haaretz.com/hasen/spages/531935.html


Russia writes off $9.8 billion of Syrian debt
In a sign Moscow was ready to take its relations with Syria to a new level, Finance Minister Alexei Kudrin said Russia had agreed to write off 73 percent - $9.8 billion - of Syria's net debts to Moscow. It was unclear what Moscow, whose influence waned in the Middle East after the collapse of the Soviet Union, would get in return
http://www.dailystar.com.lb/article.asp?edition_id=10&categ_id=2&article_id=12098


Settlers Compensation payments to add One Billion to State Deficit
Demands by Israel Knesset members to add NIS 500 million NIS in compensation for Gush Kativ settlers and settlers of the four small northern West Bank outposts and businesses to be evacuated in the unilateral disengagement plan will add around NIS 1 billion to the 2005 budget deficit.
http://www.imemc.org/headlines/2005/Jan/week4/012605/state-deficit.htm


U.S. Helicopter Crash in Iraq Kills 31 in Deadliest Day of War
A helicopter crash in Iraq killed 31 Marines, the top U.S. commander in the Middle East said in Washington, in the single deadliest incident suffered by the U.S. military since the March 2003 invasion. Five other members of the American military were killed in separate attacks today north and west of the capital Baghdad.
http://www.bloomberg.com/apps/news?pid=10000087&sid=aNpYKyb6s5Kk&refer=top_world_news

January 25, 2005

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Israel resumes work on illegal wall
Israeli bulldozers have resumed work on one of the most controversial sections of the illegal separation wall deep in the northern West Bank. The work began on Monday after an eight-month pause when the construction was halted by a court order. Palestinian security sources in Salfit town, which lies just to the south of the Jewish settlement of Ariel, said three bulldozers began work in the late morning, clearing land belonging to Salfit and to the neighbouring village of Iskaka.
http://english.aljazeera.net/NR/exeres/58D7B8C1-9760-48D4-8C45-F0BE08114190.htm


The Writing on the Wall: Maha Abu Dayyeh
My office is close to my house—I just walk across the street. Now, the Wall ends just before the intersection of where I cross. When its construction is completed, I will have to drive all the way through Qalandia checkpoint, turn right around, and cross the check point again and go to Dahiet Al-Barid, before I can get to my office.
http://electronicintifada.net/v2/article3554.shtml


East Jerusalemites will need permits to visit Ramallah
By then, the separation wall in the area, a series of tall cement plates that he calls a "barrier," will be completed. The Qalandiya checkpoint will be moved off the Jerusalem-Ramallah road and upgraded into a terminal.
http://www.haaretz.com/hasen/pages/ShArt.jhtml?itemNo=531714&contrassID=1&subContrassID=5&sbSubContrassID=0&listSrc=Y


Resumption of barrier sparks first row with Israel since Abbas election
As hundreds of demonstrators protested against building work on the section near the settlement of Ariel, Qorei said Israel had sent a clear message with such a provocative move at a time when Palestinian leader Mahmud Abbas is trying to put an end to four years of violence.
http://news.yahoo.com/news?tmpl=story&u=/afp/20050125/wl_mideast_afp/mideast_050125142020


Israel considers Gaza-W.Bank train for Palestinians
They said Vice Premier Shimon Peres plans to ask the World Bank to help raise funding for the project if it is approved, seeing a train link as a way to counter charges that Israel will effectively maroon Gaza Palestinians when it quits the occupied strip later this year.
http://www.alertnet.org/thenews/newsdesk/L25555041.htm


Israel kills Palestinian as Abbas acts
The body of a Palestinian teenager, shot dead by Israeli troops, has been recovered, while Mahmud Abbas sends bulldozers into Gaza to demolish illegal buildings in a crackdown on the resistance. The victim, whose identity was not immediately known, had been shot on Monday evening in a closed military zone around the settlement of Netzarim
http://english.aljazeera.net/NR/exeres/7C0ABD39-2818-438A-85E5-3202FBD8E9B5.htm


Citizen killed in GS, another in WB
In the West Bank city of Hebron, Yasser al-Jabareen 30, died Tuesday of wounds he sustained a month ago. Al-Jabareen was shot with live bullet in the head and was clinically dead until he passed away today morning, according to medics.
http://english.wafa.ps/body.asp?field=tech_news&id=2063


Brigadier Jaber: “P.A security is ready to carry out its responsibilities in the West Bank”
Brigadier Ismail Jaber, head of the Palestinian National Security said during a visit to Jenin and its refugee camp, north of the West Bank , that the P.A security is ready and receive it full responsibilities if the Israeli army withdraws.
http://www.imemc.org/headlines/2005/Jan/Week4/012505/Jaber.htm


Hamas says dialogue with Abbas achieves substantial progress
"The negotiations with Abu Mazen (Abbas) have produced real results that will soon be released," he said, stressing that whether a truce could be reached depends on Israel's reactions.
http://news.xinhuanet.com/english/2005-01/25/content_2506915.htm


IDF, Palestinian officials meet over south Gaza deployment
Israeli and Palestinian military officials met Tuesday evening to discuss deployment of Palestinian police in southern Gaza, Army Radio reported. The possible broader deployment comes just days after PA police took up positions in northern Gaza to prevent militants from firing rockets at Israel.
http://www.haaretz.com/hasen/spages/531871.html


US envoy to meet Abbas for truce talks on ceasefire
The US envoy to the Middle East, William Burns, is expected to arrive in Jerusalem tomorrow to discuss an appeal by the new Palestinian leadership for American support in securing Israeli respect for a ceasefire. Mr Burns is due to meet the Palestinian Authority president, Mahmoud Abbas, on Thursday.
http://www.guardian.co.uk/israel/Story/0,2763,1397841,00.html


PNA hopes US envoy's visit can reactivate quartet's role
Chief Palestinian negotiator Saeb Erekat said on Tuesday that the Palestinian National Authority (PNA) hopes US Assistant Secretary of State for the Middle East William Burns' visit could reactivate the role of the quartet committee.
http://news.xinhuanet.com/english/2005-01/25/content_2506917.htm


Palestinian forces demolish Gaza homes
A policeman in command of the operation said he was acting in accord with an order from new Palestinian President, Mahmoud Abbas, to remove structures built illegally on government land.
http://www.abc.net.au/news/newsitems/200501/s1289132.htm


Abbas looks to build up diplomatic pressure on Israel on first foreign trip
Mahmud Abbas is to embark this week on the first foreign trip by a Palestinian leader for over three years, heading to Egypt, Jordan, Turkey and Russia, in a bid to build up international pressure on Israel. While his predecessor Yasser Arafat was effectively confined to his West Bank headquarters for the last three years of his life
http://www.turkishpress.com/news.asp?ID=36403


Hamas leader says his group is ready for conditional truce with Israel
Hamas is prepared to accept a temporary truce with Israel, but on condition that the Israelis halt their targeted killings and release all Palestinian prisoners, the leader of the Palestinian resistance group said on Tuesday.
http://www.khaleejtimes.com/DisplayArticle.asp?xfile=data/middleeast/2005/January/middleeast_January701.xml&section=middleeast


Assad: Russian missiles would not pose threat to Israel
"This is a defensive, air defense, weapon," Assad told students during a visit to the Moscow State Institute for International Relations, the Interfax news agency reported. "If Israel is against us buying it, it means it wants to invade our airspace. The Israeli stance is illogical."
http://www.haaretz.com/hasen/spages/531811.html


IDF reviving psychological warfare unit
The psychological warfare unit was dramatically reduced five years ago, but during the war with the Palestinians, the army grew frustrated with the difficulty of influencing Palestinian opinion in the territories - indeed, of even finding a way of communicating with the population.
http://www.haaretz.com/hasen/pages/ShArt.jhtml?itemNo=531712&contrassID=1&subContrassID=5&sbSubContrassID=0&listSrc=Y


PM vows Knesset rulings will be fully implemented
He went on to say that "unfortunately, the last year has seen an increase in calls threatening Israel's democracy, [calls] that publicly reveal various bodies' refusal to accept democratic decisions made by the Knesset."
http://www.haaretz.com/hasen/spages/531866.html


Ya'alon awaits two reports on Rafah house demolitions
A committee headed by Major General Udi Shani examined the effectiveness of destroying houses as a deterrent, but its work expanded to include an examination of military conduct in this area during major operations such as May's Operation Rainbow in Rafah.
http://www.haaretz.com/hasen/spages/530898.html


UK Muslims to boycott Holocaust day
Britain's main Islamic group said it should be called Genocide Memorial Day and commemorate all mass killings, including in Bosnia, Rwanda and Palestine. "Israel has also committed mass killings," said Inayat Bunglawala, spokesman for the Muslim Council of Britain.
http://english.aljazeera.net/NR/exeres/80294A1D-4B69-41A0-8975-A0FCE1000672.htm


Arab leaders to meet in Algiers March 22-23
Moussa, the Arab League's secretary general, met with Algerian President Abdelaziz Bouteflika to discuss the agenda of the summit, then announced the exact date. It has been known the summit would be held in March but the date of the gathering was not official.
http://www.haaretz.com/hasen/pages/ShArt.jhtml?itemNo=531411&contrassID=1&subContrassID=8&sbSubContrassID=0&listSrc=Y


Israeli trench bid: security vs. homes
Digging the 2.5 mile-long trench ( see map ) promises to hit the Palestinian population hard. Israeli officials have given various estimates of the number of Palestinian homes that would be demolished for the project, ranging from a few dozen to as many as 3,000.
http://www.csmonitor.com/2005/0124/p07s01-wome.html


Don't call him a collaborator
Abu Mazen is known for his clear and decisive position not only against the Qassams but against any use of violence in the struggle against Israel. His position on the matter has been known since the start of the intifada, and he did not hesitate to express it in public.
http://www.haaretz.com/hasen/spages/531445.html


Calder awarded for Mid-East service
IT'S a far cry from Mackay in central Queensland to the edge of a refugee camp in the war-torn Gaza Strip. Dr Calder today received Australia's highest civil award with her appointment as a Companion of the Order of Australia (AC) for her humanitarian services in the Middle East.
http://www.thecouriermail.news.com.au/common/story_page/0,5936,12057157%255E1702,00.html


Iraqi forces torturing detainees: Human Rights Watch
"Unlawful arrest, long-term incommunicado detention, torture and other ill-treatment of detainees (including children) by Iraqi authorities have become routine and commonplace," the group said in a 94-page report entitled, "The New Iraq? Torture and Ill-treatment of Detainees in Iraqi Custody," released Monday ( http://hrw.org/reports/2005/iraq0105/ ).
http://uruknet.info/?s1=1&p=9153&s2=25


U.S. Hostage Pleads for His Life in Iraq
In the video, hostage Roy Hallums spoke slowly, rubbing his hands as he sat with the barrel of the rifle inches from his head. He said he had been arrested by a "resistance group" because "I have worked with American forces." He appealed to Arab leaders, including Libya's Moammar Gadhafi, to save his life.
http://abcnews.go.com/International/wireStory?id=441131


More GIs to Accompany Iraqis Under Plan
U.S. commanders are devising a plan for as many as 10,000 soldiers and Marines to accompany Iraqi units as advisers and trainers, a substantial increase from the few thousand doing such work now, defense officials say.
http://story.news.yahoo.com/news?tmpl=story&u=/ap/20050125/ap_on_go_ca_st_pe/iraq_us_troops&cid=542&ncid=1480


Bush Wants $80B More for Iraq, Afghan Wars
Three senior administration officials said the White House would request $80 billion for the wars, or a bit more, soon after Bush submits his budget for fiscal 2006 to lawmakers on Feb. 7. The officials, who spoke on condition of anonymity because the program has not yet been announced, said $75 billion of it would be for U.S. military costs
http://story.news.yahoo.com/news?tmpl=story&cid=540&ncid=540&e=2&u=/ap/20050125/ap_on_re_mi_ea/iraq_spending

January 24, 2005

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'Land grab' fears for Jerusalem
Israeli lawyers acting for owners described the policy as a "land grab". Thousands of Palestinians who possess land in East Jerusalem could lose ownership of their property. Some in Bethlehem and Beit Jalla lost rights to their land in August after it was cut off by the West Bank barrier.
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/middle_east/4201351.stm


"Palestinians Under the New Israeli 'Disengagement Plan'"
It highlights the ways in which four main construction projects—the building of new settlements and the expansion of existing settlements; the construction of more settlers-only "by-pass" road; the building of a system of bridges (for settlers) and tunnels (for Palestinians); and the setting up of industrial zones that will be sites for exploiting impoverished Palestinian labor—combine today with the Apartheid Wall into a plan for the full Bantustanization of the Palestinian people.
http://stopthewall.org/factsheets/848.shtml


You Pick the Houses, I'll Send the Bulldozers'
Israeli media sources quoted two army officers, who took part in Khan Younis operation, as expressing serious worries over the unrestrained use of force, with authority to demolish homes residing in the hands of low-ranking officers. Human rights organization B'Tselem counts 2,400 demolished homes in the Gaza Strip, saying it was clear that the destruction is part of planned policy.
http://www.imemc.org/headlines/2005/Jan/week4/012405/pick-house.htm


Barghouthi: “Seize fire should include a complete halt of Israeli military aggression”
Dr. Mustafa Barghouthi, Secretary General of the Palestinian National Initiative, said that any seize fire agreement reached with Israeli should include halting the construction of the annexation wall, removing the erected sections of the Wall, and removing the military checkpoint and closures over the Palestinian areas.
http://www.imemc.org/headlines/2005/Jan/Week4/012405/barghouthi.htm


Israel may seize "absentee" Arab land in Jerusalem
Under the 1950 law, West Bank Palestinians with property in East Jerusalem could be labelled absentee landowners, allowing the state to confiscate their property without compensation. "There is an intention to do that. It hasn't been approved yet. That's all. There are discussions about this law," a senior Israeli official told Reuters, declining further comment. ( if US shows no Red Light, then it's green )
http://www.alertnet.org/thenews/newsdesk/L23369520.htm


Settlement slated for evacuation said to have doubled size
Settlers told the radio that they have received donations to refurbish caravans at the site, because government budgets to Sa Nur have been frozen, and the Defense Ministry has barred entry to new caravans.
http://www.haaretzdaily.com/hasen/spages/529814.html


Ya'alon awaits two reports on house demolitions
Two major generals are soon to submit conclusions to Chief of Staff Moshe Ya'alon on an issue called "explosive" by military sources: the demolition of Palestinian homes in the territories, primarily the massive razing of dwellings in the Gaza Strip.
http://www.haaretzdaily.com/hasen/spages/530947.html


Israeli Arab birthrate drops, first time in years
According to the Finance Ministry, the drop in birthrate is a clear result of the cutbacks in child support allocations over the past two years, although the cutbacks were driven by economic, not demographic reasons. A senior Finance Ministry official said Israel is subject to an internal demographic threat, and that now "we are reversing the graph, to defend the Jewish majority in the country."
http://www.haaretz.com/hasen/pages/ShArt.jhtml?itemNo=531251&contrassID=1&subContrassID=7&sbSubContrassID=0&listSrc=Y


Three handicapped residents targeted by military fire in Qalqilia
In less than a month, Israeli soldiers shot three handicapped residents in the northern West Bank city of Qalqilia and the surrounding villages killing one and injuring two others. On Saturday, Israeli soldiers killed Taqi Ad-Deen Al-Khouli, 17, in the village of Azzoun, near Qalqilia, after claiming that he was in an area near the annexation Wall;
http://www.imemc.org/headlines/2005/Jan/Week4/012405/handicapped.htm


IOF Arrests 3 Citizens Including Policeman in WB
In Ramallah, Israeli troops rolled into Aaboud village, located northern the city and arrested two citizens after storming their houses, locals said. Nine Israeli military vehicles broke into the village, besieged the house of Waleed Awad 17, and Abdullah al-Barghouty 20...
http://english.wafa.ps/body.asp?field=tech_news&id=2061


General Assembly marks 60th anniversary of liberation of Nazi death camps
Before the day-long session, Mr. Annan and his wife, Nane, hosted a coffee reception for death camp survivors and other distinguished guests, including Nobel Peace Prize laureate and Holocaust survivor Elie Wiesel. ( Elie Wiesel, calling Palestinian acts "Crimes Against Humanity"! Supporting Sharon & his policies )
http://www.un.org/apps/news/story.asp?NewsID=13102&Cr=general&Cr1=assembly


Annan drops UNRWA head after US, Israeli campaign
Secretary-General Kofi Annan has decided not to reappoint the head of the UN relief agency for Palestinians because of a long campaign against him by Israel and the United States, UN officials said on Wednesday.
http://www.haaretzdaily.com/hasen/spages/529513.html


Israel and the UN: Promising beginnings
Israel's relations with the UN, since it recognized the state's existence in 1948, have gone up and down. Israel still draws fire in every forum of the UN, where its adversaries enjoy a majority.
http://www.haaretz.com/hasen/spages/531367.html


Palestinians agree on cool-off period
"Firstly, to give the Palestinian Authority an opportunity to negotiate for Palestinian safety and security. "Secondly, to ease the confrontation with Israel as an introduction to reach a long-term truce if Israel offers a positive commitment to cease its aggression by withdrawing from Palestinian land, releasing all political detainees and removing checkpoints."
http://english.aljazeera.net/NR/exeres/B1637A40-10D0-48FC-ADDE-A0845F994EF2.htm


No need for Israel to respond to any Palestinian truce: Netanyahu
"I don't see why Israel must give something," Netanyahu told army radio. "They must give something." "They are the side that transgressed. They are the side that tried to use terror to press for the terrible results that they sought." ( They are the creators of Zionism/Occupation/Settlements/WMD/Aparthied...? )
http://story.news.yahoo.com/news?tmpl=story&cid=1514&ncid=1312&e=4&u=/afp/20050124/wl_mideast_afp/mideastpalestiniantruceisrael_050124074433


Israeli military open to truce with Palestinians
The announcement, by Prime Minister Ariel Sharon and his defence minister, Shaul Mofaz, came as Palestinian leader Mahmoud Abbas said he was closing in on a truce deal with Islamic militants and called on Israel to respond positively to a truce.
http://www.canoe.ca/NewsStand/LondonFreePress/News/2005/01/24/908260-sun.html


Weisglass to Washington next week
The Israeli radio reported that Sharon’s advisor, Dove Weisglass is heading to Washington next week to prepare for Sharons’ visit scheduled to late March or early April. Weisglass will meet Condoleezza Rice, which will be officially assigned to her position next week.
http://www.imemc.org/headlines/2005/Jan/Week4/012405/Weisglass.htm


Knesset panel to urge boosting settler compensation
A subcommittee of the Knesset Finance committee will recommend that the government increase by millions of shekels funds allocated toward compensating settlers evacuated from their homes under the disengagement plan, Israel Radio said. ( compensating Illegal Settlers! )
http://www.haaretz.com/hasen/pages/ShArt.jhtml?itemNo=530882&contrassID=1&subContrassID=1&sbSubContrassID=0&listSrc=Y


PA police ordered to prevent Qassams at any cost
Our orders are to prevent fire at any cost, even if we have to shoot, but we have to receive approval for that from the battalion commander or one of the senior officers. If a cell of militants who are ready to fire is observed, police have orders to move in quickly, seize weapons and prevent the firing. Only if met with resistance may they ask permission to shoot.
http://www.haaretz.com/hasen/pages/ShArt.jhtml?itemNo=530946&contrassID=1&subContrassID=5&sbSubContrassID=0&listSrc=Y


Likud MK demands to force extremist group out of the party
The petition is follows a manifesto, written by the movements' members and distributed in thousands of copies, saying that nonviolent civil disobedience and refusal is the only way to respond to Prime Minister Ariel Sharon's disengagement plan.
http://www.haaretz.com/hasen/pages/ShArt.jhtml?itemNo=531384&contrassID=1&subContrassID=1&sbSubContrassID=0&listSrc=Y


From enemy to partner
We've already been down this road before. The prime minister, with or without a cautionary note from Washington, decides to demonstrate restraint in the event of a terrorist bombing/Qassam, the Israel Defense Forces withdraws its troops from an urban settlement (Bethlehem - remember?) and hands responsibility for the act of terror back to the Palestinian Authority.
http://www.haaretz.com/hasen/spages/530926.html


US media silent over massive East Jerusalem land grab
The reader is not reminded about how Ariel Sharon used to insist on seven days of quiet before he returned to the so-called "negotiating table", and that when he got two whole months of quiet in the summer of 2003, thanks to Mahmoud Abbas's efforts, Mr. Sharon went out of his way to sabotage the unilateral cease-fire with spectacular assassinations.
http://www.pmwatch.org/pmw/mediocrity/displayCall.asp?essayID=273


Israeli Arab cleared of failing to prevent bus bombing
"It has been a very difficult two and a half years," she said following her acquittal on Monday. "But I trusted that this is how it would end. I will not celebrate today, because of the bereaved families. I have a friend who was killed...
http://www.haaretz.com/hasen/spages/531335.html


The `demographic scarecrow'
The Arab population in Israel numbers 1.36 million, about 20 percent of the general population. Last week the Central Bureau of Statistics published data on Israel's Muslim community, which constitutes 82 percent of the Arab population. The data expressly prove that demographics is not a scarecrow.
http://www.haaretz.com/hasen/spages/530924.html


A fragile and flimsy chance
Hamas is demanding a change in the electoral system (from the regional system used currently in the PA, to elections according to the system used in Israel, which allows small political parties to succeed). Al-Zahar's remarks confirm what has been known for some time - that Hamas is setting out to become a political party that wants to gain control.
http://www.haaretz.com/hasen/spages/530925.html


Tali Fahima released to house arrest
Fahima was arrested nearly six months ago. Her defense attorney, Samadar Ben-Natan argues that the state has reversed itself. When Fahima was arrested, Ben-Natan states, investigative bodies said there was not enough evidence for a standard indictment. Fahima was thus placed under administrative detention.
http://www.haaretz.com/hasen/spages/531260.html


Dagan: Egypt, Syria have nuclear programs, as well as Iran
The head of the Mossad intelligence service, Meir Dagan, warned Monday that there are signs that several Middle East states other than Iran - including Egypt, Saudi Arabia and Syria - are at varying stages of development of nuclear programs.
http://www.haaretz.com/hasen/spages/531273.html


Iraqi insurgents saving up for major attack-US general
"We think it's a calm before the storm, that they're unable to sustain the level of attacks that they've had, but they're saving up for something more spectacular in the days proceeding elections and on election day," Lessel said.
http://www.alertnet.org/thenews/newsdesk/N24595720.htm


US plans 'robot troops' for Iraq
The US military is planning to deploy robots armed with machine-guns to wage war against insurgents in Iraq. Eighteen of the 1m-high robots, equipped with cameras and operated by remote control, are going to Iraq this spring, the Associated Press reports.
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/americas/4199935.stm

January 23, 2005

//------------------------------------------------\\
|  Today in Palestine! 23 - Jan - 2005  |
|           www.TheHeadlines.Org             |
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Israel seizes thousands of acres of Palestinian-owned land in Jerusalem
Israel has quietly seized large tracts of Jerusalem land owned by Palestinian residents of the West Bank after they were cut off from their property by Israel's separation barrier, lawyers of the landowners said. The land was taken after Prime Minister Ariel Sharon's government decided several months ago to enforce a long-dormant law that allows Israel to seize lands of Palestinians...
http://cbsnewyork.com/international/Jerusalem-Confiscatio-ai/resources_news_html


Racism at Its Highest Level
You live in a home in a city, your home is inherited through generations within your family, you never sold your home, you never left your home or your city, yet your home isn't yours anymore. This is the exact meaning of implementing the Absentee property law in East Jerusalem. On July 2004, decided in secrecy to implement the Absentee property law in East Jerusalem.
http://www.imemc.org/headlines/2005/Jan/Week4/012305/racism%20at%20its%20highst%20point.htm


Beilin: Gov't decision on East J'lem property is undemocratic
MK Mohamed Barakeh (Hadash) said in response to the report that the decision is a new "war crime" committed by the Sharon government. The decision, Barakeh said, proves that, "Sharon's real disengagement is a disengagement from all accepted agreement for a final settlement."
http://www.haaretz.com/hasen/pages/ShArt.jhtml?itemNo=530467&contrassID=1&subContrassID=7&sbSubContrassID=0&listSrc=Y


Family of dead Gaza girl demands probe of IDF shooting
The petitioners are demanding a change of venue out of concern that the military prosecution may have approved the command to open fire, which they say was illegal. The High Court gave the military prosecution 10 days to respond to the petition.
http://www.haaretz.com/hasen/spages/530835.html


Army kills a child near Qalqilia
Saturday evening, Israeli soldiers killed a child, near the village of Azzoun, near the northern West Bank of Qalqilia. A local source in Qalqilia reported that Taqi Al-Deen Khawla, 17, was killed near the annexation wall. The source stated that Khawala was suffering from mental disability. (Were the killed an Illegal Settler, then it'd be end to cease-fire! )
http://www.imemc.org/headlines/2005/Jan/Week4/012205/child%20Qalqilia.htm


IDF uncovers largest weapons factory in Nablus in 3 years
Israel Defense Forces troops operating in Nablus before dawn on Sunday uncovered a weapons lab described as the largest discovered in the West Bank city in the past three years. Soldiers from the Haruv Battalion found 30 kilograms of explosives and three explosive belts in the lab.
http://www.haaretz.com/hasen/spages/530473.html


Denmark's envoy meets Danish security suspect
The Danish Foreign Ministry issued a statement Sunday saying that the suspect "seemed to be okay," has been "under a lot of pressure because of the situation, and was happy to finally see a Danish government official and send greetings to his family in Denmark."
http://www.jpost.com/servlet/Satellite?pagename=JPost/JPArticle/ShowFull&cid=1106450584660


Sharon aide sees no final peace accord with Abbas
"On the major issues, Abu Mazen (Abbas) will not be able to compromise any more than (Yasser) Arafat. That being the case, it is clear that negotiating on a final accord now would be a recipe for disaster," Zalman Shoval told Reuters.
http://www.alertnet.org/thenews/newsdesk/L23307660.htm


Palestine TV - Abbas says nearing ceasefire
"President Mahmoud Abbas has confirmed that the Palestinian national dialogue has made very great progress and he added that very soon an agreement in this regard will be reached," the television said in a statement.
http://www.alertnet.org/thenews/newsdesk/L23442790.htm


Islamic Jihad: Israel to Decide on Ceasefire
One of the Islamic Jihad leaders Halid Al-Bac released an announcement stating that "A ceasefire depends on Israel's acceptance of the conditions of the Palestinian people. It is up to Israel now to decide."
http://www.zaman.com/?bl=hotnews&alt=&trh=20050123&hn=15873


Palestinians deny truce deal but say ready for calm
"What Mofaz said was incorrect. We reiterated that the movement has expressed its readiness to study the issue of calm seriously but there will be no calm without a price and a calm will not be accepted unless there is a clear commitment from the occupation to stop all sorts of aggression," Sami Abu Zuhri of Hamas...
http://www.alertnet.org/thenews/newsdesk/L23197553.htm


Palestinians Hint New Calm to Last at Least a Month
Palestinian militants signaled on Sunday they would help maintain calm in Gaza for at least a month but denied Israeli reports they had agreed to a cease-fire at the behest of Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas.
http://olympics.reuters.com/newsArticle.jhtml?type=topNews&storyID=7401582


Two more Palestinian groups join truce offer
The Democratic Front for the Liberation of Palestine (DFLP) and the Popular Front for the Liberation of Palestine (PFLP) on Saturday expressed their readiness for cooperation with new Palestinian leader Mahmoud Abbasin reaching a truce with Israel.
http://news.xinhuanet.com/english/2005-01/23/content_2496017.htm


Palestinian militants say ball in Israel's court on truce
"Mofaz's statement that we have reached a ceasefire is incorrect," Hamas spokesman Sami Abu Zuhri told AFP. "Our position is that the Israeli occupation should first commit itself to a ceasefire. After that we have no objections about dealing with this subject positively."
http://www.turkishpress.com/world/news.asp?id=050123112006.15k3du7a.xml


Sharon's Warning to Militants If They Disrupt Gaza Calm
“After a long period of Palestinian terror and vigorous activity of the security forces against the terror, it is quiet,” Sharon said at the start of the meeting. “I hope that maybe the quiet will continue and if not, the army and the security forces will continue to do all that is necessary to lift the threat from the residents here.”
http://news.scotsman.com/latest.cfm?id=4036692


Bank Leumi won't pay Holocaust victims' heirs
Bank Leumi, which holds most of the accounts of Jews who perished in the Holocaust, does not intend to pay the money it owes the survivors and victims' heirs at this stage. The bank made this clear despite the publication of the parliamentary inquiry commission on this matter last week. (Zionist = Anti-Semite ? )
http://www.haaretz.com/hasen/pages/ShArt.jhtml?itemNo=530528&contrassID=1&subContrassID=7&sbSubContrassID=0&listSrc=Y


Beilin: Gov't Decision on EJ property is Robbery
Beilin, who served as Justice Minister under former Israeli Prime Minister Ehud Barak, also said that the government of Israeli Prime Minister Ariel Sharon did what no government has done before. "Neither from the left nor from the right, no one dared to do this, to take the property rights of Palestinians in East Jerusalem," Beilin said.
http://www.imemc.org/headlines/2005/Jan/Week4/012305/Belein%20EJ%20law%20robbery.htm


PA town gets female mayor
It was her husband Majdi al-Rahimi, a Popular Front member, who suggested she run for the council. She says he has been praying and fasting for a decade at the PA jail in Jericho. He was sentenced to eight years in prison for his role in planning the assassination of then-tourism minister Rehavam Ze'evi.
http://www.haaretz.com/hasen/spages/530522.html


Israel charts anti-Semitism rise in Russia, Britain
"A central cause: years of hostile reporting and commentary about Israel in the British press now is spilling over into the street," the report said in apparent reference to coverage of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. ( According to BBC report, majority of Britons belive that Israel is under Palestinian Occupation )
http://www.haaretz.com/hasen/spages/530846.html


Ben-Eliezer to declare run for head of Labor Party
Ben-Eliezer served for two years as Labor chairman and led the campaign to bring the party into Prime Minister Ariel Sharon's first government. During the past several months, however, polls were not particular in his favor and it appeared as if his support within the party was dropping.
http://www.haaretz.com/hasen/spages/530777.html


Analysis: Israel pleasantly surprised by Abbas
Arafat enjoyed greater political power and legitimacy than Abbas, and the PA security forces were better organized early in the conflict than they are now. Yet Arafat never took even the minimal steps that Abbas has now taken.
http://www.haaretz.com/hasen/pages/ShArt.jhtml?itemNo=530526&contrassID=1&subContrassID=1&sbSubContrassID=0&listSrc=Y


Abbas's Surprising Success
Also, Abbas, and for various reasons, arrived to power enjoying the backing of the most powerful international powers. Standing on such a solid international base, Abbas became immune against much of the Israeli pressure his processor, Yasser Arafat, was subjected to.
http://www.imemc.org/headlines/2005/Jan/Week4/012305/abbas%27s%20surprising%20success.htm


Protesters call for PM's resignation over policy of restraint
Police and the Shin Bet security service allowed the demonstration to go ahead on a nearby street but barred protestors from approaching the actual location of the cabinet meeting. There were also clashes between Shin Bet security service personnel and journalists attempting to cover the cabinet meeting.
http://www.haaretz.com/hasen/pages/ShArt.jhtml?itemNo=530860&contrassID=1&subContrassID=7&sbSubContrassID=0&listSrc=Y


New immigrants' problems don't end when they die
Giorgio was Christian Orthodox, like thousands of immigrants from former Soviet Union. Apparently, dying in Israel is no easier for new immigrants and their families than many other absorption issues. This is because most local authorities have not established a civil or non-Jewish cemetery, despite the law requiring them to do so.
http://www.haaretz.com/hasen/spages/530487.html


Israeli joker in the Iranian poker game
Cheney is not worried about the Israeli context, nor is he warning Israel not to act without coordination with Washington. He is using the possibility of an Israeli operation against Iran to threaten Tehran, while shaking off American responsibility for that kind of escalation.
http://www.haaretz.com/hasen/spages/530512.html


A week ahead of Iraq election, Zarqawi calls for all-out war
The voice attributed to Zarqawi in an audiotape message posted on an Islamic website said the January 30 election was a "wicked trap aimed at putting the Rafidha (a derogatory term for Shiites) in the seat of power in Iraq," "We have declared all-out war on this wicked course," said the voice on the 45-minute tape
http://story.news.yahoo.com/news?tmpl=story&cid=1515&ncid=1515&e=13&u=/afp/20050123/wl_mideast_afp/iraq_050123152142


In the Penal Colony
Alberto Gonzales's nomination to succeed John Ashcroft as Attorney General put the Abu Ghraib torture scandal back on the front pages, since he was directly implicated, as White House counsel, in the formulation of policies authorizing and justifying the mistreatment of prisoners that paved the road to Abu Ghraib.
http://uruknet.info/?s1=2&p=9081&s2=23


Allawi party official killed: Zarqawi
"Your brothers in the al-Qaeda organisation in the Land of Two Rivers (Iraq) managed to assassinate Salem Jaafar al-Kanani, secretary of the traitor Allawi," the statement said. The authenticity of the statement could not be confirmed.
http://www.theadvertiser.news.com.au/common/story_page/0,5936,12031961%255E1702,00.html


U.S. Soldier Killed on Patrol in Iraq
There have been daily clashes between U.S. forces and insurgents in the city in recent weeks. The military has increased troop strength in the area and has launched frequent overnight arrest raids to try to rein in guerillas before next weekend's elections in Iraq.
http://story.news.yahoo.com/news?tmpl=story&cid=540&ncid=540&e=3&u=/ap/20050123/ap_on_re_mi_ea/iraq_soldier_killed

January 22, 2005

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|  Today in Palestine! 22 - Jan - 2005  |
|           www.TheHeadlines.Org             |
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Beilin: Gov't decision on Eest J'lem property is undemocratic
Responding to a report that the cabinet met in July 2004 and adopted a decision to expand the powers of the Custodian of Absentee Property to East Jerusalem, Yahad Chairman Yossi Beilin said Saturday that the decision equated to stealing property, and that it was undemocratic.
http://www.haaretz.com/hasen/spages/530467.html


Village of Biddu to Plant Olive Seedlings in Wall's Path on Monday
the community of Biddu in northwest Jerusalem will plant olive trees in the path of Israel's Apartheid Wall. The peaceful protest, organized by Biddu's popular committee, will also be joined by international and Israeli activists. Participants will gather at Biddu's Village Council at 11:00 AM on Monday and march to Biddu's farmland that is being bulldozed for Wall construction.
http://www.palsolidarity.org/DesktopModules/Articles/ArticlesView.aspx?tabID=0&alias=Rainbow&lang=en-US&ItemID=746&mid=10400


IDF troops kill Palestinian near West Bank separation fence
The soldiers who witnessed the Palestinian approaching the fence fired warning shots, initially towards the air and subsequently firing in the direction of his feet. Apparently, one of the shots wounded the Palestinian, who would die of his injuries. The Palestinian was unarmed. (Separation Fence = Apartheid Wall)
http://www.haaretz.com/hasen/spages/530473.html


US must act to stop ethnic cleansing in Palestine
In a single day in early December, 117 ancient olive trees were ripped from the ground. The bulldozers reappeared on subsequent days to continue their assault. Steven Erlanger reported in the New York Times on 29 December that 650 trees, many of them 600 years old, had been uprooted. For the farmers whose livelihood depends upon olives, this is a catastrophe.
http://electronicintifada.net/v2/article3547.shtml


The Rachel Corrie Rebuilding Campaign in Gaza
Please access the Page, and vote for it. For sake of success of the project, and it's reminding the world of the unjust Murder of Rachel Corrie,a nd the continuing silence?
http://www.globalgiving.com/dy/projrater/gpf.html?project=929


National Resistance Committees demand referendum on issues of Jerusalem and refugees
The Palestinian National Resistance Committees (NRC) demanded of the Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas, Abu Mazin, during a meeting on Friday, to hold a referendum on the issues of Jerusalem and the Palestinian refugees.
http://www.imemc.org/headlines/2005/Jan/Week4/012205/nrc.htm


Keep security and education separate
the job of the Shin Bet officer at the ministry has not been canceled. A representative of the secret service serves as a deputy supervisor of the Arab education department, involved in all the appointments of principals and teachers in the Arab sector schools with the authority to veto an appointment.
http://www.haaretz.com/hasen/spages/529013.html


Action Alert: Help ISM Activist Brian Avery Attend his Hearing
US citizen Brian Avery has petitioned the Israeli Supreme court demanding a criminal investigation into his shooting that occurred on April 5, 2003 in Jenin. His petition will be heard by the court on the 28th of February, 2005.
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/palsolidarity/message/1124


Gaza Militants Dismiss Israel Truce Feeler
Israel signaled on Saturday it could ease back military operations against Palestinian militants if they halted attacks, but the guerrillas said only a full Israeli cease-fire could stop fighting.
http://www.reuters.com/newsArticle.jhtml?type=topNews&storyID=7399684


IDF troops detain Al Aqsa man suspected of murdering Israeli
Israel Defense Forces troops operating in the West Bank city of Ramallah on Friday arrested Al Aqsa Martyrs' Brigades militant Muhanad Salah Hussein, who the security establishment believes...
http://www.haaretz.com/hasen/spages/530473.html


Al-Aqsa Martyrs' Brigades ready for ceasefire with Israel
The group said in a statement that its conditions included that Israel announces a cessation of military operations, a halt to its policy of targetted assassination of militants and releases Palestinian prisoners.
http://story.news.yahoo.com/news?tmpl=story&cid=1514&ncid=1312&e=4&u=/afp/20050122/wl_mideast_afp/mideastpalestinian_050122100835


Islamic Jihad: Calm Gaza Withdrawal Has a Price Tag
" Sharon wants to withdraw from Gaza in calm. If he wants calm, he has to pay the price" he added. Islamic Jihad Gaza leader Mohammed al-Hindi said Friday Israel should halt attacks and release Palestinian prisoners before his group consider halting attacks against Israelis.
http://www.imemc.org/headlines/2005/Jan/Week4/012205/IJ%20calm%20withdrawal%20has%20price%20tag.htm


Danish ambassador to visit tourist held on security charges
Denmark's Foreign Ministry announced Friday that Israel will allow its ambassador to Tel Aviv to visit the Danish national who was arrested for unspecified security violations, Israel Radio reported.
http://www.haaretz.com/hasen/spages/530162.html


U.S. Welcomes Palestinian Security Moves; Sending Envoy to Region
In the meantime, the Bush administration is sending the State Department's top Middle East envoy, William Burns, to the region to try to encourage what officials here say are positive moves by the new Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas.
http://english.chosun.com/w21data/html/news/200501/200501220003.html


Israel Lauds New Palestinian Leader for Moves to Stop Attacks
But he emphasized that the situation remained fragile, and that in the longer run, Mr. Abbas would have to dismantle the military structures of Hamas, Islamic Jihad and Fatah's Al Aksa Martyrs Brigades, confiscate their weapons and destroy rocket factories.
http://www.nytimes.com/2005/01/23/international/middleeast/23mideast.html


Abbas 'within reach' of new Hamas ceasefire deal
But if the factions agree, Mr Abbas will then seek to entrench the ceasefire by asking the US, EU and Egypt to seek equally firm promises from Israel that it will play its part in ensuring that it will not collapse amid mutual recrimination, as did the short-lived truce he negotiated as Prime Minister in the summer of 2003.
http://news.independent.co.uk/world/middle_east/story.jsp?story=603454


Three Palestinian children transferred to Israeli hospitals
A special Magen David Adom vehicle equipped with an incubator transferred a week-old baby and a 9-day-old baby from the Erez Crossing to the hospital. Both babies suffer from heart malfunctions and are awaiting heart surgery. Later, a 13-year-old Palestinian boy, whose legs were dismembered, was also transferred to the hospital.
http://www.haaretz.com/hasen/pages/ShArt.jhtml?itemNo=530477&contrassID=1&subContrassID=1&sbSubContrassID=0&listSrc=Y


Sharon coalition on borrowed time
"Sharon's coalition is hanging together by less than a thread. Even if he succeeds in getting Shas to join the government, he still won't have a majority for peace, because Shas is not very flexible about peace," he said.
http://electronicintifada.net/v2/article3550.shtml


Background/ Hamas vs. Abbas: The lethal wild card, a profile
It won sweeping popular support with smoothly functioning social welfare agencies, a marked lack of corruption, a disciplined organization, and a military-industrial underground named for Iz al-Din al-Qassam, a Syrian-born militant who attacked Jewish villages in pre-State Palestine, killed by the British in 1935.
http://www.haaretz.com/hasen/pages/ShArt.jhtml?itemNo=529909&displayTypeCd=1&sideCd=1&contrassID=2


Suad Amiry's Book on Life in Palestine under Occupation Exposes Israeli Crazy-Makers
Though not yet released in America, “Sharon and My Mother-in-Law” has been translated into 11 languages and has won the prestigious Viareggio prize in Italy.  Unable to purchase the book in America, I was able to easily access it from Amazon.com's UK website.  It is also available through their Canadian website.
http://www.amin.org/eng/uncat/2005/jan/jan22.html


North and south
The declared intention: to learn "methodological lessons" from this process, which mainly took place from February to May 2000. But no document distributed by the IDF in January 2005 can be divorced, at least by implication, from the headache the army is suffering this year in anticipation of the evacuation of Gaza.
http://www.haaretz.com/hasen/spages/530089.html


Lording it over `liberated' territories
According to that order, a "military court and the administration of said military court shall act in accordance with the articles of the (Fourth) Geneva Convention of August 12, 1949, concerning the protection of civilians in wartime and shall observe the principles of legal procedures.
http://www.haaretz.com/hasen/spages/530083.html


No-man's land once again
From the convention emerged an Israeli success story of 50 years. Hundreds of immigrant families that arrived here with no possessions "made it," and in a big way: They established themselves economically and socially, acquired trades and professions, established homes and families, and gave their children and grandchildren a good education.
http://www.haaretz.com/hasen/spages/530091.html


Water crisis makes life even worse for Baghdad residents
For the past five days, most of the city — particularly the western districts — has been without water. Added to a lack of electricity — the national grid is off more than it’s on — a crumbling mobile phone network, endless lines to get fuel and a daily dose of bombs and mortars, it has made it next to impossible to even think about coming elections.
http://uruknet.info/?s1=2&p=9038&s2=21


Chinese embassy in Iraq confirms hostages release
A videotape aired by Al-Arabiya said the Islamic Resistance Movement, Al-Numan Battalion, had decided to release the eight Chinese citizens as a goodwill gesture for the friendship between the two countries of Iraq and China.
http://news.xinhuanet.com/english/2005-01/22/content_2494951.htm


15 Iraqi national guardsmen killed by militants in Iraq: website
Ansar al-Sunna, an Islamic group believed to have links with al-Qaida network, said its militants executed the 15 Iraqi soldiers who were kidnapped last week in Hit, a town 140 km northwest of Baghdad.
http://news.xinhuanet.com/english/2005-01/22/content_2495886.htm


Official: Millions Transferred to Lebanon
The Iraqi Defense Ministry transferred hundreds of millions of dollars from the Iraqi Central Bank to a financial institution in Beirut to buy weapons but did so legally and with the knowledge of multinational authorities, a ministry official said Saturday.
http://story.news.yahoo.com/news?tmpl=story&cid=540&ncid=540&e=11&u=/ap/20050122/ap_on_re_mi_ea/iraq_money_transfer


Champion-turned-critic of US invasion in new row with Iraq officials
To the anger of anti-Iran hardliners within the government, the leading Iraqi cheerleader for the 2003 US-led invasion is now standing for January 30 elections on a common ticket with Iran-backed Shiite religious parties, despite his secular views, and is widely expected to win election.
http://story.news.yahoo.com/news?tmpl=story&cid=1515&ncid=1515&e=4&u=/afp/20050122/wl_mideast_afp/iraquschalabiprofile_050122182916

January 21, 2005

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|  Today in Palestine! 21 - Jan - 2005  |
|           www.TheHeadlines.Org             |
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Israel plans big Jerusalem land grab
At stake are thousands of donoms of land belonging to Palestinians who live in the West Bank and are now unable to access their land due to Israel's separation barrier. The decision, reached by the Ministerial Committee for Jerusalem Affairs in June of 2004, and approved by Prime Minister Sharon and his attorney-general a month later, has not been publicised until now.
http://english.aljazeera.net/NR/exeres/0B317D0C-9689-43F0-B773-E6A833C8F296.htm


Arab Intellectual Hisham Sharabi, 77, Dies
For the past four decades, Dr. Sharabi championed the cause of Palestinians and consistently advocated for women's rights in the Arab world. In addition to scores of scholarly articles and 18 books, he regularly wrote opinion articles and appeared on television as a voice of Arab intellectuals.
http://www.palestinechronicle.com/story.php?sid=20050119153231862


Gov't decision strips Palestinians of their East J'lem property
The law means that thousands of Palestinians who live in the West Bank will lose ownership of their property in East Jerusalem. Government officials estimate the assets total thousands of dunam, while other estimates say they could add up to half of all East Jerusalem property.
http://www.haaretz.com/hasen/spages/529510.html


Nablus man returns to his wife after 20 years as a political prisoner
Israeli occupation forces arrived at his family home in 1985 and kidnapped Al Khatib from his bed, killing the dreams of the new family. He had just married Jamila a few months before. Since that time she gave birth to their son, Mahmoud, and waited for her husband's return 20 years later. The only one missing was their son, Mahmoud. Just three days before he was to be married, Israeli occupation forces took him to prison.
http://www.palestinenet.org/english/archive2005/jan/week3/210105/report10.htm


Injustice and stupidity in Jerusalem
The reason for the decision was security-related: Since in practice, West Bank residents are barred from entering East Jerusalem because of the intifada, the cabinet decided to enact an official measure that would prevent any use of these lands by their owners in the future as well, and would explicitly state that henceforth their property belongs to the State of Israel.
http://www.haaretz.com/hasen/spages/530147.html

Day of Action in Jayyus Demands an End to the Occupation's Continuing Land Theft and Colonial Settlement Expansion
During the first stage of construction of the Wall, 72% of Jayyus' lands, approximately 8,600 dunums (2,150 acres), were confiscated, tens of thousands of trees uprooted, and valuable water resources, olive and citrus groves, and greenhouses isolated from the people of Jayyus behind the Wall.
http://stopthewall.org/worldwideactivism/846.shtml


Child dies of wounds sustained December 29
A medical source at Khaleel Suleiman hospital in Jenin in Jenin reported that Mohammad Hosney Abu Al-Rob, 15 years old, from the village of Sier, near Jenin was seriously injured when an explosive left by the army exploded near him; two other children were injured.
http://www.imemc.org/headlines/2005/Jan/Week3/012105/child%20dies.htm


Twighlight zone / Behind the scenes
How many times have you decided to take this fast route from Maccabim-Reut to Jerusalem and thought about the tens of thousands of residents who have been imprisoned because of it? How many times have you noticed the 12 blocked roads that lead into it, how many times have you paid attention to the residents of the 22 surrounding villages who make their way on foot on the rocky hills?
http://www.haaretz.com/hasen/spages/530037.html


Report: Abbas instructs PA police to fire on Qassam launchers
Palestinian Authority Chairman Mahmoud Abbas has instructed Palestinian Authority policemen to open fire on any Qassam launching militants in northern Gaza, Channel One reported Friday evening.
http://www.haaretz.com/hasen/spages/530080.html


Abbas in fresh round of truce talks
Leaders of Hamas and Jihad said that an earlier round of talks took place in a positive atmosphere and pledged to study Mr Abbas' proposals for a ceasefire. It is regarded as the most dramatic sign of renewed security co-operation between Israel and the Palestinian Authority since the start of a Palestinian uprising in 2000.
http://www.rte.ie/news/2005/0121/mideast.html


Hamas recognizes 1967 borders for first time
Hamas has distributed a document outlining a joint Palestinian leadership program in which the organization, for the first time in its existence, unequivocally recognizes the 1967 borders and adopts the main principle guiding Fatah: the establishment of a Palestinian state with Jerusalem as its capital.
http://www.haaretz.com/hasen/spages/530313.html


Israel issues warning if Palestinians fail to end attacks
"Our forces in the Gaza Strip are on a state of alert, they have received clear instructions to resume their activities if the rocket and mortar attacks continue and if this does happen, they will hit back very hard," Boim told public radio.
http://story.news.yahoo.com/news?tmpl=story&cid=1515&ncid=1515&e=13&u=/afp/20050121/wl_mideast_afp/mideastpalestiniansecurityisrael_050121102505


Israelis of Iraqi descent can vote after all
Erban took care to give a general response with regard to Israelis: "The agreement that we signed with Iraq's Independent Electoral Commission stipulates that there will be no discrimination in the registration process, and the same is stipulated in the temporary Iraqi constitution," he said.
http://www.haaretz.com/hasen/pages/ShArt.jhtml?itemNo=530164&contrassID=1&subContrassID=1&sbSubContrassID=0&listSrc=Y


Russia slams U.S. for accusing Syria of terror ties
"It's well known that slapping labels on countries and unilaterally describing certain states as part of the 'axis of evil' has not improved anyone's security," Foreign Ministry spokesman Alexander Yakovenko told Interfax news agency.
http://www.haaretz.com/hasen/spages/530375.html


Christian Leaders Say Israeli-Palestinian Conflict Has Become Threat to U.S., Appeal to President Bush for Peacemaking Leadership
leaders of Orthodox, Roman Catholic, Protestant and Evangelical Churches and institutions urge President Bush to have the courage to seize the opportunity and end the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. In an open letter to the newly inaugurated President, the leaders ask: "Will Palestinians finally be free?
http://story.news.yahoo.com/news?tmpl=story&cid=669&ncid=669&e=20&u=/usnw/20050121/pl_usnw/christian_leaders_say_israeli_palestinian_conflict_has_become_threat_to_u_s___appeal_to_president_bush_for_peacemaking_leadersh


Israel to kill in U.S., allied nations
Another former Israeli government official said that under Sharon, "diplomatic constraints have prevented the Mossad from carrying out 'preventive operations' (targeted killings) on the soil of friendly countries until now." He said Sharon is "reversing that policy, even if it risks complications to Israel's bilateral relations."
http://www.upi.com/view.cfm?StoryID=20030115-035849-6156r


Land lords
But we now know exactly what was distributed: Palestinian property in East Jerusalem; or, more precisely, the assets that residents of the West Bank hold in East Jerusalem. How much property? One guess is as good as another. "Thousands of dunams, maybe more," says a senior member of the state judicial system who is handling the matter. (JEWISH-State Policy?)
http://www.haaretz.com/hasen/spages/530047.html


No shortcuts on this peace road
Any attempt to resolve matters comprehensively in the near future could have the opposite effect by triggering a descent into a "Bosnia-style" ethnic conflict. Instead, the objective should be to manage the conflict in such a way as to facilitate its resolution in the long run.
http://www.haaretz.com/hasen/spages/530128.html


Coordination is not negotiation
Is there someone on the Israeli side who is looking after our best interests? Based on the government's actions over the last few days, apparently not. Can we afford to pass up the opportunity presented by Abu Mazen's election, undermine a real potential partner, reoccupy Gaza and strengthen Hamas?
http://www.haaretz.com/hasen/spages/530129.html


"Rebels" Considering Splitting Likud
By law, a splinter faction must comprise at least one-third of the MKs in any faction. Since Likud has 40 MKs, it would take 14 MKs to split and form another faction. The Likud rebels, who voted against the new cabinet because of their opposition to the disengagement plan, are only 13, therefore one more is needed.
http://www.imemc.org/headlines/2005/Jan/Week3/012105/rebels%20to%20split%20likud.htm


UN encouraged by new Palestinian move to end Gaza violence
The latest developments in the Israeli-Palestinian conflict with the deployment of Palestinian security forces in northern Gaza are "very encouraging," a United Nations spokesman said today, after days of concern that a fresh upsurge of violence could abort renewed hopes for progress.
http://www.un.org/apps/news/story.asp?NewsID=13095&Cr=middle&Cr1=east


U.S. Adds Israel to the Iran Equation
Cheney, who often has delivered the Bush team's toughest warnings to foreign capitals, said Iran was "right at the top" of the administration's list of world trouble spots, and expressed concern that Israel "might well decide to act first" to destroy Iran's nuclear program. The Israelis would let the rest of the world "worry about cleaning up the diplomatic mess afterward,"
http://story.news.yahoo.com/news?tmpl=story&cid=2026&ncid=2026&e=3&u=/latimests/20050121/ts_latimes/usaddsisraeltotheiranequation


With tensions high between Israel and Lebanon, Annan recommends renewal of UN force mandate
Recommending a six-month extension of the United Nations peace-monitoring force's mandate in the so-called Blue Line between Israel and Lebanon, Secretary-General Kofi Annan says two incidents in January decisively shattered a period of relative calm over the past six months.
http://www.un.org/apps/news/story.asp?NewsID=13093&Cr=lebanon&Cr1=


Voices from Abu Ghraib - The Injured Party
The following is excerpted testimony from a videotaped deposition of Hussein Mutar, entered into evidence by the prosecution in the court martial of Spc. Charles Graner, convened at Ford Hood, Texas. Mr. Mutar was an Iraqi prisoner arrested on suspicion of theft before the US invasion of Iraq and held in the encampment section of Abu-Ghraib in November 2003...
http://uruknet.info/?s1=2&p=9003&s2=21


Captors of Chinese would show 'mercy' if China bans nationals from Iraq: TV
A Chinese foreign ministry official, responding to the demand, told another pan-Arab news channel, Qatar-based Al-Jazeera, that Beijing had repeatedly warned its citizens against going to Iraq and the eight men had been abducted while on their way out of the country.
http://story.news.yahoo.com/news?tmpl=story&cid=1515&ncid=1515&e=6&u=/afp/20050121/wl_mideast_afp/iraqchinahostages_050121172045


Reservist ready to refuse call-up
Speaking ahead of a press conference today, Lance Corporal George Solomou, from the London regiment of the Territorial Army, said: "I am not going to Iraq, point-blank. I am a conscientious objector to this war, and I am going to see how the army plays it from there. I would rather spend a year in prison than a minute in Iraq as part of an illegal war."
http://uruknet.info/?s1=2&p=8991&s2=21


Italian soldier killed in Iraq: report
The soldier was rushed to a hospital where he died of his wounds. Defense Minister Antonio Martino said in a statement he was "deeply saddened" by the news. The aircraft was on a patrol along the Euphrates river south of Nasiriyah when it drew fire.
http://story.news.yahoo.com/news?tmpl=story&cid=1515&ncid=1515&e=20&u=/afp/20050121/wl_mideast_afp/iraqunrestitaly_050121135841


Bush Leaves Everyone Guessing
Bush used the words ''free," "freedom" and "liberty" 49 times in the speech, he didn't once use the words "terror" or "war" or "Iraq" -- even though his first term was defined by terror and war, and even though American blood was still being shed in Iraq as he spoke. The unanswered questions and things left unsaid are a major theme running through this morning's analyses and opinions.
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/articles/A26409-2005Jan21.html

January 20, 2005

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|  Today in Palestine! 20 - Jan - 2005  |
|           www.TheHeadlines.Org             |
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Israel Implements Absentee Property Law to Grab Thousands of Dunams in East Jerusalem
The Israeli government decided to implement the Absentee Property Law in East Jerusalem. The decision passed quietly last July, but is published because of a plan to build a new settlement on land that belongs to Palestinians living in the Bethlehem area.
http://www.imemc.org/headlines/2005/Jan/Week3/012005/israel%20implement%20absentees%20law%20to%20grab%20land.htm


Tearing Down Al Walaja
However, this morning that peace and serenity will be broken. Our team of international activists has received word that the Israeli occupation forces have permits to demolish dozens of houses in Al Walaja, and they're going to get started bright and early. It is apparent that the Israeli authorities love acting under Kafkaesque terms in the West Bank.
http://www.cmaq.net/fr/node.php?id=19585


Boy with toy gun shot by Israelis
Troops patrolling Tubas, a West Bank village near Jenin, fired at the boy, aged 13 or 14, after he aimed the toy weapon at them, witnesses said. Witnesses and medical sources told the AFP news agency the boy had been given the toy as a present for the Eid holiday. ( Quartet is fine with it. Child is Arab! )
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/middle_east/4191513.stm


Palestinian boy shot dead while walking with family in Rafah
Salah Abu Alaes died after being shot in the neck while walking with his family near the entrance to Rafah's sprawling refugee camp on the Eid Al-Adha holiday, the most important Muslim festival, Palestinian medical sources said Thursday.
http://www.turkishpress.com/world/news.asp?id=050120161531.v3c1a2j1.xml


Daniel Barenboim to Discuss Music as a Bridge for Peace in the Middle East
World-renowned musician Daniel Barenboim discusses music as a bridge for peace in the Middle East at the first Edward Said Memorial Lecture on campus at Columbia University at Miller Theatre, at 8 p.m. on Monday, January 24.
http://www.ascribe.org/cgi-bin/behold.pl?ascribeid=20050119.082726&time=09%2001%20PST&year=2005&public=1


Comment: Trapped like mice
This plan consists of four main construction projects submitted to the public that are intimately linked to the construction of the Apartheid Wall. First, the building of new settlements and the expansion of existing settlements. Settlements have always been at the core of the colonial project to control Palestine. The so-called "disengagement plan" claims to be about the dismantling of settlements
http://weekly.ahram.org.eg/2005/726/re2.htm


James Bowen: Hypocrisy of Denying Palestinian Diaspora a Say
Bosnian and Afghan refugees could do it. Iraqi refugees will do it this month. Yet Palestinian refugees were denied the vote last Sunday, writes James Bowen Western politicians frequently lecture the Palestinians on democracy. While the condescension in these sermons is remarkable , the really stunning thing is what has not been mentioned.
http://ummahnews.com/story.php?sid=20050119153742874


Israel accepts Gaza security plans
"We told them (Israeli generals) that we are arranging a plan to deploy the Palestinian security forces into both the northern and southern parts of Gaza," Major General Moussa Arafat, a Palestinian security chief said. "In the first stage, it will be in the north, and then we will move into the south."
http://www.aljazeera.com/cgi-bin/news_service/middle_east_full_story.asp?service_id=6610


Shin Bet arrests Danish citizen, two Israeli Arabs
According to articles published in the Danish media, the Israeli ambassador in Copenhagen was summoned to the Danish Foreign Ministry last Thursday, where the director-general asked him to explain the arrest. The Danish embassy refused to reply to an inquiry from Haaretz.
http://www.haaretz.com/hasen/spages/529897.html


Unrwa head to go against his will
Interviewed by a Danish newspaper, Mr Hansen said UN chief Kofi Annan had rejected his offer to stay on. Mr Hansen said it was no secret that several members of the US Congress had petitioned for his departure. He has been critical of the Israeli army's conduct in the occupied territories, and Israel has repeatedly called for his resignation.
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/middle_east/4191313.stm


World Bank denies purchase of hothouses for PA
The disengagement chief said that the purchasing of the hothouses and farming equipment by the World Bank would enable the government to increase compensation pay-outs and financial assistance to the settlers evacuated under the disengagement. ( Purchasing the Illegal? )
http://www.haaretz.com/hasen/spages/529847.html


Hamas set terms for ceasefire
Setting terms for a truce, Mahmoud al-Zahar, a leader of the militant Islamic group Hamas, told a Gaza prayer meeting Israel must halt all military activity in the territory, including overflights, abandon checkpoints and free Palestinian prisoners.
http://www.swisspolitics.org/en/news/index.php?section=int&page=news_inhalt&news_id=5480312


Abbas deploys forces to Gaza frontline
Palestinian officials said the security forces, expected to number several hundred during the next days, would try to prevent militants firing Qassam rockets and mortars at Israeli targets. "Abu Mazen [Abbas] is not declaring war on Hamas, he is just telling them to get out of his way," said Ziad Abu Amr, a senior Palestinian negotiator who attended the talks with Hamas.
http://news.ft.com/cms/s/5e3e6420-6a8a-11d9-858c-00000e2511c8.html


Abbas Fires Scores of Arafat's Aids
Abbas fired around 50 out of 55 political and security advisors, a move seen as a step on the path of change. There are still 1000 employees who work in Arafat's office in Ramallah.
http://www.imemc.org/headlines/2005/Jan/week3/012005/fired-aids.htm


Israel cabt unanimously decides to give chance to Abbas:
The Israeli political-security cabinet has unanimously decided to give Palestinian Authority (PA) Chairman Mahmoud Abbas a chance to rein in militants by renewing security coordination and by putting on hold an earlier decision to launch a largescale operation in the Gaza Strip.
http://www.newkerala.com/news-daily/news/features.php?action=fullnews&id=62358


Israel to reopen Egypt-Gaza border crossing
Israel has agreed to reopen the Rafah border crossing between the Gaza Strip and Egypt from Friday after a six-week closure, a senior Palestinian security source told AFP.
http://story.news.yahoo.com/news?tmpl=story&cid=1514&ncid=1312&e=5&u=/afp/20050120/wl_mideast_afp/mideastgazaborder_050120114015


Israel allows more Palestinians to work in E. Jerusalem
Israel Defense Ministry finally issued the permits after Deputy Director of the Tourism Ministry Rafi Ben-Hur conveyed a recommendation to issue the permits to the Defense Ministry to enable development of the hotel industry in eastern Jerusalem.
http://news.xinhuanet.com/english/2005-01/20/content_2487445.htm


Behind Israel's official version of the news
The so-called ‘period of restraint' had come to an abrupt end with the killings. For this reason, the assassinations were portrayed by the commercial media as a necessary response to two violent militants who had opened fire at Israeli soldiers. However, eyewitnesses on the ground report an entirely different story.
http://electronicintifada.net/v2/article3545.shtml


The White House won't be changing its colors
The disappointing meeting between Bush and British Prime Minister Tony Blair last month indicates that the American president is starting his second term in the international arena in a fighting mood. Bush rebuffed the entreaties of his most important European partner. To Blair's great sorrow, the casual promise to act to bring about the establishment of a Palestinian state...
http://www.haaretz.com/hasen/spages/529503.html


The only way is out
The unilateral Israeli withdrawal from Gaza is creating more problems than solutions both in Israel and Palestine. In Palestine, the Palestinian Authority and the relevant donor parties including the World Bank are unable to identify any benefit to Palestinians from the move. Politically it won't contribute to efforts to restart a peace process.
http://www.bitterlemons.org/issue/pal1.php


The last Palestinian
Arafat's paramount goal was national unity, without which he believed nothing could be achieved. He was the bridge between Palestinians in the Diaspora and those on the inside, those who were dispossessed in 1948 and those who were occupied in 1967, West Bankers and Gazans, young and old, rich and poor, swindlers and honest toilers, modernists and traditionalists...
http://www.haaretz.com/hasen/spages/529505.html


Palestinians, democracy and peace
One might ask why 62 percent of the Palestinian vote in the Jan. 9 election went to Mahmoud Abbas, the candidate favored by Israel and the United States. My reading is that Palestinians, like most Israelis, are desperate for peace, and so opted for the candidate Israel could “talk to.”
http://ncronline.org/NCR_Online/archives2/2005a/012105/012105l.php


Zionism and Anti-Semitism
The writings of Mr. Naim Giladi document in detail what the Zionists did in Baghdad in 1950 to provoke the departure of the Jews to the Zionist state. The Zionists do not care what effect their policies have on the Jewish communities of any country. When they accuse European nations of every sin under the sun, do the Zionists care that this will produce hostility towards Jews?
http://www.jewsagainstzionism.com/zionism/zanda.cfm


Analysis / Signs of change?
The harsh tone Mahmoud Abbas took in his latest talks in the Strip, the steps on the ground by the PA's security services and then the fact that no rockets were fired at Sderot yesterday all helped inspire hopes in Israel that maybe, just maybe, this is the beginning of change. ( From one side! Security to the Occupied? )
http://www.haaretz.com/hasen/spages/529461.html


Israel approves military operation against Hezbollah
The meeting authorized the inner core of the Israeli security cabinet to order an operation at any time. The inner core includes Prime Minister Ariel Sharon, Deputy Prime Minister Ehud Olmert,Vice Prime Minister Shimon Peres, Mofaz and Foreign Minister Silvan Shalom.
http://news.xinhuanet.com/english/2005-01/20/content_2483978.htm


Al-Qaida linked group kills Briton, Swede in Iraq: website
The group "kidnapped two agents ... working for an intelligence service of the infidel forces in the region of Beiji" and executed them, said the statement, whose authenticity needs to be verified.A British employee of a private security firm was killed in central Iraq on Wednesday, according to his company.
http://news.xinhuanet.com/english/2005-01/20/content_2488425.htm


Judge Urges Comment to Cease on Iraqi Abuse Trial
Blair said he was appalled by the photos, which evoke the scandal involving U.S. soldiers at Baghdad's Abu Ghraib prison. They threaten both to damage Britain's reputation in the Arab world and tarnish Blair ahead of an expected election in May.
http://www.reuters.com/newsArticle.jhtml?type=worldNews&storyID=7383060


Iraqi candidates shot dead
Various Islamist groups opposed to holding elections while US troops remain in the country have warned candidates not to run. With less than two weeks until the vote, many candidates have not even announced they are running for fear of being attacked.
http://uruknet.info/?s1=2&p=8966&s2=19


Zarqawi says Israeli, Jordanian troops involved in Fallujah assault
Al-Qaeda's Iraq frontman Abu Musab Al-Zarqawi claimed 800 Israeli soldiers as well as Jordanian troops took part in the US-led assault on Fallujah in November, according to an audiotape posted on the Internet.
http://story.news.yahoo.com/news?tmpl=story&cid=1515&ncid=1515&e=15&u=/afp/20050120/wl_mideast_afp/iraqfallujahzarqawi_050120145654

January 19, 2005

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|  Today in Palestine! 19 - Jan - 2005  |
|           www.TheHeadlines.Org             |
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Stranded Palestinian dies at Rafah terminal
The Palestinian was the sixth who died on the Egyptian side of the crossing and was buried in Egypt due to the Israeli refusal to transfer his body, the source said. About 2,000 Palestinians are stranded on the Egyptian side as the Israeli army shut down the only passage linking Egypt and Gaza Strip for 55 consecutive days
http://news.xinhuanet.com/english/2005-01/19/content_2482165.htm


Hisham B. Sharabi, Ph.D. 1927 - 2005
On January 13, 2005, the international community lost a leading Arab and Palestinian intellectual and activist. Dr. Hisham Sharabi died in Beirut, Lebanon, on Thursday evening. He was 78 years old.
http://www.jmcc.org/new/05/jan/sharabi.htm


Army withdraws from Nablus , 16 arrested and one building leveled
Soldiers forced the residents out of their homes, ordered the youth to gather in a school and arrested 16 residents, including one girl. Also, Israeli soldiers leveled a tall building in the city after breaking into it and searching it; army claims that a resistance fighter identified as Amjad Hinnawi was hiding in the building.
http://www.imemc.org/headlines/2005/Jan/Week3/011905/nablus.htm


Who's in charge here? - By Amira Hass
The Israeli intelligence officials and those who quote them in the press are right when they say that it's not Abu Mazen and the Palestinian Authority security services who are in control in the Gaza Strip. The intelligence sources and those who quote them are misleading however, when they say that armed gangs and the Hamas run Gaza. The IDF runs Gaza.
http://www.haaretz.com/hasen/spages/528990.html


Activists set to sue police
The activists claimed their arrests, made at a rally outside the Solihull offices of industrial equipment company Caterpillar last June, were unlawful. Chris Osmond, of the campaign's Brighton and Hove branch, said the arrests were unjustified because the group was performing street theatre and not breaking the law.
http://icbirmingham.icnetwork.co.uk/0100news/0100localnews/tm_objectid=15089249&method=full&siteid=50002&headline=activists-set-to-sue-police-name_page.html


One Shin Bet agent killed, seven Israeli soldiers wounded in attack near Gush Katif
The attacker was identified as Omar Tabash, 21, from Khan Younis, in the southern Gaza Strip. The al-Qassam Brigades, the military wing of Hamas, claimed responsibility for the attack. The Israeli army closed the crossing after the attack, and began to shoot at Palestinians who were stuck there and unable to return to their homes.
http://www.imemc.org/headlines/2005/Jan/Week3/011905/one_shin_bet.htm


Knesset Official: Mashal is Still Marked for Assassination
Uval Steints, chair of the Knesset foreign and security affairs committee said that Israel might retry to assassinate the secretary general of Hamas Khaled Mashal. Israeli Mosad agents failed to assassinate Mashal in Jordan in October of 1997.
http://www.imemc.org/headlines/2005/Jan/week3/011905/mahsal-israel.htm


PA to Deploy Forces to Gaza Border within Days
Palestinian Security Heads affirmed Wednesday that security forces will deploy to the Gaza Strip's borders with Israel within days to enforce Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas's orders to halt attacks against Israeli targets.
http://www.imemc.org/headlines/2005/Jan/Week3/011905/PA%20to%20deploy%20forces%20at%20borders%20in%20days.htm


Hamas: Meeting with Abbas "positive"
"The atmosphere of the meeting was positive. We exchanged views of common concerns to serve the interests of our people and keep national unity," Hamas spokesman Sami Abu Zuhri told reporters.
http://news.xinhuanet.com/english/2005-01/19/content_2482295.htm


Sharon lifts ban on ties with Abbas
Israel plans to quit Gaza and parts of the West Bank this year in a bid to "disengage" from four years' fighting with the Palestinians. Abbas wants to coax a truce from Gaza militants who have vowed to hit retreating Israeli settlers and soldiers.
http://www.swissinfo.org/sen/Swissinfo.html?siteSect=143&sid=5478788


Israeli security cabinet gives green light to Gaza invasion
The unanimous decision of Prime Minister Ariel Sharobn`s inner circle of ministers was made during their first meeting since the installation of a new coalition government last week. New Palestinian leader Mahmud Abbas is currently in the Gaza Strip for talks aimed at securing a ceasefire by militant groups.
http://www.turkishpress.com/news.asp?ID=36224


PA's Sha'ath: Cease-fire can be reached in 'fairly short time'
An agreement to halt Palestinian attacks on Israel could be reached in "a fairly short time," Palestinian Authority Foreign Minister Nabil Sha'ath said Wednesday, a day after a bombing in Gaza disrupted fledgling efforts by PA Chairman Mahmoud Abbas...
http://www.haaretz.com/hasen/spages/528947.html


Palestinians to Deploy Security Forces to Prevent Attacks against Israel
Top Gaza and West Bank security chief, Abdel-Razek al-Majaide said Palestinian security forces would soon be stationed near parts of the Gaza border with Israel to prevent attacks by militant groups. There is growing pressure on the new Palestinian leadership to stop attacks against Israeli towns and Jewish settlements in Gaza.
http://www.voanews.com/english/2005-01-19-voa17.cfm


Palestinians Vow Action Against Militants
The top Palestinian security commander said Wednesday he will deploy forces on Gaza's border with Israel to prevent rocket attacks, the first concrete step to rein in militants since Palestinian leader Mahmoud Abbas took office over the weekend.
http://abcnews.go.com/International/wireStory?id=424813


Cabinet decides to resume contact with Palestinian Authority
The prime minister's office issued a statement clarifying that no diplomatic contacts will take place, but security cooperation will resume. Israeli and Palestinian security officials are scheduled to hold a coordination meeting either Wednesday or Thursday night.
http://www.haaretz.com/hasen/spages/529291.html


Dahlan hopeful of Gaza dialogue between Abbas, militant groups
Dahlan said the Palestinians were completely ready to go for a serious political process. He meanwhile urged Israel to take the initiative with positive steps, such as stopping assassinations and incursions into Palestinian towns and cities.
http://news.xinhuanet.com/english/2005-01/19/content_2483754.htm


Luxembourg FM: Middle East peace high on EU agenda
Speaking to reporters at the start of a meeting with Prime Minister Ariel Sharon in Jerusalem, Asselborn said his two-day visit to Israel, the West Bank, and Gaza was his first overseas trip since Luxembourg took over the EU presidency on January 1.
http://www.haaretz.com/hasen/pages/ShArt.jhtml?itemNo=529373&contrassID=1&subContrassID=1&sbSubContrassID=0&listSrc=Y


Daniel Barenboim to Discuss Music as a Bridge for Peace in the Middle East
Barenboim, now music director of the Chicago Symphony Orchestra, was a close friend and collaborator of Edward Said, the late Professor of English and Comparative Literature at Columbia University, and one of this century's most influential intellectuals. Together, they founded the West Eastern Divan Workshop
http://www.ascribe.org/cgi-bin/behold.pl?ascribeid=20050119.082726&time=09


Abbas, Shalom to attend next week's Davos summit
The organizer, Geneva-based World Economic Forum (WEF), hopes to bring Israeli and Palestinian officials together "to chart a way forward and try to re-launch goodwill between the parties for further negotiations," said WEF managing director Frederic Sicre at a news conference.
http://www.haaretz.com/hasen/spages/529410.html


Baptism of fire
Hamas ' Izzedin Al Qassam Brigades launched a suicide bombing on January 18, killing one Israeli and injuring eight. This was after a bloody week in which 19 Palestinians and eight Israelis were killed in the Gaza Strip and Israel announced it would freeze all contacts with the new PA president until he cracks down on “terrorism”
http://www.palestinereport.org/article.php?article=645


As "Rebels" Press Harder. Netanyahu to Consider Shas Budgetary Demands
Israeli Finance Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is slated to meet Ultra-Orthodox Shas party chairman Eli Yishai on Wednesday to discuss his party's budgetary demands. To consider joining the governing coalition, Shas demands the reversal of hundreds of millions of shekels in cuts to the social welfare budget.
http://www.imemc.org/headlines/2005/Jan/Week3/011905/rebles%20press%20harder%20netanyahu%20to%20meet%20shas%20leader.htm


Hamas bomb greets Abbas peace drive
Palestinian officials said Mr Abbas met Islamic Jihad leaders last night in a secret loca tion and then saw Hamas leaders. He was expected to press them to stop the attacks because they provide a pretext for the Israeli leader, Ariel Sharon, to reject negotiations.
http://www.guardian.co.uk/israel/Story/0,2763,1393511,00.html


Israel Banks Called Lax on Holocaust Fund Returns
Israeli banks holding assets from European Jews killed in the Holocaust failed to make a determined effort to return the holdings to their heirs, and when they were returned, they were not returned at their proper value, according to a report of the Israeli Parliament, or Knesset, released Tuesday.
http://nytimes.com/2005/01/19/international/middleeast/19israel.html?hp&ex=1106197200&en=909ab642c9886ecf&ei=5094&partner=homepage


Mass hypnosis in the Middle East
These factors and others account for the existence of the large, enthusiastic crowd who hail the new season of political manipulation and self-serving opportunism. A "moderate" is born and a peace settlement is at last knocking on the door. Unemployed Middle East envoys and their travel agents rejoice.
http://electronicintifada.net/v2/article3541.shtml


Tali Fahima asks Tel Aviv court to drop charges
Fahima is currently being held in criminal detention while she awaits trial on charges of aiding the enemy during wartime, contact with a foreign agent, supporting a terrorist organization, and weapons possession.
http://www.haaretz.com/hasen/pages/ShArt.jhtml?itemNo=529405&contrassID=1&subContrassID=5&sbSubContrassID=0&listSrc=Y


Committee approves tax breaks for towns near Gaza
The ministerial committee for legislation approved Wednesday a bill to give tax breaks to residents of communities that lie within seven kilometers of the Gaza Strip, Israel radio reported.
http://www.haaretz.com/hasen/spages/529392.html


Rival leaders Abbas and Sharon both in the line of fire
Israeli Prime Minister Ariel Sharon and new Palestinian leader Mahmud Abbas are being surrounded with unprecedented security over fears that extremists may try to make them pay the ultimate price for their efforts to secure peace.
http://story.news.yahoo.com/news?tmpl=story&cid=1514&ncid=1312&e=2&u=/afp/20050119/wl_mideast_afp/mideastsecuritysharonabbas_050119132515


Approximately 300 academics have been killed
Al-Rawi, a geologist at Baghdad University and head of the Association of University Lecturers, says about 300 academics and university administrators have been assassinated in a mysterious wave of murders since the American occupation of Iraq began in 2003. About 2,000 others, he says, have fled the country in fear for their lives.
http://uruknet.info/?s1=2&p=8947&s2=18


Iraq suicide bombing rampage kills 20 as China races to save hostages
At least 20 people were killed when insurgents went on a bloody seven-car bomb rampage in Iraq, targeting the Australian embassy in Baghdad and Iraqi security forces, with elections just 11 days away.
http://story.news.yahoo.com/news?tmpl=story&cid=1515&ncid=1515&e=1&u=/afp/20050119/wl_mideast_afp/iraq_050119190655


U.S. Intelligence Says Iraqis Will Press for Withdrawal
The official said the United States was hoping that the new Iraqi government would settle for a schedule based on the military situation, not the calendar. But the official said there was uncertainty about how vigorously the new Iraqi government would press for a reduction of American forces.
http://www.nytimes.com/2005/01/19/politics/19intel.html?oref=login

January 18, 2005

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Homage to Edward Said - By Mahmoud Darwish
New York. Edward awakes while dawn slumbers on. He plays an air by Mozart. Tennis on the university court. He reflects on thought's ability to transcend borders and barriers. Thumbs through the New York Times. Writes his spirited column. Curses an orientalist who guides a general to the weak spot in an eastern woman's heart. Showers. Drinks his white coffee. Picks out a suit with a dandy's elegance and calls on the dawn to stop dawdling!
http://mondediplo.com/2005/01/15said


Israel to isolate Jerusalem from the West Bank
According to Palestinian legal sources, Israel has embarked on a scheme which is aimed at isolating the holy city of Jerusalem from the West Bank. The construction of three crossings connecting the northern West Bank areas to occupied Jerusalem have already begun in which one of the terminals would be set up east of the Qalandia military roadblock. The building of this terminal is due to finish within one year.
http://www.aljazeera.com/me.asp?service_ID=6663#


Land row over new Jewish city
A city that is proving popular with recent emigrants is Modi'in, which already has at least 65 former South African families living there, and reports indicate that as the city expands, there are plans to attract more people to it. But a Pretoria-based advocacy group, Media Review Network, says the city is built on stolen Palestinian land.
http://www.southafrica.indymedia.org/news/2005/01/7427.php


Israeli Military Destroys Twelve Structures in Walaja
The Israeli military destroyed five homes and seven chicken coops and barns today in the village of Walaja on the border of Bethlehem and Jerusalem districts.  According to eyewitnesses, Israeli military and bulldozers entered the village at 7:00 AM today and began bulldozing the structures.
http://www.palsolidarity.org/DesktopModules/Articles/ArticlesView.aspx?tabID=0&alias=Rainbow&lang=en-US&ItemID=742&mid=10400


5000 trees uprooted in Hebron
During the siege imposed over the villages surrounding Hebron, Israeli soldiers bulldozed and uprooted at least 5000 olive trees and other kinds of trees in the areas in several areas near Hebron. THe trees are located in the areas of Um Al-Jamajem, Beit Allam, Khallet Sheeha, Khallet Al-Qateel, Wadi Al-Saqer, Khirbit Qassa, Khallet Abu Doqqa, Bassa and Wadi Al-Naqia;
http://www.imemc.org/headlines/2005/Jan/Week3/011805/5000%20trees.htm


2,000 Palestinians Stuck at Rafah Border Crossing for 55 Days
For the past 55 days, at least 2,000 Palestinians are held at the Egyptian side of the Rafah border crossing and are prevented from arriving back to their homes in the Gaza Strip.
http://www.imemc.org/headlines/2005/Jan/Week3/011805/2000%20palestinians%20stuck%20at%20rafah%20crossing.htm


One Day before Eid al-Adha , Thousands of Palestinians Are Still Away from Their Homes and Families Due to the Continued Closure of Rafah International Crossing Point
PCHR is gravely concerned at the living conditions of thousands of Palestinians in Egypt and Jordan who have not been able to travel back to the Gaza Strip due to the continuing closure of Rafah International Crossing Point on the Egyptian border, the only outlet for the Gaza Strip to the outside world, by Israeli occupation forces (IOF).
http://pchrgaza.org/files/PressR/English/2005/23-2005.htm


Head of UN Palestinian refugee agency stepping down
Israel has repeatedly accused UNRWA and Hansen, a Danish national in the job since March 1996, of being biased in favour of the Palestinians. UNRWA is the largest UN operation in the Middle East, with more than 25,000 staff -- most of them Palestinian refugees themselves ( Refugees with legal Right of Return, under International Law )
http://story.news.yahoo.com/news?tmpl=story&cid=1514&ncid=1312&e=7&u=/afp/20050117/wl_mideast_afp/mideastunpalestinian_050117214605


Racist legislation
In effect, the state left its Arab citizens only one choice: to live in another country with their non-Israeli spouses. The amendment institutionalized discrimination against Arabs compared to any other non-Jewish citizen. Since it was passed, Israeli citizens could marry any non-Jew in the world and live with them in Israel, but if they married Arabs...
http://www.haaretz.com/hasen/spages/528450.html


Security Chief: Palestinians to Disarm Militants
"The instructions are clear ... Weapons that don't belong to the Palestinian police are illegal. So wherever illegal weapons are found, we will collect them," Nafe told Reuters. "There is no leadership in the world that gets elected on a peaceful program and leaves arms in the hands of militias and other groups," he said.
http://www.reuters.com/newsArticle.jhtml?type=worldNews&storyID=7357633


Palestinian bomber kills Israeli soldier
A Palestinian has blown himself up near a Jewish settlement in the Gaza Strip, killing one Israeli soldier and wounding seven... Settlements built on occupied Palestinian territories are considered illegal in the eyes of international law.
http://english.aljazeera.net/NR/exeres/D614A925-B7CA-465B-A695-FDD0B5A87C0E.htm


Hamas might reconsider a truce talks
Dr. Ghazal, who is a member of the political wing of Hamas in the West Bank, said that Hamas does not object being involved in talks on truce with Israel. However, he said, this should be to serve the Palestinian interests and to stop the daily crimes committed by Israel against the Palestinian people, especially in the Gaza Strip.
http://www.imemc.org/headlines/2005/Jan/week3/011805/hamas-truce.htm


Poll: Most Palestinians ready for deal without refugees
Some 54 percent of the Palestinians support a two-state solution on the basis of the 1967 lines, with border corrections and no massive return of refugees, confirming that there has been a change in Palestinian public opinion since the death of Yasser Arafat.
http://www.haaretz.com/hasen/spages/528457.html


Sharon pays surprise visit to Gaza troops; Abbas prepares to meet militants
Israeli leader Ariel Sharon paid a surprise visit to the Gaza Strip for a briefing on the army's efforts to halt rocket attacks as his Palestinian counterpart Mahmud Abbas arrived in the territory for showdown talks with Hamas.
http://www.turkishpress.com/world/news.asp?id=050118164906.oxdrys64.xml


Abbas denies decision to stop violence made under pressure
The moves are aimed at stripping Israel of excuses to launch operations against the Palestinians, Abbas said. Abu Mazen said the Palestinians also need assurances from Israelto stop assassinations and raids, saying these policies will torpedo any Palestinian effort to end violence.
http://news.xinhuanet.com/english/2005-01/18/content_2478182.htm


IDF commanders present PM with plan to halt Qassams
Israel Defense Forces commanders presented Prime Minister Ariel Sharon with their plans to bring a halt to Qassam rocket attacks on Tuesday, as Palestinian Authority Chairman Mahmoud Abbas headed to the Gaza Strip to attempt to stop the ongoing shellings.
http://www.haaretz.com/hasen/spages/528399.html


Israel's unemployment rate reached a three-year low in November 2004, and is falling by 0.1% a month
The Central Bureau of Statistics emphasizes that trend figures indicate that unemployment fell steadily in the 12-month period between November 2003 and November 2004, from 10.9% to 10%, a reduction of 24,177 people unemployed. Figures indicate that unemployment is falling by 0.1% a month.
http://www.globes.co.il/serveen/globes/docview.asp?did=874913&fid=942


President of EU Council of Ministers: The Arafat excuse has disappeared
Asselborn's visit is meant to clarify to his Israeli and Palestinian interlocuters that promotion of the peace process is high on the agenda of the current president of the European Union Council of Ministers, and that he will strive to keep the window of opportunity open.
http://www.haaretz.com/hasen/spages/528407.html


East Jerusalem's Chehade Brothers Nominated for Music Award
Among this year's nominees for a BBC R3 Award for World Music is Palestinian group the Chehade Brothers. Rami and Farid Chehade, in their 20s, are originally from East Jerusalem. They have recently enjoyed success with their improvised approach to tarab (a musical style fusing various cultural elements), which they term “light popular tarab”.
http://electronicintifada.net/v2/article3536.shtml


Rice to be 'deeply involved' in Mideast
US Secretary of State nominee Condoleezza Rice said Tuesday she expects to be deeply involved in efforts to resolve the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, but there are no immediate plans to send a special envoy to the Middle East.
http://www.jpost.com/servlet/Satellite?pagename=JPost/JPArticle/ShowFull&cid=1106018361436


Rabbis renew ban on visits to holy Jerusalem site
Israel's chief rabbis have renewed a religious ban on Jewish visits to a flashpoint site in Jerusalem that is holy to both Muslims and Jews, according to a statement published on Tuesday. A Palestinian uprising began in September 2000 after then-Israeli opposition leader Ariel Sharon visited the site.
http://www.alertnet.org/thenews/newsdesk/L188465.htm


Told with piercing quiet
However, at the end of a lengthy editing and selection process, they succeeded in creating a screen epic of the Palestinian problem in a large-scale film production, in which companies from Egypt, Lebanon, Syria, France and Morocco took part, with the finest Egyptian actors.
http://www.haaretz.com/hasen/spages/528453.html


The army can't close Gaza checkpoints - they were already closed
Israel's announcement that it is closing the three checkpoints around the Gaza Strip in the wake of last Thursday's terror attack at the Karni crossing has created the impression that all the crossings have been open recently. This, however, is not the case.
http://www.haaretz.com/hasen/spages/527907.html


Jerusalemites Take to the Polls, but Not in Scores
For a myriad of reasons, not nearly as many people as could heed the call did in East Jerusalem. According to official statistics provided by the Palestinian Central Elections Commission on Jan. 10, only 26,365 out of 120,000 eligible voters in the occupied eastern sector of Jerusalem cast their votes for the next president of the Palestinian Authority on Jan. 9.
http://www.worldpress.org/Mideast/2014.cfm


Israel may look more closely at economics of peace
In an interview with Israeli newspaper Yediot Ahronoth in 2003, Fischer unambiguously argued that "Israel's economy will not recover from its [intifada-induced] slump without a resumption of the peace process with the Palestinians."
http://www.dailystar.com.lb/article.asp?edition_id=10&categ_id=3&article_id=11867


Knesset: Banks hold NIS 1b belonging to Holocaust victims
The committee said that the state must return NIS 586 million to victims? heirs, and that the five major banks must return some NIS 322 million, NIS 307 million of which must be returned by Bank Leumi. Mizrahi Bank must return NIS 12.9 million, Bank Hapoalim NIS 1.7 million, and Israel Discount Bank must return NIS 535,000.
http://www.haaretz.com/hasen/spages/528913.html


Rice: I will personally oversee Israel-Palestinian contacts
Condoleezza Rice, who will likely replace Colin Powell as U.S. Secretary of State said Tuesday she plans to personally manage Israeli Palestinian contacts. Rice was speaking to the Senate Foreign Relations Committee during a hearing meant to confirm her nomination.
http://www.haaretz.com/hasen/spages/528924.html


Iraq violence spreads to 'safe' areas
The number of attacks across the country now averages 80 a day, the same level as last spring when the US occupation was facing its greatest challenge, trying to head off armed uprisings in Sunni and Shia areas. There is also a growing number of incidents south of Baghdad, even in previously quiet areas.
http://www.guardian.co.uk/Iraq/Story/0,2763,1392871,00.html


Gunmen Kill Three Iraqi Candidates
Gunmen shot and killed three candidates running in Iraq's Jan. 30 elections, officials said Tuesday, as a suicide bombing killed two people outside the offices of a leading Shiite political party. Two of the slain candidates belonged to Allawi's political coalition, the Iraqi National Accord, a member of the group said.
http://story.news.yahoo.com/news?tmpl=story&cid=540&ncid=540&e=5&u=/ap/20050118/ap_on_re_mi_ea/iraq


Elections promised for Fallujah, Ramadi, but details secret to avert attack: US
Iraqi elections will be held in the longtime insurgent centers of Fallujah and Ramadi, but the number and location of polling stations will be kept secret until the last minute to prevent attacks, a US commander said.
http://story.news.yahoo.com/news?tmpl=story&cid=1515&ncid=1515&e=8&u=/afp/20050118/wl_mideast_afp/usiraqvoteanbar_050118193443

January 17, 2005

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Israeli army demolished two houses near Bethlehem
IMEMC correspondent in Bethlehem reported that the Israeli army has demolished two houses on Monday morning in the village of Walajeh near Bethlehem. Eyewitnesses told IMEMC that army bulldozers rolled in the early hours of day and began demolishing the two houses.
http://www.imemc.org/headlines/2005/Jan/week3/011705/walajeh.htm


Activist for Palestinians accepts deportation from Israel - Bay Area woman jailed during protest of security barrier
Kate Raphael Bender was arrested Dec. 14 during a protest against Israel's controversial security barrier at the village of Bil'in, near Ramallah in the West Bank. She has spent the last month in a detention center awaiting a hearing and preparing her appeal against deportation.
http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?file=/c/a/2005/01/17/MNG9NARFJT1.DTL


ISM Update: American Activist Sentenced
A contingent of 20 Israeli soldiers, three jeeps and a bulldozer converged without warning on the quiet village around midday Friday. It created three roadblocks - about two and a half metres high – by transferring large boulders, debris, rocks and earth onto the main road leading into the village.
http://www.scoop.co.nz/mason/stories/WO0501/S00150.htm


Israel's moat
Israel has already destroyed 4,000 Palestinian homes, vast areas of agricultural land and hundreds of commercial properties in the occupied territories in the last four years, leaving tens of thousands homeless and destitute.
http://www.guardian.co.uk/israel/Story/0,2763,1391866,00.html


PLO Demands Israel to End Aggression, Starts Factional Dialogue
In a meeting held yesterday in the West Bank City of Ramallah under the chairmanship of its head and the newly-elected Palestinian President, Mahmoud Abbas, the PLO's executive committee demanded an immediate cessation of all forms of Israeli violence against the Palestinian population.
http://www.ipc.gov.ps/ipc_new/english/details.asp?name=2106


Israel tank fire kills mother and son in southern Gaza
A Palestinian mother and her son were killed on Sunday night after Israeli soldiers fired a tank shell that hit one of the houses in the Khan Younis refugee camp in southern Gaza Strip, medics said.
http://news.xinhuanet.com/english/2005-01/17/content_2468747.htm


Four Citizens Killed In Two Separate Incidents
Dr.Mu'wia Abu Hussenien , director of the emergency award reported that the bodies of Nidal Abed Al Hakeem Sadeq,19, And Hamed Mahmoud Ashour ,20,were evacuated to Nasser hospital of khanYounis . They were maimed as their heads were smashed.
http://www.ipc.gov.ps/ipc_new/english/details.asp?name=2105


Army to Investigate Unauthorized House Demolitions in Gaza
Last year, army demolished 25 houses in Khan Younis, but later on army admitted that orders to demolish homes were issued by local commanders, without notifying the Southern Command or obtaining authorization.
http://www.imemc.org/headlines/2005/Jan/Week3/011705/army%20to%20invsetigate%20home%20demolitions.htm


Israel hints at new assassinations in Gaza
The Israeli government has reportedly ordered the army to resume assassinating Palestinian militants in Gaza after three days of violence. Ariel Sharon, the Israeli prime minister, said the army had been told to take action against terrorism "without restrictions, I emphasise, without restrictions".
http://www.guardian.co.uk/israel/Story/0,2763,1391972,00.html


Abbas wants resistance group co-opted
"Abu Mazin [Abbas] told us that this must happen as soon as possible." The al-Aqsa Martyrs Brigades, an armed offshoot of Abbas' own Fatah movement, is the second largest of the Palestinian armed factions and has been behind hundreds of resistance attacks.
http://english.aljazeera.net/NR/exeres/A6A839AB-EA76-41EC-9655-398D146F74F7.htm


Qassam slams into Sderot on city-wide day of mourning
A Qassam rocket slammed into the hard-hit western Negev town of Sderot early Monday morning, causing neither damage nor casualties, but bolstering a sense of despair and anger spurred by months of near-daily shelling.
http://www.haaretz.com/hasen/pages/ShArt.jhtml?itemNo=528221&contrassID=1&subContrassID=5&sbSubContrassID=0&listSrc=Y


Palestinian security forces told to prevent attacks
The Palestinian cabinet asked the security forces in Ramallah to prevent attacks against Israel and ordered an investigation into a shooting at a Gaza crossing that killed six Israeli civilians last week, ministers said.
http://www.theglobeandmail.com/servlet/story/RTGAM.20050117.wmide0117/BNStory/International/


Hamas dismisses PLO call to end attacks against Israel
“We are sorry to say that some people are using this name (the PLO) to issue a demand which is at odds with the aims of the Palestinian people,” Sami Abu Zuhri, a spokesman for the group, told AFP. “This kind of statement only helps the Zionist enemy and gives it an excuse to continue the occupation and legalises its aggressions.”
http://www.khaleejtimes.com/DisplayArticle.asp?xfile=data/middleeast/2005/January/middleeast_January462.xml&section=middleeast


Arabs say Israel seeks to make Abbas second Arafat
Arabs say Israel has seized an early opportunity to boycott new Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas as a means to put off peace talks with the Palestinians while expanding West Bank settlements.
http://www.alertnet.org/thenews/newsdesk/L1719094.htm


Official: Hamas joining PLO possible
Salim Za'noon, speaker of the Palestinian National Council, also said the seven opposition left-wing groups that quit the PLO in 1984 may return. "Every national and Islamic faction has the right to join the PLO, including the non-PLO members Hamas and Islamic Jihad," said Za'noon.
http://washingtontimes.com/upi-breaking/20050117-042829-2708r.htm


Israel Holds off Grand Gaza Operation; Abbas to Gaza for talks
It is not yet clear whether the reported decision came as a result of the complicated logistics of such operations, and the anticipated loses on the army side, or due to outside pressure to allow the newly sworn President time to act.
http://www.imemc.org/headlines/2005/Jan/Week3/011705/israle%20holds%20off%20operation,%20Abbas%20to%20gaza.htm


Israel weighs use of artillery in response to attacks
Israel is giving Palestinian Authority Chairman Mahmoud Abbas a limited amount of time to fight terror, but if the attacks continue, Boim said "radical solutions" could be employed against them.
http://www.haaretz.com/hasen/pages/ShArt.jhtml?itemNo=528373&contrassID=1&subContrassID=5&sbSubContrassID=0&listSrc=Y


Pines-Paz halts implementation of Citizenship Law amendment
Pines-Paz plans to formulate a new bill, which will reevaluate all restrictions imposed on Palestinians married to Israeli citizens. Pines-Paz plans to request that the High Court of Justice issue a three-month extension for current executive orders, which are to expire in early February.
http://www.haaretz.com/hasen/spages/528317.html


Witness: I might have been able to prevent Gaza girl's death
The trial of Captain R., an Israel Defense Forces officer facing charges for "confirming the kill" of a 13-year-old girl in Gaza, took an unexpected turn Monday when a witness testified that he might have been able to prevent the girl's death.
http://www.haaretz.com/hasen/spages/528352.html


Shalom: Abbas must put in 100% effort
The two were single-minded in their attitude to Abbas, and neither was prepared to give him the month of grace that he has requested. Katsav was unwilling to give him even a day of grace.
http://www.jpost.com/servlet/Satellite?pagename=JPost/JPArticle/ShowFull&cid=1105932029862


Hezbollah militants fire anti-tank missile at IDF vehicle
Israel Air Force warplanes twice bombed suspected Hezbollah targets in southern Lebanon on Monday, wounding two women, after militants blew up an Israeli military bulldozer near the Israel-Lebanon border, Lebanese officials said.
http://www.haaretz.com/hasen/spages/528341.html


Abbas' well-laid plans
One of the most difficult problems Abu Mazen faces in implementing the security reforms is the issue of personal appointments. Who will be the new commanders? Every appointment of one of the commanders currently serving will mean the rejection of another. This issue is particularly complicated, and even dangerous, in Gaza...
http://www.haaretz.com/hasen/spages/527916.html


Analysis / Military actions with political goals
Hamas' plans are based of the assumption that Abu Mazen will avoid violent confrontation with them and the other opposition groups in the PA. Therefore, they feel free to operate against Israeli targets, to gain political points in the Palestinian street. Their goal is to position disengagement as a clear victory for Hamas and its strategy of armed struggle.
http://www.haaretz.com/hasen/spages/527899.html


Settlers Preparing "The Mother of All Protests"
Settler leaders called the planned demonstration "the mother of all protests", using the same terms (Mother of all Battles) former Iraqi President Sadam Husein used in describing his fight with American troops.
http://www.imemc.org/headlines/2005/Jan/Week3/011705/settlers%20preparing%20grand%20protest.htm


Jordan polling station could bar Iraqi-Israelis from historic election
Just last week the Independent Electoral Commission for Iraq (IECI) announced that Israeli descendants of Iraqi Jews were being offered the possibility of voting in the first free democratic elections in Iraq.
http://www.jpost.com/servlet/Satellite?pagename=JPost/JPArticle/ShowFull&cid=1105845489270


Deadly attacks target Iraq forces
In central Iraq, seven soldiers and a security guard, were killed when insurgents fired on a checkpoint near the Sunni Muslim town of Baquba. The violence comes as Iraqis living abroad begin registering to vote in the elections scheduled for 30 January.
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/middle_east/4180189.stm


US special forces inside Iran select sites for possible air strikes: report
The New Yorker magazine's award-winning reporter Seymour Hersh, who last year exposed the extent of prisoner abuse at Abu Ghraib prison in Iraq, wrote that he was repeatedly told by US intelligence and military sources that "the next strategic target was Iran."
http://story.news.yahoo.com/news?tmpl=story&cid=1515&ncid=1515&e=3&u=/afp/20050117/wl_mideast_afp/usirannuclear_050117185026

January 16, 2005

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|           www.TheHeadlines.Org             |
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Soldiers at Wall Gate Denies 400 Villagers Passage to Their Homes
Around 400 villagers of Azon Atmah, a seam area village near the west bank city of Qalqylia, were denied access to their homes on Saturday evening. Soldiers stationed at the separation wall gate held Saturday evening hundreds of villagers for hours in a stormy weather, preventing them from arriving back to their homes.
http://www.imemc.org/headlines/2005/Jan/Week3/011605/soldiers%20halt%20400%20villagers%20at%20wall%20gate.htm


The United Nations' New Failure: Compensations Instead of Rights?!
The General Assembly called for the registry last summer after demanding that Israel comply with the International Court of Justice advisory opinion, which declared called the Wall illegal and called for Israel to immediately stop its building and tear down completed. The UN declaration states that “the register's purpose is merely to collect claims for possible future adjudication and compensation”.
http://stopthewall.org/latestnews/845.shtml


US Should Help Stop Land Grabs
Curfews, border closings, checkpoints, home demolitions, land seizures, settlement building, and the "security" barrier known as the Wall have conspired to turn a thriving village into one in which half the population has been driven into exile since 1967. Of the rest, 50 percent depend upon foreign aid for basic survival, and many families cannot afford the equivalent of $10 to $12 per child for annual school fees.
http://www.informationclearinghouse.info/article7703.htm


In Catch 22 Ruling, Israeli Judge Silences Jewish American Activist
An Israeli judge today refused to hear US Jewish lesbian activist Kate Raphael Bender's appeal of her deportation. Judge Tal said he could not hear Raphael Bender's case because her visa was no longer valid. Her visa expired yesterday, after five weeks in detention.
http://www.palsolidarity.org/DesktopModules/Articles/ArticlesView.aspx?tabID=0&alias=Rainbow&lang=en-US&ItemID=741&mid=10400


Through racist eyes
Racism has a purpose. In the Palestinian case it is to divert attention away from justice and to preserve a state dedicated to racist principles; namely Israel. For Israel will welcome Jews from any part of the world, but will not let Palestinians come home. So it must try to eradicate the Palestinian identity and subsume it into being "Muslim" or "Arab".
http://metimes.com/articles/normal.php?StoryID=20050114-033113-2930r


Arab-Jewish coexistence turns moveable feast in Kansas City
Adhering to the belief that peace is built on understanding between different cultures, a group of Jews, Muslims, and Christians in Kansas City is organizing an interfaith dinner aimed at building bridges and relationships. The celebration is modeled on an annual Arab-Jewish "hafla," or party, held outside the mixed Israeli town of Ramle for more than a dozen years...
http://www.haaretz.com/hasen/spages/527774.html


Tank shell kills woman and her son in the Gaza Strip, 10 killed in 2 days
Sunday evening, Israeli soldiers stationed at a military camp in Naveh Dkalim settlement fired a tank shell at a Palestinian home in Khan Younis, in the southern part of the Gaza Strip, killing a woman and her daughter, and seriously injuring her son. One of the shells exploded in a neighboring home, injuring a father and his son.
http://www.imemc.org/headlines/2005/Jan/Week3/011605/Khan%20Younis.htm


Hamas fires Qassam rockets, killing one Israeli
In a leaflet sent to reporters in Gaza, al Qassam Brigades, the armed wing of Islamic Resistance Movement Hamas claimed responsibility for the attack, saying it firing two homemade Qassam rockets from the Gaza Strip.
http://news.xinhuanet.com/english/2005-01/16/content_2465752.htm


Election Irregularities: CEC unable to respond to Barghouthi campaign formal complaint
Such pressures were allegedly exerted upon the Commission by Mahmoud Abbas's campaign and intelligence officials, forcing the Commission to change the regulations under duress. These changes led to a decrease in the percentage of votes for Dr. Mustafa Barghouthi and an increase for Mahmoud Abbas (Abu Mazin).
http://electronicintifada.net/v2/article3533.shtml


Abbas Asks Security Chiefs to Immediately Act to Enforce Law
Newly sworn Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas met Saturday night with the heads of Palestinian Authority (PA) security branches and ordered them to immediately take practical steps to enforce law and order in the PA controlled territories.
http://www.imemc.org/headlines/2005/Jan/Week3/011605/abbas%20asks%20security%20cheifs%20to%20act%20immediatly.htm


Sharon: Unlimited operations in Gaza
A Sharon spokesman on Friday said the Israeli prime minister would refuse to meet with Palestinian president-elect, Mahmud Abbas, until he acted against armed resistance groups behind Thursday night's attack at the al-Mintar (Karni) crossing.
http://english.aljazeera.net/NR/exeres/79F679BE-4C43-4243-A71A-BFCD71C5EC4E.htm


PLO calls for end to attacks which 'harm national interest'
The Palestine Liberation Organisation (PLO) called on to stop carrying out attacks Sunday which it said were giving Israel an excuse to block progress in the Middle East peace process.
http://www.geo.tv/main_files/world.aspx?id=59915


Abbas pledges to seek peace with Israel
Mahmoud Abbas, sworn in yesterday as the Palestinian president, pledged to seek a negotiated peace with Israel - less than 24 hours after Ariel Sharon's government decided to suspend all contacts with the Palestinian Authority he now heads.
http://news.independent.co.uk/world/middle_east/story.jsp?story=601362


Hamas, Jihad agree to strengthen solidarity
A Hamas spokesman, Abu Sami Abuzuhri, welcomed Abbas' swearing-in speech saying the most important thing is to unite all Palestinian people to deal with Israel's aggression. Leaders of Jihad are urging Abbas to push forward negotiation between Palestinian factions before taking any political action on Israel.
http://news.xinhuanet.com/english/2005-01/16/content_2466917.htm


U.S. Official Urges Abbas to Rein in Militants
A White House official called on the new Palestinian president, Mahmoud Abbas, on Sunday to take "aggressive steps" to stop attacks by militants, and deemed Israel's decision to suspend all contacts with Abbas as temporary.
http://www.reuters.com/newsArticle.jhtml?type=politicsNews&storyID=7337715


Japanese FM pledges more support to PNA
Visiting Japanese Foreign Minister Nobutaka Machimura promised on Sunday that Japan would continue its financial support to the Palestinian National Authority (PNA).
http://news.xinhuanet.com/english/2005-01/17/content_2468699.htm


Japan asks Israel to end arms sales to east Asia
Japan's constitution, unchanged since it was written by U.S. occupation forces after World War II, renounces war and the use of force in settling international disputes. During the talks Sunday, Shalom said the two countries agreed to work toward a bilateral trade of $3 billion in the next five years, up from the current $1.8 billion.
http://www.haaretz.com/hasen/spages/527842.html


Abbas vows peaceful end to Mideast conflict, eight killed in Gaza
Palestinian leader Mahmud Abbas vowed to reach a negotiated end to the vicious circle of Middle East violence as he was sworn in against a grim backdrop of deadly clashes in Gaza and a freezing of contacts by Israel.
http://story.news.yahoo.com/news?tmpl=story&cid=1512&ncid=1312&e=12&u=/afp/20050116/wl_afp/mideastpalestinian_050116054155


Palestinian fighters challenge Abbas
"Ninety per cent of Palestinians killed are not [fighters] but women, children and the elderly. The difference is that we do not target children, but the Israeli snipers do," said Abu Harun, from an armed offshoot of Abbas' Fatah party.
http://english.aljazeera.net/NR/exeres/19142642-C4C0-4C91-8040-83A84E0EE577.htm


Hamas political leader shuns cease-fire deal with Israel
Mousa Abu Marzouk, deputy of Hamas' Damascus-based political bureau, said the radical group is currently opposed to calling a truce to its armed resistance against Israel, despite hopes that peace efforts could resume following the election of the moderate Mahmoud Abbas to the Palestinian presidency.
http://www.haaretz.com/hasen/pages/ShArt.jhtml?itemNo=527531&contrassID=1&subContrassID=1&sbSubContrassID=0&listSrc=Y


Mubarak urges peace talks after Israel freezes Palestinian contacts
"We know from experience that you cannot say violence must stop before negotiations start. Violence will still happen, but if the Palestinians get the means to live they will themselves call for violence to stop," Mubarak said Sunday.
http://story.news.yahoo.com/news?tmpl=story&cid=1514&ncid=1312&e=5&u=/afp/20050116/wl_mideast_afp/mideastegyptchile_050116150652


Abbas to visit Gaza for ceasefire talks with militant groups
"Abu Mazen [Abbas] is heading to Gaza within the coming few days, most probably on Wednesday," Shaath told reporters in the West Bank city of Ramallah. "The aim of the visit is to rearrange the internal Palestinian situation."
http://news.xinhuanet.com/english/2005-01/16/content_2468113.htm


Army Leaves, Settlers Stay
The Israeli Army on Sunday dismantled one of its bases in the settlement of Yitzhar in the Nablus region after Israeli settlers demanded the army leave. The soldiers left, the settlers stayed.
http://www.imemc.org/headlines/2005/Jan/Week3/011605/army%20leaves%20settlers%20stay.htm


Free speech in Israel, but only for Jews
One of the complaints from Israelis is that when Arabs do express their opinions, they are "racist" and "anti-Semitic", the usual response to anything critical of Israeli policies toward Arabs, the occupation, non-Jews and almost anything else the Israelis dislike.
http://metimes.com/articles/normal.php?StoryID=20050110-082506-7854r


Time for a joint plan of action
Demanding that he control Hamas and the other organizations one week after his election, even before being sworn in, by waging all-out war instead of reaching an agreement among the various Palestinian factions, abrogates from the outset Abu Mazen's chance of succeeding in his chosen path.
http://www.haaretz.com/hasen/spages/527529.html


Analysis / Israel doesn't have time to wait for Abbas
Statements made by senior Israeli officials following the attack at the Karni crossing on Thursday night sounded as if they had been taken from four years ago, during the days of Ehud Barak and Yasser Arafat: "This is the Palestinian Authority's test;" "The Palestinian security mechanisms are doing nothing;" "If they don't act, we'll do it for them;" "There's a limit to our patience."
http://www.haaretz.com/hasen/spages/527509.html


New Yorker report: U.S. conducting secret missions in Iran
One former high-level intelligence official told The New Yorker, "This is a war against terrorism, and Iraq is just one campaign. The Bush administration is looking at this as a huge war zone. Next, we're going to have the Iranian campaign." Bush has warned Iran in recent weeks against meddling in Iraqi elections.
http://www.haaretz.com/hasen/spages/527861.html


Iraq's top Shiite cleric confirms support for election frontrunner
He was referring to the Unified Iraqi Alliance, a grouping of major Shiite parties which was formed with Sistani's blessing and is headed by Abdel Aziz Hakim, the leader of the Supreme Council of the Islamic Revolution in Iraq.
http://story.news.yahoo.com/news?tmpl=story&cid=1515&ncid=1515&e=8&u=/afp/20050116/wl_mideast_afp/iraqvoteshiitesistani_050116152122


Iraqi FM says elections become imperative
"Elections are not the magic wand which could solve all Iraqi problems, but they are the point from which we can start to have all foreign troops withdraw and then practise self-determination," he said. He welcomed the Arab League to take the responsibility of monitoring the elections.
http://news.xinhuanet.com/english/2005-01/16/content_2468463.htm

January 15, 2005

 

//------------------------------------------------\\
|  Today in Palestine! 15 - Jan - 2005  |
|           www.TheHeadlines.Org             |
\\------------------------------------------------//

Foreign Min. forms unit to fight anti-Semitism
The new department will cooperate with Jewish and Christian groups in the U.S., to fight the growing anti-Semitism in Protestant churches, to help redeem Holocaust survivors' possessions and to try and create a dialogue with moderate figures in the Moslem world. ( Or is it rather to fight anti-Apartheid? )
http://www.haaretz.com/hasen/spages/527473.html


PALESTINE: Alqidwa Says UN Registry Based on ICJ's Advisory Opinion
Mr. Alqidwa, who was addressing a gathering of Palestinian citizens in the West Bank City of Albeirah, called on the Palestinians for confronting the Israeli construction of the wall by all possible means, including cooperation with schools, universities and legal institutions for further awareness of the dangers posed by the wall.
http://www.noticias.info/asp/aspComunicados.asp?nid=45050&src=0


Former US Congressmen Say Israeli Apartheid Wall Founded to Rob Palestinian Lands
Mr. Eugene Bird, chairman of the SPHR and head of the visiting delegation, commented that the construction of the Apartheid Wall was meaningless and that communication between Palestinians and Israelis must be enhanced, so they won't live in isolated ghettos. "The wall was designed to rob lands and water, and in Qalqilya it's a provocative wall...
http://www.aljazeerah.info/News archives/2005 News archives/January/13 n/Former US Congressmen Say Israeli Apartheid Wall Founded to Rob Palestinian Lands.htm


Palestinians injured in prison fire
An inmate who spoke to Aljazeera.net via a smuggled mobile phone said tents were gutted by the blaze which broke out early on Saturday. Inmates say the fire could have been prevented, that prison authorities were slow to act and that the prison wall hampered firefighters in their work.
http://english.aljazeera.net/NR/exeres/03598D56-6184-4272-84CE-6A647FF25688.htm


Twighlight zone / The IDF is investigating
Four children, each of whom has lost two legs - halves of human beings - are now lying in Shifa Hospital in Gaza. Three of them are conscious; one is on a respirator. At home, in Beit Lahia in the northern Gaza Strip, their parents mourn their dead brothers. In a single moment on the first day of the Id al-Adha (Feast of the Sacrifice) holiday, Maryam and Kamal Raban lost three sons, two nephews and a grandson.
http://www.haaretz.com/hasen/spages/527095.html


5 Palestinians Killed and 5 Others Injured by IOF in al-Zaytoun Neighborhood in Gaza City
This incursion was accompanied by indiscriminate shelling against houses and agricultural areas.  IOF raided two buildings and transformed them into military sites, from which they fired at neighboring areas.  They also started to raze areas of agricultural land.
http://www.pchrgaza.org/files/PressR/English/2005/18-2005.htm


Six killed in the Gaza Strip, more than 17 injured
In Rafah, in the southern part of the Gaza Strip, Israeli soldiers stationed at monitoring towers around the city, killed two residents while they were trying to raise the Palestinian flag on Salah Ed-Deen Gate. Also, military bulldozers supported by dozens of armored jeeps and vehicles uprooted family farmlands and streets in the city.
http://www.imemc.org/headlines/2005/Jan/Week3/011505/six-killed.htm


61 females arrested in 2004, including 14 underage
Among the imprisoned women, wives of imprisoned or killed residents; the female detainees are imprisoned in Al-Ramlah and Telmond prisons. The youngest female detainee is Ghada Abu Hmeid, 14 years old, from Hebron , who was arrested in September, 9, 2004. Also, there are 20 imprisoned mothers, and 15 female detainees suffering of different diseases.
http://www.imemc.org/headlines/2005/Jan/Week3/011505/61-female-detainees.htm


PCHR Warns of the Consequences of Closure of al-Mentar Crossing as It Completes the Cycle of Economic and Social Stranglehold of the Gaza Strip
PCHR is gravely concerned at the closure of al-Mentar (Karni) crossing, east of Gaza City, by Israeli occupation forces (IOF), under which the flow of goods, medicines and other supplies out and into the Gaza Strip is totally prohibited.
http://www.pchrgaza.org/files/PressR/English/2005/16-2005.htm


Hamas fires Qassam rockets, killing one Israeli
In a leaflet sent to reporters in Gaza, al Qassam Brigades, the armed wing of Islamic Resistance Movement Hamas claimed responsibility for the attack, saying it firing two homemade Qassam rockets from the Gaza Strip.
http://news.xinhuanet.com/english/2005-01/16/content_2465752.htm


46 officials resign over irregularities in PA vote
While the Central Election Commission was meeting on voting day, Jan. 9, to consider the requested changes, shots were fired at the panel's headquarters. Electoral officials said they recognized at least one of the gunmen as a member of Palestinian intelligence.
http://www.haaretz.com/hasen/spages/527457.html


Abbas asks Qorei to form new Palestinian government
"I repeat my confidence in Abu Alaa (Qorei) and I want to consult with him on forming the government according to the law," Abbas said Saturday in his inauguration speech at the Palestinian parliament. Qorei became prime minister in the aftermath of Abbas' own resignation in September 2003.
http://story.news.yahoo.com/news?tmpl=story&cid=1514&ncid=1312&e=6&u=/afp/20050115/wl_mideast_afp/mideastpalestinianabbasqorei_050115111511


Abbas vows peaceful end to Mideast conflict, as seven killed in Gaza
New Palestinian leader Mahmud Abbas vowed to reach a negotiated end to the vicious circle of Middle East violence as he was sworn in against a grim backdrop of deadly clashes in Gaza and a freezing of contacts by Israel.
http://www.turkishpress.com/world/news.asp?id=050115163855.vcr69rtu.xml


PM halts all ties with Abbas over terror
Sharon's Friday order was echoed in Washington with a stern statement by U.S. Secretary of State Colin Powell, who refrained from criticising the break in ties and said of Abbas, "He's got to get those terrorists under control."
http://www.haaretz.com/hasen/pages/ShArt.jhtml?itemNo=527106&contrassID=1&subContrassID=5&sbSubContrassID=0&listSrc=Y


PA calls for mutual ceasefire
"President Abbas is determined to establish the authority of law and discipline," Abu Rudeineh said. He then called on Israel "to end as immediate as possible its military actions in Gaza." Abu Rudeineh blamed Palestinian militant groups as well as Israelis for the violence in the Middle East and urged the United States to use its influence in the region.
http://washingtontimes.com/upi-breaking/20050115-095946-1028r.htm


Hamas calls on Abbas to renew dialogue
Hamas spokesman Sami Abu Zuhri told UPI Abbas' speech before the Palestinian Legislative Council Saturday tackled "many positive points concerning the internal Palestinian situation." However, he said Hamas disagrees with Abbas over his call for militants to halt their attacks against Israel.
http://washingtontimes.com/upi-breaking/20050115-101223-2349r.htm


Islamic Jihad rejects ceasefire call
"We confirm the importance of Palestinian dialogue and we are ready to have this dialogue with Mr Abbas, but we reiterate that the armed resistance is connected to the existence of the occupation," Muhammad al-Hindi, leader of Islamic Jihad in its Gaza Strip stronghold, said.
http://english.aljazeera.net/NR/exeres/5201AFA8-5E43-4FA1-8C21-A72ADCF6FE55.htm


Egypt criticizes Israel for cutting ties with PA
President Hosni Mubarak, who has been pushing hard to speed the peace process since Yasser Arafat's November death ushered in the new leadership, expects Israel to work with Abbas as his "Palestinian partner for peace," presidential spokesman Suleiman Awad said. "All those who want violence to stop should know that Abu Mazen does not have a magic wand," Awad told reporters.
http://www.jpost.com/servlet/Satellite?pagename=JPost/JPArticle/ShowFull&cid=1105759232108


Annan says attack killing six Israelis major blow to Mideast peace
UN Secretary General Kofi Annan said that the attack killing six Israelis dealt a "real blow" to the Middle East peace process. "The attacks that killed the six Israelis is a real blow to the peace process," he told Dubai Television on Saturday.
http://story.news.yahoo.com/news?tmpl=story&cid=1515&ncid=1515&e=17&u=/afp/20050115/wl_mideast_afp/mideastiraqun_050115110146


Annan says Palestinians should support new leadership to achieve statehood
“I appeal to them to shy away from violence, to reject violence, support their new leader and let him work with the Israeli Government and the Palestinian people and the international community to fulfill their dreams,” he said. ( HE IS FINE WITH KILLING OF PALESTINIANS! )
http://www.un.org/apps/news/story.asp?NewsID=13050&Cr=Palestin&Cr1=



IDF: Abbas could do more against militants
Abbas campaigned in part under the premise that the armed intifada had failed and that it was necessary to renew diplomatic negotiations with Israel. For its part, the IDF has renewed its incursions into Palestinian Authority territory, following a hiatus it had enforced in view of the elections in the territories.
http://www.haaretz.com/hasen/pages/ShArt.jhtml?itemNo=527199&contrassID=1&subContrassID=1&sbSubContrassID=0&listSrc=Y


A Palestinian turnaround?
Despite the militarization and the increasing support for the Hamas, contends Shikaki, support for compromise is growing. "The public has concluded that there is no alternative to life together," he explains. "The support for the organizations that are promising vengeance is emotional support that derives from the suffering and the humiliation."
http://www.haaretz.com/hasen/spages/527119.html


New Palestinian leader faces multiple crises
"The peace process which we desire includes a general ceasefire and our hand is stretched to the Israeli partner to make peace not with words but with deeds," Abbas said. Abbas called on Israel to cease "assassinations, closures, confiscation of lands, and the building of the separation fence."
http://www.haaretz.com/hasen/spages/527436.html


The son also rises
All these data will soon be subjected to another test, whose outcome is (almost) certain: In May 2005, the Egyptian parliament will, as is its wont, submit Hosni Mubarak as its sole candidate for another six-year term as president of 70 million Egyptians.
http://www.haaretz.com/hasen/spages/527117.html


Report: US forces damaged Babylon
US-led forces have caused substantial damage to archaeological treasures by using the ancient Iraqi city of Babylon as a military base, a British Museum report says. The document, quoted in Saturday's The Guardian newspaper, said US and Polish military vehicles had crushed 2600-year-old pavements in the city, a cradle of civilisation and home to one of the seven wonders of the ancient world. Archaeological fragments were used to fill sand bags, the report said.
http://english.aljazeera.net/NR/exeres/C2102CA5-44DE-4E5A-B41F-3E92C7017E04.htm


U.S. security chief does not rule out torture
He told the BBC in an interview that the United States did not condone the use of torture, but said it could happen "under an extreme set of circumstances" such as the threat of a nuclear holocaust.
http://www.haaretzdaily.com/hasen/pages/ShArt.jhtml?itemNo=527452&contrassID=1&subContrassID=8&sbSubContrassID=0&listSrc=Y


Voting day security plan unveiled as 18 bodies discovered near Baghdad
It appeared most of the victims at been shot at close range but residents were afraid to alert police for fear of reprisals by insurgents in the stretch of lush farmland south of Baghdad where some are still faithful to detained dictator Saddam Hussein, said local Abdul Saleh Ithawi.
http://story.news.yahoo.com/news?tmpl=story&cid=1515&ncid=1515&e=2&u=/afp/20050115/wl_mideast_afp/iraq_050115190738


Flying Carpet Airlines - By Robert Fisk
The Shias, of course, have been waiting impatiently for elections for almost two years. The American proconsul of the time, Paul Bremer, was too frightened to hold them soon after the invasion--when they might have taken place without much violence--in case Iraq turned into a Shia theocracy. The Kurds are also waiting to put their stamp on their emerging statelet in the north.
http://www.counterpunch.org/fisk01152005.html

January 14, 2005

Israeli High Court Freezes Building of Separation Wall near J'lem
prohibits Israel from "all uprooting of trees or orchards and digging, paving, leveling, construction or other preparations for the erecting of the separation fence in the area around the villages of Biddu, Beit Sourik, Beit Iksa, Beit Aanan, Likiya, Katana, Khirbet Abu Lehem, Al-Kubeiba and Nebi Samuel." The High Court ordered the state to respond to the villagers' petition within seven days.
http://www.imemc.org/headlines/2005/Jan/Week2/011405/Israeli%20HC%20freeze%20wall%20sec%20near%20Beit%20sourik.htm


50 South African families to settle in Israeli city
South Africa 's Jewish community is being encouraged to take advantage of emigrating to the Israeli city of Modi'in , situated between Jerusalem and Tel Aviv on land annexed by Israel during the 1967 Middle East War.
http://www.pretorianews.co.za/index.php?fSectionId=665&fArticleId=2373061


Human Rights Watch World Report 2005: Israel/Occupied Palestinian Territories
While many see the period after Arafat's death on November 11 as the beginning of a new era in the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, few changes have occurred on the ground where the wall regime Israel is building inside the West Bank and the illegal Israeli settlements continue to expand.
http://electronicintifada.net/v2/article3529.shtml


Statistics and numbers documented : September 28th, 2000 - January 12, 2005
Palestinians killed by Jewish settlers 72
Palestinians killed as a result of Israeli shelling : 834
Deaths as a result of medical prevention at Isreali checkpoints : 116
Of them stillbirths (born dead at checkpoints) : 31
Confiscated land : 226514
Razed land: 73505
Estimated number of uprooted trees : 1176631
Homes demolished : 7696
http://www.miftah.org/report.cfm


Cement walls and barbed wires separate the detainees in Ansar 3 prison
“This is a provocative wall, they are imprisoning us in our land, surrounded by the wall, which looks like the annexation wall surrounding our people in the West Bank, its blocking the wind and fresh air, we feel like we are strangled here”, a detainee said.
http://www.imemc.org/headlines/2005/Jan/Week2/011405/Cement.htm


Resident, child die of wounds sustained in the Gaza Strip
Dr. Moawiya Hassanen, head of the emergency unit at the ministry of health, said that a child died of wounds sustained Thursday in Al-Boreij refugee camp, and a resident died of wounds sustained in September, 2004 during a military invasion in the northern Gaza Strip.
http://www.imemc.org/headlines/2005/Jan/Week2/011405/2-Gaza.htm


Family of dead Gaza girl asks IDF to reopen probe
The military prosecutor's office explains that the charges are not related to the death of the girl because it is impossible to know which soldiers fired the shots that caused her death. The attorneys have asked to focus on who gave the order to shoot.
http://www.haaretz.com/hasen/spages/527379.html


Three Palestinians, six Israelis killed attack on Karni crossing
The Qassam brigades, of Hamas and Aqsa Martyr brigades of Fatah and the Popular resistance front claimed responsibility for the attack. A short time after the attack, an Israel Air Force helicopter fired two missiles at a medical centre in Deir el Balah refugee camp run by an Islamic charity, Al Salah, witnesses said.
http://www.imemc.org/headlines/2005/Jan/week2/011405/Karni-bombing.htm


Israel Army Accuses Abbas for Gaza Attack
Israeli General Staff disclosed that Abbas had to handle the issue immediately and added, "Before the elections Palestinians had said that Abbas tried to make peace with the help of dialogue. It did not work. Now, the elections are over, the terrorism continues. The Palestinian government has done nothing."
http://www.zaman.com/?bl=hotnews&alt=&trh=20050114&hn=15649


Abbas says won't use force against militants
Abbas reiterated this statement in a letter sent to Arab foreign ministers, laying out his plans for rehabilitating the Palestinian Authority. "We have stressed that our commitment to the cease-fire will be based on a national Palestinian agreement," said Palestinian Foreign Minister Nabil Shaath.
http://www.haaretz.com/hasen/spages/527436.html


Palestinian resistance defies Abbas
Thousands of Palestinians marched in the streets of Jabalya refugee camp in the Gaza Strip in what they described as a victory march. The Friday march followed the killing of the Israelis by fighters who mounted their strongest challenge yet to Abbas and his call for resistance groups to lay down their arms.
http://english.aljazeera.net/NR/exeres/D69F1986-3269-4335-8458-0B63E9F0BF04.htm


Annan condemns deadly Palestinian terror attack at Gaza crossing
A spokesman for the Secretary-General said Mr. Annan hoped that the "terrible incident" - which occurred at the Karni crossing between Israel and the Gaza Strip - would not be allowed to undermine the recent positive steps made by both parties. (Postive Steps include Wall construction? - Also, killing of Palestinians is not as terrible)
http://www.un.org/apps/news/story.asp?NewsID=13044&Cr=palestin&Cr1=


Abbas denounces Palestinian attack, Israeli raids
"These attacks and what Israel did last week by killing 9 Palestinians do not benefit peace," Abbas, who has called for an end to four years of bloodshed, told reporters. (Coffee Annan is OK with the death of 9 Palestinians, it the 6 that have the value)
http://www.alertnet.org/thenews/newsdesk/L1473897.htm


Erakat slams Sharon decision to freeze contacts with Palestinians
"We reject the freezing of contacts announced by Israel as well as the criticism addressed at (Palestinian leader-elect) Mahmud Abbas because he does not officially take office until Saturday," Erakat told AFP. "The best way to relaunch the peace process is not to freeze contacts but to resume them."
http://www.turkishpress.com/news.asp?ID=36041


PNGO Network condemns the closure of the Rafah-Egypt border crossing
The Palestinian Non-Government Organization Network strongly condemned the Israeli closure of the Rafah – Egypt border crossing trapping thousands of the Palestinians on both sides of the crossing.
http://www.imemc.org/headlines/2005/Jan/week2/011405/rafah-crossing.htm


Iraq Offers to Let Israelis of Iraqi Descent Vote
Israel's National Infrastructure Minister Benjamin Ben Eliezer was born in Iraq in 1936 and immigrated to Israel in 1949. He said Iraq's announcement pleased him, because, although he doesn't plan to vote, it suggests there is an opening in the Iraqi government for relations between Israel and Baghdad.
http://uruknet.info/?s1=2&p=8830&s2=14


NJ Arabs, Jews hope Abbas election will bring peace
Arabs and Jews in New Jersey expressed hope that the election of Mahmoud Abbas as president of the Palestinian Authority could help bring peace to the Middle East, and calm conflicts elsewhere in the world.
http://www.newsday.com/news/local/state/ny-bc-nj--palestinianelecti0114jan14,0,1866322.story?coll=ny-region-apnewjersey


Conjuring tricks - By Azmi Bishara
The notion presumes that the Palestinian people are only the inhabitants of the West Bank and Gaza and that these could somehow turn a blind eye to the presence of the occupation and the crimes it perpetrated up to the evening preceding the elections.
http://www.amin.org/eng/azmi_bishara/2005/jan13.html


Analysis: Karni attack part of Palestinian power struggle
attack on the Karni crossing between Israel and Gaza, together with the identities of the three organizations that claimed responsibility for carrying it out, clearly demonstrate the dangers and hidden possibilities of the continuing Israeli-Palestinian conflict.
http://www.haaretz.com/hasen/spages/527368.html


Pollster: Palestinians may still not support ending intifada
A Ramallah pollster predicts that popular support for newly-elected Palestinian Authority Chairman Mahmoud Abbas does not necessarily reflect Palestinian support for ending the intifada.
http://www.haaretzdaily.com/hasen/spages/527334.html


Palestinian mothers speak about surviving the siege of Nablus
Abdullah was paralyzed with fear. He urinated on himself, but did not open the door. The soldiers blasted their way into the room. By then, with soldiers blocking her entry, Hannah was standing outside yelling to her son. When she heard the explosion, she was sure her son was dead. But she could not go to him.
http://www.sfbayview.com/011205/survivingthesiege011205.shtml


Which first things first?
Although Powell and his host, Moroccan Foreign Minister Mohamed Benaissa, did their best to portray the meeting as a success, the forum's meager results reflected the Arab effort to shift responsibility for reform in the region to the U.S. and Israel.
http://www.haaretz.com/hasen/spages/527168.html


Democracy without freedom
On Sunday Palestinians successfully conducted free and fair democratic elections under the constraints of Israeli military occupation, within the confines of 703 check points, and despite efforts by Israeli forces to impede the participation of East Jerusalem residents in the electoral process.
http://weekly.ahram.org.eg/2005/725/re4.htm


Voting for hope
Abbas winning 70 per cent of the vote in a 70 per cent turn out, triggering motorcades of his Fatah movement taking to the streets of Ramallah amid fusillades of celebratory gunfire. In fact, Abbas won 62 per cent of vote in a turn out of 45 per cent, an abstention of the Islamist Hamas movement was swift to claim as a "victory" for its call to boycott the presidential poll.
http://weekly.ahram.org.eg/2005/725/fr1.htm


You are now entering free Gaza,...?
On my first visit to a Palestinian home I saw in the living room a huge portrait of a young man who looked similar to my host. When I asked who it was I was told "this is my younger brother, shot by the Israelis, he was 15." Every building, public or private, in Gaza and I revisit the same conversation.
http://electronicintifada.net/v2/article3524.shtml


"The Tent of Occupation" - By Robert Fisk
But when I went back a week later, it had been destroyed. Many other houses were in the same state. "They survived the American-resistance battles intact but were then destroyed afterwards. Why? People there told me they saw movie cameras and that the Americans fired shells into the empty houses and that they were making some kind of film."
http://www.counterpunch.org/fisk01142005.html


US 'erodes' global human rights
In its annual report, Human Rights Watch says that when a country as dominant as the US openly defies the law, it invites others to do the same. It says an independent US commission should look into prisoner abuse at Iraq's US-run Abu Ghraib jail.
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/americas/4171177.stm


3 Kurdish Party Officials Killed in Mosul
Gunmen killed three officials of a leading Kurdish political party in an ambush in the volatile northern city of Mosul, another official of the party said Friday. Unknown attackers opened fire on the officials' car, said Hashim Zibari of the Kurdish Democratic Party.
http://story.news.yahoo.com/news?tmpl=story&cid=540&ncid=540&e=10&u=/ap/20050114/ap_on_re_mi_ea/iraq_killing


3 US soldiers killed in separate attacks in Iraq
Three US soldiers were killed on Thursday in two separate attacks in north and west of Iraq, the US military said on Friday. Over 1,350 US soldiers have been killed since the US-led invasion of Iraq in March 2003.
http://news.xinhuanet.com/english/2005-01/14/content_2461279.htm


Attackers Kidnap 15 Iraqi Guardsmen
Witnesses said attackers opened fire — apparently with rocket-propelled grenades — as the guard members were heading to a local U.S. military headquarters. The attack happened near Baghdadi, about 90 miles west of the capital.
http://story.news.yahoo.com/news?tmpl=story&cid=540&ncid=540&e=5&u=/ap/20050114/ap_on_re_mi_ea/iraq_guardsmen_kidnapped


28 Iraqi Prisoners Escape During Transfer
Lt. Col. Barry Johnson said 38 prisoners initially got away Thursday evening but 10 were quickly recaptured. He gave no further details but said none of the prisoners were believed to be insurgents and no U.S. forces were guarding them during the transfer.
http://story.news.yahoo.com/news?tmpl=story&cid=540&ncid=540&e=6&u=/ap/20050114/ap_on_re_mi_ea/iraq_jailbreak

January 13, 2005

Jewish American Challenges Israeli Segregation Wall in January 16 Hearing
Raphael Bender is petitioning against the Israeli authorities' intention to expel her from Israel for the second time in a year as a result of her work in opposition to Israel's West Bank segregation wall. She argues that her activities are consistent with positions of the world's highest legal body, the International Court of Justice
http://www.palsolidarity.org/DesktopModules/Articles/ArticlesView.aspx?tabID=0&alias=Rainbow&lang=en-US&ItemID=732&mid=10400


Challenging the ethics of divestment
Divestment from a financial point of view is a tough decision to take. Consider divesting from one of the big companies like Caterpillar. In simple terms it may mean a loss of profit, especially at a time when the demand for Caterpillar equipment and machinery is high in Israel with all the house demolitions that are occurring and the building of the monstrous apartheid wall.
http://www.dailystar.com.lb/article.asp?edition_id=10&categ_id=3&article_id=11731


Palestinians claim fence route violates High Court ruling
The original route of the fence in the Beit Sourik area was disqualified by the High Court in late June 2004 and the state subsequently altered 30 kilometers of the route there and in other areas such at the southern Hebron Hills. In many parts of the relevant stretch, the fence had already been built. ( Fence = Wall)
http://www.haaretz.com/hasen/spages/527053.html


Report: 312 child prisoners, abused and deprived of their basic rights
A report released by the Children and Youth Department of the Ministry revealed that there are currently 312 children, including 12 females, imprisoned in extremely poor living conditions and receiving harsh treatment, and that there are more than 450 detainees who were imprisoned as children and reached the age of 18 while still in detention.
http://www.imemc.org/headlines/2005/Jan/Week2/011305/312%20child%20prisoners.htm


Magnate Hopes Banks, Not Bombs, Will Build Palestine
More recently, the U.S. magnate Irving Moscowitz has been paying top dollar for homes in Arab East Jerusalem -- captured along with the West Bank and Gaza in the 1967 Middle East war -- so Jews could move in and cement Israel's claim on the holy city.
http://www.reuters.com/newsArticle.jhtml;jsessionid=B3JQOWSMAEVBYCRBAEKSFEY?type=ourWorldNews&storyID=7316971&pageNumber=1


Border Policeman gets 14 months jail for abusing Palestinians
The five then proceeded to beat the second Palestinian, Amar told the court. One stubbed a cigarette out on the Palestinian's hand, and some of them urinated into containers and then made him drink it by forcing his mouth open and pouring it in. They then threw his papers into a pool of urine and forced him to retrieve them with his mouth. Finally they told him to jump out the window, and when he refused, they threw him out. ( Justice? )
http://www.haaretz.com/hasen/spages/527057.html


Israelis of Iraqi origin can vote in elections for Baghdad parliament
Registration will begin in four days, and anyone who is or once was an Iraqi citizen, even if he was deprived of the citizenship, is eligible to vote, Sarah Tosh, spokesperson for Iraq's out-of-country-voting (OCV) central headquarters, said yesterday.
http://www.haaretz.com/hasen/spages/526527.html


Palestinian shot dead in Gaza while driving pregnant wife to hospital
"He was shot in the right eye and the bullet exited from the back of the brain. There were no scratches to show that he had been in an accident," he told AFP. His wife sustained a bullet wound in the hand while the second passenger was slighly injured by a gunshot wound to the leg, Asali added.
http://story.news.yahoo.com/news?tmpl=story&cid=1514&ncid=1312&e=5&u=/afp/20050113/wl_mideast_afp/mideastunresttoll_050113110030


One killed, four wounded in al-Boreij refugee camp in Gaza
The Israeli army invaded the al-Boreij refugee camp in central Gaza Thursday morning with dozens of tanks and armored vehicles , killing one Palestinian and wounding four others .
http://www.imemc.org/headlines/2005/Jan/Week2/011305/one-killed.htm


Israeli Occupation Forces (IOF) Launch More Attacks in the Occupied Palestinian Territory (OPT)
Human rights violations perpetrated by IOF included incursions into Palestinian areas, willful killing, indiscriminate shelling, land leveling and total closure imposed on Palestinian communities.  IOF have also continued to construct the annexation wall inside the West Bank territory.
http://www.pchrgaza.org/files/W_report/English/2005/13-01-2005.htm


Assassination of Palestinians … An Israeli Official Policy
This report provides statistics on the amount and type of Palestinians killed or wounded, explains the illegality of such attacks, highlights the Israeli government's adoption of the policy of extra-judicial killing and details the methods employed by IOF in carrying out assassination attempts.  It is also annexed with a table of assassination attempts during the period under study.
http://www.pchrgaza.org/files/Reports/English/2005/killing7.htm


Palestinian-Israeli meeting to discuss prisoner issue
Palestinian Minister for Prisoners Affairs Hisham Abdel Razeq said on Thursday that a joint Palestinian-Israeli meeting will be held in two weeks to discuss the issue of prisoners.
http://news.xinhuanet.com/english/2005-01/13/content_2456767.htm


Abbas says Palestinians to move on road map
Mahmoud Abbas, the newly-elected Palestinian Authority chairman, said on Thursday the Palestinians intended to start carrying out security commitments under the U.S.-backed road map charting a path to statehood and peace with Israel.
http://www.haaretz.com/hasen/spages/527043.html


Shalom meets EU foreign police chief Solana
The smoothness of the Palestinian Authority elections, coupled with the cooperation the PA received from Israel, foster hope for progress in Israel-Palestinian relations, European Union foreign policy chief Javier Solana said Thursday.
http://www.haaretz.com/hasen/pages/ShArt.jhtml?itemNo=526912&contrassID=1&subContrassID=1&sbSubContrassID=0&listSrc=Y


EU's Solana visits camp in Gaza and calls for end to attacks on Israel
Stumbling over rubble and viewing razed homes left by Israel's incursions into northern Gaza in a bid to stem rocket attacks last October, he described what he saw as "very dramatic" and later as "very moving" on his first visit to the camp. ( The two year old rockets are the cause of the conflict! )
http://www.dailystar.com.lb/article.asp?edition_id=10&categ_id=2&article_id=11779


Abbas to visit Moscow end of January: Russian lawmaker
Russian President Vladimir Putin invited Abbas to pay an official visit to Moscow -- without naming a date -- to negotiate a "just" agreement with the Israelis only a day after the Palestinian vote. US President George W. Bush has also invited Abbas to visit Washington.
http://story.news.yahoo.com/news?tmpl=story&cid=1514&ncid=1312&e=6&u=/afp/20050113/wl_mideast_afp/mideastrussiaabbas_050113105715


Bush Urged to Take Lead for Mideast Peace
Leaders of Jewish, Christian and Muslim groups want to meet with President Bush to discuss a renewed role by the United States in Mideast peace initiatives. With a newly elected Palestinian leadership and Israel's plans to withdraw from Gaza, the United States should take a higher profile role, said a public appeal to the president signed by the 35 religious leaders.
http://story.news.yahoo.com/news?tmpl=story&cid=535&ncid=535&e=9&u=/ap/20050113/ap_on_go_pr_wh/religious_leaders_mideast_1


TIKA Office Approved for Palestine
A project plan to open an office of the Turkish Cooperation and Development Agency (TIKA) in Palestine was discussed during Turkish Foreign Minister Abdullah Gul's visit to Israel and Palestine and will be implemented within a few months.
http://www.zaman.com/?bl=international&alt=&trh=20050113&hn=15596


UN official paints modestly optimistic picture for progress in Middle East conflict
For the second straight month the head of the United Nations Political Affairs office today presented a modestly optimistic picture of the “enormous potential” for progress towards settling the conflict between Israelis and Palestinians in contrast to the gloomy forebodings of much of the past year.
http://www.un.org/apps/news/story.asp?NewsID=13030&Cr=Middle&Cr1=East


Palestinian leader prepares for cabinet clear-out ahead of swearing in
No formal announcement on a new-look government was expected to be made before Abbas's installation on Saturday but political sources said Thursday that a number of close allies of his late predecessor Arafat were facing the axe.
http://story.news.yahoo.com/news?tmpl=story&cid=1515&ncid=1515&e=10&u=/afp/20050113/wl_mideast_afp/mideast_050113105252


A window of opportunity
During this time, the Palestinian people will be busy preparing for the Legislative Council elections, which should take place in the middle of the year. By then, the Palestinian side will have successfully fulfilled most if not all of its obligations under the first phase of the roadmap.
http://www.bitterlemons.org/issue/pal1.php


An interview with Palestinian leader Hanan Ashrawi on feminism, faith, and the future of the Palestinian cause
First of all you need to have tremendous courage in order to speak out on behalf of peace and justice and human dignity and the integrity of life itself. This is very difficult given the fact that there has been so much devaluation of human lives and rights. The degradation of these values. And of course the violence and the cruelty and the fact that the Palestinians have been deprived of everything.
http://www.bethlehemmedia.net/feat110.htm


Analysis: Abbas may surprise skeptics and deliver
There is, in fact, a very cautious, but also very real optimism in high quarters of the Bush administration that Abbas may prove to be a far more reliable and effective partner for the United States in the Middle East peace process and in the implementation of President George W. Bush's "road map" than his predecessor Arafat.
http://www.wpherald.com/storyview.php?StoryID=20050110-100909-8601r


SITUATION: Palestine’s moment of decision —Daoud Kuttab
By winning election on a clear anti-violence and pro-rule of law platform, Abbas has the mandate and the responsibility to carry out this policy. He needs to make it clear to every armed Palestinian that there will be no tolerance for any unofficial group carrying arms or conducting military attacks from Palestinian territory.
http://www.dailytimes.com.pk/default.asp?page=story_11-1-2005_pg3_7


Jerusalemites take to the polls, but not in scores
According to official statistics provided by the Central Elections Commission on January 10, only 26,365 out of 120,000 eligible voters in the occupied eastern sector of Jerusalem cast their votes for the next president of the Palestinian Authority on January 9.
http://electronicintifada.net/v2/article3525.shtml


Pictures paint a thousand words of hatred
The children were asked to draw pictures to go with the essays that would depict the image of Palestinian children and their thoughts. Recently Sharabi completed the analysis of the essays and drawings for his Ph.D. thesis in social psychology for the London School of Economics.
http://www.haaretz.com/hasen/spages/526529.html


Campaigns to defy college censorship
A member of the Palestinian society at the SOAS college in London said, “There is a lot of pressure being put on to stop our events on campus, especially those making the comparison between Israel and South Africa under apartheid.”
http://www.socialistworker.co.uk/article.php4?article_id=5354


Falluja residents may never return
About 85,000 residents have entered the city, heavily damaged in a month-long US assault that began in November, to inspect their houses, but only 10 percent of those have decided to stay, the UN's refugee agency UNHCR told a news briefing on Tuesday. "Until the elections take place and until they see what happens, they won't go back because they're scared,"
http://english.aljazeera.net/NR/exeres/18F0C4F9-AD39-452F-B046-5440603AC7C4.htm


White House blocked measure barring extreme interrogation methods
The White House late last year put pressure on senators to block a legislative measure that would have stopped the CIA from using extreme interrogation methods on suspected top-level terrorist suspects, The New York Times reported.
http://story.news.yahoo.com/news?tmpl=story&cid=1515&ncid=1515&e=19&u=/afp/20050113/wl_mideast_afp/usattacksiraqcia_050113114438

January 12, 2005

UN registry of damage to Palestinians from Israeli barrier moves step closer
The establishment of a United Nations register of the damage Israel's construction of a separation barrier is causing Palestinians in the occupied West Bank moved a step closer today when Secretary-General Kofi Annan forwarded a letter to the General Assembly setting out a framework and the next moves for its creation.
http://www.un.org/apps/news/story.asp?NewsID=13014&Cr=palestin&Cr1=


PNA warns Israel of carrying out demolition plan in southern Gaza
The Palestinian National Authority(PNA) warned Israel on Wednesday of implementing its plan to demolish 3,000 Palestinian-owned houses in southern Gaza town of Rafah. Saeb Erekat, chief Palestinian negotiator, said a move like this "would displace 30,000 Palestinians and turn them into homeless people."
http://news.xinhuanet.com/english/2005-01/13/content_2452600.htm


Israel wants U.S. to partly fund new checkpoints
Israel is asking the United States to help pay for a $450 million proposal to set up new crossing points and upgrade others along its separation fence, U.S. sources briefed on the plan said on Tuesday. (Separation Fence = Apartheid Wall; USA =?= Peace Makers)
http://www.haaretz.com/hasen/pages/ShArt.jhtml?itemNo=526034&contrassID=1&subContrassID=5&sbSubContrassID=0&listSrc=Y


EU must step up action against Israeli wall
European Union monitors observing the Palestinian election process last weekend have seen first-hand Israel's separation wall, that in the words of John Dugard, the UN Special Rapporteur for Human Rights in the Occupied Territories, "constitutes de facto annexation of Palestinian territory by forcible means."
http://dailystar.com.lb/article.asp?edition_id=10&categ_id=5&article_id=11729


Challenging the ethics of divestment
In recent months the debate over investing in Israel has become a focal point for church related organizations and groups. While many reject the idea of investing in businesses that help the Israeli occupying forces in their efforts to further oppress and control the Palestinians, few are able to undertake steps to help in stopping such injustices.
http://dailystar.com.lb/article.asp?edition_id=10&categ_id=3&article_id=11731


Two killed in the West Bank
Wednesday morning, Israeli soldiers killed two residents in the village of Qarawa Bani Zeid, near the northern West Bank city of Ramallah after breaking into a building in the village. The Israeli army claims that the two residents fired at the soldiers after breaking into the building.
http://www.imemc.org/headlines/2005/Jan/Week2/011205/two%20killed.htm


Two Palestinians, One Israeli Settler were killed in Gaza Strip
Israeli military sources reported that one Israeli was killed and four others were injured on Wednesday, when an roadside bomb detonated near their vehicle by the settlement of Morag in the Gaza Strip. Palestinian sources stated that two Palestinians who carried out the attack at the military vehicle were killed.
http://www.imemc.org/headlines/2005/Jan/week2/011205/attack-troops.htm


Opposing Visions for U.S. Policy in the Middle East
The rally is organized locally by the Israel Action Committee, which supports U.S. taxpayers' funding of the Israeli occupation of Palestinian land.  This seemingly endless military occupation demolishes Palestinian family homes with Caterpillar bulldozers, kills civilians and fires on crowds with Apache helicopters...
http://www.berkeleydaily.org/text/article.cfm?issue=01-11-05&storyID=20500


Israel's moat threat to Gaza homes
The Israeli attorney general is to visit the Gaza border with Egypt shortly to see for himself the army's proposal for a 25-metre-deep moat, one of its options for stopping the Palestinians smuggling arms from Egypt through tunnels. Such a moat could necessitate the demolition of hundreds - even thousands - more houses in Rafah
http://www.guardian.co.uk/international/story/0,,1388064,00.html


Hamas Leader Rejects Call to End Violence
"Hamas is not planning to give the weapons of its fighters to the Palestinian Authority, but we will ask Mr. Abbas to protect the Palestinians in face of the repeated occupation incursions,” Zahar said in a statement posted on a Hamas website.
http://news.scotsman.com/latest.cfm?id=3990800


PNA to merge security forces into three
The Palestinian National Authority(PNA) is determined to merge the 11 Palestinian security apparatuses into three, well-informed Palestinian sources said Wednesday.
http://news.xinhuanet.com/english/2005-01/13/content_2452598.htm


Six new ministers to be assigned in Qorei's government
A Palestinian source in Ramallah reported Wednesday that the new Palestinian Authority chairman Mahmoud Abbas (Abu Mazen) asked the current Palestinian Prime Minister Ahmad Qorei, to form a new government.
http://www.imemc.org/headlines/2005/Jan/Week2/011205/six new.htm


Fatah wing refuses to lay down arms
The group's general commander in the West Bank, Alaa Sanakra , told reporters that "the resistance is a legal Palestinian right, which can't be given up as long as there's occupation."
http://news.xinhuanet.com/english/2005-01/13/content_2452584.htm


EU's Solana tours refugee camp in Gaza Strip
Stumbling over rubble and viewing razed homes left by Israel's incursions into northern Gaza in a bid to stem rocket attacks last October, he described what he saw as "very dramatic" and later as "very moving" on his first visit to the camp. "Rockets should not be fired. Point number one.
http://story.news.yahoo.com/news?tmpl=story&cid=1515&ncid=1515&e=6&u=/afp/20050112/wl_mideast_afp/mideastpalestinianeu_050112174912


Security forces complete plans for pullout
The Israel Defense Forces is planning to maintain a mobile presence in the area of the four settlements to be evacuated from the northern West Bank, according to recommendations submitted to the political echelons by the IDF.
http://www.haaretz.com/hasen/pages/ShArt.jhtml?itemNo=526032&contrassID=1&subContrassID=5&sbSubContrassID=0&listSrc=Y


Plea deal secures Islamists' release
As a result of the plea bargain, Salah will be released after having served a third of the 42 months he was sentenced to serve for the offenses. The maximum sentence for contact with foreign agents is 15 years.
http://www.haaretz.com/hasen/pages/ShArt.jhtml?itemNo=526033&contrassID=1&subContrassID=5&sbSubContrassID=0&listSrc=Y


Northern Islamic Movement leader sentenced to jail
The Haifa Magistrate's Court on Wednesday sentenced Northern Islamic Movement leader Sheikh Raed Salah, who has admitted to committing security offenses, to three and a half years imprisonment and three years of suspended sentence
http://www.haaretz.com/hasen/spages/526393.html


U.S. urges Abbas to strengthen security in the territories
But Arafat is gone and if Abbas fights forces among the Palestinians who see a role for terrorists, "the United States will be able to support him," Powell said. "He'll find that Israel can be a partner for peace with him, as well," Powell said.
http://www.haaretz.com/hasen/pages/ShArt.jhtml?itemNo=526309&contrassID=1&subContrassID=1&sbSubContrassID=0&listSrc=Y


Powell Calls Abbas After Palestinian Vote
The State Department encouraged new Palestinian leader Mahmoud Abbas on Tuesday to strengthen security forces on the West Bank and Gaza as it pledged to help bridge gaps with Israel. Secretary of State Colin Powell called Israel's new Deputy Prime Minister Shimon Peres and Foreign Minister Silvan Shalom and then telephoned Abbas
http://www.guardian.co.uk/worldlatest/story/0,1280,-4727377,00.html


Breaking freeze, Sharon calls Abbas and suggests a meeting
Sharon called Abbas and "congratulated him on his personal achievement and his victory in the elections and wished him success," Sharon's office said. A Sharon aide added that the prime minister offered Abbas cooperation and continuing dialogue and said a meeting will be held "in the near future."
http://www.iht.com/articles/2005/01/12/news/mideast.html


Harsh daily realities in West Bank town overshadow Palestinian poll
Instead of being 10 minutes to Ramallah, it now takes us an hour, and for me to come home from work I have to do a round trip of several kilometres when in the past it would take me five minutes on foot,” Hassem explains. Despite the difficulties, Hassem says he has never once considered packing his bags. “I'm not the one who should move,” he insists. “They should.”
http://jordantimes.com/wed/news/news11.htm


Uri Avnery: How The Hell Did This Happen? Sharon's monologue
How the hell did I get into this goddamned mess? I wake up in the morning and can't believe it. What, I, Arik Sharon, am waging a war against the settlers? I, who put them there in the first place? I, who drafted the map of the settlements long before the settlers themselves ever dreamed of it?
http://ummahnews.com/story.php?sid=20050112123959508


Palestinian election ends, challenges begin
Since Mr. Abbas, also known as Abu Mazen, was clear during the campaign about his intention to end the armed intifada and restart peace talks with Israel, his victory is seen as a willingness by the public to give that approach a try.
http://www.csmonitor.com/2005/0111/p06s01-wome.htm


Palestinians win credibility
The election by which the Palestinians chose a moderate, Mahmoud Abbas, as their president is one of the most remarkable in the long history of democracy. It is the first fully democratic election ever to have been held in the entire Arab world
http://www.thestar.com/NASApp/cs/ContentServer?pagename=thestar/Layout/Article_Type1&c=Article&cid=1105485011587&call_pageid=968256290204&col=968350116795


Russian deputy FM discusses crisis with Israeli officials
Russia's Deputy Foreign Minister Alexander Saltanov visited Israel on Wednesday and discussed with government officials a recent crisis between Moscow and Jerusalem over reported Russian plans to sell Syria missiles capable of striking targets within Israel
http://www.haaretz.com/hasen/spages/526031.html


U.S. mulls strikes on Syria
Bush administration hard-liners have been considering launching selected military strikes at insurgent training camps in Syria and border-crossing points used by Islamist guerrillas to enter Iraq in an effort to bolster security for the upcoming elections, according to former and current administration officials.
http://www.washtimes.com/upi-breaking/20050111-105709-6329r.htm


A cold wind is blowing
The Israeli intention was to pressure Assad into limiting the activity of his proxies on the northern border. The results could be the opposite, prompting him to strengthen his air defenses. And the address for that is clear: Russia.
http://www.haaretz.com/hasen/spages/526003.html


Allawi group slips cash to journalists
The electoral group headed by Iyad Allawi, interim Iraqi prime minister, yesterday handed cash to journalists to try to ensure coverage of its press conferences, in a throwback to Ba'athist-era patronage ahead of parliamentary elections on January 30.
http://news.ft.com/cms/s/da6ad5c6-6376-11d9-bec2-00000e2511c8.html

January 11, 2005

UN to establish "a register of damage" caused by Israeli wall
In conformity with a General Assembly resolution adopted last July, the UN took the first steps to establish "a register of damage" caused to Palestinians by the construction of the Israeli wall, with the possibility of future compensation, UN spokesman Stephane Dujarric said on Tuesday.
http://www.kuna.net.kw/Home/Story.aspx?Language=en&DSNO=696284


Israeli troops raze Palestinian lands in Gaza
Israeli army troops razed Palestinian lands in the northern Gaza Strip on Tuesday, one day after Mahmoud Abbas was elected the new Palestinian leader, Palestinian security officials said.
http://news.xinhuanet.com/english/2005-01/11/content_2446263.htm


Army seeks Gaza trench consent
The Israeli army is seeking permission to build a trench along the Gaza-Egypt border, to curb Palestinian efforts to smuggle in arms through tunnels. The AP news agency says the three schemes put to the attorney general would mean the demolition of between 200 and 3,000 Palestinian homes.
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/middle_east/4164471.stm


Soldier who lied to military court sent to jail
The ISM is a Palestinian solidarity group which trains and dispatches international volunteers to the territories. Another ISM activist, Rachel Corrie, was killed when she was hit by an IDF bulldozer on 16 March 2003 in the Gaza Strip. (Anyways, WHITE HOUSE does not care about the US citizen killed by IOF)
http://www.haaretzdaily.com/hasen/spages/525768.html


70% of Israeli Jews oppose selling JNF lands to Arabs
The petitioners are requesting the annulment of the Israel Land Administration's policy that allocates state lands to the JNF. Arabs cannot participate in tenders in which land owned by the JNF is marketed.
http://www.haaretz.com/hasen/spages/525009.html


Resident killed in Tulkarem, two wounded
A medical source at Dr. Thabit Thabit hospital in Tulkarem reported that Sanad Ghanim, 24, a resident of Nour Shams refugee camp, died of gunshot wounds sustained when Israeli soldiers fired at his car.
http://www.imemc.org/headlines/2005/Jan/Week2/011105/resident%20killed.htm


IOF Sentences 3 to Severe Imprisonment, Arrests 25 in WB
In Nablus, IOF rolled into Asira al-Shamaliya village, launched an all-out search campaign, arresting twenty two citizens, leading them all to an unknown location.
http://english.wafa.ps/body.asp?field=tech_news&id=2035


PA Security Council to oversee armed forces
According to a bill circulating in the Palestinian Legislative Council, outlining the security reforms in the PA, the newly elected chairman, Mahmoud Abbas, will be "supreme commander" of PA forces, but unlike Yasser Arafat, he will not take part in its meetings.
http://www.haaretz.com/hasen/pages/ShArt.jhtml?itemNo=525490&contrassID=1&subContrassID=5&sbSubContrassID=0&listSrc=Y


Palestinian Qassam rocket hits Israel
A Qassam rocket fired by Palestinian militants in Gaza struck the outskirts of the southern Israeli town of Sderot, causing damage to a house but no injuries, Israeli military sources said.
http://story.news.yahoo.com/news?tmpl=story&cid=1514&ncid=1312&e=3&u=/afp/20050111/wl_mideast_afp/mideastunrestrockets_050111140146


Christians relate experiences as palestinian election monitors
Presenting a report entitled "Accompanying elections under occupation: between ballots and barbed wire", EAPPI members shared their observations of the recently-concluded Palestinian elections, while Carter, Capps and local church leaders praised the work of EAPPI and its volunteer "ecumenical accompaniers" in helping to bring peace to both Palestinians and Israelis.
http://www.ekklesia.co.uk/content/news_syndication/article_050111wcc.shtml


Palestinians unveil plan to streamline security
Abbas, who won Sunday's election to replace Arafat by a landslide, has asked Qorei to stay on as head of a new government which is expected to be cleared of Arafat's allies such as the interior minister Hakam Balawi.
http://story.news.yahoo.com/news?tmpl=story&cid=1514&ncid=1312&e=8&u=/afp/20050111/wl_mideast_afp/mideastpalestinian_050111133542


Solana: Israel did not fulfill its commitment to ease the PA Elections
Solana told reporters during his visit to the information center of the Central Election Committee that he was expecting more ease on the situation to facilitate the elections, however, "Israel did not fulfill its commitment as it should have."
http://www.imemc.org/headlines/2005/Jan/week2/011105/solana.htm


Jailed Barghuti 'optimistic' after Abbas election
Barghuti, who commands wide respect among the Palestinian population and was seen as potential heir to Arafat, originally entered the presidential race before withdrawing under heavy pressure from his Fatah party...
http://story.news.yahoo.com/news?tmpl=story&cid=1514&ncid=1312&e=10&u=/afp/20050111/wl_mideast_afp/mideastpalestinianbarghuti_050111132634


Palestinians suffer in Lebanon
Just on the outskirts of the Shatila refugee camp, stand four buildings. Their worn out appearance often goes unnoticed in a neighborhood already stricken with poverty - but for their residents, the sewage infested halls and dark rooms are an everyday reality.
http://dailystar.com.lb/article.asp?edition_id=10&categ_id=2&article_id=11711


Trial begins for Israeli woman accused of aiding terrorists
In a letter distributed among Fahima's supporters, Zubeidi and other residents of the Jenin refugee camp said they are "strengthening her [Fahima's] spirit." "The Israelis are afraid that you will lead to hundreds of Tali Fahimas. The are afraid that many Israelis will cross the fence and see the truth," the letter said.
http://www.haaretz.com/hasen/spages/525835.html


PM calls Abbas, both leaders agree to meet in coming weeks
Also Tuesday, President Moshe Katsav called Abbas to congratulate him on his election victory, and to express the hope for further reconciliation. He also told Abbas that he would be pleased to hold talks with him following his meeting with Sharon.
http://www.haaretz.com/hasen/spages/525427.html


Abbas and Sharon prepare to rekindle Israeli-Palestinian dialogue
Officials on both sides confirmed that newly elected Palestinian leader Mahmud Abbas and his Israeli counterpart Ariel Sharon intended to meet shortly for the first summit since the collapse of negotiations between their predecessors Yasser Arafat and Ehud Barak.
http://www.turkishpress.com/world/news.asp?id=050111155025.ttx2t523.xml


Thousands join anti-disengagement pray-in held in Jerusalem
The protestors stood for two hours outside the city's government buildings, including the Knesset and the Prime Minister's Office, reciting Biblical verses and praying for "an end to the disengagement order and to the uprooting of settlements."
http://www.haaretz.com/hasen/pages/ShArt.jhtml?itemNo=525404&contrassID=1&subContrassID=1&sbSubContrassID=0&listSrc=Y


Mbeki Applauds Abbas Election in Palestine
"We reaffirm to you and the newly democratically elected Palestinian leadership our support and recommit ourselves to the goals of assisting the establishment of a sovereign Palestine, living side by side with Israel, within secure borders," he said.
http://allafrica.com/stories/200501110078.html


Preliminary Statement on Palestinian Elections
With the exception of some tense parts of the Gaza Strip, the process on election day in the regular polling stations was generally peaceful and voters had sufficient freedom of movement, with the noticeable relaxation of checkpoints in some areas, but with problems remaining in Nablus, Hebron and parts of Gaza.
http://electronicintifada.net/v2/article3513.shtml


Globalist: Will political spring last in Middle East?
It is almost 10 years since Yitzhak Rabin, another warrior prime minister, was assassinated by an ultranationalist. That killing gives a measure of the dimensions, and passions, of Sharon's struggle. The blood of Palestinians and Israelis shed over the past sterile decade gives a measure of what rides on the outcome.
http://www.iht.com/articles/2005/01/11/news/globalist.html


Where is the bride?
Yesterday's elections did not choose a president so much as they formalized a rite of passage in the upper ranks of Fatah, passing the mantle of leadership of the Palestinian Authority ( not the Palestinian people) from the late Yasser Arafat to Mahmoud Abbas, a.k.a., Abu Mazen.
http://electronicintifada.net/v2/article3507.shtml


A greater interest in the Middle East
With Condoleezza Rice about to replace Colin Powell as secretary of state, some Middle East experts here expect the second-term Bush administration to be more engaged in the Arab-Israeli conflict than the first, though it may move slowly and cautiously.
http://www.newsday.com/news/nationworld/world/ny-wobush114111199jan11,0,5451095.story?coll=ny-worldnews-headlines


Analysis / Likud revolt passes point of no return
Smiling his closed smile, eyes half closed, Prime Minister Ariel Sharon gazed yesterday at the MKs of his own Likud Party, one-third of whom voted no-confidence in him, and at those of the left-wing Yahad-Meretz faction, who supported him almost unanimously
http://www.haaretz.com/hasen/spages/525452.html


IDF official: Pullout to expose 46 Negev towns to rocket fire
The committee decided to ask the government to provide NIS 340 million immediately to fund a Home Front Command plan to protect communities in the Negev that are located seven kilometers from the border with the Gaza Strip.
http://www.haaretz.com/hasen/spages/525908.html


Bush, Allawi Discuss Jan. 30 Elections
Iraq's armed forces are poorly trained and often under-equipped, making them an easy target for insurgents who want to scuttle the elections. Allawi has promised to increase the size of the army in the face of the escalating insurgency. McClellan said that in the phone call, the two leaders underscored the importance of going ahead with the election as planned.
http://story.news.yahoo.com/news?tmpl=story&cid=540&ncid=540&e=5&u=/ap/20050111/ap_on_re_mi_ea/us_iraq


22 members of Allawi's party killed in last two months
"In the last two months, since we started handing out (campaign materials), 22 of our party members have been killed," Shabib said. The deaths raise to 44 the number of party members killed since Saddam Hussein's regime collapsed in April 2003.
http://story.news.yahoo.com/news?tmpl=story&cid=1515&ncid=1515&e=20&u=/afp/20050111/wl_mideast_afp/iraqunrestallawi_050111145130


Attacks on oil and power have cost Iraq 10 billion dollars: Allawi
"The total cost of direct and indirect losses due to the targeting of oil and electricity infrastructure in Iraq has surpassed 10 billion dollars till now," Allawi said. "Some of these losses resulted from attacks on oil pipelines feeding storage areas as well as attacking oil tankers carrying imported gasoline" to Iraq.
http://story.news.yahoo.com/news?tmpl=story&cid=1515&ncid=1515&e=5&u=/afp/20050111/wl_mideast_afp/iraqeconomyunrestoil_050111174424


Oil Moves Above $46 on Iraq Sabotage
"The Iraqi election and possibility of oil facility sabotage, approaching refinery maintenance/turnaround and the possibility the upcoming OPEC meeting will endorse further cuts have rallied the market," said brokers Refco in a report
http://uruknet.info/?s1=2&p=8770&s2=10

January 10, 2005

Settlement population rose by 6 percent in 2004
In 2004, 250,179 people lived in the territories, compared to 236,381 in 2003 - an increase of 13,798. In the Gaza Strip alone, there was an 11 percent increase in the number of residents in Jewish settlements. In 2004, 8,693 people lived in 17 settlements, compared to 7,820 in 2003.
http://www.haaretzdaily.com/hasen/spages/524998.html


Election Irregularities: PCHR Lodges Appeal with Election Court Against CEC Decision
The Palestinian Centre for Human Rights has, tonight, lodged an appeal with the Palestinian Election Appeals Court against the decision by the Central Election Commission to allow citizens to vote with their Palestinian identity cards, even if their names were not on the electoral register.
http://electronicintifada.net/v2/article3500.shtml


Disappointment at low voter turnout in PA elections
"I'll vote for whoever lets me go home," smirked a black-clad woman holding a baby. That was around 1 P.M. on the sand slope separating the Khan Yunis refugee camp and the ruins the IDF left on its outskirts and the agricultural region to the west - the Mouassi - where the Gush Katif settlements were built.
http://www.haaretz.com/hasen/spages/525003.html


Jordan's Palestinians see vote as test of right of return
Palestinian refugees living in Jordan who were unable to vote in Sunday's election to find a successor to Yasser Arafat said they hoped the new leader would guarantee their right to return to their homeland.
http://jordantimes.com/mon/homenews/homenews9.htm


Barghuthi calls himself opposition leader
On his final day of campaigning two days before the election, Barghuthi made clear he already considered himself as "the leader of the democratic opposition movement" and vowed to continue in that role. Barghuthi, a strident critic of the Palestinian Authority and the only strong challenger to Abbas, came away with a respectable 19.8%, the official figures showed.
http://english.aljazeera.net/NR/exeres/D9A01C48-8B09-44A5-9719-FA946EC3E4BB.htm


Abbas wins Palestinian election: official results
Abbas obtained 62.32 percent of votes cast, streets ahead of his nearest rival Mustafa Barghuti who won 19.8 percent, the figures by the central elections commission said Monday. The moderate former prime minister received 483,039 votes, while 153,516 people voted for Barghuti, who stood as an independent.
http://story.news.yahoo.com/news?tmpl=story&cid=1503&ncid=1312&e=2&u=/afp/20050110/ts_afp/mideastpalestinianvote_050110123738


Hamas says will work with Abbas, who won PA race by 62%
Hamas, the largest Palestinian opposition group, announced Monday it will work with the new Palestinian Authority chairman Mahmoud Abbas, who took an overwhelming 62 percent of the vote in Sunday's election to replace the late Yasser Arafat.
http://www.haaretz.com/hasen/spages/524981.html


New government sworn in after Knesset gives seal of approval
The coalition includes eight new Labor Party ministers: Vice Premier Shimon Peres; Isaac Herzog (Housing and Construction); Ophir Pines-Paz (Justice), Benjamin Ben-Eliezer (National Infrastructure), Dalia Itzik (Communication), Shalom Simhom (Environment) and ministers without portfolio Matan Vilnai and Haim Ramon.
http://www.haaretz.com/hasen/spages/525268.html


Solana meets with Abbas, vows EU will do it all it can for Mideast peace
"The Palestinian people have a very important leader in the new president. You can be sure that the European communities will help you in every respect -- politically, economically, with security or whatever you need.
http://www.eubusiness.com/afp/050110115815.ed4hvhmu


Bush invites Abbas to White House
Bush said he was heartened by the Palestinian elections and offered his congratulations to Abbas, who was elected by a landslide. "I look forward to welcoming him here to Washington if he chooses to come here," the president said, talking with reporters in the Oval Office.
http://www.haaretz.com/hasen/spages/525351.html


Chirac sees hope for peace in Abbas' election
French President Jacques Chirac Monday congratulated Mahmud Abbas for winning a weekend election to become Yasser Arafat's successor as Palestinian leader, saying it gave rise to new hope for peace in the region.
http://www.expatica.com/source/site_article.asp?subchannel_id=58&story_id=15590&name=Chirac+sees+hope+for+peace+in+Abbas'+election


Blair congratulates Abbas on Palestinian poll win
Prime Minister Tony Blair congratulated Mahmud Abbas on his victory in the Palestinian elections, and promised to help him tackle the daunting task of setting up institutions to underpin a new Palestinian state.
http://news.yahoo.com/news?tmpl=story&u=/afp/20050110/wl_uk_afp/mideastpalestinianvote_050110155212


Turkey congratulates Mahmoud Abbas
"Turkey congratulates newly elected Abbas, wishing success in his new term in office, and hopes this development will help to bring peace to Palestinian people," said the statement.
http://news.xinhuanet.com/english/2005-01/11/content_2442410.htm


Abbas wants '67 borders
Newly-elected Palestinian leader Mahmud Abbas repeated the Palestinians' claim for an independent state with its borders as in 1967 and with east Jerusalem as its capital, in an interview published here on Monday. Abbas told the Corriere della Sera that he was ready to meet Israeli Prime Minister Ariel Sharon at any time to discuss ways to bring about peace
http://www.news24.com/News24/World/News/0,6119,2-10-1462_1645279,00.html


IDF: Few complaints from Palestinians
Examples were: obstruction of voting due to an IDF incursion into a village, delay of a convoy of voters en route to a polling station due to an army Jeep that drove slowly, and IDF refusal to allow a uniformed PA policeman through a checkpoint.
http://www.haaretz.com/hasen/pages/ShArt.jhtml?itemNo=525027&contrassID=1


U-turn over Palestinian help group
The bank's change of mind came as a coalition of leftwing and Muslim organisations threatened to boycott it. The bank declined to comment. In its letter to Mr Patel, it apologised and suggested that it might be able to contribute to the group's future projects.
http://www.guardian.co.uk/israel/Story/0,2763,1386719,00.html


Abbas to be sworn in as Palestinian president on Wednesday
PLO chairman Mahmud Abbas should be formally sworn in as president of the Palestinian Authority by MPs on Wednesday, the acting speaker of parliament told AFP. "He should be sworn in by the Palestinian Legislative Council on Wednesday," Hassan Khreisheh said Monday.
http://story.news.yahoo.com/news?tmpl=story&cid=1514&ncid=1312&e=7&u=/afp/20050110/wl_mideast_afp/mideastpalestinian_050110113422


Hailing new Palestinian president, Annan looks forward to independent state
United Nations Secretary-General Kofi Annan today welcomed the election of new Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas as "a significant step in what is a historic democratic transition" in the occupied territories, and said he was looking forward to working for the establishment of an independent Palestinian state.
http://www.un.org/apps/news/story.asp?NewsID=12994&Cr=palestin&Cr1=


Qurei says to resign after new PNA chairman elected
Palestinian Prime Minister Ahmed Qurei said Sunday that he would resign after a new Palestinian National Authority (PNA) chairman emerged from Sunday's election.
http://news.xinhuanet.com/english/2005-01/10/content_2437780.htm


Israel's excuses are running out
Abu Mazen, like Prime Minister Ariel Sharon, will be judged by his ability to realize the will of the majority - the life breath of democracy - giving maximum consideration to a majority that will express its opposition in peaceful ways. The Palestinians' challenge is many times greater: to institute law and order under occupation, in conditions of poverty and despair.
http://www.haaretz.com/hasen/spages/525040.html


Analysis: An Arafat in a suit who means business
A storekeeper in Ramallah was asked by an interviewer from one of the Gulf state stations whom he intended to vote for. "For the good of my business, I should vote for Abu Mazen. But for the sake of my national struggle, I thought I would vote for Dr. Barghouti." To judge from the exit polls published Sunday night, business won out.
http://www.haaretz.com/hasen/spages/524999.html


Abbas Election Victory Stirs Hopes for Peace Talks
Abbas won 62.3 percent of the vote in the ballot in the West Bank, Gaza Strip and East Jerusalem to find a successor to Yasser Arafat, the Central Electoral Commission said. The margin was at the top end of expectations but with the commission declining to give a final turnout figure, due to doubts over the accurate number of eligible voters
http://story.news.yahoo.com/news?tmpl=story&cid=586&e=1&u=/nm/20050110/wl_nm/mideast_dc


President for peace
Mr Abbas has shown no sign that he would be prepared to settle for less territory than his predecessor nearly accepted at the Taba talks in 2001. It is hard to imagine that he will give ground on Israeli settlements, Jerusalem or final borders. But his opposition to the armed intifada of the last four years, sometimes encouraged by Mr Arafat, has been unequivocal.
http://www.guardian.co.uk/israel/Story/0,2763,1386614,00.html


Report claims to debunk 'demographic bomb'
In sharp contrast to population studies conducted in Israel by professors Arnon Sofer and Sergio della Pergola, the document argues that Jews continue to maintain a solid 60 percent majority between the Jordan River and the Mediterranean Sea. ( Consider VOTERS being 1.6 million, Palestinian children %... )
http://www.haaretzdaily.com/hasen/spages/525265.html


UN blames Hezbollah for death of French observer in Lebanon
A United Nations official said Monday the Hezbollah bears primary responsibility for the death of a French UN observer on the Israel-Lebanon border, killed in heavy exchanges of fire Sunday between Hezbollah and the Israel Defense Forces.
http://www.haaretz.com/hasen/spages/524803.html


Hot Topic: How U.S. Might Disengage in Iraq
Three weeks before the election in Iraq, conversation has started bubbling up in Congress, in the Pentagon and some days even in the White House about when and how American forces might begin to disengage in Iraq.
http://nytimes.com/2005/01/10/politics/10policy.html?hp&ex=1105419600&en=e461bbde941d55d3&ei=5094&partner=homepage


UK to send 400 extra troops for Iraq
An extra 400 British troops are to be deployed to southeast Iraq to bolster security in the run-up to elections on January 30, Geoff Hoon said today. But the Defence Secretary outraged the Opposition and Liberal Democrats by "slipping out" word of the deployment during ministerial questions, instead of making a formal announcement to the Commons.
http://www.timesonline.co.uk/article/0,,7374-1434593,00.html


Ukraine leader orders troops out of Iraq after deaths
It came a day after eight Ukrainian soldiers were killed and six more injured after a blast in Iraq's central Wassit region, where they serve under Polish command. The explosion also killed one and injured four Kazakh soldiers. Prior to Sunday's deaths, Ukraine had lost nine of its troops, with another 20 injured.
http://story.news.yahoo.com/news?tmpl=story&cid=1515&ncid=1515&e=11&u=/afp/20050110/wl_mideast_afp/iraqukrainetroops_050110185237

January 09, 2005

Jamal Jumaa - The Vote is to give legitimacy to the Bantustans
For Jumaa, an anti-Wall activist, the Palestinian elections aim at "rendering the occupation democratic". Jayyous represents an exellent example to understand the illegality of this Wall and the disasters that it is provoking. When Israel began constructing the barrier, they made it clear that they would not have confiscated land beyond the Wall... Instead, they are taking everything.
http://peacepalestine.blogspot.com/2005/01/jamal-jumaa-vote-is-to-give-legitimacy.html


First Vote at 12:30 at Jerusalem Center Due to Israeli Restrictions
At approximately, 12:30 PM today, 5 ½ hours after the opening of polling stations, the first Palestinian voter succeeded in casting a ballot at the Jaffa Gate post office in the old city of East Jerusalem. Israeli imposed obstacles to voting at the Jaffa Gate polling station typify the problems Palestinians are experiencing as they attempt to conduct democratic elections under Israeli occupation.
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/palsolidarity/message/1115


Serious Problems Facing Jerusalem Voters
Only a small fraction of the estimated 160,000 eligible Palestinian voters in East Jerusalem were permitted to cast their ballots in the city. The vast majority of Jerusalem Arabs were forced to travel to special polling centers in suburbs of Jerusalem. International observers said many voters arrived at the post offices, only to be turned away after learning that their names were not on the registration lists.
http://www.imemc.org/headlines/2005/Jan/Week2/010905/serious%20problems%20for%20jerusalem%20voters.htm


Barghouthi Files an Official Complain over Usage of "Easley Removable" Ink
Presidential candidate Dr. Mustafa Barghouthi filed Sunday an official complain at the headquarters of the Palestinian Election Committee in Ramallah, saying that the ink used to prevent fraud in today's elections can be removed easily.
http://www.imemc.org/headlines/2005/Jan/Week2/010905/barghouthi%20protest%20against%20used%20ink%20in%20elections.htm


Palestinians accuse Israel of hampering voting in southern Gaza
Around 5,000 people live in the al-Mawasi enclave inside the Gush Katif bloc of Jewish settlements, but it was unclear how many were hampered from travelling to polling booths when a checkpoint was shut after voting began at 7:00 am (0500 GMT). "The Israeli army closed the checkpoint so people can't travel," one source told AFP on Sunday.
http://story.news.yahoo.com/news?tmpl=story&cid=1514&ncid=1312&e=10&u=/afp/20050109/wl_mideast_afp/mideastpalestinianvotegazaisrael_050109100547


Refugees out of vote for new PA leader, but watch closely
Only Palestinians in the territories were able to cast ballots, with officials explaining that was because the vote was for local government and institutions. The winner has the task of concluding a peace treaty with Israel that will have to address the question of refugees' desire to return home. Israel rejects allowing refugees to return to homes they fled in the 1948 and 1967 wars (Despite its being our Legal Right)
http://www.haaretz.com/hasen/pages/ShArt.jhtml?itemNo=524843&contrassID=1&subContrassID=1&sbSubContrassID=0&listSrc=Y


Palestinian critically wounded by Israeli army
Israeli troops stationed south of the Netsarim settlement fired at least one tank shell at houses, injuring 17-year-old NasserSa'afeen, said medics at the hospital of Al-Aqsa martyrs in the central Gaza Strip city of Deer al-Balah.
http://news.xinhuanet.com/english/2005-01/09/content_2436344.htm


Fatah militants to join PA security forces
Members of the militant al-Aqsa Brigades said Sunday it would join the Palestinian Authority security apparatus. Well-informed sources said the militants sent a letter to Fatah candidate Mahmoud Abbas, saying they are committed to respect all the political decisions of the Palestinian leadership.
http://washingtontimes.com/upi-breaking/20050109-060315-3703r.htm


Palestinians extend voting by two hours
Voting in the Palestinian election of a successor to Yasser Arafat has been extended by two hours because some voters were being held up by Israeli army checkpoints, election officials say.
http://www.reuters.co.uk/newsArticle.jhtml?type=topNews&storyID=651048


Rumors swirl around Mustafa Barghouti
But the rumor from Hebron is that he then retracted it. The 85-year-old doctor, who has represented the Palestinian people since 1948 and was one of Yasser Arafat's harshest critics, denied the retraction rumor in an interview with Al Jazeera. A check revealed that two people connected to Fatah were behind the rumor.
http://www.haaretz.com/hasen/spages/524487.html


Abbas camp accuses Palestinian election organisers of 'serious mistakes'
However the move was promptly denounced by another of the candidates who said it was a recipe for fraud. "This has opened the way to forgery and repeat voting," Tayssir Khaled of the Democratic Front for the Liberation of Palestine (DFLP) told AFP. He accused the commission of "succumbing to pressure" from Abbas's camp.
http://story.news.yahoo.com/news?tmpl=story&u=/afp/20050109/wl_mideast_afp/mideastpalestinianvote&e=5&ncid=1312


Israel Set to Make Prison Deal With Abbas
Israel expects Mahmoud Abbas to win Sunday's Palestinian presidential election and is ready to open talks with him, offering to free Palestinian prisoners if Abbas cracks down on Palestinian rocket attacks, senior Israeli officials said.
http://story.news.yahoo.com/news?tmpl=story&cid=540&ncid=1312&e=3&u=/ap/20050109/ap_on_re_mi_ea/israel_palestinians_3


Mahmoud Abbas camp said concerned by low voter turnout
Former U.S. President Jimmy Carter, one of 800 international monitors of the first Palestinian chairmanship election since 1996, said it appeared Israel was keeping to its promise to ease the passage of Palestinians at military checkpoints.
http://www.haaretz.com/hasen/spages/524519.html


Abbas poised for victory in Palestinian election
"This process is taking place in a marvellous fashion and is an illustration of how the Palestinian people aspire to democracy," Abbas said Sunday after casting his ballot in the Muqataa leadership compound where Arafat is buried.
http://www.turkishpress.com/world/news.asp?id=050109095013.gnin7f10.xml


Abbas rejects Sharon conditions
A source close to Abbas said if Sharon continues to demand a stop to "what Israel calls terrorism, then Abbas will demand that the Israeli prime minister start implementing the peace 'road map' and security coordination alone is not enough."
http://washingtontimes.com/upi-breaking/20050109-063452-3814r.htm


Acting president urges mass turnout in Palestinian vote
"It's a day of democracy. I'm very happy to vote today and I ask all Palestinian people to go to the polling stations to vote. This election is part of a process because today will be followed by parliamentary elections in July," he told AFP on Sunday.
http://story.news.yahoo.com/news?tmpl=story&cid=1514&ncid=1312&e=8&u=/afp/20050109/wl_mideast_afp/mideastpalestinianvotefattuh_050109101235


US poised to do more in Middle East after Palestinian vote: Powell
Powell, in Nairobi to attend the signing of Sudan's peace deal, said Washington would also push for all elements of the road map for Mideast peace, including the release of Palestinian prisoners and an end to Israeli settlements.
http://story.news.yahoo.com/news?tmpl=story&cid=1514&ncid=1312&e=11&u=/afp/20050109/wl_mideast_afp/mideastpalestinianvoteuspowell_050109100247


Blair: Bush can lead final status talks on Palestinian state
British Prime Minister Tony Blair said Sunday that he expected U.S. President George W. Bush to lead final status negotiations on the creation of a Palestinian state after negotiations to make such a state viable.
http://www.haaretz.com/hasen/spages/524964.html


Iran will 'respect' Palestinian vote result, despite Islamist boycott
"But we will respect the choice of the Palestinian people, and we hope it will be a step towards a guarantee of the rights of Palestinians who are oppressed by the Zionist regime," he added.
http://story.news.yahoo.com/news?tmpl=story&cid=1514&ncid=1312&e=13&u=/afp/20050109/wl_mideast_afp/mideastpalestinianvoteiran_050109095613


Canada Must Play Role in Mideast Peace: Barghouti
"You cannot leave us alone with the Israelis, because if you do, we will stay stuck for maybe 20 or 30 years to come, and this beautiful spring of democracy in Palestine would be threatened," he said.
http://ummahnews.com/story.php?sid=20050109140027829


Sharon Presented Coalition Deal to Knesset
Israeli Prime Minister Ariel Sharon submitted Sunday the coalition agreement joining the Likud, Labor and United Torah Judaism parties to the Knesset, Israel Radio reported. However, Likud rebels said that they will continue with efforts to scupper the new cabinet until the last minute.
http://www.imemc.org/headlines/2005/Jan/Week2/010905/coaliton%20presnted%20to%20knesset.htm


Palestinian demands for its leaders
The first nine have to do with restoring life to normalcy in the Palestinian state - reeling in unemployment, bringing corruption under control, creating a genuine checks-and-balances system, and so on - all demands by the citizens for their leaders. Only the final demand calls for safeguarding the right of return for Palestinians and the 1967 borders.
http://www.haaretz.com/hasen/spages/524505.html


Abbas' legitimacy hangs in the balance at polls
About 1.8 million Palestinians are eligible to vote, but a boycott by the Islamic militant group Hamas, voting constraints in East Jerusalem and a significant protest vote for any of Abbas' six challengers could reduce his majority and weaken his claim to be Arafat's heir.
http://story.news.yahoo.com/news?tmpl=story&cid=2027&ncid=2027&e=2&u=/chitribts/20050109/ts_chicagotrib/abbaslegitimacyhangsinthebalanceatpolls


Hamas hints at ceasefire as the Palestinians vote
It marks a turning point in Hamas's strategy. After four years of leading violence against Israel, it now plans to concentrate on politics. Leaders will be seeking guarantees that they will not be hunted down by Israeli security forces and that incursions into Gaza by the Israeli army will end.
http://www.guardian.co.uk/israel/Story/0,2763,1386185,00.html



IDF officer killed when Hezbollah bomb hits jeep
Some 15 IDF shells reportedly fell near the Lebanese village of Chouba, but no casualties were reported. According to Hezbollah's television station Al-Manar, the French officer was killed by IDF shelling in the area; but the IDF said it was not immediately whose fire resulted in the death.
http://www.haaretz.com/hasen/spages/524803.html


Stanley Fischer appointed Bank of Israel governor
Prime Minister Ariel Sharon and Finance Minister Benjamin Netanyahu offered the position to Fischer, a last-minute surprise candidate, after agreeing that he was the best candidate for the job. In order to take up the position, Fischer will have to immigrate to Israel and give up his American citizenship before taking up the position.
http://www.haaretz.com/hasen/spages/524956.html



US troops 'kill police' in Iraq
The incident happened south of Baghdad on Saturday just hours after a US bombing error left at least five dead near the northern city of Mosul. US forces apologised for bombing the house but no comment was available immediately after the shooting deaths. A fifth Iraqi died of a heart attack after the shooting, police added.
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/middle_east/4159521.stm


US soldier cleared of killing Iraqi
Army Sergeant 1st Class Tracy Perkins was cleared on Friday of a charge of involuntary manslaughter, but found guilty on charges of assault and obstruction of justice. He was also cleared on a charge of making false statements.
http://uruknet.info/?s1=2&p=8732&s2=09


US army admits mistakenly bombing house in Iraq
The bomb destroyed a villa in the village of Aaytha near the city of Mosul on Saturday. Locals said 14 people were killed... A US military statement said an F-16 fighter plane had dropped a 500-pound bomb on a house near Mosul. "The house was not the intended target for the air strike. The intended target was another location nearby," it said.
http://www.nzherald.co.nz/index.cfm?c_id=2&ObjectID=9005992


Report: More British troops for Iraq
Britain is expected to send up to 650 extra troops to Iraq to boost security ahead of the 30 January elections. Washington has already announced it will deploy an extra 12,000 troops to bolster security for the election, increasing its troop numbers to 150,000.
http://english.aljazeera.net/NR/exeres/D36B6E26-354D-46B0-8BCF-FF858B9411F2.htm

January 08, 2005

Anti-Apartheid Wall Campaign Fact Sheet: Apartheid in Palestine—Definition, History up to the Wall, and Tool for Mobilization
This fact sheet focuses as well on the ties between the South African Apartheid Regime and the Israeli Apartheid Regime, and emphasizes the lessons to be learned from the successful solidarity movement that supported the South African struggle against Apartheid.
http://stopthewall.org/factsheets/805.shtml


Together at the WSF 2005
As activists living under Israeli Military Occupation and Apartheid we believe that it is time to join our efforts to further strengthen our struggle and to present our cause united to the world. We are thus further coordinating with Palestinian, Arab, and international groups for a successful WSF 2005.
http://stopthewall.org/worldwideactivism/844.shtml


"Elections under occupation "
Palestinians from Balata Camp speak out about the elections for the Palestinian Authority on January 9th, 2005. Download it.
http://www.balatacamp.net/~balata/website/balata.htm


Activists protest house demolitions in Arab village
Some 150 Taayush activists, both Jewish and Arab, from the Wadi Ara region protested near the village of Arara on Saturday against the planned demolition of homes in the unrecognized village of Dar Al-Hanun and the closing of the road leading up to the village.
http://www.haaretz.com/hasen/spages/524451.html


On the campaign trail with Barghouti
But, as he said several times on the campaign trail, he feels he has won either way. Either he is elected president of the Palestinian Authority, Mr Barghouti says, or he emerges the leader of a vibrant and confident opposition.
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/middle_east/4157027.stm


Organisers unable to deliver Palestinian ballot boxes after curfew
“Until now we have been unable to deliver the boxes to eight villages south of Nablus because of the curfews,” the secretary general of the central elections commission, Rami al-Hamadallah, told reporters on the eve of the vote.
http://www.khaleejtimes.com/DisplayArticle.asp?xfile=data/middleeast/2005/January/middleeast_January204.xml&section=middleeast


Palestinian child dies of wounds in Khan Yunis
Palestinian medics at the European Hospital in southern Gaza said Najah Zo'rob, 12, who was shot and critically wounded in the head, died Saturday evening.
http://news.xinhuanet.com/english/2005-01/09/content_2434374.htm


Army kills a Palestinian north of Khan Younis
A local source in Al-Matahin told the WAFA news agency that Israeli soldiers stationed at Al-Matahin junction fired at Al-Farra as he was leaving his home heading towards his work in the central Gaza Strip. Al-Farra is an officer at the Palestinian Police in the central Gaza Strip.
http://www.imemc.org/headlines/2005/Jan/Week2/010805/gaza%20saturday.htm


Israel Reverses Decision to Halt Operations during Palestinian Elections
Israel is considering renewing military operations inside Palestinian populated areas after an Israeli soldier was killed in a military attack in the West Bank. The Fatah affiliated Al-Aqsa Martyrs' Brigades claimed responsibility for the attack.
http://www.imemc.org/headlines/2005/Jan/Week2/010805/Israel%20reverse%20decision%20to%20halt%20attacks.htm


Israel not easing grip say Palestinians
Hanna Nasir, chairman of the Palestinian Central Election Commission, said appeals were going out to the international monitors to ensure Israel eased its military restrictions.
http://www.rte.ie/news/2005/0108/mideast.html


US Looks to "Free, Fair and Credible" Palestinian Election
The State Department said Friday it hopes for a free and fair vote that yields a "credible result." The final phase of the campaign has been marred by disputes over Israeli restrictions on the Palestinian candidates' access to East Jerusalem.
http://www.voanews.com/english/2005-01-07-voa70.cfm


Result of Palestinian election to be announced Monday
Chief of the Palestinian Election Committee Rami al-Hamdella said Saturday that the final result of the presidential election will be announced on Monday.
http://news.xinhuanet.com/english/2005-01/08/content_2434047.htm


Cabinet to resign right after Palestinian election: official
He said after the cabinet resigns, the newly-elected chairman should authorize a Palestinian official to become the prime minister and ask him to form a new cabinet within three weeks
according to the basic law.
http://news.xinhuanet.com/english/2005-01/09/content_2434380.htm


Israel doesn't want to open new era with Palestinians: Qurei
Qurei made the remarks after meeting with former US President Jimmy Carter and a number of US observers at his office in Ramallah on the eve of Sunday's presidential election.
http://news.xinhuanet.com/english/2005-01/09/content_2434379.htm


Sharon may invite Abbas to mansion
The report says Sharon will urge Abbas to stop Palestinian militants' rocket attacks against Israel. In return, the Israeli army will gradually return some towns that it controls in the Palestinian territories.
http://news.xinhuanet.com/english/2005-01/08/content_2433453.htm


Israeli troops open fire on 3 Lebanese civilians
But security sources played down the incident, saying that Israeli troops often fire warning shots in the air when Lebanese approach the border fence.
http://www.dailystar.com.lb/article.asp?edition_id=1&categ_id=2&article_id=11649


Beirut will not yield to international pressure on Resolution 1559
The Foreign Ministry sources said a meeting between U.S. President George Bush and Chirac is expected to take place on the sidelines of the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) summit next month, where the two leaders will discuss means to implement Resolution 1559.
http://www.dailystar.com.lb/article.asp?edition_id=1&categ_id=2&article_id=11650


Latest Election Poll: Abbas 51.8%; Barghouthi 25.3%
The latest public opinion poll carried out by PCPO between January 5-7 indicated that PLO head Mahmoud Abbas is still leading the presidential race with 51.8% followed by Dr. Mustafa Barghouthi (25.3%).
http://www.imemc.org/headlines/2005/Jan/Week2/010805/latest%20poll.htm


Rewarding the Palestinians
President Bush should not hesitate to send a tranche of aid to the Palestinians, who are in desperate straits. There's nothing like the prospect of an improved standard of living to encourage support for a new government. The day after the elections, Mr. Bush should be in the White House briefing room announcing a major package.
http://www.csmonitor.com/2005/0107/p08s03-comv.htm


Israeli conduct in West Bank and Gaza did not change during election campaign
Israel's foreign minister Silvan Shalom said yesterday that the IDF "already begun to pull troops out of West Bank cities," but observers who know the area and who have visited the occupied territories before haven't noticed any difference.
http://electronicintifada.net/v2/article3484.shtml


Palestinian expert: New PA chairman will wield little power
The campaign, he said, had moved the public debate from narrow issues of "a Qassam (rocket) here or not" to the truly important questions - what the Palestinians want, what Israel intends, what America wants and is capable of doing, what the chances are for a Palestinian state.
http://www.haaretz.com/hasen/pages/ShArt.jhtml?itemNo=524056&contrassID=1&subContrassID=1&sbSubContrassID=0&listSrc=Y


Palestinians Have Modest Vote Expectations
Abbas has begun to chip away at his gray image - alarming some Israelis with a public embrace of militants but gaining new stature among Palestinians whose backing he'll need for any future peace deal.
http://www.sunherald.com/mld/sunherald/news/breaking_news/10599285.htm


Backgrounder: Basic facts about Palestine
The following are key facts about the state of Palestine. Palestine, currently under occupation, is located on the East coast of the Mediterranean Sea, West of Jordan and to the south ofLebanon. The territory of Palestine covers around 27,000 square kilometers.
http://news.xinhuanet.com/english/2005-01/08/content_2432448.htm


This poster lies
This poster, mounted on bus shelters around San Francisco, is a hypocritical attempt to make Israel seem like it cares about Palestinian women's liberation when it continues to deny fundamental human rights not only to Palestinian women but also to their fathers, brothers, sons and husbands.
http://www.sfbayview.com/010505/posterlies010505.shtml


Mixed feelings in Gaza at Abbas agenda
"We want to establish a state next to Israel through peace, not through shooting and war. We hope that the other side believes in peace, and will put his hand in Mahmoud Abbas' - to achieve peace for our kids and theirs."
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/middle_east/4157553.stm


Channel 10 airs rare detailed video of Dimona nuclear facility
A spokeswoman for Channel 10 television, which broadcast the video, would not say how it was obtained. However, Israel's normally cautious military censor approved its release, suggesting it was produced in cooperation with Israel's top secret nuclear agency.
http://www.haaretz.com/hasen/pages/ShArt.jhtml?itemNo=524429&contrassID=1&subContrassID=5&sbSubContrassID=0&listSrc=Y


U.S. continues airstrikes in Fallujah
Fallujah community leaders also issued a list of other demands, including compensation for damaged property and withdrawing U.S. troops from the city's outskirts. Fallujah leaders want any Iraqi military units which deploy into the city to consist exclusively of Fallujah natives. But late Thursday, Al-Arabiya television reported that the Iraqi government had rejected the demands.
http://uruknet.info/?s1=1&p=8705&s2=08

January 07, 2005

A last encounter with brilliance: Edward Said's final interview
Escalating violence in Palestine, starting with the 1967 and the 1973 wars, led to Said's growing involvement with the Palestinian cause. As a member of the Palestinian National Council from 1977-1991, Said became a close ally to Yasser Arafat. While he later would vehemently disagree with the late chairman of the PLO, Said explains that the "PLO made it possible for the Palestinians to have an identity."
http://www.dailystar.com.lb/article.asp?edition_id=10&categ_id=4&article_id=11544


Changes in separation fence will cost up to NIS 100m
The changes in the route of the separation fence mandated by the High Court of Justice's rulings will cost between NIS 80 million and NIS 100 million, Deputy Defense Minister Ze'ev Boim said this week. (Picture on the page of article shows the WALL, and they still call it fence)
http://www.haaretz.com/hasen/pages/ShArt.jhtml?itemNo=524282&contrassID=1&subContrassID=5&sbSubContrassID=0&listSrc=Y


PA candidate Barghouti: Israel is trying to hinder my campaign
"So far soldiers mistreated me in seven roadblocks, delayed my entry to an election meeting in the village of Biddya, refused me entry to Shahid street and Tel Rumeida in Hebron, detained me at the Sanur roadblock and assaulted me and five of my assistants. Also, police detained me for over five hours at the Erez crossing,"
http://www.haaretzdaily.com/hasen/spages/524022.html


Palestinian expert: New PA chairman will wield little power
Regardless of who is elected, it is well known that he will have no serious authority. The burden he will bear on his shoulders is very heavy, but the situation, under Israeli occupation, doesn't give him the necessary tools (to deal with it)."
http://www.haaretz.com/hasen/pages/ShArt.jhtml?itemNo=524056&contrassID=1&subContrassID=1&sbSubContrassID=0&listSrc=Y


Barghouthi detained for over 2 hours in Jerusalem on last day of presidential campaign
He told President Carter that he was going to the Old City to attend Friday prayers at the al-Aqsa Mosque. President Carter indicated that if he got arrested he should let him know. He did not take this seriously, as he had a permit to enter Jerusalem up till 2 pm that afternoon. The permit, furthermore, does not specify places Dr. Barghouthi is not ‘allowed' to visit.
http://electronicintifada.net/v2/article3485.shtml


IOF Kills 2, Wounds Child in GS
Mohammed Aiad 20, was killed when Israeli troops, stationed at Karni Netzareem colonizing road, east of Gaza City, opened heavy machine gunfire at houses in the eastern Gaza City neighbourhood of al-Zayetoon.
http://english.wafa.ps/body.asp?field=tech_news&id=2022


One soldier killed, 3 wounded in shooting attack near Nablus
One of the wounded individuals was listed in serious condition, a second was in moderate-to-serious condition and the third was in light condition. Al-Aqsa Martyrs' Brigades, a violent group linked to Mahmoud Abbas' Fatah movement, claims responsibility for the killing.
http://www.haaretz.com/hasen/spages/524290.html


Mortar fire induces several Gaza families to leave now
Several residents of the Gaza settlement of Nissanit have decided to leave their homes immediately, without waiting for an advance on their compensation, due to the recent upsurge in mortar shell and Qassam rocket attacks.
http://www.haaretz.com/hasen/pages/ShArt.jhtml?itemNo=524288&contrassID=1&subContrassID=5&sbSubContrassID=0&listSrc=Y


Quietly carrying on building
In the neighboring outpost, Givat Hahish, someone has built an improvised two-story villa that rises above the mobile homes. The tenants are getting ready for the snow that will fall soon and cut off the muddy roads that were paved with funding from the Housing Ministry in the days when National Religious Party MK Effie Eitam was the minister.
http://www.haaretz.com/hasen/spages/524066.html


Jerusalem Arabs to Skip Palestinian Vote
Mimi, a 28-year-old Palestinian truck driver, isn't alone. Many Palestinian residents of Jerusalem say they won't participate in the election, the first Palestinian presidential vote in nearly a decade, fearing they will jeopardize their fragile status under Israeli rule.
http://story.news.yahoo.com/news?tmpl=story&cid=540&ncid=736&e=6&u=/ap/20050106/ap_on_re_mi_ea/palestinians_jittery_jerusalem


PA seeks to boost voter turnout in E. J'lem
Fearing a low turnout of Arab Jerusalemites in Sunday's election for Palestinian Authority chairman, PA and Fatah officials on Thursday stepped up their efforts to persuade residents to vote.
http://www.jpost.com/servlet/Satellite?pagename=JPost/JPArticle/ShowFull&cid=1104981580628


Israel turfs Abbas rivals out of Jerusalem
Mustafa Barghuti, an independent who is running a distant second to Abbas, was briefly detained by Israeli security forces when he tried to attend prayers at the Al-Aqsa mosque in occupied east Jerusalem while People's Party candidate Bassam al-Salhi was also ordered to leave while addressing a rally.
http://www.turkishpress.com/world/news.asp?id=050107154416.j80rmh02.xml


Abbas-Palestinians to Go to Jerusalem 'Free People'
Mahmoud Abbas canceled an election rally in Jerusalem on Friday, objecting to an Israeli security presence, but vowed Palestinians would go there one day "as free people in their millions."
http://wireservice.wired.com/wired/story.asp?section=Breaking&storyId=972085&tw=wn_wire_story


Shalom: Israel Began Pullout; PA: No Evidence on Ground
"They are withdrawing now, they are starting now to withdraw, and would remain outside Palestinian cities in the West Bank and Gaza Strip for 72 hours", Shalom replied to Carter's question. Palestinian Authority sources said that there was no evidence of a pullback on the ground.
http://www.imemc.org/headlines/2005/Jan/Week1/010705/shalom%20pullout%20began.htm


EU foreign policy chief Solana to observe Palestinian poll
European Union foreign policy chief Javier Solana will observe elections for the Palestinian Authority chairmanship from Ramallah as part of a five-day trip to the Middle East that ends in Israel, his office said on Friday.
http://www.haaretz.com/hasen/spages/524418.html


Kerry to Visit West Bank Polling Place
Democratic Sen. John Kerry, who lost his bid for president in the November election, will be in the West Bank for the Palestinian election on Sunday and is expected to visit a polling place.
http://story.news.yahoo.com/news?tmpl=story&cid=540&ncid=540&e=6&u=/ap/20050107/ap_on_re_mi_ea/kerry_palestinians


UN officials help observers to monitor polling in Palestinian presidential election
As Palestinians prepare to go to the polls on Sunday to choose a president, United Nations officials today unveiled some of the details of the technical and logistical assistance they are giving to ensure that the elections are free, fair and staged smoothly.
http://www.un.org/apps/news/story.asp?NewsID=12985&Cr=palestin&Cr1=


Abbas says he will ask Qureia to stay on as PM
Interim Palestinian leader Mahmoud Abbas said Friday that if he wins Sunday's election for the head of the Palestinian Authority, he will ask Prime Minister Ahmed Qureia to stay on in his post.
http://www.haaretz.com/hasen/spages/524286.html


Protest is called off after bank's Palestine U-turn
CAMPAIGNERS today called off a demonstration outside the Royal Bank of Scotland's city headquarters after the financial giant reversed its decision to close a pro-Palestine organisation's accounts. RBS initially refused to discuss the decision but insisted it was made for "business reasons".
http://news.scotsman.com/scotland.cfm?id=18932005


Settlers enlist Golan residents in fight against pullout
Members of the settlers' Yesha Council, headed by Chairman Pinhas Wallerstein, will spend the weekend on the Golan Heights in an effort to kick start a cooperative campaign with residents there in the battle against the disengagement plan.
http://www.haaretz.com/hasen/spages/524406.html


Turkey to intensify Mideast diplomacy, foreign minister says
Predominantly Muslim Turkey generally enjoys friendly relations with both sides. "As the (foreign) ministry and government, we will intensify" our efforts, Gul said in an interview with private NTV television. "Turkey will increase its visibility in the region."
http://www.haaretz.com/hasen/spages/524420.html


WJC to call on NATO to grant Israel 'associate membership'
The World Jewish Congress will call on NATO next week to grant Israel associate membership in the alliance to bolster Israel's security and smooth relations between Europe and the Middle East, an official said on Friday.
http://www.haaretz.com/hasen/spages/524422.html


Biography of Candidates for Palestinian Presidential Election
At the end of the candidate registration and withdrawal period, seven eligible candidates remained. The following brief biographies of the 2005 presidential candidates, listed in the order in which they will appear on the ballot, were written by each candidate's representatives.
http://www.palestinechronicle.com/story.php?sid=20050106140054343


The Rise of the Palestinian Alternative: An Interview with Dr. Mustafa Barghouti
The following interview was conducted with Palestinian presidential candidate Dr. Mustafa Barghouti during his visit to Ottawa, Canada in March 2004. The Palestine Chronicle is republishing the interview to further highlight Barghouti's position on various issues related to the Palestinian-Israeli conflict.
http://www.palestinechronicle.com/story.php?sid=20050106143027208


Justice for all
The infringements of human rights among the Palestinian population which stem from the settlements are the result of an occupation regime which maintains two different normative systems, which give priority to the Jewish settlers in the occupied territory over the local residents, the Palestinians. This situation is inherently contradictory to human rights ...
http://www.haaretz.com/hasen/spages/524038.html


Israeli tennis player challenged
Many sportspeople and artists have condemned the occupation and the momentum to isolate Israel not only economically but also culturally and in sport is growing. We call on Shahar Peer to support this move and help Israel become a nation respected by all the world
http://www.scoop.co.nz/mason/stories/PO0501/S00042.htm


Deadliest day for US in new year in Iraq
The Pentagon was reportedly planning a top-level review of its Iraq policy after nine US troops were killed in the bloodiest day for American forces this year, while Prime Minister Iyad Allawi extended emergency laws in a bid to quell pre-election violence.
http://story.news.yahoo.com/news?tmpl=story&cid=1515&ncid=1515&e=2&u=/afp/20050107/wl_mideast_afp/iraq_050107162041


Memo reveals Bush OKd torture
During confirmation hearings on Alberto Gonzales nomination as Attorney General, senators should question him about a recently uncovered memo that George W. Bush ordered the torture of detainees at Abu Ghraib, Guantanamo and other military prisons around the world, several human rights groups suggested last month.
http://www.pww.org/article/articleview/6260/1/245/


U.S. Only Spent Small Part of Iraq Rebuilding Funds
According to a copy of the Bush administration's latest quarterly update to Congress on Iraq obtained by Reuters on Thursday, as of Dec. 29 only $2.2 billion of the funds has actually been spent. This is up from $1.2 billion in the previous report that detailed reconstruction spending as of Sept. 22.
http://uruknet.info/?s1=2&p=8669&s2=07

January 06, 2005

Trapped Like Mice: Palestinians Under the New Israeli "Disengagement Plan"
The Apartheid Wall, with its horrendous effects on Palestinian life and land, does not stand alone, but is today merging with the longstanding Israeli settlement policy and the creation of Jewish-only infrastructure into a comprehensive scheme for colonial domination and conquest.
http://stopthewall.org/analysisandfeatures/843.shtml


Weekly Report: On Israeli Human Rights Violations in the Occupied Palestinian Territories
20 Palestinians, 12 of whom were civilians, including 10 children one of whom was disabled, were killed by IOF. Construction of the “annexation wall” in the West Bank has continued, and IOF plan to annex 4 villages in Bethlehem district to Israel. IOF moved into Khan Yunis and destroyed 35 houses. 51 donums of agricultural land were razed in Deir al-Balah.
http://www.pchrgaza.org/files/W_report/English/2005/06-01-2005.htm


6,000 East Jerusalem Arabs registered to vote
According to police, Jerusalem Arabs eligible to vote in the city will be allowed to cast an absentee ballot in six east Jerusalem post offices Sunday from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m, while tens of
thousands of other Arab residents of east Jerusalem are slated to be voting in other areas in the West Bank.
http://news.xinhuanet.com/english/2005-01/06/content_2421425.htm


Jerusalem Arabs to Skip Palestinian Vote
Mimi, a 28-year-old Palestinian truck driver, isn't alone. Many Palestinian residents of Jerusalem say they won't participate in the election, the first Palestinian presidential vote in nearly a decade, fearing they will jeopardize their fragile status under Israeli rule. "I can't vote. I'm afraid I'll get into trouble. I don't want to take any chances," said Mimi.
http://story.news.yahoo.com/news?tmpl=story&cid=540&ncid=540&e=10&u=/ap/20050106/ap_on_re_mi_ea/palestinians_jittery_jerusalem


Security Council hopes ‘restraint will prevail' for upcoming Palestinian elections – President
The United Nations Security Council hopes “restraint will prevail” between the parties to the Middle East conflict so that Palestinian elections next Sunday can be conducted in a free, fair and inclusive manner, the President of the 15-member body for this month, Argentine Ambassador César Mayoral, said today.
http://www.un.org/apps/news/story.asp?NewsID=12970&Cr=middle&Cr1=east


IOF Kills Child in Hebron
Medics said that the 9-year-old Hamzah Jabir was killed after an Israeli military jeep ran over him in the West Bank city of Hebron. Also in Hebron, Israeli troops stormed several towns and villages, launched search operations and arrested nine citizens, leading them all to an undisclosed area.
http://english.wafa.ps/body.asp?field=tech_news&id=2021


Resistance fighter killed in the Gaza Strip
Mohannad Mahmoud Al-Lahham, 19, members of the Al-Qassam brigades, the military wing of Hamas managed to infiltrate into the settlement hiding under the fog and raid which dropped heavily in the area, and fired at the guards before the managed to spot and kill him.
http://www.imemc.org/headlines/2005/Jan/Week1/010605/resist-fighter.htm


At least 65 residents arrested in Hebron since the beginning of January
The Israeli army conducted continuous invasions against the city of Hebron and the surrounding villages, arrested at least 65 residents and broke into dozens of charitable organizations and institutions.
http://www.imemc.org/headlines/2005/Jan/Week1/010605/at%20least.htm


PA candidate Barghouti: Israel is trying to hinder my campaign
"So far soldiers mistreated me in seven roadblocks, delayed my entry to an election meeting in the village of Biddya, refused me entry to Shahid street and Tel Rumeida in Hebron, detained me at the Sanur roadblock and assaulted me and five of my assistants. Also, police detained me for over five hours at the Erez crossing," Barghouti said.
http://www.haaretzdaily.com/hasen/spages/524022.html


No vote for Palestinian prisoners: Israeli supreme court
Rejecting an appeal filed by Palestinian prisoner affairs minister Hisham Abdelrazzeq, the three supreme court judges said there was not enough time to organise a ballot in the various Israeli prison facilities where some 8,000 Palestinians are behind bars.
http://story.news.yahoo.com/news?tmpl=story&cid=1512&ncid=1512&e=5&u=/afp/20050106/wl_afp/mideastpalestinianvote_050106142900


800 foreign observers to monitor Palestinian presidential election
The CEC said in a statement that the foreign observers will cooperate with 21,000 Palestinian observers to keep a close eye on the poll all over the Palestinian territories including the West Bank, Gaza Strip and East Jerusalem.
http://news.xinhuanet.com/english/2005-01/06/content_2424994.htm


Fatah warns Hamas not to criticize Abbas
The Palestinian group Fatah has warned Islamic Hamas to lay off Palestine Liberation Organization Chairman Mahmoud Abbas, who has been criticized for saying rocket attacks on Israel are "useless."
http://news.xinhuanet.com/english/2005-01/06/content_2424415.htm


Abbas cancels Jerusalem trip
Mr Abbas called off tomorrow's tour because he objected to the possibility of being seen with Israeli troops around him, and will confine his tour to a neighbourhood at the edge of the city, another official said.
http://www.news.com.au/common/story_page/0,4057,11875330%255E1702,00.html


Abbas calls for resumption of peace talks with Sharon
It was the latest sign that Abbas, the front-runner in the race, plans to reach out to Israel after Sunday's election, despite a series of recent hard-line speeches and campaign appearances with Palestinian gunmen.
http://www.haaretz.com/hasen/spages/523910.html


Israeli official proposes 'ethnic cleansing'
Uzi Cohen, a member of Ariel Sharon's right-wing party and a deputy mayor of the town of Raanana, told Israeli public radio on Sunday there was widespread support in Israel for "the idea of ethnic cleansing". "Many people support the idea but few are willing to speak about it publicly," he said.
http://english.aljazeera.net/NR/exeres/9DCD41A2-E372-4732-8F1A-411EC28F603D.htm


West Bank Bedouins now dream of putting a roof over their heads
The otherwise soothing silence of the great outdoors is broken by the deafening sound of explosions. Troops are training on large swathes of desert just across the road, which residents said was confiscated by Israel after the 1967 war. "We can't cross to the other side and have our herd graze there. We're stuck here with no prospects," adds Hassan
http://www.dailystar.com.lb/article.asp?edition_id=10&categ_id=4&article_id=11545


Qalqilia; 67 days closure, 3 days curfew and 83 residents killed
Qalqilia carries a story of siege, continues military invasions, strict siege and the annexation wall encircling it and its surrounding villages, in addition to continuous closure which lasted for 67 days over the last year.
http://www.imemc.org/headlines/2005/Jan/Week1/010605/Qalqilia.htm


Turkish FM pledges support for Palestinians
"The Turkish people will continue to give strong support to the Palestinian cause," Abdullah Gul said after meeting PA Foreign Minister Nabil Shaath. "Turkey will expend great efforts to contribute to the peace process and is preparing programs to help in the economic and social needs of the Palestinian people."
http://www.dailystar.com.lb/article.asp?edition_id=10&categ_id=2&article_id=11574


Settlers' violence will be crushed, Sharon says
Mr Sharon, who was the main force behind the creation of the illegal settlements on the West Bank and Gaza in the 80s and 90s, offered his unequivocal support to the soldiers. He said it was more important to keep the army intact than to preserve the settlements and signalled that he is prepared to deal harshly with settler violence.
http://www.guardian.co.uk/israel/Story/0,2763,1384043,00.html


IDF chief orders hearings for 34 refusing officers
GOC Central Command Moshe Kaplinsky met Thursday with the officers, all from the Binyamin regional brigade that serves in the Ramallah sector. The letter, reported on in Yedioth Ahronoth on Thursday, was signed by reserve officers of various ranks, including four battalion commanders.
http://www.haaretz.com/hasen/spages/523531.html


Shin Bet will no longer scrutinize Arab educators
Education Ministry director-general Ronit Tirosh has announced that the position held by a Shin Bet security service representative charged with carrying out background checks on teachers and principals in the Arab education system is being done away with.
http://www.haaretzdaily.com/hasen/spages/523613.html


Yet to be elected, but already initiating a political process
The Egyptian delegation is to launch Abu Mazen's political activity three days before his election. His constituents hope that recently heightened tension between Abu Mazen and Hamas will not bring about the failure of the planned Palestinian dialogue in Cairo.
http://www.haaretz.com/hasen/spages/523599.html


Facts and figures for second ever Palestinian presidential election
Despite calls by radical Islamist groups to snub the polls, more than 70 percent of the 1.8 million Palestinians aged over 18 and eligible to vote have registered ahead of Sunday's ballot, auguring well for a high turnout. Voting will be held in 1,074 polling stations furnished with 2,800 ballot boxes in 11 electoral districts in the West Bank, including east Jerusalem
http://story.news.yahoo.com/news?tmpl=story&cid=1515&ncid=1515&e=13&u=/afp/20050106/wl_mideast_afp/mideastpalestinianvote_050106095546


Israelis see Palestinian vote a foregone conclusion
Even when Abbas called Israel the "Zionist enemy", using unprecedented words after an Israeli shell killed seven Palestinians, it caused little stir on the streets. "That's just election talk, and no big deal," said Tel Aviv lawyer Dedi Cohen.
http://www.alertnet.org/thenews/newsdesk/L04275024.htm


Let me travel in peace
But I feel bound by duty to object this time, seeing as the whole procedure at the airport took on a surreal - and I must say incomprehensible - turn as two young people, a girl and a boy, started what can only be characterized as an amateur police cross examination that become stupider and more pointless as time went on, and said more about Israel than me.
http://www.haaretz.com/hasen/spages/523099.html


Judge prevents closure of Jaffa's Arab democratic school
The democratic schools offer an alternative program administered according to human rights and democratic principles in addition to the Education Ministry's set curriculum. The study program grants students a wide range of educational choices.
http://www.haaretz.com/hasen/spages/524042.html


Religious Zionism's responsibility
It has been truly written and said that what happened in Yitzhar this week is only a preview, "and God save us from the `real' show." But from the standpoint of religious Zionism, the violent confrontation at Yitzhar reflects a phenomenon that is even graver than violence: The "Yitzhar" wing is dissociating itself from the state.
http://www.haaretz.com/hasen/spages/523577.html


Livni: Administrative arrests only with evidence
Avi Dichter, the head of the Shin Bet internal security service, came under fire Thursday when Justice Minister Tzipi Livni criticized his demand of the legal system to issue warrants for the administrative arrest of leading right-wing activists.
http://www.haaretz.com/hasen/spages/524030.html


Iraq Extends State of Emergency
The emergency decree includes a nighttime curfew and gives the government extra power to make arrests without warrants and launch police and military operations when it deems necessary.
http://story.news.yahoo.com/news?tmpl=story&cid=540&ncid=540&e=7&u=/ap/20050106/ap_on_re_mi_ea/iraq_emergency


US troops 'laughed as Iraqi died'
An Iraqi civilian has testified that US soldiers forced him and his cousin to jump into the River Tigris and laughed as his relative was swept to his death. "He was calling my name, said: 'Help me! Help me!'" Marwan Fadel Hassoun told a military trial in Texas.
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/americas/4150429.stm

January 05, 2005

State to submit opinion on Hague ruling in coming days
The Justice Ministry is finalizing revisions on the state's legal position regarding the International Court of Justice's opinion on the separation fence and is expected to submit the document to the High Court of Justice in the next few days. ( Separation Fence = Apartheid Wall )
http://www.haaretz.com/hasen/spages/523389.html


Barghouti in jail move
Jailed Palestinian uprising leader Marwan Barghouti was transferred to the general population in his southern Israeli prison today, an Israeli official said, ending almost three years of separation from other Palestinian prisoners.
http://www.breakingnews.ie/2005/01/05/story183388.html


Barghouti Trails in Palestinian Polls
Barghouti has demanded Israel pull out of the West Bank, Gaza and east Jerusalem, release Palestinian prisoners and allow the return of refugees who left during the war following Israel's founding. But his campaign has focused mainly on internal Palestinian issues. He has demanded major reforms in the Palestinian Authority and its security forces, including an end to nepotism.
http://story.news.yahoo.com/news?tmpl=story&cid=535&ncid=535&e=9&u=/ap/20050105/ap_on_re_mi_ea/palestinians_the_contender_1


Palestinian refugees in Lebanon feel abandoned ahead of poll
Despite a UN resolution passed in 1948, Israel opposes the return of refugees, which it argues would tip the ethnic balance of the Jewish state. The refugees and their descendants now live under precarious conditions on the fringes of Lebanese society, fearing that the elections will seal a new era that permanently excludes them.
http://www.khaleejtimes.com/DisplayArticle.asp?xfile=data/middleeast/2005/January/middleeast_January100.xml&section=middleeast&col=


Group Claims to Hold Israeli Women
A group calling itself "The Free People of the Galilee" claimed Wednesday that it abducted an Israeli-American woman in 2003 and demanded that Israel release 1,000 Palestinian prisoners in exchange for information about her fate.
http://story.news.yahoo.com/news?tmpl=story&cid=540&ncid=540&e=9&u=/ap/20050105/ap_on_re_mi_ea/israel_missing_woman


14 Civilians Arrested and Others Detained in West Bank
Israeli occupation forces arrested 14 civilians in different parts of the West Bank, detained others and wounded a school teacher during a shelling of houses north and south of Gaza Strip.
http://www.ipc.gov.ps/ipc_new/english/details.asp?name=1892


Gaza rocket attack wounds 12 Israeli soldiers
Israeli soldiers have killed more than 20 Palestinians in Gaza since December 30, including seven youths aged 11-17 who died on Tuesday from a tank shell... The escalating violence on Wednesday comes despite calls by Abbas for an end to rocket attacks from Gaza...
http://www.swissinfo.org/sen/swissinfo.html?siteSect=143&sid=5449643


Rachel Corrie's Iowa Family Seeks “Thorough, Credible” Investigation Into Her Death
Explained Cheryl Brodersen, Rachel's aunt, “We're on this quest because we believe that it is in our family's, America's and Israel's interest to seek truth and justice. We believe in focusing on facts rather than innuendo, half-truths or untruths. We seek definition. What is a ‘thorough, credible, transparent' investigation? Will the United States government accept anything less?”
http://www.wrmea.com/archives/December_2004/0412038.html


Yesha leaders accuse PM of demonizing settlers
According to Wallerstein, despite the settlers' agreement to evacuate, the IDF, under the patronage of the political echelon, sought the confrontation while trying to de-legitimize the settlers.
http://www.haaretz.com/hasen/spages/523446.html


Israel closes Erez border crossing
Palestinian security sources reported Wednesday that the Israeli army troops banned hundreds of Palestinian pilgrims from passing through the Erez border crossing between Gaza and Israel.
http://news.xinhuanet.com/english/2005-01/05/content_2419506.htm


Palestinian Heritage Foundation Holds 17th Annual Banquet
Khalidi exhorted the Arab-American community to quit focusing on the role of individuals, to quit waiting for a savior, but instead to build institutions that are so strong that those in power cannot afford to ignore them. He acknowledged that this requires hard work, time, money, and self-effacing teamwork.
http://www.wrmea.com/archives/December_2004/0412043.html


An end to double standards
The law for a trailer illegally brought to Havat Gilad was never the same as that for a Palestinian house destroyed in the blink of an eye by a bulldozer - not because the house was illegally constructed, but because it blocked the line of vision for IDF soldiers.
http://www.haaretz.com/hasen/spages/523126.html


Court to hear request that jailed Palestinians vote
He noted that from a security standpoint, there should be no difficulty in conducting elections in prison, since each year the prisoners hold elections for their internal leadership and educational institutions administer exams there under external observer supervision.
http://www.haaretz.com/hasen/pages/ShArt.jhtml?itemNo=523396&contrassID=1&subContrassID=1&sbSubContrassID=0&listSrc=Y


Turkish FM pledges support for Palestinians
"Turkey will expend great efforts to contribute to the peace process and Turkey is also preparing programmes to help in the economic and social needs of the Palestinian people."
http://story.news.yahoo.com/news?tmpl=story&cid=1515&ncid=1515&e=7&u=/afp/20050105/wl_mideast_afp/mideastturkey_050105195849


Religious faction clears way for Israeli unity govt
Sharon already had the agreement of the centre-left opposition Labour party to join forces with his right-wing Likud, but needed United Torah Judaism (UTJ) for comfortable control of 66 of parliament's 120 seats. "We have achieved positive understandings with United Torah Judaism," Sharon told Likud faithful in Tel Aviv.
http://www.alertnet.org/thenews/newsdesk/L05689391.htm


UTJ spiritual leader says party can join PM's coalition
The move will give the new coalition a parliamentary majority. According to the decision, the party's membership in the coalition will be "conditional" for three months, and party MKs will not fill any positions in the government during that time.
http://www.haaretz.com/hasen/spages/523506.html


On This Day 1985: Israel ends major Ethiopian rescue mission
Press leaks have forced the Israeli Government to admit that about 8,000 Ethiopians fleeing famine-struck Ethiopia have now arrived in Israel. The Arab world has been angered by Khartoum's decision to co-operate with Israel and allow charter planes to fly from Sudan - which does not recognise the country.
http://news.bbc.co.uk/onthisday/hi/dates/stories/january/5/newsid_4071000/4071661.stm


Settlers distribute tape of Sharon from 1994, in which he calls on soldiers to disobey orders
Right-wing activists are making use of a decade-old interview in which Ariel Sharon urged soldiers not to obey orders that go against their conscience. Sharon gave the interview to Hagai Segal of the pirate radio station Arutz 7 during the campaign against the Oslo Accords and the Givat Hadagan evacuations.
http://www.haaretzdaily.com/hasen/spages/522632.html


US sends observers to Palestinian elections
The delegation will be led by Senators John Sununu, a Republican, and Joseph Biden, a Democrat, both members of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee. It will also include four congressional staff members as well as prominent Palestinian-Americans George Salem and Ziad Asali.
http://story.news.yahoo.com/news?tmpl=story&cid=1512&ncid=1512&e=20&u=/afp/20050105/wl_afp/uspalestiniansvote_050105061435


Media bias undermines truth and peace
One of the reasons why there is no resolution to the Palestine-Israel conflict is that the media, mainly the pro-Israel American media, continues to distort facts, exaggerate stereotypes and lie.
http://www.amin.org/eng/uncat/2005/jan/jan5.html


Tension mounts between Hamas and PA
Sources close to Hamas, which is boycotting the January 9 election, said the movement's leaders refused to meet with Abbas during his recent visit to the Gaza Strip. They said Hamas did not want to be seen as siding with Abbas or any other candidate.
http://www.jpost.com/servlet/Satellite?pagename=JPost/JPArticle/ShowFull&cid=1104895134072


World concern about rising Israel-Palestinian conflict
United Nations Secretary-General Kofi Annan, issued a statement expressing his worries about the intensifying conflict and the Israeli military operations in the northern Gaza Strip, calling on both parties to exercise restraint and act responsibly. ( Finaly! Injuries among IOF gave Annan reason to talk! )
http://news.xinhuanet.com/english/2005-01/05/content_2418899.htm


Modest victory for Palestinian women a critical step for Arab society
One cannot read too much into this. But it is a small step in the direction of a cultural revolution that must take place in critical countries of the Arab world if they are to shed their backwardness and poverty and move into modern society.
http://www.csmonitor.com/2005/0105/p09s02-cojh.htm


Abbas or bust
Before Sunday, election day for the chairmanship of the Palestinian Authority, the campaign is likely to heat up. The staff of Mahmoud Abbas's campaign headquarters in East Jerusalem are planning his Friday visit to Al Aqsa. This is slated to be the peak rhetoric moment for a candidate no one doubts will be elected, the only question being by how much.
http://www.haaretz.com/hasen/spages/523101.html


Battle for Israel's soul?
Prime Minister Ariel Sharon's plan to evacuate all of the illegal settlements in Gaza by September has rekindled the debate over just what Israel is: the most militarised state in the world or a regular secular democracy.
http://english.aljazeera.net/NR/exeres/BF141B52-751E-4FA2-9B65-E40F8401974D.htm


Member of major Iraqi Sunni party killed in Mosul
"Yesterday Omar Mahmoud Abdullah, a senior leader in the Iraqi Islamic Party was kidnapped from his pharmacy and hours later was killed," it said Wednesday. Many Sunni religious and political figures have called for a delay and some have even decided to boycott the vote altogether.
http://story.news.yahoo.com/news?tmpl=story&cid=1515&ncid=1515&e=17&u=/afp/20050105/wl_mideast_afp/iraqvotesunnis_050105104752


At least 20 killed in car bomb blast south of Baghdad
At least 20 people were killed Wednesday when a car bomb detonated outside a police academy south of Baghdad during a graduation ceremony, police sources said. The blast took place at the main gate of the academy in Hilla city, some 100 km south of Baghdad, the sources said.
http://news.xinhuanet.com/english/2005-01/05/content_2419876.htm


Congress expects $100 billion war request
It would be the third and largest Iraq-related budget request from the White House yet, and it could push the war's costs over $200 billion — far above initial White House estimates of $50 billion-$60 billion. So far, the Iraq war has cost about $130 billion, according to the White House's Office of Management and Budget.
http://uruknet.info/?s1=1&p=8611&s2=05


Multinational force soldier killed, two wounded in Iraq
The 10,000 strong Task Force Olympia, based in the northern city of Mosul, is dominated and led by the US military with only a very small contingent of Albanian and Australian soldiers. Four US soldiers and a marine were killed in other attacks in Iraq on Tuesday.
http://story.news.yahoo.com/news?tmpl=story&cid=1515&ncid=1515&e=19&u=/afp/20050105/wl_mideast_afp/iraqustoll_050105104136

January 04, 2005

German Coordination to “Stop the Wall in Palestine” Sponsors Speaking Tour by Jamal Juma' and Issues Call for Concrete Actions against Israel's Crimes
The German Coordination to “Stop the Wall in Palestine,” with its wide spectrum of members, is thus becoming an important network for Palestine solidarity. Despite the many Zionist pressures and an extreme lack of information among the German population, the Coordination group is slowly opening up spaces in the left and the peace movement
http://stopthewall.org/worldwideactivism/841.shtml


5 Days before the Palestinian Presidential Election, a Tank Shell Fired by Israeli Occupation Forces Kills 7 Palestinian Children and Seriously Injures 7 Others
In addition, 7 civilians, mostly children, were injured.  Four children are presently undergoing surgeries at Shifa Hospital in Gaza City.  Parts of their bodied were cut by shrapnel and they have not been so far identified.
http://pchrgaza.org/files/PressR/English/2005/5-2005.htm


Abuse of Palestinian detainees decried
"The soldiers kept them for over 16 hours under heavy rain and in harsh, cold weather," said the lawyer, Tawhid Shaaban. At least two of the community leaders Husain Amr, 51, and Fathi Amr, 53, reportedly fell ill during detention. Amr, a diabetic, also suffers from heart problems.
http://english.aljazeera.net/NR/exeres/4F636150-A69A-4177-B679-7798B70423B1.htm


19 arrested in Hebron
Tuesday morning, Israeli soldiers arrested at least 19 residents from several villages around Hebron, in the south of the West Bank, after invading them and breaking into dozens of homes.
http://www.imemc.org/headlines/2005/Jan/Week1/010405/Hebron%20arrests.htm


The Jenin Leader of Al-Quds Brigades arrested
A local source in Jenin reported that Israeli soldiers invaded the village of Aneen, imposed curfew and conducted military searches of homes and arrested Bilal Hosny Yassin, 22, who is also known as Al-Aneeny.
http://www.imemc.org/headlines/2005/Jan/Week1/010405/Quds.htm


Palestinian claims abduction of 2 IDF soldiers
The Voice of Palestine reported the abduction after someone called the radio station claiming that he had information on a kidnapped IDF officer and soldier.
http://www.jpost.com/servlet/Satellite?pagename=JPost/JPArticle/ShowFull&cid=1104808689665


MK proposes declaring Hebrew the sole state language
MK Arieh Eldad (National Union) suggested doing away with Arabic's status as an official language of Israel on Tuesday, angering Arab Knesset members. Hebrew and Arabic are both designated as official languages of Israel. In a proposed law put before the Knesset in honor of Hebrew Language Day
http://www.haaretz.com/hasen/spages/523041.html


2004: Hundreds die at Israel's hand
The Israeli army has killed or murdered hundreds of Palestinians who played no part in the ongoing Palestinian uprising against the Israeli occupation in 2004. The announcement comes in the annual report of Israeli human rights group B'tselem and refers to Palestinians in occupied Arab east Jerusalem, the West Bank and Gaza Strip.
http://english.aljazeera.net/NR/exeres/95180B36-2AAF-4309-AD3A-3DD7C8B28250.htm


Bank row with Palestine group
Royal Bank of Scotland is being targeted by Palestine and Muslim campaigners after it closed the bank account of a British-based pro-Palestinian organisation. Friends of Al Aqsa (FoAA), which says it promotes human rights in Palestine, has been given until January 15 by RBoS to find alternative banking arrangements.
http://www.theherald.co.uk/news/30834.html


Israel: Abbas's "Zionist enemy" comment intolerable
"Without a doubt, what Abu Mazen said was intolerable and unacceptable, and it cannot serve as a basis for any future cooperation," said Vice Premier Ehud Olmert, using Abbas' nom de guerre. ( Killing of Arab children is very tolerable in "democratic" Jewish State?)
http://www.alertnet.org/thenews/newsdesk/L04383535.htm


Abbas cancels participation in Gaza funeral
Palestinian sources close to the Fatah movement said that the cancellation came after Israeli helicopters hovered over the area and opened intensive heavy gunfire at the eastern part of the town.
http://news.xinhuanet.com/english/2005-01/04/content_2416025.htm


Lebanese Palestinians against holding PA elections
Nearly three quarters of the almost 350,000 Palestinian refugees in Lebanon oppose holding Palestinian presidential elections under Israeli occupation, an opinion poll published Tuesday showed.
http://www.jpost.com/servlet/Satellite?pagename=JPost/JPArticle/ShowFull&cid=1104808689435


South Africa sends observer mission to Palestinian elections
The South African government is sending an 11-member delegation to observe the Palestinian presidential election, Foreign Affairs officials said Tuesday.
http://www.haaretz.com/hasen/pages/ShArt.jhtml?itemNo=523033&contrassID=1&subContrassID=1&sbSubContrassID=0&listSrc=Y


Hundreds to monitor Palestinian elections
Former Swedish Prime Minister Carl Bildt and former New Jersey Gov. Christine Todd Whitman will join with Carter and election and human rights experts from nations in Africa, Europe, North America and Asia. The observers will begin meetings with Palestinians Wednesday and monitor the vote at 40 polling places.
http://washingtontimes.com/upi-breaking/20050104-055329-3508r.htm


Palestinian election committee moves to prevent voting fraud
The 2,800 ballot boxes, imported from Denmark, are partially transparent so they can be seen to be empty before voting starts. Another reason for their partial transparency, according to Dr. Hanna Nasser, head of the CEC, is to reassure Israeli soldiers at checkpoints that they contain only paper.
http://www.haaretz.com/hasen/pages/ShArt.jhtml?itemNo=522930&contrassID=1&subContrassID=1&sbSubContrassID=0&listSrc=Y


Actor Richard Gere encourages Palestinians to vote
Gere ended the 80-second announcement produced by the pro-peace group, "One Voice," with an appeal in Arabic: "Take part in the elections." The ad is to be aired on Palestinian TV and Arabic satellite channels in the next few days, said Fathi Darwish, a Palestinian director of "One Voice."
http://www.haaretz.com/hasen/pages/ShArt.jhtml?itemNo=522614&contrassID=1&subContrassID=8&sbSubContrassID=0&listSrc=Y


US preparing post-election boost in Palestinian aid
The Bush administration is considering a proposal to boost U.S. aid to the Palestinians this year by up to $200 million -- a more than two-fold increase -- to help shore up support for a newly elected president, sources close to the deliberations said on Tuesday.
http://www.alertnet.org/thenews/newsdesk/N04414745.htm


Turkish FM says ties with Israel remain strong
Tensions had escalated last May, when Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan condemned as "state terror" a deadly Israeli operation in the Rafah region of southern Gaza and Ankara temporarily recalled its ambassador.
http://story.news.yahoo.com/news?tmpl=story&cid=1515&ncid=1515&e=4&u=/afp/20050104/wl_mideast_afp/mideastisraelturkey_050104173710


Annan calls on Israelis and Palestinians to observe international obligations
Expressing concern over the deaths of seven Palestinian civilians during Israeli military operations in northern Gaza Strip on Monday after Palestinians there launched rocket attacks, United Nations Secretary-General Kofi Annan today called on both sides to fulfil their international obligations in the run-up to Palestinian elections next week.
http://www.un.org/apps/news/story.asp?NewsID=12959&Cr=&Cr1=


Palestinian Vote Must Produce Pro-Peace Leaders, U.S. Govt Says