February 16, 2005

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|  Today in Palestine!  16 - Feb - 2005  |
|           www.TheHeadlines.Org              |
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Court allows IDF to level Palestinian grove near Mofaz's home
The High Court Wednesday rejected a petition by Palestinian woman Zuheria Murshad, 72, to bar the IDF from uprooting 60 citrus trees in her grove, adjacent to Defense Minister Shaul Mofaz's home in Kochav Ya'ir. The decision paves the way for the military to clear an 80-meter radius for "security reasons." ( Destory Legal, for sake of Illegal! Talk about Peace! )
http://www.haaretzdaily.com/hasen/spages/541160.html


Barrier 'harms West Bank health'
Israel's West Bank barrier is blocking 10,000 chronically ill Palestinians from access to essential treatment, say three leading medical organisations. The organisations also said that over 100,000 pregnant women could suffer from the lack of access to healthcare.
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/middle_east/4268079.stm


Jerusalem Resident Delivers Baby Boy at Kalandia Israeli Checkpoint
Israeli soldiers at Qalandia checkpoint,near Jerusalem, denied access to a pregnant womanon her route to one of the Palestinian hospitals in Jerusalem. A medical crew belongs to Palestine Red Crescent Society (PRCS) could assist the woman in her delivery after 15 minutes a baby boy.
http://english.wafa.ps/body.asp?field=tech_news&id=2131


ILA admits using banned chemicals to spray Bedouin crops
The petition, filed in May 2004 by attorney Marwan Dalal of Adalah, the Legal Center for Arab Minority Rights in Israel, claims that "the spraying of crops endangers the life and health of human beings and animals, as well as their environment." Along with the petition, Adalah submitted an expert opinion that stated that crop spraying increases the chances of birth defects and statistical likelihood of developing cancer.
http://www.haaretz.com/hasen/pages/ShArt.jhtml?itemNo=540778&contrassID=1&subContrassID=7&sbSubContrassID=0&listSrc=Y


Gaza Strip evacuees able to move to West Bank
"I cannot prevent an individual who wants to use his compensation to buy a house in Gush Etzion [a southern West Bank settlement bloc] from doing so," Labour's Isaac Herzog, housing minister in Mr Sharon's coalition, said. "This would be totally within his rights." ( Who expects rights in Illegal State to be Legal? )
http://news.ft.com/cms/s/41c30642-7fc1-11d9-8ceb-00000e2511c8.html


Palestinian women experience major poverty induced by loss of spouses, UN says
Palestinian women are suffering massively from malnutrition, especially when they are pregnant and nursing, and have high rates of poverty as widowed heads of household, United Nations Secretary-General Kofi Annan says in a new report to a UN women's rights panel.
http://www.un.org/apps/news/story.asp?NewsID=13358&Cr=Middle&Cr1=Palestin


Gazan students unable to study in West Bank
Bashar Abu Shahala was studying in his room. The other three - Muhanna, Bashar Abu Salim and Mohammad Matar - chatted and watched television. Suddenly, they realized that soldiers were surrounding the house. The soldiers burst into the apartment shortly thereafter. "They treated us like criminals," Abu Shahala said. "They ordered us to gather our belongings and blindfolded us, handcuffed us.
http://www.haaretz.com/hasen/spages/540738.html


Israel provokes Palestinian resistance groups in Nablus, kills two
Since the announcement of the hudna ("cease-fire"), Nablus hasn't seen anything like a hudna. In what seems to have been a gun battle between the two resistance fighters and the Israeli troops (who were supported by a helicopter), both of them were shot and were left bleeding to death.
http://electronicintifada.net/v2/article3620.shtml


IDF kills two armed Palestinians near West Bank settlement
Al Aqsa members said the two armed men were guarding an abandoned Palestinian house near the settlement and were killed by Israeli troops without provocation. Al Aqsa members indicated they would retaliate.
http://www.haaretzdaily.com/hasen/spages/540698.html


Motion against targeted killings put on hold due to truce
Deputy state prosecutor, Shay Nitzan, quoted in the court session Prime Minister Ariel Sharon's announcement at the Sharm el-Sheikh summit last week, that parallel with the ceasing of violence on the part of Palestinians, 'Israel shall stop its military actions against Palestinians anywhere'.
http://www.haaretz.com/hasen/spages/541206.html


Israel publishes list of 500 Palestinian prisoners to be released
The Israeli prison service published a list Wednesday of 500 Palestinians who have been approved for release in the coming days as part of a package of goodwill gestures. The names are being published in order to allow Israelis to file appeals against any of those slated for release.
http://www.turkishpress.com/news.asp?ID=37420


Hebron Settlers Attack and badly injure two OD members in At-Tuwani
Shortly thereafter CPTer Sally Hunsburger, and 2 OD members appeared over the crest of the hill from herding in the direction of Tuba. Settlers reappeared, noticed the video camera and attacked the 2 OD team members.
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/cpthebron/message/554


Jordanian ambassador to Israel to return Sunday
Jordan said Wednesday that it is returning its ambassador to Israel on post Sunday, setting the stage for a normalizing of diplomatic relations between Amman and Tel Aviv after a four-year break.
http://www.haaretz.com/hasen/pages/ShArt.jhtml?itemNo=541037&contrassID=1&subContrassID=1&sbSubContrassID=0&listSrc=Y


Sharon firm on West Bank sites
He told a press conference that Jewish "population blocks" had been there for many years and that, in agreement with President George Bush, they "will be part of the Jewish state in the future". ( Peace = Zionists' illegal becomes legal, Palestinians give up legal rights!?? )
http://www.guardian.co.uk/israel/Story/0,2763,1415290,00.html


PA officials approve new cabinet
The makeup of the government was agreed to on Wednesday at a meeting of Abbas' Fatah movement. "I will present my Cabinet to the legislative council for approval on Tuesday," Prime Minister Ahmed Qureia said - referring to the Palestinia legislature - after the meeting.
http://www.haaretz.com/hasen/pages/ShArt.jhtml?itemNo=541136&contrassID=1&subContrassID=1&sbSubContrassID=0&listSrc=Y


ECHO Allocates €34 million for Aid to Palestinian People
The European Commission is one of the largest donors of humanitarian aid to the Palestinian population. Since the start of the Intifada in the Occupied Palestinian Territories in 2000, the EC's humanitarian aid department (ECHO) has provided €155 million in assistance to Palestinian people throughout the region.
http://english.wafa.ps/body.asp?field=tech_news&id=2133


Israeli MPs approve billion-dollar compensation package for Gaza settlers
Israel's planned pullout from the Gaza Strip took a major step forward when MPs approved a billion-dollar compensation package for the 8,000 Jewish settlers who are to be uprooted from their homes. A total of 59 members of the 120-seat Knesset voted for the evacuation-compensation bill in the third and final reading, while 40 voted against
http://story.news.yahoo.com/news?tmpl=story&cid=1515&ncid=1515&e=2&u=/afp/20050216/wl_mideast_afp/mideast_050216183258


Abbas authorizes death sentences for 'collaborators'
Chairman Mahmoud Abbas has authorized death sentences passed against three Palestinians who were found guilty of "collaboration" with Israel. It's not clear when the three men, whose identities were not revealed, would be executed by firing squad.
http://www.jpost.com/servlet/Satellite?pagename=JPost/JPArticle/ShowFull&cid=1108524044900


Fugitives to join PA security forces
This is the first time that members of Hamas and Islamic Jihad would serve in the PA security forces. "The fugitives who will join the security forces belong to all the Palestinian groups and factions," Naja said. "The move is designed to protect them against Israeli assassination attempts."
http://www.jpost.com/servlet/Satellite?pagename=JPost/JPArticle/ShowFull&cid=1108437732528


Jailed Palestinian leader sees continued bloodshed
Barghouthi, a grassroots figure in the four-year-old revolt, made his remarks to an Israeli newspaper on Wednesday as Israel's parliament met for a crucial vote on Prime Minister Ariel Sharon's plan to evacuate settlers from Gaza and parts of the West Bank.
http://today.reuters.co.uk/news/newsArticle.aspx?type=worldNews&storyID=2005-02-16T110855Z_01_JON639971_RTRUKOC_0_MIDEAST.xml


Blanket scorn for Mofaz decision to halt Ya'alon term
Senior IDF Staff officers said Wednesday that someone must have lost his sense of national responsiblity when reaching the decision to replace both IDF Chief of Staff Moshe Ya'alon and Shin Bet security service director Avi Dichter prior to the implementation of the disengagement plan.
http://www.haaretz.com/hasen/spages/541026.html


Herzog's Greater Jerusalem
Jerusalem's new neighborhoods, the ones that effectively separate the Arab eastern parts of the city and the West Bank, were built by Labor people and especially by former Jerusalem mayor, Teddy Kollek. It was also during Kollek's tenure that plans were made for the new neighborhood of Har Homa, an attempt to separate eastern Jerusalem and Bethlehem...
http://www.haaretz.com/hasen/spages/540773.html


The demographic key
But in effect there is nothing in the disengagement plan that has anything to do with demography. On the other hand, there is a direct connection between the demographic issue and the territorial exchange plan. According to all those plans the route of the geodemographic border was drawn according to the principle of territorial contiguity.
http://www.haaretz.com/hasen/spages/540753.html


Israeli absence good for UK Mideast talks - Shalom
"It was agreed with Prime Minister (Tony) Blair and Prime Minister (Ariel) Sharon that Israel will not participate in this convention while they are talking only about how to help the Palestinians," the Israeli minister told reporters.
http://www.alertnet.org/thenews/newsdesk/L16657420.htm


Getting tight with the Bible Belt
In Elon's view, it is a productive relationship; Evangelical churches in the United States, with a combined membership of more than 50 million, are the closest thing to the Yesha Council of settlements on the other side of the Atlantic. Church leaders believe the Land of Israel belongs to Jews, and that only after the Jews settle the land will Jesus be able to return.
http://www.haaretz.com/hasen/spages/540774.html


Protest Israeli president’s visit!
In March, Israeli president Moshe Katsav will tour Australia. We are calling upon all concerned with the systematic injustices of the Israeli state to take this chance to protest. We hope that this will be the first moment of new movements in this country opposed to apartheid Israel, as many opposed apartheid South Africa in the past...
http://stopthewall.org/worldwideactivism/855.shtml


MORE AMERICANS APPROVE OF ISRAEL & PALESTINIANS
More Americans — 29 percent — have a positive view of the Palestinian Authority than in any previous poll, although 62 percent still have a negative view of it. Also, 69 percent of the U.S. public, the highest level in nearly six years, regard Israel positively, according to the Gallup Poll.
http://www.nypost.com/news/worldnews/40676.htm


Sources: Israel satisfied by U.S. decision to recall Syria envoy
Political sources in Jerusalem expressed satisfaction Tuesday at the decision by the United States to recall its envoy from Syria following the assassination of former Lebanese prime minister Rafik Hariri in Beirut.
http://www.haaretz.com/hasen/pages/ShArt.jhtml?itemNo=540656&contrassID=1&subContrassID=1&sbSubContrassID=0&listSrc=Y


US ambassador meets Syrian FM
The agency said Mr Shara had "given Mrs Scobey a reply to the message that she, in turn, will transmit to the American secretary of state". SANA quoted Mrs Scobey as "expressing the hope of returning as quickly as possible to her post in Damascus".
http://www.news.com.au/story/0,10117,12276472-23109,00.html


Kidnapped Italian journalist appeals for end of occupation
"I beg you, put an end to the occupation. Press on the Italian government to end the occupation," Sgrena said in the video tape, aired by the Dubai-based al-Arabiya TV channel. "I came to Iraq at the end of January, to witness the situation of this people ... Hundreds of civilians were killed, among them children and old people.
http://news.xinhuanet.com/english/2005-02/16/content_2585190.htm

February 15, 2005

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|  Today in Palestine!  15 - Feb - 2005  |
|           www.TheHeadlines.Org              |
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Israel wall prevents healthcare
illegal West Bank seperation barrier is blocking some 10,000 chronically ill Palestinians from access to essential healthcare, three leading health organizations have charged. Medecins du Monde, the Palestinian Red Crescent Society and Physicians for Human Rights-Israel also said more than 100,000 pregnant women could face difficulties in child birth and 130,000 children will no longer be immunized once the 650-kilometer barrier is completed later this year.
http://english.aljazeera.net/NR/exeres/B534582B-6D77-4781-8E4F-9E8A0074C20F.htm


Israel Seizes Palestinian Groundwater
Deputy Chairman of Palestinian Water Authority (PWA), Fadel Kawash, said that Israel controlled 900 million cubic meters of the Jordanian basin and it is now seizing groundwater of the western Palestinian basin. ( Who'll be blamed for the failure of Peace Process? )
http://english.wafa.ps/body.asp?field=tech_news&id=2128


Israel plans barrier checkpoints
But even if checkpoints deep inside the West Bank were dismantled, Palestinians said, replacements along the barrier would turn it into a permanent political border with Israel, gobbling up land they want for a viable state. "It will kill Palestinian hopes and aspirations for independence," Palestinian cabinet minister Saeb Erekat said.
http://www.news.com.au/story/0,10117,12265116-23109,00.html


Israel plans new W.Bank settlement
Israel has plans to build a new settlement in the West Bank that could take in settlers uprooted from Gaza, officials say, drawing protest from Palestinians who fear losing land for a state they seek.But President George W. Bush said in 2004 that Israel could expect to keep some of the West Bank land under an accord.
http://www.swissinfo.org/sen/swissinfo.html?siteSect=143&sid=5539702


A Unilateral Exchange, Not a Disengagement
In practice, Israeli is running a unilateral exchange of Palestinian territories, not disengagement. The land Palestinians so far lost to the separation wall is much larger than areas Israel intends to evacuate under the disengagement plan. The Israeli Knesset is expected to approve the disengagement law on Wednesday.
http://www.imemc.org/headlines/2005/feb/week3/021505/unilateral-exch.htm


PALESTINE: Risks on Al Aqsa Mosque by Jewish Extremists Boom
"Israeli high level security sources warning of the Chances of an attack on the al Aqsa mosque by Jewish right-wing extremists are far great, that the Arab and Islamic world must join hands in reining in such a risk asserting that the Islamic and Arab silent will encourage the Jewish organizations to go ahead in their plots destroying the Al Aqsa mosque."
http://www.noticias.info/asp/aspComunicados.asp?nid=48371&src=0


Palestinian teenager shot dead
A 15-year-old Palestinian boy was shot dead late today by Israeli troops in the West Bank town of Beitunia near Ramallah, Palestinian medical and security sources said. Medical sources named the victim as Hani Khalil, and said a second boy, aged 14, was seriously injured in the incident near the vast separation barrier which Israel is building in the West Bank.
http://www.news.com.au/story/0,10117,12265967-23109,00.html


After 3 Years of his House seizure, Citizen Has Hopes to Get it Back
Sabir Aref 33, still has hopes to retrieve his house, located in Shufa village, south of Tulkarem, which Israeli Occupation Forces (IOF) took over since three years and turned it into a military post.
http://english.wafa.ps/body.asp?field=tech_news&id=2130


Israeli Forces Attack Peaceful Congregation in Hebron
Israeli occupation forces attacked a peaceful congregation of civilians and international peace activists, who were protesting the construction of a new colonial road in Hebron City. Israeli troops used heavy clubs and rifle butts to attack the peaceful demonstration, which included civilians, farmers and international peace activists.
http://www.ipc.gov.ps/ipc_new/english/details.asp?name=2643


Wael, Born inside Israeli Prison, Released with his Mother
Wael happened to be the youngest Palestinian prisoner. He was destined to suffer a prison authority which deprived him from all the toys and gifts the international institutions offered him. Wael was deprived from all his needs the way his mother was deprived from all her needs as a pregnant.
http://english.wafa.ps/body.asp?field=tech_news&id=2126


Kofi Annan bends to Israeli pressure, doesn't renew Hansen's contract
The Palestinian Network of NGOs issued a press release in response to UN Secretary General, Kofi Annan's, decision to not renew UNRWA head Peter Hansen's contract after nine years. Hansen was a regular target of the Israeli government who tried to have him removed from his position several times.
http://www.palestinenet.org/english/archive2005/feb/week3/150205/15febpngo.htm


2 Border Policemen found guilty of abusing Palestinians
The Tel Aviv Magistrate's Court on Tuesday convicted two former Border Policemen of assault and abuse of 16 bound Palestinian detainees in an incident three years ago. The Palestinians were handcuffed, led to a bus and continously beaten by the two. ( Only the two?! )
http://www.haaretz.com/hasen/spages/540631.html


PA making big plans for evacuated Gaza property
Palestinian ministries are busy preparing for the post-disengagement era in Gush Katif and the northwest corner of Gaza, planning among other things for the construction of thousands of apartments in the areas evacuated in Gush Katif, to resettle refugees now living in camps in Gaza.
http://www.haaretz.com/hasen/pages/ShArt.jhtml?itemNo=540286&contrassID=1&subContrassID=1&sbSubContrassID=0&listSrc=Y


Prisoners release postponed until Monday
Monday at night, an Israeli source reported that the Israeli High Court will review appeals submitted by Israelis against the release of Palestinian detainees; Israeli army announced that it postponed the release of the 500 detainees until next Monday.
http://www.imemc.org/headlines/2005/feb/week3/021505/until-Monday.htm


Prisoners released without consultation: Palestine
"It is not what we want," Palestinian Cabinet minister Saeb Erekat said. "It is not what our people want." He said the prisoners included those who had already completed their sentence or near of completion. Palestinians want Israel to release prisoners who have spent more than 20 years in jail.
http://www.geo.tv/main_files/world.aspx?id=64865


Sharon : “ Israel will coordinate pullout with the P.A”
In a statement which was described as a “clearest”, Sharon said that disengagement from Gaza will be coordinated with the P.A, the statements of Sharon came during a press conference with the Foreign Press Association in Jerusalem.
http://www.imemc.org/headlines/2005/feb/week3/021505/coordinate.htm


new Palestinian cabinet to be announced in 24 hours: Abbas
Palestinian leader Mahmoud Abbas said on Tuesday that a new Palestinian cabinet will be announced in 24 hours. Nasser el-Qedwa, representative of the Palestinian National Authority in the United Nations, will hold the post of foreign minister to replace Nabil Shaath. Nabil Amro will hold the post of information minister.
http://news.xinhuanet.com/english/2005-02/16/content_2581164.htm


IDF chief opposes transfer of Jericho village to Palestinians
Israel Defense Forces Chief of Staff Lieutenant General Moshe Ya'alon said Tuesday that the military is opposed to transferring the West Bank village of Uja, on the northern outskirts of Jericho, to the Palestinian Authority, thus negating Palestinian claims that an agreement had been reached on the handover of Jericho and its environs.
http://www.haaretz.com/hasen/spages/540581.html


Pullout from Jericho must include surrounding areas: Dahlan
Former Palestinian Interior Minister Mohammed Dahlan said on Tuesday that a Palestinian delegation will not accept security handover of the West Bank city of Jericho without surrounding areas.
http://news.xinhuanet.com/english/2005-02/15/content_2581005.htm


U.S. reevaluating Israel travel warning
"We are now evaluating the travel warning [to Israel] because of the new political and security context," a U.S. official said, adding the United States was not yet considering lifting the travel warning to the West Bank and Gaza Strip. ( Wonder why Gaza & West Bank are unsafe? )
http://www.haaretz.com/hasen/pages/ShArt.jhtml?itemNo=540292&contrassID=1&subContrassID=1&sbSubContrassID=0&listSrc=Y


Russia may ship military vehicles to Palestine
A high-ranking Russian official on Tuesday offered to ship military vehicles to the Palestinian territories to reinforce their security, but only with Israel's prior consent, Interfax news agency reported.
http://news.xinhuanet.com/english/2005-02/16/content_2581173.htm


Sharon forges ahead with Gaza pullout plan despite opposition
A vote on the bill is not expected until Wednesday with around 100 deputies of the 120-seat Knesset likely to speak at the debate. Some ultra-nationalist opponents of the pullout have said that they intend to read the names of each Gaza settler during their speeches and add the title "Jew, designated for expulsion" to each one.
http://story.news.yahoo.com/news?tmpl=story&cid=1503&ncid=1503&e=4&u=/afp/20050215/ts_afp/mideast_050215121003


Israel fears Jewish terror
The minister, Gideon Ezra, said he was prepared to invoke emergency detention laws normally used against Palestinians because of concern that rising incitement was creating a climate similar to that which led to the assassination of Yitzhak Rabin a decade ago.
http://www.guardian.co.uk/israel/Story/0,2763,1414802,00.html


Sharon's brinkmanship with the right
While Mahmoud Abbas spoke about the road map, Sharon concentrated on the short term. He proposed a deal to Abbas. The Palestinian Authority will keep the quiet during the evacuation and get the keys to the settlements. Sharon's stick will be "a reaction unprecedented in its intensity" if the evacuation takes place under Palestinian fire.
http://www.haaretz.com/hasen/spages/540257.html


IS PALESTINE TO BE A STATE OR A PRISON?
The late Palestinian leader, Yasser Arafat, always refused to accept any deal that left Israel with 100% of Jerusalem and large swathes of the West Bank. He insisted on some limited right of return for Palestinian refugees and creation of a viable, independent state on the West Bank and Gaza. Abbas has remained mute about these vital questions.
http://www.ericmargolis.com/archives/2005/02/is_palestine_to.php


Abu Mazen: Palestine's last best hope
After the declarations at Sharm al-Sheikh this month, it seems Abu Mazen might pull off his gamble: a ceasefire with Hamas, Islamic Jihad and the al-Aqsa Martyrs Brigades, all integrated within the Palestinian security forces. But will Israel keep its promises? And will the United States and the international community give him the support he needs?
http://mondediplo.com/2005/02/07mazen


Future of Hamas is Future of Palestine
With the dynamism it has shown in the armed struggle and its public services performances, Hamas has become a group that will leave its mark on the future of Palestine, because any decision made by this organization has more effect than any pledge made by the Palestinian president.
http://www.zaman.com/?bl=columnists&alt=&trh=20050215&hn=16581


U.S. orders its envoy to Syria home after Hariri's death
Before departing, U.S. Ambassador Margaret Scobey delivered a stern note, called a demarche in diplomatic parlance, to the Syrian government, a U.S. official, who spoke on condition of anonymity, said Tuesday.
http://www.haaretz.com/hasen/spages/540656.html


US accused of plan to muzzle al-Jazeera through privatisation
Washington has been particularly irritated by the station's coverage of civilian casualties and destruction caused by US troops in Iraq, and by its airing of messages from Osama bin Laden, the al-Qa'ida leader. In Iraq and some other Arab countries, al-Jazeera offices have been shut down.
http://news.independent.co.uk/world/middle_east/story.jsp?story=611218


Iraqi Shiite coalition names Jafari as PM candidate
Iraq's Shiite coalition that won the country's Jan. 30 elections on Tuesday named interim Vice President and leader of Dawa party Ibrahim al-Jafari as candidate for prime minister, the Dubai-based al-Arabiya TV channel reported.
http://news.xinhuanet.com/english/2005-02/16/content_2581034.htm

February 14, 2005

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|  Today in Palestine!  14 - Feb - 2005  |
|           www.TheHeadlines.Org              |
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Who Broke the Ceasefire (First)?
However, these media are either marginalizing or not reporting at all some very relevant facts, in particular that Israeli troops killed two unarmed Palestinians in separate incidents prior to the attacks, and that the rocket and mortar attacks were carried out explicitly as a response to the killings. On at least three counts, Israel should therefore be held responsible for endangering the calm in the region.
http://www.miftah.org/Display.cfm?DocId=6631&CategoryId=3


Gush Shalom: “Hands of Israeli leaders are also bloody”
Also, Gush Shalom said that Israeli should start releasing the sick and aged detainees, especially the detainees who were arrested before the Oslo agreement. The Israeli Peace Bloc also slammed Sharon and his policy of annexing Palestinian lands and the annexation wall erected in the West Bank.
http://www.imemc.org/headlines/2005/feb/week2/021405/Gush%20Shalom.htm


IOF Kills Child in Hebron
Witnesses revealed that a 16-year-old child was shot dead with several bullets by an Israeli soldier who was driving a bulldozer in the old city of Hebron.They affirmed that the unidentified child was walking with his friends when the Israeli soldier unjustifiably targeted him with several bullets.
http://english.wafa.ps/body.asp?field=tech_news&id=2125


Child killed in Hebron
A local source in Hebron told IMEMC correspond ant that soldiers shot dead a 15-year-old child in the southern West Bank city of Hebron. IMEMC correspond ant stated that residents in the area said that the child did not attempt to attack the soldiers, and the he was shot one bullet to his leg, followed by four other bullets.
http://www.imemc.org/headlines/2005/feb/week2/021405/Child-Hebron.htm


AMW 3-month analysis of BBC Radio 4 Today programme
The effect of the barrier was mainly discussed from an Israeli perspective, on two separate occasions during this period. Once was relating to the ICJ judgement that was due when an Israeli lawyer strayed from the subject of the ruling to the reason for the barrier and was not admonished. The other occasion was an item on the positive effects of the barrier from an Israeli perspective.
http://www.arabmediawatch.com/modules.php?name=News&file=article&sid=2496


Protesters throw stones at police as thousands rally against pullout
Ten police officers were lightly hurt Monday evening in clashes with right-wing activists Monday as thousands of people demonstrated against the disengagement plan across the country, Israel Radio reported. ( ZERO injured, opposite to Anti-Apartheid demonstations! )
http://www.haaretz.com/hasen/spages/540195.html


Israel is failing the moral test
According to Israeli authorities, one reason for my arrest two weeks ago in Biddu and my denial of entry into Israel in 2003 is that I "organized and participated in illegal demonstrations." Israeli authorities frequently use the term "illegal demonstrations" to describe peaceful protests against Israeli government violations of international law.
http://www.haaretz.com/hasen/spages/539812.html


Come to Palestine, come stay with friends
The brochure promises prospective participants a trip "designed to develop relationships, break down stereotypes, foster philanthropic efforts and forge strategic partnerships to strengthen communities in the region," through living and studying in the Bethlehem area.
http://www.haaretz.com/hasen/spages/539778.html


Abbas Declares War With Israel Effectively Over
Mr. Sharon's commitment to withdraw from Gaza and dismantle all Israeli settlements there and four in the West Bank, despite "how much pressure is on him from the Israeli Likud rightists," Mr. Abbas said, "is a good sign to start with" on the road to real peace. "And now he has a partner," Mr. Abbas said. ( Abbas blamming Arafat? )
http://nytimes.com/2005/02/14/international/middleeast/14abbas.html?hp&ex=1108443600&en=3314c5810db3294e&ei=5094&partner=homepage


PM Qorei to lead Palestinian delegation at London conference
Blair announced the conference on a visit to Israel and the Palestinian territories in December. Ironically Qorei had criticised the idea of a conference at the time, taking umbrage at any suggestion that Palestinians needed "grooming" for independence.
http://story.news.yahoo.com/news?tmpl=story&cid=1515&ncid=1515&e=12&u=/afp/20050214/wl_mideast_afp/mideastpalestinianbritain_050214171252


PM: Evacuation from Gaza, northern W. Bank to take 12 weeks
Sharon also told a meeting of the Foreign Affairs and Defense Committee in Jerusalem that he would seek cabinet approval on Monday for the evacuation of Gaza and four settlements in the northern West Bank.
http://www.haaretz.com/hasen/spages/539775.html


Why do suicide bombers do it? new feature film asks
"For me it's very clear the occupation is the cause to force these people to do it," he said, speaking in English. "This is a mythical story: to kill yourself (along) with the enemy ... I am re-writing the myth from the human point of view, the Palestinian point of view, from the real point of view."
http://www.alertnet.org/thenews/newsdesk/L14393506.htm


PLO Reiterates Significance of Heading toward Final Solution
Executive Committee (EC) of the Palestinian Liberation Organization (PLO) reiterated Sunday the significance of heading toward a peaceful and comprehensive solution for all the final status issues.
http://english.wafa.ps/body.asp?field=tech_news&id=2124

Sharon cracks down on extremist settlers
Dalia Rabin, whose father, Yitzhak, was assassinated by a far-right fanatic in 1995, warned: "If we don't do enough now to stop the deterioration, we will again see the terrible spectacle of a prime minister assassinated." The Yedioth Ahronoth newspaper quoted a police source as saying 84 senior officials were under protection because of concern for their lives.
http://news.independent.co.uk/world/middle_east/story.jsp?story=610874


Palestinians want help, advice at London meet
Palestinians will call for international help in reforming their institutions and vocal backing for their policies at a meeting in London next month, their envoy to Britain told Reuters on Monday.
http://www.alertnet.org/thenews/newsdesk/L14493129.htm


Palestinians set to take control in Jericho on Tuesday
Israeli soldiers rarely operate in the sleepy Jordan valley town so the transfer is mainly of symbolic value although it will also serve as a trial run for similar transfers in four other areas, including Ramallah which serves as the political capital of the Palestinian Authority.
http://story.news.yahoo.com/news?tmpl=story&cid=1512&ncid=1312&e=9&u=/afp/20050214/wl_afp/mideastisraelpalestiniansecurity_050214084117


PCBS: Consumer Price Index Increased by 1.21% during January 2005
In a press release issued today, PCBS said that" the consumer price index numbers in the Palestinian Territories for the base year (1996=100), reached 147.02 for January 2005, recording a 1.21% increases compared with December 2004".
http://english.wafa.ps/body.asp?field=tech_news&id=2123


Militant settlers issue fresh threats to Sharon
The twin developments on Sunday showed that just as Israeli-Palestinian fighting winds down in the wake of a truce declared at a summit meeting last Tuesday, internal Israeli tensions are escalating into warnings of political assassinations. Israeli security services on Sunday announced increased protection of public officials, reports Reuters.
http://www.csmonitor.com/2005/0214/dailyUpdate.html


Intelligence or diplomacy?
The return to Israel of the Egyptian and Jordanian ambassadors - a first appointment has already been announced, under American pressure, but Cairo does not appear to be in any hurry - will be more symbolic than substantive when it occurs.
http://www.haaretz.com/hasen/spages/539815.html


Palestinian militants hold fire
Hamas's position is seen as ensuring in the short term that there is no Palestinian infighting, and as a boost to Abbas's ability to make good on a commitment he made - reciprocated by Israel - at last week's summit in Sharm el-Sheikh, Egypt, to halt violence, Palestinian analysts say.
http://www.csmonitor.com/2005/0214/p01s02-wome.htm


Message to a rebel
Even though you are a minority, you are trying to prevent the disengagement and to that end, are holding the state budget for 2005 hostage. Last week you were not even embarrassed to send the prime minister an ultimatum: Agree to a referendum and get a budget; don't agree, and you won't get a budget. A referendum is nothing less than a transparent excuse meant to hide your true goals: to remain in Gaza.
http://www.haaretz.com/hasen/spages/539814.html


Chirac rejects FM's request to add Hezbollah to EU terror list
During a meeting with Shalom on Monday afternoon, Chirac said France's efforts in the coming weeks will be focused primarily on the democratic process in Lebanon and the upcoming elections to be held in two months.
http://www.haaretz.com/hasen/spages/540152.html


Head of Christian party abducted in Iraq: Arabiya TV
Kidnappers have abducted the head ofa Christian party in Iraq, demanding the withdrawal of US troops, Al Arabiya television reported Monday. The television gave no further details.
http://news.xinhuanet.com/english/2005-02/14/content_2576528.htm


Polls will stiffen Kurdish resolve to achieve maximum autonomy under new constitution
Kurdish aspirations for a semi-autonomous Kurdistan within Iraq were given a strong fillip by yesterday's official election results, which gave the main Kurdish parties more than a quarter of the overall vote.
http://news.ft.com/cms/s/59b25990-7e2e-11d9-ac22-00000e2511c8.html


Bush congratulates Iraqi candidates in final election results
The Bush administration said Monday it looks forward to working with Iraq's new leaders and said the United States is confident that Baghdad is committed to an ''inclusive and representative'' government.
http://www.boston.com/dailynews/045/wash/Bush_congratulates_Iraqi_candi:.shtml


Oil pipeline attacked in northern Iraq
Unidentified attackers blew up an oil pipeline near the northern Iraqi city of Kirkuk and set it on fire, police said on Monday. The attack took place at the al-Dibbis oil field north of Kirkuk on Sunday evening, they said.
http://news.xinhuanet.com/english/2005-02/14/content_2577643.htm


Shia victory is blow to US line on Iran's N-arms
Sciri and Daawa members insist they are not beholden to Iran, but nonetheless feel kinship with the former exile home. One key Alliance politician warned that the US could not count on their support against Iran if Washington or its allies struck Iran's nuclear facilities, something the US has not ruled out.
http://news.ft.com/cms/s/bb316aaa-7e2c-11d9-ac22-00000e2511c8.html


EU executive hails 'step forward' in Iraq
"I congratulate those who will now have the task of building a governing coalition," Ferrero-Waldner said. But she added: "I trust they will ensure full representation of Iraq's diverse society in the political process, and in particular in the drafting of the constitution."
http://story.news.yahoo.com/news?tmpl=story&cid=1515&ncid=1515&e=10&u=/afp/20050214/wl_mideast_afp/iraqvotereaxeu_050214112243


Shiites reach out to Sunnis after Iraq vote triumph
Iraq's long-oppressed Shiites were basking in their electoral triumph but pledged to reach out to rival Sunnis whose political isolation could further threaten the country's stability. The Sunnis, out of power for the first time in modern Iraq, will be left with scraps in the next executive.
http://story.news.yahoo.com/news?tmpl=story&cid=1515&ncid=1515&e=2&u=/afp/20050214/wl_mideast_afp/iraq_050214185743

February 13, 2005

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Outpost Survey in the Occupied Territories – 2004
Two outpost dismantled; One outpost dismantled and rebuilt; Three new outposts erected; 12 outposts were expanded significantly; Permanent construction is being carried out in 15 outposts; Up to today there are 99 outposts in the West Bank...
http://www.peacenow.org.il/site/en/peace.asp?pi=61&docid=1167


PA: Prisoners' release' list, disappointing
According to the ministry media department, the list includes the names of 193 administrative detainees- Palestinians detained over secret evidences, without proper court procedures- 77 of the prisoners listed would end their prison term in less than a month, and excludes prisoners who spent long prison terms, female and child prisoners.
http://www.imemc.org/headlines/2005/feb/week2/021305/prisoers%20release%20disappointing.htm


MPA: 321 Child Prisoners in Israeli Prisons
Ministry of Prisoners Affairs (MPA) said that since the outbreak of "Al-Aqsa" Intifada in September 2000, about 3,000 Palestinian children have been arrested, 321 of them are still in jail including 11 girls. Also, the Palestinian child prisoners are denied the right to education.
http://english.wafa.ps/body.asp?field=tech_news&id=2121


PCHR Organizes a Workshop on the Draft Amended Law of Judicial Authority
On Sunday morning, 13 February 2005, PCHR organized a workshop in its offices in Gaza City on the draft amended law of judicial authority, in the context of its efforts to ensure the independence and fairness of the Palestinian judiciary.
http://www.pchrgaza.org/files/PressR/English/2005/36-2005.htm


Palestinian fighters' bodies to be returned
Medics from Magen David Adom emergency medical service said that in coordination with the Israeli army and the health ministries of both sides, Israel would hand over the bodies of the 15 Palestinians at the Erez border crossing in Gaza on Monday.
http://english.aljazeera.net/NR/exeres/DAA38452-549B-47FC-908F-B7B9777C2CFB.htm


Settlers clash with police at WB outpost
Following a clash with Israeli soldiers on Friday over the placed caravan, settlers promised to remove it by the beginning of the current week. A violent confrontation broke out as Border Police tried to prevent the settlers from hooking up the caravan. ( IOF deals much faster with Anti-Apartheid Israelis !! )
http://www.imemc.org/headlines/2005/feb/week2/021305/settlers%20clash%20with%20soldiers.htm


Seven settlers indicted after violent Gaza protest
According to Israel Defense Forces sources, the settlers threw stones at Palestinians and tried to pull Palestinian drivers out of their vehicles in attempts to commandeer them. The settlers resisted police efforts to remove the Gaza residents' blockade. Seven people in their 20s were detained and have been under arrest since Friday.
http://www.haaretz.com/hasen/spages/539689.html


Compensation bill faces vote Sunday
The decisive vote lies in the hands of MK Azmi Bishara (Balad). At least eight of the 17 committee members are expected to vote against the disengagement plan Sunday.
http://www.haaretz.com/hasen/pages/ShArt.jhtml?itemNo=539406&contrassID=1&subContrassID=7&sbSubContrassID=0&listSrc=Y


Knesset panel okays evacuation compensation bill
The larger than expected majority was reached only after MKs Azmi Bishara (Balad) and Avraham Ravitz (Degel Hatorah) voted in favor of the bill.
http://www.haaretz.com/hasen/spages/539756.html


HAMAS and Islamic Jihad Comply de Facto Ceasefire
Palestinian leader Mahmoud Abbas has pursuaded the Islamic Resistance Movement (HAMAS) and the Islamic Jihad to comply with the ceasefire with Israel. Leaders of the two organizations met with Abbas in Gaza and declared that they will "comply with the de facto ceasefire with Israel"...
http://www.zaman.com/?bl=international&alt=&trh=20050213&hn=16510


Israeli, PA officials due to finalize Jericho handover
IDF Brigadier General Gadi Eisenkut and his Palestinian regional counterpart, General Haj Ismail, were slated to meet Sunday night to finalize details for handing over the West Bank city of Jericho to Palestinian security control, Israel Radio reported.
http://www.haaretz.com/hasen/pages/ShArt.jhtml?itemNo=539403&contrassID=1&subContrassID=5&sbSubContrassID=0&listSrc=Y


Hamas opposes US envoy Ward
Hamas said on Sunday that it is strongly opposed to the US decision to appoint Lt.-Gen. William Ward as Middle East security envoy, and expressed fear that the move was aimed at putting pressure on the Palestinian Authority security forces to crack down on armed Palestinian groups.
http://www.jpost.com/servlet/Satellite?pagename=JPost/JPArticle/ShowFull&cid=1108264748453


Israel approves release of 500 Palestinian prisoners
Both men have declared an end to hostilities after four years of bloodshed but the success of Abbas's efforts to persuade the likes of Hamas to also hold their fire is in part dependent on the whole prisoners issue.
http://www.turkishpress.com/world/news.asp?id=050213163330.5w97str4.xml


PM: Practical steps must be taken against right-wing extremists
Ben-Eliezer, who was born in Iraq, presented to the cabinet a threatening letter that read: "Arab blood is flowing through your veins, and for this you must leave Israel and return to Iraq to defend Saddam Hussein. You are contemptible. You are a miserable Iraqi with Arab-Nazi blood flowing through your veins."
http://www.haaretz.com/hasen/spages/539633.html


Israel considers buying natural gas from Gaza
Prime Minister Ariel Sharon and Infrastructure Minister Binyamin Ben-Eliezer agreed in a meeting last Wednesday to investigate the possibility of purchasing Palestinian natural gas from offshore drilling performed by British Gas off the coast of the Gaza Strip.
http://www.haaretz.com/hasen/pages/ShArt.jhtml?itemNo=539634&contrassID=1&subContrassID=7&sbSubContrassID=0&listSrc=Y


Four Israelis arrested for trying to sell Palestinian land
At the start of last week, police arrested Issa Safouri, a 34-year-old Nazareth resident and a member of the Likud Central Committee who is thought to have made of use of forged documents and located the American buyer.
http://www.haaretz.com/hasen/pages/ShArt.jhtml?itemNo=539667&contrassID=1&subContrassID=7&sbSubContrassID=0&listSrc=Y


Israel lets 200 Gaza workers cross
Israel has let more than 200 labourers enter from the Gaza Strip for the first time in months in a gesture to Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas as he tries to strengthen a ceasefire agreed last week.
http://www.swissinfo.org/sen/Swissinfo.html?siteSect=143&sid=5534766


Tali Fahima asks court to ease terms of her imprisonment
The conditions, the petitions states, are having an adverse effect on her mental health. Fahima is accused of translating and reading to Al-Aqsa Martyrs' Brigades members sensitive material the Israel Defense Forces had lost during an operation in the West Bank city of Jenin in May 2004.
http://www.haaretz.com/hasen/spages/539726.html


From Aqaba To Sharm - Fake Peace Festivals
This, in the media world, is coupled with the faith that Israel is finally led by a man of peace. Sharon, who might have had some problems in the past, so the story goes, has changed his skin, and now he is leading Israel to painful concessions. There is once again talk of cooperation, public embraces and peace conferences.
http://www.zmag.org/content/showarticle.cfm?SectionID=107&ItemID=7239


Good morning to the Israeli left
After an eternally long hibernation, we are starting to hear the sounds of its awakening. Only when the wind is once again blowing in its direction - and not because of anything it did - does the extra-parliamentary left dare to come out of the closet where it locked itself up more than four years ago.
http://www.haaretz.com/hasen/spages/539390.html


Men of the moment / Low-key Palestinian leader could earn elusive Israeli trust
Those who know Abbas say yes. Abbas, they say, has a demonstrated integrity and a selflessness that become evident to anyone who meets him, and these traits are well-known to Israeli leaders, including Sharon. The result: Israelis are willing to trust Abbas in ways they would not trust Arafat.
http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?file=/chronicle/archive/2005/02/13/ING2AB8FQ21.DTL


Peres to meet Shas' spiritual leader on coalition
The move, so far reported as a private initiative, not coordinated with the Israeli Prime Minister's Office, came as the so far minority cabinet is facing huge difficulties in passing vital bills within the sate institutions in order to approve its decisions.
http://www.imemc.org/headlines/2005/feb/week2/021305/peres%20to%20meet%20yousif.htm


Iran starts production of torpedoes
"Iran's marine units have now achieved an effective weapon witha complicated and modern technology in confronting surface andunder-sea threats," Shamkhani said, adding the torpedoes could bemounted on helicopters, surface vessels and submarines.
http://news.xinhuanet.com/english/2005-02/13/content_2574137.htm


The Problem with Western Democracy
A recent online poll carried out by the Arabic website of Al Jazeera satellite television found that more than 80 percent of respondents distrust "Western democracy." The results simply restated the obvious. The query, of course, hardly meant to question "Western democracy" in its own right, but rather its imposition on the Arab world.
http://www.ramallahonline.com/modules.php?name=News&file=article&sid=2097


On This Day 1991: US bombers strike civilians in Baghdad
Iraqi foreign minister Tariq Aziz said: "This was a criminal, pre-meditated, planned attack against civilians."The final death toll was 314 including 130 children, after one of the 900kg bombs exploded in the middle of the largest upstairs room and the other blew up and blocked a ventilation shaft.
http://news.bbc.co.uk/onthisday/hi/dates/stories/february/13/newsid_2541000/2541107.stm


Shia parties triumph in Iraq poll
The two main Kurdish parties were in second place with about a quarter of the votes, followed by the alliance led by interim Prime Minister Iyad Allawi. Many Sunni Muslims, who dominated Iraq under Saddam Hussein, boycotted the elections on 30 January. Shia leaders say they will try to draw them into the political process.
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/middle_east/4261035.stm


Iraqi General Dead; 3 U.S. Soldiers Killed
Insurgents also fired a rocket at the governor's building in Mosul, killing one woman and one man, as well as injuring four others, officials at the hospital said. Two Iraqi National Guard troops were killed on Mosul's airport road while trying to diffuse a roadside bomb, police said.
http://story.news.yahoo.com/news?tmpl=story&cid=540&ncid=540&e=5&u=/ap/20050213/ap_on_re_mi_ea/iraq


US troops to withdraw from Ramadi: Iraqi official
US forces will withdraw from the city of Ramadi in the restive Anbar province to pave the way for Iraqi security forces to take up responsibility in the country,an official said Sunday.
http://news.xinhuanet.com/english/2005-02/14/content_2576300.htm


Allawi Likely to Be Key in New Government
The Shiites, with their 48 percent share, will be forced to reach out to other groups to form a government, and Allawi is expected to play a key role in the negotiations and end up with an influential role. Allawi, 60, has been negotiating with other Iraqi forces, including Kurds and Sunnis, since shortly after the vote two weeks ago to ensure he won't be sidelined.
http://story.news.yahoo.com/news?tmpl=story&cid=540&ncid=540&e=2&u=/ap/20050213/ap_on_re_mi_ea/iraq_allawi

February 12, 2005

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Other Voices: Presbyterians advocate peace
The actions of the Presbyterian Church had nothing to do with uniting or dividing the American-Jewish community, but rather were about a willingness to listen to and engage a people whose voices had been silenced. If anyone should understand what that is like, the Jewish people should.
http://www.dailypress.com/news/opinion/dp-63344sy0feb11,0,2399424.story?coll=dp-opinion-editorials


MK Elon reaches out to evangelicals
"The state hasn't done enough to reach out to our strategic partners, the Christian lovers of Israel," Elon said. "Whoever knows the Bible is aware that our role is to be a light unto the nations, so it is our responsibility to reach out to the Christians as part of our redemption process."
http://www.jpost.com/servlet/Satellite?pagename=JPost/JPArticle/ShowFull&cid=1108005883795&p=1078027574097


Erakat: West Bank deportees to return
Over the past two years, Israel has deported 56 West Bank residents to the Gaza Strip on security grounds. Another 13 Palestinians, who were involved in the siege of Bethlehem's Church of the Nativity in April 2002, were deported to Europe. A senior Israeli source confirmed that an agreement had been reached but could not say exactly when the deportees would return.
http://english.aljazeera.net/NR/exeres/82343867-343E-44CA-AF6C-F51EB54BDD19.htm


Film portrays 'human face' of suicide bombers
Hany Abu-Assad, its Palestinian director, hoped there would not be protests. "The film is meant to open discussion, not tell you what you know," he told the Guardian. "I am giving a human face to the suicide bombers, but I am also critical... I was making an honest film. They are human beings. That is the reality."
http://www.guardian.co.uk/israel/Story/0,2763,1411346,00.html


IOF Turns 2 Houses into Military Barracks, Besieges Security Post in WB
Massive Israeli troops broke into the houses of Munzer Da'na and his brother Nasry, demanding the 26 family members to leave out shortly before they seized the two houses, located in the neighbourhood, turning them into military barracks, witnesses added.
http://english.wafa.ps/body.asp?field=tech_news&id=2119


Gush Shalom: Sharon Seizes Lands and Talks about Peace
The statement demonstrated also that the so-called Israeli military commander of the central region, has ordered confiscation of vast areas of Palestinain lands owned by hundreds of families in the Touana village, south of the Hebron mountain area in the West Bank.
http://www.ipc.gov.ps/ipc_new/english/details.asp?name=2545


PCHR Condemns an Attack by Armed Persons at Gaza Central Prison
PCHR strongly condemns an attack by a number of armed persons early Thursday morning against Gaza Central Prison, which left 2 prisoners dead and a number of members of the police injured.  The attackers also kidnapped a third prisoner to the central Gaza Strip and tortured and killed him.
http://www.pchrgaza.org/files/PressR/English/2005/34-2005.htm


Palestinian exiles allowed back home as Abbas looks to confirm truce
They "will be allowed back in on condition they undertake to abandon violence and live under close Palestinian Authority (PA) supervision," an Israeli official said. According to Palestinian officials the deal is to be implemented within two weeks.
http://www.aljazeera.com/cgi-bin/news_service/middle_east_full_story.asp?service_id=7010


Israeli, PA officials meet in TA to coordinate security plans
Defense Minister Shaul Mofaz was meeting Saturday evening with Palestinian cabinet secretary Hassan Abu Libdeh, Palestinian Negotiations Minister Saeb Erekat, and senior PA security official Mohammed Dahlan, over transferring control of several West Bank cities to Palestinian Authority control, and other security metters.
http://www.haaretz.com/hasen/spages/539330.html


Abbas Threatens to 'Use Force' Against Palestinian Armed Groups
In response to attacks organized against Jewish settlements on the Gaza Strip after the cease-fire reached last Tuesday (February 8), the Palestinian President has warned that force would be used against those not obeying the cease-fire.
http://www.zaman.com/?bl=international&alt=&trh=20050212&hn=16482


Abbas demands militant leaders in Gaza abide by cease-fire
Israeli Deputy Prime Minister Shimon Peres and Palestinian Negotiations Minister Saeb Erekat also met to discuss ways to jumpstart the peace process, in a bid to keep the momentum going after Tuesday's landmark summit.
http://www.dailystar.com.lb/article.asp?edition_id=10&categ_id=2&article_id=12635


Barghouti calls for talks between factions
The imprisoned former Fatah leaderin the West Bank Marwan Barghouti has called for intensified dialogue between the Palestinian Authority and various factions toreach a comprehensive national agreement on all issues including cease-fire with Israel.
http://news.xinhuanet.com/english/2005-02/12/content_2573935.htm


Palestinian source: “ Israel agreed to cease assassinations outside P.A areas”
Letters detailing the agreement were delivered by the Palestinian delegation to Hamas and the Islamic Jihad leaders in exile, after the summit, the Palestinian Authority considered the pledge as a positive development.
http://www.imemc.org/headlines/2005/feb/week2/021205/agreed.htm


Security Coordinator Plans Regional Talks
Army Lt. Gen. William E. Ward, the new U.S. security coordinator for the Middle East, will make his first trip to the region later this month and confer with Arab leaders as well as Palestinian and Israeli security officials.
http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?f=/news/archive/2005/02/11/national/w153154S44.DTL#


France demands list of Israeli firms selling arms to Ivory Coast
The companies involved told the Defense Ministry the equipment was supplied long before the events in question, and they did not view themselves responsible for the deaths of the French soldiers.
http://www.haaretz.com/hasen/pages/ShArt.jhtml?itemNo=539082&contrassID=1&subContrassID=1&sbSubContrassID=0&listSrc=Y


Israeli FM to petition Britain, France to blacklist Hezbollah
Silvan Shalom will lobby British and French officials to support an Israeli proposal, submitted to the European Union earlier this week, which would see the Lebanese-based movement added to the EU "terrorist" blacklist at a debate on the issue by the end of the month.
http://story.news.yahoo.com/news?tmpl=story&cid=1515&ncid=1515&e=8&u=/afp/20050212/wl_mideast_afp/israelbritainfranceeuhezbollah_050212142220


Hizbollah Denies Helping Palestinian Uprising
Hizbollah denied on Saturday it was attempting to wreck an Israeli-Palestinian truce and said the Jewish state had accused the Islamic guerrillas in order to mask its own plans to destroy peace efforts.
http://www.reuters.com/newsArticle.jhtml?type=worldNews&storyID=7610315


NATO chief urges alliance to prepare Mideast role
NATO should prepare for a role in supporting any future agreement to end the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, Secretary-General Jaap de Hoop Scheffer said on Saturday. Any NATO presence would be conditional on there being a peace accord and on the agreement of both sides for the alliance to be involved. It may also require a U.N. mandate, he said.
http://www.alertnet.org/thenews/newsdesk/L12231449.htm


The role of the Palestinian women in Local Government
In the 1970s, and for the first time within the Occupied Palestinian Territories, there emerged a distinct commitment to articulating women's concerns both separately and in connection with the national movement, and to working towards the establishment of an organized women's movement.
http://www.amin.org/eng/uncat/2005/feb/feb11.html


Palestinian refugees uncertain about Sharm el-Sheikh deal
"What could a poor Palestinian refugee like me say about the Sharm el-Sheikh Summit? Egyptian President Hosni Mubarak gave Israeli Prime Minister Ariel Sharon a way out of his dilemma. He was stuck and not able to control the intifada, so he wants the PA to do the dirty work," Mashaal said.
http://www.dailystar.com.lb/article.asp?edition_id=1&categ_id=1&article_id=12611


Abbas in Gaza to promote truce deal
He also said an official announcement from the groups is, however, not expected as they sought to understand the scope and depth of the truce deal. In late January Abbas deployed some 4000 security personnel across Gaza with "firm instructions" to prevent all operations.
http://english.aljazeera.net/NR/exeres/BFA6A4E5-90DA-42E4-9399-2128AAA7B098.htm


More on US Aid for Checkpoint Crossings
The modernization of checkpoints between Israel and the Palestinian Territories is now being ironically cast as a "humanitarian" project to be undertaken by the either the Israelis or the Palestinians as a way of improving the Palestinian quality of life and ease of communication. Needless to say, the American taxpayer is being asked to underwrite the cost.
http://electronicintifada.net/v2/article3611.shtml


Canadian FM urges Hizbullah to abandon violence
Israel has said Hizbullah is the biggest threat to the current Middle East peace negotiations after it was accused of supporting militant groups in Palestine. But the group's deputy secretary general, Sheikh Naim Qassem, denied Hizbullah was involved in any activity outside Lebanese territories.
http://www.dailystar.com.lb/article.asp?edition_id=1&categ_id=2&article_id=12638


Lebanese president criticizes top U.S. official
The deputy assistant secretary of state for Near East affairs, David Satterfield, has "no right whatsoever to assess the Lebanese presidency's ability to protect Lebanon's interests and maintain stability," Lahoud said in a statement issued by his office.
http://www.haaretz.com/hasen/pages/ShArt.jhtml?itemNo=539328&contrassID=1&subContrassID=8&sbSubContrassID=0&listSrc=Y


Calm restored in Maghar following Druze-Christian clashes
A brawl between Christian and Druze youths broke out Thursday after rumors spread that some Christian youths created photo images of Druze girls as nude models and posted them on the internet. On Friday and Saturday, the violence spread, gunshots were fired, shops and vehicles were vandalized and stone-throwing mobs clashed with each other.
http://www.haaretz.com/hasen/spages/539323.html


Shiites and Kurds set to grab Iraqi presidency and premiership
"Looking at the partial results, it appears that the Sistani list will have more than 50 percent and that Kurdish parties will come second," said Sunni politician Saad Abdel Razzak. "They should therefore share the posts of president and prime minister between themselves."
http://story.news.yahoo.com/news?tmpl=story&cid=1515&ncid=1515&e=7&u=/afp/20050212/wl_mideast_afp/iraqpolitics_050212133908


Iraq Election Results Available Tomorrow
Farid Ayar said on Al-Arabiya television Saturday that the commission would meet Sunday morning to finalize some unspecified issues and then announce the final figures in the afternoon. The results will be considered official after three days.
http://story.news.yahoo.com/news?tmpl=story&cid=540&ncid=540&e=2&u=/ap/20050212/ap_on_re_mi_ea/iraq_elections

February 11, 2005

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'I hope that I can see my son before I die'
Widad al-Attaba has been glued to the television news since the landmark Israeli-Palestinian summit, hoping that the revival of the peace process will lead to a reunion with her son Saeed who has spent the past 28 years in prison. ( Imprisoned by an Occupying Power )
http://dailystar.com.lb/article.asp?edition_id=10&categ_id=2&article_id=12587


Palestinian AG temporarily closes the “Egyptian Cement” file
Thursday evening, Palestinian Attorney General, Hussein Abu ‘Assy, announced in a press conference that he temporarily froze the “Egyptian Cement” file, which is a case against some Palestinian companies which imported cement from Egypt and sold it to Israel to be used in erecting the annexation wall.
http://www.imemc.org/headlines/2005/feb/week2/021105/Pal-Ag.htm


New Settlement in Beit Safafa: Further Isolation of Jerusalemites, further Settlement Expansion
Occupation Forces revealed a plan for a new settlement in Beit Safafa, southwest of Jerusalem city. The core of the existing settlement of Giv'at Hamatos will now be made up of a new settlement comprising 1,850 housing units, and the adding of about 7,500 settlers to East Jerusalem. In 1991 the Occupation excluded this area of Beit Safafa land from the Plan Scheme...
http://stopthewall.org/latestnews/851.shtml


Israel to Annex more lands South of Hebron
Israeli soldiers handed residents form the village of Tarama, in the southern West Bank city of Hebron, military orders to annex their family farmlands in order to erect the annexation wall in that area. Annexing the land “for security claims” is one of the ways the Israeli army uses to annex more Palestinian lands and expand Israeli settlements and military camps.
http://www.imemc.org/headlines/2005/feb/week2/021105/south-Hebron.htm


Israel's obligations under IHL in the Occupied Palestinian Territory
The purpose of this brief is to review and explain the various obligations of Israel in the OPT. It assumes the full applicability of the laws of occupation to the situation and population in the OPT. For a discussion of Israeli objections to the applicability of the Geneva Conventions to the OPT, the reader should consult the policy brief on the Application of International Humanitarian Law (IHL) to the OPT.
http://www.reliefweb.int/rw/RWB.NSF/db900SID/EVIU-69HJU7?OpenDocument&rc=3&emid=ACOS-635PFR


Legal aspects of Israel's disengagement plan under International Humanitarian Law
The proposed disengagement raises a number of legal issues that will be reviewed in this note. These issues can be summarized as follows: - What is the current legal status of the occupied Palestinian territory (OPT)3 and what are the current responsibilities of Israel toward the Palestinian population in the OPT? - Who determines the end of occupation?...
http://www.reliefweb.int/rw/RWB.NSF/db900SID/EVIU-69HK35?OpenDocument&rc=3&emid=ACOS-635PFR


Bir Shiva detainees suffering of harsh conditions
Also, soldiers are barring dozens of detainees from their visitation rights, detainees Shadi Fathi Matar, 24, from Tulkarem was sentenced to 24 consecutive years, suffering from health problems and is not receiving the needed medication or treatment.
http://www.imemc.org/headlines/2005/feb/week2/021105/Bir%20Shiva.htm


Sharm deal is no long-term solution
"I am not even talking about Jerusalem and the refugees, but lesser but real problems such as daily Israeli repression, land confiscation and the building of the apartheid wall," he said, referring to the illegal separation wall Israel is building in the West Bank.
http://english.aljazeera.net/NR/exeres/D37DB4CA-9BE8-42B4-9F4B-320D05B1B6A7.htm


Jewish Groups Criticize Presbyterian Vote To Divest From Israel
the church does not plan a “blanket divestment” of its $7 billion in investment funds from companies operating in Israel. Rather, he said, it will target businesses that it believes bear particular responsibility for the suffering of Palestinians and will give them a chance to change their behavior before selling their shares. He cited as one possible example Caterpillar Inc.
http://www.wrmea.com/archives/Jan_Feb_2005/0501054.html


Abbas never won a popular mandate
However, drowned by the rhetoric from Egypt came a reminder of how inconsequential were both Abbas's election and the latest would-be milestone in the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. On the same day, the Israeli High Court approved further construction of Israel's separation wall in occupied East Jerusalem.
http://dailystar.com.lb/article.asp?edition_id=10&categ_id=5&article_id=12595


Abbas to confront militant leaders
Mr Abbas is to confront militant leaders in the Gaza Strip in a bid to curb the violence. He will tell militant leaders that "there is only one Palestinian Authority and one leadership, and [he] will not accept any measures that can subject our national project to danger," cabinet secretary Hassan Abu Libdeh said.
http://www.guardian.co.uk/israel/Story/0,2763,1411002,00.html


Sharon gives Abbas more time to curb mortar attacks
Israeli Prime Minister Ariel Sharon adopted recommendations Thursday evening to give Palestinian leader Mahmoud Abbas more time to stop mortar fire before taking military action, the Jerusalem Post reported Friday.
http://news.xinhuanet.com/english/2005-02/11/content_2570558.htm


Dahlan demands Israel to release detainees imprisoned since 1993
Also, Dahlan said that Palestinian-Israeli committees will meet in the coming days to implement the Sharm Al-Sheikh understandings. The committee will also discuss changing the Israeli criterions concerning the release of the detainees, after Israeli agreed to changing the criterions for the first time since 1993.


Jordan awaits Israeli response to nomination of ambassador
"Jordan's Foreign Ministry sent Israel a letter of inquiry on nominating the new ambassador and we are waiting for a reply," Jordanian Foreign Minister Hani Mulqi was quoted as saying.
http://news.xinhuanet.com/english/2005-02/11/content_2570576.htm


Palestinian leader poised for key ceasefire talks with militants
Hamas leaders insist they remained committed to an informal "cooling down" period agreed with Abbas. Nevertheless, they said they reserved the right to respond to Israeli actions as in Thursday's attacks on Jewish settlements in southern Gaza.
http://www.turkishpress.com/world/news.asp?id=050211165814.57zql4ak.xml


Israel to reopen Gaza border
Israel says it will soon reopen its border with Gaza to Palestinian workers and merchants after the landmark meeting between Israeli and Palestinian leaders. In addition, Israel says it will let Gaza Palestinians visit relatives held in Israeli jails as a goodwill gesture.
http://news.xinhuanet.com/english/2005-02/11/content_2569995.htm


'Referendum may erode US support'
Israel might lose ground in Washington if it carried out a disengagement referendum that would delay implementation of the plan, Israel's Ambassador to the US Danny Ayalon indicated Thursday, just two days after his boss, Foreign Minister Silvan Shalom, came out strongly in favor of the referendum.
http://www.jpost.com/servlet/Satellite?pagename=JPost/JPArticle/ShowFull&cid=1108005883222


Sharon ready to free Palestinians
Israeli Prime Minister Ariel Sharon said in an interview with Israeli newspaper Haaretz that he promised Palestinian leader Mahmoud Abbas the release of Palestinian militants at the Mideast summit in Sharm el-Sheikh in Egypt if Palestinian militants stop attacks during Israel's withdrawal from the Gaza Strip.
http://news.xinhuanet.com/english/2005-02/11/content_2569984.htm


Israeli-Palestinian scurity talks postponed
The talks were aimed at consolidating a ceasefire agreed by the Israeli and Palestinian leaders on Tuesday.  It said it was avenging the death of a Palestinian man who came under fire from a settlement in Gaza on Wednesday.
http://news.xinhuanet.com/english/2005-02/11/content_2569993.htm


Right-wingers assault Netanyahu
Mr Netanyahu voted in parliament in favour of the withdrawal. He was surrounded at a wedding party, had objects thrown at him and the tires of his car were slashed. His bodyguards ushered him away and he was not hurt.
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/middle_east/4256953.stm


Needed for success in the Mideast - By: Daoud Kuttab
While a comprehensive solution to the Palestinian-Israeli conflict should be the goal for all parties, a more practical approach would be to try and accomplish smaller, more manageable success stories. Success will not happen until the daily lives of Palestinians and Israelis is given top priority.
http://www.amin.org/eng/daoud_kuttab/2005/feb11.html


Why was this summit different?
Two days later, on a Saturday night, several journalists were invited to meet a "senior political source" in the Ministry of Defense office in Tel Aviv. The official pulled out a piece of paper and read his notes from the summit in a bass voice. He expressed satisfaction with Mubarak and Hussein's understanding of the risks inherent in terror and their willingness to convey these feelings to Arafat.
http://www.haaretz.com/hasen/spages/539064.html


Back to the era of brawn
The Yom Kippur War, the maturation of the Israeli nuclear option, and the rise of an American hegemony combined by the spring of 1974 to make the sides change their views. On the Israeli side, Dayan, together with most of the public, moved to the side of those who preferred peace to Sharm el-Sheikh, while Arab leaders realized that only through agreements would they repossess the territories.
http://www.haaretz.com/hasen/spages/538394.html


Getting to no you
The actual practice: The sides come together with no real desire, only so as not to rile the Americans. Everyone knows that Israel is not really capable of giving up the settlements and is unwilling to return to the 1967 lines, while the Palestinians are totally unwilling to forgo the right of return and half of Jerusalem.
http://www.haaretz.com/hasen/spages/538910.html



France demands list of Israeli firms selling arms to Ivory Coast
The demand, which indirectly places responsibility on Israeli companies for the death of French soldiers on a peace-keeping mission, was apparently raised by the French Embassy's military attache or a representative of its intelligence agencies in talks with Defense Ministry officials.
http://www.haaretz.com/hasen/pages/ShArt.jhtml?itemNo=539082&contrassID=1&subContrassID=1&sbSubContrassID=0&listSrc=Y


Hezbollah curses UN call for it to lay down arms
Hezbollah called on the Lebanese to help "bury" a United Nations resolution demanding the Islamic group disarm and it's Syrian backers quit Lebanon, and predicted it would not succeed without their support.
http://www.haaretz.com/hasen/spages/539308.html


AG orders crackdown after Netanyahu harassed
Police in Rishon Lezion have detained a 17-year-old Netanya resident who is suspected of being one of the activists who shouted in Netanyahu's direction. It remains unclear whether the youth was one of those involved in vandalism.
http://www.haaretz.com/hasen/spages/539211.html


Rights group says US killed detainees
Morton Sklar, the organisation's executive director, said there were legal memorandums issued at the highest level in the US Department of Justice and the US Department of Defence "justifying and encouraging the use of torture as a military necessity in time of war". The human rights group said that at least 37 detainees had been executed by torture during interrogations.
http://english.aljazeera.net/NR/exeres/A8A92EC0-B0E3-4958-9D3F-10AF0D5A46C6.htm


Despite falling out with U.S., Chalabi still a player in the new Iraq
He gained fame as the leader of the Iraqi National Congress, an exile group, and lobbied hard for the Bush administration to invade Iraq. The INC supplied defectors to U.S. intelligence who provided what turned out to be phony or exaggerated evidence of Iraqi weapons programs, which President Bush used to justify the war.
http://www.realcities.com/mld/krwashington/10858017.htm

February 10, 2005

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|  Today in Palestine!  10 - Feb - 2005  |
|           www.TheHeadlines.Org             |
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Buying the State of Israel
The JNF purchased the land from the state starting in 1949 and early 1950. Then prime minister David Ben-Gurion initiated the sale of land to the JNF to prevent any possibility of international pressure forcing Israel to restore it to the Palestinian refugees.
http://www.haaretz.com/hasen/spages/538420.html


Palestinians continue nonviolent resistance to Israeli Apartheid Wall
The Israeli High Court froze construction of the Apartheid Wall for four months in the regions of Sulfit and Askaka, but occupation authorities went back to construction a week ago, applying plans for the Apartheid Wall despite the decision to halt. The Israeli occupation government is trying to building the Apartheid Wall around its settlement blocs such as Ariel and Kdumim between Nablus and Qalqiliya.
http://www.palestinenet.org/english/archive2005/feb/week2/090205/9febwall.htm


Palestinian shot dead by gunfire near Gaza settlement
Gunfire from the Atzmona settlement in the Gaza Strip killed a Palestinian man Wednesday, in the first conflict-related fatality since Israel and the Palestinians declared a truce a day ago, Palestinian security officials said.
http://www.haaretzdaily.com/hasen/spages/538293.html


Second Palestinian killed after summit
Aljazeera's correspondent in Ram Allah reported that a Palestinian was killed on Thursday when occupation forces opened fire on the car he was driving in Wadi al-Haramiya neighbourhood near the West Bank city of Ram Allah .
http://english.aljazeera.net/NR/exeres/72A72EC3-EEE7-47B8-ACF2-6CDCB64F672D.htm


More mortars fired in Gaza as Abbas orders forces to stop attacks
Three more mortar shells were fired by Palestinian militants at a settlement in the Gaza Strip in another act of defiance against a new ceasefire pledge, Israeli military sources said. The fresh salvo came after around 30 mortars and rockets were fired at the main Gush Katif settlement bloc in the early hours
http://story.news.yahoo.com/news?tmpl=story&cid=1503&ncid=1503&e=9&u=/afp/20050210/ts_afp/mideastunrest_050210122651


Abbas fires three top commanders after attacks
PA officials said on condition of anonymity that Abbas dismissed Brigadier General Abdel Razek al-Majaydeh, public security chief for the West Bank and Gaza, national police chief Saeb al-Ajez and Omar Ashour, commander of the security forces in the southern Gaza Strip. Also, several lower-ranking officers lost their jobs. ( Israel is fine with their kiillings! )
http://www.haaretz.com/hasen/spages/538438.html


Prisoners slated for release gathered in Ketziot
According to the Israeli-Palestinian agreement, the prisoners to be released are from all Palestinian organizations, although most of them belong to the Fatah movement, the political faction of Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas.
http://www.imemc.org/headlines/2005/feb/week2/021005/prisoners.htm


The PA condemns Israeli measures to "silence the voices of truth"
Anna Nillson from Sweden and Anna Lenna Di Govani from Italy are the latest in a growing number of human rights volunteers that Israel has denied entrance to as a way of preventing them from entering the West Bank and Gaza. The Palestinian Government issued a statement early this week "condemning Israeli occupation measures which aim to silence the voices of truth".
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/palsolidarity/message/1133


Israel freezes plan to build Gaza trench
Military planners last month asked Israel's attorney general for permission to destroy as many as 3,000 Palestinian homes to build the trench on a volatile patrol road near the Rafah refugee camp. The request drew immediate condemnations from the Palestinians.
http://www.jpost.com/servlet/Satellite?pagename=JPost/JPArticle/ShowFull&cid=1108005880291


State must pay damages to Palestinian said hurt by IDF in 1991
Dahar sued the state and an IDF captain identified only as Capt. Yoav... the captain commanded troops at the scene when Dahar was shot in the head by a rubber bullet while he was traveling in a car in Jenin during the first intifada. Dahar was hospitalized with serious injuries and lost his ability to speak... (& rremaining 99,999 of injured then? )
http://www.haaretz.com/hasen/pages/ShArt.jhtml?itemNo=538934&contrassID=1&subContrassID=7&sbSubContrassID=0&listSrc=Y


Gaza children receive school kits under UNICEF education plan
“There are many children in schools affected by the conflict or in marginalized areas where basic educational supplies are really needed,” said Dan Rohrmann, UNICEF's Special Representative in the occupied Palestinian territory. “The children are very committed to pursuing education and we would like to ensure that the commitment is supported through the provision of these basic materials.”
http://www.un.org/apps/news/story.asp?NewsID=13286&Cr=Palestine&Cr1=


Weekly Report: On Israeli Human Rights Violations in the Occupied Palestinian Territories
This week, 4 Palestinian civilians, including a child, were killed by IOF.  Human rights violations perpetrated by IOF included incursions into Palestinian areas, indiscriminate shelling 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/2005/10-02-2005.htm


Sharon promised Abbas to free more prisoners with `blood on their hands'
Israeli Prime Minister Ariel Sharon told Israeli newspaper Haaretz on Wednesday that he promised Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas during the Sharm el-Sheikh summit that he would increase the number of Palestinian prisoners with "blood on their hands" who will be released if the disengagement passes smoothly.
http://www.imemc.org/headlines/2005/feb/week2/021005/blood-on-hand.htm


Palestinian gunmen break into prison, kill two prisoners
The three inmates killed Thursday had been awaiting trial for their involvement in two separate shooting deaths in the Bureij refugee camp. Thursday's attackers were members of the families of the two victims, police said.
http://www.khaleejtimes.com/DisplayArticle.asp?xfile=data/middleeast/2005/February/middleeast_February297.xml&section=middleeast


Abbas Meets Canadian FM
Qurie highly appreciated the sustained Canadian economic support to the Palestinian people and its efforts to revive the peace process as well as its sponsorship of the international working group on Palestinian refugees.
http://english.wafa.ps/body.asp?field=tech_news&id=2117


Palestine Children's Relief Fund
Plastic surgery is a specialty in great need in the Middle East. There are too few, or in some areas no, plastic surgeons working in the areas most in need. As a result, the PCRF has been responding to this crisis by organizing, sponsoring and sending plastic surgery missions to the region.
http://www.pcrf.net/medical/plastic.html


Sharon: no referendum on pullout; will put an end to threats
Speaking to Israeli newspaper Haaretz, Sharon accused that calls for the referendum are meant to prevent the pullout from taking place, confirming that he intends to put an end to the wave of incitement and threats, especially inside the Likud party.
http://www.imemc.org/headlines/2005/feb/week2/021005/no-referundum.htm


A shameful kind of Zionist
Take for example the "proper Zionist decision" regarding the theft of the property of West Bankers who are defined as "absent" from their lands inside East Jerusalem. The Israeli government drew the rusty weapon used by the two-year-old state to take over millions of dunam of abandoned property and decided to resume use of the law to continue "redeeming the land."
http://www.haaretz.com/hasen/spages/538398.html


Don't help Israel by undermining Mahmoud Abbas' peace moves
The policies advanced by Abbas are based on an assumption that, faced with overwhelming Israeli force and the unconditional support of the United States for the Sharon government, the Palestinians had no other choice but to fully align themselves with the demands of the Bush administration and the international community, and hope for the best.
http://www.dailystar.com.lb/article.asp?edition_id=10&categ_id=5&article_id=12550


Prisoners hold the key
"We told our Egyptian brothers that we will observe a de facto ceasefire for a period of time pending the unmasking of the Israeli position on the paramount issue of the prisoners," said Mahmoud Zahar, Hamas's political leader in Gaza, following his meeting with the Egyptian delegation in Gaza on Monday night.
http://weekly.ahram.org.eg/2005/729/fo5.htm


Congressman: Oil-rich Arab states should match U.S. aid to PA
The senior Democrat on the House International Relations Committee said Thursday he would condition U.S. aid to the Palestinians on oil-rich Arab "deadbeats" making good on their own promised contributions.
http://www.haaretz.com/hasen/pages/ShArt.jhtml?itemNo=538940&contrassID=1&subContrassID=1&sbSubContrassID=0&listSrc=Y


U.S. calls in Syrian envoy, hints at sanctions
The U.S. State Department called in Syria's ambassador this week and warned him Damascus must stop insurgents from crossing into Iraq and end support for Palestinian militants or risk fresh U.S. sanctions, U.S. officials said on Wednesday.
http://www.haaretz.com/hasen/pages/ShArt.jhtml?itemNo=538425&contrassID=1&subContrassID=1&sbSubContrassID=0&listSrc=Y


HAMAS INCREASES MISSILE PRODUCTION
Israeli military sources said Hamas has used Israel's ceasefire pledge to rebuild its military capabilities. The sources said this includes production of the Kassam-class short-range missiles, anti-tank rockets and mines.
http://www.menewsline.com/stories/2005/february/02_11_1.html


PM asked not to name Yuval Diskin as Shin Bet chief
The Public Committee Against Torture in Israel is asking Prime Minister Ariel Sharon not to appoint Yuval Diskin as head of the Shin Bet internal security service because the previous security service deputy chief is an "advocate of targeted killings."
http://www.haaretz.com/hasen/spages/538358.html


Refusenik officers appeal dismissals from command posts
Five Israel Defense Forces reserve officers who announced their intention to refuse to take part in the evacuation of settlements appealed Thursday to the High Court of Justice against the subsequent army decision to dismiss them from their command positions.
http://www.haaretz.com/hasen/spages/538791.html


US helicopters end rebel occupation of Iraq police station
At least six police were killed in the rebel assault on the police station, while the rotting bodies of more than 20 drivers from a government food convoy were found in the same region south of the capital, dubbed the triangle of death, and a dozen people were killed in other violence.
http://story.news.yahoo.com/news?tmpl=story&cid=1515&ncid=1515&e=2&u=/afp/20050210/wl_mideast_afp/iraq_050210183733


Eason Jordan and the names of 12 journalists "deliberately targeted" by US troops
There's been a small storm of protest over CNN chief news executive Eason Jordan accusing the US military not only of killing 12 journalists, but doing it deliberately. That's the kind of statement that really requires a bit of preparation, so it's quite annoying that he seems to have bungled the job of defending something I suspect is true.
http://uruknet.info/?s1=2&p=9578&s2=10


Iraqi Army rids Baghdad hotspot of Americans
The U.S. 82nd Airborne will pass responsibility for Haifa Street over to Iraqi forces next Tuesday, so for a few days American and Iraqi troops are fighting insurgents side by side. "We're going to explain the territory, where our patrols go, and where the troublespots are," said Captain Eric Massey.
http://www.dailystar.com.lb/article.asp?edition_id=10&categ_id=2&article_id=12544

February 09, 2005

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|  Today in Palestine!  09 - Feb - 2005  |
|           www.TheHeadlines.Org              |
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Army to annex lands south of Hebron
Abdul-Hadi Hantash, from the Palestine Land Defense Committee, expert of lands and settlements, said that the new military orders aim to confiscate the Palestinian lands in order to expand the Israeli illegal settlements, and erect new illegal outposts.
http://www.imemc.org/headlines/2005/feb/week2/020905/confiscate.htm


French, Israeli and Palestinian Campaign on Health Impact of Apartheid Wall
Three health organizations, Médecins du Monde-France , Physicians for Human Rights (PHR)-Israel and the Palestine Red Crescent Society, who have worked together as partners for many years, will launch of a joint campaign on the health impact of the Apartheid Wall at two press conferences.
http://english.wafa.ps/body.asp?field=tech_news&id=2113


Analysis / Enough with the talk
Palestinian commentators wrote that construction of the separation fence, always dubbed "racist" in Palestinian reports, constitutes violence against them, like the checkpoints, roadblocks and all the other limits on their freedom of movement. In general, the occupation in its entirety is one big form of violence against them, the reports said.
http://www.haaretz.com/hasen/spages/537848.html


Whose fence is it anyway?
the High Court of Justice did not decide on the question of jurisdiction; rather it only ruled on the matter of relativity, in essence ruling that the argument heard in that context was partial. Therefore all the justices did was to refrain from disqualifying the state's argument that it is authorized to build a fence for security purposes.
http://www.haaretz.com/hasen/spages/537881.html


Israelis shoot Palestinian after truce - witnesses
Witnesses said the 20-year-old from Rafah refugee camp in southern Gaza was shot from nearby Atzmona settlement, which has an Israeli army garrison and many of whose residents are armed. ( Illegaly Settled, Armed fully Supported by Jewish State!! )
http://www.alertnet.org/thenews/newsdesk/L09666342.htm


There will be no Middle East peace without justice - By Robert Fisk
Never before have we been in such need of the caustic voice of the late Edward Said. So, the Palestinians will end their occupation of Israel. No more will Palestinian tanks smash their way into Haifa and Tel Aviv. No more will Palestinian F-18s bomb Israeli population centres. No more will Palestinian Apache helicopters carry out "targeted killings" - ie: murders - of Israeli military leaders. The Palestinians have promised to end all "acts of violence"...
http://www.robert-fisk.com/articles458.htm


Israel to release 350 Palestinians from Desert Prison
Sources from inside the prison, stated that the list included names from most of the resistance movements except Hamas. The prisoners rejected this list describing it as "discriminatory". They added that any release of the prisoners should be on fair basis.
http://www.imemc.org/headlines/2005/feb/week2/020905/release-350.htm


Child Prisoners Call for Ending their Suffering
Child prisoners of "Hasharon Talmond" Israeli prison called Tuesday on human rights organizations and the International Red Cross Society to immediately intervene to stop the Israeli cruel practices against them.
http://english.wafa.ps/body.asp?field=tech_news&id=2114


IOF Arrests 2 Civilians, Continues Closure
In the neighborhood of Al-Mawasi, south of Khanyounis, Israeli soldiers stormed the house of Adel al-Doji and led him to an undisclosed area, witnesses told WAFA. In the meantime, security sources said that IOF blocked main roads connecting the cities in the Gaza Strip together.
http://english.wafa.ps/body.asp?field=tech_news&id=2116


The blood of Iman al-Hamas
And the blood of Iman al-Hamas - on whose hands is her blood? With or without the confirmed killing, the soldiers in R.'s unit, with him or without him at the Girit outpost in Rafah, killed the 13-year-old schoolgirl who was walking on October 5 with her schoolbag in broad daylight.
http://www.haaretz.com/hasen/spages/537863.html


Israel set to reopen Gaza border after truce summit
Israel's Defence Ministry said an initial 1,000 workers and hundreds of traders from Gaza would be issued permits in coming days to enter Israel, restoring an economic lifeline to the tiny, slum-ridden territory that has been largely severed because of violence since 2000. ( Surely not because of Demolitions, Massacres, and Destructions! )
http://www.reuters.co.za/locales/c_newsArticle.jsp;:420a0b4b:b978a4eab0cb463?type=topNews&localeKey=en_ZA&storyID=7579725


PLC gives Abbas 10 days to reshuffle cabinet
The Palestinian Legislative Council(PLC) gave on Wednesday a 10-day ultimatum to newly-elected leaderMahmoud Abbas to reshuffle the cabinet. "Arguments and disputes into the council's yard would continueif Qurei does not reshuffle the current cabinet and at least bringin new ministers," said Fattouh.
http://news.xinhuanet.com/english/2005-02/10/content_2566583.htm


Israel wants Quartet meet on Palestinian economy
The Quartet promoting Middle East peace should meet with Israel and the Palestinians to draft a single strategy to set the Palestinian Authority's economy on its feet, Israel's Deputy Prime Minister said on Wednesday. ( Zionists are good in destruction only! )
http://www.alertnet.org/thenews/newsdesk/L09403522.htm


Hamas, Jihad to meet with Abbas before deciding on attacks
Hamas and Islamic Jihad are waiting until Palestinian Authority Chairman Mahmoud Abbas updates them Wednesday about the previous day's Sharm el-Sheikh summit before they decide whether to halt attacks on Israeli targets.
http://www.haaretz.com/hasen/pages/ShArt.jhtml?itemNo=537779&contrassID=1&subContrassID=5&sbSubContrassID=0&listSrc=Y


Mideast quartet to meet in London over aid to Palestine: Russian FM
Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov announced Wednesday that the so-called Mideast quartet willhold a meeting in London on March 1 to discuss financial aid to Palestine, the Interfax news agency reported.
http://news.xinhuanet.com/english/2005-02/09/content_2566507.htm


U.S. Leans to send PA reforms' envoy, not an overall peace one
The U.S. already announced the appointment of Army Lt. Gen. William Ward to help the Palestinians reorganize their competing security services and to promote security cooperation with Israel. ( Who'd cooperate with whom to offer security to Palestinians??? )
http://www.imemc.org/headlines/2005/feb/week2/020905/us%20leans%20to%20send%20envoy.htm


Egyptian ambassador to return within 10 days
Egypt's ambassador will return to Israel in a week or 10 days, the Egyptian cabinet spokesman said Wednesday. Asked when Egypt would send back its ambassador to Israel, cabinet spokesman Magdi Radi told Reuters: "In a week or 10 days." He said the ambassador had yet to be selected.
http://www.haaretz.com/hasen/spages/537820.html


US Congress recognizes PLO as terrorist entity
The US House of Representatives last month passed a bill in which the Palestine Liberation Organization was recognized as a terrorist entity and its members as being “engaged in terrorist activity.” The PLO was for decades acknowledged to be the world’s most dangerous terrorist organization, before being legitimized by Israel and the West at the White House Rose Garden in 1993.
http://www.michnews.com/artman/publish/article_6803.shtml


Abbas prepares to sell ceasefire declaration to Palestinian militants
Arriving back in Ramallah after the first top level Israeli-Palestinian meeting in more than four years, Abbas expressed satifaction with its results but admitted that the real challenge of implementing dual pledges to end the bloodshed still lay ahead.
http://www.turkishpress.com/world/news.asp?id=050209154552.fq7aqnp4.xml


EU to continue development aid to Palestine
The European Commission announced Wednesday it would offer 250 million euros ($320 million) in aid to the Palestinian state to rebuild its war torn infrastructure. The amount is unchanged from what was provided in 2004.
http://www.wpherald.com/storyview.php?StoryID=20050209-113031-5005r


PA officials say Hezbollah is trying to disrupt cease-fire
The Lebanese militant group Hezbollah is trying to recruit Palestinian militants for attacks on Israelis in order to sabotage Middle East peace efforts, senior Palestinian officials said Wednesday.
http://www.haaretz.com/hasen/spages/538269.html


Sharon Prepares to Meet with Abbas in Ramallah
An official from Ariel Sharon's entourage, who wanted to remain anonymous, said: "The Prime Minister told Abu Mazen (Mahmoud Abbas) during the summit in Sharm El-Sheikh that he is ready to meet with him in Ramallah."
http://www.zaman.com/?bl=hotnews&alt=&trh=20050209&hn=16402


Jewish Voice for Peace welcomes cease fire, calls for more action to end all forms of violence
Plitnick said, "Today is a day to celebrate the lives that will not be lost in the coming days. But if we want this cease-fire to last the American government needs to stay the course. It needs to stand by both the Palestinian and the Israeli people and push hard for the dismantling of the wall, and for the Gaza withdrawal to be replicated on the West Bank."
http://electronicintifada.net/v2/article3606.shtml


Full text of Sharon's Sharm address
We must all make a commitment not to agree to a temporary solution, not to allow violence to raise its head, but to act together, determinedly, to dismantle the terrorist infrastructure, to disarm and subdue it once and for all. Only by crushing terror and violence will we build peace. ( I wonder who'd disarm and subdue Israel considering US use of VETO )
http://www.jpost.com/servlet/Satellite?pagename=JPost/JPArticle/ShowFull&cid=1107919263383


Requiem for a referendum
Yasser Arafat died on November 11, but he was finally buried yesterday at the Sharm summit. At an elegant, focused and businesslike ceremony, the bloody Al-Aqsa intifada, which he sparked, was also interred. A closing celebration would have been preferable to an opening one yesterday.
http://www.haaretz.com/hasen/spages/537851.html


2004 immigration figures are lowerst since 1989
According to the figures, the number of immigrants who arrived in Israel the previous year was 10 percent higher. The 2004 figures are similar to numbers from the 80s, when the annual figures fluctuated between 9,000 and 20,000 new immigrants a year.
http://www.haaretz.com/hasen/spages/538302.html


Background/ Sharon, Bush gamble on Abbas - this time, to win
Bush may also have much to gain this time around from a successful Abbas administration. If calm in the territories and PA reforms - matched by Israeli peace moves - translate into a peace process, the American way out of Iraq may be lit by the suddenly renewed prospect of Palestinian statehood.
http://www.haaretz.com/hasen/pages/ShArt.jhtml?itemNo=537248&contrassID=1&subContrassID=1&sbSubContrassID=0&listSrc=Y


Palestinians want Abbas-Sharon summit to end suffering
"It could be the bad weather that withheld people here in Gaza from celebrating, but I can say that expectations and hopes are riding high here, and people are waiting to see good actions on theground," said Salem Helles, a Palestinian student in Gaza.
http://news.xinhuanet.com/english/2005-02/09/content_2563635.htm


“We dealt with Rabin, now we will deal Sharon”
Graffiti, ostensibly written by right wing Jewish groups in Ra'nana, in Tel Aviv, threats Sharon with the same “treatment given to Rabin', “i.e. assassination”. The graffiti describes Sharon as a “traitor to the Jewish state“.
http://www.imemc.org/headlines/2005/feb/week2/020905/deal-Sharon.htm


Stories from Fallujah
"One story is of a young girl who is 16 years old," he says of one of the testimonies he video taped recently, "She stayed for three days with the bodies of her family who were killed in their home. When the soldiers entered she was in her home with her father, mother, 12 year-old brother and two sisters. She watched the soldiers enter and shoot her mother and father directly, without saying anything."
http://electroniciraq.net/news/1861.shtml

February 08, 2005

//------------------------------------------------\\
|  Today in Palestine!  08 - Feb - 2005  |
|           www.TheHeadlines.Org             |
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Apartheid Wall prevents rain water from draining, Qalqiliya homes flood
Bilal Al Bas, living in the western neighborhood of the city, swam with his family out the second floor windows of their house. The waters flooded the first floor due to the newly constructed Apartheid Wall. Now the natural drainage route for the rainy season waters is blocked by the Wall that not only towers into the sky, but digs deep into the earth as well.
http://www.palestinenet.org/english/archive2005/feb/week1/070205/7febflood.htm


High Court: Gov't can resume constructing fence segment
The court had earlier issued an interim injunction freezing the construction until it reached a decision on a petition submitted by residents of Biddu and Beit Surik, villages near the planned route. But on Tuesday the court canceled much of the injunction, allowing construction to continue in parts of the segment in question.
http://www.haaretz.com/hasen/spages/537751.html


Mara'ba: Qalqilia Lands Threatened by Israeli Settlement
Mr. Mara'ba pointed out that the Jayous town, to the east of Qalqiliam has been witnessing demarcation and bulldozing behind the wall, just to build a new settlement called Tsufim, to the north of the town.
http://www.ipc.gov.ps/ipc_new/english/details.asp?name=2492


Amandla Ngawethu! South Africa and Palestine compared
Years later South Africans that were involved in the anti-apartheid struggle paid visits to the occupied Palestinian territories. They have remarked that the situation in Palestine is in many respects far worse than what they faced during the anti-apartheid struggle.
http://electronicintifada.net/v2/article3604.shtml


IOF Arrests Two Citizens, Storms School in WB
Israeli Occupation Forces (IOF) arrested Tuesday two Palestinian citizens and stormed a secondary school in two separate attacks in the West Bank (WB), witnesses and Palestinian local sources said.
http://english.wafa.ps/body.asp?field=tech_news&id=2108


INSTANT VIEW-Israel, Palestinians declare end to violence
"I thought that the Palestinians had learned their lesson and wouldn't accept the continuation of the building of (Israel's West Bank) wall and the settlement policy just to accept a ceasefire and go back to 'normal' negotiations while realities on the ground are being changed."
http://www.alertnet.org/thenews/newsdesk/L08695785.htm


What is the International Solidarity Movement?
Israelis have targeted ISMers for assassination. An Israeli sniper shot Tom Hurndall. "Accident," the murderer said. An American-made bulldozer from Caterpillar in Peoria slaughtered Rachel Corrie. Both of them died just days before I returned to the Middle East in 2003 to enter Baghdad and see the latest handiwork of the American imperium.
http://politicalgateway.com/main/columns/read.html?col=242


Amnesty International opposes the practice of administrative detention, and is calling for an end to the practice
Twenty eight-year-old Riyad Sadi ‘Abd al-Hamid ‘Ayyad has been in detention without charge or trial for more than three years. He was arrested by Israeli soldiers on 1 January 2002 while on his way to work in Gaza City. He was taken to a prison in Ashkelon, Israel, where he was interrogated for more than 70 days, during which he was reportedly subjected to torture and ill-treatment.
http://web.amnesty.org/pages/isr-action-detention


500 detainees to conduct hunger strike on Tuesday
At least 500 detainees in Ohali Qidar detention Bir Shiva announced on Monday evening that they will conduct hunger strike on Tuesday, in protest to the Sharm Al-Sheikh summit which will be held before arriving an agreement concerning the detainees.
http://www.imemc.org/headlines/2005/feb/week2/020805/500d.htm


Commander “in confirm kill” scandal released
The father of R charged the military police on Monday of “marking his son as the target and framework of the investigation”. The lawyer of R said that he believes that the case will be dropped, and that he expects that the indictment will be cancel.
http://www.imemc.org/headlines/2005/feb/week2/020805/confirm-kill.htm


Sharon Invites Abbas to Ranch in Israel
Israeli Prime Minister Ariel Sharon on Tuesday invited Mahmoud Abbas to his ranch in southern Israel, and the Palestinian leader accepted, a senior Israeli official said.
http://story.news.yahoo.com/news?tmpl=story&cid=540&ncid=540&e=10&u=/ap/20050208/ap_on_re_mi_ea/israel_sharon_abbas


Quotes from landmark Mideast summit
"In my meeting with Mr. Abbas today, I have reached an agreement where the Palestinians will cease all of their actions of violence against the Israelis everywhere and in parallel, Israel will cease its military operations against Palestinians in all locations." ( Not to stop: Land Grab, Checkpoints, Apartheid Wall...? )
http://www.turkishpress.com/news.asp?ID=37086


Israel to free 500 Palestinians next week-ministry
Israel will release 500 Palestinian prisoners next week, Israel's Defence Ministry said on Tuesday, hours after Israeli and Palestinian leaders declared a ceasefire aimed at ending four years of violence.
http://www.alertnet.org/thenews/newsdesk/L0832322.htm


PA official: IDF to quit five West Bank cities within three weeks
Israel Defense Forces troops will complete their handover of five West Bank cities to Palestinian control within three weeks, Palestinian negotiator Hassan Abu Libdeh said Tuesday, releasing a timetable for the first time.
http://www.haaretz.com/hasen/spages/537369.html


Envoys gather in London to prepare for Palestinian summit
High-level diplomats gathered in London on Tuesday to prepare for an international conference next month, which aims to help the Palestinian government build democratic institutions. Officials from the European Union, the United States, the United Nations and Britain were scheduled to take part in closed-door talks with Palestinian Finance Minister Salam Fayad.
http://www.haaretz.com/hasen/spages/537734.html


Rice: “leveling the settlements in not a good idea”
Also, Maariv said that “Israeli seeks to leave this dirty work to the P.A because the expense of leveling of the homes is very high, might endanger the lives of Israeli soldiers, and in order to avoid displaying Israel as the country which levels the homes instead of having these homes inhibited by Palestinian residents.
http://www.imemc.org/headlines/2005/feb/week2/020805/leveling.htm


Uraiqat: US should follow road map
The Palestinian negotiation minister said the US must push Israel to negotiate on the main issues and help give peace a chance to succeed. Rice is on a three-day tour of the region, having met Israeli Prime Minister Ariel Sharon over the weekend and Palestinian President Mahmud Abbas in the West Bank later on Monday.
http://english.aljazeera.net/NR/exeres/E89167AA-C6D7-4074-AA22-FD2DCB256ED2.htm


Unauthorized Outposts to be removed only after Pullout
Israel has committed to the U.S. to remove the unauthorized outposts two years ago, however, Israel did not fulfill this commitment. Settlers have strongly protested the removal of some outposts and rebuilt some of them.
http://www.imemc.org/headlines/2005/feb/week2/020805/outposts-pullout.htm


Knesset committee passes disengagement bill
The Knesset Finance Committee passed the Evacuation-Compensation Bill by one vote on Tuesday. The tie was broken by MK Mohammed Barakeh (Hadash), who decided at the last minute to vote in favor of the pullout bill instead of abstaining, as he had said he planned to do.
http://www.haaretz.com/hasen/spages/537372.html


Israel disappointed as Egypt, Jordan delay return of envoys
Counter to earlier hopes in Israel, Egyptian President Hosni Mubarak and Abdullah, the King of Jordan did not announce at Tuesday's summit in Sharm al-Sheikh that they would return their ambassadors to Tel Aviv after more than four years of absence. ( Interesting, period same as that of Israels' latest crimes against humanity)
http://www.haaretz.com/hasen/spages/537765.html


Sharon visit stirs protests in Egypt
University students staged demonstrations on campuses across the country and the journalists' syndicate organised a two-hour sit-in at its headquarters in downtown Cairo to register disapproval at the visit.
http://english.aljazeera.net/NR/exeres/E8A7A116-A965-48DF-B2A5-E9FF3FCF1F10.htm


Fatah begins hunt for Arafat's missing millions
The search, aimed at giving Fatah the financial muscle to mount campaigns against the radical Islamist group Hamas in this year's elections, is part of a broader pursuit by Palestinian organisations of the suspected fortune Arafat stashed away.
http://news.ft.com/cms/s/9db96484-7880-11d9-9961-00000e2511c8.html


Arafat's $200m gamble pays off
The investment was recommended by Mohammad Rachid, an Iraqi Kurd who became one of Mr Arafat's main financial advisers in the 1990s. Some of the money was transferred to Orascom from Lombard Odier, the Swiss bank where Mr Arafat and Mr Rachid were signatories of a secret bank account into which was transferred more than $200m from the Palestinian Authority over four years.
http://news.ft.com/cms/s/acf536b6-7953-11d9-89c5-00000e2511c8.html


World leaders hopeful, optimistic following Sharm summit
Here in Sharm el-Sheikh it was certainly an important day and a stepping stone for both peoples," Baker concluded. Meanwhile, the Palestinian militant group Hamas will wait to see Israel's next move but will not be bound by Israeli-Palestinian cease-fire declarations made at summit, the group's representative in Lebanon said.
http://www.haaretz.com/hasen/spages/537779.html


We have an opportunity
I think it would be a big mistake if the Palestinians have not already started the discussion with the Israelis on Israeli implementation of their part of the roadmap. The Palestinians have already started implementing their own commitments, and it would be unthinkable for the Palestinians to be doing so without the Israelis doing so as well.
http://www.bitterlemons.org/issue/pal2.php


Wrestling with rules of disengagement
But Palestinian militants say they have no intention of giving up their weapons until Israel has demonstrated its good faith by releasing Palestinian prisoners and easing the occupation. Sources close to the Palestinian Authority say that an Israeli insistence on disarming militants would lead to a quick return to hostilities.
http://www.guardian.co.uk/israel/Story/0,2763,1408056,00.html


Sharm al-Shaikh: Another false dawn?
Many Palestinians saw the talks as being lopsided in Israeli Prime Minister Ariel Sharon's favour. They said that while Palestinians agreed to a ceasefire with Israel, Sharon's government did not give Palestinians any concessions on the construction of settlements and a separation wall in the West Bank, or on the release of Palestinian prisoners from Israeli jails.
http://english.aljazeera.net/NR/exeres/3037BD12-8D05-4A5E-B943-4595695F43D0.htm


Analysis / The intifada's graduation party
The promise of a Palestinian state will be held out as collateral for a quiet, coordinated withdrawal. This is Sharon's order of events: after the summit, a period of calm, to enable the Palestinian Authority to begin dismantling the "terrorist" infrastructure and Israel to prepare for the disengagement. ( American's were Terrorists while fighting British Occupation! )
http://www.haaretz.com/hasen/spages/537324.html


Far-right faction fails to win seats in Likud secretariat
In a joint statement published Sunday, Livnat and Livni voiced "concern about another step to accumulate power within the Likud on the part of Jewish Leadership - a group that just a week ago called for refusal [to obey orders to evacuate settlements] and one of whose candidates was convicted in the past of terror activities.
http://www.haaretz.com/hasen/pages/ShArt.jhtml?itemNo=537364&contrassID=1&subContrassID=7&sbSubContrassID=0&listSrc=Y


Palestinian sentenced to 20 years for “attempting to avenge the assassination of Yassin”
The Israeli central court in Ten Aviv sentenced of Monday a Palestinian to twenty years after convicting him of attacking three Israelis with an axe last year in Ramat Gan , after receiving news about the assassination of Sheikh Ahmad Yassin, the spiritual leader of Hamas.
http://www.imemc.org/headlines/2005/feb/week2/020805/20-years.htm


Kurds gain on Shiites, as new violence kills at least 27 in Iraq
With 4.4 million votes now counted, the Shiite coalition has won slightly more than half and the Kurdish Alliance slightly less than a quarter, leaving the group headed by interim Prime Minister Ayad Allawi trailing with 13 percent. Iraq's Independent Electoral Commission said it expects a final result to be available later this week...
http://uruknet.info/?s1=2&p=9523&s2=08

February 07, 2005

//------------------------------------------------\\
|  Today in Palestine!  07 - Feb - 2005  |
|           www.TheHeadlines.Org             |
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Israel: Hague ruling on Wall is irrelevant
This opinion would be included in the replay to the Israeli High Court of Justice, which requested an official state stand on the Hague ruling, to be submitted next week. "The international court examined a very different wall route than the one currently planned, and even more changes are being submitted for cabinet approval next week" the statement says.
http://www.imemc.org/headlines/2005/feb/week1/020705/Israel%20Huge%20ruling%20irreleveant.htm


Teen sues Canada over citing 'Jerusalem, Israel' as birthplace
In the place on the form for his place of birth, he filled in "Jerusalem, Israel," but the clerk returned it to him, with "Israel" scratched out. Like other Canadian citizens born in Jerusalem, Veffer's passport does not state his country of birth. This is Canadian government policy. Veffer is now trying to change the situation.
http://www.haaretz.com/hasen/pages/ShArt.jhtml?itemNo=536798&contrassID=1&subContrassID=9&sbSubContrassID=0&listSrc=Y


Outposts to go only after pullout, official says
Israel will evacuate illegal settlement outposts in the West Bank only after implementation of the disengagement from the Gaza Strip and the northern West Bank, a senior security official said Monday.
http://www.haaretz.com/hasen/spages/537292.html


Supporting Acadmic Freedom in Israel
We have strong reservations about the attempt being made by the University Prosecutor and the Dean of Humanities Professor Yossi Ben Artzi to revoke Dr Pappe's tenure and fire him because he made harsh statements sent by e-mail about individual professors and has allegedly defamed the institution as well as asked for intervention of some professional associations.
http://www.petitiononline.com/pappe/petition.html


Israel reopens Karni passage to Gaza
The Karni passage is the main commercial passage for goods moving between Israel and the Gaza Strip and Israel on Monday opened the passage in one way allowing goods to go from Israel into Gaza while the opposite way still remains closed.
http://news.xinhuanet.com/english/2005-02/07/content_2559993.htm


A New Palestinian Cabinet within 24 hours
Palestinian media source reported some names of ministers such as, Naser Yousef for Interior Ministry, Nasser Al-Kidweh for the Foreign Affairs Ministry, Nabil Amr for the Ministry of Information and Mohammad Dahlan for the Cabinet Affairs.
http://www.imemc.org/headlines/2005/feb/week1/020705/new-cabinet.htm


Revlin to Gush Katif settlers: “It's Over”
Members of the Israeli Foreign and Security committee met with dozens of settlers in the Gush Katif settlement bloc in the Gaza Strip, head of the Knesset, Reovin Revlin, who is known of his opposition to the disengagement plan, said that “disengagement is now a reality”.
http://www.imemc.org/headlines/2005/feb/week1/020705/Revlin.htm


Abbas: “We arrived to an agreement with the Palestinian factions”
Abu Mazin stated that the Palestinians carried with them to Sharm Al-Sheikh clear demands, such as halting the construction of the annexation wall, and to stop construction settlements in the Palestinian areas. Condoleezza Rice said that the States is willing to aide the P.A in restoring security and law in the Palestinian areas.
http://www.imemc.org/headlines/2005/feb/week1/020705/Abbas1.htm


Palestinian international contacts to keep Hansen UNRWA commissioner
According to sources, which requested anonymity, Palestinian Minister of Foreign Affairs Dr. Nabil Shaath has recently succeeded in convincing his European counterparts not to nominate a European successor for Hansen. The Europeans have agreed not to nominate a successor for Hansen in response to the Palestinian demand...
http://www.kuna.net.kw/Home/Story.aspx?Language=en&DSNO=702756


Mid-East peace talks at White House
Condoleezza Rice today announced a top-level Middle East peace summit at the White House. The US secretary of state said that Israeli prime minister Ariel Sharon and new Palestinian president Mahmoud Abbas would attend the talks in the spring. Ms Rice added: "This is a moment for hope."
http://www.thisislondon.co.uk/news/articles/16434030?source=Evening%20Standard


Rice commits US to Middle East peace
She also said that Palestinians should wage "an effective fight against terrorism". Criticised for too little involvement in Middle East peace efforts in his first term, US President George Bush sent Rice to the region to back up his pledge to press harder for an end to the conflict.
http://english.aljazeera.net/NR/exeres/831F223F-1A6E-4D29-9940-A5653C27C9B6.htm


Rice: 'Palestinian Authority Taking Right Steps'
Ms. Rice was speaking in the West Bank city of Ramallah after talks with Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas Monday. She said the United States is pleased to note that the Palestinian Authority is taking steps in the right direction.
http://www.voanews.com/english/2005-02-07-voa5.cfm


Palestinians look forward to dialogue with US
Nabil Abu Rudeineh, senior advisor to Palestinian leader Mahmoud Abbas, asserted on Monday that the Palestinians are looking forward to a new start of dialogue on a high level with the United States.
http://news.xinhuanet.com/english/2005-02/07/content_2559995.htm


Security officials fear attempt on Abbas' life ahead of summit
Israeli and Palestinian security officials have expressed concern that radical militant groups would attempt to assassinate Palestinian leader Mahmoud Abbas to undermine Tuesday's Sharm al-Sheikh summit, Israel Army Radio reported Monday.
http://news.xinhuanet.com/english/2005-02/07/content_2559730.htm


Palestinian ceasefire not enough: Israel FM
Israeli Foreign Minister Silvan Shalom said a ceasefire by militant groups was not enough and demanded that the Palestinian leadership move decisively to disarm them once and for all. ( When are Illegal Settlers to be dissarmed ? )
http://story.news.yahoo.com/news?tmpl=story&cid=1514&ncid=1312&e=8&u=/afp/20050207/wl_mideast_afp/mideastisraelfrance_050207142430


Palestinian official cautious over outcome of Sharm summit
"The summit will be a suitable place for announcing decisions and agreements including a mutual ceasefire with Israel," said Dahlan. "This time there will be witnesses to observe this announcement."
http://news.xinhuanet.com/english/2005-02/08/content_2560158.htm


Army general chosen as Mideast security point man
Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice chose an army infantry officer who briefly served at the US embassy in Cairo as her point man for helping to monitor compliance with security commitments made by Palestinians and Israelis.
http://story.news.yahoo.com/news?tmpl=story&cid=1514&ncid=1312&e=6&u=/afp/20050207/wl_mideast_afp/mideastusward_050207163041


Hamas rejects US proposal to appoint security coordinator
"Turning the Palestinian issue to a security case is supporting the Israeli logic and the Israeli agenda," said Youssef, adding "the Palestinians want not only security but also their rights, an independent country as well as the refugees' right of return."
http://news.xinhuanet.com/english/2005-02/07/content_2559988.htm


Katsav unlikely to visit New Zealand amid strained ties
Prime Minister Helen Clark on Monday ruled out a visit by President Moshe Katsav to New Zealand next month, saying diplomatic relations were still strained following a passport fraud case involving suspected Mossad spies.
http://www.haaretz.com/hasen/spages/536846.html


Russia pins hopes on Mideast summit
Russia said the planned summit between Israeli and Palestinian leaders stood a greater chance of success because it was being hosted by regional power Egypt and attended by Jordan's King Abdullah II.
http://story.news.yahoo.com/news?tmpl=story&cid=1514&ncid=1312&e=4&u=/afp/20050207/wl_mideast_afp/mideastsummitrussia_050207163611


Annan: Poverty alleviation for Palestinians a key to peace
Alleviating poverty among Palestinians is a "humanitarian imperative" that would contribute significantly to bringing about peace in the Middle East, the UN secretary-general said Monday.
http://www.haaretz.com/hasen/pages/ShArt.jhtml?itemNo=537291&contrassID=1&subContrassID=1&sbSubContrassID=0&listSrc=Y


Hamas enters the political arena
Indeed, the Palestinian public sees the Hamas activists and leaders as much more modest and honest people than the Fatah activists. However, the residents of the West Bank and Gaza are well aware of the differences between the political positions of Hamas and Fatah, and those who vote for the Hamas candidates understand that indirectly they are also lending their support to a tougher stand toward Israel.
http://www.haaretz.com/hasen/spages/536434.html


A ruse called referendum
The demand for a referendum on the disengagement plan has been raised again and again - not because of a true democratic need, but because the settlers, as always, have managed to put their cause at the top of the public agenda.
http://www.haaretz.com/hasen/spages/536839.html


Can we be optimistic about Sharm?
Prime Minister Ariel Sharon is, as usual, adamant that the Palestinians first address the security issue: ending the terror, dismantling its infrastructure and implementing reforms in the Palestinian regime - demands that the prime minister's adviser, Dov Weissglas, once thought to be unattainable and saw as an attempt to turn the Palestinians into Finns.
http://www.haaretz.com/hasen/spages/536824.html


A revolution, in theory
The decision to hold Fahima until the completion of her trial is unreasonable and disproportional, and suggests that in the matter of stripping an individual's freedom before he is convicted, the constitutional revolution still exists only on paper.
http://www.haaretz.com/hasen/spages/536435.html


Background/ Sharon, Bush gamble on Abbas - this time, to win
Sharon could depend on then-PA chairman Yasser Arafat to undermine any reforms Abbas might undertake. He could also trust the powerful Hamas leaders Sheikh Ahmed Yassin and Abdel Aziz Rantisi to literally blow to pieces any chance for PA security control over the West Bank and Gaza Strip.
http://www.haaretzdaily.com/hasen/pages/ShArt.jhtml?itemNo=537248&displayTypeCd=1&sideCd=1&contrassID=2


Unrest again in the Likud
On the eve of critical votes in the Knesset and cabinet on evacuation-compensation, on the actual evacuation and on the 2005 State Budget, there is once more rumbling in the Likud. Finance Minister Benjamin Netanyahu says in private conversations that he will vote against the disengagement. Foreign Minister Silvan Shalom says that he is still undecided.
http://www.haaretz.com/hasen/spages/536838.html


In Mideast, Rice tests diplomatic waters
But beneath the fanfare lie daunting differences both over short-term steps and longer-term goals that highlight the challenges facing US involvement, and at least in the Palestinian view, underscore the importance of heightening it.
http://www.csmonitor.com/2005/0207/p07s01-wome.htm


Mideast crisis in Manhattan
"There are islands of anti-Semitism, and these islands are student campuses," said Sharansky, who has visited 26 American college campuses as part of his "Back to the Campus" initiative. "And all this is done in the name of academic freedom."
http://www.haaretz.com/hasen/spages/537191.html


Shells hit north as test by weapons manufacturer goes awry
The test by the civilian weapons manufacturer was taking place in an Israel Defense Forces firing range north of Nahariya when it went wrong for reasons as yet unknown. The IDF itself had no involvement in the incident.
http://www.haaretz.com/hasen/spages/537273.html


Insurgents Kill at Least 30 in Iraq
The deadliest attack came in Baqouba, where a car bomb exploded outside the gates of a provincial police headquarters, killing 15 people and wounding 17, police Col. Mudhahar al-Jubouri said. Many victims were there to seek jobs as policemen, al-Jubouri said.
http://abcnews.go.com/International/wireStory?id=477948


Widow won't sling mud at Bucca G.I.s
The incident allegedly was organized by sergeants, and involved men and women assigned to guard Iraqi detainees transferred there from notorious Abu Ghraib prison, according to an Army report obtained by The News.
http://www.nydailynews.com/front/story/278577p-238671c.html

February 06, 2005

//------------------------------------------------\\
|  Today in Palestine!  06 - Feb - 2005  |
|           www.TheHeadlines.Org             |
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Two Civilians Wounded in Gaza and a Boy Ran Over By Israeli Jeep
Eyewitnesses told IPC correspondent in the town of Doura, south of Hebron province, that an Israeli military jeep ran over 16-year-old boy Ayed Al Rajoub in the center of town. The witnesses asserted that the jeep deliberately ran over Al Rajoub...
http://www.ipc.gov.ps/ipc_new/english/details.asp?name=2441


Military court releases officer charged with killing Gaza girl
The IDF Southern Command's Military Court on Sunday decided to release Captain R., who is suspected of killing a 13-year-old girl in Rafah, southern Gaza, at point blank range. R. has been confined to an IDF base for the last two months, pending completion of the trial. (Good step for Just-Peace)
http://www.haaretz.com/hasen/spages/536760.html


MPA Calls for Releasing Palestinian Child Prisoners
Ministry of Prisoners Affairs (MPA) affirmed the necessity of releasing the Palestinian child prisoners in the Israeli prisons. In a press release issued Saturday the MPA called on the "concerned parties" to put the issue of the child prisoners on top of their schedules...
http://english.wafa.ps/body.asp?field=tech_news&id=2097


Parents fight to learn why Israeli sniper shot their son
Hurndall was hit in the forehead by a high-velocity bullet fired by an Israeli soldier as he worked as a peace activist in the Gaza Strip 20 months ago. The bullet entered cleanly enough, but then splintered into hundreds of tiny pieces. Hurndall never regained consciousness, dying nine months later and 2,200 miles away in a London hospital.
http://observer.guardian.co.uk/international/story/0,6903,1401737,00.html


The two Palestinians Killed on Friday were unarmed
After a thorough combing, An Israeli army source said Saturday that the two Palestinians who were killed on Friday by Israeli soldiers near Neir Amm settlement were unarmed. Soldiers fired at two Palestinians who approached the security fence of the settlement, apparently seeking work.
http://www.imemc.org/headlines/2005/feb/week1/020605/unarmed%20the%20ones%20killed.htm


Immigration to Israel drops in 2004
Immigration to Israel fell by more than nine percent in 2004, led by a sharp drop in arrivals from the former Soviet Union, officials said Sunday. The Jewish Agency, the agency that deals with immigration, said 22,134 Jews moved to Israel in 2004 - down from 24,434 the previous year.
http://www.haaretz.com/hasen/pages/ShArt.jhtml?itemNo=536749&contrassID=1&subContrassID=9&sbSubContrassID=0&listSrc=Y


IFH Calls for Improving Palestinian Prisoners' Conditions
The Vienna-based legal organization, International Friends of Humanity (IFH), called on Saturday the Israeli Defense Minister and the Israeli prisons service to improve detention conditions experienced by thousands of Palestinian prisoners inside various jails, prisons and concentration camps.
http://www.ipc.gov.ps/ipc_new/english/details.asp?name=2438


Sharon, Abbas turn blind eye to wreckage of other Mideast peace bids
US President George W. Bush may have predicted last week that the goal of an independent Palestinian state is within reach, but neither Sharon nor Abbas have shown any desire to address the thorniest issues such as the plight of Palestinian refugees and the status of Jerusalem.
http://www.turkishpress.com/world/news.asp?id=050206034857.zt48jf1u.xml


Rice Says 'Hard Decisions' Await Israel
"We will ask of our partners and our friends here in Israel that Israel continue to make the hard decisions that must be taken in order to promote peace and help the emergence of a democratic Palestinian state," Rice said Sunday. Rice did not go into specifics.
http://sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article/article?f=/n/a/2005/02/06/national/w095510S21.DTL


U.S. draft law designates PLO officials as “terrorists”
The bill states that: "An alien who is an officer, official, representative or spokesman of the Palestine Liberation Organization is considered, for purposes of this Act, to be engaged in a terrorist activity." If adopted, the law would kill the hopes for the peace process in the Middle East.
http://www.aljazeera.com/me.asp?service_ID=6969


Palestinian prisoners on talks agenda
The minister for prisoners' affairs, Hisham Abd al-Razaq, told Aljazeera on Sunday that the Palestinian Authority had not agreed to "Israel's criteria for selecting Palestinian prisoners". "The issue is still one of the controversial points between us and the Israeli side ... Israel's position with regard to these criteria needs to be more constructive.
http://english.aljazeera.net/NR/exeres/D1152F67-1613-4C2F-A850-4AB68FD6F18E.htm


Rice urges Israel to avoid unilateral steps on J'lem
Israeli sources said Rice was referring to the government's decision from last summer to apply the absentee property law to tens of thousands of dunams (acres) of Palestinian property in East Jerusalem. Attorney General Menachem Mazuz last week instructed Finance Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to order an immediate halt to the application of the law.
http://www.haaretz.com/hasen/spages/536736.html


Calls to dissolve 'corrupt' PA cabinet
Fatah officials and Palestinian columnists and editors urged Abbas over the weekend to dismiss the cabinet, headed by Prime Minister Ahmed Qurei, as a first step toward stemming widespread corruption.
http://www.jpost.com/servlet/Satellite?pagename=JPost/JPArticle/ShowFull&cid=1107575181588


Abbas meets PLO council
Top Palestinian official Nabil Abu Rudeineh said that the Palestinian Authority is expecting the visit of US secretary Rice to bring progress on issues under discussion between Israel and the Palestinians.
http://www.ndtv.com/template/template.asp?template=Palestine&slug=Abbas+meets+PLO+council&id=68052&callid=1


Fatah movement reissues call for truce with Israel
In a statement, the 124-member Fatah Revolutionary Council said its member militias would refrain from attacking Israeli civilians inside Israel, and would be ready for "a mutual ceasefire" in lands Israel captured in the 1967 Middle East War.
http://www.haaretz.com/hasen/spages/536394.html


Mobarak might visit Israel after Sharm Al-Sheikh summit
Israeli military radio reported that the Egyptian president Hosney Mobarak might conduct his first official visit to Israel after Sharm Al-Sheikh summit next Tuesday. The Radio stated that Mobarak told some of his aides that he might accept an invitation which Sharon is expected to offer during the summit.
http://www.imemc.org/headlines/2005/feb/week1/020605/mobarak.htm


Report: Egyptian army to secure Gaza's Philadelphi route
A senior Egyptian official told the official state news agency on Saturday that Israel and Egypt will sign an agreement on Thursday enabling the Egyptian army to secure the Gaza border area adjacent to the Philadephi route.
http://www.haaretz.com/hasen/pages/ShArt.jhtml?itemNo=536376&contrassID=1&subContrassID=1&sbSubContrassID=0&listSrc=Y


Knesset unlikely to vote on disengagement bill this week
Army Radio reported Sunday that the committee was considering adding an article to the bill compelling the prime minister to hold a national referendum on the disengagement plan before it could be implemented. A preliminary vote at the finance committee found that 10 members opposed the bill, while just eight support it.
http://www.haaretz.com/hasen/spages/536745.html


Rice: U.S. Wants Help With Mideast Peace
The United States wants help from Turkey and other countries to "sustain the momentum" toward Middle East peace, and incitement to anti-Jewish violence and sentiment must end, Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice said Sunday.
http://story.news.yahoo.com/news?tmpl=story&cid=514&e=1&u=/ap/20050206/ap_on_go_ca_st_pe/rice_11


Israel to 'pray for failure'
Jerusalem - Israeli rabbis were planning on Sunday to hold special sessions in 100 synagogues to pray for the failure of this week's summit between prime minister Ariel Sharon and new Palestinian leader Mahmud Abbas.
http://www.news24.com/News24/World/News/0,,2-10-1462_1658266,00.html


Israeli DM declares suspension of manhunts, assassinations
The Israeli military operations against wanted Palestinian men have been temporarily frozen, Defense Minister Shaul Mofaz told the cabinet Sunday. Mofaz said he had approved the release of the jailed son of Fatah West Bank leader Marwan Barghouti... (Who was jailed for??? being son of the jailed leader! )
http://news.xinhuanet.com/english/2005-02/06/content_2556309.htm


Gaza and Jericho first - again
It used to be said that a meeting like this was important because of the very fact that it was being held, as if this were some type of cosmic event. The Israeli-Palestinian conflict can no longer allow itself to suffice with this type of meeting. The working assumption of the Sharm summit can no longer be that the sides convene only to write each other's test assignments again.
http://www.haaretz.com/hasen/spages/536427.html


In Mideast, Rice tests diplomatic waters
The road map calls for the establishment of a viable Palestinian state alongside a secure Israel. "In Israel, there is concern that an American mediator will press Israel to help [Abbas] beyond what Sharon is willing, and will weaken the Israeli stance," wrote Aluf Benn in Haaretz in an analysis headlined "Condi go home."
http://www.csmonitor.com/2005/0207/p07s01-wome.html


Defense chiefs disagree with Dichter on approach to PA
The stance associated with Dichter - who is due to end his tenure at the Shin Bet in a few months - is much harder and calls for minimum gestures toward the Palestinians and retains the readiness for the assassination of potential Palestinian attackers.
http://www.haaretz.com/hasen/pages/ShArt.jhtml?itemNo=536647&contrassID=1&subContrassID=1&sbSubContrassID=0&listSrc=Y


Dolan: `Less satisfied' with Mazuz's clearing of Sharon
"As to Mazuz's opinion (Attorney General Menachem Mazuz's decision to absolve the prime minister in the public sphere), in this matter I am less satisfied. There was room to phrase it differently, and I tried to make my contribution to the matter."
http://www.haaretz.com/hasen/pages/ShArt.jhtml?itemNo=536582&contrassID=1&subContrassID=4&sbSubContrassID=0&listSrc=Y


Israel returns five Egyptian infiltrators to Egypt
The officials, speaking on condition of anonymity, said the five, all aged in their 20s, crossed into Israel looking for jobs and were interrogated by Israeli authorities before being handed back to Egyptian authorities.
http://www.haaretz.com/hasen/pages/ShArt.jhtml?itemNo=536783&contrassID=1&subContrassID=5&sbSubContrassID=0&listSrc=Y


French FM urges Syria to stay out of Lebanese elections
Syria has been under increasing international pressure, led by the United States and France, to lessen its influence in Lebanon. Syria maintains an estimated 15,000 troops in Lebanon and remains the main political power broker in the country.
http://www.haaretz.com/hasen/pages/ShArt.jhtml?itemNo=536362&contrassID=1&subContrassID=8&sbSubContrassID=0&listSrc=Y


The Abu Ghraib Scandal You Don't Know
Now, it emerges, there may be another dimension to Gus' story and certainly to the horrors of Abu Ghraib. In what amounted to a perversion of the traditional doctor's creed of "first, do no harm," the medical system at the prison became an instrument of abuse, by design and by neglect.
http://www.time.com/time/magazine/article/0,9171,1025139,00.html


22 Iraqi Officers Killed Near Baghdad
Insurgents attacked a police station south of Baghdad under cover of darkness Sunday, killing 22 Iraqi police and soldiers, police said. Gunmen seized four Egyptians technicians in Baghdad in the second kidnapping of foreigners in the Iraqi capital within a week.
http://story.news.yahoo.com/news?tmpl=story&cid=540&ncid=540&e=2&u=/ap/20050206/ap_on_re_mi_ea/iraq


Fresh threats to kill kidnapped Italian in Iraq
A second Iraqi Islamic group claimed on Sunday responsibility for the kidnapping of Italian journalist Giuliana Sgrena and said she would be killed by Monday unless Italy withdrew its troops.
http://news.xinhuanet.com/english/2005-02/07/content_2556496.htm

February 05, 2005

//------------------------------------------------\\
|  Today in Palestine!  05 - Feb - 2005  |
|           www.TheHeadlines.Org             |
\\------------------------------------------------//

Israeli authorities release Mervat Taha and her child
Thursday afternoon, Israeli authorities released Mervat Mahmoud Taha, from Jerusalem, after she spent nearly three years in Israeli jails, with her baby boy Wael, who she gave birth to while in detention, on February 2nd , 2002.
http://www.imemc.org/headlines/2005/feb/week1/020505/Mervat-Taha.htm


1000 Dunams to erect a wall around Ariel settlement
The Israeli authorities decided to erect a wall around Ariel settlement, the biggest settlement in the West Bank , inhibited by 18.000 settlers. Residents of Amateen, Dir Estia, Jensafout, and Al-Fondoq will lose thousands of Dunams of family farmlands if the wall is erected as planned by the Israeli government.
http://www.imemc.org/headlines/2005/feb/week1/020505/Ariel%20Settlement.htm


Hague Conference Considers Ways to Implement ICJ Ruling on Israel's Wall
Dr. Hajo G. Meyer, who fled from Germany to the Netherlands in 1939, at the age of 14, then survived 10 months in Auschwitz, discussed the use of anti-Semitism to frustrate open debate on the Israeli-Palestinian issue. Citing Henry Kissinger's definition of terror—”any violence against civilians with the intent of breaking down society”—he described Israel's wall as a form of terror, saying it was not comparable to, but worse than, apartheid.
http://wrmea.com/archives/Jan_Feb_2005/0501012.html


Palestinians injured, Israeli and international activists detainedafter nonviolent demonstration in Hebron
One Canadian activist with the ISM was hit by Israeli soldiers in the head with the butt of a rifle and then punched in the face. Israeli soldiers launched tear gas and sound bombs. A number of Palestinians were treated for respiratory problems as a result. The Israeli military detained two ISM volunteers from Britain and Canada and five Israelis from the Anarchists against the Wall.
https://israel.indymedia.org/feature/display/1958/index.php


London Conference a Prelude to Academic Boycott of Israel
Support for the boycott is motivated by the terrible conditions created by the Israeli occupation and continued dispossession of the Palestinians. Furthermore, the failure of governments to effectively pressure Israel so that it will comply with international law means that it is up to civil society to act.
http://wrmea.com/archives/Jan_Feb_2005/0501015.html


The Schoolgirl Who “Needed to Be Killed”
“Captain R,” the company commander, who approached Iman—wounded, according to Palestinian witnesses, but alive and lying on the ground helpless—and first fired two shots into her at close range to “confirm the kill.” Then, according to IDF witnesses, he walked a short distance away, turned back, approached the child again and emptied the magazine of his automatic weapon into her body.
http://wrmea.com/archives/Jan_Feb_2005/0501009.html


Two arrested in Nablus
A local source in Nablus stated that at least twenty armored vehicles invaded Al0Shuhada junction area and Al-Qaryoun neighborhood in Nablus and conducted military searches o homes. Also, soldiers fired at dozens of homes in Bad Al-Shaha neighborhood and arrested Mohammad Hani Al-Qaddoumi, 19. (Reuters, AP, AFP... skipped it!)
http://www.imemc.org/headlines/2005/feb/week1/020505/2-arrested.htm


2 Citizens Shot Dead, another Run Over, 4 Arrested
The IOF informed the Palestinian side that two citizens, Emad Abu Shallouf 18, and Mohammed al-Bahry 19 were shot dead, allover their bodies. Meanwhile, IOF furthered, for the second day running, blocking Salah el-Din route that links GS southern parts with its northern ones, denying hundred of citizens' access from-into Gaza city.
http://english.wafa.ps/body.asp?field=tech_news&id=2095


Case against Israel's blacklist to continue despite planned deportation of activist
O'Connor, a 41-year-old American with an Irish background and citizenship, will be deported from Israel in the coming days for his participation in nonviolent resistance in the West Bank, despite his pending appeal of the deportation order.
http://www.imemc.org/headlines/2005/feb/week1/020505/activist-to-be-deported.htm


PCBS: Unemployment Rate in OPT Decreased by 2.0% in 2004
In a press release issued Saturday PCBS revealed that the percentage of participants in labour force increased by 1.5% between the 3 rd quarter 2004 and the 4 th quarter 2004, where it increased from 40.5% in the 3 rd quarter 2004 to 41.1% in the 4 th quarter 2004, compared with 43.5% in the 3 rd quarter 2000.
http://english.wafa.ps/body.asp?field=tech_news&id=2096


Middle East hopes for a new era
What he found on the edge of the orchard will live with him all his days. There were six dead. The oldest was 17 and the youngest 11. Faris said, "I found my brothers and cousins in pieces everywhere." Just the night before, the new Palestinian leader, Mahmoud Abbas, had condemned the attacks by the militants. ( No one condemned crimes by Occupier! )
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/programmes/from_our_own_correspondent/4235903.stm


In Watershed, Israel Deems Land-use Rules of Zionist Icon 'Discriminatory'
Aside from debates over land rights, citizenship rights are the other main arena in which Israel's treatment of its Arab citizens faces challenges. The Supreme Court is currently reviewing a challenge to a recent Israeli law that bars non-Jewish spouses of Israeli citizens from coming to live in Israel under family reunification policy.
http://www.forward.com/main/article.php?id=2643


PNA detains three DFLP leaders in Gaza
Tallal Abu Zareefah, DFLP spokesman in southern Gaza, was among the three. The other two were the group's local leaders in the southern Gaza town of Khan Younis. It was the first time that the Palestinian security forces detained leaders of one Palestinian faction since newly-elected PNAChairman Mahmoud Abbas came to office last month.
http://news.xinhuanet.com/english/2005-02/05/content_2552586.htm


Palestinian Refugees in Jordan Fear for Their Rights
The Baqaa camp is one of ten such sites the United Nations administers in Jordan. Mohammad Khalak, 53, says his parents were forced off their land west of Jerusalem in the 1940s. He was born in exile and raised his own family in Baqaa since it was first set up in 1968.
http://www.voanews.com/english/2005-02-04-voa28.cfm


Abbas talks with Fatah before summit
Palestinian Authority President Mahmud Abbas, also known as Abu Mazin, on Saturday met with more than 100 members of his Fatah party's revolutionary council, and a top aide said the aim of the summit on Tuesday was to declare a mutual ceasefire between Palestinians and Israelis.
http://english.aljazeera.net/NR/exeres/38E0D477-7C98-433F-BAF2-7CBF68E40EDE.htm


Israel urged to expand prisoner release
Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas has urged Israel to expand a prisoner release to ensure the success of his upcoming summit meeting with Ariel Sharon. Abbas made the call on Friday, a day after Israel refused to release prisoners jailed before the interim peace deals in 1993.
http://news.xinhuanet.com/english/2005-02/05/content_2550834.htm


Palestinians await Israeli pullback in West Bank
Palestinian officials in Tulkarm, where Israeli troops raid at will to root out militants, say they are eager to take security control of the West Bank city to bolster peace efforts.
http://www.alertnet.org/thenews/newsdesk/L03301855.htm


Abrams arrives to finalize preparations for Rice visit
United States Deputy National Security Advisor Elliot Abrams is set to meet with Prime Minister Ariel Sharon's top advisor Dov Weisglass Saturday evening in order to finalize last-minute preparations before the arrival Sunday of Condoleezza Rice two days before a major summit of regional leaders.
http://www.haaretz.com/hasen/spages/536000.html


HAMAS: Summit will Reveal Israel's Real Intention
The Islamic Resistance Movement (HAMAS) in Palestine announced that the Israeli-Palestinian summit to be held in the Egyptian resort of Sharm Al-Sheikh will reveal Israel's real intentions about Palestinians.
http://www.zaman.com/?bl=hotnews&alt=&trh=20050205&hn=16275


New Year's in a Garden on the Moon
I'd just about put my passport back in my purse when the driver made the general call for IDs again. Another checkpoint. It hadn't been 50 yards. We went through the same stress, the same waiting in line, the same nonsense again. And 50 yards on there was another one! Triple shot. I said, "How can three checkpoints within ten feet of each other be for security?"
http://www.counterpunch.org/olson02052005.html


Report: Egyptian army to secure Gaza's Philadelpi route
A senior Egyptian official told the official state news agency on Saturday that Israel and Egypt will sign an agreement on Thursday enabling the Egyptian army to secure the Gaza border area adjacent to the Philadephi route.
http://www.haaretz.com/hasen/spages/536376.html


Egypt offers to mediate in Israeli-Syrian peace talks
Egypt seeks to convey to Syria the benefits of resuming negotiations with Israel, chief among them reducing American pressure on Damascus over its reported role in allowing militants to destabilize neighboring Iraq.
http://www.haaretz.com/hasen/spages/536361.html


Mideast commentator brings protest at CMU
The Palestinian elections were a farce, he said, because Palestinians living outside of the Gaza and West Bank were not able to participate, and the deck had been stacked in favor of Palestine Liberation Organization leader Mahmoud Abbas. The apartheid system is so far advanced that a two-state solution to the Israeli/Palestinian conflict is no longer possible...
http://electronicintifada.net/v2/article3597.shtml


Free for all - By Azmi Bishara
Bush is desperate to convince American public opinion that he is defending their freedom at home by defending freedom abroad, and that this is why US forces are in Iraq. But the claim begs many questions. Why appoint Alberto Gonzales, champion of torture in the "fight against terrorism" as attorney-general? And how can increasing restrictions on civil liberties in the US be explained?
http://weekly.ahram.org.eg/2005/728/op13.htm


Israeli envoy secretly expelled
The report said the expulsion had been covered up for several weeks and could be linked to a scandal last year in which two alleged agents of the Israeli spy service, Mossad, were arrested in New Zealand.
http://www.news.com.au/story/0,10117,12158121-29277,00.html


Boy among prisoners held by British, court martial told
A 12-year-old boy was among a group of looters in Iraq who were rounded up and allegedly abused by British soldiers, a court martial in Germany was told yesterday. The child was with men who had been captured, forced to strip naked and simulate sex in front of a crowd of jeering squaddies.
http://www.guardian.co.uk/military/story/0,11816,1404473,00.html


Sunni clerics want US exit timetable before Iraq constitution accord
If a timetable was set, the clerics would send out a message to end the country's bloodshed which is widely blamed on Sunni insurgents, a spokesman said. The demand was made in a meeting between the chairman of the Committee of Muslim Scholars, Hareth al-Dari, and UN special envoy in Iraq, Ashraf Qazi, Omar Ragheb said.
http://story.news.yahoo.com/news?tmpl=story&cid=1515&ncid=1515&e=1&u=/afp/20050205/wl_mideast_afp/iraqvotesunni_050205194648


Former UN Head Boutros-Ghali Defends Iraq Oil Deal
Boutros-Ghali headed the United Nations from January 1992 until Annan took over in 1997. An inquiry into the oil-for-food program, which ran from 1996 until 2003, found on Thursday it had been beset by political favoritism and had suffered from lax U.N. controls.
http://www.reuters.com/newsArticle.jhtml?type=worldNews&storyID=7546589


Rumsfeld Debating Whether to Avoid Germany
He conceded in response to questions at a press conference that one problem was the jurisdiction of a German court over a 160-page criminal complaint filed Nov. 30 with the federal prosecutor's office in Germany accusing him of war crimes in connection with detainee abuse at the Abu Ghraib prison in Iraq.
http://uruknet.info/?s1=2&p=9453&s2=05

February 04, 2005

//------------------------------------------------\\
|  Today in Palestine!  04 - Feb - 2005  |
|           www.TheHeadlines.Org             |
\\------------------------------------------------//

Palestinian Families will lose 6000 Dunams for "Ariel" Wall
Palestinian sources reported that at least 6000 Dunams (1500 Acre) will be lost from Palestinians villages in the northern West Bank for Israel to build the wall around the Jewish Settlement of Ariel. At least 1000 Dunams will be consumed by the wall itself, whereas, 5000 Dunams will be on the Israeli side of the wall, and therefore annexed to Israel.
http://www.imemc.org/headlines/2005/feb/week1/020405/wall-ariel.htm


Israeli forces bulldoze Palestinian lands in Negev desert
Sources said that 1,000 Israeli border police officers, backed by 16 bulldozers that belong to the so-called "Israel's lands department”, raided the Al-Araqib area and bulldozed 4,000 dunums of agricultural lands that cultivate cereals. They added that the lands belonged to the clans of Al-Touri, Al-Aqabi, Abu Siyam, and Abu Zayed.
http://www.aljazeera.com/me.asp?service_ID=6940


Israel's latest land grab is part of an old strategy
The renewed application of the law came to light only after an Israeli lawyer pressed the army for a promised entry permit into Israel for his client, Johnny Atik, a Bethlehem farmer who needed to reach his fields. His land lies on the Jerusalem side of the "security barrier." The permit never arrived; instead Atik received a letter advising him that his land had been passed to the office of the Custodian of Absentee Property. His fields now declared state property, he is ineligible for compensation.
http://www.dailystar.com.lb/article.asp?edition_id=10&categ_id=5&article_id=12359


Killing of Palestinian girl shatters family
Nearby, an Israeli tank shell rattled the windows of the room, which together with young Nuran's death served as a reminder that if there is any "calm" it has not yet reached Rafah. "When Nuran died, a part of me died also," her mother said. "She was a bright light that was extinguished. For me, there can be no more peace."
http://english.aljazeera.net/NR/exeres/2211A473-A8A6-462C-A913-577DC5DD9F55.htm


2000 Palestinian children arrested since September 2000
The detainees were exposed to different sorts of sexual harassments, and forced to sign pre-arranged confession sheets. 95 child detainees were sentenced by Israeli military courts to high fines; the fines are estimated between NIS 1000 to 5000, which is a direct violation of the international law.
http://www.imemc.org/headlines/2005/feb/week1/020205/2000-children.htm


Throwing the ball to the Americans
Israeli media was reporting that the US was asking Israel to "re-examine" the East Jerusalem land seizure. There were also worried statements by Foreign Ministry officials that the decision had been "frozen". The final nail was Mazuz's clarification that, contrary to reports from the prime minister's office, not only had he not been present when the cabinet decision was taken...
http://weekly.ahram.org.eg/2005/728/re71.htm


Weekly report on human rights violations
This week, 8 Palestinian civilians, including 3 children and 2 mentally handicapped persons, were killed by IOF. 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...
http://electronicintifada.net/v2/article3598.shtml


IOF Kills Citizen, Arrests 6 at Checkpoint in GS
Medics said that the Israeli side handed over the body of Nabil al-Ayedy 40, who was killed by soldiers, stationed at Abu Houly checkpoint, north of Khanyounis. Witnesses said that IOF opened fire at al-Ayedy, and left him bleeding to death, preventing ambulances from saving his life.
http://english.wafa.ps/body.asp?field=tech_news&id=2093


Two Palestinians killed by IDF fire in northern Gaza Strip
Soldiers began searching the area immediately following the incident, during the course of which the Palestinians' bodies were found, Army Radio reported. It is not yet clear whether they were armed. Meanwhile, security forces arrested two Hamas activists in the West Bank early Friday morning.
http://www.haaretz.com/hasen/spages/536004.html


Case against Israel's blacklist to continue despite planned deportation of activist
There are over one hundred documented cases of foreign humanitarian aid workers and dedicated human rights activists who have been subject to political discrimination by the Israeli Ministry of Interior and denied entry for `security reasons'. (So IOF can feel safe while killing Palestinians!)
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/palsolidarity/message/1131


Medical treatment abroad for Gaza residents: closures and access
Since 13th of December 2004, restriction of passage through Rafah and Erez crossing in Gaza strip has prevented most patients to reach health care facilities abroad, in order to receive specialized care not locally available.
http://www.amin.org/eng/uncat/2005/feb/feb4.html


Analysis / A `gesture' of humiliation
Minister Haim Ramon said yesterday that the decision to release 900 Palestinian prisoners was necessary to strengthen Palestinian Authority Chairman Mahmoud Abbas (Abu Mazen). But in the same Israel Radio interview, he stressed that only prisoners who had received short sentences, or who had only a few months left to serve, would be freed.
http://www.haaretz.com/hasen/spages/536028.html


PLC implements proportional representation, removes quotas for women
By implementing this new system, 50% of the legislative members will be elected nationally on a majority basis and 50% will be elected by region. This system of proportional representation will allow parties or coalitions to establish lists that voters can choose from, instead of voting for individual candidates.
http://www.imemc.org/headlines/2005/feb/week1/020405/plc-changes.htm


Palestinians disappointed at Israeli prisoners release offer
Israel Radio reported that the Palestinians want the list of prisoners to include 237 Palestinian who have been jailed since before the 1993 Israeli-Palestinian interim Oslo agreements, but Israel refused. The radio said that 233 of them were “murderers” ( Total number of Israelis killed in 1st intifada was 11 )
http://www.khaleejtimes.com/DisplayArticle.asp?xfile=data/middleeast/2005/February/middleeast_February95.xml&section=middleeast


Top EU official to urge Israeli flexibility ahead of summit
Ferrero-Waldner "will urge Israel to match improvements in security with new measures to improve freedom of movement for Palestinian people and goods, without which economic revival in the territories will not be possible," said a European Commission statement.
http://www.turkishpress.com/news.asp?ID=36890


Jordanian FM: Deploy Palestinian soldiers to West Bank
Amman is proposing that a brigade of Palestinian soldiers trained in Jordan should deploy to the West Bank pending Israeli and Palestinian approval, Jordanian Foreign Minister Hani Fawzi Mulki said in an interview published Friday.
http://www.haaretz.com/hasen/spages/536258.html


Rice: U.S. prepared to train Palestinian security forces
"And there will need to be some international effort, and the United States is prepared to play a major role in that, to help in the training of the Palestinian security forces and in making sure that they are security forces that are part of the solution, not part of the problem," she said. ( To secure Israeli &, not Palestinians ? )
http://www.haaretz.com/hasen/pages/ShArt.jhtml?itemNo=536292&contrassID=1&subContrassID=1&sbSubContrassID=0&listSrc=Y


No majority for evacuation bill in Knesset panel
The Knesset Finance Committee plans to start voting on Sunday on the bill to implement the disengagement, dubbed the Evacuation Compensation Law, to ready it for its second and third readings in the Knesset. However, the coalition does not have a majority to pass the bill in the committee. Ten committee memebers oppose the bill and eight support it.
http://www.haaretz.com/hasen/pages/ShArt.jhtml?itemNo=536288&contrassID=1&subContrassID=7&sbSubContrassID=0&listSrc=Y


Jordanian FM says "premature" to return ambassador to Israel
Jordan and Egypt recalled ambassadors to Tel Aviv shortly after the eruption of the Palestinian intifada (uprising) in September 2000 in protest of Israel's excessive use of force against Palestinians.
http://news.xinhuanet.com/english/2005-02/04/content_2547231.htm


Islamists, leftists protest Sharm el-Sheikh summit
"Down with Sharm al-Sheikh summit," the protesters shouted, denouncing the participating Arab leaders as "American agents." There was also anti-Iraq occupation chanting. The protesters also complained about inequalities at home, shouting that the leaders lived in palaces
http://www.jpost.com/servlet/Satellite?pagename=JPost/JPArticle/ShowFull&cid=1107487146137


Dunam After Dunam - By Uri Avnery
In this situation, 20% of the citizens of Israel are denied the right to buy a home in large parts of the country, while this right is enjoyed by Jews living in Brooklyn and Odessa. How did this state of affairs come about? Like many other bad things here, it started quite innocently.
http://www.amin.org/eng/uri_avnery/2005/feb5.html


Why Zionism today is the real enemy of the Jews
Israel's illegal occupation of the Palestinian territories since 1967 is the underlying problem. Occupation transformed the Zionist movement from a legitimate national liberation movement for the Jews into a colonial power and an oppressor of the Palestinians.
http://electronicintifada.net/v2/article3599.shtml


Land seizure bid heightens tension over Sharon plans
Zeidan, the mayor, says the land that was to be seized is the only reserve for the Christian Palestinians. "It means there would be no possibility to expand the town," he says. "People will immigrate, and our relatives from overseas won't be able to come back and establish their businesses."
http://www.csmonitor.com/2005/0202/p05s01-wome.html


New Settlers' Tactic to Oppose Pullout
A number of Gush Katif settlers are looking into forfeiting their Israeli citizenship in order to stay in their settlements even if the disengagement is implemented. "If it comes to a situation in which the government of Israel gives up on me, I will give up on it," Avi Farhan, a settler in Alei Sinai in the northern Gaza, told a group of Israeli law makers who were visiting the area.
http://www.imemc.org/headlines/2005/feb/week1/020405/new%20settlers%27%20tactic%20to%20defy%20pullout.htm


Walker's World: Reality check on Mideast optimism
The problem is that there is not much of a Palestinian economy left to reform. Unemployment in both West Bank and Gaza Strip is well over 50 percent, according to Israeli figures. The Palestinian figures are even more dispiriting. The intifada and the ruthless Israeli response has destroyed much of the infrastructure of the Palestinian economy, much of its social system and civil society...
http://www.wpherald.com/Middle_East/storyview.php?StoryID=20050203-051043-9438r


Middle East's Future Under Debate
Massad argued against blindly endorsing “pragmatic” solutions in the Middle East, highlighting the pro-Israel agenda he views as underlying the term. “It is not pragmatic to give the [Palestinian] refugees the right of return ... it has always been explicit that transforming Israel into a non-Jewish state is not pragmatic,” Massad said. “It is pragmatic for Israel to remain a racist Jewish state.”
http://www.columbiaspectator.com/vnews/display.v/ART/2005/02/01/41ff349f8b179


Washington's test in Palestine-Israel is not now, but in the summer
important test will come some six months from now, after the Israelis pull out of the Gaza Strip and then most likely drag their feet on any other significant compromise or concession. What will the U.S. do then, when Israel is likely to place fresh obstacles in the way of new avenues to progress, beyond the easy steps being implemented these days?
http://www.dailystar.com.lb/article.asp?edition_id=10&article_id=12396&categ_id=17


What did the Palestinians and Iraqis Vote for?
the elections took place under foreign occupation. This inevitably meant that they were neither totally fair nor wholly legitimate. In Iraq, in particular, there were few polling stations or foreign observers. Many Iraqis were afraid that they would not get their monthly food rations if they did not vote. Some said that, in order to collect their rations, they had to sign the voter registration forms.
http://english.daralhayat.com/opinion/commentators/02-2005/Article-20050204-ddbdeabb-c0a8-10ed-0014-02c4337115a9/story.html


A bankrupt export of democracy
And while Iran may be at the top of Bush's "regime-change" wish list, Tehran is well aware that the U.S. military is badly overstretched in Iraq - as is the record-breaking U.S. budget deficit, which grows by $4 billion each week that the troops stay in Iraq. The U.S. quite simply cannot afford another major war of choice right now...
http://www.haaretz.com/hasen/spages/536057.html

February 03, 2005

//------------------------------------------------\\
|  Today in Palestine! 03 - Feb - 2005  |
|           www.TheHeadlines.Org             |
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High Court okays bypass road to Rachel's Tomb
The court rejected a petition submitted by the municipalities of Bethlehem and Beit Jala and 18 Palestinians living in the area, which called for a halt to a plan to pave a new access road and construct a safety wall to protect it. The wall is slated to form a part of the West Bank separation fence.
http://www.haaretz.com/hasen/spages/535801.html


Israel arrests US peace activist
A week after his arrest and detention with no formal charges, American peace activist Patrick O'Connor remains in Israeli custody and faces deportation. O'Connor, 41, was arrested by the Israeli secret police, Shin Bet, after planting olive tree seedlings in front of the illegal separation wall in the West Bank town of Biddu on 25 January.
http://english.aljazeera.net/NR/exeres/96DAAEBB-9CA3-488C-8D84-2B1A29943F7B.htm


Israelis use barrier and 55-year-old law to quietly seize Palestinians' land
Most of the hundreds of Palestinian families whose land has been confiscated without compensation have not been formally notified that their property has been transferred to the Israeli state. But plans have already been drawn up to expand Jewish settlements on to some of the expropriated territory.
http://www.guardian.co.uk/israel/Story/0,2763,1402261,00.html


Peace Now: 3500 Settlement Units Being Built in West Bank During 2004
"Today, more than 3500 settlement units are being built across the West Bank, despite that the tenders released in 2004 were for building 962 units only," Peace Now revealed. Furthermore, Peace Now recorded construction and expansion work being made in 21 settlement in areas outside the settlement development zone.
http://www.ipc.gov.ps/ipc_new/english/details.asp?name=2390


After such respect, such humiliation
On December 20, 2-year-old Hadil, an Israeli citizen, was forced to accompany her Palestinian mother, who was deported to Gaza because of the Citizenship Law and the Law of Entry, which prevent the family's reunification. It is difficult to imagine a 53-year-old man crying. It is even difficult for him to tell his story - he hesitates to speak.
http://www.haaretz.com/hasen/spages/533868.html


Resident dies of wounds sustained in Beit Lahia
Mohammad Kamel Al-Ghabin, 18, lost his arms and legs after the Israeli army fired a tank shell at a group of residents in Fadous area, in Beit Lahia last month. The shell fired by the army resulted in killing three brothers of Al-Ghabin, two of his cousins and a neighbor.
http://www.imemc.org/headlines/2005/feb/week1/020305/B-Lahia.htm


Ministry of Health: IOF Kills 73 Citizens in January
In a report issued last night, MOH said that 24 children were among the victims who were killed even by a direct gunshot or shrapnel of Israeli missiles. It also added that 100 children were wounded.
http://english.wafa.ps/body.asp?field=tech_news&id=2090


Six Israelis hurt in shooting attacks in Gaza, W. Bank
Four Israel Defense Forces soldiers were wounded late on Thursday when Palestinian militants opened fire on their jeep, near the West Bank settlement of Eshkolot, southwest of Hebron. The militants fired on the IDF vehicle from a passing car, and fled the scene.
http://www.haaretz.com/hasen/spages/535850.html


Letter from Prison: My Interview with Israel's Shin Bet Intelligence Agency
Recently the Israeli authorities have begun searching for and arresting experienced International Solidarity Movement (ISM) and international activists. My arrest and attempted deportation is another example of this. Evidently the Israeli authorities find nonviolent resistance and active support of Palestinian rights to be threatening.
http://electronicintifada.net/v2/article3589.shtml


Jerusalem land seizures 'illegal'
Israel's attorney general has told the government to call an immediate halt to confiscating Palestinian property in East Jerusalem under a 1950 land law. Meni Mazuz said he was never consulted about the policy, which was secretly approved by the cabinet last summer.
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/middle_east/4226497.stm


Ministers defend right to confiscate E. J'lem property
The decision, which Mazuz overruled on Tuesday, would have enabled the government to confiscate East Jerusalem properties owned by West Bank residents, without paying compensation. The law was applied to all of Israel shortly after the War of Independence, but since East Jerusalem was annexed only in 1967, it was not covered by the original decision.
http://www.haaretz.com/hasen/pages/ShArt.jhtml?itemNo=535735&contrassID=1&subContrassID=7&sbSubContrassID=0&listSrc=Y


Israel to Release Some Prisoners, Withdraw from Parts of West Bank
Prime Minister Ariel Sharon and his top ministers approved the release of 900 Palestinian prisoners as part of a package of goodwill gestures. Some 500 of those prisoners are expected to be released next week. ( The remaining 7100? )
http://www.voanews.com/english/2005-02-03-voa48.cfm


Palestinians reject Israeli offer on prisoner release
The Palestinian officials demanded at the meeting the release of veteran, ill, and young prisoners in addition to the Israeli offer. Israel, however, replied that the criterions for the release of prisoners will only be set by Israeli security authorities.
http://www.haaretz.com/hasen/spages/535480.html


‘Mideast summit will not focus on roadmap'
The landmark Middle East summit in Egypt next week will not involve political negotiations on the troubled roadmap peace plan, a source close to Prime Minister Ariel Sharon told AFP Thursday.
http://www.khaleejtimes.com/DisplayArticle.asp?xfile=data/middleeast/2005/February/middleeast_February73.xml&section=middleeast


Abbas: Free 'senior' prisoners
"We don't know the real figures and what kind of prisoners they are going to release, but what we are interested in is that the first round be a big one and include a lot of prisoners, particularly those who have served long prison terms," Abbas told reporters.
http://www.news24.com/News24/World/News/0,,2-10-1462_1657097,00.html


Israel, Palestinians agree to set up joint panel on wanted men
Israel will agree not to harm the wanted men who hand in their weapons to the Palestinian National Authority (PNA), sign acommitment not to get involved in any more attacks, remain in their home towns and agree to be monitored by the PNA security apparatus,according to the emerging arrangements.
http://news.xinhuanet.com/english/2005-02/02/content_2540124.htm


EU aide: Suicide bombing is crime against humanity
"Terrorism is a crime against ... fundamental and universal rights. We believe that this crime must be fought by the law and within the law," the former Italian foreign minister said. "My opinion is that suicide bombing can be considered as a crime against humanity," he said in prepared remarks. ( Driving CATerpillar over people, with approval from state, is not? )
http://www.haaretz.com/hasen/spages/535952.html


Bush: Palestinian statehood 'within reach'
"The goal of two democratic states, Israel and Palestine, living side by side in peace is within reach - and America will help them achieve that goal," he added. Bush said he was asking Congress for the $350 million "to support Palestinian political, economic and security reforms." ( All of which were destroyed with USA Green Light to Sharon )
http://www.haaretz.com/hasen/pages/ShArt.jhtml?itemNo=535419&contrassID=1&subContrassID=1&sbSubContrassID=0&listSrc=Y


Hamas leader says Israel must do more for cease-fire
"It seems there is some change in the Israeli position but we need real precision. The matter requires to be pursued further and to be examined more closely," Khaled Meshal said after talks with Egyptian officials.
http://www.haaretzdaily.com/hasen/spages/535479.html


Palestinans trained in Jordan to deploy in West Bank
Palestinians trained in Jordan will be deployed in the West Bank, Jordanian Foreign Minister Hani Mulki told AFP as he denied Israeli media reports that Jordanian forces would be sent to the area.
http://story.news.yahoo.com/news?tmpl=story&cid=1514&ncid=1312&e=13&u=/afp/20050203/wl_mideast_afp/mideastjordanpalestiniansisraeltroops_050203113609


Israeli parliament to postpone vote on pullout bill
The Israeli Knesset (parliament)Finance Committee is expected to postpone a vote on the Evacuation Compensation Bill from Thursday to next week due to lack of majority in favor, the Ha'aretz daily reported.
http://news.xinhuanet.com/english/2005-02/03/content_2544425.htm


Gaza policemen head for training in Egypt
The group is the first to participate in the training program, which highlights Egypt's growing role as a peace and security broker in the Middle East. Cairo is to host an Israeli-Palestinian summit next Tuesday.
http://www.haaretzdaily.com/hasen/spages/535793.html


Palestinians eye new chapter in ties with US with Rice visit
Palestinians are looking to the visit by US Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice as a chance to open a new era in relations with Washington after being largely cold-shouldered during the first Bush administration.
http://electronicintifada.net/v2/article3589.shtml


Israel FM hopes for return of Egypt, Jordan ambassadors
"Those Arab countries were looking for a long time for an appropriate time to send their ambassadors." Both Egypt and Jordan withdrew their ambassadors from Tel Aviv shortly after the start of the Palestinian intifada in September 2000 in protest at Israel's attempts to quell the uprising.
http://story.news.yahoo.com/news?tmpl=story&cid=1515&ncid=1515&e=10&u=/afp/20050203/wl_mideast_afp/mideastsummitisraelegyptjordandiplomacy_050203114729


Kicked around by the Israeli military
On Sunday, the Israeli Occupation Forces uprooted 300 trees on the road's path. Palestinians here say this kind of land confiscation is shattering their peace – a peace that many are hoping for, the Western media is obsessing over, but Palestine isn't seeing.
http://www.scoop.co.nz/mason/stories/WO0502/S00088.htm


Speaking out about Israel to save the Jewish soul
Remaining silent is no longer an option. We can no longer let our trauma, our deep fear of anti-Jewish hatred implanted in us through generations of persecution, make us remain quiet at the expense of truth.
http://electronicintifada.net/v2/article3593.shtml


Canada University Forum Denounced As Anti-Semitic
Organizers of the event, aimed at examining Israel's policies toward Palestinians, say the event is "an academic forum that's guided by the principle of freedom of speech," but opponents fear it could unleash a wave of anti-Semitism. ( Democracy is Anti-Semite? )
http://www.metronews.ca/reuters_national.asp?id=53748


Charges dropped against British soldiers in Iraq abuse trial
Lance Corporal Darren Larkin, one of three Royal Fusiliers on trial at a court martial in a barracks in Osnabrueck, western Germany, had faced the charge for allegedly "forcing two unknown males to undress in front of others". "One charge has been dropped against that particular individual," a British army spokesman said Thursday.
http://story.news.yahoo.com/news?tmpl=story&cid=1515&ncid=1515&e=4&u=/afp/20050203/wl_mideast_afp/iraqbritainprisonersjustice_050203121008