Israel Survey Results Shock
By TJ Reporter - Thursday 28th of December 2006
Nearly 70 percent of respondents to a survey conducted by a leading Christian publication believe in disinvestment from companies whose products are used by the Israeli government in the territories.
The poll of more than 2,800 people, conducted on The Tablet website, pointed to the widespread existence of anti-Israel sentiment among respondents and a suspicion of the Jewish State's actions.
Despite a reduction in terror attacks since the creation of the security fence, nearly 80 per cent felt the security fence was not needed to protect the population of Israel from suicide bombers and nearly as many advocated that Churches campaign for its dismantling.
Three quarters of people who answered the survey agreed that the churches should call for the removal of Jewish West Bank settlements and that the institution should support Palestinian calls for an "independent homeland within the borders that existed before the 1967 Arab-Israel war".
On the other hand, just 21.2 percent agreed that the churches should accept Israel "is engaged in a struggle for its survival and support its efforts to root out its enemies". And perhaps most worryingly, only 57.3 percent agreed that the Church should appeal for Palestinians to renounce violence and recognise Israel's right to exist.
Respondents to the survey included Christians from several denominations, Muslims and atheists, while 10 percent were Jewish. Claiming the results revealed a "worrying trend", Alan Aziz, Executive Director of the Zionist Federation, told TJ:" These statistics are very distressing and it is sad that people don't understand that what the situation in Israel needs more than anything is positive dialogue and not retribution".
ZF President Eric Moonman said he was "disturbed that a magazine like The Tablet should perpetuate a survey which appears to be riddled with prejudice". The report coincided with the Archbishop of Canterbury's pilgrimage to the Holy Land along with other church leaders.
Speaking to the BBC Radio 4's Today programme last weekend, he said:"It is undoubtedly a fact that suicide bombing attacks have gone down since the barrier was erected but the human cost that we have seen has to raise the question: what alternative is there now? How does the long-term security implication of the barrier work out?"
Colorado Palestine Solidarity Campaign News
December 28, 2006
December 14, 2006
UNICEF: 2006 One of The Worst Years for Palestine Children
UNICEF: 2006 One of The Worst Years for Palestine Children - Click Here for Full Story
Excerpts:
"United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF) said that 123 Palestinian children have been killed since outbreak of hostilities, more than double the 2005 figure., adding that some 340 children remain in detention facilities. ...
"At this point in time, more than twice as many children died due to the conflict compared with 2005 - 70 per cent of these deaths were in Gaza"
Excerpts:
"United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF) said that 123 Palestinian children have been killed since outbreak of hostilities, more than double the 2005 figure., adding that some 340 children remain in detention facilities. ...
"At this point in time, more than twice as many children died due to the conflict compared with 2005 - 70 per cent of these deaths were in Gaza"
Israeli soldiers tell of indiscriminate killings...
Israeli soldiers tell of indiscriminate killings by army and a culture of impunity - Click Here for Full Story
Excerpt:
"In recent months dozens of soldiers, including the son of an an Israeli general, all recently discharged, have come forward to share their stories of how they were ordered in briefings to shoot to kill unarmed people without fear of reprimand.
"The soldiers were brought into contact with the Guardian with the assistance of Breaking the Silence, a pressure group of former soldiers who want the Israeli public to confront the reality of army activities. The group insisted on anonymity of its witnesses to protect the soldiers from persecution and prosecution."
Excerpt:
"In recent months dozens of soldiers, including the son of an an Israeli general, all recently discharged, have come forward to share their stories of how they were ordered in briefings to shoot to kill unarmed people without fear of reprimand.
"The soldiers were brought into contact with the Guardian with the assistance of Breaking the Silence, a pressure group of former soldiers who want the Israeli public to confront the reality of army activities. The group insisted on anonymity of its witnesses to protect the soldiers from persecution and prosecution."
December 1, 2006
Government overrules war-crimes arrest order
Friday December 1, 2006 - (click here for full story)
By David Eames and Ruth Berry
Attorney-General Michael Cullen has over-ruled a District Court judge's decision to issue an arrest warrant against a visiting former Israeli general the judge believed was answerable for Middle East war crimes.
Auckland District Court Judge Avinash Deobhakta on Monday issued warrants ordering the arrest of Moshe Ya'alon, a former Israeli Defence Force chief of staff and head of intelligence.
The warrants were in response to information laid with the court under New Zealand's obligations as a signatory to the Geneva Convention.
Photo: Moshe Ya'alon's visit to New Zealand was organised by the Jewish National Fund. Picture / Reuters
Israelis adopt what South Africa dropped
By JOHN DUGARDPublished on: 11/29/06 - (click here for full story)
Former President Jimmy Carter's new book, "Palestine: Peace Not Apartheid," is igniting controversy for its allegation that Israel practices a form of apartheid.
Restrictions on freedom of movement imposed by a rigid permit system enforced by some 520 checkpoints and roadblocks resemble, but in severity go well beyond, apartheid's "pass system." And the security apparatus is reminiscent of that of apartheid, with more than 10,000 Palestinians in Israeli prisons and frequent allegations of torture and cruel treatment.
Many aspects of Israel's occupation surpass those of the apartheid regime. Israel's large-scale destruction of Palestinian homes, leveling of agricultural lands, military incursions and targeted assassinations of Palestinians far exceed any similar practices in apartheid South Africa. No wall was ever built to separate blacks and whites.
Former President Jimmy Carter's new book, "Palestine: Peace Not Apartheid," is igniting controversy for its allegation that Israel practices a form of apartheid.
Restrictions on freedom of movement imposed by a rigid permit system enforced by some 520 checkpoints and roadblocks resemble, but in severity go well beyond, apartheid's "pass system." And the security apparatus is reminiscent of that of apartheid, with more than 10,000 Palestinians in Israeli prisons and frequent allegations of torture and cruel treatment.
Many aspects of Israel's occupation surpass those of the apartheid regime. Israel's large-scale destruction of Palestinian homes, leveling of agricultural lands, military incursions and targeted assassinations of Palestinians far exceed any similar practices in apartheid South Africa. No wall was ever built to separate blacks and whites.
ADL slams UN body for making Tutu head of Beit Hanun mission
Last update - 12:01 30/11/2006
By Haaretz Service - (click here for full story)
The Anti-Defamation League on Thursday blasted the United Nations Human Rights Council for appointing Desmond Tutu as head of its fact-finding mission to the northern Gaza Strip town of Beit Hanun.The mission is charged with investigating a botched Israel Defense Forces shelling in Beit Hanun which killed 19 Palestinian civilians."The appointment of Desmond Tutu as head of the fact-finding mission to Beit Hanun is an extension of the anti-Israel kangaroo court tactics used by the UN Human Rights Council," said ADL National Director Abraham Foxman.
By Haaretz Service - (click here for full story)
The Anti-Defamation League on Thursday blasted the United Nations Human Rights Council for appointing Desmond Tutu as head of its fact-finding mission to the northern Gaza Strip town of Beit Hanun.The mission is charged with investigating a botched Israel Defense Forces shelling in Beit Hanun which killed 19 Palestinian civilians."The appointment of Desmond Tutu as head of the fact-finding mission to Beit Hanun is an extension of the anti-Israel kangaroo court tactics used by the UN Human Rights Council," said ADL National Director Abraham Foxman.
UN: Israel breaks border agreement
By Laila El-Haddad at the Rafah crossing - (click here for full story)
A UN report has accused Israel of breaking all provisions in a year-old US-brokered agreement on Gaza's border crossings, as Condoleezza Rice visits the region.
The Agreement on Movement and Access, signed last November after the Israeli disengagement from Gaza, was meant to facilitate the movement of Palestinians and goods in and out of Gaza.
A UN report has accused Israel of breaking all provisions in a year-old US-brokered agreement on Gaza's border crossings, as Condoleezza Rice visits the region.
The Agreement on Movement and Access, signed last November after the Israeli disengagement from Gaza, was meant to facilitate the movement of Palestinians and goods in and out of Gaza.
November 25, 2006
France okays firing at IAF over Lebanon
Nov. 23, 2006 1:30 Updated Nov. 23, 2006 11:32
By YAAKOV KATZ AND HERB KEINON - (click here for full story)
French soldiers in Lebanon who feel threatened by aggressive Israeli overflights are permitted to shoot at IAF fighter jets, a high-ranking French military officer told The Jerusalem Post.
Wednesday, several days after meeting with an IDF general in Paris to discuss what he said was a "blatant violation of the cease-fire."
By YAAKOV KATZ AND HERB KEINON - (click here for full story)
French soldiers in Lebanon who feel threatened by aggressive Israeli overflights are permitted to shoot at IAF fighter jets, a high-ranking French military officer told The Jerusalem Post.
Wednesday, several days after meeting with an IDF general in Paris to discuss what he said was a "blatant violation of the cease-fire."
Palestinian Solidarity Discourse and Zionist Hegemony
A talk given at 11/22/06 in Edinburgh hosted by the Scottish Palestinian Solidarity Campaign By Gilad Atzmon
Information Clearing House - (click here for full script)
Let’s face it; while the Palestinian and Arab resistance evolves into an absolute example of the ultimate heroism and collective patriotism, the Palestinian solidarity movement in the UK and around the world is not exactly what could be called a profound success story. In fact, it would be erroneous to state that this is really the fault of those who dedicate their time and energy to it. Supporting the Palestinians is a complicated subject. Though the crimes against the Palestinians have taken place in broad daylight and are not some well-kept secret, the priorities of the solidarity movement are far from being clear.
Information Clearing House - (click here for full script)
Let’s face it; while the Palestinian and Arab resistance evolves into an absolute example of the ultimate heroism and collective patriotism, the Palestinian solidarity movement in the UK and around the world is not exactly what could be called a profound success story. In fact, it would be erroneous to state that this is really the fault of those who dedicate their time and energy to it. Supporting the Palestinians is a complicated subject. Though the crimes against the Palestinians have taken place in broad daylight and are not some well-kept secret, the priorities of the solidarity movement are far from being clear.
Dead in the Water
During the Six-Day War, Israel attacked and nearly sank the USS Liberty belonging to its closest ally, the USA. Thirty-four American servicemen were killed in the two-hour assault by Israeli warplanes and torpedo boats.
BBC Four Investigative Report: Broadcast Saturday 17 May 2003
Video Runtime 69 Minutes
BBC Four Investigative Report: Broadcast Saturday 17 May 2003
Video Runtime 69 Minutes
IDF admits targeting civilian areas in Lebanon with cluster bombs
By Nir Hasson and Meron Rapoport, Haaretz Correspondents - (click here for full story)
The Israel Defense Forces discovered that there had been "irregularities" in the use of cluster munitions, even before the end of the recent Lebanon war, sources in the defense minister's office said Monday. As a result of this information, Defense Minister Amir Peretz ordered an "extensive inquiry" into the use of these munitions before the war's end. Meanwhile, for the first time Monday, the IDF admitted targeting populated areas with cluster munitions. In a statement released by the IDF Spokesman's Office, "the use of cluster munitions against built-up areas was done only against military targets where rocket launches against Israel were identified and after taking steps to warn the civilian population."
The Israel Defense Forces discovered that there had been "irregularities" in the use of cluster munitions, even before the end of the recent Lebanon war, sources in the defense minister's office said Monday. As a result of this information, Defense Minister Amir Peretz ordered an "extensive inquiry" into the use of these munitions before the war's end. Meanwhile, for the first time Monday, the IDF admitted targeting populated areas with cluster munitions. In a statement released by the IDF Spokesman's Office, "the use of cluster munitions against built-up areas was done only against military targets where rocket launches against Israel were identified and after taking steps to warn the civilian population."
Massacre at Beit Hanoun
Tehran Times Opinion Column, Nov. 20, By Yuram Weiler - (click here for full story)
TEHRAN, Nov. 19 (MNA) -- During the week of November 2-8, while people in the United States were preoccupied with the mid-term elections, a massacre took place in Gaza, with 86 human beings killed by Israeli forces. This massacre, as well as the continuing Israeli assault on Gaza seems to go largely unnoticed by the mainstream U.S. media.
Israeli forces began the assault, called "Operation Autumn Clouds", on Beit Hanoun and the northern Gaza Strip on Wednesday morning, November 1, 2006. Since that time, Israeli forces have continued to launch air strikes on houses and civilian facilities in the Gaza Strip, razing large areas in Beit Hanoun as well as in neighboring areas.
I must ask the question: Why is this massacre being ignored in the U.S. press? Is it because we Americans are too preoccupied with ourselves and our recent elections? Is it because the killing of a mere 86 people is not sufficient to warrant our attention against the background of murder in Iraq, where that many people are killed on a daily basis? Or perhaps, is it because reporting the massacre would not serve the best interests of a particular U.S./Israeli agenda, which is to justify the “war on terror” and its crucial battlefront, the Arab-Israeli conflict?
TEHRAN, Nov. 19 (MNA) -- During the week of November 2-8, while people in the United States were preoccupied with the mid-term elections, a massacre took place in Gaza, with 86 human beings killed by Israeli forces. This massacre, as well as the continuing Israeli assault on Gaza seems to go largely unnoticed by the mainstream U.S. media.
Israeli forces began the assault, called "Operation Autumn Clouds", on Beit Hanoun and the northern Gaza Strip on Wednesday morning, November 1, 2006. Since that time, Israeli forces have continued to launch air strikes on houses and civilian facilities in the Gaza Strip, razing large areas in Beit Hanoun as well as in neighboring areas.
I must ask the question: Why is this massacre being ignored in the U.S. press? Is it because we Americans are too preoccupied with ourselves and our recent elections? Is it because the killing of a mere 86 people is not sufficient to warrant our attention against the background of murder in Iraq, where that many people are killed on a daily basis? Or perhaps, is it because reporting the massacre would not serve the best interests of a particular U.S./Israeli agenda, which is to justify the “war on terror” and its crucial battlefront, the Arab-Israeli conflict?
Swedish human rights worker viciously attacked by Jewish extremists in Hebron
by ISM Hebron, November 18 (click here full story)
UPDATE, November 22nd: Tove has been released from hospital and will return home soon. The Jerusalem Post has reported Swedish government dissatisfaction with the Israeli investigation into the attack on Tove
November 23, 2006
The Twilight Zone / After the rain of death
By Gideon Levy
Haaretz.com - (click here for full story)
This is Islam al-Atamna. A girl of 14. She is sitting in her black mourning clothes. Eight close relatives - including her mother, grandparents, uncles and aunts - were all killed before her eyes, one after the other. They were killed in the street after they awoke at home in horror at the sound of the first shell that exploded and then fled outdoors, where the next shells caught them. About 11 fell on a residential neighborhood, one shell a minute, a rain of death, pursuing them in their flight. Fatherless for some time already, the girl is left alone in the world with her two little sisters and her 3-year-old brother Abdullah, whose legs were severed and who is hospitalized in the Al-Hilal Hospital in Gaza. What should we say to Islam? What can we say to Islam? That the chip in the radar system is to blame? That the electronic component is responsible? Perhaps that the Palestinians are to blame? Since the accident the girl has not fallen asleep for even a moment, which one can see in her frozen face. Islam is now a girl in shock, whose entire world was destroyed last Wednesday morning, with a total of 22 relatives dead and dozens wounded.
Haaretz.com - (click here for full story)
This is Islam al-Atamna. A girl of 14. She is sitting in her black mourning clothes. Eight close relatives - including her mother, grandparents, uncles and aunts - were all killed before her eyes, one after the other. They were killed in the street after they awoke at home in horror at the sound of the first shell that exploded and then fled outdoors, where the next shells caught them. About 11 fell on a residential neighborhood, one shell a minute, a rain of death, pursuing them in their flight. Fatherless for some time already, the girl is left alone in the world with her two little sisters and her 3-year-old brother Abdullah, whose legs were severed and who is hospitalized in the Al-Hilal Hospital in Gaza. What should we say to Islam? What can we say to Islam? That the chip in the radar system is to blame? That the electronic component is responsible? Perhaps that the Palestinians are to blame? Since the accident the girl has not fallen asleep for even a moment, which one can see in her frozen face. Islam is now a girl in shock, whose entire world was destroyed last Wednesday morning, with a total of 22 relatives dead and dozens wounded.
Israel ups the stakes in the propaganda war
Following its invasion of Lebanon this summer, Israel was said to have largely lost the PR battle to Hizbullah, but armed with a major web offensive, it's fighting back
Stewart Purvis - Monday November 20, 2006 - (click here for full story)
Guardian
Amir Gissin runs what he calls '"Israel's Explanation Department". Which is why it is surprising to hear him admit that many Israelis think "the whole problem is that we don't explain ourselves correctly".
Last week, as al-Jazeera launched an Arab view of the world into English-speaking homes worldwide, Gissin was a man under pressure. At the David Bar Ilan conference on the media and Middle East, he faced an audience of Israelis who were unhappy about the way the propaganda battle with Hizbullah was fought and lost during the war in the Lebanon. They wanted to know how it could be done better next time, because most people in Israel seem to think there will be a next time with Hizbullah soon.
Stewart Purvis - Monday November 20, 2006 - (click here for full story)
Guardian
Amir Gissin runs what he calls '"Israel's Explanation Department". Which is why it is surprising to hear him admit that many Israelis think "the whole problem is that we don't explain ourselves correctly".
Last week, as al-Jazeera launched an Arab view of the world into English-speaking homes worldwide, Gissin was a man under pressure. At the David Bar Ilan conference on the media and Middle East, he faced an audience of Israelis who were unhappy about the way the propaganda battle with Hizbullah was fought and lost during the war in the Lebanon. They wanted to know how it could be done better next time, because most people in Israel seem to think there will be a next time with Hizbullah soon.
November 18, 2006
UN slams Israel over Beit Hanun shelling, approves inquiry panel
Last update - 16:01 18/11/2006
By Shlomo Shamir, Haaretz Correspondent, and Haaretz Service - (click here for full story)
The UN General Assembly on Friday night overwhelmingly passed a resolution condemning the errant shelling of a Beit Hanun house which killed some 20 Palestinians.
Representatives of 156 countries voted in favor of the resolution, seven objected and six abstained.Voting "no" were the United States, Israel, Australia, the Marshall Islands, Micronesia, Nauru and Palau. Abstaining were Canada, Ivory Coast, Papua New Guinea, Tonga, Tuvalu and Vanuatu.
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Europe's envoys cast their votes unanimously in favor of the resolution.
Photo: Israel's UN ambassador Dan Gillerman
OIC emergency meeting to discuss terrorism, aggression against Palestine by Israel
ISLAMABAD, Nov 17 (APP) Associated Press of Pakistan
Minister for Information and Broadcasting Muhammad Ali Durrani Friday said that Israeli terrorism and aggression against Palestine would come under discussion during emergency OIC executive meeting called at Jeddah.
Talking to PTV before leaving for Jeddah to attend the meeting, he said Israeli aggression against Palestine was matter of concern for whole Muslim Ummah especially for Pakistan. The meeting would also discuss in detail Israeli atrocities against innocent Palestinians, he said. The Minister said the meeting has been called to discuss situation emerging after veto of the UN resolution. Muhammad Ali Durrani said during the meeting stance of government of Pakistan, feeling of the people of Pakistan and Muslims would be converted into strategy so that ways and means can be found to solve the issue. The Minister referred to President Pervez Musharraf’s address in UN in which he said, if world wants to control extremism and terrorism then it must address its root causes. He said Palestine issue must be resolved for durable peace in the world.
Rights group says Israel engaged in "wilful killings"
Fri Nov 17, 2006 1:19 PM GMT
By Luke Baker
JERUSALEM (Reuters) - (click here for full story)
An Israeli human rights group has called for an immediate military investigation into the deaths of two wounded and unarmed Palestinians shot during an army raid in the occupied West Bank this month.
B'Tselem, an independent group that monitors Israel's actions in the Palestinian territories, said eyewitnesses had described a sequence of events that contradicted the Israeli military's account of the raid on November 7-8, and that there was evidence Israeli forces had engaged in unlawful killing.
By Luke Baker
JERUSALEM (Reuters) - (click here for full story)
An Israeli human rights group has called for an immediate military investigation into the deaths of two wounded and unarmed Palestinians shot during an army raid in the occupied West Bank this month.
B'Tselem, an independent group that monitors Israel's actions in the Palestinian territories, said eyewitnesses had described a sequence of events that contradicted the Israeli military's account of the raid on November 7-8, and that there was evidence Israeli forces had engaged in unlawful killing.
Spanish FM: Peace plan withheld for fear of Israeli rejection
By Akiva Eldar and Avi Issacharoff,
Haaretz Correspondents, and The Associated Press - (click here for full story)
Spanish Foreign Minsiter Miguel Angel Moratinos said Friday that the new Mideast peace initiative drafted by Spain, France and Italy was not coordinated with Israel for fear that Jerusalem would reject it.In a telephone interview with Haaretz, Moratinos said the plan does not recommend the immediate deployment of a large international force similar to the UNIFIL contingent stationed in Lebanon. Instead, a limited force of inspectors would be deployed to help establish and enforce the cease-fire between Israel and Palestinian militants.He said that he sought to reassure Foreign Minister Tzipi Livni that there was nothing in the plan "that Israel can reject."
Haaretz Correspondents, and The Associated Press - (click here for full story)
Spanish Foreign Minsiter Miguel Angel Moratinos said Friday that the new Mideast peace initiative drafted by Spain, France and Italy was not coordinated with Israel for fear that Jerusalem would reject it.In a telephone interview with Haaretz, Moratinos said the plan does not recommend the immediate deployment of a large international force similar to the UNIFIL contingent stationed in Lebanon. Instead, a limited force of inspectors would be deployed to help establish and enforce the cease-fire between Israel and Palestinian militants.He said that he sought to reassure Foreign Minister Tzipi Livni that there was nothing in the plan "that Israel can reject."
Hollow visions of Palestine’s future
Peace will need more than David Grossman -- or Uri Avnery
By Jonathan Cook in Nazareth
11/17/06 "Information Clearing House" - (click here for full story)
...Small groups of Israelis, smaller than Gush Shalom, are abandoning Zionism and coalescing around new ideas about how Israeli Jews and Palestinians might live peacefully together, including inside a single state. They include Taayush, Anarchists Against the Wall, Zochrot and elements within the Israeli Committee against House Demolitions and Gush Shalom itself. ...
By Jonathan Cook in Nazareth
11/17/06 "Information Clearing House" - (click here for full story)
...Small groups of Israelis, smaller than Gush Shalom, are abandoning Zionism and coalescing around new ideas about how Israeli Jews and Palestinians might live peacefully together, including inside a single state. They include Taayush, Anarchists Against the Wall, Zochrot and elements within the Israeli Committee against House Demolitions and Gush Shalom itself. ...
November 11, 2006
US vetoes Beit Hanoun resolution
Saturday 11 November 2006, 22:13 Makka Time, 19:13 GMT - (click here for full story)
The US has vetoed a draft UN Security Council resolution condemning an Israeli attack in the Gaza Strip that killed 19 Palestinian civilians.
John Bolton, the US ambassador to the UN, described the text as "unbalanced" and "biased against Israel and politically motivated".
He added that it did not provide an "even-handed characterisation" of the Israeli shelling of the Gaza town of Beit Hanoun that killed the 19 Palestinians, mostly women and children.
The text of the resolution, which was sponsored by Arab states, also condemned the firing of rockets by Palestinian fighters into Israel.
Kahane supporters praise Gaza killings as 'holy'
Efrat Weiss Published: 11.09.06, 23:00 - (click here for full story)
ynetnews.com
Supporters of assassinated rabbi Meir Kahane hold ceremony to commemorate killed rabbi, say 'holy canon' fired shells at family in Beit Hanoun in which 18 Palestinians died on Wednesday
Kahane supporters take credit for compromise on gay pride parade: Some 200 right-wing activists gathered in Jerusalem on Thursday evening for a commemoration of rabbi Meir Kahane who was killed 16 years ago.
Photo: Extreme right-wing activist Baruch Marzel Photo: Gil Yochanan
Israel accused of 'state terrorism'
The Arab league has called for an immediate ceasefireFriday 10 November 2006, 16:52 Makka Time, 13:52 GMT - (click here for full story)
A Palestinian official has accused Israel of state terrorism after an attack in Gaza that killed 18 civilians, and said Israeli apologies for such incidents were insincere and no longer acceptable.
Riyad Mansour, the Palestinian UN observer, told an emergency UN Security Council meeting on Thursday: "This is terrorism, this is state terrorism.
"These are war crimes for which the perpetrators must be held accountable under international law."
November 10, 2006
Hundreds of Ethiopians protest in Jerusalem / Blood demo becomes anti-racism rally
Last update - 02:27 07/11/2006 - (click here for full story)
By Ayanawo Farada Sanbetu, Haaretz Correspondent and AP
Hundreds of Israelis of Ethiopian descent demonstrated yesterday in Jerusalem against what they said was blatant discrimination against their community by the state. The protesters clashed with police briefly when they blocked a main road near the Foreign Ministry. Eleven protesters suffered injuries in the clashes, as did four officers, and 25 arrests were made.
By Ayanawo Farada Sanbetu, Haaretz Correspondent and AP
Hundreds of Israelis of Ethiopian descent demonstrated yesterday in Jerusalem against what they said was blatant discrimination against their community by the state. The protesters clashed with police briefly when they blocked a main road near the Foreign Ministry. Eleven protesters suffered injuries in the clashes, as did four officers, and 25 arrests were made.
Something's rotten in Israel
Latest drop in global corruption index yet another warning sign
Published: 11.07.06, 12:24 - ynetnews.com (click here for full story)
The annual Global Corruption Report published by Transparency International Monday ranked the level of public corruption in more than 100 countries - from the cleanest to the most corrupt. The Corruption Index doesn't rely on quantifiable data such as the number of people apprehended for crimes of corruption or the number of investigations carried out.
It is based on public opinion polls and questionnaires filled in by experts. This is why Transparency International has named it The Corruptions Perceptions Index.
Published: 11.07.06, 12:24 - ynetnews.com (click here for full story)
The annual Global Corruption Report published by Transparency International Monday ranked the level of public corruption in more than 100 countries - from the cleanest to the most corrupt. The Corruption Index doesn't rely on quantifiable data such as the number of people apprehended for crimes of corruption or the number of investigations carried out.
It is based on public opinion polls and questionnaires filled in by experts. This is why Transparency International has named it The Corruptions Perceptions Index.
Israel: Divorce America, Marry Russia
By Joel Bainerman November 5, 2006 - (click here for full story)
There used to be a time when Israel had no other "superpower partner" to align herself with other than the US. Today, that is not the case. Although few Israelis realize it, Israel has strategic options that it didn't have 15 years ago. In many respects, Russia is a much more suitable partner for Israel than the US. If Israel switched her alliance to be more politically and economically friendly with Russia -- and less dependent on the US -- Russia might be less inclined to support the regimes in Iran and Syria.
There used to be a time when Israel had no other "superpower partner" to align herself with other than the US. Today, that is not the case. Although few Israelis realize it, Israel has strategic options that it didn't have 15 years ago. In many respects, Russia is a much more suitable partner for Israel than the US. If Israel switched her alliance to be more politically and economically friendly with Russia -- and less dependent on the US -- Russia might be less inclined to support the regimes in Iran and Syria.
France demands independent probe of Beit Hanoun incident
Yitzhak Benhorin - ynetnews.com - (click here for full story)
Latest Update: 11.09.06, 19:09
WASHINGTON - France’s Ambassador to the UN Jean Marc Chevalier said during a Security Council meeting Thursday that his country demanded an independent investigation of the circumstances of Wednesday’s incident in Beit Hanoun in which 18 Palestinians were killed by IDF fire.
“France wants an investigation of this attack, an independent investigation,” Chevalier said.
Latest Update: 11.09.06, 19:09
WASHINGTON - France’s Ambassador to the UN Jean Marc Chevalier said during a Security Council meeting Thursday that his country demanded an independent investigation of the circumstances of Wednesday’s incident in Beit Hanoun in which 18 Palestinians were killed by IDF fire.
“France wants an investigation of this attack, an independent investigation,” Chevalier said.
Venezuela's Chavez condemns IDF shelling in Gaza
Associated Press, THE JERUSALEM POST - (click here for full story)
Nov. 8, 2006
Venezuelan President Hugo Chavez said Wednesday that it has become normal for Israel to defy the United Nations as he condemned Israel for a military attack on a Palestinian neighborhood that killed 18 people.
"This morning Israel again, against UN resolutions, began bombing Gaza ... sleeping children and their mothers perished," Chavez said at a news conference with foreign journalists.
"Irresponsibility continues to be the state of norm for the Israeli state," Chavez said. "For Israel there is no United Nations, there is no international law, nobody is accountable for these deaths."
Nov. 8, 2006
Venezuelan President Hugo Chavez said Wednesday that it has become normal for Israel to defy the United Nations as he condemned Israel for a military attack on a Palestinian neighborhood that killed 18 people.
"This morning Israel again, against UN resolutions, began bombing Gaza ... sleeping children and their mothers perished," Chavez said at a news conference with foreign journalists.
"Irresponsibility continues to be the state of norm for the Israeli state," Chavez said. "For Israel there is no United Nations, there is no international law, nobody is accountable for these deaths."
Venezuela's Chavez condemns IDF shelling in Gaza
Associated Press, THE JERUSALEM POST - (click here for full story)
Nov. 8, 2006
Venezuelan President Hugo Chavez said Wednesday that it has become normal for Israel to defy the United Nations as he condemned Israel for a military attack on a Palestinian neighborhood that killed 18 people.
"This morning Israel again, against UN resolutions, began bombing Gaza ... sleeping children and their mothers perished," Chavez said at a news conference with foreign journalists.
"Irresponsibility continues to be the state of norm for the Israeli state," Chavez said. "For Israel there is no United Nations, there is no international law, nobody is accountable for these deaths."
Nov. 8, 2006
Venezuelan President Hugo Chavez said Wednesday that it has become normal for Israel to defy the United Nations as he condemned Israel for a military attack on a Palestinian neighborhood that killed 18 people.
"This morning Israel again, against UN resolutions, began bombing Gaza ... sleeping children and their mothers perished," Chavez said at a news conference with foreign journalists.
"Irresponsibility continues to be the state of norm for the Israeli state," Chavez said. "For Israel there is no United Nations, there is no international law, nobody is accountable for these deaths."
French troops almost fired at Israel jets: minister
Nov 9, 2006 — PARIS (Reuters) - (click here for full story)
French peacekeeping troops in Lebanon recently came within two seconds of firing missiles at Israeli fighter jets that approached as if to attack them, French Defense Minister Michele Alliot-Marie said.
Speaking to the lower house of parliament on Wednesday night, she said this was the latest in a string of incidents in which Israeli warplanes had "adopted a hostile attitude" to French and German forces and said it was "not tolerable."
French peacekeeping troops in Lebanon recently came within two seconds of firing missiles at Israeli fighter jets that approached as if to attack them, French Defense Minister Michele Alliot-Marie said.
Speaking to the lower house of parliament on Wednesday night, she said this was the latest in a string of incidents in which Israeli warplanes had "adopted a hostile attitude" to French and German forces and said it was "not tolerable."
October 31, 2006
Israel Downplays Russia’s Comments on Hamas
23.10.2006 11:08 MSK (GMT +3), Updated: 13:50 MSK - (click here for full story)
MosNews
Israel’s prime minister on Sunday downplayed the Russian foreign minister’s comments that it was “unrealistic” to demand that Hamas immediately recognize Israel and disarm, the Associated Press news agency reports. The demands have been made by Israel and the so-called Quartet of international Mideast negotiators, to which Russia belongs.
MosNews
Israel’s prime minister on Sunday downplayed the Russian foreign minister’s comments that it was “unrealistic” to demand that Hamas immediately recognize Israel and disarm, the Associated Press news agency reports. The demands have been made by Israel and the so-called Quartet of international Mideast negotiators, to which Russia belongs.
Israeli barrier and settlement to leave West Bank village with nowhere to go
Rory McCarthy in Wadi FukinMonday - (click here for full story)
October 30, 2006The Guardian
Land confiscation and pollution threaten future of ancient farming community
It is this view of Wadi Fukin, a village of 1,200 Palestinians just inside the occupied West Bank, that has long attracted Israeli tourists, who hike and swim in the reservoirs. The ancient farming practices have created a "unique cultural landscape" deserving of world heritage status, says Gidon Bromberg, Israeli director of Friends of the Earth Middle East.
But this is no longer all Mr Ibrahim sees. On the hills to the south and east of the village is a rapidly expanding ultra-orthodox Jewish settlement built on Palestinian land seized by the Israeli government and declared "state land".
October 30, 2006The Guardian
Land confiscation and pollution threaten future of ancient farming community
It is this view of Wadi Fukin, a village of 1,200 Palestinians just inside the occupied West Bank, that has long attracted Israeli tourists, who hike and swim in the reservoirs. The ancient farming practices have created a "unique cultural landscape" deserving of world heritage status, says Gidon Bromberg, Israeli director of Friends of the Earth Middle East.
But this is no longer all Mr Ibrahim sees. On the hills to the south and east of the village is a rapidly expanding ultra-orthodox Jewish settlement built on Palestinian land seized by the Israeli government and declared "state land".
Olmert apologizes for incident with Germany
Ronny Sofer - (click here for full story)
Latest Update: 10.29.06, 22:06
PM promises German chancellor Israel will do everything to ensure that misunderstanding which took place last week with German naval forces off Lebanon's coast will not recur. Earlier, German Defense Ministry says another incident occurred on Thursday, involved German navy helicopter, Israeli F-16 fighters. Bild am Sonntag newspaper reports Israeli planes had 'dangerously badgered' helicopter
On Wednesday, Israel denied a German newspaper report that two of its air force planes had fired twice as they flew over a German navy ship patrolling the Lebanon coast. But it did say jets had been scrambled when a helicopter took off from a German aircraft carrier without identifying itself.
Latest Update: 10.29.06, 22:06
PM promises German chancellor Israel will do everything to ensure that misunderstanding which took place last week with German naval forces off Lebanon's coast will not recur. Earlier, German Defense Ministry says another incident occurred on Thursday, involved German navy helicopter, Israeli F-16 fighters. Bild am Sonntag newspaper reports Israeli planes had 'dangerously badgered' helicopter
On Wednesday, Israel denied a German newspaper report that two of its air force planes had fired twice as they flew over a German navy ship patrolling the Lebanon coast. But it did say jets had been scrambled when a helicopter took off from a German aircraft carrier without identifying itself.
Israel backs down on visas for Palestinians from US
By Harry de Quetteville in Ramallah - (click here to read full story)
Last Updated: 1:39am GMT 30/10/2006
Israel may be forced to reverse a controversial policy of expelling Palestinians from the West Bank and Gaza after a vigorous protest from America.
Sam Bahour was finally granted a new tourist visa
The U-turn, which marks a rare official dressing-down for Israel from Washington, comes after Condoleezza Rice, the US secretary of state, raised objections to a policy that could have seen tens of thousands of Palestinian foreign passport holders driven from their homes in the Occupied Territories.
Last Updated: 1:39am GMT 30/10/2006
Israel may be forced to reverse a controversial policy of expelling Palestinians from the West Bank and Gaza after a vigorous protest from America.
Sam Bahour was finally granted a new tourist visa
The U-turn, which marks a rare official dressing-down for Israel from Washington, comes after Condoleezza Rice, the US secretary of state, raised objections to a policy that could have seen tens of thousands of Palestinian foreign passport holders driven from their homes in the Occupied Territories.
Who is Afraid of the Iranian Bomb?
By Uri Avnery - (click here to read more)
10/30/06 "Information Clearing House"
IT SEEMS that we Israelis are always in need of something to be afraid of. When we open our eyes in the morning, we must see the danger-of-the-day. Otherwise, what is there to get up for? Perhaps it's not the public that is to blame, but the politicians who use fear as a means of control.
10/30/06 "Information Clearing House"
IT SEEMS that we Israelis are always in need of something to be afraid of. When we open our eyes in the morning, we must see the danger-of-the-day. Otherwise, what is there to get up for? Perhaps it's not the public that is to blame, but the politicians who use fear as a means of control.
October 24, 2006
Forced labor for Palestinian children in Israeli prison
www.palestinenet.org - Friday, 15 September 2006, 11:55 - (click here for full story)
Many Palestinian children in Israeli Telmond Prison are being exploited by “forced labor in which they must work eight hours for a few shekels,” as reported by the Prisoners Information Center. One of the children made a statement after his release. “The prison administration has forced all prisoners in Telmond Prison to work eight hours for very low wages.” He went on to say, “The Israeli soldiers come to the chambers at seven and force us to go with our legs tied with chains.” The child added that his job was to stand under guard and pack plastic spoons in boxes.Even injured political prisoners are forced to work, according to Friday’s Nablus-based report. A former prisoner stated, “I had a broken bone but the soldiers forced me out of my cell to work anyway, without any consideration for the pain.”
Many Palestinian children in Israeli Telmond Prison are being exploited by “forced labor in which they must work eight hours for a few shekels,” as reported by the Prisoners Information Center. One of the children made a statement after his release. “The prison administration has forced all prisoners in Telmond Prison to work eight hours for very low wages.” He went on to say, “The Israeli soldiers come to the chambers at seven and force us to go with our legs tied with chains.” The child added that his job was to stand under guard and pack plastic spoons in boxes.Even injured political prisoners are forced to work, according to Friday’s Nablus-based report. A former prisoner stated, “I had a broken bone but the soldiers forced me out of my cell to work anyway, without any consideration for the pain.”
October 22, 2006
Putin cool to Olmert's Iran plea
Thursday 19 October 2006 - (click here for full report)
An Israeli appeal to Russia that it should help block Iran's acquisition of a nuclear bomb appears to have failed, with Russia not offering any public pledge.
Vladimir Putin, Russia's president, did not give any reassurance that Russia would check any Iranian intent to acquire nuclear weaponry following a plea from Ehud Olmert, Israel's prime minister, on Wednesday in Moscow.
Although ties between Russia and Israel have warmed dramatically since the Soviet Union collapsed, the two countries are in deep disagreement over how to confront the Iranian nuclear threat.
An Israeli appeal to Russia that it should help block Iran's acquisition of a nuclear bomb appears to have failed, with Russia not offering any public pledge.
Vladimir Putin, Russia's president, did not give any reassurance that Russia would check any Iranian intent to acquire nuclear weaponry following a plea from Ehud Olmert, Israel's prime minister, on Wednesday in Moscow.
Although ties between Russia and Israel have warmed dramatically since the Soviet Union collapsed, the two countries are in deep disagreement over how to confront the Iranian nuclear threat.
BBC poll: World against torture, Israel in favor
Ynet Published: 10.19.06 - (click here for full report)
Poll of 25 countries reveals that the majority of world's population opposes torturing prisoners suspected of terror involvement. In Israel, over half of Jewish population supports using torture to get information from terrorists, while most Muslims oppose it
Over 27,000 people in 25 countries, including Israel , were asked if torture was acceptable if it could provide information to save innocent lives. Fifty-nine percent were opposed to torture, 29 percent replied it an acceptable means to combat terrorism.
Poll of 25 countries reveals that the majority of world's population opposes torturing prisoners suspected of terror involvement. In Israel, over half of Jewish population supports using torture to get information from terrorists, while most Muslims oppose it
Over 27,000 people in 25 countries, including Israel , were asked if torture was acceptable if it could provide information to save innocent lives. Fifty-nine percent were opposed to torture, 29 percent replied it an acceptable means to combat terrorism.
Israel insists on Lebanon overflights
Sunday 22 October 2006 - (click here for full story)
Sources in the Israeli military say that Israel would bomb Unifil sites in southern Lebanon if Israeli warplanes are intercepted.
An Israeli newspaper, Maarif, reported on Sunday that the statements came after several European countries which have been putting pressure on Israel to stop its violation of Lebanese air space.
Sources in the Israeli military say that Israel would bomb Unifil sites in southern Lebanon if Israeli warplanes are intercepted.
An Israeli newspaper, Maarif, reported on Sunday that the statements came after several European countries which have been putting pressure on Israel to stop its violation of Lebanese air space.
Israel admits using phosphorus bombs in Lebanon
Khaleej Times Online - (click here for full story)
22 October 2006
JERUSALEM - Israel admitted for the first time to using controversial white phosphorus shells against military targets in Southern Lebanon, an Israeli newspaper reported on Sunday.
‘The IDF made use of phosphorus shells during the war against Hezbollah in attacks against military targets in open ground,’ Minister for Government-Parliamentary Relations Yakov Edery told lawmakers last week according to the Haaretz daily.
22 October 2006
JERUSALEM - Israel admitted for the first time to using controversial white phosphorus shells against military targets in Southern Lebanon, an Israeli newspaper reported on Sunday.
‘The IDF made use of phosphorus shells during the war against Hezbollah in attacks against military targets in open ground,’ Minister for Government-Parliamentary Relations Yakov Edery told lawmakers last week according to the Haaretz daily.
Israel founded using fake British banknotes
Scotland on Sunday - MURDO MACLEOD - (click here for full story)
Sun 22 Oct 2006
MORE than £130m worth of British banknotes forged by the Nazis was used by the Jewish underground to help establish the State of Israel.
Wads of notes, which the Germans had forged by concentration camp inmates, ended up being used after the Second World War to pay for the transport of Jews to then British-occupied Palestine, and to buy weapons for the embryonic Israeli armed forces.
Sun 22 Oct 2006
MORE than £130m worth of British banknotes forged by the Nazis was used by the Jewish underground to help establish the State of Israel.
Wads of notes, which the Germans had forged by concentration camp inmates, ended up being used after the Second World War to pay for the transport of Jews to then British-occupied Palestine, and to buy weapons for the embryonic Israeli armed forces.
Putin to PM: Using force against Iran could end in disaster
By Yossi Melman, Haaretz Correspondent - (click here for full story)
Russian President Vladimir Putin denounced any military operation against Iran in a meeting last week with Prime Minister Ehud Olmert. Putin told Olmert in the Moscow meeting that foiling Iran's nuclear program could end in disaster for the world. Russian sources attached great importance to the Russian president's first mention of a military option in talks with an Israeli leader.
Russian President Vladimir Putin denounced any military operation against Iran in a meeting last week with Prime Minister Ehud Olmert. Putin told Olmert in the Moscow meeting that foiling Iran's nuclear program could end in disaster for the world. Russian sources attached great importance to the Russian president's first mention of a military option in talks with an Israeli leader.
October 20, 2006
Going It Alone? Unilateralism VS. Negotiation
Vol. 13 No. 2, 2006 - (click here for full story)
Talking with Marwan Barghouthi
Marwan Barghouthi is a member of the Revolutionary Council of Fateh. He is currently serving a life sentence in an Israeli jail, but is viewed by all observers, including Israelis, as a potential future Palestinian leader. His imprisonment is seen as a political act and his release will constitute a substantial part of any future political breakthrough.This interview originally appeared in the Lebanese paper al-Shira’. This is the first publication of the interview in English.
Talking with Marwan Barghouthi
Marwan Barghouthi is a member of the Revolutionary Council of Fateh. He is currently serving a life sentence in an Israeli jail, but is viewed by all observers, including Israelis, as a potential future Palestinian leader. His imprisonment is seen as a political act and his release will constitute a substantial part of any future political breakthrough.This interview originally appeared in the Lebanese paper al-Shira’. This is the first publication of the interview in English.
Israel, Palestine 'should be one'
Donwald Pressly - (click here full story)
Mon, 16 Oct 2006
CAPE TOWN
The State of Palestine had already accepted the two-state solution with Israel where it could live in peace, but ultimately one state embracing both Jews and Arabs was the best option, Palestinian Ambassador Ali Ahmed Halimeh said on Monday.
Speaking to the Cape Town Press Club, the ambassador — who publicly acknowledged that he was from the Fatah faction in the country, rather than the new predominant Hamas ruling party — said: "We are cousins (referring to the Arabic speakers and the Jews). The only way out now in the long run, honestly ... the best for all of us is to live together. We can make the best country of it."
Mon, 16 Oct 2006
CAPE TOWN
The State of Palestine had already accepted the two-state solution with Israel where it could live in peace, but ultimately one state embracing both Jews and Arabs was the best option, Palestinian Ambassador Ali Ahmed Halimeh said on Monday.
Speaking to the Cape Town Press Club, the ambassador — who publicly acknowledged that he was from the Fatah faction in the country, rather than the new predominant Hamas ruling party — said: "We are cousins (referring to the Arabic speakers and the Jews). The only way out now in the long run, honestly ... the best for all of us is to live together. We can make the best country of it."
Interview - Nawaf Moussawi, Hezbollah's head of international relations, talks to BBC
Broadcast : 10/13/06 BBC - Runtime 26 Minutes - (click here to listen)
This is a rare chance to hear a frank and personal interview with a prominent member of the Lebanese political party, Hezbollah.Nawaf Moussawi grew up in Beirut's southern suburbs and was thrown into political work as a young teenager. He tells Carrie Gracie how he lost relatives in the recent war with Israel, what he would tell his daughter if she said she wanted to be a suicide bomber, and how he enjoys Western philosophy and history.
This is a rare chance to hear a frank and personal interview with a prominent member of the Lebanese political party, Hezbollah.Nawaf Moussawi grew up in Beirut's southern suburbs and was thrown into political work as a young teenager. He tells Carrie Gracie how he lost relatives in the recent war with Israel, what he would tell his daughter if she said she wanted to be a suicide bomber, and how he enjoys Western philosophy and history.
America Accuses Israel of Discriminating Against 'American Palestinians'
14:21 Oct 18, '06 / 26 Tishrei 5767 - (click here for full story)
(IsraelNN.com) Acting on direct orders from Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice, the US has filed a discrimination complaint with the Israeli Embassy in Washington.America claims that Israel’s policy since April 2006 represents flagrant discrimination against American citizens of “Palestinian descent,” citing the difficulties such incur when trying to visit PA (Palestinian Authority) autonomous areas.
(IsraelNN.com) Acting on direct orders from Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice, the US has filed a discrimination complaint with the Israeli Embassy in Washington.America claims that Israel’s policy since April 2006 represents flagrant discrimination against American citizens of “Palestinian descent,” citing the difficulties such incur when trying to visit PA (Palestinian Authority) autonomous areas.
Court Rules Against Israeli Extremists
Tuesday, October 17, 2006 - (click here for full story)
(10-17) 12:13 PDT WASHINGTON, (AP)
The U.S. government had sufficient basis to designate an Israeli extremist group a foreign terrorist organization, a federal appeals court ruled Tuesday.
The State Department "reasonably found" in 2003 that the group Kahane Chai made death threats against Israeli police and then-Prime Minister Ariel Sharon, said the U.S. Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia Circuit.
(10-17) 12:13 PDT WASHINGTON, (AP)
The U.S. government had sufficient basis to designate an Israeli extremist group a foreign terrorist organization, a federal appeals court ruled Tuesday.
The State Department "reasonably found" in 2003 that the group Kahane Chai made death threats against Israeli police and then-Prime Minister Ariel Sharon, said the U.S. Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia Circuit.
October 16, 2006
Canada's PM's comment on Liberals disgraceful: Ignatieff
Updated Fri. Oct. 13 2006 3:31 PM ET (click here to read full story)
CTV.ca News Staff
No prime minister has the right to say that anyone who voices a criticism of Israel is an enemy of the Jewish state, Liberal leadership front-runner Michael Ignatieff charged in a stinging attack levelled at the Conservative leader on Friday. In a hard-hitting speech in Toronto, Ignatieff blasted the prime minister for his remarks accusing the Liberal Party of an anti-Israeli bias.
CTV.ca News Staff
No prime minister has the right to say that anyone who voices a criticism of Israel is an enemy of the Jewish state, Liberal leadership front-runner Michael Ignatieff charged in a stinging attack levelled at the Conservative leader on Friday. In a hard-hitting speech in Toronto, Ignatieff blasted the prime minister for his remarks accusing the Liberal Party of an anti-Israeli bias.
UK NGOs call for Israel arms embargo
Jonny Paul (click here to read full story)
THE JERUSALEM POST
Oct. 13, 2006
A London based non-governmental organization, The Campaign Against Arms Trade (CAAT), has launched a campaign calling for an arms embargo on Israel, accusing the British government of "complicity in the occupation."
The group, which has joined forces with a number of groups with a history of anti-Israel activism, including the Palestinian Solidarity Campaign, War on Want and the Israeli Committee against House Demolitions (ICAHD), has called for "an immediate, comprehensive arms embargo on all parties involved in the conflict and in particular Israel".
THE JERUSALEM POST
Oct. 13, 2006
A London based non-governmental organization, The Campaign Against Arms Trade (CAAT), has launched a campaign calling for an arms embargo on Israel, accusing the British government of "complicity in the occupation."
The group, which has joined forces with a number of groups with a history of anti-Israel activism, including the Palestinian Solidarity Campaign, War on Want and the Israeli Committee against House Demolitions (ICAHD), has called for "an immediate, comprehensive arms embargo on all parties involved in the conflict and in particular Israel".
October 9, 2006
U.S. working hard to promote Palestinian civil war
America trains Abbas' loyalists in secret camp in Jericho
Ramallah - In an apparent American step to ignite a Palestinian civil war, high-ranking Palestinian sources have unveiled that the United States was establishing a secret military camp in the West Bank city of Jericho to train the PA presidential guards (Force-17).
The concealed American step comes in the framework of preparing that force for fighting against Hamas Movement under American and Israeli directives, as the IOF troops sponsored munitions supplies to the PA presidential guards. ...
CLICK HERE FOR FULL STORY
Ramallah - In an apparent American step to ignite a Palestinian civil war, high-ranking Palestinian sources have unveiled that the United States was establishing a secret military camp in the West Bank city of Jericho to train the PA presidential guards (Force-17).
The concealed American step comes in the framework of preparing that force for fighting against Hamas Movement under American and Israeli directives, as the IOF troops sponsored munitions supplies to the PA presidential guards. ...
CLICK HERE FOR FULL STORY
Israel radically increases the murder of children
Palestinian child deaths in conflict with Israel already nearly double that of 2005 – UN
5 October 2006 – Ninety-one Palestinian children have already been killed this year in the West Bank and Gaza, almost double the number for the whole of 2005, with youngsters suffering increasing levels of stress from violence and fear in the Israeli-Palestinians conflict, according to the latest United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) update.
5 October 2006 – Ninety-one Palestinian children have already been killed this year in the West Bank and Gaza, almost double the number for the whole of 2005, with youngsters suffering increasing levels of stress from violence and fear in the Israeli-Palestinians conflict, according to the latest United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) update.
October 8, 2006
Hizb Allah, Party of God
Posted on Oct 3, 2006 (click here to read full story)
By Nir Rosen
In the wake of Israel’s 33-day war with Hizballah, the 24-year-old Islamic movement has become the most popular political party in the Middle East. Here’s why that shouldn’t worry us.
Over 1 million Lebanese gathered in a vast square in a southern Beirut suburb on Sept. 22 to celebrate their country’s largely successful campaign against Israel. Seyid Hassan Nasrallah, secretary-general of Hizballah, risked his life by appearing in public after Israeli leaders had sworn to kill him, and spoke to his adoring supporters in Lebanon and around the world.
Many children were given the day off from school, and buses ferried supporters from all over Lebanon for the victory celebration. Lebanon had endured 33 days of war, and not only was the Shia Hizballah movement undefeated, it had achieved a near parity of casualties with the Israeli military—a first in the history of Arab-Israeli wars. In an Arab world whose leaders were dictatorial, mendacious and corrupt, who made false promises and were beholden to the United States, Nasrallah was renowned for his integrity and for maintaining his movement’s defense of Lebanon at all costs. It had made him the most popular leader in the Arab world.
Women, children and men waved the flags of Lebanon and Hizballah from outside the windows and sang in jubilation as they waited in traffic. Also on display were the flags of Palestine and Palestinian movements, Lebanese Christian movements, the Communist Party, Sunni and Druze movements, as well as secular nationalists. Although many of the celebrants were men with beards or women whose hair was covered, many were not. There were youths in trendy attire, girls in tight jeans with hair exposed and who had turned their Hizballah T-shirts into stylish form-fitting fashion statements.
By Nir Rosen
In the wake of Israel’s 33-day war with Hizballah, the 24-year-old Islamic movement has become the most popular political party in the Middle East. Here’s why that shouldn’t worry us.
Over 1 million Lebanese gathered in a vast square in a southern Beirut suburb on Sept. 22 to celebrate their country’s largely successful campaign against Israel. Seyid Hassan Nasrallah, secretary-general of Hizballah, risked his life by appearing in public after Israeli leaders had sworn to kill him, and spoke to his adoring supporters in Lebanon and around the world.
Many children were given the day off from school, and buses ferried supporters from all over Lebanon for the victory celebration. Lebanon had endured 33 days of war, and not only was the Shia Hizballah movement undefeated, it had achieved a near parity of casualties with the Israeli military—a first in the history of Arab-Israeli wars. In an Arab world whose leaders were dictatorial, mendacious and corrupt, who made false promises and were beholden to the United States, Nasrallah was renowned for his integrity and for maintaining his movement’s defense of Lebanon at all costs. It had made him the most popular leader in the Arab world.
Women, children and men waved the flags of Lebanon and Hizballah from outside the windows and sang in jubilation as they waited in traffic. Also on display were the flags of Palestine and Palestinian movements, Lebanese Christian movements, the Communist Party, Sunni and Druze movements, as well as secular nationalists. Although many of the celebrants were men with beards or women whose hair was covered, many were not. There were youths in trendy attire, girls in tight jeans with hair exposed and who had turned their Hizballah T-shirts into stylish form-fitting fashion statements.
Refuseniks: IDF employs apartheid regime
Yael Ivri (click here to read full story)
Published: 10.05.06, 13:10
The group of youths that signed a letter two weeks ago refusing to “be soldiers of the occupation” hung banners saying the same from Tel Aviv highway bridges Thursday.
Peace with Syria
Lunch in Damascus (click here for full story)
By URI AVNERY
October 5, 2006
...BASHAR AL-ASSAD has done it again. He has succeeded in confusing the Israeli government.
As long as he voices the ritual threat to liberate the Golan Heights by force, it does not upset anybody. After all, that only confirms what many want to hear: that there is no way to have peace with Syria, that sooner or later we shall have a war with them.
Why is that good? Simple: peace with Syria would mean giving back the Golan Heights (Syrian territory by any definition). No peace, no need to give them back.
But when Bashar starts to talk peace, we are in trouble. That is a sinister plot. It may, God forbid, create a situation that would compel us to return the territory....
By URI AVNERY
October 5, 2006
...BASHAR AL-ASSAD has done it again. He has succeeded in confusing the Israeli government.
As long as he voices the ritual threat to liberate the Golan Heights by force, it does not upset anybody. After all, that only confirms what many want to hear: that there is no way to have peace with Syria, that sooner or later we shall have a war with them.
Why is that good? Simple: peace with Syria would mean giving back the Golan Heights (Syrian territory by any definition). No peace, no need to give them back.
But when Bashar starts to talk peace, we are in trouble. That is a sinister plot. It may, God forbid, create a situation that would compel us to return the territory....
October 2, 2006
Palestinian Left Calls for Unity
Leftists Call for Unity, not Internal Chaos, in True Palestinian Cause for Independence (Click link for Full Story)
A spokesperson for the Popular Front for the Liberation of Palestine has come out Monday in condemnation of yesterday’s clashes between Hamas' Government and Fateh's forces, emphasizing the need for a national unity government incorporating all political factions.
A spokesperson for the Popular Front for the Liberation of Palestine has come out Monday in condemnation of yesterday’s clashes between Hamas' Government and Fateh's forces, emphasizing the need for a national unity government incorporating all political factions.
October 1, 2006
UN tells of Israeli border violation
Friday 29 September 2006, 3:03 Makka Time, 0:03 GMT - (click here read more)
Israel has violated the UN-drawn border it shares with Lebanon, the spokesman for the UN peacekeeping force in southern Lebanon says.
The spokesman would not provide details about the violation, but an Associated Press photographer who witnessed Thursday's incident said an Israeli armoured vehicle and two jeeps drove through the border fence and tried to penetrate further into Lebanese territory when UN French peacekeepers blocked their path.
Israel has violated the UN-drawn border it shares with Lebanon, the spokesman for the UN peacekeeping force in southern Lebanon says.
The spokesman would not provide details about the violation, but an Associated Press photographer who witnessed Thursday's incident said an Israeli armoured vehicle and two jeeps drove through the border fence and tried to penetrate further into Lebanese territory when UN French peacekeepers blocked their path.
Why Hamas Resists Recognizing Israel
Tuesday, Sep. 26, 2006 - (click here to read more)
By TONY KARON
Viewpoint: The West is betting that continued Palestinian misery will force Hamas leaders to recognize Israel. But the strategy is as misguided as it is cruel
Palestinian Muslims are currently joining the faithful the world over in denying themselves food between sunrise and sundown. But while most Muslims elsewhere break their Ramadan fast with sumptuous iftar meals, those unfortunate enough to live in the West Bank and Gaza are finding that they have less and less to put on the table come nightfall. That's because they remain under a financial siege imposed by Israel, the U.S. and Europe, in the hope of forcing Hamas, the Palestinian ruling party, to recognize Israel. The premise of the siege strategy appears to be that by increasing Palestinian misery, domestic pressure will mount on Hamas to submit or quit.
By TONY KARON
Viewpoint: The West is betting that continued Palestinian misery will force Hamas leaders to recognize Israel. But the strategy is as misguided as it is cruel
Palestinian Muslims are currently joining the faithful the world over in denying themselves food between sunrise and sundown. But while most Muslims elsewhere break their Ramadan fast with sumptuous iftar meals, those unfortunate enough to live in the West Bank and Gaza are finding that they have less and less to put on the table come nightfall. That's because they remain under a financial siege imposed by Israel, the U.S. and Europe, in the hope of forcing Hamas, the Palestinian ruling party, to recognize Israel. The premise of the siege strategy appears to be that by increasing Palestinian misery, domestic pressure will mount on Hamas to submit or quit.
Hi-tech firm boycotts Israel over 'war crimes'
Ehud Kenan - (click here to read more)
Published: 09.27.06, 08:10
Belgian hi-tech company specializing in development consulting notifies manager of Israeli company seeking cooperation that 'your country has conducted war crimes and is an apartheid regime'
Following the recent war in Lebanon, Ynet has received several complaints from Israeli companies that have encountered refusal of companies from various countries to cooperate with Israelis because of the war.
Published: 09.27.06, 08:10
Belgian hi-tech company specializing in development consulting notifies manager of Israeli company seeking cooperation that 'your country has conducted war crimes and is an apartheid regime'
Following the recent war in Lebanon, Ynet has received several complaints from Israeli companies that have encountered refusal of companies from various countries to cooperate with Israelis because of the war.
The return of Palestinian refugees is an existential necessity for Israeli Jews
Elias Davidsson - (click here to read more)
Elias Davidsson argues that it is in the enlightened self-interest of Israeli Jews to accept the Palestinian refugees' right of return. Not to do so will "inevitably undermine the moral fabric of [Israel's] Jewish population and its capacity to sustain itself".
In order to maintain the cohesion of Israeli Jewish society against the spectre of a "warm peace" with its neighbours, the Zionist state must maintain distrust among Jews towards the Arab nation, emphasize the "European" identity of their state (as distinct from the surrounding "barbarian" states) and engage in provocations whenever the "threat" emerges that a peace may ensue. For this reason, the Zionist state is, by its very nature, a permanent threat to its environment.
Elias Davidsson argues that it is in the enlightened self-interest of Israeli Jews to accept the Palestinian refugees' right of return. Not to do so will "inevitably undermine the moral fabric of [Israel's] Jewish population and its capacity to sustain itself".
In order to maintain the cohesion of Israeli Jewish society against the spectre of a "warm peace" with its neighbours, the Zionist state must maintain distrust among Jews towards the Arab nation, emphasize the "European" identity of their state (as distinct from the surrounding "barbarian" states) and engage in provocations whenever the "threat" emerges that a peace may ensue. For this reason, the Zionist state is, by its very nature, a permanent threat to its environment.
Poll: 67% of Israelis want talks with PA gov't including Hamas
By Avi Issacharoff and Yoav Stern, Haaretz Correspondents (click here to read more)
A majority of Israelis would support holding negotiations with a Palestinian unity government that includes the Islamic Hamas movement, according to the results of a joint Palestinian-Israeli poll released on Tuesday.Sixty-seven percent of Israeli respondents said such a step could be a necessary requisite for achieving a peace agreement with Palestinians.
A majority of Israelis would support holding negotiations with a Palestinian unity government that includes the Islamic Hamas movement, according to the results of a joint Palestinian-Israeli poll released on Tuesday.Sixty-seven percent of Israeli respondents said such a step could be a necessary requisite for achieving a peace agreement with Palestinians.
Gaza a prison, says UN envoy
Wednesday 27 September 2006, 11:34 Makka Time, 8:34 GMT (click here to read more)
Israel has turned the Gaza Strip into a prison for Palestinians where life is intolerable, a human rights envoy has told the United Nations Human Rights Council.
John Dugard, special UN rapporteur on human rights in the occupied Palestinian territory, said on Tuesday that the US, Europe and Canada had failed the Palestinian people by withdrawing funds since Hamas's refusal to accept Israel's right to exist.
He also described the Palestinians' lives as appalling and tragic.
Israel has turned the Gaza Strip into a prison for Palestinians where life is intolerable, a human rights envoy has told the United Nations Human Rights Council.
John Dugard, special UN rapporteur on human rights in the occupied Palestinian territory, said on Tuesday that the US, Europe and Canada had failed the Palestinian people by withdrawing funds since Hamas's refusal to accept Israel's right to exist.
He also described the Palestinians' lives as appalling and tragic.
Irish lecturers call on EU to boycott Israeli universities
Last update - 22:11 24/09/2006 (click here to read more)
By Tamara Traubman, Haaretz Correspondent
Irish academics have called on the European Union in an open letter to impose a moratorium financial support to Israeli academic institutions until Israel ends the occupation in the Palestinian territories. The call for the boycott, published last week in the Irish Times daily, came since according to its organizers "The Israeli government appears impervious to moral appeals from world leaders and to longstanding United Nations resolutions."The letter was signed by 61 Irish academics.
By Tamara Traubman, Haaretz Correspondent
Irish academics have called on the European Union in an open letter to impose a moratorium financial support to Israeli academic institutions until Israel ends the occupation in the Palestinian territories. The call for the boycott, published last week in the Irish Times daily, came since according to its organizers "The Israeli government appears impervious to moral appeals from world leaders and to longstanding United Nations resolutions."The letter was signed by 61 Irish academics.
Israel seizes $1mn in bank raids across West Bank
Nasser Abu BakrAFP (click here to read more)
September 20, 2006
RAMALLAH, West Bank -- Israel confiscated more than $1 million during a series of pre-dawn raids on money exchange shops and banks across the West Bank Wednesday, the latest crackdown on the beleaguered Palestinian territories. An Israeli army spokeswoman said that about NIS1 million ($1.15 million, €910,000) and JD170,000 ($240,000) were seized, along with computers and documents, during the raids, which were carried out simultaneously across the West Bank.
September 20, 2006
RAMALLAH, West Bank -- Israel confiscated more than $1 million during a series of pre-dawn raids on money exchange shops and banks across the West Bank Wednesday, the latest crackdown on the beleaguered Palestinian territories. An Israeli army spokeswoman said that about NIS1 million ($1.15 million, €910,000) and JD170,000 ($240,000) were seized, along with computers and documents, during the raids, which were carried out simultaneously across the West Bank.
How Israel’s 'new anti-Semitism' is leading to nuclear Holocaust
By Jonathan Cook in Nazareth (click here to read more)
09/23/06 "Information Clearing House'
The trajectory of a long-running campaign that gave birth this month to the preposterous all-party British parliamentary report into anti-Semitism in the UK can be traced back to intensive lobbying by the Israeli government that began more than four years ago, in early 2002.At that time, as Ariel Sharon was shredding the tattered remains of the Oslo accords by reinvading West Bank towns handed over to the Palestinian Authority in his destructive rampage known as Operation Defensive Shield, he drafted the Israeli media into the fray. Local newspapers began endlessly highlighting concerns about the rise of a “new anti-Semitism”, a theme that was rapidly and enthusiastically taken up by the muscular Zionist lobby in the US.
09/23/06 "Information Clearing House'
The trajectory of a long-running campaign that gave birth this month to the preposterous all-party British parliamentary report into anti-Semitism in the UK can be traced back to intensive lobbying by the Israeli government that began more than four years ago, in early 2002.At that time, as Ariel Sharon was shredding the tattered remains of the Oslo accords by reinvading West Bank towns handed over to the Palestinian Authority in his destructive rampage known as Operation Defensive Shield, he drafted the Israeli media into the fray. Local newspapers began endlessly highlighting concerns about the rise of a “new anti-Semitism”, a theme that was rapidly and enthusiastically taken up by the muscular Zionist lobby in the US.
Bad faith and the destruction of Palestine
by Jonathan Cook - (click here to read more)
(Friday September 29 2006)
A mistake too often made by those examining Israel’s behaviour in the occupied territories -- or when analysing its treatment of Arabs in general, or interpreting its view of Iran -- is to assume that Israel is acting in good faith. Even its most trenchant critics can fall into this trap.
Such a reluctance to attribute bad faith was demonstrated this week by Israel’s foremost human rights group, B’Tselem, when it published a report into the bombing by the Israeli air force of Gaza’s power plant in late June. The horrifying consequences of this act of collective punishment -- a war crime, as B’Tselem rightly notes -- are clearly laid out in the report.
(Friday September 29 2006)
A mistake too often made by those examining Israel’s behaviour in the occupied territories -- or when analysing its treatment of Arabs in general, or interpreting its view of Iran -- is to assume that Israel is acting in good faith. Even its most trenchant critics can fall into this trap.
Such a reluctance to attribute bad faith was demonstrated this week by Israel’s foremost human rights group, B’Tselem, when it published a report into the bombing by the Israeli air force of Gaza’s power plant in late June. The horrifying consequences of this act of collective punishment -- a war crime, as B’Tselem rightly notes -- are clearly laid out in the report.
September 24, 2006
Arab states urge IAEA to slam Israel for atomic arsenal
By Reuters - (click here to read more)
Last update - 22:59 20/09/2006
Arab states on Wednesday relaunched a campaign to have the United Nations nuclear watchdog condemn Israel's reputed atomic arsenal.Israel again rebuffed two resolutions in what has become an annual Arab effort to get the International Atomic Energy Agency to press it to join the Non-Proliferation Treaty arms-control pact and help set up a nuclear weapons-free zone in the Middle East.
Last update - 22:59 20/09/2006
Arab states on Wednesday relaunched a campaign to have the United Nations nuclear watchdog condemn Israel's reputed atomic arsenal.Israel again rebuffed two resolutions in what has become an annual Arab effort to get the International Atomic Energy Agency to press it to join the Non-Proliferation Treaty arms-control pact and help set up a nuclear weapons-free zone in the Middle East.
Pre-Traumatic Stress Disorder
A Glimpse Into Israeli Collective Psychosis (click here to read more)
By Gilad Atzmon
......For those who still fail to see it, we are dealing here with a severe mad case of a State that is reaching the very peak of its collective psychotic phase. For those who tend to forget, this mentally disordered national entity possesses a vast nuclear arsenal, and it has its belly full of deadly intentions. We are horrified and so we should be. We can see them bullying the entire Middle East. We are encircled by their merciless hedonism and self-righteousness and there is very little for us to do except pray for divine intervention.
By Gilad Atzmon
......For those who still fail to see it, we are dealing here with a severe mad case of a State that is reaching the very peak of its collective psychotic phase. For those who tend to forget, this mentally disordered national entity possesses a vast nuclear arsenal, and it has its belly full of deadly intentions. We are horrified and so we should be. We can see them bullying the entire Middle East. We are encircled by their merciless hedonism and self-righteousness and there is very little for us to do except pray for divine intervention.
Israelis 'trains Kurdish forces'
By Magdi Abdelhadi (click here to read more)
Arab affairs analyst, BBC News
The BBC has obtained evidence that Israelis have been giving military training to Kurds in northern Iraq. A report on the BBC TV programme Newsnight showed Israeli experts in northern Iraq, drilling Kurdish militias in shooting techniques.
Arab affairs analyst, BBC News
The BBC has obtained evidence that Israelis have been giving military training to Kurds in northern Iraq. A report on the BBC TV programme Newsnight showed Israeli experts in northern Iraq, drilling Kurdish militias in shooting techniques.
September 17, 2006
The Moral Bankruptcy of Israel's Founding Idea
The Coming Collapse of Zionism - (click here to read more)
By KATHLEEN CHRISTISONFormer CIA Analyst
Is it only observers outside the conventional mainstream who have noticed that by its murderous assault on Lebanon and simultaneously on Gaza, Israel finally exposed, for even the most deluded to see, the total bankruptcy of its very founding idea?
Can it be that the deluded are still deluded? Can it truly still be that Israel's bankruptcy is evident only to those who already knew it, those who already recognized Zionism as illegitimate for the racist principle that underlies it?
Can it be therefore that only the already converted can see coming the ultimate collapse of Zionism and, with it, of Israel itself as the exclusivist state of Jews?
By KATHLEEN CHRISTISONFormer CIA Analyst
Is it only observers outside the conventional mainstream who have noticed that by its murderous assault on Lebanon and simultaneously on Gaza, Israel finally exposed, for even the most deluded to see, the total bankruptcy of its very founding idea?
Can it be that the deluded are still deluded? Can it truly still be that Israel's bankruptcy is evident only to those who already knew it, those who already recognized Zionism as illegitimate for the racist principle that underlies it?
Can it be therefore that only the already converted can see coming the ultimate collapse of Zionism and, with it, of Israel itself as the exclusivist state of Jews?
Italian FM urges Israel to end blockade of Gaza
Thu Sep 7, 11:49 AM ET (click here to read more)
by Hala Boncompagni
AMMAN (AFP) - Italian Foreign Minister Massimo D'Alema has urged to follow up on its decision to lift a punishing air and sea blockade of Lebanon by easing its embargo of the Gaza Strip. Speaking in Jordan before heading to the West Bank town of Ramallah, D'Alema also reiterated calls for the deployment of international observers in Gaza.
by Hala Boncompagni
AMMAN (AFP) - Italian Foreign Minister Massimo D'Alema has urged to follow up on its decision to lift a punishing air and sea blockade of Lebanon by easing its embargo of the Gaza Strip. Speaking in Jordan before heading to the West Bank town of Ramallah, D'Alema also reiterated calls for the deployment of international observers in Gaza.
Russian FM slams Israel arrest of Palestinian ministers, MPs
Fri Sep 8, 10:24 AM ET (click here to read more)
RAMALLAH, West Bank (AFP) - Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov has slammed
Israel's arrest of Palestinian ministers and MPs from the governing Hamas, after talks with Palestinian president Mahmud Abbas. "It is unacceptable for deputies and Palestinian ministers to be arrested," he told a joint news conference Friday with Abbas in the West Bank' city of Ramallah.
RAMALLAH, West Bank (AFP) - Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov has slammed
Israel's arrest of Palestinian ministers and MPs from the governing Hamas, after talks with Palestinian president Mahmud Abbas. "It is unacceptable for deputies and Palestinian ministers to be arrested," he told a joint news conference Friday with Abbas in the West Bank' city of Ramallah.
Catholic relief agency decries Israeli settlements
Sep. 08 (CWNews.com) - (click here to read more)
In Jerusalem, representatives of the Catholic relief agency Caritas have issued a statement condemning Israeli occupation of the West Bank and Gaza, saying that all Israeli settlements in Palestinian territories are "illegal under international law."
In a statement that quoted Palestinian negotiator Saeb Erekat, Caritas Jerusalem said that the latest moves to build new Jewish settlements in Gaza were "perverse assaults on human dignity." The relief organization criticized Israeli policies that allow Israeli citizens to move onto Palestinian land, while restricting the movement of Palestinians.
In Jerusalem, representatives of the Catholic relief agency Caritas have issued a statement condemning Israeli occupation of the West Bank and Gaza, saying that all Israeli settlements in Palestinian territories are "illegal under international law."
In a statement that quoted Palestinian negotiator Saeb Erekat, Caritas Jerusalem said that the latest moves to build new Jewish settlements in Gaza were "perverse assaults on human dignity." The relief organization criticized Israeli policies that allow Israeli citizens to move onto Palestinian land, while restricting the movement of Palestinians.
September 16, 2006
Non-Aligned Movement demands Israeli military withdrawal from Gaza
Thu Sep 14, 2:22 AM ET (click here to read more)
HAVANA (AFP) - The Non-Aligned Movement demanded at a summit in Havana that
Israel withdraw its troops from Gaza, release jailed Palestinian officials and repair damage caused by its military operations.
A draft declaration to be adopted by leaders of the NAM countries also expresses "grave concern about the deterioration of the situation ... in the occupied Palestinian territory, including East Jerusalem, as a result of the unlawful policies and practices being carried out by Israel."
US: Palestinian unity deal falls short
Wednesday 13 September 2006, 1:07 Makka Time, 22:07 GMT (click here to read more)
The United States has greeted the idea of a Palestinian unity government with scepticism, but the European Union has welcomed it.
Palestinian leaders on Tuesday urged the world to accept a planned unity government they hope will lead to the lifting of an aid embargo on the Hamas administration.
The United States has greeted the idea of a Palestinian unity government with scepticism, but the European Union has welcomed it.
Palestinian leaders on Tuesday urged the world to accept a planned unity government they hope will lead to the lifting of an aid embargo on the Hamas administration.
Europe nixes landing rights for El Al planes with IDF cargo
By Zohar Blumenkrantz, Haaretz Correspondent (click here to read more)
Last update - 22:20 04/09/2006
A number of European states are refusing to allow El Al cargo planes carrying Israel Defense Forces equipment from stopover landings in their airports.The refusal came from states considered friendly with Israel, including Britain, Germany and Italy, according to Captain Etai Regev, the chairman of El Al's pilots' union.
Last update - 22:20 04/09/2006
A number of European states are refusing to allow El Al cargo planes carrying Israel Defense Forces equipment from stopover landings in their airports.The refusal came from states considered friendly with Israel, including Britain, Germany and Italy, according to Captain Etai Regev, the chairman of El Al's pilots' union.
Chavez of Arabia?
Winning Arab hearts and minds - (click here to read more)
By Dima Khatib, Latin America Correspondent
Friday 18 August 2006, 14:15 Makka Time, 11:15 GMT
Billions of dollars spent, tens of thousands of lives lost, hundreds of hours of televised speeches and press conferences, extensive diplomatic efforts, political and military plans, years in Iraq, and much more.
None of this helped the US to achieve its president's announced goal of "winning the hearts and minds of the Arab people". Instead, George Bush seems to have lost the hearts and minds of many who had been supportive of US plans for the Middle East.
By Dima Khatib, Latin America Correspondent
Friday 18 August 2006, 14:15 Makka Time, 11:15 GMT
Billions of dollars spent, tens of thousands of lives lost, hundreds of hours of televised speeches and press conferences, extensive diplomatic efforts, political and military plans, years in Iraq, and much more.
None of this helped the US to achieve its president's announced goal of "winning the hearts and minds of the Arab people". Instead, George Bush seems to have lost the hearts and minds of many who had been supportive of US plans for the Middle East.
September 5, 2006
Yuram Weiler in Tehran Times
A very good article written by our local activist and published in theIranian online news media...
Root Causes
All right, Mr. Bush… let's look at root causes, for we live in a world of cause and effect. Yes, there's quantum physics where events are governed by probability distributions, but at our level of life experience, there is cause and effect. So, if you can Mr. Bush, follow the causal chain back from July 12, 2006 and let's see where it leads. We can start with the capture of the two Israeli soldiers by Hezbollah and ask: ...
Root Causes
All right, Mr. Bush… let's look at root causes, for we live in a world of cause and effect. Yes, there's quantum physics where events are governed by probability distributions, but at our level of life experience, there is cause and effect. So, if you can Mr. Bush, follow the causal chain back from July 12, 2006 and let's see where it leads. We can start with the capture of the two Israeli soldiers by Hezbollah and ask: ...
YNet: Settlers assaulting American citizens
Selected excerpts from: US: Settlers assaulting American citizens
State Department warns of security problems for Americans, others in Gaza; says, 'citizens of Western nations, including Americans, involved in pro-Palestinian volunteer efforts were assaulted and injured in Occupied Territories by Israeli settlers and harassed by Israeli army'
Continuing or possible violence in Israel, it said, also makes it necessary for Americans to avoid locations associated with US interests or official US buildings, the State Department said Tuesday in an updated travel warning.
"In recent months, citizens of Western nations, including Americans, involved in pro-Palestinian volunteer efforts were assaulted and injured in the Occupied Territories by Israeli settlers and harassed by the (Israeli army). Those taking part in demonstrations, nonviolent resistance, and direct action are advised to cease such activity for their own safety," it said.
State Department warns of security problems for Americans, others in Gaza; says, 'citizens of Western nations, including Americans, involved in pro-Palestinian volunteer efforts were assaulted and injured in Occupied Territories by Israeli settlers and harassed by Israeli army'
Continuing or possible violence in Israel, it said, also makes it necessary for Americans to avoid locations associated with US interests or official US buildings, the State Department said Tuesday in an updated travel warning.
"In recent months, citizens of Western nations, including Americans, involved in pro-Palestinian volunteer efforts were assaulted and injured in the Occupied Territories by Israeli settlers and harassed by the (Israeli army). Those taking part in demonstrations, nonviolent resistance, and direct action are advised to cease such activity for their own safety," it said.
August 30, 2006
Beatings and abuse in the shadow of war
B'Tselem Report: "Beatings and abuse in the shadow of war"
According to B'Tselem’s research, since the beginning of Operation Summer Rains in the Gaza Strip, on 28 June 2006, there has been a substantial increase in cases in which Israeli soldiers and Border Police in the West Bank beat, abuse, and humiliate Palestinians. The increase in incidents has been particularly evident since the outbreak of the war in Lebanon, on 12 July. ...
The research indicates that Israel’s increased restrictions on Palestinian movement in the West Bank are the immediate cause for the increase in violence. Particularly in the northern West Bank, the additional restrictions Israel has imposed have heightened the friction between soldiers and the civilian population.
However, there are indications that the events in Lebanon and Gaza also played a role, and this for two reasons. First, information obtained by B'Tselem indicates that reports on the extensive casualties that Hezbollah caused among Israeli civilians and soldiers aggravated the rage and frustration of security forces, which they was expressed in increased aggression towards Palestinians, including various remarks and insults directed at them. Second, with the public’s attention almost completely focused on events in Lebanon, and to a lesser extent in Gaza, the security forces in the West Bank may have thought they would not be held accountable for violent and abusive treatment of Palestinians. ...
Click Here for the whole report
According to B'Tselem’s research, since the beginning of Operation Summer Rains in the Gaza Strip, on 28 June 2006, there has been a substantial increase in cases in which Israeli soldiers and Border Police in the West Bank beat, abuse, and humiliate Palestinians. The increase in incidents has been particularly evident since the outbreak of the war in Lebanon, on 12 July. ...
The research indicates that Israel’s increased restrictions on Palestinian movement in the West Bank are the immediate cause for the increase in violence. Particularly in the northern West Bank, the additional restrictions Israel has imposed have heightened the friction between soldiers and the civilian population.
However, there are indications that the events in Lebanon and Gaza also played a role, and this for two reasons. First, information obtained by B'Tselem indicates that reports on the extensive casualties that Hezbollah caused among Israeli civilians and soldiers aggravated the rage and frustration of security forces, which they was expressed in increased aggression towards Palestinians, including various remarks and insults directed at them. Second, with the public’s attention almost completely focused on events in Lebanon, and to a lesser extent in Gaza, the security forces in the West Bank may have thought they would not be held accountable for violent and abusive treatment of Palestinians. ...
Click Here for the whole report
August 27, 2006
Israel's Foes as Beasts and Insects
Weekend EditionJuly 29/30 2006
"But They're Not Human Beings, They are Not People, They are Arabs!"
By PUNYAPRIYA DASGUPTA
Had Israel stopped even at the pre-June 1967 lines there would have been no 1973 war, no Lebanon wars, no Hezbollah, no intifadas. Hezbollah was born of the need for an effective resistance to the Israeli juggernaut after the Arab armies had repeatedly failed. Hezbollah ran the Israelis off from Lebanon, excepting Shaaba Farms, a tiny patch Israel treats as a part of the Syrian Golan Heights it conquered and annexed. To the people in the Arab world Hezbollah is their David confronting the Israeli Goliath. Hezbollah's standing firm and inflicting substantial losses on the world's fourth mightiest force this time has heightened Arab expectations.
"But They're Not Human Beings, They are Not People, They are Arabs!"
By PUNYAPRIYA DASGUPTA
Had Israel stopped even at the pre-June 1967 lines there would have been no 1973 war, no Lebanon wars, no Hezbollah, no intifadas. Hezbollah was born of the need for an effective resistance to the Israeli juggernaut after the Arab armies had repeatedly failed. Hezbollah ran the Israelis off from Lebanon, excepting Shaaba Farms, a tiny patch Israel treats as a part of the Syrian Golan Heights it conquered and annexed. To the people in the Arab world Hezbollah is their David confronting the Israeli Goliath. Hezbollah's standing firm and inflicting substantial losses on the world's fourth mightiest force this time has heightened Arab expectations.
The importance of place
If Hizbullah's 12 July capture of Israeli soldiers took place on the Lebanese side of the Blue Line, as some say, everything changes, writes Serene Assir
Now there is a new mystery, but it involves neither car bombs nor the untimely death of a head of state. But when it comes to the question as to where Hizbullah captured two Israeli soldiers on the morning of 12 July, the taxi driver's statement seems to hold true with extraordinary power.
Now there is a new mystery, but it involves neither car bombs nor the untimely death of a head of state. But when it comes to the question as to where Hizbullah captured two Israeli soldiers on the morning of 12 July, the taxi driver's statement seems to hold true with extraordinary power.
Wake up, America! Israel is no friend of yours
Friday, August 25, 2006
While Us citizens benefit from the arab world, they don't know they're on the losing end with Israel.
The so-called "special relationship" between the the US and Israeli governments is well known. It goes without saying that the vast majority of Americans wholeheartedly support their nation's love-fest with Israel. Most Americans feel an affinity with Israelis to the detriment of Arabs. How mistaken they are! The fact is that while Americans benefit hugely from the Arab world, little do they know they are on the losing end when it comes to Israel.
While Us citizens benefit from the arab world, they don't know they're on the losing end with Israel.
The so-called "special relationship" between the the US and Israeli governments is well known. It goes without saying that the vast majority of Americans wholeheartedly support their nation's love-fest with Israel. Most Americans feel an affinity with Israelis to the detriment of Arabs. How mistaken they are! The fact is that while Americans benefit hugely from the Arab world, little do they know they are on the losing end when it comes to Israel.
August 19, 2006
US tries to counter Hizbollah rebuilding efforts
By Sue Pleming Thu Aug 17, 7:00 PM ET (click here to read more)
WASHINGTON (Reuters) - Concerned that Hizbollah has an early advantage in rebuilding shattered south Lebanon, the Bush administration is trying to speed up aid and encouraging Arab states to step in quickly, U.S. officials said this week.
TOO SLOW
....."This is an emerging tactic, which is commit acts of terror, try to get people to fight against each other, and set up a charitable foundation to hand out cash and crumbs to the victims," Snow told reporters.
A senior U.S. aid agency official Bill Garvelink said the near-term focus would be on helping to rebuild people's homes and that American engineers were in the area assessing damage to bridges and roads.
WASHINGTON (Reuters) - Concerned that Hizbollah has an early advantage in rebuilding shattered south Lebanon, the Bush administration is trying to speed up aid and encouraging Arab states to step in quickly, U.S. officials said this week.
TOO SLOW
....."This is an emerging tactic, which is commit acts of terror, try to get people to fight against each other, and set up a charitable foundation to hand out cash and crumbs to the victims," Snow told reporters.
A senior U.S. aid agency official Bill Garvelink said the near-term focus would be on helping to rebuild people's homes and that American engineers were in the area assessing damage to bridges and roads.
Why America Needs Hezbollah
By Ted Rall (click here to read more)
08/18/06 "Information Clearing House" -- -- Hours after a ceasefire halted a five-week war between Israel and Iranian-backed Islamic militias in Lebanon, reported the New York Times, "hundreds of Hezbollah members spread over dozens of villages across southern Lebanon began cleaning, organizing and surveying damage. Men on bulldozers were busy cutting lanes through giant piles of rubble. Roads blocked with the remnants of buildings are now, just a day after a ceasefire began, fully passable." Who cares if Hezbollah is a State Department-designated terrorist organization? Unlike our worthless government, it gets things done!
08/18/06 "Information Clearing House" -- -- Hours after a ceasefire halted a five-week war between Israel and Iranian-backed Islamic militias in Lebanon, reported the New York Times, "hundreds of Hezbollah members spread over dozens of villages across southern Lebanon began cleaning, organizing and surveying damage. Men on bulldozers were busy cutting lanes through giant piles of rubble. Roads blocked with the remnants of buildings are now, just a day after a ceasefire began, fully passable." Who cares if Hezbollah is a State Department-designated terrorist organization? Unlike our worthless government, it gets things done!
The army is back, but don't expect it to disarm Hizbollah
Robert Fisk: (click here to read more)
Now you see them, now you don't. Hizbollah weapons? None to be seen. And none to be collected by the Lebanese army. For when this august body of men crossed the Litani river yesterday, their officers made it perfectly clear that it would not be the army's job to disarm the Hizbollah. Nor was anyone in Lebanon surprised. After all, most of the Lebanese troops here are Shias - like the Hizbollah - and in many cases, the soldiers who crossed the Litani are not only from the same southern villages but are related to the guerrillas whom they are supposed to disarm. In other words, a typical Lebanese compromise. So whither UN Security Council Resolution 1701?
Now you see them, now you don't. Hizbollah weapons? None to be seen. And none to be collected by the Lebanese army. For when this august body of men crossed the Litani river yesterday, their officers made it perfectly clear that it would not be the army's job to disarm the Hizbollah. Nor was anyone in Lebanon surprised. After all, most of the Lebanese troops here are Shias - like the Hizbollah - and in many cases, the soldiers who crossed the Litani are not only from the same southern villages but are related to the guerrillas whom they are supposed to disarm. In other words, a typical Lebanese compromise. So whither UN Security Council Resolution 1701?
August 15, 2006
More photos from August 12
Click Here for more photos of the August 12 march & rally in Denver, these provided by Claire, one of the organizers...
IMEMC: Israeli "Summer Rains" continues
| From City to Town to Village, Israeli 'Summer Rains' Continue to fall on Gaza | | |
| Rami Almeghari - Sunday, 13 August 2006, 04:21 |
Excerpts:
Mayor Mansour pointed out that "For more than 40 days, the Shouka rural area has been under Israeli attack, as the Israeli tanks have been firing, by day and night, on the people's houses and farms.”
"The damages are immense; 129 green houses have been destroyed, 58 houses were torn down, while many of our village's inhabitants have been evacuated to safe shelters at local UNRWA(United Nations Refugee and Works Agency)'s schools. The water networks in the village have been totally destroyed. Shouka is a traumatized village", Mayor Mansour confirmed.
26 year-old local farmer Toufic Albraikat, described the destruction he has suffered: "2000 square meters of green houses plus 4000 square meters of electronically-irrigated garlic crops plus 9 sheep and 2000 bricks as well as a barbed-wire fence around my land, all have been destroyed by the Israeli tanks ".
"The last invasion of Shouka by the Israeli military forces resulted in a total of 17 dead, 50 injured. Around 25 of the dead and injured are children under the age of 15. We found that in this attack that the Israeli forces used a new weapon, as most or even all of the dead received by the hospital had been shot by missiles and tank bombs. The bodies of the victims had been torn apart, covered with burns. Fifteen of the wounded are in critical condition, having each had at least one limb amputated."
According to the latest Palestinian Health Ministry reports, since the June 26 military attack codenamed 'Summer Rains' has begun, the Israeli occupation army has killed 203 Palestinians, including 58 children and 25 women, and wounded 783 others, including 281 children, and 86 women. 72 of the injured have had limbs amputated.
It isn't anything new...
On this day, August 15...
2004: The IDF raided Ramallah; while attacking Balata refugee camp (Nablus), the IDF shot Mohammed al-Fayoumi, 17, in the chest and confiscated the home of the al-Sal'ous family to use as a military post; the IDF imposed closure on several Palestinian villages and neighborhoods near Al-Quds including al-Aisawiyya, Sur Baher, Um Toba, Silwan, and al-Thawri; at Beit Foreek, east of Nablus, the IDF launched mass arrests, abducting more than 60 Palestinians; in the Al Zeitoun neighborhood, near Gaza City, the IDF razed dozens of dunums of olive trees owned by the Hajji, Dahdouh, and Omadeen families; IDF soldiers based in the Neve Dekalim settlement opened fire from the settlement on Khan Younis refugee camp, shooting Omar Quannun, 58, in the face....
2003: At Tulkarem, Israeli settlers opened fire on Palestinians, wounding Ahmed M. Hammed, 44, in the arms & chest while he was returning home from work; the IDF abducted Shaikh Taiseer Al-Tamimi, a Palestinian cleric, who was brought to the Kahanist settlement of Kiryat Arba in Al Khalil (Hebron); the IDF raided Nablus and the Balata refugee camp, demolishing one home and abducting three Palestinians; the IDF raided Yebna refugee camp in Gaza, demolishing one home; the IDF also attacked the city of Jenin....
2002: IDF shelling of the Elsattar Elgharbi neighborhood of Khan Younis resulted in the murder of five year-old Aiman B. Fares and the wounding of members of her family; Burkain village, near Jenin, was placed under closure; IDF bulldozers razed three dunums owned by Khaled M. Elarouj from Elaroub village to the east of Bethlehem; at Nablus, the IDF took 22-year-old Heba Elattari hostage because her husband, a Fatah activist, was wanted by the Israeli occupation authority; 9-year-old Islam W. Ghanem, from Imartien village in the west of Nablus died after the IDF refused to allow his ambulance to reach the hospital; 75-year-old Mariam Mattar was killed by the Israeli strike that killed seventeen residents on the previous day...
2001: The IDF shelled Al Khalil (Hebron) and at least six Palestinians were wounded; the IDF also raided Bethlehem and Khan Younis; in the town of Ezbet Al Taieb, one home was demolished while settlers opened fire on Palestinians; an Israeli undercover assassination unit killed Emad Abu Snena, 25, at Al Khalil; and at Abu Dis - near Al Quds (Jerusalem) - the IDF abducted 15 year-old Ata Faroon....
...and so it continues...
2004: The IDF raided Ramallah; while attacking Balata refugee camp (Nablus), the IDF shot Mohammed al-Fayoumi, 17, in the chest and confiscated the home of the al-Sal'ous family to use as a military post; the IDF imposed closure on several Palestinian villages and neighborhoods near Al-Quds including al-Aisawiyya, Sur Baher, Um Toba, Silwan, and al-Thawri; at Beit Foreek, east of Nablus, the IDF launched mass arrests, abducting more than 60 Palestinians; in the Al Zeitoun neighborhood, near Gaza City, the IDF razed dozens of dunums of olive trees owned by the Hajji, Dahdouh, and Omadeen families; IDF soldiers based in the Neve Dekalim settlement opened fire from the settlement on Khan Younis refugee camp, shooting Omar Quannun, 58, in the face....
2003: At Tulkarem, Israeli settlers opened fire on Palestinians, wounding Ahmed M. Hammed, 44, in the arms & chest while he was returning home from work; the IDF abducted Shaikh Taiseer Al-Tamimi, a Palestinian cleric, who was brought to the Kahanist settlement of Kiryat Arba in Al Khalil (Hebron); the IDF raided Nablus and the Balata refugee camp, demolishing one home and abducting three Palestinians; the IDF raided Yebna refugee camp in Gaza, demolishing one home; the IDF also attacked the city of Jenin....
2002: IDF shelling of the Elsattar Elgharbi neighborhood of Khan Younis resulted in the murder of five year-old Aiman B. Fares and the wounding of members of her family; Burkain village, near Jenin, was placed under closure; IDF bulldozers razed three dunums owned by Khaled M. Elarouj from Elaroub village to the east of Bethlehem; at Nablus, the IDF took 22-year-old Heba Elattari hostage because her husband, a Fatah activist, was wanted by the Israeli occupation authority; 9-year-old Islam W. Ghanem, from Imartien village in the west of Nablus died after the IDF refused to allow his ambulance to reach the hospital; 75-year-old Mariam Mattar was killed by the Israeli strike that killed seventeen residents on the previous day...
2001: The IDF shelled Al Khalil (Hebron) and at least six Palestinians were wounded; the IDF also raided Bethlehem and Khan Younis; in the town of Ezbet Al Taieb, one home was demolished while settlers opened fire on Palestinians; an Israeli undercover assassination unit killed Emad Abu Snena, 25, at Al Khalil; and at Abu Dis - near Al Quds (Jerusalem) - the IDF abducted 15 year-old Ata Faroon....
...and so it continues...
August 14, 2006
More photos from the August 12 march
Here is another (see below) blog posting, this one from a sympathetic blog, with photos from the August 12 rally & march in Denver: Click Here for photos from 'Fire Witch Rising'
IMEMC: Gaza situation overshadowed by Lebanon
Report: Humanitarian crisis in Gaza being overshadowed by Lebanon war, IMEMC & Agencies - Monday, 14 August 2006
Excerpts:
"The food and security situation in Gaza is catastrophic," said Mario Carera, head of the Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation (SDC) for Gaza and the West Bank. The SDC, along with the United Nations and Swiss agencies are warning of a humanitarian crisis in the Gaza Strip, which has been largely forgotten due to the conflict in Lebanon. The situation in Gaza has seriously deteriorated over the past few weeks, say the Agencies. ...
"Israel's armed forces attack the Strip with up to 300 shells a day using aircraft and warships. Incursions by tanks and bulldozers terrorise the population."Among the more than 170 victims killed in this invasion are more than 50 children. This is a clear breach of international humanitarian law under which the civilians should be protected," she said. ...
In June Israel destroyed the only power plant in Gaza leaving nearly half the local population without electricity and the main border crossing at Rafah was also closed.Wenger for her part says the Gaza Strip resembles a huge prison. "It's an overall feeling of hopelessness and desperation. This leads to more and more violence in the community." ...
Excerpts:
"The food and security situation in Gaza is catastrophic," said Mario Carera, head of the Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation (SDC) for Gaza and the West Bank. The SDC, along with the United Nations and Swiss agencies are warning of a humanitarian crisis in the Gaza Strip, which has been largely forgotten due to the conflict in Lebanon. The situation in Gaza has seriously deteriorated over the past few weeks, say the Agencies. ...
"Israel's armed forces attack the Strip with up to 300 shells a day using aircraft and warships. Incursions by tanks and bulldozers terrorise the population."Among the more than 170 victims killed in this invasion are more than 50 children. This is a clear breach of international humanitarian law under which the civilians should be protected," she said. ...
In June Israel destroyed the only power plant in Gaza leaving nearly half the local population without electricity and the main border crossing at Rafah was also closed.Wenger for her part says the Gaza Strip resembles a huge prison. "It's an overall feeling of hopelessness and desperation. This leads to more and more violence in the community." ...
Ceasefire Resolution: paragraph-by-paragraph legal analysis
The UN Mideast Ceasefire Resolution Paragraph-by-Paragraph 08/13/06 from "Jurist"
JURIST Guest Columnist Anthony D'Amato of Northwestern University School of Law offers a detailed analysis of UN Security Council Resolution 1701, calling for an immediate cessation of hostilities in the Middle East conflict involving Israel, Hezbollah and Lebanon...
Hezbollah's surprising television announcement accepting the terms of the UN Ceasefire Resolution means that the precise wording of the Resolution will be under strict diplomatic scrutiny for weeks or months to come. The following is my paragraph-by-paragraph commentary (in regular text) on the complete text (in italics) of UN Security Council Resolution 1701 (11 August 2006). ...
JURIST Guest Columnist Anthony D'Amato of Northwestern University School of Law offers a detailed analysis of UN Security Council Resolution 1701, calling for an immediate cessation of hostilities in the Middle East conflict involving Israel, Hezbollah and Lebanon...
Hezbollah's surprising television announcement accepting the terms of the UN Ceasefire Resolution means that the precise wording of the Resolution will be under strict diplomatic scrutiny for weeks or months to come. The following is my paragraph-by-paragraph commentary (in regular text) on the complete text (in italics) of UN Security Council Resolution 1701 (11 August 2006). ...
B'Tselem: Almost half the Gaza Palestinians killed in July innocent
B'Tselem Report: Almost half the fatalities in the Gaza Strip in July were civilians not taking part in the hostilities 8 August, 2006
Excerpt:
In July, the Israeli military killed 163 Palestinians in the Gaza Strip, 78 of whom (48 percent) were not taking part in the hostilities when they were killed. Thirty-six of the fatalities were minors, and 20 were women. In the West Bank , 15 Palestinians were killed by Israeli forces in July. The number of Palestinian fatalities in July was the highest in any month since April 2002.
Of the incidents B'Tselem investigated in Gaza over the past month, the organization has identified three cases in which Israel may have committed grave breaches of the laws of war. A total of 13 Palestinian civilians were killed in these incidents, including 6 minors, the details of which are as follows: ...
Excerpt:
In July, the Israeli military killed 163 Palestinians in the Gaza Strip, 78 of whom (48 percent) were not taking part in the hostilities when they were killed. Thirty-six of the fatalities were minors, and 20 were women. In the West Bank , 15 Palestinians were killed by Israeli forces in July. The number of Palestinian fatalities in July was the highest in any month since April 2002.
Of the incidents B'Tselem investigated in Gaza over the past month, the organization has identified three cases in which Israel may have committed grave breaches of the laws of war. A total of 13 Palestinian civilians were killed in these incidents, including 6 minors, the details of which are as follows: ...
Adalah's Ad in Ha'aretz
[Ad placed by Adalah in Ha’aretz on 13 August 2006
Translated into English by Adalah]
To: Mr. Meni Mazuz, Attorney General
Dear Sir:
Re: The International Criminal Tribunal and Civilian Targets
We wish to draw your attention to the judgment of the International Criminal Tribunal for the Former Yugoslavia (ICTY), which convicted senior commanders and politicians for killing civilians and the destruction of villages and houses, among other charges. The Tribunal imposed sentences of between 15 and 45 years’ imprisonment. The defendants argued that the destruction was carried out on the grounds of “urgent military necessity.” The Tribunal ruled, inter alia:
The acts of war carried out with disregard for international humanitarian law and in hatred of other people, the villages reduced to rubble, the houses and stables set on fire and destroyed, the people forced to abandon their homes, the lost and broken lives are unacceptable. The international community must not tolerate such crimes, no matter where they may be perpetrated, no matter who the perpetrators are and no matter what the reasons for them may be ...International courts, today this Tribunal, tomorrow the International Criminal Court, must appropriately punish all those, and specially those holding the highest positions, who transgress these principles.
The Prosecutor v. Blaskic (2000), IT-95-14-T
The complete text of the judgment can be downloaded at: www.adalah.org
Adalah - The Legal Center for Arab Minority Rights in Israel
Translated into English by Adalah]
To: Mr. Meni Mazuz, Attorney General
Dear Sir:
Re: The International Criminal Tribunal and Civilian Targets
We wish to draw your attention to the judgment of the International Criminal Tribunal for the Former Yugoslavia (ICTY), which convicted senior commanders and politicians for killing civilians and the destruction of villages and houses, among other charges. The Tribunal imposed sentences of between 15 and 45 years’ imprisonment. The defendants argued that the destruction was carried out on the grounds of “urgent military necessity.” The Tribunal ruled, inter alia:
The acts of war carried out with disregard for international humanitarian law and in hatred of other people, the villages reduced to rubble, the houses and stables set on fire and destroyed, the people forced to abandon their homes, the lost and broken lives are unacceptable. The international community must not tolerate such crimes, no matter where they may be perpetrated, no matter who the perpetrators are and no matter what the reasons for them may be ...International courts, today this Tribunal, tomorrow the International Criminal Court, must appropriately punish all those, and specially those holding the highest positions, who transgress these principles.
The Prosecutor v. Blaskic (2000), IT-95-14-T
The complete text of the judgment can be downloaded at: www.adalah.org
Adalah - The Legal Center for Arab Minority Rights in Israel
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