13 May 2013 — VTJP
News
International Middle East Media Center
Settlers Burn Palestinian Agricultural Lands Near Nablus
IMEMC – Monday evening, May 13 2013; a group of extremist Israeli settlers set ablaze Palestinian olive orchards and farmlands that belong the villages of Qaryout, south of the northern West Bank city of Nablus. …
Israel Delays Bids On Construction Of 1500 Units In East Jerusalem
IMEMC – Israeli army radio reported Monday that the Regional Construction and Planning Committee in Jerusalem decided to delay bids for the construction of 1500 additional units in the Ramat Shlomo illegal settlement, in occupied East Jerusalem, for three weeks. …
Settlers Attack Palestinian Property, Graves, Near Nablus
IMEMC – Monday morning, May 13 2013; Palestinian sources reported that a group of extremist Israeli settlers attacked and destroyed Palestinian property, destroyed graves and wrote racist graffiti in As-Swiya village, south of the northern West Bank city of Nablus. …
Report: “%100 Of Administrative Detainees Are Former Prisoners”
IMEMC – The Ahrar Center for Detainees’ Studies and Human Rights reported that all of the Palestinian current administrative detainees, held by Israel without charges, are former political prisoners who have been repeatedly kidnapped and imprisoned by Israel. …
PA: Settlers exhume graves, spray racist graffiti
5/13/2013 – NABLUS (Ma’an) — Israeli settlers on Monday exhumed a number of graves and sprayed racist graffiti in the Sawiya village in Nablus, a Palestinian Authority official said. Ghassan Daghlas, who heads the PA settlement activity file, said settlers from the Alia settlement were responsible for the damage. He added that a plant nursery and….
PA official: Settlers torch fields near Nablus
5/13/2013 – NABLUS (Ma’an) — Dozens of settlers set fire to Palestinian fields in Nablus on Monday, a Palestinian Authority official said. Ghassan Daghlas, who monitors settler activity in the northern West Bank, told Ma’an that settlers from Shilo set fire to fields in the village of Qaryut, destroying nearly 15 dunams of land…. Related: “Nothing forbidden for them, but nothing allowed for us”
Clashes as Israel detains 2 al-Aqsa Brigades members in Jenin
5/13/2013 – JENIN (Ma’an) — Clashes broke out Monday morning in the Jenin refugee camp as Israeli forces detained two members of the Fatah-affiliated al-Aqsa Martyrs Brigades, locals said. Locals said the fighting continued for two hours after Israeli forces raided the al-Jabaryat area of the camp at 4 a. m. , detaining Raed Amin Dababa and….
Palestinian detained in Jerusalem as clashes erupt
5/13/2013 – JERUSALEM (Ma’an) — Israeli forces on Monday detained a Palestinian from the East Jerusalem town of Abu Dis, residents said. Mohammad Rabee, 19, was detained after four Israeli military vehicles raided the area and his home, locals said. Residents said the raid caused a “state of fear.” Clashes erupted following Rabee’s detention….
PA to stop paying Israeli prisoner fines in June
5/13/2013 – RAMALLAH (Ma’an) — The Palestinian Authority will stop paying fines imposed by Israel on Palestinian detainees, the minister of Prisoners’ Affairs said Monday. The boycott of fines levied by Israeli courts will begin on June 1, Issa Qaraqe said during a high school leavers’ exam celebration in the al-Masrara village in Bethlehem….
Activists: Facebook blocks Nakba group page
5/13/2013 – BETHLEHEM (Ma’an) — A Facebook page promoting Nakba commemoration events in Jaffa was temporarily blocked overnight, Palestinian activists said Monday. Fatima Huleiwi, an activist with Jaffa Youth, told Ma’an that it was not the first time that Facebook had blocked the group’s user page.” When we published material urging people….
Unidentified gunmen open fire at Fatah MP
5/13/2013 – RAMALLAH (Ma’an) — Unidentified gunmen opened fire Monday at the car of a Fatah-affiliated Palestinian Legislative Council member in Ramallah, the MP’s office said. Fifteen bullets were fired toward Majid Abu Shammaleh’s car at 2:20 a. m. while it was parked in the al-Tireh neighborhood in Ramallah, his representatives…. Related: Bahar denounces attack on Fatah MP’s car
ICHR says Abbas to criminalize torture
5/13/2013 – RAMALLAH (Ma’an) – President Mahmoud Abbas will make an official announcement incriminating torture by Palestinian Authority security forces, says the commissioner general of the Independent Commission for Human Rights. Ahmad Harb made the comments Monday at Abbas’ office as he handed the president the ICHR’s 18th annual report.”During the meeting….
Israel court sentences 4 men from Shufat refugee camp
5/13/2013 – JERUSALEM (Ma’an) — An Israeli military court in Jerusalem on Monday sentenced four men from Shufat refugee camp to jail time for throwing Molotov cocktails at Israeli military vehicles, a Ma’an reporter said. Fadi Zaki Saad, 22, Rabi Naji Saad, 19, and Muhammad Omar Anati, 23, were sentenced to 40 months in….
2 injured at military training site in northern Gaza
5/13/2013 – GAZA CITY (Ma’an) — Two Palestinian militants were seriously injured Monday afternoon at a military training site in the northern Gaza Strip, medics and activists said. Palestinian medical sources and human rights groups told Ma’an that an explosion was heard at a training site belonging to one of the resistance groups in….
Haniyeh calls for end to Palestinian bloodshed in Syria
5/13/2013 – GAZA CITY (Ma’an) — Gaza premier Ismail Haniyeh said Monday that it is unacceptable for Palestinians to be singled out by Arab regimes, and he condemned the killing of Palestinians in Syria’s ongoing conflict. Haniyeh told reporters in Gaza City that Hamas would not remain silent while “Palestinian blood is being shed….
Govt employees to protest as salaries go unpaid
5/13/2013 – RAMALLAH (Ma’an) — Government and public-sector employees announced a two-hour sit in scheduled for Tuesday across the West Bank and Gaza Strip as salaries remain unpaid, the union chief said Monday. Employees will gather outside the cabinet building in Ramallah and the Square of the Unknown Soldier in Gaza, Bassam Zakarneh said.”The Ministry….
Bahar denounces attack on Fatah MP’s car
5/13/2013 – GAZA CITY (Ma’an) — The deputy speaker of the Palestinian Legislative Council denounced on Monday the attack on a car of a Fatah-affiliated Palestinian Legislative Council member in Ramallah. In a statement, Ahmad Bahar stressed that such attacks violate the parliamentary immunity enjoyed by members of parliament. Bahar called on President Mahmoud Abbas and…. Related:Unidentified gunmen open fire at Fatah MP
PA police detain 5 men accused of ‘witchcraft’
5/13/2013 – BETHLEHEM (Ma’an) — Palestinian Authority police on Monday detained five people in Bethlehem accused of practicing witchcraft and sorcery. The men were detained in Aida refugee camp after police raided a property following a complaint by a camp resident and his wife, who said the men were taking money from people in exchange for….
Israel cabinet to vote on 2013 austerity budget
5/13/2013 – JERUSALEM (AFP) — The Israeli government was meeting on Monday to vote on the 2013 austerity budget proposal after the security cabinet backed plans for a smaller-than-expected $840 million cut in defense spending. The decision to reduce the defense budget by 3. 0 billion shekels ($840. 73 billion) came after a marathon session by the seven-member….
Class accidentally locked in school for several hours
5/13/2013 – JENIN (Ma’an) — A class of first graders in Jenin were trapped in their school for several hours on Monday after authorities closed the building without realizing they were still there, locals said.” Two and a half hours after the normal arrival time and the pupils hadn’t arrived,” a parent of one….
Jerusalem laborer seriously hurt after fall
5/13/2013 – JERUSALEM (Ma’an) — A Palestinian laborer from east Jerusalem was seriously injured after he fell from the second floor in Ramat Gan at a construction site, Israeli police said. Police said that the accident occurred at Bialik Street, when the laborer fell from a two-story building. He was seriously injured and transferred to Tel….
Laborers seriously hurt in Ramallah accident
5/13/2013 – RAMALLAH (Ma’an) — Two laborers were injured while working at an under-construction building in Ramallah on Monday, medics said. Medics confirmed that one of the two laborers was seriously wounded while the other one was moderately wounded. They were both transferred to Palestine Medical Complex. [END]
Turkey PM: Syria seeking to pull us into ‘quagmire’
5/13/2013 – REYHANLI, Turkey (AFP) — Turkish Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan has accused Damascus of trying to drag his country into the Syrian “quagmire” after twin bomb attacks killed 46 people in a town on the border. Turkey said Sunday it had arrested nine people over the twin car bombings that sowed death in Reyhanli the previous….
Obama, Cameron set for Syria crisis talks
5/13/2013 – DAMASCUS (AFP) — US President Barack Obama and British Prime Minister David Cameron meet at the White House on Monday to discuss the Syrian crisis as the international community presses efforts to find a political solution. Inside Syria, the army gained ground in the strategic central province of Homs, and captured the town of Khirbet Ghazaleh….
Red Cross seeks to more than double Syria aid budget
5/13/2013 – GENEVA (AFP) — Confronted with what it describes as a “major humanitarian catastrophe” in Syria, the Red Cross on Monday urged donors to more than double its budget this year to address the conflict in and around the war-torn country. The International Committee of the Red Cross appealed to donors for an additional 62. 3 million….
British PM hails Syria ‘breakthrough’
5/13/2013 – WASHINGTON (AFP) — British Prime Minister David Cameron hailed a “real breakthrough” in diplomatic efforts to end the civil war in Syria, as he arrived at the White House Monday for talks with US President Barack Obama. Cameron, fresh from a trip to Russia, one of President Bashar Assad’s few remaining backers, said US….
Statistics Bureau Reveals Performance of the Palestinian Economy during 2012
Palestine News Network
Israeli Military Vehicles Penetrated into Lands near Beit Hanoun
Palestine News Network
Abbas Meets Israel Opposition Leader in Ramallah, Discuss Resumption of Peace Talks
Palestine News Network
Nablus: Settlers Attack Palestinian Property, Spray-Paint Racist Slogans
Palestine News Network
IOF Forces Deliver Demolition Notices to 14 Houses in Jericho
Palestine News Network
Israel Claims Muhammad Al-Dura Was Not Killed by IOF Fire
Palestine News Network
IOF Forces Arrest 4 Youngsters from West Bank, Jerusalem
Palestine News Network
Ahrar: 100% of the Administrative Detainees are Liberated Detainees
Palestine News Network
PCHR Calls Upon Attorney General to Investigate Killing of Civilian by Police in Sa’ir Village
Palestine News Network
PCHR Condemns the Prevention of its Staff From Traveling Via Beit Hanoun Crossing
Palestine News Network
Palestinian Center for Human Rights
PCHR files petition to Gaza High Court of Justice against Ministry of Interior measures to restrict freedom of movement
Palestinian Center for Human Rights
International Solidarity Movement
Adel Baker, a fisherman from Gaza, now fighting for his life in hospital
5/13/2013 – International Solidarity Movement – 13th May 2013, International Action for Palestine, Gaza, Occupied Palestine, By Rosa Schiano – On May 1st many countries celebrate the achievement of workers on Labor Day weekend. In Gaza too, workers celebrated labour day in a demonstration in the centre of Gaza City. Yet, for the Palestinian fishermen there was nothing to celebrate. In the….
Brother and sister arrested without charge in Kufr Qalil
5/13/2013 – International Solidarity Movement – 12th May 2013, International Solidarity Movement, Nablus, Occupied Palestine, Team Nablus – At 1:30 am on May 12, Israeli soldiers arrested a brother and sister from Kufr Qalil without charge and ransacked their home, terrorizing their family and leaving them with no information about the siblings’ imprisonment. Israeli soldiers arrived at the residence of….
‘Contempt for justice in the Israeli system’ – Swedish activist being deported despite false charges and legal appeal
5/13/2013 – International Solidarity Movement – 13th May 2013, International Solidarity Movement, Hebron, Occupied Palestine, By Team Khalil – Swedish activist Gustav Karlsson is today, 13th May, being transferred to Ben Gurion airport in Tel Aviv in preparation to be flown back to Sweden against his will. He is currently appealing his deportation legally. Gustav was arrested on the 28th April in….
Five men imprisoned after night raids in Beit Furik
5/13/2013 – International Solidarity Movement – 14th May 2013, International Solidarity Movement, Beit Furik, Occupied Palestine, By Team Nablus – On Tuesday 7th of May the Israeli army invaded Nablus and the nearby village of Beit Furik and arrested 9 men. The men, between the ages of 18 and 22, are all members of the PLFP. One man from Beit Furik was….
Military presence at Hebron schools – regular updates
5/13/2013 – International Solidarity Movement – 7th May 2013, International Solidarity Movement, Hebron, Occupied Palestine, By Team Khalil – Regular updates on harassment of Palestinian schoolchildren by Israeli military in Hebron. UPDATE 12th May 2013: On the 12th May, once again, 2 Israeli military jeeps were stationed at the checkpoint at 7am as children passed through to get to their respective schools….
A life of uncertainty under occupation
5/13/2013 – International Solidarity Movement – 13th May 2013, International Solidarity Movement, Beit Ummar, Occupied Palestine, Team Khalil – At 3am on 13th May, Nasri Sabarna of Beit Ummar woke up to the sound of Israeli soldiers kicking down his front door. The sound of them shooting tear gas, rubber bullets and sound bombs at people passing his house on their way….
‘Nothing forbidden for them, but nothing allowed for us’
5/13/2013 – International Solidarity Movement – 14th May 2013, International Solidarity Movement, Qaryut, Occupied Palestine, By Team Nablus – Settlers from the illegal colony of Shilo set fire to land belonging to the nearby village of Qaryut. Around 25 families own land in this area. The land contained wheat crops and olive trees and is next to land previously stolen by settlers…. Related: PA official: Settlers torch fields near Nablus
Photo essay: March through Nablus and Tulkarem commemorates the Nakba
5/13/2013 – International Solidarity Movement – 13th May 2013, International Solidarity Movement, Nablus and Tulkarem, Occupied Palestine, By Team Nablus – Today, at around 8am, over thirty people from the Palestinian General Union of People with Disability marched through the city of Nablus to commemorate the 65th anniversary of the Nakba. After the march, a bus drove participants to Tulkarem where they….
‘We don’t go to their homes throwing rocks, why do they do it to us?’
5/13/2013 – International Solidarity Movement – 13th May 2013, International Solidarity Movement, Jalud, Occupied Palestine, Team Nablus – At about 11 PM on Sunday, May 5, about 40 Israeli settlers attacked the village of Jalud, west of Salfit, and attempted to set fire to two homes with firebombs. Settler attacks on Jalud started two years ago from nearby illegal settlements of Yahyah….
World: Global Emergency Overview Snapshot 06 – 13 May 2013
Relief Web 13 May 2013 – Source: Assessment Capacities Project Country: Afghanistan, Angola, Bangladesh, Bolivia, Burkina Faso, Cameroon, Central African Republic, Chad, Democratic People’s Republic of Korea, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Djibouti, Eritrea, Ethiopia, Gambia, Haiti, Iraq, Jordan, Kenya, Kyrgyzstan, Lesotho, Malawi, Mali, Mauritania, Mozambique,…
occupied Palestinian territory: Israel: UN expert warns against Israel’s plans for a six-lane settlement highway in East Jerusalem
Relief Web 13 May 2013 – Source: UN Human Rights Council Country: occupied Palestinian territory GENEVA (13 May 2013) – United Nations Special Rapporteur Richard Falk today called for an immediate halt to construction of a settlement highway in Beit Safafa (East Jerusalem), also known as…
occupied Palestinian territory: The Palestinian economy in East Jerusalem: Enduring annexation, isolation and disintegration
Relief Web 13 May 2013 – Source: UN Conference on Trade and Development Country: occupied Palestinian territory Highlight International organizations and Israeli and Palestinian non-governmental organizations have published reports and studies in recent years on East Jerusalem focused mainly on political and social conditions. But few…
occupied Palestinian territory: Human rights violations during operation pillar of defense 14-21 November 2012
Relief Web 13 May 2013 – Source: Israeli Information Center for Human Rights in the Occupied Territories Country: occupied Palestinian territory Four times as many uninvolved Palestinian civilians were killed in the final four days of the operation as during the first four days After several…
occupied Palestinian territory: No Escape for Palestinian Women Forced into Prostitution
Relief Web 13 May 2013 – Source: Inter Press Service Country: occupied Palestinian territory By Mel Frykberg RAMALLAH, May 12 2013 (IPS) – Just down the road from the bubble of privilege and power of the Palestinian Legislative Council is one of Ramallah’s houses of ill…
Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid calls for stronger links with the media
The National 13 May 2013 – UAE’s Vice President and the Ruler of Dubai tells all federal agencies to set up briefings and answer all questions to improve communications with local and international press.
Impact of labour migration in spotlight at Abu Dhabi forum
The National 13 May 2013 – Experts from UAE and worldwide will discuss the effects of remittances and worker supply.
Arabic is not dead but teaching must improve, UAE report shows
The National 13 May 2013 – The report commissioned by Sheikh Mohammed outlines key ways to help the language flourish, including fostering a culture of reading.
Free vaccination against cervical cancer for Abu Dhabi women
The National 13 May 2013 – Women between the ages of 18 and 26 will be eligible for the emirate-wide scheme from June 1.
UAE sedition trial: ‘Don’t make us criminals because of our opinions’
The National 13 May 2013 – The trial of 94 Emiratis accused of sedition resumes in the State Security Court, with 20 of them pleading their cases.
Cooperation in Arabian Gulf is key to making best use of data
The National 13 May 2013 – The Abu Dhabi Statistics Conference looks at the lack of collaboration between agencies and governments.
Sharif promises to tackle Pakistan’s economic woes
The National 13 May 2013 – After an unexpectedly strong victory in last week’s elections, Nawaz Sharif said he has a plan to resolve Pakistan’s most pressing problems at home while promising to strengthen relations with India and the United States abroad.
Clean fuels top UAE’s green strategy
The National 13 May 2013 – The Ministry of Environment is driving the effort in collaboration with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Office of the Prime Minister and the Global Green Growth Institute.
State: Law that allows detention of ‘infiltrators’ without trial is constitutional
Ha’aretz – 13 May 2013
Thunderstorms and lightning herald a wet Shavuot holiday
Ha’aretz – 13 May 2013
Animals should have independent legal rights, says Israeli judge
Ha’aretz – 13 May 2013
Israeli, U.S. astronomers use Einstein’s relativity theory to discover new planet
Ha’aretz – 13 May 2013
State comptroller to probe Netanyahu’s $127,000 airplane resting chamber
Ha’aretz – 13 May 2013
Israeli inspector pours bleach over food in Tel Aviv restaurant run by African migrants
Ha’aretz – 13 May 2013
Education Minister Shai Piron pledges to delay cuts to ultra-Orthodox education
Ha’aretz – 13 May 2013
Prosecutors to Supreme Court: Olmert’s fraud acquittal unreasonable
Ha’aretz – 13 May 2013
Canada deports Palestinian hijacker after 25-year legal battle
Ha’aretz – 13 May 2013
Israeli MK seeks to regulate natural gas exports via legislation
Ha’aretz – 13 May 2013
IDF to stop using shells with white phosphorus in populated areas, state tells High Court
Ha’aretz – 13 May 2013
Israel’s defense budget cut for now, but will increase over long term
Ha’aretz – 13 May 2013
Israeli man gets 18-year sentence for stabbing former coworker on Tel Aviv’s Chen Boulevard
Ha’aretz – 13 May 2013
IDF rabbinate creating new, paid positions for ultra-Orthodox recruits
Ha’aretz – 13 May 2013
Military Intelligence unit to ditch free offices for costly new building
Ha’aretz – 13 May 2013
Price of four-room flats in Tel Aviv jumped 11% last year, gov’t appraiser finds
Ha’aretz – 13 May 2013
Pocket guide to spiders lures Israeli readers
Ha’aretz – 13 May 2013
Nakba Day to lack hype of last two years
Jerusalem Post 14 May 2013 – This year, Police spokesman Micky Rosenfeld says, police are not preparing for any special deployments or reinforcements.
Teachers spared from budget cutbacks
Jerusalem Post 13 May 2013 – Angry parents protest cancellation of daycare subsidies.
Lod cop indicted for lying about witnessing murder
Jerusalem Post 13 May 2013 – Police investigative unit of the Justice Ministry issued the indictment against Eliyahu Levi; also allegedly made up heroism-under-fire story.
Knesset: Doctors, professionals must speak Hebrew
Jerusalem Post 13 May 2013 – Absorption Ministry representatives, immigrant groups oppose new requirement, claim it will make it difficult for new olim to earn a living.
Candidly Speaking: Déjà vu: ‘Peace in Our Time’
Jerusalem Post 13 May 2013 – We must not again jeopardize our security and lives by engaging in yet another “gamble for peace” with the odds stacked against us.
Sex and the Moabite girl
Jerusalem Post 13 May 2013 – It is fair to say that the Book of Ruth contains the most explicit love scene in the Hebrew Bible.
Shavuot and unity
Jerusalem Post 13 May 2013 – At a time when deep fiscal cuts are essential to avert an economic meltdown, it is imperative the government remember Shavuot’s message of unity.
Budget for PM living expense jumped 80% in 4 years
Jerusalem Post 13 May 2013 – NIS 5.43 million budgeted for Netanyahu’s residences in 2012.
Borderline Views: Fighting on two fronts
Jerusalem Post 13 May 2013 – Targeting scientists and academics, they are effectively targeting one of few spaces where Israeli-Palestinian collaboration and cooperation takes place.
The other Women of the Wall
Jerusalem Post 13 May 2013 – Tolerance works both ways, and so does respect. Doesn’t matter whether you understand why some Jews are devastated when they see you praying.
Ahmadinejad may face charges over election appearance
Jerusalem Post 13 May 2013 – Electoral watchdog says Iranian president violated law by accompanying ally to register for June presidential vote; could be sign of conservative move to deflect challenges to Khamenei.
Ahmadinejad may be charged over vote appearance
Jerusalem Post 13 May 2013 – Electoral watchdog says Iranian President violated law by accompanying ally to register for June presidential vote.
Shavuot – Torah, gratitude, humility
Jerusalem Post 13 May 2013 – Also called the Day of Bikkurim, first fruits, because when the Temple was in J’lem, nation would bring fruits to J’lem from Shavuot on.
Senior UN official: ‘Settlers are whacked out’
Jerusalem Post 13 May 2013 – The UN has a long history of officials with biased opinions in “impartial” positions, such as Richard Falk.
American ambassadors: From untouchable to dead
Jerusalem Post 13 May 2013 – No Holds Barred: Because even a monster as evil as Hitler, arguably the most dangerous man that ever lived, wasn’t going to mess with the American ambassador.
Obama pushes for Syria talks, warns of challenges
Jerusalem Post 13 May 2013 – Cameron says UK hasn’t ruled out tougher action against Assad, but hasn’t made a decision to arm the Syrian opposition.
Stop spending like a drunken sailor
Jerusalem Post 13 May 2013 – Fundamentally Freund: Instead of heaping a new round of tax hikes on the Israeli public, the gov’t should get its own house in order and spend within its means.
Globerman’s rhyme and reason
Jerusalem Post 13 May 2013 – Israeli poet Yael Globerman hopes her love of the English language will shine through at the annual Poetry Festival in Metulla.
1st Palestinian in history makes ‘Arab Idol’ top 10
Jerusalem Post 13 May 2013 – Gaza native Mohammed Assaf, who sings about his ancestral Palestinian lands has made it to the final stage of Lebanon’s version of ‘American Idol.’
African refugee-owned businesses raided in TA
Jerusalem Post 13 May 2013 – Activists, asylum seekers say action a “show of force” done for political reasons.
Canada deports 1968 Palestinian El Al hijacker
Jerusalem Post 13 May 2013 – Palestinian who killed Israeli on El Al flight deported by Canada to Lebanon; lived under false identity in Canada.
‘Conversions of non-Jewish Israelis declining’
Jerusalem Post 13 May 2013 – Knesset c’tee hears that number of Israelis from the former Soviet Union converting to Judaism has dropped by 23 percent.
Fischer cuts interest rate .25%, analysts cite budget
Jerusalem Post 13 May 2013 – Bank also announces that it will buy up $2.1 billion in reserves through the end of the year to counter currency fluctuations from natural gas.
Newseum reconsiders honor for Hamas-linked cameramen
Jerusalem Post 13 May 2013 – Ceremony was to have honored Al Aqsa TV employees killed by IDF.
Syrian refugees fear Turkish backlash after bombings
Jerusalem Post 13 May 2013 – Turkey is home to some 400,000 refugees from Syria, and after recent escalations in the civil war, they fear for their safety.
Knesset C’tee adds women to panel picking rabbinic judges
Jerusalem Post 13 May 2013 – Decision follows petition before High Court.
iENGAGE: Time to End the Disgrace at the Wall
Jerusalem Post 13 May 2013 – Haredi men who threw garbage at women in prayer shawls behaved like pogromists; silence in the haredi community added to the disgrace.
Labor MKs upset Yacimovich met Abbas on her own
Jerusalem Post 13 May 2013 – MKs complain that “political soloist” Yacimovich only told those in her faction about the meeting after she left Ramallah.
Yacimovich, Gal-On: Defense cut won’t actually happen
Jerusalem Post 13 May 2013 – Opposition parties came out against Monday’s cabinet decision to cut the defense budget by NIS 3 billion, instead of NIS 4 billion as planned.
Peres and old-friend ‘Ben-Gurion’ celebrate Shavuot
Jerusalem Post 13 May 2013 – The president visits kibbutz Nir Yitzhak where here takes part in “Bikkurim,” feeds a calf and dances with children.
Israel jails conscientious objector Natan Blanc for tenth time
The Guardian 13 May 2013 – Nineteen-year-old sentenced to 28 days in military prison, longest jail term received since being called up in November A teenage conscientious objector has been jailed by an Israeli military court for the tenth time in six…
Stephen Hawking’s boycott hits Israel where it hurts: science | Hilary Rose and Steven Rose
The Guardian 13 May 2013 – What really winds up Israel is that this rejection comes from a famous scientist, and it is science that drives its economy, prestige and military strength Stephen Hawking’s decision to boycott the Israeli president’s conference has…
Obama faces tough decisions on Syria as pressure for intervention mounts
The Guardian 13 May 2013 – As the president prepares to meet the prime ministers of Britain and Turkey, what are his options on the Syrian civil war? President Barack Obama will come under increasing pressure this week, from international allies as…
Even Stephen Hawking makes mistakes – he’s wrong about the Israel boycott | Steve Caplan
The Guardian 13 May 2013 – I respect Hawking for his brilliance and personal courage in overcoming tremendous obstacles, but his decision to support the boycott of Israel is contrary to the nature of academia I followed the news of Professor Stephen…
Syrian opposition to speak out as tensions continue over Turkey bombings
The Guardian 13 May 2013 – George Sabra, acting president of Syrian National Coalition, will hold press conference to discuss twin car bombings in Turkey that killed 46 people Paul Owen
Afghanistan says Iranian guards killed 10 migrants
Uruknet
Will Pakistan finally stand up against illegal US drone attacks?
Uruknet
East Jerusalem impoverished by Israeli policy
Uruknet
5 bodies believed belongs to protesters found in Mosul
Uruknet
Masses demonstrate against austerity measures in Israel
Uruknet
IDF: ‘Forbidden zone’ in Gaza three times larger than previously stated
Uruknet
April 6 founder says political climate ‘worse than under Mubarak’
Uruknet
Afghans Say an American Tortured Civilians
Uruknet
Israel opens diplomatic mission in unnamed Gulf state
Uruknet
Churches denounce Israel violence against Christians
Uruknet
Yemen tribesmen kidnap Swiss, Kenyan Red Cross staff
Daily Star 13 May 2013 Armed tribesmen kidnapped two expatriate employees of the International Committee of the Red Cross and their interpreter in southern Yemen on Monday, witnesses and militia sources said.
Obama, Cameron focus on Syria at White House
Daily Star 13 May 2013 President Barack Obama says the United States is working with Britain to strengthen the moderate opposition in Syria and to push for the end of the hardline regime of President Bashar Assad.
3 Georgian troops killed in Afghanistan suicide attack
Daily Star 13 May 2013 Three Georgian soldiers were killed Monday in a suicide attack on their base in southern Afghanistan, the country’s defense minister said.
Turkey: Missing fighter jet crashed
Daily Star 13 May 2013 Turkish officials said Monday that a missing fighter jet crashed and its fuselage and debris have been found in a mountainous area close to the border with Syria.
NATO: 3 troops killed in Afghanistan attack
Daily Star 13 May 2013 NATO says three of its service members have been killed in an insurgent attack in Afghanistan’s south.
Sharif reaches out to US, India after Pakistan win
Daily Star 13 May 2013 Pakistan’s incoming Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif Monday reached out to India and the United States, pledging to strengthen relations after his thumping victory in landmark elections.
Iraq officials: 2 attacks kill 4 people
Daily Star 13 May 2013 Iraqi authorities say a car bombing and shooting have killed four people in the country’s north and west.
Judge: US soldier premeditated Iraq killings
Daily Star 13 May 2013 A military judge has found U.S. Army Sgt. John Russell guilty of premeditated murder in the 2009 killings of five fellow service members at a combat stress clinic in Iraq.
German journalist held in Syria: report
Daily Star 13 May 2013 A German journalist is being held by Syrian forces in the northern battlefield city of Aleppo, a Berlin newspaper reported online Monday, citing his call for help via a mobile phone text message.
U.S. official arrives to Lebanon
Daily Star 13 May 2013 U.S. Coordinator for Middle Eastern Affairs Philip Gordon arrived to Lebanon Monday.
Egyptian assembly approves higher taxes on the wealthy
Daily Star 13 May 2013 Egypt’s parliament approved a new income tax law on Monday that will increase levies paid by the wealthy and by companies but reduce it for people in lower income brackets.
US criticizes Egyptian action against youth leader
YNet News, 13 May 2013 – ….
Piron to Ynet: Haredim accept education system terms
YNet News, 13 May 2013 – ….
Spain: 12 tons of hashish seized near Cordoba
YNet News, 13 May 2013 – ….
Ya’alon: Buildup of military must change
YNet News, 13 May 2013 – ….
3 ICRC aid workers kidnapped in Yemen
YNet News, 13 May 2013 – ….
We are all Women of the Wall
YNet News, 13 May 2013 – Op-ed: Democratic, moderate majority failed to protect female worshippers from incited haredi masses ….
As far away from Burgas as possible
YNet News, 13 May 2013 – Terror victims taken on vacation in New York on behalf of Chabad Terror Victims Project. For 10 days, Daniel Fahima got away from treatments after Burgas terrorist attack, thoughts about his two best friends killed ….
State to court: IDF to halt use of phosphorous shells
YNet News, 13 May 2013 – In response to petition filed by human rights group, army says will use incendiary munitions in urban areas only in ‘extreme cases.’ Yesh Gvul: IDF’s position proves use of phosphorous shells during 2009 Gaza op was ‘illegal, immoral’ ….
Deri: Cuts to push further 50,000 children beyond poverty line
YNet News, 13 May 2013 – Shas leader warns against harsh economic measures; Lapid deputy defends them, saying government did its best to avoid hurting public: ‘No one promised miracles within first 2 months of Lapid’s tenure’ ….
Report: Ahmadinejad may face 74 lashes over election ‘violation’
YNet News, 13 May 2013 – Iran president violates electoral law by accompanying presidential candidate to register for June vote. Candidate: Ahmadinejad was on his ‘day off’ ….
American-born MK attuned to Anglos’ needs
YNet News, 13 May 2013 – Rabbi Dov Lipman was inspired to initiate constituent meetings by his experience as intern in Congress. ‘It’s fantastic that we an English speaker to go and speak to,’ CEO of Eddie’s Kosher Travel says ….
Iran expects ‘progress’ in UN nuclear talks
YNet News, 13 May 2013 – Tehran’s ambassador to IAEA says ‘we are serious in these talks,’ but Western diplomat sees ‘no room for optimism’ ….
Israeli found dead in Slovenia after rafting accident
YNet News, 13 May 2013 – Boat carrying Israelis hits rock in Slovenia river. One traveler swept upstream found dead ….
Report: Syria blames ‘murderer’ Erdogan for bombings
YNet News, 13 May 2013 – Syrian Information Minister Omran Zubi says responsibility for car bombs that killed 46 people ‘lies with Turkish government and Erdogan personally’ ….
Disabled woman wages legal battle for surrogate motherhood
YNet News, 13 May 2013 – Wheelchair-bound Ora Mor Yoseph, denied custody due to lack of ‘genetic ties’ to child, takes social services to court in what could be landmark case for rights of handicapped ….
Netanyahu, Putin to meet Tuesday for Syria talks
YNet News, 13 May 2013 – PM to travel to Russia with aim of convincing Putin to back out of S-300 arms deal with Syria ….
Partition plan for Jerusalem
YNet News, 13 May 2013 – Op-ed: News of construction freeze in Jerusalem received with apathy by even the most hardline Likudniks ….
Growing anger over American drones in Yemen
YNet News, 12 May 2013 – With many civilians casualties, Yemeni people outraged over American drone strikes in country; ‘strikes had huge psychological impact on citizens, as we don’t know when, where the next American drone is going to strike,’ reporter says ….
Turkey says it won’t be drawn into Syria conflict
YNet News, 12 May 2013 – Erdogan insists Syria is trying to drag Turkey into conflict; vows his country will not take part in ‘bloody quagmire,’ but clarifies that ‘those who attack Turkey will be held to account’ ….
IOA serves notices for the demolition of 14 houses near Jericho
PIC – The Israeli occupation authorities (IOA) served notices for the demolition of 14 houses in Oja village near Jericho in the central Jordan Valley on Monday morning.
Jewish settlers deface graves, destroy agricultural installations
PIC – Jewish settlers destroyed a number of agricultural installations and defaced graves near Sawiya village, south of Nablus, on Monday.
IOF raids northern Gaza
PIC – Israeli occupation forces (IOF) escorted four bulldozers into eastern Beit Hanun in northern Gaza Strip on Monday.
Israeli scheme to confiscate more Jordan Valley lands
PIC – Hebrew media sources revealed on Monday a new Israeli scheme to establish a city for Bedouins in Jordan Valley to facilitate the confiscation of their lands in the northern West Bank.
1287 Palestinian martyrs since start of the Syrian revolution
PIC – The number of Palestinian martyrs in Syria has amounted to 1287 since the outbreak of the Syrian revolution two years ago during the shelling of the Palestinian refugee camps..
7 million Palestinian refugees since Palestinian Nakba
PIC – More than 7 million Palestinian refugees, uprooted from their homes and lands since the Palestinian Nakba are still hoping to return to their homeland, and reject the notion of land swaps.
Issawi calls for more support of prisoners’ issue
PIC – The Jerusalemite prisoner Samer Issawi has called on his supporters during his hunger strike that lasted for 8 months to continue solidarity campaigns in support of the prisoners’ issue.
Israeli demolition orders in occupied Jerusalem
PIC – The Israeli municipal authorities in Jerusalem has issued a demolition order against a building under construction consisting of 6 apartments under the pretext of being built without permit.
Haniyeh meets Sudanese delegation
PIC – Prime Minister Ismail Haniyeh met on Sunday with a Sudanese delegation visiting Gaza headed by Dr. Abdul Kader Sheikh Alqarni.
Two Critical Injuries in Explosion in Gaza
WAFA – 13 May 2013
Israel to Demolish Water Well near Hebron
WAFA – 13 May 2013
Settlers Set Fire to Land near Hebron
WAFA – 13 May 2013
Shots Fired at Car of Fatah Lawmaker
WAFA – 13 May 2013
Israel to Demolish 14 Homes near Jericho
WAFA – 13 May 2013
Settlers Attack Palestinian Property near Nablus
WAFA – 13 May 2013
GDP Up by 6% in 2012, says Statistics Bureau
WAFA – 13 May 2013
Turkey bombings prompt outcry over support for Syria rebels
LA Times 13 May 2013 – The deadly weekend attacks, which Turkey has blamed on Syria, have fueled fears that Turkey is being dragged into its neighbor’s conflict. ISTANBUL, Turkey — Deadly weekend car bombings in a southern Turkish city have galvanized domestic opposition to the government’s steadfast support for Syrian…
The Lede: Video Appears to Show Syrian Rebel Mutilating a Soldier’s Corpse
New York Times 13 May 2013 – Supporters of the Syrian government posted a graphic video to YouTube on Sunday that appeared to show a rebel commander cutting out the heart and liver of a government soldier and threatening members of the country’s Alawite religious minority.
Obama Scoffs at Libya Outcry but Vows to Act on I.R.S. Audits
New York Times 13 May 2013 – President Obama on Monday rejected as “a sideshow” criticism of his handling of the attacks in Benghazi, Libya. On the scandal at the revenue agency, he said the singling out of certain groups, if true, was “outrageous.”
Obama and Cameron Press Putin on Syria
New York Times 13 May 2013 – President Obama and Prime Minister David Cameron expressed hope that President Vladimir V. Putin of Russia would join efforts to end the Syrian war.
Israel Approval Near for Austerity Budget
New York Times 13 May 2013 – A plan for higher taxes has prompted demonstrations reminiscent of those that rocked the country in 2011, when crowds protested the high cost of living.
Turkish Officials Appeal for Calm in Wake of Twin Bombings
New York Times 13 May 2013 – The authorities said they had arrested nine people in the bombings in a border town near Syria, as the government moved to keep the attacks from inflaming tensions.
Bangladesh’s Cabinet Approves Changes to Labor Laws
New York Times 13 May 2013 – Officials say the move will expand benefits for garment workers and make it easier to form trade unions, in the wake of the Rana Plaza tragedy.
How much would a gas export ban cost Israel?
Globes Energy & Water – “Globes” asked an independent energy consultant to calculate the cost to the state of banning gas exports.
Stormy Knesset session muddies waters on gas exports
Globes Energy & Water – Energy Ministry director general Shaul Tzemach: Until there are 450 billion cubic meters of gas, there will be no gas exports from Israel at all.
BoI cuts interest rate
Globes Main News – Due to the continued appreciation of the shekel, the Bank of Israel also announced that it will purchase $2.1 billion by the end of 2013.
Rami Levy becomes an official Apple importer
Globes Main News – The retailer will sell iPhone 5s for NIS 3,390, NIS 200 more than before it became an official importer.
Shekel weakens sharply following rate cut
Globes Main News – Prico CEO Yossi Fraiman: The Bank of Israel will have to make another interest rate cut soon.
Mon: Rate cut boosts TASE
Globes Main News – Despite a late rally caused by the interest rate cut and strong financials, Israel Chemicals fell 1.7%. The TASE will reopen Thursday, after the Shavuot holiday.
Teva mulling acquisition in South Africa – report
Globes Main News – “Business Report”: Adcock Ingram, South Africa’s largest pharmaceutical company, has received acquisition offers.
Fischer stings shekel speculators
Globes Macro Economics – This is not the first time that Fischer has targeted foreign currency players who gambled on the strengthening of the shekel.
Food consumption down 2.3%
Globes Macro Economics – The figure is based on sales by retail chains, after taking higher prices into account.
Epsilon: Treasury plan will fail
Globes Macro Economics – “The government is effectively increasing the risk to the economy, rather than reducing it.”
NIS 3b slashed from 2014 defense budget
Globes Aerospace & Defense – The defense budget will be cut by NIS 3 billion in 2014, and an additional NIS 1 billion will come from the defense budget reserves.
Compromise emerging on defense budget
Globes Aerospace & Defense – Today, after all-night talks, that there are signs of an “accounting solution” to the need to cut defense spending.
Israel Opens Secret Mission in United Arab Emirates to Threaten Iran
Tikun Olam – The latest Israeli budget under consideration in the Knesset reveals that Israel opened a new mission in an unnamed Gulf State in the past year. Though the identity of the state is supposed to be a secret (the linked Haaretz article doesn’t explicitly name it) given…
San Francisco Chronicle: Boxer’s Israeli Visa Bill Stirs Backlash
Jewish Voice for Peace – The United States allows inhabitants of 37 countries to enter the United States without a visa, as long as they extend the same privilege to United States citizens and Senator Barbara Boxer is proposing to add Israel to that list – but without requiring equal treatment…
Israeli airport sorts passengers with ‘Jewish stickers’ and ‘Arab stickers’
Mondoweiss – This shocking story– of yet another “huge humiliation” of a non-Jew at Ben Gurion airport– was posted by Mira Awad, an Israeli Palestinian singer, on her Facebook page, in Hebrew , today. Ami Kaufman at +972 provided a translation of the entry, and notes that Awad is…
The Newseum’s ‘further investigation’ must be public, credible, and thorough – and what we should do if it isn’t
Mondoweiss – As Adam Horowitz reported today , Washington, D.C.’s Newseum decided against honoring two Palestinian journalists killed by Israeli’s November airstrikes on Gaza at a memorial ceremony. I have two immediate thoughts on this. Firstly, it is not exactly true, as the Huffington Post reported , that “[t]he Newseum…
Washington state bus-ad campaign dares to state: ‘Equal rights for Palestinians’
Mondoweiss – SeaMAC Equal Rights campaign in Clallam County, Wa. Still plugging away with more bus ads , Washington state activists rolled out a creative bus advertising campaign this week in Seattle and several other cities: “Equal Rights for Palestinians: The Way to Peace.” The ads are sponsored by Seattle…
Boston Globe’s groundbreaking salute to BDS will bring ‘fierce criticism,’ US Campaign says
Mondoweiss – We’re seeing more and more establishment institutions taking pro-Palestinian positions and then getting heat. In recent days the Newseum has folded , and so has the Church of Scotland . The US Campaign to End the Occupation is concerned that the Boston Globe is about to come under…
Exile and the prophetic: Peter Beinart’s ‘I love Israel’
Mondoweiss – Marc H. Ellis -In a recent debate between Alan Dershowitz and Peter Beinart at the City University of New York, a sentence from Beinart struck me. Beinart was preparing to drive home the need for justice for Palestinians. Nonetheless, even as strategic set-up, it struck the wrong chord….
Newseum Reconsiders Honor for Slain Gaza Journalists
The Foward Breaking News 13 May 2013 – The Newseum said it was reconsidering its decision to honor slain cameramen employed by a Gaza TV station that Israel considers to be a Hamas affiliate. Click here for the rest of the article…
Palestinian Terrorist in ’68 Hijacking Deported From Canada
The Foward Breaking News 13 May 2013 – After a 25-year legal battle, Canada has finally deported a Palestinian convicted of an attack on an Israeli airliner in 1968, Immigration Minister Jason Kenney said on Monday. Click here for the rest of the article…
Syrian Rebel Shown on Video Cutting Heart Out of Slain Assad Soldier
The Foward Breaking News 13 May 2013 – A video of a Syrian rebel commander cutting the heart out of a soldier and biting into is emblematic of a civil war that has rapidly descended into sectarian hatred and revenge killings, Human Rights Watch said on Monday. Click here for the rest of the…
Shops Owned by Africans Shut by Israel Police
The Foward Breaking News 13 May 2013 – Tel Aviv municipal inspectors, along with a large contingent of police, raided illegal businesses run by African migrants in the Neve Sha’anan neighborhood on Sunday evening. Click here for the rest of the article…
South Africa: Cosatu Challenges Premier Zille to Show South Africans That She Is Not a Hypocrite By Supporting Israeli Apartheid Practices
allAfrica.com 13 May 2013 – [COSATU]COSATU is surprised by the statements from the DA, who are essentially old National Party and Democratic Party members, with a sprinkling of ID and Cope members, in relation to their claims of having fought against apartheid.
Egypt: Nation Recieves U.S.$ 3 Billion in Additional Aid From Qatar
allAfrica.com 13 May 2013 – [Aswat Masriya]Egyptian Finance Minister Fayyad Abdel Moneim said on Sunday that Egypt expects to receive additional aid from Qatar worth three billion dollars.
Youths from Beit Ommar Injured by Israeli Soldiers
Palestine Solidarity Project 13 May 2013 – On Friday 10th of May 2013, twenty people were injured in a clashes in the town of Beit Ommar between the IOF and the people of Beit Ommar, including two head injury and three injury moved to the hospital in Hebron, seventeen of them were treated…
Israel-Russia talks focus on Syria
BBC 13 May 2013 – Talks between Russian President Vladimir Putin and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Tuesday are to focus on the conflict in Syria.
Egypt paper stands by Mubarak report
BBC 13 May 2013 – An Egyptian newspaper stands by its report of what it says is the first interview with ex-President Hosni Mubarak since his overthrow, despite denials.
Turkish fighter crashes near Syria
BBC 13 May 2013 – The pilot of a Turkish F-16 fighter jet is found dead after the plane crashed near Turkey’s border with Syria, reports say.
Israeli PM drops costly air bedroom
BBC 13 May 2013 – Israel’s Benjamin Netanyahu will change his sleeping arrangements on flights after criticism over the cost of a special bedroom on a trip to the UK, officials say.
Mideast Backlashes Yet to Come
Al-Akhbar Blogs 13 May 2013 – The Middle East is treading water these days. Two years of rhetoric about ousting dictators, revolution, freedom, honor, dignity, and democracy – without result – has people on edge, their disillusionment now demanding an outlet. There are no outlets though. Sensing the fast-growing disenchantment with undelivered…
Tammam Salam…Be Careful!
Al-Akhbar Opinion 13 May 2013 – From what we have seen so far, Salam seems to completely ignore certain political realities which can be said to be equivalent to certain articles of the constitution, particularly when it comes to governing the country. (Photo: Bilal Jawich) From what we have seen so far,…
The EU: Israel’s Faithful Brother in Arms
Al-Akhbar Opinion 13 May 2013 – A handout picture released by the Syrian opposition’s Shaam News Network on 3 April 2013 allegedly shows a rebel fighter aiming his weapon towards the front line in Arbeen in the outskirts of Damascus. (Photo: AFP – SHAAM NEWS NETWORK) A handout picture released by the…
Syrian Opposition “Rearranging Cards” in Preparation for Geneva II
Al-Akhbar News 13 May 2013 – US Secretary of State John Kerry, Syrian Opposition Council Chairman Moaz al-Khatib and Turkey’s Foreign Minister Ahmet Davutoglu enter the press conferance at the Friends of Syria meeting on 20 April 2013 in Istanbul. (Photo: AFP – Ozan Kose) US Secretary of State John Kerry, Syrian…
Caught in a Bind: Syrians in the Gulf
Al-Akhbar News 13 May 2013 – UAE Ambassador to Jordan Abdullah Nasser Al Ameri talks with Syrian refugee children as he tours the newly built UAE funded Mrigb al-Fuhud refugee camp, east of the Jordanian city of Zarqa, in Jordan on 15 April 2013. (Photo: AFP – STR) UAE Ambassador to Jordan…
Red Cross to more than double Syria aid
Al-Akhbar News 13 May 2013 – Confronted with what it describes as a “major humanitarian catastrophe” in Syria, the Red Cross on Monday urged donors to more than double its budget this year to address the conflict in and around the war-torn country. The International Committee of the Red Cross appealed to…
Car bomb kills at least three near Benghazi hospital
Al-Akhbar News 13 May 2013 – Updated 5:33 pm: A car bomb killed at least three people outside a hospital in the eastern Libyan city of Benghazi on Monday, witnesses said, in the latest attack to grip the violence-plagued country since the toppling of former leader Muammar Gaddafi. Only one of the…
UAE renews travel warning to Lebanon
Al-Akhbar News 13 May 2013 – A file picture taken on 1 July 2012, shows a woman walking in front of an Emirates Airlines plane at Dubai World Central or Al-Maktoum International Airport. (Photo: AFP – Karim Sahib) The United Arab Emirates has renewed a warning to advise citizens against traveling to…
Yemeni military jet crashes, pilot dead
Al-Akhbar News 13 May 2013 – A Russian-made Yemeni military jet crashed into a residential district of the capital Sanaa on Monday killing the pilot, officials said. The Sukhoi crashed into “Al-Asbahi residential district in southern Sanaa,” a military official told AFP. Witnesses said the plane exploded in the air before crashing…
Lebanese Railways: Searching for a Locomotive
Al-Akhbar Series and Features 12 May 2013 – Riyaq train station, (Photo: Jad Khalil) Riyaq train station, (Photo: Jad Khalil) The appointment a few months previously of a new director general for the Railway and Public Transportation Authority, Ziad Nasr, raised more than a few eyebrows. Since the railways were closed in 1976 during…
Israel-Russia talks focus on Syria
BBC 13 May 2013 – Talks between Russian President Vladimir Putin and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Tuesday are to focus on the conflict in Syria.
Deadly car bomb strikes Libyan city
BBC 13 May 2013 – A car bomb explosion near a hospital in the Libyan city of Benghazi kills and injures several people, local officials say.
Egypt paper stands by Mubarak report
BBC 13 May 2013 – An Egyptian newspaper stands by its report of what it says is the first interview with ex-President Hosni Mubarak since his overthrow, despite denials.
Iranian convicted over Nigeria arms
BBC 13 May 2013 – An Iranian man and his Nigerian accomplice are found guilty of smuggling weapons into Lagos and sentenced to five years in prison by a Nigerian court.
Turkish fighter crashes near Syria
BBC 13 May 2013 – The pilot of a Turkish F-16 fighter jet is found dead after the plane crashed near Turkey’s border with Syria, reports say.
Jet fighter crashes in Yemen
BBC 13 May 2013 – A jet fighter crashes in the Yemeni capital Sanaa, with the pilot reported to have died – the second such incident this year.
Articles
IDF: ’Forbidden zone’ in Gaza three times larger than previously stated
Noam Sheizaf, +972 Magazine 5/12/2013
The Coordinator of Government Activities in the Territories has clarified that the “forbidden” buffer zone in Gaza strip stretches 300 meters from the fence (the Israeli border), and not 100 meters as it previously announced.
Civilians who enter the area risk being shot by the army. In the past, the killing of Palestinians who wandered into the forbidden zone has led to retaliatory rocket launching from the Strip into Israeli territory.
The clarification was made following a request by the human rights organization Gisha. Gisha had noticed that the IDF Spokesperson’s messages stated a different distance than did the Coordinator of Government Activities in the Territories, which claimed that Gazans are not allowed into an area stretching only 100 meters from the fence. Recently, the army notified Gisha that the forbidden zone is indeed three times larger than previously reported.
The army has refused to fully detail the methods it uses to warn farmers and other civilians from wandering into the forbidden zone it declared. A spokesperson for the army has told Gisha that such methods are part of “the opening fire procedures, and cannot be disclosed.”
There are over 1.5 million Palestinians living in 141 square miles in Gaza, including the buffer zone, which represents a population density of 11,267 people per square mile. Below you can see a map of the Gaza Strip (click on map for larger scale). The dark green strip represents 500 meters from the Gaza-Israel fence. For the full scale map in PDF format, click here. — See also: Gisha: Gaza Strip – Mapping Movement and Access more.. e-mail
Settler attacks, September-December 2012
Ahmad Jaradat and Johanna Wagman, Alternative Information Center 5/13/2013
Hebron and southern West Bank region
On September 9th, settlers from the Kfar Etzion and Eliezer settlements to the south of Bethlehem took over 6 dunams of land located between both settlements; the land belongs to children of Ali Khader Salah from the village of Al Khader . According to Ahmed Salah, coordinator of Al Khader’s popular committee, “the settlers brought several mobile homes and set them up on the land”.
Israeli soldiers arrest a Palestinian during olive harvesting in the Hebron area of Tel Romeida, while Israeli settlers look on (Photo: Ryan Rodrick Beiler)
On September 12th, five settlers came during the night and tried to burn the Salman al – Farise mosque in the town of Dura, west of Hebron. The settlers poured incendiary substance on the mosque, but the residents who discovered them threw stones at the settlers, who escaped by car. The settlers wrote racist words against Palestinians as well as threatening phrases such as ”price tag”, a well-known slogan used by settlers in the West Bank. The director of mosques in Hebron, Waqf Jamal Abu Iram, said that ”This aggression is part of the settlers’ policy against mosques, which increased over the last months in the West Bank. The residents discovered and faced them, otherwise the mosque would have been burned”.
On September 14, at 10 am around 150 settlers from the Beit Haggai settlement to the south of Hebron participated in a celebration march through the streets of Dura. The settlers were protected by Israeli soldiers, who closed roads during the three hour march. Moreover, soldiers closed the road connecting the al–Rojoub mosque to the al Munhil school in the Wadi Qamra side. more.. e-mail
Palestinian celebrity gets the ’Jewish sticker’ at Ben-Gurion Airport
Ami Kaufman, +972 Magazine 5/13/2013
On the one hand it’s obvious the young man has just made my life easier by putting on the sticker for Jews. On the other hand, it’s one of the things that it’s hard to say thanks for. I mean, thank you for not considering me a terrorist any more? — Actress Mira Awad’s tale of Israeli airport security.
Palestinian Christian singer Mira Awad, a celebrity in Israel who has participated in the Eurovision, the Israeli version of “Dancing with the Stars” and is also known for her role in Sayed Kashua’s television sitcom “Arab Labor,” posted the following status on her Facebook page today:
So, I was checked at the airport, they asked the questions, put the stickers on, and I proceeded to the X-Ray machine. Suddenly, the young security man comes to me: “Mira? Mira Awad?”
Me: “Yes?”
Security man: “Can I see your passport? There’s a mistake with the sticker.”
I almost told him: “No, you’re not mistaken, I see you put the right one on — the sticker for Arabs”, but I didn’t say that (security people have their humor extracted during their preparatory course). I gave him my passport, he opens it, takes off the sticker in the passport and on the suitcase and puts on a new one, different, the same color but smaller. more.. e-mail
Can Richard Falk Achieve Civil Rights for Palestinians in Lebanon?
Franklin Lamb, CounterPunch 5/13/2013
Two-Thirds of Palestinian Refugees are Living in Poverty
Damascus.
The United Nations Special Rapporteur for Palestine, Professor Richard Falk, came to Lebanon last week on an unofficial visit to survey opinion while fact-finding the condition in Palestinian refugee’s camps. It was the Professor’s first visit to Lebanon since the fateful summer of 1982. Back then, en route by sea to Beirut, which was under Israeli siege and blockade, Falk was Vice-Chair of the Sean McBride Commission of Inquiry into Israeli crimes against Lebanon. Mid-way between Cyprus and Lebanon, the Zionist navy, in a blatant act of piracy on the high seas, intercepted, and demanded the passenger list from the vessel. Eventually, under reported American pressure via US Envoy Morris Draper’s telephoned profanity to Tel Aviv, the pirates allowed Falk’s delegation to disembark at the port of Jounieh, just north of Beirut. Draper, who like so many US diplomats, claims he finally “saw the light after retiring”, told this observer that “I never swore so much in my life as I did at those SOBS during that summer of 1982 and after I learned the details of Ariel Sharon’s choreography of the Sabra-Shatila massacre!” Ambassador Draper added, “The world will never know the extent of Israeli crimes committed against Lebanon and its refugees until Washington threatens to cut off all aid until Tel Aviv opens up its archives on this period.”
Professor Falk, as he mentioned during several events here, including a first-rate conference organized by the Institute of Palestine Studies on the status of Palestinian refugees in Lebanon and their struggle for the most elementary civil rights to work and to own a home, came to Lebanon not to offer counsel to Lebanon’s sects or even to the Palestinians. Founded in 1969, the IPS is considered by this observer and many others as the most reliable and authoritative source of information on Palestinian affairs and the Arab-Israeli conflict. more.. e-mail
In photos: revisiting the survivors of Israel’s November assault on Gaza
Electronic Intifada: 13 May 2013 – Journalist finds out how those she photographed are coping months after the attacks.more
At this Laborers’ Checkpoint a Person is Just a Number
Palestine Chronicle: 13 May 2013 – By Tamar Fleishman “Ana Wahad Wa Talatin…” – I am number thirty one – the man answered the question as to his identity, which came from inside of the post. At the checkpoint at the outskirts of the village Al-Jib a person’s identity and name are erased. Over here he is no more than a serial number, one of many that are written in long columns inside a blue folder. Only those who had been examined by the authorities of occupation and found to be “clean”, those who aren’t suspects, those who had passed the minimum age limit and have received a number which appears in the blue folder- are permitted to pass to the other side of the checkpoint. The checkpoint is defined to be a laborers’ checkpoint and isn’t a gateway into and out of Israel, it was designed and built to serve the residents of the two…more
Nakba at 65: A Palestinian Reality in 138 Languages
Palestine Chronicle: 13 May 2013 – By Jamil Toubbeh Following exposure of the break-in in June of 1972 at the HQ of the Democratic National Committee office at the Watergate complex in Washington, D.C., an event that captured US public attention for months, a child of school age was asked to comment on this mesmerizing phenomenon that became known as the Watergate Scandal. His response, paraphrased, was: If you open the water gate you will have a flood! And indeed, the Nixon Administration’s cover-up of the break-in became the critical mass of gibberish that forced the “water gate” to open and send the Administration floating on a rickety raft out of the White House. I met and talked briefly with Mr. Nixon in the Rose Garden days after King Hussein of Jordan’s official visit to the US. I had always admired the President for his grasp of US foreign policy. *** The recent UN General Assembly’s resounding…more
On Palestine, Not Too Late for President Obama to Act as a World Statesman
Palestine Chronicle: 13 May 2013 – By Hasan Afif El-Hasan The Palestinian issue is a political and humanitarian man-made tragedy where the indigenous Palestinians have been dehumanized and their rights have been delegitimized; and the policy makers of the World’s Superpower created conditions where the afflictions of the Palestinians today is almost beyond a peaceful solution. The Palestinians used to own 95% of Palestine’s land before the creation of Israel. Today, majority of them are refugees, and the rest are struggling under occupation or under siege or in Israeli jails; and they are denied their natural right to live freely under their own government even on one fifth of Palestine. American policies gave Israel the power and diplomatic protection to disregard the international laws and remain intransigent aggressive colonialist state. The curious contrast between what the conventional wisdom imputes to the US policy makers on the Palestinian conflict and how they operate in practice is not…more
Unfortunate and Disturbing Report: Weddady Has Some Explaining to Do
Palestine Chronicle: 13 May 2013 – By Mohamed El Mokhtar Sidi Haiba Following the recent investigative report by Max Blumenthal, a journalist affiliated with the pro-Palestinian online site Electronic Intifada, a seemingly disturbing account of a list of sponsors and sources of funding of two organizations (The American Islamic Congress and Free Arabs) came to light in rather great, and quite disturbing, detail. The article wouldn’t have drawn any personal attention had it not been the direct association of my compatriot, the social media activist and militant blogger Nasser Weddady with these two organizations. There is no denying that Nasser Weddady is a talented young man known in the blogosphere to be a vocal advocate for human rights and democracy in the Arab world. He is also the son of a very respectable and learned political family. But given the shadow these disturbing allegations cast over his organizations, he assuredly has some explaining to do for…more
Why Were We Bombed again?
Dissident Voice: 13 May 2013 – What do Adolf Hitler, Menachem Begin, Vladimir Putin, and Barack Obama have in common? They have all been accused of terror attacks on their own countries. On February 27, 1933, the German Reichstag building in Berlin was gutted by an arson attack. The fire was blamed on Communists, but many thought it was set by the Nazis themselves. Hitler had been named Chancellor barely a month before. In the wake of the fire, the Reichstag passed the Enabling Act, which gave Hitler the right to rule Germany by decree. On July 22, 1946, the King David Hotel in Jerusalem was bombed by the militant right-wing Zionist underground organization Irgun. Ninety-one people of various nationalities were killed, including 17 Palestinian Jews, and 46 were injured. The attack played a part in hastening the British departure from Palestine. The leader of Irgun at the time of the bombing was Menachem Begin, a…more
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The New Dark Age 