Israel shoots dead nine-year-old boy - 30 Jul 08:
"In the occupied West Bank, Israeli soldiers have shot dead a nine-year-old Palestinian boy, near the village of Ni'lin, according to witnesses.
It happened at the end of a demonstration against the separation barrier Israel is building.
The Israeli military say they will conduct a full investigation.
Jacky Rowland reports."
Palestine Video - A Palestine Vlog
Wednesday, July 30, 2008
Shooting Back video: Israeli occupation filmed by 100 Palestinian cameras | World news | guardian.co.uk
Beaumont's Shooting Back:
"A Documentary vom Peter Beaumont from Guardian about the occupation experience of the Palestinian People."
"Shooting Back: Israeli occupation filmed by 100 Palestinian cameras
In a graphic and hard-hitting film, Peter Beaumont speaks to Palestinians filming abuse from settlers and Israeli armed forces as part of a remarkable project called Shooting Back"
"A Documentary vom Peter Beaumont from Guardian about the occupation experience of the Palestinian People."
"Shooting Back: Israeli occupation filmed by 100 Palestinian cameras
In a graphic and hard-hitting film, Peter Beaumont speaks to Palestinians filming abuse from settlers and Israeli armed forces as part of a remarkable project called Shooting Back"
Israel Threatens Nuclear War
Israel Threatens Nuclear War:
"Sen. Mike Gravel responds to Israeli professor's New York Times op-ed."
For background purposes read Justin Raimondo's Article A Brazen Evil at Antiwar.com
Excerpt from the Article: "The Israelis have been threatening to strike for the past six months, so nothing new there, except for the tone of certainty. Morris is no fringe nut-job flailing away on his obscure blog; he's a prominent Israeli historian writing on the most noted opinion page of them all, a veritable bulletin board for governing elites worldwide. As such, he is almost certainly speaking with some insight into Israeli government plans. It is, in any case, almost inconceivable that he wrote his piece without the foreknowledge and consent of Israeli government officials."
"Sen. Mike Gravel responds to Israeli professor's New York Times op-ed."
For background purposes read Justin Raimondo's Article A Brazen Evil at Antiwar.com
Excerpt from the Article: "The Israelis have been threatening to strike for the past six months, so nothing new there, except for the tone of certainty. Morris is no fringe nut-job flailing away on his obscure blog; he's a prominent Israeli historian writing on the most noted opinion page of them all, a veritable bulletin board for governing elites worldwide. As such, he is almost certainly speaking with some insight into Israeli government plans. It is, in any case, almost inconceivable that he wrote his piece without the foreknowledge and consent of Israeli government officials."
Mosaic News - 7/29/08: World News from the Middle East
Mosaic News - 7/29/08: World News from the Middle East:
"'Non-Aligned Movement Holds Summit in Tehran,' Al Jazeera TV, Qatar
'Israel And Syria: Peace Talks in Turkey,' Dubai TV, UAE
'Syria Calls for Ending the State of War with Israel,' LBC TV, Lebanon
'Somali Oppostion Splits,' Al-Alam TV, Iran
'Asian Wokers Strike in Kuwait,' Al Arabiya TV, UAE
'Operation in Diala Province,' Al Jazeera English, Qatar
'Contractor's Fraud in Iraq,' New TV, Lebanon
'Israel to Form New Government,' IBA TV, Lebanon
'Mourning Youssef Chahine,' Abu Dhabi TV, UAE
Produced for Link TV by Jamal Dajani."
For more: http://www.linktv.org/originalseries
"'Non-Aligned Movement Holds Summit in Tehran,' Al Jazeera TV, Qatar
'Israel And Syria: Peace Talks in Turkey,' Dubai TV, UAE
'Syria Calls for Ending the State of War with Israel,' LBC TV, Lebanon
'Somali Oppostion Splits,' Al-Alam TV, Iran
'Asian Wokers Strike in Kuwait,' Al Arabiya TV, UAE
'Operation in Diala Province,' Al Jazeera English, Qatar
'Contractor's Fraud in Iraq,' New TV, Lebanon
'Israel to Form New Government,' IBA TV, Lebanon
'Mourning Youssef Chahine,' Abu Dhabi TV, UAE
Produced for Link TV by Jamal Dajani."
For more: http://www.linktv.org/originalseries
Palestinian families face eviction after court ruling
Palestinian families face eviction after court ruling:
"Twenty-seven Palestinian families face eviction from the homes they've lived in for over 50 years after a ruling by Israel's High Court in a struggle that has become a symbol of the Palestinians' fight against the Israeli policy of settlement."
(Click here to see Video from AFP)
"Twenty-seven Palestinian families face eviction from the homes they've lived in for over 50 years after a ruling by Israel's High Court in a struggle that has become a symbol of the Palestinians' fight against the Israeli policy of settlement."
(Click here to see Video from AFP)
Tuesday, July 29, 2008
Suzanne Klotz: The Other Side of the Holy Land
Suzanne Klotz: The Other Side of the Holy Land:
Introduction to the Other Side of the Holy Land, by Suzanne Klotz.
The impetus for my work is the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, laws applicable during times of war and peace for all members of humanity.
The illustrations depict events I witnessed while in Palestine in the 1990's. The presentation includes documented facts about living conditions in Palestine, America's role in the Israeli military occupation of Palestine, and the non-relatedness of Zionism and Judaism. The presentation challenges commonly held misconceptions about the Israel-Palestine 'conflict', opening the door to dialogue about issues of paramount importance for Americans and the global community.
Artist's Introduction: Suzanne Klotz
Art reflects the values of a society and bridges the divide between the familiar and the unfamiliar. Art is invested with the power to elevate consciousness, illuminate the human spirit and unify humanity.
My intent is to present my ideas through a unique interaction of materials, form and content. Each piece incorporates cultural iconography that, when inverted, reveal chimeras that may well be in our unexamined social consciousness.
When military occupation of foreign soil is conveyed by media and press mediated by politicians it becomes too easy to romanticize destruction and death.. The misuse of vocabulary in the media plays a large part in public deception and ignorance. The intent of my current work is to encourage personal investigation of the 'facts on the ground' in distant lands as well as in our own back yard.
The surface reality presented by those in power (the media, government, and institutions) is explored to reveal the impact of personal accountability on the moral and ethical standards of a society. Similarly, social relations involving authority and power are explored for their misuses and abuses of human rights. The work symbolically incorporates certain colloquialisms descriptive of the conceptual intent. The materials are used as metaphors of the beliefs and attitudes prevalent in western societies.
For more see www.suzanneklotz.com
Music: "Tulbah" by El-Funoun, www.el-funoun.org"
Introduction to the Other Side of the Holy Land, by Suzanne Klotz.
The impetus for my work is the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, laws applicable during times of war and peace for all members of humanity.
The illustrations depict events I witnessed while in Palestine in the 1990's. The presentation includes documented facts about living conditions in Palestine, America's role in the Israeli military occupation of Palestine, and the non-relatedness of Zionism and Judaism. The presentation challenges commonly held misconceptions about the Israel-Palestine 'conflict', opening the door to dialogue about issues of paramount importance for Americans and the global community.
Artist's Introduction: Suzanne Klotz
Art reflects the values of a society and bridges the divide between the familiar and the unfamiliar. Art is invested with the power to elevate consciousness, illuminate the human spirit and unify humanity.
My intent is to present my ideas through a unique interaction of materials, form and content. Each piece incorporates cultural iconography that, when inverted, reveal chimeras that may well be in our unexamined social consciousness.
When military occupation of foreign soil is conveyed by media and press mediated by politicians it becomes too easy to romanticize destruction and death.. The misuse of vocabulary in the media plays a large part in public deception and ignorance. The intent of my current work is to encourage personal investigation of the 'facts on the ground' in distant lands as well as in our own back yard.
The surface reality presented by those in power (the media, government, and institutions) is explored to reveal the impact of personal accountability on the moral and ethical standards of a society. Similarly, social relations involving authority and power are explored for their misuses and abuses of human rights. The work symbolically incorporates certain colloquialisms descriptive of the conceptual intent. The materials are used as metaphors of the beliefs and attitudes prevalent in western societies.
For more see www.suzanneklotz.com
Music: "Tulbah" by El-Funoun, www.el-funoun.org"
Palestine: The facts on the ground
Palestine: The facts on the ground:
"More at http://therealnews.com/c.ph...
Palestinian MP Mustafa Barghouti: Palestinians have already compromised a compromise"
"More at http://therealnews.com/c.ph...
Palestinian MP Mustafa Barghouti: Palestinians have already compromised a compromise"
Ni'lin village - Demonstration against the wall - 29-7-08
Ni'lin village - Demonstration against the wall - 29-7-08:
Israel shoots dead nine-year-old boy - 30 Jul 08:
"Ahmad Husam Yousef Mousa, 10 years old, was murdered today as he demonstrated together with his friends against the separation wall which is being constructed on the lands of his village Nilin. When Ahmad and his friends reached the construction site the soldiers shot rubber bullets at them and they began to retreat. At that point one of the soldiers shot a live round at Ahmad's head from a distance of about 10 meters.
During the demo earlier in the day, 18 demonstrators were injured.
During 6 years of popular struggle against the wall, the occupation forces have killed 11 demonstrators, 7 of them children, and thousands were injured. Time and time again, soldiers violently suppress demonstrations and attack those who take part in them with lethal weapons. To date, none of the soldiers who killed demonstrators has been prosecuted."
Source: ISM (International Solidarity Movement)
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Israel shoots dead nine-year-old boy - 30 Jul 08:
"In the occupied West Bank, Israeli soldiers have shot dead a nine-year-old Palestinian boy, near the village of Ni'lin, according to witnesses.
It happened at the end of a demonstration against the separation barrier Israel is building.
The Israeli military say they will conduct a full investigation.
Jacky Rowland reports."
Israel shoots dead nine-year-old boy - 30 Jul 08:
"Ahmad Husam Yousef Mousa, 10 years old, was murdered today as he demonstrated together with his friends against the separation wall which is being constructed on the lands of his village Nilin. When Ahmad and his friends reached the construction site the soldiers shot rubber bullets at them and they began to retreat. At that point one of the soldiers shot a live round at Ahmad's head from a distance of about 10 meters.
During the demo earlier in the day, 18 demonstrators were injured.
During 6 years of popular struggle against the wall, the occupation forces have killed 11 demonstrators, 7 of them children, and thousands were injured. Time and time again, soldiers violently suppress demonstrations and attack those who take part in them with lethal weapons. To date, none of the soldiers who killed demonstrators has been prosecuted."
Mourners to protest murder of 10 year old boy
July 29, 2008Source: ISM (International Solidarity Movement)
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
A mass demonstration is planned on Wednesday for the funeral of Ahmed Husan Yousef Mousa, who was shot dead by Israeli forces at approximately 6:00pm today.
The funeral procession and protest will start at Ramallah Hospital at 10am and make it’s way to Ni’lin, the village where Ahmed lived. People will meet at the hospital at 9:30am
Ni’lin is currently under siege with the main entrance to the village sealed off by the Israeli military. The mourners intend to defy the military blockade and bring Ahmed home.
Please Contact - ISM Media Office (English):(970)-2-2971824.
Salah (Arabic): 0599288124
———-
According to eye witnesses a group of youths attempted to remove coils of razor wire from land belonging to the village. Without warning,
they were fired upon and Ahmed was killed. Israeli newspaper Maariv reported in March that the Israeli authorities have given a new order to border police operating along the apartheid wall surrounding Jerusalem. They can now open fire directly on Palestinians who try to demonstrate near the barrier. But sniping is forbidden if there are Israeli or foreign citizens amongst the demonstrators.
Demonstrations have been held almost every day for the past few weeks in Nil’in against Israel’s Apartheid Wall, declared illegal by the International Court in the Hague in 2004. The wall will deprive the village of almost 2,500 Dunums of agricultural land, and puts the existence of the entire community in doubt.
At least 11 other Palestinians have died protesting against Israeli’s apartheid wall. Their names are:
Mohammad Fadel Hashem Rayan, age 25.
Zakaria MaHmud Salem, age 28.
Abdal Rahman Abu Eid, age 62.
Mohammad Daud Badwan, age 21.
Diaa Abdel Karim Abu Eid, age 24.
Hussain mahmud Awwad Aliyan, age 17.
Islam Hashem Rizik Zhahran, age 14.
Alaa Mohammad Abdel Rahman Khalil, age 14.
Jamal Jaber Ibrahim Assi, age 15.
Odai Mofeed Mahmud Assi, age 14.
Mahayub Nimer Assi, age 15.
Israel shoots dead nine-year-old boy - 30 Jul 08:
"In the occupied West Bank, Israeli soldiers have shot dead a nine-year-old Palestinian boy, near the village of Ni'lin, according to witnesses.
It happened at the end of a demonstration against the separation barrier Israel is building.
The Israeli military say they will conduct a full investigation.
Jacky Rowland reports."
West Bank court ruling brings victory - 29 July 2008
West Bank court ruling brings victory - 29 July 2008:
"After a five year legal battle, Israel's high court decided to move a stretch of its separation barrier in the West Bank.
Al Jazeera's Jacky Rowland reports from the town of Jeyyus where the court's ruling is a small victory for Palestinian residents cut off from their own land."
"After a five year legal battle, Israel's high court decided to move a stretch of its separation barrier in the West Bank.
Al Jazeera's Jacky Rowland reports from the town of Jeyyus where the court's ruling is a small victory for Palestinian residents cut off from their own land."
Francis Boyle: Iran Should Sue to Stop US Attack Pt 1
Francis Boyle: Iran Should Sue to Stop US Attack Pt 1:
"Francis Boyle, Professor of International Law at the University of Illinois, proposes that Iran sue the U.S. in the World Court to enjoin it against threats to attack Iran"
part 2
"Francis Boyle, Professor of International Law at the University of Illinois, proposes that Iran sue the U.S. in the World Court to enjoin it against threats to attack Iran"
part 2
Beit Hanina, East Jerusalem - house demolition on 28-07-08
Beit Hanina, East Jerusalem - house demolition on 28-07-08:
"Israel Occupation Forces (IOF) demolished a house in Beit Hanina, East Jerusalem (Palestine) on the pretext that it was built without a permit. 5 families, including more than 50 people, were expelled violently from their homes, without even having the chance to take out their staff before. For a Jerusalem palestinian family is extremely difficult to obtain a building permit from the Israeli authorities, as a result of the judaisation policy in the city. Therefore, there's no other chance than building 'ilegally'."
According to the Peace Now Movement, Israel rejects 94% of Palestinian Building permits.
"Israel Occupation Forces (IOF) demolished a house in Beit Hanina, East Jerusalem (Palestine) on the pretext that it was built without a permit. 5 families, including more than 50 people, were expelled violently from their homes, without even having the chance to take out their staff before. For a Jerusalem palestinian family is extremely difficult to obtain a building permit from the Israeli authorities, as a result of the judaisation policy in the city. Therefore, there's no other chance than building 'ilegally'."
According to the Peace Now Movement, Israel rejects 94% of Palestinian Building permits.
Mosaic News - 7/28/08: World News from the Middle East:
Mosaic News - 7/28/08: World News from the Middle East:
"'Istanbul Rocked by Twin Bombings,' Dubai TV, UAE
'Suicide Attacks in Baghdad Executed by Women,' Al Jazeera TV, Qatar
'The Division Between Iraqi Kurds And Other Iraqis Widens,' Al Jazeera English, Qatar
'The Tombs of the Unknowns in Iraq,' Al-Alam TV, Iran
'Olmert Doubts Peace Deal in 2008,' Al Arabiya TV, UAE
'Olmert Lowers Expectations,' IBA TV, Israel
'Showdown Between Hamas & Fateh,' Abu Dhabi TV, UAE
'Israel Builds More Settlements in the Jordan Valley,' Jordan TV, Jordan
'Iran-US Breaking the Ice?' Press TV, Iran
'Facebook: A Threat to Egypt's Security,' New TV, Lebanon
'Algeria's National Hero,' Algeria TV, Algeria
Produced for Link TV by Jamal Dajani."
"'Istanbul Rocked by Twin Bombings,' Dubai TV, UAE
'Suicide Attacks in Baghdad Executed by Women,' Al Jazeera TV, Qatar
'The Division Between Iraqi Kurds And Other Iraqis Widens,' Al Jazeera English, Qatar
'The Tombs of the Unknowns in Iraq,' Al-Alam TV, Iran
'Olmert Doubts Peace Deal in 2008,' Al Arabiya TV, UAE
'Olmert Lowers Expectations,' IBA TV, Israel
'Showdown Between Hamas & Fateh,' Abu Dhabi TV, UAE
'Israel Builds More Settlements in the Jordan Valley,' Jordan TV, Jordan
'Iran-US Breaking the Ice?' Press TV, Iran
'Facebook: A Threat to Egypt's Security,' New TV, Lebanon
'Algeria's National Hero,' Algeria TV, Algeria
Produced for Link TV by Jamal Dajani."
Monday, July 28, 2008
Gazan farmers call for access to farmlands
Gazan farmers call for access to farmlands:
"About 8000 hectares of farm lands planted with citrus and olive trees have been razed by Israeli bulldozers, this has turned the northern and eastern parts of gaza deserted areas !"
Palestine Video - A Palestine Vlog
"About 8000 hectares of farm lands planted with citrus and olive trees have been razed by Israeli bulldozers, this has turned the northern and eastern parts of gaza deserted areas !"
Palestine Video - A Palestine Vlog
Gaza jobless on the rise due to Israeli siege
Gaza jobless on the rise due to Israeli siege:
"gaza residnets say: No hope in Gaza due to the ongoing Israeli siege and sanction imposed by the US and EU"
Palestine Video - A Palestine Vlog
"gaza residnets say: No hope in Gaza due to the ongoing Israeli siege and sanction imposed by the US and EU"
Palestine Video - A Palestine Vlog
Israel targets Palestinian fishermen despite truce deal
Israel depriving Gaza pilgrims of religious freedom:
"Gaza pilgrims worry that they might miss the Umrah and Hajj rituals this year due to the continued closure of Rafah crossing which is the sole outlet for 1.5 million Gaza to the outside world,"
Palestine Video - A Palestine Vlog
"Gaza pilgrims worry that they might miss the Umrah and Hajj rituals this year due to the continued closure of Rafah crossing which is the sole outlet for 1.5 million Gaza to the outside world,"
Palestine Video - A Palestine Vlog
Israeli army extra-judicially kill one man as Israeli army demolish two houses
Israeli army extra-judicially kill one man as Israeli army d:
"Between six o´clock on Saturday night and five the following morning, the Israeli army demolished at least two houses in the neighbourhood of Deir
Bahaa in Hebron, extra-judicially killing one man.
According to Palestinian Radio one of the house belonged to Hamas member Shihab al-Natashe, wanted by the Israelis, who was also killed in the course of the events. The other house destroyed belonged to the neighbouring al-Beitar family seemingly not involved at all. According to medical teams at the spot seven people were injured in total. This information is as of yet unconfirmed, as ambulances trying to get to the scene were stopped by Israeli military.
According to news sources al-Natashe made fierce resistance to the attempts at arrest, a claim supported by information from neighbours, and the fact that the area was besieged and isolated by a large number of army troops for around eleven hours."
"Between six o´clock on Saturday night and five the following morning, the Israeli army demolished at least two houses in the neighbourhood of Deir
Bahaa in Hebron, extra-judicially killing one man.
According to Palestinian Radio one of the house belonged to Hamas member Shihab al-Natashe, wanted by the Israelis, who was also killed in the course of the events. The other house destroyed belonged to the neighbouring al-Beitar family seemingly not involved at all. According to medical teams at the spot seven people were injured in total. This information is as of yet unconfirmed, as ambulances trying to get to the scene were stopped by Israeli military.
According to news sources al-Natashe made fierce resistance to the attempts at arrest, a claim supported by information from neighbours, and the fact that the area was besieged and isolated by a large number of army troops for around eleven hours."
UNICEF: "Recreation Days" relieve stress for Gaza children
UNICEF: "Recreation Days" relieve stress for Gaza children:
"GAZA, Occupied Palestinian Territory, 25 July 2008 -- Every day, children and adolescents throughout the Gaza Strip suffer from the disruption of basic services and deteriorating living standards. The children of Shoka, a small Bedouin area bordering with Israel, are no exception.
Prior to the June 2008 Israeli-Palestinian truce, children here witnessed incursions and violence on a daily basis. Afraid to venture out, families cowered in their homes -- many without electricity and water.
'I felt shaken and scared,' said Qasem Al Rasoud, a 12-year-old boy living in Shoka.
UNICEF is working to provide a respite from the stress and violence by scheduling recreational outings. The idea is to provide children the opportunity to play, have fun and simply be themselves."
To read the full story, visit: http://www.unicef.org/infobycountry/oPt_44863.html
"GAZA, Occupied Palestinian Territory, 25 July 2008 -- Every day, children and adolescents throughout the Gaza Strip suffer from the disruption of basic services and deteriorating living standards. The children of Shoka, a small Bedouin area bordering with Israel, are no exception.
Prior to the June 2008 Israeli-Palestinian truce, children here witnessed incursions and violence on a daily basis. Afraid to venture out, families cowered in their homes -- many without electricity and water.
'I felt shaken and scared,' said Qasem Al Rasoud, a 12-year-old boy living in Shoka.
UNICEF is working to provide a respite from the stress and violence by scheduling recreational outings. The idea is to provide children the opportunity to play, have fun and simply be themselves."
To read the full story, visit: http://www.unicef.org/infobycountry/oPt_44863.html
Israel targets Palestinian fishermen despite truce deal
Israel targets Palestinian fishermen despite truce deal:
"Gazans including fishermen still suffreing despite the truce"
"Gazans including fishermen still suffreing despite the truce"
Sunday, July 27, 2008
Nilin women's demonstartion
Nilin women's demonstartion:
"About one hundred Palestinian, Israeli and international women demonstrated in Nilin against the apartheid wall"
"About one hundred Palestinian, Israeli and international women demonstrated in Nilin against the apartheid wall"
How Israeli settlers control Shuhada Street
How Israeli settlers control Shuhada Street:
"A few dozen Israeli settlers on Hebron's Shuhada Street have taken precedence over Oslo II peace agreements, the January 1997 Hebron Protocol, the Israeli army, the Israeli Blue police, and the Israeli high court rulings. On July 11, 2008 CPT videotaped two Israeli peace activists who tried to visit a Palestinian friend. The yellow stains on the back of Assaf's shirt are from eggs thrown by Israeli settlers shortly before the filming."
"A few dozen Israeli settlers on Hebron's Shuhada Street have taken precedence over Oslo II peace agreements, the January 1997 Hebron Protocol, the Israeli army, the Israeli Blue police, and the Israeli high court rulings. On July 11, 2008 CPT videotaped two Israeli peace activists who tried to visit a Palestinian friend. The yellow stains on the back of Assaf's shirt are from eggs thrown by Israeli settlers shortly before the filming."
Curfew on Nil'in - 5-7-08
Curfew on Nil'in - 5-7-08: "The village of Ni'alin, which is located in the Ramallah district, been leading an intense struggle against the de-facto appropriation of 2,500 of its 7,000 dunams of land by the 'separation fence'. The route of the fence in this area, much like the famous case of Bil'in, has been planned in such a way that would allow the near by illegal settlement of Hashmonaim to expand on lands that will be 'left behind' the fence.
The villagers, who refuse to accept this, hold three-four demonstrations a week, marching towards the construction site and the settlement, in many cases successfully forcing a halt of construction.
The army, however, is responding with growing ferocity. According to the army spokesperson, an entire regiment was relocated to guard the construction, and these soldiers use brutal force against the unarmed demonstrators. On Friday 4-7-08 since 5am in the morning, the army has declared a curfew on Nil'in, and residents were informed it was a punishment for the demonstrations. The people from the village intended on breaking the curfew."
The villagers, who refuse to accept this, hold three-four demonstrations a week, marching towards the construction site and the settlement, in many cases successfully forcing a halt of construction.
The army, however, is responding with growing ferocity. According to the army spokesperson, an entire regiment was relocated to guard the construction, and these soldiers use brutal force against the unarmed demonstrators. On Friday 4-7-08 since 5am in the morning, the army has declared a curfew on Nil'in, and residents were informed it was a punishment for the demonstrations. The people from the village intended on breaking the curfew."
Obama and Palestine
Obama and Palestine:
"Mustafa Barghouti: Obama needs to see real life in Palestine"
MIR: Obama And The Wall:
"Barack Obama is treated like a rock star in Berlin as many European capitals are gripped by Obama-mania. But how was he received in the Middle East? And why did he refer to the Berlin Wall but not Israel's Separation Wall?
Answers to these questions and more on Link TV's Mosaic Intelligence Report presented by Jamal Dajani.
For more info, visit at http://www.linktv.org/mosaic"
"Mustafa Barghouti: Obama needs to see real life in Palestine"
MIR: Obama And The Wall:
"Barack Obama is treated like a rock star in Berlin as many European capitals are gripped by Obama-mania. But how was he received in the Middle East? And why did he refer to the Berlin Wall but not Israel's Separation Wall?
Answers to these questions and more on Link TV's Mosaic Intelligence Report presented by Jamal Dajani.
For more info, visit at http://www.linktv.org/mosaic"
Israeli Settler threatens Palestinian farmer with gun
Israeli Settler threatens Palestinian farmer with gun:
"After 4 days where the area of Sousia has been closed due to a closed military zone activists from around the world and Israeli alongside Palestinians escort tractors to Palestinian land to work it."
"After 4 days where the area of Sousia has been closed due to a closed military zone activists from around the world and Israeli alongside Palestinians escort tractors to Palestinian land to work it."
Democracy Now! | Steve Clemons: Obama's Wall Speech Should Have Been About Israel, Not Berlin
Democracy Now! | Steve Clemons: Obama's Wall Speech Should Have Been About Israel, Not Berlin:
"Steve Clemons: Obama’s Wall Speech Should Have Been About Israel, Not Berlin
Barack Obama spoke before an audience of over 200,000 people in Berlin, Germany on Thursday in the largest rally held by any presidential candidate this year. In his address, Obama discussed the importance of the Berlin Wall being torn down. We speak with Steve Clemons of the New America Foundation, who writes, “Had he given those remarks in Israel, at any of the checkpoints that have been added since the Annapolis process began, or at the large dividing wall Israel has constructed, or just about anywhere frankly in Israel or Palestine—it would have been a ‘game-changing speech.’” We also speak with author and journalist Tim Shorrock about his article, “Hawks Behind the Dove: Who Makes Obama’s Foreign Policy?” [includes rush transcript]"
Click here to see the Video
"Steve Clemons: Obama’s Wall Speech Should Have Been About Israel, Not Berlin
Barack Obama spoke before an audience of over 200,000 people in Berlin, Germany on Thursday in the largest rally held by any presidential candidate this year. In his address, Obama discussed the importance of the Berlin Wall being torn down. We speak with Steve Clemons of the New America Foundation, who writes, “Had he given those remarks in Israel, at any of the checkpoints that have been added since the Annapolis process began, or at the large dividing wall Israel has constructed, or just about anywhere frankly in Israel or Palestine—it would have been a ‘game-changing speech.’” We also speak with author and journalist Tim Shorrock about his article, “Hawks Behind the Dove: Who Makes Obama’s Foreign Policy?” [includes rush transcript]"
Click here to see the Video
The war in Afghanistan is just as bad as Iraq
The war in Afghanistan is just as bad as Iraq:
"The Forgotten War: Sonali Kolhatkar on Why Afghanistan is 'Just as Bad as Iraq"
Coming on the heels of Barack Obama’s highly publicized visit to Afghanistan—what he calls a central front in the so-called war on terror—we play an address by Pacifica radio host Sonali Kolhatkar, one of this country’s leading voices against the occupation of Afghanistan and co-author of the book Bleeding Afghanistan: Washington, Warlords and the Propaganda of Silence. She spoke last month at the National Conference for Media Reform in Minneapolis about what she called widespread misconceptions about the occupation of Afghanistan.
"The Forgotten War: Sonali Kolhatkar on Why Afghanistan is 'Just as Bad as Iraq"
Coming on the heels of Barack Obama’s highly publicized visit to Afghanistan—what he calls a central front in the so-called war on terror—we play an address by Pacifica radio host Sonali Kolhatkar, one of this country’s leading voices against the occupation of Afghanistan and co-author of the book Bleeding Afghanistan: Washington, Warlords and the Propaganda of Silence. She spoke last month at the National Conference for Media Reform in Minneapolis about what she called widespread misconceptions about the occupation of Afghanistan.
Mosaic News - 7/24/08: World News from the Middle East
Mosaic News - 7/24/08: World News from the Middle East:
"For more: http://www.linktv.org
'Sudanese President Vows Peace in Darfur,' Al Arabiya TV, UAE
'Ahmadinejad Praises Positive Step Taken by US,' Al Jazeera TV, Qatar
'Turkish Forces Launch Attacks in Northern Iraq,' Dubai TV, UAE
'Guantanamo Prison Trials,' Al Jazeera English, Qatar
'British Government Bans Hezbollah,' Future TV, Lebanon
'Jerusalemite Family Faces Eviction,' Palestine TV, Ramallah
'Israel Approves a New Settlement,' Press TV, Iran
'Oud-Making in Iraq,' Abu Dhabi TV, UAE
Produced for Link TV by Jamal Dajani."
"For more: http://www.linktv.org
'Sudanese President Vows Peace in Darfur,' Al Arabiya TV, UAE
'Ahmadinejad Praises Positive Step Taken by US,' Al Jazeera TV, Qatar
'Turkish Forces Launch Attacks in Northern Iraq,' Dubai TV, UAE
'Guantanamo Prison Trials,' Al Jazeera English, Qatar
'British Government Bans Hezbollah,' Future TV, Lebanon
'Jerusalemite Family Faces Eviction,' Palestine TV, Ramallah
'Israel Approves a New Settlement,' Press TV, Iran
'Oud-Making in Iraq,' Abu Dhabi TV, UAE
Produced for Link TV by Jamal Dajani."
Friday, July 25, 2008
Steve Clemons and Mustafa Barghouti
Steve Clemons and Mustafa Barghouti:
"Steve Clemons () and Mustafa Barghouti () discuss Obama's trip to Israel and Berlin and implications regarding the next US presidency."
"Steve Clemons () and Mustafa Barghouti () discuss Obama's trip to Israel and Berlin and implications regarding the next US presidency."
Thursday, July 24, 2008
Mosaic News - 07/23/08: World News From The Middle East
Mosaic News - 07/23/08: World News From The Middle East:
"'Obama Tells Israel He's Committed to its Security,' Al Jazeera English, Qatar
'Mixed Reaction to Obama in Israel,' IBA TV, Israel
'Hezbollah Hands Syria Remains of 114 Arab Fighters,' Al Jazeera TV, Qatar
'Sudan's President Pays Defiant Visit to Darfur,' Dubai TV, UAE
'Turkey's Ruling Party Defending Itself in Court,' Abu Dhabi TV, UAE
'The US Military Complex,' Al Arabiya TV, UAE
'Iraqi-Turkish Relations Not Affected by PKK,' Alsumaria TV, Iraq
Produced for Link TV by Jamal Dajani."
For more: http://www.linktv.org/originalseries
"'Obama Tells Israel He's Committed to its Security,' Al Jazeera English, Qatar
'Mixed Reaction to Obama in Israel,' IBA TV, Israel
'Hezbollah Hands Syria Remains of 114 Arab Fighters,' Al Jazeera TV, Qatar
'Sudan's President Pays Defiant Visit to Darfur,' Dubai TV, UAE
'Turkey's Ruling Party Defending Itself in Court,' Abu Dhabi TV, UAE
'The US Military Complex,' Al Arabiya TV, UAE
'Iraqi-Turkish Relations Not Affected by PKK,' Alsumaria TV, Iraq
Produced for Link TV by Jamal Dajani."
For more: http://www.linktv.org/originalseries
Tuesday, July 22, 2008
Settelers attack internationals outside Kiriyat Arba Settlement
Settelers attack internationals outside Kiriyat Arba:
"20/07/08
Escalating settler violence in Hebron: Settlers attack internationals with pepper spray
On Saturday settlers on two occasions attacked internationals with stones and pepper spray outside the Kiryat Arba in Hebron. The last days, following the arrival of a new Israeli troops with a decidedly more brutal and oppressive attitude, several incidents of harassment against Palestinians has taken place in Tel Rumedia and through out the city
After the arrival on Thursday of a new unit of the Israeli Occupation Forces (IOF) the overall situation in Hebron has worsened considerably, according to both international activists and observers. Inside Tel Rumeida, the number of detentions of Palestinians have increased dramatically and seemingly random harassment and restrictions are abundant, making every day life for Palestinians even more difficult than usual. On Sunday the military arrested several persons from a Palestinian family for working their lands, and soldiers repeatedly occupied houses, apparently to be used as sniper and look out posts.
As two internationals on Saturday tried to perform a solidarity visit to a Palestinian family (lately the target of several attacks from settlers) living close to the Kiriyat Arba settlement they were attacked by a group of 5-10 young settlers and forced to leave the area. Israeli military, arriving at the scene made little to stop the harassment, despite that stones were thrown at the internationals, resulting in one slight injury.
In the afternoon settlers attacked a small group of Palestinians walking from their homes in the vicinity of the settlement. As internationals attempted to intervene they were once more attacked by settlers, this time also using pepper spray and destroying camera equipment. Like before, Israeli soldiers witnessing the events made little to stop the harassment. Abuse from settlers have escalated lately, in connection to the establishment of a small encampment in Palestinian lands outside the Kiriyat Arba, from where attacks on by-passers have been carried out. Despite numerous request from the TIPH and others to remove the settlers, the military has been reluctant to take action against the settlers."
"20/07/08
Escalating settler violence in Hebron: Settlers attack internationals with pepper spray
On Saturday settlers on two occasions attacked internationals with stones and pepper spray outside the Kiryat Arba in Hebron. The last days, following the arrival of a new Israeli troops with a decidedly more brutal and oppressive attitude, several incidents of harassment against Palestinians has taken place in Tel Rumedia and through out the city
After the arrival on Thursday of a new unit of the Israeli Occupation Forces (IOF) the overall situation in Hebron has worsened considerably, according to both international activists and observers. Inside Tel Rumeida, the number of detentions of Palestinians have increased dramatically and seemingly random harassment and restrictions are abundant, making every day life for Palestinians even more difficult than usual. On Sunday the military arrested several persons from a Palestinian family for working their lands, and soldiers repeatedly occupied houses, apparently to be used as sniper and look out posts.
As two internationals on Saturday tried to perform a solidarity visit to a Palestinian family (lately the target of several attacks from settlers) living close to the Kiriyat Arba settlement they were attacked by a group of 5-10 young settlers and forced to leave the area. Israeli military, arriving at the scene made little to stop the harassment, despite that stones were thrown at the internationals, resulting in one slight injury.
In the afternoon settlers attacked a small group of Palestinians walking from their homes in the vicinity of the settlement. As internationals attempted to intervene they were once more attacked by settlers, this time also using pepper spray and destroying camera equipment. Like before, Israeli soldiers witnessing the events made little to stop the harassment. Abuse from settlers have escalated lately, in connection to the establishment of a small encampment in Palestinian lands outside the Kiriyat Arba, from where attacks on by-passers have been carried out. Despite numerous request from the TIPH and others to remove the settlers, the military has been reluctant to take action against the settlers."
Monday, July 21, 2008
Israeli HRW kicked by settler "security" - S. Hebron Hills
Israeli HRW kicked by settler "security" - S. Hebron Hills:
"18th July 2008 - An Israeli human rights worker can be seen kicked to the ground by settler 'security' in the South Hebron Hills. The HRW was protesting the attack by the Israeli army on two Palestinian farmers earlier in the day"
"18th July 2008 - An Israeli human rights worker can be seen kicked to the ground by settler 'security' in the South Hebron Hills. The HRW was protesting the attack by the Israeli army on two Palestinian farmers earlier in the day"
Sunday, July 20, 2008
Israeli Military Shoots cuffed and blindfolded Palestinian detainee
Israeli Military Shoots Palestinian Prisoner:
B'Tselem:
B'Tselem:
Today, B'Tselem is publishing a video clip documenting a soldier firing a rubber coated steel bullet, from extremely close range, at a cuffed and blindfolded Palestinian detainee. The shooting took place in the presence of a lieutenant colonel, who was holing the Palestinian's arm when the shot was fired.
The incident took place on 7 July, in Nil'in, a village in the West Bank. A Palestinian demonstrator, Ashraf Abu Rahma, 27, was stopped by soldiers, who cuffed and blindfolded him for about thirty minutes, during which time, according to Abu-Rahma, they beat him. Afterwards, a group of soldiers and border policemen led him to an army jeep. The video clip shows a soldier aim his weapon at the demonstrator's legs, from about 1.5 meters away, and fire a rubber coated steel bullet at him. Abu-Rahma stated that the bullet hit his left toe, received treatment from an army medic, and released by the soldiers.
A fourteen-year-old Palestinian girl from Nil'in filmed the incident from her house in the village, and B'Tselem received it this morning.
B'Tselem does not know if any proceedings were opened against those involved. However, residents of Ni'lin told B'Tselem that they saw the soldier the following day, still serving in his unit.
B'Tselem immediately forwarded a copy to the Military Police Investigation Unit commander, with demand that an immediate Military Police investigation be opened, if it hasn't already, and that the soldier be brought to justice. Additionally, B'Tselem demanded that the involvement of the lieutenant colonel who was holding the detainee is investigated. B'Tselem stressed that members of the security forces are obligated to report unlawful acts. It is even more serious is a high-ranking officer participates in such a whitewash.
Ilan Pappé Speaks on Anniversary of al Nakba
Ilan Pappé Speaks on Anniversary of al Nakba:
"On the 19th of June 1967- that is about 9 days after the West Bank and the Gaza Strip came under Israeli control- the Israeli Government made its first and most important decision about the future of the West Bank and Gaza Strip..."
Manchester, England. 6th June 2008. Israeli historian Ilan Pappé speaks at a rally sponsored by the Palestine Solidarity Campaign on the anniversary of al Nakba (the catastrophe). The catastrophe was the ethnic cleansing of Palestinians carried out by the Zionists to establish the state of Isreal in 1948. Pappé exposed the suppressed history of this episode in his book The Ethnic Cleansing of Palestine.
Pappé was formerly an academic at Haifa University. He now teaches at Exeter University in England."
"On the 19th of June 1967- that is about 9 days after the West Bank and the Gaza Strip came under Israeli control- the Israeli Government made its first and most important decision about the future of the West Bank and Gaza Strip..."
Manchester, England. 6th June 2008. Israeli historian Ilan Pappé speaks at a rally sponsored by the Palestine Solidarity Campaign on the anniversary of al Nakba (the catastrophe). The catastrophe was the ethnic cleansing of Palestinians carried out by the Zionists to establish the state of Isreal in 1948. Pappé exposed the suppressed history of this episode in his book The Ethnic Cleansing of Palestine.
Pappé was formerly an academic at Haifa University. He now teaches at Exeter University in England."
Alan Hart Speaks on 60th Anniversary of al Nakba
Alan Hart Speaks on 60th Anniversary of al Nakba:
"Manchester, England. 6th June 2008. Alan Hart, writer and former BBC/ITN broadcaster, speaks at a rally on the 60th anniversary of al Nakba (the catastrophe). The catastrophe was the ethnic cleansing of Palestinians by Zionists (with the connivance of Britain) in 1948 to make way for the Israeli state."
"Manchester, England. 6th June 2008. Alan Hart, writer and former BBC/ITN broadcaster, speaks at a rally on the 60th anniversary of al Nakba (the catastrophe). The catastrophe was the ethnic cleansing of Palestinians by Zionists (with the connivance of Britain) in 1948 to make way for the Israeli state."
Saturday, July 19, 2008
Bil'in 18.7.2008
Bil'in 18.7.2008:
"Demonstration on Friday the 18th July 2008 by the village of Bil'in, against the separation barrier crossing its land which has separated the village from about half its agricultural areas."
"Demonstration on Friday the 18th July 2008 by the village of Bil'in, against the separation barrier crossing its land which has separated the village from about half its agricultural areas."
Hour: It takes a village
July 18th, 2008Palestinians take Israeli settlements to Quebec court
By Stefan Christoff
To view original article, published by Hour on 17th July, click here
Palestinians in Bil’in hold their ground
Bil’in, a small Palestinian town in the West Bank, stands to make legal history in Canada. Palestinians from Bil’in have filed a lawsuit in Quebec Superior Court against two sister companies registered in Quebec, Green Park International and Green Mount International, currently constructing in Modi’in Illit, an exclusive Israeli settlement on lands within Bil’in’s municipal jurisdiction.
“Bil’in village and human rights attorneys both share the same goal in this legal battle - to put pressure on companies or even investors internationally to halt their involvement in illegal Israeli settlement construction,” explains Michael Sfard, an Israeli lawyer representing Bil’in. “Israeli settlement construction is the number one obstacle to lasting peace, as settlements are forcing Palestinian people from their lands, from their homes, from their towns.”
According to Michael Sfard, this lawsuit is the first time a private company is being sued for involvement in constructing Israeli settlements on Palestinian lands.
The Bil’in lawsuit asks the Quebec Superior Court to rule on whether the settlement construction violates the Fourth Geneva Convention, signed after WWII, which outlines international legalities for civilians and lands under foreign occupation. The legal submission will also ask the court to decide if the settlement construction contravenes Canada’s Crimes Against Humanity and War Crimes Act, the Quebec Charter of Human Rights and Freedoms, and the Civil Code of Quebec.
UN Security
Council resolutions have described Israeli settlements as having “no legal validity.” According to the International Court of Justice, Israeli settlement construction within Palestinian lands (occupied by Israel after the 1967 Arab-Israeli war) violates international law. Despite legal rebukes at the highest international level, the government of Israel continues to back new settlement construction in the Palestinian West Bank.
“This case is part of the globalization process that the entire world is experiencing,” continues Sfard. “[The] Bil’in case illustrates that a domestic court in Quebec can have jurisdiction over an international war crime, in the case of illegal Israeli settlement construction on Bil’in’s lands.”
For more info, visit www.bilin-village.org.
Ni'ilin demonstration 17.7.2008
Ni'ilin demonstration 17.7.2008:
"protest against the separation barrier Ni'ilin 17.7.2008"
"protest against the separation barrier Ni'ilin 17.7.2008"
Reports from the ground: weekly non-violent struggles in Bethlehem and Ni’lin
19 July 2008
1. Bethlehem: Israeli army prevents weekly march against the apartheid Wall
Bethlehem, 18-07-08 – On Friday the 18th of July, the peaceful weekly march against the apartheid Wall held in the town of El Masara, South of Bethlehem, was intercepted immediately after the participants reached the new section of the Wall, by a huge amount of Israeli occupation forces. The IOF prevented the peaceful demonstration and attacked the participants by using sound grenades and sticks. Clashes took place between the demonstrators and the soldiers.
The spoke person of the media campaign for the popular resistance against the Wall in the Governorate of Bethlehem, Mohammed Barijya, stated that “the barbaric policy made of occupation and repression will not discourage our people to keep on the popular resistance” and called for the recognition of the rights “of people who refused to surrender and to live as slaves 60 years ago.”
Mohamed Aouda, the Secretary of Palestinian National Initiative in Bethlehem thanked a group of international people for showing their solidarity to the people of Bethleem and stressed on the idea that massive popular struggle is now necessary in this stage of the early building of a new section of the Wall to defeat the occupation. Aouda called for solidarity, stressing that popular resistance has to still over into every villages and towns in Palestine.
“Weekly peaceful marches against the apartheid Wall will keep on expanding, despite the Israeli violence shown during the on demonstrations”, said Mazen El Azza, the coordinator of the campaign for the popular resistance against the Wall in the governorate of Bethleem. He called the international community to launch a broad international solidarity campaign to support Bethlehem governorate, which counts the highest rate of Wall section and settlements in the West Bank, that turned the territory into a big jail, made of walls, barbed wire and gates.
2. Ni’lin: 65 actions of non-violent popular struggles have been held for 80 days
Ramallah, 18-07-08, On Friday the 18th a massive peaceful march in the town of Ni’lin was held against the Israel threat of land confiscation and the building of a new section of the apartheid Wall, involving hundreds of Ni’lin residents along with international and Israeli activists
The prayers from the Ni’lin gathered were gathering on friday when Murad Khalil Amer, the imam, called on the villagers to unite, keep on peacefully struggling against occupation and defend their land. “This march is a continuation of a chain of events, even though the bulldozers and workers ares not working on Fridays and Saturdays the popular struggle is not connected to the work of bulldozers. This struggle will continue as long as damaging and destructions, as long as the expansion of settlements and the building of the apartheid wall and the illegal tunnel will last.”
The village has held more than 65 peaceful actions for 80 days. During theses actions, Ni’lin village delayed the building of the Wall. Because of the success of Ni’lin villagers, “Eli Butterfly” the Israeli construction company signed an agreement with the Israeli military to increase the securityon the ground. Since the, hundreds of Israeli soldiers protected the company, its workers and its machines. But anytime, the Israeli army never succeeds to prevent the peaceful people to reach the bulldozers and stop their actions for hours By doing this, the demonstrators delayed the action of bulldozers, imposing a high cost to the company. This confirms the necessity, the importance and the efficiency of continuing non-violent popular resistance.
Since the beginning of the resistance in Ni’lin and during these 65 actions, more than 200 people have been wounded by rubber bullets and 4 by live munitions, amongst which, Jamil Srour, a villagers from Ni’lin who still remains in Ramallah hospital in an instable health, as the bullet that reached his abdomen still remains in his body. According to the doctors, his health has not improved since he arrived at the hospital, despite of the care of the medical team.
Accordingly, the villagers of Ni’lin and the Ni’lin Popular Committee against the Wall are calling on the officials to support the wounded of Ni’lin struggle and especially Jamil Srour to follow his health state. In addition, 100 residents faced respiratory problems because of tear gas inhalations and the forces arrested more than 17 participants during the peaceful marches.
Meanwhile, Salah Mohammed Khawaja remains in jail. His release is dependent on a 3,000 shekels bail. The bail procedure –newly imposed by Israel- is considered as a collective punishment that aims to prevent the villagers to hold non-violent popular struggle, imposing sealing, curfews, destroying infrastructure and houses in the village.
Salah al Khawaja, the spoke person of Ni’lin Popular Committee against the Wall stated that the Israeli forces have started to mark the area in order to start the building of the illegal tunnel. According to the Israeli maps and plans, the tunnel will be connected with the road 446 a road that was build on one of the best agricultural land in Ni’lin and that divides the village in two part: Upper and Lower Ni’lin, having as consequence, the confiscation of other hundreds of dunums.
The Israeli plan confirms that the Israeli government aims to destroy Ni’lin village, the living of its residents, undermine water resources and turn the village into a big jail.
Tuesday, July 15, 2008
Where Can This Baby Sleep?
Where Can This Baby Sleep?:
Read Amnesty International Report on the Israeli threat against Al-Aqabah Village
UN Report: 3,000 Palestinian homes under threat of demolition
May 28, 2008
Source: IMEMC
A report by the United Nations released on Wednesday revealed that 3,000 homes in the West Bank are under the imminent threat of destruction by Israeli forces. The homes in question were built by indigenous Palestinians without Israeli permits – according to the UN report, 94% of permit applications by Palestinians since 2000 have been denied.
"A man from the village of Al-Aqabah in the West Bank contemplates the injustice of the Israeli Supreme Court ruling that his home should be destroyed. There are just 45 buildings in his village. 35 have demolition orders.
For more details go to The Rebuilding Alliance"
A woman from the village of Al-Aqabah in the West Bank wonders why the Israeli army wants to demolish her meagre, one-room shack. There are just 45 buildings in her village. 35 have demolition orders. For more details go to The Rebuilding Alliance
House Demolition Video by B'Tselem
“The Kindergarten in Al Aqabah” — a 14 min film by Amir Terkel
“.. After the army base was removed from the village a few months, we started helping the people to return to their homes. The first thing we did was to start fixing the kindergarten... Through the work of the Rebuilding Alliance, the kindergarten opened in May 2004, with an enrollment of 80 children. ”
Read Amnesty International Report on the Israeli threat against Al-Aqabah Village
via Download Documents from Amnesty International by Amnesty International on 7/13/08
The future of a small village, ‘Aqaba is under threat. The Israeli army considers the homes and virtually every structure in the village as ‘illegal’. In this document Amnesty International calls on the Israeli government to: rescind all demolition orders in ‘Aqaba and of unlicensed houses in Area C
UN Report: 3,000 Palestinian homes under threat of demolition
May 28, 2008
Source: IMEMC
A report by the United Nations released on Wednesday revealed that 3,000 homes in the West Bank are under the imminent threat of destruction by Israeli forces. The homes in question were built by indigenous Palestinians without Israeli permits – according to the UN report, 94% of permit applications by Palestinians since 2000 have been denied.
Palestinians, indigenous to the land now occupied by Israel, have to apply for permits in order to build on their own land. This situation has become increasingly difficult since 1967, when the state of Israel began to occupy all parts of what was once Palestine, and move hundreds of thousands of Jewish immigrants to settle on land seized from Palestinians.
The most recent count by the United Nations Office for Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs shows that the Israeli government’s plan to take over more than 60% of the West Bank (one of two Palestinian territories, where most Palestinians now live) is well underway. Since 1990, more than 500,000 Israelis have been transferred to live on illegally-seized Palestinian land.
According to the new report, the 3,000 homes to be demolished include ten whole villages which will be completely displaced from their ancestral land and turned into refugees, as Israeli settlements are constructed on their land.
The homes in question are located in ‘Area C’, which was left under Israeli control during the Oslo Peace Agreement of 1993, to be renegotiated within five years. The Palestinian Authority agreed to the conditions of the Oslo Agreement under the presumption that the land, which constitutes 60% of the West Bank, would be returned to Palestinian control after five years. This re-negotiation never happened, and the areas remain under total Israeli control. Most Israeli settlements that have been constructed on Palestinian land in the last ten years have been constructed on ‘Area C’ land.
The UN Report stated that in the first quarter of 2008, Israeli authorities demolished 124 structures as compared with 107 for the whole of 2007, leading to the displacement of 435 Palestinians, 135 of them children. The Agency voiced concern that the upcoming 3,000 demolitions would disproportionately impact children, who make up more than 15% of the Palestinian population in the West Bank.
"A man from the village of Al-Aqabah in the West Bank contemplates the injustice of the Israeli Supreme Court ruling that his home should be destroyed. There are just 45 buildings in his village. 35 have demolition orders.
For more details go to The Rebuilding Alliance"
A woman from the village of Al-Aqabah in the West Bank wonders why the Israeli army wants to demolish her meagre, one-room shack. There are just 45 buildings in her village. 35 have demolition orders. For more details go to The Rebuilding Alliance
House Demolition Video by B'Tselem
“The Kindergarten in Al Aqabah” — a 14 min film by Amir Terkel
“.. After the army base was removed from the village a few months, we started helping the people to return to their homes. The first thing we did was to start fixing the kindergarten... Through the work of the Rebuilding Alliance, the kindergarten opened in May 2004, with an enrollment of 80 children. ”
The quest for drinking water in Gaza - 22 Jun 08
The quest for drinking water in Gaza - 22 Jun 08:
"During Israel's year-long blockade of Gaza, Palestinians have struggled to find tangible improvements in their lives.
A recent increase in the flow of goods into the territory following a 'truce' between Israel and Hamas has softened the situation, but shelves in many local stores remain bare.
One necessity hard to come by is drinking water, which, as Al Jazeera's Sami Zeidan discovered, was more difficult to buy than some other rather odd products."
UNRWA calls on Israel and Egypt to fully reopen Gaza crossings
14/07/2008
Source: The Palestinian Information Center
"During Israel's year-long blockade of Gaza, Palestinians have struggled to find tangible improvements in their lives.
A recent increase in the flow of goods into the territory following a 'truce' between Israel and Hamas has softened the situation, but shelves in many local stores remain bare.
One necessity hard to come by is drinking water, which, as Al Jazeera's Sami Zeidan discovered, was more difficult to buy than some other rather odd products."
UNRWA calls on Israel and Egypt to fully reopen Gaza crossings
14/07/2008
Source: The Palestinian Information Center
GAZA,(PIC)-- John Ging the director of UNRWA operations in the Gaza Strip called Monday on Israel and Egypt to fully reopen the Gaza commercial crossings and the Rafah border crossing, highlighting that the closure of these crossings is illegal and against international law on human rights.
In the presence of heads of universities and humanitarian institutions, Ging told a press conference that the humanitarian situation in Gaza is still worsening despite the Palestinian full commitment to the ceasefire.
"As long as the Palestinians are fully committed to the truce, why don't Israel and Egypt immediately open the crossings in order to make the Palestinians in Gaza feel that there is a positive change in their life?" the UN official questioned.
The UN official stressed that at this time last year about 400 trucks were allowed into Gaza and now only 100 are let in.
The UN official said that in general the crossings are still closed and must be reopened immediately including the Rafah crossing which is considered a vital artery for the Palestinians because the closure of these crossings is contrary to international law.
The UN official underlined that the unjust siege led to the collapse of all aspects of life in Gaza including education, but the UNRWA had succeeded through great efforts and cooperation of universities and community organizations to stop its deterioration during the second semester and to achieve significant improvements at the level of students and teachers.
For their part, heads of universities and humanitarian organizations hailed in their speeches UNRWA's success in accomplishing difficult tasks during a short period of time and saving the education in Gaza from collapse.
In a new development, the number of Israeli siege victims rose to 208 after three Palestinian patients were proclaimed dead on Monday.
The victims were attempting to get permits to leave Gaza for medical treatment through the Rafah crossing, the popular committee against the siege reported in a statement received by the PIC.
Heart patient dies after soldiers prevent her evacuation to Hospital
Heart patient dies after soldiers prevent her evacuation to:
"In February 2008, Fawziyah a-Dark suffered a heart attack and died after soldiers prevented her passage to hospital. in his video testimony, her husband describes the events leading up to her death."
In the early afternoon of 14 February 2008, Fawziyeh a-Dark, 66, had a heart attack at her home in Deir al-Ghuson, Tulkarm District. Her husband, Mahmud Qab, called the Red Crescent offices to summon an ambulance. The Red Crescent official told him an ambulance would be sent to their house.
In a Video Added May 22, 2007
Palestinian pregnant woman stopped at checkpoint by israelis:
"In February 2008, Fawziyah a-Dark suffered a heart attack and died after soldiers prevented her passage to hospital. in his video testimony, her husband describes the events leading up to her death."
In the early afternoon of 14 February 2008, Fawziyeh a-Dark, 66, had a heart attack at her home in Deir al-Ghuson, Tulkarm District. Her husband, Mahmud Qab, called the Red Crescent offices to summon an ambulance. The Red Crescent official told him an ambulance would be sent to their house.
At 1:45 P.M., the ambulance left Red Crescent headquarters in Tulkarm and headed to Deir al-Ghuson. Recently, there has been one permanent checkpoint between Tulkarem and the village, al-Jarushiyah Checkpoint, through which vehicles are usually allowed to pass. On the day of the incident, the army set up a surprise checkpoint about five kilometers south of the permanent checkpoint. When the ambulance arrived at this surprise checkpoint, the soldiers did not let it pass. The ambulance driver called Red Crescent headquarters and asked them to coordinate the pasasge of the ambulance. He also called the patient’s husband, asked him to bring his wife to al-Jarushiyah Checkpoint, and said they would meet there.
It was not until 2:35 that the ambulance driver was informed that passage along the road had been arranged. Despite the coordination, soldiers at the surprise checkpoint still refused to allow the ambulance to pass. In the meantime, the patient and her husband had arrived by taxi at al-Jarushiyah Checkpoint. The soldiers at the checkpoint refused to let her pass, even though the standing procedure is that persons in an urgent medical condition are to be allowed to cross checkpoints, with no need for prior coordination. Mahmud Qab described in his testimony to B'Tselem how he begged the soldiers to let him take his wife to hospital:
"There were three soldiers standing near boulders that blocked the road, and alongside them was an army jeep. I got out and went over to them. I spoke with the one who looked as if he was in charge and told him my wife was in very bad condition. I pointed to the taxi she was in and told him that I wanted to take her to the hospital. . . The soldier was dark-skinned and of average build, I didn’t see him carrying a weapon. I begged him to let me take my wife across, but he said, “Let her die, let her die, it doesn’t interest me, it is forbidden to cross.”
I tried to kiss the chin of the soldier to get him to let my wife cross. I said, “For god's sake, let me pass and take her to the ambulance,” but it didn’t help. He refused and told me to go back where I had come from. I begged him for fifteen minutes and I realized the soldiers would not let me cross. My begging didn’t make them feel an ounce of compassion."
The taxi took the couple back to Deir al-Ghuson, to a local physician, who gave her an first aid and said that she had to be taken to the hospital immediately. The taxi driver took the couple home. Fawziyeh A-Dark died a short time later.
B'Tselem and other human rights organizations have warned numerous times that the hundreds of physical obstacles and dozens of checkpoints in the West Bank severely delay access of sick persons to medical treatment, and in some cases prevent this access altogether.
In 2007, there was an increase in the number of cases where people requiring medical care were delayed at checkpoints. Moreover, B'Tselem documented five cases in the West Bank in which sick or injured persons died following delay at checkpoints. B'Tselem has requested the authorities to open a criminal investigation into all of these cases, but to the best of our knowledge no such investigations have been opened.
In a Video Added May 22, 2007
Palestinian pregnant woman stopped at checkpoint by israelis:
Monday, July 14, 2008
Palestine Lives 2008 - Manchester Community Choir
Palestine Lives 2008 - Manchester Community Choir:
Manchester, England. 7th June 2008. Palestine Lives 2008 is a celebration of Palestinian art, culture, history and experience organised by Manchester Palestine Solidarity campaign. It brings together artists, poets and musicians from Palestine and England to celebrate Palestine and its culture 60 year after the Palestinian Nakba, Zionism's ethnic cleansing of Palestine.
There are stalls informing people of issues facing people in the Middle East, as well as peace organisations campaigning not just for peace in the region but against nuclear weapons and all war. Speakers bring messages of solidarity with the Palestinian people's struggle for peace and justice. This event comes at a time when the situation in Gaza is at crisis point with people, especially children, starving and dying due to lack of food, water and medicines, but first and foremost the actions of the Israeli occupation forces.
Speakers include:
* Baroness Jenny Tonge - Liberal Democrat
* Musheir al Farrar - Palestinian Human Rights Activist
* Khalidal Mudallal - Palestinian Student at Bradford University prevented from returning to his studies by Israel's blockade of Gaza
* Linda Ramsden - UK Director of the Israeli Committee Against House Demolitions (ICAHD)
* Richard Kuper - Jews For Justice for Palestinians (JFJP)
* Linda Clare - Manchester Palestine Solidarity Campaign (PSC)
During the event there is music, food, a march around the city centre, all in celebration of solidarity with the Palestinian people.
This clip shows Manchester Community Choir performing at the event. The lyrics of the first song were composed by a Palestinian poet.
During the event there is music, food, a march around the city centre, all in celebration of solidarity with the Palestinian people.
This clip shows the Salam band performing at the event. The song is called "Asfour" (The Little Bird)
Paletine Lives - Israeli Committee Against House Demolitions
Manchester, England. 7th June 2008. Palestine Lives 2008 is a celebration of Palestinian art, culture, history and experience organised by Manchester Palestine Solidarity campaign. It brings together artists, poets and musicians from Palestine and England to celebrate Palestine and its culture 60 year after the Palestinian Nakba, Zionism's ethnic cleansing of Palestine.
There are stalls informing people of issues facing people in the Middle East, as well as peace organisations campaigning not just for peace in the region but against nuclear weapons and all war. Speakers bring messages of solidarity with the Palestinian people's struggle for peace and justice. This event comes at a time when the situation in Gaza is at crisis point with people, especially children, starving and dying due to lack of food, water and medicines, but first and foremost the actions of the Israeli occupation forces.
Speakers include:
* Baroness Jenny Tonge - Liberal Democrat
* Musheir al Farrar - Palestinian Human Rights Activist
* Khalidal Mudallal - Palestinian Student at Bradford University prevented from returning to his studies by Israel's blockade of Gaza
* Linda Ramsden - UK Director of the Israeli Committee Against House Demolitions (ICAHD)
* Richard Kuper - Jews For Justice for Palestinians (JFJP)
* Linda Clare - Manchester Palestine Solidarity Campaign (PSC)
During the event there is music, food, a march around the city centre, all in celebration of solidarity with the Palestinian people.
This clip shows Manchester Community Choir performing at the event. The lyrics of the first song were composed by a Palestinian poet.
During the event there is music, food, a march around the city centre, all in celebration of solidarity with the Palestinian people.
This clip shows the Salam band performing at the event. The song is called "Asfour" (The Little Bird)
Paletine Lives - Israeli Committee Against House Demolitions
Ni'lin demo against the wall 13-7-08
Ni'lin demo against the wall 13-7-08:
"On July 9th 2008, the villagers of Nil'in demonstrated in commemoration of the 2004 International Court of Justice ruling which stated that the apartheid wall being built by Israel is illegal. During the demonstration, Israeli military forces arrested Nil'in residents, Samer Mustafa Ahmed Nafe, 33, Ahmad Mustafa Ahmed Nafe, 26 and Hassan Yussef Hassan Amira, 36. They are currently being held in Ofer military detention facility.
4000 NIS is needed to cover the cost of their legal representation. The ISM have managed to raise 2500 NIS of this money, but we need donations to cover the final 1500 NIS of the cost. If you can provide help to cover these legal expenses so as to support Ni'lin's popular resistance to the annexation of their land please email palreports@gmail.com or call 02-2971824, specifying that you would like to contribute to the legal expenses of those arrested in Ni'lin."- yisraelpnm
More than 100 villagers from Ni'lin, together with international and Israeli activists marched towards the nearby settlements that unlawfully separate the village in two.
The peaceful demonstrators were intercepted at the entrance to the village by the Israeli army who used excessive force to drive them back. They fired teargas, stun bombs and rubber bullets into the crowd on sight with no provocation.
Five demonstrators were injured, including one Swedish international solidarity activist who was shot by a teargas canister fired as a projectile missile causing deep burns. Others were hit by rubber bullets and one man, Salah Mohammad Al Khawaja was injured, arrested and then taken by the Israeli authorities. Al Khwaja is one of the leaders of the Committee Against the Wall in Ni’lin. The Israeli army has said that they will arrest him once he is released from the hospital even though he was a mere bystander and did nothing to warrant being arrested.
Despite the peaceful nature of the protest, the Israeli army and border police, numbering more than fifty, pursued the dispersed demonstrators into the village and continued to shoot at locals with rubber bullets for several hours after the cessation of the demonstration. Several homes and cars were battered and had windows broken during the ensuing clash between the Israeli occupation force and resistant locals. Today’s episode is another example in a protracted confrontation between locals who are fighting to keep their land intact and the Israeli government who have been using increasingly violent means to quell protest and ensure the continued building of the illegal occupation wall.
"On July 9th 2008, the villagers of Nil'in demonstrated in commemoration of the 2004 International Court of Justice ruling which stated that the apartheid wall being built by Israel is illegal. During the demonstration, Israeli military forces arrested Nil'in residents, Samer Mustafa Ahmed Nafe, 33, Ahmad Mustafa Ahmed Nafe, 26 and Hassan Yussef Hassan Amira, 36. They are currently being held in Ofer military detention facility.
4000 NIS is needed to cover the cost of their legal representation. The ISM have managed to raise 2500 NIS of this money, but we need donations to cover the final 1500 NIS of the cost. If you can provide help to cover these legal expenses so as to support Ni'lin's popular resistance to the annexation of their land please email palreports@gmail.com or call 02-2971824, specifying that you would like to contribute to the legal expenses of those arrested in Ni'lin."- yisraelpnm
Member of the Popular Committee in Ni’lin arrested during demonstration
July 14, 2008. Source: ISMMore than 100 villagers from Ni'lin, together with international and Israeli activists marched towards the nearby settlements that unlawfully separate the village in two.
The peaceful demonstrators were intercepted at the entrance to the village by the Israeli army who used excessive force to drive them back. They fired teargas, stun bombs and rubber bullets into the crowd on sight with no provocation.
Five demonstrators were injured, including one Swedish international solidarity activist who was shot by a teargas canister fired as a projectile missile causing deep burns. Others were hit by rubber bullets and one man, Salah Mohammad Al Khawaja was injured, arrested and then taken by the Israeli authorities. Al Khwaja is one of the leaders of the Committee Against the Wall in Ni’lin. The Israeli army has said that they will arrest him once he is released from the hospital even though he was a mere bystander and did nothing to warrant being arrested.
Despite the peaceful nature of the protest, the Israeli army and border police, numbering more than fifty, pursued the dispersed demonstrators into the village and continued to shoot at locals with rubber bullets for several hours after the cessation of the demonstration. Several homes and cars were battered and had windows broken during the ensuing clash between the Israeli occupation force and resistant locals. Today’s episode is another example in a protracted confrontation between locals who are fighting to keep their land intact and the Israeli government who have been using increasingly violent means to quell protest and ensure the continued building of the illegal occupation wall.
Sunday, July 13, 2008
Israeli army wrecks apartments during Hebron invasion
Israeli army wrecks apartments during Hebron invasion:
"On 10 July 2008 the Israeli army invaded a seven-apartment building in the Hawuz section of Hebron. Soldiers destroyed furniture, stomped on framed verses of the Quran and stold money roughly totaling $1000 U.S. CPTer Tarek Abuata documented the invasion's aftermath, interviewing members of the various families."
"On 10 July 2008 the Israeli army invaded a seven-apartment building in the Hawuz section of Hebron. Soldiers destroyed furniture, stomped on framed verses of the Quran and stold money roughly totaling $1000 U.S. CPTer Tarek Abuata documented the invasion's aftermath, interviewing members of the various families."
Friday, July 11, 2008
Demolition of the Recreational Center in Azun
Demolition of the Recreational Center in Azun:
"Azun is in the seam-line: despite being 10 km east of the green line, it is west of the Separation Wall. The area is therefore under full Israeli control. The Israeli authorities do not provide any building permits for Palestinians in the region, so any new building is under threat of being demolished because it is 'illegal'. In 2006 the residence of Azon and the nearby villages received a donation to build a recreational center for children. A playground, swimming pools and additional facilities were build inside the municipal area of Azon. As expected, the Israeli army completely demolished the swimming pools and other facilities. Now the playground is under the threat of demolition as well.
Filmed by Dalia Golomb during a tour to the Palestinian Occupied Territories by Machsom Watch.
http://www.machsomwatch.org"
"Azun is in the seam-line: despite being 10 km east of the green line, it is west of the Separation Wall. The area is therefore under full Israeli control. The Israeli authorities do not provide any building permits for Palestinians in the region, so any new building is under threat of being demolished because it is 'illegal'. In 2006 the residence of Azon and the nearby villages received a donation to build a recreational center for children. A playground, swimming pools and additional facilities were build inside the municipal area of Azon. As expected, the Israeli army completely demolished the swimming pools and other facilities. Now the playground is under the threat of demolition as well.
Filmed by Dalia Golomb during a tour to the Palestinian Occupied Territories by Machsom Watch.
http://www.machsomwatch.org"
Thursday, July 10, 2008
A mass demonstration in Ni'alin 10-7-2008
A mass demonstration in Ni'alin 10-7-2008:
"Break the siege, stop the fence --
A mass demonstration in Ni'alin
An especially big demonstration will be held in the village of Ni'alin on the morning of the coming Thursday, commemorating the anniversary of The Hague ruling which defined the Apartheid Wall a crime.The village of Ni'alin, which is located in the Ramallah district, has for more than a month now been leading an intense struggle against the de-facto appropriation of 2,500 of its 7,000 dunams of land by the 'separation fence'. The route of the fence in this area, much like the famous case of Bil'in, has been planned in such a way that would allow the near by illegal settlement of Hashmonaim to expand on lands that will be 'left behind' the fence."
"Break the siege, stop the fence --
A mass demonstration in Ni'alin
An especially big demonstration will be held in the village of Ni'alin on the morning of the coming Thursday, commemorating the anniversary of The Hague ruling which defined the Apartheid Wall a crime.The village of Ni'alin, which is located in the Ramallah district, has for more than a month now been leading an intense struggle against the de-facto appropriation of 2,500 of its 7,000 dunams of land by the 'separation fence'. The route of the fence in this area, much like the famous case of Bil'in, has been planned in such a way that would allow the near by illegal settlement of Hashmonaim to expand on lands that will be 'left behind' the fence."
"Happy Birthday" to the Israeli violations of international law
On Wednesday the 9th of July 2008, it has been 4 years since the International Court of Justice of La Haye, the principal judicial organ of the United Nations, has given its ruling concerning the Israeli apartheid Wall in the West Bank and East-Jerusalem.
Clear and accurate, the advisory opinion determined that “The construction of the Wall being built by Israel in the occupied Palestinian Territory, including in and around East Jerusalem is contrary to international law.” As a consequence, the ICJ ruled that Israel must halt the construction of the Wall, dismantle forthwith the structure, return the land to Palestinians whose property has been seized and pay compensation for all the damage caused to them. Although this is an advisory –nonbinding- legal opinion, an overwhelming majority of UN member states voted for General Assembly Resolution which called on Israel to comply with the ICJ opinion.
Still, four years after the International Court opinion, Israel has not complied with the ICJ opinion yet and the apartheid Wall construction continues. It is Ni'lin turn now to fight and organize popular non-violent struggles to resist the confiscation of the palestinian land. But before Ni'lin's people, the villagers from Bi'lin demonstrated, as well as the ones from Jayyous, Abud, At-tuwani, Beit Sira, Qybia and in some many more places all across the West Bank. Israel is continuously stealing land by establishing settlements and building new sections of the Wall while villagers are peacefully demonstrating –sometimes for years- to protest against what has been recognized illegal by The Hague.
The construction of Israel's 9-meters high-Wall began on the 16th of June 2002. The Wall will extend over some 800 km, when totally completed. Now, more than 56,5% has been completed while 9,9 % is under construction and 33,9 % more projected. Nearly 80% of the total projected Wall route is being built inside the West Bank -including East-Jerusalem- side of the 1967's Green Line, on a land confiscated from Palestinians by the Israeli military. No section of the Wall is being built on the Israeli side of the Green Line. According to the Office of Coordination for Humanitarian Affairs in the Occupied Palestinian Territories (OCHA), when complete, approximately 10% of West Bank territory, including East Jerusalem, will be isolated by the Wall and physically connected to Israel.
A so-called security measure
The Israeli government has stated that the Wall was conceived to reduce the number of terrorist attacks. It maintains that “the sole purpose of the Security Fence, as stated in the Israeli Government decision of July 23rd 2001, is security and Israel's response to suicide bombers who enter into Israel”. (OCHA, July 2008). However officials from the Israeli Government, such as the Israeli Minister of Justice Haim Ramon stated that “the separation fence is being built first and foremost for security reasons, but at the end of the day it has political implications.” (OCHA, July 2008)
The ICJ advisory opinion does not say something different by mentioning that “the Wall is not a security necessity” and “the construction of the wall and its associated regime create a 'fait accompli' on the ground that could well become permanent, in which case, and notwithstanding the formal characterization of the wall by Israel, it would be tantamount to de facto annexation”.
The Wall will so annex an important amount of the West Bank lands, including some of the most fertile agricultural land and richest regarding water resources. With its matrix of checkpoints, buffer zones, electrified fencing, watch towers, sniper towers and roads for patrol vehicles; that prevent the Palestinians from freedom of movement, access to agricultural lands, water, health services and other basics needs, the Wall is a master piece of Israel apartheid policy. Furthermore, it will also isolate some 60,500 Palestinians living in 42 villages and towns in a closed military zone limbo between the Wall and the Green Line. Declared closed by military order since 2003, all Palestinians living there, or wanting to enter are now required to obtain permits from the Israeli authorities. 15 communities with a total population of 31,400 Palestinians will be completely surrounded by the Wall.
As a matter of fact, by isolating West Bank villages from each other, Israel is –rather than trying to secure its land and citizens- aiming to fragment the West Bank into Cantons and ghettos, attempting to prevent, by 'fait accompli' on the ground, the creation of a free and fully-sovereign Palestinian state. All this, in the eyes of a silent international community that has itself approved and voted the Court advisory opinion.
Israel's Separation Wall - Riz Khan interviews Dove Weisglass and Norman Finkelstein - 10 July 08
Israel's Separation Wall - Riz Khan interviews Dove Weisglass and Norman Finkelstein - 10 July 08 :
"The Israeli separation wall making its way through the West Bank cuts to the heart of the Palestinian-Israeli issue: Will the final settlement between these two peoples be negotiated, or imposed unilaterally by Israel?"
part 1
part 2
"The Israeli separation wall making its way through the West Bank cuts to the heart of the Palestinian-Israeli issue: Will the final settlement between these two peoples be negotiated, or imposed unilaterally by Israel?"
part 1
part 2
Wednesday, July 9, 2008
Ni'lin demo against the wall 9-7-08
Ni'lin demo against the wall 9-7-08:
Statement by the Ni'lin Popular Committee against the Apartheid Wall
Written by The Ni'lin Popular Committee against the Apartheid Wall Wednesday, 09 July 2008
Source: The Alternative Information Center (AIC)
As of today, Tuesday 8th of July 2008, the military curfew in Ni'lin has been lifted. In response to statements released earlier today by an Israeli army spokeswoman claiming that "There were discussions between the villagers and the army commanders and they decided to lift the curfew," and that "The villagers promised not to protest and to keep the village quiet" (Reuters 7/8/08), the Ni'lin Popular Committee Against the Apartheid Wall wants to clarify the following:
The Popular Committee, who is representing the Ni'lin municipality, political parties, institutions and organizations in Ni'lin, has not been in any discussions with any Israeli army commanders and has not made a promise to the Israeli army that there will be no more protests.
No such discussions have taken place with the village.
The Popular Committee wants to stress that the people of Ni'lin village will not give up their right to defend their basic human, economic, and social rights and therefore will not relinquish their right to protest against the confiscation of their land.
The people of Ni'lin are also not willing to give up their right to stand up against the construction of a Wall that has been declared illegal by the International Court of Justice.
The village will not be quiet! The demonstrations organized in Ni'lin were always of a peaceful, nonviolent nature. Each time, the unarmed demonstrators were met with severe force and heavy violence from the side of the Israeli army (often before even reaching the construction site), injuring many Palestinian, international and Israeli participants, even attacking and injuring journalists and medical workers.
The Ni'lin Popular Committee would like to draw attention to the following facts regarding the disproportionate use of force by the Israeli army and Border Police since the beginning of the construction of the Wall (May 2008):
* 160 people were injured by rubber coated steel bullets during the protests, including children
* Hundreds of non-violent protesters were brutally beaten by the Israeli army during the protests
* 26 people were arrested
* A Palestinian Medical Relief Society ambulance was shot at. The driver counted 18 bullet marks on the outside of the van and two of the ambulance windows were shattered, with several bullets found inside the van
* Many people in the protests suffered severe respiratory problems due to the heavy use of tear gas
* Tear gas canisters were shot directly into the crowds, aiming at people and injuring dozens
* The Israeli army started using a new tear gas machine, shooting 30 tear gas canisters at the same time
* The Israeli army used live ammunition on several occasions
* There were numerous incidents where the Israeli army invaded the village in the middle of the night after a protest, shooting tear gas and rubber coated steal bullets at and into homes where families were sleeping, and also arresting several people during these military incursions into the village
The curfew imposed on Friday 4th of July 2008 was yet another measure in line with the severely disproportionate tactics that the Israeli army is using to slam down the protests and silence the people of Ni'lin, who are merely trying to defend their land and lives through nonviolent measures. The Ni'lin Popular Committee against the Apartheid Wall strongly condemns these aggressive and unprovoked Israeli military policies that have been declared illegal under international law. The Popular Committee specifically condemns the recent curfew and siege on Ni'lin, which caused excessive damage and severe injuries in a village that is already being strangled due to the construction of the Wall.
The Ni'lin Popular Committee draws your attention to the casualties and damages caused by the 4-day curfew and siege on Ni'lin:
* The Israeli army injured more than 50 villagers with rubber coated-steal bullets, three of them were seriously injured by live ammunition. They are currently undergoing treatment in different hospitals in Ramallah
* Hundreds of people suffered from respiratory problems due to teargas inhalation. Teargas was shot at and into the houses. Villagers, who went on their rooftops or gardens in order to try to communicate with family and neighbors, were immediately attacked with tear gas and rubber coated steal bullets. Even standing too close to the window meant risking being shot at. The firing of teargas and rubber coated steal bullets at the windows has caused irreconcilable damage to the houses in Ni'lin
* During the first three days of the siege ambulances were not allowed access into the village, the injured remained untreated
* The body of a deceased villager was kept for four hours at the entrance of Ni'lin before they let the remains into the village for burial
* A woman in labor was not allowed to leave the village and was forced to deliver the baby at home
* A twelve year old boy was kidnapped from his home by the Israeli army, who kept him hostage for 2 days
* The army invaded approximately 20 houses, breaking personal property in the house and beating women, children and men
* The army used bulldozers to dig up newly paved roads, thereby wrecking parts of the municipal sewage system and destroying a large portion of the village's infrastructure. In order to strategically control the whole area of the village, they entered the girls' school, breaking the school's windows and doors
* Shops and businesses were closed during the curfew and people could not get to work, depriving the people of Ni'lin from their much-needed income
* Three journalists were detained for several hours while trying to report on the situation of Ni'lin.
The Ni'lin people are calling for local, regional, and international support to sustain solidarity with the village. This support is very much needed. The Popular Committee would also like to take this opportunity to thank everybody who participated in the demonstrations and for all the efforts individuals have put into advocating for Ni'lin, contacting political representatives, and drawing worldwide media attention. We cannot express enough our feelings of deep gratitude for all of these efforts and the coming efforts too!
This Thursday, 10th of July 2008, a monumental protest is organized for the 4th anniversary of the ruling on the Wall of the International Court of Justice. The protest will start at 11 am in front of the municipality of Ni'lin. We will leave Ramallah at 9.30 am from the bus station behind Ziryab. Please confirm your attendance by contacting Hindi: 0599 83 98 43. He is also available for questions regarding the protest or for more information regarding the situation in Ni'lin.
For online information, please refer to the following links here and here.
Statement by the Ni'lin Popular Committee against the Apartheid Wall
Written by The Ni'lin Popular Committee against the Apartheid Wall Wednesday, 09 July 2008
Source: The Alternative Information Center (AIC)
As of today, Tuesday 8th of July 2008, the military curfew in Ni'lin has been lifted. In response to statements released earlier today by an Israeli army spokeswoman claiming that "There were discussions between the villagers and the army commanders and they decided to lift the curfew," and that "The villagers promised not to protest and to keep the village quiet" (Reuters 7/8/08), the Ni'lin Popular Committee Against the Apartheid Wall wants to clarify the following:
The Popular Committee, who is representing the Ni'lin municipality, political parties, institutions and organizations in Ni'lin, has not been in any discussions with any Israeli army commanders and has not made a promise to the Israeli army that there will be no more protests.
No such discussions have taken place with the village.
The Popular Committee wants to stress that the people of Ni'lin village will not give up their right to defend their basic human, economic, and social rights and therefore will not relinquish their right to protest against the confiscation of their land.
The people of Ni'lin are also not willing to give up their right to stand up against the construction of a Wall that has been declared illegal by the International Court of Justice.
The village will not be quiet! The demonstrations organized in Ni'lin were always of a peaceful, nonviolent nature. Each time, the unarmed demonstrators were met with severe force and heavy violence from the side of the Israeli army (often before even reaching the construction site), injuring many Palestinian, international and Israeli participants, even attacking and injuring journalists and medical workers.
The Ni'lin Popular Committee would like to draw attention to the following facts regarding the disproportionate use of force by the Israeli army and Border Police since the beginning of the construction of the Wall (May 2008):
* 160 people were injured by rubber coated steel bullets during the protests, including children
* Hundreds of non-violent protesters were brutally beaten by the Israeli army during the protests
* 26 people were arrested
* A Palestinian Medical Relief Society ambulance was shot at. The driver counted 18 bullet marks on the outside of the van and two of the ambulance windows were shattered, with several bullets found inside the van
* Many people in the protests suffered severe respiratory problems due to the heavy use of tear gas
* Tear gas canisters were shot directly into the crowds, aiming at people and injuring dozens
* The Israeli army started using a new tear gas machine, shooting 30 tear gas canisters at the same time
* The Israeli army used live ammunition on several occasions
* There were numerous incidents where the Israeli army invaded the village in the middle of the night after a protest, shooting tear gas and rubber coated steal bullets at and into homes where families were sleeping, and also arresting several people during these military incursions into the village
The curfew imposed on Friday 4th of July 2008 was yet another measure in line with the severely disproportionate tactics that the Israeli army is using to slam down the protests and silence the people of Ni'lin, who are merely trying to defend their land and lives through nonviolent measures. The Ni'lin Popular Committee against the Apartheid Wall strongly condemns these aggressive and unprovoked Israeli military policies that have been declared illegal under international law. The Popular Committee specifically condemns the recent curfew and siege on Ni'lin, which caused excessive damage and severe injuries in a village that is already being strangled due to the construction of the Wall.
The Ni'lin Popular Committee draws your attention to the casualties and damages caused by the 4-day curfew and siege on Ni'lin:
* The Israeli army injured more than 50 villagers with rubber coated-steal bullets, three of them were seriously injured by live ammunition. They are currently undergoing treatment in different hospitals in Ramallah
* Hundreds of people suffered from respiratory problems due to teargas inhalation. Teargas was shot at and into the houses. Villagers, who went on their rooftops or gardens in order to try to communicate with family and neighbors, were immediately attacked with tear gas and rubber coated steal bullets. Even standing too close to the window meant risking being shot at. The firing of teargas and rubber coated steal bullets at the windows has caused irreconcilable damage to the houses in Ni'lin
* During the first three days of the siege ambulances were not allowed access into the village, the injured remained untreated
* The body of a deceased villager was kept for four hours at the entrance of Ni'lin before they let the remains into the village for burial
* A woman in labor was not allowed to leave the village and was forced to deliver the baby at home
* A twelve year old boy was kidnapped from his home by the Israeli army, who kept him hostage for 2 days
* The army invaded approximately 20 houses, breaking personal property in the house and beating women, children and men
* The army used bulldozers to dig up newly paved roads, thereby wrecking parts of the municipal sewage system and destroying a large portion of the village's infrastructure. In order to strategically control the whole area of the village, they entered the girls' school, breaking the school's windows and doors
* Shops and businesses were closed during the curfew and people could not get to work, depriving the people of Ni'lin from their much-needed income
* Three journalists were detained for several hours while trying to report on the situation of Ni'lin.
The Ni'lin people are calling for local, regional, and international support to sustain solidarity with the village. This support is very much needed. The Popular Committee would also like to take this opportunity to thank everybody who participated in the demonstrations and for all the efforts individuals have put into advocating for Ni'lin, contacting political representatives, and drawing worldwide media attention. We cannot express enough our feelings of deep gratitude for all of these efforts and the coming efforts too!
This Thursday, 10th of July 2008, a monumental protest is organized for the 4th anniversary of the ruling on the Wall of the International Court of Justice. The protest will start at 11 am in front of the municipality of Ni'lin. We will leave Ramallah at 9.30 am from the bus station behind Ziryab. Please confirm your attendance by contacting Hindi: 0599 83 98 43. He is also available for questions regarding the protest or for more information regarding the situation in Ni'lin.
For online information, please refer to the following links here and here.
Israeli army shuts Palestinian shops and schools - 09 Jul 08
Israeli army shuts Palestinian shops and schools - 09 Jul 08:
"The Israeli army has raided City Hall in the West Bank town of Nablus, as part of a crackdown on organizations it says are linked to Hamas.
Troops have been shutting down schools, shops and charities as part of a campaign that the Palestinian prime minister says is badly undermining his government."
IOF troops storm charitable societies in Nablus
08/07/2008 04:28 PM
08/07/2008 - 08:46 PM
"The Israeli army has raided City Hall in the West Bank town of Nablus, as part of a crackdown on organizations it says are linked to Hamas.
Troops have been shutting down schools, shops and charities as part of a campaign that the Palestinian prime minister says is badly undermining his government."
IOF troops storm charitable societies in Nablus
08/07/2008 04:28 PM
NABLUS, (PIC)-- The IOF troops stormed at an early hour Tuesday a number of charitable societies including the Nafha society for the defence of human and prisoners' rights and confiscated their contents and funds in the Nablus city.
Palestinian local sources reported that the IOF troops handed closure notices to the raided societies at the pretext that they are affiliated with Hamas and support it financially.
The invading troops broke into and ransacked the Islamic school for girls in the Rafidia area and confiscated all its contents as well as a number of buildings and a shopping mall in the same area. They also stormed a mosque in the Askar refugee camp and confiscated Qur'an books, according to the sources.
In another context, the IOF troops broke into and ransacked on the same day the headquarters of Al-Bireh municipality, central West Bank, in addition to the offices of the Islamic labor union in Ramallah.
Sheikh Jamal Al-Taweel, the mayor of Al-Bireh city, told the PIC reporter that the IOF troops stole computers and files, and sabotaged the offices, adding that the municipality provides public services to the citizens and such Israeli acts are intended primarily to prompt the citizens to leave the city through tampering with their interests.
Palestinian eyewitnesses said that a large number of IOF troops boarding more than 20 Israeli military vehicles cordoned off at dawn the four-story municipal building and after they detained the janitor, they started to rummage through the offices and smash the furniture.
The eyewitnesses added the IOF troops loaded their cars with documents, files, computers and everything belonging to citizens and drove off.
The IOF troops also raided the headquarters of the Islamic labor union on the Quds street in Ramallah and confiscated all its contents.
Israeli media outlets reported that the IOF troops kidnapped at dawn Tuesday nine Palestinians during raids in the villages of Nahalin and Beit Fujjar in Bethlehem, the Abu Dis town in eastern occupied Jerusalem and the Halhul city in Al-Khalil, and took them to interrogation centers.
In another context, Palestinian farmers from villages in Ramallah warned that suspicious people offered them exorbitant amounts of money to buy their lands, but they refused.
The farmers expressed their fears that these people could be brokers intending to purchase Palestinian lands for Israeli settlers.
Hamas deplores Israel and PA for targeting private and public services in WB
08/07/2008 - 08:46 PM
NABLUS, (PIC)-- The Hamas Movement strongly denounced Tuesday the fierce campaigns waged jointly by the IOF troops and the PA security apparatuses against the Palestinian citizens which targeted their means of livelihood and private and public services in the West Bank, describing the situation there as extremely serious.
Hamas considered the raids on medical centers, charities, clubs, shopping malls, stores and other service institutions in the Nablus city a serious and clear indication that the Israeli occupation is persistent in harming the Palestinian people under many flimsy and silly pretexts.
Hamas questioned the position of the PA negotiators towards the IOF troops' assaults that happened today on civil and public places and their closure of many buildings including a shopping mall in the West Bank, saying that the PA silence towards such acts proves to the Palestinian citizen that there are complementary roles between the PA leadership and Israel aimed at weakening the Palestinian community and pushing it into begging aid from PA-affiliated channels.
Hamas called on human rights organizations and media outlets to go to Nablus to expose to the local and international public opinion the level of criminality which targeted private and public property.
Solidarity demo - Budrus to Ni'lin - 7-7-08
Solidarity demo - Budrus to Ni'lin - 7-7-08:
"March from Budrus to Ni'lin 7-7-2008
In solidarity with the people of Ni'lin Village
The Village has been kept under curfew for the fourth day."
"The village of Ni'alin, which is located in the Ramallah district, has for more than a month now been leading an intense struggle against the de-facto appropriation of 2,500 of its 7,000 dunams of land by the 'separation fence'. The route of the fence in this area, much like the famous case of Bil'in, has been planned in such a way that would allow the near by illegal settlement of Hashmonaim to expand on lands that will be 'left behind' the fence.
The villagers, who refuse to accept this, hold three-four demonstrations a week, marching towards the construction site and the settlement, in many cases successfully forcing a halt of construction.
The army, however, is responding with growing ferocity. According to the army spokesperson, an entire regiment was relocated to guard the construction, and these soldiers use brutal force against the unarmed demonstrators. On Friday the village was put under a ten-day siege, and residents were informed it was a punishment for the demonstrations. During the weekend an attempt was made to enforce a curfew on the village, but the villagers' active resistance changed the army's plans."
Four years ago today, the International Court of Justice (ICJ) declared the Israeli wall illegal:
Advisory Opinion of 9 July 2004
INTERNATIONAL COURT OF JUSTICE
SUMMARY 2004/2
Legal Consequences of the Construction of a Wall
in the Occupied Palestinian Territory
(Request for advisory opinion)
History of the proceedings (paras. 1‑12)
The Court first recalls that on 10 December 2003 the Secretary‑General of the United Nations officially communicated to the Court the decision taken by the General Assembly to submit the question set forth in its resolution ES‑10/14, adopted on 8 December 2003 at its Tenth Emergency Special Session, for an advisory opinion. The question is the following:
“What are the legal consequences arising from the construction of the wall being built by Israel, the occupying Power, in the Occupied Palestinian Territory, including in and around East Jerusalem, as described in the report of the Secretary‑General, considering the rules and principles of international law, including the Fourth Geneva Convention of 1949, and relevant Security Council and General Assembly resolutions?”
Summary of the Advisory Opinion of 9 July 2004
To reach the ICJ site where you can download the full Summary, please Click here
The full text of the final paragraph (para. 163) reads as follows:
“For these reasons,
The Court,
(1) Unanimously,
Finds that it has jurisdiction to give the advisory opinion requested;
(2) By fourteen votes to one,
Decides to comply with the request for an advisory opinion;
in favour: President Shi; Vice‑President Ranjeva; Judges Guillaume, Koroma, Vereshchetin, Higgins, Parra‑Aranguren, Kooijmans, Rezek, Al‑Khasawneh, Elaraby, Owada, Simma, Tomka;
against: Judge Buergenthal;
(3) Replies in the following manner to the question put by the General Assembly:
A. By fourteen votes to one,
The construction of the wall being built by Israel, the occupying Power, in the Occupied Palestinian Territory, including in and around East Jerusalem, and its associated régime, are contrary to international law;
in favour: President Shi; Vice‑President Ranjeva; Judges Guillaume, Koroma, Vereshchetin, Higgins, Parra‑Aranguren, Kooijmans, Rezek, Al‑Khasawneh, Elaraby, Owada, Simma, Tomka;
against: Judge Buergenthal;
B. By fourteen votes to one,
Israel is under an obligation to terminate its breaches of international law; it is under an obligation to cease forthwith the works of construction of the wall being built in the Occupied Palestinian Territory, including in and around East Jerusalem, to dismantle forthwith the structure therein situated, and to repeal or render ineffective forthwith all legislative and regulatory acts relating thereto, in accordance with paragraph 151 of this Opinion;
in favour: President Shi; Vice‑President Ranjeva; Judges Guillaume, Koroma, Vereshchetin, Higgins, Parra‑Aranguren, Kooijmans, Rezek, Al‑Khasawneh, Elaraby, Owada, Simma, Tomka;
against: Judge Buergenthal;
C. By fourteen votes to one,
Israel is under an obligation to make reparation for all damage caused by the construction of the wall in the Occupied Palestinian Territory, including in and around East Jerusalem;
in favour: President Shi; Vice‑President Ranjeva; Judges Guillaume, Koroma, Vereshchetin, Higgins, Parra‑Aranguren, Kooijmans, Rezek, Al‑Khasawneh, Elaraby, Owada, Simma, Tomka;
against: Judge Buergenthal;
D. By thirteen votes to two,
All States are under an obligation not to recognize the illegal situation resulting from the construction of the wall and not to render aid or assistance in maintaining the situation created by such construction; all States parties to the Fourth Geneva Convention relative to the Protection of Civilian Persons in Time of War of 12 August 1949 have in addition the obligation, while respecting the United Nations Charter and international law, to ensure compliance by Israel with international humanitarian law as embodied in that Convention;
in favour: President Shi; Vice‑President Ranjeva; Judges Guillaume, Koroma, Vereshchetin, Higgins, Parra‑Aranguren, Rezek, Al‑Khasawneh, Elaraby, Owada, Simma, Tomka;
against: Judges Kooijmans, Buergenthal;
E. By fourteen votes to one,
The United Nations, and especially the General Assembly and the Security Council, should consider what further action is required to bring to an end the illegal situation resulting from the construction of the wall and the associated régime, taking due account of the present Advisory Opinion.
in favour: President Shi; Vice‑President Ranjeva; Judges Guillaume, Koroma, Vereshchetin, Higgins, Parra‑Aranguren, Kooijmans, Rezek, Al‑Khasawneh, Elaraby, Owada, Simma, Tomka;
against: Judge Buergenthal.”
"March from Budrus to Ni'lin 7-7-2008
In solidarity with the people of Ni'lin Village
The Village has been kept under curfew for the fourth day."
"The village of Ni'alin, which is located in the Ramallah district, has for more than a month now been leading an intense struggle against the de-facto appropriation of 2,500 of its 7,000 dunams of land by the 'separation fence'. The route of the fence in this area, much like the famous case of Bil'in, has been planned in such a way that would allow the near by illegal settlement of Hashmonaim to expand on lands that will be 'left behind' the fence.
The villagers, who refuse to accept this, hold three-four demonstrations a week, marching towards the construction site and the settlement, in many cases successfully forcing a halt of construction.
The army, however, is responding with growing ferocity. According to the army spokesperson, an entire regiment was relocated to guard the construction, and these soldiers use brutal force against the unarmed demonstrators. On Friday the village was put under a ten-day siege, and residents were informed it was a punishment for the demonstrations. During the weekend an attempt was made to enforce a curfew on the village, but the villagers' active resistance changed the army's plans."
Four years ago today, the International Court of Justice (ICJ) declared the Israeli wall illegal:
Advisory Opinion of 9 July 2004
INTERNATIONAL COURT OF JUSTICE
SUMMARY 2004/2
Legal Consequences of the Construction of a Wall
in the Occupied Palestinian Territory
(Request for advisory opinion)
History of the proceedings (paras. 1‑12)
The Court first recalls that on 10 December 2003 the Secretary‑General of the United Nations officially communicated to the Court the decision taken by the General Assembly to submit the question set forth in its resolution ES‑10/14, adopted on 8 December 2003 at its Tenth Emergency Special Session, for an advisory opinion. The question is the following:
“What are the legal consequences arising from the construction of the wall being built by Israel, the occupying Power, in the Occupied Palestinian Territory, including in and around East Jerusalem, as described in the report of the Secretary‑General, considering the rules and principles of international law, including the Fourth Geneva Convention of 1949, and relevant Security Council and General Assembly resolutions?”
Summary of the Advisory Opinion of 9 July 2004
To reach the ICJ site where you can download the full Summary, please Click here
The full text of the final paragraph (para. 163) reads as follows:
“For these reasons,
The Court,
(1) Unanimously,
Finds that it has jurisdiction to give the advisory opinion requested;
(2) By fourteen votes to one,
Decides to comply with the request for an advisory opinion;
in favour: President Shi; Vice‑President Ranjeva; Judges Guillaume, Koroma, Vereshchetin, Higgins, Parra‑Aranguren, Kooijmans, Rezek, Al‑Khasawneh, Elaraby, Owada, Simma, Tomka;
against: Judge Buergenthal;
(3) Replies in the following manner to the question put by the General Assembly:
A. By fourteen votes to one,
The construction of the wall being built by Israel, the occupying Power, in the Occupied Palestinian Territory, including in and around East Jerusalem, and its associated régime, are contrary to international law;
in favour: President Shi; Vice‑President Ranjeva; Judges Guillaume, Koroma, Vereshchetin, Higgins, Parra‑Aranguren, Kooijmans, Rezek, Al‑Khasawneh, Elaraby, Owada, Simma, Tomka;
against: Judge Buergenthal;
B. By fourteen votes to one,
Israel is under an obligation to terminate its breaches of international law; it is under an obligation to cease forthwith the works of construction of the wall being built in the Occupied Palestinian Territory, including in and around East Jerusalem, to dismantle forthwith the structure therein situated, and to repeal or render ineffective forthwith all legislative and regulatory acts relating thereto, in accordance with paragraph 151 of this Opinion;
in favour: President Shi; Vice‑President Ranjeva; Judges Guillaume, Koroma, Vereshchetin, Higgins, Parra‑Aranguren, Kooijmans, Rezek, Al‑Khasawneh, Elaraby, Owada, Simma, Tomka;
against: Judge Buergenthal;
C. By fourteen votes to one,
Israel is under an obligation to make reparation for all damage caused by the construction of the wall in the Occupied Palestinian Territory, including in and around East Jerusalem;
in favour: President Shi; Vice‑President Ranjeva; Judges Guillaume, Koroma, Vereshchetin, Higgins, Parra‑Aranguren, Kooijmans, Rezek, Al‑Khasawneh, Elaraby, Owada, Simma, Tomka;
against: Judge Buergenthal;
D. By thirteen votes to two,
All States are under an obligation not to recognize the illegal situation resulting from the construction of the wall and not to render aid or assistance in maintaining the situation created by such construction; all States parties to the Fourth Geneva Convention relative to the Protection of Civilian Persons in Time of War of 12 August 1949 have in addition the obligation, while respecting the United Nations Charter and international law, to ensure compliance by Israel with international humanitarian law as embodied in that Convention;
in favour: President Shi; Vice‑President Ranjeva; Judges Guillaume, Koroma, Vereshchetin, Higgins, Parra‑Aranguren, Rezek, Al‑Khasawneh, Elaraby, Owada, Simma, Tomka;
against: Judges Kooijmans, Buergenthal;
E. By fourteen votes to one,
The United Nations, and especially the General Assembly and the Security Council, should consider what further action is required to bring to an end the illegal situation resulting from the construction of the wall and the associated régime, taking due account of the present Advisory Opinion.
in favour: President Shi; Vice‑President Ranjeva; Judges Guillaume, Koroma, Vereshchetin, Higgins, Parra‑Aranguren, Kooijmans, Rezek, Al‑Khasawneh, Elaraby, Owada, Simma, Tomka;
against: Judge Buergenthal.”
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