13 feb 2008
Ma'an exclusive - new initiative for ceasfire between Palestinians and Israelis in Gaza
Muhammad Al-'Awawi- Ma'an has obtained a copy of an unprecedented document that includes an initiative for a ceasefire in Gaza between Palestinians and the Israelis with an agreement to lift the Israeli siege of Gaza in exchange for a halt to the firing of rockets towards Israel.
Journalist Khaled Al-Amayra, who prepared the initiative told Ma'an, "the initiative is still being studied by the concerned parties and the ball is now in Israeli Prime Minister Ehud Olmert's court, after the leaders of Hamas, both in Gaza and in exile, agreed to the terms of the initiative."
Al-Amayra said that he initiated this agreement as an independent Islamic personality that does not belong to any party, after he attained the agreement of Rabbi Manahem Fruman, who assured him that many of the Rabbis and some ex-Israeli politicians, including former Defense Minister Amir Peretz, and many authors and journalists support this initiative. Al-Amayra also stressed that top Hamas leaders in exile and the de facto government in Gaza know about the initiative and accept it without any reservation.
"One of the main things that Israel must adhere to in the initiative is an immediate cancellation of all punishments imposed on Gaza and to stop all aggressive actions, especially assassinations, ambushes and airstrikes. The Palestinian authorities in Gaza, on the other hand, will have to make a pledge to stop all kinds of attacks against Israel and to enforce a ceasefire and take responsibility for any violation of this agreement," Al-Amayra added.
Al-Amayra also asserted that this initiative poses a "challenge" to the Israeli government because it uses Al-Qassam rockets as an excuse to attack the Gaza Strip. He is convinced though that Israel will agree to its terms.
Deposed Palestinian Prime Minister Ismail Haniyeh had previously expressed his readiness to study any suggestion or initiative that could put an end to the Israeli aggression against the Gaza Strip.
Haniyeh had also pointed out in a press conference that the road to security and a just peace is known to all parties. "Let the occupier leave, let the aggression stop and let there be recognition of our people's right to their land. Then there will be no reason to continue with the status quo," Haniyeh said.
As for any connection between the initiative and the deal to exchange the captured Israeli soldier Gilad Shalit for a number of Palestinian prisoners, Al Amayra expressed his hopes for the initiative to be a catalyst for the exchange deal. In addition, he hopes that this initiative will reunite the Gaza Strip and the West Bank.
He also said he hopes that Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas will embrace the initiative because it is in the interests of the Palestinian people and their just cause.
The following is the text of the proposed ceasefire agreement:
Subject: General outlines of a prospective Hudna or Truce between the government of Israel and the Palestinian Authorities in Gaza
Date: January, 2008
Pursuant to this agreement, Israel and the Palestinian authorities in Gaza shall carry out the following obligations:
I- Israeli obligations
1-Terminate and immediately lift all sanctions against the Gaza Strip. This includes the following:
a - Allowing normal economic activities between Gaza and the outside world.
b - Re-opening all border crossings between Gaza and the outside world, including allowing normal travel movement as well as the flow of goods and services from and to the Strip.
c - Israel shall refrain from using security pretexts to harass, punish Gaza or re-impose sanctions, partially or fully.
d - Israel shall move immediately to terminate the financial blockade on the Gaza Strip and allow normal financial transactions between the Gaza Strip and the outside world.
2 - Israel shall immediately cease all hostilities against the Gaza Strip, including the following:
a - Cessation of all targeted killings and ambush, cessation of all aerial bombings, cessation of all incursions into Gaza, cessation of all arrests, detentions and hounding of Palestinians in the Gaza Strip.
II - Palestinian obligations:
The Authorities in the Gaza Strip would undertake to put an end to all attacks of any kind against Israel. This includes the following:
a - An immediate cessation of all attacks and firings of projectiles against Israel.
b - The authorities in the Gaza Strip undertake to impose a ceasefire on all groups and factions and individuals operating within the Gaza Strip.
c - The authorities in the Gaza Strip shall be held responsible for violations.
III-Verification:
The implementation of this agreement can be monitored and verified by a third party, subject to mutual consent.
IV- The agreement must be approved by the Palestinian Authority leadership in Ramallah, preferably by Mahmoud Abbas, Abu Mazen.
Journalist Khaled Al-Amayra, who prepared the initiative told Ma'an, "the initiative is still being studied by the concerned parties and the ball is now in Israeli Prime Minister Ehud Olmert's court, after the leaders of Hamas, both in Gaza and in exile, agreed to the terms of the initiative."
Al-Amayra said that he initiated this agreement as an independent Islamic personality that does not belong to any party, after he attained the agreement of Rabbi Manahem Fruman, who assured him that many of the Rabbis and some ex-Israeli politicians, including former Defense Minister Amir Peretz, and many authors and journalists support this initiative. Al-Amayra also stressed that top Hamas leaders in exile and the de facto government in Gaza know about the initiative and accept it without any reservation.
"One of the main things that Israel must adhere to in the initiative is an immediate cancellation of all punishments imposed on Gaza and to stop all aggressive actions, especially assassinations, ambushes and airstrikes. The Palestinian authorities in Gaza, on the other hand, will have to make a pledge to stop all kinds of attacks against Israel and to enforce a ceasefire and take responsibility for any violation of this agreement," Al-Amayra added.
Al-Amayra also asserted that this initiative poses a "challenge" to the Israeli government because it uses Al-Qassam rockets as an excuse to attack the Gaza Strip. He is convinced though that Israel will agree to its terms.
Deposed Palestinian Prime Minister Ismail Haniyeh had previously expressed his readiness to study any suggestion or initiative that could put an end to the Israeli aggression against the Gaza Strip.
Haniyeh had also pointed out in a press conference that the road to security and a just peace is known to all parties. "Let the occupier leave, let the aggression stop and let there be recognition of our people's right to their land. Then there will be no reason to continue with the status quo," Haniyeh said.
As for any connection between the initiative and the deal to exchange the captured Israeli soldier Gilad Shalit for a number of Palestinian prisoners, Al Amayra expressed his hopes for the initiative to be a catalyst for the exchange deal. In addition, he hopes that this initiative will reunite the Gaza Strip and the West Bank.
He also said he hopes that Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas will embrace the initiative because it is in the interests of the Palestinian people and their just cause.
The following is the text of the proposed ceasefire agreement:
Subject: General outlines of a prospective Hudna or Truce between the government of Israel and the Palestinian Authorities in Gaza
Date: January, 2008
Pursuant to this agreement, Israel and the Palestinian authorities in Gaza shall carry out the following obligations:
I- Israeli obligations
1-Terminate and immediately lift all sanctions against the Gaza Strip. This includes the following:
a - Allowing normal economic activities between Gaza and the outside world.
b - Re-opening all border crossings between Gaza and the outside world, including allowing normal travel movement as well as the flow of goods and services from and to the Strip.
c - Israel shall refrain from using security pretexts to harass, punish Gaza or re-impose sanctions, partially or fully.
d - Israel shall move immediately to terminate the financial blockade on the Gaza Strip and allow normal financial transactions between the Gaza Strip and the outside world.
2 - Israel shall immediately cease all hostilities against the Gaza Strip, including the following:
a - Cessation of all targeted killings and ambush, cessation of all aerial bombings, cessation of all incursions into Gaza, cessation of all arrests, detentions and hounding of Palestinians in the Gaza Strip.
II - Palestinian obligations:
The Authorities in the Gaza Strip would undertake to put an end to all attacks of any kind against Israel. This includes the following:
a - An immediate cessation of all attacks and firings of projectiles against Israel.
b - The authorities in the Gaza Strip undertake to impose a ceasefire on all groups and factions and individuals operating within the Gaza Strip.
c - The authorities in the Gaza Strip shall be held responsible for violations.
III-Verification:
The implementation of this agreement can be monitored and verified by a third party, subject to mutual consent.
IV- The agreement must be approved by the Palestinian Authority leadership in Ramallah, preferably by Mahmoud Abbas, Abu Mazen.
Israeli forces kill 2 Palestinians from commando cell
Two days ago Israeli forces killed two Palestinians, believed to be part of a commando cell, on the border with Egypt, credible sources told Ma'an.
The men are alleged to have been part of a group of fighters that came from Gaza to the Israeli-Egyptian borders through the Sinai desert and were caught in an Israeli army ambush.
The sources added that the premature announcement of the identities of the alleged Dimona bombers alerted Israeli security forces to the existence of another cell that was on its way from Gaza. After this information was revealed, the Israeli security forces on the border with Egypt went on high alert and were able to detect the armed men and to ambush them.
Ma'an also learned that their bodies were left at the scene of the ambush, on the Egyptian side of the border after the Israeli special force refused to bring them into the Israeli territories, according to the rules of engagement in these cases.
The men are alleged to have been part of a group of fighters that came from Gaza to the Israeli-Egyptian borders through the Sinai desert and were caught in an Israeli army ambush.
The sources added that the premature announcement of the identities of the alleged Dimona bombers alerted Israeli security forces to the existence of another cell that was on its way from Gaza. After this information was revealed, the Israeli security forces on the border with Egypt went on high alert and were able to detect the armed men and to ambush them.
Ma'an also learned that their bodies were left at the scene of the ambush, on the Egyptian side of the border after the Israeli special force refused to bring them into the Israeli territories, according to the rules of engagement in these cases.
Hezbollah accuses Israel of assassinating senior Hezbollah leader Imad Mughniyya; Knesset members congratulate Olmert
Hezbollah Chief Imad Mughniyya
After a 20-year pursuit, the Israeli intelligence services assassinated Hezbollah's military chief, Imad Mughniyya, blowing up his Mitsubishi jeep in Damascus, Hezbollah officially announced on their satellite channel, Al-Manar.
A booby-trapped car exploded in the Syrian capital on Tuesday evening killing Mughniyya and injuring another man, witnesses said. They added, "We saw security officials pulling out a corpse from the area."
Another eyewitness said, "Dozens of police and intelligence officers hurried to the place. People panicked because we were not used to such things in Syria."
The bombing took place in an upscale Damascus neighborhood, near an Iranian school and a Syrian police and intelligence station.
Who is Imad Mughniyya?
Known by his nom de guerre, Hajj Radwan, the Hezbollah leader was born into a Palestinian family in 1962. According to the CIA, he was one of Yasser Arafat's body guards, and was one of the masterminds of the bombing of a French military base in Balabak, in Lebanon, and the bombing of the US embassy in Beirut in 1982. He was allegedly the architect of the blast at the Iraqi embassy in Beirut in 1985.
Mughniyya was also accused, along with Hasan Iz Addin and Ali Uteiwi, of hijacking of a TWA passenger jet in 1985.
Though not well-known to the public, the CIA believed he was Hezbollah's military leader. The US government offered a 5 million US dollar reward for information about him. The reward was increased to 25 million after the September 11 attacks in 2001. He was considered, by US intelligence, one of the 22 "most wanted" people in the world.
Meanwhile the Israeli Knesset witnessed an unprecedented event when members of the Knesset rushed to Israeli Prime Minister Ehud Olmert to congratulate him upon his arrival to the main hall after Mughniyya's death was announced. The Prime Minister's reasons for being at the Knesset at that time were unclear.
Knesset protocol dictates that at least 50 members of the Knesset must ask for Olmert's attendance for him to come to the main hall. In other cases, the Prime Minister appears when heated debates are taking place inside the Knesset.
This time, however, the Prime Minister appeared in the Knesset as soon as it was announced that Mughniyya had been killed. Many Knesset members, including members of the Likud party, lined up and started shaking his hand and congratulating him one after the other. Some even asked him to extend their congratulations to the Mosad Chief Meir Dagan. Olmert appeared comfortable with a smile on his face. However, he refused to either deny or admit that Israel was behind the assassination.
After a 20-year pursuit, the Israeli intelligence services assassinated Hezbollah's military chief, Imad Mughniyya, blowing up his Mitsubishi jeep in Damascus, Hezbollah officially announced on their satellite channel, Al-Manar.
A booby-trapped car exploded in the Syrian capital on Tuesday evening killing Mughniyya and injuring another man, witnesses said. They added, "We saw security officials pulling out a corpse from the area."
Another eyewitness said, "Dozens of police and intelligence officers hurried to the place. People panicked because we were not used to such things in Syria."
The bombing took place in an upscale Damascus neighborhood, near an Iranian school and a Syrian police and intelligence station.
Who is Imad Mughniyya?
Known by his nom de guerre, Hajj Radwan, the Hezbollah leader was born into a Palestinian family in 1962. According to the CIA, he was one of Yasser Arafat's body guards, and was one of the masterminds of the bombing of a French military base in Balabak, in Lebanon, and the bombing of the US embassy in Beirut in 1982. He was allegedly the architect of the blast at the Iraqi embassy in Beirut in 1985.
Mughniyya was also accused, along with Hasan Iz Addin and Ali Uteiwi, of hijacking of a TWA passenger jet in 1985.
Though not well-known to the public, the CIA believed he was Hezbollah's military leader. The US government offered a 5 million US dollar reward for information about him. The reward was increased to 25 million after the September 11 attacks in 2001. He was considered, by US intelligence, one of the 22 "most wanted" people in the world.
Meanwhile the Israeli Knesset witnessed an unprecedented event when members of the Knesset rushed to Israeli Prime Minister Ehud Olmert to congratulate him upon his arrival to the main hall after Mughniyya's death was announced. The Prime Minister's reasons for being at the Knesset at that time were unclear.
Knesset protocol dictates that at least 50 members of the Knesset must ask for Olmert's attendance for him to come to the main hall. In other cases, the Prime Minister appears when heated debates are taking place inside the Knesset.
This time, however, the Prime Minister appeared in the Knesset as soon as it was announced that Mughniyya had been killed. Many Knesset members, including members of the Likud party, lined up and started shaking his hand and congratulating him one after the other. Some even asked him to extend their congratulations to the Mosad Chief Meir Dagan. Olmert appeared comfortable with a smile on his face. However, he refused to either deny or admit that Israel was behind the assassination.
Israeli tanks re-enter southern Gaza; DFLP fighter wounded in earlier incursion
Israeli military vehicles re-entered the southern Gaza Strip on Wednesday morning, hours after an earlier incursion on Tuesday night that wounded one Palestinian fighter.
Witnesses said five Israeli tanks have positioned themselves near the abandoned Yasser Arafat International Airport near Rafah.
The military wing of Hamas claimed to have fired several mortar shells at the invading tanks, who are still in the area at the time of writing.
On Tuesday night, the military wing of the Democratic Front for the Liberation of Palestine (DFLP), the National Resistance Brigades, said that one of their fighters was injured while fighting undercover Israeli forces near the airport.
They said in a statement that a group of their fighters confronted the invading forces using machineguns and grenades.
Witnesses said five Israeli tanks have positioned themselves near the abandoned Yasser Arafat International Airport near Rafah.
The military wing of Hamas claimed to have fired several mortar shells at the invading tanks, who are still in the area at the time of writing.
On Tuesday night, the military wing of the Democratic Front for the Liberation of Palestine (DFLP), the National Resistance Brigades, said that one of their fighters was injured while fighting undercover Israeli forces near the airport.
They said in a statement that a group of their fighters confronted the invading forces using machineguns and grenades.
An-Nasser Salah Addin Brigades shell invading Israeli forces
The military wing of the Popular Resistance Committees, the An-Nasser Salah Addin Brigades claimed that their fighters launched five mortar shells at Israeli military vehicles east of Jabalia refugee camp in the northern Gaza Strip on Wednesday.
Separately, Fatah's armed wing, the Al-Aqsa Brigades, claimed responsibility on Tuesday night for launching two mortar shells at Israeli military vehicles east of Gaza City.
They said in a statement that the shelling came in response to the Israeli incursions into Gaza.
Meanwhile the military wing of the Democratic Front for the Liberation of Palestine (DFLP) claimed responsibility on Wednesday for launching a homemade projectile at the Israeli military post at Sufa.
They said in a statement that the shelling came in retaliation for the Israeli siege on the Gaza Strip.
Separately, Fatah's armed wing, the Al-Aqsa Brigades, claimed responsibility on Tuesday night for launching two mortar shells at Israeli military vehicles east of Gaza City.
They said in a statement that the shelling came in response to the Israeli incursions into Gaza.
Meanwhile the military wing of the Democratic Front for the Liberation of Palestine (DFLP) claimed responsibility on Wednesday for launching a homemade projectile at the Israeli military post at Sufa.
They said in a statement that the shelling came in retaliation for the Israeli siege on the Gaza Strip.
Negotiating team chief Qurei': East Jerusalem settlement expansion is aggression
Al-Quds Brigades claim projectile attack on Ashkelon
Al-Quds Brigades fire at Israeli settlement near Tulkarem
Tulkarem locked down for sixth day by Israeli military
Israeli forces seize 56 Palestinians in the West Bank
Al-Quds Brigades claim projectile attack on Ashkelon
Al-Quds Brigades fire at Israeli settlement near Tulkarem
Tulkarem locked down for sixth day by Israeli military
Israeli forces seize 56 Palestinians in the West Bank
12 feb 2008
Ma'an Exclusive: Haniyeh ignores Israeli death threats, goes about "daily life as usual"
Haniyeh playing football
The Hamas-run de facto government in the Gaza Strip says that Prime Minister Isma'il Haniyeh will ignore Israeli assassination threats and will go about is daily life as normal.
A Hamas government spokesperson said standard security measures would be in place to protect Haniyeh's life. However, Reports that Haniyeh had gone into hiding, spokesperson Tahir An-Nunu said, are no more than"distasteful Israeli jokes."
"That was incorrect. He did not go into hiding, neither did he run away. Haniyeh did not panic, and he practices his daily life as usual," An-Nunu added.
Asked about reports that Haniyeh moved to a new house, An-Nunu said only that Hamas has taken security precautions, but not to the degree of sending its leaders into hiding.
Hamas spokesperson Isma'il Radwan also commented on the Israeli news. He said, smilingly, "Here we are answering calls on cell phones; we have not disappeared."
He said, "We will not disappear, and resistance will continue as the occupation's leaders should realize that Hamas' leaders believe that it is only God who decides when we die, and after all we are willing to die as martyrs."
"The intensive security measures are meant to avoid the occupation's plots to hit Hamas' leaders, and if they do so, a volcano will erupt in their faces," Radwan added.
He said that the 2004 assassination of Hamas founder Sheikh Ahmad Yasin did not cause Hamas to collapse.
The Hamas-run de facto government in the Gaza Strip says that Prime Minister Isma'il Haniyeh will ignore Israeli assassination threats and will go about is daily life as normal.
A Hamas government spokesperson said standard security measures would be in place to protect Haniyeh's life. However, Reports that Haniyeh had gone into hiding, spokesperson Tahir An-Nunu said, are no more than"distasteful Israeli jokes."
"That was incorrect. He did not go into hiding, neither did he run away. Haniyeh did not panic, and he practices his daily life as usual," An-Nunu added.
Asked about reports that Haniyeh moved to a new house, An-Nunu said only that Hamas has taken security precautions, but not to the degree of sending its leaders into hiding.
Hamas spokesperson Isma'il Radwan also commented on the Israeli news. He said, smilingly, "Here we are answering calls on cell phones; we have not disappeared."
He said, "We will not disappear, and resistance will continue as the occupation's leaders should realize that Hamas' leaders believe that it is only God who decides when we die, and after all we are willing to die as martyrs."
"The intensive security measures are meant to avoid the occupation's plots to hit Hamas' leaders, and if they do so, a volcano will erupt in their faces," Radwan added.
He said that the 2004 assassination of Hamas founder Sheikh Ahmad Yasin did not cause Hamas to collapse.
Israeli forces raid money changers' shops in the West Bank confiscating NIS 3 million
The Israeli military attacked money changers in several West Bank cities on Tueday, closing shops and confiscating large sums of money, Israeli and Palestinian sources said.
Israeli sources said that the Israeli army and Civil Administration confiscated several pistols during the operation. They added that NIS 3 million have been confiscated from money changers in Jenin, Tulkarem and Nablus in the northern West Bank as well as Hebron in the south.
In Jenin, more than 15 Israeli military vehicles raided the city and ransacked several homes belonging to Palestinian money changers. They also confiscated private documents.
Ma'an's reporter in Tulkarem that Israeli forces entered the city at 2:00am, stormed a money changer's shop called "Beit Al-Maqdis" and confiscated its contents.
The soldiers told the family that the shop would be closed for 6 months. The owner of the shop, 50-year-old Abu Kazim Awad, has been detained in Israeli jail for 11 months on charges of transferring money to anti-Israel entities.
Israeli sources said that the Israeli army and Civil Administration confiscated several pistols during the operation. They added that NIS 3 million have been confiscated from money changers in Jenin, Tulkarem and Nablus in the northern West Bank as well as Hebron in the south.
In Jenin, more than 15 Israeli military vehicles raided the city and ransacked several homes belonging to Palestinian money changers. They also confiscated private documents.
Ma'an's reporter in Tulkarem that Israeli forces entered the city at 2:00am, stormed a money changer's shop called "Beit Al-Maqdis" and confiscated its contents.
The soldiers told the family that the shop would be closed for 6 months. The owner of the shop, 50-year-old Abu Kazim Awad, has been detained in Israeli jail for 11 months on charges of transferring money to anti-Israel entities.
Two Palestinian fighters, one Israeli soldier injured after fierce fighting in Gaza
Palestinian fighters plant a roadside bomb
Israeli military tanks invaded eastern Gaza City early on Tuesday morning and withdrew after hours of fierce clashes with Palestinian resistance fighters.
Palestinian sources told our correspondent that an undercover Israeli force attempted to enter Gaza City through the Zaytoun neighborhood after midnight, yet Palestinian activists clashed with the invading force.
Muawiya Hassanain, the director of ambulance and emergency services in the Palestinian Health Ministry said that two Palestinian fighters have been injured, and were treated on the spot.
Israeli sources announced that an Israeli soldier was slightly injured in clashes with Palestinian activists east of Gaza City. He was evacuated to Soroka hospital in Beer Sheva.
The military wing of Hamas, the Al-Qassam Brigades claimed responsibility for firing 73 mortar shells at the invading Israeli forces as well as planting landmines on the roads.
Islamic Jihad's military wing, the Al-Quds Brigades, said their fighters clashed with the Israeli forces and launched five mortar shells.
Israeli military tanks invaded eastern Gaza City early on Tuesday morning and withdrew after hours of fierce clashes with Palestinian resistance fighters.
Palestinian sources told our correspondent that an undercover Israeli force attempted to enter Gaza City through the Zaytoun neighborhood after midnight, yet Palestinian activists clashed with the invading force.
Muawiya Hassanain, the director of ambulance and emergency services in the Palestinian Health Ministry said that two Palestinian fighters have been injured, and were treated on the spot.
Israeli sources announced that an Israeli soldier was slightly injured in clashes with Palestinian activists east of Gaza City. He was evacuated to Soroka hospital in Beer Sheva.
The military wing of Hamas, the Al-Qassam Brigades claimed responsibility for firing 73 mortar shells at the invading Israeli forces as well as planting landmines on the roads.
Islamic Jihad's military wing, the Al-Quds Brigades, said their fighters clashed with the Israeli forces and launched five mortar shells.
India condemns Israeli aggression in West Bank and Gaza
Israel has escalated attacks on the Gaza Strip over the last month
The government of India condemned what it views as "Israeli aggressive actions against the Palestinians" on Tuesday.
India's official government spokesperson said: "India has followed recent events in Gaza and the West Bank with deep concern and anguish. The misery and hardship faced by the people of Palestine, especially in the Gaza Strip, is deplorable. India condemns the use of force on the civilian population of Palestine and calls upon all sides, including Israel, to exercise restraint."
The statement also praised "recent moves by the Egyptian Government to address humanitarian needs through dialogue including among the Palestinian groups."
Rival Palestinian leaders from Hamas and Fatah traveled to the Egyptian capital, Cairo, in early February to discuss a resolution to the crisis at the border been Egypt and the Hamas-controlled Gaza Strip.
The government of the Hindu-nationalist Bharatiya Janata Party recognized Israel in 1992. In 2003, Ariel Sharon became the first Israeli prime minister to visit India, as part of an effort to recruit India as an ally against a perceived threat from majority Muslim countries.
PLO chief negotiator calls for immediate Palestinian-Israeli ceasefire
The Chief Negotiator of the Palestine Liberation Organization (PLO), Saeb Erekat, called on the international community to exert every possible effort to impose a comprehensive ceasefire between Palestinians and Israelis on Tuesday.
Erekat's call came during a meeting he held with two members of the British House of Commons from the Labour party, John Robertson and John Spellar.
Erekat stressed that Israel's imposition of "facts on the ground" in the form of settlements, especially in East Jerusalem, have become a threat to efforts to make the year 2008 one of peace.
Erekat also reiterated his condemnation to the Israeli military escalation in the West Bank and the Gaza Strip saying that violence leads only to more violence. He went on to say that Israel's continuation to construct settlements and to build the separation Wall as well as arrests and checkpoints will only broaden the cycle of violence.
The government of India condemned what it views as "Israeli aggressive actions against the Palestinians" on Tuesday.
India's official government spokesperson said: "India has followed recent events in Gaza and the West Bank with deep concern and anguish. The misery and hardship faced by the people of Palestine, especially in the Gaza Strip, is deplorable. India condemns the use of force on the civilian population of Palestine and calls upon all sides, including Israel, to exercise restraint."
The statement also praised "recent moves by the Egyptian Government to address humanitarian needs through dialogue including among the Palestinian groups."
Rival Palestinian leaders from Hamas and Fatah traveled to the Egyptian capital, Cairo, in early February to discuss a resolution to the crisis at the border been Egypt and the Hamas-controlled Gaza Strip.
The government of the Hindu-nationalist Bharatiya Janata Party recognized Israel in 1992. In 2003, Ariel Sharon became the first Israeli prime minister to visit India, as part of an effort to recruit India as an ally against a perceived threat from majority Muslim countries.
PLO chief negotiator calls for immediate Palestinian-Israeli ceasefire
The Chief Negotiator of the Palestine Liberation Organization (PLO), Saeb Erekat, called on the international community to exert every possible effort to impose a comprehensive ceasefire between Palestinians and Israelis on Tuesday.
Erekat's call came during a meeting he held with two members of the British House of Commons from the Labour party, John Robertson and John Spellar.
Erekat stressed that Israel's imposition of "facts on the ground" in the form of settlements, especially in East Jerusalem, have become a threat to efforts to make the year 2008 one of peace.
Erekat also reiterated his condemnation to the Israeli military escalation in the West Bank and the Gaza Strip saying that violence leads only to more violence. He went on to say that Israel's continuation to construct settlements and to build the separation Wall as well as arrests and checkpoints will only broaden the cycle of violence.
Olmert: Israel will continue to fight "Palestinian Terrorism"
During a visit to Berlin, Israeli Prime Minister Ehud Olmert, declared on Tuesday that Israel will continue to fight Palestinian terrorists "forcefully and without a let up".
During a joint press conference with German Chancellor Angela Merkel, Olmert stated that "we will continue to fight the terrorists. We will not stop. We will do that by applying relentless force and determination. Israel is absolutely determined to face the challenge of terrorism with all applicable and effective means."
"At the same time we will continue our negotiations with the Palestinian Authority," Olmert added.
In the past week Israel has increased its threats to assassinate Hamas leaders in the Gaza Strip in retaliation for the firing of missiles by Palestinian resistance factions.
German Chancellor Angela Merkel said that "time was running out" for reaching a solution to the Israeli Palestinian conflict.
Merkel stressed that the opportunity that the Anapolis conference provided "should be taken advantage of." She also reiterated Germany's support for a two-state solution.
The German Chancellor also announced that a conference will be held in Germany to train Palestinian security forces. However, she did not specify when this would happen.
"We want to support Tony Blair's efforts as an international Middle East envoy. Blair asked us to prepare a conference to train the Palestinian security forces. We will organize it in Germany," Merkel said.
When asked about Israel's punishments on the besieged Gaza Strip and the deteriorating humanitarian situation, she expressed her support for Olmert, saying "there is no need to talk about more punishments", but "there is, on the other hand, terrorist activities that are being organized (in Gaza) and we must say that clearly."
"I know that the people's situation in Gaza is difficult and, of course, we're trying to do what we can to help. But the simplest answer is in Israel's decision to stop the terrorists' activities," she added.
During a joint press conference with German Chancellor Angela Merkel, Olmert stated that "we will continue to fight the terrorists. We will not stop. We will do that by applying relentless force and determination. Israel is absolutely determined to face the challenge of terrorism with all applicable and effective means."
"At the same time we will continue our negotiations with the Palestinian Authority," Olmert added.
In the past week Israel has increased its threats to assassinate Hamas leaders in the Gaza Strip in retaliation for the firing of missiles by Palestinian resistance factions.
German Chancellor Angela Merkel said that "time was running out" for reaching a solution to the Israeli Palestinian conflict.
Merkel stressed that the opportunity that the Anapolis conference provided "should be taken advantage of." She also reiterated Germany's support for a two-state solution.
The German Chancellor also announced that a conference will be held in Germany to train Palestinian security forces. However, she did not specify when this would happen.
"We want to support Tony Blair's efforts as an international Middle East envoy. Blair asked us to prepare a conference to train the Palestinian security forces. We will organize it in Germany," Merkel said.
When asked about Israel's punishments on the besieged Gaza Strip and the deteriorating humanitarian situation, she expressed her support for Olmert, saying "there is no need to talk about more punishments", but "there is, on the other hand, terrorist activities that are being organized (in Gaza) and we must say that clearly."
"I know that the people's situation in Gaza is difficult and, of course, we're trying to do what we can to help. But the simplest answer is in Israel's decision to stop the terrorists' activities," she added.
Palestinian stabs Israeli soldier at checkpoint
Abu Ali Mustafa Brigades target Israeli military post
Palestinian-Israeli group claims responsibility for drive-by shooting in the Golan Heights
Two Palestinian military groups fire at Israeli targets near Gaza
Abu Ali Mustafa Brigades target Israeli military post
Palestinian-Israeli group claims responsibility for drive-by shooting in the Golan Heights
Two Palestinian military groups fire at Israeli targets near Gaza
11 feb 2008
Palestinian man succumbs to wounds sustained in Israeli attack on Thursday
22-year-old Palestinian Salih Nabhan died on Monday of wounds he sustained during an Israeli air raid on Jabalia refugee camp in the northern Gaza Strip, medical sources said.
Nabhan's two brothers, Saed and Jawdat, were killed in the same airstrike on Thursday.
Muawiya Hassanain, the director of ambulance and emergency services in the Palestinian Health Ministry said that the death toll of Thursday's massacre rose to nine with Nabhan's death.
Hassanain also said that Palestinian medics are searching for the bodies of two other victims in Jabalia. He said that the Israeli Coordination and Liaison Office told the Palestinian emergency and ambulance services that there are still two corpses in the area where attack took place.
At least seven Palestinians were initially killed on Thursday in Israeli attacks on several parts of the Gaza Strip. Among them was a teacher at the Agricultural School in Beit Hanoun, killed by Israeli tank fire.
Nabhan's two brothers, Saed and Jawdat, were killed in the same airstrike on Thursday.
Muawiya Hassanain, the director of ambulance and emergency services in the Palestinian Health Ministry said that the death toll of Thursday's massacre rose to nine with Nabhan's death.
Hassanain also said that Palestinian medics are searching for the bodies of two other victims in Jabalia. He said that the Israeli Coordination and Liaison Office told the Palestinian emergency and ambulance services that there are still two corpses in the area where attack took place.
At least seven Palestinians were initially killed on Thursday in Israeli attacks on several parts of the Gaza Strip. Among them was a teacher at the Agricultural School in Beit Hanoun, killed by Israeli tank fire.
PFLP fighter killed in battle with Israeli forces in Gaza City
PFLP fighter Rami Kareem's funeral
The military wing of the Popular Front for the Liberation of Palestine (PFLP), the Abu Ali Mustafa Brigades, announced on Sunday evening the death of one of their fighters in armed clashes with an Israeli infantry force in eastern Gaza City.
The Brigades named the victim as Rami Kareem from the Zaytoun neighborhood affirming that he was killed after he took part in fierce clashes against an Israeli force.
Muawiya Hassanain, the director of ambulance and emergency services in the Palestinian Health Ministry said the corpse was taken to a hospital. He added that the corpse was riddled with bullets.
Initially, ambulances could not retrieve the corpse due to heavy gunfire in the area.
The Abu Ali Mustafa Brigades and the armed wing of Fatah, the Al-Aqsa Brigades, said that their fighters clashed with Israeli forces in Gaza City firing rocket-propelled grenades.
They added in a statement that the Palestinian resistance has the right to respond to the ongoing Israeli military escalation against the Palestinian people.
The military wing of the Popular Front for the Liberation of Palestine (PFLP), the Abu Ali Mustafa Brigades, announced on Sunday evening the death of one of their fighters in armed clashes with an Israeli infantry force in eastern Gaza City.
The Brigades named the victim as Rami Kareem from the Zaytoun neighborhood affirming that he was killed after he took part in fierce clashes against an Israeli force.
Muawiya Hassanain, the director of ambulance and emergency services in the Palestinian Health Ministry said the corpse was taken to a hospital. He added that the corpse was riddled with bullets.
Initially, ambulances could not retrieve the corpse due to heavy gunfire in the area.
The Abu Ali Mustafa Brigades and the armed wing of Fatah, the Al-Aqsa Brigades, said that their fighters clashed with Israeli forces in Gaza City firing rocket-propelled grenades.
They added in a statement that the Palestinian resistance has the right to respond to the ongoing Israeli military escalation against the Palestinian people.
Hamas' military wing confronts undercover Israeli force in the northern Gaza Strip
Hamas' military wing, the Al-Qassam Brigades, fought Israeli forces in the At-Tuffah neighborhood and Jabalia in the northern Gaza Strip on Monday, the fighters said.
The fighters said they fired fired 25 mortar shells, an explosive device and two homemade projectiles at an undercover Israeli force that invaded the area.
They said in a statement that they will block any Israeli infiltration into the Gaza Strip.
Hamas' military wing, the Al-Qassam Brigades, fought Israeli forces in the At-Tuffah neighborhood and Jabalia in the northern Gaza Strip on Monday, the fighters said.
The fighters said they fired fired 25 mortar shells, an explosive device and two homemade projectiles at an undercover Israeli force that invaded the area.
They said in a statement that they will block any Israeli infiltration into the Gaza Strip.
Israeli forces raid Qalqilia; Azzoun closure continues
Israeli forces raided the northern West Bank city of Qalqilia amidst heavy shooting early on Monday morning.
Palestinian security sources told Ma'an's correspondent that several Israeli military vehicles stormed the city and remained there for more than three hours. No casualties or arrests have been reported.
Meanwhile, Israeli forces continued to impose a curfew on the town of Azzun in the eastern Qalqilia district for the fourth day in a row.
Local sources said that the Israeli soldiers stationed themselves on the top of a water reservoir which commands views over the town's neighbourhoods.
Palestinian security sources told Ma'an's correspondent that several Israeli military vehicles stormed the city and remained there for more than three hours. No casualties or arrests have been reported.
Meanwhile, Israeli forces continued to impose a curfew on the town of Azzun in the eastern Qalqilia district for the fourth day in a row.
Local sources said that the Israeli soldiers stationed themselves on the top of a water reservoir which commands views over the town's neighbourhoods.
Hamas military chief goes into hiding for fear of assassination
Hamas' military chief and other senior Hamas leaders have gone underground this week for fear of assassination by the Israeli military, the Israeli newspaper Yedioth Ahronoth reported on Monday.
Ahmad Al-Ja'bari is believed to be Hamas' number one military leader in the Gaza Strip. Yedioth Ahronoth called him "the chief of staff and the real leader of Hamas' Al-Qassam Brigades, who has the cues for the issue of Gilad Shalit," on Monday.
High ranking Israeli officials have raised the idea of assassinating Hamas' top leaders, including the political leadership, after Palestinian fighters launched a barrage of homemade projectiles into Israel from the Gaza Strip.
Yedioth went on to say that Al-Ja'bari takes orders directly from Hamas political chief Khaled Mash'al in Damascus, bypassing Prime Minister Ismail Haniyeh in Gaza.
Other Palestinian sources in the Gaza Strip described Al-Ja'bari as intransigent and loyal to his "religious extremism."
Al-Ja'bari started his life as a fighter after finishing high school. He first joined a group affiliated to Fatah, and he was detained by the Israeli intelligence services in 1982 before he could undertake any operations. He served 13 years in Israeli jail.
While in prison, Al-Ja'bari joined an Islamic group and refused to stay in the same cell with Fatah-affiliated prisoners. During most of his sentence, he shared a cell with Al-Qassam Brigades leader Salah Shahada who was later assassinated by Israel.
Al-Ja'bari learned Hebrew in jail and after he was released in 1995, he joined Hamas' military wing. In 1998, he was deatined by the Palestinian intelligence services, and freed when the second Palestinian uprising erupted. He became Salah Shahada's aide, and after the latter was assassinated and after the serious injury of Hamas leader, Muhammad Deif, Al-Ja'bari became the top leader of Hamas' military wing.
Ahmad Al-Ja'bari is believed to be Hamas' number one military leader in the Gaza Strip. Yedioth Ahronoth called him "the chief of staff and the real leader of Hamas' Al-Qassam Brigades, who has the cues for the issue of Gilad Shalit," on Monday.
High ranking Israeli officials have raised the idea of assassinating Hamas' top leaders, including the political leadership, after Palestinian fighters launched a barrage of homemade projectiles into Israel from the Gaza Strip.
Yedioth went on to say that Al-Ja'bari takes orders directly from Hamas political chief Khaled Mash'al in Damascus, bypassing Prime Minister Ismail Haniyeh in Gaza.
Other Palestinian sources in the Gaza Strip described Al-Ja'bari as intransigent and loyal to his "religious extremism."
Al-Ja'bari started his life as a fighter after finishing high school. He first joined a group affiliated to Fatah, and he was detained by the Israeli intelligence services in 1982 before he could undertake any operations. He served 13 years in Israeli jail.
While in prison, Al-Ja'bari joined an Islamic group and refused to stay in the same cell with Fatah-affiliated prisoners. During most of his sentence, he shared a cell with Al-Qassam Brigades leader Salah Shahada who was later assassinated by Israel.
Al-Ja'bari learned Hebrew in jail and after he was released in 1995, he joined Hamas' military wing. In 1998, he was deatined by the Palestinian intelligence services, and freed when the second Palestinian uprising erupted. He became Salah Shahada's aide, and after the latter was assassinated and after the serious injury of Hamas leader, Muhammad Deif, Al-Ja'bari became the top leader of Hamas' military wing.
Major Israeli military action looming in Gaza
A major Israeli ground invasion of the Gaza Strip may be inevitable, the Israeli military analyst Ron Ben Yishai wrote on Monday.
Ben Yishai said that the Israeli political leadership seems to have made up their minds, but there is a temporary delay in order to put the military on war footing.
"Sderot residents can pack their protest tents they erected and go back home, because the Israeli political echelon strictly decided to undertake a major ground operation in the Gaza Strip," Ben Yishai said at the beginning of his analysis.
Ben Yishai added in his article that the decision to launch an invasion had been made even before the Winograd report was published, and it was kept secret in order to surprise Hamas as much as possible. According to Ben Yishai, if the Israeli forces succeed in surprising Hamas, Israeli casualties will be reduced to the minimum, especially in the first stage of the operation.
The most significant part of the proposed operation, according to Ben Yishai, is that it has clear goals. He explained that part of the Israeli failure in the 2006 war in Lebanon was due to the absence of precise goals. He named the aims of the expected incursion as follows:
1- Providing the space for the Israeli army to operate freely in the Strip and collect as much intelligence information as it can very quickly.
2- Reducing drastically the number of homemade projectiles being launched from the Gaza Strip.
3- Destroying the infrastructure of Hamas and all Palestinian military groups.
4- Closing the "Philadelphi Corridor" between the Gaza Strip and Egypt in order to prevent smuggling weapons into the Gaza Strip to at least 60%.
5- Avoiding casualties amongst Palestinian civilians as much as possible.
As for the strategic goals of the operation, he named them as:
1- Toppling Hamas and establishing a stable Palestinian rule under international monitors.
2- Removing weapons from the Gaza Strip, mainly homemade projectiles.
3- Achieving an Israeli control over the Gaza Strip's border crossings including the Gaza Egypt border for several years either directly or through coordination with the Palestinian Authority and the Egyptians, or international mediators.
Ben Yishai said that the Israeli political leadership seems to have made up their minds, but there is a temporary delay in order to put the military on war footing.
"Sderot residents can pack their protest tents they erected and go back home, because the Israeli political echelon strictly decided to undertake a major ground operation in the Gaza Strip," Ben Yishai said at the beginning of his analysis.
Ben Yishai added in his article that the decision to launch an invasion had been made even before the Winograd report was published, and it was kept secret in order to surprise Hamas as much as possible. According to Ben Yishai, if the Israeli forces succeed in surprising Hamas, Israeli casualties will be reduced to the minimum, especially in the first stage of the operation.
The most significant part of the proposed operation, according to Ben Yishai, is that it has clear goals. He explained that part of the Israeli failure in the 2006 war in Lebanon was due to the absence of precise goals. He named the aims of the expected incursion as follows:
1- Providing the space for the Israeli army to operate freely in the Strip and collect as much intelligence information as it can very quickly.
2- Reducing drastically the number of homemade projectiles being launched from the Gaza Strip.
3- Destroying the infrastructure of Hamas and all Palestinian military groups.
4- Closing the "Philadelphi Corridor" between the Gaza Strip and Egypt in order to prevent smuggling weapons into the Gaza Strip to at least 60%.
5- Avoiding casualties amongst Palestinian civilians as much as possible.
As for the strategic goals of the operation, he named them as:
1- Toppling Hamas and establishing a stable Palestinian rule under international monitors.
2- Removing weapons from the Gaza Strip, mainly homemade projectiles.
3- Achieving an Israeli control over the Gaza Strip's border crossings including the Gaza Egypt border for several years either directly or through coordination with the Palestinian Authority and the Egyptians, or international mediators.
PFLP's military wing fires a projectile at Ashkelon
Israel orders demolition of 15 houses, health clinic near Hebron
Israel orders demolition of 15 houses, health clinic near Hebron
10 feb 2008
One Palestinian killed as Israel launches four strikes on Gaza
An Israeli air raid on the southern Gaza Strip city of Rafah killed one Palestinian activist affiliated with the armed wing of Hamas, the Al-Qassam Brigades, on Sunday morning.
Sources in the Al-Qassam Brigades named the victim as Muhammad Mtair.
Israeli warplanes launched another strike on an abandoned Al-Qassam Brigades position in the city of Khan Younis, also in the southern Gaza Strip. No casualties were reported there.
A third Israeli air raid targeted a warehouse used by the Al-Qassam Brigades in Ash-Shabura in Rafah. Three missiles were fired at the warehouse, but no casualties have been reported.
Earlier, Israeli fighter jets fired a missile at a blacksmith's shop in the Zeitoun neighborhood of Gaza City, injuring 8 people, one seriously. The attack also resulted in severe damage to neighboring houses.
Meanwhile, Israeli government officials said that that if Palestinian projectile attacks on Negev towns continue, they may escalate their assault on Gaza. Some officials have speculated publicly about assassinating Hamas' political leaders. In 2004, Israel assassinated Hamas' elderly founder, Sheikh Ahmad Yasin, and the group's leader, Abdul-Aziz Rantisi, in the course of one month.
Sources in the Al-Qassam Brigades named the victim as Muhammad Mtair.
Israeli warplanes launched another strike on an abandoned Al-Qassam Brigades position in the city of Khan Younis, also in the southern Gaza Strip. No casualties were reported there.
A third Israeli air raid targeted a warehouse used by the Al-Qassam Brigades in Ash-Shabura in Rafah. Three missiles were fired at the warehouse, but no casualties have been reported.
Earlier, Israeli fighter jets fired a missile at a blacksmith's shop in the Zeitoun neighborhood of Gaza City, injuring 8 people, one seriously. The attack also resulted in severe damage to neighboring houses.
Meanwhile, Israeli government officials said that that if Palestinian projectile attacks on Negev towns continue, they may escalate their assault on Gaza. Some officials have speculated publicly about assassinating Hamas' political leaders. In 2004, Israel assassinated Hamas' elderly founder, Sheikh Ahmad Yasin, and the group's leader, Abdul-Aziz Rantisi, in the course of one month.
Fresh Israeil airstrike leaves two injured in Beit Hanoun
Two Palestinians were injured when an Israeli warplane fired a missile at a car in Beit Hanoun in the northern Gaza Strip on Sunday, Ma'an's reporter said.
Palestinian medical sources said the injured men were evacuated to a hospital after sustaining minor wounds.
Abu Mujahid, the spokesperson of the An-Nasser Salah Addin Brigades, the military wing of the Popular Resistance Committees, said that the missile was aimed at a group of their activists, and that the group survived the shelling.
Palestinian medical sources said the injured men were evacuated to a hospital after sustaining minor wounds.
Abu Mujahid, the spokesperson of the An-Nasser Salah Addin Brigades, the military wing of the Popular Resistance Committees, said that the missile was aimed at a group of their activists, and that the group survived the shelling.
9 feb 2008
Palestinians injured in Israeli shelling near Beit Hanoun
Two Palestinian citizens were injured on Saturday when an Israeli aircraft targeted a gathering of citizens in northern Beit Hanoun in the Gaza Strip.
Mu'awiya Hassanein, director ambulance and emergency services in the Palestinian health ministry said the injured were first taken to Beit Hanoun hospital and then transferred tKamal Edwan hospital. He described their injuries as moderate.
Israeli forces said that the attack was aimed at a group of Palestinians who were launching rockets against the area in the western Negev.
Mu'awiya Hassanein, director ambulance and emergency services in the Palestinian health ministry said the injured were first taken to Beit Hanoun hospital and then transferred tKamal Edwan hospital. He described their injuries as moderate.
Israeli forces said that the attack was aimed at a group of Palestinians who were launching rockets against the area in the western Negev.
Israeli forces break into house and seize local from Al-Yamon
Israeli forces seized a Palestinian man from his home at Al-Yamon in Jenin, early on Saturday morning.
Twenty-year-old Salem Muhammad Smodi was taken from his house after Israeli forces surrounded the building. The detainee's father claimed the family members were forced into one room whilst his son was apprehended.
Israeli forces overran Al-Yamon opening fire and ransacking houses.
Israeli forces seized a Palestinian man from his home at Al-Yamon in Jenin, early on Saturday morning.
Twenty-year-old Salem Muhammad Smodi was taken from his house after Israeli forces surrounded the building. The detainee's father claimed the family members were forced into one room whilst his son was apprehended.
Israeli forces overran Al-Yamon opening fire and ransacking houses.
Israeli forces overrun Tubas
Israeli forces blocked the entrance of Tubas, in the northern West Bank, after overrunning the area early on Saturday morning.
They blocked the road that links Jenin with Tubas, and closed off the entrance to the town of Tubas. Security sources claimed that the forces entered the area on the Al-Aghwar road and congregated in front of the Tubas' governor headquarters, launching sound bombs.
Israeli forces blocked the entrance of Tubas, in the northern West Bank, after overrunning the area early on Saturday morning.
They blocked the road that links Jenin with Tubas, and closed off the entrance to the town of Tubas. Security sources claimed that the forces entered the area on the Al-Aghwar road and congregated in front of the Tubas' governor headquarters, launching sound bombs.
An-Nasser brigades members survive Israeli assassination attempt
The military wing of the Popular Resistance Committees, the An-Nasser Brigades, said several of their members survived an Israeli assassination attempt in the Gaza Strip.
"With God's care and protection those members who were about to be assassinated by an Israeli explosive device were able to leave the car before it exploded," An-Nasser military spokesman, Abu Yousef said in a statement.
Abu Yousef said the Israeli forces were only able to carry out the attempted assassination because of informants giving them details of the whereabouts of the Brigades' members.
"We can only remind all parties that the An-Nasser Brigades are intractable and everybody knows how we deal with anyone that exposes our members to danger," he added.
"The security apparatus of the An-Nasser Brigades will dig under every rock to reach those who deal with the occupation to assassinate our members and we won't have any mercy," he warned.
He called on the security agencies of the de facto government in the Gaza Strip to intensify their investigations to discover the identities of Palestinians who co-operate with Israeli forces in such assassination attempts.
"With God's care and protection those members who were about to be assassinated by an Israeli explosive device were able to leave the car before it exploded," An-Nasser military spokesman, Abu Yousef said in a statement.
Abu Yousef said the Israeli forces were only able to carry out the attempted assassination because of informants giving them details of the whereabouts of the Brigades' members.
"We can only remind all parties that the An-Nasser Brigades are intractable and everybody knows how we deal with anyone that exposes our members to danger," he added.
"The security apparatus of the An-Nasser Brigades will dig under every rock to reach those who deal with the occupation to assassinate our members and we won't have any mercy," he warned.
He called on the security agencies of the de facto government in the Gaza Strip to intensify their investigations to discover the identities of Palestinians who co-operate with Israeli forces in such assassination attempts.
Al-Quds Brigades claim responsibility for launching projectiles at Sderot
Resistance Brigades attack several Israeli targets
Resistance Brigades attack several Israeli targets
