31 jan 2008
Palestinian medical sources reported that two Palestinian patients from Gaza died on Thursday due to the Israeli siege imposed on the Palestinian coastal region.
Cancer patient Arafat Owdah, 23, and Judah Obeed, 56, suffering from a serious illness, were both reported dead by Palestinian medical sources on Thursday morning after the Israeli army would not allow them to leave the coastal region to get medical care.
With the deaths of Owdah and Obeed, the number of Palestinians who have died due to the Israeli siege imposed on the Gaza Strip since June 2007 now stands at 88.
Two weeks ago, the Israeli army stepped up the Siege and sealed off the Gaza strip borders totally, leaving the 1.5 million residents lacking food, medicine, and fuel supplies.
Cancer patient Arafat Owdah, 23, and Judah Obeed, 56, suffering from a serious illness, were both reported dead by Palestinian medical sources on Thursday morning after the Israeli army would not allow them to leave the coastal region to get medical care.
With the deaths of Owdah and Obeed, the number of Palestinians who have died due to the Israeli siege imposed on the Gaza Strip since June 2007 now stands at 88.
Two weeks ago, the Israeli army stepped up the Siege and sealed off the Gaza strip borders totally, leaving the 1.5 million residents lacking food, medicine, and fuel supplies.
The Winograd report is collective hypnosis of the Israelis
By Nasser Lahham
Since the first moments of the Israeli war against Hezbollah in Lebanon last summer, it was evident that Israeli's Achilles' heel lays in the home front. The Israelis had adopted two theories which ended up being proven wrong by the war. The first theory was that the air force could provide a quick victory in the war, and the second was that the war would remain in the enemy's territory, keeping the homeland secure.
Immediately after the war came to an end, Israeli Prime Minister Ehud Olmert hastened to form his own committee to assess what had happened. The Israeli public was busy keeping up with deliberately disseminated stories about the war from different sides until they reached the final report by the Winograd committee which was entrusted to officially evaluate the war. This final report let down Israeli observers.
The committee itself was racist because it was involved in digging for the reasons why Israel failed to defeat "the Arab enemy" despite their arsenal of weapons of mass destruction, and despite the scorched earth policy which the Israeli army adopted against Lebanon.
The Winograd committee ignored all humanitarian values and rights as it did not criticize the Israeli army for shelling civilians in Lebanon such as the massacre in Qana, the destruction of the airport in Beirut, shelling bridges used by civilians, bombing the electricity stations and the use of cluster bombs against Lebanese towns and factories. Consequently, the Winograd committee is unacceptable and should be tried before an impartial international court.
The motive behind the formation of that committee, and in consequence, the goal of the committee was the Israeli internal front. For that very reason, the Arabs reject the formation of an Israeli committee to assess the war because Israel was the first defendant on charges of committing war crimes. They also believe that the Lebanese internal front was the major victim while the Israeli internal front was only victim of imaginary dignity of the Israeli army.
The leader of the Israeli Labor Party, Defense Minister Ehud Barak will not withdraw from Olmert's coalition as a result of the Winograd report. If he decides to withdraw, that will be motivated by his "hunger" to compete against the leader of the Israeli opposition party, the Likud party Benjamin Netanyahu. The two have been political rivals for several years, and they are about the same age. So, sooner or later, Barak will find himself unable to resist the wish inside him to compete against Netanyahu in the coming Israeli elections for a new round.
As for the psychological impact of the Winograd report on the Israeli soldiers, one can assure that even a thousand reports can not convince an Israeli soldier that the Israeli army can defeat the Lebanese resistance. The Russian revolutionary and Marxist theoretician Georgi Plekhanov once said, "Mice never stop to believe that the cat is the world's strongest animal." Whatever the Israeli leaders might tell their troops, they will never believe they can achieve a new triumph.
Since the first moments of the Israeli war against Hezbollah in Lebanon last summer, it was evident that Israeli's Achilles' heel lays in the home front. The Israelis had adopted two theories which ended up being proven wrong by the war. The first theory was that the air force could provide a quick victory in the war, and the second was that the war would remain in the enemy's territory, keeping the homeland secure.
Immediately after the war came to an end, Israeli Prime Minister Ehud Olmert hastened to form his own committee to assess what had happened. The Israeli public was busy keeping up with deliberately disseminated stories about the war from different sides until they reached the final report by the Winograd committee which was entrusted to officially evaluate the war. This final report let down Israeli observers.
The committee itself was racist because it was involved in digging for the reasons why Israel failed to defeat "the Arab enemy" despite their arsenal of weapons of mass destruction, and despite the scorched earth policy which the Israeli army adopted against Lebanon.
The Winograd committee ignored all humanitarian values and rights as it did not criticize the Israeli army for shelling civilians in Lebanon such as the massacre in Qana, the destruction of the airport in Beirut, shelling bridges used by civilians, bombing the electricity stations and the use of cluster bombs against Lebanese towns and factories. Consequently, the Winograd committee is unacceptable and should be tried before an impartial international court.
The motive behind the formation of that committee, and in consequence, the goal of the committee was the Israeli internal front. For that very reason, the Arabs reject the formation of an Israeli committee to assess the war because Israel was the first defendant on charges of committing war crimes. They also believe that the Lebanese internal front was the major victim while the Israeli internal front was only victim of imaginary dignity of the Israeli army.
The leader of the Israeli Labor Party, Defense Minister Ehud Barak will not withdraw from Olmert's coalition as a result of the Winograd report. If he decides to withdraw, that will be motivated by his "hunger" to compete against the leader of the Israeli opposition party, the Likud party Benjamin Netanyahu. The two have been political rivals for several years, and they are about the same age. So, sooner or later, Barak will find himself unable to resist the wish inside him to compete against Netanyahu in the coming Israeli elections for a new round.
As for the psychological impact of the Winograd report on the Israeli soldiers, one can assure that even a thousand reports can not convince an Israeli soldier that the Israeli army can defeat the Lebanese resistance. The Russian revolutionary and Marxist theoretician Georgi Plekhanov once said, "Mice never stop to believe that the cat is the world's strongest animal." Whatever the Israeli leaders might tell their troops, they will never believe they can achieve a new triumph.
Israeli forces beat, shoot Palestinian civilians in Qalqilia
Occupying Israeli forces beat one Palestinian man and beat another in separate incidents near the West Bank city of Qalqilia on Thursday evening, local sources said.
Medical sources said that 38-year-old Hamad At-Tabib from the village of Azzun was shot in his leg.
Mahmud Radwan was beaten by Israeli forces while he was working on his land in At Tabib village next to the Israeli separation wall.
Occupying Israeli forces beat one Palestinian man and beat another in separate incidents near the West Bank city of Qalqilia on Thursday evening, local sources said.
Medical sources said that 38-year-old Hamad At-Tabib from the village of Azzun was shot in his leg.
Mahmud Radwan was beaten by Israeli forces while he was working on his land in At Tabib village next to the Israeli separation wall.
Al-Aqsa Brigades fighter killed in clashes with Israeli soldiers near Rafah
A member of Fatah's armed wing, the Al-Aqsa Brigades, was killed on Thursday morning when he attacked an Israeli military position near Rafah in the southern Gaza Strip.
Sources within Al-Aqsa Brigades told Ma'an's correspondent that Mahmoud Da'alsa attacked an Israeli military post near the area of Ash-Shuka, south of Rafah, and fought with the Israeli troops for two hours before the Israelis announced that he was killed.
Sources within Al-Aqsa Brigades told Ma'an's correspondent that Mahmoud Da'alsa attacked an Israeli military post near the area of Ash-Shuka, south of Rafah, and fought with the Israeli troops for two hours before the Israelis announced that he was killed.
30 jan 2008
Winograd Report: Israeli war on Lebanon "large and serious failure"
Justice Eliyahu Winograd
The Israeli inquiry into the 2006 Israeli war with Lebanon has found that Israel did not achieve its military objectives and the war constituted "a large and serious failure".
"We found grave failings in decision-making... both on the military and political levels," Chairman of the Winograd panel Justice Eliyahu Winograd told a press conference on Wednesday evening.
Avoiding any direct criticism of any member of the military or political establishment, he also suggested that lessons could be learned from the report's findings. However, he said that this did not mean that there was no personal accountability.
Israeli Prime Minister Ehud Olmert is insisting he will not step down after the report's findings. But if his political partner Ehud Barak decides to withdraw his Labour Party from the coalition, Olmert's government will be in trouble.
Justice Winograd said Israel initiated on a prolonged war and then did not achieve a clear victory, despite its overwhelming military superiority over Hizbullah.
Justice Winograd also added the fact that Israel did not achieve its objectives in the war that it initiated looked bad for Israel in front of its Arab neighbors and other regional powers.
He said the panel found severe failures in decision making at both the political and military levels to adequately deploy and manage the air and ground forces.
Prior to making the decision to go to war, there were two choices for Israel. First, inflict a very heavy and painful blow to Hizbullah, and second, to change the status quo and temporarily occupy the area. But the way the decision to go to war was made, the various options available to the leadership and the exit strategy all served to make the Lebanon war a serious failure, the report found.
Israel did not use its potential strength in a smart way despite the fact that it initiated the war, Justice Winograd said.
The war was not carried out according to information obtained from the field about the ongoing operation. In addition, Israel did not achieve any political or military goals.
The report also criticized the mechanism of the decision making and stated that Israel did not obtain an organized and effective tool to make decisions during the war despite the professionalism of the team that worked with the prime minister, which made the coordination between the political and military achievement impossible.
The report doubted the necessity of the ground operation that was approved by Olmert in the final days of the war. "It is not clear to what extent this operation was helpful in reaching a ceasefire or in its effect on Hizbullah's political and military decisions. In addition, the manner in which the ground operation was conducted raises a lot of questions, which was part of the failure to manage the war and therefore it also failed to achieve its objectives," the report stated.
The report held the political establishment fully responsible for the decision to go to war and the manner in which it was conducted. It stated that they did not see any follow up from the political leadership to the fighting on the ground and that their relation with the military establishment was shaky and uncoordinated.
The war broke out in July 2006, when Hezbollah fighters captured two Israeli soldiers in a cross border raid that left three other soldiers dead.
In the conflict that followed, more than 1,000 Lebanese died, mostly civilians, along with 160 Israelis, mostly soldiers.
The Israeli inquiry into the 2006 Israeli war with Lebanon has found that Israel did not achieve its military objectives and the war constituted "a large and serious failure".
"We found grave failings in decision-making... both on the military and political levels," Chairman of the Winograd panel Justice Eliyahu Winograd told a press conference on Wednesday evening.
Avoiding any direct criticism of any member of the military or political establishment, he also suggested that lessons could be learned from the report's findings. However, he said that this did not mean that there was no personal accountability.
Israeli Prime Minister Ehud Olmert is insisting he will not step down after the report's findings. But if his political partner Ehud Barak decides to withdraw his Labour Party from the coalition, Olmert's government will be in trouble.
Justice Winograd said Israel initiated on a prolonged war and then did not achieve a clear victory, despite its overwhelming military superiority over Hizbullah.
Justice Winograd also added the fact that Israel did not achieve its objectives in the war that it initiated looked bad for Israel in front of its Arab neighbors and other regional powers.
He said the panel found severe failures in decision making at both the political and military levels to adequately deploy and manage the air and ground forces.
Prior to making the decision to go to war, there were two choices for Israel. First, inflict a very heavy and painful blow to Hizbullah, and second, to change the status quo and temporarily occupy the area. But the way the decision to go to war was made, the various options available to the leadership and the exit strategy all served to make the Lebanon war a serious failure, the report found.
Israel did not use its potential strength in a smart way despite the fact that it initiated the war, Justice Winograd said.
The war was not carried out according to information obtained from the field about the ongoing operation. In addition, Israel did not achieve any political or military goals.
The report also criticized the mechanism of the decision making and stated that Israel did not obtain an organized and effective tool to make decisions during the war despite the professionalism of the team that worked with the prime minister, which made the coordination between the political and military achievement impossible.
The report doubted the necessity of the ground operation that was approved by Olmert in the final days of the war. "It is not clear to what extent this operation was helpful in reaching a ceasefire or in its effect on Hizbullah's political and military decisions. In addition, the manner in which the ground operation was conducted raises a lot of questions, which was part of the failure to manage the war and therefore it also failed to achieve its objectives," the report stated.
The report held the political establishment fully responsible for the decision to go to war and the manner in which it was conducted. It stated that they did not see any follow up from the political leadership to the fighting on the ground and that their relation with the military establishment was shaky and uncoordinated.
The war broke out in July 2006, when Hezbollah fighters captured two Israeli soldiers in a cross border raid that left three other soldiers dead.
In the conflict that followed, more than 1,000 Lebanese died, mostly civilians, along with 160 Israelis, mostly soldiers.
The Israeli army invaded the northern West Bank city of Jenin on Wednesday at dawn, during the attack troops injured one civilian and kidnapped another four.
Witnesses said that undercover Israeli soldiers invaded Jenin city, they surrounded and searched a house that belongs to Ali Al Sous, later ten Israeli military jeeps followed the undercover forces; troops forced the residents of the house out and made them stay out in the rain until the attack was finished.
When the army jeeps invaded the city troops opened fire randomly at residents' homes and injured Mohamed Al Ashkar, 30, medical sources said that the man sustained light wounds.
After several hours troops left the city of Jenin and kidnapped Samier Al Sous, 22, his brother Ahmad, 23, Samier Al Batal, 25, and Samier Ali, 30.
Witnesses said that undercover Israeli soldiers invaded Jenin city, they surrounded and searched a house that belongs to Ali Al Sous, later ten Israeli military jeeps followed the undercover forces; troops forced the residents of the house out and made them stay out in the rain until the attack was finished.
When the army jeeps invaded the city troops opened fire randomly at residents' homes and injured Mohamed Al Ashkar, 30, medical sources said that the man sustained light wounds.
After several hours troops left the city of Jenin and kidnapped Samier Al Sous, 22, his brother Ahmad, 23, Samier Al Batal, 25, and Samier Ali, 30.
Israel to hand over corpses of two Palestinians killed in settlement attack
Sources in the Palestinian Red Crescent said on Tuesday evening that Israeli authorities have decided to hand over the corpses of two Palestinians who were killed by Israeli settlers on January 24th in the Israeli settlement of Kfar Etzion, to their families.
According to the Palestinian Red Crescent, the bodies will be transferred at the Tarqumiya checkpoint in the southern West Bank. The Red Crescent will then take them to the governmental hospital in Hebron and give them to their to their families.
The two men, Muhammad Fathi Sabarnah and Mahmoud Khalil Sabarnah, were from the town of Beit Ummar, north of Hebron. They were killed in the Israeli settlement after they stabbed three Israeli settlers, injuring them slightly.
Sources in the Palestinian Red Crescent said on Tuesday evening that Israeli authorities have decided to hand over the corpses of two Palestinians who were killed by Israeli settlers on January 24th in the Israeli settlement of Kfar Etzion, to their families.
According to the Palestinian Red Crescent, the bodies will be transferred at the Tarqumiya checkpoint in the southern West Bank. The Red Crescent will then take them to the governmental hospital in Hebron and give them to their to their families.
The two men, Muhammad Fathi Sabarnah and Mahmoud Khalil Sabarnah, were from the town of Beit Ummar, north of Hebron. They were killed in the Israeli settlement after they stabbed three Israeli settlers, injuring them slightly.
Palestinian woman dies in Gaza due to the Israeli siege imposed on the region
Al-Quds Brigades launch three mortar shells at Israeli forces
Al-Quds Brigades launch three mortar shells at Israeli forces
29 jan 2008
Army ends its invasion into Bethlehem after killing one reisdent and injuring seven
The Israeli army left the southern West Bank city of Bethlehem on Monday evening, leaving one civilian dead and seven others injured. One resistance fighter was also kidnapped.
Medical sources at Beit Jala hospital told IMEMC that Qusai al-Afandi, 17, from Bethlehem was killed by Israeli gunfire. On Monday afternoon Israeli troops invaded Bethlehem and surrounded a house located in the southern part of the city in an attempt to kidnap what the army calls "wanted Palestinians".
Eyewitnesses told IMEMC that the Israeli troops forced journalists into a nearby house, belonging to Mohammad Abdeh, preventing them to document the attack. They added that the troops attacked residents' homes and searched them.
Six civilians were injured during several hours of clashes between locals youth and the invading troops.
Medical sources reported that Abdulkareem al-Atrash, 19, from Deheishe refugee camp, was wounded in his head with a rubber-coated steel bullet causing a moderate injury. The source added that Yousef Abu Srour, from Aida refugee camp was wounded in his leg, in addition to Salem Al-'Orouj, 29, from the nearby Tiqua village who was wounded by live ammunition that penetrated his knee as he was walking home from work.
Meanwhile, Mohammad Za'areer 13, was hit with a live bullet in his head and a rubber-coated steel bullet in his arm. His condition was described as serious but stable after surgery in Beit Jala hospital, according to the medical source.
During the five hour attack the Israeli army used bulldozers to demolish part of Mohammad Abdeh’s home. He was kidnapped by the troops before they left Bethlehem.
A Palestinian security official, who spoke on condition of anonymity, told IMEMC that he believes Israeli troops were chasing three Palestinians, claiming they are wanted by the Israeli authorities. The three were identified as Ahmad Al-Balboul from the Al-Aqsa Brigades, the armed wing of Fatah, and Mohammad Shihade and Mohammad Abdeh of the Islamic Jihad movement.
The Israelis say Mohammad Shihade has been on the ‘wanted’ list for almost 7 years. He ran for the Palestinian Legislative Council elections in January 2006, as an independent candidate, yet he failed to make it to the parliament.
Update from
One Palestinian killed, four wounded as Israeli troops invade Bethlehem
Time 20:20
One Palestinian young man was killed and two others were injured as Israeli soldiers invade the West Bank city of Bethlehem on Monday afternoon.
Medical sources at Beit Jala hospital told IMEMC that Qusai al-Afandi, 17 from Bethlehem was killed by Israeli soldiers' gun fire.
Local sources told IMEMC that Israeli troops surrounded a house located in the southern part of Bethlehem city in an attempt to kidnap what the army calls "wanted Palestinians".
Eyewitnesses told IMEMC that the Israeli troops forced journalists into a nearby house, which belongs to Mohammad Abdeh and did not allow them to document the attack; they added that the troops are attacking residents' homes and searching them.
Palestinian security official who spoke on condition of anonymity told IMEMC that he believes Israeli troops are after three Palestinians claimed to be wanted by the Israeli army. The three were identified as, Ahmad Al-Balboul from Al-Aqsa Brigade, the armed wing of Fatah, and Mohammad Shihade and Mohammad Abdeh of the Islamic Jihad movement.
Mohammad Shihade has been claimed wanted since almost 7 years and has ran for the Palestinian legislative council elections in January 2006, as an independent candidate, yet he failed to make it to the parliament.
The witnesses added that invading Israeli troops brought army bulldozers into the area an indication that the house being surrounded will be demolished by the army.
Local youths that are throwing stones are still clashing with invading troops; medical sources reported at least four injuries.
Medical source reported that Abdulkareem al-Atrash 19 from Deheishe refugee camp, was wounded in his head with a rubber-coated steel bullet causing a moderate injury. The source added that Yousef Abu Srour, from Aida refugee camp was wounded in his leg, in additino to Salem Al-'Orouj 29, from the nearby Tiqua village was wounded by live ammunition that penetrated his knee as he was walking home from his work.
Meanwhile, young boy, Mohammad Za'areer 13, was hit with a live bullet to his head and rubber-coated steel bullet to his arm. His condition was described as serious, but stabel after he was operated on in Beit Jala hospital, according to the medical source.
As of the time of writing this report Israeli troops are still in Bethlehem, sinpers has taken position on roof-tops and others prevent vehicles to move in the area including ambulances.
The Israeli army left the southern West Bank city of Bethlehem on Monday evening, leaving one civilian dead and seven others injured. One resistance fighter was also kidnapped.
Medical sources at Beit Jala hospital told IMEMC that Qusai al-Afandi, 17, from Bethlehem was killed by Israeli gunfire. On Monday afternoon Israeli troops invaded Bethlehem and surrounded a house located in the southern part of the city in an attempt to kidnap what the army calls "wanted Palestinians".
Eyewitnesses told IMEMC that the Israeli troops forced journalists into a nearby house, belonging to Mohammad Abdeh, preventing them to document the attack. They added that the troops attacked residents' homes and searched them.
Six civilians were injured during several hours of clashes between locals youth and the invading troops.
Medical sources reported that Abdulkareem al-Atrash, 19, from Deheishe refugee camp, was wounded in his head with a rubber-coated steel bullet causing a moderate injury. The source added that Yousef Abu Srour, from Aida refugee camp was wounded in his leg, in addition to Salem Al-'Orouj, 29, from the nearby Tiqua village who was wounded by live ammunition that penetrated his knee as he was walking home from work.
Meanwhile, Mohammad Za'areer 13, was hit with a live bullet in his head and a rubber-coated steel bullet in his arm. His condition was described as serious but stable after surgery in Beit Jala hospital, according to the medical source.
During the five hour attack the Israeli army used bulldozers to demolish part of Mohammad Abdeh’s home. He was kidnapped by the troops before they left Bethlehem.
A Palestinian security official, who spoke on condition of anonymity, told IMEMC that he believes Israeli troops were chasing three Palestinians, claiming they are wanted by the Israeli authorities. The three were identified as Ahmad Al-Balboul from the Al-Aqsa Brigades, the armed wing of Fatah, and Mohammad Shihade and Mohammad Abdeh of the Islamic Jihad movement.
The Israelis say Mohammad Shihade has been on the ‘wanted’ list for almost 7 years. He ran for the Palestinian Legislative Council elections in January 2006, as an independent candidate, yet he failed to make it to the parliament.
Update from
One Palestinian killed, four wounded as Israeli troops invade Bethlehem
Time 20:20
One Palestinian young man was killed and two others were injured as Israeli soldiers invade the West Bank city of Bethlehem on Monday afternoon.
Medical sources at Beit Jala hospital told IMEMC that Qusai al-Afandi, 17 from Bethlehem was killed by Israeli soldiers' gun fire.
Local sources told IMEMC that Israeli troops surrounded a house located in the southern part of Bethlehem city in an attempt to kidnap what the army calls "wanted Palestinians".
Eyewitnesses told IMEMC that the Israeli troops forced journalists into a nearby house, which belongs to Mohammad Abdeh and did not allow them to document the attack; they added that the troops are attacking residents' homes and searching them.
Palestinian security official who spoke on condition of anonymity told IMEMC that he believes Israeli troops are after three Palestinians claimed to be wanted by the Israeli army. The three were identified as, Ahmad Al-Balboul from Al-Aqsa Brigade, the armed wing of Fatah, and Mohammad Shihade and Mohammad Abdeh of the Islamic Jihad movement.
Mohammad Shihade has been claimed wanted since almost 7 years and has ran for the Palestinian legislative council elections in January 2006, as an independent candidate, yet he failed to make it to the parliament.
The witnesses added that invading Israeli troops brought army bulldozers into the area an indication that the house being surrounded will be demolished by the army.
Local youths that are throwing stones are still clashing with invading troops; medical sources reported at least four injuries.
Medical source reported that Abdulkareem al-Atrash 19 from Deheishe refugee camp, was wounded in his head with a rubber-coated steel bullet causing a moderate injury. The source added that Yousef Abu Srour, from Aida refugee camp was wounded in his leg, in additino to Salem Al-'Orouj 29, from the nearby Tiqua village was wounded by live ammunition that penetrated his knee as he was walking home from his work.
Meanwhile, young boy, Mohammad Za'areer 13, was hit with a live bullet to his head and rubber-coated steel bullet to his arm. His condition was described as serious, but stabel after he was operated on in Beit Jala hospital, according to the medical source.
As of the time of writing this report Israeli troops are still in Bethlehem, sinpers has taken position on roof-tops and others prevent vehicles to move in the area including ambulances.
The Israeli army attack several villages in northern part of the West Bank and kidnaps two civilians
The Israeli Authorities destroy part of a Palestinian owned building in Jerusalem
The Israeli army target several West Bank cities and kidnap 6 civilians
Al-Quds Brigades attack Israeli military bases
Abu Ali Mustafa brigades target Sderot
Al-Aqsa Brigades claim attack on Israeli forces
The Israeli Authorities destroy part of a Palestinian owned building in Jerusalem
The Israeli army target several West Bank cities and kidnap 6 civilians
Al-Quds Brigades attack Israeli military bases
Abu Ali Mustafa brigades target Sderot
Al-Aqsa Brigades claim attack on Israeli forces
28 jan 2008
Funeral of Palestinian teenager killed by Israeli forces in Bethlehem
The funeral of a 17-year-old boy, killed in clashes with Israeli forces in the West Bank city of Bethlehem, took place on Tuesday.
Qusay Al-Afandi from Duheisha refugee camp, died from bullet wounds sustained in clashes between Palestinian youths and Israeli military forces during an Israeli army operation.
Israeli forces invaded the southern West Bank city on Monday afternoon in a rare daylight incursion. They withdrew seven hours late, after killing Al-Afandi and wounding seven other civilians. One resistance fighter was also seized.
Medical sources reported that nineteen-year-old Abdulkareem al-Atrash, from Duheisha refugee camp, was shot in the head with a rubber-coated steel bullet. The source added that Yousef Abu Srour, from Aida refugee camp was wounded in his leg, in addition to twenty-nine-year-old Salem Al-'Orouj, from nearby Tiqua village who was wounded by live ammunition that penetrated his knee as he was walking home from work.
Thirteen-year-old Mohammad Za'areer was hit with a live bullet in his head and a rubber-coated steel bullet in his arm. His condition was described as serious but stable after surgery in Beit Jala hospital, according to the medical source.
Witnesses reported that a number of Israeli military jeeps, bulldozers and armored vehicles entered the area amid gunfire, tear gas and sound grenades. Israeli soldiers blocked a number of roads and broke into Palestinian houses.
A confrontation ensued between the invading Israeli soldiers and approximately 100 stone-throwing youths in Bethlehem's Al-Madbasa area. Shots were fired by the Israeli forces, and five Palestinians have been injured, medics said.
Palestinian medical sources released the details for one of the injured and for the deceased. Qusay Afandi was hit by a live round to the stomach and has since died from his injuries. Twenty-one year-old Ibrahim Abdul-Qadir was hit by a live round to the foot.
The target of the incursion was a three-story house in the Wadi Ma'ali neighborhood belonging to Islamic Jihad activist Mohammed Abda.
During the five hour attack the Israeli army used bulldozers to demolish part of Mohammad Abda's home. He was apprehended by the troops before they left Bethlehem.
Witnesses told Ma'an that the Israeli soldiers evacuated the residents of the house by force. Abda's father, a hemopheliac in his seventies, remained in the house because he is bedridden.
An Israeli military spokesperson said that the invading forces responded to "rioting Palestinians" by shooting at the "lower bodies of the central rioters." She said that Palestinians had thrown Molotov cocktails.
Qusay Al-Afandi from Duheisha refugee camp, died from bullet wounds sustained in clashes between Palestinian youths and Israeli military forces during an Israeli army operation.
Israeli forces invaded the southern West Bank city on Monday afternoon in a rare daylight incursion. They withdrew seven hours late, after killing Al-Afandi and wounding seven other civilians. One resistance fighter was also seized.
Medical sources reported that nineteen-year-old Abdulkareem al-Atrash, from Duheisha refugee camp, was shot in the head with a rubber-coated steel bullet. The source added that Yousef Abu Srour, from Aida refugee camp was wounded in his leg, in addition to twenty-nine-year-old Salem Al-'Orouj, from nearby Tiqua village who was wounded by live ammunition that penetrated his knee as he was walking home from work.
Thirteen-year-old Mohammad Za'areer was hit with a live bullet in his head and a rubber-coated steel bullet in his arm. His condition was described as serious but stable after surgery in Beit Jala hospital, according to the medical source.
Witnesses reported that a number of Israeli military jeeps, bulldozers and armored vehicles entered the area amid gunfire, tear gas and sound grenades. Israeli soldiers blocked a number of roads and broke into Palestinian houses.
A confrontation ensued between the invading Israeli soldiers and approximately 100 stone-throwing youths in Bethlehem's Al-Madbasa area. Shots were fired by the Israeli forces, and five Palestinians have been injured, medics said.
Palestinian medical sources released the details for one of the injured and for the deceased. Qusay Afandi was hit by a live round to the stomach and has since died from his injuries. Twenty-one year-old Ibrahim Abdul-Qadir was hit by a live round to the foot.
The target of the incursion was a three-story house in the Wadi Ma'ali neighborhood belonging to Islamic Jihad activist Mohammed Abda.
During the five hour attack the Israeli army used bulldozers to demolish part of Mohammad Abda's home. He was apprehended by the troops before they left Bethlehem.
Witnesses told Ma'an that the Israeli soldiers evacuated the residents of the house by force. Abda's father, a hemopheliac in his seventies, remained in the house because he is bedridden.
An Israeli military spokesperson said that the invading forces responded to "rioting Palestinians" by shooting at the "lower bodies of the central rioters." She said that Palestinians had thrown Molotov cocktails.
Israeli forces raid Tulkarem
The Israeli force raided the northern West bank city of Tulkarem on Monday morning, forcibly searching a Palestinian house.
Ma'an's reporter said that several Israeli military vehicles broke into the city and stormed the home of Bakir Sanyura in the northern neighborhood of the city. They forced the residents to stay out in the open in very cold weather, under the pretext of searching for "wanted Palestinians."
No arrests have been reported in connection with the raid.
The Israeli force raided the northern West bank city of Tulkarem on Monday morning, forcibly searching a Palestinian house.
Ma'an's reporter said that several Israeli military vehicles broke into the city and stormed the home of Bakir Sanyura in the northern neighborhood of the city. They forced the residents to stay out in the open in very cold weather, under the pretext of searching for "wanted Palestinians."
No arrests have been reported in connection with the raid.
Israeli airstrikes injure four in the Gaza Strip
Israeli warplanes struck a former Israeli settlement northwest of Rafah in the Gaza Strip in two separate raids on Sunday night.
Palestinian sources said that two missiles were fired at a Palestinian car parked in the area, damaging it, while the other raid targeted a military position used by Hamas' Al-Qassam Brigades, injuring four people slightly.
Israeli sources mentioned that the Israeli air force also targeted armored vehicles that Hamas had seized from Fatah-affiliated security forces when it took control of the Gaza Strip last June.
Palestinian sources said that two missiles were fired at a Palestinian car parked in the area, damaging it, while the other raid targeted a military position used by Hamas' Al-Qassam Brigades, injuring four people slightly.
Israeli sources mentioned that the Israeli air force also targeted armored vehicles that Hamas had seized from Fatah-affiliated security forces when it took control of the Gaza Strip last June.
Eye witnesses say, Israeli army brought bulldozers into Bethlehem, threaten to demolish homes
Israeli troops invades the eastern side of Bethlehem city and clash with local youth
Israeli forces invade Jenin and kidnaps six
Five Palestinians kidnapped from Hebron
Israeli army invades a town, near Nablus and kidnaps two in the early hours of Monday morning.
Palestinian military groups launch attacks north of Gaza
Israeli troops invades the eastern side of Bethlehem city and clash with local youth
Israeli forces invade Jenin and kidnaps six
Five Palestinians kidnapped from Hebron
Israeli army invades a town, near Nablus and kidnaps two in the early hours of Monday morning.
Palestinian military groups launch attacks north of Gaza
26 jan 2008
Death toll rises to 83 patients due to lack of medical care because of Gaza siege
Brigades attack Sderot
Al-Aqsa Brigades target Sderot
Palestinian stabs Israeli soldier at checkpoint
PFLP's military wing fires three projectiles at Sderot
Al-Aqsa Brigades clash with Israeli force near Jenin
Brigades attack Sderot
Al-Aqsa Brigades target Sderot
Palestinian stabs Israeli soldier at checkpoint
PFLP's military wing fires three projectiles at Sderot
Al-Aqsa Brigades clash with Israeli force near Jenin
25 jan 2008
11 injured in anti-separation wall demonstration near Bethlehem
Eleven people were injured in a demonstration against the Israeli separation wall in the village of Al-Khader, south of Bethlehem on Friday.
The proposed route of the wall will appropriate more than 20,000 dunoms (200,000 square metres) of village land and 75,000 dunums (750,000 square metres) of land belonging to the West Bank city of Bethlehem.
More than 2000 people attended the demonstration after the Friday prayers. They went from Al-Khader village to Route 60, the road that links the village to Hebron, where they raised Palestinian flags.
Israeli forces fired sound and gas bombs at the demonstrators but noone was seriously hurt.
Eleven people were injured in a demonstration against the Israeli separation wall in the village of Al-Khader, south of Bethlehem on Friday.
The proposed route of the wall will appropriate more than 20,000 dunoms (200,000 square metres) of village land and 75,000 dunums (750,000 square metres) of land belonging to the West Bank city of Bethlehem.
More than 2000 people attended the demonstration after the Friday prayers. They went from Al-Khader village to Route 60, the road that links the village to Hebron, where they raised Palestinian flags.
Israeli forces fired sound and gas bombs at the demonstrators but noone was seriously hurt.
Clashes between Palestinians, Israeli forces and settlers leave 1 dead and 5 injured in Beit Ummar
Two Palestinians were injured after being hit by a car driven by an Israeli settler on the main road between Bethlehem and Hebron, near the village of Beit Ummar, on Friday evening.
Eyewitnesses said it looked as though the settler deliberately hit twenty-seven-year-old Mufid Muhammad Mahmoud Khalil and twenty-year-old Mu'taz Muhammad Khalil. Mahmoud received a serious head injury and Mu'taz was injured in his leg.
Meanwhile three Palestinians were shot by Israeli forces during confrontations at a funeral for three Palestinians from Beit Ummar, who were killed in separate incidents on Thursday evening and Friday afternoon.
Doctors at the Al-Ahli Hospital told Ma'an that seventeen-year-old Mahmoud Muhammad 'Awad had been brought into the hospital with gunshot wounds to the chest but medical teams were unable to save him.
He was injured during confrontations between Palestinian citizens and Israeli soldiers at the entrance to the town on Friday afternoon. Israeli settlers joined in settlers and opened fire on the Palestinian citizens. Israeli soldiers then fired tear gas canisters at the crowd.
Medical crews said that during the confrontation nineteen-year-old Moussa Abu Maria was hit in the eye by shrapnel. Another man, Abdullah Tal'at Slimi, received a shrapnel wound to the head. Both men were taken to Al-Ahli hospital for treatment.
Twenty-one-year-old Muhammad Fathi Sabarna and twenty-year-old Mahmoud Khaled Sabarna from Beit Ummar were shot dead on Thursday evening, in the Israeli settlement of Kfar Etzion, south of Bethlehem, after they stabbed three Israeli settlers.
Eyewitnesses said it looked as though the settler deliberately hit twenty-seven-year-old Mufid Muhammad Mahmoud Khalil and twenty-year-old Mu'taz Muhammad Khalil. Mahmoud received a serious head injury and Mu'taz was injured in his leg.
Meanwhile three Palestinians were shot by Israeli forces during confrontations at a funeral for three Palestinians from Beit Ummar, who were killed in separate incidents on Thursday evening and Friday afternoon.
Doctors at the Al-Ahli Hospital told Ma'an that seventeen-year-old Mahmoud Muhammad 'Awad had been brought into the hospital with gunshot wounds to the chest but medical teams were unable to save him.
He was injured during confrontations between Palestinian citizens and Israeli soldiers at the entrance to the town on Friday afternoon. Israeli settlers joined in settlers and opened fire on the Palestinian citizens. Israeli soldiers then fired tear gas canisters at the crowd.
Medical crews said that during the confrontation nineteen-year-old Moussa Abu Maria was hit in the eye by shrapnel. Another man, Abdullah Tal'at Slimi, received a shrapnel wound to the head. Both men were taken to Al-Ahli hospital for treatment.
Twenty-one-year-old Muhammad Fathi Sabarna and twenty-year-old Mahmoud Khaled Sabarna from Beit Ummar were shot dead on Thursday evening, in the Israeli settlement of Kfar Etzion, south of Bethlehem, after they stabbed three Israeli settlers.
Four dead, including three Al-Qassam Brigades members in Israeli airstrikes on Gaza Strip
Two members of the Al-Qassam Brigades, the military wing of Hamas, were killed in an Israeli airstrike on a car in the town of Rafah in the southern Gaza Strip, on Friday morning.
The Al-Qassam Brigades said that the dead were two of their leaders, Mohammed Abu Harb and Sami Al-Hamaydeh.
Israeli security officials told the Israeli daily newspaper Ha'aretz that the militants belonged to a Hamas cell preparing to carry out a terror attack in Israel.
They claimed Mohammed Abu Harb had been coordinating Qassam rocket attacks on Sderot and that he was involved in attacks in the Rafah area.
Two hours earlier two Palestinians were killed, including an Al-Qassam Brigades member, and a number of others injured when the Israeli airforce raid targeted a truck in Rafah, southern Gaza.
Medical sources said that Ibrahim Al-Absi, an Al-Qassam Brigades activist and another man, Zayed Abdel-'Al died in the strike.
Later on Friday dozens of mourners turned out for the funeral procession of all four Al-Qassam Brigades members.
They procession began from the Abu Yousif An Najar Hospital. Armed men fired into the air.
The Al-Qassam Brigades said that the dead were two of their leaders, Mohammed Abu Harb and Sami Al-Hamaydeh.
Israeli security officials told the Israeli daily newspaper Ha'aretz that the militants belonged to a Hamas cell preparing to carry out a terror attack in Israel.
They claimed Mohammed Abu Harb had been coordinating Qassam rocket attacks on Sderot and that he was involved in attacks in the Rafah area.
Two hours earlier two Palestinians were killed, including an Al-Qassam Brigades member, and a number of others injured when the Israeli airforce raid targeted a truck in Rafah, southern Gaza.
Medical sources said that Ibrahim Al-Absi, an Al-Qassam Brigades activist and another man, Zayed Abdel-'Al died in the strike.
Later on Friday dozens of mourners turned out for the funeral procession of all four Al-Qassam Brigades members.
They procession began from the Abu Yousif An Najar Hospital. Armed men fired into the air.
Two Palestinians, one Israeli soldier dead in twin attacks near Bethlehem
An Israeli soldier was killed and another wounded, and two Palestinians were killed and three Israeli settlers injured, in two separate incidents in south Bethlehem and north Jerusalem on Thursday evening.
Palestinian resistance fighters opened fire on the Ras Hamis checkpoint near the Shuafat refugee camp in East Jerusalem, killing an Israeli border guard. He has been named as twenty-year-old Rami Zuhari from Be'er Sheva. A female soldier was also seriously injured in the attack, Israeli sources said.
An Israeli army spokesman said the attackers were able to escape, despite an extensive search by Israeli helicopters.
A previously unknown organization, the Return and Struggle Brigades affiliated to the Al-Aqsa Brigades, the military wing of Fatah, claimed responsibility for the attack, saying it marks the start of a forthcoming series of resistance action. The Brigades confirmed that the attackers managed to flee, taking the dead soldier's weapon.
In a separate incident on Thursday evening, in the Israeli settlement of Kfar Etzion, south of Bethlehem, three Israeli settlers were stabbed by two Palestinian resistance fighters who entered the settlement carrying knives. The Palestinians were shot dead at the scene. The settlers were taken to hospital and are reported to be in a stable condition.
The two Palestinians have been identified as twenty-one-year-old Muhammad Fathi Sabarna and twenty-year-old Mahmoud Khaled Sabarna from Beit Ummar, south of Bethlehem. Both men had recently been released from an Israeli prison. They had each served a year after being found guilty of beating up an Israeli settler and taking his gun.
According to the Israeli daily newspaper Ma'arev the two Palestinians were wearing military uniforms and had a gun and a knife. They entered a room where around 12 soldiers and Israeli settlers were gathered. Speaking in Hebrew, they ordered the soldiers to stand up.
"They were wearing Israeli military uniforms. I thought they were joking and we did not take them seriously," one settler there told Ma'ariv.
"The man who was holding the knife started screaming, telling us to raise our hands while the other pointed his gun at us. The other one stabbed the settlers, then I approached the one who was holding the knife and attacked him. We struggled and I killed him," he added.
Another Israeli soldier heard the shooting and ran into the hall, firing on the two men, the newspaper reported.
Palestinian resistance fighters opened fire on the Ras Hamis checkpoint near the Shuafat refugee camp in East Jerusalem, killing an Israeli border guard. He has been named as twenty-year-old Rami Zuhari from Be'er Sheva. A female soldier was also seriously injured in the attack, Israeli sources said.
An Israeli army spokesman said the attackers were able to escape, despite an extensive search by Israeli helicopters.
A previously unknown organization, the Return and Struggle Brigades affiliated to the Al-Aqsa Brigades, the military wing of Fatah, claimed responsibility for the attack, saying it marks the start of a forthcoming series of resistance action. The Brigades confirmed that the attackers managed to flee, taking the dead soldier's weapon.
In a separate incident on Thursday evening, in the Israeli settlement of Kfar Etzion, south of Bethlehem, three Israeli settlers were stabbed by two Palestinian resistance fighters who entered the settlement carrying knives. The Palestinians were shot dead at the scene. The settlers were taken to hospital and are reported to be in a stable condition.
The two Palestinians have been identified as twenty-one-year-old Muhammad Fathi Sabarna and twenty-year-old Mahmoud Khaled Sabarna from Beit Ummar, south of Bethlehem. Both men had recently been released from an Israeli prison. They had each served a year after being found guilty of beating up an Israeli settler and taking his gun.
According to the Israeli daily newspaper Ma'arev the two Palestinians were wearing military uniforms and had a gun and a knife. They entered a room where around 12 soldiers and Israeli settlers were gathered. Speaking in Hebrew, they ordered the soldiers to stand up.
"They were wearing Israeli military uniforms. I thought they were joking and we did not take them seriously," one settler there told Ma'ariv.
"The man who was holding the knife started screaming, telling us to raise our hands while the other pointed his gun at us. The other one stabbed the settlers, then I approached the one who was holding the knife and attacked him. We struggled and I killed him," he added.
Another Israeli soldier heard the shooting and ran into the hall, firing on the two men, the newspaper reported.
Israeli army invades Nablus for several hours, but withdraws later with no abductions reported.
Palestinians protest in Jerusalem, call for ending Gaza siege
Settlers attack a Palestinian house , international observers in Hebron
Al Quds brigades detonate explosive near Israeli patrol south of Jenin
Abu Ali Mustafa brigades launch projectiles at Sderot
Palestinians protest in Jerusalem, call for ending Gaza siege
Settlers attack a Palestinian house , international observers in Hebron
Al Quds brigades detonate explosive near Israeli patrol south of Jenin
Abu Ali Mustafa brigades launch projectiles at Sderot
24 jan 2008
Israeli army invasion in northern Gaza leaves one killed and one injured
Preliminary medical sources reported one Palestinian killed and another injured in Israeli shelling of the northern Gaza Strip town of Beit Hanoun on Thursday at dawn.
Local sources said that Israeli tanks and bulldozers invaded the border area of Beit Hanoun and opened fire at the residents homes.
Israeli sources stated that troops killed 1 Palestinian and injured another; the army also stated that troops kidnapped 56 Palestinians during the operation that ended on Thursday early morning.
Dr. Mo'awiyah Hassanin of the Palestinian Ministry of Health in Gaza said that one Palestinian was killed and another injured, he said that the names of the two men remain unknown as the Israeli army still holds them.
No Palestinian sources have confirmed that 65 have been kidnapped.
Eyewitnesses said that Israeli bulldozers which were involved in the invasion leveled Palestinian orchards and properties.
Preliminary medical sources reported one Palestinian killed and another injured in Israeli shelling of the northern Gaza Strip town of Beit Hanoun on Thursday at dawn.
Local sources said that Israeli tanks and bulldozers invaded the border area of Beit Hanoun and opened fire at the residents homes.
Israeli sources stated that troops killed 1 Palestinian and injured another; the army also stated that troops kidnapped 56 Palestinians during the operation that ended on Thursday early morning.
Dr. Mo'awiyah Hassanin of the Palestinian Ministry of Health in Gaza said that one Palestinian was killed and another injured, he said that the names of the two men remain unknown as the Israeli army still holds them.
No Palestinian sources have confirmed that 65 have been kidnapped.
Eyewitnesses said that Israeli bulldozers which were involved in the invasion leveled Palestinian orchards and properties.
Israeli forces claim to have killed Palestinian gunman in Gaza Strip
The Israeli military claimed on Wednesday evening that they had killed a Palestinian gunman in fighting in Beit Hanoun in the northern Gaza Strip.
According to the Israeli army, a clash erupted between an Israeli force and Palestinian gunmen who were attempting to launch homemade projectiles towards Israeli towns. As a result one of the Palestinian gunmen was killed.
However, Mu'awiya Hassanein, the director of ambulance and emergency services in the Palestinian health ministry said that the Israeli military had not informed them of the incident.
The Israeli military claimed on Wednesday evening that they had killed a Palestinian gunman in fighting in Beit Hanoun in the northern Gaza Strip.
According to the Israeli army, a clash erupted between an Israeli force and Palestinian gunmen who were attempting to launch homemade projectiles towards Israeli towns. As a result one of the Palestinian gunmen was killed.
However, Mu'awiya Hassanein, the director of ambulance and emergency services in the Palestinian health ministry said that the Israeli military had not informed them of the incident.
Palestinian Sources: Israeli army invades several parts of the West Bank and kidnaps 7 civilians
Gazans continue to flow into Egypt, Israel says siege continues, Egypt sends troops
Vigil in Montreal Against Gaza Siege
Soldiers kidnap a Palestinian Human rights Activist in Nablus
Soldiers assault and arrest B'Tselem worker in Hebron
Eight Palestinian kidnapped by the army during invasion in several parts of the West Bank
Undercover Israeli troops invade Bethlehem and Kidnap two Palestinians
Al-Quds Brigades fire three projectiles at Sderot
An-Nasser Salah Addin Brigades target Israeli military post
Gazans continue to flow into Egypt, Israel says siege continues, Egypt sends troops
Vigil in Montreal Against Gaza Siege
Soldiers kidnap a Palestinian Human rights Activist in Nablus
Soldiers assault and arrest B'Tselem worker in Hebron
Eight Palestinian kidnapped by the army during invasion in several parts of the West Bank
Undercover Israeli troops invade Bethlehem and Kidnap two Palestinians
Al-Quds Brigades fire three projectiles at Sderot
An-Nasser Salah Addin Brigades target Israeli military post
23 jan 2008
Gazans injured in latest spate of Israeli violence to be treated in Cairo
Egyptian Health Minister Hatem Al-Jabali announced on Wednesday that it has been decided to treat some of the Palestinians, who were injured in the recent spate of Israeli incursions, in the Nasser Institute in Egypt.
The minister said in a statement that the treatment would be free of charge and carried out in coordination with the Egyptian Foreign Ministry.
This latest decision is part of the ongoing efforts by Egypt to support the Palestinian people and alleviate their suffering.
Egyptian Health Minister Hatem Al-Jabali announced on Wednesday that it has been decided to treat some of the Palestinians, who were injured in the recent spate of Israeli incursions, in the Nasser Institute in Egypt.
The minister said in a statement that the treatment would be free of charge and carried out in coordination with the Egyptian Foreign Ministry.
This latest decision is part of the ongoing efforts by Egypt to support the Palestinian people and alleviate their suffering.
Israeli forces seize two Palestinians in Bethlehem raid
Israeli forces seized two Palestinians from the West Bank city of Bethlehem on Wednesday, Palestinian security sources said.
The sources said Israeli forces invaded the Cinema neighborhood as well as Al-Madbasa and Bab Az-Ziqaq squares. The Israeli troops ransacked the Al-Ihsan health center, confiscating computers and detaining forty-four-year-old Mousa Abda and Thiry-five-year-old Samih Riziq from the center.
Israeli forces seized two Palestinians from the West Bank city of Bethlehem on Wednesday, Palestinian security sources said.
The sources said Israeli forces invaded the Cinema neighborhood as well as Al-Madbasa and Bab Az-Ziqaq squares. The Israeli troops ransacked the Al-Ihsan health center, confiscating computers and detaining forty-four-year-old Mousa Abda and Thiry-five-year-old Samih Riziq from the center.
Israeli forces raid Qabatiya
More than 20 Israeli military vehicles raided the northern West Bank town of Qabatiya, near Jenin, on Wednesday, threatening to kill "wanted" activists in Islamic Jihad's armed wing, the Al-Quds Brigades, witnesses said.
Al-Quds Brigades fighters fought the Israeli troops, hurling explosive devices. Israeli forces responded by detonating sound grenades near Palestinian houses.
Qabatiya residents said the invading forces stormed the homes of Islamic Jihad members Abdul Fattah Khzeima, Bilal Kameel and Ziad Nazzal, warning their families of their impending assassination.
Earlier, the Al-Quds Brigades claimed responsibility for shooting at Israeli soldiers at the Al-Jalama checkpoint, north of Jenin.
More than 20 Israeli military vehicles raided the northern West Bank town of Qabatiya, near Jenin, on Wednesday, threatening to kill "wanted" activists in Islamic Jihad's armed wing, the Al-Quds Brigades, witnesses said.
Al-Quds Brigades fighters fought the Israeli troops, hurling explosive devices. Israeli forces responded by detonating sound grenades near Palestinian houses.
Qabatiya residents said the invading forces stormed the homes of Islamic Jihad members Abdul Fattah Khzeima, Bilal Kameel and Ziad Nazzal, warning their families of their impending assassination.
Earlier, the Al-Quds Brigades claimed responsibility for shooting at Israeli soldiers at the Al-Jalama checkpoint, north of Jenin.
Israeli forces kill two Palestinians in twin Gaza Strip incursions
Israeli forces shot and killed a fifty-year-old Palestinian man named Isma'il Al-Attar on Wednesday in the northern Gaza Strip.
Palestinian medical sources said that Al-Attar was standing near his house at the Ad-Da'ur area in Beit Lahiya when Israeli forces were shooting at Palestinian houses.
Separately, a Palestinian activist affiliated with Hamas' armed wing, the Al-Qassam Brigades, was killed on Wednesday as clashes erupted near the Sufa crossing in the southern Gaza Strip between Palestinian resistance fighters and an undercover Israeli force.
Palestinian medical sources identified the deceased as Yahya Al-Biyuk. Fierce fighting is ongoing near Sufa crossing.
Undercover Israeli forces also entered the Gaza Strip in the area of Al-Fukhkhari, in the southern Gaza Strip, exchanging fire with Palestinian fighters.
Palestinian medical sources said that Al-Attar was standing near his house at the Ad-Da'ur area in Beit Lahiya when Israeli forces were shooting at Palestinian houses.
Separately, a Palestinian activist affiliated with Hamas' armed wing, the Al-Qassam Brigades, was killed on Wednesday as clashes erupted near the Sufa crossing in the southern Gaza Strip between Palestinian resistance fighters and an undercover Israeli force.
Palestinian medical sources identified the deceased as Yahya Al-Biyuk. Fierce fighting is ongoing near Sufa crossing.
Undercover Israeli forces also entered the Gaza Strip in the area of Al-Fukhkhari, in the southern Gaza Strip, exchanging fire with Palestinian fighters.
Palestinian civilian dies of gunshots sustained in Israeli incursion in early January
A Palestinian civilian named Ahmad Abu Hantash died on Wednesday of wounds he sustained on during Israeli invasion in the northern West Bank city of Nablus on January 4th.
Israeli soldiers shot Abu Hantash three times while he was walking to Friday prayer on An-Najah street in Nablus. There was no fighting in the area at that moment.
Abu Hantash was treated at an Israeli hospital where he later died.
Israeli soldiers shot Abu Hantash three times while he was walking to Friday prayer on An-Najah street in Nablus. There was no fighting in the area at that moment.
Abu Hantash was treated at an Israeli hospital where he later died.
After a one day respite on Tuesday, Israel resumes fuel blockade of Gaza strip
Israeli policemen arrest the advisor of Palestinian P.M
The Popular Committees appeals the international Community to save Gaza from imminent disaster
Al-Aqsa Brigades fire at Israeli liaison office in Tulkarem
Israeli policemen arrest the advisor of Palestinian P.M
The Popular Committees appeals the international Community to save Gaza from imminent disaster
Al-Aqsa Brigades fire at Israeli liaison office in Tulkarem
22 jan 2008
Israeli tanks shells civilians in southern Gaza Strip, no injures reported
Palestinian sources reported that on Tuesday midday Israeli tanks shelled a group of Palestinian civilians in Khaza'a village near Khan Younis city in the southern part of the Gaza Strip Those who witnessed the attacks stated that tanks stationed at the Israeli Gazan borders fired several shells at a group of residents, medical sources said that no injures were reported. Israeli army attacks on Gaza last week left at least 37 Palestinian dead and 70 others injured.
On Tuesday a man died of wounds he sustained during an army attack in the northern part of the Gaza strip on Sunday. Medical sources in Gaza said that on Monday night at least five Palestinian civilians with severe illnesses died in Gaza city due to the power black out cased by the Israeli siege on the Gaza strip.
Palestinian sources reported that on Tuesday midday Israeli tanks shelled a group of Palestinian civilians in Khaza'a village near Khan Younis city in the southern part of the Gaza Strip Those who witnessed the attacks stated that tanks stationed at the Israeli Gazan borders fired several shells at a group of residents, medical sources said that no injures were reported. Israeli army attacks on Gaza last week left at least 37 Palestinian dead and 70 others injured.
On Tuesday a man died of wounds he sustained during an army attack in the northern part of the Gaza strip on Sunday. Medical sources in Gaza said that on Monday night at least five Palestinian civilians with severe illnesses died in Gaza city due to the power black out cased by the Israeli siege on the Gaza strip.
The Israeli army injures a Palestinian youth and kidnaps him near Hebron city
Israeli troops shot and injured a young Palestinian man late Monday night in the village of Al Shukh located north of the southern West Bank city of Hebron.
Lou'e Warssanah, 19, sustained head injuries and was kidnapped by troops who took him to an Israeli hospital, local sources said.
The sources added that Warssanah was injured during clashes that erupted between local youths and Israeli troops who invaded the village late Monday night.
Eyewitnesses said that scores of local village youths organized a protest against the Israeli army attacks on the Gaza strip; troops attacked the protest injuring Warssanah and later kidnapped him.
Israeli troops shot and injured a young Palestinian man late Monday night in the village of Al Shukh located north of the southern West Bank city of Hebron.
Lou'e Warssanah, 19, sustained head injuries and was kidnapped by troops who took him to an Israeli hospital, local sources said.
The sources added that Warssanah was injured during clashes that erupted between local youths and Israeli troops who invaded the village late Monday night.
Eyewitnesses said that scores of local village youths organized a protest against the Israeli army attacks on the Gaza strip; troops attacked the protest injuring Warssanah and later kidnapped him.
Palestinian dies of injuries 3 days after Israeli artillery bombardment
A thirty-one-year-old Palestinian has died of injuries he sustained during an Israeli attack on the Jabalia refugee camp in the Gaza Strip, medical sources announced on Tuesday morning.
Mahmoud Al-Ghandour was seriously injured in the Israeli artillery bombardment of the Az-Zahra park area of the camp on January 19.
Mahmoud Al-Ghandour was seriously injured in the Israeli artillery bombardment of the Az-Zahra park area of the camp on January 19.
Israeli military invades Qabatiya and Deir Abu Da'eif village in Jenin
In pre-dawn invasion on Tuesday in the northern West Bank town of Qabatiya, and village of Abu Da'eif in Jenin the Israeli army attacked several civilian homes. Local sources reported that the Israeli military patrolled Qabatiya town and randomly opened fire on the neighborhoods. The army established a flying checkpoint on the eastern entrance of the town for several hours.
Troops also attacked several civilians' homes in Abu Da'eif village, ransacking them and confiscating property. The army detained civilians for several hours, claiming that they were searching for 'wanted Palestinians'.
In pre-dawn invasion on Tuesday in the northern West Bank town of Qabatiya, and village of Abu Da'eif in Jenin the Israeli army attacked several civilian homes. Local sources reported that the Israeli military patrolled Qabatiya town and randomly opened fire on the neighborhoods. The army established a flying checkpoint on the eastern entrance of the town for several hours.
Troops also attacked several civilians' homes in Abu Da'eif village, ransacking them and confiscating property. The army detained civilians for several hours, claiming that they were searching for 'wanted Palestinians'.
Israel: fuel shipment to Gaza to thwart UN Security Council condemnation of Gaza siege
Israeli army kidnaps at least 14 Palestinians from Nablus
Russian foreign minister calls on Mash'al to stop Palestinian rocket fire
Brigades target Israeli towns
Israeli army kidnaps at least 14 Palestinians from Nablus
Russian foreign minister calls on Mash'al to stop Palestinian rocket fire
Brigades target Israeli towns
21 jan 2008
While Army intensifies Siege, Israeli PM: "We will not allow humanitarian crises in Gaza,"
The Israeli Prime Minister Ehod Olmert stated on Monday that Israel will not allow a humanitarian crises to take place in Gaza, meanwhile the Israeli Defense Minister Ehod Barak ordered his army today to step up the siege imposed on the coastal region.
Olmert statement came as a response from both Egyptian President Hosni Mubarak and Dutch Foreign Minister Maxime Verhagen. The two separately called Olmert on Monday to express great concern over the deteriorating situation in the Gaza strip due to Israeli ongoing siege and attacks on the Palestinians living there.
On Thursday last week, the Israeli government decided to keep pressure on the Gaza Strip by further attacking Palestinian resistance groups. Friday Israel declared all Gaza's crossings completely closed, with a total halt of fuel supplies to the coastal region.
On Sunday evening a general power black out struck the coastal region since the solo Gaza power plant relies on Israeli fuel to supply Gaza with electricity. Israeli security officials admitted that the impacts of Israel's complete cut-off of the Gaza Strip were "worse than they expected when they put the plan in place." The 1.5 million residents in the Gaza Strip are once again in a total blackout, an event that has become commonplace since Israel's bombing of the Gaza power plant in 2006.
Meanwhile today, few hours after Olmert statement, the Israeli Defense Minister Ehod Barak ordered his army today to step up the siege imposed on the coastal region to a new level. According to Israeli Media sources the step up will include new measures; the orders said that the Israeli army will stop allowing electrical devices like laptops MP3, MP4, and GPS devices which are used by media agencies working in the Gaza Strip.
Barak stated that new set of restrictions is not to allow the ruling Hamas party of controlling and running the Gaza Strip. Hamas, however, won the Palestinian democratic elections in 2006, and again in June 2007, after several months of bloody internal struggle with the Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas Fatah Party, Hamas took total control of the coastal region.
Israel says that the fuel cut and the siege is aimed at forcing the Palestinian resistance in Gaza to stop firing home made shells at nearby Israeli towns. Palestinian resistance shells had lightly injured three Israelis last week. While in the same week the Israeli Army attacks on Gaza left 37 Palestinians killed and at least 70 others injured.
The Israeli Prime Minister Ehod Olmert stated on Monday that Israel will not allow a humanitarian crises to take place in Gaza, meanwhile the Israeli Defense Minister Ehod Barak ordered his army today to step up the siege imposed on the coastal region.
Olmert statement came as a response from both Egyptian President Hosni Mubarak and Dutch Foreign Minister Maxime Verhagen. The two separately called Olmert on Monday to express great concern over the deteriorating situation in the Gaza strip due to Israeli ongoing siege and attacks on the Palestinians living there.
On Thursday last week, the Israeli government decided to keep pressure on the Gaza Strip by further attacking Palestinian resistance groups. Friday Israel declared all Gaza's crossings completely closed, with a total halt of fuel supplies to the coastal region.
On Sunday evening a general power black out struck the coastal region since the solo Gaza power plant relies on Israeli fuel to supply Gaza with electricity. Israeli security officials admitted that the impacts of Israel's complete cut-off of the Gaza Strip were "worse than they expected when they put the plan in place." The 1.5 million residents in the Gaza Strip are once again in a total blackout, an event that has become commonplace since Israel's bombing of the Gaza power plant in 2006.
Meanwhile today, few hours after Olmert statement, the Israeli Defense Minister Ehod Barak ordered his army today to step up the siege imposed on the coastal region to a new level. According to Israeli Media sources the step up will include new measures; the orders said that the Israeli army will stop allowing electrical devices like laptops MP3, MP4, and GPS devices which are used by media agencies working in the Gaza Strip.
Barak stated that new set of restrictions is not to allow the ruling Hamas party of controlling and running the Gaza Strip. Hamas, however, won the Palestinian democratic elections in 2006, and again in June 2007, after several months of bloody internal struggle with the Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas Fatah Party, Hamas took total control of the coastal region.
Israel says that the fuel cut and the siege is aimed at forcing the Palestinian resistance in Gaza to stop firing home made shells at nearby Israeli towns. Palestinian resistance shells had lightly injured three Israelis last week. While in the same week the Israeli Army attacks on Gaza left 37 Palestinians killed and at least 70 others injured.
Gaza plunged into terrifying darkness and Israel vows more pressure
Gazans spent Sunday night in terrifying darkness after the supply of fuel was cut on the area. Hamas sources said that power shortages caused the death of a hospital patient, though this has not been confirmed by another source.
Israeli sources stated that the darkness in the Strip is unnecessary as Israel is still supplying Gaza with at least 75% of their electricity.
According to Israeli daily, Haaretz, the difficulties with supplying power in the Gaza Strip were greater than Israel expected, indicating that the closure of the border crossing increased the difficulties. Haaretz added that the appearance of the fuel shortage in the area is being used to "blow up the crisis for its needs, in order to take advantage of the pictures of darkness in Gaza for its public relations needs in the Arab world and the international community".
Israeli sources also reported that the power, food and medicine shortage issue will be closely followed by Israel. While Israeli security sources reported that Gaza border crossings will remain closed, despite the retreat of Hamas launching missiles.
Gazans spent Sunday night in terrifying darkness after the supply of fuel was cut on the area. Hamas sources said that power shortages caused the death of a hospital patient, though this has not been confirmed by another source.
Israeli sources stated that the darkness in the Strip is unnecessary as Israel is still supplying Gaza with at least 75% of their electricity.
According to Israeli daily, Haaretz, the difficulties with supplying power in the Gaza Strip were greater than Israel expected, indicating that the closure of the border crossing increased the difficulties. Haaretz added that the appearance of the fuel shortage in the area is being used to "blow up the crisis for its needs, in order to take advantage of the pictures of darkness in Gaza for its public relations needs in the Arab world and the international community".
Israeli sources also reported that the power, food and medicine shortage issue will be closely followed by Israel. While Israeli security sources reported that Gaza border crossings will remain closed, despite the retreat of Hamas launching missiles.
B'Tselem: Israeli attacks on human rights workers "systematic"
Soldiers guarding Israeli settlers in Hebron
The beating and arrest of a human rights worker by Israeli soldiers in the West Bank city of Hebron on Saturday were a part of "a policy of systematically harassing human rights defenders," the Israeli human rights organization B'Tselem said on Sunday.
B'Tselem fieldworker Issa Amro was assaulted, then detained by the Israeli military while filming a group of Israeli settlers while they attacked a Palestinian home.
Witnesses told Ma'an's reporter that four women and two children were also injured when settlers pelted Palestinian homes with stones in Hebron's Wadi Abu Hussain neighborhood.
"Although a large force of soldiers and police were present," B'Tselem said "they did nothing to protect the Palestinians and remove the settlers. Two B'Tselem workers were filming the incident from across the street, where they stood along with a number of Palestinians and international activists.
A lieutenant colonel approached 'Amro and "demanded that he stop filming. A group of settler women then gathered around the B'Tselem workers and two of them tried to grab Amro's camera. A number of soldiers joined in the fray, beat 'Amro and then arrested him. They then took him to an army jeep and beat him again."
The beating and arrest of a human rights worker by Israeli soldiers in the West Bank city of Hebron on Saturday were a part of "a policy of systematically harassing human rights defenders," the Israeli human rights organization B'Tselem said on Sunday.
B'Tselem fieldworker Issa Amro was assaulted, then detained by the Israeli military while filming a group of Israeli settlers while they attacked a Palestinian home.
Witnesses told Ma'an's reporter that four women and two children were also injured when settlers pelted Palestinian homes with stones in Hebron's Wadi Abu Hussain neighborhood.
"Although a large force of soldiers and police were present," B'Tselem said "they did nothing to protect the Palestinians and remove the settlers. Two B'Tselem workers were filming the incident from across the street, where they stood along with a number of Palestinians and international activists.
A lieutenant colonel approached 'Amro and "demanded that he stop filming. A group of settler women then gathered around the B'Tselem workers and two of them tried to grab Amro's camera. A number of soldiers joined in the fray, beat 'Amro and then arrested him. They then took him to an army jeep and beat him again."
Palestinian fighter dies of his wounds in Gaza
A twenty-three-year-old Palestinian fighter named Imam Ahmad died of his wounds on Monday, after being wounded days ago in an Israeli air raid on a civilian car in the town of Beit Hanoun in the northern Gaza Strip.
Ahmad was a member of Al-Mujahidin Brigades, a military offshoot of Fatah.
Muawiya Hassanein, the director of ambulance and emergency service in the Palestinian Health Ministry said the victim has been hospitalized in the Intensive Care Unit at Ash-Shifa hospital in Gaza City.
Ahmad was a member of Al-Mujahidin Brigades, a military offshoot of Fatah.
Muawiya Hassanein, the director of ambulance and emergency service in the Palestinian Health Ministry said the victim has been hospitalized in the Intensive Care Unit at Ash-Shifa hospital in Gaza City.
One killed, two injured in Israeli airstrike in Gaza
Israeli warplanes killed a Palestinian activist and wounded two others, one of them seriously in an airstrike on a civilian car in the Sheikh Radwan neighborhood of Gaza City on Sunday evening.
Muawiya Hassanain, the director of ambulance and emergency service in the Palestinian health ministry identified the deceased as twenty-five-year-old Ibrahim Al-Ghuti, a fighter with the Al-Mujahidin Brigades, an armed group linked to Fatah.
Hassanain said that two other injured Palestinians were treated at Ash-Shifa hospital in Gaza City.
The main military wing of Fatah, the Al-Aqsa Brigades, announced that the target of the Israeli raid was As'ad Abu Shari'a, a leader in the Al-Mujahidin Brigades. They said that he had been seriously injured in the attack.
Muawiya Hassanain, the director of ambulance and emergency service in the Palestinian health ministry identified the deceased as twenty-five-year-old Ibrahim Al-Ghuti, a fighter with the Al-Mujahidin Brigades, an armed group linked to Fatah.
Hassanain said that two other injured Palestinians were treated at Ash-Shifa hospital in Gaza City.
The main military wing of Fatah, the Al-Aqsa Brigades, announced that the target of the Israeli raid was As'ad Abu Shari'a, a leader in the Al-Mujahidin Brigades. They said that he had been seriously injured in the attack.
Israeli forces kill Palestinian man after standoff in Tulkarem
Israeli forces killed one Palestinian during an incursion in the Zhinnaba neighborhood east of Tulkarem in the northern West Bank, witnesses said.
The victim was a twenty-five-year-old member of the armed wing of Islamic Jiha named Ibrahim Al-Basha.
More than 15 Israeli military vehicles invaded the area and surrounded Al-Basha's house. The soldiers used a public address system to call on residents to quit the area. They then called on Al-Basha to surrender. He refused, opening fire on the Israeli soldiers, injuring one in the shoulder. The solders returned fire, killing Al-Basha.
Witnesses said the soldiers used a robot to drag Al-Basha from his house after he was shot before they were able to approach him for fear that he was wearing explosives.
The victim was a twenty-five-year-old member of the armed wing of Islamic Jiha named Ibrahim Al-Basha.
More than 15 Israeli military vehicles invaded the area and surrounded Al-Basha's house. The soldiers used a public address system to call on residents to quit the area. They then called on Al-Basha to surrender. He refused, opening fire on the Israeli soldiers, injuring one in the shoulder. The solders returned fire, killing Al-Basha.
Witnesses said the soldiers used a robot to drag Al-Basha from his house after he was shot before they were able to approach him for fear that he was wearing explosives.
Gaza demonstrates against the Israeli siege
Israelis kidnap the Governor's consultant to religious affairs in Bethlehem
UNRWA's Operations Director appeals for resolving ongoing Gaza crisis
Israelis kidnap the Governor's consultant to religious affairs in Bethlehem
UNRWA's Operations Director appeals for resolving ongoing Gaza crisis
