9 may 2008
A Palestinian gunman was killed and another detained in Ein Yabrud village north-east of Ramallah on Friday after an alleged attack on five Israelis.
Unofficial Israeli sources told Ma'an that five Israelis were vacationing in the mountains near Ein Yabrud village when they were attacked by a Palestinian gunmen who opened fire on them. Israeli armed men then responded and opened fire on the gunmen. One was seriously injured and later bled to death. Another Palestinian was arrested.
Official sources have still not confirmed the details of the incident.
The Al-Aqsa Brigades affiliated to Imad Mughniyya later claimed responsibility for the attack. They told Ma'an that their resistance fighters survived the counter attack, but that the Palestinian who was killed and the other who was detained were bystanders and were not part of their armed group.
They said in a statement that the Brigades opened fire on a group of settlers and clashed with them in Ein Yabrud.
Unofficial Israeli sources told Ma'an that five Israelis were vacationing in the mountains near Ein Yabrud village when they were attacked by a Palestinian gunmen who opened fire on them. Israeli armed men then responded and opened fire on the gunmen. One was seriously injured and later bled to death. Another Palestinian was arrested.
Official sources have still not confirmed the details of the incident.
The Al-Aqsa Brigades affiliated to Imad Mughniyya later claimed responsibility for the attack. They told Ma'an that their resistance fighters survived the counter attack, but that the Palestinian who was killed and the other who was detained were bystanders and were not part of their armed group.
They said in a statement that the Brigades opened fire on a group of settlers and clashed with them in Ein Yabrud.
The human rights organization B'Tselem on Friday repeated its call to the Israeli army's Judge Advocate General to open a military police investigation into the death of five members of the Abu Me'tiq family in Beit Hanoun on 28 April.
An Israeli army enquiry is currently investigating the circumstances that led to the death of Khadra Abu Me'tiq, and her children Ahmad, three-year-old Hana, four-year-old Salih, and six-year-old Rudayna, who were eating breakfast when Israeli tanks shelled their house in the town of Beit Hanoun in the northern Gaza Strip.
B'Tselem want a separate enquiry to be carried out by the Israeli military police. They claim that video footage filmed by a military UAV, depicting part of the event, "strengthens the suspicion that the lethal measures used by the army did not adhere to the international humanitarian law principle of proportionality."
The organisation repeated its position that whoever fired the original missile, bears responsibility for the explosion that led to the deaths of the family members. "The missile was fired at a resistance fighter who was on the doorstep of a densely populated residential compound, knowing he was carrying ammunition," they said in a statement.
B'Tselem added that they are "aware of the reality in the Gaza Strip, in which Palestinian militants operate in the midst of a civilian population, and direct attacks at Israeli civilians, in violation of the laws of war. However, this does not justify the Israeli security forces shirking their obligation to distinguish between civilians and those taking part in the hostilities, and to do all they can to avoid harming civilians disproportionately."
An Israeli army enquiry is currently investigating the circumstances that led to the death of Khadra Abu Me'tiq, and her children Ahmad, three-year-old Hana, four-year-old Salih, and six-year-old Rudayna, who were eating breakfast when Israeli tanks shelled their house in the town of Beit Hanoun in the northern Gaza Strip.
B'Tselem want a separate enquiry to be carried out by the Israeli military police. They claim that video footage filmed by a military UAV, depicting part of the event, "strengthens the suspicion that the lethal measures used by the army did not adhere to the international humanitarian law principle of proportionality."
The organisation repeated its position that whoever fired the original missile, bears responsibility for the explosion that led to the deaths of the family members. "The missile was fired at a resistance fighter who was on the doorstep of a densely populated residential compound, knowing he was carrying ammunition," they said in a statement.
B'Tselem added that they are "aware of the reality in the Gaza Strip, in which Palestinian militants operate in the midst of a civilian population, and direct attacks at Israeli civilians, in violation of the laws of war. However, this does not justify the Israeli security forces shirking their obligation to distinguish between civilians and those taking part in the hostilities, and to do all they can to avoid harming civilians disproportionately."
Dozens of settlers return to evacuated settlement in northern West Bank
Israeli sources said that dozens of settlers returned to the evacuated Israeli settlement of Sanur, in the northern West Bank on Friday morning, saying they were determined to rebuild the settlement.
The Israeli sources added that half of the Israeli settlers who attended were former residents of the evacuated settlement.
Israeli sources said that dozens of settlers returned to the evacuated Israeli settlement of Sanur, in the northern West Bank on Friday morning, saying they were determined to rebuild the settlement.
The Israeli sources added that half of the Israeli settlers who attended were former residents of the evacuated settlement.
A Palestinian man died on Friday morning after being injured in an Israeli attack in Khaza'a, east of Khan Yunis, on Wednesday.
Palestinian sources told Maan that 19-year-old Jamil Abu 'Anza died from the serious injuries he sustained in the attack.
Ambulances found the body of 33-year-old Wafa' Shaker Ad-Doghma inside her house in 'Abasan, east of Khan Yunis, immediately after Israeli forces withdrew from the area late on Wednesday. This brings the total number of dead in the Israeli incursion into 'Abasan to three.
Palestinian sources told Maan that 19-year-old Jamil Abu 'Anza died from the serious injuries he sustained in the attack.
Ambulances found the body of 33-year-old Wafa' Shaker Ad-Doghma inside her house in 'Abasan, east of Khan Yunis, immediately after Israeli forces withdrew from the area late on Wednesday. This brings the total number of dead in the Israeli incursion into 'Abasan to three.
Al-Quds brigades target Sderot
Al-Quds brigades shell Miftahim and Nahal Oz
PLO executive committee calls on Israel to halt the E1 settlement project
Al-Quds brigades launch four mortar shells at Nahal Oz
Al-Nasser brigades shell Al-Majdal
Al-Quds brigades shell Miftahim and Nahal Oz
PLO executive committee calls on Israel to halt the E1 settlement project
Al-Quds brigades launch four mortar shells at Nahal Oz
Al-Nasser brigades shell Al-Majdal
8 may 2008
2 Islamic Jihad fighters injured by Israeli missile
The National Resistance Brigades, the armed wing of the Democratic Front for the Liberation of Palestine (DFLP), and the Al-Quds Brigades, the armed wing of the Islamic Jihad movement, announced on Thursday that two of their fighters were injured after being targeted by an Israeli ground missile.
The two brigades launched two home-made projectiles Thursday afternoon on the nearby Israeli town of Sderot.
In a joint statement the two brigades stated that "a group of their fighters were targeted by an Israeli missile Thursday afternoon, two of them were slightly injured."
The brigades affirmed the operation was a natural response to the Israeli crimes in the West Bank and the Gaza Strip.
The National Resistance Brigades, the armed wing of the Democratic Front for the Liberation of Palestine (DFLP), and the Al-Quds Brigades, the armed wing of the Islamic Jihad movement, announced on Thursday that two of their fighters were injured after being targeted by an Israeli ground missile.
The two brigades launched two home-made projectiles Thursday afternoon on the nearby Israeli town of Sderot.
In a joint statement the two brigades stated that "a group of their fighters were targeted by an Israeli missile Thursday afternoon, two of them were slightly injured."
The brigades affirmed the operation was a natural response to the Israeli crimes in the West Bank and the Gaza Strip.
Four Palestinians were injured on Thursday afternoon when two Israeli missiles struck a civilian car in Jabalia in the northern Gaza Strip.
Eyewitnesses said that an Israeli reconnaissance plane launched two missiles at the car in east Jabalia.
Muawiya Hassanain, the director of ambulance and emergency services in the Palestinian health ministry said the injured were evacuated to Ash-Shifa hospital in Gaza City.
Hassanain explained that two of the victims were critically injured by the first missile. The second missile, which was launched minutes later, seriously injured two others.
Eyewitnesses said that an Israeli reconnaissance plane launched two missiles at the car in east Jabalia.
Muawiya Hassanain, the director of ambulance and emergency services in the Palestinian health ministry said the injured were evacuated to Ash-Shifa hospital in Gaza City.
Hassanain explained that two of the victims were critically injured by the first missile. The second missile, which was launched minutes later, seriously injured two others.
A Palestinian woman was found dead inside her house in Abasan east of Khan Younis in the southern Gaza Strip after invading Israeli forces withdrew from the town on Wednesday evening.
Muawiya Hassanain, the director of ambulance and emergency services in the Palestinian health ministry, said 23-year-old Wafa' Ad-Daghma had received a gunshot to the head. Eyewitnesses said the house came under Israeli tank shelling and paramedics were unable to get to the house where the woman lived with her seven children. The children were not hurt.
An activist affiliated to the Abu Ar-Reish Brigades, Mahmoud Abu Maslama, was killed earlier on Wednesday in an Israeli air raid against a group of fighters who were trying to block the progress of Israeli forces in Abasan.
Israeli forces withdrew from the town leaving two dead and about 20 injured. During the incursion property was damaged and vast areas of agricultural land was razed. Sixty people were also detained, five of whom were taken to unknown destinations, the rest were later released.
Muawiya Hassanain, the director of ambulance and emergency services in the Palestinian health ministry, said 23-year-old Wafa' Ad-Daghma had received a gunshot to the head. Eyewitnesses said the house came under Israeli tank shelling and paramedics were unable to get to the house where the woman lived with her seven children. The children were not hurt.
An activist affiliated to the Abu Ar-Reish Brigades, Mahmoud Abu Maslama, was killed earlier on Wednesday in an Israeli air raid against a group of fighters who were trying to block the progress of Israeli forces in Abasan.
Israeli forces withdrew from the town leaving two dead and about 20 injured. During the incursion property was damaged and vast areas of agricultural land was razed. Sixty people were also detained, five of whom were taken to unknown destinations, the rest were later released.
Palestinian resistance launch homemade projectiles at Israeli targets
Israeli forces close Tulkarem to ease settlers' movement during Independence Day
Israeli forces close Tulkarem to ease settlers' movement during Independence Day
7 may 2008
PRC fighters confront Israeli forces in southern Gaza
The An-Nasser Brigades, the military wing of the Popular Resistance Committees (PRC), claimed responsibility for launching two mortar shells at a Israeli military vehicles east of the town of Abasan, in the southern Gaza Strip on Wednesday at noon.
The An-Nasser Brigades, the military wing of the Popular Resistance Committees (PRC), claimed responsibility for launching two mortar shells at a Israeli military vehicles east of the town of Abasan, in the southern Gaza Strip on Wednesday at noon.
Prime Minister Salam Fayyad greets security forces in Jenin
Israeli forces stormed the West Bank city of Jenin and neighboring Jenin refugee camp early on Wednesday morning, just days after the Palestinian Authority carried out an Israeli-approved plan to resume security control of the city.
Witnesses said the Israeli troops marched in the streets. No arrests or attacks were reported in connection with the incursion. A Palestinian security source said that Israeli military vehicles invaded the city from the west.
Major General Diab Al-Ali, known as Abul Fatah, the commander of the National Security service in the northern governorates of the West Bank, told Ma'an that this Israeli incursion is meant to obstruct the Palestinian security services' plan to impose law and order, and is a provocation against the Palestinian government and people.
Hundreds of Palestinian security personnel entered the Jenin area on Saturday as a part of a Israeli and US-backed plan to impose law and order in the West Bank, and allow the Palestinian Authority's (PA) forces to resume control of areas from which they were expelled during the Second Intifada. Israel and the US also hope that the PA will crack down on armed resistance groups.
Israeli forces stormed the West Bank city of Jenin and neighboring Jenin refugee camp early on Wednesday morning, just days after the Palestinian Authority carried out an Israeli-approved plan to resume security control of the city.
Witnesses said the Israeli troops marched in the streets. No arrests or attacks were reported in connection with the incursion. A Palestinian security source said that Israeli military vehicles invaded the city from the west.
Major General Diab Al-Ali, known as Abul Fatah, the commander of the National Security service in the northern governorates of the West Bank, told Ma'an that this Israeli incursion is meant to obstruct the Palestinian security services' plan to impose law and order, and is a provocation against the Palestinian government and people.
Hundreds of Palestinian security personnel entered the Jenin area on Saturday as a part of a Israeli and US-backed plan to impose law and order in the West Bank, and allow the Palestinian Authority's (PA) forces to resume control of areas from which they were expelled during the Second Intifada. Israel and the US also hope that the PA will crack down on armed resistance groups.
One Palestinian was killed on Wednesday afternoon in an Israeli air strike on the town of Abasan, east of the city of Khan Younis, in the southern Gaza Strip.
Sources in Gaza said the victims of the strike were fighters affiliated to an armed group called the Abu Ar-Rish Brigades. Medical sources announced that fighter Mahmoud Abu Maslama was killed.
Muawiya Hassanain, the director of ambulance and emergency services in the Palestinian Health Ministry affirmed that six injured people were hospitalized in Nasser Hospital in Khan Younis. One of the men was critically injured.
Medical sources later said that 18 people had been injured in the fighting.
Hassanain identified five of the victims as Salim Arafat, Fatima Shahin, Muntasir Abu 'Anza, Walid Abu Duqqa, and Hamada Abu Duqqa.
The Al-Quds Brigades, the armed wing of Islamic Jihad, claimed their snipers shot and injured an Israeli soldier who was riding on top of a tank during the Abasan incursion. They also claimed to have fired a rocket-propelled grenade at an Israeli bulldozer.
Separately, Hamas' Al-Qassam Brigades claimed that their fighters hit another Israeli soldier in Khan Younis.
Earlier, Israeli air and ground attacks in the same area of Southern Gaza left seven people wounded, six of them fighters with the armed wing of Hamas, the Al-Qassam Brigades.
Sources in Gaza said the victims of the strike were fighters affiliated to an armed group called the Abu Ar-Rish Brigades. Medical sources announced that fighter Mahmoud Abu Maslama was killed.
Muawiya Hassanain, the director of ambulance and emergency services in the Palestinian Health Ministry affirmed that six injured people were hospitalized in Nasser Hospital in Khan Younis. One of the men was critically injured.
Medical sources later said that 18 people had been injured in the fighting.
Hassanain identified five of the victims as Salim Arafat, Fatima Shahin, Muntasir Abu 'Anza, Walid Abu Duqqa, and Hamada Abu Duqqa.
The Al-Quds Brigades, the armed wing of Islamic Jihad, claimed their snipers shot and injured an Israeli soldier who was riding on top of a tank during the Abasan incursion. They also claimed to have fired a rocket-propelled grenade at an Israeli bulldozer.
Separately, Hamas' Al-Qassam Brigades claimed that their fighters hit another Israeli soldier in Khan Younis.
Earlier, Israeli air and ground attacks in the same area of Southern Gaza left seven people wounded, six of them fighters with the armed wing of Hamas, the Al-Qassam Brigades.
Al-Aqsa Brigades 'ambush Israeli forces'
The Al-Aqsa Brigades, the military wing of Fatah, claimed responsibility for ambushing Israeli forces that had attempted to invade the Gaza Strip City of Khan Younis on Wednesday.
The group said they attacked the invading forces at 7:25am on Wednesday, provoking a skirmish.
The Al-Aqsa Brigades also claimed responsibility for launching three homemade projectiles at Israeli military vehicles, as an act of retaliation for the Israeli attack on the town of Abasan this morning.
The Al-Aqsa Brigades, the military wing of Fatah, claimed responsibility for ambushing Israeli forces that had attempted to invade the Gaza Strip City of Khan Younis on Wednesday.
The group said they attacked the invading forces at 7:25am on Wednesday, provoking a skirmish.
The Al-Aqsa Brigades also claimed responsibility for launching three homemade projectiles at Israeli military vehicles, as an act of retaliation for the Israeli attack on the town of Abasan this morning.
Israeli settlers attack Palestinians in Hebron
Israeli settlers attacked Palestinian houses in the West Bank city of Hebron on Wednesday morning, witnesses said.
Israelis from the illegal settlement of Kiryat Arba threw stones and other objects at Palestinians near the settlement. Israeli soldiers also severely beat 18-year-old Mahdi Maher Abu Hetta before arresting him.
Israeli settlers attacked Palestinian houses in the West Bank city of Hebron on Wednesday morning, witnesses said.
Israelis from the illegal settlement of Kiryat Arba threw stones and other objects at Palestinians near the settlement. Israeli soldiers also severely beat 18-year-old Mahdi Maher Abu Hetta before arresting him.
Gazans react to the killings of their relative
Seven Palestinians were injured on Wednesday morning in Israeli air and ground attacks on the southern Gaza Strip.
Palestinian sources said that an Israeli reconnaissance plane launched a missile at a group of Palestinian fighters affiliated to Hamas' military wing, the Al-Qassam Brigades, in the Al-Faraheen neighborhood of the city of Khan Younis in the southern Gaza Strip.
The shelling left three fighters injured, one of them seriously, all of whom were taken to a hospital. The group was attempting to confront Israeli forces which were invading the area, the sources said.
Muawiya Hassanain, the director of ambulance and emergency services in the Palestinian Health Ministry, identified the injured activists as 24-year-old Tariq Abu 'Anza, 23-year-old Muhammad Abu 'Anza, and 23-year-old Abdullah Abu 'Anza.
Later Israeli tanks injured four people in the town of Abasan. Hassanain said medics were evacuating the victims even as Israeli forces advanced towards the area. Local sources said three of the four wounded were Al-Qassam Brigades fighters.
The Al-Qassam Brigades said they launched five mortar rounds and two rocket-propelled grenades at the invading forces.
The National Resistance Brigades, the military wing of the Democratic Front for the Liberation of Palestine (DFLP), said that a group of their fighters survived an Israeli airstrike in Abasan.
Seven Palestinians were injured on Wednesday morning in Israeli air and ground attacks on the southern Gaza Strip.
Palestinian sources said that an Israeli reconnaissance plane launched a missile at a group of Palestinian fighters affiliated to Hamas' military wing, the Al-Qassam Brigades, in the Al-Faraheen neighborhood of the city of Khan Younis in the southern Gaza Strip.
The shelling left three fighters injured, one of them seriously, all of whom were taken to a hospital. The group was attempting to confront Israeli forces which were invading the area, the sources said.
Muawiya Hassanain, the director of ambulance and emergency services in the Palestinian Health Ministry, identified the injured activists as 24-year-old Tariq Abu 'Anza, 23-year-old Muhammad Abu 'Anza, and 23-year-old Abdullah Abu 'Anza.
Later Israeli tanks injured four people in the town of Abasan. Hassanain said medics were evacuating the victims even as Israeli forces advanced towards the area. Local sources said three of the four wounded were Al-Qassam Brigades fighters.
The Al-Qassam Brigades said they launched five mortar rounds and two rocket-propelled grenades at the invading forces.
The National Resistance Brigades, the military wing of the Democratic Front for the Liberation of Palestine (DFLP), said that a group of their fighters survived an Israeli airstrike in Abasan.
Israeli holidays mean further movement restrictions for Palestinians
PFLP fighters shell Sufa crossing in two separate attacks
Fatah, DFLP fighters shell Sufa crossing
146 Patients killed by Israeli siege of Gaza, Palestinian officials say
PFLP fighters shell Sufa crossing in two separate attacks
Fatah, DFLP fighters shell Sufa crossing
146 Patients killed by Israeli siege of Gaza, Palestinian officials say
6 may 2008
A Hamas spokesperson said on Tuesday that the movement will not wait too long for Israel's official response over a truce in the light of ongoing attacks and the siege.
Sami Abu Zuhri, said that "Israel's delay in not giving a clear response on the truce that was approved among the Palestinian factions a week earlier obliges these factions to resort to all available options to confront these attacks and to lift the siege."
"For us, a truce is one of the options to stop the suffering of the Palestinians however we will not put ourselves and our people under this in the light of the continuation of the attacks," he added.
When asked by Ma'an how long Hamas was prepared to wait for a response from Israel, he said that "as long as there is no response from Israel but on the contrary there is a continuation of attacks and closures, we have to confront this situation."
He refused to give an exact period of time, indicating that mass media sources have reported that President Hosni Mubarak of Egypt said that Israel will give its response after the Israeli holidays, which end on Thursday.
Twelve Palestinian factions have announced their approval of an Egyptian mediated truce with the Israelis in the Gaza Strip for a period of six months that will extend to the West Bank.
Sami Abu Zuhri, said that "Israel's delay in not giving a clear response on the truce that was approved among the Palestinian factions a week earlier obliges these factions to resort to all available options to confront these attacks and to lift the siege."
"For us, a truce is one of the options to stop the suffering of the Palestinians however we will not put ourselves and our people under this in the light of the continuation of the attacks," he added.
When asked by Ma'an how long Hamas was prepared to wait for a response from Israel, he said that "as long as there is no response from Israel but on the contrary there is a continuation of attacks and closures, we have to confront this situation."
He refused to give an exact period of time, indicating that mass media sources have reported that President Hosni Mubarak of Egypt said that Israel will give its response after the Israeli holidays, which end on Thursday.
Twelve Palestinian factions have announced their approval of an Egyptian mediated truce with the Israelis in the Gaza Strip for a period of six months that will extend to the West Bank.
Al-Aqsa brigades claim clashes with Israeli forces east of Jabalia
The Al-Aqsa Martyrs Brigades, the armed wing of Fatah, claimed its members clashed with undercover Israeli units that invaded east of Jabalia in the northern Gaza Strip on Monday night.
The Brigades issued a statement saying "our fighters succeeded in countering the occupation army east of Jabalia where we engaged in heavy clashes between our fighters and an undercover Israeli unit in the area of the eastern cemetery."
The Al-Aqsa Brigades affirmed that "this Israeli escalation in incursions, assassinations and arrests will not go without punishment."
The Al-Aqsa Martyrs Brigades, the armed wing of Fatah, claimed its members clashed with undercover Israeli units that invaded east of Jabalia in the northern Gaza Strip on Monday night.
The Brigades issued a statement saying "our fighters succeeded in countering the occupation army east of Jabalia where we engaged in heavy clashes between our fighters and an undercover Israeli unit in the area of the eastern cemetery."
The Al-Aqsa Brigades affirmed that "this Israeli escalation in incursions, assassinations and arrests will not go without punishment."
Israeli forces raided the northern West Bank city of Nablus amid heavy gunfire on Monday evening.
Eyewitnesses told Ma'an's reporter that ten Israeli military jeeps stormed the city from the south in a sudden raid.
Meanwhile, Palestinian security sources mentioned that the incursion was preceded by the infiltration of an undercover Israeli force in the old city of Nablus. They said they believed the undercover force was attempting to assassinate or apprehend 'wanted' Palestinian activists.
Eyewitnesses told Ma'an's reporter that ten Israeli military jeeps stormed the city from the south in a sudden raid.
Meanwhile, Palestinian security sources mentioned that the incursion was preceded by the infiltration of an undercover Israeli force in the old city of Nablus. They said they believed the undercover force was attempting to assassinate or apprehend 'wanted' Palestinian activists.
An Al-Qassam Brigades activist was killed and another critically injured on Tuesday when an Israeli warplane launched a missile at a civilian car in the northern Gaza Strip.
Muawiya Hasanain, the director of ambulance and emergency services in the Palestinian health ministry said that 23-year-old Hisham Shumar was killed and 25-year-old 'Umar Hammad was critically injured. He explained that Hammad has lost some of his limbs.
The incident came in tandem with an Israeli incursion into Jabalia refugee camp in the northern Gaza Strip at dawn. The invading forces opened heavy fire on Palestinian houses while bulldozers dug up fields in the area.
Muawiya Hasanain, the director of ambulance and emergency services in the Palestinian health ministry said that 23-year-old Hisham Shumar was killed and 25-year-old 'Umar Hammad was critically injured. He explained that Hammad has lost some of his limbs.
The incident came in tandem with an Israeli incursion into Jabalia refugee camp in the northern Gaza Strip at dawn. The invading forces opened heavy fire on Palestinian houses while bulldozers dug up fields in the area.
93 Palestinians, including 9 children siezed by Israeli forces in Hebron district in April
Israel to shut West Bank-Jordan border crossing
Palestinian fighters 'shell Sufa crossing'
Water crisis looming in Gaza due to Israeli blockade
Israel seals West Bank for Israeli Independence Day
Israel to shut West Bank-Jordan border crossing
Palestinian fighters 'shell Sufa crossing'
Water crisis looming in Gaza due to Israeli blockade
Israel seals West Bank for Israeli Independence Day
5 may 2008
Israeli forces raid town near Hebron
Israeli forces raided a number of houses in the Kreissa neighborhood of the West Bank town of Dura, near the city of Hebron on Sunday night.
Nemer Arjoub, the owner of one of the houses, said that the Israeli soldiers searched houses for more than two hours, breaking windows and rousing people from their beds, including children who he said were frightened by the raid.
Israeli forces raided a number of houses in the Kreissa neighborhood of the West Bank town of Dura, near the city of Hebron on Sunday night.
Nemer Arjoub, the owner of one of the houses, said that the Israeli soldiers searched houses for more than two hours, breaking windows and rousing people from their beds, including children who he said were frightened by the raid.
Egyptian President Hosni Mubarak is personally leading efforts to broker a ceasefire between Israel and Palestinian groups, Egyptian sources told the London-based Ash-Sharq Al-Awsat newspaper.
The sources highlighted that after a dozen Palestinian factions agreed to accept a ceasefire during talks in Cairo last Monday, President Mubarak phoned Israeli Defense Minister Ehud Barak and Prime Minister Ehud Olmert, urging them to accept the proposed truces as quickly as possible.
"Egypt's formal decision has not been announced yet, and things will become clear after chief of Egyptian intelligence Umar Sulaiman completes his expected visit to Israel," the source added.
The source pointed out that Israel could either accept or reject the Egyptian proposal. However, if they reject the ceasefire, they will face international criticism, and Palestinian factions will be desperate because the Israeli siege of Gaza will continue.
With regard to the Rafah crossing border crossing between Gaza and Egypt, the source said that opening the crossing would depend on the actions of allthe relevant parties: Hamas, the Palestinian Authority, Israel and the European Union. Once all parties agree to reactivate the 2005 Agreement on Movement and Access, the crossing will be reopened.
The sources highlighted that after a dozen Palestinian factions agreed to accept a ceasefire during talks in Cairo last Monday, President Mubarak phoned Israeli Defense Minister Ehud Barak and Prime Minister Ehud Olmert, urging them to accept the proposed truces as quickly as possible.
"Egypt's formal decision has not been announced yet, and things will become clear after chief of Egyptian intelligence Umar Sulaiman completes his expected visit to Israel," the source added.
The source pointed out that Israel could either accept or reject the Egyptian proposal. However, if they reject the ceasefire, they will face international criticism, and Palestinian factions will be desperate because the Israeli siege of Gaza will continue.
With regard to the Rafah crossing border crossing between Gaza and Egypt, the source said that opening the crossing would depend on the actions of allthe relevant parties: Hamas, the Palestinian Authority, Israel and the European Union. Once all parties agree to reactivate the 2005 Agreement on Movement and Access, the crossing will be reopened.
Israeli forces seize 25 Palestinian in West Bank
Israeli forces seized 25 Palestinian on Monday morning across the West Bank, claiming they are "wanted," Israeli sources said.
Witnesses said that a large number of Israeli military vehicles entered the village of Beit Fajjar, south of Bethlehem, and seized three Palestinians: 33-year-old Salti Ahmad Murshed Thawabta, 23-year-old Ibrahim Majed Thawabta, and 20-year-ol Ali Hamdi Takatka.
Moreover, the Israeli forces claimed that they found weapons in a house in the town of Soreef, north of Hebron.
Israeli forces seized 25 Palestinian on Monday morning across the West Bank, claiming they are "wanted," Israeli sources said.
Witnesses said that a large number of Israeli military vehicles entered the village of Beit Fajjar, south of Bethlehem, and seized three Palestinians: 33-year-old Salti Ahmad Murshed Thawabta, 23-year-old Ibrahim Majed Thawabta, and 20-year-ol Ali Hamdi Takatka.
Moreover, the Israeli forces claimed that they found weapons in a house in the town of Soreef, north of Hebron.
Al-Nasser Brigades launch two projectiles at Sufa
Abu Ali Brigades claims responsibility for launching homemade projectiles at Israeli targets
Al-Qassam Brigades 'launch nine projectiles' in Gaza
Al-Quds Brigades fire four more projectiles at Sderot
Israel closes Gaza's only fuel-import terminal
Two Palestinian military groups fire mortars at Erez crossing
Palestinian factions continue shelling Israeli areas near the Gaza strip
Abu Ali Brigades claims responsibility for launching homemade projectiles at Israeli targets
Al-Qassam Brigades 'launch nine projectiles' in Gaza
Al-Quds Brigades fire four more projectiles at Sderot
Israel closes Gaza's only fuel-import terminal
Two Palestinian military groups fire mortars at Erez crossing
Palestinian factions continue shelling Israeli areas near the Gaza strip
4 may 2008
Israeli settlers attack Palestinian farmer near Bethlehem
Israeli settlers attacked a Palestinian farmer tending his fields in the West Bank village of Husan, near Bethlehem, on Sunday, a witness said.
Ghazi Shawasha told Ma'an that Israelis from the settlement of Betar Illit crowded around him and began throwing rocks in his direction. He said he fled as quickly as possible, but was unable to save his car, which was damaged by the stones.
Israeli settlers attacked a Palestinian farmer tending his fields in the West Bank village of Husan, near Bethlehem, on Sunday, a witness said.
Ghazi Shawasha told Ma'an that Israelis from the settlement of Betar Illit crowded around him and began throwing rocks in his direction. He said he fled as quickly as possible, but was unable to save his car, which was damaged by the stones.
An unarmed 41-year-old Palestinian man was killed and his wife and brother were injured when an Israeli tank shell struck their house in the town of Khuza'a, near the city of Khan Younis, in the Gaza Strip on Saturday, witnesses said.
The Israeli forces withdrew at 10am local time after an eight-hour incursion.
Eyewitnesses said that Husam Najjar was killed when shrapnel from the shell penetrated his stomach.
Najjar's nephew, 24-year-old Muhammad Samir Najjar, was critically injured earlier on Sunday by Israeli forces who opened fire at the family house in Khuza'a. Palestinian medical sources said Muhammad was shot twice in the head and doctors were operating on him in an attempt to save his life.
Eyewitnesses also said that invading Israeli bulldozers destroyed large swaths of agricultural land.
Earlier, three Palestinian fighters were wounded when an Israeli plane fired on a group of activists attempting to block the Israeli incursion in Khuza'a.
Witnesses said that and Israeli reconnaissance plane fired at least two missiles at a group of Palestinian fighters affiliated to Hamas.
The military wing of the Islamic Jihad, the Al-Quds Brigades, said that their fighters fired two mortar shells at the invading Israeli forces and exchanged fire with them.
Hamas' Al-Qassam Brigades said their fighters launched 10 mortar shells at the Israeli forces. They also said that they detonated a landmine before fighting with the Israeli soldiers.
For its part, the National Resistance Brigades, the military wing of the Democratic Front for the Liberation of Palestine, claimed responsibility for firing three mortar shells at Israeli military base at Abu Mtaibiq, east of Al-Maghazi refugee camp in the central Gaza Strip.
The Israeli forces withdrew at 10am local time after an eight-hour incursion.
Eyewitnesses said that Husam Najjar was killed when shrapnel from the shell penetrated his stomach.
Najjar's nephew, 24-year-old Muhammad Samir Najjar, was critically injured earlier on Sunday by Israeli forces who opened fire at the family house in Khuza'a. Palestinian medical sources said Muhammad was shot twice in the head and doctors were operating on him in an attempt to save his life.
Eyewitnesses also said that invading Israeli bulldozers destroyed large swaths of agricultural land.
Earlier, three Palestinian fighters were wounded when an Israeli plane fired on a group of activists attempting to block the Israeli incursion in Khuza'a.
Witnesses said that and Israeli reconnaissance plane fired at least two missiles at a group of Palestinian fighters affiliated to Hamas.
The military wing of the Islamic Jihad, the Al-Quds Brigades, said that their fighters fired two mortar shells at the invading Israeli forces and exchanged fire with them.
Hamas' Al-Qassam Brigades said their fighters launched 10 mortar shells at the Israeli forces. They also said that they detonated a landmine before fighting with the Israeli soldiers.
For its part, the National Resistance Brigades, the military wing of the Democratic Front for the Liberation of Palestine, claimed responsibility for firing three mortar shells at Israeli military base at Abu Mtaibiq, east of Al-Maghazi refugee camp in the central Gaza Strip.
3 may 2008
Palestinian man beaten by Israeli soldiers at checkpoint in Azzun Atma
Israeli soldiers beat a 24-year-old Palestinian man at the entrance to the West Bank village of Azzun Atma on Saturday afternoon. He was hospitalized in the nearby city of Qalqilia.
Taha was accused by Israeli soldiers of being involved in a confrontation between Palestinian civilians and soldiers at the checkpoint at the entrance to the village that left 10 people injured.
Taha's father said that the Israeli soldiers at the village's entrance insult and humiliate ordinary Palestinians. Azzun Atma is completely isolated from the rest of the West Bank on the Western side of the Israeli separation wall. It's only entrance is a checkpoint maintained by Israeli troops.
Israeli soldiers beat a 24-year-old Palestinian man at the entrance to the West Bank village of Azzun Atma on Saturday afternoon. He was hospitalized in the nearby city of Qalqilia.
Taha was accused by Israeli soldiers of being involved in a confrontation between Palestinian civilians and soldiers at the checkpoint at the entrance to the village that left 10 people injured.
Taha's father said that the Israeli soldiers at the village's entrance insult and humiliate ordinary Palestinians. Azzun Atma is completely isolated from the rest of the West Bank on the Western side of the Israeli separation wall. It's only entrance is a checkpoint maintained by Israeli troops.
Palestinian worker imprisoned and beaten by Israeli police tells his story
Fifty-year-old Palestinian construction worker Mahmoud Bani Nemra says he was beaten by Israeli police after being arrested on route to his job in Israel last December.
Just released after four and a half months in Israeli prisons, Bani Nemra told his story to Ma'an. He said he was attempting to cross a checkpoint in Israel's separation wall, on his way from his home in the West Bank town of Salfit to his job in Tel Aviv, when four Israeli police officers stopped him. He said he was arrested and taken to a police station in the town of Ramat Gan where he was severely beaten.
Bani Nemra said he showed the police officers a medical report showing that he has heart disease and high blood pressure but "they had no mercy."
Bani Nemra said he was taken to "Abu Kbeer" prison, where he was jailed with Israeli criminals. He was later transferred to "Ad-Damoon" prison, where he spent the next four and a half months. He said he asked to be jailed with Palestinian "security" prisoners, but his requests were refused by the Israeli guards.
He was also prevented from visiting his son, Nabeel Mahmoud Bani Nemra, who is serving a seven-year sentence in an Israeli prison, and has not seen his father in three years.
He appealed to the General Federation of Palestinian Trade Unions in Salfit through union chief Mahmoud Al Berr to help stop abuses against Palestinian workers. Bani Nemra added that he works to support eight members of his family, including two university students.
Mahmoud Al Berr condemned these practices towards the Palestinian workers seeking work. He claimed that the Israeli police have arrested around 200 Palestinian workers last week on charges of not having a permit to enter Israel.
Al Berr called on international institutions to fight poverty and unemployment in addition to countering Israel's abuses of human rights.
Fifty-year-old Palestinian construction worker Mahmoud Bani Nemra says he was beaten by Israeli police after being arrested on route to his job in Israel last December.
Just released after four and a half months in Israeli prisons, Bani Nemra told his story to Ma'an. He said he was attempting to cross a checkpoint in Israel's separation wall, on his way from his home in the West Bank town of Salfit to his job in Tel Aviv, when four Israeli police officers stopped him. He said he was arrested and taken to a police station in the town of Ramat Gan where he was severely beaten.
Bani Nemra said he showed the police officers a medical report showing that he has heart disease and high blood pressure but "they had no mercy."
Bani Nemra said he was taken to "Abu Kbeer" prison, where he was jailed with Israeli criminals. He was later transferred to "Ad-Damoon" prison, where he spent the next four and a half months. He said he asked to be jailed with Palestinian "security" prisoners, but his requests were refused by the Israeli guards.
He was also prevented from visiting his son, Nabeel Mahmoud Bani Nemra, who is serving a seven-year sentence in an Israeli prison, and has not seen his father in three years.
He appealed to the General Federation of Palestinian Trade Unions in Salfit through union chief Mahmoud Al Berr to help stop abuses against Palestinian workers. Bani Nemra added that he works to support eight members of his family, including two university students.
Mahmoud Al Berr condemned these practices towards the Palestinian workers seeking work. He claimed that the Israeli police have arrested around 200 Palestinian workers last week on charges of not having a permit to enter Israel.
Al Berr called on international institutions to fight poverty and unemployment in addition to countering Israel's abuses of human rights.
Israeli forces shot a 28-year-old Palestinian man dead near a checkpoint south of the West Bank city of Hebron on Saturday, the Palestinian Liaison Office confirmed.
Khalil Ahmed Mohammed Az-Za'areer was killed. Israeli sources claimed that he attempted to stab an Israeli soldier before he was killed. Officials at the Liaison Office said they are coordinating with Israeli authorities to transfer Az-Za'areer's body to the Palestinians.
Local sources added that Israeli military forces searched Az-Za'areer's home in the village of As-Samua, also south of Hebron.
Khalil Ahmed Mohammed Az-Za'areer was killed. Israeli sources claimed that he attempted to stab an Israeli soldier before he was killed. Officials at the Liaison Office said they are coordinating with Israeli authorities to transfer Az-Za'areer's body to the Palestinians.
Local sources added that Israeli military forces searched Az-Za'areer's home in the village of As-Samua, also south of Hebron.
2 may 2008
Ismail Haniyeh, the prime minister of the de facto government in the Gaza Strip said on Friday that the Palestinian factions and the government's position with regard to the truce between Israel and the Gaza Strip is now "in the safe hands of Egypt."
"The Egyptians have concluded the negotiation stage with the factions and now there is a Palestinian agreement on the truce," Haniyeh said after Friday prayers at a mosque in the Gaza Strip.
Haniyeh stressed that Egypt's initiative will not accept the continuation of the Israeli siege on the coastal sector and the closure of the Rafah border crossing. "We will not accept any Israeli conditions and we accepted the truce because we care about our people and the success of Egypt's efforts," he added.
"The Egyptians have concluded the negotiation stage with the factions and now there is a Palestinian agreement on the truce," Haniyeh said after Friday prayers at a mosque in the Gaza Strip.
Haniyeh stressed that Egypt's initiative will not accept the continuation of the Israeli siege on the coastal sector and the closure of the Rafah border crossing. "We will not accept any Israeli conditions and we accepted the truce because we care about our people and the success of Egypt's efforts," he added.
Dozens treated for tear gas inhalation after weekly Bil'in demonstration
Dozens of protestors had to be treated for tear gas inhalation following the weekly demonstration against Israel's separation wall in the village of Bil'in, north of Ramallah on Friday.
Local villagers, international and Israeli peace activists took part in the march, carrying banners and shouting slogans against the separation wall that prevents local villagers from working their land.
Israeli soldiers put up barbed wire in the area to prevent the demonstrators from accessing the wall. The troops then showered the protestors with tear gas and rubber-coated metal bullets.
Dozens of protestors had to be treated for tear gas inhalation following the weekly demonstration against Israel's separation wall in the village of Bil'in, north of Ramallah on Friday.
Local villagers, international and Israeli peace activists took part in the march, carrying banners and shouting slogans against the separation wall that prevents local villagers from working their land.
Israeli soldiers put up barbed wire in the area to prevent the demonstrators from accessing the wall. The troops then showered the protestors with tear gas and rubber-coated metal bullets.
Israeli forces detained 40 Palestinians from the district of Al-Farahin east of Khan Younis in the southern the Gaza Strip before withdrawing late on Thursday evening, Palestinian sources told Ma'an.
The arrestees were taken to an unknown destination.
Israeli forces withdrew from Al-Farahin after a 20-hour incursion that left 55-year old Mohammad Abu Daqqa dead and 12-year-old Emad Husayn Qudeih with a gunshot wound to his head. He remains in a serious condition in Ash- Shifa Hospital in Gaza City.
Eight military vehicles and three bulldozers stormed the area at 4am on Thursday and began razing agricultural lands, demolishing houses and detaining citizens.
The arrestees were taken to an unknown destination.
Israeli forces withdrew from Al-Farahin after a 20-hour incursion that left 55-year old Mohammad Abu Daqqa dead and 12-year-old Emad Husayn Qudeih with a gunshot wound to his head. He remains in a serious condition in Ash- Shifa Hospital in Gaza City.
Eight military vehicles and three bulldozers stormed the area at 4am on Thursday and began razing agricultural lands, demolishing houses and detaining citizens.
Egypt has handed over to Israel a formal written draft proposal for a complete ceasefire between Israel and Hamas and the Palestinian factions, Israeli sources reported on Friday.
The draft agreement does not contain many details about the truce but requires that it starts in the Gaza Strip and is later applied in the West Bank, according to the Israeli daily newspaper Ma'ariv.
This draft includes the lifting of the blockade on the Gaza Strip and the provision of fuel supplies to the sector. However, it does not include any mention of the release of captured Israeli soldier Gil'ad Shalit.
But, according to the newspaper, the Egyptian side has pledged to continue efforts to find a solution in the case of Shalit.
Official Israeli sources have so far refused to comment on the proposals.
But Egyptian sources consider that a ceasefire between Israel and the Palestinian factions in the Gaza Strip is the key to resolving many issues.
The draft agreement does not contain many details about the truce but requires that it starts in the Gaza Strip and is later applied in the West Bank, according to the Israeli daily newspaper Ma'ariv.
This draft includes the lifting of the blockade on the Gaza Strip and the provision of fuel supplies to the sector. However, it does not include any mention of the release of captured Israeli soldier Gil'ad Shalit.
But, according to the newspaper, the Egyptian side has pledged to continue efforts to find a solution in the case of Shalit.
Official Israeli sources have so far refused to comment on the proposals.
But Egyptian sources consider that a ceasefire between Israel and the Palestinian factions in the Gaza Strip is the key to resolving many issues.
International Quartet calls on Israel to freeze settlement activity
National Resistance Brigades claim attack on Nahal 'Oz
PFLP's military wing announce projectile tally for April
PRC's armed wing claim attack on Nahal 'Oz
National Resistance Brigades claim attack on Nahal 'Oz
PFLP's military wing announce projectile tally for April
PRC's armed wing claim attack on Nahal 'Oz
1 may 2008
Israeli forces arrest 6 Palestinians near Jenin; ransack charity
Israeli forces arrested five Palestinians from the northern West Bank towns of Fahma and one from Ya'bad near Jenin on Thursday.
Palestinian security sources said that an Israeli military force stormed Fahma overnight and raided several houses before arresting five men, saying they had thrown stones at Israeli military patrols.
Other Israeli forces raided Ya'bad and arrested one man.
Separately, more than 15 Israeli military vehicles stormed the city of Jenin, besieging the headquarters of the Prisoners Supporters Society. They then stormed the building, confiscating computers and other equipment.
Israeli forces arrested five Palestinians from the northern West Bank towns of Fahma and one from Ya'bad near Jenin on Thursday.
Palestinian security sources said that an Israeli military force stormed Fahma overnight and raided several houses before arresting five men, saying they had thrown stones at Israeli military patrols.
Other Israeli forces raided Ya'bad and arrested one man.
Separately, more than 15 Israeli military vehicles stormed the city of Jenin, besieging the headquarters of the Prisoners Supporters Society. They then stormed the building, confiscating computers and other equipment.
Less than 24 hours after Palestinian factions agreed on an Egyptian-proposed bilateral ceasefire with the Israelis in the Gaza Strip, the death toll due to Israeli attacks in the sector has risen to three, with the shooting of an elderly man from Khan Younis.
Muhammad Abu Duqqa was shot in the head by Israeli forces which invaded the Al-Faraheen neighborhood of Khan Younis in the southern Gaza Strip.
Muawiyya Hassanain, the director of ambulance and emergency services in the Palestinian health ministry, stated that Israeli forces targeted a group of activists in Al-Faraheen neighborhood of Khan Younis injuring three of them. They were evacuated to Nasser Hospital in Khan Younis.
Also on Thursday, a Palestinian activist from Hamas' Al-Qassam Brigades was killed and a 13-year-old girl was injured when an Israeli reconnaissance plane fired a missile at Shabora refugee camp in the Rafah district in the southern Gaza Strip on Thursday morning.
Dr Hassanain identified the dead activist as 40-year-old Nafith Mansur. He said the fighter succumbed to his wound minutes after he was evacuated to Abu Yousif An-Najjar Hospital in Khan Younis. The teenage girl was identified as 13-year-old Khulud Al-Injili. She was also taken to the same hospital.
38-year-old Awad Al-Qiq was killed on Wednesday night in an Israeli shelling of a blacksmith's workshop in Rafah in the southern Gaza Strip.
Muhammad Abu Duqqa was shot in the head by Israeli forces which invaded the Al-Faraheen neighborhood of Khan Younis in the southern Gaza Strip.
Muawiyya Hassanain, the director of ambulance and emergency services in the Palestinian health ministry, stated that Israeli forces targeted a group of activists in Al-Faraheen neighborhood of Khan Younis injuring three of them. They were evacuated to Nasser Hospital in Khan Younis.
Also on Thursday, a Palestinian activist from Hamas' Al-Qassam Brigades was killed and a 13-year-old girl was injured when an Israeli reconnaissance plane fired a missile at Shabora refugee camp in the Rafah district in the southern Gaza Strip on Thursday morning.
Dr Hassanain identified the dead activist as 40-year-old Nafith Mansur. He said the fighter succumbed to his wound minutes after he was evacuated to Abu Yousif An-Najjar Hospital in Khan Younis. The teenage girl was identified as 13-year-old Khulud Al-Injili. She was also taken to the same hospital.
38-year-old Awad Al-Qiq was killed on Wednesday night in an Israeli shelling of a blacksmith's workshop in Rafah in the southern Gaza Strip.
A 12-year-old Palestinian boy was shot and seriously injured when several Israeli military vehicles entered the Al-Faraheen neighborhood of Khan Younis in the southern Gaza Strip on Thursday morning.
Palestinian medical sources said that Imad Qdaih was shot in the head and was evacuated to Ash-Shifa Hospital in Gaza City.
Eyewitnesses said that eight military vehicles and three bulldozers invaded the area at 4am and began digging up agricultural lands, demolishing houses and apprehending Palestinians.
Clashes erupted between the invading forces and Palestinian gunmen. No casualties have been reported.
The military wing affiliated to Islamic Jihad said their fighters fired several mortar shells towards at the invading Israeli forces.
Palestinian medical sources said that Imad Qdaih was shot in the head and was evacuated to Ash-Shifa Hospital in Gaza City.
Eyewitnesses said that eight military vehicles and three bulldozers invaded the area at 4am and began digging up agricultural lands, demolishing houses and apprehending Palestinians.
Clashes erupted between the invading forces and Palestinian gunmen. No casualties have been reported.
The military wing affiliated to Islamic Jihad said their fighters fired several mortar shells towards at the invading Israeli forces.
PFLP military group fire two projectiles at western Negev
Israeli tank hit by RPG, Islamic Jihad's military wing claim
An-Nasser Salah Addin Brigades claim shooting of Israeli soldier
Israeli forces apprehend 10 West Bankers
Israeli tank hit by RPG, Islamic Jihad's military wing claim
An-Nasser Salah Addin Brigades claim shooting of Israeli soldier
Israeli forces apprehend 10 West Bankers
