29 may 2008
The UN High Level Fact-Finding Mission to investigate a massacre committed by the Israeli military in November 2006 met with a delegation from Al-Mezan Center for Human Rights on Wednesday evening. The mission, headed by Archbishop Desmond Tutu and Professor Christine Chinkin, is in Gaza to investigate the November 2006 Israeli bombing of the Al-Athamnah homes in Beit Hanoun, in which 19 Palestinian civilians were killed.
The mission's visit to Gaza comes a year and a half after it was established by the UN Human Rights Council. Al-Mezan's delegation included the Center's director Isam Younis, Samir Zaqqout, field research coordinator, and Mahmoud Abu Rahma, international relations coordinator.
The UN Human Rights Council in Geneva decided on 15 November 2006 to send a fact-finding mission to investigate the bombing of the Al-Athamnah family in Beit Hanoun, which killed 19 civilians, including seven children and six women. The mission's arrival was delayed several times as Israel refused permission for it to enter. They finally entered the Gaza Strip on 27 May through the Rafah border crossing between Egypt and Gaza.
Ongoing Israeli atrocities
Al-Mezan's delegation told the mission about the general situation in the Gaza Strip, especially the current Israeli measures. They explained that the massacre under investigation occurred in the context of ongoing Israeli atrocities in Gaza.
The delegation from Al-Mezan also explained to the mission that the second Palestinian Intifada began with peaceful protests, which met with violent repression from Israeli forces. They narrated the details of Operation Autumn Clouds, the Israeli military operation in 2006 during which the Beit Hanoun massacre was committed. During this 28-day operation, 104 Palestinians were killed and 346 injured by Israeli forces, and much of the area's infrastructure and property were destroyed.
The delegation also highlighted that during this military operation Israeli forces shelled a women's march attempting to lift the siege on Beit Hanoun on 3 November 2006, killing one woman and severely injuring seven others.
In order to give the context for the Beit Hanoun events, Al-Mezan staff also described other Israeli military operations in Gaza such as Operation Rainbow in Rafah in the southern Gaza Strip, in which Israeli forces also fired on a peaceful march. They also responded to technical questions about the details of the Beit Hanoun massacre and presented documentary evidence and witness statements to the mission.
Archbishop Tutu delivered an impressive speech applauding the Palestinian people for their ability to remain steadfast under such difficult conditions. He also thanked everybody who met with the mission for their cooperation.
The mission's visit to Gaza comes a year and a half after it was established by the UN Human Rights Council. Al-Mezan's delegation included the Center's director Isam Younis, Samir Zaqqout, field research coordinator, and Mahmoud Abu Rahma, international relations coordinator.
The UN Human Rights Council in Geneva decided on 15 November 2006 to send a fact-finding mission to investigate the bombing of the Al-Athamnah family in Beit Hanoun, which killed 19 civilians, including seven children and six women. The mission's arrival was delayed several times as Israel refused permission for it to enter. They finally entered the Gaza Strip on 27 May through the Rafah border crossing between Egypt and Gaza.
Ongoing Israeli atrocities
Al-Mezan's delegation told the mission about the general situation in the Gaza Strip, especially the current Israeli measures. They explained that the massacre under investigation occurred in the context of ongoing Israeli atrocities in Gaza.
The delegation from Al-Mezan also explained to the mission that the second Palestinian Intifada began with peaceful protests, which met with violent repression from Israeli forces. They narrated the details of Operation Autumn Clouds, the Israeli military operation in 2006 during which the Beit Hanoun massacre was committed. During this 28-day operation, 104 Palestinians were killed and 346 injured by Israeli forces, and much of the area's infrastructure and property were destroyed.
The delegation also highlighted that during this military operation Israeli forces shelled a women's march attempting to lift the siege on Beit Hanoun on 3 November 2006, killing one woman and severely injuring seven others.
In order to give the context for the Beit Hanoun events, Al-Mezan staff also described other Israeli military operations in Gaza such as Operation Rainbow in Rafah in the southern Gaza Strip, in which Israeli forces also fired on a peaceful march. They also responded to technical questions about the details of the Beit Hanoun massacre and presented documentary evidence and witness statements to the mission.
Archbishop Tutu delivered an impressive speech applauding the Palestinian people for their ability to remain steadfast under such difficult conditions. He also thanked everybody who met with the mission for their cooperation.
Settlers from the Ariel settlement have dumped wild pigs on Thursday in 'Ein Al-Qabileh neighborhood south of Salfit where they smashed the farmers' plants.
Farmer Mohammad Faleh 'Omran said that the pigs destroyed his tomato seedlings, ruined the earth and trampled on his plants.
Farmer Mahmoud Hassan said that the pigs smashed his apple shrubs and his field at night.
He added that the farmers have killed three pigs among the large herds released by the settlers.
Farmer Mohammad Faleh 'Omran said that the pigs destroyed his tomato seedlings, ruined the earth and trampled on his plants.
Farmer Mahmoud Hassan said that the pigs smashed his apple shrubs and his field at night.
He added that the farmers have killed three pigs among the large herds released by the settlers.
Israeli forces invade Ni'lin, storm houses and detain four men
Israeli forces raided the village of Ni'lin, west of Ramallah, on Thursday morning, storming houses and detaining four men from the village. Three of those detained were identified as Khalil 'Abdel Kareem Abu Srour, 'Abdel Qaher 'Ali Abu Srour and 'Ayed Sadeq.
The mayor of Ni'lin, Aiman Nafe', stated that the incursion and detentions aimed to suppress field activities scheduled for Thursday against new Israeli construction of the separation wall through the southern lands of the village.
Nafe' noted that the village will lose access to 2,500 dunums of land planted with olive trees when this latest wall construction is complete. Ni'lin farmers and their families had planned a sit-in protest on their lands that will be confiscated by the separation wall. He also explained that the village previously lost 40,000 dunums of its lands in 1948.
Media spokesperson of the Popular Campaign for Resisting the Wall, Salah Al-Khawaja, said that twenty Israeli military vehicles carrying soldiers and officers stormed the village early on Thursday morning. Israeli forces imposed a curfew, preventing the residents from going to work or reaching the centre of the village, in an attempt to deter Ni'lin residents from continuing their peaceful struggle against the wall.
Salah Al-Khawaja affirmed that these Israeli attempts would not thwart Ni'lin residents, farmers and the popular campaign from continuing their nonviolent resistance programme which has proved its effectiveness recently. Villagers have managed to prevent the bulldozers from demolishing lands and building the wall on various occasions through their peaceful protests, as well as exposing the Israeli army's violent practices in repressing peaceful demonstrations and popular initiatives rejecting Israeli settlement expansion, wall construction, and land expropriation in the village.
The villagers plan to continue their resistance and have scheduled another march towards the lands threatened with confiscation to try to stop the Israeli bulldozers from continuing their work.
Israeli forces raided the village of Ni'lin, west of Ramallah, on Thursday morning, storming houses and detaining four men from the village. Three of those detained were identified as Khalil 'Abdel Kareem Abu Srour, 'Abdel Qaher 'Ali Abu Srour and 'Ayed Sadeq.
The mayor of Ni'lin, Aiman Nafe', stated that the incursion and detentions aimed to suppress field activities scheduled for Thursday against new Israeli construction of the separation wall through the southern lands of the village.
Nafe' noted that the village will lose access to 2,500 dunums of land planted with olive trees when this latest wall construction is complete. Ni'lin farmers and their families had planned a sit-in protest on their lands that will be confiscated by the separation wall. He also explained that the village previously lost 40,000 dunums of its lands in 1948.
Media spokesperson of the Popular Campaign for Resisting the Wall, Salah Al-Khawaja, said that twenty Israeli military vehicles carrying soldiers and officers stormed the village early on Thursday morning. Israeli forces imposed a curfew, preventing the residents from going to work or reaching the centre of the village, in an attempt to deter Ni'lin residents from continuing their peaceful struggle against the wall.
Salah Al-Khawaja affirmed that these Israeli attempts would not thwart Ni'lin residents, farmers and the popular campaign from continuing their nonviolent resistance programme which has proved its effectiveness recently. Villagers have managed to prevent the bulldozers from demolishing lands and building the wall on various occasions through their peaceful protests, as well as exposing the Israeli army's violent practices in repressing peaceful demonstrations and popular initiatives rejecting Israeli settlement expansion, wall construction, and land expropriation in the village.
The villagers plan to continue their resistance and have scheduled another march towards the lands threatened with confiscation to try to stop the Israeli bulldozers from continuing their work.
A Palestinian man died on Thursday morning due to major injuries he sustained in an Israeli incursion on Wednesday in Al-'Omour area east of Khan Yunis and Rafah, Palestinian medical sources announced.
He was named as Ahmad Al-'Omour.
Also early on Thursday morning, the Israeli army arrested dozens of civilians in the Al-Farta area, east of Beit Hanoun when Israeli military vehicles raided the area under cover of intensive gunfire.
Palestinian sources said that the Israeli army ordered all the men between the ages of 16 and 60 to move to the eastern side of the town so they could be transfered to the Israeli borders.
Ten military vehicles along with two bulldozers raided the area east of the town of Beit Hanoun and razed agricultural areas before withdrawing.
He was named as Ahmad Al-'Omour.
Also early on Thursday morning, the Israeli army arrested dozens of civilians in the Al-Farta area, east of Beit Hanoun when Israeli military vehicles raided the area under cover of intensive gunfire.
Palestinian sources said that the Israeli army ordered all the men between the ages of 16 and 60 to move to the eastern side of the town so they could be transfered to the Israeli borders.
Ten military vehicles along with two bulldozers raided the area east of the town of Beit Hanoun and razed agricultural areas before withdrawing.
An-Nasser brigades shell Kfar Gaza and Netiv Ha'asara
UN says number of West Bank checkpoints on the rise
PFLP's military wing fire two projectiles at Sderot
Israeli forces detain six civilians across the West Bank
National Resistance brigades shell Kfar Gaza
Israeli forces threaten to demolish several houses in Bethlehem and Hebron
UN says number of West Bank checkpoints on the rise
PFLP's military wing fire two projectiles at Sderot
Israeli forces detain six civilians across the West Bank
National Resistance brigades shell Kfar Gaza
Israeli forces threaten to demolish several houses in Bethlehem and Hebron
28 may 2008
Archbishop Desmond Tutu of South Africa, speaking in Gaza on Wednesday, said that what he has seen in the Gaza Strip is beyond human comprehension, and that "the siege on the Gaza Strip is illegal and must end immediately."
Tutu is heading a high-level UN Fact-Finding Mission to investigate a massacre committed by the Israeli military in November 2006 in the town of Beit Hanoun, in which 19 Palestinian civilians were killed.
As a part of his investigation, Tutu held a meeting with the mayor of Beit Hanoun, Muhammad Kafarna.
The mayor of Beit Hanoun welcomed the committee and updated them on the situation in the town, which he said is one of the Palestinian cities most attacked by the Israeli military. Beit Hanoun is located at the northern end of the Gaza Strip.
Kafarna various troubles the city witnessed at the hands of Israeli forces including the destruction of agricultural land and house demolition. He explained that 3.5% of 42,000 residents of Beit Hanoun have been physically disabled by the Israeli attacks.
The mayor went on to say that no comparison could be made between the Israeli artillery and air strikes and Palestinian resistance's reaction to those attacks. He highlighted that Israeli forces used internationally banned weapons, F16 fighter jets and heavy artillery in its attacks on the Gaza Strip. He also refuted the Israeli claims that the 2006 massacre was a result of a technical fault.
He said, "We might agree that one shell missed the target, yet we are talking about a large number of shells hitting one single house each five minutes, which could never be a technical mistake."
The mayor also described the losses in Beit Hanoun as being beyond compensation. He said Israel's blockade of Gaza Strip is "slowly killing" the Strip's million and a half residents.
Israel denied Tutu's fact finding commission entry to the Gaza Strip several, forcing Tutu to use the Rafah crossing between Egypt and the Gaza Strip.
Tutu is heading a high-level UN Fact-Finding Mission to investigate a massacre committed by the Israeli military in November 2006 in the town of Beit Hanoun, in which 19 Palestinian civilians were killed.
As a part of his investigation, Tutu held a meeting with the mayor of Beit Hanoun, Muhammad Kafarna.
The mayor of Beit Hanoun welcomed the committee and updated them on the situation in the town, which he said is one of the Palestinian cities most attacked by the Israeli military. Beit Hanoun is located at the northern end of the Gaza Strip.
Kafarna various troubles the city witnessed at the hands of Israeli forces including the destruction of agricultural land and house demolition. He explained that 3.5% of 42,000 residents of Beit Hanoun have been physically disabled by the Israeli attacks.
The mayor went on to say that no comparison could be made between the Israeli artillery and air strikes and Palestinian resistance's reaction to those attacks. He highlighted that Israeli forces used internationally banned weapons, F16 fighter jets and heavy artillery in its attacks on the Gaza Strip. He also refuted the Israeli claims that the 2006 massacre was a result of a technical fault.
He said, "We might agree that one shell missed the target, yet we are talking about a large number of shells hitting one single house each five minutes, which could never be a technical mistake."
The mayor also described the losses in Beit Hanoun as being beyond compensation. He said Israel's blockade of Gaza Strip is "slowly killing" the Strip's million and a half residents.
Israel denied Tutu's fact finding commission entry to the Gaza Strip several, forcing Tutu to use the Rafah crossing between Egypt and the Gaza Strip.
Israeli tanks and warplanes killed two Palestinians and injured five during an incursion in the Rafah area of the southern Gaza Strip on Wednesday, various Palestinian sources said. One Israeli soldier was also injured.
The Al-Qassam Brigades, the armed wing of Hamas, announced that two of their members were killed in an Israeli air strike east of the city of Rafah. Hamas fighters said they were engaging invading forces in the Al-'Omour area near the Sufa crossing point at the time of the bombing. Ambulances were unable to reach the dead.
The Al-Quds Brigades, the armed wing of Islamic Jihad, said that five of their fighters were wounded in the incursion.
Medical sources at Abu Yousef An-Najjar Hospital in Rafah said that they received one corpse and three injured people. The dead man has not yet been identified as one of the Al-Qassam Brigades fighters.
The director of the hospital, Dr. Abdallah Shehada said that the corpse is still unidentified; he arrived to the hospital with his left arm cut off along with injuries in his body and head adding that another three medium injuries arrived with him.
Al-Quds brigades said that five of their members were injured during the Israeli air strike that targeted them east of Al-'Omour.
Medical sources said that three people with injuries ranging from moderate to critical injuries arrived at the European Hospital.
Israeli tanks invaded the Gaza Strip near the Sufa crossing at dawn on Wednesday. Israeli troops are conducting house to house searches. Residents say the area endures Israeli incursions almost daily.
Meanwhile Palestinian sources confirmed that a Israeli tanks invaded the Az-Zaitoun neighborhood Gaza City from the east. The tanks fired at least one shell, which landed in an open area, resulting in no injuries.
The Al-Qassam claimed responsibility for launching 19 mortar shells at the Israeli tanks.
Israeli media announced that one Israeli soldier was slightly injured in an Israeli operation "against the infrastructure" of the Palestinian resistance near the Sufa crossing.
Israeli sources said that the Israeli troops are facing resistance from the Palestinian factions, saying that ten mortar rounds were fired at them.
The Al-Qassam Brigades, the armed wing of Hamas, announced that two of their members were killed in an Israeli air strike east of the city of Rafah. Hamas fighters said they were engaging invading forces in the Al-'Omour area near the Sufa crossing point at the time of the bombing. Ambulances were unable to reach the dead.
The Al-Quds Brigades, the armed wing of Islamic Jihad, said that five of their fighters were wounded in the incursion.
Medical sources at Abu Yousef An-Najjar Hospital in Rafah said that they received one corpse and three injured people. The dead man has not yet been identified as one of the Al-Qassam Brigades fighters.
The director of the hospital, Dr. Abdallah Shehada said that the corpse is still unidentified; he arrived to the hospital with his left arm cut off along with injuries in his body and head adding that another three medium injuries arrived with him.
Al-Quds brigades said that five of their members were injured during the Israeli air strike that targeted them east of Al-'Omour.
Medical sources said that three people with injuries ranging from moderate to critical injuries arrived at the European Hospital.
Israeli tanks invaded the Gaza Strip near the Sufa crossing at dawn on Wednesday. Israeli troops are conducting house to house searches. Residents say the area endures Israeli incursions almost daily.
Meanwhile Palestinian sources confirmed that a Israeli tanks invaded the Az-Zaitoun neighborhood Gaza City from the east. The tanks fired at least one shell, which landed in an open area, resulting in no injuries.
The Al-Qassam claimed responsibility for launching 19 mortar shells at the Israeli tanks.
Israeli media announced that one Israeli soldier was slightly injured in an Israeli operation "against the infrastructure" of the Palestinian resistance near the Sufa crossing.
Israeli sources said that the Israeli troops are facing resistance from the Palestinian factions, saying that ten mortar rounds were fired at them.
Israeli forces apprehend civilian in Qabatia
Israeli forces arrested one civilian in the town of Qabatia early on Wednesday morning. An Israeli military force stormed the town at 1.30 am and searched houses, claiming they are looking for "wanted" Palestinians.
Security sources said that around ten military vehicles stormed the northern and southern sides of the town and searched houses and arrested 21-year-old Shadi Sami Zakarneh. He was transferred to an unknown place.
The sources added that the Israeli soldiers fired intensively at civilian houses during the incursion, as well as firing sound bombings in the town before they withdrew at 5.30 am.
Israeli forces arrested one civilian in the town of Qabatia early on Wednesday morning. An Israeli military force stormed the town at 1.30 am and searched houses, claiming they are looking for "wanted" Palestinians.
Security sources said that around ten military vehicles stormed the northern and southern sides of the town and searched houses and arrested 21-year-old Shadi Sami Zakarneh. He was transferred to an unknown place.
The sources added that the Israeli soldiers fired intensively at civilian houses during the incursion, as well as firing sound bombings in the town before they withdrew at 5.30 am.
Israeli forces sieze 6 Palestinians in Nablus district
Israeli forces apprehended six Palestinian men from Nablus and the nearby Balata refugee camp and As-Sawiya village on Wednesday morning.
Palestinian security sources said that ten Israeli military jeeps stormed the city at 2 am and raided several neighborhoods.
The sources named the arrestees from Nablus as Amir Ya'ish and 23-year-old Hilal Zahran. Arrestees from Balata camp were 17-year-old Yousif Asmar, 17-year-old Ahmad Masa'id and 16-year-old Faris Thiab. Twenty-four-year-old Subhi Daraghmah was arrested from As-Sawiya.
Israeli forces apprehended six Palestinian men from Nablus and the nearby Balata refugee camp and As-Sawiya village on Wednesday morning.
Palestinian security sources said that ten Israeli military jeeps stormed the city at 2 am and raided several neighborhoods.
The sources named the arrestees from Nablus as Amir Ya'ish and 23-year-old Hilal Zahran. Arrestees from Balata camp were 17-year-old Yousif Asmar, 17-year-old Ahmad Masa'id and 16-year-old Faris Thiab. Twenty-four-year-old Subhi Daraghmah was arrested from As-Sawiya.
A number of Israeli vehicles invaded east of Az-Zaitoun neighborhood in the eastern Gaza Strip early on Wednesday morning, Palestinian sources said.
Israeli tanks fired an artillery shell that landed in an open area and no injuries were reported.
The Al-Qassam brigades, the military wing of Hamas, claimed responsibility for launching 19 mortar shells at the Israeli tanks.
Meanwhile, Israeli tanks invaded near the Sufa crossing east of Rafah, where Israeli soldiers are carrying out inspection operations in the area.
Israeli tanks fired an artillery shell that landed in an open area and no injuries were reported.
The Al-Qassam brigades, the military wing of Hamas, claimed responsibility for launching 19 mortar shells at the Israeli tanks.
Meanwhile, Israeli tanks invaded near the Sufa crossing east of Rafah, where Israeli soldiers are carrying out inspection operations in the area.
Israeli television aired footage showing a group of young Jewish men torturing and abusing two Palestinian youths from Shu'fat in northern Jerusalem on Tuesday.
The footage was recorded on Israel's Holocaust Memorial Day. It shows 20 Jewish youths armed with knives and clubs waiting in the Israeli settlement of Pisgat Ze'ev to attack Arabs. When two Palestinian teenagers from Shu'fat appeared, they were attacked and beaten.
Eleven of the attackers have been arrested. They had used email to plan the attack any Palestinians youths who enter Jewish neighborhoods. They planned to meet at 10 in the evening on Holocaust memorial day to stage the attack.
After waiting an hour and a half, two Palestinian youths appeared. The Jewish youths confronted them and accused them of involvement in a previous fight with Jewish youths. Then they attacked them beating them with clubs and kicking them. One of the Palestinian youths fainted, and the other one begged the attackers let them go. But the Jewish youths continued to beat the Arabs before one of the attackers took a knife and stabbed one of the victims while he was on the ground.
The footage was recorded on Israel's Holocaust Memorial Day. It shows 20 Jewish youths armed with knives and clubs waiting in the Israeli settlement of Pisgat Ze'ev to attack Arabs. When two Palestinian teenagers from Shu'fat appeared, they were attacked and beaten.
Eleven of the attackers have been arrested. They had used email to plan the attack any Palestinians youths who enter Jewish neighborhoods. They planned to meet at 10 in the evening on Holocaust memorial day to stage the attack.
After waiting an hour and a half, two Palestinian youths appeared. The Jewish youths confronted them and accused them of involvement in a previous fight with Jewish youths. Then they attacked them beating them with clubs and kicking them. One of the Palestinian youths fainted, and the other one begged the attackers let them go. But the Jewish youths continued to beat the Arabs before one of the attackers took a knife and stabbed one of the victims while he was on the ground.
27 may 2008
Palestinians in the West Bank village of Bil'in, together with international and Israeli activists, protested the expansion of the illegal Matityahu East settlement on Monday while Israeli settlers installed six mobile homes on the villagers' land.
Iyad Burnat, of the Bil'in Committee Against the Wall and Settlement Construction, said that villagers noticed the construction activity early on Monday morning, when settlers protected by Israeli military personnel began installing the caravans on the villagers' land.
The village of Bil'in, located in the Ramallah district, is cut off from its agricultural land by the separation wall. On Monday villagers tried to reach their land in order to stop the settlers from placing the mobile homes, but Israeli troops prevented them from passing through a gate in the wall.
According to Burnat, a small group of men from the village who had been staying overnight on their land managed to reach the trucks installing the settler mobile homes and stood in front of them, blocking their path and interrupting the work. One Palestinian from Bil'in managed to scale one of the settler cranes, holding a Palestinian flag. He remained there and succeeded in stopping the work for almost six hours before being forced down and arrested by Israeli police.
"The entire world has not managed to stop the Israeli settlements for one minute, but we managed to hold up the work for almost six hours yesterday in our nonviolent protest," said Burnat.
Burnat stated that Israeli settlers and soldiers responded violently to the Palestinian, international, and Israeli activists, assaulting the protesters and reporters trying to film the events. He emphasized that this will not stop the villagers' attempts to block the settlement expansion and protect their lands.
The villagers of Bil'in have been conducting weekly nonviolent protests against the illegal separation wall and Israeli settlements for more than three years, together with international and Israeli activists. In 2007 the Israeli High Court of Justice ruled in favor of the Bil'in villagers and ordered the Israeli army to dismantle a segment of the wall so that villagers would have access to more of their lands. Eight months after being ordered to re-route the wall in Bil'in "within a reasonable amount of time," the Israeli army has not even begun to plan an alternate route and has refused to comply with the Court's order for "security reasons."
The Israeli High Court of Justice also retrospectively legalized the illegal settlement outpost of Matityahu East, built on Bil'in land, in 2007. Bil'in villagers fear that the latest attempts to expand the settlement with mobile homes are part of a wider plan for settlement expansion in the region.
Burnat urged the Palestinian Authority freeze negotiations with Israel, since Israel continues to expand the illegal settlements and refuses to respect agreements with the Palestinians.
Last November the Palestinian-Israeli peace talks were revived by the US on the basis of the Road Map peace plan. According to the Road Map, Israel must stop all settlement expansion in the West Bank.
Burnat told Ma'an that the villagers of Bil'in will continue their resistance on the ground and their legal work through the Israeli court system to protect their lands.
Iyad Burnat, of the Bil'in Committee Against the Wall and Settlement Construction, said that villagers noticed the construction activity early on Monday morning, when settlers protected by Israeli military personnel began installing the caravans on the villagers' land.
The village of Bil'in, located in the Ramallah district, is cut off from its agricultural land by the separation wall. On Monday villagers tried to reach their land in order to stop the settlers from placing the mobile homes, but Israeli troops prevented them from passing through a gate in the wall.
According to Burnat, a small group of men from the village who had been staying overnight on their land managed to reach the trucks installing the settler mobile homes and stood in front of them, blocking their path and interrupting the work. One Palestinian from Bil'in managed to scale one of the settler cranes, holding a Palestinian flag. He remained there and succeeded in stopping the work for almost six hours before being forced down and arrested by Israeli police.
"The entire world has not managed to stop the Israeli settlements for one minute, but we managed to hold up the work for almost six hours yesterday in our nonviolent protest," said Burnat.
Burnat stated that Israeli settlers and soldiers responded violently to the Palestinian, international, and Israeli activists, assaulting the protesters and reporters trying to film the events. He emphasized that this will not stop the villagers' attempts to block the settlement expansion and protect their lands.
The villagers of Bil'in have been conducting weekly nonviolent protests against the illegal separation wall and Israeli settlements for more than three years, together with international and Israeli activists. In 2007 the Israeli High Court of Justice ruled in favor of the Bil'in villagers and ordered the Israeli army to dismantle a segment of the wall so that villagers would have access to more of their lands. Eight months after being ordered to re-route the wall in Bil'in "within a reasonable amount of time," the Israeli army has not even begun to plan an alternate route and has refused to comply with the Court's order for "security reasons."
The Israeli High Court of Justice also retrospectively legalized the illegal settlement outpost of Matityahu East, built on Bil'in land, in 2007. Bil'in villagers fear that the latest attempts to expand the settlement with mobile homes are part of a wider plan for settlement expansion in the region.
Burnat urged the Palestinian Authority freeze negotiations with Israel, since Israel continues to expand the illegal settlements and refuses to respect agreements with the Palestinians.
Last November the Palestinian-Israeli peace talks were revived by the US on the basis of the Road Map peace plan. According to the Road Map, Israel must stop all settlement expansion in the West Bank.
Burnat told Ma'an that the villagers of Bil'in will continue their resistance on the ground and their legal work through the Israeli court system to protect their lands.
Israeli troops violently disperse anti-wall protest in Nil'in
Several Palestinian civilians, including journalists, were injured when Israeli troops forcibly dispersed a demonstration against the separation wall in the West Bank village of Nil'in, near Ramallah, on Tuesday.
The spokesperson of the Popular Committee for resisting the separation wall in Ni'lin, Salah Khawaja, said that Israeli troops used tear gas, live ammunition, rubber-coated metal bullets, water cannons, rifle butts and clubs to break up the peaceful demonstration. Khawaja added that several people were arrested. International and Israeli solidarity activists participated in the rally.
The Palestinian National Initiative (PNI), a Palestinian political party that participated in the demonstration, said that some 50 soldiers and more than 10 military jeeps were deployed to attack the unarmed demonstrators.
Among the injured, PNI said, was "a Canadian woman who experienced breathing problems after being caught in a fog of tear gas. Another man was beaten with clubs by soldiers and has been taken to hospital suffering from severe pains in his spine."
If completed, Israel's illegal West Bank wall will result in the de facto confiscation of 2,500 dunams of Nil'in's land. Expanding Israeli settlements and other methods of closure, in addition to the wall, will completely separate the villages of of Ni'lin, Mediya, Shukba, Shabteen and Budrus from the rest of the West Bank.
Dr Mustafa Barghouthi, the Secretary-General of the PNI said, "This Wall is not only stealing Palestinian land and much of prime agricultural land, but it is consolidating a system of Apartheid. An entire segregated infrastructure is being created to separate Israeli settlers living illegally on confiscated Palestinian land, from Palestinians. This is being done at the expense of the Palestinians whose land has been, and is being stolen to build this infrastructure, and at the expense of all the Palestinians who will be isolated from their lands, workplaces, key services and kinship networks as a result."
Several Palestinian civilians, including journalists, were injured when Israeli troops forcibly dispersed a demonstration against the separation wall in the West Bank village of Nil'in, near Ramallah, on Tuesday.
The spokesperson of the Popular Committee for resisting the separation wall in Ni'lin, Salah Khawaja, said that Israeli troops used tear gas, live ammunition, rubber-coated metal bullets, water cannons, rifle butts and clubs to break up the peaceful demonstration. Khawaja added that several people were arrested. International and Israeli solidarity activists participated in the rally.
The Palestinian National Initiative (PNI), a Palestinian political party that participated in the demonstration, said that some 50 soldiers and more than 10 military jeeps were deployed to attack the unarmed demonstrators.
Among the injured, PNI said, was "a Canadian woman who experienced breathing problems after being caught in a fog of tear gas. Another man was beaten with clubs by soldiers and has been taken to hospital suffering from severe pains in his spine."
If completed, Israel's illegal West Bank wall will result in the de facto confiscation of 2,500 dunams of Nil'in's land. Expanding Israeli settlements and other methods of closure, in addition to the wall, will completely separate the villages of of Ni'lin, Mediya, Shukba, Shabteen and Budrus from the rest of the West Bank.
Dr Mustafa Barghouthi, the Secretary-General of the PNI said, "This Wall is not only stealing Palestinian land and much of prime agricultural land, but it is consolidating a system of Apartheid. An entire segregated infrastructure is being created to separate Israeli settlers living illegally on confiscated Palestinian land, from Palestinians. This is being done at the expense of the Palestinians whose land has been, and is being stolen to build this infrastructure, and at the expense of all the Palestinians who will be isolated from their lands, workplaces, key services and kinship networks as a result."
Israeli forces ransack home of Palestinian journalist in Hebron
Israeli forces raided the home of Palestinian journalist Nayif in the southern West Bank city of Hebron on Tuesday morning.
Hashlamoun was not at home when the raid happened but the Israeli troops handed a letter to his son demanding that Hashlamoun turn himself over to Israeli intelligence for interrogation.
Hashlamoun told Ma'an that Israeli soldiers broke down the front door before ransacking his house.
Israeli forces raided the home of Palestinian journalist Nayif in the southern West Bank city of Hebron on Tuesday morning.
Hashlamoun was not at home when the raid happened but the Israeli troops handed a letter to his son demanding that Hashlamoun turn himself over to Israeli intelligence for interrogation.
Hashlamoun told Ma'an that Israeli soldiers broke down the front door before ransacking his house.
Israeli forces stormed schools, stores, and residential buildings during a military operation in the West Bank city of Qalqilia on Tuesday afternoon, arresting five people and injuring eight.
Palestinian security sources said that the Israeli forces detained Yasser Mohammad 'Aref Nofal, Mohammad Akram Shreim, Abdallah 'Azzam Da'oud, a member of the Preventive Security force, Mohammad Isma'il Badra, a member of the National Security force, and Haitham Ghaleb Al-Aqra'.
Israeli troops raided the Al-Khansaa' and Abu 'Ali Iyad schools, and stormed a residential building in the Shreim neighborhood in the west of the city. All the building's residents were herded into one apartment while the soldiers ransacked the rest of the apartments and arrested 24-year-old Mohammad Shreim.
Palestinian sources said that around 35 military vehicles were deployed in various neighborhoods of the city. They added that the troops also invaded a cemetery.
Eight injuries were reported during confrontations that took place between school students the invading Israeli forces.
Sources in the Palestinian Red Crescent Society said that eight students treated at Dr. Darwish Nazzal Hospital for minor injuries.
Palestinian security sources said that the Israeli forces detained Yasser Mohammad 'Aref Nofal, Mohammad Akram Shreim, Abdallah 'Azzam Da'oud, a member of the Preventive Security force, Mohammad Isma'il Badra, a member of the National Security force, and Haitham Ghaleb Al-Aqra'.
Israeli troops raided the Al-Khansaa' and Abu 'Ali Iyad schools, and stormed a residential building in the Shreim neighborhood in the west of the city. All the building's residents were herded into one apartment while the soldiers ransacked the rest of the apartments and arrested 24-year-old Mohammad Shreim.
Palestinian sources said that around 35 military vehicles were deployed in various neighborhoods of the city. They added that the troops also invaded a cemetery.
Eight injuries were reported during confrontations that took place between school students the invading Israeli forces.
Sources in the Palestinian Red Crescent Society said that eight students treated at Dr. Darwish Nazzal Hospital for minor injuries.
Israeli forces detain ten civilians across the West Bank
An-Nasser brigades shell Kissufim military post
An-Nasser brigades shell Zikim military post
An-Nasser brigades shell Kissufim military post
An-Nasser brigades shell Zikim military post
26 may 2008
Israeli forces raid two villages near Jenin
Israeli forces raided the West Bank towns of Al-Yamoun and Kafr Dan, near Jenin, early on Monday morning, local sources said.
Residents of the two villages said that Israeli troops raided houses, fired their weapons intensively and used sound grenades. Israeli military vehicles roamed the streets. Witnesses said the invading forces withdrew by dawn. No arrests were reported.
Israeli forces raided the West Bank towns of Al-Yamoun and Kafr Dan, near Jenin, early on Monday morning, local sources said.
Residents of the two villages said that Israeli troops raided houses, fired their weapons intensively and used sound grenades. Israeli military vehicles roamed the streets. Witnesses said the invading forces withdrew by dawn. No arrests were reported.
An-Nasser Brigades claim responsibility for projectile attack
Israel balking on pledge to open Palestinian police stations in the West Bank, police chief says
Police ordered not to refuel cars in gas-starved Gaza Strip
PFLP's military wing fire two projectiles at Sderot
Israeli forces impose checkpoint near Jenin
Fatah and Islamic Jihad fighters shell Sderot
Israel arrested more than 2,700 Palestinians in 2008, report says
Israel balking on pledge to open Palestinian police stations in the West Bank, police chief says
Police ordered not to refuel cars in gas-starved Gaza Strip
PFLP's military wing fire two projectiles at Sderot
Israeli forces impose checkpoint near Jenin
Fatah and Islamic Jihad fighters shell Sderot
Israel arrested more than 2,700 Palestinians in 2008, report says
25 may 2008
Israel returned the corpses of three Palestinians to the Gaza Strip on Sunday, including one who had been injured last Wednesday during an Israeli incursion in Al-Bureij refugee camp.
All three Palestinians died at Ichilov General Hospital at Tel Aviv medical center, said Muawiya Hassanain, the director of ambulance and emergency services in the Palestinian Health Ministry.
Sixteen-year-old Khalid Abdul-Hadi died on Sunday of wounds sustained during Wednesday's incursion, Hassanain said.
Hassanain added that Palestinian patient Muhammad Abu Duqqa and elderly patient Muhammad Abu Ata also died of medical conditions not related to violence.
All three Palestinians died at Ichilov General Hospital at Tel Aviv medical center, said Muawiya Hassanain, the director of ambulance and emergency services in the Palestinian Health Ministry.
Sixteen-year-old Khalid Abdul-Hadi died on Sunday of wounds sustained during Wednesday's incursion, Hassanain said.
Hassanain added that Palestinian patient Muhammad Abu Duqqa and elderly patient Muhammad Abu Ata also died of medical conditions not related to violence.
Israeli forces arrest, injure protestors attempting to block land confiscation near Ramallah
Israeli army said on Sunday that it arrested five Israeli activists who took part in a peaceful demonstration against the Israeli separation wall in the West Bank village of Ni'lin, west of Ramallah. Several other protestors were injured during the rally as Israeli soldiers hurled sonic bombs towards them in attempts to disperse the rally.
Israeli authorities claimed that the protestors pelted Israeli soldiers with stones. The activists say the demonstrators were peaceful and attempted only to stop bulldozers from digging up Palestinian land.
An Israeli leftist who participated in the rally told the Israeli website Walla, "Israel wants to confiscate lands belonging to Ni'lin in order to expand the nearby Hashmon'im settlement."
"We attempted to impede the confiscation, and the separation wall's guards opened fire at the unarmed protestors," he added.
Local Palestinian sources said that five Palestinians were injured in the demonstration, and three people were arrested in total, including the solidarity activists.
Israeli army said on Sunday that it arrested five Israeli activists who took part in a peaceful demonstration against the Israeli separation wall in the West Bank village of Ni'lin, west of Ramallah. Several other protestors were injured during the rally as Israeli soldiers hurled sonic bombs towards them in attempts to disperse the rally.
Israeli authorities claimed that the protestors pelted Israeli soldiers with stones. The activists say the demonstrators were peaceful and attempted only to stop bulldozers from digging up Palestinian land.
An Israeli leftist who participated in the rally told the Israeli website Walla, "Israel wants to confiscate lands belonging to Ni'lin in order to expand the nearby Hashmon'im settlement."
"We attempted to impede the confiscation, and the separation wall's guards opened fire at the unarmed protestors," he added.
Local Palestinian sources said that five Palestinians were injured in the demonstration, and three people were arrested in total, including the solidarity activists.
Al-Aqsa Brigades confront Israeli forces in Gaza
The military wing of the Fatah movement, the Al-Aqsa Brigades, said on Sunday that a group of their fighters fought with an Israeli infantry force near the Sufa border crossing of the Gaza Strip. They also said the group hurled a roadside bomb at an Israeli bulldozer.
The group aid in a statement that the Israeli forces were forced to retreat to their base.
The military wing of the Fatah movement, the Al-Aqsa Brigades, said on Sunday that a group of their fighters fought with an Israeli infantry force near the Sufa border crossing of the Gaza Strip. They also said the group hurled a roadside bomb at an Israeli bulldozer.
The group aid in a statement that the Israeli forces were forced to retreat to their base.
Palestinian teenager seized in Israeli raid near Tulkarem
Israeli forces raided the northern West Bank town of Zeita, north of the city of Tulkarem on Sunday.
Palestinian sources said that Israeli forces stormed the town and ransacked several houses before they seized 17-year-old Tha'ir Abu Sharqiyya from his home.
Israeli forces also patrolled Tulkarem city and refugee camp.
Israeli forces raided the northern West Bank town of Zeita, north of the city of Tulkarem on Sunday.
Palestinian sources said that Israeli forces stormed the town and ransacked several houses before they seized 17-year-old Tha'ir Abu Sharqiyya from his home.
Israeli forces also patrolled Tulkarem city and refugee camp.
Eight injured in Israeli incursion in Gaza on Saturday evening
Eight Palestinians were injured by Israeli fire on Saturday evening in Gaza City and in Khan Younis, in the southern Gaza Strip, medical sources said.
Muawiyah Hassanain, the director of ambulance and emergency services in the Palestinian Health Ministry said that ambulances evacuated three injured people to Ash-Shifa Hospital in Gaza City after Israeli artillery targeted a group of Hamas' Al-Qassam Brigades fighters.
The spokesperson of the de facto Health Ministry in Gaza, Khalid Radi said the attack injured five people, two of them critically.
Separately, three Palestinians were injured as Israeli military vehicles invaded the town of Khuza'a in the Khan Younis district of the southern Gaza Strip. Hassanain said that the wounded were evacuated to Nasser Hospital in Khan Younis. He described their wounds as moderate.
In a different regard, local sources in Gaza City said that Israeli forces arrested 15 Palestinians.
Eight Palestinians were injured by Israeli fire on Saturday evening in Gaza City and in Khan Younis, in the southern Gaza Strip, medical sources said.
Muawiyah Hassanain, the director of ambulance and emergency services in the Palestinian Health Ministry said that ambulances evacuated three injured people to Ash-Shifa Hospital in Gaza City after Israeli artillery targeted a group of Hamas' Al-Qassam Brigades fighters.
The spokesperson of the de facto Health Ministry in Gaza, Khalid Radi said the attack injured five people, two of them critically.
Separately, three Palestinians were injured as Israeli military vehicles invaded the town of Khuza'a in the Khan Younis district of the southern Gaza Strip. Hassanain said that the wounded were evacuated to Nasser Hospital in Khan Younis. He described their wounds as moderate.
In a different regard, local sources in Gaza City said that Israeli forces arrested 15 Palestinians.
Israeli forces continued an incursion in the Shuja'iyya neighborhood of Gaza City for a second day on Sunday while Israeli military vehicles continued to operate near the Sufa border crossing in southern Gaza.
Eyewitnesses said that several Israeli military vehicles began destroying farmland near the Sufa crossing, near the city of Rafah.
Israeli fire left eight Palestinians injured on Saturday night, medical sources had earlier reported.
Meanwhile, Palestinian military groups attempted to confront the invading forces in both Rafah and Gaza City.
Hamas' armed wing, the Al-Qassam Brigades, claimed responsibility for firing eight mortar shells and one homemade projectile at the Israeli military vehicles east of Gaza City and the nearby Al-Maghazi refugee camp.
Separately, Islamic Jihad's military wing, the Al-Quds Brigades, claimed to have fired two homemade projectiles at the Israeli town of Sderot in the western Negev desert.
For its part, the military wing of the Popular Resistance Committees, the An-Nasser Salah Addin Brigades, claimed responsibility for firing two mortar shells at the Israeli military instalation at Nahal 'Oz on Saturday evening.
The Abu Ali Mustafa Brigades, the military wing of the Popular Front for the Liberation of Palestine, claimed responsibility for launching several mortar shells at Israeli military vehicles east of Nahal 'Oz on Saturday evening.
Fatah's Abu Ar-Reish Brigades said their fighters fired a homemade projectile at the Sufa crossing.
Eyewitnesses said that several Israeli military vehicles began destroying farmland near the Sufa crossing, near the city of Rafah.
Israeli fire left eight Palestinians injured on Saturday night, medical sources had earlier reported.
Meanwhile, Palestinian military groups attempted to confront the invading forces in both Rafah and Gaza City.
Hamas' armed wing, the Al-Qassam Brigades, claimed responsibility for firing eight mortar shells and one homemade projectile at the Israeli military vehicles east of Gaza City and the nearby Al-Maghazi refugee camp.
Separately, Islamic Jihad's military wing, the Al-Quds Brigades, claimed to have fired two homemade projectiles at the Israeli town of Sderot in the western Negev desert.
For its part, the military wing of the Popular Resistance Committees, the An-Nasser Salah Addin Brigades, claimed responsibility for firing two mortar shells at the Israeli military instalation at Nahal 'Oz on Saturday evening.
The Abu Ali Mustafa Brigades, the military wing of the Popular Front for the Liberation of Palestine, claimed responsibility for launching several mortar shells at Israeli military vehicles east of Nahal 'Oz on Saturday evening.
Fatah's Abu Ar-Reish Brigades said their fighters fired a homemade projectile at the Sufa crossing.
24 may 2008
Only two days separated the deaths of Nabhan Haboush and his wife Lulu Haboush the last two people to have died as a result of the Israeli siege of the Gaza Strip, the Popular Committee Against the Siege announced on Saturday, bringing the overall death toll to 162.
Sixty-two-year-old Nabhan Habbush died of cancer, 59-year-old Lulu Haboush died of kidney failure.
The People's Committee to face up the siege announced the death of Lolo Habbush 59 year-old suffering from the kidney failure for several months, and only two days after the death of her husband Nabhan Haboush who suffered from cancer.
Rami Abdu, the spokesperson of the Popular Committee said that, had a permit to receive medical treatment outside Gaza, but was prevented from leaving after attempting to cross through the Erez crossing point three times.
Habbush then tried the southern Rafah but again failed.
After two days of the death of her husband, Lulu Haboush died, despite having been approved for treatment at an Egyptian hospital.
One of their relatives said that the Habbush family spent 15,000 dollars in their attempts to leave Gaza.
Sixty-two-year-old Nabhan Habbush died of cancer, 59-year-old Lulu Haboush died of kidney failure.
The People's Committee to face up the siege announced the death of Lolo Habbush 59 year-old suffering from the kidney failure for several months, and only two days after the death of her husband Nabhan Haboush who suffered from cancer.
Rami Abdu, the spokesperson of the Popular Committee said that, had a permit to receive medical treatment outside Gaza, but was prevented from leaving after attempting to cross through the Erez crossing point three times.
Habbush then tried the southern Rafah but again failed.
After two days of the death of her husband, Lulu Haboush died, despite having been approved for treatment at an Egyptian hospital.
One of their relatives said that the Habbush family spent 15,000 dollars in their attempts to leave Gaza.
Israeli forces seized one Palestinian civilian, wounded another, and opened at a Palestinian military policy headquarters during a raid in Jenin refugee camp at dawn on Saturday morning.
The incursion was the largest Israeli operation in Jenin since Palestinian security forces were redeployed in Jenin in early May in an Israeli and US-backed campaign called Operation Smile and Hope.
Sources in the security forces said that Israeli forces arrested 30-year-old Jenin camp resident Faris Sewiti after raiding his house. Twenty-year-old As'ad 'Ali Al-Damj was injured when Israeli forces fired at Palestinian houses.
The Israeli troops also opened fire at the headquarters of the Palestinian military police. No one was injured in the gunfire.
Residents of the camp told Ma'an that Israeli forces erected checkpoints at the entrances of the city of Jenin and the refugee camp. Witnesses said Israeli soldiers invaded numerous houses and deployed sound grenades.
Israeli soldiers were also spotted taking up positions in front of the Jenin government hospital, photographing the building from several angles.
The incursion was the largest Israeli operation in Jenin since Palestinian security forces were redeployed in Jenin in early May in an Israeli and US-backed campaign called Operation Smile and Hope.
Sources in the security forces said that Israeli forces arrested 30-year-old Jenin camp resident Faris Sewiti after raiding his house. Twenty-year-old As'ad 'Ali Al-Damj was injured when Israeli forces fired at Palestinian houses.
The Israeli troops also opened fire at the headquarters of the Palestinian military police. No one was injured in the gunfire.
Residents of the camp told Ma'an that Israeli forces erected checkpoints at the entrances of the city of Jenin and the refugee camp. Witnesses said Israeli soldiers invaded numerous houses and deployed sound grenades.
Israeli soldiers were also spotted taking up positions in front of the Jenin government hospital, photographing the building from several angles.
Amos Gilad, the chief of the political-military bureau in the Israeli Defense Ministry will head to Cairo on Saturday afternoon for further consultation with Egyptian mediators regarding ceasefire talks with Hamas, Israeli radio reported.
Gilad will meet Umar Sulaiman, the Egyptian intelligence chief who is leading the mediation effort.
Israeli political officials said that they were still waiting for a clear response from Hamas to an Egyptian proposal. Hamas leaders returned to the Gaza Strip on Wednesday for a round of internal talks about the ceasefire plan.
Israeli Deputy Defense Minister Metan Vilnai told Israeli radio that Israel is doing all that is possible to put an end to what he called "Palestinian attacks" and stressed that Israel does not negotiate with "terrorist" organizations but is making contact with Egypt in this regard to in order achieve calm.
Gilad will meet Umar Sulaiman, the Egyptian intelligence chief who is leading the mediation effort.
Israeli political officials said that they were still waiting for a clear response from Hamas to an Egyptian proposal. Hamas leaders returned to the Gaza Strip on Wednesday for a round of internal talks about the ceasefire plan.
Israeli Deputy Defense Minister Metan Vilnai told Israeli radio that Israel is doing all that is possible to put an end to what he called "Palestinian attacks" and stressed that Israel does not negotiate with "terrorist" organizations but is making contact with Egypt in this regard to in order achieve calm.
Israeli forces destroyed several cars and a restaurant in the West Bank city of Nablus early on Saturday morning, witnesses said.
Israeli forces stormed Al-Quds street in Nablus, firing sound bombs and bullets. The troops opened fire at a restaurant belonging to 23-year-old Mahmoud Abu Halimeh, causing a fire that completely destroyed the restaurant. Witnesses said that the invading forces prevented firefighters from reaching the scene.
Abu Halimeh burned the restaurant deliberately, and also prevented his brothers, who live in the upper floors of the building, from controlling the fire.
Witnesses said that the Israelis forces broke into several houses in Balata refugee camp east of Nablus and destroyed several cars in the camp, Balata resident Bassam Zakki Abu Mustafa said.
Israeli forces stormed Al-Quds street in Nablus, firing sound bombs and bullets. The troops opened fire at a restaurant belonging to 23-year-old Mahmoud Abu Halimeh, causing a fire that completely destroyed the restaurant. Witnesses said that the invading forces prevented firefighters from reaching the scene.
Abu Halimeh burned the restaurant deliberately, and also prevented his brothers, who live in the upper floors of the building, from controlling the fire.
Witnesses said that the Israelis forces broke into several houses in Balata refugee camp east of Nablus and destroyed several cars in the camp, Balata resident Bassam Zakki Abu Mustafa said.
Islamic Jihad fighters claim projectile attack
Little-known Palestinian military group claims responsibility for attack
Jihad Jibril Brigades attack Netivot
PFLP fighters launch projectiles
Mash'al, in Tehran: end the siege of Gaza now
Barghouthi: Israeli promises on checkpoints a "policy of deception"
Israeli forces impose checkpoint north of Tulkarem
Little-known Palestinian military group claims responsibility for attack
Jihad Jibril Brigades attack Netivot
PFLP fighters launch projectiles
Mash'al, in Tehran: end the siege of Gaza now
Barghouthi: Israeli promises on checkpoints a "policy of deception"
Israeli forces impose checkpoint north of Tulkarem
