10 oct 2008
Israeli settlers injured six Palestinians as they harvested their olive trees near the illegal Israeli settlement of Brachah.
Medical sources at Radefia hospital told Ma'an that six residents of the village south of Nablus suffered bruises, fractures and wounds after settlers assaulted them. Among the victims were two children and an elderly Palestinian man.
Hospital officials identified the two injured children as eight-year-old Hesham Fayez Fathi Mansur and 12-year-old Madeeha Nassar Rashed Mansur.
70-year-old Fathi Rasheed Mansur, as well as Ibtisam Naasar Rasheed and Manal Wasfi Rasheed Mansur, both 30, were also injured in the attack.
A Palestinian Authority (PA) official responsible for village affairs told Ma'an that "dozens of Israeli settlers" attacked the Palestinians.
The official, Ghassan Daghlas, said the settlers "beat and threw stones at the residents" of the village on Friday.
Medical sources at Radefia hospital told Ma'an that six residents of the village south of Nablus suffered bruises, fractures and wounds after settlers assaulted them. Among the victims were two children and an elderly Palestinian man.
Hospital officials identified the two injured children as eight-year-old Hesham Fayez Fathi Mansur and 12-year-old Madeeha Nassar Rashed Mansur.
70-year-old Fathi Rasheed Mansur, as well as Ibtisam Naasar Rasheed and Manal Wasfi Rasheed Mansur, both 30, were also injured in the attack.
A Palestinian Authority (PA) official responsible for village affairs told Ma'an that "dozens of Israeli settlers" attacked the Palestinians.
The official, Ghassan Daghlas, said the settlers "beat and threw stones at the residents" of the village on Friday.
Dozens choke in Bil'in as Israeli soldiers fire teargas at demonstrators
Dozens choked on teargas at a Bil'in demonstration against the Israeli separation wall on Friday, participants said.
Israeli activists joined the Palestinian protesters "in solidarity with the villagers," especially farmers during their harvest season.
Demonstrators toured the streets, condemning Israel's construction of the barrier. Soldiers reportedly stopped the protestors as they reached the wall of the gate and farmers attempted to cross toward their land to collect olives.
Troops launched tear gas and percussion grenades at the demonstrators, leading to dozens of inhalation injuries.
Dozens choked on teargas at a Bil'in demonstration against the Israeli separation wall on Friday, participants said.
Israeli activists joined the Palestinian protesters "in solidarity with the villagers," especially farmers during their harvest season.
Demonstrators toured the streets, condemning Israel's construction of the barrier. Soldiers reportedly stopped the protestors as they reached the wall of the gate and farmers attempted to cross toward their land to collect olives.
Troops launched tear gas and percussion grenades at the demonstrators, leading to dozens of inhalation injuries.
Israeli forces repress demonstration against the wall in Al-Ma'sara
The Israeli army dispersed international, Israeli and Palestinian activists during a protest against the separation wall in the village of Al-Ma'sara near Bethlehem on Friday afternoon.
The demonstration was in protest of the construction of the wall on village lands, and when the group began its march towards the construction site, Israeli troops halted them and prevented them from continuing towards the wall.
Sound bombs and tear gas were used to disperse the group. No injuries of detentions were reported.
The Israeli army dispersed international, Israeli and Palestinian activists during a protest against the separation wall in the village of Al-Ma'sara near Bethlehem on Friday afternoon.
The demonstration was in protest of the construction of the wall on village lands, and when the group began its march towards the construction site, Israeli troops halted them and prevented them from continuing towards the wall.
Sound bombs and tear gas were used to disperse the group. No injuries of detentions were reported.
On the Jewish high holiday, Israelis broke into Al-Aqsa mosque, rioted in Acre streets, and beat one Palestinian.
Yom Kippur is the Jewish Day of Atonement, it is the day when devout Jews observe 25 hours of fasting, during which time no machines are operated or "work" done.
Shortly before sunset on 8 October this year, radio stations went off the air, television channels across Israel ceased to transmit programs, and the countries highways were all but deserted.
Before the sun rose on 9 October, a group of about 100 Israeli extremists broke into the Haram Ash-Sharif compound surrounding the Al-Aqsa Mosque in Jerusalem and, according to the Al-Aqsa Foundation for Islamic Waqf and Heritage, "carried out several failed attempts to break into the Al-Aqsa Mosque compound."
On the Day of Atonement, the moment in which one's fate for the year ahead is sealed in the divine books, groups at the Al-Aqsa mosque shouted "death to Arabs," and riots broke out in Acre.
Jewish youth, observing the Day of Atonement by fasting and refraining from "work," beat a Palestinian resident of Acre just after midnight on 9 October.
"It is unthinkable that Jews in the Jewish State will be harassed on the holiest of days to the Jewish people," the Israeli press quoted National Religious Party Chairman Zevulun Orlev as saying.
The harassment was the act of driving a car through a religious neighborhood, seen as an act of provocation to Jews who observe the fast.
After the Palestinian man was beaten, dozens of Palestinian and Israeli residents of the city gathered in what turned into a mass riot.
Palestinian member of the Israeli Knesset (MK) Ahmad At-Tibi called the riot "barbaric," and accused police of not doing enough to quash the violence.
Several Palestinian leaders likened the event to riots against the Jewish populations of Europe during World War II after MK Yuval Steinitz for Likud called the incident an Arab Pogrom against Israelis. "The state of Israel has become the only country in the Western world where pogroms are carried out against Jews," he said.
Jerusalem and Acre police have been put on high alert after Israeli Major General Aaron Franko called a meeting on the issue of the riots. Police have been deployed to Arab areas in Jerusalem to "prevent any problems by troublemakers."
The Israeli media reported Friday afternoon that an emergency meeting of the Internal Affairs committee will be held Sunday to address the riots in Acre.
Fresh violence broke out in the city Friday afternoon as Jewish youth gathered outside the home of an Arab family on Ehad Ha'am street. According to the Israeli daily Yediot Ahronot, the family members were sitting in front of the home wearing face masks.
According to Israeli police the fight between sides was dispersed, and tense calm reigns in Acre.
Yom Kippur is the Jewish Day of Atonement, it is the day when devout Jews observe 25 hours of fasting, during which time no machines are operated or "work" done.
Shortly before sunset on 8 October this year, radio stations went off the air, television channels across Israel ceased to transmit programs, and the countries highways were all but deserted.
Before the sun rose on 9 October, a group of about 100 Israeli extremists broke into the Haram Ash-Sharif compound surrounding the Al-Aqsa Mosque in Jerusalem and, according to the Al-Aqsa Foundation for Islamic Waqf and Heritage, "carried out several failed attempts to break into the Al-Aqsa Mosque compound."
On the Day of Atonement, the moment in which one's fate for the year ahead is sealed in the divine books, groups at the Al-Aqsa mosque shouted "death to Arabs," and riots broke out in Acre.
Jewish youth, observing the Day of Atonement by fasting and refraining from "work," beat a Palestinian resident of Acre just after midnight on 9 October.
"It is unthinkable that Jews in the Jewish State will be harassed on the holiest of days to the Jewish people," the Israeli press quoted National Religious Party Chairman Zevulun Orlev as saying.
The harassment was the act of driving a car through a religious neighborhood, seen as an act of provocation to Jews who observe the fast.
After the Palestinian man was beaten, dozens of Palestinian and Israeli residents of the city gathered in what turned into a mass riot.
Palestinian member of the Israeli Knesset (MK) Ahmad At-Tibi called the riot "barbaric," and accused police of not doing enough to quash the violence.
Several Palestinian leaders likened the event to riots against the Jewish populations of Europe during World War II after MK Yuval Steinitz for Likud called the incident an Arab Pogrom against Israelis. "The state of Israel has become the only country in the Western world where pogroms are carried out against Jews," he said.
Jerusalem and Acre police have been put on high alert after Israeli Major General Aaron Franko called a meeting on the issue of the riots. Police have been deployed to Arab areas in Jerusalem to "prevent any problems by troublemakers."
The Israeli media reported Friday afternoon that an emergency meeting of the Internal Affairs committee will be held Sunday to address the riots in Acre.
Fresh violence broke out in the city Friday afternoon as Jewish youth gathered outside the home of an Arab family on Ehad Ha'am street. According to the Israeli daily Yediot Ahronot, the family members were sitting in front of the home wearing face masks.
According to Israeli police the fight between sides was dispersed, and tense calm reigns in Acre.
Israeli soldier searches Palestinian farmers en route to harvest
Israeli forces prevented several Palestinian farmers accompanied by Israeli peace activists from harvesting olives near the village of Ni'lin west of Ramallah.
The farmers were accompanied by at least 100 Israeli peace activists, who came to assist in the harvest. In the past, international and Israeli presence during the harvest season has allowed many Palestinians to perform "regular" tasks they would otherwise be prevented from carrying out by Israeli forces.
Despite claims that the Israeli Civil Administration, which maintains control over the Palestinian West Bank, has coordinated with Palestinian authorities, there have been several incidents where Israeli troops have prevented farmers from reaching their land.
According to some of the peace activists, Israeli forces used tear gas and sound bombs to disperse the group, which was heading towards Ni'lin village lands. No injuries were reported.
Israeli forces prevented several Palestinian farmers accompanied by Israeli peace activists from harvesting olives near the village of Ni'lin west of Ramallah.
The farmers were accompanied by at least 100 Israeli peace activists, who came to assist in the harvest. In the past, international and Israeli presence during the harvest season has allowed many Palestinians to perform "regular" tasks they would otherwise be prevented from carrying out by Israeli forces.
Despite claims that the Israeli Civil Administration, which maintains control over the Palestinian West Bank, has coordinated with Palestinian authorities, there have been several incidents where Israeli troops have prevented farmers from reaching their land.
According to some of the peace activists, Israeli forces used tear gas and sound bombs to disperse the group, which was heading towards Ni'lin village lands. No injuries were reported.
Islamic Jihad: Acre riots beginning stage of 'a third intifadah'
Israel opens Jericho checkpoints after two-hour closure
Israel opens Jericho checkpoints after two-hour closure
9 oct 2008
An Islamic charity is outraged that a "massive" group of Israeli settlers, rabbis and politicians attempted to break into the Al-Aqsa Mosque in Jerusalem early Thursday morning.
The Al-Aqsa Foundation for Islamic Waqf and Heritage claimed that Israeli extremists "carried out several failed attempts to break into the Al-Aqsa Mosque compound" on Thursday.
Extremists shouted anti-Muslim slogans while others performed religious rituals in the mosque's outside yard. Israeli police looked on, reportedly refusing to act.
The crowd of Israelis apparently began the rally by breaking through the Old City's Mughrabi Gate before attempting to enter the mosque, foundation officials claimed. During the intrusion, members of the Islamic charity attempted to stem the flow of rioters by closing gates surrounding the area.
Witnesses told members of the Palestinian press that rioters numbered "at least 100" and that among them was a member of the Israeli Knesset.
The foundation called on Palestinians in Jerusalem-as well as those living in Israel-to immediately race to the Old City in order to protect the mosque from more attempts expected throughout the night.
Extremist groups have tried for several years to break into the mosque during the Yom Kippur holy day, which began Wednesday evening.
The head of the Palestinian Authority (PA)'s Waqf Department denounced the incident in a statement on Thursday. Sheikh Mohammad Azzam At-Tamimi implored the Israeli public to respect Al-Aqsa as an "Islamic holy site."
The Al-Aqsa Mosque is located on top of the Haram al-Sharif, or "Noble Sanctuary," and is considered holy to Muslims. Israeli border security forces and Jerusalem police are tasked with maintaining security in the area, which includes protection from Jewish extremists.
Meanwhile, riots erupted in the Israeli town of Acre after Jewish youths beat a Palestinian resident just after midnight on Thursday.
Young Israelis reportedly assaulted the Palestinian man after he drove into a predominantly Jewish section of the city. Following the assault, other Palestinian youths arrived at the scene, touching off additional riots involving both Arabs and Jews.
The man was reportedly driving home moments before the attack that led two members of the Israeli Knesset to lash out at police on Thursday.
Member of Knesset (MK) Ahmad Tibi accused police of "hapless discrimination" for failing to protect Arab residents of Acre on Thursday. According to Hebrew newspaper Yediot Ahronot, Tibi also called the riot "a pogrom perpetrated by Jewish thugs against Arabs."
Dozens of cars and shops were damaged in the chaos, during which an Israeli newspaper said hundreds of protesters shouted "death to Arabs" and other derogatory slogans in mass rallies.
MK Muhammad Barakeh compared the events to the treatment of Jews during World War II, Ha'aretz reported. Barakeh told reporters that the riots on Thursday compared to what "Jews were exposed to at the hands of the Nazi gangs in Germany."
But police did arrest a number of suspected rioters, saying they plan to detain more. Acre's police chief cited the involvement of "Jewish and Arab gangs" in the riots that started in the eastern part of the city.
On Wednesday, Israeli security officials went on high alert as the Jewish holy day Yom Kippur began, sources said. But the cause of concern was supposedly specific warnings in regards to attacks by Palestinian Muslims and Christians, not Israeli Jews.
Security officials had reported receiving specific warnings about Palestinians intending to kidnap Israelis and launch grenade attacks, in addition to dozens of other warnings threatening Israel, in general, during the Jewish holy day.
Wednesday's reports over expected violence did not mention any preparations for attacks by Jews on Yom Kippur, or if they anticipated them.
But Israeli officers barricaded roads in the West Bank and erected blocks of concrete at entrances to the city on Wednesday, purportedly to prevent the movement of Palestinian vehicles.
Thursday's violence against Muslims throughout the country seemed to catch Israeli police by surprise, though Palestinian officials insisted that such attacks occur annually. And Al-Aqsa leaders claimed Israeli soldiers could have stopped extremist attacks in East Jerusalem, but declined to intervene.
The Al-Aqsa Foundation for Islamic Waqf and Heritage claimed that Israeli extremists "carried out several failed attempts to break into the Al-Aqsa Mosque compound" on Thursday.
Extremists shouted anti-Muslim slogans while others performed religious rituals in the mosque's outside yard. Israeli police looked on, reportedly refusing to act.
The crowd of Israelis apparently began the rally by breaking through the Old City's Mughrabi Gate before attempting to enter the mosque, foundation officials claimed. During the intrusion, members of the Islamic charity attempted to stem the flow of rioters by closing gates surrounding the area.
Witnesses told members of the Palestinian press that rioters numbered "at least 100" and that among them was a member of the Israeli Knesset.
The foundation called on Palestinians in Jerusalem-as well as those living in Israel-to immediately race to the Old City in order to protect the mosque from more attempts expected throughout the night.
Extremist groups have tried for several years to break into the mosque during the Yom Kippur holy day, which began Wednesday evening.
The head of the Palestinian Authority (PA)'s Waqf Department denounced the incident in a statement on Thursday. Sheikh Mohammad Azzam At-Tamimi implored the Israeli public to respect Al-Aqsa as an "Islamic holy site."
The Al-Aqsa Mosque is located on top of the Haram al-Sharif, or "Noble Sanctuary," and is considered holy to Muslims. Israeli border security forces and Jerusalem police are tasked with maintaining security in the area, which includes protection from Jewish extremists.
Meanwhile, riots erupted in the Israeli town of Acre after Jewish youths beat a Palestinian resident just after midnight on Thursday.
Young Israelis reportedly assaulted the Palestinian man after he drove into a predominantly Jewish section of the city. Following the assault, other Palestinian youths arrived at the scene, touching off additional riots involving both Arabs and Jews.
The man was reportedly driving home moments before the attack that led two members of the Israeli Knesset to lash out at police on Thursday.
Member of Knesset (MK) Ahmad Tibi accused police of "hapless discrimination" for failing to protect Arab residents of Acre on Thursday. According to Hebrew newspaper Yediot Ahronot, Tibi also called the riot "a pogrom perpetrated by Jewish thugs against Arabs."
Dozens of cars and shops were damaged in the chaos, during which an Israeli newspaper said hundreds of protesters shouted "death to Arabs" and other derogatory slogans in mass rallies.
MK Muhammad Barakeh compared the events to the treatment of Jews during World War II, Ha'aretz reported. Barakeh told reporters that the riots on Thursday compared to what "Jews were exposed to at the hands of the Nazi gangs in Germany."
But police did arrest a number of suspected rioters, saying they plan to detain more. Acre's police chief cited the involvement of "Jewish and Arab gangs" in the riots that started in the eastern part of the city.
On Wednesday, Israeli security officials went on high alert as the Jewish holy day Yom Kippur began, sources said. But the cause of concern was supposedly specific warnings in regards to attacks by Palestinian Muslims and Christians, not Israeli Jews.
Security officials had reported receiving specific warnings about Palestinians intending to kidnap Israelis and launch grenade attacks, in addition to dozens of other warnings threatening Israel, in general, during the Jewish holy day.
Wednesday's reports over expected violence did not mention any preparations for attacks by Jews on Yom Kippur, or if they anticipated them.
But Israeli officers barricaded roads in the West Bank and erected blocks of concrete at entrances to the city on Wednesday, purportedly to prevent the movement of Palestinian vehicles.
Thursday's violence against Muslims throughout the country seemed to catch Israeli police by surprise, though Palestinian officials insisted that such attacks occur annually. And Al-Aqsa leaders claimed Israeli soldiers could have stopped extremist attacks in East Jerusalem, but declined to intervene.
Riots took place in the Israeli town of Acre on Thursday morning after Jewish youths reportedly beat a Palestinian resident on the Jewish holy day of Yom Kippur.
Young Israeli Jews reportedly assaulted the Palestinian man after he drove into the eastern, predominantly Jewish section of the city just after midnight. The Israeli newspaper Haaretz reported that the man claimed to be driving home.
It also reported that hundreds of Jewish Israelis rioted, shouting "death to Arabs" over the crowds.
Following the assault, Palestinian youths reportedly arrived at the scene, touching off riots involving both Arabs and Jews. Dozens of cars and shops were damaged.
Police have arrested a number of suspected rioters and say they plan to detain more. The Acre police chief cited the involvement of 'Jewish and Arab gangs' in the riots.
The holiest day of the year on the Jewish calendar, Yom Kippur is a Day of Atonement during which Jews fast, attend religious services, and refrain from working.
Jewish youths at the scene of Thursday's assault claimed the Palestinian man was "making excessive noise."
Young Israeli Jews reportedly assaulted the Palestinian man after he drove into the eastern, predominantly Jewish section of the city just after midnight. The Israeli newspaper Haaretz reported that the man claimed to be driving home.
It also reported that hundreds of Jewish Israelis rioted, shouting "death to Arabs" over the crowds.
Following the assault, Palestinian youths reportedly arrived at the scene, touching off riots involving both Arabs and Jews. Dozens of cars and shops were damaged.
Police have arrested a number of suspected rioters and say they plan to detain more. The Acre police chief cited the involvement of 'Jewish and Arab gangs' in the riots.
The holiest day of the year on the Jewish calendar, Yom Kippur is a Day of Atonement during which Jews fast, attend religious services, and refrain from working.
Jewish youths at the scene of Thursday's assault claimed the Palestinian man was "making excessive noise."
Hamas leader denounces Israel for blocking delegation to Cairo
PA says checkpoints keep dozens of teachers from classrooms in Tubas
Gazans fear fuel crisis as reserves dwindle, winter approaches
PA says checkpoints keep dozens of teachers from classrooms in Tubas
Gazans fear fuel crisis as reserves dwindle, winter approaches
8 oct 2008
Israeli soldiers take over house overlooking Hebron settlement
Israeli soldiers in Hebron took over a house overlooking the Kiryat Arba settlement in Hebron last week, the home's owners said Wednesday.
The house, owned by Al-Hajj Suleiman Ar-Ragaby, is located on the Jawhar Mount hill in Hebron. A family member told Ma'an that Israeli soldiers arrived at the home one day before the start of Eid Al-Fitr, remaining there for over a week and preventing the three families living in it from moving about their homes.
Hamid Ar-Ragaby said that soldiers took over the father's three-story house and abused relatives inside.
"Israeli soldiers detained my younger brother for no reason and attacked him. As a result, he was taken to a hospital for treatment when bruises covered his entire body," Ar-Ragaby said.
He added that Israeli forces routinely seize their house each Saturday, and that it had been going on for quite some time.
Israeli soldiers in Hebron took over a house overlooking the Kiryat Arba settlement in Hebron last week, the home's owners said Wednesday.
The house, owned by Al-Hajj Suleiman Ar-Ragaby, is located on the Jawhar Mount hill in Hebron. A family member told Ma'an that Israeli soldiers arrived at the home one day before the start of Eid Al-Fitr, remaining there for over a week and preventing the three families living in it from moving about their homes.
Hamid Ar-Ragaby said that soldiers took over the father's three-story house and abused relatives inside.
"Israeli soldiers detained my younger brother for no reason and attacked him. As a result, he was taken to a hospital for treatment when bruises covered his entire body," Ar-Ragaby said.
He added that Israeli forces routinely seize their house each Saturday, and that it had been going on for quite some time.
Israel barred a team of its own doctors from entering the besieged Gaza Strip on Wednesday, blocking a mission that sought to provide medicine and treatment to the Strip's residents.
Most of the nine doctors are Palestinian citizens of Israel. The planned visit to Gaza was organized by the Tel Aviv-based group Physicians for Human Rights. Israeli authorities had approved the team for entry a few days ago.
Udah Kawari, a spokesperson of the European Hospital in Gaza asserted that the Israeli military has kept the physicians at the Erez crossing since 10am today.
Kawari said that patients who were to be treated by the visiting doctors organized a demonstration at the hospital to protest of Israel's decision to bar the team.
According the Kawari, the team included specialists in several fields of medicine, and they brought with them 22 million US dollars worth of surgical equipment in addition to prosthetic knee joints.
The European Hospital had prepared a list of 333 patients to be treated by the doctors.
Separately, on Wednesday, Israeli border officials denied a pregnant woman from leaving the Gaza Strip, despite that she had previously obtained permission to receive medical treatment at the Al-Maqasid Hostpital in Jerusalem.
32-year-old Halah Yousif had been waiting at the Erez crossing in the northern Gaza Strip since noon on Wednesday after receiving a call confirming that her request for an entry permit had been accepted. But soldiers continued to delay her into the early evening.
Most of the nine doctors are Palestinian citizens of Israel. The planned visit to Gaza was organized by the Tel Aviv-based group Physicians for Human Rights. Israeli authorities had approved the team for entry a few days ago.
Udah Kawari, a spokesperson of the European Hospital in Gaza asserted that the Israeli military has kept the physicians at the Erez crossing since 10am today.
Kawari said that patients who were to be treated by the visiting doctors organized a demonstration at the hospital to protest of Israel's decision to bar the team.
According the Kawari, the team included specialists in several fields of medicine, and they brought with them 22 million US dollars worth of surgical equipment in addition to prosthetic knee joints.
The European Hospital had prepared a list of 333 patients to be treated by the doctors.
Separately, on Wednesday, Israeli border officials denied a pregnant woman from leaving the Gaza Strip, despite that she had previously obtained permission to receive medical treatment at the Al-Maqasid Hostpital in Jerusalem.
32-year-old Halah Yousif had been waiting at the Erez crossing in the northern Gaza Strip since noon on Wednesday after receiving a call confirming that her request for an entry permit had been accepted. But soldiers continued to delay her into the early evening.
Hamas's military wing, the Al-Qassam Brigades, said on Tuesday that Israeli forces have plans for an aggressive assault on the Gaza Strip.
A spokesperson for the group claimed that increased surveillance of Israeli troops holding drills near the border, sky and sea indicates the army is planning a major assault.
Brigades Spokesman Abu Ubayda said: "To say these drills are for defensive purposes is ridiculous-since when has the occupation taken defensive steps?"
"These drills, in fact, reveal what they prepare for the coming days. They enhance the Palestinian resistance's right to train and prepare for the coming stage, despite the ceasefire," he said.
Ubayda added that the Brigades would inflict a heavy toll on Israeli soldiers if they attempted to cross into Gaza, and insisted that the armed movement would never cease its activities until Palestinians live free from occupation.
On Monday, Israeli forces carried out a military drill along the border with Gaza. An Israeli military spokesperson said the drill was conducted for defensive purposes.
A spokesperson for the group claimed that increased surveillance of Israeli troops holding drills near the border, sky and sea indicates the army is planning a major assault.
Brigades Spokesman Abu Ubayda said: "To say these drills are for defensive purposes is ridiculous-since when has the occupation taken defensive steps?"
"These drills, in fact, reveal what they prepare for the coming days. They enhance the Palestinian resistance's right to train and prepare for the coming stage, despite the ceasefire," he said.
Ubayda added that the Brigades would inflict a heavy toll on Israeli soldiers if they attempted to cross into Gaza, and insisted that the armed movement would never cease its activities until Palestinians live free from occupation.
On Monday, Israeli forces carried out a military drill along the border with Gaza. An Israeli military spokesperson said the drill was conducted for defensive purposes.
Israel violated international law by creating a water crisis in the Gaza Strip, contributing to a deficit of 65 million cubic meters of water needed for basic purposes by Gaza's 1.5 million residents, a new study by the Palestinian Union of Agricultural Committees shows.
In the year 2007, Gaza residents consumed 86 liters of water per person per day, short of the 100 liters recommended by the World Health Organization (WHO) as the minimum quantity for basic consumption. By contrast Israelis consume 330 liters per person per day, according to the Israeli human rights organization B'Tselem.
The Palestinian study was released on Tuesday. Researcher Alaa Matar carried out the study, in connection with the project Right to Live, directed by Sa'd Addin Ziyada.
According to the study, groundwater has become the main water resource in Gaza since Israel has built several small dams to block surface water that used to reach Gaza through river valleys.
In the year 2007, the study says:
- Wells which operated to municipal councils in Gaza provided 83 million cubic meters of water.
- Agricultural wells provided 69.5 million cubic meters.
- Wells which operated to the UN provided another 2.5 million cubic meters.
- Only 1.5 million cubic meters of water were bought from Israeli water company Mekorot.
All of these factors contributed to the 63 million cubic meter deficit.
Sewage
Furthermore, the study finds that 90% of sewage in Gaza is not purified, and 80% of that sewage is dumped in open areas such as Wadi Gaza, the sea shore and sand dunes. Only 20% of sewage goes into underground reservoirs. Sewage pumping and water treatment plants shut down due to problems at electricity generating stations, resulting in the dumping of 50,000 cubic meters of raw sewage into the sea.
International law
Because of its denial of water rights to the Gaza Strip, the study finds Israel in violation of the Hague convention of 1907, and the Geneva convention of 1949. Israel is a party to both of these treaties.
Matar found that Israel violated international law by cutting fuel supplies to Gaza beginning in October 2007, following the Israeli foreign minister's designation of Gaza as an "enemy entity." The fuel cuts, along with a reduction in electrical supplies, had a negative impact on Gaza's water and sewage systems to operate.
Water quality
The study also found that the quality of water in Gaza falls far short of international standards. For example, most of the water wells in Gaza contains 300-600 milligrams per liter of chloride, which is almost double what WHO recommends.
In addition most water wells contain high percentage of nitrate, up to 400 milligrams per liter in some cases. WHO recommends 50 milligrams per liter.
After examining 213 samples from different water resources in Gaza, 144, or 68% of those samples were found unfit for human consumption. In addition, bacteriological tests of 2029 samples in 2007 found that 16.5% of them were polluted.
Finally, the study found that groundwater levels decreased sharply. As a result, the groundwater in Gaza is increasingly brackish, with one cubic meter of sea water polluting every 70 cubic meters of groundwater.
In the year 2007, Gaza residents consumed 86 liters of water per person per day, short of the 100 liters recommended by the World Health Organization (WHO) as the minimum quantity for basic consumption. By contrast Israelis consume 330 liters per person per day, according to the Israeli human rights organization B'Tselem.
The Palestinian study was released on Tuesday. Researcher Alaa Matar carried out the study, in connection with the project Right to Live, directed by Sa'd Addin Ziyada.
According to the study, groundwater has become the main water resource in Gaza since Israel has built several small dams to block surface water that used to reach Gaza through river valleys.
In the year 2007, the study says:
- Wells which operated to municipal councils in Gaza provided 83 million cubic meters of water.
- Agricultural wells provided 69.5 million cubic meters.
- Wells which operated to the UN provided another 2.5 million cubic meters.
- Only 1.5 million cubic meters of water were bought from Israeli water company Mekorot.
All of these factors contributed to the 63 million cubic meter deficit.
Sewage
Furthermore, the study finds that 90% of sewage in Gaza is not purified, and 80% of that sewage is dumped in open areas such as Wadi Gaza, the sea shore and sand dunes. Only 20% of sewage goes into underground reservoirs. Sewage pumping and water treatment plants shut down due to problems at electricity generating stations, resulting in the dumping of 50,000 cubic meters of raw sewage into the sea.
International law
Because of its denial of water rights to the Gaza Strip, the study finds Israel in violation of the Hague convention of 1907, and the Geneva convention of 1949. Israel is a party to both of these treaties.
Matar found that Israel violated international law by cutting fuel supplies to Gaza beginning in October 2007, following the Israeli foreign minister's designation of Gaza as an "enemy entity." The fuel cuts, along with a reduction in electrical supplies, had a negative impact on Gaza's water and sewage systems to operate.
Water quality
The study also found that the quality of water in Gaza falls far short of international standards. For example, most of the water wells in Gaza contains 300-600 milligrams per liter of chloride, which is almost double what WHO recommends.
In addition most water wells contain high percentage of nitrate, up to 400 milligrams per liter in some cases. WHO recommends 50 milligrams per liter.
After examining 213 samples from different water resources in Gaza, 144, or 68% of those samples were found unfit for human consumption. In addition, bacteriological tests of 2029 samples in 2007 found that 16.5% of them were polluted.
Finally, the study found that groundwater levels decreased sharply. As a result, the groundwater in Gaza is increasingly brackish, with one cubic meter of sea water polluting every 70 cubic meters of groundwater.
Report: Palestinian girls seized in June still held without charges
Israeli soldiers delay sick, pregnant woman at Gaza-Israel border
Israeli forces sieze five teens in dawn raids near Tulkarem
Two Islamic Jihad men seized by Israeli forces in Qabatiya
Israel closes West Bank during Yom Kippur
Israeli soldiers delay sick, pregnant woman at Gaza-Israel border
Israeli forces sieze five teens in dawn raids near Tulkarem
Two Islamic Jihad men seized by Israeli forces in Qabatiya
Israel closes West Bank during Yom Kippur
7 oct 2008
Israeli special forces shot and wounded a Palestinian man during a failed arrest raid in Al-Far'a Refugee Camp, in the northern West Bank city of Nablus on Tuesday.
According to local sources, undercover Israeli troops invaded the camp in search of a "wanted" Palestinian fighter affiliated to Islamic Jihad's armed wing, the Al-Quds Brigades.
The troops, who were riding in a Palestinian dairy truck, shot 32-year-old Umar Subeh in the stomach and "harshly" assaulted his 22-year-old disabled brother Yousif during clashes that followed the aborted raid.
The undercover forces surrounded house of 28-year-old Al-Quds Brigades member Samer Al-Ghoul, but was unable to capture him.
Failing to apprehend Al-Ghoul, a large number of uniformed Israeli soldiers invaded the camp to support the special forces, provoking clashes with stone-throwing Palestinians. Israeli troops used bullets and tear gas against the Palestinians. It was during this confrontation that Subeh was shot.
According to local sources, undercover Israeli troops invaded the camp in search of a "wanted" Palestinian fighter affiliated to Islamic Jihad's armed wing, the Al-Quds Brigades.
The troops, who were riding in a Palestinian dairy truck, shot 32-year-old Umar Subeh in the stomach and "harshly" assaulted his 22-year-old disabled brother Yousif during clashes that followed the aborted raid.
The undercover forces surrounded house of 28-year-old Al-Quds Brigades member Samer Al-Ghoul, but was unable to capture him.
Failing to apprehend Al-Ghoul, a large number of uniformed Israeli soldiers invaded the camp to support the special forces, provoking clashes with stone-throwing Palestinians. Israeli troops used bullets and tear gas against the Palestinians. It was during this confrontation that Subeh was shot.
Israeli forces seized 19 Palestinians during overnight raids in the West Bank cities of Tulkarem, Qalqilya, Hebron and Bethlehem, the Israeli military said on Tuesday morning.
Bethlehem
Five were taken from Bethlehem. Palestinian security sources identified the detainees as: 18-year-old Mohammad Zawahrah, 20-year-old Mohammad Sajadi, 18-year-old Adham Al-Eiwi and 18-year-old Mohannad Al-Humouz, all from Ad-Duheisha Refugee Camp and the neighboring town of Ad-Doha. In the village of Al-Khadr, 21-year-old Nidal Sbeih was arrested.
Security sources also said that Israeli forces assaulted Ashraf Az-Zghari and Ahmad Sajadi while holding them briefly in custody. Sajadi was then transferred to the Beit Jala public hospital for treatment.
Hebron
In the city of Hebron, in the southern West Bank, Israeli forces seized three people, including a policeman and a university student.
Witnesses told Ma'an that Israeli soldiers stormed the house of 35-year-old policeman Ahmad Abu-Hussein, destroyed his property and beat him before detaining him.
Israeli forces also detained 21-year-old student Sa'ed Mohammad Salhab after raiding his house.
Hebron resident Anwar Rweished said that an Israeli force surrounded house of his 25-year-old son, Hani, searched the house, and then seized him.
Tulkarem
The Israeli army detained 32-year-old Arcylin Ahmad Sawalha from her house located in the village of Dhinnaba east of the city of Tulkarem, in the northern West Bank. Israeli soldiers invaded Dhinnaba and surrounded Sawalha's house before arresting her.
Sawalha works as an accountant in at a charity called Bayareq Al-Ata in Tulkarem. She is sister of an Islamic Jihad leader in Jenin.
Israeli forces also detained 23-year-old Mus'ab Ibrahim and 26-year-old Ala' Moussa from Izbat Shufa, in southwest of Tulkarem after raiding their houses and destroying property.
Bethlehem
Five were taken from Bethlehem. Palestinian security sources identified the detainees as: 18-year-old Mohammad Zawahrah, 20-year-old Mohammad Sajadi, 18-year-old Adham Al-Eiwi and 18-year-old Mohannad Al-Humouz, all from Ad-Duheisha Refugee Camp and the neighboring town of Ad-Doha. In the village of Al-Khadr, 21-year-old Nidal Sbeih was arrested.
Security sources also said that Israeli forces assaulted Ashraf Az-Zghari and Ahmad Sajadi while holding them briefly in custody. Sajadi was then transferred to the Beit Jala public hospital for treatment.
Hebron
In the city of Hebron, in the southern West Bank, Israeli forces seized three people, including a policeman and a university student.
Witnesses told Ma'an that Israeli soldiers stormed the house of 35-year-old policeman Ahmad Abu-Hussein, destroyed his property and beat him before detaining him.
Israeli forces also detained 21-year-old student Sa'ed Mohammad Salhab after raiding his house.
Hebron resident Anwar Rweished said that an Israeli force surrounded house of his 25-year-old son, Hani, searched the house, and then seized him.
Tulkarem
The Israeli army detained 32-year-old Arcylin Ahmad Sawalha from her house located in the village of Dhinnaba east of the city of Tulkarem, in the northern West Bank. Israeli soldiers invaded Dhinnaba and surrounded Sawalha's house before arresting her.
Sawalha works as an accountant in at a charity called Bayareq Al-Ata in Tulkarem. She is sister of an Islamic Jihad leader in Jenin.
Israeli forces also detained 23-year-old Mus'ab Ibrahim and 26-year-old Ala' Moussa from Izbat Shufa, in southwest of Tulkarem after raiding their houses and destroying property.
6 oct 2008
Israeli forces seized on Monday morning a leader in Islamic Jihad's military wing, the Al-Quds Brigades, in the northern West Bank town of Qabatiya, following a firefight with local gunmen.
The Al-Quds Brigades said in a statement, "An undercover Israeli force ambushed Naji Nazzal near his home in the Nazzal neighborhood at 4:15 in the morning. They fired at the man outside his home, but he managed to get inside."
According to the group the Israeli forces then surrounded Nazzal's house with seven military vehicles, which arrived to back up the undercover force. Gunmen affiliated to the military group arrived and fought with Israeli soldiers "who fired shells at the fighters before they broke into the house and completed their mission."
Qabatiya, a stronghold of Islamic Jihad, recently came under the charge of the Palestinian Authority (PA) security forces. By agreement with the Palestinian leadership, the Israeli military is supposed to stay out of the area.
The statement added that Israeli soldiers occupied the roofs of neighboring buildings including home of another Islamic Jihad leader, Abdul-Fattah Khuzeima.
The soldiers damaged the interior of the house.
Nazzal survived two previous assassination attempts by Israeli forces, the last of which was on 4 February 2008, which left him seriously injured. Two other fighters were killed in that attempt; Ammar Zakarna and Ahmad Abu Zeid.
Nazzal was seized twice during the Second Palestinian Intifada (Uprising), most recently in 2006.
The Al-Quds Brigades said in a statement, "An undercover Israeli force ambushed Naji Nazzal near his home in the Nazzal neighborhood at 4:15 in the morning. They fired at the man outside his home, but he managed to get inside."
According to the group the Israeli forces then surrounded Nazzal's house with seven military vehicles, which arrived to back up the undercover force. Gunmen affiliated to the military group arrived and fought with Israeli soldiers "who fired shells at the fighters before they broke into the house and completed their mission."
Qabatiya, a stronghold of Islamic Jihad, recently came under the charge of the Palestinian Authority (PA) security forces. By agreement with the Palestinian leadership, the Israeli military is supposed to stay out of the area.
The statement added that Israeli soldiers occupied the roofs of neighboring buildings including home of another Islamic Jihad leader, Abdul-Fattah Khuzeima.
The soldiers damaged the interior of the house.
Nazzal survived two previous assassination attempts by Israeli forces, the last of which was on 4 February 2008, which left him seriously injured. Two other fighters were killed in that attempt; Ammar Zakarna and Ahmad Abu Zeid.
Nazzal was seized twice during the Second Palestinian Intifada (Uprising), most recently in 2006.
Palestinian caretaker cabinet condemns settlement expansion, settler attacks
Muslims banned from Ibrahimi mosque during Jewish holidays
Report: 15,000 settlers moved into the West Bank in 2008
Muslims banned from Ibrahimi mosque during Jewish holidays
Report: 15,000 settlers moved into the West Bank in 2008
5 oct 2008
Olive harvesters attacked by Israeli settlers and soldiers near Tulkarem
Palestinians preparing lands for the olive harvest were attacked by a group of Israeli settlers and army soldiers just outside the village of Kafr Qaddum south of Tulkarem.
Eyewitnesses reported seeing Israeli soldiers beat civilians, driving them out of the lands. Soldiers claimed the land belonged to the settlement Qedumim, located less than one kilometer east of the city. The Palestinians were told that the land was off limits despite being outside the fences surrounding the settlement.
Palestinians preparing lands for the olive harvest were attacked by a group of Israeli settlers and army soldiers just outside the village of Kafr Qaddum south of Tulkarem.
Eyewitnesses reported seeing Israeli soldiers beat civilians, driving them out of the lands. Soldiers claimed the land belonged to the settlement Qedumim, located less than one kilometer east of the city. The Palestinians were told that the land was off limits despite being outside the fences surrounding the settlement.
Israeli forces confiscate construction equipment south of Hebron
Israeli forces confiscated a large piece of construction equipment from Zidan Issa Shawahi while he was working the fields near Umm Lasafa a village south of Hebron.
Eyewitnesses said Israeli forces assaulted Zidan before confiscating the Excavator. They added that as Israeli forces attempted to move the equipment away from the scene, severe damage was done to the electrical wires surrounding the village, causing power outs in most homes and shops.
Israeli forces confiscated a large piece of construction equipment from Zidan Issa Shawahi while he was working the fields near Umm Lasafa a village south of Hebron.
Eyewitnesses said Israeli forces assaulted Zidan before confiscating the Excavator. They added that as Israeli forces attempted to move the equipment away from the scene, severe damage was done to the electrical wires surrounding the village, causing power outs in most homes and shops.
Thirty-year-old Karimah Abu Dalal was pronounced clinically dead in a Gaza City hospital while she waited for permission to undergo a second bone marrow transplant in Jordan, after a relapse in her leukemia, discovered after the birth of her first son.
Karimah is from the An-Nuseirat refugee camp in the central Gaza Strip, and was diagnosed with leukemia after the birth of her son Ahmad, who is now three.
The disease spread rapidly, and Karimah was never able to nurse her son. She was sent to Egypt where she had her first bone marrow transplant at twenty-seven, but six months later she experienced a chronic immune response against the transplanted tissue, and her health deteriorated rapidly.
Karimah's husband took her to hospital in Nablus in the northern West bank, which had recently been equipped to handle bone marrow transplants. In Nablus she was prepared for a second surgery.
As match-testing preparations went forward and Karimah's health got worse, she insisted on making the trip back to Gaza for what she thought might be the last time, so she could say goodbye to her family and child.
After her visit, Karimah's husband Maher took here again to cross into Israel so they could travel to the Nablus hospital where the surgery was scheduled. When they arrived at the border crossing Israeli authorities refused to let her pass.
After hearing about the incident several Israeli humanitarian organizations as well as Doctors Without Borders intervened. They sent reports on the woman's serious health condition, and letters of recommendation. Israelis maintained their refusal, saying that there was "security information" indicating that Karimah would undertake a bombing operation once inside Israel.
More reports from Israeli and international doctors were sent to military authorities explaining that Karimah was not even able to stand, let alone plan and execute a bombing in Israel. Israel's fanatical security and intelligence systems insisted that the woman represented threat to Israeli security.
"The most disheartening thing for me is the falseness of their information," said Maher. "What does their information say now after my wife has been declared clinically dead?" he asked.
He told of applications to Jordan as alternatives for treatment for his wife. Passage through to Jordan was allowed for Karimah's mother, who was to accompany her while receiving treatment, but denied for Karimah.
Maher said that he had filed six suits in Israeli courts appealing the decision of the military authorities, and seeking permission to take Karimah through the Erez crossing in the northern Gaza Strip. In all cases "top secret intelligence information" was cited as the reason for denial of travel and access to treatment.
Karimah is from the An-Nuseirat refugee camp in the central Gaza Strip, and was diagnosed with leukemia after the birth of her son Ahmad, who is now three.
The disease spread rapidly, and Karimah was never able to nurse her son. She was sent to Egypt where she had her first bone marrow transplant at twenty-seven, but six months later she experienced a chronic immune response against the transplanted tissue, and her health deteriorated rapidly.
Karimah's husband took her to hospital in Nablus in the northern West bank, which had recently been equipped to handle bone marrow transplants. In Nablus she was prepared for a second surgery.
As match-testing preparations went forward and Karimah's health got worse, she insisted on making the trip back to Gaza for what she thought might be the last time, so she could say goodbye to her family and child.
After her visit, Karimah's husband Maher took here again to cross into Israel so they could travel to the Nablus hospital where the surgery was scheduled. When they arrived at the border crossing Israeli authorities refused to let her pass.
After hearing about the incident several Israeli humanitarian organizations as well as Doctors Without Borders intervened. They sent reports on the woman's serious health condition, and letters of recommendation. Israelis maintained their refusal, saying that there was "security information" indicating that Karimah would undertake a bombing operation once inside Israel.
More reports from Israeli and international doctors were sent to military authorities explaining that Karimah was not even able to stand, let alone plan and execute a bombing in Israel. Israel's fanatical security and intelligence systems insisted that the woman represented threat to Israeli security.
"The most disheartening thing for me is the falseness of their information," said Maher. "What does their information say now after my wife has been declared clinically dead?" he asked.
He told of applications to Jordan as alternatives for treatment for his wife. Passage through to Jordan was allowed for Karimah's mother, who was to accompany her while receiving treatment, but denied for Karimah.
Maher said that he had filed six suits in Israeli courts appealing the decision of the military authorities, and seeking permission to take Karimah through the Erez crossing in the northern Gaza Strip. In all cases "top secret intelligence information" was cited as the reason for denial of travel and access to treatment.
Israeli forces on Sunday early morning seized nine Palestinians in the West Bank what the Israeli military claimed were "security" reasons.
According to the Israeli army, five of the arrestees were in Ramallah in the central West Bank, and four from Bethlehem in the south. Army sources have not revealed identities of the arrestees.
Local Palestinian sources in Bethlehem said Israeli forces stormed the town of Tuqu east of Bethlehem and detained 33-year-old Umar Nawawra.
Separately, in Duheisha Refugee Camp, south of Bethlehem, another Israeli force raided the camp and nabbed 17-year-old Mustafa Al-Ghari and 18-year-old Murad Al-Ghari.
Invading Israeli forces also ransacked several homes overnight in both neighborhoods before they arrested the three young men.
According to the Israeli army, five of the arrestees were in Ramallah in the central West Bank, and four from Bethlehem in the south. Army sources have not revealed identities of the arrestees.
Local Palestinian sources in Bethlehem said Israeli forces stormed the town of Tuqu east of Bethlehem and detained 33-year-old Umar Nawawra.
Separately, in Duheisha Refugee Camp, south of Bethlehem, another Israeli force raided the camp and nabbed 17-year-old Mustafa Al-Ghari and 18-year-old Murad Al-Ghari.
Invading Israeli forces also ransacked several homes overnight in both neighborhoods before they arrested the three young men.
Israeli army claims pipe bombs transported by Nablus man closed checkpoint
Football fans forced to spend night at checkpoint by Israeli soldiers
Huwwara checkpoint closed following alleged bomb threat
Rafah crossing open Sunday to allow Hajj pilgrims returning from Mecca
Al-Khudari urges lawsuits against Israel on behalf of unemployed Gazans
Football fans forced to spend night at checkpoint by Israeli soldiers
Huwwara checkpoint closed following alleged bomb threat
Rafah crossing open Sunday to allow Hajj pilgrims returning from Mecca
Al-Khudari urges lawsuits against Israel on behalf of unemployed Gazans
4 oct 2008
Israeli settlers scuffle with police during olive harvest in Hebron
Palestinian farmers were prevented, at gunpoint, from accessing their ancestral lands near Ar-Ras village in the southern Tulkarem district in order to harvest their olives.
The group had prepared the day's supplies and loaded them onto the farm's tractor, in order to reach the olive fields, located over rocky and often steep terrain. When accosted by a group of Israeli soldiers, however, the family was told to disembark from the tractor and take their supplies to the olive fields by foot.
The farmers told Ma'an's reporter that soldiers ordered them to abandon the tractor and proceed to their lands, kilometers away, on foot carrying supplies.
Head of the Ar-Ras local council Eid Yaseen condemned Israeli procedures explaining that they are aimed at exerting pressure on farmers and confiscating more lands for the separation wall. He also highlighted that Israeli authorities had set fire to large areas of agricultural fields in the previous weeks.
On Thursday Israeli forces detained 42-year-old Muhammad Abu Haykal , a resident of Hebron in the southern West Bank as he tried to prevent Israeli settlers of the Tal Rumeida settlement from stealing his olive harvest.
According to Abu Haykal's wife Umm Hussein Abu Haykal, the man was detained as he tried to defend his olive trees against settlers trying to harvest the fruit in the center of Hebron where the settlement was built.
"Dozens of settlers were collecting olives from our fields," said Umm Hussein Abu Haykal , "and when my son[ 14-yea-ol Mu'taz] tried to stop them, they beat him. When my husband intervened to protect Mu'taz, an Israeli patrol passing by detained him along with my sons Mu'taz and 19-year-old Hussein."
On Friday two other incidents occurred between international and Israeli peace activists who accompanied Palestinian farmers to their olive fields and groves for the fall harvest in Ni'lin and Hebron.
In the former case settlers claimed that the trees being harvested were not on the land belonging to the Palestinian family that claimed them, and in the second an activist from Rabbis for Human Rights was accused of attacking an extremist settler woman who brought her infant son to a gathering aimed at preventing Palestinians from harvesting their fruit.
The olive harvest season begins on the tail of a string of settler attacks against both Israeli forces and Palestinians in the West Bank, prompting several claims of increased settler violence, and fear of settler "anarchy" in the area.
On Friday the Israeli Magistrate's Court of Kfar Saba extended the remand of two Israeli settlers suspected of setting fire to Palestinian olive trees. They were each ordered detained for an additional four days, according to Israeli media and a third was placed under house arrest.
Palestinian farmers were prevented, at gunpoint, from accessing their ancestral lands near Ar-Ras village in the southern Tulkarem district in order to harvest their olives.
The group had prepared the day's supplies and loaded them onto the farm's tractor, in order to reach the olive fields, located over rocky and often steep terrain. When accosted by a group of Israeli soldiers, however, the family was told to disembark from the tractor and take their supplies to the olive fields by foot.
The farmers told Ma'an's reporter that soldiers ordered them to abandon the tractor and proceed to their lands, kilometers away, on foot carrying supplies.
Head of the Ar-Ras local council Eid Yaseen condemned Israeli procedures explaining that they are aimed at exerting pressure on farmers and confiscating more lands for the separation wall. He also highlighted that Israeli authorities had set fire to large areas of agricultural fields in the previous weeks.
On Thursday Israeli forces detained 42-year-old Muhammad Abu Haykal , a resident of Hebron in the southern West Bank as he tried to prevent Israeli settlers of the Tal Rumeida settlement from stealing his olive harvest.
According to Abu Haykal's wife Umm Hussein Abu Haykal, the man was detained as he tried to defend his olive trees against settlers trying to harvest the fruit in the center of Hebron where the settlement was built.
"Dozens of settlers were collecting olives from our fields," said Umm Hussein Abu Haykal , "and when my son[ 14-yea-ol Mu'taz] tried to stop them, they beat him. When my husband intervened to protect Mu'taz, an Israeli patrol passing by detained him along with my sons Mu'taz and 19-year-old Hussein."
On Friday two other incidents occurred between international and Israeli peace activists who accompanied Palestinian farmers to their olive fields and groves for the fall harvest in Ni'lin and Hebron.
In the former case settlers claimed that the trees being harvested were not on the land belonging to the Palestinian family that claimed them, and in the second an activist from Rabbis for Human Rights was accused of attacking an extremist settler woman who brought her infant son to a gathering aimed at preventing Palestinians from harvesting their fruit.
The olive harvest season begins on the tail of a string of settler attacks against both Israeli forces and Palestinians in the West Bank, prompting several claims of increased settler violence, and fear of settler "anarchy" in the area.
On Friday the Israeli Magistrate's Court of Kfar Saba extended the remand of two Israeli settlers suspected of setting fire to Palestinian olive trees. They were each ordered detained for an additional four days, according to Israeli media and a third was placed under house arrest.
The Palestinian sports foundation Atlas Sport published a report on Friday detailing continued Israeli efforts to target the activities of the center, its athletes and affiliates, preventing many from arriving at competitions and even practicing their sports.
The report stated that since the beginning of the second Palestinian Intifada in 2000, there has been 375 Palestinian sportsmen killed and 2000 injured at the hands of Israeli forces. Dozens of sports facilities and clubs buildings have been destroyed in both the West Bank and the Gaza Strip, preventing Palestinian youth from engaging in high-level or even club sports.
In an effort to bring such atrocities to light, Atlas Sports called on the Palestinian Minister of Sports Tahani Abu Daqqa to work with the foundation to document all Israeli assaults against Palestinian sportsmen and women. The documented cases, said the foundation, should be brought to the attention of international organizations and Olympic committees in order to expose the Israeli actions.
The foundation cited the International Olympic Charter, which prohibits targeted assaults of athletes pursuing their sport.
The actions of Israeli soldiers against Palestinian sportsmen and sportswomen call into question their commitment to Olympic, of not other international, ideals, said the statement.
According to the foundation there were two sportsmen killed in May of 2008, Hamdi Shubeir, footballer at the Khadamat Ash-Shati Club, and Abdul-Raoof Al-Ijlah, chair of the Palestinian federation of body building.
The report stated that since the beginning of the second Palestinian Intifada in 2000, there has been 375 Palestinian sportsmen killed and 2000 injured at the hands of Israeli forces. Dozens of sports facilities and clubs buildings have been destroyed in both the West Bank and the Gaza Strip, preventing Palestinian youth from engaging in high-level or even club sports.
In an effort to bring such atrocities to light, Atlas Sports called on the Palestinian Minister of Sports Tahani Abu Daqqa to work with the foundation to document all Israeli assaults against Palestinian sportsmen and women. The documented cases, said the foundation, should be brought to the attention of international organizations and Olympic committees in order to expose the Israeli actions.
The foundation cited the International Olympic Charter, which prohibits targeted assaults of athletes pursuing their sport.
The actions of Israeli soldiers against Palestinian sportsmen and sportswomen call into question their commitment to Olympic, of not other international, ideals, said the statement.
According to the foundation there were two sportsmen killed in May of 2008, Hamdi Shubeir, footballer at the Khadamat Ash-Shati Club, and Abdul-Raoof Al-Ijlah, chair of the Palestinian federation of body building.
New military group calling themselves "Hizbullah Brigades" to begin operation
Al-Khudari: Gaza, West Bank still under siege; Israeli allegations false
Palestinian boys arrested while hiking Tulkarem hills
Fatah-aligned Brigades condemn Israeli arrest campaign in West Bank
Al-Khudari: Gaza, West Bank still under siege; Israeli allegations false
Palestinian boys arrested while hiking Tulkarem hills
Fatah-aligned Brigades condemn Israeli arrest campaign in West Bank
3 oct 2008
Al-Ma'sara protest again quashed by Israeli troops
The popular campaign against the wall organized a protest at the site of the contraction of the separation wall near the village of Al-Ma'sara west of Bethlehem on Friday.
Protesters congregated at the Al-Zawahreh School and marched towards the site of the construction wall. International, Israeli and local Palestinians participated in the event, which was dispersed by sound bombs and tear gas when they reached the waiting Israeli troops.
Coordinator of Friday's protest Mazen Al-Azzeh said in a speech that the demonstration and the struggle against the wall will continue despite constant suppression by Israeli forces against such peaceful demonstrations.
The popular campaign against the wall organized a protest at the site of the contraction of the separation wall near the village of Al-Ma'sara west of Bethlehem on Friday.
Protesters congregated at the Al-Zawahreh School and marched towards the site of the construction wall. International, Israeli and local Palestinians participated in the event, which was dispersed by sound bombs and tear gas when they reached the waiting Israeli troops.
Coordinator of Friday's protest Mazen Al-Azzeh said in a speech that the demonstration and the struggle against the wall will continue despite constant suppression by Israeli forces against such peaceful demonstrations.
Israeli forces arrested 20 Palestinians in the village of Al-E'bayat village east Bethlehem, who were alleged to have weapons in their homes. At least 20 homes were raided by Israeli forces at dawn on Friday.
Israeli forces said that they found four hunting weapons and M16 rifles in addition to bullets and two knives during the raid.
Security sources informed Ma'an that approximately 20 military vehicles stormed Al-E'bayat from its Eastern Bethlehem road entrance. Among those detained were 39-year-old Jamal Mohammed Hassan Nabhan and his brother Imad Nabhan, who were taken to an unknown location.
Locals reported soldiers ransacking homes that were searched, and destroying much of their contents. Among the homes ransacked were those of Osama Abayat, Raed Abayat, Mohammed Abayat, Ali Hassan Abayat, Imad Hassan Abayat, Yusuf Hassan Abayat, Khaled Mohammed Abayat, Mohammad Hassan Abayat, Yasser Ali Abayat, Hassan Adnan Abayat and Hassan Moussa Abayat.
Several of the members of teh Abayat family work with Palestinian National security forces.
Israeli forces said that they found four hunting weapons and M16 rifles in addition to bullets and two knives during the raid.
Security sources informed Ma'an that approximately 20 military vehicles stormed Al-E'bayat from its Eastern Bethlehem road entrance. Among those detained were 39-year-old Jamal Mohammed Hassan Nabhan and his brother Imad Nabhan, who were taken to an unknown location.
Locals reported soldiers ransacking homes that were searched, and destroying much of their contents. Among the homes ransacked were those of Osama Abayat, Raed Abayat, Mohammed Abayat, Ali Hassan Abayat, Imad Hassan Abayat, Yusuf Hassan Abayat, Khaled Mohammed Abayat, Mohammad Hassan Abayat, Yasser Ali Abayat, Hassan Adnan Abayat and Hassan Moussa Abayat.
Several of the members of teh Abayat family work with Palestinian National security forces.
2 oct 2008
Israeli settlers set fire to a Palestinian's olive trees on Thursday, prompting military forces to evacuate an outpost nearby, police said.
Israeli forces shut down the Shavut 'Ami illegal outpost in response to the attack on the Palestinian's property in the village of Kafr Qaddum in the northern West Bank.
Israeli forces shut down the Shavut 'Ami illegal outpost in response to the attack on the Palestinian's property in the village of Kafr Qaddum in the northern West Bank.
De facto police in Gaza are asking parents not to give plastic guns to their children after dozens were taken to hospitals for injuries sustained during Eid Al-Fitr, health officials said.
Hospitals say that over 150 kids were treated after being shot by the plastic bullets fired from the toy guns.
"These kids are getting seriously injured by these plastic pallets," a Hamas police statement read on Thursday. It also noted that many of the reported injuries are to the eyes.
The police called for residents to take responsibility for the gifts in order to prevent more kids from getting hurt.
Police also said that the guns "enflame quarrels," and are causing arguments between families and neighbors. Hamas also called on shop owners to stop selling the toy guns.
Hospitals say that over 150 kids were treated after being shot by the plastic bullets fired from the toy guns.
"These kids are getting seriously injured by these plastic pallets," a Hamas police statement read on Thursday. It also noted that many of the reported injuries are to the eyes.
The police called for residents to take responsibility for the gifts in order to prevent more kids from getting hurt.
Police also said that the guns "enflame quarrels," and are causing arguments between families and neighbors. Hamas also called on shop owners to stop selling the toy guns.
Jewish settlers are committing hundreds of acts of violence against Palestinians in the West Bank, Israel's chief military officer in the occupied West Bank said on Thursday.
Settlers are also escalating attacks on Israeli soldiers who occasionally intervene, the general said in an interview with Ha'aretz.
"In the past, only a few dozen individuals took part in such activity, but today that number has grown into the hundreds," Major-General Gadi Shamni told Israeli reporters on Thursday.
"That's a very significant change," he added.
According to the Israeli army commander, settler attacks against Palestinians occur not as sporadic acts of violence, but as "conspiratorial actions" against citizens.
Shamni said that the "grave phenomenon" was gaining new levels of scrutiny by the Israeli populace, as many attacks are committed or planned by Jewish rabbis.
The United Nations (UN) had already reported 222 separate incidents of settler violence within the first six months of 2008, compared with a similar figure for the entire year of 2007, almost twice the average.
Palestinians insist that settlers have been harassing them for years. Among the commonly reported incidents are cases in which settlers burn olive trees or throw rocks at farmers.
On 13 September, dozens of settlers raided the West Bank village of Asira Al-Kibliya. Witnesses reported that many were armed with weapons, including guns, slingshots, knives and stun grenades.
Settlers are also escalating attacks on Israeli soldiers who occasionally intervene, the general said in an interview with Ha'aretz.
"In the past, only a few dozen individuals took part in such activity, but today that number has grown into the hundreds," Major-General Gadi Shamni told Israeli reporters on Thursday.
"That's a very significant change," he added.
According to the Israeli army commander, settler attacks against Palestinians occur not as sporadic acts of violence, but as "conspiratorial actions" against citizens.
Shamni said that the "grave phenomenon" was gaining new levels of scrutiny by the Israeli populace, as many attacks are committed or planned by Jewish rabbis.
The United Nations (UN) had already reported 222 separate incidents of settler violence within the first six months of 2008, compared with a similar figure for the entire year of 2007, almost twice the average.
Palestinians insist that settlers have been harassing them for years. Among the commonly reported incidents are cases in which settlers burn olive trees or throw rocks at farmers.
On 13 September, dozens of settlers raided the West Bank village of Asira Al-Kibliya. Witnesses reported that many were armed with weapons, including guns, slingshots, knives and stun grenades.
Israeli soldiers 'showered with stones' near Qalqiliya
At least six Israeli soldiers were slightly wounded as a result of stone attacks near the village of Azzun, north of Qalqiliya, Wednesday night.
Israeli sources say the soldiers were "showered with stones" inside seven vehicles. One woman, a settler, was injured after being struck in the head with a rock inside her car.
Israeli forces imposed a curfew on the village of Azzun as a result of the attack.
At least six Israeli soldiers were slightly wounded as a result of stone attacks near the village of Azzun, north of Qalqiliya, Wednesday night.
Israeli sources say the soldiers were "showered with stones" inside seven vehicles. One woman, a settler, was injured after being struck in the head with a rock inside her car.
Israeli forces imposed a curfew on the village of Azzun as a result of the attack.
1 oct 2008
Israel: illegal outposts contaminating West Bank water supplies
Israeli forces to end use of US-manufactured cluster bombs
Israeli forces to end use of US-manufactured cluster bombs