26 sept 2008
Ten protesters were reportedly injured Friday during clashes at a demonstration near the West Bank city of Ni'lin.
The injured Palestinians suffered from teargas inhalation after Israeli soldiers fired rounds in response to rocks thrown by residents, furious that bulldozers were preparing confiscated land to build a toxic waste dump.
Ten other Palestinian youths were arrested by Israeli soldiers, who accused them of participating in the apparently peaceful rally. It was not immediately clear if the detainees were among those throwing rocks, participating in the demonstration, or both.
A spokesperson for the protest group was unavailable for comment Friday as he remains hospitalized with severe injuries sustained at another demonstration on Tuesday. He had been shot in the face by a teargas canister, causing severe bruising and blood loss, according to medical officials in Ramallah. Israeli military officials did not dispute that their soldiers fired the canister.
The spokesperson, A'hed Al-Khawarja, was briefing European Union (EU) Representative for Political Affairs Jerome Bellion-Jourdan when soldiers opened fire. But the diplomat says he informed soldiers that he was in the area on behalf of the European Union. Israeli forces ignored him, he said.
A representative from the Israeli Border Police defended the soldiers' actions to members of the Israeli press.
"Was he holding a huge sign that said, 'I am a European Union official?'" the official asked. "Border Police forces on the ground rose to the task of preventing the disruption of law and order, and an unlawful entry into a closed military zone," he said.
The European diplomat rejected the claim, adding that "there was no sign indicating that this was a closed military zone," he said.
Israeli Border officials did not deny the diplomat's account of the events or dispute that the allegedly 'closed military zone' had never been identified to the public. But a representative did tell reporters that the two men "were not leaving" when soldiers opened fire.
The injured Palestinians suffered from teargas inhalation after Israeli soldiers fired rounds in response to rocks thrown by residents, furious that bulldozers were preparing confiscated land to build a toxic waste dump.
Ten other Palestinian youths were arrested by Israeli soldiers, who accused them of participating in the apparently peaceful rally. It was not immediately clear if the detainees were among those throwing rocks, participating in the demonstration, or both.
A spokesperson for the protest group was unavailable for comment Friday as he remains hospitalized with severe injuries sustained at another demonstration on Tuesday. He had been shot in the face by a teargas canister, causing severe bruising and blood loss, according to medical officials in Ramallah. Israeli military officials did not dispute that their soldiers fired the canister.
The spokesperson, A'hed Al-Khawarja, was briefing European Union (EU) Representative for Political Affairs Jerome Bellion-Jourdan when soldiers opened fire. But the diplomat says he informed soldiers that he was in the area on behalf of the European Union. Israeli forces ignored him, he said.
A representative from the Israeli Border Police defended the soldiers' actions to members of the Israeli press.
"Was he holding a huge sign that said, 'I am a European Union official?'" the official asked. "Border Police forces on the ground rose to the task of preventing the disruption of law and order, and an unlawful entry into a closed military zone," he said.
The European diplomat rejected the claim, adding that "there was no sign indicating that this was a closed military zone," he said.
Israeli Border officials did not deny the diplomat's account of the events or dispute that the allegedly 'closed military zone' had never been identified to the public. But a representative did tell reporters that the two men "were not leaving" when soldiers opened fire.
Israeli sources reported Friday that an Israeli soldier was injured after being "showered with stones" at a Ni'lin demonstration against the wall west of Ramallah.
Israeli sources reported on Friday that an Israeli soldier got injured when he was showered with stones in a Ni'lin demonstration against the separation wall west of Ramallah.
Dozens of locals demonstrated, while Israeli troops attempted to stop the march.
Israeli sources reported on Friday that an Israeli soldier got injured when he was showered with stones in a Ni'lin demonstration against the separation wall west of Ramallah.
Dozens of locals demonstrated, while Israeli troops attempted to stop the march.
An Israeli soldier manning the Qalandiya checkpoint between the central West Bank and Jerusalem was showered with stones thrown by angry pilgrims barred from praying at the Al-Aqsa mosque.
Several Palestinian citizens, frustrated by the long wait and harsh treatment at the hands of soldiers as they waited to be allowed into Jerusalem for prayer, picked up stones from the ground and threw them at an Israeli soldier.
The soldier was lightly injured, according to Israeli sources.
Thousands crowded the checkpoint, and hundreds were turned back as Israeli forces tightened their restrictions on Palestinians allowed to enter Jerusalem.
Several Palestinian citizens, frustrated by the long wait and harsh treatment at the hands of soldiers as they waited to be allowed into Jerusalem for prayer, picked up stones from the ground and threw them at an Israeli soldier.
The soldier was lightly injured, according to Israeli sources.
Thousands crowded the checkpoint, and hundreds were turned back as Israeli forces tightened their restrictions on Palestinians allowed to enter Jerusalem.
Al-Quds Brigades says fighters anticipating Israeli attacks
Israeli army seizes two Gazans near Khan Younis
Three detained by Israeli forces in Nablus, Jenin
Hundreds refused entry to Jerusalem for Friday prayers
Israeli army seizes two Gazans near Khan Younis
Three detained by Israeli forces in Nablus, Jenin
Hundreds refused entry to Jerusalem for Friday prayers
25 sept 2008
Israeli forces seize two men, one boy in Ni'lin raid
Israeli forces detained two young men and a minor on Thursday in the town of Ni'lin west of Ramallah in an early morning raid, which was witnessed by a Ma'an correspondent.
Forces reportedly opened fire throughout the village, where several young men clashed with Israeli soldiers.
Though Ma'an obtained reports that Israeli military forces fired guns and shells throughout the raid, no injuries were reported on either side.
Soldiers detained 18-year-old Ibrahim Mohammad Srour, 20-year-old Sa'id Atallah Amira and 17-year-old Mo'men Abed Khawajah during the incursion. The three were taken to an undisclosed location.
Israeli officials also ordered another three Palestinians from the village to appear for interviews.
Israeli forces detained two young men and a minor on Thursday in the town of Ni'lin west of Ramallah in an early morning raid, which was witnessed by a Ma'an correspondent.
Forces reportedly opened fire throughout the village, where several young men clashed with Israeli soldiers.
Though Ma'an obtained reports that Israeli military forces fired guns and shells throughout the raid, no injuries were reported on either side.
Soldiers detained 18-year-old Ibrahim Mohammad Srour, 20-year-old Sa'id Atallah Amira and 17-year-old Mo'men Abed Khawajah during the incursion. The three were taken to an undisclosed location.
Israeli officials also ordered another three Palestinians from the village to appear for interviews.
Witnesses: Soldiers beat, detained teen at West Bank checkpoint
Israeli forces detained a young man from the town of Jayyus at the Jubarah checkpoint south of Tulkarem on Thursday, according to witnesses.
Eyewitnesses told Ma'an that Israeli forces detained 18-year-old Diya' Fahmi Fakhri Shamasnah after they beat him, before transferring him to undisclosed location.
Israeli forces detained a young man from the town of Jayyus at the Jubarah checkpoint south of Tulkarem on Thursday, according to witnesses.
Eyewitnesses told Ma'an that Israeli forces detained 18-year-old Diya' Fahmi Fakhri Shamasnah after they beat him, before transferring him to undisclosed location.
Israeli military Brigadier Avihai Mandelblit sought legal action against a Palestinian filmmaker for "defamation" against the Israeli military, Israel Radio reported on Thursday.
Mandelblit reportedly asked government legal consultant Meni Mazuz to "take judicial action" against director Mohammad Bakri over alleged falsehoods in his documentary, "Jenin Jenin."
A number of soldiers involved in the Jenin military assault in 2002 proposed the lawsuit as a means for to be "compensated for defamation and libel."
Tel Aviv's central court rejected that there was pretext to sue Bakri "personally," even if content in the film libeled or defamed the military or its soldiers.
Mandelblit reportedly asked government legal consultant Meni Mazuz to "take judicial action" against director Mohammad Bakri over alleged falsehoods in his documentary, "Jenin Jenin."
A number of soldiers involved in the Jenin military assault in 2002 proposed the lawsuit as a means for to be "compensated for defamation and libel."
Tel Aviv's central court rejected that there was pretext to sue Bakri "personally," even if content in the film libeled or defamed the military or its soldiers.
Israeli forces seized a Palestinian teenager at Duheisha Refugee Camp in Bethlehem and stormed a house there early on Thursday morning, security sources said.
Ibrahim Munir Arafah was abducted and soldiers searched the home of Ahmad Tawfiq Tayeh.
Israeli forces stormed through parts of the city before raiding Duheisha.
Meanwhile, Israel released Na'el Aiman Mfarreh and Khader Yousef Da'oud Salah after each had served six months in prison.
Ibrahim Munir Arafah was abducted and soldiers searched the home of Ahmad Tawfiq Tayeh.
Israeli forces stormed through parts of the city before raiding Duheisha.
Meanwhile, Israel released Na'el Aiman Mfarreh and Khader Yousef Da'oud Salah after each had served six months in prison.
Palestinian youths throw molotov cocktails at Israeli vehicles in Nablus
Hamas: Bush wants Abbas to to keep silent on Israeli crimes
Hamas: Bush wants Abbas to to keep silent on Israeli crimes
24 sept 2008
Israel seizes 16 Palestinians in late-night raids across West Bank
Israel seized 16 wanted Palestinians across the West Bank Tuesday night, Israeli press reported Wednesday.
Israel forces did not release the names of the detained Wednesday, but sources said the Palestinians were taken for questioning.
Israel seized 16 wanted Palestinians across the West Bank Tuesday night, Israeli press reported Wednesday.
Israel forces did not release the names of the detained Wednesday, but sources said the Palestinians were taken for questioning.
23 sept 2008
Israeli forces raid Jenin, surrounding villages; detain doctor en route to clinic
Israeli forces raided Al-Yamun and Kafr Dan near Jenin, as well as Jenin, itself, early Tuesday morning.
Forces also detained a Palestinian doctor at the Tayasir military checkpoint east of Tubas.
Security sources near the checkpoint said that Israeli soldiers detained Dr. Daleh Mahmoud Sawaftah for two hours Tuesday morning.
Witnesses said the soldiers "cuffed his hands and blindfolded him" before transferring the doctor to an undisclosed location.
Security sources added that Sawaftah was en route to his clinic before being detained.
Israeli forces raided Al-Yamun and Kafr Dan near Jenin, as well as Jenin, itself, early Tuesday morning.
Forces also detained a Palestinian doctor at the Tayasir military checkpoint east of Tubas.
Security sources near the checkpoint said that Israeli soldiers detained Dr. Daleh Mahmoud Sawaftah for two hours Tuesday morning.
Witnesses said the soldiers "cuffed his hands and blindfolded him" before transferring the doctor to an undisclosed location.
Security sources added that Sawaftah was en route to his clinic before being detained.
Group threatens to shell Rafah crossing, abduct Egyptian soldiers
Israel to close Allenby Bridge crossing to Jordan; will reopen Wednesday
Israel to close Allenby Bridge crossing to Jordan; will reopen Wednesday
22 sept 2008
Israeli forces detained brothers from the central West Bank village of Ni'lin during a raid on the village Monday morning.
Those detained are named as Hussein Nafi and Saddam Nafi. A number of warrants were handed to young men of the village, summoning them to Israeli intelligence offices for interrogation.
The invading soldiers fired incendiary bombs (designed to start fires) and tear gas canisters at the Ar-Rafati mosque in the village burning carpets on the floor.
Earlier on Monday Israeli sources reported that one of their soldiers was lightly injured Sunday evening after his patrol car was pelted with stones as it drove through the village of Ni'lin.
The soldier was transferred to hospital for medical treatment.
Sources added that Israeli army apprehended what they called "wanted activists" from Ni'lin suspected of incitement for violence during anti-wall demonstrations in the town in the early hours on Monday.
Coordinator of the popular campaign against the separation wall Ahid Al-Khawaja said "Israeli soldiers are maneuvering in order to scare us so that we stop defending our lands which are being confiscated for establishment of the separation wall."
Ni'lin is the site of weekly protests involving locals, Israeli and international activists who are against the confiscation of land for the building of the separation wall. Palestinian farmers have been cut off from their fields, destroying patterns of movement and livelihoods.
Those detained are named as Hussein Nafi and Saddam Nafi. A number of warrants were handed to young men of the village, summoning them to Israeli intelligence offices for interrogation.
The invading soldiers fired incendiary bombs (designed to start fires) and tear gas canisters at the Ar-Rafati mosque in the village burning carpets on the floor.
Earlier on Monday Israeli sources reported that one of their soldiers was lightly injured Sunday evening after his patrol car was pelted with stones as it drove through the village of Ni'lin.
The soldier was transferred to hospital for medical treatment.
Sources added that Israeli army apprehended what they called "wanted activists" from Ni'lin suspected of incitement for violence during anti-wall demonstrations in the town in the early hours on Monday.
Coordinator of the popular campaign against the separation wall Ahid Al-Khawaja said "Israeli soldiers are maneuvering in order to scare us so that we stop defending our lands which are being confiscated for establishment of the separation wall."
Ni'lin is the site of weekly protests involving locals, Israeli and international activists who are against the confiscation of land for the building of the separation wall. Palestinian farmers have been cut off from their fields, destroying patterns of movement and livelihoods.
Following a second acid attack on Israeli soldiers at Huwwarah checkpoint south of Nablus, three Palestinians including one woman sustained bullet wounds from Israeli fire, and a soldier was lightly injured by the acid, along with a man standing nearby.
Sources say a woman, later identified as 19-year-old Sanabil Break, a student at An-Najah University in Nablus, splashed acid on Israeli soldiers manning the checkpoint. Palestinian Red Crescent workers confirmed that soldiers responded by shooting one woman in her right leg, and two men nearby were shot one in the lower back and one in the leg. All three were evacuated to the Rafedia Hospital in Nablus
Sanabil's father, owner of a local TV station was shocked at the news, and told Ma'an, "She left home as usual at 7am on her way to An-Najah University, and I am still surprised to hear what she did."
She is a good student, he added, "she got a high average of 98.5in the general secondary exam [before starting university.]" Sanabil is the eldest daughter in the Break family.
According to Israeli media sources the army is saying Sanabil was responsible for the incident where acid was thrown on a soldier at the same checkpoint 12 days ago. During that incident a Palestinian woman poured acid on an Israeli soldier, and escaped into the crowd undetected.
Eyewitnesses told Ma'an's reporter that Israeli soldiers closed the checkpoint in both directions after they detained a 25-year-old woman who wore a long Islamic gown and head scarf.
Sources say a woman, later identified as 19-year-old Sanabil Break, a student at An-Najah University in Nablus, splashed acid on Israeli soldiers manning the checkpoint. Palestinian Red Crescent workers confirmed that soldiers responded by shooting one woman in her right leg, and two men nearby were shot one in the lower back and one in the leg. All three were evacuated to the Rafedia Hospital in Nablus
Sanabil's father, owner of a local TV station was shocked at the news, and told Ma'an, "She left home as usual at 7am on her way to An-Najah University, and I am still surprised to hear what she did."
She is a good student, he added, "she got a high average of 98.5in the general secondary exam [before starting university.]" Sanabil is the eldest daughter in the Break family.
According to Israeli media sources the army is saying Sanabil was responsible for the incident where acid was thrown on a soldier at the same checkpoint 12 days ago. During that incident a Palestinian woman poured acid on an Israeli soldier, and escaped into the crowd undetected.
Eyewitnesses told Ma'an's reporter that Israeli soldiers closed the checkpoint in both directions after they detained a 25-year-old woman who wore a long Islamic gown and head scarf.
A mentally disabled Palestinian child was injured Monday morning by Israeli gunfire near Bethlehem, according to Palestinian sources.
The 10-year-old Muhammad Abu Dayyah from Beit Ummar, a village between Bethlehem and Hebron, sustained wounds after Israeli soldiers opened fire on him. He was in the area around Safa, a village south of Bethlehem, near the illegal Israeli settlement Kefar Etzion.
No further details about his injury have been released.
The 10-year-old Muhammad Abu Dayyah from Beit Ummar, a village between Bethlehem and Hebron, sustained wounds after Israeli soldiers opened fire on him. He was in the area around Safa, a village south of Bethlehem, near the illegal Israeli settlement Kefar Etzion.
No further details about his injury have been released.
21 sept 2008
Palestinians do not have great expectations for the political changes which will occur when Ehud Olmert leaves his post as Israeli Prime Minister, and hands it over to Tzipi Livni who intends to create a coalition government.
Palestinian political analyst and writer Khalil Shahin, predicts no changes after Livni assumes power. Shahin also does not exclude the possibility that Livni will give orders to invade the Gaza Strip.
"It is natural that Olmert resigns in light of the many corruption scandals and bribes he was involved in," said Shahin. "As for Livni being elected leader of Kadima party, it was due to military leaders avoiding Israeli decision-making cycles," he surmised.
As for Palestinian citizens, they did not show any interest in the political changes in Israel. "Since 1948, there has been no Israeli leader who wanted to make peace," a second political analyst Siham Muhammad explained. "On the contrary, elections usually bring the most antagonizing figure to the Palestinian people, and so Olmert's resignation is not expected to make any changes," he concluded.
Another Palestinian citizen, Thaer Ash-Sheikh said Olmert had committed atrocities against the Palestinian people, and so will his successor.
Palestinian political analyst and writer Khalil Shahin, predicts no changes after Livni assumes power. Shahin also does not exclude the possibility that Livni will give orders to invade the Gaza Strip.
"It is natural that Olmert resigns in light of the many corruption scandals and bribes he was involved in," said Shahin. "As for Livni being elected leader of Kadima party, it was due to military leaders avoiding Israeli decision-making cycles," he surmised.
As for Palestinian citizens, they did not show any interest in the political changes in Israel. "Since 1948, there has been no Israeli leader who wanted to make peace," a second political analyst Siham Muhammad explained. "On the contrary, elections usually bring the most antagonizing figure to the Palestinian people, and so Olmert's resignation is not expected to make any changes," he concluded.
Another Palestinian citizen, Thaer Ash-Sheikh said Olmert had committed atrocities against the Palestinian people, and so will his successor.
Israeli forces raid Beit Fajjar after fast-breaking meal
Israeli forces stormed the town of Beit Fajjar south of Bethlehem on Saturday after the fast-breaking evening meal. Troops ransacked several homes, after inspections eyewitnesses told Ma'an.
According to eyewitness accounts, several Israeli military vehicles raided the town after an explosion was heard in the nearby Israeli settlement of Megdal Oz. Israeli soldiers forcibly took cars with Palestinian license plates from their owners including one ambulance, which were used to enter the town and surprise Palestinian citizens.
Israeli forces stormed the town of Beit Fajjar south of Bethlehem on Saturday after the fast-breaking evening meal. Troops ransacked several homes, after inspections eyewitnesses told Ma'an.
According to eyewitness accounts, several Israeli military vehicles raided the town after an explosion was heard in the nearby Israeli settlement of Megdal Oz. Israeli soldiers forcibly took cars with Palestinian license plates from their owners including one ambulance, which were used to enter the town and surprise Palestinian citizens.
Israeli soldiers confiscated 140 dunnums (0.14 square kilometers) of land in the northern West Bank village of Bardala in the northern Jordan Valley near the Bisan checkpoint.
The land owners appealed to Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas and Prime Minister Salam Fayyad to support them and insist on cancelling the confiscation.
"This confiscation aims at changing borders before final status negotiations begin," said the governor of Tubas Dr. Sami Musallam." Israel is attempting to impose a de facto situation on the negotiations map." He condemned the illegal confiscation which he described as contradictory to international law and UN resolutions as well as the Fourth Geneva Convention. He explained that international conventions ban the confiscation of lands from rightful property owners, and changing the demographics and geography of an occupied area by an occupying power.
"These Israeli measures contradict . the efforts of Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas and the Palestinian negotiation team to reach a peace agreement," Musallam added.
He also highlighted and condemned latest Israeli confiscation of 37 dunnums in Al-Bequi'ah and Al-Farisya, both in the northern and the central Jordan Valley for enlargement of Israeli settlements such as Maskiyyot and Rotem. The Israeli Knesset approved plans for the building of a new settlement in the Jordan valley this summer.
The governor of Tubas appealed to the UN, the international community, the Middle East Quartet, the US and all UN permanent member countries to place every possible pressure on Israel to stop undermining international resolutions.
The confiscated lands belong to Muhammad and Hasan Aryan, Yahya Mujalli and Izzat Abdul-Rahman.
The land owners appealed to Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas and Prime Minister Salam Fayyad to support them and insist on cancelling the confiscation.
"This confiscation aims at changing borders before final status negotiations begin," said the governor of Tubas Dr. Sami Musallam." Israel is attempting to impose a de facto situation on the negotiations map." He condemned the illegal confiscation which he described as contradictory to international law and UN resolutions as well as the Fourth Geneva Convention. He explained that international conventions ban the confiscation of lands from rightful property owners, and changing the demographics and geography of an occupied area by an occupying power.
"These Israeli measures contradict . the efforts of Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas and the Palestinian negotiation team to reach a peace agreement," Musallam added.
He also highlighted and condemned latest Israeli confiscation of 37 dunnums in Al-Bequi'ah and Al-Farisya, both in the northern and the central Jordan Valley for enlargement of Israeli settlements such as Maskiyyot and Rotem. The Israeli Knesset approved plans for the building of a new settlement in the Jordan valley this summer.
The governor of Tubas appealed to the UN, the international community, the Middle East Quartet, the US and all UN permanent member countries to place every possible pressure on Israel to stop undermining international resolutions.
The confiscated lands belong to Muhammad and Hasan Aryan, Yahya Mujalli and Izzat Abdul-Rahman.
A Palestinian woman from Abu Dis in East Jerusalem died on Sunday morning after being pushed to the ground by Israeli soldiers who stormed her home, Palestinian sources told Ma'an.
The sources identified the woman as 60-year-old Maryam Ayyad. Israeli soldiers pushed her aside when she tried to block their way into her home, where they were seeking to arrest university students lodging upstairs.
An Israeli military spokeswoman confirmed to Reuters that military activity had been going on in Abu Dis, but she would not comment on the death of the elderly Palestinian woman. She indicated that an investigation was opened to find out the circumstances around the woman's death, which appeared to be the result of an accident.
An Israeli military source said the woman suffered from heart problems, while Israeli media reported that the woman "had taken a step backwards, fallen down, hit her head and died." While Palestinian medical sources estimated that the elderly woman died as she was pushed to the ground and hit on the head.
The sources identified the woman as 60-year-old Maryam Ayyad. Israeli soldiers pushed her aside when she tried to block their way into her home, where they were seeking to arrest university students lodging upstairs.
An Israeli military spokeswoman confirmed to Reuters that military activity had been going on in Abu Dis, but she would not comment on the death of the elderly Palestinian woman. She indicated that an investigation was opened to find out the circumstances around the woman's death, which appeared to be the result of an accident.
An Israeli military source said the woman suffered from heart problems, while Israeli media reported that the woman "had taken a step backwards, fallen down, hit her head and died." While Palestinian medical sources estimated that the elderly woman died as she was pushed to the ground and hit on the head.
Rafah crossing suddenly closed; hundreds denied passage to Egypt
Israeli military checkpoints hinder movement despite small improvements
Rafah crossing continues to operate; 1,400 expected to leave to Egypt
Israeli military checkpoints hinder movement despite small improvements
Rafah crossing continues to operate; 1,400 expected to leave to Egypt
20 sept 2008
Israeli army kills 1 of 3 fleeing Israel for Egypt
The Israeli army fired at three people while trying to cross the Egyptian-Israeli border on Saturday night. One of men was killed, and the two other individuals managed to escape towards Egypt.
The Israeli army fired at three people while trying to cross the Egyptian-Israeli border on Saturday night. One of men was killed, and the two other individuals managed to escape towards Egypt.
A Free Gaza activist who remained in Gaza to monitor the actions of the Israeli Navy was injured on Wednesday after being shot by the Israeli Navy with a high powered water cannon while accompanying Gazan fishermen 8 miles off the Gaza coast.
The activist, Italian Vittorio Arrigoni, was taken to hospital where he was treated for multiple lacerations to the back as the result of the glass windshield of the boat being shattered by the cannon blast, according to reports from the International Solidarity Movement.
A handful of Free Gaza activists, who sailed into the area from Cyprus and symbolically broke the siege on the Gaza Strip, have been working to monitor the sea border of the area, and ensure Israeli non-intervention. The group has reported, however, that Israeli naval ships have prevented fishermen from heading into waters even 3 nautical miles off the coast.
The presence of international activists on fishing boats was announced to the world shortly after the 28 August departure of the ships for Cyprus. Reports say fishing boats have been able to head up to 8 nautical miles off shore, where the better fishing waters are, since the presence of the activists was announced.
The group has documented some of the attempts of the Israeli navy to prevent fishing boats from moving freely in Gaza waters on video, and makes all such action public knowledge, in cooperation with local Gazans.
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The activist, Italian Vittorio Arrigoni, was taken to hospital where he was treated for multiple lacerations to the back as the result of the glass windshield of the boat being shattered by the cannon blast, according to reports from the International Solidarity Movement.
A handful of Free Gaza activists, who sailed into the area from Cyprus and symbolically broke the siege on the Gaza Strip, have been working to monitor the sea border of the area, and ensure Israeli non-intervention. The group has reported, however, that Israeli naval ships have prevented fishermen from heading into waters even 3 nautical miles off the coast.
The presence of international activists on fishing boats was announced to the world shortly after the 28 August departure of the ships for Cyprus. Reports say fishing boats have been able to head up to 8 nautical miles off shore, where the better fishing waters are, since the presence of the activists was announced.
The group has documented some of the attempts of the Israeli navy to prevent fishing boats from moving freely in Gaza waters on video, and makes all such action public knowledge, in cooperation with local Gazans.
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Palestinian Red Crescent workers collect Suhayb Salih's body
Fifteen-year-old Suhayb Salih was shot dead by Israeli border police who reported seeing the man attempt to "infiltrate" the Yitzhar settlement south of Nablus on Saturday, and light a Molotov cocktail at the southern entrance.
When Red Crescent workers identified the body, local residents reported that his brother, 18-year-old Ahmad Salih was killed in the same place in 2002.
Local sources told Ma'an that Shuayb was left bleeding to death on the bypass road between Yitzhar and Palestinian village of Asirah Al-Qiblia, and later brought to Huwwara checkpoint to be retrieved by Palestinian medical workers. Shuayb was taken to the Rafedia Hospital in Nablus where he was identified.
Five years earlier, Shuayb's brother Ahmad broke into Yitzhar with an automatic weapon and seriously injured two Israeli soldiers. The Democratic Front for the Liberation of Palestine (DFLP)
Eyewitnesses asserted that they heard gunshots near Yitzhar before Israeli forces deployed heavily and prevented Palestinian residents from getting close to the area.
According to the Israeli army, the man exited a car at the southern entrance of the settlement and walked towards the inhabited section of the area. Soldiers reported seeing the man light a Molotov cocktail, and shot him dead before he had a chance to throw it.
Israeli forces claimed they found a knife on the dead man's person. They claimed that he was planning to stab Israelis in the settlement, mirroring the now popular story of last week's attack on Yitzhar, when a Palestinian was surprised by a young settler boy as he set fire to the homes of Shalhevet, an illegal Israeli outpost, and inflicted mild stab wounds before fleeing the scene. Settlers from Yitzhar then rioted, and swarmed that nearby Palestinian villages of Asira Al-Qibliya, injuring ten Palestinians, and causing severe damage to homes, cars and agricultural areas.
Fifteen-year-old Suhayb Salih was shot dead by Israeli border police who reported seeing the man attempt to "infiltrate" the Yitzhar settlement south of Nablus on Saturday, and light a Molotov cocktail at the southern entrance.
When Red Crescent workers identified the body, local residents reported that his brother, 18-year-old Ahmad Salih was killed in the same place in 2002.
Local sources told Ma'an that Shuayb was left bleeding to death on the bypass road between Yitzhar and Palestinian village of Asirah Al-Qiblia, and later brought to Huwwara checkpoint to be retrieved by Palestinian medical workers. Shuayb was taken to the Rafedia Hospital in Nablus where he was identified.
Five years earlier, Shuayb's brother Ahmad broke into Yitzhar with an automatic weapon and seriously injured two Israeli soldiers. The Democratic Front for the Liberation of Palestine (DFLP)
Eyewitnesses asserted that they heard gunshots near Yitzhar before Israeli forces deployed heavily and prevented Palestinian residents from getting close to the area.
According to the Israeli army, the man exited a car at the southern entrance of the settlement and walked towards the inhabited section of the area. Soldiers reported seeing the man light a Molotov cocktail, and shot him dead before he had a chance to throw it.
Israeli forces claimed they found a knife on the dead man's person. They claimed that he was planning to stab Israelis in the settlement, mirroring the now popular story of last week's attack on Yitzhar, when a Palestinian was surprised by a young settler boy as he set fire to the homes of Shalhevet, an illegal Israeli outpost, and inflicted mild stab wounds before fleeing the scene. Settlers from Yitzhar then rioted, and swarmed that nearby Palestinian villages of Asira Al-Qibliya, injuring ten Palestinians, and causing severe damage to homes, cars and agricultural areas.
Al-Aqsa Brigades: Israel must halt West Bank aggression or we reconsider truce
Haniyeh: Olmert will go to hell; the palestinian question will remain alive
Haniyeh: Olmert will go to hell; the palestinian question will remain alive
19 sept 2008
Ni'lin: 7 protesters 4 soldiers injured in anti-wall march
Six Palestinians and an international peace activist were shot by live Israeli ammunition and dozens others choked on tear gas during a protest in the village of Ni'lin on Friday afternoon.
Sheikh Murad A'meera delivered the Friday sermon to locals and demonstrators before the march, in which he called for unity among Palestinians in the name of resistance to occupation. He congratulated those who participated in the event, and called for more actions to continue the struggle against the wall and settlements.
The non violent protest began after the Friday prayers, and saw demonstrators march from the village center to the lands confiscated by the construction of the separation wall.
The Israeli army had placed barbed wire around the lands confiscated for construction of the wall, and prevented protesters from reaching the area by firing live bullets and tear gas at protesters. The group tried to disable the bulldozers working at the site, and succeeded for a short while.
Four Israeli soldiers were injured when a group of village youth threw stones at soldiers firing live bullets.
Media spokesperson of the anti wall popular campaign in Ni'lin Salah Al- Khawjah said that there were seven local children who had been arrested ten days ago for throwing stones. Military courts ordered the families pay 3,000 shekels (850 US dollars). Six of the seven arrested are under the age of eleven and should not have been charged. The seventh is 14-year-old Abed Ar- Rahman Al- Khawajah , whose parents the court ordered to pay 6,000 sheleks for his temporary release, after which he will be brought to trial for throwing rocks at a soldier.
Six Palestinians and an international peace activist were shot by live Israeli ammunition and dozens others choked on tear gas during a protest in the village of Ni'lin on Friday afternoon.
Sheikh Murad A'meera delivered the Friday sermon to locals and demonstrators before the march, in which he called for unity among Palestinians in the name of resistance to occupation. He congratulated those who participated in the event, and called for more actions to continue the struggle against the wall and settlements.
The non violent protest began after the Friday prayers, and saw demonstrators march from the village center to the lands confiscated by the construction of the separation wall.
The Israeli army had placed barbed wire around the lands confiscated for construction of the wall, and prevented protesters from reaching the area by firing live bullets and tear gas at protesters. The group tried to disable the bulldozers working at the site, and succeeded for a short while.
Four Israeli soldiers were injured when a group of village youth threw stones at soldiers firing live bullets.
Media spokesperson of the anti wall popular campaign in Ni'lin Salah Al- Khawjah said that there were seven local children who had been arrested ten days ago for throwing stones. Military courts ordered the families pay 3,000 shekels (850 US dollars). Six of the seven arrested are under the age of eleven and should not have been charged. The seventh is 14-year-old Abed Ar- Rahman Al- Khawajah , whose parents the court ordered to pay 6,000 sheleks for his temporary release, after which he will be brought to trial for throwing rocks at a soldier.
Teargas injures dozens at weekly Bil'in protest; new route for wall rejected
Protesters at the popular resistance demonstration in Bil'in on Friday were hosed with water mixed with tear gas this week, as Israeli soldiers tried again to halt the procession of demonstrators as they made their way towards the construction site of the separation wall.
The weekly protest marked the 26th anniversary of the Sabra and Shatila massacres, which saw the death of thousands of Palestinians in the Sabra and Shatila refugee camps. The camps were then under Israeli control, since the army had invaded Lebanon as part of an ongoing war. It is alleged that Israeli troops coordinated or at least allowed Lebanese Phalangist forces into the camps, knowing they were about to carry out a massacre.
Carrying banners and chanting slogans lamenting the Israeli actions against Palestinians in the past and present, demonstrators tried to access village lands confiscated by the separation wall.
When the group got close to the area, Israeli soldiers fired tear gas and sound bomb canisters, then sprayed water mixed with blue dye and tear gas, causing it to be absorbed into the skin.
On Wednesday, a third plan for the separation wall route was presented to the high court, which has ruled the current path an illegal violation of the rights of village residents. Since the High Court verdict, plans for a new route have consistently infringed on court orders to respect the agricultural lands belonging to the village. The Popular Committee Against The Wall, who are participating in the legal proceedings, have requested that the latest plan also be rejected.
Protesters at the popular resistance demonstration in Bil'in on Friday were hosed with water mixed with tear gas this week, as Israeli soldiers tried again to halt the procession of demonstrators as they made their way towards the construction site of the separation wall.
The weekly protest marked the 26th anniversary of the Sabra and Shatila massacres, which saw the death of thousands of Palestinians in the Sabra and Shatila refugee camps. The camps were then under Israeli control, since the army had invaded Lebanon as part of an ongoing war. It is alleged that Israeli troops coordinated or at least allowed Lebanese Phalangist forces into the camps, knowing they were about to carry out a massacre.
Carrying banners and chanting slogans lamenting the Israeli actions against Palestinians in the past and present, demonstrators tried to access village lands confiscated by the separation wall.
When the group got close to the area, Israeli soldiers fired tear gas and sound bomb canisters, then sprayed water mixed with blue dye and tear gas, causing it to be absorbed into the skin.
On Wednesday, a third plan for the separation wall route was presented to the high court, which has ruled the current path an illegal violation of the rights of village residents. Since the High Court verdict, plans for a new route have consistently infringed on court orders to respect the agricultural lands belonging to the village. The Popular Committee Against The Wall, who are participating in the legal proceedings, have requested that the latest plan also be rejected.
18 sept 2008
Israeli forces detained a student in the town of Beit Ummar north of Hebron on Thursday morning.
Local sources said in a statement that Israeli forces detained 19-year-old Ahmad Kamel Al-Alami, a student at the Palestine Polytechnic University, when forces stormed his house.
Residents reported that Israeli forces destroyed property, confiscated a computer and abused family members. Israeli soldiers later fired a sound bomb inside the home, reportedly in an attempt to frighten children inside.
Infuriated witnesses said they witnessed Israeli soldiers tearing pages out of the Quran before throwing it into a toilet.
The forces withdrew after detaining Al-Alami, who was then transferred to an unknown location.
Local sources said in a statement that Israeli forces detained 19-year-old Ahmad Kamel Al-Alami, a student at the Palestine Polytechnic University, when forces stormed his house.
Residents reported that Israeli forces destroyed property, confiscated a computer and abused family members. Israeli soldiers later fired a sound bomb inside the home, reportedly in an attempt to frighten children inside.
Infuriated witnesses said they witnessed Israeli soldiers tearing pages out of the Quran before throwing it into a toilet.
The forces withdrew after detaining Al-Alami, who was then transferred to an unknown location.
Israeli forces detain civilian east of Jerusalem
Israeli forces detain three civilians at Al-Jalazun camp
Israeli intelligence detains boy from Duheisha camp
Israeli forces seize two Palestinians in Nablus
Israeli forces detain three civilians at Al-Jalazun camp
Israeli intelligence detains boy from Duheisha camp
Israeli forces seize two Palestinians in Nablus
17 sept 2008
Two Palestinian civilians were injured on Wednesday after being attacked by Israeli settlers, Israeli sources said.
The settlers hurled stones at them until they could get to an Israeli military checkpoint near Tabwah crossing near Nablus city.
The Palestinians were both taken to a hospital in Israel for treatment.
Also on Tuesday night, settlers hurled stones at an Israeli post near the outpost of Yad Yair. There were no reports of injuries or damage there.
Meanwhile, Israel Forces arrested 18 Palestinian across the West Bank cities of Bethlehem, Qalqilia, Nablus and Hebron. They were all reportedly taken for questioning.
The settlers hurled stones at them until they could get to an Israeli military checkpoint near Tabwah crossing near Nablus city.
The Palestinians were both taken to a hospital in Israel for treatment.
Also on Tuesday night, settlers hurled stones at an Israeli post near the outpost of Yad Yair. There were no reports of injuries or damage there.
Meanwhile, Israel Forces arrested 18 Palestinian across the West Bank cities of Bethlehem, Qalqilia, Nablus and Hebron. They were all reportedly taken for questioning.
Arab League to Israel: Return bodies of Palestinians killed in action
Israeli forces detain five locals from Hussan
Israeli forces detain five locals from Hussan
16 sept 2008
Israeli military bulldozers on Tuesday dug up large areas of agricultural land planted with potatoes in the northern West Bank city of Tubas.
Thirty five donums of the land belong to Fakhri Abdul-Raziq and three other donums belong to Muhammad Abu Khayzaran. An irrigation network was also destroyed in the area.
Agronomist Muhammad Fakhri said Israeli military bulldozers, accompanied by military vehicles, dug up areas in the Qishda neighborhood of Tubas.
He appealed to the Palestinian president and prime minister to support farmers that work under Israeli aggression and to send representatives of the Palestinian agriculture ministry to assess their losses.
Thirty five donums of the land belong to Fakhri Abdul-Raziq and three other donums belong to Muhammad Abu Khayzaran. An irrigation network was also destroyed in the area.
Agronomist Muhammad Fakhri said Israeli military bulldozers, accompanied by military vehicles, dug up areas in the Qishda neighborhood of Tubas.
He appealed to the Palestinian president and prime minister to support farmers that work under Israeli aggression and to send representatives of the Palestinian agriculture ministry to assess their losses.
Israeli forces on Tuesday raided the Duheisha refugee camp south of the West Bank city of Bethlehem and seized a young Palestinian man.
Palestinian security sources told Ma'an that eight military jeeps and three armored personnel carriers invaded the camp early in the morning. Israeli troops ransacked a number of homes before they seized Bashar Ramadan.
The sources added that invading Israeli forces broke into home of journalist Usama Al-Ayasah and handed him a warrant summoning him and his son to an Israeli intelligence office.
Palestinian security sources told Ma'an that eight military jeeps and three armored personnel carriers invaded the camp early in the morning. Israeli troops ransacked a number of homes before they seized Bashar Ramadan.
The sources added that invading Israeli forces broke into home of journalist Usama Al-Ayasah and handed him a warrant summoning him and his son to an Israeli intelligence office.
Israeli forces on Tuesday morning raided the town of Dar Salah, east of the West Bank city of Bethlehem.
Sources in the village said Israeli troops are conducting forcible house-to-house searches.
According to the local sources, the soldiers raided the homes of Khalid Abu Haniyeh, Khalil Mubarak, Abdullah Al-Huzeabi, Jamal Al-Huzaibi, Azmi Al-Ajdal and Adil Al-Ajdal.
Sources in the village said Israeli troops are conducting forcible house-to-house searches.
According to the local sources, the soldiers raided the homes of Khalid Abu Haniyeh, Khalil Mubarak, Abdullah Al-Huzeabi, Jamal Al-Huzaibi, Azmi Al-Ajdal and Adil Al-Ajdal.
Two Palestinians were injured by Israeli gunfire near Israeli settlement of Beit El near the city of Ramallah in the central West Bank, Israeli sources reported.
Israeli soldiers reportedly opened fire at the Palestinians after they hurled Molotov Cocktails at Israeli patrols. The injured Palestinians were taken to Hadassah Hospital in Jerusalem for medical treatment, and will be later sent to detention centers for interrogation.
Israeli soldiers reportedly opened fire at the Palestinians after they hurled Molotov Cocktails at Israeli patrols. The injured Palestinians were taken to Hadassah Hospital in Jerusalem for medical treatment, and will be later sent to detention centers for interrogation.
