Rabbi Lior: Arabs are ‘evil camel riders’
Kiryat Arba rabbi says Israel’s international isolation, hatred of Jews worldwide are punishment for demolition of three houses in Migron outpost . . .
The rabbi referred to the Arabs as “wolves”, adding: “What we have with those villains and savages is not peace, and it won’t be peace. It’s against their nature. They hate peace.”
He called Israel should be cleared of Arabs, who should be given a right of return to places like Saudi Arabia. “The Land of Israel belongs to the people of Israel only,” he ruled.
Land, property, resources theft & destruction / Ethnic cleansing / Deportation / Restriction of Movement
Israeli settlers said to cut Palestinians’ trees (AP)
AP – Palestinian villagers say Israeli settlers in the West Bank have set fire to dozens of acres of agricultural land and cut down about 500 olive, fig and almond trees.
http://us.rd.yahoo.com/dailynews/rss/mideast/*http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20110920/ap_on_re_mi_ea/ml_israel_palestinians
Palestinian child succumbs to wounds sustained in Israeli shelling
A Palestinian child was pronounced dead on Monday night in hospital after suffering serious injuries a month ago in an Israeli shelling of a group of children east of Gaza.
link to Palestine Information Center
Settlers ‘pelt Palestinian car with stones’
A group of Israeli settlers from the Bet El settlement near Ramallah hurled stones at a Palestinian truck on Monday, causing damage to the vehicle., The driver of the vehicle, Zahir Daana, told Ma’an that he was traveling to Tulkarem when the settlers attacked him. He was not hurt in the attack.
State rejects B’Tselem’s appeal against closing the settler assault file
On 31 March 2011, the State Attorney’s Office informed B’Tselem that it rejected B’Tselem’s appeal against closing the file on the assault of members of the Nawaja family, near the Susiya settlement in June 2008. The file was closed in June 2009, a year after the incident, on grounds of “offender unknown.” In explaining its decision, the State Attorney’s Office stated that, “Study of the investigative material showed that the persons against whom the complaint was filed denied, under police questioning, any connection to the incident. There is insufficient evidence to indicate who committed the offense.
http://www.btselem.org/settler_violence/20110918_susiya_appeal_rejected
Settlers attack Palestinians on a daily basis without a word of condemnation from Israeli regime forces: Court remands Israeli settler suspected of vandalizing IDF West Bank base
Police say there is evidence linking Alex Ostrovsky, 27, to an attack on an Israeli military base following the destruction of 3 illegal homes in the Migron outpost.
http://www.haaretz.com/news/diplomacy-defense/court-remands-israeli-settler-suspected-of-vandalizing-idf-west-bank-base-1.385566?localLinksEnabled=false
PA security blocks anti wall march
Palestinian Authority security forces blocked on Sunday a weekly anti-wall march in Nazlat Issa village, north of Tulkarem city, organizers of the march said.
link to Palestine Information Center
Jordanian prisoner in Israeli jail goes on hunger strike
Ala’a Hammad, a Jordanian prisoner in Israeli occupation jails, has gone on hunger strike to protest the Israeli authorities repeated refusal to allow his wife and children visit him.
link to Palestine Information Center
The story of the watermelon and the forty prisoners, Ameer Makhoul
Palestinian political prisoner Ameer Makhoul writes about a recent “watermelon party” amongst fellow prisoners, and the struggle for liberation that continues.
2 teens die from injuries after Gaza tunnel collapse
GAZA CITY (Ma’an) — Two Palestinian teenagers have died from injuries sustained when a smuggling tunnel under Gaza’s border with Egypt collapsed on Monday, medics said. Ashraf Al-Qarra, 17, died on Monday afternoon and Haytham Abu Radwan, also 17, died on Tuesday morning, the ambulance and emergencies committee in Gaza said in a statement.
http://www.maannews.net/eng/ViewDetails.aspx?ID=421824
IOF troops raid eastern Gaza
Israeli occupation forces (IOF) advanced 300 meters into eastern Gaza on Monday night after claiming that a locally made rocket was fired from Gaza at the western Negev.
Arab parliament discusses breaking Gaza siege
Ali Salem Al-Dakbasi, the chairman of the Arab parliamentary union, has said that the parliament’s session in the period September 18-21 would deliberate means of busting the Gaza blockade.
‘We have no idea what’s going to happen to Gaza’
A cool breeze blows in from the sea across scrub-covered sand as we encounter a procession of two dozen porter-pushed wheelchairs carrying Palestinian women, children and a few men blessed with Israeli permits to seek medical treatment in hospitals in Jerusalem and abroad. Several clutch large envelopes containing medical records; a boy wears a surgical mask over his nose and mouth. Hundreds more sick and dying Palestinians await permission in besieged and blockaded Gaza where specialist care is not available.
Palestinians to boycott Israeli products in national campaign
Ramallah: The Palestinian National Initiative said on Monday that 85 per cent of the world recognises the Palestinian national rights, calling for an immediate boycott of Israeli products. Addressing a press conference here, Dr Mustafa Al Barghouti, Secretary-General of the Initiative, said that Israeli products worth $3 billion are sold in the Palestinian Territories.
http://gulfnews.com/news/region/palestinian-territories/palestinians-to-boycott-israeli-products-in-national-campaign-1.869785
MORE THAN 500 Israeli artists have signed a petition to boycott a new cultural centre which opened last night in the West Bank settlement of Kiryat Arba, next to Hebron.
http://www.irishtimes.com/newspaper/world/2011/0920/1224304411710.html
The Wadi Hilweh Information Center “Run for Silwan” marathon is set to start today at 5:30pm. Is this correct? Or do you mean 5:30am? The marathon, organized as a joint effort between the Center and international solidarity groups, will run from Abu Dis University to Wadi Hilweh in Silwan. The marathon is open to anyone who wishes to enter, with international activists running alongside the youth of Silwan. The Information Center cites its hope to highlight the suffering of youth in East Jerusalem in general and Silwan in particular, in organizing this marathon. The event places the spotlight on such issues as Israel’s separation Wall, that cuts through East Jerusalem and separates it from villages in the West Bank. The Wall has created extreme social isolation between communities and contributed to the cultural and economic damage waged on the Palestinian public.
http://silwanic.net/?p=20347
Please support the first Students for Justice in Palestine national conference. This kind of campus organizing is vital, and these students need your financial support to make the conference a reality.
https://mondoweiss.net/2011/09/the-time-is-right-for-strengthening-our-movement-students-for-justice-in-palestine%e2%80%99s-first-national-conference.html
But at UC Irvine, the case of student protesters who disrupted a speech on campus by the Israeli ambassador last year appears to not have resonated. In a Santa Ana courtroom Monday, closing arguments will be heard in a case involving Muslim students and the right to free speech. But the so-called Irvine 11 trial, the issues of which are deeply rooted at UC Irvine, has not quite resonated on campus — yet.
Is Tea Party Congressman Joe Walsh supporting a one-state solution for Palestine?, Ali Abunimah
Illinois Republican Congressman Joe Walsh has introduced a resolution in the US House of Representatives that seems to support formal Israeli apartheid. Or does it in fact support a one-state solution with equal voting rights for Israelis and Palestinians alike?
http://electronicintifada.net/blog/ali-abunimah/tea-party-congressman-joe-walsh-supporting-one-state-solution-palestine
Gov. Rick Perry will hold an open press media event with Israeli and American leaders tomorrow morning in New York City pegged to United Nations negotiations around Palestinian statehood, NBC News confirms. The Jerusalem Post first reported the news. Perry, a fierce critic of the Obama administration’s policy toward Israel, wrote in a Friday Wall Street Journal op-ed that the United States should use its veto to nix the United Nation’s recognition of a Palestinian state.
‘Palestinians need just two more Security Council votes in bid for statehood’
Palestinian Foreign Minister says attempts underway to win over Gabon, Nigeria and Bosnia-Herzegovina, in quest for UNSC majority; U.S. has vowed to veto the proposal if it cannot garner a blocking majority.
http://www.haaretz.com/news/diplomacy-defense/palestinians-need-just-two-more-security-council-votes-in-bid-for-statehood-1.385604?localLinksEnabled=false
Report; “Israeli-Palestinian Team Prepares For Coordinated Activities”
Israeli sources reported that a Palestinian-Israeli team was formed to coordinate the activities of the Israeli Army and the Palestinian Security Forces in the event of clashes following the declaration of the Palestinian State at the UN.
Palestinians insist on terms for Israel talks
Foregin minister says Israel must accept terms of reference before negotiations can resume, as suggested by Netanyahu.
Palestinians will submit UN membership letter (AP)
AP – The Palestinians brushed aside heated Israeli objections and a promised U.S. veto Monday, vowing to submit a letter formally requesting full U.N. membership when Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas addresses the General Assembly.
Diplomatic quartet meets to try to kickstart negotiations, as France admits showdown with US will damage Palestinian cause. Barack Obama arrived at the United Nations on Monday evening as pressure intensified on the Palestinian leadership to abandon its plan to ask the UN security council to declare the occupied territories a Palestinian state.
Israeli PM requests meeting in New York to relaunch “direct negotiations” as Palestinians prepare for UN membership bid.
The U.N.’s ‘momentous’ Palestinian statehood dilemma (The Week)
The Week – World leaders are gathering in New York for what could be the most dramatic showdown since Israel was created in 1947
Jordan’s King says Israel must choose if it is fortress or part of Mideast
As UN vote on Palestinian statehood looms, Jordan King warns of possible ‘negative impact’ from ongoing negotiations stalemate; says U.S. veto against Palestinian statehood at UN Security Council would only further isolate Israel.
In UN week, Saudi says to ease Palestinian crisis (Reuters)
Reuters – Saudi Arabia will pay $200 million to the Palestinian Authority, the official Palestinian news agency said on Monday, funds that will ease a financial crisis faced by the authority as it prepares to apply for full U.N. membership this week.
Statehood must mean liquidation of the occupation
PA Chairman Mahmoud Abbas has assured the Palestinian masses that a possible recognition of statehood by the UN won’t be at the expense of other fundamental Palestinian rights.
Palestinian refugees in Lebanon eye statehood bid with skepticism, Moe Ali Nayel
Palestinian refugees in Lebanon aren’t exactly holding their breath over the upcoming bid to have an independent Palestinian state voted into the United Nations.
Europe Divided Over Palestinian State
BERLIN — Divisions that have surfaced within the European Union over recognition of the Palestinian Authority as an independent and sovereign state are unlikely to be resolved ahead of a crucial vote in the United Nations next week. A two-state settlement is part of the long-term official EU line on the Palestinian-Israeli conflict.
Noam Chomsky: The U.S. & Israel Strongly Oppose “Rise of Any Meaningful Democracy” in Middle East
Earlier this month, Turkey expelled Israel’s ambassador and other senior diplomats after the release of a United Nations report on Israel’s attack on the Gaza-bound aid flotilla in 2010. The report accused Israel of “excessive and unreasonable force” in its attacks on the Gaza aid ship, Mavi Marmara, which killed nine people. But it also called on Israel to issue a statement of regret and compensate the families of the dead, as well as the wounded passengers. The Israeli prime minister, Benjamin Netanyahu, refused to apologize. We talk to MIT Professor Emeritus Noam Chomsky about the relationship between Turkey and Egypt, long key allies for Israel, and how the deterioration of their relations “contributes very substantially to Israel’s isolation in the region.” [includes rush transcript]
Guardian Focus podcast: What will UN recognition of a Palestinian state mean?
The UN is gathering in New York where it will shortly be approached by the Palestinian Authority to ask for recognition of statehood. Barack Obama has already said this will be rebuffed by the US, which will exercise its veto if it comes before the security council, but the Palestinians are sure to get a majority vote in the general assembly, meaning they will be upgraded to ‘member status’.
As Palestinians Push for Statehood, Israel Finds Itself Isolated, Karl Vick
There are links between nations, cordial relations, firm bonds, alliances and strategic partnerships. But what Turkey and Israel had in mind just four years ago was something akin to being joined at the hip.
Palestine’s UN Initiatives: Questions and Answers on the Representation of the Rights of the Palestinian People
As an organisation dedicated to the protection and promotion of human rights in the Occupied Palestinian Territory (OPT), Al-Haq analysed the legal and political implications of the upcoming Palestinian UN initiatives on the protection of the rights of the Palestinian people under international law. By adhering to a strict application of international law and contemporary legal practice, Al-Haq’s legal briefs on the UN initiatives seek to bring some clarity to the questions and concerns raised in the public debate and highlight, where appropriate, potential threats to the full exercise of all the Palestinian people’s rights.
Which countries recognise Palestine already? – interactive
Palestinian leader Mahmoud Abbas is to this week make a bid for UN membership. Click below to see the countries that already recognise Palestine as a nation, and the proportion of the world’s population and economy they account for.
Turkey Predicts Alliance With Egypt as Regional Anchors, Anthony Shadid
A newly assertive Turkey offered on Sunday a vision of a starkly realigned Middle East, where the country’s former allies in Syria and Israel fall into deeper isolation, and a burgeoning alliance with Egypt underpins a new order in a region roiled by revolt and revolution.
President Abdullah Gul meets German Chancellor during four-day visit to Germany; Germany’s interests in Middle East hurt by Israel-Turkey diplomatic crisis.
http://www.haaretz.com/news/diplomacy-defense/germany-s-merkel-presses-turkey-president-to-end-rift-with-israel-1.385578?localLinksEnabled=false
Israeli Defense Minister Ehud Barak and his US counterpart Leon Panetta met Monday at the Pentagon to discuss political changes in the region ahead of the Palestinian bid for statehood at the United Nations. At the second Pentagon meeting for the two defense leaders since Panetta became Defense Secretary in July “Panetta and Barak each stressed the importance of the close security ties that bind the two nations, including America’s continued commitment to ensuring Israel’s qualitative military edge,” Douglas Wilson, a Pentagon spokesman, said in a statement.
http://www.rawstory.com/rs/2011/09/20/u-s-israeli-military-chiefs-meet/
New revelations in Jonathan Pollard’s suggest he first approached Australia with information, was rejected, turned to Israel by default
Yet they just made it easier for Israeli regime war criminals to travel to the UK: Theresa May defends decision to exclude Palestinian activist from UK
As high court decides upon legality of Sheikh Raed Salah’s detention, home secretary admits tougher line on extremism. The home secretary, Theresa May, has defended her decision to exclude the Palestinian political activist Sheikh Raed Salah from Britain, insisting that she will take pre-emptive action against those who encourage extremism.
http://www.guardian.co.uk/politics/2011/sep/20/theresa-may-sheikh-raed-salah
TV channel head quits after revolutionising Middle East broadcasting for past eight years, especially during Arab Spring. Qatar‘s government has replaced Wadah Khanfar, the director-general of the al-Jazeera satellite TV network, with a member of its own royal family – a sudden and dramatic move at a time of unprecedented turmoil across the Middle East.
http://www.guardian.co.uk/media/2011/sep/20/al-jazeera-wadah-khanfar-replaced
“They Just Started Shooting Us from Everywhere”: Scores of Protesters Killed in Yemen
In Yemen, the government’s violent crackdown on protesters has intensified, leading to the bloodiest two days in several months. At least 21 protesters have been killed today in the capital of Sana’a. On Sunday, 26 demonstrators were gunned down, and hundreds were injured. Demonstrators are calling for an end to President Ali Abdullah Saleh’s 33-year rule as he has repeatedly broken promises to step down. Last week, Saleh authorized his vice president to negotiate a transfer of power with the opposition. The initiative was proposed by the six-nation Gulf Cooperation Council and sets the path for a peaceful transition of power from Saleh, who has ruled Yemen since 1978. We go to Yemen for an update from Abdul-Ghani al-Iryani, a political analyst based in Sana’a and co-founder of the Democratic Awakening Movement. [includes rush transcript]
http://www.democracynow.org/2011/9/19/they_just_started_shooting_us_from
The meeting, which aimed to discuss the country’s six-month crisis and coordinate the opposition figures’ stances, brought forward a “three nos” principle for dealing with the crisis: “No to international intervention, no sectarianism, and no violence.” At the meeting, the participants warned that unless the government works for ending the crisis and convenes a national dialogue conference, they would escalate the situation in all peaceful diplomatic, legal and political ways, including announcing a general strike and overall civil rebellion. Samir Aita, a member of activist network Local Coordination Committees (LCC) who attended the meeting, warned Sunday against calls for foreign intervention in Syria. He announced the opposition’s acceptance to dialogue, “but after the withdrawal of the Syrian army” from all restive areas and the cessation of killings. He said the LCC would hold a parallel meeting in Berlin, Germany, on Sept. 28 while insisting that the opposition hold meetings inside Syria.
Study: Invasion led to spike in Iraq widows (AP)
AP – A study released Sunday by a global humanitarian aid organization concluded that three out of every five widows in Iraq lost their husbands in the years of violence that followed the 2003 invasion.
The New York Times’ ethically challenged Jerusalem Bureau Chief Ethan Bronner just won’t quit. Today, in an article on the deteriorating relations between Israel and Turkey, Bronner cited a professor from Bar Ilan University named Efraim Inbar as “a specialist on Turkish politics.”
The countdown to September 23 has begun. On that day, if he does not renege on his September 16 speech, Mahmoud ‘Abbas will present a formal request for full UN membership for a state of Palestine. The UN Security Council, which must approve such requests, will not do so, because the United States will act upon its repeated vows to exercise its veto. And then? The world, by all indications, will denounce the Obama administration for rank hypocrisy. How can President Barack Obama deliver speech after speech endorsing Palestinian statehood in principle and then block it in practice? Several advisers to ‘Abbas, the nominal president of the Palestinian Authority (PA), think the embarrassment to the White House will be enough to make the point. Others want him to rub Obama’s nose in it, taking a request for upgraded non-member observer status to the General Assembly. When that proposal passes overwhelmingly, they insist, the PA will have declared its independence of the United States, specifically the US monopoly on the Israeli-Palestinian “peace process.” The Palestinians, meanwhile, might be one big step closer to full voting UN membership, since no polity seeking statehood would have achieved this status before. And they might win access to UN bodies like the International Criminal Court, where Palestinian claims against Israel could then be pursued directly. It would be, as these advisers like to say, istihqaq Aylul, loosely translated, “the September claim of our just due.” And then?
http://www.merip.org/mero/mero091611
Shin Bet – An ingrained culture of torture and deceits, Dr. Hanan Chehata
Known at different times by various names (the General Security Service [GSS], the Israeli Security Agency [ISA], Shabak], Shin Bet is Israel’s internal security and counter-intelligence service. Its role includes the interrogation of “suspects”; exposing “terrorist” rings; counter-espionage; the protection of the state president and so on. It is one of three branches of the Israeli intelligence community.
http://www.middleeastmonitor.org.uk/resources/briefing-papers/2838-shin-bet-an-ingrained-culture-of-torture-and-deceits
‘An Important Irritant’: The Attack on the Mavi Marmara, Jeremy Salt
In September, 2010, the UN General Assembly’s Human Rights Council issued a report on the Israeli attack on the Mavi Marmara. It concluded that the blockade of the Gaza Strip was unlawful; that the blockade constituted collective punishment of the civilian population of Gaza; that the interception of the Mavi Marmara ‘cannot be justified even under Article 51 [self defence] of the UN Charter’; that the attack involved violations of human rights law and international humanitarian law, and that the flotilla posed no threat to Israeli security.
The same Zionist propagandists who had falsely claimed that three Iranian soldiers were found in South Lebanon fighting in 2006 during the July Israeli war on Lebanon are now peddling the stupid story that Iranian and Hizbullah soldiers are helping the Syrian regime. As if the lousy Syrian regime needs help in shooting at demonstrators, and as if this requires some extra military skill.
