Category: Diplomacy

P.A cabinet minister and chief negotiation Dr. Saeb Erekat said that he will be meeting with Sharon’s advisor Dov Weisglass on Sunday, in order to prepare for Abbas-Sharon summit scheduled…

The Palestinian Legislative Council decided to from a formal investigation unit in order to probe the death of the late Palestinian President, Yasser Arafat. After the death of Arafat, the…

Secretary of the Palestinian Legislative Council, Sameer Hleila, denied reports which were published on Wednesday afternoon, claiming that the Palestinian Prime Minister, Ahmad Qurei, Abu Ala’, suffered a heart attack,…

Leaders of the Palestinian factions residing in Damascus agreed to refrain from using weapons to resolve internal problems, and affirmed the right of the Palestinian people to resist the occupation.…

Deputy Jordanian Prime Minister, Marwan Muasher, stated on Monday that King Abdullah of Jordan, has postponed his visit to Israel and the Palestinian territories, and set no new date for…

The Palestinian parliamentary committee, which is designated to discuss the security deteriorating in the Palestinian areas, recommended the parliament vote no-confidence against the government of Qurei. The parliamentary committee was…

Physicians For Human Rights organization (PHR) demanded the Israeli Prime Minister Ariel Sharon to release all o the Palestinian detainees from in Israeli detention facilities as a good will gesture.…

The UN Commission of Human Rights (UNCHR) held Israel responsible for the death of 33 newborn babies, after soldiers banned the mothers, while laboring, from crossing military roadblocks on their…

The Ruling Fateh movement won, on Friday, in 61 out of 104 local councils in the West Bank, yet Hamas movement won in 50% of the councils it contested, around…

Israeli Prime minister, Ariel Sharon, dismissed the statements of his advisor regarding possibility that Israel would consider another pullout from the West Bank in the future. Sharon also said that…

The Palestinian Authority condemned the Israeli attacks in the Palestinian territories, saying that the attacks violate the fourth Geneva conventions and the international law. Tawfik Abu Khousa, spokesperson of the…

A senior U.S official said on Wednesday that the Palestinian president Mahmoud Abbas will visit Washington October 20, 2005, in order to meet with the US President George W. Bush.…

The Palestinian Minister of Foreign Affair, Nasser Al-Kidweh, speaking at a press conference held at his office in Ramallah on Wednesday, said that Israel must immediately halt its attacks against…

John Dugard, Special Rapporteur of the Commission on Human Rights on the situation of human rights in the Palestinian territories occupied by Israel since 1967, reported that Israel is conducting…

Islamic Resistance Movement, Hamas, demanded the Palestinian Authority to set a date for elections in Nablus municipality,’soon and without delays’. “We appreciate and respect the efforts of the current council”,…

A senior Egyptian official reported on Tuesday that the Tuesday Palestinian-Egyptian summit, between the Palestinian president Mahmoud Abbas, and the Egyptian president Hosney Mubarak, will focus on restoring calm, and…

The Likud Central Committee voted on Monday evening, in favor of the Israeli Prime Minister, Ariel Sharon, by voting against holding early primaries for the Likud. Tzahi Hanegbi, Likud Central…

A senior Israeli military source reported, on Monday, that most of the Palestinian residents arrested over the last two days, after Israel launched its “Operation First Rain”, are candidates representing…

The Palestinian Authority called off the summit meeting between the Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas and the Israeli Prime Minister Ariel Sharon scheduled for October 2, Israeli officials said on Sunday.…

Palestinian Prime Minister, Ahmad Qurei, said on Sunday that Israel is carrying assaults against peace and stability in the area, after striking the Gaza Strip over night, and arresting 210…

Israeli online daily Haaretz reported on Saturday the King Abdullah of Jordan will visit Israel and the Palestinian territories in the coming days. According to Haaretz, Jordanian media reports quoted…

“The road of liberating Gaza will be completed by liberating the West Bank, Jerusalem, and establishing our Palestinian independent state in the occupied territories since 1967”. Palestinian president Mahmoud Abbas,…

The Arab member countries of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), are seeking to get Israel condemned as a threat to the Middle East peace for having nuclear weapons, Reuters…

Sheikh Mohammad Ghazal, one of Hamas political leaders in Nablus, denied reports that the movement modified its internal charter which calls for the destruction of Israel, and added that the…

The Islamic Resistance Movement, Hamas, said that it rejects to become a political party after the upcoming Palestinian Legislative Elections. Mosheer Al Masry, Hamas media spokesperson, said that the movement…

Mohammad Ghazal, one of Hamas political leaders in the West Bank, told Reuters that his movement could change a charter in its policy which calls for the destruction of the…

Israeli Prime Minister, Ariel Sharon, dismissed speculations regarding plans to leave the Likud party and form a new one if he loses the primary elections. “I will not leave the…

Israeli Prime Minister Ariel Sharon said on Friday that he has plans to meet with the Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas, Israeli sources reported.  Sharon threatened to thwart the Palestinian parliamentary…

The Israeli Defense Ministry announced on Thursday that it wants to return to Lebanon the body of Hezbollah fighter killed two months ago on the northern border. The International Red…

Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas cancelled his visit to New York where he was scheduled to attend the United Nations General Assembly, following the assassination of his Mousa Arafat, Abbas’ military…

God wanted to punish the U.S. President George W. Bush for his support for the unilateral disengagement plan, in which Israel evacuated 21 settlements in the Gaza Strip and four…

Egyptian officials in Cairo denied reports that the Egyptian President Hosny Mubarak is planning to visit Israel, saying that he does not plan to leave Egypt until the end of…

   

The United Arab Emirates officially denied reports published by the Israeli media concerning opening an Israeli diplomatic mission in Dubai, and confirmed its commitment to the Arab Peace Initiative which…

Israeli newspaper Yedioth Ahronoth reported that Israel opened recently a secret diplomatic trade mission in Dubai in the Arabic Gulf, which operates in accordance of preconditions set by the authorities…

Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas will meet with the Israeli Prime Minister Ariel Sharon at the end of September, after they return from the United Nations general Assembly meeting, scheduled for…

Israeli newspaper Maariv reported on Thursday that intensive secret talks are ongoing between Jordan and Israel, to prepare for an expected visit of King Abdullah of Jordan, to Israel. High…

The Israeli Knesset approved on Wednesday on Wednesday the Israeli – Egyptian Philadilphi deal, to deploy 750 Egyptian troops at the Philadilphi route, on the Gaza Egypt borders, after Israeli…

Egyptian intelligence Chief Omar Suleiman is currently formulating a proposal which he claims will end the Palestinian – Israeli dispute over the freedom of movement of Palestinian residents and goods through the…

The United States has rescinded its demand for Israel to implement the joined, U.S. – Israeli marking of the boundaries of the Israeli settlements in the West Bank, Israeli and…

The Islamic Jihad Movement in Palestine denied reports which were published by the media regarding its intention to run in the upcoming Palestinian Legislative elections, scheduled for January 25, 2006.…

Top aides of the Israeli Prime Minister, Ariel Sharon, believe that he should quit the Likud party and form a new one to participate in the upcoming Knesset elections. Sharon…

Palestinian Labor Minister, Hasan Abu Libdeh, said on Monday that his ministry is planning a huge employment project which will provide 10.000 residents with job opportunities. “The Labor Ministry is…

Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas said that the parliamentary elections will be held on January 25, 2006. “The Parliamentary elections will be held in all of the Palestinian areas on Wednesday,…

Head of the Higher Elections Committee, Jamal Shobaky, said that the committee decided to postpone the local election in 27 areas out of 132 in the West Bank and the…

The Islamic Jihad movement in Palestine called on the Palestinian Authority, especially the Legislative Council, in order to close the political detainees file, and release them from Jericho detention facility.…

Secretary General of the Arab League, Amr Mousa said that there are no new Arab initiatives for peace in the Middle East other than the one presented in Beirut, Palestine…

Amr Mousa, Secretary General of the Arab League, said on Monday that the peace initiative that was approved by the Arab summit in Beirut in March 2002 and officially confirmed…

The Palestinian Ministry of the Interior and National Security reported on Monday that General Jamal abu Zayed, deputy minister of the interior, and Israeli Defense Ministry Deputy Director General Moshe…

The Fateh Central Committee met on Sunday evening to discuss preparations for ensuring security in the Palestinian areas during the Israeli withdrawal and other security issues in the Gaza Strip.…

The Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) announced that it will begin its process of ‘progressive engagement’ – a process that could ultimately lead to divestment – with five companies it says contribute…

Palestinian Cabinet Minister Saeb Erekat said on Thursday that the Israeli decision to construct a new settlement in Jerusalem is a direct violation of international law and negatively affects the…

Palestinian President, Mahmoud Abbas, met with James Wolfensohn, the Quartet’s disengagement envoy, in Gaza, in order to coordinate between the Palestinian Authority and Israel to ensure a ‘peaceful’ withdrawal from…

Dr. Ghassan Hamadan, head of the Nablus office of the Palestinian Medical Relief, said that the Spanish authorities detained him for more than eight hours at the Madrid Airport without…

The U.S. administration has deepened the crisis with Israel over the Israel’s weapon-related exports by refusing to rescind the sanctions against Israel, Ze’ev Schiff, a prominent military expert wrote in…

At least 65 people were killed in a series of powerful explosions that rocked the Egyptian Red Sea resort of Sharm el Sheik early Saturday, Egypt’s interior minister said. There…

Blasts at Underground stations and on a bus caused panic in London last night just two weeks after fatal attacks that claimed the lives of 56 people and wounded hundreds.…

General Mustafa Boheiry, assistant director of the Egyptian intelligence, met with Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas, on Sunday, in an attempt to reduce tension and violence between Hamas fighters and Palestinian Authority security…

U.S secretary of State Condoleezza decided to visit Israel and the Palestinian territories this week, after she altered her scheduled visit in response to the escalating violence in the area.…

Palestinian Ministry of Interior accused Israel of violating the Sharm al-Sheikh understandings, and lack of seriousness in implementing key points of the agreement. The ministry said that Israel did not…

Palestinian Minister of Economy Mazin Sinnukrut said on Thursday that the Quartet envoy to the Middle East, James Wolfensohn, informed him that there is a progress in Israel’s attitude towards…

Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas called on Arab countries to grant citizenship rights to Palestinian refugees, saying that the move would not undermine the refugees’ right of return. In a TV…

European Union foreign policy chief Javier Solana slammed Israel for the Wall Israel is building around and through Jerusalem. The 60-kilometer section of the wall is half built. Two days…

British Prime Minister Tony Blair said Saturday that the situation in the Middle East was one of the essential causes of Thursday’s London bombings. ‘The solution cannot only be security…

The General Assembly of the United Church of Christ, (UCC) decided in it 25 convention to selectively divest from companies involved with Israel’s occupation of the west bank and Gaza,…

In their summit, the G8 leaders approved $3 billion in aide to the Palestinian Authority to support the economy over the next three years. The plan was submitted to the…

Head of the metropolitan Police, Sir Ian Blair, said in the wake of the London bombing that it will be very difficult now to determine the death toll, but it…

At least 2 people have been killed in a series of explosions that rocked the British capitol of London on Thursday morning, a ccording to the BBC news website. Blasts occurred between Aldgate…

Following the death of Palestinian veteran leader Yasser Arafat, most world leaders are pointing to a window of opportunity in the Palestinian-Israeli crisis. Some believe that lifting the ban imposed…

Leaders of Hamas and other Palestinian factions based abroad are planning to move to the Gaza Strip after the Israeli withdrawal, a senior Palestinian source reported on Monday. Senior officials at…

Palestinian and Israeli sources reported on Saturday that the two sides agreed to close the Rafah Border Crossing in the Gaza Strip for departures and keep it opened to arrivals.…

The Anglican Consultative Council, A leading body for Anglican Christians, unanimously passed a resolution to put pressure on firms that support Israel’s occupation of the Palestinian territories. Meeting in the central…

Thursday morning, American diplomats were allowed to drive in West Bank areas after the US State Department changed its warning, but the officials were warned of violent settlers. The diplomats…

U.S. diplomats visit the Gaza Strip breaking 18-month-boycott following the killing of three U.S. gecurity Guards in October 2003 by a roadside bomb near the Erez military crossing.  USAID donated…

The United States is putting together a $3 billion international aid package for the Gaza Strip after Israeli withdrawal, according to a Friday’ New York Times report. The U.S. hopes…

During a joint press conference held in Ramallah on Saturday after U.S. secretary of state Condoleezza Rice met Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas, Rice described the disengagement plan as the best…

U.S. secretary of state Condoleezza Rice told Israeli Defense Minister Shaul Mofaz that the U.S. expects Israel to make more goodwill gestures toward the Palestinians in the coming days. During…

Saturday afternoon, Palestinian legislators passed a new election law setting a later date for the legislative election originally slated for July 17, 2005. The law was proposed by the Palestinian…

Israeli sources reported U.S. security of State Condoleezza Rice has arrived in the country early Saturday.  The source said that Rice is en-route to Ramallah as she is scheduled to…

The Israeli-Palestinian security committee continues its meetings in bid to coordinate the intended Israeli pullout from the Gaza Strip, Wednesday night, while the Palestinian Authority is preparing to welcome the…

In a move described as a political-strategic turnaround with respect to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, the European Union decided to renew low-level talks with Hamas, Israeli sources reported. The EU has…

The Palestinian Foreign Minister Nasser Al-Kidwa on Tuesday was pessimistic about the chances for the upcoming Sharon-Abbas summit meeting saying it he does not expect a diplomatic breakthrough. However, Al-Kidwa…

Israel ambassador to the United Nations, Dan Gillerman will be the next vice president of the United Nations General Assembly, Israeli sources reported on Tuesday. The source also said that…

Farouq Qaddoumi, head of the political bureau of the Palestinian Liberation Organization, PLO, head of the Fatah Central Committee, said that that the position of the Palestinian vice president should…

Ahead of the summit that will join the Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas and the Israeli Prime Minister Ariel Sharon, scheduled for June 21, several diplomats are planning meet with both…

The US Congressional House International Relations Committee, on June 8, approved a bill that calls for specific reforms at the United Nations. Congress demanded the United Nations General Assembly to…

The Palestinian Ministry of Interior and National Security, expressed concerns that Israeli might launch a wide scaled military operation in the Gaza Strip. The ministry said that Israeli military planes…

Palestinian Minister of Civil Affairs, Mohammad Dahlan, said that the Israeli government is obstructing its own withdrawal from the Gaza Strip, and obstructing cooperation with the Palestinian Authority. Dahlan added…

Arab MKs boycotted Monday a special meeting of the Knesset plenum held to mark “Jerusalem day” on the 38th anniversary of announcing the unification of the city following the 1967…

The Palestinian National Authority intends to collect the personal belongings and possessions of the late Palestinian president, Yasser Arafat, for a museum for his memory, Palestinian president Mahmoud Abbas said…

American officials expressed concerns over Hamas’ electoral rise in the Palestinian areas saying this poses a dilemma in defining ‘terrorists.’ Hinting that U.S. funding will be affected if Hamas wins…

Arab member of Knesset, Issam Makhoul, from the Hadash-Ta’al party, said that there is no possible comparison between those who reject the occupation, and those who reject to end it.…

Israeli Foreign Minister Silvan Shalom discussed with the United Nations Secretary General Kofi Annan in a Friday meeting the possibility of an Israeli seat on the UN Security Council. ‘The…

The Israeli Ynet news website published documents which showed that the US government estimated that Israel was misleading it and acting to acquire nuclear armaments. The documents show that the…

Israeli military sources were quoted as saying that Syria has test-fired Scud missiles last Friday, the New York Times reported. The military source also claimed one of the missiles broke…

In a two-day meeting opening, European Union foreign ministers and their counterparts from Arab countries and Israel debated political and economic cooperation between Europe and the Middle East. Observer described…

The U.S. Justice Department is expected to file indictments against two former senior American Israel Public Affairs Committee (AIPAC) staffers – Steve Rosen and Keith Weissman. According to sources in…

According to Israeli media sources, U.S. President George Bush told Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas that if the Palestinian Authority (PA) disarms Palestinian resistance groups, he would pressure Israel to dismantle…

Canada pledged, on Saturday, $9.7M aid to the P.A which to be used in housing projects, scholarships for Palestinian women living in Lebanon, and to improve the situation in the…

The United Nations labor agency said Friday that unemployment among Palestinian workers had hit a peak of 224,000 during the year 2004, indicating that approximately half the Palestinian population still…