Qurei: `“Palestinian factions will announce a truce within a few days`
Hasan Abu Libdeh, Palestinian Cabinet Secretary, said that the Palestinian PM, Ahmad Qurei, met on Sunday at night with Hamas leaders in the Gaza Strip, and leader of Palestinian movements…
Prisoners issue among four demands from Abbas to Sharon
Al-Sharq Al-Awsat newspaper quoted a senior Egyptian official on Monday as saying that the Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas will demand the release of 8000 Palestinian prisoners during his meeting with…
What is this ‘relative calm’?
When Israeli government officials report that there is ‘relative calm’ in the region, the American media line up to repeat the claim. But the reality, in almost every case where…
Massive anti-disengagement rally in Jerusalem
Tens of thousands gathered in Jerusalem Sunday evening to protest against the disengagement plan. Organizers of the protest said the number was close to quarter of a million, media sources…
Israel worried PA security in WB not ready for handover
Israel is worried that the PA security forces in the West Bank, unlike those in the Gaza Strip, have been completely debilitated in the last four years and are not…
Implementing absentee law made without AG consent
Israeli Attorney General Menachem Mazuz announced Monday the government’s decision to confiscate East Jerusalem property owned by Palestinians was made without his knowledge or consent.  Upon the request of…
Resident killed in Rafah
A Palestinian medical source in Rafah reported that the resident who was killed earlier on Sunday in Rafah was identified as Eid Abu Jreide’, 55 years old. Abu Jreide’ sustained…
Abbas Confirms Truce Deal with Factions
In an interview with the Egyptian AlSharq Alawsat newspaper, Palestinian president Mahmoud Abbas affirmed that a truce agreement was reached with all Palestinian resistance groups, but that he was awaiting…
How were Unauthorized Settlers’ Outposts Established
The report prepared by state prosecutor office attorney Talai Sason reveals how most of the government institutions disregarded law and allowed the emergence of more than 120 settlers’ unauthorized outposts.…
Israel Plans to Destroy Arab Neighborhood in J’lem
Israel is planning to demolish an Arab neighborhood in Jerusalem, saying that the act is necessary to “protect†the separation wall built in the area.  Amitai Levy, the Border…
PA Security to Deploy in four WB cities on Wednesday
Palestinian security forces will deploy in four West Bank towns on Wednesday, as part of Israel’s gradual transfer of security control to the Palestinians, Palestinian source reported. Forces will deploy…
Abbas Confirms Truce Deal with Factions
Translated by Ghassan Andoni-IMEMC In an interview with the Egyptian AlSharq Alawsat newspaper, Palestinian president Mahmoud Abbas affirmed that a truce agreement was reached with all Palestinian resistance groups, but…
Hamas’ Election Celebrations Turns Violent, 20 Hurt
A Hamas’s political rally turned violent Saturday, as supporters of the Islamic movement and those of Fatah clashed. At least 30 people were hurt. The clash, which took place in…
Sharon to Seek Approval of New Wall Route Prior to Meeting Abbas
Israeli Prime Minister Ariel Sharon will present the changed route of the southern section of the separation wall to the cabinet for approval two days before his expected meeting with…
U.S. Eager to Revive Trilateral Security Cooperation
Israeli senior officials said Saturday that the United States is eager to revive the trilateral security cooperation, involving Israel, Palestinians and the CIA in order to stabilize the security situation…
Egypt to Train Gaza Security Officers
The Palestinian Minister of Foreign Affairs Nabil Sha’ath, on Saturday, said 40 police officers will arrive in Egypt next week to receive training as part of the new security arrangements…
Protest against the Wall south of Hebron
Friday morning, at least 700 residents of Hebron , and dozens of international peace activists protested in Khalyel Al-Maghribi and Khallet Al-Dar, near the southern West Bank city of Hebron…
Protest against the Wall south of Hebron
Friday morning, at least 700 residents of Hebron , and dozens of international peace activists protested in Khalyel Al-Maghribi and Khallet Al-Dar, near the southern West Bank city of Hebron…
Rafah crossing to be opened Monday, Karni on Tuesday
Saturday morning, a Palestinian security source reported that the Israeli side informed the Palestinian Authority that it intends to open Rafah border crossing next Monday, and Karni Crossing on Tuesday.…
Soldiers on Huwwara checkpoint use secret cameras
Palestinenet news website reported on Sunday that dozens of residents crossing Huwwara checkpoint, near the northern West Bank city of Nablus, discovered that soldiers based in monitoring towers surrounding the…
Resident killed in Khan Younis, three injured
Saturday afternoon, a Palestinian security source in Khan Younis, in the southern part of the Gaza Strip, reported that Israeli soldiers killed one resident, injured three others after firing at…
Resident dies of wounds sustained earlier in Khan Younis
Dr. Moawiya Hassanen, head of the emergency unit at the ministry of health, reported that a resident of Al-Amal neighborhood in Khan Younis died of wounds sustained three weeks ago.…
Four residents, including a child, arrested in Hebron
Saturday afternoon, Israeli soldiers invaded the southern West Bank city of Hebron, and the neighboring the village of Yatta, conducted military searches of homes and arrested four residents. A local…
Senior Israeli and Palestinian officials meet to prepare for Summit
Palestinian Minister of Defense Mohammed Dahlan is to meet with Israeli Defense Minister Shaul Mofaz Saturday evening to plan the details for the upcoming Summit between Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas…
Israeli-Hezbollah Prisoner exchange deal being negotiated
The Lebanon-based Hezbollah organization is negotiating the second stage of a prisoner-exchange deal with Israel, stated Hezbollah Secretary General Sheikh Hassan Nasrallah on Saturday to Lebanese newspapers As-Safir and Al-Mustaqbal.…
Hamas Wins 77 out of 118 Seats in Local Election in Gaza Strip
The Palestinian Central Election Committee announced the final results of the elections that were held in ten local councils in the Gaza Strip, declaring that Hamas candidates won 77 of…
Putin Suggests Russia Will Sell Missiles to Syria
Despite objections by Israel and the United States, the Russian President Vladimir Putin suggested Friday that the planned sale of missiles between Russia and Syria will go on as planned.…
UN Council reprimands Lebanon on Shaba Farms
The United Nations Security Council on Friday approved a resolution declaring that the occupied Shaba Farms were not part of Lebanon. {mosimage}The resolution also extended the mandate of the UN…
Consequencies of Local Palestinian Elections
‘Abbas needs to deal with, an ever pressing for more, Sharon, needs to face the Bush’s global war against terrorism fantasies and live with a growing in influence Islamic movement.’…
Global democracy: will it stand the test?
US President George Bush tickled the fancy of lovers of democracy the world over when he focused his inaugural address in Washington on the priority of fighting tyranny and standing…
Palestinians at Davos Optimistic, yet Concerned
Palestinian leaders called Friday for the resumption of negotiations with Israel, warning that the newly created spirit will not endure due to the withdrawal from Gaza alone. ‘We cannot be…
Peres, Fayad Agree on Need to Upgrade Wall Crossings
Israeli vice Premier Shimon Peres and Palestinian Finance Minister Salam Fayad met Friday during the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland, and agreed on the need to upgrade the crossings…
JNF, Treasury Seeking Ways to Keep Jews-only Land Sales
The Jewish National Fund and the Finance Ministry are discussing ways to separate the JNF from the state, to allow it to continue selling land to Jews only. {mosimage}Israeli sources…
Hamas Wins Big in Gaza Vote
Semi-official results of local elections for ten Gaza local councils show that Hamas has won overwhelmingly. Hamas won in seven of the ten municipal councils, including the three largest ones: Dir…
As PA Deploys Troops in Southern Gaza, Israeli Army Chief Orders Reduction of Offenses
‘Look, we have an army and we didn’t even know it,’ shouted one youth of the hundreds who lined along the streets of Rafah as the police convoy went by.…
Israeli Sources: Settlers bought land in Gaza Strip
The Israeli news website ArabYnet reported that Israeli settlers in Gaza Strip bought a piece of land approximately 30 Dunams, (7.5 Acres) adjacent to the settlement of Kfar Darom in…
What future for Walaja Village?
Several bulldozers, accompanied by Israeli military jeeps and police, arrived in Walaja village on Monday 17th January. They destroyed around ten small buildings, on the grounds that they were…
Sharon: A Historic Breakthrough with Palestinians
‘the conditions have been created that will enable us and the Palestinians to reach a historic breakthrough in our relations.’ Israeli Prime Minister Ariel Sharon said Thursday ‘the conditions have…
Palestinian Bodies Used for Army Anatomy Lesson
“Military doctors gave medics lessons in anatomy using the bodies of Palestinians killed by Israeli forces.†A Soldier testified to “Breaking the Silence†organization.  The Breaking the Silence organization has…
Strong Showing for Hamas in Gaza Local Elections
Hamas made a strong showing in first-ever municipal elections held on Thursday in the Gaza Strip, an exit poll showed.  The independent Palestinian Center for Policy and Survey Research…
PA Began Deployment in Southern Gaza
Palestinian security forces started Thursday evening deploying policemen in the south of the Gaza Strip. Hundreds of Policemen were deployed on the outskirts of city of Khan Yunis, in the…
Israel Debating Removing Two Top PA Security From `“wanted` List
Israeli army recommended pardoning Abu-Shbakh and Tirawi, Intelegence Cheif Dechter opposes the move. PA security Cheif, who are leading steps to protect Israel, are still ‘wanted’   Israeli Media sources has reported…
U.S. Israel Must Freeze Settlement Activities
Satterfield calls israel to freeze all settlement activities; Palestinians say we need to see action on ground, not only calls and positive talk.  U.S. Deputy Assistant Secretary of State David…
Abbas Awaiting Israel’s Response, Mofaz Denies Halting Targeted Killings
Abbas is waiting to hear Israel’s official response to Cease-fire offer; Dahlan says Israel agreed to hand Palestinians policing rights in som West bank cities; Mofaz denies accepting to halt…
Israeli Settlements in the West Bank
Israel’s settlements in the Occupied Palestinian Territories (OPT) violate numerous United Nations Security Council and General Assembly Resolutions. United Nations Security Council Resolution 242 (1967), drafted immediately after Israel occupied…
The West Bank Separation Wall
The Wall (also referred to as the “fence†or “security fenceâ€Â) which Israel is currently building in the northeast of the West Bank, starting from Jenin, as well as in…
BBC reporter barred from entering Israel
BBC reporter Simon Wilson was not allowed entry into Israel after accusing him of smuggling interviews conducted Peter Homan, of the Sunday Times newspaper, with the nuclear whistle blower Mordachai…
Shalom meets Rice at the White House
The Israeli online daily Haaretz reported that Shalom and Rice also discussed what was described as the Iranian nuclear threats, the Lebanese based Hezbollah party and the resumption of “strategic…
Abbas emphasizes Palestinian prisoners in meeting with Sharon
In his meeting with Israeli Prime Minister Ariel Sharon Wednesday evening, Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas emphasized the importance of freeing the nearly 7,000 Palestinian political prisoners currently being held by…
Gaza Local Elections: Ballot Stations Closed Doors at 7 P.M. Results on Friday
the 167 voting centers in which Gazans’ voted to elect the members of 10 local councils closed doors at seven p.m. official results to be anounced on friday morning. PA…
Israeli settlers assault Palestinian Police in Gaza Strip
A clash erupted between Israeli settlers and the Palestinian Police who redeployed in the area of Neve Dikalim in Gaza Strip. The clash, which is the first of its…
Palestinian Detainee Dies of fire in Majeddo Detention Camp
The Israeli Prison Authorities revealed in Thursday morning that a Palestinian detainee died, another wounded, after fire broke out in one of the tents in Majeddo detention. The detainee was…
Villagers of Huwwara complain of continuous settlers attacks
Palestine News Network (PNN) reported on Thursday that dozens of villagers from Huwwara, south of Nablus , complain of the continuous settlers attacks against them and their family farmlands. Hasan Sweity reported…
PHR warns Israel on immanent health disaster in Gaza
The humanitarian organization, Physicians for Human Rights (PHR), warned Israel in a report published Wednesday, that a health disaster is immanent in the Gaza Strip because of the Israeli procedures…
Shalom plays down truce; Resistance groups demand Israeli ceasefire
The Israeli online daily Haaretz reported that Israeli Foreign Minister Silvan Shalom and U.S. Secretary of State Condoleeza Rice met and discussed what was described as the Iranian nuclear threats,…
A Sharon, Abbas Summit in Two Weeks
Israel is expected to release hundreds of Palestinian prisoners as part of a package of steps and goodwill gestures, Israeli officials have said.  Israeli Prime Minister Ariel Sharon will…
Dozens of Settlers, Religious Soldiers Publicly Support Anti-Refusal
Dozens of religious soldiers and officers and settlers showed up Wednesday at Jerusalem’s Beit Agron to publicize their firm promise not to refuse orders.  Maj. Gen. (res.) Yaacov Amidror,…
Israeli AG: JNF Land Available to Non-Jews
Israeli right wing calls on Mazuz to resign, accusing him with giving preferal to the democratic over the Jewish character of the sate against the declaration of independence.  Israeli…
Abbas: Qalqilia Attack Jeopardizes Truce Efforts
Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas condemned the Israeli military operation in Qalqilia, warning it could harm his efforts to calm the situation. Following the targeted killing of the resistance activist in…
Abbas: Talks with Israel are promising
Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas said Wednesday that today’s contacts with Israeli offiicals were ‘promising in all aspects.’  Israel will transfer security control to the Palestinian security forces in four major Palestinian cities…
Settlers Compensation payments to add One Billion to State Deficit
Demands by Israel Knesset members to add NIS 500 million NIS in compensation for Gush Kativ settlers and settlers of the four small northern West Bank outposts and businesses to…
Russia relieves Syria of Soviet debts
The Russian minister of finance Alexi Kodreen reported Tuesday evening that Russia has agreed to cancel 73% (9.8 billion US Dollars) of debts owed by Syria to Moscow, while the…
Hezbollah to be added to the EU terrorist list
The new European Union ambassador to Israel Ramiro Cibrian-Uzal stated the Lebanon-based Hezbollah will be added to the terrorist list of the European Union. “It is only a matter of…
Qurei: `“The annexation wall destroys peace efforts in the area`
The Palestinian Prime Minister Ahmad Qorei said on Tuesday evening that Israeli is threatening efforts to revive the peace process by continuing the construction of the annexation wall in the…
Israeli Court allows details on Danish national accused of Spying for Hezbollah
The Israeli Security service allowed on Wednesday to publish details on the Danish national of Lebanese origin arrested in Israel on suspicions of spying for the Lebanese resistance party, Hezbollah.…
Olmert: No official decision to stop targeted killing
The deputy Israeli Prime Minister Ihud Olmert said on Wednesday that Israeli did not officially decide to stop the targeted killed against Palestinian resistance activists. Olmert told the Army Radio…
Baby killed by Israeli military fire in Dir Al-Balah
Wednesday morning, Israeli soldiers fired at dozens of homes in Dir Al-Balah killing a 3-year-old baby girl, and wounding three others residents, one seriously. A medical source at Al-Aqsa hospital…
Sharon tells Israeli army to shell Palestinian cities and villages in the Gaza Strip
A push by Ariel Sharon earlier this month to launch a large-scale military assault on all of the Palestinian Gaza Strip has been toned down somewhat after internal discussions with…
Knesset Committee Calls for Raising Settler’s Compensations
Knesset Finance Committee members are conditioning the approval of the settlers’ evacuation-compensation bill with increasing compensation offered to settlers, which would cause an extra NIS one billion deficit in the…
Army Demands Approval to Widen Philadelphi Route, Destroy Hundreds of Homes
The Israeli army has asked Israeli Attorney General Menachem Mazuz for permission to clear completely a 300-meter-wide strip along the Gazan-Egyptian border, which requires the demolition of several hundred of…
Israel, PA Resume Diplomatic Ties
Israeli Political sources said that aides to Israeli Prime Minister Ariel Sharon and those of Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas are expected to meet Wednesday evening or early Thursday, Reuters reported.…
Plans for Electronic Fence along Israel’s Borders with Egyptian
Israel plans to build an electronic fence along the Israeli-Egyptian border, from Eilat all the way to Kerem Shalom, on the southern tip of the Gaza Strip. No budgets have…
PA Security to Deploy in South Gaza on Wednesday
Israeli and Palestinian security officials, who met on Tuesday evening, have agreed upon the deployment of Palestinian police in southern Gaza. Hundreds of Palestinian officers are expected to begin deploying…
PA, Hamas Agree to Reform PLO
Palestinian Authority sources reported yesterday that an agreement in principle to integrate Hamas in PA diplomatic decision making was reached on Tuesday. According to the same source, a ‘supreme diplomatic…
Israel to Halt Targeting Resistance Activists
Israeli security officials confirmed Wednesday that Israel will stop the policy of targeting Palestinian resistance operatives, therefore, fulfilling a key Palestinian demand for a truce to end four years of…
National Religious Party criticizes Israeli army decision to disband religious army units
The former National Religious Party Chairman MK (Member of Knesset) Effi Eitam responded to Tuesday’s decision by the Israeli government to disband the “hesder yeshiva†religious army units by saying…
Olmert: No official decision to stop targeted killing
The deputy Israeli Prime Minister Ihud Olmert said on Wednesday that Israeli did not officially decide to stop the targeted killed against Palestinian resistance activists. Olmert told the Army Radio…
Israeli Army Concerned Over Rise in Soldiers’ Drug Abuse
A high ranking officer in the Israeli Army said on Monday there are increasing signs on a widespread drug abuse among the soldiers. The official expressed serious concerns about his…
Peres: `“Israeli should aid Abbas gain popular support for his policies`
Israeli vice Premier Shimon Peres told the army Radio on Monday that Israeli should conducted procedures to facilitate the policy of Mahmoud Abbas such as removing the obstacles of checkpoints.…
P.A Security Ready to Take Responsibilities in West Bank
Brigadier Ismail Jaber, head of the Palestinian National Security said during a visit to Jenin and its refugee camp, north of the West Bank , that the P.A security is…
Israeli Army to Disband Religious Soldiers’ Unit
The Israel army will disband the special unit for religious soldiers, the hesder yeshiva unit, and place its soldiers into regular army units. The special hesder unit combined military service…
Assad: Israeli Stance on Missiles’ Deal `“illogical`
Syrian President Bashar Assad said Tuesday that the missiles Damascus wishes to buy from Russia would not pose a threat to Israel. ‘This is a defensive, air defense, weapon, If…
Sharon Slams Disobedience and Refusal Callers
Israeli Prime Minister Ariel Sharon, in a speech to the Knesset on Tuesday, attacked those who are calling for civil disobedience and for soldiers to resist orders. ‘The Israeli Knesset…
Washington Delegates Burns to the ME
Official source in the US State Department stated that it will send William Burns to the Middle East for a attempt, the first in four years, to revive the stalled…
EJ Palestinians Would Need Permits to Access Ramallah
Israeli Machsom Watch quoted Israeli Binyamin region brigade Commander Col. Mickey Edelstein as confirming that starting in July, East Jerusalem Palestinians will be denied access to Ramallah.  Machsom Watch,…
Palestinians has Received Expropriation Orders on Absentees Property Bases
Palestinians living inside East Jerusalem and surrounding areas said Monday that Israel started using the Absentees property law to grab thousand of dunams of Palestinian owned land in East Jerusalem…
Petition to Expel `“Jewish Leadership Group` From Likud
Israeli Likud party Director-General Arik Barami announced Monday that he intends to ask the party’s internal court to expel Moshe Feiglin and his movement, the Jewish Leadership group, from Likud.…
Resistance Promise to Halt Attacks
Palestinian resistance groups have agreed to temporarily halt attacks on Israel to give Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas a chance to persuade Israel to halt attacks from its side, Palestinian officials…
Recommendation not to remove Gaza settlements houses
The disengagement teams representing the different Israeli ministries recommended not to remove the Gaza settlement homes after an Israeli withdrawal from the Strip within the framework of the unilateral disengagement…
Abu-Amr: Hamas to Compete in Coming Legislative Elections
Palestinian legislator Ziad Abu-Amr said Sunday that Hamas, Islamic Jihad, and the Popular Front for the Liberation of Palestine (PFLP) would take part in the slated for July legislative elections.…
Israel Resumes Constructing Ariel’s Wall Section
Israel resumed Sunday the construction of the deepest inside the West bank separation wall section in Salfit area. The section, which surrounds the settlement of Ariel, is located 20 kilometers…
Israeli FM Claims Credit for Drop in Arab’s birthrate
For the first time in years, a significant drop in birthrate was registered in the Israeli Arab sector in the year 2004.  Israeli Finance Ministry claims the drop was…
Third handicapped Shot in a Month
In less than a month, Israeli soldiers shot three handicapped residents in the northern West Bank city of Qalqilia and the surrounding villages killing one and injuring two others. On…
Abbas: We are Nearing a Truce
The Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas, said on Sunday, that all Palestinian factions are taking the national dialogue seriously and said that a truce is nearing. Abbas said in an interview…
Peres: Iran is a Center for Terrorism
Israeli vice Premier Shimon Peres accused Monday Iran of being the principal problem of the Middle East, and the center for “terrorism†in the region. Israeli newspaper Maariv published Monday…
Syrian FM: Total Calm for Full Withdrawal
Syrian Foreign Minister Farouk Shara reiterated his country’s invitation for Israel to resume peace talks, hoping that Israel will talk up the offer this time. Al-Shara said, during an interview…
Israeli Peace Activists Released to House Arrest
Tel Aviv District Court ruled to release Israeli peace activist Tali Fahima from administrative detention to house arrest.  The implementation of the court decision was delayed for 24 hours…
You Pick the Houses, I’ll Send the Bulldozers’.
The conclusions an investigation of army home demolition practices and policies, described as “explosiveâ€Â, would be submitted to Israeli army Chief of Staff Moshe Ya’alon in few days. The investigation…
Palestinian killed near Karni Crossing in Gaza
The Israeli army shot and killed a man Monday evening near Karni Crossing in the northeast Gaza Strip. The army spokesperson claimed that the soldiers fired at the man when…
Resident died near Hebron of earlier wounds
Monday afternoon, a Hebron resident died in Soroka hospital in Bir Shiva of wounds sustained December, 27th 2004, in the village of Al-Thaheriyya near Hebron. The WAFA news agency stated…