UTJ spiritual leader says party can join PM’s coalition
United Torah Judaism spiritual leader Rabbi Shalom Elyashiv decided Wednesday that the ultra-Orthodox party would join Israeli Prime Minister Ariel Sharon’s new coalition. According to the rabbi decision, UTJ will…
Army conducts military searches in Hebron, arrests 12
Wednesday at dawn, Israeli soldiers invaded the city of Hebron and the neighboring village of Doura , conducted military searches of homes and arrested twelve residents, raising the total number…
High Court to hear request that jailed Palestinians vote
The Israeli High Court of Justice on Wednesday will discuss a petition requesting that the 8,000 Palestinians incarcerated in Israeli jails be allowed to vote in next Sunday’s Palestinian Authority…
U.S. Consider Boosting Aid to PA
The US Administration is considering a proposal to boost U.S. aid to the Palestinian Authority this year by up to $200 million, an official US source said. The source also…
Israeli Far-Right to Use Fake Blood to Encourage Settlers to Fire at Soldiers
Far-right activists are planning to create a pretext to open fire on soldiers during the planned evacuation of settlements, Israeli Shin Bet chief Avi Dichter said on Tuesday. Dichter was…
Anonymous Source: `“Israeli Officer, one soldier abducted near Ma`aleh Adumim settlement `“
Tuesday at night, Palestinian and Israeli sources reported that according to initial information provided by an anonymous phone call , one Israeli officer and one soldier were abducted near Ma`aleh…
Before the Next Catastrophe
Let’s imagine for a moment that the huge tidal waves had hit the western shores of Europe, that more than a hundred thousand English, Irish, Dutch, Belgian, French, Spanish and…
Officer Censured after a Plank Point Killing of Unarmed Palestinian
The Israel Army chief of staff decided on Tuesday to censure a commanding officer following the killing of a wounded, unarmed Palestinian. Soldiers under the censured officer shot dead a…
U.S. Consider Boosting Aid to PA
The US Administration is considering a proposal to boost U.S. aid to the Palestinian Authority this year by up to $200 million, an official US source said.  The source also…
The Zionist Enemy, not a Big Deal
Committed and proud Zionists are angered by being called Zionists? Or were there surprised that he called the occupation soldiers “enemiesâ€Â? New PLO leader Mahmoud Abbas, a moderate Palestinian leader…
Seven killed in Beit Lahia, all under the age of 17
Tuesday morning, a Palestinian medical source in the Gaza Strip reported that Israeli soldiers killed seven children in Beit Lahia, in the northern part of the Gaza Strip after firing…
Resident killed in Gaza , at least twelve injured
Dr. Moawiya Hassanen, head of the emergency unit at the ministry of health reported that Israeli soldiers fired a tank shell at a group of residents in Al-Zaytoun neighborhood in…
The Zionist Enemy, not a Big Deal
{mosimage}New PLO leader Mahmoud Abbas, a moderate Palestinian leader who holds the best chances to become the second Palestinian Authority chairman, triggered uproar in Israel when he called Israeli occupation…
Anti Fraud Moves by the Palestinian Election Committee
To prevent fraud in or claims of frauds in the upcoming Palestinian Presidential elections, the Central Elections Committee (CEC) has taken a number of steps including importing partially transparent ballot…
Dichter: Resistance Groups in Gaza Strip own Anti-aircraft missiles
Chief of the Israeli Public Security (Shin Bet) Avi Dichter claimed on Tuesday that the Palestinian resistance groups posses five shoulder-launched anti-aircraft missiles. Dichter also told the Knesset Foreign Affairs…
Palestinian factions criticize Abbas’ call to stop shelling settlements
A Hamas spokesperson criticized a recent statement by interim Palestinian Authority (PA) Chairman Mahmoud Abbas that resistance groups cease firing homemade Qassam shells at Israeli settlements. Mosheer al-Masri, the Hamas…
19 arrested in Hebron
Tuesday morning, Israeli soldiers arrested at least 19 residents from several villages around Hebron, in the south of the West Bank, after invading them and breaking into dozens of homes.…
The Jenin Leader of Al-Quds Brigades arrested
Tuesday morning, undercover military units from the Israeli army arrested the Jenin head of Al-Quds brigades, the military wing of the Islamic Jihad. A local source in Jenin reported that…
Knesset panel Calls AG to Indict Those Calling for Refusal of Military Orders
Knesset Committee called Tuesday on Israeli Attorney General Menachem Mazuz to indict right-wing leaders urging refusal of military orders. The Knesset Foreign Affairs and Defense Committee called Mazuz to indict…
Dahlan: `“The Israeli accusation against Abbas could turn into ‘character assassination’`
Mohamed Dahlan, former head of Palestinian Security, warned Israel that if they continue to throw accusations at Mahmoud Abbas, it could turn into a kind of ‘character assassination’, like what…
Turkey : Syria is Serious, Expects Positive Israeli Response
Turkey believes that Syria is serious about making peace with Israel , Turkish Foreign Minister Abdullah Gul told Israeli newspaper Haaretz in an interview on Monday. Gul is currently on…
Army Urges Crackdown on Settler Violence
Israeli army officers urged the political establishment to take a stronger stand against settlers’ violence and against calls for soldiers to refuse orders. Army officers became particularly concerned after Monday…
The Election Campaign of Mahmoud Abbas
According to the latest poll, run by Al-Najah University, Abbas is still leading with around 60%, yet the distance between him and Barghouthi is shrinking with the latter leaping from…
Israel to Allow Abbas to Campaign in E. Jerusalem
Israel will allow PLO chairman Mahmoud Abbas to visit East Jerusalem as part of his campaign for next Sunday’s elections for Palestinian Authority chairman, an Israeli source said Sunday. Abbas…
Sharon: Likud Rebels Leader Endangers Democracy
Israeli Prime Minister Ariel Sharon slammed MK Uzi Landau, the leader of Likud rebels against the disengagement plan, saying that he is harming democratic rule in Israel. Sharon comments were…
Resistance fighter killed in the northern Gaza Strip
A Palestinian medical source reported that Israeli soldiers operating near the outskirts of Beit Hanoun, north of the Gaza Strip, killed a member of the resistance. The source stated that…
Abbas pledges refugees will return to their homes in Israel
Mahmoud Abbas, the leading candidate in next week’s presidential election, on Monday promised Palestinian refugees they’ll be able to return home one day. Abbas was campaigning for a third straight…
Soldier Arrested During Evacuation of Illegal Outpost
An Israel soldier, resident of a settlement, was arrested Monday when he joined settlers’ violent efforts to prevent the removal of two caravans from an unauthorized outpost. The soldier was…
Israeli troops wound a Palestinian cameraman in northern Gaza Strip
Israeli media sources reported that a Palestinian cameraman who works with the Israeli TV channel 10 was wounded by Israeli fire in northern Gaza Strip on Sunday afternoon. Majdi Al-Arbeed…
Abbas leads in polls, with 65% support
So far, Palestinian presidential candidate Mahmoud Abbas is leading in the polls, with about 65% of voters supporting him, while Barghouti, the closest runner-up to Abbas, is polling at 22%.…
Israeli Deputy DM: Mass refusal by soldiers could foil disengagement
Israeli Deputy Defense Minister Ze’ev Boim said Monday that massive refusal of soldiers to obey orders to evacuate settlers could foil the disengagement plan. Boim spoke after settler leaders warned…
Egypt calls Israel for pullback to pre-September 2000 liens
Egypt called on Monday for a full Israeli withdrawal from occupied Palestinian areas to the positions they held before the outbreak of the Palestinian Intifada in 2000, in order to…
PA to Petition Israeli High Court to allow Palestinian Prisoners to vote
Palestinian Minister for Prisoner Affairs, Hisham Abdul Razek, will petition Israel’s High Court on Monday against Prime Minister Ariel Sharon’s decision not to allow 8,000 residents of the territories jailed…
Sharon : Likud rebels, ‘Radical Rabbis’ May Foil Unity Cabinet
Israeli Prime Minister Ariel Sharon told the New York Times on Monday that his own Likud party rebels together with ‘radical rabbis’ have applied pressure on an ultra-Orthodox party that…
Outpost Settlers Throw Stones at Soldiers
Settlers threw stones at police officers trying to evacuate two caravans from an unauthorized outpost near the West Bank settlement of Yitzhar on Monday, lightly wounding an officer. Hundreds of…
Election Elation
After years of gloom, Palestine woke up this week to a celebration never before witnessed. Huge signs of leading candidates to presidency have replaced posters of martyrs and Intifada graffiti.…
Tulkarem refugee camp: Stories of endless suffering
Translated and edited by Saed Bannoura, IMEMC Residents of Tulkarem refugee camp live a life filled with daily fears, while the non-stop military invasions by the Israeli soldiers and their…
Hamas Confirms Election Boycott, Won’t Back a Candidate
Hamas Gaza Leader Said Siam confirmed Saturday that his group does not intend to take part in the January 9 presidential elections, calling Hamas members and supporters to not arrive…
Hilltops Settlers Gathering in Gaza Settlements to Obstruct Pullout
The Israeli army has reported that young West Bank settlers are arriving in numbers into Gaza settlements to join attempts to disrupt the implementation of the disengagement plan. Army officers…
Army re-invades Khan Younis refugee camp
A few hours after evacuating from Khan Younis refugee camp, in Gaza, the Israeli army reinvaded it, fired at dozens of homes and bulldozed family farmlands. The Israeli army claimed…
Hamas Confirms Election Boycott, Won’t Back a Candidate
A leading member of Hamas in the Gaza Strip, Said Siam, confirmed Saturday that his group does not intend to take part in the January 9 presidential elections. He called…
Israeli State Prosecutor Official: We All Know Wall is Illegal
The head of the international section of the Israeli state prosecutor’s office, Lawyer Iriet Kahan, told the Israeli newspaper Youdot Ahranot that Israel knew from the beginning that the route…
New Israeli Cabinet Pending UTJ’s Top Rabbis Approval
Israeli Prime Minister Ariel Sharon is waiting for the Council of Torah Sages to approve of his coalition agreement with the United Torah Judaism (UTJ) party, then will present his…
14 Hebron residents arrested
Sunday morning, Israeli soldiers arrested fourteen residents of Hebron after invading the city and several surrounding villages, and conducting military searches of homes. A local source in Hebron reported that…
Egypt Calls on Israel to Fulfill Commitments, Halt Military Offensives
In a statement on Saturday, the Egyptian foreign ministry called on Israel to fulfill its commitment to help Palestinians run smooth and democratic elections, saying that Israeli escalations, especially in…
Israeli State Prosecutor Official: We All Know Wall is Illegal
The head of the international section in the Israeli state prosecutor office Lawyer Iriet Kahan told Israeli newspaper Youdot Ahranot, in a special interview, that Israel new from the beginning…
EU Diplomat: Israel Exerting Pressure to Rehabilitate Refugees in Arab Countries
According to the Saudi newspaper Alwatan, a European diplomat said that Israel is exerting pressure on the United Nations to allocate hundreds of millions of US dollars to rehabilitate Palestinian…
Egypt Calls Israel to Fulfill Commitments, Halt Military Offenses
Egyptian foreign ministry called Israel on Saturday to fulfill its commitments to help Palestinians run smooth and democratic elections, saying that Israeli escalations, especially in the Gaza strip, would hinder…
New Cabinet Bending UTJ’s Top Rabbis Approval
Israeli Prime Minister Ariel Sharon is waiting for the Council of Torah Sages approval of the coalition agreement with United Torah Judaism (UTJ) party in order to present his cabinet…
Hilltops Settlers Gathering in Gaza Settlements to Obstruct Pullout
The Israeli army has said lately that young West Bank settlers are arriving in numbers into Gaza settlements to join attempts to disrupt the implementation of the disengagement plan. Army…
11 Palestinains, one Israeli soldier, tens injured in Khan Younis army raid
Palestinian soruces reported that two Palestinains were killed in an airstrike carried out by the Israeli army in Khan Younis earlier on Friday raising the death toll of the so…
A smile behind bars, hope under siege
Trasnlate by Saed Bannoura, IMEMC Despite the loneliness of detention, detainees in several Israeli prisons and detention camp have overcome the high walls and barbed wires with a smile, a…
The Red Rooms
In the west Bank settlement of Adam, from a far distance, one can see lit houses equipped with spot lights on the sides of well paved roads. For Palestinian “A…
Some Gaza Settlers Agree to Leave Voluntarily
Most settlers of the Pa’at Sadeh settlement have reached an agreement with the Israeli Disengagement Administration for a collective move to a Moshav inside Israel, should disengagement go ahead. Pa’at…
Some Gaza Settlers Agree to Leave Voluntarily
Most settlers of the Pa’at Sadeh settlement have reached an agreement with the Israeli Disengagement Administration for a collective move to a Moshav inside Israel, should disengagement go ahead. Pa’at…
Local Palestinian elections begin
Palestinians have begun voting in municipal elections in the occupied West Bank , just weeks before a presidential ballot to choose a successor to the late Yasser Arafat . Palestinians…
The Little Town of Bethlehem
This Christmas when the Christian world raises its voices in joyful choruses to the song, ‘Oh, Little Town of Bethlehem’, I will remain silent in protest over the Israeli army’s…
Some Gaza Settlers Agree to Leave Voluntarily
Most settlers of the Pa’at Sadeh settlement have reached an agreement with the Israeli Disengagement Administration for a collective move to a Moshav inside Israel, should disengagement go ahead. Most…
Four brothers arrested east of Nablus
The Israeli army invaded Askar refugee camp, in the east of Nablus, in the northern part of the West Bank, and arrested four brothers. A Palestinian security source in Nablus,…
3000 Palestinians disabled in the Intifada
Dr. Allam Jarrar, director of the rehabilitation program at the Palestinian Medical Relief Society reported that attacks against Palestinians by Israeli soldiers and settlers have resulted in 10.000 wounded over…
Three students arrested in the south of Hebron, one wounded
The WAFA news Agency reported that Israeli soldiers shot on Wednesday three school students and arrested a resident after invading the village of Yattah , south of Hebron . The…
Missile fired at Nasser hospital in Khan Younis
A Palestinian security source in Khan Younis reported that a military apache fired a missile at Nasser hospital in Khan Younis, in the southern part of the Gaza Strip. The…
Blair: London Conference to Integrate Disengagement with Road Map
Visiting British Prime Minister Tony Blair said Wednesday afternoon that his call for n international Middle East peace conference in London aimed at providing a passage for parties to move…
What Stands Behind Sharon’s Insistence not to Attend London Conference?
Even against the advice of his foreign minister Silvan Shalom, Israeli Prime Minister Ariel Sharon ruled out any level of Israeli participation in the proposed London Middle East peace…
The Little Town of Bethlehem
This Christmas when the Christian world raises its voices in joyful choruses to the song, ‘Oh, Little Town of Bethlehem’, I will remain silent in protest over the Israeli army’s…
Egypt-Israel Negotiating Deployment of Border Troops
Egyptian Intelligence Minister Omar Suleiman met Tuesday with Amos Gilad, head of the political-security branch in the Defense Ministry. The two are working on the details of the deployment of…
Blair to Meet Israeli and Palestinian Leaders Today to Promote ME Peace Conference
British Prime Minister will meet with Palestinian and Israeli leaders on Wednesday morning after arriving in Israel Tuesday night coming from Iraq . Israeli officials said that Blair will separately…
Labor Approves Coalition Deal with Likud
The Labor Party Central Committee on Tuesday approved the coalition deal with the Likud Party. The coalition agreement is expected to be signed in few days. Labor central committee also…
Settlers Use Orange David Stars in a Protest against Pullout
Settlers, protesting against Gaza Pullout on Tuesday, used orange Star of David badges, reminiscent to the yellow stars Jews were forced to wear during World War II. The settlers’ new…
Child wounded near Hebron
The Israeli army invaded Halhoul, north of Hebron, Sunday night, and fired at dozens of homes, moderately wounding one child. A medical source at Hebron hospital stated that Wisam Abu…
Elections without Democracy
in the Bantustans – the equivalent to today’s walled in Palestinian communities in the West Bank and Gaza Strip. The thought was that if people elected local officials, even to…
Mallouh: `“The PFLP is Unified and Strong in its annual anniversary`
Mallouh, deputy secretary general of the second biggest party in the PLO, the Popular Front for the Liberation of Palestine. The leader of the front, Ahmad Sa’adat, is also detained…
Child wounded near Hebron
The Israeli army invaded Halhoul, north of Hebron, Sunday night, and fired at dozens of homes, moderately wounding one child. A medical source at Hebron hospital stated that Wisam Abu…
Rana’s blood and her last supper
Last Supper 7-year-old Rana Syiam had with her family in Khan Younis, ended with blood and tears after a bullet fired by Israeli soldiers entered her head and exited…
Known by their Tattoos, Fast Shooting, Russian Snipers in Israel’s Army
Israeli sources revealed information about Russian Snipers recruited to the Israeli Army to join the army’s military operations in the West Bank and Gaza Strip. These recruits, according to…
Khan Younis families stranded and scattered after weekend’s assault
Feature, IMEMC Staff, December The Israeli assault on Khan Younis refugee camp in southern Gaza Friday and Saturday has left hundreds homeless, searching through the rubble for their belongings, and…
Elections without Democracy
During the 1970’s, the apartheid government of South Africa sought to bolster its claims to legitimacy by allowing elections in the Bantustans – the equivalent to today’s walled in Palestinian…
Israel Won’t Participate in the U.K. Called Peace Summit
Israel supports a Middle East peace conference planned by British Prime Minister Tony Blair, but won’t participate in it, Israeli senior political sources said Friday. Israel supports a Middle East…
Army encircles Qalqilia
Soldiers encircled Qalqilia, in the eastern part of the West Bank, and barred the residents from entering or leaving the city Palestinenet news website said that soldiers barred the residents…
Five residents killed in Khan Younis, dozens of homes leveled
Israeli army tanks and bulldozers rolled into the Khan Yunis refugee Five residents killed in Khan Younis, and bulldozed dozens of homes. The Israeli army raided, on Thursday at dawn,…
Five residents killed in Khan Younis
Israeli army tanks and bulldozers rolled into the Khan Yunis refugee Five residents killed in Khan Younis, and bulldozed dozens of homes. Israeli army tanks and bulldozers rolled into the…
Killing Palestinian Children is No Longer a Big Deal
 Regarding Gideon Levy’s column–Killing Children is No Longer a Big Deal, Haaretz’s , 10/17/ 04. I disagree with Mr. Levy–killing Children is No Longer a Big Deal–indeed it is. But…
Rana’s blood and her last supper
Translated by Saed Bannoura-IMEMC Last Supper 7-year-old Rana Syiam had with her family in Khan Younis, ended with blood and tears after a bullet fired by Israeli soldiers entered her…
Feature: ‘Checkpoints; different shapes, locations, same suffering’
Translated by Saed Bannoura, IMEMC Checkpoints spread all over the Palestinian areas, separating the cities, villages and refugee camps from each other, and generate daily events and stories of continuous…
Israel’s Shameful Home Demolitions: an open letter to the Israeli Government
To the Ministers: Mr. Paraz; Mr. Lapid; Mr. Mofaz and PM Sharon: Gentlemen: How many times must decent people write and ask you to stop your cruel and illegal home…
Mallouh: `“The PFLP is Unified and Strong in its annual anniversary`
Translated by: Saed Bannoura Unlike other interview with political leaders, in fancy offices and on comfortable desks and chairs, Palestine News Network held this interview over the phone with Abdul-Rahim…
Sharon: Arafat’s Illness Won’t Delay Pullout
Israeli Prime Minister Ariel Sharon told Egyptian President Hosni Mubark on Thursday that Palestinian President Yasser Arafat’s health condition will not affect, change or delay, the evacuation of Gaza settlements…
Political Prisoners and SMS messages
Translated by Saed Bannoura In spite of the bad conditions in detention, restrictions and continuous assaults, Palestinians detainees continue their achievements and creativity and challenge high walls and prison bars.…
Opposition Groups & Elections
Contrary to 1996 elections, most Palestinian opposition groups decided to take an active role in the planned for January 9, PA presidential elections. Even when it seems that the Islamic…
Al-Mawasi Residents Face Daily Hardships
Trans and Edited by Saed Bannoura, IMEMC Residents of Al-Mawasi area, west of Khan Younis, in the southern Gaza Strip, face daily hardships and violations, that make their daily life…
Yahad Saved Sharon’s Gov’t
Yahad’s abstention saved the Israeli government from being toppled down by depriving opposition from the needed 61 votes. Even when the two no-confidence motions passed, the opposition victory was only…
Sharon Aides, Shas Holding Talks Over State Budget
Representatives of Israeli Prime Minister Ariel Sharon and Shas party officials began negotiations over support for the annual budget on Tuesday afternoon in Jerusalem. MKs Eli Yishai headed Shas delegation,…
Fatah Won Al-Najah Univ. Elections, 1st Time in 8 Years
The Palestine Liberation Movement (Fatah) won student elections at the West Bank’s largest university, Al-Najah in Nablus, on Monday for the first time in eight years. Fatah won 38 seats…
PA: Israel Attempts to Trade WB Territorial Contiguity with Transportation One
The United States turned down an Israeli request for funds to pave and upgrade alternative West Bank roads for Palestinians. The newly proposed routes are to replace existing roads, which…
Two Female settlers apprehended, stealing olives
Israeli newspaper online Haaretz said police arrested two female settlers while stealing olives from a Palestinian olive grove near the village of Sinjil north of Ramallah. The two girls who…
The First after Arafat’s death, Sha’ath meets Shalom
The Palestinian Foreign Minister Nabil Sha’ath met his Isreli counterpart Silvan Shalom on Monday, the first time since the death of the late Palestinian President Yasser Arafat on November 11.…
Hamas Seeks Unity Government, Ready for Truce
Hamas West Bank leader Sheikh Hassan Yusef told Israel Radio that Hamas is willing to join a unity government with Fatah, and would agree to a limited cease-fire during final…
Israeli Interior Minsiter: ‘In 48 hours I will be out ofiice’
As the crises between the Israeli prime Minister Ariel Sharon and his main ally in the government coalition Shinui party deepens, Interior Minister Avraham Poraz (Shinui) announced Monday that he…
Two activists, one Israeli solider killed in the Gaza Strip
Two members of the resistance were shot dead on Monday afternoon after attacking a military post on Carni-Netzarim settlement road, south east of Gaza. An Israeli military source said that…
Abbas: Jordan to Help Revive Peace Talks
Leader of the Palestinian Liberation Organization, Mahmoud Abbas, said on Monday that Jordan has promised its support to help revive the stalled Middle East peace process. ‘We need Jordan’s support……