What Actually Happened in Fatah’s Elections?

In his WINEP speech Dayton acknowledged this crackdown when he said, “I don’t know how many of you are aware, but over the last year-and-a-half, the Palestinians have engaged upon a series of what they call security offensives throughout the West Bank, surprisingly well coordinated with the Israeli army.” He further admitted that during the 22-day Gaza war last winter, U.S.-trained Palestinian security forces prevented Palestinians in the West Bank from organizing mass protests against the Israeli army, which ironically allowed for the reduction of the Israeli military presence in the West Bank in order to redeploy those troops to Gaza. Dayton added, “As a matter of fact, a good portion of the Israeli army went off to Gaza from the West Bank— think about that for a minute, and the (Israeli military) commander (of the West Bank) was absent for eight straight days.”

For full article, visit http://www.counterpunch.org/amin08142009.html

Israeli soldiers shoot at backfiring car carrying family; beat brother as car forced to stop

The Israeli army attacked the Palestinian family as they drove near the illegal settlement of Etzion south of Bethlehem on Friday.

Two of the Alami brothers, as well as the wife and three children of one of the men, were driving past an Israeli military vehicle when the car began to malfunction and the engine made several grinding noises.

Soldiers opened fire on the car, which was forced to pull over to the side of the road. When one of the brothers exited the vehicle to calm the situation and check on the car, Israeli soldiers approached the car and beat the man in front of his family members.

None of the family members were detained, and the brothers were able to repair the car and drive safely to their destination.

For full article, visit http://www.maannews.net/en/index.php?opr=ShowDetails&ID=37345

Bethlehem governor condemns Israeli attempts to prevent pope from visiting Refugee Camp

Israel’s attempts to prevent Pope Benedict XVI from visiting Aida Refugee Camp during his visit to Bethlehem are proof the country wants to hide its “repressive practices against Palestinians” from the Holy Father, Governor of Bethlehem Salah At-Ta’mari said Friday.

Israeli troops stormed Aida camp Thursday night and raided a meeting of the preparatory committee for the Papal visit. Committee members were harassed and questioned then informed that because the camp is in Area C – i.e. under Israeli civil and military control – that organizers must get a special permit to hold celebrations for the pope.

For full article, visit http://www.maannews.net/en/index.php?opr=ShowDetails&ID=37333

Annual Holy Fire miracle spreads light under heavy Israeli guard

Clergymen told Ma’an on Saturday that the fire descends from the sky every year on Holy Saturday. They claimed that its appearance cannot be explained scientifically, and is thus believed to be one of the greatest miracles in the world, most significantly because of the flame’s non-material make-up. The fire does not emit warmth for the first 33 minutes of its arrival, and will not burn skin during this period, they said.

For full article, visit http://www.maannews.net/en/index.php?opr=ShowDetails&ID=37200

The Israeli army kidnaps 27 Palestinian civilian from the West Bank

The Palestine News and Information Center, WAFA, reported that the invasions were carried out throughout the night and at dawn.

Local sources said that soldiers broke into and searched homes and interrogated several residents in their homes and the streets before kidnapping 27 residents.

Eleven were kidnapped from a village near Jenin, three from Qalqlia city, seven from Jericho, while three from Al Izriyah town near Jerusalem, and two from Bethlehem city.

Source: http://www.imemc.org/article/59741

Arab leaders on Land Day: We’re not afraid of Right

On March 30, 1976, six young Palestinians were killed and dozens injured in mass demonstrations that took place in many towns and villages.  Twenty-eight years before, Palestinians lost 78% of their land to the Zionists during the months before and after Israel declared itself a State in 1948.   Not until 1966 did Palestinians, who remained in what became Israel, receive citizenship, living under military rule in the 20 year interim, much like Palestinians of the West Bank and Gaza live today.  These years were marked by continued land theft and the activation of Israel’s policy of “Judeazation” of the Galilee, and other areas where indigenous Palestinians remained on their lands.

Palestinians mark Land Day

For full article, visit http://www.alternativenews.org/content/view/1668/110/

Thousands of Israeli Arabs marched in commemoration of the 33rd Land Day. MKs warned against Israel’s Judaization of Galilee, Negev and vow to propose bill to acknowledge day as national holiday for Arab public. Two youths arrested for throwing stones during Kfar Kanna rally.

For full article, visit http://www.ynetnews.com/articles/0,7340,L-3694675,00.html

“But what makes Land Day resonate with Palestinians everywhere is that it was the first time Palestinians inside Israel stood together and successfully resisted Israel’s goal of confiscating their land.”

For full article, visit http://palestinechronicle.com/view_article_details.php?id=14962

Demand Israel release child held without charge or trial

Hamdi al-Ta’mari was arrested for the first time from the family home in Bethlehem at 4:00am, on 25 July 2008. He was woken by the sound of Israeli soldiers banging on the front door.

Hamdi’s hands and feet were immediately tied and he was ordered to lie on the floor, as soldiers pointed their assault rifles and flashlights at him. While on the ground, a number of soldiers slapped, kicked and beat him with their assault rifles. His hands were tied so tightly that they began to swell. After 15 minutes, Hamdi was blindfolded and placed on the floor of a military vehicle.

For more, visit http://electronicintifada.net/v2/article10426.shtml

Norway ‘invests in illegal Israeli settlements in the West Bank’

n 2008 the Norwegian Government Pension Fund invested 5.5 million NOK (860,000 US dollars) of tax money in the Africa-Israel investment company, which has been linked to the Israeli settlement industry.

The company has built and continues to build illegal settlements in the occupied West Bank through its subsidiary construction firm Danya Cebus. Among the illegal settlements are Har Homa in Bethlehem and Ma’aleh Adumim near East Jerusalem.

Source: http://www.maannews.net/en/index.php?opr=ShowDetails&ID=36703

Palestinian Authority police officer seized near Bethlehem

Palestinian security sources told Ma’an that the troops overran the Al-Iskan area in Beit Sahour at 9am on Thursday and detained an officer in the Bethlehem police station.

Source: http://www.maannews.net/en/index.php?opr=ShowDetails&ID=36704