17 mar 2014
Hezbollah Flag
According to investigations by the Israeli Military, fighters of the Lebanon-based Hezbollah party crossed the border, a week ago, and planted explosive charges that were detonated near military vehicles.
Israeli Walla News said Hezbollah fighters advanced hundreds of meters beyond the Blue Line, separating Israel from Lebanon.
The report refers to an incident that took place last week when an explosive charge was detonated near a military vehicle driving close to the border with Lebanon.
Following the attack, Israel said Hezbollah fighters, placed the bomb on Friday at night, March 14, and that an Israeli military convoy, driving on the Sheba Farms border area, was hit by the bomb.
Israel said that, although the explosion directly struck the convoy, no injuries were reported among the soldiers who were moved to a medical center in Safad for “precautionary medical examination”.
According to the Jerusalem Post, Hezbollah fighters carried out this attack in response to shells fired by Israeli tanks at a Hezbollah site, close to the border.
According to investigations by the Israeli Military, fighters of the Lebanon-based Hezbollah party crossed the border, a week ago, and planted explosive charges that were detonated near military vehicles.
Israeli Walla News said Hezbollah fighters advanced hundreds of meters beyond the Blue Line, separating Israel from Lebanon.
The report refers to an incident that took place last week when an explosive charge was detonated near a military vehicle driving close to the border with Lebanon.
Following the attack, Israel said Hezbollah fighters, placed the bomb on Friday at night, March 14, and that an Israeli military convoy, driving on the Sheba Farms border area, was hit by the bomb.
Israel said that, although the explosion directly struck the convoy, no injuries were reported among the soldiers who were moved to a medical center in Safad for “precautionary medical examination”.
According to the Jerusalem Post, Hezbollah fighters carried out this attack in response to shells fired by Israeli tanks at a Hezbollah site, close to the border.
Four Palestinians were injured by rubber-coated steel bullets in clashes with Israeli soldiers in Hebron on Monday, medics said.
Palestinian youths threw stones at a military base at the entrance of Shuhada street in Hebron, and Israeli forces responded by firing rubber-coated steel bullets and tear gas canisters, witnesses told Ma'an.
Several Palestinians suffered from excessive tear gas inhalation and a number were treated at the scene by Red Crescent medics.
Witnesses said an Israeli soldier was struck in the face by a rock.
An Israeli military spokeswoman said that "around 30 Palestinians were hurling rocks" and confirmed that an Israeli soldier was hit by a rock in his face.
The soldier was only lightly injured, and did not need medical treatment, the spokeswoman said.
She was not familiar with any injuries on the Palestinian side.
Palestinian youths threw stones at a military base at the entrance of Shuhada street in Hebron, and Israeli forces responded by firing rubber-coated steel bullets and tear gas canisters, witnesses told Ma'an.
Several Palestinians suffered from excessive tear gas inhalation and a number were treated at the scene by Red Crescent medics.
Witnesses said an Israeli soldier was struck in the face by a rock.
An Israeli military spokeswoman said that "around 30 Palestinians were hurling rocks" and confirmed that an Israeli soldier was hit by a rock in his face.
The soldier was only lightly injured, and did not need medical treatment, the spokeswoman said.
She was not familiar with any injuries on the Palestinian side.
A Palestinian woman said she was "humiliated and assaulted by an Israeli soldier" while on her way to visit her son in prison, a statement said Monday.
The mother of prisoner Ahmad Abd al-Fattah said she was stopped at the Taybeh checkpoint near Ramallah and taken to a small room for a strip search, according to a statement from the Palestinian Prisoners' Society.
"A female soldier ordered her to take off her clothes completely, but she refused," the statement said.
"The soldier insisted, and after the woman took off her clothes, the soldier hit her with the metal detector causing bruises."
Afterwards, the woman complained to a representative of the International Committee of the Red Cross, who informed an Israeli border crossing official.
As of February 2014 there were 99 fixed checkpoints in the West Bank, and 59 of them were "internal checkpoints," deep within the West Bank, according to the Israeli rights group B'Tselem.
"According to many testimonies given to B'Tselem and other human rights organizations, the security forces use violence, at times gross violence, against Palestinians unnecessarily and without justification," a B'Tselem report said in late 2012.
The mother of prisoner Ahmad Abd al-Fattah said she was stopped at the Taybeh checkpoint near Ramallah and taken to a small room for a strip search, according to a statement from the Palestinian Prisoners' Society.
"A female soldier ordered her to take off her clothes completely, but she refused," the statement said.
"The soldier insisted, and after the woman took off her clothes, the soldier hit her with the metal detector causing bruises."
Afterwards, the woman complained to a representative of the International Committee of the Red Cross, who informed an Israeli border crossing official.
As of February 2014 there were 99 fixed checkpoints in the West Bank, and 59 of them were "internal checkpoints," deep within the West Bank, according to the Israeli rights group B'Tselem.
"According to many testimonies given to B'Tselem and other human rights organizations, the security forces use violence, at times gross violence, against Palestinians unnecessarily and without justification," a B'Tselem report said in late 2012.
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Three Palestinians were injured on Monday during clashes with Israeli soldiers in Beit Ummar, an official said.
A local committee official said Israeli forces fired tear gas and rubber-coated steel bullets at protesters in the town, hitting one man in the stomach and two others in the feet. Israeli military forces deliberately shot a barrage of tear gas canisters at the roof of local resident Ahmad Abu Sarah al-Allami, starting a fire, the official said. |
An Israeli army spokeswoman said there were no reports of clashes.
Three Palestinians were injured Sunday when Israeli settlers threw stones and empty bottles in the vicinity of Za'atara checkpoint south of Nablus. Local sources told Safa News Agency that a group of settlers threw stones and liquor bottles at a Palestinian vehicle, carrying two pilgrims who were returning to their homes while passing through Za'atara checkpoint at the entrance of Nablus.
Palestinian medical sources confirmed that the driver and the two pilgrims were transferred to hospital after being injured in the settlers' attack.
In a related context, occupation forces stormed Burin village south of Nablus where violent clashes erupted in the vicinity of the civil defense building between Palestinian youths and Israeli soldiers who heavily fired tear gas bombs.
Palestinian towns and villages south of Nablus are daily subjected to Israeli forces and settlers' attacks.
Meanwhile, Israeli settlers damaged on Sunday more than 55 olive trees after spraying toxic materials on a number of trees in Jalud village south of Nablus.
Ghassan Douglas, who monitors settlement activity north of the West Bank, confirmed that a group of settlers from Yash Kodesh settlement outpost sprayed toxic chemicals to destroy 55 olive trees in Jalud village belonging to Palestinian families.
Palestinian medical sources confirmed that the driver and the two pilgrims were transferred to hospital after being injured in the settlers' attack.
In a related context, occupation forces stormed Burin village south of Nablus where violent clashes erupted in the vicinity of the civil defense building between Palestinian youths and Israeli soldiers who heavily fired tear gas bombs.
Palestinian towns and villages south of Nablus are daily subjected to Israeli forces and settlers' attacks.
Meanwhile, Israeli settlers damaged on Sunday more than 55 olive trees after spraying toxic materials on a number of trees in Jalud village south of Nablus.
Ghassan Douglas, who monitors settlement activity north of the West Bank, confirmed that a group of settlers from Yash Kodesh settlement outpost sprayed toxic chemicals to destroy 55 olive trees in Jalud village belonging to Palestinian families.
Clashes continued for the second day in a row at Al-Aqsa Mosque gates between Palestinian worshipers and Israeli police who prevented the worshipers' access to the holy mosque. Local sources said that Israeli forces stationed at al-Aqsa gates prevented Palestinian worshipers from entering into the Mosque, using pepper spray and batons against the protesters. Several of the worshipers were injured during the scuffle including children and women while a state of tension prevailed in the area.
In the meantime, Israeli forces continued to prevent Palestinian students' access to their religious school in al-Aqsa Mosque square while trying to expel them from Hutta gate.
The clashes erupted when occupation forces closed al-Aqsa Mosque gates as a prelude to implement a large settlers' break-in to mark Purim which is considered an embodiment of Israeli scheme to divide al-Aqsa Mosque temporally.
Palestinian worshipers have performed today dawn prayers in the Old City streets near al-Aqsa Mosque gates due to the Israeli ban on the entry of those who are under 50 years old.
Israeli forces have been stationed at the gates of the Al-Aqsa compound since the early morning hours, imposing restrictions on the entry of Palestinians into the compound, including students and workers in the compound, local sources said, noting that al-Aqsa Mosque is still subjected to military siege.
Israeli settlers have stormed al-Aqsa Mosque this morning under Israeli forces protection while preventing worshipers under 50 years old from praying in the Mosque for security pretexts.
Israeli policemen have intensified their presence in occupied Jerusalem and al-Aqsa Mosque gates where altercations took place after preventing worshipers' access to the Mosque.
In the meantime, Israeli forces continued to prevent Palestinian students' access to their religious school in al-Aqsa Mosque square while trying to expel them from Hutta gate.
The clashes erupted when occupation forces closed al-Aqsa Mosque gates as a prelude to implement a large settlers' break-in to mark Purim which is considered an embodiment of Israeli scheme to divide al-Aqsa Mosque temporally.
Palestinian worshipers have performed today dawn prayers in the Old City streets near al-Aqsa Mosque gates due to the Israeli ban on the entry of those who are under 50 years old.
Israeli forces have been stationed at the gates of the Al-Aqsa compound since the early morning hours, imposing restrictions on the entry of Palestinians into the compound, including students and workers in the compound, local sources said, noting that al-Aqsa Mosque is still subjected to military siege.
Israeli settlers have stormed al-Aqsa Mosque this morning under Israeli forces protection while preventing worshipers under 50 years old from praying in the Mosque for security pretexts.
Israeli policemen have intensified their presence in occupied Jerusalem and al-Aqsa Mosque gates where altercations took place after preventing worshipers' access to the Mosque.
On Monday Israeli forces in Jerusalem restricted entrance to the Al-Aqsa Mosque compound for Muslim worshippers, Official Palestinian News Agency (WAFA) reports.
The ban prevented all Palestinians under the age of 50 of entering, which lead to clashes. At Bab al-Nazer Gate several people, including women and children were injured, from clubs and tear gas.
The ban prevented all Palestinians under the age of 50 of entering, which lead to clashes. At Bab al-Nazer Gate several people, including women and children were injured, from clubs and tear gas.
Israeli occupation gunboats fired Sunday evening at Palestinian fishing boats off Rafah sea, the southern Gaza Strip, no injuries were reported.
Chairman of Palestinian Fishermen Syndicate in Gaza, NizarAyyash, said that Israeli gunboats opened fire at the fishermen’s boats off Rafah sea at a 2-mile distance.
(Israel) has controlled Gaza waters since its occupation of the area in 1967, and has kept several warships stationed off the coast since 2008.
Chairman of Palestinian Fishermen Syndicate in Gaza, NizarAyyash, said that Israeli gunboats opened fire at the fishermen’s boats off Rafah sea at a 2-mile distance.
(Israel) has controlled Gaza waters since its occupation of the area in 1967, and has kept several warships stationed off the coast since 2008.
Three Palestinian citizens were injured during clashes with Israeli forces in Beit Ommar town to the north of Hebron. Local sources said that Israeli forces stormed the town amid rubber-coated steel bullets shooting , tear gas and sound grenades.
Three Palestinian youths were injured .
The forces set fire to timbers belonging to Palestinian Badran Awad and climbed Palestinian houses to fire tear gas bombs and bullets at the youths
Three Palestinian youths were injured .
The forces set fire to timbers belonging to Palestinian Badran Awad and climbed Palestinian houses to fire tear gas bombs and bullets at the youths
Israeli forces raided an area of Jerusalem's Old City on Sunday, leading to clashes with local residents, witnesses said.
Israeli border police raided Bab Hutta square and fired tear gas canisters and rubber-coated steel bullets following clashes with local youths.
Muhammad Tahir Fakhouri, 45, and Muhammad al-Salaymeh, 38, were attacked with pepper spray and clubs, according to eyewitnesses.
Border police also raided several homes and detained Abed Haddad, 15, Ahmad Jabir, 17, Muhammad Bujah, 17, Muhammad Najib, 17, Saed Iseila, 27, Ziad Abu Hadwan, 18, Hamza Milhis, and Ribhi Dweik.
Israeli border police raided Bab Hutta square and fired tear gas canisters and rubber-coated steel bullets following clashes with local youths.
Muhammad Tahir Fakhouri, 45, and Muhammad al-Salaymeh, 38, were attacked with pepper spray and clubs, according to eyewitnesses.
Border police also raided several homes and detained Abed Haddad, 15, Ahmad Jabir, 17, Muhammad Bujah, 17, Muhammad Najib, 17, Saed Iseila, 27, Ziad Abu Hadwan, 18, Hamza Milhis, and Ribhi Dweik.
Israeli policemen quelled a peaceful march for Palestinian young women and men near the gates of the Old City of Jerusalem on Sunday.
Local sources said that Israeli special forces, mounting horses, and policemen fired stun grenades at the youths and detained a young man and injured seven citizens while breaking up the human chain around the gates of the holy city.
The sources said that hundreds of youths from Jerusalem and 1948 occupied Palestine participated in the event with each one of them carrying a book in a message to the world that the Palestinian people are well-educated and cherish the culture of reading.
Local sources said that Israeli special forces, mounting horses, and policemen fired stun grenades at the youths and detained a young man and injured seven citizens while breaking up the human chain around the gates of the holy city.
The sources said that hundreds of youths from Jerusalem and 1948 occupied Palestine participated in the event with each one of them carrying a book in a message to the world that the Palestinian people are well-educated and cherish the culture of reading.
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Thousands of people surrounded the Jerusalem Old City from the al-Khalil gate to al-Asbat gate in a defiant action marking a reading day celebration.
The Shabab al-Balad initiative organized the event in which people from Jerusalem, Palestinian-Israelis, and some people from the West Bank gathered to read simultaneously. Hundreds of others in Bethlehem, al-Ram, al-Ismailiya in Egypt, and Amman in Jordan participated. Shabal al-Balad director Hussam Uliyyan said the goal of the action to circle the Old City was meant to empower the steadfastness of Jerusalem residents in uniting Palestinian culture. |
Ulayyan added that the initiative had no political affiliations.
Abu Nidal, a participant in the action, said that “everyone should constantly ask themselves, 'What have I done for Jerusalem? What can I do so Jerusalem can live through its sons and stand in the face of struggle?'"
He added: "This city needs such cultural activities."
Marwan Abu Sneineh, 25, another participant, said these readers were a first line of defense for Jerusalem.
“Tourists and Jewish people who come from Europe and America will see the true face of Jerusalem today,” he said.
Israeli special forces and mounted police dispersed a protest that followed the event. They fired stun grenades, arrested a young man, and left seven others bruised.
Abu Nidal, a participant in the action, said that “everyone should constantly ask themselves, 'What have I done for Jerusalem? What can I do so Jerusalem can live through its sons and stand in the face of struggle?'"
He added: "This city needs such cultural activities."
Marwan Abu Sneineh, 25, another participant, said these readers were a first line of defense for Jerusalem.
“Tourists and Jewish people who come from Europe and America will see the true face of Jerusalem today,” he said.
Israeli special forces and mounted police dispersed a protest that followed the event. They fired stun grenades, arrested a young man, and left seven others bruised.
16 mar 2014
Violent clashes broke out on Sunday night in the neighbourhood of Bab Hutta which led to the injury of man residents with bruises, suffocation a state of fear for many children.
Residents of the neighbourhood explained that clashes spread from Lions Gate to the neighbourhoods of Bab Hutta and Al-Sa’dyeh after the soldiers provoked the young men in the area. The forces surrounded Bab Hutta and prevented the paramedics from entering the houses to treat the injured.
Saleh Fakhouri said that the soldiers broke the main door of his house and assaulted one of his relative, 45-year old Mohammad Taher Fakhouri, using the butts of their guns. They also randomly fired sound grenades and rubber bullets towards the houses which terrified the children.
The 38-year old Mahmoud Salaymeh was also injured after he was sprayed with pepper gas on his face and one soldier tried to fire a sound grenade directly at him.
Residents of the neighbourhood explained that clashes spread from Lions Gate to the neighbourhoods of Bab Hutta and Al-Sa’dyeh after the soldiers provoked the young men in the area. The forces surrounded Bab Hutta and prevented the paramedics from entering the houses to treat the injured.
Saleh Fakhouri said that the soldiers broke the main door of his house and assaulted one of his relative, 45-year old Mohammad Taher Fakhouri, using the butts of their guns. They also randomly fired sound grenades and rubber bullets towards the houses which terrified the children.
The 38-year old Mahmoud Salaymeh was also injured after he was sprayed with pepper gas on his face and one soldier tried to fire a sound grenade directly at him.
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The Israeli forces arrested two young men on Sunday and injured 15 others with wounds and bruises after suppressing a march in the streets of Jerusalem after the activity of “longest book readers around the wall of Jerusalem” was over.
The medical crews said that 15 young men and women were injured with minor bruises and wounds by shrapnel of sound grenades and rubber bullets and were treated on the spot. Fouad Obeid, a paramedic, was also injured with shrapnel of a sound grenade in his neck. |
The Musta’ribin units arrested Ribhi Dweik from Sultan Suleiman Street and assaulted and severely beat him and then took him to the police station, and also arrested a young man from Damascus Gate.
A march had initiated from Damascus Gate on Sunday afternoon after the reading activity was over. Upon arrival to Salah Eddin Street, the Israeli Special Forces confronted them and started pushing them but the participants continued their march towards Damascus Gate where the forces fired sound grenades and rubber bullets towards the participants which led to the injury of several young men.
A march had initiated from Damascus Gate on Sunday afternoon after the reading activity was over. Upon arrival to Salah Eddin Street, the Israeli Special Forces confronted them and started pushing them but the participants continued their march towards Damascus Gate where the forces fired sound grenades and rubber bullets towards the participants which led to the injury of several young men.
Two Palestinians were injured after Israeli settlers threw a bottle at the car they were driving on the way to Nablus, one of them told Ma'an.
The settlers "threw a beer bottle at us, which destroyed the windshield," one of the Palestinians in the car said.
Fathi Badawi and Ismail Murshed Sweidan were lightly injured in the incident.
More than 500,000 Israeli settlers live in settlements across the West Bank and East Jerusalem, in contravention of international law.
The settlers "threw a beer bottle at us, which destroyed the windshield," one of the Palestinians in the car said.
Fathi Badawi and Ismail Murshed Sweidan were lightly injured in the incident.
More than 500,000 Israeli settlers live in settlements across the West Bank and East Jerusalem, in contravention of international law.
Local residents and eyewitnesses said that the Israeli occupation forces (IOF) began on Saturday morning to transfer new military equipment to locations along the northeastern border of the Gaza Strip. Quds Press agency quoted locals as saying that the IOF transferred artilleries and military vehicles carrying military equipment and ammunition from inside the 1948 occupied territories, and deployed them in its military outposts along the northeastern border of Gaza.
The move came in the wake of the last military escalation between the occupation and resistance in the Gaza Strip.
Meanwhile, secretary general of the Islamic Jihad Movement in Palestine Ramadan Abdullah Shallah said that his movement is not interested in escalation but will not remain silent before Israeli aggression.
Shallah pointed out during an interview with Al-Jazeera TV network on Saturday night that the Egyptian leadership has succeeded to contain the recent escalation and to prevent its development.
He added that his movement and Hamas are partners in war and peace, noting that there is a general agreement on Palestinian factions' right of resistance.
The move came in the wake of the last military escalation between the occupation and resistance in the Gaza Strip.
Meanwhile, secretary general of the Islamic Jihad Movement in Palestine Ramadan Abdullah Shallah said that his movement is not interested in escalation but will not remain silent before Israeli aggression.
Shallah pointed out during an interview with Al-Jazeera TV network on Saturday night that the Egyptian leadership has succeeded to contain the recent escalation and to prevent its development.
He added that his movement and Hamas are partners in war and peace, noting that there is a general agreement on Palestinian factions' right of resistance.
Masked settler and soldiers on the Palestinian occupied hill
On Tuesday 11th March 2014 villagers from Arab ar Rashyaida, 15 kilometers (10 miles) west of Hebron, noticed that a large tent and industrial digger had moved onto a hill top on a villagers land. ISM Hebron was called and accompanied local people and Palestinian activists to confront the settlers
On arriving at the village, the demonstrators parked on the opposite hill and made their way through the valley to the settlers’ encampment. The settlers were armed with automatic hand guns, assault rifles, and dogs to protect the illegal camp. Resistors confronted the settlers in a non-violent way while settlers took photographs on the phones of all the protestors. After a short time a settler armed with a machine gun and dressed in black with his face covered climbed a wall and started to insult a Palestinian activist, stating that he would kill other Palestinians. The activist responded with in a raised voice matching his righteous indignation at the Zionist’s hateful comments. The army soon arrived and attempted to move the protestors from the construction area. On many occasions the leader of the settlers took the soldiers to one side to make suggestions. A proposal was made that, if the settlers camp is dismantled, the protestors can leave and take the matter up in court, but this was dismissed.
Soon a high ranking military officer arrived and was presented with ownership papers from a villager which date back 130 years. The officer told him that the settlers had ownership papers too (presumably not quite so old!). Meanwhile the settler, with his face concealed, had made his way across to the Palestinians’ cars with his aggressive dog following. A small group made their way across to stop him damaging the vehicles. On seeing the Palestinians approach, the settler made his way down to a taxi driver, that was waiting to drive the ISM team back to Hebron. The Palestinians feared that the settler would attack the taxi driver, so the group drove down the hill to support him. The armed settler then made his way back to the constructions site. Sometime later the Israeli police arrived and arrested the activist who had argued with the Zionist armed settler, who had complained that he was physically attacked. The Palestinian went with the Police peacefully and was later arrested and charged with the assault. Activists exchanged video evidence and the prisoner was released on bail with a payment of 2000NIS. We await a trial date.
Arab ar Rashyaida is extremely vulnerable to occupation by settlers. The land surrounding the village is designated as “Intended Nature Reserve” under the Oslo Interim Agreement, and as such is under full Israeli control. The strategy of building outposts on Palestinian land as a seed to develop illegal settlements is well established and supported by the Israeli authorities, despite the fact that it breaks International Law and the 4th Geneva Convention.
Source: ITERNATIONAL SOLIDARITY MOVEMENT
On Tuesday 11th March 2014 villagers from Arab ar Rashyaida, 15 kilometers (10 miles) west of Hebron, noticed that a large tent and industrial digger had moved onto a hill top on a villagers land. ISM Hebron was called and accompanied local people and Palestinian activists to confront the settlers
On arriving at the village, the demonstrators parked on the opposite hill and made their way through the valley to the settlers’ encampment. The settlers were armed with automatic hand guns, assault rifles, and dogs to protect the illegal camp. Resistors confronted the settlers in a non-violent way while settlers took photographs on the phones of all the protestors. After a short time a settler armed with a machine gun and dressed in black with his face covered climbed a wall and started to insult a Palestinian activist, stating that he would kill other Palestinians. The activist responded with in a raised voice matching his righteous indignation at the Zionist’s hateful comments. The army soon arrived and attempted to move the protestors from the construction area. On many occasions the leader of the settlers took the soldiers to one side to make suggestions. A proposal was made that, if the settlers camp is dismantled, the protestors can leave and take the matter up in court, but this was dismissed.
Soon a high ranking military officer arrived and was presented with ownership papers from a villager which date back 130 years. The officer told him that the settlers had ownership papers too (presumably not quite so old!). Meanwhile the settler, with his face concealed, had made his way across to the Palestinians’ cars with his aggressive dog following. A small group made their way across to stop him damaging the vehicles. On seeing the Palestinians approach, the settler made his way down to a taxi driver, that was waiting to drive the ISM team back to Hebron. The Palestinians feared that the settler would attack the taxi driver, so the group drove down the hill to support him. The armed settler then made his way back to the constructions site. Sometime later the Israeli police arrived and arrested the activist who had argued with the Zionist armed settler, who had complained that he was physically attacked. The Palestinian went with the Police peacefully and was later arrested and charged with the assault. Activists exchanged video evidence and the prisoner was released on bail with a payment of 2000NIS. We await a trial date.
Arab ar Rashyaida is extremely vulnerable to occupation by settlers. The land surrounding the village is designated as “Intended Nature Reserve” under the Oslo Interim Agreement, and as such is under full Israeli control. The strategy of building outposts on Palestinian land as a seed to develop illegal settlements is well established and supported by the Israeli authorities, despite the fact that it breaks International Law and the 4th Geneva Convention.
Source: ITERNATIONAL SOLIDARITY MOVEMENT
Israeli occupation forces (IOF) arrested Saturday morning four Palestinians from the West Bank cities of Hebron and Jenin. Local sources said that Israeli forces arrested Mahmoud Barakat,24, Ihab Hajjouj,25, and Ismael Likhdour,26, from BaniNa’im village to the east of Hebron after searching their houses and their contents.
Israeli forces stormed neighborhoods in Heborn, erected checkpoints at the entrances of Sa’ir and Halhoul towns to the north of the city and searched Palestinian cars.
In Jenin, Israeli occupation forces arrested Mohammed Abu Shamla,19, after raiding his family’s house in Ya’bod town to the west of Jenin. Many Palestinians suffered suffocation due to clashes with the Israeli colonial forces that fired tear gas at them.
The forces erected a military checkpoint at the entrance of Ta’nak village to the south-east of Jenin, and detained some Palestinian youths for an hour.
In a relevant vein, violent clashes erupted Saturday afternoon between Israeli forces and Palestinian youths in BeitForik village to the east of Nablus, north of the West Bank.
Eyewitnesses said that clashes erupted when Israeli forces stormed the village, fired live bullets and tear gas at Palestinian citizens.
Israeli occupation forces routinely carry out arrest raids in the West Bank. Around 40 percent of Palestinian men living in the occupied territories have been detained by Israel at some point in their lives.
Israeli forces stormed neighborhoods in Heborn, erected checkpoints at the entrances of Sa’ir and Halhoul towns to the north of the city and searched Palestinian cars.
In Jenin, Israeli occupation forces arrested Mohammed Abu Shamla,19, after raiding his family’s house in Ya’bod town to the west of Jenin. Many Palestinians suffered suffocation due to clashes with the Israeli colonial forces that fired tear gas at them.
The forces erected a military checkpoint at the entrance of Ta’nak village to the south-east of Jenin, and detained some Palestinian youths for an hour.
In a relevant vein, violent clashes erupted Saturday afternoon between Israeli forces and Palestinian youths in BeitForik village to the east of Nablus, north of the West Bank.
Eyewitnesses said that clashes erupted when Israeli forces stormed the village, fired live bullets and tear gas at Palestinian citizens.
Israeli occupation forces routinely carry out arrest raids in the West Bank. Around 40 percent of Palestinian men living in the occupied territories have been detained by Israel at some point in their lives.
Israeli special forces stormed the Al-Aqsa mosque compound and injured a number of worshipers on Sunday morning, witnesses said.
Eyewitnesses said that Israeli forces entered the compound through the the Chain Gate, throwing stun grenades and shooting rubber bullets toward worshipers and blockading worshipers in the Al-Aqsa mosque.
The witnesses added that some worshipers were wounded by rubber bullets and fragments of stun grenades during the raid.
In addition, 500 students who study at religious schools inside in the compound were also denied access, witnesses said.
Israeli police spokesman Micky Rosenfeld said that stones were thrown at police officers at the Moroccan Gate as the site was opened to visitors, adding that police units on site were dealing with "disturbances."
The "Arab rioters" subsequently fled the area and "police did not enter the compound," while "visits continued as normal," he added.
Israeli forces have been stationed at the gates of the Al-Aqsa compound since early Sunday, imposing restrictions on the entrance of Palestinians into the compound, witnesses said.
The clashes coincide with the Jewish holiday of Purim. Activists affiliated with extremist Jewish organizations that call for the destruction of the Al-Aqsa mosque and the construction of a Jewish temple on the site had earlier issues calls on social media for Jewish worshipers to celebrate the holiday inside the Al-Aqsa compound.
Because of the sensitive nature of the Al-Aqsa compound, Israel maintains a compromise with the Islamic trust that controls it to not allow non-Muslim prayers in the area. Israeli forces regularly escort Jewish visitors to the site, leading to tension with Palestinian worshipers.
The compound, which sits just above the Western Wall plaza, houses both the Dome of the Rock and Al-Aqsa mosque and is the third holiest site in Islam.
It is also venerated as Judaism's most holy place as it sits where Jews believe the First and Second Temples once stood. The Second Temple was destroyed by the Romans in 70 AD.
Al-Aqsa is located in East Jerusalem, a part of the internationally recognized Palestinian territories that have been occupied by the Israeli military since 1967.
Eyewitnesses said that Israeli forces entered the compound through the the Chain Gate, throwing stun grenades and shooting rubber bullets toward worshipers and blockading worshipers in the Al-Aqsa mosque.
The witnesses added that some worshipers were wounded by rubber bullets and fragments of stun grenades during the raid.
In addition, 500 students who study at religious schools inside in the compound were also denied access, witnesses said.
Israeli police spokesman Micky Rosenfeld said that stones were thrown at police officers at the Moroccan Gate as the site was opened to visitors, adding that police units on site were dealing with "disturbances."
The "Arab rioters" subsequently fled the area and "police did not enter the compound," while "visits continued as normal," he added.
Israeli forces have been stationed at the gates of the Al-Aqsa compound since early Sunday, imposing restrictions on the entrance of Palestinians into the compound, witnesses said.
The clashes coincide with the Jewish holiday of Purim. Activists affiliated with extremist Jewish organizations that call for the destruction of the Al-Aqsa mosque and the construction of a Jewish temple on the site had earlier issues calls on social media for Jewish worshipers to celebrate the holiday inside the Al-Aqsa compound.
Because of the sensitive nature of the Al-Aqsa compound, Israel maintains a compromise with the Islamic trust that controls it to not allow non-Muslim prayers in the area. Israeli forces regularly escort Jewish visitors to the site, leading to tension with Palestinian worshipers.
The compound, which sits just above the Western Wall plaza, houses both the Dome of the Rock and Al-Aqsa mosque and is the third holiest site in Islam.
It is also venerated as Judaism's most holy place as it sits where Jews believe the First and Second Temples once stood. The Second Temple was destroyed by the Romans in 70 AD.
Al-Aqsa is located in East Jerusalem, a part of the internationally recognized Palestinian territories that have been occupied by the Israeli military since 1967.
Israeli soldiers take position on the Israel-Lebanon border near the northern town of Metula
(Reuters) - Lebanon's new government agreed to a compromise policy statement on Friday that fell short of explicitly enshrining the militant group Hezbollah's role in confronting Israel but which would give all citizens the right to resist Israeli occupation or attacks.
The agreement on the compromise language came after weeks of dispute brought the government to the verge of collapse, and now paves the way for Prime Minister Tammam Salam to put his government to a vote of confidence.
Information Minister Ramzi Jreij told reporters that most ministers had agreed on a compromise statement that declares Lebanese citizens have the right to "resist Israeli occupation" and repel any Israeli attack.
The deal was reached a few hours after Israel's army said it fired tank rounds and artillery into southern Lebanon in retaliation for a bomb that targeted its soldiers patrolling the border. No injuries were reported on either side.
The Israel-Lebanon border has been mostly quiet since Israel and Hezbollah fought an inconclusive war in 2006, but Israeli forces still hold at least three pockets of occupied territory which are claimed by Lebanon.
"Based on the state's responsibility to preserve Lebanon's sovereignty, independence and territorial integrity and the security of its citizens, the government affirms the duty of the state and its efforts to liberate the Shebaa Farms and Kfar Shouba Hills and the Lebanese part of Ghajar through all legitimate means," the government statement said.
It also "affirms the right of Lebanese citizens to resist Israeli occupation and repel aggressions and recover occupied territory".
Agreement on the declaration paves the way for Salam to put his government to a vote of confidence, almost exactly a year after he was first asked to try to put together a cabinet following the resignation of his predecessor, Najib Mikati.
The declaration reflected a compromise between the Hezbollah-led political coalition, which sought to guarantee Shi'ite Hezbollah's right to fight Israel and to justify maintaining its huge weapons arsenal, with Sunni-led political opponents who sought to emphasize the role of the state in carrying arms.
Tensions between Hezbollah and its Sunni opponents inside Lebanon have been sharply heightened by the civil war in neighboring Syria, where Hezbollah fighters have been battling alongside President Bashar al-Assad's forces against Sunni rebels who are backed by many Lebanese Sunnis.
Jreij said some ministers expressed reservations because the statement failed to spell out Lebanese state control over the military conflict with Israel and because it refers to "resistance", Hezbollah's label for its military operations.
A functioning Lebanese government would finally be in a position to pursue an offshore oil and gas exploration license round that was delayed for months by the political deadlock.
Salam has also said he hoped the emergence of the new government will allow Lebanon to hold presidential elections before President Michel Suleiman's mandate expires in May and also hold parliamentary polls that were postponed last year due to the political impasse.
Lebanon, still struggling to recover from its own 1975-1990 civil war, has found its internal divisions worsened by the conflict in Syria, whose sectarian divisions mirror its own.
Sectarian violence has erupted sporadically in the past year, particularly in the north, and car bombings targeting both security and political targets have increased dramatically, with Hezbollah-dominated areas being the most frequent target.
Security sources said on Friday the death toll after two days of fighting in the northern city of Tripoli between Sunni Muslims and minority Alawites - the same sect as Syrian President Bashar al-Assad - had risen to five.
(Reuters) - Lebanon's new government agreed to a compromise policy statement on Friday that fell short of explicitly enshrining the militant group Hezbollah's role in confronting Israel but which would give all citizens the right to resist Israeli occupation or attacks.
The agreement on the compromise language came after weeks of dispute brought the government to the verge of collapse, and now paves the way for Prime Minister Tammam Salam to put his government to a vote of confidence.
Information Minister Ramzi Jreij told reporters that most ministers had agreed on a compromise statement that declares Lebanese citizens have the right to "resist Israeli occupation" and repel any Israeli attack.
The deal was reached a few hours after Israel's army said it fired tank rounds and artillery into southern Lebanon in retaliation for a bomb that targeted its soldiers patrolling the border. No injuries were reported on either side.
The Israel-Lebanon border has been mostly quiet since Israel and Hezbollah fought an inconclusive war in 2006, but Israeli forces still hold at least three pockets of occupied territory which are claimed by Lebanon.
"Based on the state's responsibility to preserve Lebanon's sovereignty, independence and territorial integrity and the security of its citizens, the government affirms the duty of the state and its efforts to liberate the Shebaa Farms and Kfar Shouba Hills and the Lebanese part of Ghajar through all legitimate means," the government statement said.
It also "affirms the right of Lebanese citizens to resist Israeli occupation and repel aggressions and recover occupied territory".
Agreement on the declaration paves the way for Salam to put his government to a vote of confidence, almost exactly a year after he was first asked to try to put together a cabinet following the resignation of his predecessor, Najib Mikati.
The declaration reflected a compromise between the Hezbollah-led political coalition, which sought to guarantee Shi'ite Hezbollah's right to fight Israel and to justify maintaining its huge weapons arsenal, with Sunni-led political opponents who sought to emphasize the role of the state in carrying arms.
Tensions between Hezbollah and its Sunni opponents inside Lebanon have been sharply heightened by the civil war in neighboring Syria, where Hezbollah fighters have been battling alongside President Bashar al-Assad's forces against Sunni rebels who are backed by many Lebanese Sunnis.
Jreij said some ministers expressed reservations because the statement failed to spell out Lebanese state control over the military conflict with Israel and because it refers to "resistance", Hezbollah's label for its military operations.
A functioning Lebanese government would finally be in a position to pursue an offshore oil and gas exploration license round that was delayed for months by the political deadlock.
Salam has also said he hoped the emergence of the new government will allow Lebanon to hold presidential elections before President Michel Suleiman's mandate expires in May and also hold parliamentary polls that were postponed last year due to the political impasse.
Lebanon, still struggling to recover from its own 1975-1990 civil war, has found its internal divisions worsened by the conflict in Syria, whose sectarian divisions mirror its own.
Sectarian violence has erupted sporadically in the past year, particularly in the north, and car bombings targeting both security and political targets have increased dramatically, with Hezbollah-dominated areas being the most frequent target.
Security sources said on Friday the death toll after two days of fighting in the northern city of Tripoli between Sunni Muslims and minority Alawites - the same sect as Syrian President Bashar al-Assad - had risen to five.
15 mar 2014
An Israeli soldier was struck by a rock on Saturday while he was detaining a boy during clashes in Beit Furik east of Nablus.
Local sources told Ma'an that clashes broke out between Jewish settlers from the nearby settlement of Elon Moreh and dozens of Palestinians in the eastern neighborhood of the village of Beit Furik.
Israeli settlers approached the clashes and fired dozens of tear gas canisters and stun grenades toward the Palestinians, locals said.
They added that an Israeli soldier was wounded during the clashes after a rock struck his head as he was detaining Najeh Faysal Najeh Nasasrah, 16.
Dozens of Palestinian youths suffered from excessive tear gas inhalation during the clashes, the sources said.
An Israeli military spokeswoman said that "a number of Palestinians were hurling rock at soldiers," and one was struck by a rock.
She said that the soldier was "slightly injured in his shoulder."
The internationally recognized Palestinian territories of which the West Bank and East Jerusalem form a part have been occupied by the Israeli military since 1967.
Local sources told Ma'an that clashes broke out between Jewish settlers from the nearby settlement of Elon Moreh and dozens of Palestinians in the eastern neighborhood of the village of Beit Furik.
Israeli settlers approached the clashes and fired dozens of tear gas canisters and stun grenades toward the Palestinians, locals said.
They added that an Israeli soldier was wounded during the clashes after a rock struck his head as he was detaining Najeh Faysal Najeh Nasasrah, 16.
Dozens of Palestinian youths suffered from excessive tear gas inhalation during the clashes, the sources said.
An Israeli military spokeswoman said that "a number of Palestinians were hurling rock at soldiers," and one was struck by a rock.
She said that the soldier was "slightly injured in his shoulder."
The internationally recognized Palestinian territories of which the West Bank and East Jerusalem form a part have been occupied by the Israeli military since 1967.
Israeli soldiers opened fire on a Palestinian driver after he "tried to hit" soldiers with his car near a military checkpoint at the entrance to Beit Ummar in the southern West Bank on Wednesday, the Israeli military said.
Israeli military sources said that soldiers opened fire on the Palestinian man's vehicle and detained him following the incident, which they said caused no injuries to the Israeli soldiers and border guards at the scene.
Spokesperson for the Popular Committee Against the Wall and Settlements in Beit Ummar Muhammad Ayad said that Essam Ahmad Thalji Aadi, 38, from Beit Ummar accidentally stepped on the gas pedal instead of the brake, in the process hitting the five soldiers.
The Israeli soldiers were at a gas station near the northern entrance of Beit Ummar at the time of the incident, Ayad said, and their injuries were described as "negligible."
Ayad added that the soldiers beat the driver following the incident and took him in a military vehicle to an unknown destination. Israeli reinforcements subsequently arrived on the scene, obstructing traffic on the main road between Jerusalem and Hebron which runs nearby.
The Israeli border police could not be reached for comment.
Israeli military sources said that soldiers opened fire on the Palestinian man's vehicle and detained him following the incident, which they said caused no injuries to the Israeli soldiers and border guards at the scene.
Spokesperson for the Popular Committee Against the Wall and Settlements in Beit Ummar Muhammad Ayad said that Essam Ahmad Thalji Aadi, 38, from Beit Ummar accidentally stepped on the gas pedal instead of the brake, in the process hitting the five soldiers.
The Israeli soldiers were at a gas station near the northern entrance of Beit Ummar at the time of the incident, Ayad said, and their injuries were described as "negligible."
Ayad added that the soldiers beat the driver following the incident and took him in a military vehicle to an unknown destination. Israeli reinforcements subsequently arrived on the scene, obstructing traffic on the main road between Jerusalem and Hebron which runs nearby.
The Israeli border police could not be reached for comment.
Violent confrontations were reported at the Israeli military roadblock in Hawara between Israeli occupation forces (IOF) and Palestinian young men afternoon Friday. The PIC reporter in the area said that the young men threw stones and empty bottles at the soldiers who responded by firing sound bombs and teargas canisters.
Eyewitnesses told the PIC reporter that the soldiers arrested a young man, but could not identify him.
Meanwhile, popular resistance activists raised posters at noon Friday on road 60 leading to Yitzhar settlement reading “Get out of our Land”.
Eyewitnesses told the PIC reporter that the soldiers arrested a young man, but could not identify him.
Meanwhile, popular resistance activists raised posters at noon Friday on road 60 leading to Yitzhar settlement reading “Get out of our Land”.
Israeli and Egyptian gunboats opened heavy machinegun fire at Palestinian fishing boats that were trying to fish near the Egyptian-Gazan borders on Saturday morning. Eyewitnesses said that both Israeli and Egyptian gunboats fired at the Palestinian fishing boats and chased them away from the border area. They added that no casualties were reported.
The Egyptian navy prevented Palestinian fishermen from fishing in the Egyptian territorial waters since president Mohammed Morsi was ousted early last July. The Egyptian navy threatened to arrest any fisherman approaching its waters and actually did that and arrested fishermen and confiscated their fishing boats.
The Egyptian navy prevented Palestinian fishermen from fishing in the Egyptian territorial waters since president Mohammed Morsi was ousted early last July. The Egyptian navy threatened to arrest any fisherman approaching its waters and actually did that and arrested fishermen and confiscated their fishing boats.
