28 aug 2013

File photo shows Israeli forces near the Lebanese border.
The Israeli military has staged a maneuver at a northern airport amid reports of a possible military intervention in the violence-stricken Syria, Israeli media say.
According to a report by the Israeli website Ynet, the military exercise kicked off at Rosh Pina Airport in northern Israel early on Wednesday. The drill was scheduled to continue until afternoon.
However, Yosef Glasberg, the airport’s director, said there was no connection between the drill and the reports of a possible attack on Syria.
Another two-day military exercise is also set to take place in the occupied Golan Heights later this week.
Meanwhile, Israeli newspaper Ma’ariv reported that the Israelis are not ready to cope with chemical strikes, while about 40 percent of Israeli residents are not provided with gas masks.
On August 21, the militants operating inside Syria and the foreign-backed Syrian opposition claimed that 1,300 people had been killed in a government chemical attack on militant strongholds in the Damascus suburbs of Ain Tarma, Zamalka and Jobar.
A number of Western countries, including the US, France, and the UK, were quick to adopt war rhetoric against Syria despite the fact that Damascus categorically rejected the baseless claim.
Since Tuesday, speculation has become stronger about the possibility of a military attack on Syria. Media outlets have been reporting US plans for likely surgical attacks, which would be in the form of “cruise-missile strikes,” and “could rely on four US destroyers in the Mediterranean.” The plan, however, seems to be awaiting US President Barack Obama’s go-ahead.
The Israeli military has staged a maneuver at a northern airport amid reports of a possible military intervention in the violence-stricken Syria, Israeli media say.
According to a report by the Israeli website Ynet, the military exercise kicked off at Rosh Pina Airport in northern Israel early on Wednesday. The drill was scheduled to continue until afternoon.
However, Yosef Glasberg, the airport’s director, said there was no connection between the drill and the reports of a possible attack on Syria.
Another two-day military exercise is also set to take place in the occupied Golan Heights later this week.
Meanwhile, Israeli newspaper Ma’ariv reported that the Israelis are not ready to cope with chemical strikes, while about 40 percent of Israeli residents are not provided with gas masks.
On August 21, the militants operating inside Syria and the foreign-backed Syrian opposition claimed that 1,300 people had been killed in a government chemical attack on militant strongholds in the Damascus suburbs of Ain Tarma, Zamalka and Jobar.
A number of Western countries, including the US, France, and the UK, were quick to adopt war rhetoric against Syria despite the fact that Damascus categorically rejected the baseless claim.
Since Tuesday, speculation has become stronger about the possibility of a military attack on Syria. Media outlets have been reporting US plans for likely surgical attacks, which would be in the form of “cruise-missile strikes,” and “could rely on four US destroyers in the Mediterranean.” The plan, however, seems to be awaiting US President Barack Obama’s go-ahead.

Israeli forces shot a young Palestinian who attempted to cross the Israeli fence in al-Thaheriyeh village in Hebron to work beyond the Green Line. The forces chased after the worker in al-Badoud area and opened fire towards him.
Medical sources said that the 18-year-old Ismael al-Mahareq was taken to a medical center in the village, where he was given initial treatment before being transferred to the Governmental Hebron Hospital.
The sources told PNN that the youth was hit by a bullet in his right leg and his condition was described as "stable."
Medics: Israeli troops shoot, injure Palestinian worker
Israeli troops shot and injured a young Palestinian man near al-Ramadin village south of Hebron while he was headed to work in Israel, a Red Crescent official.
According to Nasser Qabaja of the Palestinian Red Crescent Association, the victim was evacuated in an ambulance to a public hospital in Hebron after he was shot in the foot near al-Ramadin.
Medics in the hospital identified the victim as Ismail Hirzallah Mahariq, 20.
The victim arrived at the hospital with a bullet wound in his foot, and it exited from the other side. Medics said that doctors managed to stop the bleeding and stabilize the man's condition.
An Israeli army spokesman confirmed that soldiers opened fire at a Palestinian he said was tampering with the separation barrier in a village near Hebron.
But he said the soldiers who opened fire did not identify a hit, and he was unfamiliar with the reports from medics that the victim suffered a gunshot wound.
The official also said soldiers first fired warning shots in the air in line with rules of engagement.
Medical sources said that the 18-year-old Ismael al-Mahareq was taken to a medical center in the village, where he was given initial treatment before being transferred to the Governmental Hebron Hospital.
The sources told PNN that the youth was hit by a bullet in his right leg and his condition was described as "stable."
Medics: Israeli troops shoot, injure Palestinian worker
Israeli troops shot and injured a young Palestinian man near al-Ramadin village south of Hebron while he was headed to work in Israel, a Red Crescent official.
According to Nasser Qabaja of the Palestinian Red Crescent Association, the victim was evacuated in an ambulance to a public hospital in Hebron after he was shot in the foot near al-Ramadin.
Medics in the hospital identified the victim as Ismail Hirzallah Mahariq, 20.
The victim arrived at the hospital with a bullet wound in his foot, and it exited from the other side. Medics said that doctors managed to stop the bleeding and stabilize the man's condition.
An Israeli army spokesman confirmed that soldiers opened fire at a Palestinian he said was tampering with the separation barrier in a village near Hebron.
But he said the soldiers who opened fire did not identify a hit, and he was unfamiliar with the reports from medics that the victim suffered a gunshot wound.
The official also said soldiers first fired warning shots in the air in line with rules of engagement.

Israeli forces arrested Tuesday evening, three Palestinians and wounded 10 others during confrontations that erupted in al-Issawiya village, central occupied Jerusalem.
Wadi Hilweh Information Center said that an Israeli special units "Arabists" stormed the village during the clashes and abducted three Palestinians after assaulting them. They are: Ahmed Daoud Obeid, Ahmed Zumurd and Ahmed Ghaleb Shaheen.
Palestinian youths burned tires and threw stones toward Israeli forces that were stationed at the main entrance of the village. The forces randomly fired sound bombs and rubber-coated bullets in return, causing the injury to 10 Palestinians.
Wadi Hilweh Information Center said that an Israeli special units "Arabists" stormed the village during the clashes and abducted three Palestinians after assaulting them. They are: Ahmed Daoud Obeid, Ahmed Zumurd and Ahmed Ghaleb Shaheen.
Palestinian youths burned tires and threw stones toward Israeli forces that were stationed at the main entrance of the village. The forces randomly fired sound bombs and rubber-coated bullets in return, causing the injury to 10 Palestinians.
area, in the center of occupied East Jerusalem, and took them to an interrogation facility in the city.
The army claimed that the five hurled stones at settlers’ vehicles during in the area but did not reveal any further details.
On Monday at dawn, three Palestinians were killed by Israeli army fire in the Qalandia refugee camp, north of occupied Jerusalem, while dozens of residents have been injured by live rounds and rubber-coated metal bullets.
The three were killed when undercover forces of the Israeli army infiltrated into the camp to arrest a Palestinian. One of the slain Palestinians worked for the United Nations Work and Relief Agency (UNRWA).
Later in the day, the army invaded the camp again, and kidnapped more than 35 Palestinians, shot and injured several Palestinians during ensuing clashes.
Clashes then erupted in different parts of the occupied West Bank, and dozens of injuries have been reported, especially following the burial ceremonies of the three slain Palestinians.
In related news, a number of soldiers detained, Tuesday, two Palestinians in Yatta town, near the southern West Bank city of Hebron.
Rateb Jabour, coordinator of the National Committee Against the Wall and Settlement in southern Hebron, stated that the soldiers violently attacked Bilal Al-Hathalin, 25, and Tareq Al-Hathalin, 18.
The soldiers claimed that the two were “constructing a room without a permit” in Khirbit Um Al-Kheir area.
Jabour said that the attack is part of organized violations and assaults carried out by the army against Bedouins and villagers in an attempt to force them to leave so that Israel can build and expand its illegal settlements.
The army claimed that the five hurled stones at settlers’ vehicles during in the area but did not reveal any further details.
On Monday at dawn, three Palestinians were killed by Israeli army fire in the Qalandia refugee camp, north of occupied Jerusalem, while dozens of residents have been injured by live rounds and rubber-coated metal bullets.
The three were killed when undercover forces of the Israeli army infiltrated into the camp to arrest a Palestinian. One of the slain Palestinians worked for the United Nations Work and Relief Agency (UNRWA).
Later in the day, the army invaded the camp again, and kidnapped more than 35 Palestinians, shot and injured several Palestinians during ensuing clashes.
Clashes then erupted in different parts of the occupied West Bank, and dozens of injuries have been reported, especially following the burial ceremonies of the three slain Palestinians.
In related news, a number of soldiers detained, Tuesday, two Palestinians in Yatta town, near the southern West Bank city of Hebron.
Rateb Jabour, coordinator of the National Committee Against the Wall and Settlement in southern Hebron, stated that the soldiers violently attacked Bilal Al-Hathalin, 25, and Tareq Al-Hathalin, 18.
The soldiers claimed that the two were “constructing a room without a permit” in Khirbit Um Al-Kheir area.
Jabour said that the attack is part of organized violations and assaults carried out by the army against Bedouins and villagers in an attempt to force them to leave so that Israel can build and expand its illegal settlements.
27 aug 2013

Scores of Palestinian young men sustained injuries during violent clashes on Monday evening with invading Israeli troops in Sanur village to the south of Jenin city. The Palestinian information center (PIC) reporter in Jenin said many young men gathered and threw stones at a force of Israeli troops immediately after they stormed the village.
He added that five young men suffered bullet injuries and several others suffocated severally from the intensity of the tear gas fired by the Israeli occupation forces.
The invading troops raided several houses in the village and handed more than five young men summonses for interrogation from the intelligence commandership in Salem military post.
During the campaign, the troops physically assaulted some citizens on the streets and severally beat a young storekeeper.
He added that five young men suffered bullet injuries and several others suffocated severally from the intensity of the tear gas fired by the Israeli occupation forces.
The invading troops raided several houses in the village and handed more than five young men summonses for interrogation from the intelligence commandership in Salem military post.
During the campaign, the troops physically assaulted some citizens on the streets and severally beat a young storekeeper.
Clashes broke out in the evening at the entrance of Shu’fat refugee camp checkpoint between the Israeli forces and young men of the camp.
The young men threw stones at the soldiers present at the checkpoint and burnt tires; the soldiers fired gas bombs and rubber bullets towards the young men in which several locals suffocated.
The young men threw stones at the soldiers present at the checkpoint and burnt tires; the soldiers fired gas bombs and rubber bullets towards the young men in which several locals suffocated.

Violent clashes broke out on Monday between Israeli soldiers and angry young men in Al-Khalil city following the deadly attack on Qalandiya refugee camp, which led to the killing of three young men and the injury of many others. Eyewitnesses told the Palestinian information center (PIC) that young men clashed with invading troops in BaB Azzawiya and Shalala areas in central Al-Khalil.
The young men confronted the troops with throwing stones and some of them were able to pick up smoking tear gas canisters and hurl them back in the direction of the occupation forces.
One young man was reportedly rounded up during the events.
The confrontations also spread to Al-Fawwar refugee camp to the south of Al-Khalil, where dozens of angry young men torched tires and clashed with the invading troops, who showered them with a hail of tear gas grenades.
A growing popular rage in the west Bank started in the West Bank after the Israeli occupation forces (IOF) at dawn Monday killed three young men and wounded many others during a violent raid on Qalandiya refugee camp, north of occupied Jerusalem.
Meanwhile, the IOF closed on the evening of the same day the northern crossing of Al-Khalil city for about two hours and prevented the Palestinian vehicles from going in or out.
Eyewitnesses told the Palestinian information center (PIC) the Israeli soldiers stationed at a military watchtower near the entrance to Halhoul town, north of Al-Khalil, set up a checkpoint and embarked on searching vehicles and checking the IDs of passengers, especially young men.
The soldiers at the checkpoint forced many young men to leave public buses and detained them for some time before they let them go.
In a separate incident, unruly armed Jewish settlers living in seized property in Tel Rumeida neighborhood in Al-Khalil attacked on Monday Palestinian passersby and homes.
Residents in the area reported over the phone to the Palestinian information center (PIC) that armed Jewish settlers threw stones and empty bottles at their homes in the neighborhood, which caused damage to Palestinian cars, and chased citizens.
The young men confronted the troops with throwing stones and some of them were able to pick up smoking tear gas canisters and hurl them back in the direction of the occupation forces.
One young man was reportedly rounded up during the events.
The confrontations also spread to Al-Fawwar refugee camp to the south of Al-Khalil, where dozens of angry young men torched tires and clashed with the invading troops, who showered them with a hail of tear gas grenades.
A growing popular rage in the west Bank started in the West Bank after the Israeli occupation forces (IOF) at dawn Monday killed three young men and wounded many others during a violent raid on Qalandiya refugee camp, north of occupied Jerusalem.
Meanwhile, the IOF closed on the evening of the same day the northern crossing of Al-Khalil city for about two hours and prevented the Palestinian vehicles from going in or out.
Eyewitnesses told the Palestinian information center (PIC) the Israeli soldiers stationed at a military watchtower near the entrance to Halhoul town, north of Al-Khalil, set up a checkpoint and embarked on searching vehicles and checking the IDs of passengers, especially young men.
The soldiers at the checkpoint forced many young men to leave public buses and detained them for some time before they let them go.
In a separate incident, unruly armed Jewish settlers living in seized property in Tel Rumeida neighborhood in Al-Khalil attacked on Monday Palestinian passersby and homes.
Residents in the area reported over the phone to the Palestinian information center (PIC) that armed Jewish settlers threw stones and empty bottles at their homes in the neighborhood, which caused damage to Palestinian cars, and chased citizens.

Local sources in the West Bank city of Bethlehem have reported that clashes took place between dozens of local youths, and Israeli soldiers, in Aida refugee camp, north of Bethlehem.
The sources said that the clashes are part of dozens of protests that took place in different parts of the occupied West Bank after undercover forces infiltrated into Qalandia refugee camp, north of occupied Jerusalem, Monday, killed three Palestinians and injured dozens, including 15 who suffered moderate-to-severe injuries after being shot by rounds of live ammunition.
Mohammad Ayman, an activist from Aida refugee camp, told the Radio Bethlehem 2000, that the clashes took place after funeral ceremonies of the slain Palestinians were held in Qalandia.
Ayman added that dozens of youths placed tires under the fortified concrete military tower overlooking the camp behind the Annexation Wall, and burnt the tires.
The soldiers fired gas bombs, concussion grenades, rubber-coated metal bullets and rounds of live ammunition.
Several residents suffered the effects of teargas inhalation, while one youth was shot in the face by a rubber-coated metal bullet.
On Tuesday at dawn, Israeli soldiers invaded Hindaza area, east of the Bethlehem district, and kidnapped two brothers identified as Mahmoud, 36, and Aseed Hasan Al-Wirdyan, 23, after breaking into their home and violently searching it.
The sources said that the clashes are part of dozens of protests that took place in different parts of the occupied West Bank after undercover forces infiltrated into Qalandia refugee camp, north of occupied Jerusalem, Monday, killed three Palestinians and injured dozens, including 15 who suffered moderate-to-severe injuries after being shot by rounds of live ammunition.
Mohammad Ayman, an activist from Aida refugee camp, told the Radio Bethlehem 2000, that the clashes took place after funeral ceremonies of the slain Palestinians were held in Qalandia.
Ayman added that dozens of youths placed tires under the fortified concrete military tower overlooking the camp behind the Annexation Wall, and burnt the tires.
The soldiers fired gas bombs, concussion grenades, rubber-coated metal bullets and rounds of live ammunition.
Several residents suffered the effects of teargas inhalation, while one youth was shot in the face by a rubber-coated metal bullet.
On Tuesday at dawn, Israeli soldiers invaded Hindaza area, east of the Bethlehem district, and kidnapped two brothers identified as Mahmoud, 36, and Aseed Hasan Al-Wirdyan, 23, after breaking into their home and violently searching it.
26 aug 2013

B’Tselem’s field researchers have begun investigating the incident that took place this morning (26 August) in which three Palestinians – Rubin Zayed, Yunes Jahjuh and Jihad Aslan – were killed by Israeli security forces’ fire in Qalandiya Refugee Camp, and almost twenty others were injured. According to B’Tselem’s initial investigation, as well as media reports, Israeli security forces comprising soldiers and Border Police entered the refugee camp at approximately 6:00 A.M. today with the intention of arresting a Palestinian recently released from Israeli prison. Residents of the camp responded by throwing stones and other objects at the force that was carrying out the arrest itself – some ten Border Police officers – following which soldiers arrived in four armored jeeps in order to escort the force out of the camp, and fired live ammunition.
Over the years, B’Tselem has documented various incidents in which Israeli military forces entering a Palestinian refugee camp were met with massive stone-throwing and responded with fatal fire. One of them occurred in Qalandiya Refugee Camp itself, some two years ago: On 1 August 2011, soldiers entered the camp in the middle of the night on an arrest mission and were met with stone-throwing by residents; at the end of the mission, the force opened fire, killing two residents – Mu'atasem 'Adwan and ‘Ali Khalifah – and injuring a third.
B’Tselem’s initial investigation indicates that several recent arrest operations in Qalandiya Refugee Camp have ended with stone-throwing by residents, to which the soldiers responded by using crowd control weapons, which did not lead to injury. At this early stage, it appears that the stone-throwing was more massive today as the security forces remained in the camp until around 6:45 A.M., a busy hour on the street as the Palestinian school year started yesterday.
Past experience shows that whenever Israeli security forces enter a densely-populated Palestinian residential area, they are exposed to stone-throwing and to a potential threat to their lives – a predictable situation that must surely be known to the command ranks. Indeed, Israeli daily Ha’aretz quoted a military official today as saying that “in recent months, not a single arrest has occurred without the residents responding – whether it’s youths coming out of their houses and throwing stones at the forces, or the use of live fire”.
Given that commanders are well aware of the danger inherent to these situations, such missions should not end with the killing of three civilians. Today’s harsh consequences cast doubt on their judgment in ordering the mission, and on the degree to which the force was prepared in advance. There is also room for grave suspicion that not all possible measures were taken to prevent this result, including the consideration of alternative modes of operation, and that the forces made excessive use of lethal weapons.
An investigation into the incident must be opened immediately in order to examine these issues, and particularly the command’s decision to carry out the arrest in this manner, and the question whether they forces prepared in advance for the mission in a way that could have prevented the use of lethal arms. B’Tselem has written to the Military Advocate for Operational Matters and to the SHAI [Judea and Samaria] District Police, which is in charge of investigating suspected breaches of shooting protocol by Border Police, demanding that an investigation be opened. Additionally, the military must take action to prevent the recurrence of such incidents, such as establishing clear procedures for arrest missions and for the entry of army forces into densely-populated residential areas.
Over the years, B’Tselem has documented various incidents in which Israeli military forces entering a Palestinian refugee camp were met with massive stone-throwing and responded with fatal fire. One of them occurred in Qalandiya Refugee Camp itself, some two years ago: On 1 August 2011, soldiers entered the camp in the middle of the night on an arrest mission and were met with stone-throwing by residents; at the end of the mission, the force opened fire, killing two residents – Mu'atasem 'Adwan and ‘Ali Khalifah – and injuring a third.
B’Tselem’s initial investigation indicates that several recent arrest operations in Qalandiya Refugee Camp have ended with stone-throwing by residents, to which the soldiers responded by using crowd control weapons, which did not lead to injury. At this early stage, it appears that the stone-throwing was more massive today as the security forces remained in the camp until around 6:45 A.M., a busy hour on the street as the Palestinian school year started yesterday.
Past experience shows that whenever Israeli security forces enter a densely-populated Palestinian residential area, they are exposed to stone-throwing and to a potential threat to their lives – a predictable situation that must surely be known to the command ranks. Indeed, Israeli daily Ha’aretz quoted a military official today as saying that “in recent months, not a single arrest has occurred without the residents responding – whether it’s youths coming out of their houses and throwing stones at the forces, or the use of live fire”.
Given that commanders are well aware of the danger inherent to these situations, such missions should not end with the killing of three civilians. Today’s harsh consequences cast doubt on their judgment in ordering the mission, and on the degree to which the force was prepared in advance. There is also room for grave suspicion that not all possible measures were taken to prevent this result, including the consideration of alternative modes of operation, and that the forces made excessive use of lethal weapons.
An investigation into the incident must be opened immediately in order to examine these issues, and particularly the command’s decision to carry out the arrest in this manner, and the question whether they forces prepared in advance for the mission in a way that could have prevented the use of lethal arms. B’Tselem has written to the Military Advocate for Operational Matters and to the SHAI [Judea and Samaria] District Police, which is in charge of investigating suspected breaches of shooting protocol by Border Police, demanding that an investigation be opened. Additionally, the military must take action to prevent the recurrence of such incidents, such as establishing clear procedures for arrest missions and for the entry of army forces into densely-populated residential areas.
Witnesses said at least two young men were hurt, and another was detained.
An Israeli military spokeswoman did not immediately return calls.
Clashes Take Place In Different Parts Of West Bank
Thee Palestinains Killed By Army Fire, Dozens Injured And Kidnapped
Clashes took place in different parts of the occupied West Bank Monday [August 26, 2013] after Israeli soldiers invaded the Qalandia refugee camp earlier at dawn, north of Jerusalem, shot and killed three Palestinians, and injured dozens of residents, including at least 15 who were shot by live ammunition.
Clashes took place near the Qalandia terminal, while dozens of injuries have been reported as the soldiers fired live rounds, rubber-coated metal bullets, gas bombs and concussion grenades.
The Palestinian News & Info Agency (WAFA) has reported that dozens of soldiers invaded the Aida refugee camp, in Bethlehem, and clashed with dozens of local youths who hurled stones and empty bottles at the invading soldiers.
Medical sources said that several Palestinians in the camp were shot by rubber-coated metal bullets, while dozens suffered the effects of teargas inhalation.
Clashes also took place in Hebron, in the southern part of the occupied West Bank, especially in the Az-Zawiya area, and Be’er As-Sabe’ Street in the center of the city.
Soldiers fired rounds of live ammunition, rubber-coated metal bullets and gas bombs, and kidnapped several Palestinians.
Local sources in the city have reported that scores of soldiers also broke into and searched dozens of homes, and occupied their rooftops using them as monitoring towers.
Israeli daily, Haaretz, said that the army kidnapped 30 Palestinians in Qalandia during clashes that took place after the Palestinians held the funeral ceremonies of the three slain Palestinians.
It said that the army started in “investigation” in what happened after undercover soldiers of the Israeli military infiltrated into the refugee camp to “arrest some wanted Palestinians”.
The army said that “it seems that soldiers did not expect the invasion to be turned into violent clashes”.
Amos Harel, a leading media expert on military affairs at Haaretz, questioned the motives of this infiltration and, invasion into the refugee camp, and why this invasion took place in the midst of the newly resumed fragile direct peace talks between Israel and the Palestinians.
Nabil Abu Rodeina, spokesperson of Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas, strongly denounced the Israeli invasion and the killing of the three Palestinians, and said that the invasion “is part of a series of crimes carried out by Israel, and part of Israel’s ongoing violations and escalating settlement construction and expansion activities”.
Egyptian Foreign Minister, Nabil Fahmi, also denounced the Israeli crime in Qalandia, and the ongoing Israeli violations.
His statements came during a press conference held with Palestinian Foreign Minister, Riyad Al-Maliki, in the central West Bank city of Ramallah.
He said that the Israeli escalation and violations limit the chances of successful peace talks, and stated that a Palestinian State must be established next to Israel, with occupied East Jerusalem as the capital of this state.
An Israeli military spokeswoman did not immediately return calls.
Clashes Take Place In Different Parts Of West Bank
Thee Palestinains Killed By Army Fire, Dozens Injured And Kidnapped
Clashes took place in different parts of the occupied West Bank Monday [August 26, 2013] after Israeli soldiers invaded the Qalandia refugee camp earlier at dawn, north of Jerusalem, shot and killed three Palestinians, and injured dozens of residents, including at least 15 who were shot by live ammunition.
Clashes took place near the Qalandia terminal, while dozens of injuries have been reported as the soldiers fired live rounds, rubber-coated metal bullets, gas bombs and concussion grenades.
The Palestinian News & Info Agency (WAFA) has reported that dozens of soldiers invaded the Aida refugee camp, in Bethlehem, and clashed with dozens of local youths who hurled stones and empty bottles at the invading soldiers.
Medical sources said that several Palestinians in the camp were shot by rubber-coated metal bullets, while dozens suffered the effects of teargas inhalation.
Clashes also took place in Hebron, in the southern part of the occupied West Bank, especially in the Az-Zawiya area, and Be’er As-Sabe’ Street in the center of the city.
Soldiers fired rounds of live ammunition, rubber-coated metal bullets and gas bombs, and kidnapped several Palestinians.
Local sources in the city have reported that scores of soldiers also broke into and searched dozens of homes, and occupied their rooftops using them as monitoring towers.
Israeli daily, Haaretz, said that the army kidnapped 30 Palestinians in Qalandia during clashes that took place after the Palestinians held the funeral ceremonies of the three slain Palestinians.
It said that the army started in “investigation” in what happened after undercover soldiers of the Israeli military infiltrated into the refugee camp to “arrest some wanted Palestinians”.
The army said that “it seems that soldiers did not expect the invasion to be turned into violent clashes”.
Amos Harel, a leading media expert on military affairs at Haaretz, questioned the motives of this infiltration and, invasion into the refugee camp, and why this invasion took place in the midst of the newly resumed fragile direct peace talks between Israel and the Palestinians.
Nabil Abu Rodeina, spokesperson of Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas, strongly denounced the Israeli invasion and the killing of the three Palestinians, and said that the invasion “is part of a series of crimes carried out by Israel, and part of Israel’s ongoing violations and escalating settlement construction and expansion activities”.
Egyptian Foreign Minister, Nabil Fahmi, also denounced the Israeli crime in Qalandia, and the ongoing Israeli violations.
His statements came during a press conference held with Palestinian Foreign Minister, Riyad Al-Maliki, in the central West Bank city of Ramallah.
He said that the Israeli escalation and violations limit the chances of successful peace talks, and stated that a Palestinian State must be established next to Israel, with occupied East Jerusalem as the capital of this state.

At around 7:00 am on Monday, August 26, 2013, seven Israeli tanks accompanied by armored bulldozers moved under heavy covering fire about 200 meters inside As-Sa’adat area east of Beit Hanoun, in North Gaza district. Israeli bulldozers leveled lands that had been frequently razed before.
The tanks then moved to the south to Al Qatbaniya, Khour Zanoun, and Abu Safiya areas east of the Islamic Cemetery east of Jabaliya. At around midday, the Israeli Occupation Forces (IOF) withdrew from the area. No causalities or injuries were recorded but farmers were terrified and abandoned their work.
The tanks then moved to the south to Al Qatbaniya, Khour Zanoun, and Abu Safiya areas east of the Islamic Cemetery east of Jabaliya. At around midday, the Israeli Occupation Forces (IOF) withdrew from the area. No causalities or injuries were recorded but farmers were terrified and abandoned their work.

Israeli sources has reported that military and security commanders in Tel Aviv believe that a limited war between Israel and Syria is possible should Washington decide to strike Syrian targets, and Syria’s army of President Bashar Assad.
The sources said that once the Syrian army is facing a war with the U.S and other countries, it will not be able to operate along the border, and that a likely scenario is that missiles will be fired into Israel, but the Israeli defense systems, and the Air Force, will be able to intercept and destroy Syrian missiles.
Israeli Channel 10 quoted a senior Israeli army general stating that, despite the current analysis of the situation, all Israelis are advised to seriously take instructions issued by the military, especially regarding gas masks.
It added that Israeli Defense Minister, Moshe (Bogie) Ya'alon, recently visited northern border areas to personally review preparations along the border amidst talks of a U.S-led war on Syria.
Furthermore, Israeli security and military officers stated that all current indications show that any attack carried out by the Syrian army against Israel will be week, as the army is exhausted facing fighters and armed opposition in his country.
They said that what this really mean is that Syria does not have enough military supplies and capabilities, its army is weakening, therefore it will not be able to attack Israel, and any possible war will be limited.
The officials further stated that, in the case of a war, Israelis would have to use shelters, insulated rooms, and that “such a war would break the routine in the Israeli society”.
An Israeli army commander at the Northern Front stated that the army is capable of intercepting long-range and high velocity missiles using the advanced Tamir Missile Shield systems.
The commander added that Israel doubled the deployment of its soldiers along the northern border, and even increased the number of support brigades, as part of the preparation for further escalation with Syria.
Channel 10 said that the number of Israelis who are now asking to be handed gas masks witnessed a sharp increase, while just a few days ago they were mocking the chances of a war with Damascus.
On Sunday, Israeli President, Shimon Peres, met the visiting French Foreign Minister, and urged France to act against the Syrian president and his army, and to destroy the “Syrian chemical weapons”.
The sources said that once the Syrian army is facing a war with the U.S and other countries, it will not be able to operate along the border, and that a likely scenario is that missiles will be fired into Israel, but the Israeli defense systems, and the Air Force, will be able to intercept and destroy Syrian missiles.
Israeli Channel 10 quoted a senior Israeli army general stating that, despite the current analysis of the situation, all Israelis are advised to seriously take instructions issued by the military, especially regarding gas masks.
It added that Israeli Defense Minister, Moshe (Bogie) Ya'alon, recently visited northern border areas to personally review preparations along the border amidst talks of a U.S-led war on Syria.
Furthermore, Israeli security and military officers stated that all current indications show that any attack carried out by the Syrian army against Israel will be week, as the army is exhausted facing fighters and armed opposition in his country.
They said that what this really mean is that Syria does not have enough military supplies and capabilities, its army is weakening, therefore it will not be able to attack Israel, and any possible war will be limited.
The officials further stated that, in the case of a war, Israelis would have to use shelters, insulated rooms, and that “such a war would break the routine in the Israeli society”.
An Israeli army commander at the Northern Front stated that the army is capable of intercepting long-range and high velocity missiles using the advanced Tamir Missile Shield systems.
The commander added that Israel doubled the deployment of its soldiers along the northern border, and even increased the number of support brigades, as part of the preparation for further escalation with Syria.
Channel 10 said that the number of Israelis who are now asking to be handed gas masks witnessed a sharp increase, while just a few days ago they were mocking the chances of a war with Damascus.
On Sunday, Israeli President, Shimon Peres, met the visiting French Foreign Minister, and urged France to act against the Syrian president and his army, and to destroy the “Syrian chemical weapons”.
were shot by rounds of live ammunition.
“The ongoing chain of Israeli crimes is a clear message about Israel’s real intentions towards the peace process with the Palestinians”, the Palestinian official said, “The violations are taking place while Israel is escalating its illegal settlement activities; this will lead to serious negative impacts in the region”.
He called on the United States, the current direct mediator in peace talks between Israel and the Palestinians, to intervene and put an end to the Israeli violations.
“Such violations will cause the collapse of direct talks”, Abu Rodeina said, “The U.S. needs to act before all American and international efforts fail”.
Last week, soldiers shot and killed a young man identified as Majd Lahlouh, after dozens of Israeli military jeep invaded the Jenin refugee camp, near the central West Bank city of Jenin.
Soldiers also shot and injured several residents; the army claimed it was looking for a member of the Islamic Jihad in the camp.
On Sunday, Israel’s Housing Minister, Uri Ariel, announced the establishment of a new settlement in the occupied West Bank.
Israeli sources said that 70 settler families would be able to live in their new homes soon, and that 400 additional units will be built in the settlement later on.
“The ongoing chain of Israeli crimes is a clear message about Israel’s real intentions towards the peace process with the Palestinians”, the Palestinian official said, “The violations are taking place while Israel is escalating its illegal settlement activities; this will lead to serious negative impacts in the region”.
He called on the United States, the current direct mediator in peace talks between Israel and the Palestinians, to intervene and put an end to the Israeli violations.
“Such violations will cause the collapse of direct talks”, Abu Rodeina said, “The U.S. needs to act before all American and international efforts fail”.
Last week, soldiers shot and killed a young man identified as Majd Lahlouh, after dozens of Israeli military jeep invaded the Jenin refugee camp, near the central West Bank city of Jenin.
Soldiers also shot and injured several residents; the army claimed it was looking for a member of the Islamic Jihad in the camp.
On Sunday, Israel’s Housing Minister, Uri Ariel, announced the establishment of a new settlement in the occupied West Bank.
Israeli sources said that 70 settler families would be able to live in their new homes soon, and that 400 additional units will be built in the settlement later on.

Israeli occupation forces (IOF) used live bullets to disperse Palestinian protestors in Qalandia refugee camp, north of occupied Jerusalem, at dawn Monday killing three of them. Palestinian medical sources said that Rubin Zayed, Jihad Aslan, and Younis Jahjouh were killed in the IOF shooting while 15 others were wounded, describing their wounds as moderate to serious.
Eyewitnesses said that IOF troops raided the camp to arrest one of the young men but citizens tried to prevent them. They added that the soldiers used live and rubber bullets in addition to teargas and stun grenades to disperse the protestors causing the casualties.
They said that the casualties were evacuated to Ramallah hospital, adding that tension was still prevailing as young men continued to maintain presence near the IOF checkpoint near the camp.
Eyewitnesses said that IOF troops raided the camp to arrest one of the young men but citizens tried to prevent them. They added that the soldiers used live and rubber bullets in addition to teargas and stun grenades to disperse the protestors causing the casualties.
They said that the casualties were evacuated to Ramallah hospital, adding that tension was still prevailing as young men continued to maintain presence near the IOF checkpoint near the camp.
25 aug 2013

Palestinian medical sources have reported that a young Palestinian man was injured in the foot, on Saturday evening [August 24, 2013] when an Israeli soldier raised a spike strip as the young man was stepping on it. In incident took place at a roadblock installed by the army at the entrance of Shu’fat refugee camp, northeast of occupied East Jerusalem.
Eyewitnesses have reported that, as the young man was cleared to cross, a soldier lifted the spike strip causing the spikes to penetrate his left foot leading to a deep cut and severe bleeding.
The young man was moved to a local hospital in the city.
Eyewitnesses have reported that, as the young man was cleared to cross, a soldier lifted the spike strip causing the spikes to penetrate his left foot leading to a deep cut and severe bleeding.
The young man was moved to a local hospital in the city.

Palestinian sources in Hebron, in the southern part of the occupied West bank, have reported that dozens of Israeli military jeeps invaded on Sunday at dawn [August 25, 2013] the towns of Bani Neim Doura, and Ath-Thaheriyya in the Hebron district, and kidnapped one resident.
The sources said that dozens of soldiers clashed with local youths in Bani Neim, after the army invaded the town, and added that one resident, identified as Issa Ahmad Abu Sakour, has been kidnapped after a number of soldiers violently broke into his home.
Several armored military jeeps invaded Doura town, west of Hebron, and clashed with local youth who hurled stones at them.
Local sources said that the soldiers fired several gas bombs, concussion grenades, and searched a number of homes.
Furthermore, at least five Israeli military vehicles invaded Ath-Thahiriyya town, south of Hebron, and patrolled various neighborhoods before leaving the town; no clashes were reported.
In related news, soldiers installed a roadblock in the Halhoul Bridge area, north of Hebron, and another roadblock in Jouret Bahlas, at the northern entrance of Hebron city.
The sources said that dozens of soldiers clashed with local youths in Bani Neim, after the army invaded the town, and added that one resident, identified as Issa Ahmad Abu Sakour, has been kidnapped after a number of soldiers violently broke into his home.
Several armored military jeeps invaded Doura town, west of Hebron, and clashed with local youth who hurled stones at them.
Local sources said that the soldiers fired several gas bombs, concussion grenades, and searched a number of homes.
Furthermore, at least five Israeli military vehicles invaded Ath-Thahiriyya town, south of Hebron, and patrolled various neighborhoods before leaving the town; no clashes were reported.
In related news, soldiers installed a roadblock in the Halhoul Bridge area, north of Hebron, and another roadblock in Jouret Bahlas, at the northern entrance of Hebron city.
24 aug 2013

The Israeli occupation forces (IOF) at dawn Friday kidnapped three Palestinian young men and violently clashed with others during a large-scale campaign in Dura town, southwest of Al-Khalil city. An eyewitness told the Palestinian information center (PIC) that a large number of Israeli troops aboard more than 13 military vehicles and armored carriers stormed the neighborhoods of Kanar, Agnim, Sharfa, and Ahnina as well as the central zone of Dura town.
He added that violent clashes broke out between the invading troops and Palestinian young men during the military campaign in these areas.
Several minor injuries were reported in the events.
The IOF also broke into and ransacked many homes in the raided areas, and kidnapped three young men from their homes in Al-Sharfa area.
The ferocity of the campaign caused a widespread panic among children and women, especially as some of the tear gas grenades fired by the IOF fell onto homes.
The residents of Dura town were exposed to a similar military campaign one day earlier.
In a separate incident, IOF soldiers kidnapped on Thursday evening a university student named Tha'er Amro at Za'tara checkpoint near Al-Khalil city after they searched his bag.
He added that violent clashes broke out between the invading troops and Palestinian young men during the military campaign in these areas.
Several minor injuries were reported in the events.
The IOF also broke into and ransacked many homes in the raided areas, and kidnapped three young men from their homes in Al-Sharfa area.
The ferocity of the campaign caused a widespread panic among children and women, especially as some of the tear gas grenades fired by the IOF fell onto homes.
The residents of Dura town were exposed to a similar military campaign one day earlier.
In a separate incident, IOF soldiers kidnapped on Thursday evening a university student named Tha'er Amro at Za'tara checkpoint near Al-Khalil city after they searched his bag.

Palestinian medical sources have reported Friday [August 23, 2013] that dozens of worshipers have been treated for the effects of teargas inhalation after Israeli soldiers fired gas bombs into Omar Bin Al-Khattab Mosque, in Kufur Qaddoum village, near the northern West Bank city of Qalqilia.
The attack took place after the soldiers used excessive force to suppress the weekly protest against the Annexation Wall and settlements.
Eyewitnesses have reported that soldiers, stationed on a mountain overlooking the village, fired dozens of gas bombs towards Omar Bin Al-Khattab Mosque during the Friday noon prayers, and that at least two gas bombs fell into the mosque.
Dozens of worshipers, including elderly, suffocated after inhaling gas and received treatment by local medics who rushed to the scene.
Furthermore, Morad Eshtweity, Coordinator of the Popular Committee against the Wall in Kufur Qaddoum, stated that the dozens of soldiers invaded the village approximately at 11 before noon, and fired dozens of home towards the residents, and a number of homes.
One resident identified Mash-hour Jom’a, 42, was hit by a gas bomb in the arm, while resident Mohammad Shaker Eshtweity was hit by a gas bomb in the back; dozens of residents suffered the effects of teargas inhalation.
Local residents in the village said that they are determined to continue their weekly protests against the illegal Wall and illegal settlements despite ongoing and escalating Israeli military aggression against them and against their village.
Also on Friday, protests against the Wall and settlements were held in the Nabi Saleh, Bil’in, Nil’in, near the central West Bank city of Ramallah, and in Al-Ma’sara village in southern West Bank.
Residents and their international and Israeli supporters in the villages of Bil’in and Ni’lin, managed to reach the wall.
Israeli soldiers, stationed on the other side of the wall, fired tear gas and rubber-coated steel at the unarmed nonviolent protesters. As a result, many civilians were treated for the effects of tear gas inhalation.
Meanwhile in the nearby village of Nabi Saleh, Israeli soldiers used tear gas to suppress the villagers and their supporters before leaving the village.
Shortly afterwards, dozens of soldiers stormed the village and fired tear gas at residents’ homes, many were treated for the effects of tear gas inhalation.
The attack took place after the soldiers used excessive force to suppress the weekly protest against the Annexation Wall and settlements.
Eyewitnesses have reported that soldiers, stationed on a mountain overlooking the village, fired dozens of gas bombs towards Omar Bin Al-Khattab Mosque during the Friday noon prayers, and that at least two gas bombs fell into the mosque.
Dozens of worshipers, including elderly, suffocated after inhaling gas and received treatment by local medics who rushed to the scene.
Furthermore, Morad Eshtweity, Coordinator of the Popular Committee against the Wall in Kufur Qaddoum, stated that the dozens of soldiers invaded the village approximately at 11 before noon, and fired dozens of home towards the residents, and a number of homes.
One resident identified Mash-hour Jom’a, 42, was hit by a gas bomb in the arm, while resident Mohammad Shaker Eshtweity was hit by a gas bomb in the back; dozens of residents suffered the effects of teargas inhalation.
Local residents in the village said that they are determined to continue their weekly protests against the illegal Wall and illegal settlements despite ongoing and escalating Israeli military aggression against them and against their village.
Also on Friday, protests against the Wall and settlements were held in the Nabi Saleh, Bil’in, Nil’in, near the central West Bank city of Ramallah, and in Al-Ma’sara village in southern West Bank.
Residents and their international and Israeli supporters in the villages of Bil’in and Ni’lin, managed to reach the wall.
Israeli soldiers, stationed on the other side of the wall, fired tear gas and rubber-coated steel at the unarmed nonviolent protesters. As a result, many civilians were treated for the effects of tear gas inhalation.
Meanwhile in the nearby village of Nabi Saleh, Israeli soldiers used tear gas to suppress the villagers and their supporters before leaving the village.
Shortly afterwards, dozens of soldiers stormed the village and fired tear gas at residents’ homes, many were treated for the effects of tear gas inhalation.

Dozens of Palestinian and foreign activists suffered injuries on Friday afternoon when the Israeli occupation forces (IOF) attacked their protests against settlement expansion activities in different West Bank areas. The organizers of the weekly anti-wall march in Masarah village, south of Bethlehem, dedicated the rally of this week to denouncing the mass killing of Syrian children in Eastern Gouta.
As the protestors reached near the segregation wall, the IOF fired a hail of tear gas grenades to disperse their march.
The protestors clashed with the IOF and some of them suffered tear gas suffocation.
In Bil'in village, three Palestinians and one foreign journalist were wounded and many others suffered teargas suffocation when the IOF violently attacked their peaceful march, which denounced Israel's segregation wall and settlement activities.
Eyewitnesses said that Israeli soldiers intensively fired rubber bullets and tear gas grenades at the protestors when the protestors arrived at a Palestinian-owned land near the segregation wall in the village.
The IOF also suppressed the weekly march of Nabi Saleh village, north of Ramallah, which demands an end to Israel's settlement and Judaization activities in the occupied territories, and clashed with the protestors.
The weekly march of Kafr Qaddum village, which protests the Israeli closure of the main road, was also subdued by the IOF.
The IOF fired tear gas at the protestors and chased young men in nearby fields in an attempt to arrest them, according to eyewitnesses.
As the protestors reached near the segregation wall, the IOF fired a hail of tear gas grenades to disperse their march.
The protestors clashed with the IOF and some of them suffered tear gas suffocation.
In Bil'in village, three Palestinians and one foreign journalist were wounded and many others suffered teargas suffocation when the IOF violently attacked their peaceful march, which denounced Israel's segregation wall and settlement activities.
Eyewitnesses said that Israeli soldiers intensively fired rubber bullets and tear gas grenades at the protestors when the protestors arrived at a Palestinian-owned land near the segregation wall in the village.
The IOF also suppressed the weekly march of Nabi Saleh village, north of Ramallah, which demands an end to Israel's settlement and Judaization activities in the occupied territories, and clashed with the protestors.
The weekly march of Kafr Qaddum village, which protests the Israeli closure of the main road, was also subdued by the IOF.
The IOF fired tear gas at the protestors and chased young men in nearby fields in an attempt to arrest them, according to eyewitnesses.

Karim Sbeih pictured in hospital after being shot by Israeli forces.
The health condition of a Palestinian teen who suffered multiple gunshot wounds in Jenin at the hands of the Israeli occupation forces (IOF) gravely deteriorated on Thursday afternoon. Local sources said that Ala’a Abu Khalifa, 18, with hit with bullets in his torso in the confrontations in Jenin refugee camp with IOF soldiers three days earlier that killed a young man and wounded three others.
The sources said that Abu Khalifa was transferred from Razi hospital in Jenin to Makased hospital in occupied Jerusalem after he underwent two surgeries.
They said that the teen was in need of other complicated surgeries, and attributed his condition to the IOF use of dumdum bullets against the young men.
Jenin man shot by Israeli forces needs spinal surgery
A man shot on Tuesday by Israeli forces is due to undergo spinal surgery, his relatives say.
Ala Abu Khalifa was critically wounded this week after being shot during an Israeli arrest raid in Jenin refugee camp. He was hit by a dumdum bullet which caused severe damage to his spinal cord, his mother told Ma'an.
He has lost all feeling in his lower body since the injury and has already undergone two operations on his colon and pelvis, she added.
Karim Sbeih, who was critically wounded by Israeli forces during the same incident, has had part of his kidneys, colon, lungs and liver removed, his brother told Ma'an.
Both men were shot after Israeli forces raided the Jenin camp at 3 a.m. and broke into the home of Islamic Jihad leader Bassam al-Saedi.
Majd Mohammad Anis Lahlouh, 22, was killed during the raid, after being shot in the heart by Israeli soldiers.
The health condition of a Palestinian teen who suffered multiple gunshot wounds in Jenin at the hands of the Israeli occupation forces (IOF) gravely deteriorated on Thursday afternoon. Local sources said that Ala’a Abu Khalifa, 18, with hit with bullets in his torso in the confrontations in Jenin refugee camp with IOF soldiers three days earlier that killed a young man and wounded three others.
The sources said that Abu Khalifa was transferred from Razi hospital in Jenin to Makased hospital in occupied Jerusalem after he underwent two surgeries.
They said that the teen was in need of other complicated surgeries, and attributed his condition to the IOF use of dumdum bullets against the young men.
Jenin man shot by Israeli forces needs spinal surgery
A man shot on Tuesday by Israeli forces is due to undergo spinal surgery, his relatives say.
Ala Abu Khalifa was critically wounded this week after being shot during an Israeli arrest raid in Jenin refugee camp. He was hit by a dumdum bullet which caused severe damage to his spinal cord, his mother told Ma'an.
He has lost all feeling in his lower body since the injury and has already undergone two operations on his colon and pelvis, she added.
Karim Sbeih, who was critically wounded by Israeli forces during the same incident, has had part of his kidneys, colon, lungs and liver removed, his brother told Ma'an.
Both men were shot after Israeli forces raided the Jenin camp at 3 a.m. and broke into the home of Islamic Jihad leader Bassam al-Saedi.
Majd Mohammad Anis Lahlouh, 22, was killed during the raid, after being shot in the heart by Israeli soldiers.