Tag Archives: palestine

International

Egyptian military preventing Egyptians from marching on Israeli border

In a live report on Iranian TV, a reporter said that Egyptians who where planning on demonstrating on the Israeli border are being prevented by the Egyptian Army.

Egyptians say they chartered dozens of buses to take them to the border along Gaza. However, those bus companies say they have been ordered by the Egyptian Army not to do so.

In the past week many Egyptians made statements about protesting Israel on May 15.  They even asked for the Egyptian Army to support them in their demonstrations.  Reports that the new Egyptian government is trying to block such anti-Israel demonstrations shows that new government is not in line with the Egyptian people.  Egyptians say they will find other ways to get to the Israeli border.

 

International, U.S.

Obama’s peace envoy to the Middle East resigns, right before the anniversary of the Nakba

President Obama’s man for peace in the Middle East throws in the towel, just in time for a massive May 15 march on Israeli borders by Egyptians, Jordanians and Lebanese.

There are yet to be any official statements about George Mitchell’s resignation.  There is speculation that the unification of Palestinian political parties Hamas and Fatah (and other groups) is a factor.

The Israeli government recently said that with Fatah united with Hamas, there could be no more peace talks.

 

International

Israel boosts border forces, bans access to Al-Aqsa Mosque

Israeli officials are concerned about upcoming Nakba demonstrations by Palestinians, Egyptians, Jordanians and Lebanese.  The demonstrations come one day after Israel celebrates its so called “Independence”.

Israelis are increasing military and police forces along their borders with Egypt, Jordan and Lebanon. They have also banned access to Al-Aqsa Mosque (aka Temple Mount). Only men more than 45 years old, and having Israeli ID will be allowed in.

Israeli officials say intelligence has picked up a huge increase in internet and cell phone activity between Palestinians.  In Gaza alone, officials expect at least a quarter million demonstrators on May 15.

 

International

Millions of people in the Middle East demonstrate for Palestinan freedom, Day of Unity prior to Nakba anniversary

May 13, hundreds of thousands of Egyptians are demonstrating in Cairo and Alexandria.  The demonstrators are calling for unity within Egypt, for former Mubarak officials to be brought to trial, and freedom for Palestinians.

In Jordan, hundreds of thousands of people are demonstrating, calling for the freedom of Palestinians.  People of Jordan and Lebanon are also planning on marching on Israel’s borders on May 15.

May 13 is National Unity Day in Egypt.  The Nakba, when Palestinians officially lost most of their land to Israel, is May 15.  Egyptians are planning a million man march to the Israeli/Egyptian border at Gaza, on May 15.

Earlier in the week, Palestinians in Fatah controlled West Bank, and Hamas controlled Gaza, held huge “Unity” demonstrations.

International

Egypt defies Israel, will open Gaza border

A day after Israel invades northern Gaza, Egypt says it will open its border with Gaza.

Egypt will allow aid convoys to enter Gaza.  Prior to the Egyptian Revolution, Egyptian President Mubarak closed the border, in cooperation with Israel.

Mubarak’s government also worked with Israel to keep Hamas and Fatah separated.  The new transitional government of Egypt worked to bring Hamas and Fatah together, which greatly angered Israel.

The first aid convoys are planned to cross the Gaza border on May 15 (the anniversary of the Nakba, Israeli occupation of Palestinian land).

International

Israel invades Gaza

Israeli ground troops have invaded the northern half of Gaza, Wednesday, May 11.  Reports say troops, tanks and armored bulldozers are advancing towards Gaza City.

Israeli officials say they are destroying “possible tunnels”.  Palestinians think the Israelis are trying to provoke action by Gazans, that would then be used to justify a larger military operation.

Recently Hamas and Fatah unified, a move deplored by the Israeli government.  Israel responded by withholding Palestinian taxes (which Israel controls) from the government of Palestine.

 

International, Opinion

Israel cuts off tax moneys for Palestinians, punishment for Fatah & Hamas unifying

Talk about taxation without representation, Israel collects most of the customs fees, and taxes for the Palestinian territories.  It’s another way the Israelis make life hell for the Palestinians.

Now Israel says they will not turn that tax money over to the Palestinian government, in retribution for Fatah and Hamas unifying.  The money Israel is withholding is more than have of what the Palestinian government needs to operate.  Palestinian officials say they’re now forced to ask for donations from the international community.