Hamas speaks

"The government controlled Syrian Arab News Agency reports that Khaled Meshall of Hamas has announced: 1.       Any intra-Palestinian peace must include an agreement allowing violence against Israel 2.       The...

Israel to open Gaza border crossings?

" The Israeli cabinet met today to discuss mounting US led international pressure for Israel to further open Gaza crossing points. The discussion comes just a day after the IDF foiled a major border attack involving 10 Palestinian gunmen, mortars and booby-trapped...

Abbas meets Obama insult with silence

"Visiting Buchenwald was President Obama’s way of avoiding criticism by the Jewish community of the increasing political pressure on Israel.  His speech at Buchenwald was clearly a jibe at Iran’s President Ahmadinejad – but at the same time it represented an...

Are you still funding Gaza’s skyrocketing economy?

"Are you still funding Gaza’s skyrocketing economy? I have burned many  electrons over the years highlighting reports about the abuse of financial aid to the Palestinians. The Funding for Peace Coalition probably did the most comprehensive job back in late 2004...

UN says Hamas seized Gaza food aid and blankets

"A U.N. spokesman says Hamas police in Gaza have seized thousands of blankets and food parcels meant for needy residents."

A step toward reconciliation

"The small West Bank villiage of Naalin has been the focus of many protests against Israel's separation barrier that has been so effective in keeping suicide bombers and other terrorists out of Israel's restaurants, buses and public places. In fact, a Google search on "Naalin...

Gazan toll exaggerated?

The Telegraph reports that the death toll in Gaza may have been inflated.  Apparently Gaza residents have told the Italian newspaper Corriere della Sera that only around 600 Gazans were killed - and at that mainly Hamas gunmen.  They have also told first hand...

International aid stolen from Palestinians (again)

Jordanian news agencies report that once again, armed gunmen have seized international aid in the Gaza Strip.  Hamas has been caught in the past stealing fuel, medicines and food intended for its citizens at gun point - and then blaming Israel for the "humanitarian...

In one town, Gazans yearn for previous Israeli presence

" In one town, Gazans yearn for previous Israeli presence Mawassi residents say life was better before 2005, when they were part of an Israeli settlement enclave. Few can find work now. "

Thousands of Palestinians apply for Israeli citizenship

It's not just fear of Hamas in Gaza (see Wednesday's item) that many Palestinians would prefer to be under Israeli sovreignity.  It would seem that many of Jerusalem's Arabs are also trying to flee being subject to their own rulers. " Thousands of Palestinians apply for...

World Bank Vows a Big Loan to Iran

Looks like the World Bank is going to extend $870m in loans to Iran, helping to relieve UN & US embargoes designed to pressure Iran to abandon its nuclear arms program.... " WASHINGTON — The World Bank is defying requests from an influential congressman to stall...