THE WIRE

Al-Ghandour: "Hamas and Palestinians goals are to draw the Islamic state of Palestine from the sea to the river and from Lebanon to Egypt. No place for Israel on the Palestinian lands!”

Hamas, now refusing to disarm after Israel’s pullout, outnumbers Palestinian security forces three to one in Gaza

Hamas leaders step up their challenge to Israel and Palestinian Authority leader Mahmoud Abbas’ effort to assert control over Gaza after Israel’s withdrawal next week. Friday, Aug. 12, the head of Hamas’ Qassam Brigades, Ahmed al-Ghandour, declared they would keep their guns to continue the fight against the Jewish state. Hamas gained the upper hand in recent clashes with Palestinian Authority security forces in the Gaza Strip, exhibiting numerical superiority (3:1) and, for the first time, the features of a guerrilla force. Qassam and mortar launchers mounted on vehicles painted in army camouflage colors showed up in the streets. Moreover, some 3,000 of the 10,000 enlisted Hamas fighters belonging to a newly-formed Popular Army unit were held in reserve. Our military sources reveal that these conscripts are given three to four weeks of basic military training and sent home with their side-arms and a call-up code. This code broadcast over the public address systems of their mosques is the signal for them to report to their regional commanders. The Palestinian Authority has no such force at its disposal. The Hamas spokesman therefore had enough muscle behind him to announce Hamas would not join Palestinian security agencies but preserve its independence and structure and increase its force. Al-Ghandour also reiterated the group’s goal which was to draw the Islamic state of Palestine “from the sea to the river and from Lebanon to Egypt.”

A Bomb Targets Palestinian Chief Judge's House. In the context of the ever deteriorating Palestinian internal security situation, last night unknown persons detonated a bomb near the house of Counselor Zuhair al-Sourani, Head of the Palestinian National Authority Higher Judiciary Council; the house was damaged, but no casualties were reported. According to preliminary investigations conducted by PCHR, at approximately 23:55 on Tuesday, 2 August 2005, unknown persons detonated a bomb near the house of Zuhair al-Sourani, Head of the Palestinian Higher Judiciary Council, near Shifa Hospital in al-Rimal neighborhood in Gaza City. The house and a number of neighboring houses were damaged, but no casualties were reported. Counselor al-Sourani was not at home when the explosion occurred, but his family was there. This crime was the second of its kind against the Palestinian judiciary and prosecution in less than 24 hours, as it followed a similar explosion near the house of the Palestinian Attorney General Hussein Abu 'Aassi, which occurred on Monday evening without having caused any casualties. This latest crime came in the context of the serious deterioration in the internal security in the Occupied Palestinian Territory (OPT), including killings, attacks on public property and a series of kidnaps that have targeted both Palestinians and internationals. PCHR strongly condemns this latest crime against the head of the highest Palestinian judicial body, and asserts that repeated attacks on the Palestinian judiciary and prosecution can only be interpreted as an attempt to terrify the Palestinian judiciary and disrupt its work. PCHR reiterates its call upon the Palestinian National Authority to assume its responsibility for restoring order and enhancing the rule of law, in accordance with the human rights and legal standards. PCHR calls also upon the Palestinian Attorney General to investigate these crimes and bring their perpetrators to justice.

SEE THE VIDEO OF Hamas warns of continued resistance.

Al-Kidwa: Gaza Pullout Defeats Israel's Project of Colonization.

GAZA, (WAFA-PLO news agency)- Minister of Foreign Affairs, Nasser Al-Kidwa, said that the Israeli pullout from Gaza and the evacuation of the colonies is a defeat of the Israel's project of colonization. During statements to the representatives of Egyptian media institutions, Al-Kidwa defeated the Israeli allegation that the pulling out is a "painful concession". He asserted that the "disengagement" is not an Israeli "concession" stressing the Palestinian National Authority's (PNA) commitment to the vision of the viable Palestinian state with a full Palestinian sovereignty. Al-Kidwa affirmed that the Israeli disengagement does not end the fact that Israel is still and occupying power and should shoulder the human and legal responsibilities according to the 4th Geneva Convention. Minister of Foreign Affairs mentioned to an international consensus saying that any solution of the Palestinian- Israeli conflict should be mounted by two states and a just solution of the issue of refugees, Jerusalem, water resources and borders. He stressed that such attitude was clearly presented by US President George Bush's vision, the Road Map plan as well as the UN Security Council Resolution 1515. Al-Kidwa reiterated that such solution, based on ending the Israeli occupation and establishing a viable- with integrity- Palestinian state. Regarding the legal status of the Gaza Strip and the West Bank after the Israeli pullout, Al-Kidwa said that Israel did not hide its desire to declare ending its occupation of the Gaza Strip ignoring the principle of integrity of the Occupied Palestinian territory. Minister of Foreign Affairs concluded by saying the Israel tries to get rid of the international obligations, stressing that as long as Israel control the crossings and borders, it means that it is still an occupying power, according to the international law.

Abbas: Israeli Withdrawal Monumental Event in Mid-East Peace Process.

GAZA, (IPC + WAFA) [Official PA website]- - President Mahmoud Abbas said that the Israeli withdrawal from Gaza Strip and northern West Bank was a major event in the history of the Israeli-Palestinian peace process. Abbas added, in an interview with the Israeli Radio on Thursday, that if the withdrawal was carried out according to the Palestinian perspective, it would be considered a good start and would make way for peace. He also maintained that the Palestinian factions have agreed on the necessity of having the Israeli withdrawal pass smoothly and quietly, and to give the Israeli settlers safe passage outside Gaza Strip. "Everyone agrees on that approach, and on the idea that the withdrawal would be in the Palestinian interest," the President said. As for some of the issues under negotiations with the Israeli side, President Abbas stated that the issues of the crossings, airport, sea harbor and contiguity with the West Bank were still being discussed with the Israeli side. President Abbas declared that the issue of Gaza's sea harbor has been settled with the Israelis without problems, and that construction could commence immediately. "Israel still stalls on the issue of re-operating Gaza's airport, which is a stance that lacks wisdom. "We can start reconstructing the airport soon, but when we start operating it we need international agreements with the Israelis, the Egyptians and others too," he continued. With regards to the border crossings and connecting the Gaza Strip with the West Bank, President Abbas opined that there was discussion with the Israeli government on facilitating Palestinians' movement between Gaza and the West Bank until a safe passage has been built. About the Rafah border terminal, the President said, "we are still deliberating on this issue, and we see it necessary to have Palestinian and Egyptian representatives on both sides of the terminal." The President explained that if this didn't happen, Gaza would turn into a big jail. Abbas concluded his interview with a call on the Israeli and Palestinian sides to seize the opportunity of the withdrawal to build momentum towards achieving a just and comprehensive peace, which would be realized in a Palestinian and Israeli states living side by side in peace and safety. "We want security and peace, and we wish security for the Israelis," Abbas said. "The whole world is watching us closely and wishes for this process to succeed."

Shaath: We Will not Accept State with Temporary Borders. GAZA, (WAFA-PLO News Agency)- Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Information, Dr. Nabil Shaath, said that the Palestinian people and Leadership will not accept a solution based on a state with temporary borders. During a meeting with the UN Secretary General's Special Coordinator for the Middle East Peace Process, Alvaro De Soto, Shaath stressed on the necessity to hold an international conference which will lead to a final solution and achieve a just and comprehensive peace in the Middle East. Shaath briefed his guest about the latest developments in the Occupied Palestinian Territories (OPT) and the Israeli withdrawal from Gaza Strip (GS) and parts of the West Bank (WB). Shaath stressed on the necessity of the resumption of the Israeli implementation of Sharm el-Sheik's understandings, mainly the release of all Palestinian prisoners, stopping colonies expansion and constructing of the Apartheid Wall. Earlier, Shaath met with Russia's Middle East Special Envoy, Alexander Kalugin, and discussed with him the Palestinian preparation in light of the Israeli withdrawal. For his part, Kalugin briefed Shaath about the Quartet meeting yesterday in Jerusalem city, expressing the committee's appreciation of the Palestinian steps regarding the withdrawal process. He also expressed Russia's worry for the Israeli slow dealing with issues like Arafat International Airport, the seaport and crossing points.

Lawmaker Abu Amro; the National Committee to Follow Up Disengagement is not a Substitute of PNA.

GAZA, (IPC)[Official PA website]--Dr. Zeyad Abu Amro, a parliamentarian and a member of the disengagement national committee asserted Wednesday that the new formed committee emerged from the high follow- up committee of the Palestinian factions is not a substitute of the Palestinian National Authority or any relative executive body. Abu Amro also said that newly- found committee is not an independent administration of the Gaza Strip but came out in the framework of giving a boost to the political partnership. In an interview with the International Press Center (IPC) Abu Amro pointed out that the committee is basically to carry out consultation and coordination with PNA to demonstrate the Palestinian factions on disengagement. He also made clear that the main task of the disengagement committee is to motivate the people to act mannerly regarding the disengagement and set restrains in particular the issue of evacuated lands as the committee is a supervising body to make sure the decided safety measures as well as it opened the door of recruiting experts and technicians in the technical committees formed by the Palestinian Islamic and national factions, each fulfill the supposed duties.

Mahmoud Abbas will confront new challenges

RAMALLAH, West Bank- Mahmoud Abbas has been elected Palestinian Authority president by a landslide, giving the pragmatist a mandate to resume peace talks with Israel, but also leaving him with the tough task of reining in powerful armed groups. Israeli leaders welcomed Abbas' victory, but said they will watch closely how hard he tries to subdue militants. Abbas could easily lose his political capital over a major bombing or shooting attack, and while most militant groups signalled they are willing to give him a chance, not all have signed on to a truce with Israel. Still, Abbas' victory held out the promise of a new era after four decades of chaotic and corruption-riddled rule by Yasser Arafat, who died Nov. 11. Abbas, who has spoken out against violence and has the support of the international community, promises to reform the government and the unwieldy security services. Many Palestinians had high expectations. "The election is our weapon to change our life," said Souad Radwan, a 46-year-old teacher from the Gaza refugee camp of Jebaliya, whose house was demolished in an Israeli raid. "We are sick of the (Israeli) occupation and this troubled life." Based on results from 10 of 16 electoral districts, Abbas won 65 percent of the vote, election officials said Monday. Final results were expected later in the day. Abbas' main challenger, independent Mustafa Barghouti, won 21 percent, while the remaining five candidates scored in the lower single digits. In his acceptance speech, Abbas said he faces a difficult mission, but he reiterated that he would not go after militants. Instead, he said, he wants to "give our fugitives a life of dignity," referring to those wanted by Israel. "I present this victory to the soul of Yasser Arafat and present it to our people and to our martyrs," Abbas said, referring to Palestinians killed in the conflict with Israel. After exit polls late Sunday predicted a sweeping Abbas victory, cheering supporters took to the streets of the West Bank and Gaza. Gunmen fired in the air, motorists honked horns and members of Abbas' ruling Fatah movement, wearing checkered black-and-white headbands, danced in the streets. In Washington, President George W. Bush called the election a historic step toward a Palestinian state. "The United States stands ready to help the Palestinian people realize their aspirations," Bush said.The new Palestinian president and his cabinet face critical tasks ahead," The new Palestinian president and his cabinet face critical tasks ahead, including fighting terrorism, combatting corruption, building reformed and democratic institutions and reviving the Palestinian economy." In Israel, a new, more dovish coalition was to be approved by parliament Monday, another step toward a planned withdrawal from the Gaza Strip and four small West Bank settlements in the summer.

Prime Minister Ariel Sharon's new coalition partners, the moderate Labour party and a small ultra-Orthodox faction, ensure a parliamentary majority for the pullback, despite fervent opposition from hardliners. Sharon plans to meet with Abbas soon, the Israeli leader's aides said. Most Palestinian militant groups have indicated they are willing to halt attacks against Israel. The Islamic Hamas, which called for an election boycott, did not try to disrupt the vote, and local militant leaders demonstrated their support for Abbas. However, Lebanese Hezbollah guerrillas, who fund some of the Palestinian militants, are trying to sabotage attempts to attain a truce, according to people close to the group. On Sunday, Hezbollah carried out a cross-border attack, setting off an exchange that resulted in the deaths of an Israeli soldier, a French UN observer and a Hezbollah fighter. Abbas' political objectives are the same as Arafat's -- a Palestinian state in the West Bank, Gaza Strip and east Jerusalem, and a solution for Palestinian war refugees and their descendants. "There is a difficult mission ahead to build our state, to achieve security for our people . . . to give our prisoners freedom, our fugitives a life in dignity, to reach our goal of an independent state," he said after declaring victory. The Central Election Commission changed voting procedures midway through the election, keeping polling stations open an additional two hours and allowing voters to cast their ballots at any location, not just in their hometowns. One election official, speaking on condition of anonymity, said the changes came after heavy pressure from Fatah, which feared a low turnout could weaken Abbas. One election official, speaking on condition of anonymity, said the changes came after heavy pressure from Fatah, which feared a low turnout could weaken Abbas. The commission initially planned to release results from polling stations as they reached its headquarters in the West Bank city of Ramallah. Results were to be displayed on large screens at a media centre. However, because of the sudden change in procedure, the plan was scrapped and no results were being released overnight, election officials said.

They said they wanted to review the ballots carefully to make sure there was no double voting. There was some confusion about voter turnout. Officials said close to 70 per cent of 1.1 million registered voters cast ballots. However, in all about 1.8 million Palestinians were eligible, and a total turnout figure was not given. The election, the first presidential vote in nine years, proceeded largely without interruption. In one incident, gunmen fired in the air in an election office and in Jerusalem, voters complained of confusing arrangements. Palestinian cabinet ministers said Abbas won a strong mandate. "The Palestinian people have transmitted a message of peace to Israel and to the international community," said minister Ghassan Khatib. The vote was witnessed by hundreds of foreign observers, including former U.S. president Jimmy Carter and former French premier Michel Rocard. Israel eased some travel restrictions. Many gunmen obeyed rules barring weapons in voting stations, but in a sign of the difficulty the new president will face in controlling them, Zakariye Zubeidi, a militant leader, refused to give up his M-16 assault rifle when he walked into a polling station in the West Bank town of Jenin. In Jerusalem.

President Abbas Forms Anti-Corruption Commission

GAZA, June 12, 2005- President Mahmoud Abbas gave his directives to form an independent commission to combat corruption in the Palestinian Authority institutions, as part of the President's campaign to root out corruption. The commission will be headed by Palestinian Legislative Council (PLC) member Ibrahim Abul Naja, and according to the President's directives, Abul Naja and his commission would be entitled to question any Palestinian official about illegal profiting and corruption allegations. According to Palestinian sources, the law will be valid retroactively since the establishment of the Palestinian Authority in 1994, and requires all officials to present financial statements to the commission before they assume any new position. "The commission will be tasked with fighting illegal profiting. It will be independent and have an authority to question any PA official," Abul Naja said, who was the former Minister of Agriculture and PLC member for the Rafah province. Meanwhile, the Ministry of Interior warned in a press statement that firing makeshift rockets at Israeli targets might also jeopardize civilians' lives and properties. In its statement, the Ministry stated that unknown gunmen fired several rockets from Al Atatra area, in the northern Gaza Strip town of Beit Lahya, at the illegal Israeli settlement "Dugit". One of the rockets exploded few meters from the launch site, and, miraculously, it fell near one of the nearby houses without causing injuries or damages. The Ministry called on civilians and the Palestinian factions to help combat such actions, which serve specific agendas at the expense of the common national interests.IMRA - Independent Media Review and Analysis

DESPITE NEGATIVE EVALUATION OF PALESTINIAN CONDITIONS SINCE THE ELECTION OF ABU MAZIN, AND DESPITE THE CONTINUED RISE IN THE POPULARITY OF HAMAS, EXPECTED ELECTIONS' OUTCOME GIVES FATEH 44% AND HAMAS 33% OF THE SEATS OF THE NEXT PLC

These are the results of the latest poll conducted by the Palestinian Center for Policy and Survey Research in the West Bank and the Gaza Strip between June 9-11, 2005. Total size of the sample is 1320 adults interviewed face to face in 120 randomly selected locations. Margin of error is 3%.

From among eight major areas of public concern, a majority believes that things have either stayed the same or became worse in six areas and improved in one area, while the public is divided in half over one other area. Conditions are the same or worse in the following areas: settlements, economic conditions, democracy and human rights, enforcement of law and order, fight against corruption, and internal relations among Palestinian factions. The only area in which progress is seen is the release of prisoners by Israel. The area in which the public is divided is related to occupation measures such as closures and checkpoints. Overall, only 3% believe that things in general have improved a lot since the election of Abu Mazin while 45% believe that things improved a little, 39% believe things remained the same, and 12% believe that things have worsened. Despite this negative assessment, 60% are satisfied and 35% are unsatisfied with Abu Mazin's performance since his election. 39% believe Abu Mazin's latest visit to Washington has been beneficial to Palestinian interests while the rest is divided between those who think it has not been useful (30%), neither useful nor un-useful (17%), and those with no opinion (14%). 44% are satisfied and 46% are not satisfied with Abu Mazin's decision to postpone legislative elections.

Increase in the Popularity of Hamas and Fateh: Findings show continued increase in the popularity of Hamas standing today at 30%, compared to 25% last March and 18% last December. Hamas' popularity is greater in the Gaza Strip (35%) compared to the West Bank (27%). Fateh's popularity stands at 41% compared to 36% last March and 40% last December. Fateh's popularity is the same in the Gaza Strip (41%) as in the West Bank (42%).

Voting Intentions and Considerations in the Upcoming Legislative Elections: Findings show that the level of participation in the next legislative elections will be 77% and the outcome of those elections will be as follows: 44% for Fateh, 33% for Hamas and Islamic Jihad, 3% for the left, and 8% for independent lists. 12% are undecided. If the contest is between two lists only, one for Fateh and headed by Marwan Barghouti and one for Hamas and headed by Mahmud Zahhar, 47% would vote for Fateh and 38% for Hamas. 15% would vote for neither list or do not know to whom they would give their vote. The most important consideration in voting for individual candidates in the next legislative elections is going to be the integrity and lack of corruption of the candidate. From among eight considerations in voting for election lists, number (1) is the ability to fight corruption, (2) ability to reach a peace agreement with Israel, (3) ability to improve economic conditions, (4) ability to maintain national unity, (5) ability to protect refugee rights in negotiations, (6) the name or affiliation of the list, (7) ability to enforce law and order, and finally (8) ability to insure the continuation of the intifada. Fateh receives greater appreciation (compared to Hamas, left, or independent and new parties) for its ability to deliver on five of seven considerations while Hamas receives greater appreciation for its ability to deliver on two. Fateh is more able to improve the economy (46% for Fateh and 34% for Hamas), to reach a peace agreement with Israel (65% for Fateh and 22% for Hamas), to protect national unity (43% for Fateh and 37% for Hamas), to protect refugee rights (44% for Fateh and 36% for Hamas), and to enforce law and order (52% for Fateh and 32% for Hamas). Hamas is more able to fight corruption (47% for Hamas and 37% for Fateh) and to insure the continuation of the intifada (64% for Hamas and 23% for Fateh). Major public concerns are organized in the following order of importance: (1) poverty and unemployment (34%), (2) occupation measures (33%), (3) corruption (24%), (4) internal anarchy and chaos (8%). After legislative elections, the public would like to see the following order of priorities: (1) improve the economy, (2) fight corruption, (3) reach a peace agreement with Israel, (4) enforce law and order, and finally, (5) maintain national unity. In an open question, Marwan Barghouti receives the greatest level of support to lead Fateh's election list in the next legislative elections receiving the support of 14% of respondents followed by Mohammad Dahlan (5%), Ahmad Quarai and Farouq Qaddoumi (4% each), while 56% have not decided yet or do not know. If presidential elections were held today, Abu Mazin, in an open question, receives the largest percentage of support (24%) followed by Marwan Barghouti (12%), and Mahmud Zahhar (8%). 36% have not decided or do not know. In an open question regarding nomination for vice president, Marwan Barghouti receives the largest percentage of support (11%), followed by Ahmad Quarai (5%), Mustafa Barghouti and Mohammad Dahlan (4% each), Mahmud Zahhar and Saeb Erikat (3% each), and Ismail Haniyyeh and Farouq Qaddoumi (2% each). 52% have not decided or do not know. For the position of prime minister after the next legislative elections, Ahamd Qurai, in an open question, receives the largest percentage of support (9%) followed by Marwan Barghouti (7%), Mahmud Zahhar (5%), Mohammad Dahlan and Mustafa Barghouti (3% each). 56% have not decided or do not know. IMRA - Independent Media Review and Analysis

Decree to Release Nine Islamic Jihad Members

GAZA (PA Official statement on its website). President Mahmoud Abbas issued yesterday a decree to release nine Islamic Jihad members were arrested in Jericho on the suspicion of being involved in the bombing operation in a Tel Aviv nightclub on 25 February. Khalid Al-Batsh, a prominent Islamic Jihad leader, said the movement had reached an agreement with Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas during a recent meeting in Gaza on releasing nine Islamic Jihad activists detained in a Palestinian prison in Jericho. Al Batsh added that "two members were released; the seven others will be released today." He said those released would remain in Jericho until Israel pulled out of their home town of Qulqelia in the northern West Bank. President Abass had visited Gaza on Wednesday in which he carried out talks with the leaders of Islamic jihad and Hamas and asked them to bond respect to the cease fire IMRA.

Palestinian Authority 'won't disarm militants

RAMALLAH, West Bank. The Palestinian Authority will not disarm militants until Israel ends its occupation of the West Bank and Gaza as stated in a U.S.-backed peace plan, Foreign Minister Nasser al-Kidwa said on Monday. "Under international law, the Palestinian people have the right to resist this occupation and defend themselves," Kidwa, the former Palestinian envoy to the United Nations, told Reuters in an interview. "When occupation ends, it becomes a different matter. It would have to come to a national position to start disarming everybody, everybody but the security apparatus," he said, referring to Palestinian Authority security forces. A spokesman for Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas, who declared a ceasefire with Israeli Prime Minister Ariel Sharon in February, could not be reached for comment on whether the Palestinian leader agreed with Kidwa's remarks. Israeli Vice Prime Minister Ehud Olmert had said in response to similar statements Kidwa made on Palestinian television that the Palestinian government's refusal to disarm militants was "akin to dropping a cluster bomb" on diplomatic negotiations. Israel has said it would not renew talks on a permanent peace deal until Abbas reins in gunmen and dismantles their organizations as dictated by a U.S.-backed peace "road map." The "road map" says the Palestinian leadership must "undertake visible efforts on the ground to arrest, disrupt and restrain" gunmen who plan anti-Israeli attacks, confiscate illegal weapons and dismantle militant infrastructures. It also calls for Israel to pull out of the West Bank and Gaza, land it occupied in the 1967 Middle East War, freeze construction in Jewish settlements and for the formation of an independent Palestinian state. Kidwa said while the Palestinian Authority would not disarm gunmen, it would crack down on militants planning anti-Israeli attacks by closing off weapon-smuggling tunnels and munitions foundries. "These are things we are doing (to crack down on gunmen) and will continue to do," he said. Gaza militants have stepped up mortar bomb and rocket attacks against Israelis in recent days and have threatened to break a de facto truce they accepted in March, saying Israel had not respected its part in it by its recent killings of gunmen. "Palestinian factions view very seriously the Israeli violations and we regard them as a destruction to the (truce) agreement," said top Islamic Jihad leader Mohammad al-Hindi. Kidwa said he believed the groups would not resume violence. Data: Reuters

PNA: Ending Israeli Occupation Precondition for Disarming
PM Qurei Recommits to Truce, to 'Smooth' Israeli Withdrawal

Palestine Media Center -Reconfirming its commitment to the ceasefire on Tuesday, the Palestinian National Authority (PNA) rejected Israel's demand and ongoing pressure to disarm anti-Israeli occupation factions as a recipe for Palestinian infighting and civil war, reiterated that ending the occupation is a precondition for disarming the Palestinian resistance, and describing the repeated Israeli demand as part of the Israeli government's maneuvering to absolve itself from its "roadmap" commitments. The PNA confirmed its commitment to maintain the ceasefire and to facilitate the Israeli withdrawal from the Gaza strip, planned for mid-August. "We are preparing very well for the withdrawal from the Gaza Strip and the northern West Bank and we hope it will be completed successfully. We are prepared to assume all our responsibilities in these areas," PNA Prime Minister Ahamd Qurei said on Tuesday. "We want this unilateral disengagement to pass smoothly so that it could be followed by a full withdrawal from our Palestinian territories, including (the Israeli-occupied) Jerusalem," he said. Qurei hoped that the upcoming summit between Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas and Israeli Prime Minister Ariel Sharon would lead to "real" coordination ahead of the pullout. On Monday Palestinian Chief Negotiator Saeb Erakat similarly reiterated PNA commitment to the ceasefire, but said it should be mutual and simultaneous. "Every effort should be exerted to sustain the quiet. But it cannot be sustained by one side only. Both sides should be committed to stop violence against one another mutually and simultaneously," said Erakat on Monday. The issue would be "on top of the agenda" during the planned summit between Abbas and Sharon on June 21, he said. Palestinian deputy interior minister Jamal Abu Zeid and the Israeli Occupation Forces (IOF) deputy chief of staff Moshe Kaplinsky held Tuesday the first meeting of the Palestinian - Israeli committee coordinating Israel's withdrawal from the Gaza Strip. Halutz's Latest Shot in Israeli Maneuvering The IOF Chief of Staff Dan Halutz said Tuesday that Israel might have to temporarily delay its withdrawal from the Gaza Strip if Palestinian attacks continued, saying that: "There won't be disengagement under fire."

The PNA and the Palestinian factions have unilaterally committed themselves to a truce with the IOF two weeks ahead of the summit between President Abbas and Prime Minister Sharon in the Egyptian Red Sea resort of Sharm el-Sheikh on February 8, during which Abbas and Sharon reached and announced a "ceasefire" understanding. Palestinian anti- occupation factions have since been committed to their unilateral truce despite the ongoing Israeli violations that claimed more than 30 Palestinian lives since February 8. Haluz's statement was the latest shot in Israel's pressure tactics and maneuvering. The Israeli government has been either reneging or prostrating on its Sharm el-Sheikh obligations as well as avoiding serious coordination with the PNA on its unilateral "disengagement" plan from the Gaza Strip and a tiny part of the northern West Bank, and threatening now and then to delay its withdrawal from both Israeli-occupied areas, as part of its pressure to dictate on the PNA to use force instead of national dialogue with the factions. "The (PLO) Executive Committee expressed its concern in the face of the
maneuvers by the Israelis who are refusing to deal seriously with the key questions linked to the withdrawal from Gaza," said a statement issued by the Palestine Liberation Organization (PLO) on Monday.

Al-Qidwa: Ending Occupation Is Precondition for Disarming

The PNA on Tuesday sent a clear-cut message to Israel that ending its occupation of the Palestinian Territory is the indispensable precondition for disarming the Palestinian resistance. Palestinian Foreign Minister Nasser Al-Qidwa said in a statement sent to reporters that the PNA will not disarm the factions until Israel ends its occupation of the West Bank and Gaza Strip, which the Hebrew state occupied in 1967. The "roadmap" peace plan calls for ending the Israeli occupation, said al-Qidwa, noting that, according to the international law, the Palestinians have the right to resist as long as the Palestinian territories are occupied. "My position is based on international law and a deep understanding of our responsibilities according to the (UN-adopted) roadmap, and I will not retract my words," he said. "As long as there is occupation, we don't think that there should be an end of arms," Al-Qidwa told Israel Radio. Al-Qidawa was referring to an earlier statement on Saturday to the same effect, which set off an Israeli storm. On Saturday, Al-Qidwa told Palestinian television that disarming resistance factions was not on the agenda. "The dismantling of armed organizations is not on the table because weapons are legal as long as the occupation exists," he said. "Possession of weapons is a strategic issue as long as there is occupation," Al-Qidwa continued, adding that weapons should be organized and not be used to break the law. Later in the day he elaborated. "Under international law, the Palestinian people have the right to resist this occupation and defend themselves," the former Palestinian envoy to the United Nations told Reuters in an interview. "When occupation ends, it becomes a different matter. It would have to come to a national position to start disarming everybody, everybody but the security apparatus," he said, referring to the PNA security forces. "Keeping our weapons is a strategic option," he added.

Threatening Israeli Reaction

His statements have angered the Israeli officials who have threatened to cancel a scheduled summit meeting on June 21 between Abbas and Sharon. "The refusal of the Palestinian Authority to disarm the terror groups drops a cluster bomb on the process that could lead to negotiations and quiet," Vice Premier Ehud Olmert told Israel Radio. "Very simply, either they will fight terrorism or we will fight terrorism." Separately, Israel's Deputy "Defense" Minister Zeev Boim said Israel will
not begin peace talks until the Palestinians disarm terrorists. Al-Qidwa's comment "places doubt on the Palestinian intention to enter the road map framework acceptable to the entire international community," Boim told Israel Radio.

Palestinian Factions Warn: Truce Should Be Reciprocal

Meanwhile The Higher Follow-up Committee of Palestinian National and Islamic Forces on Monday blamed Israel for endangering the fragile ceasefire in the West Bank and Gaza strip. "We must make it abundantly clear that the ceasefire depends on reciprocity from the other side, we can't maintain the ceasefire and the calm if the Israeli occupation army continues to kill and maim our people and raid our towns and villages," the committee said. "A one-sided truce will not be accepted and cannot continue," said a statement issued by the 13 Palestinian factions. "We hold the Zionist enemy completely responsible for the deterioration of the truce." The Committee said as many as 23 Palestinians had been killed by the IOF since Abbas-Sharon summit on February 8. In their statement Monday, the groups said they would continue to consult with one another to determine an "appropriate response to the ongoing aggression." "We are going to meet again within two days in order to discuss our final stand," said Mohammed al-Hindi, an Islamic Jihad leader. "It looks like Israel will continue in this aggression and we cannot accept that anymore." Similarly Saed Sayem, a Hamas spokesman, said his movement's patience was wearing thin. "Israel is committing daily violations," he said after Sunday's meeting. "We are going to reconsider our stance if Israel continues its aggression."

Shaath Denies Commitment to Disarm Factions

On the same day Palestinian Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Information Nabil Shaath also warned of Israel's ceasefire violations. "If Israel carries on with what it is doing, it will be difficult to control matters," Shaath said. Shaath also denied that the PNA) was committed to disarm the anti-occupation factions at the Sharm el-Sheikh summit. Shaath told the Cairo-based Radio Voice of Palestine that the PNA would not carry out such a commitment under the roadmap peace plan until Israel dismantles the illegal Jewish settlements and stop constructing its Apartheid Wall in the occupied West Bank. President Abbas wrapped up a two-day visit last week to Gaza, which was dominated by urgent talks with the 13 factions aimed at salvaging an increasingly precarious ceasefire agreement. "If you want to achieve peace and security, it is in our national interest to maintain calm," he said Thursday on Palestinian television following talks with Hamas and Jihad. "We must maintain calm despite the continuous provocations from Israel," Abbas insisted. The factions, including Hamas and Jihad, pledged to honor the 4-month old truce, provided Israel reciprocates.

Israel: For Us the Partner Is the PNA

On its part Israel said it has nothing to do with the Palestinian factions and that the PNA is its "partner." "Israel never had any illusions about the true nature of both Hamas and Islamic Jihad," said Mark Regev, spokesman for the Israeli Foreign Ministry. "For us the partner is the Palestinian Authority," he added. "We are hoping that the Palestinian Authority will finally take the steps to dismantle these groups so they don't torpedo the process of dialogue between the Palestinian Authority and Israel." . IMRA - Independent Media Review and Analysis

LAST NEWS

Palestinian forces in total chaos. An independent study of the Palestinian security forces in Gaza and the West Bank has concluded that they are weak, ill-equipped and divided. It also says that the Palestinian Authority (PA) forces are overstaffed and outgunned by militant groups. The report comes weeks before the PA takes over responsibility for Gaza. The study, by the Strategic Assessments Initiative, was drawn up to identify ways in which international donors can help the security forces reform.

Photo: The ceasefire followed days of clashes between Hamas and Fatah.

It is the first independent, in-depth analysis of the Palestinian security forces since the death of Yasser Arafat, and was financed by the Dutch and Canadian governments. It was prepared in close co-ordination with Lt Gen William E Ward, the US official in charge of the effort to overhaul the Palestinian Authority and its security apparatus. Ammunition shortages: The lack of equipment includes shortages of ammunition, of means of communication beyond mobile phones and of all-terrain vehicles. Other problems include the continuing power of personalities and clans, which often create alternative, informal chains of command and weaken the authority of the man in overall charge, Palestinian Authority Interior Minister Nasser Yousef. Risks to disengagement: The report sees the greatest risks to a successful Israeli disengagement coming from rocket or mortar attacks carried out by Islamic Jihad or other smaller, Palestinian militant groups. It also points to the risk of the risk of Israeli settler incursions intended "to provoke a violent Palestinian reaction" and tie up the Israeli army, and from the continuing lack of clarity about the Israeli army's intentions for the period immediately after disengagement. In recent weeks, there have been several clashes between Hamas and Palestinian security forces trying to prevent the militants in Gaza from firing missiles into Israel. Correspondents say the Palestinian forces have tended to come off worse. Israel is due to withdraw its settlers and the soldiers that protect them from Gaza, beginning in mid-August. Israel will maintain control over Gaza's borders, coastline and airspace. About 630 settlers will also be removed from four small West Bank settlements.

REPORT FINDINGS: The current ratio of personnel to weapons is 4:1. Other factions, like Hamas, Islamic Jihad and the various fighters of al-Aqsa Martyrs' Brigades, are better armed. Ammunition is in very short supply and unreliable. Few all-terrain vehicles. No coherent communications network, reliance on civilian mobile phones. Little uniformity in equipment or training, and considerable embezzlement

Qurei Warns: "No Peace with Israel without Jerusalem."

Palestine Media Center - PMC [Official PA website]. Palestinian Prime Minister Ahmad Qurei warned Tuesday that, "without Jerusalem there will be no peace" with Israel, amid reports that the Israeli Occupation Jewish municipality of the Holy City has approved a Housing Ministry plan to build a synagogue and 30 settler units for Israeli Jews close to Islam's third holiest site of Al-Aqsa Mosque in the exclusively Palestinian quarter of Bab el-Sahera inside the historical wall of the Old City. Israeli policy of creating facts in the occupied city to prejudge its final status has sparked bloody violence in the past. Prime Minister Ariel Sharon's provocative visit to Al-Aqsa Mosque compound when he was the opposition leader on September 28, 2000, ignited the 5-year old Palestinian Al-Aqsa Intifada (uprising) against the 38-year old Israeli occupation. The new plan could be even more incendiary, because it does not involve private property transactions, but is backed by the Israeli government. The Maariv daily said the plan involves building homes and a synagogue in the heart of the Muslim Quarter. "It is clear that when the first tractor puts down the first stone it will lead to the next uprising and could have international impact," Israeli city council member Yosef Alalu warned. The plan approved Monday would violate a city ban on building within 10 meters of the Old City wall, Alalu said. The city engineer, Uri Shetrit, initially opposed the plan, Alalu added. The municipality said Shetrit is not permitted to speak to reporters.

The Old City and the eastern part of Jerusalem were occupied by Israel in June 1967 and unilaterally annexed it in a move that has not been recognized internationally. It is divided into four residential quarters: Muslim, Jewish, Christian and Armenian. Occupied Jerusalem Israeli municipality planners on Monday approved by 5-2 votes the construction of a new Jewish colony of 30 settler units and a synagogue inside the walled Old City's Muslim Quarter, said Alalu on Tuesday. The Housing Ministry presented the plan to the municipal planning board, a city spokesman said. The plan has to go through several more bureaucratic stages before final approval. A spokeswoman for Israel's Housing Ministry said the plan was initiated by the previous housing minister and was not in the ministry's budget for 2005. The plan also needs approval by the Interior ministry. Ariel Sharon bought an apartment in the Old City in 1987. For several years, Sharon used the apartment to hold political meetings, but today rarely visits the heavily guarded compound. The Palestinian National Authority (PNA) said Israel continues to create facts on the ground ahead of a peace deal that would determine the fate of occupied Jerusalem. "It will be like adding fuel to the fire, and we urge US intervention to block this decision," said the chief Palestinian negotiator Saeb Erakat. The PNA Prime Minister Qurei warned that, "without Jerusalem there will be no peace" with Israel. "Peace starts in Jerusalem and ends there. Peace starts by recognizing our right to return, to self-determination, the establishment of an independent state with Jerusalem as its capital and the cessation of settlement construction," he said. The planned Israeli withdrawal from the Gaza Strip and a tiny part of the northern West Bank, scheduled for mid-August, "will be meaningless as long as Israel continues to build the (Apartheid) wall and isolate Jerusalem," Qurei said. By Dr. Aaron Lerner.

Palestinian Factions Jointly Attack Israeli Settlements in South Gaza Strip.

GAZA. (IPC+Agencies)-[Official PA wesbite]. Israeli military sources reported today morning that an attack was conducted overnight in Salah Al-Din road on the Israeli two illegal settlements Ghosh Qatif and Kosofim. Few Israeli settlers were killed and wounded in the attack. The sources added In a joint statement, Al-Quds brigades, the military wing of the Islamic Jihad Movement, and Shohada Al-Aqsa brigades, associated with Fatah Movement, and Al-Naser Salah Al-Din brigades, the military wing of the Popular Resistance Committees claimed responsibility for the attack. In a press conference held today morning in Khanyounis the three Palestinian factions claiming responsibility affirmed such an operation comes as a normal retaliation to the Israeli recent assassination of Palestinian militants in the West bank and Gaza Strip. The factions added, they will not stand crossed-handed watching the Israeli daily aggressions and violations of the concluded truce, these include the detention operations, the assassinations, and the murder of children, the confiscation of Palestinian-owned lands, and the siege imposed on them. They also threatened the Israeli Occupation Forces (IOF) that if they do any wanton action against the Palestinian militants or civilians, they will ruthlessly and fiercely respond to all the Israeli crimes and violations. Al-Quds brigades and Shohada Al-Aqsa brigades identified the two Palestinian militants who conducted the joint attack yesterday at night; Yehya Abu Taha, 21, from Rafah city and Tareq Yasin, 22 from Gaza city. The Israeli sources have not yet reported the exact number of the killed and wounded in the attack. Following the attack, the IOF blocked Salah Al-Din road that connects north Gaza Strip with its south denying thousands of Palestinian citizens access to their workplaces, Palestinian security sources reported. The IOF also heavily and randomly shelled the Palestinian homes in western Khanyounis causing gross damages. No injuries were reported. A recently issued report on the Israeli violations of the ceasefire agreed upon by the Israeli and the Palestinian sides in Sharm Al-Sheikh summit 8/2/2005 detected about 310 Israeli violations of cease fire understanding. The violations include shelling of densely populated residential areas, frequent incursions into the Palestinian cities and villages, closure of roads, confiscations of Palestinian-own lands and assassination of Palestinian militants. By Dr. Aaron Lerner.

PCHR Condemns Kidnapping of US Citizen in Rafah.

Second kidnapping in as many weeks a US citizen was kidnapped in Rafah early this morning. The unidentified kidnappers released their hostage after a short period. He was left in a school in Rafah, unharmed. The kidnappers have escaped. According to PCHR’s initial investigations at about 0645 on Sunday July the 24th an armed Palestinian wearing military garb broke into an apartment inside a residential block in the centre of Rafah. The apartment is inhabited by 4 US citizens. Under threat of arms the suspect kidnapped Harry Borrey, 75 years old. He was ordered to get into a civilian car stopped near the building. 3 other masked and armed individuals were inside the car. He was then taken to an unknown location. The reason for the kidnapping has not been made clear by the perpetrators. PCHR has learned that Palestinian police found the victim an hour later in an UNRWA school. He was completely unharmed. The 4 US citizens came into Gaza this month to witness the consequences of the Israeli occupation on the Palestinian people. They have conducted a series of visits in which they witnessed destruction across the Gaza Strip. PCHR is especially concerned because this is the 2nd such crime in as many weeks. On July the 13th Voltaire Meterhammer, an Austrian national and Michael Radicano, a UK national were kidnapped by armed individuals from Iassa family in Gaza Strip. The kidnappers took them to al Borrejj Refugee Camp in the middle area of the Gaza Strip and as a condition for the release demanded that the PNA release six members of the Iassa family who had been arrested on criminal charges. After some efforts by the PNA and other parties the two were released. According to PCHR’s documentation there have been several kidnapping attempts in the last two years inside the Gaza Strip. Both internationals and Palestinians have been victims for various reasons. It is unclear to PCHR what the fate of the kidnappers is and what measures have been taken by the PNA to confront this phenomenon. PCHR is deeply concerned by the repetition of this practice which takes place in the context of the continued deterioration in the security situation across the Gaza Strip. PCHR demands that the PNA take effective measures within the limits of the law to immediately end this problem and to ensure that perpetrators are brought to justice By Dr. Aaron Lerner.

Fateh, Hamas Strikes a Deal to End the Raw and Clashes.

GAZA, (IPC+Agencies)-[Official PA website]--Hamas and Fatah have decided to put an end to the clashes between the two groups in Gaza Strip , withdraw all the armed forces from the streets of northern Gaza and stop all forms of clashes, violence and incitement. Sufyan Abu zyada, the minister of Ex- Prisoners and Detainees and Nezar Rayan, a key leader of Hamas movement announced in a press briefing held today dawn in Gaza that they clinched deal, ending the raw. Abu Zayda said the twp groups agreed to hold once more meetings to continue talks, asserting that the leaders of Fateh and Hams agreed to take the decision in effective immediately. "We agreed to withdraw all armed forces from the streets of northern Gaza," declared local Hamas leader Nizar Rayyan. "The movements have agreed to stop all clashes and violence and end all armed presence and all issues that may lead to tension between the two sides," cabinet minister Sufian Abu Zaida said at a joint news conference with Hamas in Gaza. In the same context, the higher follow up committee of the Palestinian factions will convene a meeting toad evening to continue the talks to contain the tension between Hams and PNA and the issues raised in Cairo agreement on cease fire. On the other hand, the Palestinian legislative council (PLC) warned Tuesday of the Israeli occupation plots aiming at breaking the Palestinian unity and shatter the calming down. In conclusion of PLC session devoted to discuss the Israeli occupation aggressions and practices targeting the national project as regards the unilateral Israeli disengagement from Gaza Strip and northern west bank as well as the recent tension between Hams and PNA in Gaza. PLC cautioned of the risks of internal disputes aiming torpedo the national project, harm the national unity and hinder the Israeli planned disengagement from Gaza Strip. It also stressed on the unitary of the Palestinian National Authority and enforce the rule of law. By Dr. Aaron Lerner.

PLO: PNA Is Sole Administrator of Gaza Strip Palestinian Leadership Reconfirms 'Palestinian Blood Is Sacred'

Palestine Media Center - PMC [Offficial PA website]. The PLO Executive Committee (EC) confirmed after a meeting in Gaza Tuesday that the Palestinian National Authority (PNA) shall solely hold full responsibility for the administration of the Gaza Strip after the Israeli withdrawal in August, urged all factions to commit to the truce and to unify their efforts to guarantee a complete Israeli pullout, and reiterated its rejection of Palestinian in-fighting, declaring that "Palestinian blood is sacred." The PLO "confirms that the PNA shall solely be responsible for the administration of the Gaza Strip through the Council of Ministers and the competent departments, institutions and cabinet ministries," the EC said in a statement following its meeting in Gaza City on Wednesday, chaired by President Mahmoud Abbas and attended by Prime Minister Ahmad Qurei. The PLO refused proposals and initiatives to create a "special administration" for the Strip after the planned Israeli withdrawal late in August, reiterating that the PNA shall solely "have the national and legal roles" in all the West Bank and Gaza Strip areas that the Israeli Occupation Forces (IOF) pull out from. The Palestinian National Security advisor Jebril Rajoub separately reiterated on Tuesday that the PNA rejects to form a national committee for supervising the Israeli withdrawal from the Gaza Strip. Rajoub told the "Voice of Palestine" radio that the Islamic Resistance Movement (Hamas) might demand for such a committee. "They could demand anything they want, but there is only one legitimate authority that is qualified for leading the Palestinian people till holding the next elections," said Rajoub. "By the end of occupation there would be one authority, one flag and one law and it must be achieved through dialogue among the factions," he said. The PLO, according to the statement that was released by the official news agency WAFA, said it is important to unify the "efforts of all groups and factions to guarantee the complete Israeli withdrawal from all the Gaza Strip and the northern West Bank." Appreciating Egyptian President Hosni Mubarak's initiative of dispatching a high-level delegation to help arrange for the Israeli withdrawal process, reconfirming commitment by all Palestinians to the Cairo Declaration, and averting individual faction retaliation to Israeli ongoing assassinations of Palestinian activists, the PLO called on the Higher Follow-up Committee of the 13 anti-occupation factions to work towards ending any possible "misunderstanding" among "the sons of the same cause." The PLO welcomed contributions by all factions to the national cause "through the legislative, local and municipal elections" under "the rule of law and order." Final rounds of Palestinian local elections will be held in 132 municipalities across the West Bank and the Gaza Strip on September 29, followed by a final batch of local districts on December 8, AFP reported Tuesday. However a date has yet to be set for the parliamentary elections. The representatives of the Palestinian civil society organizations demanded on Monday that the PNA sets a date as soon as possible for legislative elections according to the new elections law.

Palestinian Blood Is Sacred

The PLO reconfirmed also that "the Palestinian blood is sacred," amid clashes that wounded at least 25 Palestinians during the last two days. Media reported on Wednesday that five more Palestinians were wounded in renewed clashes in the Gaza Strip, only hours after an agreement was announced to end inter-Palestinian violence. Hamas spokesman Sami Abu Zuhri said the new clashes were "limited" and erupted between the PNA security forces and the Islamic movement's military wing. Sofian Abu Zayda for Fatah and Nizar Rayan for Hamas announced in Gaza late Tuesday an agreement to end factional violence between followers of the ruling movement and the opposition Islamic Resistance Movement. Abu Zayda told the reporters at a joint press conference after midnight that, "we are very pleased to inform you that an agreement has been reached between the two movements to end all kinds of violent confrontations as well as removing all phenomena of arms in the streets." "Both movements reached the agreement one hour ago, and me and Dr. Nizar Rayan toured the northern area of the Gaza Strip, and we found an amazing commitment by both sides to our agreement," said Abu Zayda. Rayan confirmed Abu Zayda's statement: "I repeat what my brother Sofian said. We had met in good moods and good atmosphere, and we put together points for this agreement, which is ending immediately fighting and removing all phenomena of arms." He added that commanders of the two movements were immediately contacted and they had warmly welcomed the agreement "and started immediately implementing it." Two teenage bystanders were killed during gun battles between the two sides on Friday. On Tuesday, 10 Palestinians were injured in exchanges of fire at Beit Lahya in the northern Gaza Strip. Earlier at least 12 more were hurt in similar incidents in the impoverished Jabaliya refugee camp, east of Gaza City.

Qurei: No Excuse or Justification

In the West Bank city of Ramallah, some 700 people took to the streets to call for national unity and an end to the security chaos in the occupied territories. Reacting to the violence, Palestinian Prime Minister Qurei said Tuesday that there could be no justification for the clashes. "There can no be excuse or justification for what has happened today. Palestinian blood is sacred and should not be spilled at the hands of fellow Palestinians," said Qurei. "I ask all the factions to respect and commit themselves to the rule of law," he told reporters after the weekly cabinet meeting. Similarly the Palestinian Legislative Council (PLC) on Tuesday condemned the clashes and called on all factions, particularly Hamas, to commit to the Cairo "understandings." By Dr. Aaron Lerner.

Palestinian National Council Member Mamoun Al Tamimi Applauds the Bombings of London

Al Tamini: "Since This [Iraq] War is Ongoing, Those You Strike Have the Right to Strike Back At You - In Your Home, Your Country, Or Anywhere"

The following are excerpts from an Al-Jazeera television interview on the London bombings, with Palestinian National Council member Mamoun Al-Tamimi and reformist author and journalist 'Adel Darwish of the U.K. paper Daily Mail. The interview aired on July 12, 2005 on Al-Jazeera TV.

Al-Tamimi: "Blair Will Fall Just Like Aznar"

Host: We heard the British Home Secretary say that what happened in London has nothing whatsoever to do with the British policies or Iraq. What do you have to say to him?

Al-Tamimi: "Obviously, he wants to defend himself, because this operation will bring down the government. Blair will fall just like Aznar did. When Spain was attacked, Aznar immediately tried to pin it on ETA and the Basques. Then it turned out that Al-Qaeda was behind the attack, and he immediately lost the elections. Blair will follow Aznar. This is certain. Therefore they want to cover up... "First of all, they prevented the media from filming the attacks. The attacks were enormous, a thousand times greater than what was reported. Why did they do this? Because of the fear that overcame the British people and government, and because they know that they are paying a steep price for the mess Blair got them into. They understood that this is because they treat the Arabs and Muslims with disdain and spill their blood. They understood that this is war. In war, you hit and get hit. That's the equation. It is just like Albright said when she was asked whether two million Iraqis were killed because of the decade-long siege on Iraq. She responded, 'That's war.' "Since this war is ongoing, the people you strike have the right to strike
back at you, in your home, your country, anywhere. That's the equation."

Darwish: "When You Give In to Terrorists, You Encourage Them"

Host: When Spain suffered a terrorist attack, it immediately withdrew its forces from Iraq...

Darwish: "I think that was a very big mistake, because when you give in to terrorists, you encourage them. The British people are determined not to give in to the terrorists. By the way, Mamoun spoke about the Arab custom of blood vengeance... The detainees are British citizens of Pakistani origin, and not Arabs. Therefore, there is no connection between the Arab blood vengeance and the location of the bombings."

Al-Tamimi: "Britain Totally Annihilated Germany after Hitler's Fall. This is Britain's Humanism. As for Britain's humanism, Winston Churchill once said: 'Defend freedom, for it is the reason for our existence.' After Hitler's fall in Germany, Winston Churchill ordered the army and the air force to continue bombing. The bombings continued three weeks after Hitler's fall, and military historians say that the casualties sustained by Germany after Hitler's fall were greater than the casualties from the war. Germany had 25 million casualties, and in Britain there were 18 million dead. In other words, Britain totally annihilated Germany after Hitler's fall. That is Britain's humanist side. We have suffered from Britain's humanist side since the turn of the century, since 1880 or 1881. Ever since, we have been suffering because of Britain. Britain uprooted the Palestinian people from its land and planted a Jewish entity. It brought over riffraff and gave them Palestine, uprooting children and women from their homes and their fields, without any food or clothing. Britain divided up the area and sowed the seeds of civil strife. It created mini-states which collaborated with it. Britain occupied Iraq. We are still suffering disasters because of Britain. In Saddam's Day, There Was Stability. Britain caused infinite destruction to the Iraqi people. Now that the political and social map of Iraq has been completed, - there will be no civil society there. He said that there was no civil society in the days of Saddam. Is there civil society now in Iraq?! Today there are massacres, murder, car bombs, martyrdom-seekers, battles of attrition- there is total confusion. Is there civil society now? Have we lost our minds?! In the days of Saddam there was stability, calm; there was a government, a people, funding, a state, and institutions. All of this has been [(taken away]) by imperialism, in the guise of as culture and humanism, while they are really the least cultured and humane in the world."

Darwish: London Bombers "Losers and Cowards"; Al-Tamimi: "Who Made Them Love Death? Britain and the U.S."

Host: Mr. 'Adel Darwish, what do you have to say to the perpetrators of these operations?

Darwish: "I say that they are losers and cowards, and that they lack any courage. They should go and confront the British soldiers in Basra, if they've got what it takes. But they are cowards with no courage."

Host: What would you say to them?

Al-Tamimi: "I say that people who blow themselves up... There are already dozens of them. If you say that they are cowards, then you are a mental pervert. They love death like that man loves life. Who made them love death? Britain and the U.S. with their actions. And, and the American and British peoples will pay the price if they don't put an end to these governments." Data: Memri., Imra, Dr. Aaron Lerner.

Kharma: We Prepared Design Proposals for Gaza-West Bank Passageway.

GAZA, (WAFA-PLO news agency)- Minister of Transportation Saad el-Deen Kharma said Sunday that his Ministry, in cooperation with the Ministry of Civil Affairs and the Higher Committee of the Withdrawal from Gaza Strip, has prepared a number of proposals for the passageway that will link the Gaza Strip to the West Bank. Kharma said, following his meeting with Minister of Civil Affairs and the Coordinator of the Higher Committee of the Withdrawal from Gaza Strip Mohammed Dahlan, that the Committee has worked, during the last months, on achieving designs for a 42km-long passageway to link Gaza with the West Bank. He said that the designs include three proposed scenarios, adding that the first proposal is that the main road will be 84,6m wide and the railway will be on one side of the road. The second proposal is that the width of the road will be 72,6m and the railway will be between the two sides of the road. He added that the third proposal stipulates that the road will be 93,6m wide and the railways will be on both sides of the roads.

Abbas Asserts the Unitary of Authority and Law, Hamas is committed to Qualified Cease Fire.

Dr. Aaron Lerner: "Following the meeting, Seyam told the reporters that Hamas leaders made sure to the Egyptian delegation its commitment to Cairo agreement and preserve the right of resistance and self defense and reprisal of the "enemy crime.. Hamas can attack at any time - citing Israeli "crime".

GAZA, Palestine, (IPC+Agencies)-[Official PA website] -Al Tayeb Abed Ibraheem, Secretary General of Palestinian presidency stated Sunday that the president Mahmoud Abbas (Abu Mazen) demonstrated the Egyptian security delegation on the latest development and stressed on the unitary of law and authority. In press briefing following the meeting with the Egyptian delegation Abed al Raheem told the reporters in Gaza the Egyptian delegation will meet with the leaders of the Factions, with the goal aiming to return back to the calmness and the need to ensure Israeli settlement evacuation from Gaza Strip to carry out smoothly and orderly. Abed al Raheem added that the mission of the Egyptian delegation is definitely to help restore calm and rule of law and not harm the prestige of the Palestinian National Authority, asserting that any faction cause harm will be outlawed of the national consensus. He also noted the armed retaliatory attacks came in violation of the Cairo agreement which reaffirmed the need of collective position to retaliate the Israeli violations. Abed al Raheem decried the Israeli military escalation in the occupied Palestinian territories as it did not serve peace and security in the region. Earlier, the Egyptian delegation of brigadier general Mustafa Al Buheiri , deputy of Egyptian chief intelligence services and Mohammed Ibraheem arrived in Gaza Strip in an effort to bear the arrangements of the upcoming phase fruitful as a prelude for the Israeli evacuation of the Jewish settlements in the Gaza Strip in next mid August. On his turn, the Interior Minister Nasser Yousef told the reporters, following the meeting, that the Palestinian National Authority will continue in the process of enforcing law and order "whatever the cost is," Yousef said. He added "the latest Israeli escalation had no excuses and further complicated the situation and never help the Palestinian National Authority to assume its responsibilities." In the same run, the Egyptian senior security delegation met with the leaders of Hamas movement involving Dr. Mahmoud Al Zahar , Said Syam and the reporters that Hamas leaders made sure to the Egyptian delegation its commitment to Cairo agreement and preserve the right of resistance and self defense and reprisal of the "enemy crime". "I'd like to ensure our people that thing will easily back to its track and any Palestinian -Palestinian raw will ironed out through talks," Seya said. Questioned about president Abbas resolveness to end taking exclusively the right to retaliate on the Israeli attacks, Seyam said "it is needed from President Abbas to carry out contacts and press on Israel to stop its aggressions on the Palestinian people." He asserted that the Palestinian factions are coherent and unitary and committed to the letter of Cairo agreement but the crimes perpetrated against the Palestinian people could went easily . Today the Egyptian security delegation will meet leaders of Fateh, popular and democratic fronts for liberation of Palestine.

Israeli Soldiers Plant Weapon in Ambulance. NABLUS, (WAFA-PLO News Agency)- Palestinian Red Crescent Society (PRCS) said that Israeli soldiers plant weapons in ambulances belonging to the society. In a statement issued yesterday, the PRCS said that Israeli soldiers detained, on Wednesday, 13/7/2005, a PRCS ambulance, at Howwara checkpoint (near Nablus), and planted weapon inside the seat. The ambulance was in duty of transporting a delivery case from Aljit village to Rafidya hospital in Nablus, when the soldiers detained it. "The soldiers then started searching the ambulance by opening its cabinets and they proceeded to throw the sheets and pillows," PRCS said, "the soldiers then ordered the team to lift the seat opposite the patient's bed, the team obeyed and were surprised to find an Israeli Army M16 weapon inside the seat. ". "The soldiers stepped back and pointed their weapons at the medical team. The soldiers questioned the crew about the source of the weapon, and the crew denied any knowledge about weapon and refused the soldiers' order to remove it. The soldiers then laughed and mocked the team as the soldiers removed the weapon.", PRCS said. "Such act of planting a weapon by the occupation forces constitutes a breach of International Humanitarian Law and shows lack of respect to the work of PRCS medical teams and to the Society's protected emblem according the Geneva conventions," PRCS said.

PCBS's Main Findings of Satisfaction of the Living Conditions in Palestinian Territory, 2004-2005.

Palestinian Central Bureau of Statistics (PCBS). Press Release.: 65.8% of the individuals (18 years and over) showed that they were unsatisfied about the Ability of Household Member of Getting a job, 52.2% of them were unsatisfied with the wages and Salaries of Employed Individuals in the Household. PCBS conducted the Satisfaction Survey of the Palestinian Living Conditions as a proxy module to the Household Expenditure and Consumption Survey. Data collection took place during the period January 15th 2004 and January 14th 2005, on a sample of 3,037 individuals aged 18 years old and above. Food: Data revealed that 85.1% of individuals (18 years and above) were satisfied about the quantity of food consumed by the household members, (88.1% in the West Bank and 79.5% in Gaza Strip). While 81.8% showed satisfaction about the quality of food consumed by the household members, (86.6% in the West Bank and 72.4% in Gaza Strip). Health: Data revealed that 67.7% of individuals (18 years and above) were satisfied about the ability to get required medicine, (69.7% in the West Bank and 63.7% in Gaza Strip). About 63.9% showed satisfaction about the health care provided by the government, (59.2% in the West Bank and 72.6% in Gaza Strip). While 80.0% showed satisfaction about their health conditions, (79.3% in the West Bank and 81.3% in Gaza Strip). Education: Data revealed that 71.9% of individuals (18 years and above) were satisfied about Quality of Education in Governmental Schools, (72.7% in the West Bank and 70.3% in Gaza Strip). About 62.8% of individuals were satisfied about Quality of Education in private Schools, (60.8% in the West Bank and 68.9% in Gaza Strip). While 65.7% of individuals were satisfied about Quality of Education in UNRWA Schools, (51.3% in the West Bank and 91.0% in Gaza Strip). Economic Opportunities and Conditions: Data revealed that 65.8% of individuals (18 years and above) were unsatisfied about the ability of Household Member of Getting a job (60.2% in the West Bank and 76.9% in Gaza Strip). 52.2% of individuals were unsatisfied about wages and salaries of employed household members, (51.9% in the West Bank and 52.6% in Gaza Strip). 73.6% were unsatisfied with price levels at the Palestinian Territory, (74.2% in the West Bank and 72.6% in Gaza Strip). Social Security: Data revealed that 45.3% of individuals ( 18 years and above) were unsatisfied about Government programs ( 52.2% in the West Bank and 34.1% in Gaza Strip). 63.5% of individuals were unsatisfied about support from other institutions (73.4% in the West Bank and 45.9% in Gaza Strip). 65.6% of individuals (18 years and above) were unsatisfied about support from other sources (69.3% in the West Bank and 57.1% in Gaza Strip). By Dr. Aaron Lerner.

WAFA: Abbas Condemns Natanya's Attack Against Israelis. RAMALLAH, (WAFA-PLO news agency)- President Mahmoud Abbas condemned Tuesday the terrorist attack against Israelis in Natanya, describing it as a crime against the Palestinian people. Abbas added that the perpetrators of this bloody attack are working against the interest of the Palestinian people, asserting that no national patriot can ever commit such a folly. "There is no doubt that those people are committing stupid acts and they must be punished" Abbaas said "I confirm that the Palestinian factions who signed the Cairo agreement have no relation with such an attack and the Islamic Jihad has officially announced it is not responsible for this attack". President Abbas extended his profound condolences to the families of the victims, wishing a speed recovery for the wounded. By Dr. Aaron Lerner.

Gulf Daily News: Palestinian MP quits over chaos. GAZA: Veteran Palestinian MP Marwan Kanafani, a one-time adviser to Yasser Arafat and champion of internal reform, resigned yesterday to protest against growing insecurity and political malaise. Kanafani was the first parliamentarian to quit over an internal crisis that blew up before Arafat's death last year and has persisted since President Mahmoud Abbas was elected in January on a platform of change. "I hope this will attract the attention of the parliament, the government and the political factions to stop the internal deterioration and maintain the security of the homeland and the citizens," Kanafani said in Gaza as he announced his decision. The resignation came three days after Prime Minister Ahmed Qurie defended his record before parliament and won the approval of most of the 88-member assembly - though not Kanafani, a member of the dominant Fatah movement. Palestinian leaders have faced growing demands for change from people tired of chaotic outbursts by gunmen, increasing crime, high level corruption and inefficiency after a revolt since 2000 that brought statehood no closer. The US has also pressed for Palestinian reform to assist any peacemaking after Israel pulls settlers from the occupied Gaza Strip in coming months. Kanafani said he was unhappy at a decision to indefinitely delay legislative elections that had been scheduled for July. Hamas militants accuse Fatah of putting off the vote in fear the Islamic group would make a strong showing. By Dr. Aaron Lerner.

MOI: No Agreement on Handing Control over Bethlehem Reached. GAZA,(WAFA)- Ministry of Interior (MOI) denied Israeli media reports that the Palestinian and Israeli sides have agreed to hand control over Bethlehem to the Palestinian security forces. In a statement issued Monday, the MOI said that the two sides did not reach an agreement, because of Israeli refusal to withdraw from Al-Eskan area in Beit-Jala city, and to remove checkpoints. Earlier, Israeli media said that Israeli forces is expected to hand control over Bethlehem to the Palestinian National Authority (PNA) this week. By Dr. Aaron Lerner

Al Kidwa PNA Seeks Accurate and in Depth Understanding on Disengagement. GAZA (PA Statement)-Dr. Nasser Al Kidwa, the foreign affair minister, asserted Tuesday the timetable of the anticipated Abbas-Sharon meeting focuses on implementation of Sharm el-Sheikh understanding and to reach a clear and detailed understanding regarding the evacuation from the Gaza Strip and the northern West Bank. In a press briefing in Rammallah held in the council of ministers HQ following the weekly session of the cabinet, al Kidwa stated that heading summit's timetable the release of the prisoners inside the Israeli jails, the deportees and wanted people and the Israeli troop's pullback to pre Sep. 2000, along with key issues. On the other hand, Al Kidwa expected no progress breakthrough regarding the negotiations with the Israelis over he final settlement issues in the short reaching but good chances on the topic of disengagement from Gaza Strip. He made clear that the Palestinians talks with the USA secretary of state Condoleezza Rice concentrates on reaching a clear cut and in detail understanding over the Israeli planned pullout from Gaza Strip and four settlements from West Bank. Al Kidwa noted that the Palestinians will ask Mrs. Rice to press on Israel to implement Sharm al Sheikh Understanding and stop its unilateral conducts as regards the settlement expansion the ongoing of the Apartheid Wall in addition to the occupation practices in Jerusalem. However, al-Kidwa said that the Palestinian national authority does not promise that it will disarm Palestinian resistance organizations so long as "the occupation" continues. "My position is based on international law and a deep understanding of our responsibilities according to the Road Map, and I will not retract my words," he said. He also criticized Israeli policies in the Palestinian occupied territories including the building of the apartheid wall in the West Bank, in particular in Jerusalem and turn some of the military checkpoint into international crossings electronically- controlled , such as Qulandia checkpoint , north Jerusalem. IMRA