Thousands visit Saddam's grave

Thousands of Iraqis, mostly Sunni, made the pilgrimage today to Saddam Hussein's grave in the town of Ouja, on the outskirts of Tikrit.

Saddam was buried in his home town, a few miles from the graves of his sons Uday and Kusay who were killed by American troops.

Saddam was hanged yesterday after an Iraqi tribunal sentenced him to death for the murder of more than a hundred people in Iraq. The complete extent of Saddam's crimes was not raised in the trial, but he is responsible for the death of over a million people.

A day of death following Saddam's hanging

At least 4 car bombs detonated in Iraq today, claiming over 60 lives and causing over 100 injuries. The explosions follow Saddam Hussein's execution earlier this morning. Saddam's followers of the Sunni faction in Iraq swear to keep fighting against the Americans and Shi'ites in Iraq.

Saddam's lawyer predicted that violence will follow the hanging of Saddam and that all those who were involved in his execution will pay dearly for their participation in it.

Mixed feelings over Saddam's execution

Shi'ites celebrated in the streets of Baghdad as news of Saddam's death circulated. Sunnis, however, mourned their leader's passing. Kurdish leaders also expressed satisfaction at the death of the "Butcher of Baghdad" and expressed the hope that his demise shall mark the turning of a new leaf in Iraq and an end to the internal bloodshed.
Sunnis criticized the time of execution, on the Muslim Holiday of Sacrifice. It is believed that Iraqi officials simply did not wish to wait fearing a wave of kidnappings and rescue attempts.

Saddam Hussein has been hanged

Saddam Hussein, Iraq's dictator who ruled the country between 1979-2003 was executed this morning in Iraq.

Saddam who led his country to an 8 year war with Iran and to the first Gulf War by his invasion of Kuwait in 1990, was hanged this morning.

Saddam, who is responsible for the death of hundreds of thousands of Iraqis, Kurds, Iranians, Kuwaitis and others was toppled by the US army in the second Gulf War. Saddam faced trial in an Iraqi tribunal and was found guilty of murder.

Saddam whose request to face a firing squad was denied, refused to wear a blindfold and did not resist his execution.

Officials of the Iraqi government who witnessed the execution danced in rejoice around the body in what many view as a horrible spectacle.

A day of rockets in the south of Israel

10 Qassam rockets landed today in the south of Israel. All the rockets were launched by Palestinian Terrorists in the Gaza Strip. Today's barrage brings the total of Qassam rockets since the ceasefire was proclaimed to over 70.

The 10th rocket landed in a kibbutz and caused panic. All over the Western Negev sirens blared today as 10 rockets fell around several towns and kibuttzes in the western Negev. How Israel would respond to this escalation is yet unclear, but residents of the Western Negev are screaming for military action against the rocket launchers.

Saddam has been delivered to Iraqi officials

The Americans delivered Iraq's former dictator, Saddam Hussein, to Iraqi officials.

Saddam has been sentenced to death by an Iraqi tribunal for his crimes when he held the position of Iraq's president.

Last minutes attempts to secure a stay of sentence by Saddam's lawyers failed. It is believed that Saddam will be executed in the coming hours.

Saddam is to be hanged.

Israel shall not release prisoners for the Muslim holiday

Despite reports to the contrary, Israel shall not release Palestinian prisoners before the Muslim Holiday of Sacrifice. The release was destined to be a gesture towards Palestinian President, Abu Mazen, for his stand against Hamas and his expressed desire to resume negotiations with Israel.
Members of Olmert's staff said that if the Palestinians had adhered to the ceasefire, a release would have been made. The Palestinians have launched more than 60 rockets from Gaza since the ceasefire was proclaimed.
It is believed that Olmert withdrew his offer to Abu Mazen due to Israeli public opinion who will not look kindly upon prisoners release while IDF soldier, Gilad Shalit, is still held by Hamas.

Olmert adresses graudates of IAF

In the graduation ceremony of the new pilots of the Israeli Air Force (IAF), Prime Minister, Ehud Olmert, spoke of Israel's desire for peace.

Olmert said that Israel remains attentive to any peace overture or threat made by neighbouring countries.

Olmert went on to say that if Israel's neighbours truly desire peace they will find a partner in Israel.

Olmert stressed that any form of peace is dependant upon Israel's strength and military capabilities.

Abu Mazen called for "Serious talks"

At the end of a meeting with Egypt's president, Mubbarakm Palestinian president, Abu Mazen, called for the establishment of additional channels of negotiation between Israel and the Palestinians. Abu Mazen called for behind the scenes talks, chaperoned by a member of the Quartet (US, Russia, Europe, UN) to discuss the urgent issues of the day and the outline of a permanent solution.

2,000 rifles to Palestinian moderates

Israel authorized the delivery of 2,000 rifles to Abu Mazen's troops in Gaza. The shipment was delivered last night.
The shipment included 20,000 ammunition clips in addition to the rifles. The shipment was passed through one of the border passes between Gaza and the Siani desert.
The shipment is intended to assist Abu Mazen in his power struggle with Hamas in the Gaza Strip. Last week a smaller shipment of 300 rifles was delivered to the presidential guard in Ramallah.
Hamas denounced the shipments as blatant attempts to interfere in internal Palestinian issues.

Olmert authorized action against rocket launchers

Following yesterday's rocket attack in which two teenagers were hurt, one of them critically, Prime Minister Olmert and Security Minisert Peretz authorized use of force against rocket launchers.

Israel has not responded towards rocket launches from the Gaza Strip since the ceasefire was declared a month and a half ago. In the past few days the launches increased in number and yesterday took their human toll.

The IDF and other security forces have been given leave to act against the rocket launchers specifically but otherwise to maintain the ceasefire with the Palestinians.

Olmert wishes to maintain a relative calm in order to keep Hamas out of the fighting. Islamic Jihad is responsible for the 60 rockets which were launched since the ceasefire was proclaimed.

Two teenagers gravely injured by Qassam

It is safe to say that the ceasefire between Israel and the Palestinians is at an end or so it will be come morning.
Two 14 year old boys who were studying together for an exam were struck by the Qassam rocket which landed this evening in Sderot. The two boys were struck by shrepnel, one in the right foot and the other suffered massive injuries. The two boys were rushed to hospital. One of them is in critical condition.
Olmert will convene an emergency session of the cabinet tomorrow in order to decide upon an adequate response to this attack. Over the past few days, growing voices within Israel's political and military arena called for an end to the restraint Israel has imposed upon itself. It is safe to say that this shall now come to pass.
This was the 7th Qassam launch out of Gaza today. Islamic Jihad claimed responsibility for the attacks.

Sadam will be executed in 30 days

The Iraqi court of appeals decreed today that the death penalty to which the former president of Iraq, Sadam Hussein, will remain. The court gave the Iraqi government leave to schedule the execution anytime within the next 30 days. After 30 days the sentence will have to be carried out.

Israel FM: Syria is willing to negotiate with Israel

The chief of the research division in the Israeli Foreign Ministry joins the CO of the intelligence research division and states that Syria is willing to negotiate with Israel.
Syrian President, Bashar Assad, met today with US Senator, Arlan Spector. The two discussed the situation in Iraq among other issues. Spector will journey to Israel tomorrow and meet with the FM, Tzipi Livni.
Syrian sources threatened Israel with "surprises" should it attack Syria. These same sources doubted that the negotiations between the two countries will resume in 2007. The sources blamed Olmert's government and the negative role the US administration is playing for the dormant negotiation.

6 Qassam rockets launched today

A Qassam rocket landed today in a strategic installation in the industrial zone of the city of Ashkelon. The rockets caused damage to buildings but no injury.

Earlier, 4 rockets were launched at the city of Sderot and another at a nearby Kibbutz. Several people suffered shock but no bodily injuries were reported.

Islamic Jihad claimed responsibility for all the rockets. Islamic Jihad has been ignoring the ceasefire which was declared between Israel and the Palestinians and is trying to destroy the relative calm which ensued due to it.

Several cabinet ministers in Israel call for an end to the restraint policy which Israel has maintained throughout the ceasefire.

Adbullah: Israel is not as powerful as we thought

In an interview to a Japanese newspaper, Jordan's king Abdullah spoke on the Middle East. Abdullah stated that the war with Hezbollah last summer showed that Israel is not as powerful as was previously thought and that the region views the war as one in which Israel lost. He said that he feared that the war may lead other countries to believe that the way of force is the only way to come to terms with Israel and hoped that Israel will take steps to calm the flaring tempers in the region.
Abdullah expressed the view that the Israeli-Palestinian conflict is the crux of the matter.
Abdullah predicted that 2007 will see 3 civil wars in the Middle East: Iraq, Lebanon, and in the Palestinian Terriotories.

Israel will release prisoners regardless of Gilad Shalit

The Israeli goverment is likely to release Palestinian prisoners as a gesture for the Muslim hoilday of sacrifice. Those in favor of the release, who include PM Olmert and Security Minister Peretz say that it will serve to strengthen Abu Mazen in the Palestinian political arena. The planned release will likely take place regardless of Gilad Shalit, the Israeli soldier who is held captive by Hamas in Gaza for six months.
Several ministers who oppose the planned release say that this step will be interpreted as weakness by the Palestinian terror groups and that Israel should only release prisoners in exchange for Gilad Shalit.
Prisoner release was one of the issues which Olmert and Abu Mazen discussed in their meeting last Saturday.

Two rockets land in Negev

Two Qassam rockets landed today near a kibutz in the Israeli Negev. Yesterday saw 4 rocket launches from the Gaza Strip. One of the four rockets landed close to a kindergarten and only by a miracle no one was hurt. Today's rockets are no. 54 and 55 since the declarartion of the ceasefire over a month ago.

Yuval Diskin, the head of Shin-Bet, the Israeli security service which operates in the Palestinian Territories, spoke in yesterday's government meeting and described the catch in which Israel is in: If Israel does not respond the launches will continue; if it does respond, the relative calm which the ceasefire brought would be over. Diskin reported that Islamic Jihad is responsible for the rocket launches and not the Hamas who is adhering to the ceasefire.

IDF does not fire upon Qassma launchers

The Israeli Negev had its 51 Qassam rocket impact this morning since the beginning of the ceasefire between Israel and the Palestinians over a month ago. Israel has not responded to these breaches of the ceasefire in the hope that Abu Mazen will be able to enforce it, but to little avail so far.
Several cabinet ministers displayed anger and frustration over Israel's policy and the Palestinian rocket launches. Security Minister, Amir Peretz, reported that IDF troops do not fire upon rocket launchers in Gaza even when they spot them setting up. Peretz said that there is no proof that the restraint Israel is showing is helping the moderate Palestinians.
A few more ministers expressed opposition to the restraint policy saying that Israel cannot be made a laughing stock and that Israel should take steps to ensure the security of its citizens.
Prime Minister Olmert reported that in his meeting with Abu Mazen, last night, he told the Palestinian President that Israel's policy may indeed change if the rockets launches will continue.

Ahmadinejad: Iran will celebrate nuclear achievements in Februrary

Following the UN Security Council Resolution which was passed yesterday and imposes light sanctions on Iran due to its continued nuclear program, Iran's president, Mahmoud Ahmadinejad, said that Iran will celebrate its nuclear achievements in February. Ahmadinejad went on to call the resolution a torn piece of paper which shall not intimidate the Iranians. Ahmadinejad also stated that the countries which supported the resolution will regret that support.

Resolution 1773 prohibits supplying Iran with any materials which may be used to advance its nuclear program and its missile program.

Iran reacted to the resolution by installing 3,000 centrifuges in its center of Uranium enrichment.

Islamic Extremists in Gaza

As part of the general anarchy in the Gaza Strip, a new phenomenon struck the streets.
A new group of Islamic radicalists are damaging businesses which they view as unislamic. The new group who is inspired by Al-Qaeda burned a cassette store. In another incident, the group damaged an internet cafe. The pamphlets which were hung by this new group which calls itself "The Sword of Islam" promise more actions.
Officials in the Palestinian Authority fear that religious attacks of this sort will continue and may even increase in frequency in the near future as Islamic radiclist groups abound in Gaza, feeding on the anarchy and despair.

Iran: Will continue the nuclear program

Iran's response to the sanctions resolution which was passed by the UN Security Council today is blatant disregard. The Iranian FM issued a statement in which it proclaimed that Iran views the resolution as illegal and will continue its nuclear program as it is its inherent right. Iran criticized the lack of action which is taken by the UN regarding Israel's nuclear program which was supposedly confirmed by PM Ehud Olmert.
The United States issued a statement in which it displayed satisfaction with the resolution but went on to say that further steps will have to be taken to deter Iran.

Olmert and Abu Mazen met this evening

Israel's Prime Minister, Ehud Olmert and Palestinian President Abu Mazen, met this evening in Jerusalem. The meeting lasted two hours and was considered "good" by the aides of both leaders. Abu Mazen's spokesman said that agreements were reached on several issues. The two discussed the possibility of a prisoners release in exchange for kidnapped Israeli soldier, Gilad Shalit, the ceasefire and the internal Palestinian situation.

Saib Arikat, a high ranking Palestinian official went further and announced that Israel will deliver 100 million dollars of frozen Palestinian funds to Abu Mazen and that additional meetings are due.

This meeting was long due, as both leaders expressed their desire for a meeting over the past few months. Why it took this long is anyone's guess. Recently, several figures in the international community urged both leaders to meet and talk.

This meeting was highly criticized by Hamas who does not recognize Israel.

Russia agreed to impose sanctions on Iran

A short time before the Security Council convened to discuss the possibility of imposing sanctions on Iran, Russia gave its agreement to the sanctions resolution.

All 15 members of the Council agreed on the resolution which prohibits supplying Iran with equipment and materials which can be used to further its nuclear program. Furthermore, assets of several persons and Iranian institutions will be frozen.

Iran was given a 60 days ultimatum in which it is to comply with the resolution which states that Iran should cease enriching Uranium which may be used in nuclear bombs. Should Iran fail to comply, the Security Council is to reconvene and impose harsher sanctions.

Iran threatened that if sanctions are imposed it would reconsider its relationship with the International agency of Atomic Energy.

The resolution discludes the possibility of military action against Iran, and allows only financial and diplomatic measures.

A Fatah Colonel killed in Gaza

A Fatah Colonel of the Palestinian Security Forces was shot and killed this morning in Gaza.

The Colonel was riding in a car when spurts of fire were opened on it. The Colonel dies on the scene, his bodyguard an a passerby 9 year old girl were injured. No organization claimed responsibility for the incident, though the common assumption is that Hamas operatives were involved.

Earlier a gunfight ensued in the vicinity of the Presidential residence in Gaza. No injuries were reported in the skirmish.

The ceasefire which was declared two days ago lies in shambles as violence continues in Gaza and, to a lesser degree, in the West bank.

Sanctions on Iran?

The UN Security Council is to meet tomorrow to impose sanctions on Iran for its adherence to its nuclear program. After many months of diplomacy, it seems that tomorrow an agreed upon resolution will pass. This resolution shall include a series of "soft" sanctions on Iran.
The United States, which has led the campaign to impose sanctions, deisred stronger measures, but wishing to arrive at a consensus among the permanent members of the council led to the adoption of a much softer draft.
At the last moment it seemed that Russia may in fact be reluctant to go through with the sanctions at all. President Putin is to review the final draft and to confirm it personally. In Israel there is grave concern that Russia may impose an even softer batch of sanctions which are unlikely to cause the Iranian program any tangible harm.
The current draft of sanctions includes a list of products that should be denied the Iranians and another list of persons and organizations which work in conjunction with the Iranian program, which should also be denied right of purchase of products and materials which may be used to further the Iranian program.

Qassam rockets on Sderot and the Negev

Three Qassam rockets were launched this evening by Palestinian militants in the Gaza Strip. One landed in a residential area in the southern city of Sderot, injuring one man. A second one landed in a kibutz and caused damage to several houses. The third landed in open area and did not cause injury or damage.

This barrage was preceded by a single rocket which was launched this morning and two yesterday, both of which landed in Sderot, causing several slight injuries.

The rate of rocket launches has increased recently as the situation within the Palestinian Authority deteriorated and many believe that it is an attempt to draw a response from Israel that would cause Fatah and Hamas to set aside their differences. So far, Israel has refrained from responding to these breaches of the ceasefire, though the number of political and military voices which call for a response is increasing.

The Jewish terrorist of Shiloh hanged himself

Asher Weizgan, who murdered 4 Palestinians after Israel's withdrawl from the Gaza Strip in the summer of 2005, hanged himself in his jail cell with his Tfilin (a jewish religious garment).

Weizgan was sentenced to 4 life sentences and an additional 12 years for maiming a fifth Palestinian. He was imprisoned in the Ayalon prison in a religious section.

Weizgan, dubbed, the Jewish Terrorist of Shiloh (a settlement in the West Bank) murdered 4 Palestinians in protest over Israel's withdrawl from the Gaza Strip.

Abdullah warns that the time for peace is now or never

Jordan's king Abdullah, on a visit to Japan, spoke about the stagnating peace process between Israel and the Palestinians. Abdullah expressed a sombre view on the political arena and said that 2007 may prove to be the critical year and that if peace is not achieved within the next 6 months it may never happen.
Abdullah said that already the chance for peace has diminished and that may soon it will be safe to say that the Palestinians have no future. The results will be disastrous for the entire region including Israel.
Abdullah called upon the international community to inspire hope in the Palestinians and to prove to both them and Israel that the two states solution is the only viable way out of the present cycle of violence.

Olmert and Abu Mazen are to meet soon

Olmert and Abu Mazen may meet with each pther soon, even as early as this Monday, so says the Maan news agency. The two have been exchanging invitations back and forth for weeks now, but still no meeting has been scheduled. Sources close to Abu Mazen confirmed that such a meeting is imminent but refused to state the date in which it is to take place.
It seems that Olmert's and Abu Mazen's seperate meetings with Jordan's king Adbullah may have facilitated the meeting between the Israeli and Palestinian leader.
The two are to discuss the resumption of the peace process, the humanitarian situation in Gaza, the issue of Palestinian prisoners held in Israel, and the continued rocket launches out of Gaza into the Israeli Negev.
Abu Mazen has recently called for early elections (though did not set a date) which prompted severe repudiation by the Hamas government.

A fragile quiet in Gaza

The calm in the Palestinian Authority is not holding up. A civilian was killed in Gaza and the bodyguard of Hamas appointed FM Mahmoud al-Zahar was kidnapped by Fatah operatives.

This is but another of a series of kidnappings in the conflict between Hamas and Fatah over who will control the Palestinian Authority.

It is estimated that the ceasefire between Hamas and Fatah will not last as Hamas is furious with President Abu Mazen due to several measures taken by him, such as refusing to approve certain appointments made by the Hamas government and his intention to call for early elections. Hamas has also annunced that it will not attend any meeting regarding the establishment of a national unity government.

Olmert to Abu Mazen: Israel will not restrain itself forever

Aides of Prime Minister Olmert informed aides of Abu Mazen that Israel will not restrain itself indefinitely when faced with rocket launches out of Gaza. This after yesterday in which 10 Qassam rockets were fired from the Gaza Strip in violation of the ceasefire which was declared between Israel and the Palestinians a month ago.

An aide of Olmert stated that Israel does not wish to respond and is aware that such a response may serve as a boost for Hamas and Islamic Jihad and may even unify Fatah and Hamas against Israel, yet these repeated rocket launches must be put to an end.

Amir Peretz convened the high staff of the Security Ministry and the IDF to discuss new ways to stop the rocket launches. The army is expected to recommend an end to the restraint policy.

Olmert denies having met with Sinora

Prime Minister Olmert's staff denied today that he met with his Lebanese counterpart, Fouad Siniora.
The so-called meeting was reported by the Maan Palesitinian news agenct which claimed that the two met in the Siani following Israel's war with Hezbollah and discussed, among other issues, the disarmament of the latter.
The meeting lasted about five hours and was chaperoned by Egypt's President, Mubarrak.
Siniora is in the midst of an inner-Lebanese struggle with Hezbollah who threaten to topple his government and is under constant threats for his life.

Peretz to Olmert: Should stop restraint policy

After 10 Qassam rockets yesterday, Security Minister, Amir Peretz, counselled PM, Ehud Olmert, to stop Israel's restraint policy.

The Qassam launches are a direct breach of the ceasefire which was proclaimed between Israel and the Palestinians a month ago. Yesterday was not the first breach by the Palestinians, but it was the worst.

Several government ministers share Peretz's view: Fouad Ben-Eliezer, a former security minister, said that Israel cannot stand idly by while rockets are being launched on its population centers on a daily basis. Minister of Industry, Eli Yishay, said that Israel should rethink the restraint policy.

Yesterday, in a joint press conference with his Norwegian counterpart, Olmert stated that Israel will not be able to restrain itself for much longer.

Israel has not responded to breaches of the ceasefire in an attempt to allow the moderate Palestinians a chance to enforce the ceasefire, but to little avail, so far.

Shimon Peres thinks that Assad is bluffing

Former Israeli PM architect of the Oslo accords, Shimon Peres, believes that Assad is bluffing. In an interview today, Peres stated that Israel offered 4 times to go to peace talks with Syria and was willing to return the Golan Heights to Syria, but has been denied on all occasions. Peres says that Assad wishes to use Israel as a go between with the Americans and does not exhibit any tangible sign of desiring a true peace.

Peres does hold the view that Israel should concentrate on the Palestinians and negotiate with moderate forces there such as Abu Mazen. Peres believes that by economic cooperation and financial growth, a lasting peace can be established with the Palestinians. He further believes that Israel should make peace with one Arab country at a time for fear of failing on all joint peace efforts.

USA supports anti Assad groups in Syria

The US State Department ackowledged the fact that it is supporting various anti-Assad Syrian groups in an attempt to facilitate a regime change in Syria.
Assad has been on the "wanted list" of president Bush for a long time for his regime's violent involvement in Lebanese politics and its support of terrorism.
America financially supports several opposition groups and asists in coordination between them.
Syria has made several peace overtures towards Israel in the past two weeks. Bush holds the view that Assad, the Syrian President, should not be negotiated with.

An IDF source claims that restraint may be dangerous

A high level source within the IDF claims that Israel's restraint policy regarding the Qassam launches from Gaza since a ceasefire was declared there between Israel and the Palestinians may prove perilous.

Over 40 Qassam rockets were launched out of Gaza since the ceasefire was proclaimed. The IDF source fears that Israel's restraint may be construed as weakness by the Palestinians. Voices within the IDF call for a renewed authorization to fire upon rocket units.

Both PM Olmert and security minister Peretz have stated recently that Israel will not be able to restrain itself forever when faced by repeated rocket launches.

Israel may release funds to Abu Mazen

Israel is considering releasing some of the frozen Palestinian funds to President Abu Mazen. Israel is holding several hundreds million dollars of Palestinian taxes because it fears that it may be used to finance terrorist activity. Israel wishes to support Abu Mazen's stand against Hamas and may release a few million dollars.
The funds will be mainly used to pay the salaries of Palestinian officials and government workers.
Israel's position is that it is willing to release the funds provided that they will go to Abu Mazen and not to the Hamas government.
Abu Mazen promised, in a speech on Saturday, to pay the salaries for the thousands of government employees very soon

5 rockets launched out of Gaza since noon

The Islamic Jihad terror organization claimed responsibility for the firing of 5 rockets out of the Gaza Strip into Israel. The 5 rockets did not cause injuries.

Islamic Jihad said that the rocket launches are but the first of many retaliatory operations it plans to make against Israel due to the killing of two of its operatives in the West Bank earlier today.

Two Islamic Jihad terrorists killed by IDF

In an operation of the Israeli Anti-Terrorism unit, the Yamam, in the West Bank earlier today, two Islamic Jihad terrorists were killed. The two were involved in the planning and execution of several suicide bombings in Israel.

An IDF commander was suspended due to an incident yesterday in which a 14 year old Palestinian girl was killed. The girl was hit in the crossfire as IDF troops shot and killed two Fatah operatives in the West Bank. The incident is under investigation.

Fighting in Gaza

Another ceasefire lies in shambles in Gaza.
Early this morning fighting erupted between Hamas and Fatah militants. Two Fatah operatives were killed and another 7 injured in two skirmishes. This despite a ceasefire which was agreed upon late last night between Abu Mazen of the Fatah and Haniyeh of the Hamas. The two exprssed hope that the violence was over, yet it appears to not be the case.


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A new ceasefire between Fatah and Hamas

At 23:00 a new ceasefire was proclaimed between Fatah and Hamas. President Abu Mazen and PM Haniyeh agreed on the ceasefire after the previous one collapsed into renewed violence. Today six people were killed in the fighting. Both Abu Mazen and Haniyeh called on their people to respect the ceasefire.
Several sources said that gunfire can still be heard in Gaza despite the retreat of a great number of armed operatives of both factions.
Abu Mazen plans to call for early election despite Hamas's objection.
What will be made of this ceasefire is yet to be seen.


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Haniyeh offers a 20 year ceasefire for a state

Palestinian PM, Ismail Haniyeh of the Hamas, offers Israel a 20 years Houdna (ceasefire) if Israel will retreat to the 1967 borders and allow a Palestinian state to be established there.

Haniyeh spoke on Palestinian television after a few days of severe conflict between Hamas and Fatah.

Haniyeh rejected Abu Mazen's decision to call for early elections and said that Abu Mazen contributes to the isolation of the Palestinian government. Haniyeh declared that he returned from his diplomatic tour and managed to secure 700 million dollars for the Palestinians.

Haniyeh called for inner unity against the Israeli occupation and an end to internal conflict.

In today's fighting between Hamas and Fatah dozens were injured and at least 5 were killed.

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Assad and Olmert deny any letter

The letter which Syrian President, Bashar Assad, supposedly sent to Israeli PM, Ehud Olmert in which he urged him to begin negotiations without any preliminary conditions and promised to restrain Hamas and to stop weapon smuggling to Hezbollah through Syria, simply did not exist.
Both Olmert and Assad denied any such letter. Olmert was the first to deny it through his aides earlier this morning and he was backed by Assad this evening while on a state visit to Russia.
The "letter" was reported by Arab television this morning and aroused enthusiastic responses in the Israeli political arena.
Throughout the day analysts doubted the existence of such a letter as it appeared that Assad would never have promised so much before negotiations even begun.


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Olmert met with King Abdullah

PM Olmert met with Jordan's king Abdullah secretly in Amman. The two discussed the frozen peace process between Israel and the Palestinians and the need to get it going once again.

Abdullah is concerned that a deterioration in the situation in the West Bank may start a surge of refugees to his realm. Jordan has a large population of Palestinians and the regime is worried that more will destabilize its control.

Abdullah called on Israel to examine favorably the initiative of the Arab League which called for a complete peaceful solution of the Arab-Israeli conflict. Abdullah expressed support of the establishment of a Palestinian state and said that it is the only solution that will bring peace and stability for the entire region.

The two also discussed trade issues between Israel and Jordan.

Jordan and Israel signed a peace treaty in 1994.

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Casualty toll in Gaza continues to rise

In fighting during the morning in Gaza between Fatah and Hamas, at least 3 fighters were killed and over 20 injured.
In a skirmish close to Shifa hospital in Gaza city, a Hamas operative was killed and at least 11 other people were injured. Later, 2 Fatah fighters were killed in another incident and five other were injured.
Another assassination attempt was made by Hamas. The intended target this time was Fatah appointed governor of Gaza. Shots were fired on his car but he was not injured.
In the West Bank, IDF troops killed a terrorist near the city of Tul-Karem. In the terrorist's car the soldiers discovered two bombs ready for detonation.

This is 1938 and Iran is Germany

In a meeting with 60 ambassadors and foreign emissaries, former PM, Benjamen Netanyahu, urged his audience to not stand idly by but to act to stop Iran from becoming a nuclear state. Netanyahu compared Iran to Nazi Germany and the time to 1938, the eve of World War II, meaning that it is not to late to stop the Iranian program but that time is indeed running short.

Netanyahu said that the longer the stick with which the Iranians would be threatened the lesser the chances of its ever being put to use.

According to a review given by head of Mossad yesterday, Iran will achieve a fully functional bomb by 2009, giving roughly a 1000 days to stop Iran from becoming a nuclear state.

Iran's president has repeatedly threatened to wipe Israel off the map.

So far, efforts to impose sanctions on Iran have failed due to the opposition of Russia and China.

Figthing resumed in Gaza

Earlier this morning fighting resumed between Hamas and Fatah in the Gaza Strip. At least one man was killed and 11 were injured in a bloody morning which followed a relatively peaceful night. Yesterday the clashes between the factions continued despite a ceasefire declaration of the day before. A Kidnapping War was started yesterday in Gaza as a former Fatah minister was taken by Hamas operatives. The minister was subsequently released but his abduction is still viewed as an escalation of the conflict. Several lower ranked officials of both sides are still held.
President Abu Mazen of the Fatah may come to the Gaza Strip today and perhaps meet with Hamas PM Haniyeh in another effort to put an end to the violence.

A former Fatah minister kidnapped and released

A day after a ceasefire was declared between Fatah and Hamas, the situation on the ground continues to deteriorate. A day of violence passed in the Gaza Strip with no sign of calm.

A former minister of the Fatah, Sufian Abu Zayde, was kidnapped by Hamas militants in the Gaza Strip. Abu Zayde was released after mediation by Egypt an hour and a half after he was taken.

In this kidnapping, Hamas retaliated for the abduction of Imad Dib, a Hamas officer who was kidnapped earlier today by Fatah operatives. Fatah called the kidnapping of Abu Zayde a crossing of all red lines.

Firefights continued throughout the day in the Gaza Strip. One Fatah operative was killed and 15 Palestinians were injured.

Olmert: We desire peace, Syria does not

In a meeting today with several members of the American Congress, PM Olmert responded to recent Syrian peace overtures. Olmert said that he wishes for peace with Syria, but Syria continues to support extremists in Lebanon and Iraq, hosts terrorists in Damascus and is an ally of Iran.

Olmert said he wishes to meet with Abu Mazen in the near future and that Israel maintains the ceasefire with the Palestinians despite repeated rocket launches by the latter.

The members of Congress expressed disapproval of negotiations with Syria at this time and the necessity of isolating Iran. Olmert called for sanctions on Iran who is trying to acquire weapons of mass destruction and wishes to wipe Israel off the map.

King Abdullah expresses support of Abu Mazen

King Abudllah of Jordan spoke with President Abu Mazen and expressed support of the PA under his rule and the need for Palestinian unity.

Adullah called for Hamas and Fatah to put an end to the fighting between the factions.

Meanwhile fighting continued in Gaza.

Around noon there was a gunfire outside the FM building in Gaza and later in the afternoon another firefight ensued outside the presidency residence of Abu Mazen in Gaza.

The ceasefire which was proclaimed yesterday between Fatah and Hamas proved ineffectual today.

Abu Mazen calls for Olmert to meet with him

In a meeting with British PM, Tony Blair, Palestinian President, Abu Mazen, called for PM Olmert to meet with him in order to resume talks to bring about the end of the conflict between Israel and the palestinians. Abu Mazen said that only peace will ensure stability and quiet. Abu Mazen asked Blair to support efforts to bring about the release of Palestinian prisoners held in Israel.

Abu Mazen called the palestinian factions to maintain the ceasefire which was proclaimed yesterday (even though fighting continued today in various locations) but said that regardless of it, the elections will be held at an earlier than planned date.

PM Blair said that his government will not negotiate with the Hamas government and that Hamas knows the way to international acceptance. Blair thanked Abu Mazen for his efforts to renew the peace process.

Blair is to meet with Israeli officials later today including FM Tzipi Livni, Security Minister, Amir Peretz, and PM Olmert.

Powell: USA should talk with Syria

The former Secretary of State of the Bush administration, Colin Powell, criticized his former boss by saying that America should talk with Syria. Powell reminisced about his days as Secretary of State in which he traveled to Damascus twice and America held open conenctions with the Syrians. Powell stated that at least on one occasion the Syrians proved able to ameliorate the explosive situation which existed on the Lebanese border between Israel and Hezbollah.

Powell's statements come in the wake of several peace overtures made by Syria towards Israel.

Gaza: Is this a ceasefire?

Despite reports yesterday which stated that Fatah and Hamas agreed on a ceasefire mediated by Egyptian officials, fightings between the two factions resumed today.

Gunfire was heard near the residence of President Abu Mazen though no casualties were reported. Skirmishes broke out near the parliament building in Gaza and outside the home of Fatah most powerful man in Gaza, Muhammad Dahlan.

In Gaza city, a 16 year old boy was injured when masked Hamas operatives threw hand grenades in the center of town.

Top officials in both the Fatah and Hamas denied the existence of any ceasefire.

Fatah and Hamas agreed on ceasefire

According to Palestinian reports, Hamas and Fatah managed to agree on a ceasefire.

The talks between the two factions were chaperoned by Egyptian officials and an agreement was concluded a short while ago. It is hoped that the agreement would prove lasting and that all violence shall cease. A third man was killed earler in the Gaza Strip as skirmishes continued.

The dead man was a Fatah officer who was gunned down by several masked men.

No reason to hold negotiations with Syria

According to a top aide of PM, Ehud Olmert, there is not reason to hold negotiations with Syria at this time. The aide said that the preliminary conditions of Israel had already been passed to Syria which has done nothing towards fulfilling them. In fact, Syria is supposedly placing spokes in the wheels of the efforts to establish a national unity government in the Palestinian Territories and delivers arms to Hezbollah or does nothing to stop arms from flowing to the Lebanese terror group through its borders. The aide also doubted whether such negotiations will prompt Syria to sever its ties with Iran and allow its removal from Bush's Axis of Evil.
Olmert had earlier today expressed the view that Israel should not start negotiations with Syria when President Bush refuses to talk to Syria himself.



Editorial note: Syria was not originally a member of Bush's Axis of Evil

Continued Riots in Gaza

Shots were fired on a Fatah demonstration in the North of Gaza. A few people were injured in what became a mass Fatah protest, numbering in the tens of thousands.

Earlier, 4,000 soldiers of the Presidential Guard and the al-akza brigades took control of the agriculture and transportation offices in Gaza in what the Hamas calls a military coup. Hamas appointed FM, Mahmoud al-Zahar declared in a press conference that if the offices are not vacated, the infiltrators will be disarmed and arrested.

In other skirmishes in Gaza at least 2 people were killed and a yet unclear number were injured.

Mortars fired in Gaza

A mortar bomb was fired on the Palestinian Television building in Gaza.
A second mortar was fired on the the residence of President Abu Mazen in Gaza.
A few Palestinians were killed. Abu Mazen is not in Gaza at all at the moment.
A third mortar was fired on the home of a Fatah officer.
Earlier today a Fatah post was burned and shot were fired on Hamas appointed FM al-Zahar.
Sporadic fighting between Hamas and Fatah operatives continue in Gaza and the West Bank.

Further details will be reported when available.

Hamas will boycot early elections

According to reports made by the Palestinian Foreign Office, an assassination attempt was made today on the life of Hamas appointed FM, Mahmoud al-Zahar. The reports stated that shots were fired at the car he was riding but he emerged unscathed. Al-Zahar's guards returned fire. Hamas blames Fatah for the attempt.
PM Haniyeh responded today to president's Abu Mazen speech of yesterday and announced that Hamas will not take part in an early election. This despite certain polls in the Palestinian Territories which show that Haniyeh trails Abu Mazen by a single point.
Yesterday, over 20 people were injured in fightings between Fatah and Hamas supporters.

Differing voices regarding Syria in Israel's government

Israel's PM, Ehud Olmert, exhibited doubts as to the honesty of Syria's peace overtures and reminded the public that even the German FM left Assad "disappointed" after their recent meeting.
Taking the opposite view is Amir Peretz, Israel's Security Minister, who said that Syria's statements should be examined with care and that the appropriate discussions should be made.
Olmert found support in the chairman of the religious party Shas, minister Eli Yishay, who said that Assad made a virtual statement and Israel should be wary of the trap he is laying for her.

Olmert: Not to respond to Abu Mazen's speech

Israel's PM, Ehud Olmert, directed his cabinet ministers to refrain from responding or expressing their view regarding Abu Mazen's speech in which he announced his desire to call for an early election. Olmert said that any such response will only weaken Abu Mazen in the Palestinian arena as he is already accused by Hamas as a collaborator of Israel. Israel hopes that this move by Abu Mazen will prove a step in the path to renewed negotiations.

In internal news: former FM and runner up in the Likud primary, Silvan Shalom, gave an interview today in which he said that the Likud should hold an early primary and elect a new leader to rehabilitate the party which took a heavy beating in the last general elections. Shalom who lost the former primary to Benjamen Netanyahu, plans to run again.

Violence in Gaza

Violence followed President Abu Mazen's declaration that he plans to call for an early election.
Firefights broke out in several locations in the Gaza Strip between Hamas and Fatah operatives.
At least 21 Palestinians were injured. Hamas militants kidnapped a Fatah policeman. Two more Fatah supportes were kidnapped in the north of the Gaza Strip.
Thousands gathered in protests and in support of Hamas.
Negotiations are being conducted to release the kidnapees and to facilitate a calm between Fatah and Hamas.
Hamas announced that an early election is unacceptable.
Many fear that the Palestinian Authority is headed for an all out civil war.

Peres: There are preliminary conditions for a negotiation with Syria

Former PM and Minister, Shimon Peres, responded today to the peace overtures from Syria.

Peres said that putting a stop to the activity of terrorist organizations' headquarters in Damascus is a preliminary condition for the beginning of a negotiation between Syria and Israel.

Peres added that Syria's wish to continue arming Hezbollah (which goes against UN resolution 1701) is intolerable. Peres is one of the architects of the Oslo accords and a Noble Peace Prize Laureate.

Several left wings members of Knesset called for the government to respond favorably to Syria's overtures.

Riots in Gaza

In response to President Abu Mazen's statements regarding his intentions to disaband the Hamas government and call for an early election, Hamas supporters in the hundreds filled the streets in Gaza, shouted slogans in support of Hamas and fired into the air.

One of the aides of PM Haniyeh said that Hamas is planning a number of demonstrations in order to show Abu Mazen that they enjoy the support of the majority and that his plan to call for an early election is unacceptable.

Abu Mazen calls for early elections

In a wrathful speech delivered today in Ramallah, President Abu Mazen announced that he plans to set an early date for elections to the Palestinian parliament and presidency. Abu Mazen criticized the Hamas government who sets spokes in the wheels of every initiative that he as president is making towards Israel. He also admonished the Hamas for its continued launching of rockets from Gaza. These rockets prevent us from developing the Gaza Strip where Israeli settlements used to stand, claimed Abu Mazen. Abu Mazen also criticized the kidnapping of Gilad Shalit and said that it has cost the Palestinians 500 dead up to today. The president continued his attack and blamed Hamas for the fightings which broke out at the Rafah Pass as Haniyeh returned to Gaza.

Abu Mazen said that he will consult with the central election comittee to set the appropriate date, but provided a way out for Hamas by saying that a national unity government is still the goal.

Abu Mazen gave his speech in front of dozens of Palestinian officials and news correspondents.

Khaled Mashal: Fight Israel and not each other

Head of Hamas's political council, Khaled Mashal, called for members of his organization to exhibit restraint and refrain from internal violence with other Palestinian factions. Mashal said that Israel is the one to fight against not other Palestinians. Mashal expressed these views in a radio broadcast in Damascus. Mashal's interview came in the wake of the failed assassination attempt on Hamas apponited Palestinian PM, Ismail Hanieyh, two nights ago, which has prompted severe clashes between Hamas and Fatah Supporters all over Gaza and in certain areas of the West Bank.

Syria: The Golan Heights is not a preliminary condition

Syria continues it peace overtures to Israel: Syrain FM, Walid Mualem, in an interview to the Daily Star, said that the return of the Golan Heights is not a preliminary condition in a future negotiation between Israel and Syria. Up to now, it has always been Syria's position that the return of the Golan Heights must be the known conclusion of a negotiation between it and Israel.

Mualem's statements come in the wake of Assad's statement in which he urged Israeli PM, Olmert, to take a chance on him and see that his intentions are true. Mualem emphasized that he expresses his leader's view.

Mualem also said that Syria is eager to work constructively with Washington to solve the crisis in Iraq and does not wish to reestablish its stronghold in Lebanon as a return.

Mualem said that the Middle East is at a crossroads: either the area will return to stability, or will plummet to inter-religious wars.

Mualem's statements are a complete opposite of those he expressed after the war between Israel and Hezbollah last summer, in which he said that there is now a window of opportunity for a few months to settle the issue of the Golan Heights by peace or the countdown for a new Israeli-Syria war will commence.

Mass Hamas rally in Gaza

In a mass rally celebrating 19 years of the Hamas organization, PM Haniyeh spoke to the crowds while surrounded by a ring of bodyguards.

Haniyeh said that people join Hamas not for becoming ministers but for becoming martyrs. He was referring to the futility of the assassination attempt on his life last night, saying that no particular death will affect the Hamas.

Haniyeh said that his tour of Arab states and Iran was usccessful and that Iran promised 100 million dollars to support the Hamas government.

Haniyeh called for interior unity and a cease of civil violence. He also declared that Hamas will never recognize Israel.

In fightings between Hamas and Fatah operatives in Ramallah and the Gaza Strip at least 16 people were injured.

Assad urges Olmert to see if he is serious

In an interview to Italian newspaper, La Republica, Syrian president, Assad, said that the USA and Europe will have to talk with Syria and Iran in order solve the crisis in Iraq.

Assad also urged Olmert to take a chance on him and see that his intentions are serious. Assad was referring to some peace overtures the Syrian President made in the past months.

Assad said that Syria is willing to work constructively with Washington to solve regional issues, for if the conflicts in the region in Iraq, Lebanon and the Israeli-palestinian conflict the neighbouring countries will pay the price.

Over the past months Assad made references to the Golan Heights and said that if no negotiation will be initiated to return it to Syria, it will have to do it by force.

Two Qassam Rockets were fired from Gaza

Earlier today, two Qassam rockets were fired from the Gaza strip on the Israeli city of Sderot.

One of the rockets landed in open territory and the other landed in Sderot's industrial zone.

No casualties were caused by the two rockets.

Over 20 Qassam rockets were launched by Palestinian militants since a ceasefire was declared in Gaza between Israel and the Palestinians.