Special to WorldTribune.com RAMALLAH — The Palestinian Authority has blocked access to dissident websites. Officials said PA security services ordered Internet providers to block access to dissident or independent Palestinian news websites. The officials said the order came directly from PA Chairman Mahmoud Abbas through Attorney General Ahmed Mughni, alarmed by the rise in criticism […]
Special to WorldTribune.com RAMALLAH — The West has sought to reconcile the two leaders of the Palestinian Authority. Western diplomats said both the European Union and the United States were urging PA Chairman Mahmoud Abbas and Prime Minister Salam Fayyad to end their feud. The diplomats said Brussels and Washington have also frustrated Abbas’ plans […]
Special to WorldTribune.com RAMALLAH — The Palestinian Authority has banned Palestinian contact with Israel’s military. Officials said the PA has ordered Palestinians not to visit or contact the Israel-Palestinian District Coordination Office, which provides permits for work or medical treatment in Israel. The PA directive called for Palestinians to submit any requests to the PA. […]
Special to WorldTribune.com WASHINGTON — Israel’s intelligence community has determined that the Palestinian Authority would avoid a military confrontation with Israel in 2012. Israeli sources have told U.S. officials and analysts that the PA was not interested in what they termed a “third intifada” or uprising, in the West Bank. They said PA Chairman Mahmoud […]
Special to WorldTribune.com By Ed Koch In an April 4th New York Times op ed article, Tom Friedman endorsed what he designated to be “non-violent resistance by Palestinians” against Israel. He added that Palestinians need to “accompany every boycott, hunger strike or rock they throw at Israel with a detailed map” delineating their territorial demands. […]
Special to WorldTribune.com JERUSALEM — Israel has reported another sharp increase in the Palestinian insurgency. The Israel Security Agency has reported a doubling of Palestinian strikes in March amid the mini-war between the Gaza Strip and the Jewish state. ISA said 229 attacks took place from the West Bank, Gaza Strip and around Israel in […]
Special to WorldTribune.com RAMALLAH — The Palestinian Authority has intensified monitoring of dissent in the West Bank. Palestinian sources said PA security agencies have expanded operations against suspected dissidents. They said the activities included monitoring the Internet as well as publications, meetings and cellular phones. “Facebook is being heavily monitored by newly-trained PA officers,” a […]
Special to WorldTribune.com RAMALLAH — Syria has been accused of using its proxies to attack the Palestinian Authority. The ruling Fatah movement asserted that a Syrian-sponsored militia planned to kill PA leaders, particularly chairman Mahmoud Abbas. Fatah said the main Syrian proxy was the Popular Front for the Liberation of Palestine-General Command, led by Syrian […]
Special to WorldTribune.com RAMALLAH — The Palestinian Authority, amid a fiscal crisis, has been unable to pay contractors. Officials said the PA Finance Ministry has failed to pay numerous contractors for public works and other projects. They said the ministry has been undergoing a budget shortfall amid a drop in foreign aid, particularly from the […]
Special to WorldTribune.com LONDON — The Palestine Liberation Organization has been targeted by the regime of Syrian President Bashar Assad. Palestinian sources said Assad regime agents have been attacking and killing PLO officers in refugee camps amid the Sunni revolt in Syria. They said at least three Palestinian officers were assassinated around Damascus, including a […]