Iran funding splinters Fatah militias in Gaza

Iran funding splinters Fatah militias in Gaza

Special to WorldTribune.com RAMALLAH — Dissidents from the ruling Fatah movement have been forming militias financed by Iran. Palestinian sources said Fatah dissidents in the Gaza Strip were allowed to form armed groups without allegiance to Palestinian Authority Chairman Mahmoud Abbas. The sources said at least one such Fatah-origin militia has been authorized by the […]

Report: Palestinian security forces fueled corruption chaos

Report: Palestinian security forces fueled corruption chaos

Special to WorldTribune.com WASHINGTON — Palestinian Authority security forces have contributed to the growing chaos in the West Bank, a report said. The Gatestone Institute asserted that Western-trained and -equipped PA security forces have been engaged in corruption and extortion throughout the West Bank. In a report by Israeli analyst Khaled Abu Toameh, the institute […]

Palestinian Authority blocking dissident websites

Palestinian Authority blocking dissident websites

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 […]

Palestinians banned from contacting Israeli military after poor turnout for ‘Third Intifada’

Palestinians banned from contacting Israeli military after poor turnout for ‘Third Intifada’

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. […]

Abbas seen passing on Arafat route, ‘third intifada’

Abbas seen passing on Arafat route, ‘third intifada’

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 […]

Ed Koch to Tom Friedman on the subject of throwing stones

Ed Koch to Tom Friedman on the subject of throwing stones

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. […]

Palestinian Authority crackdown on Facebook, other modes of dissent

Palestinian Authority crackdown on Facebook, other modes of dissent

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 […]

Fatah: Syria plotting to assassinate Palestinian leader Abbas

Fatah: Syria plotting to assassinate Palestinian leader Abbas

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 […]

Hamas demands control of cabinet in Palestinian unity government

Hamas demands control of cabinet in Palestinian unity government

Special to WorldTribune.com CAIRO — Palestinian national unity talks have been hampered by another dispute amid a Hamas demand for a majority of the Cabinet portfolios of the Palestinian Authority. Palestinian sources said Hamas has issued new conditions for a national unity government with the rival Fatah movement, meant to be headed by PA Chairman […]

Hamas split over brokered Palestinian unity deal

Hamas split over brokered Palestinian unity deal

Special to WorldTribune.com LONDON — Hamas’ military is said to have been divided over a reconciliation agreement with the rival Fatah movement. Hamas sources said an agreement brokered by Qatar and signed by political bureau chief Khaled Masha’al and Palestinian Authority Chairman Mahmoud Abbas has fueled a dispute within the Islamic movement’s Izzedin Kassam military […]