Special to WorldTribune.com RAMALLAH — Palestinian Authority Chairman Mahmoud Abbas has been facing increasing opposition from the ruling Fatah movement. Abbas, long supported by Egypt and the United States, has been battling rumors attributed to Fatah critics regarding his health as well as the loyalty of aides. One rumor claimed that the 80-year-old Abbas was […]
Special to WorldTribune.com RAMALLAH — The lion’s share of Palestinian journalists, fearing official retaliation, routinely censor themselves, a report said. The Palestinian Center for Development and Media Freedoms asserted that more than 80 percent of Palestinian journalists practiced self-censorship in their work. In a report, the center, known by its Arabic acronym, MADA, said these […]
Special to WorldTribune.com WASHINGTON — Congress has begun slashing military aid to Egypt. A key Senate subcommittee voted to reduce aid to Egypt and the Palestinian Authority for fiscal 2015. In a 25-5 vote, the Senate State and Foreign Operations subcommittee, citing human rights violations, cut $400 million in U.S. aid to Egypt. “We have […]
Special to WorldTribune.com RAMALLAH — For the first time in years, the Palestinian Authority faces significant economic unrest. Opposition elements have been organizing protests against the PA amid its latest budget crisis. The protests have urged the PA to cancel plans for austerity measures, including a tax hike. “We want a government that defends the […]
Special to WorldTribune.com GAZA CITY — Hamas has rejected a proposal to halt its war against Israel. A Hamas leader said the Islamic movement has deemed unfeasible a proposal by the rival Fatah to end attacks from the Gaza Strip. Hamas leader Mahmoud Zahar said Fatah’s proposal for what was termed “peaceful resistance” could apply […]
Special to WorldTribune.com RAMALLAH — The Palestinian Authority has begun to reshuffle its security command. PA Chairman Mahmoud Abbas has issued orders to replace several longtime security commanders. The move included the resignation of the commander of the National Security Forces, the paramilitary unit of the PA. On Dec. 26, Abbas appointed Maj. Gen. Nidal […]
Special to WorldTribune.com WASHINGTON — The United States is pressing Israel to take the initiative to improve ties with American allies in the Middle East. Officials said the administration of President Barack Obama has been urging Israel to improve relations with Arab and other states in the Middle East. They said the effort was necessary […]
Special to WorldTribune.com TEL AVIV — Israel has come under the biggest cyber attack in its history. Israel’s military and intelligence community have been shut down by a cyber attack. On Nov. 6, the Web sites of the Israel Defense Forces, Israel Security Agency and the Mossad were hacked by suspected pro-Palestinian activists. “Due to […]
Special to WorldTribune.com RAMALLAH — Egypt has reported success in its effort to stop Israel’s plan to invade the Gaza Strip. Egypt’s ambassador to the Palestinian Authority said the military regime in Cairo blocked a major Israeli operation in the Gaza Strip earlier this month. Egyptian ambassador Yasser Othman said his government warned Israel not […]
Special to WorldTribune.com RAMALLAH — The Palestinian Authority has been accused of harassing Hamas prisoners released by Israel. The PA has not confirmed the Hamas report. Israel has released 477 Palestinians, most of them transferred to the Gaza Strip, and plans another release of 550 in December. The Hamas prisoner release is said to have […]