Friday, March 18, 2011
Libya Updates
Libyan authorities deny having kept up military attacks despite a ceasefire, after rebels reported "sustained shelling" in the towns of Zintan, Ajdabiya and Misrata.
"The armed forces are respecting the announced ceasefire and the commitment to protect civilians, and have not carried out any military operations," a military source tells AFP.
Rebels in Libya are coordinating with Western nations on the targets for air strikes on Kadhafi's forces, spokesman Khaled al-Sayeh tells a press conference in Benghazi.
"There is coordination with the different international bodies for the action to be taken and some places have already been specified," says Sayeh, a member of the rebels' military council.
Malta will not allow its territory to be used to enforce a no-fly zone on Libya, the prime minister of the strategically placed and neutral Mediterranean island says.
"The armed forces are respecting the announced ceasefire and the commitment to protect civilians, and have not carried out any military operations," a military source tells AFP.
Rebels in Libya are coordinating with Western nations on the targets for air strikes on Kadhafi's forces, spokesman Khaled al-Sayeh tells a press conference in Benghazi.
"There is coordination with the different international bodies for the action to be taken and some places have already been specified," says Sayeh, a member of the rebels' military council.
Malta will not allow its territory to be used to enforce a no-fly zone on Libya, the prime minister of the strategically placed and neutral Mediterranean island says.
Thursday, March 17, 2011
Palestinian Center for Human Rights
Palestinian Center for Human Rights: "Weekly Report On Israeli Human Rights Violations in the Occupied Palestinian Territory (10-16 March 2011)"
Israeli Occupation Forces (IOF) Continued Systematic Attacks against Palestinian Civilians and Property in the Occupied Palestinian Territory (OPT)
· Two Palestinians were killed by an IOF air strike in the Gaza Strip.
- Two Palestinian workers were wounded in the same attack.
- Three buildings on the targeted site were destroyed.
· Israeli settlers escalated attacks on Palestinian civilians and their property in the West Bank.
- PCHR documented 40 attacks by Israeli settlers in the West Bank.
- The settlers burnt 4 cars and a tractor, and damaged 7 cars.
- A number of Palestinian civilians suffered from tear gas inhalation fired by IOF that escorted Israeli settlers.
- IOF uprooted 400 olives trees in Beit Dajan village, east of Nablus.
· IOF continued to target Palestinian workers, farmers and fishermen in border areas in the Gaza Strip.
- A Palestinian fisherman was wounded.
· IOF continued to use force against peaceful protests in the West Bank.
- A number of demonstrators suffered from tear gas inhalation.
- IOF arrested two international human rights defenders.
· IOF conducted 47 incursions into Palestinian communities in the West Bank.
- IOF arrested 66 Palestinian civilians, including 6 children.
- 52 of the detainees are from 'Awarta village, southeast of Nablus.
· Israel has continued to impose a total siege on the OPT and has isolated the Gaza Strip from the outside world.
- Israeli soldiers positioned at military checkpoints in the West Bank arrested one Palestinian civilian.
Palestine updates 17.03.11
Israel Hands Eviction Notices to Bedouins in Jerusalem
Palestine News & Info Agency - WAFA: "Israel Hands Eviction Notices to Bedouins in Jerusalem"
Libya update- warplane fires on airport close to benghazi
iyad_elbaghdadi Iyad El-Baghdadi
Spokesperson from Benghazi says "youths are looking for the jet's wreckage so we can provide video footage". #Libya
»
iyad_elbaghdadi Iyad El-Baghdadi
Spokesperson from Benghazi says runways not damaged and "our jets will respond". #Libya
»
iyad_elbaghdadi Iyad El-Baghdadi
Spokesperson from Benghazi now confirming that the jet that bombed Benghazi has been downed over the sea. #Libya
»
iyad_elbaghdadi Iyad El-Baghdadi
Latest report is that Gaddafi airstrike on Benghazi airport caused no damage; possibly one of his jets downed. #Libya
»
iyad_elbaghdadi Iyad El-Baghdadi
Latest report is that there was an airstrike by Gaddafi on Benina Airport in Benghazi. Sources say little damage. #Libya
Wednesday, March 16, 2011
Azmi Bshara's brilliant comments on the situation in Libya:
Via http://www.libyafeb17.com/2011/03/march-16-updates/
Al Jazeera Arabic Political Analyst Azmi Bshara has spoken beautifully once again this evening, and luckily I was able to jot down an document almost everything he said. I will provide it to you in summarised note form, though do keep in mind that I have not included the questions that he was asked by the news anchors for fear of missing what he might say. I hope you find this translation useful:
22:31 Al Jazeera Arabic is reporting from revolutionaries that 3 helicopters manned by defected pilots bombarded Gaddafi’s forces which were based on the outskirts of east Ajdabiya today.
22:27 Al Jazeera Arabic Eyewitness from Tripoli called in and reported the hearing of very heavy gunfire from within the military college. The eyewitness also reported that screams could be heard with the words “no no!” being extremely audible.
22:23 Reuters The International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) said on Wednesday it had withdrawn its aid workers from Benghazi and called on both warring sides in Libya to spare civilians and medical staff. The independent humanitarian agency was among the only aid agencies deployed in the rebel stronghold in the east, where Libyan forces advanced on Wednesday as diplomatic steps to stop the bloodshed ran aground. Read article here
Al Jazeera Arabic Political Analyst Azmi Bshara has spoken beautifully once again this evening, and luckily I was able to jot down an document almost everything he said. I will provide it to you in summarised note form, though do keep in mind that I have not included the questions that he was asked by the news anchors for fear of missing what he might say. I hope you find this translation useful:
- Gaddafi and Saif’s last speeches clearly demonstrate their intent in psychological warfare. The speeches were well planned and clearly structured by experts. Money can easily buy you people these days
- If its military strength that decides who the world sides with, then Saif was trying to say: The strength is with us, we will end this in 48 hours
- Let’s assume that Saif is right. Is it something worth boasting about and being proud of that you have to physically crush and bombard your own people with tanks and heavy artillery in order to rule over them?
- The decision that world governments make is not guided by interests only. Whoever wants contracts with Libya will be able to get them. Libya isn’t going anywhere as a country, and it will still need to sell its oil.
- An important factor that plays in Europe and America is “Public Opinion”. Libya and France have negatively clashed during the Libya-Chad war when Libya wanted to play the role of a superpower in Africa, a continent where France has dominated and still does
- Another factor is competing interests. There are new BIG players in North Africa, namely Turkey who has struck contracts worth 100 billion dollars with Libya over the next three years in varying sectors. This touches on the interests of other countries namely Europe.
- In the developed countries, we notice a cross sometimes between politics and economy
- There are other variables that play into which direction countries side with regarding Libya. In the case of Russia, we keep in mind the arms deals it has with Libya.
- High oil prices may not be a good factor for many European countries but in the case of Russia it is a positive thing due to its role in oil production
- The last time a “Freedom Fighters” group was armed was in Afghanistan when the Taliban were fighting Russia. These same weapons were later used against the same people who supplied them when America declared war on Afghanistan in 2001
- Germany is being cautious and asking questions that relate to the political ideologies of the Libyan revolution before even discussing the idea of providing them with arms because they are not sure which way the revolution may swing after it defeats Gaddafi. Another reason is because Libya so much closer to Europe than Afghanistan
- Any freedom movement is not guaranteed as to where it’ll go after succeeding. It’s a gamble whether you arm them or not
- At the same time, not arming the revolutionaries in the Public opinion means indirectly supporting and condoning what Gaddafi’s regime is doing
- One thing the world needs to realise as 100% fact is that Libya can never go back to the way it used to be pre-17th February
- If Europe and the world are to help arm the revolution, then this will be for many reasons:
- 1. Pressure from the neighbouring Arab nations, especially after the consensus reached during the Arab League meeting
- 2. Public opinion which has clearly voiced its hatred for Gaddafi’s regime and the crimes it’s committing
- 3. The masses are out!
- In the beginning of the Egyptian revolution, the Obama administration was stating that Egypt was “politically stable”. They did not change their opinion until the millions came out and occupied the squares and streets of the country. Though Libya is not witnessing such demonstrations, it’s going about it differently and thousands are dying for the cause.
- I expect for the UN resolution to pass tomorrow. I dismiss the fear of Russia and China using the right of Veto because these countries have restricted their use of it to regional issues only in the past. Last time Russia used power of Veto was in 1991 for example.
- I doubt America will Veto the resolution out of fear of the public opinion backlash, and especially during this critical time with elections next year.
22:31 Al Jazeera Arabic is reporting from revolutionaries that 3 helicopters manned by defected pilots bombarded Gaddafi’s forces which were based on the outskirts of east Ajdabiya today.22:27 Al Jazeera Arabic Eyewitness from Tripoli called in and reported the hearing of very heavy gunfire from within the military college. The eyewitness also reported that screams could be heard with the words “no no!” being extremely audible.22:23 Reuters The International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) said on Wednesday it had withdrawn its aid workers from Benghazi and called on both warring sides in Libya to spare civilians and medical staff. The independent humanitarian agency was among the only aid agencies deployed in the rebel stronghold in the east, where Libyan forces advanced on Wednesday as diplomatic steps to stop the bloodshed ran aground. Read article here
Libya Latest
- Reuters news agency has reported that the Libyan army has set an ultimatum to clear Benghazi by 2200 GMT, Libyan television reported.
A text on the screen of Al-Libya television addressed the residents of Benghazi saying:
"The army is coming to support you and to cleanse your city from armed gangs.
"It urges you to keep out by midnight of areas where the armed men and weapon storage areas are located."
- In an interview with the French Le Figaro newspaper, Muammar Gaddafi says he will win "because the people are with me". He has dismissed the idea of dialogue with the opposition, saying that there can be no dialogue with "al-Qaeda".
He also alleges that pro-democracy activists in Benghazi are "gangs" who are "likely to use citizens as human shields".
Gaddafi claims that soldiers who now refuse to accept his authority and have joined the opposition were "forced" to do so by "terrorists" who "did not let them have a choice".
He says that the government is still not using force, and that its current strategy is to "progressively dismantle armed groups through various means", including encircling cities and sending in negotiators.
In a particularly strange remark, Gaddafi responds to a question about who exactly his opponents are by saying that there is "no opposition".
"All events you see today are organised by the masses who support me. We have no opposition in Libya. These are only armed groups who occupy certain streets and some buildings in some cities."
Gaddafi dismissed the revolutions in Egypt and Tunisia as "not real revolutions", as they resulted in "a transfer of power from one president to another president", while he was hoping that their revolutions would be along the lines of "Libya's revolution".
He has again reiterated that he has "no connection with politics and power. So I have no power to leave. I have no job to quit."
- Updates from Misurata now, where pro-democracy fighters say they are holding their ground against an assault by pro-Gaddafi troops.
"The fighters have defeated Gaddafi's forces from the southern and western side (of the city)," a resident, who gave his name as Mohammed, told Reuters by telephone.
"The shelling on the city stopped and the rebels have captured some tanks. The battle is continuing on the eastern side, but it is not a heavy one."
Residents say that pro-Gaddafi forces had begun pounding the city at about 7:00am local time with tanks, artillery and rockets.
"They are trying to enter the city. I do not think they will be able to do it, at least not today," a pro-democracy fighter said.
State television meanwhile appealed to the people of Misurata to support pro-Gaddafi security forces.
The armed forces are from you and for you. Avoid strife ... This is a call for stability and security for everybody. Do not listen to provocation and avoid discord."
Libya ppl describe the torture-Translated and transcribed by alberka on #Al-hurra
http://www.livestream.com/libya17feb
alberka: omg anyone watching alarbiya!!
alberka: people telling of what happened to them when they were detained
alberka: by the regime during the protetss
alberka: i think its was in benghazi
alberka: during the start of the protets
alberka: he says quwarsha police station
alberka: ok so this is what happened to them
alberka: there were a number of them detained, youth and elderly
alberka: seems ye did watch it
alberka: urine was thrown over them aswell
alberka: one was awken by it thought it was water and drank it
alberka: they wre elctrocuted on their backs and private parts
alberka: they were pulled across the rooms by their private parts
alberka: they were whipped
alberka: slapped kicked
alberka: punched
alberka: they were thrown over each other
alberka: they were subjected to physical and emotional constraints
alberka: they saw the elderly kicked and punched and were told why dont you help them
alberka: he says this was in quawarsha police station (the other station i didnt get)
alberka: the guy is now in a wheelchair. i dont know idf it was due to the beatean and torture
alberka: that he recieved or he was like that before
alberka: most likley due to the torture
alberka: he is complaining about how he camnt move his back properly now
alberka: and that moving his neck hurts him
alberka: he says that when they were being dragged by their private parts thye were told are ye the people who want to topple the regime
alberka: and they started spitting on us
alberka: they wsaid to us we will drag u by ur private parts so thst ye wont have children who wil do the same thing that ye are trying
alberka: thats it
alberka: omg anyone watching alarbiya!!
alberka: people telling of what happened to them when they were detained
alberka: by the regime during the protetss
alberka: i think its was in benghazi
alberka: during the start of the protets
alberka: he says quwarsha police station
alberka: ok so this is what happened to them
alberka: there were a number of them detained, youth and elderly
alberka: seems ye did watch it
alberka: urine was thrown over them aswell
alberka: one was awken by it thought it was water and drank it
alberka: they wre elctrocuted on their backs and private parts
alberka: they were pulled across the rooms by their private parts
alberka: they were whipped
alberka: slapped kicked
alberka: punched
alberka: they were thrown over each other
alberka: they were subjected to physical and emotional constraints
alberka: they saw the elderly kicked and punched and were told why dont you help them
alberka: he says this was in quawarsha police station (the other station i didnt get)
alberka: the guy is now in a wheelchair. i dont know idf it was due to the beatean and torture
alberka: that he recieved or he was like that before
alberka: most likley due to the torture
alberka: he is complaining about how he camnt move his back properly now
alberka: and that moving his neck hurts him
alberka: he says that when they were being dragged by their private parts thye were told are ye the people who want to topple the regime
alberka: and they started spitting on us
alberka: they wsaid to us we will drag u by ur private parts so thst ye wont have children who wil do the same thing that ye are trying
alberka: thats it
Libya updates
@AJArabic is reporting that pro-Gaddafi forces in Ajdabiya are cornered, many having defected, and the city remains firmly in revolutionary control.
» Mar 16 - 6:24 PM by
@LibyaFeb17_com has posted a couple photos showing the captured ship off of Tobruk yesterday from Greece, with fuel bound for Zawiya.
» Mar 16 - 6:11 PM
US Secretary of State Hillary Clinton today claimed that she is hopeful that there will be a vote in the security council of the UN on Thursday regarding the no-fly zone proposal by the UK and France, amongst other provisions.
» Mar 16 - 4:42 PM
Al Jazeera reports that reinforcements have arrived from Benghazi to defend Ajdabiya, where 25 men were killed and more than 70 injured in fighting yesterday. http://gobb.us/56m
» Mar 16 - 3:59 PM
Al-Masry Al-Youm reports that Gaddafi has sent an envoy to Qatari Prince asking that he require Al Jazeera tone down their coverage of Libyan revolution. http://gobb.us/Q41
Tuesday, March 15, 2011
Update: More on the story of the pilot who crashed his jet into Baab Al Aziziyah- and other Libya updates
23:16 Update: A trusted source has confirmed to us this story: The pilot who flew his plane into Baab Al Aziziyah took off as part of a 2 plane team with the mission of bombing strategic points in Al Guradibya base in Sirte. Their orders were to return immedietly after completing the mission. One pilot followed orders while the other flew to Tripoli where he emptied what he had left of ammunition on Baab Al Aziziyah and then crashed his plane into it
23:13 Al Manara Media reports that 6 cars filled with troops from the Khamis battalion have surrendered themselves to the revolutionaries in Tobruk22:13 BREAKING from Al Jazeera Arabic The revolutionaries in Ajdabiya have captured 7 tanks in very good condition and have handed them over to the defected 36th battalion.22:04 Al Jazeera Arabic Libyan revolutionaries captured a Greek ship loaded with fuel headed to the port of AzZawiya off the coast of Tobruk. They have since redirected the ship to the port of Tobruk and have renamed the ship “The revolution of 17th February”.
21:45 The Independent reports that four men have been arrested in Ajdabiya with evidence linking them to the murder of Ali Hassan Al Jaber. Opposition officials claim that evidence has emerged that Muammar Gaddafi’s regime is sending undercover squads to carry out assassinations. Read more here.
21:41 Confirmed by us: The morale among youth of Tripoli is sky high! They are just bracing themselves till the situation is less suicidal.
20:52 Al Jazeera Arabic an eyewitness caller from Ajdabiya confirmed that the city is 100% in the hands of the revolution and that no part is being controlled by Gaddafi’s forces.
20:32 BREAKING BREAKING from Almanara Media The huge fire that has erupted inside Baab Al Aziziyah was due to a martyr mission using a fighter jet to crash into the compound
20:03 BREAKING – Almanara Media confirms the following:
- Al Gurdabiyya airbase near Sirt has been subject to air strikes by the defected Free Libyan Airforce
- Shooting and explosions have happened in Baab Al Aziziyah.
- A big fire has erupted inside Baab Al Aziziyah
- The defected Free Libyan airforce has bombarded three Gaddafi military convoys headed to the east
- Demonstrations have broken out in Girgarish, Tripoli
Libya updates
via Digest Report: 
@Zeinobia reports: "There is unconfirmed news that the armed forces council has refused to meet an envoy sent by Qaddafi."
@LibyaInMe says that he can confirm that revolutionaries have taken over the oil refinery in Tobruk, as reported on Al Jazeera.
Denmark has announced that they are ready to offer four fighters for air support in the event the international community agrees upon a no-fly zone over Libya. http://gobb.us/48O
@AJArabic confirms that several tanks in workable condition have been captured in the city of Ajdabiya.
The Independent claims that the "death squad" that killed an Al Jazeera journalist on Saturday by order of Gaddafi have been captured.
http://gobb.us/anq
Reports that the suicide mission against Muammar Gaddafi's private residence is confirmed, and purported to have been done by a defected air force pilot who refused to bomb fellow Libyans. Awaiting further news.
@AJArabic reports that Ajdabiya is in the control of the revolution and that no part is being controlled by pro-Gaddafi forces.
We have begun blocking all incoming connections from Libya to protect those fighting on the ground. Anyone within the country likely is already aware of that which they need knowledge, and we don't want to aid the Gaddafi regime in any way. We will lift the restriction when the conflict abates.
@LibyaFeb17_com reports that the big fire at Gaddafi's personal residence is the result of a suicide mission to crash a fighter jet into the compound. We are awaiting confirmation.
Alarabiya TV: News about Gaddafi retaking Ajdabiya and Brega are a lie, still controlled by revolutionaries.
Monday, March 14, 2011
Israeli Gunboats Target Fishing Boats in Gaza
Palestine News & Info Agency - WAFA: "Israeli Gunboats Target Fishing Boats in Gaza"
Gaza updates via @ummhajarforpal
http://occupiedpalestine.wordpress.com/2011/03/01/ei-palestinians-call-for-unity-protest-on-15-march/
- Gaza govt: We will protect protesters | Mar 14, 2011
- Palestinian Efforts Continue to End Internal Division | Mar 14, 2011
- Oslo, Norway: Solidarity Rally with Palestine’s #Mar15 Demonstrations | Mar 14, 2011
- Photos from al Jundi sq. in Gaza | Mar 14, 2011
- “Palestinians launch unity rally in Gaza” | Mar 14, 2011
- NYC: Solidarity Rally with Palestine’s #Mar15 Demonstrations | Mar 14, 2011
- Palestinian police ‘won’t intervene in unity demos’ | Mar 14, 2011
- Popular rallies already underway in Gaza | Maan | Mar 14, 2011
- Hundreds of Gazans call for reconciliation between rival Palestinian governments | Mar 14, 2011
- Palestinians launch unity rally in Gaza | Reuters | Mar 14, 2011
- Hundreds call for unity at Gaza protest | Maan | Mar 14, 2011
- Palestinian Youths Gear Up for March 15 Movements | PNN | Mar 14, 2011
- End the Division on 15 March: Demonstrate for Palestinian Solidarity | AIC | Mar 14, 2011
- Palestinian Youth Movement: Cherries not Strawberries!! | PNN | Mar 13, 2011
- Meet the people bringing down the division | Maan | Mar 12, 2011
- Organizers of “Day of Reconciliation” assert independence from the partisan control | Palestine Monitor | Mar 12, 2011
- Tens of thousands in Gaza march demanding national unity | PIC | Mar 12, 2011
- Palestinians urge reconciliation, unity | Press TV | Mar 12, 2011
- STATEMENT Regarding Attempts to Co-opt March 15th Protests | فلسطين لنا: بيان توضيحي عن فعالية الخامس عشر (15) من آذار
- Unity rally will not be co-opted, organizers say | Maan | Mar 9, 2011
- Palestinian Youth Demand National Unity, Stand Against Attempts to Co-opt March 15 Protest | Mar 9, 2011
- Hamas Police Detains Six Protestors In Gaza | IMEMC | Mar 8, 2011
- 15 MARCH PALESTINE: END OF DIVISION | IntifadaPalestine | Mar 7, 2011
- Hamas detains six+ in Gaza protests | Al Ahram | Mar 7, 2011
- 6 more detained at Gaza unity rally | Maan News | Mar 7, 2011
- Hamas detains ‘unity’ rally protesters | Maan News | Mar 7, 2011
- Hamas detains ‘unity’ protesters | BANGKOK NEWS | Mar 6, 2011
- Exclusive: 15 March Palestine: End of Division | Salem News | mar 5, 2011
- Palestinians at home, abroad protest division, leadership | March 4, 2011
- Calls on Facebook for millions to march for right of return | Maan | Mar 3, 2011
- While Media is busy: Israel intensifies ground and air attacks on Gaza | Mar 3, 2011
- Cultures of Resistance : Palestine : Uprising Against Occupation | Mar 3, 2011
- ei: How Palestine’s uprising inspired Egypt’s| Mar 3, 2011
- Palestine’s ‘Refugee Revolution’ set for 15 May | Mar 3, 2011
- While Media is busy: Israel intensifies ground and air attacks on Gaza
- Cultures of Resistance : Palestine : Uprising Against Occupation
- ei: How Palestine’s uprising inspired Egypt’s
- End the Division: ‘Gaza Youth Breaks Out’ Calls for a Unified Palestinian Leadership to Lead Us to Freedom
Video
Sunday, March 13, 2011
Palestine news links
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