Mel Frykberg

Mel Frykberg writes for Inter Press Service.

Homeless Bedouins Take On Israeli Forces

RAMALLAH — A bruising battle of will is taking place between Israeli security forces and Palestinians recently made homeless after two Palestinian villages were razed and hundreds left homeless. During the last few weeks over a thousand heavily armed Israeli riot police, soldiers and police, at times accompanied by helicopters and bulldozers, have clashed with … Continue reading “Homeless Bedouins Take On Israeli Forces”

Israel Gets Brutal With Media

NABI SALAH, West Bank – Palestinian activists are being jailed, Israeli activists are under surveillance, and the Israeli military is increasingly targeting journalists who cover West Bank protests. The Foreign Press Association (FPA) in Israel issued a statement recently condemning what it sees as a change in Israel Defense Forces (IDF) policy in their treatment … Continue reading “Israel Gets Brutal With Media”

Israel Chokes Gaza Despite Announced Easing

RAMALLAH – Israel has received international praise for its decision to ease its crippling blockade on Gaza following the country’s deadly assault on a humanitarian flotilla trying to bring desperately needed humanitarian aid to the coastal territory. But according to the UN and human rights organizations, the easing of the blockade is insufficient in meeting … Continue reading “Israel Chokes Gaza Despite Announced Easing”

E. Jerusalem Peace May Rest on the Future of 88 Houses

SILWAN, Occupied East Jerusalem – Frequent clashes and continuing tension in disputed East Jerusalem could portend a major outbreak of civil unrest, residents fear. Confrontations follow Israel’s acceleration of plans to demolish dozens of Palestinian homes. This could leave over a thousand Palestinians homeless. Furthermore, Israel is continuing to strip hundreds of East Jerusalemites of … Continue reading “E. Jerusalem Peace May Rest on the Future of 88 Houses”

Israelis Keep the Trigger Tight

RAMALLAH – "Where is my daddy? Why is he not coming home? I want my daddy," sobs seven-year-old Yasmin, her big blue eyes filling with tears. She wakes up crying every night. "My life only began when I met him. I will never meet such a wonderful man again," Yasmin’s mother Moira Julani tells IPS.  … Continue reading “Israelis Keep the Trigger Tight”

Arab-Israeli Parliamentarian Fights Death Threats

RAMALLAH – "I stopped counting after I had received 50 death threats. I told my secretary not to tell me about them any more," Arab-Israeli Knesset (parliament) member, Hanan Zoabi told IPS. "As a result of the death threats I’ve been given personal body guards both within the Knesset and outside," adds Zoabi.  Zoabi, a … Continue reading “Arab-Israeli Parliamentarian Fights Death Threats”

World Says Gaza Blockade Must Go

RAMALLAH — Under intense international pressure Israel declared last week that it would ease its crippling blockade on Gaza by permitting an additional but limited number of daily items, including food, into the coastal enclave. Following Israel’s deadly assault on the Free Gaza (FG) flotilla several weeks ago in international waters, during which nine activists … Continue reading “World Says Gaza Blockade Must Go”

Advantage Hamas After Flotilla Fiasco

RAMALLAH — Israel may allow soft drinks, juice, canned fruit, salads, biscuits, and potato chips into the Gaza Strip from next week. What should be an unremarkable event is making news headlines and portends unseen consequences. After four years of a crippling Israeli blockade, which has reduced the poverty-stricken territory to a humanitarian basket-case, the … Continue reading “Advantage Hamas After Flotilla Fiasco”

Free Gaza Leader: ‘We’ll Be Back – With Bigger Flotillas’

RAMALLAH – In an exclusive interview with IPS, Huwaida Arraf, the chairwoman of the Free Gaza (FG) movement, which tried to break Israel’s crippling blockade on Gaza, explains what happened on the night of May 31 when Israeli commandos raided the FG humanitarian flotilla, shooting nine people dead and injuring dozens more. Controversy surrounds the … Continue reading “Free Gaza Leader: ‘We’ll Be Back – With Bigger Flotillas’”

IDF Beatings, Abuse, Doctored Evidence Emerge

RAMALLAH – Although Israel successfully controlled news of its deadly commando raid on the Free Gaza (FG) flotilla during the first crucial 48 hours of media coverage, emerging evidence from witnesses and survivors is challenging the Israeli government’s version of events. These include claims of medical treatment being withheld; beatings and abuse of passengers who … Continue reading “IDF Beatings, Abuse, Doctored Evidence Emerge”