Mel Frykberg

Mel Frykberg writes for Inter Press Service.

‘Hamas Accepts Existence of Israel Within 1967 Borders’

Mel Frykberg interviews MAHMOUDI RAMAHI, secretary-general of the Palestinian Legislative Council RAMALLAH – Palestinian politics are at an impasse. The four-year term of the Palestinian Legislative Council (PLC) ended on Jan. 25 with no new elections planned. Presidential elections, meant to be held last year, were also postponed indefinitely. IPS spoke with Dr. Mahmoud Ramahi, … Continue reading “‘Hamas Accepts Existence of Israel Within 1967 Borders’”

Israel Crushes Local Dissent, Attacks Global Criticism

RAMALLAH – Israel is lashing out at international criticism and attempting to crush local dissent in what appears to be growing sensitivity to reproach of its policies. Several recent incidents have dominated media headlines, including the arrest of a Jewish-American journalist on the grounds of security, threats by an Israeli minister against international diplomats and … Continue reading “Israel Crushes Local Dissent, Attacks Global Criticism”

Harsher Gaza War Looming on Horizon?

RAMALLAH – According to several prominent Palestinians and Israelis, another major Israeli military assault on Gaza, even harsher than last year’s Operation Cast Lead, is imminent. But will this change anything, and have the underlying causes behind the previous bloody war been addressed? During the last week the Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) have carried out … Continue reading “Harsher Gaza War Looming on Horizon?”

Israel Jails Palestinian Peace Activists

RAMALLAH – Israel has long argued that Palestinians should pursue their political objectives in a nonviolent way. However, several prominent Palestinian peace activists have recently been arrested and jailed for doing just that. Abdallah Abu Rahme, 39, the coordinator of the Bi’lin Popular Committee, which has challenged Israel’s illegal expropriation of Palestinian land both in … Continue reading “Israel Jails Palestinian Peace Activists”

Gaza Extremists Drifting Toward al-Qaeda?

RAMALLAH – Two separate bomb attacks on Internet cafes in Gaza last week have served as an uncomfortable reminder that extremist groups within the coastal territory may be stronger than the moderate Hamas organization that rules the strip. The attacks in Khan Yunis preceded a warning in a study, due to be released this week … Continue reading “Gaza Extremists Drifting Toward al-Qaeda?”

Sale of Land to Israel Threatens to Split Greek Orthodox Church

RAMALLAH – Israel’s bid to keep occupied East Jerusalem under its sovereignty and prevent its incorporation into a future Palestinian state has been boosted over the years with the acquiescence of the Greek Orthodox Church. The church’s sale of politically sensitive land in East Jerusalem under dubious circumstances and amid charges of political blackmail have … Continue reading “Sale of Land to Israel Threatens to Split Greek Orthodox Church”

Palestinian Children Face Daily Settler Attacks Getting to School

AT TUWANI – Being able to travel to school in relative safety is something children all over the world take for granted. But for Palestinian children living in the shadow of the ubiquitous and illegal Israeli settlements dotting the West Bank, simply walking to school can be a terrifying experience. "It is really scary walking … Continue reading “Palestinian Children Face Daily Settler Attacks Getting to School”

Gazans Brace for Cold, Bleak, and Miserable Winter

EZBT ABBED RABBO – Tens of thousands of Gazans living in tents and damaged homes face a wet, cold, and miserable winter as Israel’s blockade of the coastal territory continues to prevent the importation of building and reconstruction material. During the last few weeks, Gazans were given a brief reprieve from the oncoming winter as … Continue reading “Gazans Brace for Cold, Bleak, and Miserable Winter”

Abbas Produces a Dubious Twist

RAMALLAH — U.S. and Israeli failure to take either Palestinian rights or Israeli settlement expansion seriously has placed Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas and his Palestinian Authority (PA) in an untenable situation, which could seriously damage peace prospects. On Thursday night Abbas announced his resignation in Ramallah. He expressed his frustration at the inability of the … Continue reading “Abbas Produces a Dubious Twist”

Palestinians File Lawsuits Over Gaza War

RAMALLAH — As the legal and moral implications of the UN Goldstone report on Israel’s military assault on Gaza continue to mount, Gazans are taking matters into their own hands and preparing civil lawsuits. The Israeli defense ministry’s prosecution department has received about 1,500 notices of future civil lawsuits against the Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) … Continue reading “Palestinians File Lawsuits Over Gaza War”